Abstract: A crane comprises a mobile vehicle having an upper frame rotatably mounted on a lower frame thereof. A boom has its rearward end pivotally mounted on the upper frame and a doubleacting hydraulic cylinder is pivotally interconnected between the upper frame and the boom to selectively raise and lower the same relative to ground level. A jib has its rearward end pivotally attached to a forward end of the boom by an elongated slot connection which permits the jib to be moved between a stored position in offset relationship adjacent to the boom and an extended position forwardly of the boom wherein the longitudinal axes of the jib and boom are parallel relative to each other.

Abstract: A shear assembly has frame means to which a first member is pivotally mounted. A second member comprising a blade is pivotally mounted to the first member, with the first and second members being positionable on opposite sides of the body of a tree. Extension of a cylinder interconnecting the second member and frame means provides a scissoring action of the first and second members to provide shearing of the tree. Means are included for providing that upon withdrawal of the second member from the body of the tree, the first member is also withdrawn therefrom.

Abstract: A hydraulic priority circuit for a fork lift truck having a primary work system for providing power steering and a secondary work system for raising a fork along a mast and for tilting the mast. A variable speed electric motor drives a variable output pump to supply pressurized fluid which is divided by a flow divider into two streams leading to the primary and secondary work systems, respectively. A priority solenoid valve is controlled by a device which detects preselected conditions of the truck to direct all the fluid in the stream leading to the primary work system either to the primary work system when the truck is in drive or is rolling, or to the secondary work system when the truck is in neutral and stationary.

Abstract: A control module comprises a bracket assembly adapted for attachment to a support structure of a construction vehicle. A control lever is pivotally mounted on the bracket assembly along with a bellcrank having a roller mounted on a first arm thereof. The roller is adapted to selectively engage at least one notch formed on the control lever to form a detent mechanism and is biased in that direction by a tension coil spring connected between the bracket assembly and a second arm of the bellcrank. A control rod is reciprocally mounted in the bracket assembly and has its first end pivotally connected to the control lever and is adapted to have its second end connected to a self-centering valve spool of a directional control valve. A lost-motion link is interconnected between the first arm of the bellcrank and a solenoid plunger of a kickout mechanism to selectively override the solenoid to release the detent mechanism.

Abstract: A tree shear assembly includes first and second blades pivotally connected to each other, and a toggle link system operatively connected with the first and second blades and in cooperative association with an extendible and retractable cylinder for closing and opening the blades.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for rotating the bushings of an assembled and in-place track of a tractor to present new bushing wear areas to the sprockets which engage these bushings.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the noise made by circulation of an endless drive chain comprising a plurality of substantially identical links about a drive sprocket and idler is disclosed. According to the invention, a substantial portion of the energy present in pivotal movement of adjacent links with respect to each other, which occurs as the links are received on the drive sprocket and idler, is absorbed and returned to the pivotal movement therebetween which occurs when the links leave their engagement with the drive sprocket and idler. Specific embodiments of the invention particularly suited for use in reducing track noise in a track-type vehicle are described.

Abstract: A movable arch supporting a grapple unit at one end of a logging vehicle, the movable arch including a pair of links of different lengths being pivotably connected in spaced apart relation to a vehicle and a support beam, one end of the support beam extending rearwardly from the vehicle for connection with the grapple unit, a hydraulic jack being interconnected between the vehicle and one of the links.

Abstract: Spheroidal particles of wear-resistant alloy comprising boron, chromium and iron having maximum hardness for a given composition are produced by the rapid cooling of a molten alloy mixture. The resultant solid particles are then incorporated into a composite alloy wherein the solid particles are held together with a matrix of different material from the alloy. Inserts of the composite wear-resistant alloy are useful in producing long wearing tools.

Abstract: A safety valve includes a movable piston which functions to prevent actuation of fluid operated drive conditioning clutches of a vehicle transmission unless the selector valve means are passed through a neutral position. Such safety valve spool also acts as a load piston for a pressure modulating relief valve of the system.

Abstract: A multi-range pressure compensated fluid delivery system gives output flow over at least two pressure ranges. The system comprises a prime mover driven variable displacement pump having an inlet from a source of hydraulic fluid and a delivery outlet. A delivery circuit from the output has at least two work circuits selectively connected thereto. A first of the circuits is operable up to a first pressure and a second of the circuits is operable only up to a second lower pressure. An actuator system controls pump displacement responsive to a pressure applied thereto. A system selectively applies a first signal determined by the first pressure to the actuator system to adjust the operating pressure of the pump. A device reduces the first pressure to the second pressure responsive to connection of the second circuit to the delivery circuit to thereby decrease the maximum compensated pressure setting of the pump.

Abstract: A rotary distributor fuel pump for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is provided with a rotor to meter and distribute fuel to the engine cylinders. The rotor axially reciprocates to vary fuel quantity and can be advanced or retarded relative the housing to provide timing through angular displacement of a ring gear which forms part of a planetary gear assembly driving the rotor. Fuel is pressurized by pistons mounted in the stationary housing and reciprocated radially in relation to the rotor under urging of a second rotating member having an eccentric inner bore. Axial displacement of the rotor is accomplished through conventional governor means.

Abstract: An engine cylinder head has valves reciprocally mounted thereto, each valve having a head which is seatable against a seat. The seat is recessed in a cylindrical bore defined by the head, the outer periphery of the head being in close proximity to the surface of the bore, with the head on the seat. The valve apparatus maintains a substantially closed valving state as the head is moved from the seat, until the head is removed from the bore.

Abstract: Planet gears of a planetary gearing system for a vehicle drive wheel are mounted on a carrier for orbital motion around a motor-driven sun gear and transmit drive at reduced speed to a ring gear which turns the wheel hub. Each planet gear is fastened to the carrier through a bearing and axle pin having ends which extend through support bores in the carrier. Lubricant is maintained around the carrier and each axle pin has a lubricant passage with an outlet directed toward the bearing and with an inlet facing in the direction of orbital motion of the axle pin to cause such motion to force lubricant into the passage. Longitudinal movement of all axle pins and also angular motion of all axle pins relative to the supporting carrier is prevented by a single unitary retainer element secured to a surface of the carrier and having edge portions which extend into a linear slot in the sidewall of each axle pin.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an auxiliary front wheel drive system including fluid motors, and a valve movable to supply fluid pressure thereto for driving thereof. A second valve is included in communication with the exhaust conduits of the motors, blocking flow therethrough when the first-mentioned valve is not supplying fluid to the motors. Further a transmission is included for regulating the fluid pressure provided to the fluid motors. Another aspect includes a pressure relief valve and means for selectively varying the relief pressure of the pressure relief valve to provide proper torque characteristics to the front wheel drive system.

Abstract: A tree shear apparatus includes first and second blades, and linkage means interconnecting the blades so that the first blade makes a partial, relatively small cut of the tree and withdrawal from the tree while the second blade cuts through the tree so that the first and second blades together make a complete cut of the body of the tree.

Abstract: A latch mechanism is mounted on a door or panel hingedly mounted on the frame of a construction vehicle or the like. The latch mechanism comprises a handle pivotally mounted in exposed relationship on an upper side of the door for movement between latched and unlatched positions thereon. A guide block is secured to an underside of the door and a latch member is slidably mounted in the guide block. The latch member is connected to the handle for sliding movements between a latched position underlying a stationary panel of the vehicle and an unlatched position whereby the door may be opened in response to raising of the handle. Detent means are provided between the guide block and the latch member to hold the member in its unlatched position when the door is open. A key lock may be mounted on the door to selectively hold the latch member plate in its latched position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mobile transport assembly which may be moved to adjacent an irrigation line, and which includes means for selectively applying rotational torque to such irrigation line at an area between the ends of such irrigation line, to in turn rotate and transport the irrigation line. The mobile transport assembly may then be moved from such irrigation line after the transporting thereof to another irrigation line to in turn move that irrigation line by applying rotational torque thereto.

Abstract: An article in the form of a one-piece, hollow, elongated body having an enlarged center portion and narrowed or necked down end portions is provided. The hollow roller shaft having an internal, centrally disposed lubricant cavity within a central body and a pair of shaft journals extending therefrom.

Abstract: A brake pressure modulating control valve for a hydraulically operated brake system. The control valve includes a spool associated with an air spring chamber. The system includes equipment for modulating the air pressure in the air chamber for constantly and concurrently modulating the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the brake system.