Abstract: A bidirectional force limiter for limiting the magnitude of a force applied along a line of action to a predetermined magnitude includes a slide assembly supported for reciprocating movement along its longitudinal axis by the spaced guide plates of a support structure. A yieldable force-bias element, such as a helical spring in compression, is constrained between the guide plates, and structure is provided for transmitting the applied force from the slide assembly to the biasing element to cause the slide assembly to displace and the biasing element to yield in response to the applied force. The force limiter is suitable for use, in a preferred mode, with cargo-container spreaders which are adapted to attach to and detach from cargo containers. The spreader carries a plurality of locks which are adapted to register with and engage complementary lock receiving structures on each container.

Abstract: A self-centering, push-pull cable apparatus for automatically returning a controllable mechanism from an actuated position to a neutral, centered position. The cable apparatus includes a push-pull cable having an outer housing element and an inner movable core element and a two-way spring device operatively connected at one end to the outer sheath and at its other end to the core element. The spring device is oriented in axial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the cable apparatus and applies a force in both axial directions. This permits automatic return of the core element to a centered position when the input load is relaxed.

Abstract: A fluid pump control for a tractor having a fluid pump controlled by an operator's handle connected to the pump by force-responsive members which do not transmit the pump vibration to the handle. The control is for a tractor transmission driven through a variable displacement pump which inherently develops vibrations. The handle is a pivotally mounted lever and the connections between the handle and the pump are four cables, and two intervening compression springs, all for transmitting the force on the lever to the pump while avoiding transmitting the pump vibrations back to the lever. The springs also are arranged with the cables to automatically return the pump to a neutral position when the operator releases hand force on the lever.

Abstract: End bearing assemblies are provided for articulating links, especially for articulating control links associated with helicopter rotor mechanisms. The end bearing assemblies comprise at least two elastomeric bearing sections connected by a load-transmitting member and arranged to react to loadings and accommodate motions along and about at least one of three mutually orthogonal axes.

Abstract: Self-centering action in a push-pull coaxial cable is provided by an encapsulated spring loaded device formed to be mounted as a collar encircling the end assembly of the cable by threading its inner tubular member on the conventional cable's load actuation rod and by interconnecting its outer tubular member with the cable mounting fixture or with the latter's anchor support. Occupying only a small annular space around the cable's end assembly without projecting lengthwise beyond it, the device responds to relative displacement of the cable members in either direction from a neutral position by spring reaction force that increases with displacement.

Abstract: A device for automatically returning a transmission control to neutral including a seat operated linkage connected to a camming member which in turn is connected to a transmission control member whereby in one position of the camming member the transmission control member is free to be placed in either a forward or reverse position and in a second position of the camming member the transmission control member is confined to a neutral position.

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 ).

Abstract: A wheeled frame which is hydraulically powered and which will operate in either forward or reverse direction, with an over-ride control means to enable the wheeled frame to be driven in either direction, stopped and restarted in the same direction at the same speed by manipulation of the variable control means to vary the hydraulically powered fluid motor means to drive the wheeled frame from zero to maximum speed with the controls in one position and from zero to maximum speed with the controls in another position.

Abstract: Rack steering gear is provided wherein the rack is slidable between cushioning devices on a guide member reciprocated through the cushioning devices and which connects to the steering linkage mechanism for actuation thereof. Road shock is absorbed by the cushioning devices so as not to be transmitted to the rack and thus to the primary steering system comprising the steering wheel and the steering shaft which conventionally actuates the rack through a pinion. The cushioning devices are constructed so that minor shocks are quickly absorbed to preclude vibration and chattering.

Abstract: A flight control system utilizing pilot actuated flexible cables to selectively move a control quadrant and utilizing preloaded bungees additionally connecting each cable to the quadrant so that the quadrant can be pilot actuated despite the severance of one of the cables.

Abstract: A manually operable, self engaging shifting lever construction which is integrally incorporated into a multi-speed transmission. The lever construction itself incorporates a stiff tension spring member which is radially deflectable from its normally straight position relative to the axis thereof. Pivotally moving the lever construction about its fulcrum produces sliding movement of an input gear cluster along an input shaft means. At predetermined locations along the input shaft longitudinally, the gear cluster becomes engageable with drive gear assemblies of an output, a drive gear cluster which is mounted on an output shaft. The flexural characteristics of the lever construction permit simple, safe shifting of the input gear cluster, without the impass normally encountered due to abutment of gear teeth.

Abstract: A valve actuator, for example a mechanism for imparting motion to a blast furnace evacuation valve, includes a force generator which is coupled to the valve member by a displacement mechanism including a pivotal lever and a pivot arm. The pivotal lever has a pair of angularly related arms with the free end of one arm being coupled to the force generator and the free end of the second arm being coupled to a point on the pivot arm intermediate the ends thereof by a connecting rod or rods. The pivot arm is connected to the valve member and the connecting rod or rods are articulated to both the pivot arm and to the second lever arm which may be telescoping.

Abstract: A reciprocal control member for a transmission is pivotally connected to a rotatable sleeve for selectively placing the transmission in its neutral, forward or reverse modes of operation. A hand lever is connected to the sleeve to rotate it to place the transmission in a selected mode of operation and to simultaneously control the speed thereof. A foot pedal is adapted to be depressed to control the output speed of the transmission by overriding the first input control when the first input control is either in its forward or reverse position of operation. The foot pedal is connected to the sleeve by a pair of pin and slot connections for inducing rotation of the sleeve upon movement of the foot pedal in either direction.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for selectively actuating the control valve of a transmission or the like comprises a rotary input shaft connected to a pair of links at a lost-motion connection. Opposite ends of the links are pivotally connected to a crank assembly pivotally mounted on a rotary input shaft connected to the control valve. A torsion spring is interconnected between the rotary output shaft, the crank assembly and one of the links to selectively rotate the rotary output shaft in opposite directions in response to rotation of the rotary input shaft in opposite directions.

Abstract: An exhaust gas return valve actuating rod has first and second rod portions adapted for connection between an exhaust gas control valve and throttle linkage. The rods are interconnected by an eccentric connecting element which is spring connected to one of the rods and connected by a thread connection to the other rod. The eccentric connecting element enables convenient length adjustment of the connecting rod, even when it cannot be seen by the mechanic.

Abstract: A rocker shaft is rotatably mounted and integral with a control valve of a hydrostatic transmission. The valve shaft may be rotated in an arc to either side of a neutral position. A housing is mounted to the control valve with rocker shaft projecting into the housing. A pair of levers are pivotally mounted on the rocker shaft in scissored relationship thereon and an actuating arm is rotatably mounted on the housing to engage camming surfaces defined on first ends of the levers. A drive member or dog is secured to the rocker shaft to engage between second ends of the levers whereby pivotal movments of the actuating arm will transmit pivotal movements of the levers to the rocker shaft to control mechanisms of the control valve. The second ends of the levers are biased towards each other into engagement with the drive member by a coil spring and a stop lug is secured on each of the levers to engage and pivot the other one of the levers in response to pivotal movements of the actuating arm.

Abstract: An output shaft is rotatably mounted on a stationary support to selectively actuate a control valve of a hydrostatic transmission. A pair of levers are pivotally mounted on the output shaft in scissored relationship thereon and an actuating arm is rotatably mounted on the support to engage camming surfaces defined on first ends of the levers. A drive pin is secured to the output shaft to have opposite ends thereof engage bearing surfaces defined on second ends of the levers whereby swinging movements of the actuating arm in opposite directions will alternately transmit pivotal movements of the levers to the output shaft to control actuation of the control valve. The second ends of the levers are biased away from each other by a coil spring to normally engage the bearing surfaces with the drive pin.

Abstract: A force feel system for an aircraft having a control member or stick connected to a boost actuator for positioning an aircraft control surface and a variable force gradient spring mechanism for providing a feedback of artificial forces to the control stick, and which includes non-linear or irreversible linkage apparatus coupled between the stick and the variable force gradient spring such that the force feel system does not require the implementation of monitoring or redundant systems to provide fail safe operation in the event of failure of said force feel system. In addition, the "hands off" stability of the aircraft is not affected by the system because in this "hands off" mode of operation the non-linear linkage apparatus prevents the force actuator from moving the control stick out of the trim position.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission drive pump swash plate control including a control arm and a cam which are mounted on axes perpendicular to one another. The control arm is connected to the swash plate to effect simultaneous movement of the control arm and swash plate. Cushioned link means operatively interconnect the cam and a manual control member. The cam includes a cylindrical portion with a cam slot which is shaped similar to the first 90.degree. of a sine wave between full speed reverse and neutral and similar to the first 90.degree. of another sine wave from neutral to full forward speed. A resilient cam roller on the control arm absorbs fluctuating stroking forces of the pump and cooperatively engages the cam slot to produce a low rate of ground speed change near the neutral condition of the hydrostatic transmission and also near maximum forward and maximum reverse ground travel speed.

Abstract: The transmission assembly comprises a gearbox in series with countershafting providing two gear ratios.In order to allow an easy adaptation of the countershafting to a conventional gearbox and allow a change in the gear ratio of the countershafting while the vehicle is in motion, there is provided in the control mechanism of the countershafting a delay device. This device stores energy corresponding to changes in the position of a gear pre-selecting lever associated with the countershafting so long as the change gear lever of the gearbox is in a position in which a gear ratio of the gearbox is engaged. This device restores the energy as soon as the change gear lever is brought to its neutral position and allows the pre-selected gear of the countershafting to be engaged.

Abstract: A vehicle having an engine speed regulator, an operator's platform, a bulkhead forward of the platform, and a speed regulator including a positionable hand lever and spaced apart foot pedals operable to override the speed determined by the hand lever without affecting movement of the hand lever. The hand lever, the spaced apart foot pedals and the linkage structure interconnecting the various controls are disposed entirely above the platform and behind the bulkhead.

Abstract: A governor and control linkage having a first manually operated actuator provides for setting of a shaft and a control arm at a particular operating position through a coupling. The coupling locks the shaft in the aforedescribed desired position while allowing a second actuator to temporarily reposition the control arm at any intermediate setting without disturbing the manual setting. A resilient member is included to return the control arm to the manual setting on release of the second actuator. The prepositionable shaft is movable only in response to the first actuator.

Abstract: A brake pedal assembly including a pivotally supported base member carrying an arcuate shank having a radius of curvature equal to the radius of the arm of the pedal. The shank is removably fastened to the base member and a pedal pad is removably fastened to the arcuate portion of the shank for easy assembly of the brake pedal on the tractor.

Abstract: In a device of the type including a throttle operating wire secured to a rotatable member operatively connected with the throttle valve, the wire is slidably covered by a tubular flexible guide having an axially extensible portion and furnished with spring means for biasing the guide portion in an extending direction. The flexible wire guide is held fixed at the opposite ends, is flexed therebetween, and is axially contractible against the spring bias when the tension of the wire exceeds a predetermined level so that stop means provided to limit the extent of closing movement of the throttle valve is kept free from any deformation as resulting from an excessive wire tension. This enables the throttle valve to assume the exact idling position and ensures desired engine idling.

Abstract: An actuating rod for interconnecting a throttle with an exhaust gas return valve has first and second rod portions which are interconnected in force transmitting relation by a spring. The second rod portion is bent to extend parallel to the first rod portion over part of its length and has a loop surrounding the first portion and engaging the spring.

Abstract: A selectable dual ratio connection between the rudder pedals and the control elements of an aircraft for steering the aircraft by means of the nose mounted landing gear wheel thereof. The connection includes a control arm and a control segment selectively related either by a link, walking beam and bungee or by means of a pivoting link mechanism. The arm and segment are rotatably mounted upon axes that coincide with the pivoting link mechanism which in one position locks the arm and the segment together while in another position enables differential motion therebetween.

Abstract: A manually controllable linkage is provided for selectively adjusting the swash plate of a reversible flow, variable displacement pump of a hydrostatic transmission. The linkage includes a speed and direction selecting part for selectively moving the swash plate so as to effect forward, reverse and neutral driving conditions in the transmission, and a neutral return part for overriding the speed and direction selecting part for quickly returning the swash plate to its position for effecting the neutral driving condition in the transmission. The speed and direction selecting part of the linkage includes input and output sections interconnected by a motion-moderating section which regulates or governs the maximum speed at which the output section and, hence, the swash plate may be moved regardless of the speed manually imparted to the input section.

Abstract: An anti-rattling device which also preloads the actuated device and includes a link supporting and guiding the actuated device, with the anti-rattling mechanism including a resilient roller positioned to engage a cam surface on the link, the cam surface being eccentric to a pivot point for the link.

Abstract: A control linkage arrangement for the throttle and transmission of a lift truck or the like is provided with a juxtaposed arrangement of a throttle and two transmission control pedals, arranged for simultaneous operation of the throttle and either one of the forward or reverse transmission control pedals by one foot of an operator for controlling translation of the vehicle.The forward and reverse pedals are arranged to either side of the throttle pedal, with all pedals having a common neutral position and all movable in the same direction for their control functions. A slot in the throttle pedal and a pin on one of the adjacent transmission control pedals permits the throttle pedal to move a predetermined amount before engagement of the pin of the adjacent pedal by the foot of an operator.

Abstract: A lever mechanism having an output end and an input end wherein the input end is pivotally mounted to a fixed support and provided with a track portion. The track portion has a spaced apart relationship to the pivot axis of the lever and is provided with a generally V-shaped portion and lateral side portions oppositely extending therefrom. A reference force is applied through a roller member which is positioned along the track by a variable input position signal applied thereto. The apex of the V-shaped portion is on a line through the pivot axis such that with the roller member held in a bottomed position and engaging both sides of the V-shaped portion there is no input moment applied to the lever mechanism and movement of the roller member in either direction from a null position produces a clockwise or counterclockwise motion of the output end of the lever mechanism, depending upon the direction of movement of the output end in response to the roller movement.

Abstract: Gear shift movements from a main frame are transmitted to a gear transmission shift control, located on a sub-frame pivotally connected to the main frame, by means of a linkage system fixed at one end to the main frame and articulating at its opposite end with the sub-frame about an axis non-coincident with the pivot axis of the frames. The linkage system includes interconnected links, one of which being axially collapsible for transmitting rotational movement regardless of any sub-frame pivoting. The linkage system also includes a resilient cable which spans the collapsible link for transmitting axial movements thereacross.

Abstract: A cam operated control link mounts on the trunnion shaft of a transmission swash plate through an interposed elastomeric collar or bushing providing for both a damping of vibration transfer from the transmission to the controls and an initial deflection lag of approximately four degrees between rotation of the link and rotation of the trunnion shaft and associated swash plate. Limit pin means preclude an independent movement of the link relative to the trunnion shaft beyond pre-set extremes.

Abstract: A workpiece, such as an interponent of a teleprinter is mounted for linear and pivoting movement in an elastomeric mounting element having a central section to which the workpiece is secured, a pair of end sections, and a pair of stretchable webs connecting the central section to the end sections. The end sections are mounted to a support so that the webs are stretched along a transverse mounting axis, and the workpiece is thereafter positioned by the mounting element in a stable initial position. From the initial position, the workpiece may be moved linearly or pivoted, or both, by external forces; and when so moved rotary and linear spring forces are generated in the elastomeric mounting element tending to return the workpiece toward the initial position when the external forces are removed.

Abstract: A unitary pedal apparatus for selectively accelerating and braking a motor vehicle in which depressing the pedal actuates the master cylinder for braking and subsequent lessening of pedal pressure effects acceleration, the apparatus including a switch within the pedal for placing the throttle at idle position and another switch in response to braking of the vehicle which places the throttle in the idle position, both switches when closed effecting energization of a solenoid located adjacent the throttle bar in the linkage arrangement, the linkage arrangement including a lost motion device which is expandable to prevent deformation of the linkage in response to hard braking.

Abstract: An improved chain lifter for foldable soil conditioner apparatus of the general type characterized by an elongated, foldable wing frame for soil conditioning members which is hingably mounted transversally on the rear of a main frame, is liftable from the ground by means of a lifting tower on the main frame, and is stabilized by reinforcing chains which extend rearwardly and outwardly from the main frame to the outer ends of the wing frame. Arm members which lift the chains have one end pivotally attached to the main frame whereas the other ends of the members are secured to the reinforcing chains intermediate to the ends thereof. Resilient biasing links interconnect the arm members with the upright lever of the lifting tower. Accordingly, the arms are pivoted upwardly and forwardly by means of the resilient biasing links when the wing frame is folded to a transport position, hence lifting the slackened reinforcing chains off the ground.

Abstract: A transmission park-lock mechanism having a transmission shaft and a toothed gear thereon. A latch is mounted on a shaft adjacent the gear and engages the gear teeth for restraining the gear and the transmission shaft from rotating. There is a shaft and a lever and a torsion spring, all for positioning the latch into and out of engagement with the gear teeth.