Abstract: A modular instrument console for a vehicle having an instrument panel supporting a plurality of modular instruments, gauges, and the like. The instrument panel is pivotally supported for access to the interior of the instrument console for servicing of the components therein. The instrument console is capable of being functionally attached to a vehicle in a temporary mounting prior to final assembly of the vehicle, or in its permanent position.

Abstract: A pivoting ejector for an elevator scraper including an ejector member pivotally attached to the scraper bowl capable of undergoing forward movement therein to urge earth material from the bowl for discharge, while undergoing pivotal movement to prevent contact of the elevator member with the elevator. A hydraulic control circuit governs the amount of forward and pivotal movement of the ejector member during discharge of the scraper, and further effects upward movement of a pivotally mounted elevator, either independently or in cooperation with the ejector member.

Abstract: A safety or lock pin operatively engaged in a portion of the vehicle adjacent to the vehicle lift arm and coupled to the vehicle frame. The safety or lock pin is inserted into the portion associated with the vehicle frame so that the lift arm is prevented from lowering past the safety pin. A retaining pin is engageable in a bracket positioned adjacent the opening for the safety pin to retain the safety pin in its operative position. When in an inoperative position the safety pin is carried in a bracket secured to the vehicle frame and having an aperture through which the retainer pin passes to insure that the safety pin does not become lost during vehicle operation. Suitable safety chains couple the retaining pin to the safety pin, and the safety pin to the vehicle frame to insure that neither pin becomes separated or lost.

Abstract: A perforated hood with air scoop establishing an ambient air flow to be directed to the coolant heat exchanger of a vehicle. The perforated hood with an air scoop includes a duct and baffle assembly which thermally isolates the ambient air from the heat of the engine to prevent a rise of temperature of the air flow for attaining greater cooling efficiency of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Accelerator/decelerator pedal and systems having a foot-operated pedal assembly to accelerate or decelerate vehicle engine speed and/or output on a temporary basis to override a hand lever set throttle position. The pedal and systems herein disclosed possess a double-acting spring linkage to absorb override movement of the foot pedal during such temporary acceleration or deceleration and to re-establish the original set hand throttle speed upon cessation of the override mode. An anti-feedback device prevents the throttle set position from being altered during acceleration or deceleration of engine speed and/or output.

Abstract: A track assembly hinge joint for a track of an endless track vehicle, in which track links are connected by a pin and bushing, is formed by securing the ends of the pin in bores in the ends of a pair of spaced link members and securing the bushing in the inner portions of bushing and pin accommodating bores in the ends of the adjoining pair of link members, with a self-lubricating bearing sleeve disposed between the bushing and the pin and with a self-lubricating washer disposed between each end of the bushing and a side thrust control ring on which a radially inner element of a two-element lip type seal is mounted for cooperation with an outer seal element which is seated in the outer end portion of the bore in the associated link member adjacent the end of the bushing.

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: 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 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 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: 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 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.

Abstract: An apparatus providing means for locking the controls of construction machinery in a safe position. Implements are maintained in a preset position safe from inadvertant control activation by an operator controlled locking gate which engages the control activating linkages when they are in a neutral position. A single locking gate may be used to lock several controls and unlocking, controlled by the operator, unlocks all of the previously locked controls.

Abstract: An operator's compartment mount which isolates the operator's compartment from the vehicle frame. The operator's seat mount and roll-over protective structure rear mount are secured directly to the vehicle frame. The front portion of the roll-over protective structure is mounted directly to the operator's compartment and the rear portion is isolation mounted to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A tractor scraper suspension system having a tractor drive wheel axle frame pivotally connected to a tractor main frame to permit vertical movement of the tractor drive wheels relative to the tractor. A first pair of hydraulic cylinders is coupled between the tractor drive wheel axle frame and the tractor main frame to control and dampen such vertical bounce movement. A pair of arms extends transversely of an axis extending longitudinally of the tractor scraper and are included in a hitch assembly and operatively connected to the tractor drive wheel axle frame through a second pair of hydraulic cylinders for supplementing the first pair of hydraulic cylinders in controlling the vertical movement between the tractor drive wheels and to dampen tilting or rolling motion between the tractor portion and the trailer portion about their common longitudinally extending axis.

Abstract: A two-element seal assembly for sealing relatively rotatable members wherein each seal element has annular radial lip type sealing contact with the other. The seal elements are shaped in a complementary fashion, one with relation to the other, whereby an annular labyrinth is formed therebetween and entrance of damaging materials into sealed area of an installation is effectively excluded by the lip seals and the labyrinth.

Abstract: An engine cooling system for the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, such as a construction machine or the like which operates on uneven or sloped terrain, comprises a radiator having a lower core section and an elongated upper section or top tank separated from the core section by a sealed baffle and extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The cooling system further comprises fluid conducting passages connected between the radiator and the engine, including a radiator supply line and a radiator return line connected between the core section and the engine. The cooling system also comprises a pair of fluid outlet ports located near the bottom of the top tank and spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A conveyor drive roller mounting system for controlling misalignment of the drive roller by mounting an end of the conveyor drive roller on a resiliently mounted torque arm which permits the drive roller to align with the conveyor path of movement.