Abstract: A control device for a machine has a control lever operative to rotate about two axes. The control lever is rotatably mounted on a shaft within a frame and is in communication with a first rotation sensor to detect movement of the control lever about the first axis. A first pair of adjustable abutment members are operative to center the control lever within the frame. The control lever and frame are operative to rotate about the second axis. A second rotation sensor is operative to detect movement of the control lever about the second axis. A second pair of adjustable abutment members are operative to center the control lever and frame within a stationary housing.

Abstract: A position setting apparatus includes a control member and a slave member mechanically coupled to the control member, with the slave member having a plurality of notches defined therein. The apparatus further includes a retainer positionable between a first retainer position and a second retainer position, wherein (1) the retainer is engaged with one of the plurality of notches when the retainer is positioned in the first retainer position, and (2) the retainer is disengaged from all of the plurality of notches when the retainer is positioned in the second retainer position.

Abstract: A work machine control assembly has a plurality of actuating levers each associated with a respective actuating element for controlling respective movements of a work implement of the work machine, for example an excavator. The control assembly of this invention has a cam operated moveable gate which captures portions of the actuating elements and controllably locks them in a preselected position in response to actuation of a lock actuation lever.

Abstract: An operator-controlled lever is adapted to actuate a push-pull cable for reciprocating the valve spool of a transmission control. A bracket is detachably mounting on a housing of the transmission control and is threadably mounted on a sheath of the cable. Upon assembly, the cable is first attached to the spool and then the bracket is threaded inwardly against the housing of the transmission control and attached thereto.

Abstract: A fire suppression system (10) for a vehicle having an engine (11) and a fire extinguisher (36) located proximate thereto. Previous systems of this type have not given any positive indication to the vehicle operator of the presence of an engine fire and have allowed the operator to remain in the cab (23) of the vehicle. In the present invention, operation of the fire extinguisher (36) automatically causes actuating means (25 or 32) and flow-interrupting means (14 or 19) to cut off fuel flow to the engine (11) and automatically causes the vehicle horn (34) to sound a warning of variable intensity. The horn warning can only be terminated by opening a disconnect switch (22) located outside of the vehicle cab (23), so that the vehicle operator is required to leave the cab (23) to restore the horn (34) to normal operation.

Abstract: An instrument panel assembly having a plurality of indicating elements and a test switch for concurrently indicating the operability of the individual indicating elements. A plurality of electrical devices is connected in association with the test switch and indicating elements so as to prevent false concurrent operation of the indicating elements. The assembly may include circuitry for causing an intermittent alarm as an additional test indication during the testing of one or more of the indicating elements.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for use with an engine having an alternator has a relay to control a solenoid to properly shut down a diesel engine and includes openable and closable contacts for supplying power to another portion of the circuit, it being ensured that such contacts remain closed when either the vehicle key is in the on position or there exists an alternator output.

Abstract: A control for controlling the operation of a vehicle drive having speed control apparatus including a movable control element for causing the speed of the drive to vary in accordance with the positioning of the control element. The control element may be moved by means of a manually operable speed lever. A manually operable range selector lever is provided for actuating an adjusting apparatus for causing the amount of movement of the control element caused by a movement of the speed lever to be selectively varied. The adjusting apparatus may include a pair of cams, an actuator apparatus, movable selectively against the camming surfaces of either of the cams as a function of the movement of the speed lever. The cams are connected to the control element for providing resultingly a variable amount of movement of the control element selectively in either of the reverse or forward directions.

Abstract: In a loader vehicle having a bucket pivotally supported upon a lift frame, a tilt jack interconnected between the lift frame and bucket by tilt linkage and a detented control valve by which the tilt jack is operated, two proximity switches on the tilt jack cylinder and a magnet on the tilt jack rod. Momentary operation of one of the switches causes a relay to be energized, the relay latching itself until momentary operation of the other switch unlatches the relay. Power is supplied to the detent-disabling mechanism through the relay contacts to disengage the control valve from a detented position as the bucket reaches its load position and to maintain such disengagement during loading operations.