Abstract: A motor vehicle datum locating fixture includes a base adapted to be secured in one of a plurality of discrete locations on a frame which supports the vehicle and first, second and third bars. A first clap is mounted on the base to fix the first bar in any one of an indefinite number of perpendicular and rotational positions relative to the base. A second clamp is disposed adjacent the end of the first bar for securing the second bar in any one of an indefinite number of perpendicular and angular position relative to the first bar. The second bar also includes a support for supporting the third bar at a fixed perpendicular position relative to the second bar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for measuring deviations in vehicle bodies or frames in connection with inspection of damage or alignment of deformed vehicles. The measuring apparatus comprises gripping means which are attached to reference points on either side of the vehicle, transverse beams having graduated scales thereon, a center beam, a measuring beam and at least one measuring rod for direct or cross measurement. The device is relatively light weight and compact, and the beams are provided with quick couple attachments so that the measurement can be performed in a relatively short time period.

Abstract: A control system for varying the volume of fluid discharged from a variable displacement hydraulic pump having a plurality of reciprocating pistons. Each piston includes an inlet check valve which controls the flow of fluid from an inlet supply line to the piston chamber, and an outlet check valve which controls the flow of fluid from the piston chamber to a discharge line. The displacement of the pump is controlled by a series of actuator members which regulate the working pressure developed by each piston by controlling the positions of the inlet check valves. Each actuator member is movable between a first position wherein it permits an inlet check valve to close and enable its corresponding piston to develop working pressure in the piston chamber, and a second position wherein it opens the inlet check valve to prevent the development of working pressure in the piston chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suspension system for a tilt cab truck in which the shock absorber assemblies adjacent the tilt axis are collapsed to their minimum stroke prior to the initiation of the tilt cycle and held there by hydraulic lock throughout the tilt cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a latch mechanism for a tilt-cab truck including a latch pin and a latch locking assembly adapted to engage the latch pin. The latch locking assembly includes a housing, a sliding latch assembly disposed in the housing for sliding movement in a direction generally perpendicular to the motion of the latch pin, a spring which biases the sliding latch assembly into engagement with the latch pin, a hydraulically actuated piston which forces the sliding latch assembly out of engagement with the latch pin, and a latch locking member which releasably holds the sliding latch assembly out of engagement with the latch pin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tilt cab truck having a shock absorber assembly in which a path of fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and the interior of the shock absorber assembly is automatically blocked both when the brake is applied and when a roll-angle sensing device senses a roll angle greater than a predetermined value, thereby strengthening the shock absorbing function. Two embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tilt cab suspension system comprising integral shock absorber and air spring assemblies located between the truck frame and the cab. The shock absorber assembly comprises a hydraulic circuit which provides for circulation of hydraulic fluid during an upstroke and/or downstroke of a piston within a cylinder. A selectively adjustable control valve is located in the hydraulic circuit and may be regulated by the vehicle operator to control the stiffness of the shock absorber sub-assembly and, consequently, the hardness of the ride.

Abstract: A single cylinder, tilt-cab tractor including a chassis, a cab pivotably mounted about an axis near the front of the chassis, a suspension assembly mounted at each of the forward corners of the cab and a single hydraulic cab tilting cylinder wherein the improvement comprises an auxiliary cylinder mounted between the cab and chassis opposite to the single cab tilting cylinder and hydraulic means to extend the auxiliary cylinder upon pressurization of the cab tilting cylinder to extend the suspension assembly opposite to the single hydraulic cab tilting cylinder prior to tilting of the cab.

Abstract: A tilt-cab tractor including a chassis, a cab pivotally mounted about an axis near the front of the chassis, a suspension cylinder mounted at each corner of the cab, at least one hydraulic cab tilting cylinder, an accumulator, and a first conduit connecting the accumulator to the suspension cylinders wherein the improvement comprises; a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for delivering hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic tilting cylinder and the shock absorber suspension cylinders, a second and third hydraulic conduit for delivering hydraulic fluid to the cab tilting cylinder and for delivering hydraulic fluid to the first conduit respectively, a control valve and means for selectively blocking flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the accumulator when the tractor brakes are applied.

Abstract: A measuring bridge for determining the degree of motor vehicle damages includes a main frame and a plurality of vehicle supports adjustable three dimensionally relative to the main frame. A first elongate guage is pivotally connected to a magnet coupler securable to the frame and having a pair of longitudinally and vertically adjustable measuring elements for the successive location of a plurality of datum points on the bottom of the vehicle. In addition, a plurality of tram gauges are supported on the main frame above the vehicle and are adjustable three dimensionally for locating datum points located on upper portions of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for resiliently supporting a load at a reference height includes a hydraulic cylinder for resiliently supporting a load about a reference height and an accumulator which cooperates with the cylinder for flowing hydraulic fluid therebetween in response to varying loads imposed on the cylinder. A valve is provided for dampening the rate of fluid flowing between the cylinder and the accumulator and a metering valve coacts with the cylinder for adjusting the reference height about which the load is supported.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tilt cab truck in which the weight of the cab is partially supported by the tilting cylinder while the cab is in the over-the-road position. A fluid-by-pass circuit is provided to permit the cab to perform limited up-and-down movement relative to the frame of the truck.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cabtilt system comprising conventional hydraulic tilting cylinders, a cock sensing member, and a synchronizing valve which causes one of the hydraulic tilting cylinders to slow or stop its motion until the other cylinder catches up with it if the cock sensing member senses that the cab is cocking as it tilts.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for permitting hydraulic lost motion between the push chamber and the pull chamber of the tilt cylinder(s) for a tiltcab truck. The apparatus comprises a pilot-operated check valve having a through passage (a) which is part of a hydraulic connection between the push chamber and the pull chamber and (b) which is only shut off when hydraulic pressure is applied to the push chamber(s) of the tilt cylinder(s).

Abstract: A shock absorber and air spring assembly particularly adapted for use in a tilt cab suspension system. It provides the capability of remotely adjusting the amount of damping of the damper piston on the upstroke and, to a lesser extent, on the down stroke as well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tilt-cab truck including apparatus to secure uniform advance and retraction of the tilt cylinders. The system employs a single pilot-operated check valve instead of the conventional two pilot-operated check valves, but it employs two extra check valves to provide the same system safety as is conventionally provided with two pilot-operated check valves.

Abstract: Disclosed is a latching mechanism comprising (a) a plunger adapted to be mounted on a truck body or similar structure, (b) first means for extending and retracting the plunger, (c) a latch hook pivotally mounted on the truck body or similar structure in position to contact the plunger when it is retracted but not when it is extended, (d) a catch adapted to be mounted on a truck cab or similar structure in position to be engaged by the latch hook when the latch hook is contacted by the plunger, but not when the latch hook is not contacted by the plunger, and (e) means biasing the latch hook towards contact with the plunger.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compact rotating hydraulic drive comprising (a) a housing, (b) a pumpshaft mounted in the housing for both linear translational and rotational movement, (c) a plurality of pumping units operated by rotational motion of the pumpshaft, (d) a valve spool mounted on the pumpshaft but rotatable relative to the pumpshaft, and (e) means selectively operative upon linear translation of the pumpshaft to rotate the valve spool back and forth between a first angular position in which the output of the pump is directed in one manner and a second angular position in which the output of the pump is directed in another manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety latch cylinder for a tiltcab truck. The safety latch cylinder comprises a hydraulic cylinder extension of which unlatches a cab latch mechanism and a bypass to tank through the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is in hydraulic series with the tilt cylinder(s), and, when the hydraulic cylinder is prevented from extending to unlatch the cab latch mechanism, hydraulic fluid is returned to tank through the hydraulic cylinder, preventing extension of the tilt cylinder(s).