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:
Apr. 04, 1989
Filed:
Dec. 22, 1987
Robert J Purcell, Washington, IL (US);
Gerald P Simmons, Morton, IL (US);
Robert R Farris, Peoria, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A track-type vehicle capable of high speed operation over rough terrain includes a frame supported by lefthand and righthand suspension mechanisms individually having a plurality of hydropneumatically actuated struts for supporting the frame on a plurality of wheels. An elastomeric drive belt is entrained about these wheels and is frictionally driven by an elevated drive wheel. Forces from several struts are directed into the frame in a centralized common region which minimizes rocking of the vehicle. A front idler wheel is urged forwardly and downwardly against the drive belt by a hydropneumatically actuated recoil mechanism, and a front strut also acts on the front idler wheel to resiliently urge it downwardly. A plurality of pivoting members are cooperatively connected to the struts to more evenly distribute forces against the drive belt.