Abstract: A control mechanism for a hydraulically driven vehicle in which a control member is mounted and linked to forward and reverse actuating pedals such that when one of the directional pedals is depressed the control member body is maintained stationary and an operating shaft is rotated to generate a first directional control signal, and when the other directional pedal is depressed the operating shaft is held stationary and the control member body is rotated to generate a second, opposite directional control signal.

Abstract: An engine valve control mechanism for varying the amount of opening and/or timing of cylinder valve in a valve gear train of a multi-cylinder, internal combustion engine having an overhead camshaft which actuates the valve via a rocker arm pivotally bridged between the valve stem and a hydraulic lash adjuster. In one engine embodiment of the invention the valve gear train portion for each intake valve is provided with a valve control mechanism of the invention by providing a camshaft having a high lift lobe and two low lift lobes for actuating the valve and by providing a valve rocker arm including a rigid link defining a first cam follower for following the low lift lobes and a second cam follower pivotally connected to the rigid link for following the high lift lobe.

Abstract: A cab intended for use as the operator's cab of a tree harvester vehicle has an access door in the leading surface of the cab. The cab door frame, and the access door, are defined by square tubes which are turned 45.degree. with respect to the plane of the door opening to define oblique interfaces between the door edge faces and the door opening faces.

Abstract: An improved change gear system having a plurality of spaced countershafts having parallel axes and means supporting the countershafts in a casing for rotation. Countershaft gears are provided on the countershafts and are concentric and rotatable therewith. A rotatable main shaft is provided which is arranged substantially parallel with the countershafts and is preferably located between a pair of the countershafts. Means are provided for pivotally supporting one end of the main shaft in addition to means for guiding the other end thereof in a free floating relation relative to the one end for movement in at least a direction transverse of a plane through the axes of two of the countershafts. A plurality of axially constrained thrust rings are fixed to the main shaft for rotation therewith and cooperate with a fixed thrust plate for transferring thrust loads on the main shaft to the casing. Clutching means are provided for effecting a driving connection between the countershafts and the main shaft.

Abstract: Improved actuating mechanisms are provided in pressure switches controlling water tub fill levels in domestic appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, etc. The mechanisms include a snap blade construction which improves contact point wear characteristics; an orifice molded into the switch's plastic body which averages transient surges in water tub levels during operation; a simplified plunger arrangement utilizing an especially configured actuator for establishing trip and reset levels of the switch; and a snap blade configuration which minimizes "contact bounce" after the contact moves from one stationary contact to the other.

Abstract: Solid resilient compound retaining the outer end of a bimetallic helical coil spring of a temperature responsive viscous fluid drive to a clip. The clip is secured to the cover plate of the drive. The inner end of the spring is secured to the valve shaft while the outer end of the spring is configured into a bight having a straight center portion inserted within a slot in the clip. A liquid compound is placed in the bight and surrounds a portion of the clip and fills the bight. The liquid solidifies to resiliently retain the outer end relative to the clip. A method for assembling the spring, valve shaft, cover plate, and clip is also described.

Abstract: A valve for relieving pressure in a container including an adjustably spring loaded poppet wherein the adjusting means therefor is covered by an actuator knob which drivingly engages the poppet which knob is operable to move the poppet to and from its operative sealing position through engagement of a projection formed in the knob with a cam surface formed on the valve housing. Indentations in the cam surface retain the knob in positions corresponding to sealing and open positions of the poppet.

Abstract: A circuit for preventing the energization of the starter motor for an internal combustion engine while the engine is running. A first SCR energizes the starter relay, and also a second SCR. Circuitry is provided to maintain the second SCR energized as long as the engine is running and to prevent the first SCR from being reenergized as long as the second SCR is energized. According to one aspect of the invention time delay means is provided to insure that all rotating parts can come to a stop before the starter motor can be reenergized.

Abstract: A monitor actuating device and a releasable, reusable fastener therefor is provided. The monitor actuating device is designed for attachment to a monitored article and for release therefrom only by the use of a specially designed tool. The actuating device includes a pin member, such as a headed tack or the like, extending therefrom and/or therethrough, which is designed to pierce the monitored article, such as an article of clothing or the like. The reusable fastener is selectively attachable to the free end of the pin member to capture the monitored article and/or the monitor actuating device on the pin and to prevent removal of the monitored article and/or the monitor actuating device from the pin. The reusable fastener is designed for release from the pin only upon the use of a special tool to prevent, or at least render more difficult, the unauthorized removal of the monitor actuating device from the monitored article.

Abstract: The plasma torch of this disclosure provides a shielded plasma arc using an external powder feed and an inert gas shield. The torch of this disclosure has a smaller outside diameter than prior art torches and allows better orientation of the torch with respect to a substrate to be hard faced. A method of hard surfacing an article, preferably using the torch of this invention, is also disclosed. The rotation of the article, a valve body, is controlled during hard facing to prevent deflects.

Abstract: A low-cost, motor-less carbonator has a housing having a fill chamber and a carbonation chamber. The chambers are maintained at different pressure levels to create a fluid movement from the fill chamber to the carbonation chamber. The fill chamber can be vented to allow a low pressure water feed to refill the fill tank. Carbonated water from the carbonation chamber is withdrawn on demand by a dispensing means.

Abstract: A vibration reducing shoe for biasing a cam ring of a variable displacement ball pump into engagement with a surface of the pump housing. In a hydrostatic transmission having a variable displacement pump and a fixed displacement motor a pair of shoes are located within bores in the pintle. The shoes are slidably received in the bores and exert a force against the cam ring which is proportional to the pressure of the fluid used to rotate the motor. Since the pump is reversible, one shoe is in fluid communication with one of the passages directing fluid to the motor and the other shoe is in fluid communication with the other passage. Accordingly, the force exerted on the cam ring by the shoes increases and decreases with increases and decreases in the pressure of the fluid from the pump to the motor.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control for a hydrostatic transmission including a variable displacement hydraulic pump and fluid operable servos to vary the displacement of the pump. The electro-hydraulic control is in series between the charge pump and the standard manual controller and determines the maximum pressure of the charge fluid ported to the standard controller. The electro-hydraulic control includes a spool biased toward a first position to port fluid from the charge pump to the standard controller, and biased toward a second position to relieve to tank the pressure of fluid ported to the manual controller. The biasing toward the second direction is accomplished, in part, by pressure in a fluid chamber exerting a biasing force on the spool, the fluid chamber being in communication with drain through a variable orifice which is variable in response to a pressure command signal.