Abstract: A linkage connection which loosely and yet securely mounts an excavator bucket on a hydraulic excavator and facilitates enhanced positioning capability of the bucket on the excavator, particularly in confined areas. In a preferred embodiment the linkage connection includes a pair of bucket flanges which extend rearwardly from the excavator bucket, in horizontally spaced-apart relationship to each other. A pair of circular linkage openings is provided in vertically spaced-apart relationship with each other in each bucket flange, and a circular pin plate is disposed in each linkage opening. A linkage pin extends through the pin plates of each bucket flange for connection to the rotation linkage and dipper stick linkage, respectively, of a hydraulic excavator, such that the bucket is supported on the respective pin plates.

Abstract: A mixed signal processing system (22) includes digital (28) and analog (29) systems and is powered by a variable external voltage, such as a battery voltage. A voltage regulator (41) regulates the battery voltage to a nominal potential less than the battery voltage. The voltage regulator (41) provides the regulated voltage to a digital subsystem (51) of the digital system (28). A regulated charge pump (43) provides a voltage which is above the battery voltage and substantially constant due to regulation. The regulated charge pump (43) provides the regulated charge-pumped voltage to an analog subsystem (61) of the analog system (29) for better analog operation. A level shifter (44) equalizes signal levels between the digital (28) and analog (29) systems.

Abstract: A truck tractor adapted for use on railways to tow one or more railcars while retaining the capability to tow highway trailers. A beam assembly with a railcar hitch on the back and a hitch pin underneath the front is latched to the hitch coupler of the truck tractor when used to tow railcars. The beam assembly rests on the rear of the truck tractor frame. A set of hydraulically retractable railway wheels is used to guide the rear drive wheels while on the rails. The front of the truck tractor is equipped with a set of retractable railway wheels which are used to lift the front steering axle of the truck tractor clear of the railroad rails and to raise and lower the railcar hitch for transfer of weight of the first railcar being towed to the drive wheels of the truck tractor. To resume highway operations the rail wheels are retracted and the beam assembly is unlatched from the hitch coupler and removed from the truck tractor.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading open top railroad cars (46) utilizing a conventional material handling equipment item attached to a slidable structure (20). The material handling equipment item is equipped with a boom structure (64) and material handling device (66). During railcar loading and unloading operations, the operator positions and attaches the material handling equipment item onto the slidable structure (20) which is positioned adjacent to an end of the railcar (46). The front of the structure is engaged with the top surface of the railcar endwall (72) and the material handling device is positioned on the railroad bed (52) adjacent to the rear of the slidable structure (20). The boom structure (64) is then extended to position the apparatus atop the railcar (46). The apparatus (18) is then supported on the sidewall (76) upper surface of the railcar by support members (22) which are hydraulically extendable from the structure ends (36).

Abstract: A data interface circuit for use when interfacing between two communication links communicating frames of digital data in PCM and ADPCM formats is provided. The data interface circuit provides control information for selecting one of a plurality of algorithms to control the transformation of data between a plurality of PCM and ADPCM formats. A single encoded control signal is utilized to establish frame boundaries and to select a predetermined one of the plurality of algorithms to use in converting between PCM and ADPCM data.