Abstract: A twist lock for removably retaining a standardized container on a chassis in which a first gear quadrant is mounted on a shank of the lock for rotation therewith, a second gear quadrant is mounted for rotation within the chassis bolster and engaging the first gear quadrant, a handle to rotate the second gear quadrant and a latch mechanism associated with the handle whereby movement of the handle in one direction will rotate the twist lock 90.degree. to its locking position within the corner member of the container, and movement of the handle in the opposite direction will rotate the lock back to its unlocked position. The actuating mechanism of the lock is confined within the envelope of the bolster so that the handle wll not protrude behind the rear of the chassis and can be installed in a position in which the dirt, salt and splash of the rear wheels will be kept out of the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing fast hitch tractor side mounting of agricultural spray tanks including a carry-through frame adapted for relatively permanent securement to the tractor therebeneath by securement to the tractor frame and for supporting the weight of the tanks. Each tank is carried upon a tank-carrying frame. The latter and carry-through frame are configured for fast hitch two-point interengagement providing securement of the tank-carrying frames at opposite sides of the tractor to corresponding sides of the carry-through frame. Each tank-carrying frame is preferably also equipped with landing gear including retractable legs carrying dolly wheels, as well as a jack leg, for stably supporting the tank when not attached to the tractor and facilitating rolling of the tank up to the tractor for fast hitching of the tank-carrying frame to one end of the tractor mounted carry-through frame. The tank-carrying frame members can be selectively oriented for various desired positions of the tanks.

Abstract: An amusement and exercising vehicle for physically handicapped persons is driven by a motor. Operational movement of the drive mechanism is translated into reciprocal movement of the foot pedals. The foot pedals are provided with orthopedic braces for supporting the legs of the driver whereby the legs are supported for exercising movement by the motor during movement of the vehicle. In a second embodiment, the vehicle is further provided with a motorized drive mechanism to permit operation of the drive mechanism and the corresponding reciprocal movement of the foot pedals by persons unable to achieve such movement independently. In a third embodiment, the vehicle includes a mechanism for preventing the transmission of power from the motorized drive mechanism to a foot support when reciprocal movement of the foot support is hindered by the leg of the occupant.

Abstract: A rotary F coupler is described as having an improved pinhole design, wherein the backwall of the pinhole has a generally cylindrical, rectangularly shaped pin bearing surface which projects into the pinhole about three-quarters of an inch, compared to the conventional projection or crown of one-quarter of an inch, and in such a way as to prevent unduly high stress concentrations in the coupler shank caused by contact of the shank and pivot pin during vertical angling of the coupler.

Abstract: A stop assembly (66) for a bail (20) is provided which is particularly useful with the bail (20) of a push-pull scraper (18). The bail (20) is pivotally mounted by a pair of bifurcated brackets (28,30) affixed to the scraper (18), and is normally raised and lowered by a fluid cylinder (38). When the bail (20) is raised, if not positively stopped from further raising, the fluid cylinder could bottom-out or be otherwise damaged. The stop assembly (66) comprises a fixed pin (68) mounted within the bracket (28) in proximity to a pivotal eye portion (22) of the bail (20), and a first surface (76) on the eye portion (22) which engages with the pin (68) when the bail (20) is in a raised position. Engagement of the first surface (76) with the pin (68) stops the bail (20) from being further raised, and protects the fluid cylinder (28) from damage.

Abstract: An electric vehicle-level control device is provided for controlling an electrically operated fluid pressure control device for a pneumatic, hydraulic or hydro-pneumatic suspension unit such as a hydro-pneumatic suspension strut of a self-levelling suspension system for an automotive vehicle. The control device comprises a timing or delay circuit adapted to deliver an output signal at a predetermined retarded timing following generation of (1) a signal responsive to a vehicle level higher or lower than a predetermined value, or (2) a signal responsive to shutdown of a power plant such as an internal combustion engine of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A stretcher and litter combination, including a buoyant raft-like structure adapted for use as a rescue or recovery litter, and a buoyant stretcher. The litter has pontoons on either side of an elongated body section. The stretcher is in the form of an elongated board releasably secured to the body section of the litter.

Abstract: An anti-roll system in a vehicle equipped with a power steering system for producing a steering reactive force modulatable by a speed at which the vehicle is running. The system introduces hydraulic pressure for the steering reactive force into suspension units on one side of the vehicle depending on steering directions, thereby preventing the roll of the vehicle body due to centrifugal forces exerted while the vehicle is being turned. An excessively inclined attitude of the vehicle during the turning thereof is thus corrected for an increased degree of maneuverability and safety of the vehicle.

Abstract: A freight bracing bulkhead assembly having a bulkhead with easily removable freight engaging panels. The bulkhead is adopted to be suspended from a trolley system cooperating with overhead tracks in a cargo area for movement along the tracks. Locking means cooperating with the overhead tracks and with cooperating plates on the floor of the cargo area are actuated between a locked position and a released position by a linkage assembly located exteriorly of the modular panels.

Abstract: An emergency or backup steering system includes a backup pump which is driven by an electric motor. A control circuit for the motor automatically energizes it upon the main supply of hydraulic power steering fluid becoming inadequate for normal steering operation. The control circuit provides for checkout of the portions thereof governing actuation of the backup system and provides for indicating failure in the backup system of both the electrical and hydraulic portions thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle with body-mounted differential and swing-type live axles connected to the driving wheels has a dead axle in the form of a rack consisting of two cross-members spaced fore and aft of the differential and two longitudinally extending wheel bearing support members rigidly interconnecting the cross-members inboard of the wheels.

Abstract: A friction pad assembly for rail vehicle brakes comprises a pad of friction material carried by a rigid backing plate, and the backing plate is detachably mounted on a shoe. A keeper is provided which includes a clamping member pivotally mounted on one end of the shoe. The clamping member has a clamp face which acts on one end of the backing plate to urge the backing plate into engagement with the shoe. The clamping member is urged into an operative clamping position by a wedge which is releasably driven between the clamping member and a relatively stationary surface in a block which is either integral with, or releasably attached to, the shoe.

Abstract: An articulated omnibus having a two-axle leading member, a single-axle trailing member, and an engine aft of the trailing member axle. The forward wheelbase between the front and center axles is approximately equal to the rear wheelbase between the center and rear axles. The front overhang is about 1/6 to 1/7 of the forward wheelbase, and the rear overhang is about 1/2 to 1/3 of the forward wheelbase. Passenger entrances near the front and center axles have thresholds lower than the central portion of the forward member. A driver's seat and compartment are located above the front axle.

Abstract: An adaptor for attachment to the three point hitch of a tractor enabling attachment of various implements regardless of implement attachment point spacing. A base member adjustably carries coupling means at its lower sides positionable to coincide with the spacing of the implement attachment points. A vertically positionable hook receives the attachment pin carried at the top of the implement A-frame. Locks automatically confine the implement attachment points against dislodgement. A lock control enables lock release from the tractor driver's station. A hydraulic cylinder is in inclined, intercoupled relationship with the adaptor and tractor to impart both upward and downward powered movement to the adaptor. Lift forks may be attached to the adaptor. Ball hitch members on the adaptor enable towing of various types of trailers.

Abstract: A minicar which can be folded into a smaller size, when not in use, is provided. The minicar is comprised of two main frames which are connected by a parallelogram linkage system. The minicar is unfolded and folded by swinging one of the frames in an arc with respect to the other frame. A separate linkage system is attached to the parallelogram linkage system to fold and unfold the rear wheels of the minicar. The rear wheels swing in an arc when the minicar is being folded or unfolded. The minicar has two stable states, the folded state and the unfolded state. In the unfolded state, one frame member is above and offset from the other frame member and the wheels are in the operating position. When the minicar is in the folded state, one frame is almost directly above the other frame and all the wheels are almost completely under the top frame. The minicar also comprises a foldable enclosure which folds into layers when the minicar is not being used.

Abstract: A trackside door closing arrangement for closing the swinging doors of a railway hopper car. This arrangement is self centering and shifts to counteract the cars lateral sway as it passes through the mechanism or shifts to accommodate cars that have parallelogramed during service.