Abstract: The T-shaped join formed by a crossbar and a sideplate of a forklift truck fork carriage is improved by interposing a joint insert member between the crossbar and sideplate. The joint insert member comprises a flange for attachment to the crossabar and, arranged transverse to the flange and projecting beyond the flange, a stem for attachment to the sideplate. The transitions from stem to flange are comprised of strong cast or forged material in the form of smooth, large radii to improve strength and reduce stress concentration.

Abstract: An "overcenter" toggle type, pull cable operating lever having a compound operating lever. The hand lever of the compound operating lever is linked to an intermediate lever which, in turn, is linked to a cable slide arranged to axially displace a pull cable. The mechanical advantage of the pull cable operating lever is a function of the product of the mechanical advantages of the hand lever and intermediate lever. Compact pull cable operating levers with high mechanical advantages are possible.

Abstract: The hand grip of a vehicle steering control rotates about an axis passing through the center of the wrist. Control input is by rotation of the forearm while forces exerted by the operator radially from or parallel to the axis of rotation do not cause control input. A transducer, sensing hand grip position, is restrained only in rotation and isolated from forces acting on the hand grip.

Abstract: A clutch control for a multi-speed vehicle transmission having operator selected, hydraulically operatable clutches for the shifting of direction and speed includes a valve means which automatically engages a higher and a lower speed clutch in sequence when a direction shift is made. If the direction is shifted while the transmission is shifted to a lower speed range the next higher speed clutch will be momentarily engaged before the lower speed clutch is engaged.

Abstract: Vibration is generated by the rotation of an eccentric weight attached to a rotor shaft. A relatively high or low amplitude of vibration is produced by varying the radial position of the eccentric weight relative to the centerline of the rotor shaft. A latch, responsive to the direction of rotation of the rotor shaft, and springs control the radial movement of the eccentric weight. Rotation of the rotor shaft in one direction will cause the eccentric weight to be restrained in close proximity to the shaft, producing relatively low vibration amplitude. Rotation in the opposite direction, will cause the eccentric weight to be released; permitting the eccentric weight to move radially from the rotor shaft under the influence of centrifugal force; producing a higher amplitude of vibration. Springs automatically return the eccentric weight to the low amplitude position when the rotor shaft slows.

Abstract: Twistlocks of a container spreader are operated and controlled by hydraulic cylinders and interlock valves connected in series. Interlock valves block the flow of fluid through the cylinders when insertion of the twistlocks in their mating connectors is incomplete. Parallel fluid ports at the inlet and outlet of the cylinders permit the inlet and outlet to be connected, at the ends of the hydraulic cylinder's piston stroke, to compensate for different volume requirements of the hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A trailer assembly is provided with means to lower the trailer platform to the ground where the gooseneck may be detached from the platform to facilitate loading. A rotatable detachable connection of the gooseneck to the platform is provided by interlocking hooks on the gooseneck frame and the platform. Raising and lowering of the platform is accomplished by hydraulic rams located in the gooseneck which, through a force amplifying linkage apply force to an arm, pivotally connected to the gooseneck, and bearing on the platform at a location remotely to the rear of the forward connection. A force couple is created about the interlocking hooks resulting in relative rotation of the platform and gooseneck and raising or lowering of the platform. The position of the gooseneck and platform is maintained for travelling by compression blocks which bear against the gooseneck frame and the arm isolating the raising and lowering mechanism from loads.