US4050141A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Track bush turning tool
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1976-12-29
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Granted: 1977-09-27
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Expires: 1996-12-29
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed herein is apparatus for rotating the bushings of an assembled and in-place track of a tractor to present new bushing wear areas to the sprockets which engage these bushings. The apparatus includes a clamp member which is capable of applying rotative force to the bushing to be rotated and means for providing such necessary force.
Inventors
- 👤 Harold W. Vanlandingham
- 👤 Roger L. Boggs
- 👤 David A. Bullock
- 👤 James N. Maytum
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 13:24
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25B; B25B23/00; B25B23/0078; B25B21/00; B25B21/002; B62; B62D; B62D55/00; B62D55/32; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49636; Y10T29/49638; Y10T29/49643; Y10T29/49647; Y10T29/49668; Y10T29/49718; Y10T29/49721; Y10T29/49815; Y10T29/49822
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of rotating a bushing of an assembled and in-place track of a tractor including a series of interconnected track links having track shoes and end supported bushings associated therewith, to define a new bushing sprocket engaging area by applying rotative force to the bushing with the track in its substantially assembled state, comprising the steps of disposing a bushing engaging tool about the periphery of the unsupported portion of the bushing, securing the tool in place, providing an opening in said tool corresponding to the worn part of said bushing, placing a wedging member in said opening in engagement with said worn portion for locking the bushing to the tool, securing levers to the bushing tool and disposing force applying means in engagement with said levers to rotate the same to thereby turn said worn part of said bushing out of alignment with said driving sprocket.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of rotating a bushing of an assembled and in-place track of a tractor including a series of interconnected track links having track shoes and end supported bushings associated therewith, to define a new bushing sprocket engaging area by applying rotative force to the bushing with the track in its substantially assembled state, comprising the steps of disposing a bushing engaging tool about the periphery of the unsupported portion of the bushing, securing the tool in place, providing an opening in said tool corresponding to the worn part of said bushing, placing a wedging member in said opening in engagement with said worn portion for locking the bushing to the tool, securing levers to the bushing tool and disposing force applying means in engagement with said levers to rotate the same to thereby turn said worn part of said bushing out of alignment with said driving sprocket.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of disposing force applying means in engagement with the levers comprise the step of placing a piston extending cylinder means between the levers and a bushing adjacent the bushing to be rotated and extending one relative to the other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 further including the step of removing the track shoe disposed above said bushing to provide access thereto.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 further including the step of disposing the bushing engaging tool beneath the track shoe and providing an abutment in fixed relation to the tractor to be engaged thereby during movement of the track to rotate the bushing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 further including the step of removing the force applying means and bushing engaging tool after the bushing is rotated.
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) | 1980-09-26 | 1981-03-28 | 1981-09-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-09-26 | 1985-03-28 | 1985-09-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-09-26 | 1989-03-28 | 1989-09-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |