The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 22, 1976
Filed:
Nov. 22, 1974
Larry G Eftefield, Joliet, IL (US);
Leon A Wirt, Joliet, IL (US);
Caterpillar Tractor Co., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A trunnion ball and socket bearing assembly suitable for coupling the push arms of a bulldozer attachment to the sides of a tractor has a removable sleeve disposed coaxially on a trunnion shaft to define a spherical surface. Separatable bearing caps enclose the sleeve and have inner surfaces of spherical configuration to form a pivot joint which is capable of a limited amount of movement at right angles to the principal pivot axis. The replaceable sleeve fits against an annular shoulder on the trunnion shaft and is held thereon by a circular retainer member secured to the end of the trunnion shaft by bolts having heads which seat in counter bores in the retainer member. The sleeve may be heat treated to provide hardness while the trunnion shaft is separately treated to provide high strength thus providing an element which is more durable than a solid ball while being replaceable when necessary without requiring replacement of the entire trunnion. The sleeve retaining means is compact, inexpensive, may be readily disengaged ad re-engaged and is protected in use from exposure to impacts and abrasion.