Chris I Peralta

US Patent:

7963014, Jun 21, 2011

Filed:

Aug 7, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/537819

Inventors:

Edwin Bradberry - Cliff NM, US
Chris Peralta - Mule Creek NM, US
Leeland Boday - Morenci AZ, US

Assignee:

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. - Phoenix AZ

International Classification:

B23P 6/00
B62D 55/14
F16C 35/00

US Classification:

2940208, 2940209, 294011, 2940212, 2940213, 2940214, 2940216

Abstract:

A method for retrofitting a piece of equipment having a flexible track assembly is disclosed and may include disassembling an existing idler shaft from an idler gear and from at least one bearing block attached to the piece of equipment. The method may also include attaching a sleeve within the opening of the idler gear. A new idler shaft may then be positioned within an opening of at least one of the bearing blocks and within an opening in the sleeve. The new idler shaft and idler gear being configured such that the new idler shaft, idler gear, and sleeve rotate together. The method may then include placing at least one bushing liner within the opening of at least one bearing block and attaching a retaining device to at least one end of the new idler shaft to retain the new idler shaft axially.

US Patent:

20070096559, May 3, 2007

Filed:

Oct 18, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/252894

Inventors:

Edwin Bradberry - Cliff NM, US
Leeland Boday - Morenci AZ, US
Chris Peralta - Mule Creek NM, US

International Classification:

B62D 55/14

US Classification:

305136000

Abstract:

An idler assembly is disclosed for a shovel having a flexible track assembly. In an embodiment, the idler assembly comprises an idler gear operatively associated with the track assembly; a sleeve; a shaft, sets of splines on the shaft and on the sleeve sized for engagement, and connectors at ends of the shaft; at least one bearing block forming a bore therethrough; at least one bushing liner disposed within at least one bearing block; and at least one retaining device for constraining the shaft from withdrawal from the bearing block. A method for retrofitting a shovel with an existing idler assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method comprises positioning at least one bushing liner within a bore of at least one bearing block; attaching an idler shaft and an idler gear together; and positioning the idler shaft within the at least one bushing liner.