Abstract: Priority valve system with pressure-flow compensation and signal control having first, a restricted orifice which can be satisfied when flow requirements therethrough are sufficiently large in combination with, second, a closed center primary control valve equipped with an hydraulic detent unlatch mechanism and hydraulically disposed downstream of the orifice to receive the flow directed thereto by the orifice, all to provide appropriate signals controlling the priority valve.Through this intervening, novel two component control combination, the priority valve is controlled to supply flow to a priority load and, in addition, has an auxiliary outlet chamber connected to an auxiliary motor with the purpose to cut off the auxiliary chamber flow whenever the priority flow is sufficient to satisfy only the restricted orifice.

Abstract: A variable displacement pump is compensated to provide a relatively constant predetermined flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure to an open-center hydrostatic steering system, as the speed of the engine driving the pump varies, and a relief valve by-passes the steering system whenever the steering system would normally reduce the flow to hydraulic apparatus connected in series with and downstream of the steering system.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor is provided with a hitch and draft control system hydraulically related to a plurality of other hydraulic functions. The hydraulic fluid distribution is preferenced by a priority valve including a variable orifice in series with the hitch and draft control system. The variable orifice acts as a raise rate control device and also as a controlling member for a load sensing variable displacement pump.

Abstract: A hay conditioner is provided with a crop deflecting baffle having a raised inoperative position and a lowered operating position for deflecting crop downwardly for deposit in a swath. The baffle position control includes a transverse rod having chains attached to its periphery and to the baffle, a ratchet and pawl for holding the rod against the force of gravity, and a handle selectively engageable for rotating the ratchet.

Abstract: A break-away gear shifting mechanism, for use in a motor truck having a tilt cab, wherein a gear shift lever mounted inside the cab uncouples from a gear shift control shaft and the control shaft uncouples from a support bearing on the underside of the cab upon the tilting of the cab about a forward pivot axis; and reengage upon the pivoting of the cab back to an upright operating position.

Abstract: A backhoe frame is attached to the main frame of a host tractor vehicle at four points. A pair of upper mounting pins each pass consecutively through an outboard restraining plate in the vehicle main frame, a backhoe mounting collar integral with the backhoe frame and an inboard restraining plate. The mounting pin is a tight fit in the restraining plates and a loose fit in the backhoe mounting collar.

Abstract: A break-away gear shifting mechanism, for use in a motor truck having a tilt cab, wherein a gear shift lever mounted inside the cab uncouples from a telescopic gear shift control shaft, which is supported at one end on the underside of the cab and is supported at the opposite end on the gear shifting mechanism, and telescopes outwardly or expands upon the tilting of the cab about a forward pivot axis; and reengages with the control shaft upon the pivoting of the cab back to an upright operating position simultaneously with the control telescoping inwardly or retracting to its original length.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header for a self-propelled combine. The header includes a "floating" flexible cutterbar movable vertically relative to the header frame to cut a standing crop (soybeans, for example) close to the ground to minimize crop losses. The cutterbar is connected to a plurality of runner structures pivotally mounted on the header frame. A spring system is operative on the runner structures to resiliently counterbalance the cutterbar. Structure is adjustably operative on the runner structures to selectively limit the range of movement of the cutterbar or to lock it against movement. Elongated skids are connected between adjacent pairs of runners to effectively extend along the length of the header. The skids are mounted to permit individual movement of the runners relative to each other as the cutterbar flexes over uneven ground across the harvesting path. The skids are selectively shiftable by crank pins to vary the cutting height of the cutterbar.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header for a self-propelled combine. The header includes a "floating" cutterbar which is flexible and movable up and down so as to cut a standing crop (soybeans, for example) close to the ground to minimize crop losses. The flexibility and movement enable the crop to be cut closely to the ground even though the ground is uneven or undulating across and along the harvesting path. The cutterbar is mounted on a plurality of ground-engaging structures including runners upon which a counterbalancing system imposes pre-selected forces to control the ground pressure of the cutterbar as ground and crop conditions vary. The counterbalancing system provides a substantially constant ground pressure throughout cutterbar movement. The effect of the system is to moderate or eliminate the variations which come from spring force changes.

Abstract: There is provided a resilient connection between an engine and a transmission housing, of a vehicle of the open frame type, for dampening engine generated noise which is transmitted to the frame via the transmission housing. The resilient connection comprises rubber rings or cups on metallic spacer bushings compressed between the engine and housing. There is also an axially telescopic drive shaft from the engine to the transmission which accepts limited angular movement between the engine and housing in the plane of the resilient connection.

Abstract: A self-propelled windrower having a crop cutting header mounted forwardly thereof by a pair of laterally spaced lower suspension links and an upper centrally located stabilizing link, is provided with lifting linkages including upper lift arms mounted on the frame and lifting links interconnecting the lift arms and the lower suspension links wherein the upper lift arms are actuated by hydraulic cylinders connected hydraulically in a master-slave relationship, the rod end of the cylinders being connected to the lift arms through axially acting lost motion connections. Stops are provided to limit the upward motion of the lift arms at the transport position thereby rendering the lost motion connections ineffective.

Abstract: An improved method for nodularizing molten cast iron contained in a ladle by delivering a sheathed magnesium or magnesium alloy wire beneath the surface of the molten cast iron such that the melting and vaporization of the magnesium occurs beneath the surface of the molten cast iron.

Abstract: An improved rigidized resinous foam core sandwich structure is formed by the following method:Threading a length of high tensile strength fiber through the fiber glass sheets placed contiguous the opposite longitudinal faces of a flexible open-celled foam sheet and through the foam sheet in a manner to provide a continuous series of fiber segments which interconnect the fiber glass sheets;Impregnating the flexible open-celled foam sheet and the fiber glass sheets with a settable resin containing a curing agent; andMolding the foam core sandwich into the desired shape and holding it in place while the resin cures.

Abstract: A crop harvesting header for a combine wherein the header includes a transversely elongated frame having opposite side walls. A cutterbar extends between the side walls and is supported from the header frame for floating movement relative thereto as induced by varying ground profile. The cutterbar is connected to the forward ends of a plurality of transversely spaced runners pivotally connected to the header frame. One of the runners is disposed at an end of the header frame adjacent to one of the side walls. Reciprocating drive for the cutterbar is provided by a wobble drive mounted on the end runner and a belt drive therefor mounted on the adjacent side wall. A belt tightener pulley assembly is pivotally mounted on the side wall.

Abstract: This improvement of a vehicle cab temperature control system for a cab having an operator enclosure with a roof and an outwardly exposed air filter attached to the roof includes a blower and a temperature control unit mounted within a duct which is secured to both the roof and to the air filter. The duct is spaced apart from the roof, thereby forming a chamber which receives controlled air from the temperature control unit. The flow of controlled air is produced by the blower as it moves the air through the air filter into the duct through its inlet aperture and then through the temperature control unit within the duct. The controlled air then exits the duct through either the duct's bleed aperture into the chamber or through the duct's outlet aperture into the operator enclosure.

Abstract: A boom prop for supporting in an elevated position a pair of boom arms interconnected by a cross tube, including a link pivotally mounted on a vehicle with a saddle member secured to its free end capable of engaging and supporting the cross tube. An adjustable stop means positions the saddle member in the path of the cross tube so that the link and saddle are cammed out of the path of the cross tube as the boom arms are raised and gravity returns the saddle to the position determined by the stop means when the boom arms are subsequently lowered.

Abstract: A primary face type seal is maintained in face to face engagement by secondary elastomer seals. A multi-part retainer encircles the primary and secondary seals to provide a unitizing housing for permanently locating the enclosed seals in appropriate alignment.

Abstract: A cotton harvester having a hydrostaticly steered rear guide wheel assembly is provided with a steering arm having a raised horizontal segment which moves with the guide wheel. When the guide wheel off center, the raised horizontal segment contacts one of a pair of contact arms and grounds an electric circuit from one of a pair of indicator lamps in the operator's compartment turning the lamp on and informing the operator of the direction in which the harvester will steer.