Abstract: A hydraulic system having a first bucket leveling circuit for controlling leveling of the bucket during raising of the boom and a second bucket leveling circuit for controlling leveling of the bucket during lowering of the boom. The second bucket leveling circuit includes a motor-type flow divider having first and second shaft connected motor sections. Controls are operative when the boom control valve supplies fluid under pressure to the rod end of the boom cylinder for passing fluid from the piston end of the boom cylinder to the inlet of the first and second sections of the motor-type flow divider, and for preventing passage of fluid from the piston end of the boom cylinder to the inlet of the first flow divider.

Abstract: A loading/unloading vehicle having booms and a bucket carried thereon such as a shovel loader, a wheel loader or the like vehicle detects that a true bucket-to-ground angle coincides with a preset angle after the vehicle starts automatic turning movement of the bucket. When the coincidence is detected, the automatic turning movement of the bucket is interrupted. Thereafter, a differential value between the true bucket-to-ground angle and the preset angle is determined, if any and then the bucket angle is corrected so as to allow the differential value to be reduced to zero. Consequently, the bucket is held at the preset angle after the bucket stops, even though the booms continue to be turned.

Abstract: A loading vehicle has a boom pivotally mounted thereon for movement in a vertical plane, the boom supporting a loading unit at its distal end. A fluid control system includes a boom cylinder for raising and lowering the boom, a loading unit cylinder for tilting the loading unit relative to the boom, a tank for holding fluid and a pump for selectively pumping fluid to the cylinders through manually controlled selector valves. The loading unit attitude is controlled by a system including a bypass valve, a flow splitting valve and a boom position detector for actuating the bypass valve. Fluid forced from a lowering chamber of the boom cylinder as the boom is raised is applied to the bypass valve. As long as the boom is in a position falling within a lower range of positions the boom position detector does not actuate the bypass valve and all fluid from the lowering chamber is diverted to the tank.

Abstract: Foldable link rod system to be placed on a travelling frame comprises pivotally suspended link rods (16, 18) for raising and lowering an operation platform (14). A rotating stool (20) constitutes the connection between two link rods (16 and 18) which are placed in continuation to each other. The one part of the rotating stool (20) is linked to the free end of the first link rod (16) which at its opposite end is pivotally linked to a swinging rod system (26, 28, 30, 32). The second link rod (18) is linked to the other part of the rotating stool and at its other end it is linked to the operation platform (14). The two link rods are pivotal by means of each of their swinging devices (54-70) which are supported on the travelling frame (10, 12) and the rotating stool (20), respectively.

Abstract: Construction vehicles of the type having a pair of lift arms extending from the frame to support a work implement, have generally been restricted to operating one specific tool. The attempt to combine the operation of several different work implements has been met with severe functional restrictions since some work implements have specific requirements not found in the operation of others. In order to provide a lift arm linkage arrangement that incorporates the functional requirements necessary to operate a plurality of work implements while maintaining a simple, yet efficient construction, an electronic controller has been included in the design. The electronic controller includes a plurality of sensors that are operatively associated with the lift and tilt linkage of the lift arm arrangement. The sensors enable the electronic controller to constantly monitor the current position of the lift arms and the work implement and compare them with a programmed sequence of movements.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism of a work implement installed in a loading vehicle such as a shovel-loader or the like, which is adapted to vertically move a bucket as held in a horizontal state without operating tilt-cylinder, while preserving the function of the Z-bar linkage in the prior art; in which linkage mechanism, when the distance from a pivotable support point (A) between a bucket (3) and a lift arm (1) to a pivotable support point (B) between the lift arm (1) and a bellcrank (5) is represented by (X) and the distance from the above-mentioned pivotable support point (B) to a pivotable support point (O) between the lift arm (1) and a vehicle body (9) is represented by (Y), they are preset so as to fulfil Y/X=.alpha., and also, first and second triangles (.DELTA.ABC, .DELTA.OBE) formed by the liftarm (1) and the bellcrank (5) on the vehicle body side and on the bucket side, as well as a third triangle (.DELTA.ADC) formed by a tilt rod (6) and the bucket (3) and a fourth triangle (.DELTA.

Abstract: A linkage system for loading machines is mounted on two lift-arms (14) supporting a pallet-lifting fork or a bucket (22) at the ends of the lift-arms. The linkage system is so designed that when using a bucket (22) or pallet-lifting fork the linkage system will ensure that the bucket or lifting fork will take a substantially desired angular position as it is raised and lowered, without needing to make adjustments to the tilt-cylinder as the bucket or lifting fork is raised.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lift truck with telescopic hoisting arm (2) mounted on a chassis carrying a front axle and a rear axle, in which the telescopic arm is articulated on the truck by means of a variable quadrilateral (A, B, C, D) having a tie rod (23) and an auxiliary arm (24), characterized in that:the tie rod (23) is articulated on the one hand to the chassis (1) at a point (D) situated substantially above the front axle (10) and on the other hand to the telescopic arm (2) at a point (A) which, in low position of the arm, is substantially above the rear axle (11),the auxiliary arm (24) is articulated on the one hand to the chassis (1) of the truck substantially at the geometric center (C) of the chassis and on the other hand to the telescopic arm (2) at a point (B) situated in back of point (A),and in that, in low position, the telescopic arm (2) is entirely situated below points (A) and (B) of the quadrilateral and rests on the auxiliary arm (24) in a practially horizontal position whereas in high pos

Abstract: A loading/unloading vehicle having booms and a bucket carried thereon such as a shovel loader, a wheel loader or the like vehicle detects that a true bucket-to-ground angle coincides with a preset angle after the vehicle starts automatic turning movement of the bucket. When the coincidence is detected, the automatic turning movement of the bucket is interrupted. Thereafter, a differential value between the true bucket-to-ground angle and the preset angle is determined, if any and then the bucket angle is corrected so as to allow the differential value to be reduced to zero. Consequently, the bucket is held at the preset angle after the bucket stops, even though the booms continue to be turned.

Abstract: A work vehicle (2) having an implement position controller (50). Set elevations and orientations of the work implement (5) can be preselected and changed. The controller (50) automatically positions the implement (5) in the desired elevation and orientation. Means (51) for preventing the work implement (5) from falling into the ground are also provided.

Abstract: An automated vehicle-mounted refuse collection system having a loader with a boom assembly having inner and outer pairs of arms attached to the vehicle at spaced-apart locations. A lift assembly is pivotally connected to the upper end of the boom so outward movements of the boom arm will cause the upper and lower ends of the lift to reach or extend away from the vehicle toward a refuse container. Gripping arms are mounted on a carriage reciprocal along the lift assembly. A hydraulic system maintains the gripping arm level during extension and retraction of the boom arms.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the posture of a front loader has booms attachable to a vehicle body which are pivotally movably upward and downward and has a work implement attached to the forward ends of the booms and pivotally movable in a scooping direction and a dumping direction. Each of the booms and the implement are pivotally movable by a single control lever independently of each other or movable simultaneously. The apparatus includes an actuating member for shifting the control lever from a boom raising position to a boom raising and dumping position when the booms are not positioned lower than a specified level. This eliminates the likelihood of the implement tilting rearwardly downward even if the booms are raised, precluding the implement from spilling the earth or sand scooped up.

Abstract: A forklift truck having a fork assembly connected to a telescopic auxiliary boom articulated to a telescopic main boom. The telescopic and articulating features of the auxiliary boom in conjunction with the telescopic feature of the main boom increases the range and reach of the fork assembly to above ground heights and to below ground depths.

Abstract: A boom and bucket system for a loader includes a bucket leveling valve which maintains a desired orientation of the bucket as the boom is raised or lowered. A hydraulic circuit automatically and selectively supplies fluid for bucket leveling from boom cylinder return flow, from a pump, or from both in varying proportions.

Abstract: Machines having a boom or arm pivotally disposed thereon wherein the length of the boom or arm and the angle thereof with respect to a reference plane are adjustable by means of actuators are well known. However, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to simultaneously control the actuators in a coordinated fashion to move the end of the boom or arm in a straight line path. In order to overcome this problem, a boom control system for a boom according to the present invention controls the actuators in either of two modes of operation, the first mode of operation comprising independent control over each actuator to afford polar coordinate operation and the second mode of operation comprising synchronized control over the actuators so that the end of the member may be moved in a straight line. Means are provided for manually selecting one of the two modes of operation. Means may be provided for calculating the amount of remaining horizontal throw of the boom or arm when a command to move same is issued.

Abstract: An aerial lift having means for sensing a combination of the load placed on the upper end of the upper boom and the relative position of the upper boom with respect to horizontal and for generating a signal or interrupting supply of hydraulic fluid to the upper boom lift cylinder in the event the moment on the upper boom exceeds a selected moment.

Abstract: An electronic bucket positioning and control system for a vehicle of the type including a hydraulically controlled boom assembly and bucket. The bucket positioning and control system can operate in a bucket positioning mode, bucket return to position mode, bucket anti-rollback mode, and tilt cushion mode.

Abstract: A reach mechanism for use on a material handling device having a load support carriage such as an industrial lift truck and a load carrier. The reach mechanism has a rear mount attachable to the carriage, a front mount for supporting lift forks or the like, and an extensible linkage for longitudinal projection and retraction of the front mount relative to the rear mount. The linkage includes two laterally spaced set of links, each set having a first pair of upper and lower links pivoted at the lower ends thereof to the rear mount at spaced points and a second pair of upper and lower links pivoted at the lower ends thereof to the front mount at spaced points. The upper end of each of the first and second pair upper links are pivotally connected to the upper end of the second and first pair lower links respectively. Hydraulic power rams actuate the links to project and retract the front mount.

Abstract: Level lifting and lowering of a working implement in combination with a hydraulic boom is provided through a hydraulic circuit and valve including a shuttle check valve, a rotary flow divider and a counterbalance valve. Selective operation results in the working implement being raised or lowered in a level displacement relative to the ground.

Abstract: Machines having a boom or arm pivotally disposed thereon wherein the length of the boom or arm and the angle thereof with respect to a reference plane are adjustable by means of actuators are well known. However, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to simultaneously control the actuators in a coordinated fashion to move the end of the boom or arm in a straight line path. In order to overcome this problem, a boom control system for a boom according to the present invention controls the actuators in either of two modes of operation, the first mode of operation comprising independent control over each actuator to afford polar coordinate operation and the second mode of operation comprising synchronized control over the actuators so that the end of the member may be moved in a straight line. Means are provided for manually selecting one of the two modes of operation. Means may be provided for calculating the amount of remaining horizontal throw of the boom or arm when a command to move same is issued.

Abstract: A control apparatus having a boom control system for controlling the movement of a liftable boom supported by a vehicle body and a working device control system for controlling a working device pivoted to the boom. Each of the control system includes a proportional solenoid valve and comprises an instruction circuit for producing an instruction signal in accordance with the amount of manipulation of an operating lever, discriminating circuit for determining the direction of operation of the valve from the instruction signal, a reference signal generator, a comparison circuit for comparing the instruction signal with the reference signal from the generator to obtain a pulse signal of a width in proportion to the amount of manipulation, and drive circuit for converting the pulse signal into a current to drive the valve in the direction determined by the discriminating circuit. The boom, as well as the working device, is movable at a speed corresponding to the amount of manipulation of the operating lever.

Abstract: A self-leveling series type hydraulic system including boom and bucket valves which separately control boom and bucket cylinders and a flow divider valve positioned in the exhaust flow path from the rod end of the boom cylinder. The flow divider valve splits the flow sending a portion of it to the cap end of the bucket cylinder so as to maintain the bucket in a level condition during raising of the boom with the remaining flow returning to the control valve downstream of the boom valve along with the return flow from the rod end of the bucket cylinder which is also returned to the control valve downstream of the boom valve whereby the bucket valve can be separately actuated concurrent with the boom valve and supplied with oil so as to override the self-leveling function if desired.

Abstract: Machines having a boom or arm pivotally disposed thereon wherein the length of the boom or arm and the angle thereof with respect to a reference plane are adjustable by means of actuators are well known. However, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to simultaneously control the actuators in a coordinated fashion to move the end of the boom or arm in a straight line path. In order to overcome this problem, a boom control system for a boom according to the present invention controls the actuators in either of two modes of operation, the first mode of operation comprising independent control over each actuator to afford polar coordinate operation and the second mode of operation comprising synchronized control over the actuators so that the end of the member may be moved in a straight line. Means are provided for manually selecting one of the two modes of operation. Means may be provided for calculating the amount of remaining horizontal throw of the boom or arm when a command to move same is issued.

Abstract: A fork extension attachment for a boom-type forklift for use in loading and unloading a fragile cargo from commercial containers includes an extension portion pivotally connected to the outer end of the boom to allow pivotal movement of the extension in a vertical plane and a fork assembly having its inner end pivotally connected to the outer end of the extension portion to allow pivotal movement of the fork assembly in a vertical plane. The fork assembly includes at least two tines that are mounted for powered horizontal lateral movement relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal axis of the assembly. An electrical pendulum switch is provided for maintaining the fork assembly in a substantially horizontal position when desired.

Abstract: An earth moving machine having a boom, a dipperstick, and a bucket all mounted for pivotal movement one with respect to the other, a double acting cylinder for each of the boom, the dipperstick, and the bucket, respectively, for controlling the pivotal movement of the bucket, for raising and lowering the boom, and for extended and retracting the dipperstick.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a hydraulic power shovel of the type having a swingable boom, swingable arm and a bucket attached to the end of the arm. The hydraulic circuit includes a levelling cylinder adapted to extend and contract in response to the swinging of the arm, and a switching valve device movable between a first position where it provides a communication between the levelling cylinder and a boom cylinder and a second position where it provides a communication between the levelling cylinder and an arm cylinder. When the switching valve device takes the first position, the levelling cylinder is communicated with the boom cylinder so that the boom is swung downwardly in response to the upward swinging of the arm, thereby to move the bucket horizontally. On the other hand, when the switching valve device takes the second position, the levelling cylinder and the boom cylinder are disconnected hydraulically so that the arm is allowed to swing independently of the boom.

Abstract: A self-leveling series type hydraulic system including boom and bucket valves which separately control boom and bucket cylinders and a flow divider valve positioned in the exhaust flow path from the rod end of the boom cylinder. The flow divider valve splits the flow sending a portion of it to the cap end of the bucket cylinder so as to maintain the bucket in a level condition during raising of the boom with the remaining flow connected to one of the boom valve motor ports whereby the bucket valve can be separately actuated concurrent with the boom valve and supplied with oil so as to override the self-leveling function if desired.

Abstract: A transport vehicle particularly for moving large structural members such as prefabricated concrete enclosures is provided with a lifting device which may be moved in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and which consists of a support arm pivotal about a first axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The support arm is arranged to be inserted into an enclosure or other load to be transported by an end thereof opposite said first axis which has a support device thereon pivotally mounted for rotation about a second axis parallel to said first axis.

Abstract: A bucket leveling mechanism that automatically operates a tilt cylinder for pivoting the bucket so that the attitude of the bucket remains substantially constant as the bucket lift arms are raised. Two push-pull cable assemblies are provided; one cable assembly senses the rotation of the bucket and the other cable assembly senses the pivotal movement of the lift arms. The cable assembly for the bucket is attached between the bucket and a wedge shaped block that operates a spool control valve for the bucket tilt cylinder. The lift arm cable assembly is attached to a lift arm at one end and includes an opposite roller end that engages one side of the wedge shaped block, with the block being sandwiched between the control valve spool and roller end of the lift arm cable assembly. The wedge shaped block includes a cam surface that is movable between the control valve spool and roller end of the lift arm cable assembly in proportion to the relative movement of the bucket and lift arms.

Abstract: A motor vehicle equipped with lift arms and a bucket for handling material. The vehicle has a fluid power system including piston and cylinder assemblies to pivot the lift arms between down and up positions and tilt the bucket relative to the lift arms. A bucket leveling control apparatus operates a fluid control valve in response to the pivotal movement of the lift arms to control the flow of fluid to the bucket tilting piston and cylinder assembly to maintain the bucket substantially level during the movement thereof between down and up positions. The fluid control valve is operable to supply fluid under pressure to the bucket tilt piston and cylinder assembly to move the bucket to a dump position.

Abstract: An excavator including a boom pivotally moved by boom cylinders, an arm pivotally moved by an arm cylinder and a bucket pivotally moved by bucket cylinders further includes a boom detecting device detecting a pivotal displacement of the boom and producing a first pilot pressure substantially proportional to the pivotal displacement of the boom and a bucket detecting device detecting a pivotal displacement of the bucket and producing a second pilot pressure substantially proportional to the pivotal displacement of the bucket. The first pilot pressure is supplied via a first conduit to a first valve switching pilot pressure port of a control valve device, and the second pilot pressure is supplied via a second conduit to a second valve switching pilot pressure port of the control valve device. The control valve device is connected to the bucket cylinders in such a manner that a piston side of the bucket cylinders can be drained.

Abstract: Apparatus enabling access to the interior surfaces bounding a large spaced comprises a pole adapted to extend vertically through the height of the space with its lower end located at the base of the space, at least one boom structure connected with said pole, a working platform connected to the end of said boom structure remote from said pole and the height of said boom structure is adjustable relative to said pole.

Abstract: An inclination maintaining system for a discharge chute of a ready-mix concrete truck or the like including a body on which the chute is pivotally mounted for movement about an axis extending horizontally and transversely of the chute, the system having sensors mounted on the chute for sensing inclination thereof relative to the horizontal about the axis, an extensible and contractible member interconnecting the body and the chute in attitude controlling relation to the chute, and control elements responsive to the sensors for extending and contracting the member so as to maintain the chute at the inclination.

Abstract: An apparatus for hydraulic self-leveling of a loader bucket or the like is described wherein the loader upon which the bucket is mounted comprises a pair of spaced-apart boom arms pivotally mounted on a sub-frame attached to the tractor. The loader bucket is pivotally connected to the forward ends of the boom arms and may be pivotally moved from a level position to an extreme dump position or an extreme roll-back position by means of hydraulic cylinders extending between the loader bucket and the boom arms. A first leveling cylinder is connected to one of the boom arms and one of the sub-frame towers so that upward movement of the boom arms causes the cylinder rod of the actuator cylinder to be extended therefrom and so that downward movement of the boom arms causes the cylinder rod of the actuator cylinder to be moved inwardly into the cylinder.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the digging depth of the bucket of a backhoe or an excavator so as to move the digging edge of the backhoe bucket in a plane parallel to an overhead reference plane defined by a rotating laser beam. The detecting means for the laser beam is mounted on a medial portion of the downreach boom and the control of the position of the bucket is accomplished by moving the outreach boom of the backhoe relative to the supporting platform so as to maintain the detecting means on the downreach boom in a fixed relationship with respect to the reference plane defined by the rotating laser beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical storage installation in which the vertical axis of the elevator shaft orthogonally intersects the axis of the horizontal rolling tracks receiving the series of storage carriages. In this storage the elevator comprises at least a guide structure located outside the horizontal rolling tracks and a mobile device driven reciprocably along this vertical structure, this mobile device carries at least a retractable comb located in its active position inside the rolling tracks and in its inactive position outside of them, and the comb is connected to the mobile device by a single connection, which, during active vertical movements of the comb, traverses the horizontal rolling tracks by passages provided in these latter.

Abstract: An automated vehicle-mounted refuse collection system having a loader with a boom assembly having inner and outer pairs of arms attached to the vehicle at spaced-apart locations. A lift assembly is pivotally connected to the upper end of the boom so outward movements of the boom arm will cause the upper and lower ends of the lift to reach or extend away from the vehicle toward a refuse container. Gripping arms are mounted on a carriage reciprocal along the lift assembly. A hydraulic system maintains the gripping arm level during extension and retraction of the boom arms.