US3863744A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Steering clutch actuating system
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1972-09-01
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Granted: 1975-02-04
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Expires: 1992-09-01
Abstract
Abstract An actuating system for the steering clutch in a track-type vehicle which has a yoke member rockingly movable for clutch disengagement when actuated by an in-line disposed fluid motor. The fluid motor is connected to the yoke member by means of a single rod link having self-aligning spherical joints and is directly removably mounted upon an easily accessible portion of the vehicle to permit facileservicing. A bleed valve which directly communicates with the fluid motor pressure chamber through a port, which port may also be utilized for connection of a pressure gauge is disposed directly accessibly from the exterior of the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 John W Bridwell
- 👤 Conard E Leighty
- 👤 John G Wellwood
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:50
CPC Classifications
B; B62; B62D; B62D11/00; B62D11/02; B62D11/06; B62D11/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
311 words
In a track-type vehicle having a steering clutch for selectively discontinuing power transmission to a track of said vehicle; yoke means associatd with said clutch for disengaging said clutch when disposed in a first predetermined position and for engaging said clutch when disposed in a second predetermined position, actuator means connected to an externally accessible portion of said vehicle for moving said yoke means toward said first predetermined position, single rod means connected between said yoke means and said actuator means for transmitting actuator forces to said yoke means for movement thereof, said single rod meaNs being connected between said actuator means and said yoke means by means of spherical joints movably mounted within sockets in said actuator means and in said yoke means, said actuator means including a fluid motor having a piston which receives a portion of said single rod means therein, said piston being mounted within a fluid-tight cylinder having a pressure chamber therein directly communicating with a portion of said piston and wherein a fluid bleed port is provided in said cylinder which communicates said pressure chamber with the exterior of said cylinder, said bleed port being accessible from the exterior of said vehicle, said actuator means including a flange member which is directly connected to said externally accessible portion of said vehicle by means of readily removable fastening means and wherein upon removal of said fastening means from said flange member said actuator means may be removed from said vehicle, said externally accessible portion of said vehicle including an access opening having a dimension greater than that of a portion of said fluid-tight cylinder, said flange member being attached to said fluid-tight cylinder externally of said access opening while said portion of said fluid-tight cylinder is disposed within said access opening, said fluid-tight cylinder being removable through said access opening upon removal of said fastening means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
311 words
In a track-type vehicle having a steering clutch for selectively discontinuing power transmission to a track of said vehicle; yoke means associatd with said clutch for disengaging said clutch when disposed in a first predetermined position and for engaging said clutch when disposed in a second predetermined position, actuator means connected to an externally accessible portion of said vehicle for moving said yoke means toward said first predetermined position, single rod means connected between said yoke means and said actuator means for transmitting actuator forces to said yoke means for movement thereof, said single rod meaNs being connected between said actuator means and said yoke means by means of spherical joints movably mounted within sockets in said actuator means and in said yoke means, said actuator means including a fluid motor having a piston which receives a portion of said single rod means therein, said piston being mounted within a fluid-tight cylinder having a pressure chamber therein directly communicating with a portion of said piston and wherein a fluid bleed port is provided in said cylinder which communicates said pressure chamber with the exterior of said cylinder, said bleed port being accessible from the exterior of said vehicle, said actuator means including a flange member which is directly connected to said externally accessible portion of said vehicle by means of readily removable fastening means and wherein upon removal of said fastening means from said flange member said actuator means may be removed from said vehicle, said externally accessible portion of said vehicle including an access opening having a dimension greater than that of a portion of said fluid-tight cylinder, said flange member being attached to said fluid-tight cylinder externally of said access opening while said portion of said fluid-tight cylinder is disposed within said access opening, said fluid-tight cylinder being removable through said access opening upon removal of said fastening means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein adjustable stop means are provided on said yoke means to limit movement of said yoke means toward said first predetermined position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said single rod means include threaded adjustment means for selectively adjusting the effective length of said rod means and the distance between said yoke means and said actuator means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-03 | 1978-08-05 | 1979-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-03 | 1982-08-05 | 1983-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-03 | 1986-08-05 | 1987-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |