RETREADED TRACKS

Field of the Disclosure

[0001] The invention relates generally to buffing methods and apparatus for manufacturing retreaded tracks.

Background

[0002] Tracks are essentially belts with a tread pattern defined on an outer surface thereof. Tracks are used in various industrial or military equipment, for example bob cats, excavators, cranes, drillers, etc. The industrial or military equipment can ride on the tracks which provide enhanced grip on unpaved terrains (e.g., loose sand or gravel on an excavation or construction site) and ability to maneuver on highly irregular terrains. Generally tracks include a plurality of track shoes positioned on an inner surface of the track. The track is mounted on a plurality of track wheels of the equipment. The track shoes can engage corresponding protrusions (e.g., protrusion or teeth) defined on the track wheels. The protrusions engage the track shoes as the track wheels rotate, thereby causing the track to rotate around the track wheels with minimal or no slip.

[0003] Commonly used tracks are formed from rubber (e.g., vulcanized rubber or reinforced rubber) or any other strong polymer. The treads defined on the outer surface of the track wear over repeated use. Generally, used tracks are replaced with new tracks. Since new tracks are relatively expensive, this adds a significant maintenance cost.

Summary

[0004] In some embodiments, an apparatus for buffing a track may include a first wheel rotatable about a first rotation axis. First wheel rim flanges may be positioned on opposite sides of the first wheel and have a first wheel rim surface between the opposing first wheel rim flanges. The first wheel rim surface may be configured to receive a track including track shoes positioned on an inner side of a base portion of the track. The first wheel rim flanges may be configured to receive the base portion of the track around a portion of a first wheel

circumference of the first wheel. The first wheel may have a first wheel diameter. The apparatus may also include a second wheel displaced from the first wheel and rotatable about a second rotation axis. The second wheel may also include second wheel rim flanges positioned on opposite sides of the second wheel and a second wheel rim surface between the opposing second wheel rim flanges. The second wheel rim surface may be configured to receive the track including track shoes positioned on an inner side of the base portion of the track. The second wheel rim flanges may be configured to receive the base portion of the track around a portion of a second wheel circumference of the second wheel. The second wheel may have a second wheel diameter that is smaller than the first wheel diameter. A width between the first wheel rim flanges measured between inward facing surfaces of the opposing first wheel rim flanges may be adjustable. Furthermore, the second wheel may be movable relative to the first wheel so as to adjust a distance between the first rotation axis of the first wheel and the second rotation axis of the second wheel.

[0005] In some embodiments, a track buffing apparatus may include a first wheel rotatable about a first rotation axis of the first wheel. The firs wheel may include first wheel rim flanges positioned on opposite ends of the first wheel that may be configured to receive a first portion of a track positionable on the first wheel rim flanges around a portion of a first wheel circumference of the first wheel. A second wheel may be displaced from the first wheel. The second wheel may be rotatable about a second rotation axis of the second wheel. A second portion of the track may be positionable around a portion of a second wheel circumference of the second wheel. The track buffing apparatus may also include a rasp. The rasp may be configured to selectively contact and buff treads positioned on an outer surface of the track positioned around the first wheel circumference of the first wheel. A width between the first wheel rim flanges, which may be measured between inward facing surfaces of the opposing first wheel rim flanges, may be adjustable so as to secure the track. Furthermore, the second wheel may be movable relative to the first wheel so as to adjust a distance between the first rotation axis of the first wheel and the second rotation axis of the second wheel so as to correspond to a length of the track.

[0006] In some embodiments, a method for manufacturing a retreaded track may include positioning a first portion of a track around a portion of a first wheel circumference of a first wheel. The track may include a base portion, a plurality of track shoes positioned on an inner surface of the base portion and treads defined on an outer surface of the base portion. The first wheel may include first wheel rim flanges positioned on opposite sides of the first wheel and a first wheel rim surface between the opposing first wheel rim flanges. The positioning may include positioning a first portion of the plurality of track shoes of the track on the first wheel rim surface between the opposing first wheel rim flanges. A width between the inner surfaces of the first wheel rim flanges may be adjusted so that outer portions of the base portion of the track are positioned on the opposing first wheel flanges. A second portion of the track may be positioned around a portion of a second wheel circumference of a second wheel. The second wheel may be displaced relative to the first wheel so as to adjust a distance therebetween to provide tension on the track. At least one of the first wheel and the second wheel may be rotated so as to cause the track to traverse about the first wheel and the second wheel. A rasp may be positioned in contact with the outer surface of the base portion of the track passing over the first wheel.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0007] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several

implementations in accordance with the disclosure and are therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings. [0008] FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a track buffing machine in a first configuration according to an embodiment; FIG. IB is a schematic illustration of the track buffing machine of FIG. 1A in a second configuration.

[0009] FIG. 2A is schematic illustration of a first wheel and a second wheel included in the track buffing machine of FIGS. 1A-1B with a track mounted thereon; FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2A shown by the arrow AA in FIG. 2A; and FIG. 2C is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2A shown by the arrow BB in FIG. 2A.

[0010] FIG. 3A is a side view of an embodiment of a first wheel for use in the track buffing machine of FIGS. 1A-1B in a first configuration; FIG. 3B is a side view of the first wheel of FIG. 3 A in a second configuration.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a first wheel for use in the track buffing machine of FIGS. 1A-B.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a side view of yet another embodiment of a first wheel for use in the track buffing machine of FIGS. 1A-B.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a second wheel for use in the track buffing machine of FIGS. 1A-1B

[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a mechanism for displacing the second wheel of the track buffing machine of FIGS. 1A-1B relative to the first wheel.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram of a process for buffing a track, according to an embodiment.

[0016] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings throughout the following detailed description. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative implementations described in the detailed

description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other implementations may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made part of this disclosure.

Detailed Description

[0017] FIGS. 1A and IB are schematic illustrations of a track buffing machine 100 according to an embodiment. The machine 100 may be configured to buff a track 102 including a base portion 104. A plurality of treads (e.g., treads 107 shown in FIGS. 2A-C) may be positioned on an outer surface 103 of the base portion 104 of the track 102 and plurality of track shoes 106 may be positioned on an inner surface 105 of the track 102. The treads can include any suitable tread pattern to be buffed so that a new tread can be coupled to the outer surface 103 of the track 102 (e.g., bonded, fused, etc.). This allows track 102 (e.g., a vulcanized track) to be

reconstituted, thereby providing significant cost savings to a user. The plurality of track shoes 106 can include protrusions, teeth, grooves, etc. In some embodiments the track shoes 106 can be equally spaced on the inner surface 103 of the track 102. As shown, the machine 100 maybe a standalone dedicated machine for buffing tracks (e.g., the track 102) prior to a retreading operation, or may be part of a retreading machine that can perform other operations, such as installing a new track on a plurality of wheels or gears of an equipment (e.g., an excavator, a crane, a bull dozer, etc.), or the like.

[0018] The track buffing machine 100 may include a first wheel 150 and a second wheel 160 displaced from the first wheel 150. FIG. 3 A shows a side view of the first wheel 150, according to an embodiment. The first wheel 150 may include a first wheel rim portion 152 rotatable about a first rotation axis of the first wheel 150. In some embodiments, a first wheel rim surface 155 of the first wheel rim portion 152 may provide a substantially circular curvature.

[0019] A set of first wheel rim flanges 154 may be positioned on opposite sides of the first wheel rim portion 152 of the first wheel 150. A first portion of the plurality of track shoes 106 may be positionable on the first wheel rim surface 155 of the first wheel rim portion 152 between the opposing first wheel rim flanges 154. In various embodiments, a plurality of teeth (not shown) can be positioned on the first wheel rim surface 155. The teeth can be configured to engage corresponding track shoes 106 of the plurality of track shoes 106, to prevent slipping of the track 102 on the first wheel rim surface 155 as the track 102 traverses over the first wheel 150.

[0020] Each of the first wheel rim flanges 154 may have a first wheel flange height H _F measured from the first wheel rim surface 155 to an outer edge of the first wheel rim flange 154. In some embodiments, the first wheel rim flange height Hp corresponds to a height H _TS of the plurality of track shoes 106. Therefore, when the first portion of the plurality of track shoes 106 is positioned on the first wheel rim surface 155, at least a portion of the base portion 104 may be positioned above the first wheel rim flanges 154, for example on an outer circumference of the first wheel rim flanges 154 when the opposing first wheel rim flanges 154 are positioned adjacent to corresponding sidewalls of the plurality of track shoes 106.

[0021] A first wheel rim width of the first wheel rim portion 152 measured between inward facing surfaces 153 of the first wheel rim flanges 154 may be adjustable. This facilitates securing of tracks having various widths between the opposing first wheel rim flanges 154. Any suitable mechanism can be used to adjust the first wheel rim width. For example, FIG. 3A shows the first wheel 150 in a first configuration in which first wheel rim portion 152 has an initial first wheel rim width W _R I greater than a width of the track shoes 106.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3 A, the first wheel rim portion 152 may include a first segment 152a and a second segment 152b axially movable relative to the first segment 152a along the first rotation axis in a direction shown by the arrow B so as to adjust the first wheel rim width. For example, FIG. 3B shows the first wheel 150 in a second configuration. In the second configuration, the second segment 152b of the first wheel rim portion 152 may be moved proximal to the first segment 152a so that the first wheel rim portion 152 has an adjusted first wheel rim width W _R2 , smaller than the initial first wheel rim width W _R I. The adjusted first wheel rim width W _R2 may correspond to the width of the plurality of track shoes 106.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second segment 152b may include a plurality of threads 158 defined on the portion of the first wheel rim surface 155 included in the second segment 152b. The threads 158 may be structured to engage mating grooves defined on an inner surface of the first segment 152a of the first wheel rim portion 152. To adjust the first wheel rim width, the second segment 152b and/or the first segment 152a may be rotated about the first rotation axis. This axially displaces the first segment 152a relative to the second segment 152b so as to adjust the first wheel rim width.

[0024] For example, in the first configuration shown in FIG. 3A, the first segment 152a may have the initial first wheel rim width W _R I larger than the width of the plurality of track shoes 106 of the track 102. A portion of the track 102 may be positioned on the first wheel rim surface 155 so that the plurality of track shoes 106 are positioned between the opposing first wheel flanges 154. The second segment 152b may then be rotated in a first direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) to axially move the second segment 152b, and thereby the corresponding first wheel flange 154 coupled thereto, proximal to the first segment 152a and the corresponding flange segment 154 coupled to the first segment 152b. This may decrease the distance between the opposing first wheel flanges 154 until the first wheel rim portion 152 has the adjusted first wheel rim width W _R2 corresponding to the width of the plurality of track shoes 106. In some embodiments, to remove the track 102 from the first wheel 150, the second segment 152b may be rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction (e.g., a counter clockwise direction) to move the second segment 152b distal to the first segment 152a. This increases the first wheel rim width, thereby facilitating removal of the track 102 from the first wheel 150.

[0025] In some embodiments, a clamp 170 may be positioned on the first segment 152a and/or the second segment 152b. The clamp 170 may be structured to be selectively engaged to prevent axial displacement of the second segment 152b of the first wheel rim portion 152 relative to the first segment 152a. The clamp 170 may include any suitable clamping mechanism, for example a band clamp, a screw clamp, pins, screws, nuts, lock nuts, spring clamp, set screw or any other suitable clamp. Once the first wheel rim width has been adjusted to the adjusted first wheel rim width W _R2 , the clamp 170 may be engaged to prevent any further movement of the second segment 152b relative to the first segment 152a during the buffing operation.

[0026] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a first wheel 450 having an adjustable width which can be used in the track buffing machine 100 of FIG. 1A. The first wheel 450 may include a first wheel rim portion 452 including a first segment 452a and a second segment 452b. First wheel rim flanges 454 may be positioned on opposite ends of the first wheel rim portion 452. A plurality of track shoes 106 of the track 102 may be positionable over a first wheel rim surface 455 of the first wheel rim portion 452. The second segment 452b may be axially movable relative to the first segment 452a along a first rotation axis of the first wheel 450 in a direction shown by the arrow D so that first wheel rim width W _R of the first wheel rim portion 152 measured between inward facing surfaces 453 of the opposing flange segments 452 is adjustable.

[0027] The first segment 452a of the first wheel rim portion 452 may provide a channel 484 on a portion of the first wheel rim surface 155 included in the first segment 452a. A plurality of slots 486 may be positioned orthogonal to the channel 488, for example, at an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 135 degrees (e.g., 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130 or 135 degrees inclusive of all ranges and values therebetween). A protrusion 488 on the second segment 452b on the portion of the first wheel rim portion 452 may be included in the second segment 452b.

[0028] The protrusion 488 may be positioned in the channel 484. As the second segment 452b may be displaced relative to the first segment 452a, the protrusion 488 can slide within the channel 484 so that the opposing ends of the channel 484 affect the extent of the travel of the protrusion 488 and, thereby the second segment 452b relative to the first segment 452a.

Furthermore, the protrusion 488 may be removably positionable in at least one of the slots 486 of the plurality of slots 486. [0029] For example, once the first wheel rim width WR of the first wheel rim portion 452 has been adjusted to correspond to the width of the plurality of track shoes 106, the second segment 452b and/or the first segment 452a may be rotated so that the protrusion 488 slides into a slot 486 of the plurality of slots 486 corresponding to the adjusted width WR. The slot 488 may restrict axial movement of the protrusion 488 and, thereby the second segment 452b relative to the first segment 452a. In some embodiments, a clamp 470 can also be positioned on the first segment 452a and/or the second segment 452b. The clamp 470 can be engaged after adjustment of the first wheel rim width WR to limit any axial displacement of the second segment 452b relative to the first segment 452a. The clamp 470 can be substantially similar to the clamp 170 described with respect to first wheel 150 of FIGS. 3 A and 3B and, therefore not described in further detail herein.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a first wheel 350 having an adjustable width which can be used in the track buffing machine 100 of FIG. 1 A. The first wheel 350 may include an inner first wheel rim portion 352 and an outer first wheel rim portion 356 positioned on opposite ends of the inner first wheel rim portion 352. A plurality of track shoes 106 of the track 102 may be positionable over an inner first wheel rim surface 355 of the inner first wheel rim portion 352. A first height Ho of the outer first wheel rim portion 356 measured from the inner first wheel rim surface 355 to an outer first wheel rim surface 359 of the outer first wheel rim portion 356 may be substantially the same as a height H _T s of the track shoes 106.

Furthermore, an inner first wheel rim portion width WRI of the inner first wheel rim portion 352 measured between inward facing surfaces 357 of the outer first wheel rim portion 356 can be adjusted (e.g., using a similar mechanism described with respect to the first wheel 150 or 450) to correspond to a width WTS of the track shoes 106.

[0031] Because the first height Ho of the outer first wheel rim portion 356 may be about the same as the height HTS of the track shoes 106, the base portion 104 of the track 102 extending outwardly of the track shoes 106 may be positioned on an outer first wheel rim surface 359 of the outer first wheel rim portion 356. A set of first flange segments 354 may be positioned on the outer ends of the outer first wheel rim portions 356 relative to the inner first wheel rim portion 352. A height Hp of the first wheel rim flanges 354 measured from the outer first wheel rim surface 359 to an outer edge of the first wheel rim flanges 354 can be the same or different than a height H _B of the base portion 104 positioned on the outer first wheel rim surface 359.

Furthermore, an outer first wheel rim width W _RO of the outer first wheel rim portion 356 measured between opposing inward facing surfaces of the first wheel rim flanges 354 can be substantially equal to (e.g., + 10%) or greater than a width W _B of the base portion 104 when the inner first wheel rim width W _R I is adjusted to be substantially equal to the width W _TS of the track shoes 106.

[0032] Referring back to FIG. 1A, the second wheel 160 may be displaced from the first wheel 150 and rotatable about a second rotation axis. A second portion of the plurality of track shoes 106 may be positionable around a portion of a second wheel circumference of the second wheel 160. FIG. 6 shows a side view of the second wheel 160 of FIG. 1A, according to an embodiment. The second wheel 160 may include a second wheel rim portion 162 rotatable about a second rotation axis. Second wheel rim flanges 164 may be positioned on opposite ends of the second wheel rim portion 162. The second wheel rim flanges 164 provide a height h which is substantially equal to the height H _T s of the track shoes 106 so that the second portion of the track shoes 106 may be positionable around the second wheel circumference on a second wheel rim surface 155 between the opposing second wheel flanges 164.

[0033] In some embodiments, a second wheel rim width w of the second wheel rim portion 152 measured between inward facing surfaces 163 of the opposing second wheel flanges 164 may be fixed. The second wheel rim width w may be larger than the width of the track shoes 106 and configured to accommodate track shoes 106 having any commonly used width. In some embodiments, the fixed second wheel rim width w may correspond to track shoes 106 of a track having a particular width. In such embodiments, a second wheel 160 having a suitable second wheel rim width w corresponding to the width of the track shoes 106 of a particular track which is being buffed may be installed on the track buffing machine 100 to accommodate the track shoes of that particular track. [0034] In some embodiments, the second wheel rim width w of the second wheel may be adjustable. For example, the second wheel 160 may include a second wheel rim portion 162 having a first segment and a second segment, threads, channels, slots and/or protrusions as described with respect to the first wheel 150, 350 and 450 respectively to adjust the second wheel rim width w thereof.

[0035] The second wheel 160 may be movable relative to the first wheel 150 as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 1A, so as to allow adjusting of a distance between the first rotation axis of the first wheel 150 and the second rotation axis of the second wheel 160. Adjusting the distance between the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160 may allow mounting of tracks having various circumferential lengths about the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160. For example FIG. 1A shows the track 102 mounted about the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160. The track 102 has a first circumferential length and the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160 which may be separated by a first distance corresponding to the first circumferential length of the track 102.

[0036] FIG. IB is another schematic illustration of the track buffing machine 100 having a second track 102b mounted thereon. The second track 102b has a second circumferential length which may be smaller than the first circumferential length of the track 102. The distance between the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160 may be reduced to correspond to the smaller second circumferential length of the second track 102b. In this manner, tracks having various lengths may be mounted on the track buffing machine 100 to perform the buffing operation thereon.

[0037] In some embodiments, the distance between the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160 may be adjusted so as to produce a predetermined tension in the track 102. The

predetermined tension may be selected so that the portion of the track 102 positioned over the first wheel 150 is sufficiently taut about the first wheel 150, for example to prevent slipping during rotation about the first wheel 150 during buffing. [0038] Any suitable mechanism can be used to adjust the distance between first rotation axis of the first wheel 150 and the second rotation axis of the second wheel 160. In some

embodiments, the second wheel 160 may be mounted on a pivot arm 170 as shown in FIGS. 1A. A first end of the pivot arm 170 may be pivotally mounted on a hinge 172 and the second end of the pivot arm 170 may be coupled to the second wheel 160. The first end of the pivot arm 170 may be movable about the hinge 172 so that the second end of the pivot arm 170 and, thereby the second wheel 170 rotate about the first end to urge the second wheel 160 proximal or distal relative to the first wheel 150 as shown by the arrow A.

[0039] In some embodiments, the pivot arm 170 may be manually movable to adjust the distance between the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160. In some embodiments, a motor (e.g., a servo motor) may be coupled to the hinge 172. The motor may be operatively coupled to a controller 112 via a pivot arm control conduit 149 (e.g., an electrical wire or a wireless connection such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, or any other suitable connection). The controller 112 may be configured to control the distance between the rotation axis of the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160 to correspond to a circumferential length of the track 102 in an automated fashion.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a mechanism for moving the second wheel 160 relative to the first wheel 150. The second wheel 160 may be mounted on a pin 272 slidable in a slot 274. The pin 272 may be operatively coupled to a lead screw, a rack and pinion assembly or any other suitable mechanism for laterally moving the pin 272 and, thereby the second wheel 160 coupled thereto along the slot 274 proximal or distal relative to the first wheel 150. While FIG. 7 shows the pin 272 positioned in a slot, in some embodiments the slot 274 may be excluded.

[0041] FIG. 2A shows a portion of the track buffing machine 100 showing the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160 with the track 102 mounted thereon. A plurality of treads 107 may be positioned on the outer surface 103 of the base portion 104 of the track 102. The first wheel 150 has a first diameter dl which may be substantially larger than a second diameter d2 of the second wheel 160. This may provide certain benefits. For example, the smaller diameter d2 of the second wheel 160 may allow the second wheel 160 to be moved close to the first wheel 150 without interference between the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160 allowing flexibility in mounting tracks of various lengths on the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160.

[0042] Furthermore, the larger first diameter dl of the first wheel 150 spreads the treads 107 of the track 102 over a larger circumference, which may present a smoother curvature of the track 102 to the rasp 118 about the first wheel 150 for smoother buffing. For example, FIG. 2B shows an enlarged view of the portion of the first wheel 150 shown by the arrow AA in FIG. 2A showing the treads 107 spread in a smooth curvature over the larger first diameter dl first wheel 150. FIG. 2C shows an enlarged view of a portion of the second wheel 160 shown by the arrow BB in FIG. 2A. The smaller diameter d2 of the second wheel 160 may cause the treads 107 positioned on the second wheel 160 to spread apart. This may cause the outer surface 103 of the second portion of the track 102 positioned on the second wheel 160 to have a relatively rough curvature over the second wheel 160 compared to the first portion of the track 102 positioned over the first wheel 150.

[0043] If the first diameter dl of the first wheel 150 is reduced, for example to be equal to the second diameter d2 of the second wheel 160, the first portion of the track 102 positioned on the first wheel 150 may also have the rough curvature shown in FIG. 2B. This may be unsuitable for buffing as it may cause removal of portions of the track 102 between the treads 107 during the buffing operation, which can damage the base portion 104. Thus, having a larger first diameter dl first wheel 150 may provide a smooth circular curvature for buffing the first portion of the track 102 passing over the first wheel 150. Furthermore, the smaller second diameter d2 second wheel 160 may allow the second wheel 160 to be moved closer relative to the first wheel 150 for mounting tracks having a wider range of circumferential lengths to be mounted on the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160.

[0044] During operation, the first wheel 150 may rotate at a constant angular rate of rotation, for example, 60-90 revolutions per minute (RPM), but may also rotate at a variable speed. This may cause the track 102 to traverse about the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160. An electric motor 106 may be connected to a hub 108 of the first wheel 150 to provide the rotation of the first wheel 102, but any other type of rotary actuator may be used, such as hydraulically or pneumatically powered motors, or even mechanical arrangements providing a rotating output. As shown, the hub 108 may include timing features that are picked up by an angular

displacement encoder 110 associated with the machine 100. A control signal of the motor 106 may be provided by an electronic controller 112 via a motor control conduit 114, while information indicative of the rotation of the hub 108 and, thereby the first wheel 150 may be provided to the controller 112 by the encoder 110 via a rotation information conduit 116.

[0045] The machine 100 may further include a buffing tool or rasp 118. The rasp 118 may be any device capable of cutting material from the track 102 as it traverses over the first wheel 150. In an example embodiment, the rasp 118 can include a laminated steel drum having saw teeth arranged around its outer cylindrical surface.

[0046] Along with other configurations, the rasp 118 may be connected to the machine 100 at the end of an arm 122. A rasp rpm sensor 132 may be communicatively coupled to the rasp motor 130 and the electronic controller 112 via rasp rpm conduit 134, and configured to provide information on rasp 118 rotational speed to the electronic controller 112. The position of the arm 122 and of the rasp 118 relative to the track 102 may be adjusted by a rasp actuator 124. The rasp actuator 124 may position a rasp head of the rasp 118 to sweep a circular arc across a face of the track 102 at a radius. A force thus derived may be caused by the interference between a face of the rasp 118 and the outer surface 103 of the track 102 being buffed. While a particular configuration of the arm 122, rasp actuator 124, and other parts of a cutting assembly are shown in FIGS. 1A and IB, any other suitable cutting assembly or arrangement can be included in the track buffing machine 100. This pressing or normal force effects removal of material from the track 102 and may be carried out in response to command signals provided by the electronic controller 112 via a rasp actuator control conduit 125 [0047] The electronic controller 112 may be communicatively coupled to an operation panel 142 via an input panel conduit 148. The input panel 142 may include an input device 146 (e.g., an alphanumeric keyboard, switches, buttons, etc.) and a display 144. A user can input commands, for example rasp 118 cutting depth, first wheel 150 rotation speed, tread pattern, etc. via the input device 146. A cutting depth sensor 136 which may include a small rotatable wheel may be positioned in contact with an outer surface of the track 102 via a depth sensor mounting arm 138. The cutting depth sensor 136 may be communicatively coupled to the electronic controller 112 via depth sensor conduit 141. While various sensors included in the buffing machine 100 are depicted as communicatively coupled to the electronic controller 112 via conduits, in other embodiments, each of the sensors, input panel 142 or otherwise electronic components may be wirelessly coupled to the electronic controller 112 (e.g., via Bluetooth ^® , Wi- Fi, or any other wireless communication protocol).

[0048] During a cutting operation, the rasp 118 may be driven by a rasp motor 130 in a counter-rotational direction relative to the track 102. The motor 130 may be controlled and monitored by the electronic controller 112 through a motor control conduit 131. When the rasp 118 is in position at the cutting depth 128 and the rasp motor 130 is operating, material may be removed from the outer portion of the track 102 as the teeth or other cutting mechanism of the rasp 118 are pressed against the outer surface 103 of the track 102.

[0049] FIG. 9 is a schematic flow diagram of a method 500 for buffing tracks according to an embodiment. The track (e.g., the track 102 or 102b) may include a base portion (e.g., the base portion 104). A plurality of track shoes (e.g., the track shoes 106) may be positioned on an inner surface of the base portion and a plurality of treads (e.g., the treads 107) may be disposed on an outer surface of the base portion.

[0050] The method 600 includes positioning a first portion of the track around a portion of a first wheel circumference of a first wheel at 502. For example, the first portion of the track 102 may be positioned over the first wheel circumference of the first wheel 150, 350 or 450. The first wheel (e.g., the first wheel 150, 350 or 450) may include a first wheel rim portion (e.g., the first wheel rim portion 152, 352 or 452) rotatable about a first rotation axis of the first wheel. First wheel rim flanges (e.g., the first wheel flanges 154, 354 or 454) may be positioned on opposite sides of the first wheel. The positioning may include positioning a first portion of the plurality of track shoes (e.g., the track shoes 162) on a first wheel rim surface (e.g., the first wheel rim surface 155, 355 or 455) of the first wheel (e.g., the first wheel 150, 250 or 450) between the opposing first wheel rim flanges.

[0051] A first wheel rim width of the first wheel rim portion of the first wheel may be adjusted at 504. For example, once the first portion of the track 102 or 102b is positioned on the first wheel rim surface 150, 350 or 350, the first wheel rim width may be adjusted (e.g., reduced) so as to secure the first portion of the track 102 between the opposing first wheel flanges 154, 354 or 454, as described herein. In some embodiments in which the first wheel includes a clamp, the clamp may be engaged after adjusting the first wheel rim width at 506. For example, the first wheel 150, 350 or 450 includes the clamp 170, 370 or 470 operatively coupled thereto, as described herein. The clamp 170, 370 or 270 may be selectively engaged after adjusting the first wheel rim width so as to prevent any subsequent change in the first wheel rim width of the first wheel 150, 350 or 450.

[0052] A second portion of the track may be positioned around a portion of a second wheel circumference of a second wheel at 508. For example, a second portion of the track 102 or 102b may be positioned around a portion of the second wheel circumference of the second wheel 160 included in the track buffing machine 100. The track 102 or 102b may be positioned so that a second portion of the track shoes 106 included in the track 102 or 102b is positioned on a second wheel rim surface 165 of the second wheel 160.

[0053] In some embodiments, the second wheel (e.g., the second wheel 160) may include a second wheel rim portion (e.g., the second wheel rim portion 162) rotatable about the second rotation axis. A plurality of second wheel flanges (e.g., the second wheel flanges 164) may be positioned on opposite ends of the second wheel rim portion (e.g., the second wheel rim portion 162) so that at least a portion of the plurality of track shoes may be positionable between the second wheel flanges (e.g., the second wheel flanges 164).

[0054] In some embodiments, a second wheel rim width measured between inward facing surfaces of the second wheel rim flanges (e.g., the second wheel flanges 164) may be fixed. In some embodiments, the second wheel rim width may be adjustable. In such embodiments, the method 500 can also include adjusting a width of the second wheel rim portion of the second wheel so as to secure the second portion of the track between the opposing second wheel rim flanges at 510. For example, the second wheel rim width of the second wheel may be adjusted (e.g., reduced) as described before herein so as to secure the second portion of the track 102 or 102b positioned on the second wheel rim surface 165 of the second wheel 160 between the opposing flanges 164. In some embodiment, a clamp (e.g., the clamp 170, 370 or 470) can also be operatively coupled to the second wheel (e.g., the second wheel 160). The clamp can be engaged after adjusting the second wheel rim width so as to prevent any subsequent change in the second wheel rim width of the second wheel 160.

[0055] The second wheel may be displaced relative to the first wheel so as to adjust a distance therebetween to correspond to a circumferential length of the track at 512. For example, the second wheel 160 may be moved distal from the first wheel 150 to correspond to a first circumferential length of the track 102. Conversely, the second wheel 160 may be moved proximal to the first wheel 150 to correspond to a second circumferential of the second track 102b which is smaller than the first circumferential length of the track 102. In some

embodiments, the distance between the second wheel (e.g., the second wheel 160) and the first wheel (e.g., the first wheel 150, 350 or 450) may be adjusted so as to produce a predetermined tension in the track (e.g., the track 102 or 102b).

[0056] At least one of the first wheel and the second wheel may be rotated at 514. For example, the motor 106 operatively coupled to the hub 108 of the first wheel 150 may cause the hub 108 and, thereby the first wheel 150 to rotate. The rotating may cause the first track 102 or 102b to traverse about the first wheel 150 and the second wheel 160. In some embodiments, the second wheel 160 may be free to rotate in response to the track 102 or 102b traversing due to the rotation of the first wheel 150.

[0057] A rasp may be positioned in contact with an outer surface of the base portion of the track passing over the first wheel circumference of the first wheel at 516. For example, the rasp 118 may be positioned in contact with the outer surface 103 of the track 102 or 102b traversing about the first wheel 150. As the rasp 118 may contact the outer surface 103 of the track 102 or 102b, the rasp 118 may buff the track 102 or 102b. In some embodiments, the rasp 118 may be rotated in an opposite direction to a direction of rotation of the first wheel 150 to facilitate the buffing operation. The rasp 118 may be moved proximal to first wheel 150 by a predetermined distance at predetermined intervals so as to progressively cut deeper into the treads 107 of the track 102 or 102b until the treads are removed. Once the treads are buffed, the track 102 or 102b may be removed from the first wheel 150 and the second wheel. New treads may then be affixed (e.g., glued, fused, bonded, etc.) to the outer surface 103 of the track 102 or 102b so that the track 102 or 102b may be reused.

[0058] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is

incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate and does not pose a limitation unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential. [0059] It should be noted that the term "example" as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples,

representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0060] The terms "coupled," "connected," and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

[0061] Variations of the embodiments described herein may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the embodiments to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications, embodiments and equivalents of the subject matter recited herein and in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein.

[0062] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Additionally, it should be understood that features from one embodiment disclosed herein may be combined with features of other embodiments disclosed herein as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a

subcombination.