Caterpillar Inc.

Todd Edwin Moser

Timothy A Vik

Jeffrey Paul Nash

Daniel J Lingenfelser

An integrated track adjustment/recoil unit is compressed between a front track roller frame and rear track roller frame of telescopic track roller frame during a recoil event. The integrated track adjustment/recoil unit defines an oil volume separated from a gas volume by a recoil piston, which moves closer to the idler along a recoil line responsive to a recoil event.

Integrated track adjustment/recoil unit and track type machine using same

Engineers have found that use of a slot and tab method to assemble a fabrication assembly is limited to fabrication assemblies that will be subjected to relatively low stress. In order to expand the use of the slot and tab method to fabrication assemblies that are subjected to relatively higher stress, the present invention increases the fatigue resistance of a welded slot and tab joint. A fabrication assembly includes a first fabrication element including a perimetric inner surface defining a slot and a second fabrication element including a tab. The tab includes a shoulder that includes a perimetric side surface. The tab is cooperative with the slot to lock the first fabrication element to the second fabrication element. At least one of the perimetric inner surface and the perimetric side surface includes portions that are oriented to one another at an angle different than 0&#xb0; and 90&#xb0;. The geometry of at least one of the shoulder of the tab and the perimetric inner surface defining the slot can increase the fatigue resistance of the welded slot and tab joint.

Fatigue resistant slot and tab design

Endless track laying work machines are provided with a pair of track laying assemblies positioned on opposite sides of the work machine. Each track laying assembly includes an endless rubber belt entrained around a drive wheel, an idler wheel, and a plurality of mid-rollers. The present mid-roller includes a rotatable member that is positioned between individual roller segments and the guide blocks that are positioned on the inner surface of the endless rubber belt. With the rotatable member in this position, the differential angular velocity between points of contact between the rubber belt and the mid-rollers is compensated for by rotating the rotatable member independent of the individual roller segments. Thus, increasing the life of the individual drive components.

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Roanoke, IL, United States of America

Todd Edwin Moser