Caterpillar Inc.

David G Kupper

Mark Steven Diekevers

Gary C Bryant

Peter William Anderton

Thomas L Howard

Alan A Davidovich

David G Surridge

Jerry A Metz

Daniel D Angot

Steve L Arianoutsos

J Christopher Barnes

Mark W Vannette

Sydney K Scott

A seal assembly for use in a dynamic pin joint defining axial and radial directions comprises a counterface seal ring subassembly including a counterface seal ring member that includes a radially extending planar seal face and a first contoured load ring interface, and a first load ring.

Face seal with energized lip and counterface

A seal assembly for sealing between a first member and a second member of a joint, the first member being able to pivot about an axis of the joint relative to the second member, is disclosed. The seal assembly includes a first ring, a load ring, a first seal ring, and a resilient second seal ring. The first ring is for a first seal cavity of the first member. The load ring is for a second seal cavity of the second member. The first seal ring may have a sealing surface extending in a radial direction. The resilient second seal ring may have an annular seal lip. The first seal ring is held stationary by the first ring in the first seal cavity of the first member, and the second seal ring is forced axially by the load ring into axial sealing engagement with the first seal ring.

Seal assembly

A seal assemblyfor sealing between a first memberand a second memberof a joint, the first memberbeing able to pivot about an axisof the joint relative to the second member, is disclosed. The seal assemblyincludes an annular seal bodywhich has a sufficient axial dimension X,XX to span first and second seal cavitiesof the first memberand second memberof a joint.

An improved articulated pin joint for a track chain used on track laying work machines is provided. The articulated pin joint includes a plug positioned in a central cavity of a track pin. The plug includes an axial passage in which a needle can be inserted to inject grease into the central cavity. The invention facilitates replenishing grease in the field without removing the track chain from the track laying work machine.

Articulated pin joint for a track chain

A seal ring having a frustoconical spring completely encapsulated within an annular body provides a bias force to an annular lip seal of the annular body to assure positive contact with an opposed face of an adjacently disposed member of a joint assembly. The seal ring requires minimal counterbore depth in the member in which the seal ring is mounted, and no modifications are required in the spring or in the base of the counterbore to provide retention of the spring in the joint.

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Edelstein, IL, United States of America

David G Kupper