US3842475A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of making a track idler wheel
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1973-07-12
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Granted: 1974-10-22
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Expires: 1993-07-12
Abstract
Abstract A method of making a heavy-duty track idler wheel comprising two formed discs that have integrally formed outer rims and inner bosses concentrically abutting each other and joined by circumscribing weld joints.
Inventors
- 👤 T Clasper
- 👤 V Randour
- 👤 F Simpson
- 👤 W Hutton
- 👤 O Kessinger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 05:23
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D55/00; B62D55/08; B62D55/14; B21; B21D; B21D53/00; B21D53/26; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49453; Y10T29/49455; Y10T29/49456
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of making a heavy-duty track idler wheel including two formed discs that have integrally formed outer rims and inner bosses concentrically abutting each other and joined by circumscribing weld joints comprising the steps of: making a wheel disc in the general shape of a wheel half with axially extending outer rim and inner boss portions, and a generally radially directed wall joining the rim and boss portions, repeating the step to produce a second wheel disc, placing said first and second wheel discs in side-by-side abutting relationship with the rim and boss portions in contact, machining a centrally disposed wheel bore through said first and second wheel discs, forming chamfers on said wheel discs prior to and in order to facilitate welding, and welding said wheel discs together at their points of contact in said chamfers.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of making a heavy-duty track idler wheel including two formed discs that have integrally formed outer rims and inner bosses concentrically abutting each other and joined by circumscribing weld joints comprising the steps of: making a wheel disc in the general shape of a wheel half with axially extending outer rim and inner boss portions, and a generally radially directed wall joining the rim and boss portions, repeating the step to produce a second wheel disc, placing said first and second wheel discs in side-by-side abutting relationship with the rim and boss portions in contact, machining a centrally disposed wheel bore through said first and second wheel discs, forming chamfers on said wheel discs prior to and in order to facilitate welding, and welding said wheel discs together at their points of contact in said chamfers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of making comprises: heating an ingot into a solid disc, piercing a hole through said disc, forging the disc outer periphery to the shape of a wheel rim, and dishing by press forging to produce a first wheel disc.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of making comprises casting.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the welding is accomplished by inertia friction welding comprising the steps of: relatively rotating said first and second wheel discs in abutting relationship to a predetermined speed, applying axial presure to force the wheel discs together, and allowing the resultant composite wheel to come to rest.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 further including the step of working the wheel rim so as to form axially extending flanges.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 5 further including the step of providing an aperture in the wheel disc and inserting a pilot drive pin prior to the step of working in order to maintain radial position and provide drive force during the step of working.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 6 further including the steps of inserting a tubular member into the wheel bore and fixing the tubular member within the bore.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-21 | 1978-04-22 | 1978-10-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-21 | 1982-04-22 | 1982-10-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-21 | 1986-04-22 | 1986-10-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |