Abstract: A safety device for blocking out a portion of a transmission gear shift pattern to prevent a transmission gear shift lever from being inadvertently placed into a particular position. A spring-biased release latch is used to physically block off the gear position thereby preventing the gear shift lever from entering that position. In order to enter this gear position, the vehicle operator must first manually pivot the spring-biased latch. Upon removing the gearshift lever from this position after being placed therein, the release latch will spring back into place to again block off that gear position.

Abstract: A mounting for a drive mechanism of an elevator used in a carry-type earthmoving scraper wherein the elevator assists in loading material into the scraper. The drive mechanism includes provision for absorbing torsional vibrations generated by flights of the elevator striking material being loaded and, coincident therewith, axial alignment is maintained between driving and driven members of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustment device for automatically adjusting clearance between components of a brake mechanism including a movable member operable by a vehicle operator to move a braking member from a clearance position into contact with a rotating member. The adjustment device includes a threaded shaft having a portion operatively coupled to a tubular member by means of a clutch. As wear occurs in the brake mechanism, the clutch permits relative movement between the threaded shaft and the tubular member in a first direction of movement of the movable member, and transmits movement therebetween in a second direction of movement of the movable member to cause rotation of the threaded shaft and maintain a constant clearance.

Abstract: An anti-splash animal watering container including a water holding dish or bowl having straight sides in combination with an apertured disc which floats upon the liquid carried therein. The floating disc is of a predetermined thickness and weight such that it floats in the liquid with a substantial portion extending above the liquid level. At its center, an aperture is located through which an animal has access to the liquid in the bowl. This aperture can be fitted with removable sleeves so that the size of the aperture can be changed to enable the use of the watering device for different sized animals and still retain its anti-splash characteristics. In one embodiment, a quantity of air is entrapped within a chamber of the disc for floating on the liquid.

Abstract: A control lever mechanism for controlling the operative position of a plurality of control valves of a hydraulic distributor by coupling movement of a control lever into selected motion of a pair of rotatable output shafts controlling operation of the valves. Movement of the control lever in planes extending in a longitudinal, transverse, or combination of these directions, is transmitted to the output shaft through interconnecting linkages employing a plurality of spherical joints. The control lever mechanism also includes provisions to protect the linkages from being adversely affected by the introduction of foreign substances such as dirt and other elements.

Abstract: A lock assembly for a transmission gear shift lever that uses a detent latch-type lock pivotably mounted to a support structure adjacent to the transmission gear shift lever. Upon rotation of the latch, a locking arm is mated with the gear shift lever thereby securing it in the neutral position. The lock functions primarily as a safety device to hold the gear shift lever of the vehicle's transmission in a neutral position thereby preventing damage or bodily injury that could occur if the shift lever is accidentally or unintentionally jarred thereby placing the transmission into gear.

Abstract: A submersible lamp having a housing and a lens with a bulb carried therein in optical alignment with the lens. A pair of terminal connections are provided for electrically coupling the bulb to a source of illuminating energy. The housing forms an open air chamber to define a volume of air such that upon submersion of the housing in water, the air is compressed to create a force sufficient to prevent the water from rising within the housing above a pre-determined level into contact with the bulb and terminal connections.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling the hydraulic suspension system of an articulated vehicle having a first pair of hydraulic cylinders operatively connected between a drive axle and a tractor frame to control vertical bounce movement of the axle, and a second pair of hydraulic cylinders operatively connected between a tractor and a trailer portion of the articulated vehicle for controlling relative roll movement therebetween. A first valve system directs hydraulic fluid under a first pressure to the head ends of the hydraulic cylinders for supporting the weight of the vehicle and load, and to dampen the bounce motion of the drive wheels and the relative roll motion between the tractor and trailer portions of the articulated vehicle. A gas precharged accumulator and a plurality of flow restrictors disposed in this portion of the circuit, control and spring and viscous damping rates of the cylinders.

Abstract: A support assembly for support of a boat on a trailer including a support arm pivotally mounted to the trailer at a lower end and carrying one or more boat hull contacting elements at its upper end. The pivotal movement of the support arm permits the boat hull contacting elements to move laterally toward and away from the longitudinal centerline of the trailer to increase the efficiency of transport, storing, loading and unloading of a boat trailer.

Abstract: A sealing system for a liquid storage tank having a roof freely floating on the contents stored within the storage tank. The sealing system is in wiping contact with the tank shell and may utilize a primary and a secondary seal. As a primary seal, the system forms a seal above the liquid level and eliminates capillary action of the liquid between the seal and the tank shell. The sealing system also exerts a continuous pressure against the inner walls of the storage tank preventing the storage tank roof from shifting due to wind loading and effectively preventing vaporization of the liquid due to wind effected negative pressures. As a secondary seal, the system acts as a vapor barrier preventing vapors from escaping and preventing contaminants from entering into contact and deteriorating the primary seal which could result in contamination of the liquid contained within the storage tank.

Abstract: An earth moving machine having an improved mounting for a scraping blade attached thereto. The scraping blade of the machine herein disclosed is capable of undergoing independent or simultaneous rotational movement about three perpendicular axes and applying high forces to material to be moved. Movement about two of these axes is controlled by two separate pairs of hydraulic cylinders. A hydraulic actuator effects movement of the blade about a third axis and acts to transmit a part of the force applied to the blade during operation to the frame of the machine.

Abstract: A resilient rear suspension for graders for creating an impedance mismatched to attenuate the noise transmitted from the drive gears to the operator's compartment. A resilient elastomeric material is interposed between the axle housing and the suspension trunnion attached to the vehicle. The rear suspension further employs a backing ring to increase fore, aft and lateral stability of the axle with respect to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A vehicle performance sensor that monitors the operation of a vehicle and provides a shift point indicator to inform the vehicle operator when to shift the transmission. When the rotational output from the vehicle torque converter is not within the desired operating range of the transmission gearing, a signal will be generated to notify the operator by a visual indication that the transmission should be shifted and which gear should be selected.

Abstract: A disposable, floating electric flashlight that glows in the dark and is illuminated by merely squeezing the flashlight casing. Any external switch actuator passing through the flashlight casing is thereby eliminated facilitating buoyancy. When the flashlight is illuminated, phosphorescent material within the internal walls of the flashlight casing is regenerated to cause the flashlight to glow in the dark. If the flashlight is accidentally dropped into water, the lamp is balanced to float the flashlight in a predetermined orientation to enable the glowing light to be quickly retrieved.

Abstract: Cheese having eyes such as Swiss cheese is produced by a process which results in more uniform eye size and eye distribution, and which requires substantially reduced curing time. In the process, pressing of the curd is carried out for about 2 to 4 hours at 80.degree. F. to 130.degree. F., salting of the curd is carried out in a super saturated salt brine in excess of 85% salinity reading for 30 minutes to 4 hours at about 80.degree. to 130.degree. F. and curing is carried out by aging the curd for about 6 to 24 hours and thereafter force drying the curd with high velocity air at a temperature of about 90.degree. to 300.degree. F. for about 1 to 60 minutes.

Abstract: A straddle-type mobile hoist having loading slings operatively connected to automatically equalize the loading applied through the slings and adapted to vary the lateral spacing between slings.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow and pressure of fluid in a fluid operated system in which a hollow, ported control valve spool is movable in response to selective operation of a manually actuated actuator valve spool to effect modulation of a first fluid flow through the valve. One end of the hollow, ported control valve spool engages a plug portion of a freely floating piston movable in response to fluid pressure from a second fluid source to close a normally open port in the hollow control valve spool.