Abstract: Sheath 50, 100 for an ultrasound probe 52 includes a sheath body 70 and an end cap 76. The sheath body is disposed about the probe 52 with the end cap 76 disposed about the end 57 of the probe 52. A band 78 is disposed about the body 70 in order to define between the end cap 76 and the band 78 a portion of the sheath 50 which can be expanded with fluid pressure in order to properly position the probe in a human cavity. The end cap 76 prevents fluid from expanding the end of the sheath 50. Alternatively a toroidal chamber 118 can be defined by a first cylindrical body 102 of the sheath 100 in combination with a second cylindrical body 116. A conduit 120 is provided externally to the probe 52 and sheath 100 for introducing fluid into the toroidal chamber 118.

Abstract: The apparatus for collecting radiant energy and converting same to alternate energy form includes a housing having an interior space and a radiation transparent window allowing, for example, solar radiation to be received in the interior space of the housing. Means are provided for passing a stream of fluid past said window and for injecting radiation absorbent particles in said fluid stream. The particles absorb the radiation and because of their very large surface area, quickly release the heat to the surrounding fluid stream. The fluid stream particle mixture is heated until the particles vaporize. The fluid stream is then allowed to expand in, for example, a gas turbine to produce mechanical energy. In an aspect of the present invention properly sized particles need not be vaporized prior to the entrance of the fluid stream into the turbine, as the particles will not damage the turbine blades.

Abstract: A crawler tractor vehicle having fluid actuated steering clutches and associated steering brake includes a control apparatus for each clutch and brake system, including a valve made up of a valve body, and a clutch valving spool and a brake valving spool movably associated therewith. The vehicle further includes a transmission operable upon supply of fluid pressure thereto and a priority valve for providing that a certain level of fluid pressure is supplied to the brake system to provide a disengagement thereof prior to fluid pressure being supplied to the transmission.

Abstract: A crawler tractor vehicle having steering clutches and associated steering brake includes a control apparatus for each clutch and brake system, including a valve made up of a valve body, and a clutch valving spool and a brake valving spool movably associated therewith. In one embodiment, the clutch valving spool and brake valving spool are identical in configuration, and are disposed in a common bore. Actuator means are associated with such clutch valving spool and brake valving spool, in one embodiment including an actuator assembly made up of a plurality of plungers movable relative to each other and relative to the valve body to provide particular movement of the clutch and brake valving spools. In another embodiment, the actuator means comprise mechanical linkage means, for providing movement of brake and clutch valving spools positioned in respective separate bores defined by the valve body.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system having a pump and circuits connecting the pump to a pair of hydraulic motors through first and second circuits is provided with a priority valve system operative to provide a priority of fluid pressure to the first motor up to a predetermined minimum pressure and thereafter to maintain the pressure in the first circuit and simultaneously supply fluid to the second motor of the second circuit. The priority valve system is also responsive to a load on a second motor to split the flow of fluid between the two motors above the predetermined minimum pressure up to a second pressure after which the second predetermined pressure is maintained in the first circuit while fluid is being supplied to the second conduit.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for lift vehicles of a type including an operator's station and a carriage arranged for vertical travel upon a mast assembly. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism includes a lever arrangement, preferably an overhead guard structure, pivotably connected to the vehicle and operatively connected with the carriage by means of a pivotable link. In other disclosed embodiments, the lever mechanism is also an overhead guard structure providing an overhead guard function for the operator station while the mast assembly preferably includes a fixed upright portion and at least one movable upright portion supporting the carriage, the movable overhead guard structure and link being operable to cause vertical travel of both the movable upright portion and carriage. An additional embodiment has the overhead guard lift the movable upright and the short lift cylinder lifts the carriage.

Abstract: A loader vehicle includes a loading implement movable to a dump and a rack-back position by means of actuation of cylinders. The movement of the cylinders is provided by fluid control valves in turn operated by actuator means which provide for both a slow dump and a fast movement of the implement.

Abstract: A track pin has the ends thereof mounted in bores defined by respective track links. The ends of the track pin are heated above the critical temperature of the steel making up the track pin, and then quenched, whereby the ends of the track pin have increased in volume to be retained in the bores of the respective track links.