Caterpillar Inc.

Peter Kalman

Arden E Baldwin

A crimping die is provided for use in a crimping machine for radially crimping the collar of a hose coupling onto the end of a hose. The crimping die includes a die assembly having a plurality of die segments and at least one unitary retention and separator band. The die segments are adapted for arrangement into a circular array about a central axis, with each of the die segments having a radially inner surface forming a section of a common collar bore about the central axis for receipt of the collar of the hose coupling. Each die segment includes a top surface having an arcuate groove formed therein. The groove has a predetermined cross-sectional configuration with an open upper end that is provided with a lesser width than the width of at least a portion of the groove below the upper end. The unitary retention and separator band is constructed of an elastomeric material and has a like plurality of die segment retaining portions and a plurality of spacer portions. Each retaining portion has a cross-sectional configuration that mates with and is adapted for receipt into the groove of a respective one of the segments for retaining the segments together. The spacer portions are spaced along the band for disposition between adjacent ones of the die segments and have a length to space the segments a predetermined distance apart when the die assembly is in a free state.

Crimping die for use in a crimping machine

A track support for supporting a flexible continuous loop track when it is being removed or installed on a vehicle. Removing or installing the continuous loop flexible track by conventional methods is very difficult because of its weight and flexibility. The subject apparatus includes a track support having first and second ends with curved plates approximately the shape of semi-circular ends of the track loop where it engages wheels on a vehicle. The first and second ends are supported by at least one beam attached thereto in a manner to adjustably set the track support snug with the flexible track loop. Several retainers with hooks and fasteners secure the track to the support. Thereby the flexible track is held in an oval shape when being removed or installed on the vehicle similar to the shape it is when on the vehicle.

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Pekin, IL, United States of America

Peter Kalman