Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Caterpillar Inc.

Thomas D Brewer

Gerald P Simmons

Robert J Purcell

James R Sturges

John M Parks

Robert R Farris

Endless track work vehicle

PCT No. PCT/US79/00322 Sec. 371 Date May 14, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date May 14, 1979 PCT Filed May 14, 1979 WO80/02526 Nov. 27, 1980 The ends (14,16) of cylindrical bushings 10) in which pins rotate bear relatively heavy loads. This can lead to a slight internal deformation of the bushing (10) which can interfere with free rotation of the pin. Such a problem is encountered, for example, with track pin bushings. A solution to this problem is to contour the ends (14,16) of the bushing (10) so that the inner diameter thereof flares (28,30) outwardly toward the bushing ends (14,16). This has not previously been accomplished via a single relatively non-critical operation. In the present invention a first end (14) of a cylindrically bored tube (10) is compressed radially inwardly sufficient to force it to a reduced internal diameter (18). The tube (10) is then bored axially inwardly while it is compressed with a boring tool (22) which bores a hole of a diameter (21) greater than the diameter (18) induced by the compressing. After the boring, the end (14) is released and its external dimension (24) returns towards its uncompressed size.

Method and apparatus for manufacturing a contoured internal diameter

An endplay control gusset for use in a tractor track structure (11) or the like wherein a shoe (13) is secured to a pair of spaced links (14,15) having pins (32) extending therebetween and supporting rollers (33) for engaging the sprockets (12) of the tractor (10). The gussets (24,25) are secured to the shoes outboard of the links and engage the outer faces (26,27) of the links so as to effectively prevent outward deflection of the links. The shoes may be secured to the links by bolts (16,17). The gussets may be formed integrally with the shoes or may be secured thereto as by welding (29), as desired. The links may define annular bosses (30,31) receiving the ends (32a) of the pins and the gussets may engage the bosses at a position spaced substantially from the shoe.

Endplay control gusset

Growing community of inventors

Tremont, IL, United States of America

Thomas D Brewer