Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Keith E Koch

Robert W Untz

Charles E Grawey

Ronald L Satzler

Ivan R Lamport

Danny J Becker

Donald G Zook

Glen A Ball

Charles F Gekhardt

Bobbin assembly

A quick release seal retainer (10,11) adapted for connecting a seal segment (13) to a base (12) has a clamp member (31) positioned within a slot (29) formed between a projection (28) of a mounting block (26) and the base (12). A pair of studs (38) slidably extending through a pair of bores (37) in the projection (28) have one end connected to the clamp member (31) and the other end connected to a bar (39). In one embodiment a cam clamp mechanism (51) is connected to the mounting block (26) for locking the bar (39) and hence the clamp member (31) at a position at which the seal segment (13) is clamped against the base (12). In another embodiment an over-center toggle link means locks the bar (39) and hence the clamp member (31) at a position at which the seal segment (13) is clamped against the base (12). Both the cam clamp mechanism (51) and the toggle link means can be easily actuated to one position to release an old seal segment and to another position to lock the new seal segment in place even when the base (12) is at an elevated operating temperature.

Quick release seal retainer

A rim for a pneumatic tire carcass has a pair of rim portions which are securable together to form such rim. One rim portion is integral with a wheel hub and includes a plurality of pockets or guide openings formed therein. The other rim portion includes guide members which correspond to these pockets and which are positionable therein to position the rim portions relative to each other. Apparatus for separating the rim portions with the tire carcass mounted on them is disclosed, as is apparatus for pulling the tire carcass off a rim portion after the other rim portion has been separated therefrom. In another embodiment, a pair of rim portions are assembled by positioning posts fixed on one rim portion into angled slots defined by the other rim portion, and rotating one rim portion relative to the other, the posts being drawn into the slots during such rotation to draw the rim portions together. In yet another embodiment, the tire carcass is supplied with an inner peripheral stiffener, which is seatable in a groove formed by a pair of fixed-together rimmed portions to center the tire carcass thereon. Also, another embodiment includes an annular plate and rim portions mounted in spaced relationship on either side thereof.

Rim constructions

Apparatus for handling a large object, i.e., for example, an annular core on which a tire carcass is to be formed, includes an annular wall positionable about the annular core, and a diaphragm associated with the inner surface of the wall and defining with the wall a chamber into which pressurized fluid may be directed. Such introduction of pressurized fluid expands the diaphragm so that such diaphragm comes into contact with and grips the core. The core may then be moved and or turned over by manipulation of the wall.

Method and apparatus for handling large, fragile objects

A workpiece support structure has a lower planar surface disposed above and parallel to an upper planar surface of a base assembly which is adapted to be supported on the forks of a fork lift truck for transporting the carrier and the workpiece. A plurality of air pockets are formed in one of the planar surfaces for receiving pressurized air from a suitable source so that the support structure floats on a cushion of air between the planar surfaces permitting substantially frictionless movement of the support structure relative to the base assembly for precision positioning of the support structure and thus the workpiece relative to the base assembly.

Growing community of inventors

Tremont, IL, United States of America

Keith E Koch