Abstract: A fluid coupling adapted to be attached to a pulley assembly which includes a pulley member and a hub having a set of external threads. The fluid coupling includes an output coupling member, an input coupling member rotatably disposed within a fluid chamber containing a volume of viscous fluid whereby torque is transmitted from the input coupling member to the output coupling member in response to relative rotation therebetween. The input coupling member includes an input shaft having a boss portion adjacent the rear surface of the output coupling member. The boss portion defines a set of internal threads for threaded engagement with the hub. The boss portion also defines a radial aperture and the output coupling member defines a slot disposed radially outward from the aperture and adjacent thereto.

Abstract: Low pressure in a vehicle tire is detected by a system including an electronic circuit which activates a warning light in response to momentary phase shift between two cyclic signals. The system includes an oscillator which produces the first of the two cyclic signals, a parallel resonant circuit excited by the first signal and producing the second of the two cyclic signals, a coil mounted to rotate with the tire and to pass through an electromagnetic field produced by an inductor in the resonant circuit and operative to momentarily shift the phase of the second signal relative to the phase of the first signal when a pressure operated switch in the tire closes and shorts the coil, a detector which produces an output signal that momentarily changes in response to the momentary phase shift, and a warning light that is activated in response to the momentary change in the output signal.

Abstract: A motor vehicle speed control system which, upon activation by the vehicle operator, maintains the vehicle at a predetermined set speed. The system utilizes a duty-cycle type pneumatic servoactuator responsive to an electrical control signal for controlling movement of the vehicle throttle. Control means responsive to deviation of vehicle speed from the predetermined set speed, is operable to vary the control signal characteristics in accordance with a predetermined governing equation and the electrical control signal is utilized to operate the servoactuator. Vehicle speed is sensed by a generator providing an electrical signal output and a control means is of the electronic type responsive to the electrical speed signal and the predetermined set speed. In one embodiment both analog-digital circuit techniques are employed for the control means and, in another embodiment, substantially all-digital circuitry is utilized.

Abstract: An improved load brake mechanism for hoists allows free movement of load supporting means connected with the hoist. The mechanism will stop the supporting means whenever the means achieves a predetermined velocity or acceleration. The braking mechanism allows the convenience of a free chain mode without the risk of an uncontrolled load on the hoist.

Abstract: A two piece valve assembly is provided for snap-in installation in a mounting rim for a tubeless tire. The assembly comprises a generally cylindrical valve stem member insertable in a bore formed through an elastomeric grommet member, which is in turn insertable in a bore formed through the mounting rim. The valve stem and grommet members are sized to effect a fluid pressure seal when the insertions are accomplished, and an enlarged flange is provided on the valve stem to prevent outward removal of the assembly from the rim bore.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a pilot fuel injection system, which system also includes a transfer pump, a high pressure fuel pump, and a fuel injection nozzle. The valve assembly includes a blocking valve and a metering valve in an unitary housing having a high pressure fuel inlet, a metered fuel outlet, and a fuel return outlet. The blocking valve includes a cam ring operating a spool type valving member which opens and closes the high pressure inlet to the metering valve in a timed phase relation with an engine. The metering valve includes a cam ring, a spool type valving member, a spring, and a dump means. The cam ring has a single lobe which smoothly increases on one side and abruptly decreases in two steps on the other side; the smooth side slides the spool in one direction at velocities proportional to engine speed while the inlet is closed by the blocking valve; and the spring moves the spool along a two stepped path at velocities independent of engine speed while the inlet is open.

Abstract: A viscous fluid coupling is provided of the type driven by a prime mover, the speed of which varies over a wide range. The coupling includes an output member defining two fluid chambers, with an input member being rotatably disposed in each of the fluid chambers, and the two input members being driven by the prime mover at different rotational speeds. At lower prime mover speeds, viscous fluid is pumped into the fluid chamber containing the higher speed ratio input member to provide a higher ratio of output speed to prime mover speed. At higher prime mover speeds, viscous fluid is pumped into the fluid chamber containing the lower speed ratio input member to provide a lower ratio of output speed to prime mover speed. Utilizing the disclosed fluid coupling as a drive for a radiator cooling fan results in more cooling at low engine speeds, but less wasted power at higher engine speeds.

Abstract: A bogie drive and suspension system for a rough terrain vehicle. Suspension is by a pair of walking beams, each of which is supported by trunnions which are integral and coaxial angle drive transfer units at the ends of the walking beam transfer power to wheel end reduction units. The transfer units are of modular construction including pre-assembled and pre-aligned right angle bevel gear sets. Flexible gear type couplings, connecting the central transfer unit with the wheel end transfer units, permit deflection of the walking beams under load without affecting gear alignment.

Abstract: A service brake pedal for a stand-up industrial vehicle in which the pedal assumes a level attitude when an operator stands normally on the vehicle with one foot on the pedal and most of his weight applied to the heels of his feet. The service brake pedal is supported by a linkage system which applies a braking force to the service brake system when the operator's weight on the pedal engaging foot is shifted forwardly from his heel. The linkage is arranged to permit essentially all the operator's weight to be selectively applied to the brake system when required.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device is provided of the type including a rotatable input member and a relatively rotatable output member cooperating with a cover to define a fluid chamber therein. The device includes a movable valve member mounted on a valve shaft which is rotatably supported by a support insert seated within an opening in the cover. The rotational position of the valve shaft is made temperature-responsive by means of a bimetal coil having a first end connected to the valve shaft and a second end mounted relative to the cover. The bimetal coil has a nominal width over the major portion of its length but includes an initial portion adjacent the first end having a width substantially less than the nominal width. The initial portion comprises between about one and one and one-half turns of the coil to permit the coil to be disposed closer to the cover without interfering with the support insert.

Abstract: A hoist cooling system in which a motor-driven pump forces oil under pressure through the hoist load brake and overload clutch. An end cover of the hoist gear case is employed as a heat exchange member, and includes fins to further enhance cooling. Oil is conducted through the load brake and overload clutch by means of interconnecting bores formed in the countershaft supporting the clutch and brake and in the brake and clutch operating disks.

Abstract: An improved method for producing a threaded, metallic, self-locking fastener having a metallic patch flame sprayed thereon. The improved method includes a heat-treating operation which densifies and smooths the outer surface of the patch while not substantially affecting the porosity or resiliency of the patch and improves the bond between the patch and the base fastener.

Abstract: A power steering mechanism especially for highway-type vehicles. The mechanism includes a worm defining an axial bore and an input shaft projecting into the bore and having a lost motion connection with the bore of the worm adjacent the output end of the worm. A valve is disposed at the output end of the worm with a gerotor motor disposed adjacent the valve. Rotation of the input shaft, relative to the worm, rotates the inner valve sleeve, relative to the outer valve sleeve, directing pressurized fluid to the gerotor motor. The gerotor motor includes an externally-toothed star member which orbits and rotates upon actuation of the motor. A dogbone has one end in splined engagement with the gerotor star and the other end in splined engagement with the worm to translate the orbital and rotational movement of the star into rotational movement of the worm. A torsion bar has one end in engagement with the steering wheel end of the input shaft and its other end fixed to the worm.

Abstract: A processor clamp for a tree harvester. A first tree engaging surface is defined by an edge of a frame member upstanding from the processing boom of the harvester. A second tree engaging surface is defined by a movable clamp arm which is located beneath the first tree engaging surface in its open position to free the first surface of obstruction tending to interfere with a tree being positioned on the processing boom. According to another aspect of the invention, the operating cylinder for the movable clamp arm is located within a cavity formed by the frame members of the clamp assembly, and is thus protected from damage.

Abstract: A viscous fluid clutch employing a magnetic field selectively actuatable by a heat sensing device to operate a valve arm to seal an inlet passage fluidly communicating an operating chamber with a storage chamber. The clutch includes a clutch and a housing member rotatably disposed relative to one another. Each member has a shear surface. The surfaces define therebetween the operating chamber. The storage chamber is located in the housing member and is in fluid communication with the operating chamber via a discharge passage and the inlet passage. Pump means in the operating chamber displace fluid through the discharge passage from the operating chamber to the storage chamber. The inlet passage directs fluid from the storage to the operating chamber. A movable valve arm selectively seals the inlet passage. The valve arm is moved via a solenoid action in response to actuation of the magnetic field.

Abstract: An improved radiator vent valve and syphon tube assembly is provided, the vent valve including a valve body and a threaded valve nipple adapted to engage a wall of a radiator. The nipple defines a passage communicating between the interior of the radiator and the interior of the valve body and the syphon tube drains condensate from the interior of the valve body into the radiator. The syphon tube includes a tubular portion adapted to be inserted into the passage defined by the nipple, the tubular portion including resilient tabs about its outer surface which permit insertion of the tubular portion into the nipple and after insertion, yieldably engage an inner surface of the nipple. The syphon tube also includes a generally trough-shaped portion coplanar with the tubular portion and another trough-shaped portion oriented to direct the flow of condensate downward when the tubular portion is horizontal. The three portions of the syphon tube provide a substantially continuous flow path.

Abstract: A processor clamp for a tree harvester. The tree engaging surface of a movable arm of the clamp is made up of two elements, a convex cam portion and a concave portion, to insure that all trees within the diameter range of the harvester will be clamped along a line either perpendicular to a downwardly angled, fixed tree engaging surface or tending to force the tree upward along the surface. The fixed tree engaging surface is adapted to penetrate a tree clamped thereon, but permits the tree to roll off into a bunk when the movable arm is released. The clamp assembly is easily removable from and attachable to the harvester to selectively use the harvester as a single tree machine or a multiple tree machine.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device of the type including a rotatable coupling body defining a fluid operating chamber and a coupling member rotatable relative to the coupling body. A cover is associated with the coupling body and coupling member to define a fluid reservoir chamber, and a valve is operable to control fluid communication between the operating chamber and the reservoir chamber. The valve is mounted on a shaft which is rotatable relative to the cover and the rotational position of the shaft is controlled by a bimetallic coil having one end connected to the shaft and a second end which must be fixed relative to the cover. A bracket is fixedly attached to the cover and a clip member, in movable engagement with the bracket, receives the second end of the bimetal coil to prevent substantial rotational movement of the second end relative to the bracket.

Abstract: A fluid coupling device of the type including a rotatable input coupling member, a cover associated therewith to define a fluid chamber, a valve plate separating the fluid chamber into an operating chamber and a reservoir chamber, and an output coupling member disposed in the operating chamber and rotatable relative to the input coupling member. The valve plate defines a discharge orifice permitting the flow of fluid from the operating chamber to the reservoir chamber and a generally flat valve member is located within the reservoir chamber and disposed to move in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the valve plate to vary the flow area of the discharge orifice. The movement of the valve member defines a valve operating area and the cover includes a portion coextensive with the valve operating area and oriented substantially parallel to the plane of movement of the valve member.

Abstract: A delimber blade having a central region beveled at a first angle to form a cutting edge at the tree engaging surface of the blade, and having opposed end regions beveled at first and second angles to form cutting edges spaced from the tree engaging surface of the blade. According to another aspect of the invention a plurality of blades is provided, all of which are identically shaped and sharpened.