Machine frame assembly for a track-type machine
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorGerald Paul Simmons
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A machine frame assembly is provided that includes a machine frame, a hollow pivot shaft attached to the machine frame and configured to support a drive assembly for a track-type machine to allow pivotal movement of the drive assembly relative to the machine frame, and a power source, a portion thereof extending into the hollow pivot shaft and a portion thereof mounted adjacent to an end of the hollow pivot shaft. The power source is configured to transmit power through the hollow pivot shaft.
Claims20
A machine frame assembly for a track-type machine, comprising:
- a machine frame;
- a hollow pivot shaft attached to the machine frame and configured to support a drive assembly for a track-type machine to allow pivotal movement of the drive assembly relative to the machine frame;
- and
- a power source, a portion thereof extending into the hollow pivot shaft and a portion thereof mounted adjacent to an end of the hollow pivot shaft, wherein the power source is configured to transmit power through the hollow pivot shaft.
A track-type machine, comprising:
- a machine frame;
- a hollow pivot shaft attached to the machine frame;
- a power source configured to transmit power through the hollow pivot shaft;
- and
- a drive assembly supported on the hollow pivot shaft, wherein the drive assembly includes a drive system and an endless track that engages the drive system.
A track-type machine, comprising:
- a machine frame including a pivot shaft;
- and
- a drive assembly supported on the pivot shaft to provide pivotal movement relative to the machine frame, the drive assembly including a roller frame having a yoke section including two extending support members, a drive system including a planetary system and a sprocket operatively connected to the planetary system, the drive system being supported between the two extending support members, and an endless track entrained about the roller frame and driven by the sprocket of the drive system.
A method of driving a track-type machine, wherein the track-type machine includes a machine frame, a hollow pivot shaft attached to the machine frame, a power source configured to transmit power through the hollow pivot shaft, and at least one drive assembly supported on the hollow pivot shaft, the drive assembly including a drive system and an endless track that engages the drive system, the method comprising:
- transmitting power from the power source through the hollow pivot shaft to the drive system;
- and
- driving the endless track with the drive system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.