Abstract: A make-break device includes a first component having at least one engaging member, the engaging member presenting first and second orthogonally disposed edges, each edge being defined at the intersection of a respective pair of chamfered face and a second component having at least one engaging member, the engaging member presenting first and second orthogonally disposed edges, each edge being defined at the intersection of a respective pair of chamfered faces, where the first component first edge and the second component first edge cooperatively act to assist in facilitating radial meshing engagement of the first and second components and where the first component second edge and the second component second edge cooperatively act to assist in facilitating axial meshing engagement of the first and second components. A cannon employing the make-break device and a method of selectively coupling/decoupling stationary electric drive assemblies from associated shiftable driven assemblies are included.

Abstract: A variable-width milling drum assembly includes a milling drum having an outer surface. The assembly also includes a plurality of cutting segments removably secured to the outer surface of the milling drum along a first substantially helical axis. Each of the plurality of cutting segments includes a segment flight member. Each segment flight member is positioned in helical alignment with respect to an adjacent segment flight member. The assembly also includes a kicker plate which is secured to the substantially cylindrical outer surface along a second helical axis. The kicker plate is utilized to move cut material in a direction away from the cutting segments during rotation of the milling drum. A method of varying the cutting width of a variable-width milling drum assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hood assembly includes a hood member and an adjustable length stabilizing link. The stabilizing link is movable between a first position at which the link maintains a bottom surface of the hood member in a substantially parallel relationship with a ground, or soil, surface and a second position at which the link tilts, or rotates, the hood member and thereby moves the bottom surface of the hood member to a nonparallel orientation with the ground surface. When in the tilted position, a portion of the bottom surface of the hood member is spaced from the ground surface at a distance sufficient to permit access for the repair or service of elements normally protectively enclosed by the hood member.

Abstract: A hood support assembly (18) for controllably supporting a hood member (16) on an earth working machine (10) includes a support member (20) that is pivotally mounted, at each of two end portions (22,24) to the frame (12) of the machine. Arm members (26,28) and stop members (42,44) are attached to each of the end portions (22,24) of the support member (20). A pair of adjustable links (34,36) respectively pivotally connect the hood member (16) to each of the arm members (26,28). A pair of springs (52,54) attached to the frame (12) cooperate with the stop members (42,44) to maintain the lateral orientation of the hood member (16) with respect to the frame (12) and support a portion of the weight of the hood member during ground engaging operation of the machine (10).

Abstract: An apparatus or resilient link (24) provides relative movement of first and second members (36,38) for resiliency in limiting forces applied through the link (24). The link (24) connects, for example, a controlling member (14) such as a lever (14) or handle and a work mechanism (10) such as a valve (12) or shifting mechanism. In the resilient link (24), a first apparatus (44) moves the first member (36) from a first toward a second position (46,48) in response to exerting a first force (F.sub.1) on the first member (36) in the first direction (50) for resiliency to excessive force applied in tension on the link (24). A second apparatus (52) moves a second member (38) from a first toward a second position (54,56) in response to exerting a second force (F.sub.2) on the first member (36) in the second direction (58) for resiliency to excessive force applied in compression on the link (24 ).