Abstract: A steering console for tractors providing digital readout displays activated by a keyboard strategically located within easy finger reach of the operator. A multitude of vital tractor functions are automatically continuously monitored and, simply by touch of appropriate colored switch pads on the keyboard, the operator at will changes the digital displays to the different functions he desires to read. In one preferred embodiment thereof, my invention forms part of a unitary tilt-telescope steering wheel arrangement and displays dual digital readouts, such as of the ground speed and engine speed for being viewed for comparison side by side and simultaneously in the console.

Abstract: Tractor with speed-responsive circuit-interrupting switch for automatically dousing, at night, flood work lamps provided in a lighting circuit on the tractor. Switching is controlled according to a microcomputer chip program by which frequency of a ground speed transducer is compared with the speed limit speeds pre-assigned to an intermediate tractor speed range; thus deluminizing occurs, necessarily on the highest side, at one speed commonly associated with highway rate of travel whereas, on the lower side, the switching effective to reconnect and relight the lamps is at a materially different desired speed of the tractor.

Abstract: Tractor bogie suspension with steering and weight transfer control, effective to pitch such a front-steered machine as to convert from a non-all-wheel drive, three axle operation to an all-wheel-drive, two axle operation, doing so both automatically and on the go.

Abstract: A tractor vehicle (10) is provided with a heat exchanger (64) compartment supplied with ambient air from an intake grille (24) above the heat exchanger compartment. The intake grille (24) covers a top air intake port for supplying air to a heat exchanger (64). Ambient air is drawn through the intake grille (24) and through the heat exchanger (64) by a fan (50) which discharges through a front grille (40).

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid shield and diverter encompassing the multiple disc clutch transmitting torque from input shaft to an output shaft, intensifying the cooling effect of the hydraulic fluid passing through the clutch and also reducing aeration of the fluid entering the vehicle hydraulic system.

Abstract: A steerable and height adjustable light pod comprising a multi-directional light emitting means is mounted atop a vehicle guide wheel for synchronous angular movement therewith.

Abstract: A tractor vehicle transmission is provided with a two piston brake where each piston operates in opposite directions. A pair of gears are spaced apart and the brake resides between them. Thus upon actualization the brake will contact each gear causing retardation of the gear, its attendant shaft, and the transmission as a whole allowing simpler shifting of the transmission.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower has an offset between a housing rim sheet and discharge conduit outer wall. A vertical panel attached to the rim sheet guides the feed material into the silo pipe center portion without contacting the conduit outer wall and discharge duct. An air inlet for secondary air flow is provided in this offset to supplement the principal air flow entering through material feed inlet into the blower and to provide an air cushion between the air-borne material and outer wall, as well as the initial portion of the discharge duct.

Abstract: A park lock interlock control system preventing the shifting of the vehicle transmission in gear positions when the drive train park lock is engaged. A two part interlock system comprises a park lock control including a crossover shaft and a transmission shift lever connected with a plate having a slot. The shaft projecting through the slot is able to rotate, thereby engaging or disengaging the drive train park lock, only when the shift lever is put in a neutral position, thus preventing an accidental transmission engagement in gear when the park lock is actuated.

Abstract: An indicator system connected with a guide wheels steering hydraulic cylinder and informing a vehicle operator about the guide wheel angular position relative to the vehicle rectilinear travel direction under any weather, terrain or light conditions. Right and left contact plates located along one selection of the outer surface of the cylinder are contacted by a contact arm moving with the piston rod of the cylinder. Since the rod reciprocates depending on the direction of turning the contact is used to complete a circuit lighting a left or right turn lamp, thus indicating when a predetermined turn angle is exceeded in either direction.

Abstract: In a centrifugal blower used for conveyance of certain materials, a self-regulating air inlet assembly which automatically adjusts the amount of secondary air flow according to the needs of the blower, thereby supplementing the principal air flow and stabilizing the air flow in the discharge duct.

Abstract: A gear clutch for selective locking engagement of the coupling element with a corresponding gear comprises a rocker reciprocably pivoting on a coupling element and movable therewith. The rocker alternately interlocks with related gears via shifting and spring means operatively interconnected therewith.

Abstract: A dynamic brake mount assembly is disposed within the fluid filled chamber and comprising a brake housing immobilizingly supported by an actuator mechanism housing on one side and by support elements attached to a chamber casing on the other side.

Abstract: A rotary valve having a hollow spool with a metering notch rotatable on a sleeve which is pressed into a valve body, the sleeve having an opening selectively and progressively alignable with said notch. A thrust needle bearing is trapped between a shoulder on the spool and a cap threaded into the valve body. A passage freely transmits pressure inside said hollow spool to the side of the bearing opposite said shoulders to reduce the thrust force imposed on said bearing.

Abstract: A composite metallic and refractory article and a method for manufacturing the article is described in which a metallic layer is partially adsorbed within a refractory layer, such as a ceramic layer. The density of the refractory layer increases as it extends away from the metallic layer. The composite is formed by forcing a molten metal under pressure into the pore structure of the refractory layer. Conveniently, a desired internal shape of the finished product is achieved by using a male mold portion to supply the required pressure and to simultaneously form the article having a desired internal cavity. The application of pressure continues long enough to allow the molten metal to become sufficiently adsorbed within the porous refractory layer. When the composite solidifies, the male mold portion is withdrawn from the finished article. In one embodiment the article formed is a piston having a heat resistant ceramic cap combined with an aluminum body.

Abstract: An adjustable drawbar, which is capable of longitudinal adjustment to accommodate implements having power lines of different lengths, having a hitch pin hole at one end to permit attachment of an implement and a plurality of bores through its other end. A bracket having aligned apertures is affixed to the tractor and supports the other end of the drawbar. A pin carried by a bell crank assembly mounted on the tractor is movable by means of a control rod between an adjust position in which the pin is extracted from at least one of said apertures and a hold position in which the pin extends through both apertures and an aligned one of the plurality of bores.

Abstract: A tractor vehicle transmission is provided with a two piston brake where each piston operates in opposite directions. A gear is located adjacent the brake which is located in proximity to a wall of the transmission. Thus upon actuation the brake wall contact the gear causing retardation of the gear, its attendant shaft, and the transmission as a whole allowing simpler shifting of the transmission. The piston force against the brake is opposed by a second piston having a spacer means that contacts the transmission wall upon actuation.

Abstract: A claw hitch for a lower link of a three point tractor linkage comprising a self-locking mechanism with over-center spring biased lever lockingly engageable with a ball of an implement coupling rod.

Abstract: A probe mount assembly for a brake wear warning system comprising a probe electrically connected with a warning signal electric circuit and supported by and electrically insulated from one of friction plates by a nonrotatable bushing and a spacer disposed on the opposite sides of said one friction plate.