Abstract: A self-propelled, low-profile, high-lift loader having the ability to lift loads higher above grade and lower below grade than previous such loaders of the same size category. The loader includes a main frame and a boom support frame pivotally connected at one end to the main frame. Power means are provided for elevating the opposite end with respect to the main frame. A boom butt is connected to the movable or free end of the boom support frame. The boom is pivotally rotatable about a horizontal axis on the boom support frame. Elevation of the boom support frame elevates the butt of the boom so as to extend the reach of the boom, as well as position the boom butt in an orientation permitting the boom to be extended downwardly to a below-grade location.

Abstract: The invention comprises a control apparatus for controlling the speed of the drive of a front end loader. The apparatus has a pair of hydrostatic motors for powering the input gear of the transfer case wherein the output gear of the transfer case drives the front and rear wheels of the loader. A control cylinder actuates a control mechanism to vary the speed of the two motors in sequence. A pair of foot pedals are provided to gradually actuate the pump to the two motors in opposite directions. The two foot pedals also actuate the control cylinder to actuate the two motors. Each foot pedal is depressable and during its initial depression action actuates the pump gradually in one direction or the other, and upon completion of the pump acceleration and any additional depression action actuates the control cylinder to actuate the two motors in sequence.

Abstract: The invention comprises a front end loader having a disengagable drive in its gear box for free wheeling of the loader. The loader also has a towing arm mounted to its front for towing the loader on a roadway, with the wheels of the loader in free wheeling. The gear box is mounted directly in front of the rear axle of the loader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring fluid pressure by utilizing a plurality of resistor segments arranged in parallel in a normally opened electrical circuit. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced conductive plates and a compressible rubber-like pad interposed between the plates. The pad has a plurality of circular openings of differing diameters extending therethrough generally perpendicular to the conductive plates. A spherical contact element is located within each of the pad openings; and a respective resistor element is positioned to overly one end of each of the pad openings and to engage one of the conductive plates, the other of the conductive plates overlying the other end of each of the pad openings. The diameter of the spherical contact elements is less than the length of the pad openings so that under zero fluid pressure the contact elements do not simultaneously engage a respective resistor element and the second of the conductive plates, thereby defining a normally open circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for visually indicating when the pressure of a fluid, such as oil in an automobile, falls below a predetermined value. The improvement resides in a novel pressure switch which is typically connected in series in an electrical circuit with a power source and a visual indicator, such as a so-called "idiot light" in an automotive instrument panel. The pressure switch includes a housing with an internal recess and a fluid passageway extending from the internal recess for communication with a fluid under pressure. A resilient, flexible, elastomeric diaphragm overlies the passageway within the recess and is deflected in response to the fluid pressure. An annular, electrically conductive, stationary contact element is positioned adjacent to the diaphragm; and a spherical, electrically conductive contact element is biased by a coil spring toward the opening in the annular contact element and into engagement with the diaphragm.

Abstract: An operating control circuit for an amusement device of the simulated driving type, wherein the speed of the simulated vehicle is regulated by an operator-controlled accelerator and a gear shift, each electrically arranged to cooperate and interrelate so as to respond to the manual skills and ability of the operator.