Abstract: A seat support structure for a vehicle including a seat assembly mounted for selected pivotal movement about a pair of spaced lateral axes. Selective pivotal movement about the two axes is controlled by associated latch mechanisms to retain the seat assembly in a fixed position and to permit the release of the seat assembly for swinging movement independently about the two axes. The provision of such a capability for pivotal movement about a pair of axes allows orientation of the seat assembly at a remote position permitting access to components of the vehicle mounted beneath the floor or frame supporting the operator's seat.

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: 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 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: 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 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 signalling device operatively coupled between the side arm or lifting boom of a pipe layer and the frame thereof in a predetermined fixed position such that movement of the signalling device relative to the fixed position, which occurs in response to the operational load, is directly related to the critical or rolling load for any lateral position of the side arm or lifting boom.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operability of warning lamps which provide a visual signal in the event of the malfunction or unacceptable variation of a monitored function or control comprising a plurality of optical indicators or warning lamps electrically coupled to a single-control switch common to all warning lamps such that all lamps may be simultaneously illuminated upon the closing of the switch to determine their operability.

Abstract: A pair of self-propelled vehicles joined by an intermediate bridge having a rigid lifting arm hinged at one end to the intermediate bridge and having a device for gripping and lifting the pipes carried by the free end of the rigid arm such that the rigid lifting arm may be controlled to engage a pipe and lift it over the trench and lower the pipe into the desired position.

Abstract: An air pressurizing system including a double acting pneumatic cylinder operatively connected to hydraulic actuated equipment for operation thereby in response to movement thereof to pressurize a hydraulic fluid tank or reservoir and control the air pressure coupled into the hydraulic fluid tank.

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 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.