Caterpillar Inc.

Larry K Rhodes

Jerry D Fidler

Dave E Keedy

Steven M Shaffer

Thomas L Peterson

David L Skinner

Jeffery R Arulandu

Thomas C Robertson

C Nicholas Goloff

An apparatus for an active suspension system provides independent control of each adjustable spring rate mechanism. Ride height, spring rate, and oscillation control are achieved with the use of transducers that send signals to a controller. The controller receives the signals and responsively generates signals to adjust pressure and flow between an accumulator and the adjustable spring rate mechanism.

Apparatus for an active suspension system

In the operation of a track chain assembly a high degree of wear is normally experienced due to the environment in which a track-type machine must operate. This wear is typically accelerated by foreign matter that is carried by an idler member of the track chain assembly and is permitted to remain on its contact surfaces as they engage the other track chain components. The present invention provides a scraper assembly that defines a plurality of scraping portions that are adapted to carry a scraping insert on an end portion thereof. The scraping inserts are continuously urged into engagement with the contact surfaces of the idler to remove foreign material therefrom before the contact surfaces engage other track chain components.

Biased scraping apparatus for an idler

Accumulators normally have a first chamber filled with a pressurized gas, a second chamber in communication with the pressurized fluid of a hydraulic system and an elastomeric member separating the chambers. In the subject invention, an accumulator is provided which has an elastomeric member disposed in a closed chamber of a housing. The elastomeric member has an outer surface with a non-uniform linear surface and a cavity extending inward from one end thereof and in communication with an inlet conduit. As the pressure is introduced into the cavity of the elastomeric member, the non-uniform linear outer surface is progressively forced against an interior surface of the closed chamber. The progressive compression of the elastomeric member acts to increase the volume of the cavity as the pressure of the fluid in the cavity progressively increases.

Accumulator having an internal elastomeric member

A long life rubber grousered track shoe for track-type machines is disclosed. The track shoe has a steel shoe portion and a rubber grouser portion that is molded in situ to the steel shoe portion between a pair of steel grouser bars to protect the rubber grouser from undue shear loads.

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Pekin, IL, United States of America

Larry K Rhodes