Abstract: A door frame assembly for a work machine includes a plurality of rectangular tubes, a plurality of zee shaped metal strips, and a plurality of resilient seals. The tubes are joined together to form a rectangular framework. Each metal strip is connected to one of the tubes and one of the seals is connected to a first leg portion of each of the strips. Each of the tubes and a second leg portion of each of the strips define a recess and a glass panel is adapted to rest within the recess and be bonded to the second leg portions. The door frame assembly is economical to manufacture and requires no expensive or complex forming tools.

Abstract: A window latching arrangement for the first and second window portions of an operator's compartment of a work machine includes an access door housing the first window portion, first and second latching assemblies, each associated with the respective first and second window portions, and a plurality of lock and release mechanisms associated with the first and second window portions. The first window portion is pivotably connected to the access door for opening movement independent of the access door. The first and second window portions can open and pivot one toward the other and the first and second latching assemblies will engage and hold the window portions together until one of the latching assemblies is released.

Abstract: A lock assembly for locking a control lever in a neutral or non-active position includes a lock mechanism having a locking pin and a locking bracket for receiving the locking pin. The locking bracket is secured to the control lever and prevents the lever from moving when the locking pin is engaged with the bracket. The control lever controls a work function of a work machine and the lock assembly prevents unintentional activation of the control lever.

Abstract: A frame assembly for an operator's compartment includes an upper roof portion, a lower base portion, and first and second side support assemblies connected between the roof portion and the base portion. Each side support assembly includes a straight part, comprised of a formed tube, and a curved part, formed as a fabricated box section having several individual wall plates. The fabricated box section curved parts are stronger than the formed tubes and are, therefore, in the area of highest stress.

Abstract: An undercarriage structure for a track-type machine has first and second spaced apart track roller frame assemblies which are positioned adjacent and parallel to the longitudinally extending centerline of the machine. A plurality of first and second track guiding rollers are connected to the respective roller frame assemblies and the axis of rotation of each guide roller is substantially non-perpendicular to the longitudinally extending centerline. This arrangement produces either "toe-out" or "toe-in" of the guide rollers, which results in the links of the track chain assembly contacting the track rollers in different areas as the machine travels in forward and then reverse directions. The wear life of the undercarriage structure is thereby prolonged.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work machine includes a fluid supply tank, a visual sight gage assembly, and an air expansion tank. A plurality of tubes and lines connect the supply tank to the sight gage assembly and the air expansion tank to the sight gage assembly. An enclosure wall partially encloses the supply tank and is positioned at an angle greater than 90.degree. with a horizontal plane. The sight gage assembly is connected to the wall enclosure and is positioned at the same angle. The construction of the sight gage assembly prevents trapping of air in the assembly when the supply tank is filled with fluid. Thus false readings of the fluid level in the supply tank is avoided.

Abstract: The machine has a chassis comprising a rigid longitudinal frame (1) whose width is less than 25% of the overall width of the machine, excluding the wheels. A boom is pivotally mounted on the chassis. A drive arrangement (7) comprises a mechanically driven transmission (37, 39, 41) kinematically connected to an engine (34). Shafts (43, 44) kinematically connect a power output (42) mid-way along the drive arrangement (7) to final drive units on the front and rear axles. The drive arrangement is mounted at one side of the longitudinal frame (1) between the axles. The rotary axis (51) of the engine shaft lies in a vertical plane which is inclined relative to the vertical longitudinal median plane (2) of the frame (1) so that its output end is nearer to the frame (1).

Abstract: A non-metallic roof for a work machine includes a rotationally molded plastic structure which encloses and seals the top portion of an operator's station of the work machine. The roof includes grab rails and light sockets which are integrally molded into the structure. A plurality of metallic bars and cooperating threaded fasteners connect the roof to the operator's station. A closed cell foam material seals the juncture between the roof and the top portion of the operator's station.

Abstract: The present invention includes a single joystick for the simultaneous control of three spool valves for use on a construction machine. A first portion of the joystick is moved in a first direction which causes a cam to selectively depress a first pair of plungers to control the first spool valve. Movement of the first portion in the second direction causes the cam to selectively depress a second pair of plungers thereby controlling the movement of the second spool valve. A handle of a second portion of the joystick rotates about an axis causing a plate to rotate in a corresponding manner. The corresponding rotation of the plate causes a link member to rotate about the axis causing a pair of lugs to selectively depress a third pair of plungers to control the third spool valve. The mechanism for depressing the third plungers works independently of the position of the first portion so that the control of the third spool valve is independent of the control of the first and second spool valves.

Abstract: A pilot hydraulic system controller including a pilot controller valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to actuate a primary hydraulic system valve, a pilot controller lockout valve, and a detent control circuit for selectively energizing a detent solenoid coil connected to said pilot controller valve, the detent control circuit include a switch means for selectively disabling the detent solenoid coil when the pilot controller lockout valve is actuated to hydraulically disable the pilot controller, so as to prevent the detent solenoid coil from acting upon the pilot controller valve when the pilot controller is hydraulically disabled.

Abstract: A joint assembly for a final drive arrangement includes a first sprocket member, a second planet carrier member, and a third supporting hub member. The three members are connected and held together by a large number of common large size connecting bolts and nuts. The planet carrier and supporting hub are also connected and held together by a small number of separate smaller size threaded fasteners. This provides that the sprocket member can be removed for servicing or replacement and the planet carrier will remain in place and connected to the supporting hub.

Abstract: An assembly for actuating a cable, and a release mechanism connected to one end of the cable, includes a substantially flat plate with first and second connecting portions bent at a right angle to the plate. The plate has a plurality of through holes and threaded devices which are used to connect the plate to a wall portion of a machine. An actuating lever is connected to the center portion of the plate and a cable assembly is connected to one of the connecting portions with a cable connected to the actuating lever. The actuating assembly is adapted to move the cable for releasing a latch mechanism from a position remote from the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism holds a door of a machine in an open position and the actuating assembly releases the latch mechanism from ground level without having to enter the machine.

Abstract: A bearing lubrication system for a final drive arrangement includes a first oil supply chamber and a rotatable gear within the first chamber. A first housing, which defines the chamber, contains a passageway which connects the first oil chamber with a cavity adjacent a first bearing assembly. The cavity is in fluid communication with a second oil chamber and a second bearing assembly by way of a longitudinal bore. A steel ring member prevents lubricating fluid from flowing past the first bearing assembly and ensures a supply of fluid to the second bearing assembly.

Abstract: An engine enclosure assembly for enclosing an engine area of a work machine includes a first fixed horizontal top enclosure and a second horizontal top enclosure which is hinged and moveable between a first closed position and a second open position. First and second hinges are connected to the second top enclosure and first and second opening devices are connected directly to the respective first and second hinges for opening the second top enclosure and for holding it in the open position.

Abstract: A linkage arrangement for guiding and manipulating a work implement, such as a bucket, includes a V-shaped guide link and a curved implement link. A plurality of pin joints connect the implement link to the bucket, the guide link, and to a fluid cylinder. The fluid cylinder, the guide link, and the implement link cooperate to rotate the bucket between open and closed positions, for digging and carrying materials. The linkage arrangement provides high forces for digging and bucket rotation and desirable lower rotational velocity for clamping object in the fully closed position.

Abstract: An assembly for actuating a cable, and a release mechanism connected to one end of the cable, includes a substantially flat plate with first and second connecting portions bent at a right angle to the plate. The plate has a plurality of through holes and threaded devices which are used to connect the plate to a wall portion of a machine. An actuating lever is connected to the center portion of the plate and a cable assembly is connected to one of the connecting portions with a cable connected to the actuating lever. The actuating assembly is adapted to move the cable for releasing a latch mechanism from a position remote from the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism holds a door of a machine in an open position and the actuating assembly releases the latch mechanism from ground level without having to enter the machine.

Abstract: A level indicating mechanism for indicating to a machine operator the relative level position of a work machine includes a circular ring magnet and a bullseye level instrument positioned within the ring magnet. A potting material surrounds the level instrument and connects it to the ring magnet. The level indicating mechanism is adapted to be removably secured to portions of the work machine and be visable to the machine operator. The angular orientation of the work machine is adjustable by stabilizing apparatus to bring the work machine to a level position with respect to the ground surface.

Abstract: A work machine includes a first chassis having a longitudinally extending spine with front and rear axles and wheels, and a second chassis having a base with an engine module and an operator's cab. The operator's cab and engine module are spaced apart to form a gap therebetween, with the gap adapted to accommodate the spine of the first chassis for assembling the first and second chassis together. In view of the modular construction, the second chassis can be attached to a number of different first chassis to provide versatility.

Abstract: An elastomeric belt laying vehicle is disclosed for transmitting greater tractive effort to the earth as compared to comparably powered wheel vehicles and being operable at high speed on improved road surfaces without inflicting damage thereto. A pair of the wheels are arranged on each lateral side of the vehicle's chassis for support thereof. An inextensible, endless belt is highly tensioned throughout its length, is entrained about each pair of wheels, and is frictionally, drivingly coupled to at least one wheel of each pair. The structure of the belt, structure of the wheels and cooperating components thereof ensure engagement therebetween, provides long service with minimum maintenance thereof, and supplies the necessary frictional couple to effectively transmit driving torque from the wheels to the belt.

Abstract: An elastomeric belt laying vehicle is disclosed for transmitting greater tractive effort to the earth as compared to comparably powered wheel vehicles and being operable at high speed on improved road surfaces without inflicting damage thereto. A pair of the wheels are arranged on each lateral side of the vehicle's chassis for support thereof. An inextensible, endless belt is highly tensioned throughout its length, is entrained about each pair of wheels, and is frictionally, drivingly coupled to at least one wheel of each pair. The structure of the belt, structure of the wheels and cooperating components thereof ensure engagement therebetween, provides long service with minimum maintenance thereof, and supplies the necessary frictional couple to effectively transmit driving torque from the wheels to the belt.