Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Malcolm H Kinsinger

Roger L Boggs

James E Schimpf

A track adjusting mechanism establishes the optimum tension in the endless track assembly of a track type vehicle. The track adjusting mechanism is controlled by the vehicle operator from the operator's station. The adjusting mechanism includes a fluid cylinder, a piston movable within the cylinder, and a hydraulic circuit to supply fluid to the cylinder. Fluid leakage from the cylinder is collected and stored in an accumulator. A single fluid line in the hydraulic circuit serves as a high pressure line to the cylinder in a first mode and a low pressure drain line from the cylinder in a second mode. The accumulator is also connected to this single fluid line and a one-way check valve prevents high pressure fluid from entering the accumulator while allowing the low pressure leakage fluid to pass through and reach the low pressure drain line.

Track adjusting mechanism

Apparatus for reducing the noise made by circulation of an endless drive chain comprising a plurality of substantially identical links about a drive sprocket and idler is disclosed. According to the invention, a substantial portion of the energy present in pivotal movement of adjacent links with respect to each other, which occurs as the links are received on the drive sprocket and idler, is absorbed and returned to the pivotal movement therebetween which occurs when the links leave their engagement with the drive sprocket and idler. Specific embodiments of the invention particularly suited for use in reducing track noise in a track-type vehicle are described.

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Washington, IL, United States of America

Malcolm H Kinsinger