Laurence J Cobb from 308 Coventry Ln, Peoria, IL 61614, age 75, Phone: 3099661433

Master Link Joint For A Track Undercarriage And Method Of Retrofitting An Existing Undercarriage
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US Patent:

20110316331, Dec 29, 2011
Filed:

Jun 2, 2011
Appl. No.:

13/151947
Inventors:

Donovan S. Clarke - Hanna City IL, US
John M. Plouzek - Peoria IL, US
Laurence J. Cobb - Peoria IL, US
Matthew W. Trone - Pekin IL, US
Assignee:

CATERPILLAR, INC. - Peoria IL
International Classification:

B62D 55/205
B23P 11/00
US Classification:

305186, 2940208
Abstract:

A master link joint for a drive chain is disclosed. The disclosed master link joint includes two master links. Each master link includes a first half link and a second half link that engage each other along mating abutment surfaces. The two master links are disposed on opposite sides of the chain. The first half links are coupled by a pin that traverses the chain and the second half links are coupled by a bushing that traverses the chain. The mating abutment surfaces include a first ramp that meets a second offset ramp at a junction or root. An angle θ defined by the second ramps of the mating abutment surfaces and a line parallel to the rail or bottom pad of the half links ranges from about 45 to about 53.

Self-Aligning Cantilever Carrier
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US Patent:

61170410, Sep 12, 2000
Filed:

Jun 11, 1999
Appl. No.:

9/330947
Inventors:

Bennett W. Avery - Princeville IL
Laurence J. Cobb - Peoria IL
Valerie R. Wiest - Peoria IL
Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc. - Peoria IL
International Classification:

F16H 344
US Classification:

475347
Abstract:

A planetary gear set is disclosed that includes self-aligning carrier shafts for the planetary gears that greatly reduces the wear to the carrier shaft caused by torque-induced loads on the planetary gear set. The carrier shaft includes a first cantilevered member extending from a carrier deck, which is connected, to a second cantilevered member that extends toward the carrier deck. A bearing member of the planetary gear is mounted to the second cantilevered member and the planetary gear is mounted to the bearing member. Under a torque-induced load on the planetary gear, the first cantilevered member is deflected in a first direction and the second cantilevered member is deflected in a second direction opposite the first direction, thus a carrier shaft designed in accordance with the present invention enables offsetting deflections under torque-induced loads leading to a reduction in the wear of the bearing member and the carrier shaft. The disclosed carrier shaft further permits a planetary gear system that utilizes a single carrier deck rather than dual carrier decks.