Abstract: A coupling hook for use in pulling vehicles. The coupling hook is formed with a single shank portion connected to the vehicle through tensile and compression supports for transmitting the pulling force coupled through the hook portion to the vehicle.

Abstract: A shackle system for connection of control lines such as high-pressure hydraulic hoses, electrical cables or conduits, and air hoses having a flexible wire rope passing therethrough to which the control lines are attached.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system for controlling bouncing and pitching movement of a tractor and trailer unit. The suspension system comprises a four-bar linkage which cushions the vehicle ride by connecting the vehicle axle through the four-bar linkage to permit axle movement which cushions the tractor ride. The four-bar linkage comprises a scraper link, a final drive link, a power module link and a stabilizer link.

Abstract: A crawler tractor has an engine-driven fluid power shifted transmission for supplying motive power to left and right crawler tracks through spring-applied fluid-released left and right steering clutches and also has spring-applied fluid-released brake actuators for the track brakes. A hydraulic control system for steering and braking the tractor includes a combined steering and braking valve having a pair of lever operated valve spools, a shuttle valve, and a supplemental brake control valve operated by a single brake pedal. The combined steering and braking valve, which includes a flow divider, directs fluid from a pump to the brake actuators to maintain the brakes released when the valve spools are in neutral. When a lever operated valve spool is moved from neutral to some other position, the combined steering and braking valve directs fluid to disengage a clutch and causes the brake for the associated track to be applied.

Abstract: A power divider system with governed speed control wherein a first power path and a second power path are formed by a differential-like power divider. A control system associated with the two power paths senses and controls the speed relationship thereof. The speed of an output element of the second power path is determined and then governed to a predetermined value by modulated transfer of power from the second power path to the first power path. The speed of an output element of the first power path is limited relative to the output element of the second power path by the transfer of power from the first power path to the second power path through a one-way drive system. A power transfer mechanism for governing the second power path to the predetermined speed provides fail-safe operation.

Abstract: An instrument panel cover pivotally connected to the vehicle dashboard and adapted to be folded upon itself into a position above the dashboard to minimize the storage space required by the panel cover when not in use and to eliminate obstructions in the operator compartment or the operator's field of vision.

Abstract: A pilot controlled variable displacement fluid motor is disclosed wherein fluid under pressure, received from a fluid pressure source such as a closed-center type system, is convertible selectively into bi-directional rotary motion at infinitely variably controlled speeds and torques. The motor is further characterized in that a change in the positional relationship of an arcuately movable control input member with relation to the position of an arcuately movable power output member, in combination with power transfer means, is effective for adjusting the power output speed to that of the control input member. Furthermore, the torque output is automatically adjusted to the load demand, whereby only the quantity of fluid, required to satisfy the speed selection and the torque demand, at a predetermined pressure level, is used by the motor.

Abstract: An electric control circuit for use in the ignition system of a vehicle having a vehicle battery powered auxiliary steering system which is energized upon engine failure or shutdown during vehicle operation. The ignition circuit disconnects the auxiliary steering system from the vehicle battery during heating of the pre-start intake air and during starting of the engine to eliminate unnecessary drain on the vehicle battery.

Abstract: A hydrostatic vehicle transmission and control for automatically controlling vehicle operation in accordance with pre-selected operator settings. The hydrostatic transmission automatically adjusts to operational conditions of the vehicle to obtain the pre-selected function and automatically adjusts the vehicle transmission until the preselected operational conditions can be obtained.

Abstract: A crawler tractor has an engine-driven transmission for supplying motive power to the left and right crawler tracks through spring-applied fluid-released left and right steering clutches and also has spring-applied fluid-released track brakes. A hydraulic steering clutch and brake control system is provided and includes left and right manually operable steering levers for the clutches and a single foot-operated brake pedal. The control system further includes a single pump for supplying hydraulic fluid to the steering clutches and to the brake actuators for the brakes. A steering valve, having a flow divider therein, receives fluid from the pump and is responsive to actuation of the steering levers to supply fluid to release the steering clutches. The steering valve also continually directs fluid to a pilot operated shuttle valve which is responsive to operation of the steering clutches to direct operating fluid to the brake actuators to effect brake release for that track whose clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A selectively actuable push-pull vehicle coupling to be utilized in assisting loading of a vehicle by pushing or pulling the vehicle being loaded. A push plate and tow bar are operatively connected through a common shock absorber which is utilized to cushion vehicle impact during both pushing and pulling operations.

Abstract: A selectively actuable push-pull vehicle coupling to be utilized in assisting loading of a vehicle by pushing or pulling the vehicle being loaded. A push plate and tow bar are operatively connected through a common shock absorber which is utilized to cushion vehicle impact during both pushing and pulling operations.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling steering clutches and independent brakes of a vehicle comprising a steering device responsive to a pair of clutch actuating steering levers for selectively and independently disengaging the clutches for steering purposes. Operation of a single brake pedal and the disengagement of at least one of the clutches selectively and independently engages the vehicles brakes. An inhibiting mechanism coupled to the steering device selectively inhibits either of the vehicle brakes from responding to actuation of the brake pedal when one of the steering levers is actuated to disengage the corresponding clutch, and prevents the opposite brake from being engaged during brake pedal operation. As a result, the vehicle may be steered while employing a pair of steering levers and a single foot pedal. A control system permits the vehicle to be stopped when both steering levers and the single foot pedal are actuated by inactivating the brake inhibiting mechanism.

Abstract: A master link assembly in a continuous flexible track assembly for a crawler tractor comprises two laterally spaced apart (left and right) parallel master links and each master link comprises two overlapping half-links held in alignment by a pin extending into registering pin holes in the half-links. The overlapping half-links are mechanically secured together in fixed relationship by track shoe capscrews which extend through holes in a master link track shoe which overlies both half-links and screw into tapped capscrew holes in the half-links. Besides aligning the overlapping half-links, each pin also serves as a safety connection in case the capscrews break and also enables removal of the capscrews and replacement of the track shoe without breaking the track assembly.

Abstract: A draft connection is disclosed for tractor and trailer units or similar articulated vehicles, which is characterized by a vertically disposed hitch pin mounted in the end portion of the trailer gooseneck and a cooperating bearing socket for receiving the pin which constitutes a part of an assembly mounted in the back portion of the frame of the tractor unit, which assembly includes an associated horizontal hitch pivot arrangement.

Abstract: An electric circuit for use in the ignition system of a vehicle having an auxiliary steering system powered by the vehicle battery which is energized upon engine failure or shut down during vehicle operation. The ignition circuit disconnects the auxiliary steering system from the vehicle battery during engine starting to eliminate unnecessary drain on the vehicle battery.

Abstract: A vertical coupling or hitch shaft carried by one of a pair of articulated units in engagement with a complementary shaft-receiving bearing surface carried by another unit for joining the articulated vehicle is formed with an aperture through which flexible control lines are passed to interconnect controls positioned on the draft unit with operable actuators on the trailer unit to actuate the controlled functions.

Abstract: A control lever assembly mounted on a panel including a mounting bracket adapted to be mounted to one side of the panel over an opening therein and a pivot pin fixed to the bracket having its axis disposed in a plane parallel to the plane of the opening in the panel. A rotary bearing device surrounds the pin and is journaled thereon to rotate about the pin axis. A handle is fixed to the bearing device and extends through the opening in the panel with the distal end portion of the handle being disposed on the opposite side of the panel. A centrally-apertured, flexible seal member surrounds the handle and is disposed between the bearing device and the mounting bracket to seal the assembly to the one side of the panel.

Abstract: A master link assembly in a continuous flexible track assembly for a crawler tractor comprises two laterally spaced apart (left and right) parallel master links and each master link comprises two overlapping half-links held in alignment and mechanically secured together in fixed relationship by track shoe capscrews which extend through holes in a master link track shoe which overlies both half-links and screw into tapped capscrew holes in the half-links.

Abstract: Apparatus for limiting relative tilting between a tractor unit and a trailer unit of an articulated vehicle comprising a horizontal hitch pivot fixed to the tractor to permit relative tilting movement between the tractor and trailer units. A pair of right and left stationary stop members are each fixed to the tractor frame and spaced from the pivot device. Two pairs of movable upper and lower stop engaging members are fixedly connected to the horizontal pivot device to contact opposite sides of each stationary stop member to limit relative tilting movement between the tractor and trailer. During the relative tilting between the units, one of the movable upper stop engaging members contacts the upper surface of one of the stationary stop members and simultaneously therewith the opposite movable lower stop engaging members contacts the lower surface of the opposite stationary stop members to evenly distribute stresses exerted on the components when limiting the tilt between the tractor and trailer units.