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. 24, 2001
Filed:
Jan. 06, 1998
Thomas E. Oertley, Dunlap, IL (US);
Delbert D. Dester, Washington, IL (US);
J. Scott Burdick, North Pekin, IL (US);
Kevin M. Egle, Peoria, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A drive mechanism includes a sprocket drive assembly which includes a hub, and a plurality of engagement members each being supported by the hub. The drive mechanism further includes a track assembly having a plurality of shoes which are secured to one another to form a track, and a plurality of drive lugs which are mounted to the plurality of shoes. The drive lugs engage the plurality of engagement members when the hub is rotated. Each of the drive lugs includes a left lateral rail segment and a right lateral rail segment. The track assembly further includes a support roller mechanically coupled to a chassis of the work machine. The support roller includes a left wheel and a right wheel. The left wheel is supported by the left lateral rail segment during advancement of the track. The right wheel is supported by the right lateral rail segment during advancement of the track.