Abstract: A continuous track assembly (12) has a frame (16) and first and second elements (18,20) pivotally connected to the frame (16). Each element (18,20) has a rotatable wheel (22,24) about which a track (30) is positioned. Either wheel (22,24) can be rotated when desired by power and driving apparatus (36,44) in an associated vehicle (10) to drive the track (30). Tension in the track (30) is maintained at a preselected level by apparatus (50) which moves the first and second elements (18,20) relative to one another to position the wheels (22,24) against the track (30). The wheels (22,24) are freely pivotally movable to enable the track assembly (12) to readily adapt to its environment and maximize tractive effort. Maintaining desired track tension substantially overcomes problems associated with a track which is too loose or tight which can result in slipping or damage to the track assembly (12).

Abstract: A wheel (16) in a continuous track assembly (12) has a hub (18) and a rim (20) connected to the hub (18). First apparatus (29) engages a track (14) of the assembly (12) to drive an associated work vehicle (10). Second apparatus (42) mounts the rim (20) in a movable relationship to the hub (18). The first apparatus (29) in movable relationship to the rim (20) to substantially absorb and isolate noise created by engagement of the wheel (16) and track (14) to drive the vehicle (10). The rim (20) is movable relative to the hub (18) to substantially isolate impact forces exerted on the wheel (16) resulting from operation of the vehicle (10).

Abstract: A drive mechanism (10) is used, for example, in an orbiting radial motor (12) to rotate a sprocket (22) or in a multiple output speed increaser or reducer to control output. The drive mechanism (10) has a first member (16) positioned about and rotatable relative to a frame (14). A second member (18) is positioned generally between the frame (14) and first member (16) and engages and rotates the first member (16). The first member (16), for example, is connected to and rotates the sprocket (22) for driving a track of a work vehicle. The drive mechanism (10) has only a single element (34) for establishing the drive ratio of the first member (16) relative to the second member (18) and receiving and transmitting reaction torquing force on the second member (18) in response to the second member (18) engaging the first member (16). Thus, reaction loads on, for example, bearings (68,70) supporting the second member (18) are substantially eliminated and the drive ratio can be widely varied.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00026 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 18, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 18, 1979, PCT Filed Jan. 18, 1979 PCT Pub. No. W080/01505 PCT Pub. Date July 24, 1980.A seal (16) is positioned to prevent entry of foreign matter through an annular opening (26) between first and second members (12,14). The first and second members (12,14) are, for example, a stationary backing plate (20) and a rotatable hub (22) of a brake assembly (24) or a rotatable shaft and associated housing element. Foreign matter passing between the backing plate (20) and the hub (22), for example, can enter an associated brake drum (30) and interfere with effectiveness of the brake assembly (24). Apparatus (72) connects the seal (16) to the backing plate (20). The seal (16) has first and second legs (38,40) each having a sealing surface (58,60). The sealing surface contact a face (68) and outer surface (66) of the hub (22), respectively, to substantially block passage of foreign matter to the brake drum (30).

Abstract: A work vehicle (10) such as, for example, a tractor (74) or loader (27) has a center of gravity (12), a body (14) and first and second continuous track assemblies ( 18,20). In the use of the tractor (74), for example, forwardly locating the center of gravity (12) can increase penetration of a bulldozer (76) on the tractor (74) during bulldozing operations. During ripping operations, penetration of a ripper (78) on the tractor (74) can be increased by rearwardly locating the center of gravity (12). Apparatus (22) is provided for controllably moving the body (14) relative to both of the track assemblies ( 18,20). Said apparatus (22) thus controllably shifts the center of gravity (12) of the tractor (74) relative to both of said track assemblies ( 18,20) for selectively increasing penetration of the ripper (78) or bulldozer (76) depending upon the operation being performed by said tractor (74).

Abstract: A seal (16) is positioned to prevent entry of foreign matter through an annular opening (26) between first and second members (12,14). The first and second members (12,14) are, for example, a stationary backing plate (20) and a rotatable hub (22) of a brake assembly (24) or a rotatable shaft and associated housing element. Foreign matter passing between the backing plate (20) and the hub (22), for example, can enter an associated brake drum (30) and interfere with effectiveness of the brake assembly (24). Apparatus (67) connects the seal (16) to the backing plate (20). The seal (16) has first and second legs (38,40) each having a sealing surface (58,60). The sealing surfaces contact a face (94) and outer surface (92) of the hub (22), respectively, to substantially block passage of foreign matter to the brake drum (30).

Abstract: A continuous track assembly (12) has a frame (16) and a first element (18) pivotally connected to the frame (16). A second element (20) is pivotally connected to the first element (18). Each element (18,20) has a rotatable wheel (22,24) about both of which a track (30) is positioned. The wheel (22) of the first element (18) is rotated by power and driving apparatus (36,44) in an associated work vehicle (10) to drive the track (30). Tension in the track (30) is maintained at a preselected level by apparatus (50) which moves the second element (20) relative to the first element (18) to position the wheels (22,24) against the track (30). The wheels (22,24) are freely pivotally movable as a unit to enable the track assembly (12) to readily adapt to its environment and maximize tractive effort. Maintaining the desired track tension substantially overcomes problems associated with a track which is too loose or tight which can result in slipping or damage to the track assembly (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is used for transporting one or more elongated members (12), such as logs (12) or pipes. The absence of developed roadways into tree cutting sites, for example, requires an apparatus (10) for transporting logs (12) over difficult terrain from the site to other locations. In the apparatus (10) for transporting the elongated member (12), first apparatus (20) controllably engages a first end portion (14) of the elongated member (12) in supporting relationship in response to being urged between the first end portion (14) and the ground (32) in a direction (34) generally longitudinal relative to the elongated member (12). Second apparatus (26) controllably engages a second end portion (16) of the elongated member (12) and maintains the first end portion (14) in supporting relationship with the first apparatus (20).

Abstract: An implement assembly (12) includes an implement (16), such as, for example, a blade (22) of a work vehicle (10), pivotally connected to a frame (14) for supporting said blade (22). The blade (22) and frame (14) are closely positioned to the front of the work vehicle (10) for maximum stability and balance of the vehicle (10). In the implement assembly (12) first apparatus (18) tilts the blade (22) generally vertically. Second apparatus (20), such as, for example, angling cylinders (40,42), moves the blade (22) to preselected angles relative to the vehicle (10). A subframe (50) is pivotally connected to the frame (14) and second apparatus (20). The blade (22) moves along the subframe (50) during tilting and with the subframe (50) to the preselected angles.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US 78/00250 Sec. 371 Date Dec. 21, 1978 Sec. 102(e) Date Dec. 21, 1978, PCT Filed Dec. 12, 1978, Ser. No. 014,018, PCT Pub No. W080/01296 PCT Pub. Date Jun. 26, 1980.A slide rail assembly (18) and slide plate (20) are used, for example, to position an implement (14) of a work vehicle (10), such as a bulldozer (14), at various angles. The bulldozer connected slide plate (20) moves along a vehicle connected rail (22) of the rail assembly (18) to a desired position of the bulldozer (14). A pin (60) is positioned through aligned openings (48,62) in the rail (22) and slide plate (20) to maintain the position. The pin (60) or rail (22) can sometimes fail owing to working loads exerted on the bulldozer (14). A plurality of bushings (50) are each positioned in a respective rail opening (48) and maintained substantially fixed in order to increase bearing support area of the pin (60) and to strengthen the rail assembly (18).

Abstract: An apparatus or resilient link (24) provides relative movement of first and second members (36,38) for resiliency in limiting forces applied through the link (24). The link (24) connects, for example, a controlling member (14) such as a lever (14) or handle and a work mechanism (10) such as a valve (12) or shifting mechanism. In the resilient link (24), a first apparatus (44) moves the first member (36) from a first toward a second position (46,48) in response to exerting a first force (F.sub.1) on the first member (36) in the first direction (50) for resiliency to excessive force applied in tension on the link (24). A second apparatus (52) moves a second member (38) from a first toward a second position (54,56) in response to exerting a second force (F.sub.2) on the first member (36) in the second direction (58) for resiliency to excessive force applied in compression on the link (24 ).

Abstract: An element (12) having a chamber (28) such as, for example, a boom (12) of an excavator (10) or a draft tube of a scraper is subject to torsional loading during use of the element (12). Torsional loading creates tensile stresses (T) on the welds (22) of the excavator boom (12), which can lead to weld failure. A method for controllably treating the metal of the element (12) includes heating the element (12) and pressurizing the chamber (28), maintaining the element (12) and chamber (28) at a preselected temperature and pressure (P.sub.1), respectively, and cooling the element (12) and depressurizing the chamber (28). The method produces residual compressive stresses (C.sub.2) in the metal, such as in the root area (23) of the welds (22) of the excavator boom (12), for increasing fatigue life under torsional loading of the boom (12).

Abstract: A control apparatus has a single control handle, first and second work elements, and first and second ramps each contacting a respective work element. Apparatus is further provided for selectively, progressively pivoting only one of the ramps in response to controllably moving the single control handle. One of the ramps pivotally moves in response to moving the handle in a first plane to a first position and in a different second plane from a first toward a second position. The other ramp pivotally moves in response to moving the handle in the first plane to a second position and in a different third plane from a first toward a second position. Respective work elements are thereby moved between a plurality of positions for controlling an operation such as the flow of fluid through associated, respective valves.

Abstract: A material handling system (10) has a lifting element (12) and first apparatus (14) for moving the lifting element (12). The system (10) is, for example, a work vehicle having mast mounted implements, such as a lift truck (10) with forks (12) or a container handler. Proper alignment of the lifting element (12) relative to material (46) to be loaded and structure (52) adjacent the material (46) is necessary to engage the material (46). The material handling system (10) has a second apparatus (40) for delivering first and second signals in response to first and second surfaces (20,22) of the lifting element (12) being at elevations (42,48) greater and lesser than first and second preselected elevations (44,50), respectively. A third apparatus (57) automatically moves one of the lifting element surfaces (20,22) to the respective one of the preselected elevations (44,50), in response to receiving a respective one of the signals for automatically aligning the lifting element ( 12).

Abstract: A rotating assembly (10) is associated with transmission and parking brake components (33,34) of a work vehicle or arbor and chuck components of a machine tool operation. The use of one component during operation of the other component can result in damage to the components. The rotating assembly (10) has a first member (12) and a second annular member (14). Rotation of each member (12,14) is associated with operation of a respective component, such as shifting the transmission (33) or applying or releasing the brake (34). Apparatus (38) maintains one of the first member (12) and second annular member (14) against rotation and frees the other of the members (14,12) for rotation at respective positions (40,42) of the apparatus (38) for selectivey interlocking the first member (12) relative to the second member (14). This prevents application of the brake (34) if the transmission (33) is not in neutral and prevents shifting of the transmission (33) from neutral before the brake ( 34) is released.

Abstract: A seal (16) has a body (38), a leg (40) and first and second sealing areas (42,44). The seal (16) is used in a seal assembly (10) having first and second members (12,14), such as, for example, a frame portion (20) and steering knuckle (27) of a work vehicle. Apparatus (28) such as bearing (30) supports the knuckle (27) in rotation relative to a king pin (24) of the frame portion (20). Foreign matter can enter between the frame portion (20) and steering knuckle (27) and interfere with vehicle steering. In the assemly (10), the sealing surfaces (42,44) contact substantially perpendicular surfaces (32,34) of the frame portion (20) to block passage of foreign matter to the bearing (30). A second end portion (54) of the seal leg (40) can be controllably deflectable in order to permit overfill of lubricant to pass from the bearing cavity between the frame portion (20) and steering knuckle (27).

Abstract: In a hydraulic circuit (10) fluid is passable from a priority valve (28) through control and lockout valves (30,32) to, for example, a suspension system (27) of a work vehicle (20) or control cylinders of a steering assembly. The lockout valve (32) provides for controllably operating or locking out, for example, the operation of the suspension system (27) where desired. The control valve (30) controllably passes fluid to the suspension system (27), for example, based upon demand created by operation of the system (27). The control valve (30) also delivers a signal to the priority valve (28) for maintaining priority of fluid flow from the priority valve (28) to the suspension system (27). In the circuit (10), the signal is automatically, controllably blocked in response to locking out the operation of the suspension system (27) for preventing the priority valve (28) from maintaining priority fluid flow to the non-operative suspension system (27).

Abstract: A grapple tong system has first and second hydraulic lines for closing and raising the grapple tongs, respectively. A hydraulic system is provided for automatically, controllably passing fluid from the second to the first line in response to a preselected pressure in the first line and a higher pressure in the second line for automatically, controllably urging the grapples to a closed position.

Abstract: A method produces a reproducible image on a film in a single machine. Steps include exposing the film to an image, passing the exposed film to a developing station and developing the film. An improved method controllably recovers the exposed film from the single machine without developing the film. The exposed film is subsequently exposed to a second different image in the single machine to form a composite exposed film. The composite exposed film is passed to the developing station and developed in the single machine to produce a composite image film for reproduction purposes.

Abstract: A work vehicle has a frame, a movable first member, a first magnetic switch portion connected to the first member, and a second magnetic switch portion connected to the frame. Apparatus is provided for pivotally connecting the second magnetic switch portion to the frame. The second magnetic switch portion generally vertically moves in response to movement of the first member and is maintained a preselected distance from the first member for assuring relative positioning of the switch portions.