Abstract: A grapple style compression latch is provided for a vehicle door. The latch includes a pair of opposing jaws to retain and release a striker on the door frame. The movement of the grapple jaws is controlled by a handle mounted on the latch housing and moveable between open and closed positions. Drive links and a plurality of jaw pins control the movement of the jaws between open and closed positions. A compression spring provides over-center action for the latch.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle comprises a frame and a platform pivotally mountable to a rear portion of the vehicle frame. The platform is pivotally movable between a first position in which the platform extends generally horizontally from the rear portion of the frame to support a rider during operation of the vehicle, and a second position in which the platform is removably secured in a generally upright position adjacent the rear portion of the frame to enable walk-behind operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A grapple style compression latch is provided for a vehicle door. The latch includes a pair of opposing jaws to retain and release a striker on the door frame. The movement of the grapple jaws is controlled by a handle mounted on the latch housing and moveable between open and closed positions. Drive links and a plurality of jaw pins control the movement of the jaws between open and closed positions. A compression spring provides over-center action for the latch.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle comprises a frame and a platform pivotally mountable to a rear portion of the vehicle frame. The platform is pivotally movable between a first position in which the platform extends generally horizontally from the rear portion of the frame to support a rider during operation of the vehicle, and a second position in which the platform is removably secured in a generally upright position adjacent the rear portion of the frame to enable walk-behind operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle comprises a frame and a platform pivotally mountable to a rear portion of the vehicle frame. The platform is pivotally movable between a first position in which the platform extends generally horizontally from the rear portion of the frame to support a rider during operation of the vehicle, and a second position in which the platform is removably secured in a generally upright position adjacent the rear portion of the frame to enable walk-behind operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle comprises a frame and a platform pivotally mountable to a rear portion of the vehicle frame. The platform is pivotally movable between a first position in which the platform extends generally horizontally from the rear portion of the frame to support a rider during operation of the vehicle, and a second position in which the platform is removably secured in a generally upright position adjacent the rear portion of the frame to enable walk-behind operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle comprises a frame and a platform pivotally mountable to a rear portion of the vehicle frame. The platform is pivotally movable between a first position in which the platform extends generally horizontally from the rear portion of the frame to support a rider during operation of the vehicle, and a second position in which the platform is removably secured in a generally upright position adjacent the rear portion of the frame to enable walk-behind operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle comprises a frame and a platform pivotally mountable to a rear portion of the vehicle frame. The platform is pivotally movable between a first position in which the platform extends generally horizontally from the rear portion of the frame to support a rider during operation of the vehicle, and a second position in which the platform is removably secured in a generally upright position-adjacent the rear portion of the frame to enable walk-behind operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a movable closure element. The latch assembly has a housing with first and second rotors each movable relative thereto between a first latched position, a release position, and a second latched position. The first and second rotors in their first and second latched positions define a receptacle with an effective diameter and a center line that is angularly disposed to the line of a straight edge on the housing. With the rotors in their first latched positions, the center line of the receptacle is spaced from the first line a first distance. The center line of the receptacle is at a first location with the rotors in their first latched position and a second location with the rotors in their second latched positions. The first and second locations are spaced a second distance. The effective diameter of the receptacle, with the first and second rotors in their first latched positions, varies from each of the first and second distances by no more than ±40%.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a movable closure element. The latch assembly has a housing, a first rotor movable relative to the housing selectively between a) a first latched position and b) a release position, and a second rotor movable relative to the housing selectively between a) a first latched position and b) a release position. The first rotor has a first throat to receive a strike element. The latch assembly further has an operating assembly with a latched state and an unlatched state. The operating assembly in the latched state releasably maintains the first rotor in its first latched position and the second rotor in its first latched position. The first rotor is movable substantially parallel to a reference plane as the first rotor moves between its first latched and release positions. The first rotor has a non-uniform thickness taken orthogonally to the reference plane.

Abstract: A latch assembly is provided for a movable closure element. The latch assembly has a housing and a first rotor that is movable relative to the housing selectively between a) a first latched position and b) a release position. The first rotor is biased towards the release position and has a first throat to receive a strike element. The latch assembly further consists of an operating assembly having a latched state and an unlatched state The operating assembly in the latched state releasably maintains the first rotor in the first latched position. The operating assembly has a catch arm that is movable relative to the housing from a first position into a second position to thereby change the operating assembly from the latched state into the unlatched state.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a movable closure element. The latch assembly has a housing with a peripheral edge defined in part by a substantially straight edge portion extending along a first line. A first rotor is movable relative to the housing selectively between a) a first latched position, b) a release position, and c) a second latched position between the first latched position and the release position. A second rotor is movable relative to the housing selectively between a) a first latched position, b) a release position, and c) a second latched position between the first latched and release positions for the second rotor. An operating assembly has a latched state and an unlatched state. The operating assembly in the latched state releasably maintains the first rotor in its first and second latched positions and the second rotor in its first and second latched positions.

Abstract: A latch assembly is provided for a movable closure element. The latch assembly has a housing and a first rotor that is movable relative to the housing selectively between a) a first latched position and b) a release position. The first rotor is biased towards the release position and has a first throat to receive a strike element. The latch assembly further consists of an operating assembly having a latched state and an unlatched state The operating assembly in the latched state releasably maintains the first rotor in the first latched position. The operating assembly has a catch arm that is movable relative to the housing from a first position into a second position to thereby change the operating assembly from the latched state into the unlatched state.

Abstract: A latch assembly for a movable closure element. The latch assembly has a housing, a first rotor movable relative to the housing selectively between a) a first latched position and b) a release position, and a second rotor movable relative to the housing selectively between a) a first latched position and b) a release position. The first rotor has a first throat to receive a strike element. The latch assembly further has an operating assembly with a latched state and an unlatched state. The operating assembly in the latched state releasably maintains the first rotor in its first latched position and the second rotor in its first latched position. The first rotor is movable substantially parallel to a reference plane as the first rotor moves between its first latched and release positions. The first rotor has a non-uniform thickness taken orthogonally to the reference plane.

Abstract: An attachment for skid steer loaders and the like which combines a forklift mast with width adjustable rolling stabilizer outriggers. The ground engaging rolling stabilizer caster wheels are positioned to each side of the lifted load. The castering wheels bear a large fraction of the weight of the lifted load as well as stabilizing the load while it is in motion over varying terrain. The rolling stabilizer lift dramatically increases the weight lifting capacity and the height to which loads can be lifted beyond that of the loader alone.

Abstract: An automatic attachment adapter adapted for coupling attachments to and uncoupling attachments from loader lift arms without the need for the operator to exit the equipment or employ a helper. The automatic attachment adapter employs a compact, lightweight, high strength latching device to make connection between the attachment plate of the loader and mounting plate of the attachment. By making use of interlocking rotating clevises the latching device is self-centering, requiring only approximate alignment to operate. Additionally, the latching mechanism is self cleaning of debris which may interfere with its operation.

Abstract: An assembly for releasably holding a movable closure element in a desired position relative to a support. The holding assembly has a first part with a first element and a first actuator and a second part with a second element and a second actuator. The first part is connectable to a closure element, with the second part connectable to a support for the closure element. At least one of the first and second elements is movable relative to a support and/or closure element to which the at least one of the first and second elements is connected to allow the first and second elements to act, one against the other, so that the first and second elements realize a holding position as a closure element to which the first part is connected is moved towards and into the desired position.

Abstract: A fan is passively, detachably carried by the grinding head assembly of a railroad track rail grinding machine. The fan plate is oriented above the grinding stone and rotates with the grinding stone during grinding operations. A downward draft of air is induced by the fan to limit the dispersion of sparks, grinding stone residue, and other byproducts of the grinding operation. Water, with or without a surfactant added, can be introduced into the downdraft.