Caterpillar Tractor Co.

James R Sturges

Robert J Purcell

Robert D Roley

Howard A Marsden

Willard J Haak

Thomas D Brewer

Willis R Daft

PCT No. PCT/US79/00322 Sec. 371 Date May 14, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date May 14, 1979 PCT Filed May 14, 1979 WO80/02526 Nov. 27, 1980 The ends (14,16) of cylindrical bushings 10) in which pins rotate bear relatively heavy loads. This can lead to a slight internal deformation of the bushing (10) which can interfere with free rotation of the pin. Such a problem is encountered, for example, with track pin bushings. A solution to this problem is to contour the ends (14,16) of the bushing (10) so that the inner diameter thereof flares (28,30) outwardly toward the bushing ends (14,16). This has not previously been accomplished via a single relatively non-critical operation. In the present invention a first end (14) of a cylindrically bored tube (10) is compressed radially inwardly sufficient to force it to a reduced internal diameter (18). The tube (10) is then bored axially inwardly while it is compressed with a boring tool (22) which bores a hole of a diameter (21) greater than the diameter (18) induced by the compressing. After the boring, the end (14) is released and its external dimension (24) returns towards its uncompressed size.

Method and apparatus for manufacturing a contoured internal diameter

A unitary bogie pad has a base portion, an intermediate portion, and a cap portion each of a generally round horizontal cross sectional configuration. The base portion is of a columnar configuration, the intermediate portion has outer annular walls sloping generally inwardly, and the cap portion is of a generally domed configuration. The base portion has a bottom surface and an outer surface hingedly connected to the bottom surface.

Resilient support pad for crawler type vehicles

An end face seal assembly has a seal ring of a first material, a support ring of a second material and a load ring of a third material serially connected together. The first material has a higher durometer scale hardness than the third material, and the second material is different and has greater rigidity than the first and third materials. The seal assembly has a preselected geometric relationship in use in a severe service environment rotary joint.

End face seal assembly

First and second tractors are connected by a coupling device in a first row, and a third tractor is disposed in substantially parallel relation thereto in a juxtaposed second row. An implement assembly is connected to one of the first and second tractors and to the third tractor for moving material obliquely away from the normal longitudinal direction of working movement of the tractors. Preferably, a second implement assembly is connected to the other one of the first and second tractors and to the third tractor for similar operation when the triple tractor assembly travels in a reverse direction as a unit.

Triple tractor assembly

A hardenable insert for use with a reversible track link in an endless track assembly to be interposed between the worn side of a used track link and a track shoe applied thereto. The pad includes a matrix which is formed of a deformable binder or filler material, an uncured resin flowable in its uncured state and rigid when cured. The resin impregnates the pad. The pad also includes a plurality of rupturable capsules dispersed throughout the pad, the capsules containing a curing agent for the resin so that when the pad is interposed between the worn side of a reversible track link and a track shoe, and the track shoe is clamped to the track link, the pad will deform to conform to irregularities at its interface with the track link and the capsules will rupture to cause the curing agent to cure the resin to rigidify the pad and thereby provide a smooth interface to prevent loosening of the track link and the track shoe during subsequent use.

Adapter pad for track link and track shoe

A walking working vehicle has a plurality of separate, movable feet positioned along side portions of the vehicle. Elements are provided for connecting each foot to the frame and the power source for controllably moving each foot in a preselected manner sufficient to move the vehicle along the ground at a substantially constant velocity and maintain the frame of the vehicle substantially parallel to the ground.

Walking work vehicle

An endless track assembly comprises a plurality of pivotally interconnected links with each pair of adjacent links having an annular seal assembly mounted therebetween. The seal assembly comprises an elastomeric crescent-shaped seal having a lip disposed in sealing contact with a sealing surface defined in the track assembly. An annular elastomeric load ring is disposed within the seal to urge the lip into such sealing contact. A metallic reinforcing ring, disposed between the lip and the load ring, is preferably bonded only to the lip.

Crescent seal with reinforcing ring

A pair of tractors are disposed in side-by-side relation, and are coupled by a single rigid link which may be reversed in position to vary the relative positioning of the tractors forwardly and rearwardly, to in turn determine the positioning of an implement carried by the tractors.

Side-by-side tractor combination

An overrunning load control for a hydraulic jack includes a pair of variable orifice means in series, with the degree of metering of one of such orifices being determined by fluid pressure in the end of the hydraulic jack resisting the load. The degree of metering of the other variable orifice may be selectively chosen, through actuation of a relatively low pressure hydraulic pilot system.

Overruning load control for hydraulic jacks

An endless track assembly for a track type vehicle comprises a plurality of symmetrical track links each having a track shoe clamped thereon by a plurality of hook or U-bolts. Upon release of the bolts, the track link may be reversed and the track shoe reattached to an opposite side thereof by the bolts.

Growing community of inventors

Washington, IL, United States of America

James R Sturges