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:
Oct. 09, 2001
Filed:
Oct. 08, 1999
Gerald P. Simmons, Peoria, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A main frame to roller frame stop assembly for limiting movement of an equalizer bar relative to the main frame of a track-type tractor or other work machine wherein the stop assembly includes a first member mountable to one of the roller frames, and a second member mountable to the main frame of the work machine, the second member being positioned and located to engage the first member when the equalizer bar moves a predetermined distance relative to the main frame, the first member being positioned and located in the vicinity of the bearing joint coupling the equalizer bar to the roller frame and further including an elastomeric portion capable of dampening and absorbing at least a portion of the load exerted thereagainst when the first stop member engages the second stop member. In another aspect of the present invention, the bearing joint coupling the equalizer bar to a respective roller frame includes a cylindrical bearing as compared to a conventional spherical bearing, the cylindrical bearing preferably including an elastomeric portion to even further dampen and absorb at least a portion of the load exerted directly onto the bearing joint. Regardless of the specific type of bearings utilized in the bearing joint, the present stop assembly can be utilized with any type of bearing.