Caterpillar Inc.

Caterpillar Sarl

Michael S Bottom

Michael Steven Freberg

Jeffrey Michael Parker

Mylvaganam Arulraja

Michael C Layko

Leslie L Weaver, Jr

Thomas E Oertley

John Michael Plouzek

Jeff A Jensen

Dennis R Shookman

Thomas M Hoefft

Jason L Kupferschmid

Eric A Mathewson

A machine is provided. The machine has a forward direction of travel and includes a frame, at least one lift arm, a first torsion axle assembly, an undercarriage, and an endless track. The lift arm is pivotally attached to the frame. The first torsion axle assembly is attached to the frame and includes a first torsion arm, a first torsion shaft, and a first axle, with the first torsion shaft and the first axle extending from the first torsion arm. The undercarriage is attached to the first torsion axle assembly and the endless track encircles the undercarriage. One of the first torsion shaft and the first axle is attached to the frame and the other of the first torsion shaft and the first axle is attached to the undercarriage. The first torsion arm extends upward from the frame at an angle between 90 and 180 degrees from the forward direction of travel.

Suspension for a machine

Joint assemblies are useful for connecting one structure to another structure. When the various structures deflect or bend, edge loading occurs therebetween. The subject joint assembly includes a pin positioned between a first and second structure. An insert is free floating positioned around the pin for contacting either of the first or second structures. A crown shaped surface is utilized on the insert at a substantially central location therealong. The crown shaped surface directs forces to the center of the insert to reduce edge loading.

Joint assembly to resist galling

Growing community of inventors

Heyworth, IL, United States of America

Michael S Bottom