Indexing apparatus for a track press
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsRichard E. Livesay, Owen R. Thompson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An indexing apparatus for a track press machine moves and positions a track chain assembly into and out of the work area of the track press machine. The indexing apparatus includes upper and lower indexing portions, each having a powered drive mechanism for contacting and driving the track chain assembly. Fluid operated cylinders apply a force between the drive mechanisms and the track chain to prevent slippage. Fluid motors power the drive mechanisms to positively and continuously move the track chain. The indexing cycle is automatically controlled for fast and consistent work operations.
Claims13
An indexing apparatus for moving a track chain assembly off of and onto a support structure and for positioning the track chain assembly into and out of a work area of a track press, comprising;
- a first lower indexing portion having a lower frame structure and first rotatable means for moving said track chain assembly, said first rotatable means being mounted within said lower frame structure;
- a second upper indexing portion having an upper frame structure and second rotatable means for moving said track chain assembly, said second rotatable means being mounted within said upper frame structure;
- first and second power means for driving said first and second rotatable means respectively;
- a first fluid cylinder connected to said first lower indexing portion and adapted to move said first lower indexing portion between a first lower position and a second upper position;
- and
- a second fluid cylinder connected to said second upper indexing portion and adapted to move said second upper indexing portion toward said first lower indexing portion.
An indexing apparatus of a track press, said indexing apparatus having upper and lower indexing portions and an automatic control system, comprising;
- a power control panel having a plurality of control switches;
- a plurality of fluid motors connected to said indexing apparatus;
- an automatic indexing control having an advance switch and a retract switch;
- an adjustable indexing advance timer adapted to control the duration of power suppliable to said plurality of fluid motors in a first mode of operation;
- an adjustable indexing retract timer adapted to control the duration of power suppliable to said plurality of fluid motors in a second mode of operation;
- a first fluid cylinder having a first end portion and connected to said lower indexing portion and adapted to move said lower portion between first and second positions;
- a second fluid cylinder having first and second end portions and connected to said upper indexing portion and adapted to move said upper portion between first and second positions;
- a hold down clamping mechanism;
- a third fluid cylinder having first and second end portions and connected to said hold down clamping mechanism and adapted to move said clamping mechanism between first and second portions;
- means for sequentially supplying power to the first end portions of said first, second, and third fluid cylinders and then to said fluid motors;
- means for sequentially discontinuing power to said fluid motors and then to the first end portions of said first, second, and third fluid cylinders;
- and
- means for supplying fluid power to said second end portion of said third fluid cylinder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.