Abstract: A drive chain for a variable speed transmission has two groups of links pivotally connected together by pivot pins lying on a pitch line. Drive pins are loosely received in each group of links, on a drive line spaced from the pitch line, for engagement with pulleys of a variable speed transmission.

Abstract: A unitary rectangular junction box module composed of a back rectangular base block molded from non-conductive material and having parallel bus bars laid edgewise in its front face and arranged lengthwise of its opposite side walls, the opposite ends of the bars terminating short of the outer surfaces of its end walls, in combination with a front rectangular block having a centrally disposed rectangular opening extending rearwardly therethrough, the marginal back face of the front block being laminated to the marginal borders of the front face of the back block to thereby lock the opposite ends of each bus bar between the block while leaving the intermediate bar segments accessible through said opening. The opening also may be used to telescopically receive selected unitary plug-in accessory modules for use with the junction box module.

Abstract: A multi-speed forward and reverse countershaft type power-shift transmission having speed clutches, forward and reverse clutches, housing compartments, a control valve attachment location and various related components arranged whereby the transmission is capable of being produced at relatively low cost and of conserving energy.

Abstract: A bearing take-up apparatus includes a rigid base having spaced upstanding walls between which a bearing housing having recesses in its upper surface is slidably received. A threaded screw having anchoring means rigidly secured on its ends and nuts intermediate its ends is lowered onto upper surfaces of the end walls with the nuts positioned to be received within the recesses while the anchoring means overhang the end walls. A cover is lowered over the screw and connecting means are provided for releasably connecting the cover to the end walls.

Abstract: A safety device for blocking out a portion of a transmission gear shift pattern to prevent a transmission gear shift lever from being inadvertently placed into a particular position. A spring-biased release latch is used to physically block off the gear position thereby preventing the gear shift lever from entering that position. In order to enter this gear position, the vehicle operator must first manually pivot the spring-biased latch. Upon removing the gearshift lever from this position after being placed therein, the release latch will spring back into place to again block off that gear position.

Abstract: An adjustable steering wheel and control lever console which is movable fore and aft of an operator about a pivot axis to a desired locked position. The console further provides a pivotal mounting of the steering wheel housing to allow the steering wheel to be adjusted independently of the console. Separate lock release mechanisms permit the operator to release the console or steering wheel from a locked position for the selected adjustable movement. Adjustability of the console and steering wheel is effected through manipulation of separate release devices.

Abstract: An adjustment device for automatically adjusting clearance between components of a brake mechanism including a movable member operable by a vehicle operator to move a braking member from a clearance position into contact with a rotating member. The adjustment device includes a threaded shaft having a portion operatively coupled to a tubular member by means of a clutch. As wear occurs in the brake mechanism, the clutch permits relative movement between the threaded shaft and the tubular member in a first direction of movement of the movable member, and transmits movement therebetween in a second direction of movement of the movable member to cause rotation of the threaded shaft and maintain a constant clearance.

Abstract: A mounting for a drive mechanism of an elevator used in a carry-type earthmoving scraper wherein the elevator assists in loading material into the scraper. The drive mechanism includes provision for absorbing torsional vibrations generated by flights of the elevator striking material being loaded and, coincident therewith, axial alignment is maintained between driving and driven members of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A control lever mechanism for controlling the operative position of a plurality of control valves of a hydraulic distributor by coupling movement of a control lever into selected motion of a pair of rotatable output shafts controlling operation of the valves. Movement of the control lever in planes extending in a longitudinal, transverse, or combination of these directions, is transmitted to the output shaft through interconnecting linkages employing a plurality of spherical joints. The control lever mechanism also includes provisions to protect the linkages from being adversely affected by the introduction of foreign substances such as dirt and other elements.

Abstract: A lock assembly for a transmission gear shift lever that uses a detent latch-type lock pivotably mounted to a support structure adjacent to the transmission gear shift lever. Upon rotation of the latch, a locking arm is mated with the gear shift lever thereby securing it in the neutral position. The lock functions primarily as a safety device to hold the gear shift lever of the vehicle's transmission in a neutral position thereby preventing damage or bodily injury that could occur if the shift lever is accidentally or unintentionally jarred thereby placing the transmission into gear.

Abstract: A pet feeding device composed of a horizontally upright serving container having an opening in its upper end and an inverted feed-supply container having an opening in its lower end, wherein the open ends are axially inserted in overlapped position and then attached to one another in response to relative movement between the containers transversely of the axes of insertion.A pair of tongue-and-groove assemblies or joints are employed to guide the containers during the relative transverse movement, the tongue component of each joint being integral with the overlapped end of one of the containers and the groove component integral with the proximate overlapped end of the other container. By moving the supply container transversely and rearwardly from its axially inserted position, the tongue components of the joints intermesh progressively mesh with the groove components until the supply container reaches its normal position of use at the rear portion of the serving container.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling the hydraulic suspension system of an articulated vehicle having a first pair of hydraulic cylinders operatively connected between a drive axle and a tractor frame to control vertical bounce movement of the axle, and a second pair of hydraulic cylinders operatively connected between a tractor and a trailer portion of the articulated vehicle for controlling relative roll movement therebetween. A first valve system directs hydraulic fluid under a first pressure to the head ends of the hydraulic cylinders for supporting the weight of the vehicle and load, and to dampen the bounce motion of the drive wheels and the relative roll motion between the tractor and trailer portions of the articulated vehicle. A gas precharged accumulator and a plurality of flow restrictors disposed in this portion of the circuit, control and spring and viscous damping rates of the cylinders.

Abstract: An earth moving machine having an improved mounting for a scraping blade attached thereto. The scraping blade of the machine herein disclosed is capable of undergoing independent or simultaneous rotational movement about three perpendicular axes and applying high forces to material to be moved. Movement about two of these axes is controlled by two separate pairs of hydraulic cylinders. A hydraulic actuator effects movement of the blade about a third axis and acts to transmit a part of the force applied to the blade during operation to the frame of the machine.

Abstract: A passive restraining apparatus for use in the administration to small animals of anaesthetics, intravenous fluids, and the like consisting of a housing for loosely confining the animal's body. The housing is provided with a front wall which has (1) an upper opening therein for releasably holding the animal's neck in substantially immobilized position while its head projects forwardly from the wall, and (2) at least one lower opening through which the animal's forelegs are adapted to project forwardly of the wall, the wrist portions of the forelegs being releasably held in immobilized positions by anchoring devices. A shield or platform vertically supports the projecting head for relatively free sidewise movement about the immobilized neck and in proximate spaced relation above the forelegs, thereby preventing access by the animal's head to its forelegs and providing a safety zone in which attendants may examine and treat the forelegs.

Abstract: A resilient rear suspension for graders for creating an impedance mismatched to attenuate the noise transmitted from the drive gears to the operator's compartment. A resilient elastomeric material is interposed between the axle housing and the suspension trunnion attached to the vehicle. The rear suspension further employs a backing ring to increase fore, aft and lateral stability of the axle with respect to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A vehicle performance sensor that monitors the operation of a vehicle and provides a shift point indicator to inform the vehicle operator when to shift the transmission. When the rotational output from the vehicle torque converter is not within the desired operating range of the transmission gearing, a signal will be generated to notify the operator by a visual indication that the transmission should be shifted and which gear should be selected.

Abstract: A single lever control system for controlling the operation of multiple functions. A single control lever is coupled through linkage to effect individual movement of a plurality of valve spools in a hydraulic system and is supported for movement in predetermined paths to effect operation of the controls for the hydraulic system. Movement of the control lever effects operation of the hydraulic system in response to movement of the lever in a predetermined path.

Abstract: A hydraulic distribution manifold used to effect coupling of various hydraulic circuits and which includes at least one slidable valve spool whose movement is controlled by means of a crank mechanism operatively connected to a cam supported within the manifold and having at least two working surfaces for controlling movement of associated linkage.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow and pressure of fluid in a fluid operated system in which a hollow, ported control valve spool is movable in response to selective operation of a manually actuated actuator valve spool to effect modulation of a first fluid flow through the valve. One end of the hollow, ported control valve spool engages a plug portion of a freely floating piston movable in response to fluid pressure from a second fluid source to close a normally open port in the hollow control valve spool.