Abstract: A control pedal assembly (10) including first (16), second (18) and third (12) pedal portions, the first (16) and second (18) pedal portions each being pivotally movable relative to the third (12) pedal portion and extending in a common direction from an edge portion of the third (12) pedal portion, the third (12) pedal portion being movable relative to the first (16) and second (18) pedal portions, each one of the pedal portions being separately movable and simultaneously movable with another of the pedal portions.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00026 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 18, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 18, 1979, PCT Filed Jan. 18, 1979 PCT Pub. No. W080/01505 PCT Pub. Date July 24, 1980.A seal (16) is positioned to prevent entry of foreign matter through an annular opening (26) between first and second members (12,14). The first and second members (12,14) are, for example, a stationary backing plate (20) and a rotatable hub (22) of a brake assembly (24) or a rotatable shaft and associated housing element. Foreign matter passing between the backing plate (20) and the hub (22), for example, can enter an associated brake drum (30) and interfere with effectiveness of the brake assembly (24). Apparatus (72) connects the seal (16) to the backing plate (20). The seal (16) has first and second legs (38,40) each having a sealing surface (58,60). The sealing surface contact a face (68) and outer surface (66) of the hub (22), respectively, to substantially block passage of foreign matter to the brake drum (30).

Abstract: A dynamic compression nail for intramedullary compression nailing in treating the fractures of long bones includes a proximal part having at its distal end a central cylindrical recess open on the distal end and a central bore through the remaining portion of the part; a distal part having a tip portion and a portion attached thereto for insertion into said cylindrical cavity, the distal part also containing a central bore; a central axial compression shaft extending through the bores in the proximal and distal parts; a spring surrounding the shaft and acting between the proximal end of the cylindrical recess and the distal part biasing the distal part distally; at least one pair of sliding blades having on the side thereof pointed projections in each of the said proximal and distal parts, the sliding blades operatively coupled to the shaft by means of pins so that retraction of the shaft proximally will result in an outward projecting movement of the said sliding blades thereby permitting their projecting sp

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for controlling a plurality (12, 16) of mechanisms, including a pedal (20), a first device (44) for permitting the pedal (20) to move in a substantially straight line to regulate a first mechanism (12), and a second device (24, 58, 60), for permitting the pedal (20) to pivot to regulate a second mechanism (16). In a specific embodiment, the pedal (20) is moved substantially linearly to shift a vehicle transmission control valve (12) into forward, reverse, or neutral positions, whereas the pedal (20) is pivoted to increase engine speed. The second device (24, 58, 60) also prevents linear movement of the pedal (20) when the pedal (20) has been pivoted to preselected amount.

Abstract: A control valve linkage arrangement which is closely adjacent a vehicle operator and which allows easy access to a compartment upon which the operator sits. A control linkage (12) is disclosed wherein positioning of the member (30) to be controlled determines a control signal. The linkage (12) is connected to the valve control member (30) and may be pivoted relative to the valve control member (30) along a plane generally containing the valve control member (30) without axial movement of the said member (30). The linkage (12) can also be moved axially thereby moving the control member (30) axially without pivoting the linkage (12) relative to the control member (30).

Abstract: A latch assembly (44) comprises a base (48), an arm (80,82) mounted to the base (48) for movement between open and closed positions, and a restraining lever (58) movably mounted to said base. The restraining lever (58) is selectively positionable between a restraining position for restraining the arm (80,82) in the open and closed positions and a release position for releasing the arm (80,82) from the open and closed positions. The restraining lever (58) has a first surface (73,75) for restraining the arm in the closed position with the lever in the restraining position and a second surface (77,79) for restraining the arm in the open position with the lever (58) in the restraining position. Further the latch assembly (44) is disclosed in combination with a compartment (10) which compartment (10) includes a cover (22,24) removably secured thereto. The cover (22,24) includes a tab (26,28), and the arm (80,82) in the closed position extends over the cover (22,24) into engagement with the tab (26,28).

Abstract: A seal (16) is positioned to prevent entry of foreign matter through an annular opening (26) between first and second members (12,14). The first and second members (12,14) are, for example, a stationary backing plate (20) and a rotatable hub (22) of a brake assembly (24) or a rotatable shaft and associated housing element. Foreign matter passing between the backing plate (20) and the hub (22), for example, can enter an associated brake drum (30) and interfere with effectiveness of the brake assembly (24). Apparatus (67) connects the seal (16) to the backing plate (20). The seal (16) has first and second legs (38,40) each having a sealing surface (58,60). The sealing surfaces contact a face (94) and outer surface (92) of the hub (22), respectively, to substantially block passage of foreign matter to the brake drum (30).

Abstract: A control system actuating assembly (172) includes a bearing shaft (178) having an axis (176), first and second juxtaposed elements (174,198) individually pivotally mounted on the bearing shaft (178) between first and second positions, a biasing member (200) continually urging the second element (198) toward the second position, a retention device (218) for retaining the second element (198) in the first position, and a releasing apparatus (168) for releasing the retention device (218) and permitting the second element (198) to be moved toward the second position by the biasing member (200), the second element (198) contacting the first element (174) in the first position and automatically moving the first element (174) toward the second position. Preferably a control level (92) is connected to the first element (174) for selecting and/or visually noting from its dual position the corresponding mode of operation of an associated control system such as a brake control system (10) of a vehicle (12).

Abstract: A lift truck having a mast assembly for lifting a load. The assembly includes a first fixed pair of spaced-apart uprights and a second movable pair of spaced-apart uprights with the second pair nested for vertical translation within the first pair, and a carriage coupled to the second pair for vertical translation in relation to the second pair. Two chains, which extend over two sheaves connected to a cross-member fixed to the upper ends of the second pair of uprights, have one end connected to a first hydraulic cylinder and their other end to the carriage. Second and third hydraulic cylinders, behind the first and second pair, are coupled to respective third and fourth sheaves about which extend additional chains having one end connected to the fixed uprights and the other end connected to the movable uprights. The first hydraulic cylinder lifts the carriage in relation to all the uprights and the second and third hydraulic cylinders simultaneously raise the second pair of uprights and the carriage.

Abstract: An article retention device is provided which is adapted for restraining the movement of a heavy article from a support platform, which platform includes a base and a frame upstanding therefrom. The article retention device comprises a restraining member and a mounting bracket adapted for mounting the restraining member to the frame. The restraining member is positionable to a first position to restrain the article and to a second position to release the article. Further the restraining member includes a lower portion such that at least the lower portion is movable upwardly as the restraining member is positioned to the second position to release the article.

Abstract: A rotating assembly (10) is associated with transmission and parking brake components (33,34) of a work vehicle or arbor and chuck components of a machine tool operation. The use of one component during operation of the other component can result in damage to the components. The rotating assembly (10) has a first member (12) and a second annular member (14). Rotation of each member (12,14) is associated with operation of a respective component, such as shifting the transmission (33) or applying or releasing the brake (34). Apparatus (38) maintains one of the first member (12) and second annular member (14) against rotation and frees the other of the members (14,12) for rotation at respective positions (40,42) of the apparatus (38) for selectivey interlocking the first member (12) relative to the second member (14). This prevents application of the brake (34) if the transmission (33) is not in neutral and prevents shifting of the transmission (33) from neutral before the brake ( 34) is released.

Abstract: A seal (16) has a body (38), a leg (40) and first and second sealing areas (42,44). The seal (16) is used in a seal assembly (10) having first and second members (12,14), such as, for example, a frame portion (20) and steering knuckle (27) of a work vehicle. Apparatus (28) such as bearing (30) supports the knuckle (27) in rotation relative to a king pin (24) of the frame portion (20). Foreign matter can enter between the frame portion (20) and steering knuckle (27) and interfere with vehicle steering. In the assemly (10), the sealing surfaces (42,44) contact substantially perpendicular surfaces (32,34) of the frame portion (20) to block passage of foreign matter to the bearing (30). A second end portion (54) of the seal leg (40) can be controllably deflectable in order to permit overfill of lubricant to pass from the bearing cavity between the frame portion (20) and steering knuckle (27).

Abstract: A control system for a work-performing vehicle such as a lift truck, front end loader, or the like, including a source of motive power for driving the vehicle, performing work, or the like, and of the type including a sensor having an electrical output providing an electrical output signal having a characteristic whose magnitude varies according to load distribution on the vehicle. A level detector receives the output signal and provides a further signal, in response thereto, indicative of an unstable load distribution on the vehicle and there is a circuit connected to the output of the level detector responsive to the signal therefrom for disabling the motive power source when the load distribution on the vehicle is unstable to prevent an intensification of the unstable condition.

Abstract: A transmission control for a motor vehicle includes a valve and a spool mounted in the valve biased to extend therefrom. A spool actuator member controls extension of the spool from the valve. A spool control member is connected to move in response to movement of an operator control. An adjustable engaging member on the spool control member moves a predetermined distance free of forced engagement with the spool actuator. Subsequently the engaging member engages and moves the spool actuating member.

Abstract: A fluid power system (10) for a lift truck (18) has a movable steering device (12) and a valve (14) which moves in response to movement of the steering device (12) a preselected amount to supply fluid power for steering the lift truck (18). Apparatus (30) is provided for controllably supplying fluid power to the valve (14) prior to the valve (14) moving to supply fluid power for steering. The apparatus (30) eliminates delay between the moving of the valve (14) and the availability of fluid power at the valve (14) to insure quick, responsive steering.

Abstract: A foot-operated accelerator pedal (18) in a lift truck (10) commonly provides for control of forward (14) and reverse (16) direction as well as acceleration (12) of the truck (10). Directional control portions (22) (24) of the pedal (18) are mounted on and movable relative to the accelerator control portion (20) for actuating switches upon making direct contact with the switches which are mounted on or near the pedal (18). A solution is offered to the common problem of relatively short wear life associated with such direct contact switches. The solution includes a pedal (18) having accelerator (20) and directional control portions (22) (24) and switches (80F) (80R) which are actuated without the need for direct contact with their actuators (92).

Abstract: A control circuit is provided for a contactor which has a pair of contacts and an actuator coil which is energizable under the control of a switch to cause the contacts to close. The control circuit provides a temporary path for energizing the coil and a permanent path through the contacts. The control circuit delays energization of the coil for a preselected time to allow switch contact bounce to cease. The control circuit prevents a reestablishment of the temporary path for preselected time after the contacts close.

Abstract: A vehicle frame has first and second members having adjustably telescoping channel portions securable by bolts disposed in selected combinations of holes provided in the channel portions for providing a total vehicle frame of a chosen length and wheelbase. Adjacent portions of the respective members define portions of a battery compartment which varies with the size of the vehicle frame to accommodate the power requirements thereof. Channel shaped spacers join facing portions of the members for increased strength of the resulting frame.A rear axle mounting assembly is adjustably mounted on the rear member for independent adjustment of the wheelbase.A second embodiment has front and rear members secured by a selected nestable spacer member having an adjustable axle mounting for independent adjustment of the vehicle frame and wheelbase.

Abstract: Electrical systems (20), such as an electric propulsion system for a vehicle (100) for example, often have electric power available for components of the system (20) when non-operating conditions occur, such as turning off the vehicle key switch (38). An electronic control circuit (10) is provided for controllably interrupting power flow to the system (20) and disabling the system (20) in response to any of a plurality of non-operating conditions.The electronic control circuit (10) includes a transistor (26) having a base (30), an emitter (28), and a collector (32) and being energized to an on condition in response to the base (30) receiving a preselected signal. The signal is controllably delivered to the base (30) in response to a first switch (38) being open and is controllably delivered to the base (30) a preselected time after a second switch (68) is opened.

Abstract: A motor mounting assembly is separable into two portions between the frame and the motor enabling one portion of the mounting assembly to remain resiliently connected to the vehicle frame while the other portion is removed with the motor. Reinstallation of the motor is greatly simplified as the separable portions of the mounting assembly can readily be repositioned and reconnected without the misalignment problems encountered during installation of motors using conventional mounts which must be engaged at the vehicle frame.