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.

Abstract: A vibratory compactor vehicle includes a roller drum provided with internal concentrically mounted eccentric weights which are rotated for imparting vibration to the drum. The weights are mounted upon concentric shafts of helical polygonal shape having mating, helically ribbed and grooved surfaces, whereby longitudinal movement of one of the shafts with respect to the other brings about relative rotation of the weights, thereby changing the amplitude of the resulting vibration.

Abstract: A system for diffusing exhaust gases and controlling and suppressing backfire in an industrial truck is disclosed. Exhaust gases from the truck engine are first passed through a spark arresting muffler to remove hot, solid particles from the gas stream. The gases are then routed to a diffuser which is mounted on the truck's overhead guard. The diffuser contains a venturi and an air intake manifold to mix outside air with the gas stream and complete the ignition of unburned backfire gases. The diffuser includes a transverse diffusion chamber for substantially containing and burning backfires therein and a series of thin exit pipes for dispersing the gases and quenching exiting flames produced by the backfires within the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling fuel flow to an engine including means for disabling the operation of the accelerator pedal linkage associated with a carburetor is disclosed. The construction materially aids in preventing engine backfire. Included is a pivotable solenoid operated latch plate which forms part of an essential pivot point in the linkage arrangement and fixes the pivot point when current is flowing from the coil in engine ignition circuit.Solenoid operated means for stopping fuel to the carburetor and closing the passageway from the carburetor into the intake manifold are also shown.

Abstract: An industrial trailer having a collapsible gooseneck which forms a ramp over which equipment may be loaded onto the trailer is disclosed. Hydraulic cylinders contained within the bed of the trailer control the raising and lowering of the gooseneck. A method is also disclosed whereby operation of the gooseneck while attached to the tractor can be used to facilitate changing of the tires on both the tractor and the trailer itself.

Abstract: An automotive engine ignition system which prevents either deliberate or accidental backfire when the ignition switch is shut off is disclosed. Means for automatically shutting off fuel to the carburetor and for limiting distributor timing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic control arrangement for the lifting and lowering of loads is disclosed. The system is illustrated in an industrial truck and includes a multiple element control valve with timing circuitry to eliminate unwanted transient pressure surges during valve actuation. Series-parallel oil flow paths are provided for directing and controlling oil from the load lifting cylinder to the oil reservoir when the load is being lowered.

Abstract: A load carrying fork for use with an industrial truck is disclosed. The fork is of generally L-shaped configuration and has a thickened tapered outside heel section. The inside intersect of the vertical and horizontal shank of the fork defines an undercut of relatively large radius. The longitudinal axis of the undercut, which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vertical and horizontal shanks, is slightly concave.

Abstract: A self-propelled vibratory compactor has a one-piece frame supported at one end by a steel roller drum and at the other end by a yoke-mounted, single, high-flotation pneumatic rubber tire. An engine on the frame drives hydraulic pumps which supply fluid to a hydraulic vibrator motor which drives an eccentric shaft within the roller drum, a hydraulic wheel motor which drives the pneumatic tire, and a hydraulic power steering system for turning the yoke. The yoke spindle mounts a rotary seal which transmits fluid between a pump on the frame and the wheel motor on the yoke. A special clamp-type drive wheel assembly mounted the pneumatic tire to resist slippage of the tire on the wheel assembly.