Abstract: A linear control latch assembly controls the clutching operation of a power take-off system. A driving means produces kinetic mechanical energy which is taken off by a power take-off means. Clutch means effects a union between the driving means and the power take-off means. A linear actuator operates the clutch means. The linear actuator is controlled by a crank arm cranked into operation by a control lever. The control lever is rotated before the crank arm rotates as a result of lost motion in the control system. The initial motion of the control lever is translated into a camming action that unlatches a latch plate prior to the rotation of the crank arm. When the latch plate is unlatched, it unlatches the crank arm to allow release of the clutch that effects the union between the driving means and the power take-off means.

Abstract: An articulate tow bar for use with a ride-on for pulling an independent mower unit. The tow bar has first and second members pivotally attached at adjacent ends by a lockable coupling that permits the members to be positioned alternately in a transport position or working position. The first member is pivotally attached to the tractor by a horizontal hinge and the second member is pivotally attached to the independent unit by a universal joint, the pivotal connections permit the tractor and independent unit to operate on hilly uneven terrain. Controls are located on the articulate tow bar adjacent the mower for operating the independent unit which allows the tow bar and the mower unit to be readily adaptable to conventional mowers.

Abstract: A clutching mechanism for a suspended belt driven mower assembly that automatically removes the mower drive belt from the pulley system when the mower assembly is raised. A brake contacts the endless drive belt when the mower is in the raised position to prevent movement of the belt. A belt retainer is positioned about one of the pulleys of the pulley system to retain the belt adjacent the pulleys when the belt tension is released. An electrical interlock system is provided to prevent the motor from being started in any position other than the mower assembly raised position.

Abstract: A mower drive mechanism including a clutch-brake assembly, a travel control and neutral lift-off assembly, and a traction sensor assembly for a friction disc transmission having a driven disc engageable with a drive disc. The clutch-brake assembly includes a rockshaft, bellcrank actuator asssembly, and swing plate for raising the driven disc of the friction disc transmission when the rockshaft rotates a predetermined amount. Further rotation of the rockshaft causes a brake arm to come into engagement with a brake hub on the drive shaft for the driven disc thereby effecting a braking action. Also, a spring force is applied to the rockshaft which is transmitted through the bellcrank actuator assembly to the swing plate for biasing the driven disc toward the drive disc in a driving mode. The travel control and neutral lift-off assembly includes a rotatable control member for causing the driven disc to be moved linearly along its drive shaft to a desired speed and direction of rotation setting.

Abstract: An improved, integrated three-point hitch arrangement is disclosed which includes a mounting arrangement for conveniently effecting a fixed connection to a tractor or the like. The hitch includes a pair of upper and lower arms pivotally connected to a mounting plate, with a pair of adjustable-length link members respectively interconnecting the upper and lower arms. Connector means are provided which permit limited relative pivotal movement of each link member with respect to the respective one of the upper arms about first and second perpendicular axes, with the connector means as permitting limited relative vertical movement of the link members to accommodate "floating" of the hitch-mounted implement. The integrated nature of the present hitch permits it to be very easily mounted on an associated tractor, with the mounting arrangement preferably configured to accommodate mounting on different tractor models.

Abstract: A control arrangement is disclosed which is particularly suited for selective operation of a reciprocable member, such as the valve spool of a hydraulic power takeoff valve on a material handling implement. The arrangement includes a handle bracket which is adapted to be mounted in association with the hydraulic valve, and further includes a control handle adapted for releasable connection with the spool of the valve. The movement of the handle is guided by the handle bracket such that in a first position of the handle with respect to the valve spool, the handle can be positioned within a detent notch in the bracket for maintaining the valve spool out of its neutral position in opposition to its associated centering springs. The control handle can further be connected to the control member in a second position. In this second position, the handle is no longer receivable within the detent notch, thus requiring continued manipulation of the handle to maintain the valve spool out of its center, neutral position.

Abstract: A friction disc transmission including a conventional drive disc rotatable about a vertical axis and a vertical friction disc engaging the top horizontal face of the drive disc to be driven about a horizontal axis. The driven friction disc is rotatably supported between a fixed frame member and a floating plate member. The floating plate member is lifted or lowered by a bellcrank having a pin that is movable within a slot in the floating plate member. A clutch pedal is connected to the bellcrank for pivoting the bellcrank thereby raising and lowering the floating plate member and driven disc. The bellcrank pin is biased by a spring which is connected to the bellcrank to apply a downward normal force on the floating plate member and driven disc. Guide pins are provided on the floating plate member which are engageable with guide brackets to limit the vertical movement of the floating plate member.

Abstract: A valve control linkage is disclosed which provides a variable rate of relative motion between a valve spool and a control lever. The relative rate of valve spool displacement with respect to the lever motion is lowest adjacent the neutral position of the lever.

Abstract: A hydraulic wood splitter is disclosed which is configured for highly efficient and convenient wood splitting operation. In order to retain wood being split in proper position on the frame of the splitter, the construction includes a wood-retaining configuration for the wood-abutting splitting rams of the construction. Each ram includes a peripherally extending retaining lip which cooperates with an elongated slot defined by the frame of the splitter for retention of wood in proper position thereon. Additionally, the splitting wedge of the device is provided with a dual-tapered or double-beveled configuration for further facilitating convenient and efficient wood splitting.

Abstract: A self-elevating wood splitter is disclosed which includes an arrangement for selectively adjusting the vertical position of the wood-supporting frame of the splitter. The splitter includes a height adjusting arrangement which generally comprises a pair of four-bar linkages, and further includes an elevating mechanism which permits the hydraulic actuator of the splitter to be employed for operating the height adjusting arrangement to effect raising and lowering of the splitter's frame. A locking mechanism is provided which includes a pair of adjustment members operatively associated with the height adjusting mechanism of the splitter. Notably, the arrangement operates such that the wood-supporting frame can be raised by operation of the elevating mechanism before selective adjustment of the locking mechanism is effected.

Abstract: A hydraulic wood splitter is disposed which includes a mounting arrangement for effecting a fixed connection to a tractor or the like, and vertically positionable wood supporting frame adapted to be moved vertically with respect to the mounting arrangement. A four-bar linkage arrangement is provided to accommodate selective vertical positioning of the splitter's frame, with a locking arrangement provided for selectively locking the frame at any desired elevation. The splitter further includes a self-elevating mechanism which is adapted for operative association with the splitter's hydraulic actuator for effecting raising and lowering of the wood supporting frame. Notably, the mounting arrangement of the present splitter is adapted to permit the splitter to be mounted on different tractors having attachment points at differing heights, with the splitter still being mounted at the same relative elevation with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A detachable hinge assembly consisting of a generally L-shaped member secured to a movable structure and a second generally z-shaped member secured to a frame, the L-shaped member having openings in each of its leg portions through which leg portions the Z-shaped members extend. The relationship between the openings and leg portions is designed so that the upward and sideward member of the L-shaped member relative to the z-shaped member is restricted, while permitting the L-shaped member to be pivoted relative to the z-shaped member, so that the movable structure to which the L-shaped member is attached can be disengaged from the z-shaped member without the use of tools.