Abstract: A single lever shift mechanism for shifting two control valves by selective movements of a single lever. The lever includes a spindle projecting horizontally from a vertically disposed control column and is pivoted about the axis of the control column to operate one valve. The lever also includes a handle on the spindle which is turned about the axis of the handle to provide for the operation of a second control valve.

Abstract: A drive mechanism located within a vehicle wheel at the outer end of a drive axle. The mechanism is operated by the operator of the vehicle by remote control from his normal operating position. The mechanism may be connected for the usual gear reduction drive or, at the option of the operator, moved to a second position.

Abstract: A method and device for purging air from the hydraulic brake system of vehicles wherein the master brake cylinder is connected hydraulically to a sump return conduit of a hydraulic component of the main hydraulic system which combines with a restriction associated with the master cylinder to cause a flow of pressure fluid from the return conduit through the brake system when air bleed valves in the brake system are open.

Abstract: An improved arrangement for the brake system of a hydrostatic loader comprises a drive motor having an output shaft extending outwardly from both ends of the motor, drive means operatively connecting the output shaft to the axle of the loader at one end of the output shaft, the opposite end of the output shaft carrying a valve port block thereon, the valve port block mounted rigidly adjacent one end of the motor. A disc brake mechanism is then mounted on the output shaft adjacent the valve port block to complete the improved brake system arrangement.

Abstract: A truck upright sections, and a load carriage mounted on a telescopic upright section. A sole asymmetric lift cylinder assembly is located adjacent one side of the upright in a position which provides improved overall operator visibility through the upright. The lift cylinder is adapted to be operatively connected at its upper end to a first telescopic upright section for operating first lifting chain structure which traverses laterally across the upright and which is reeved on spaced and rotationally aligned sprockets supported from said telescopic section. The first lifting chain structure in all embodiments comprising either single or multiple chains has one chain end(s) fixedly secured a substantial distance outwardly of one side only of the cylinder assembly to a member, such as to the adjacent outer upright rail, and the other chain end(s) secured to the second telescopic section either centrally thereof or at opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: A lift truck upright having a fixed upright section, one or more telescopic upright sections, and a load carrier mounted on an inner upright section. An asymmetric lift cylinder assembly is located adjacent one side or the upright in a position which provides improved overall operator visibility through the upright. The lift cylinder is adapted to be operatively connected at its upper end to a telescopic upright section for operating lifting chain structure which traverses laterally across the upright and which is reeved on spaced and rotationally aligned sprockets supported either from a telescopic upright section or from the lift cylinder assembly, the one chain end structure being connected in the two stage upright hereof a substantial distance outwardly of one side of the cylinder assembly to a member, such as to the adjacent outer upright rail, and the other chain end structure being connected centrally of the lifting or fork carriage.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit especially for use with multi-function hydraulic devices, such as for industrial lift truck attachments, in which a combination of valves are adapted to operate two or more hydraulic systems, the valve system being designed such that a minimum number of hydraulic conduits are required to connect the main hydraulic system to the hydraulic devices, as from a lift truck to an attachment supporting carriage on a lift truck upright, and no electric lines are required to be connected to switching devices between the hydraulic devices, such as to solenoid operated valves.

Abstract: A lift truck upright having a fixed upright section, a telescopic upright section, and a load carrier mounted on the latter section. An asymmetric lift cylinder assembly is located adjacent one side of the upright in a position which provides improved overall operator visibility through the upright. The lift cylinder is adapted to be operatively connected to the telescopic upright section by means of lifting chain structure which traverses across the upright and which is reeved on spaced and rotationally aligned sprockets supported from the cylinder assembly, the one chain end structure being connected substantially centrally of the load carrier and the other chain end structure being fixedly secured substantially outwardly of one side of the cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A lift cylinder including a tubular outer cylinder having an inner cylindrical surface cooperable with an extendible piston and piston rod assembly to define an annular space therebetween, and an annular guide bushing supported within the annular space in a manner to eliminate eccentricity stack-up. "Tolerance stack-up" is defined as the compounding of eccentricity by mounting one eccentric part upon another.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling truck frames in production line assembly including a frame engaging and turning machine elevatable at a work station to a selected position for installation of components and parts at various stations of rotation of the frame which may then be lowered onto a pallet or the floor. The device for engaging and rotating such frames is of inverted U-shape having a fixed leg with an attached rotatable frame engaging pad, and an adjustable leg with an attached translatable frame engaging pad.

Abstract: A hydraulic control circuit especially for use with multi-function hydraulic devices, such as for industrial lift truck attachments, in which a combination of valve means are adapted to operate two or more hydraulic systems, the valve system being designed such that a minimum number of hydraulic conduits are required to connect the main hydraulic system to the hydraulic devices, as from a lift truck to an attachment supporting carriage on a lift truck upright, and no electric lines are required to be connected to switching devices between the hydraulic devices, such as to solenoid operated valves.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted aerial tower in which a primary fixed length boom is mounted pivotably from one end and extends longitudinally outwardly of the vehicle, being elevated about the pivot by a lift cylinder which is connected to the vehicle and to the boom and having mounted pivotally from the outer end of the boom a carriage assembly which supports a secondary elongated boom for pivotal movement with the carriage and actuatable lengthwise of the primary boom by sprocket and chain means, or the like, and a personnel work platform or cab pivotally supported from the outer end of the secondary boom and adapted to be maintained in a predetermined position relative to vehicle ground support.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for counting particle contamination in a liquid which is adapted for either on-line or bottle sampling. It includes a hydraulic cylinder and piston arranged to be actuated to eject a measured volume of sample liquid through a particle counter and sensor device at a pressure which will drive liquid entrained air into solution or compress the same such that air bubbles will not be counted. The measured volume is effected by operating the particle counter device only during piston travel between predetermined locations in the cylinder with the cylinder liquid connected to a hydraulic system only through the counter device. Valving is provided for operator selection of on-line or bottle sampling. When no sample is being taken a portion of the liquid flowing in a main hydraulic system flows through conduit means which is a part of the sampling circuit in parallel with a portion of the main circuit, of which conduit means the cylinder forms a part.

Abstract: A method for measuring the volume of air entrained in hydraulic fluid by using improved apparatus for measuring separately the particle contamination count in the fluid and the air bubble entrainment plus the particle contamination count, the difference of which equals the air entrainment count from which the volume of air entrained is determinable.

Abstract: A system for reducing the lateral bending moments and deflection in side loading telescopic uprights, such as for lift trucks. Hydraulic actuated restraint device is mounted between each adjacent pair of upright rails, as well as between the inner rails and fork carriage in a lift truck. The restraint device is energized under controlled conditions, such as when a load on a fork carriage is extended to one side of the upright, to lock together each adjacent pair of upright rails and the fork carriage so as to form a rigid column of each side of the upright.

Abstract: A battery powered lift truck of the sit-down type in which two main power source batteries are located in a stepped compartment so that the forward battery is supported at a lower elevation than the rear battery. The lower elevation of the forward battery enables relatively increased stability by lowering the center of gravity of the lift truck, while the higher elevation of the rear battery is effected by locating a horizontal counterweight in an elevated position above the rear steer axle and linkage and using it as the rear battery platform, whereby to effect a relatively short length truck with adequate stability and a relatively short turning radius. An overhead guard is relatively short in length which enables the direct installation and removal of both batteries without detaching or dismounting the guard from the truck.