Abstract: A power divider system with governed speed control wherein a first power path and a second power path are formed by a differential-like power divider. A control system associated with the two power paths senses and controls the speed relationship thereof. The speed of an output element of the second power path is determined and then governed to a predetermined value by modulated transfer of power from the second power path to the first power path. The speed of an output element of the first power path is limited relative to the output element of the second power path by the transfer of power from the first power path to the second power path through a one-way drive system. A power transfer mechanism for governing the second power path to the predetermined speed provides fail-safe operation.

Abstract: An instrument panel cover pivotally connected to the vehicle dashboard and adapted to be folded upon itself into a position above the dashboard to minimize the storage space required by the panel cover when not in use and to eliminate obstructions in the operator compartment or the operator's field of vision.

Abstract: A pilot controlled variable displacement fluid motor is disclosed wherein fluid under pressure, received from a fluid pressure source such as a closed-center type system, is convertible selectively into bi-directional rotary motion at infinitely variably controlled speeds and torques. The motor is further characterized in that a change in the positional relationship of an arcuately movable control input member with relation to the position of an arcuately movable power output member, in combination with power transfer means, is effective for adjusting the power output speed to that of the control input member. Furthermore, the torque output is automatically adjusted to the load demand, whereby only the quantity of fluid, required to satisfy the speed selection and the torque demand, at a predetermined pressure level, is used by the motor.

Abstract: An electric control circuit for use in the ignition system of a vehicle having a vehicle battery powered auxiliary steering system which is energized upon engine failure or shutdown during vehicle operation. The ignition circuit disconnects the auxiliary steering system from the vehicle battery during heating of the pre-start intake air and during starting of the engine to eliminate unnecessary drain on the vehicle battery.

Abstract: A hydrostatic vehicle transmission and control for automatically controlling vehicle operation in accordance with pre-selected operator settings. The hydrostatic transmission automatically adjusts to operational conditions of the vehicle to obtain the pre-selected function and automatically adjusts the vehicle transmission until the preselected operational conditions can be obtained.

Abstract: A hydraulic system which is monitored to control the application of fluid power in response to the temperature of the hydraulic fluid and a temperature responsive valve for use in the hydraulic fluid circuit to monitor the temperature of the fluid to control the application of fluid power to components of the system.

Abstract: A nut assembly for threaded shafts capable of being quickly released from threaded engagement with a shaft, and then moved longitudinally to a selected position on and re-engaged with the shaft. The assembly is characterized by a pair of collar members respectively mounted for relative rotation about fixed parallel axes so as to provide an opening between opposing peripheral segments thereof for receiving the shaft. The inner periphery of one of the members is threaded at the opening and the inner periphery of the other member is provided with a cam surface responsive to said relative rotation for laterally pressing the shaft into threaded engagement with the opposing collar member.

Abstract: A bathroom stall having a doorway and a catch basin or bath tub with a wall thereof lying substantially in the plane of the doorway, in combination with a U-shaped cantilevered rod for suspending the intermediate portion of the curtain over the doorway while the laterally disposed end portions of the curtain project inwardly of the stall in parallel adjacent positons relative to the opposed doorway jambs, respectively. The legs of the U-shaped rod are telescopically mounted and horizontally adjustable in sleeved wall brackets to thereby permit the suspended curtain to assume successive parallel positions as it is moved back and forth through the doorway. Thus, the curtain may be positioned within the stall during a bath to prevent escape of water, and at other times positioned outside for drying and full display.

Abstract: A crawler tractor has an engine-driven transmission for supplying motive power to the left and right crawler tracks through spring-applied fluid-released left and right steering clutches and also has spring-applied fluid-released track brakes. A hydraulic steering clutch and brake control system is provided and includes left and right manually operable steering levers for the clutches and a single foot-operated brake pedal. The control system further includes a single pump for supplying hydraulic fluid to the steering clutches and to the brake actuators for the brakes. A steering valve, having a flow divider therein, receives fluid from the pump and is responsive to actuation of the steering levers to supply fluid to release the steering clutches. The steering valve also continually directs fluid to a pilot operated shuttle valve which is responsive to operation of the steering clutches to direct operating fluid to the brake actuators to effect brake release for that track whose clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the continuous laying of pipe utilizing a plurality of counterbalanced pipe-laying vehicles wherein each pipe-laying vehicle has a movable-arm lifting crane for maneuvering pipe and a movable-arm balancing crane to effect counterbalancing during pipe-laying operation. The lifting arm and the balancing arm are supported on opposite sides of the pipe-laying vehicle such that the lifting arm may be attached to a pipe and the balancing arm may be attached to a counterweight. A second self-propelled vehicle is positioned adjacent to each pipe-laying vehicle such that the movable-arm balancing crane can be attached thereto so that the attached vehicle functions as a counterweight for the pipe-laying vehicle during pipe-laying operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing illuminated columns or signals for use as first down lines of demarcation on football fields. The signs may comprise: (1) a single laser light beam having a luminous horizontal segment directed across the field and serving as an overhead line of demarcation, in combination with a relatively lower parallel luminous segment of the same beam, reflected reversely across the field and serving as a ground line of demarcation, or (2) two oppositely travelling light beams having a pair horizontal luminous segments serving as a composite overhead line of demarcation, in combination with a second pair of horizontal relatively lower luminous segments of the same beams serving as the ground line of demarcation, or (3) either the overhead or the ground line of demarcation of the last-named combination.

Abstract: A selectively actuable push-pull vehicle coupling to be utilized in assisting loading of a vehicle by pushing or pulling the vehicle being loaded. A push plate and tow bar are operatively connected through a common shock absorber which is utilized to cushion vehicle impact during both pushing and pulling operations.

Abstract: A selectively actuable push-pull vehicle coupling to be utilized in assisting loading of a vehicle by pushing or pulling the vehicle being loaded. A push plate and tow bar are operatively connected through a common shock absorber which is utilized to cushion vehicle impact during both pushing and pulling operations.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling steering clutches and independent brakes of a vehicle comprising a steering device responsive to a pair of clutch actuating steering levers for selectively and independently disengaging the clutches for steering purposes. Operation of a single brake pedal and the disengagement of at least one of the clutches selectively and independently engages the vehicles brakes. An inhibiting mechanism coupled to the steering device selectively inhibits either of the vehicle brakes from responding to actuation of the brake pedal when one of the steering levers is actuated to disengage the corresponding clutch, and prevents the opposite brake from being engaged during brake pedal operation. As a result, the vehicle may be steered while employing a pair of steering levers and a single foot pedal. A control system permits the vehicle to be stopped when both steering levers and the single foot pedal are actuated by inactivating the brake inhibiting mechanism.

Abstract: A master link assembly in a continuous flexible track assembly for a crawler tractor comprises two laterally spaced apart (left and right) parallel master links and each master link comprises two overlapping half-links held in alignment by a pin extending into registering pin holes in the half-links. The overlapping half-links are mechanically secured together in fixed relationship by track shoe capscrews which extend through holes in a master link track shoe which overlies both half-links and screw into tapped capscrew holes in the half-links. Besides aligning the overlapping half-links, each pin also serves as a safety connection in case the capscrews break and also enables removal of the capscrews and replacement of the track shoe without breaking the track assembly.

Abstract: A draft connection is disclosed for tractor and trailer units or similar articulated vehicles, which is characterized by a vertically disposed hitch pin mounted in the end portion of the trailer gooseneck and a cooperating bearing socket for receiving the pin which constitutes a part of an assembly mounted in the back portion of the frame of the tractor unit, which assembly includes an associated horizontal hitch pivot arrangement.

Abstract: An electric circuit for use in the ignition system of a vehicle having an auxiliary steering system powered by the vehicle battery which is energized upon engine failure or shut down during vehicle operation. The ignition circuit disconnects the auxiliary steering system from the vehicle battery during engine starting to eliminate unnecessary drain on the vehicle battery.

Abstract: A vertical coupling or hitch shaft carried by one of a pair of articulated units in engagement with a complementary shaft-receiving bearing surface carried by another unit for joining the articulated vehicle is formed with an aperture through which flexible control lines are passed to interconnect controls positioned on the draft unit with operable actuators on the trailer unit to actuate the controlled functions.

Abstract: A hydraulic excavator for excavating laterally of the excavator's position on a work plane which includes a two part or compound lever lifting arm wherein the first part or portion of the lifting arm is pivoted at one end to an excavator base by a support pin to permit the lift arm to move vertically in a plane extending normal to the excavator base or work plane. A second part or portion of the lift arm is pivotally connected to the end of the first portion opposite to the excavator base to rotate relative to the first portion in the same vertical plane of movement. A side positioning arm is pivotably connected to the second portion of the lifting arm for movement in a horizontal plane parallel to the work plane or excavator base. A working arm, having an excavating apparatus such as a bucket, is pivotably connected to the free end of the side positioning arm for movement in a vertical plane extending normal to the plane of movement of the side positioning arm.

Abstract: A flying insect deterring screen composed of flexible tapes or strips suspended over an entry to a closed environment, wherein fluctuation throughout the length of the tapes is initiated by a prime mover acting at the points of suspension thereof. The prime mover initiates various types of fluctuating movement at the suspension points such as reciprocatory, oscillatory, circular and swirling motion, which motion is transmitted in waves to the lower end portions of the tapes.