Abstract: A lifting device incorporating first and second arm assemblies with associated rotatable shafts and a platform rotationally connected to the second arm assembly so as to maintain a fixed relationship to a reference surface as the first and second arm assemblies are angularly moved from one position to another. The shaft associated with the first arm assembly is rotated about its axis as the first arm assembly is angularly moved so as to impart similar angular movement to the platform through a rotatable shaft of the second arm assembly; thereby maintaining the platform's fixed relationship to a reference surface. A second embodiment of the lifting device provides an additional device to adjust the angular orientation of the platform with respect to the reference surface, which allows the platform to be maintained in a level orientation when traversing an inclined reference surface.

Abstract: A material handling attachment such as a bucket or the like is pivotally secured to the three-point hitch assembly of the tractor. The hitch assembly is movable between a lower position and an upper position by means of standard equipment on the tractor, A mechanical linkage interconnects the bucket, hitch assembly and the tractor so that the bucket will be in a substantially level position when the hitch assembly is in its lowermost position. As the hitch assembly is moved upwardly relative to the tractor, the linkage maintains the bucket in a level position. When the hitch assembly reaches its uppermost position, the linkage causes the bucket to be moved to a dumping position. After the material in the bucket has been dumped therefrom, the three-point hitch assembly is lowered with the bucket being automatically re-set to its operative or working position.

Abstract: A vehicle for handling heavy loads and moving them short distances. The vehicle has a lifting linkage arrangement that allows the center of gravity of the load to be carried over the front wheels or between the front and rear wheels after the initial lifting phase. Initial lifting is aided by an outrigger and loadrest. This design therefore eliminates the need for a heavy vehicle using counterweights and provides a vehicle that has maximum maneuverability and lifting capacity.

Abstract: A linkage system for automatically maintaining the orientation of a bucket of a tractor loader while the lift arms are moved between raised and lowered positions is disclosed herein. Several specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail. Each embodiment incorporates one or more links joined to the lift arms in such a manner that a portion of that linkage is maintained generally parallel to the bucket end of the lift arm. By maintaining this parallel relationship throughout the rotation of the lift arm, the bucket positioning mechanism is displaced in such a manner as to counteract the rotation of the bucket induced by the motion of the lift arms alone. The automatic self-leveling feature improves the overall productivity of the tractor loader.

Abstract: A mechanical linkage and hydraulic circuit are used to control the position of a material handling element. A bell crank and outrigger arm are joined between the boom and dipperstick of a backhoe linkage and the supporting frame. A relief valve discharges fluid pressure building up in the actuator between the support frame and the boom. The bell crank linkage and hydraulic circuit maintains the position of the material handling element along the grade by manipulating the dipperstick alone.

Abstract: A machining center type machine tool which is a four-axis, horizontal spindle machining center with a carousel-type automatic tool changer and which is adapted to be controlled by a computer numerical control system. The machining center can perform a variety of machining operations, such as milling, contouring, drilling, tapping and boring, in both roughing and finishing applications. A rotary work table is operatively carried on two movable, perpendicularly disposed slide members to provide movement of the work table along both "X" and "Z" axes. A horizontal tool spindle slide assembly is slidably mounted on a "Y" axis on a twin column assembly. A rotary, carousel-type combination tool storage and tool changer, holding twenty-four tools, is rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis that is aligned and parallel with the axis of the horizontal tool spindle. The rotary carousel functions to automatically load and unload tools directly into the tool spindle at a tool exchange location.