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. 11, 2000
Filed:
Apr. 02, 1998
Craig L Snyder, Glen Gardner, NJ (US);
Thomas A Roth, Lerna, IL (US);
Thomas Thomason, Charleston, IL (US);
Randy Webb, Charleston, IL (US);
Jerry F Rau, Richardson, TX (US);
Blaw-Knox Construction Equip. Corp., Mattoon, IL (US);
Abstract
A paving machine that is driven by track assemblies utilizing continuous rubber belts uses a motor and planetary gear reduction combination on each drive wheel to drive each belt. Each planetary gear includes a planetary joint connection between a rotating and a non-rotating portion, with an elastomeric seal therein to retain lubricating fluid in the planetary housing. Each drive wheel is formed from a pair of annular ring members rigidly connected together and spaced apart to provide a passage for directing debris falling from a rotating drive wheel away from the planetary joint, to minimize damage to the seal.