Abstract: The control system is provided for the High-Low clutches of a High-Low powershift transmission. The control system functions in a manner to prevent simultaneous engagement of the separate clutches. The control system also provides a phased disengagement of the outgoing clutch to provide for smoother shifting when changing gear ratios.

Abstract: Engine monitor/control microprocessor primarily effective to automatically adjust the engine power setting in a transmission power train in which the transmission drive reduction is variable in ratio, by step change or continuously so, such as for use in farm tractors. The microprocessor adjusts the position of the setting so that engine power set at all levels is produced at the right brake specific fuel consumption for substantially minimum pounds of fuel per horsepower hour, or within a band width thereof if not all that sensitive. Preferably, the microprocessor has a higher priority primary function of also automatically adjusting the transmission drive reduction ratio, for the same purpose but with high sensitivity.

Abstract: Master clutch pressure and lubrication valve which consolidates both such functions or services for a power operated clutch pack, all to insure the necessary conservation of cooling lubrication oil at times when full engagement pressure on the clutch pack can have stabilized it against further clutch slip, but at times otherwise to insure a liberal flow of the cooling oil. By built-in delay of cooling flow change following clutch actuation in the valve, it makes the transition between the two rates of cooling flow by temporarily sustaining liberal circulation of the cooling flow for that initial time after full engagement pressure exerts itself on the clutch pack. Sometimes a clutch will continue slipping, just for that initial time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system for the master clutch of a powershift type transmission of a motor vehicle. The inventive control system provides a manually controlled, fluid activated clutch with a high pedal force requirement with initial engagement, and a low pedal force requirement for operating the clutch in the inching mode. The inventive clutch control utilizes the hydraulic fluid pressure activating the master clutch to help the operator actuate the clutch pedal. The inventive master clutch control system also allows for smooth engagement of the master clutch when the clutch pedal is suddenly released.

Abstract: A quick coupling and release mechanism for attaching a material handling bucket to the free end of a scoop arm extending from a loader or backhoe. The quick coupler has three spaced apart ends including a first end connected to a push-pull link by a releasable pin, a second end pivotally mounted between bifurcated ends on the loader arm, and a third end which is slotted for selective engagement with a mounting pin on the bucket. The push-pull link may be connected at a first location to the quick coupler when it is desired to permit more angular displacement of the quick coupler or to a second location on the quick coupler when it is desired to permit less angular displacement of the quick coupler. Further, the quick coupler and bucket are pivotally connected to the loader arm by a single releasable pin for pivotal movement about a common pivot axis. A single operator can easily handle the entire coupling or uncoupling operation without special tools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the connection of a bucket to a boom arm in a manner that provides increased break out power and increased speed as the bucket travels through its operational cycle for overall increased ground removal. This is accomplished by offsetting the hinge point of the bucket relative to the standard pivot position and providing a modified linkage assembly that automatically adjusts the bucket radius as measured between the bucket and its hinge point.

Abstract: A hydraulic transmission control system is provided for enhancing braking of a crawler-type tractor by controlling the engagement and disengagement of the clutches associated with right-hand and left-hand crawler tracks in response to actuation of the brakes associated with the tracks. The arrangement includes hydraulic pressure sensor means operatively associated with the hydraulic brake systems of the right-hand and left-hand crawler tracks. The system is arranged to selectively function such that actuation of both the right-hand and left-hand track brakes simultaneously prevents the normal disengagement of the track clutches, which permits the engine of the tractor to assist in braking. Actuation of a single brake pedal provides braking of the respective crawler track with disengagement of its respective clutch, while allowing the clutch of the opposite track to remain engaged to effect the pivot turning of the implement.

Abstract: A pressure-compensating hydraulic system is disclosed for preventing unauthorized use of an associated material handling implement. The system includes a variable displacement hydraulic fluid pump, and a load-sensing pressure-compensator for varying the output of the pump responsively to the pressurized fluid demands of the system. In order to prevent unauthorized use of the associated implement, the invention contemplates the provision of an override mechanism for negating the demand-responsive characteristics of the system. In this manner, a movable member of the implement, such as one of its stabilizers or its loader bucket, is positioned so as to immobilize the implement, with the member thus maintained in this position since the system will not respond to the demand for pressurized fluid to move the member from this immobilizing condition.

Abstract: A header frame for a combine harvester having a linkage connection between the crop reel and the auger, whereby the auger may be automatically and mechanically raised from the header floor by raising the reel for purposes of unplugging wedged crop material. The linkage includes a lost-motion connection so that the reel can be moved vertically as required during harvesting without affecting the auger, and the auger is also capable of floating action during operation. A sprocket and chain drive for the auger includes a spring-biased idler sprocket for maintaining proper chain tension and uninterrupted operation of the auger at all times. An adjustable wedge is also provided for fixing and limiting the minimum spacing between the auger and the header floor.

Abstract: The hydraulic circuit of the present invention allows flotation of the header without extensive use of accumulators and is readily adaptable to present open center hydraulic systems. The present invention is also adaptable to closed center hydraulic systems with or without flow compensation. The hydraulic system has a pump selectively connected with the header cylinder. Pressure within the header cylinders is automatically maintained at a constant level by fluid addition to the cylinder or by extracting fluid from the cylinders.

Abstract: An improved control linkage assembly is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment in association with a material handling implement having a reversibly operable mechanism. The assembly includes an operating lever movable from a neutral position in one of two operating directions eminating from a common neutral position and extending in generally the same direction away from the neutral position. The operating lever is selectively engageable with one of two engaging levers for selectively moving a control element of a control member, such as a hydraulic valve, in one of two opposite directions. This type of movement is effected by a series of mechanical linkages which rotate an intermediate shaft clockwise and counterclockwise facilitating movement of the control element in first and second directions.

Abstract: A hood door assembly including a first door which swings about a generally horizontally disposed axis and a second door which swings about a generally vertical axis for providing access to an engine compartment for servicing of an engine. A rod is provided for holding the first door both in its open and closed positions. One end of the rod is pivotally attached to the hood while a free end of the rod is engageable within a slot in a retainer plate when the first door is closed. The rod includes a bent handle portion adjacent its free end which is rotated for engaging or releasing the free end of the rod within the retainer plate slot when the first door is closed. Further, when the first door is swung open about its generally horizontal axis, the free end of the rod is inserted through an opening in a bracket on the first door such that the bent handle portion engages the bracket for supporting the first door in an open position.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic system for material handling implements is disclosed which functions to permit a hydraulic fluid actuator to be locked in a fixed, load-supporting condition. The system includes a locking circuit which comprises a normally open check valve in parallel flow relation with a pressure relief valve provided in close association with a return port of the fluid actuator. The locking circuit further comprises a normally closed pressure release valve which can be selectively operated to create a pressure differential across the check valve to close the check valve, and thereby prevent flow of fluid from the fluid actuator to maintain the actuator in a load-supporting condition.

Abstract: A door operating mechanism for a cab door of a material handling implement is disclosed which includes a hold-open latch arrangement for conveniently maintaining the door in a partially open position. The operating mechanism includes a selectively operable door latch mechanism mounted on the cab door which cooperates with a latch pin mounted on the cab frame for releasably maintaining the cab door in a closed position. The hold-open latch of the mechanism is pivotally mounted on the cab door for movement between active and inactive positions, whereby in the active position thereof the hold-open latch is releasably engageable with the frame-mounted latch pin. By this construction, the hold-open latch and latch pin can be positioned in cooperating engagement with each other whereby the cab door is maintained in a partially open position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring the rotor speed of the harvesting rotors of a cotton harvester. The inventive rotor speed monitor determines the rotational speed of each individual rotor. The individual speeds of the rotors are combined and an average rotor speed computed. The individual rotor speed is then compared with the average speed for the combined rotors. An alarm is provided to alert the operator whenever the rotational speed of a given rotor differs by a predetermined amount from the average rotational speed for the combined rotors. The invention rotor speed monitor can provide an early indication of rotor malfunction and also detours false signals generated by the harvester rotors deceleration after completion of the harvesting operation on a cotton row.

Abstract: An ignition control system for the internal combustion engine of a material handling implement is disclosed for selectively actuating each of a plurality of control switches, wherein one of the said switches controls an associated electrical device. An ignition switch having a plurality of selectable positions arranged in a predetermined sequence directs a master control signal to the control switches. The master control signal is directed to the control switch associated with the electrical control device only upon completion of movement of the ignition switch through the predetermined sequence of positions. Once the predetermined sequence has been effected, the master control signal is continuously directed to the control device for providing actuation thereof, until the ignition switch is moved to an off position.

Abstract: A header for a combine or the like having a cutterbar assembly which is vertically flexible relative to the main frame of the header. Leaf springs are fixedly connected to the header frame and extend forwardly to a sliding connection with the cutterbar assembly to exert a counterbalancing upward force thereon. Longitudinally reciprocable adjustment bars captive on threaded adjustment bolts are mounted on the main frame in association with each spring for varying the upward force being exerted thereby.

Abstract: A pressure relieved piston rod seal for piston-cylinder having tandem seals around the piston rod which are subject to failure when the pressure between the seals is greater than the pressure in the cylinder chamber. The piston rod seal of this invention solves this problem by providing a unidirectional seal between the end or low pressure rod seal and the cylinder chamber which relieves the pressure between the seals while sealing the chamber. The unidirectional seal includes a fluid passage which permits fluid flow into the cylinder chamber when the pressure between the seals is greater than the pressure in the cylinder chamber and seals the cylinder bore when the pressure in the chamber is greater than the pressure between the seals.

Abstract: The device is mounted on a seeder provided with a hopper, with a seed distributor and with a plowshare or work disk. It comprises two lateral gauge wheels mounted on two bearings borne by two arms pivotably articulated around an axis on the chassis of the seeder. A class 1 lever formed from a rod is extended by two sliding sleeves articulated respectively at its middle around a ball-joint adjustable in position with respect to the chassis and at its two ends around the two other ball-joints fastened to the oscillating support arms. The device is useful in agricultural machines having a plowshare or work disk.

Abstract: Transmission monitor/control microprocessor primarily effective to automatically adjust the effective drive reduction ratio of a power train of the type in which such transmission is variable by step change or continuously, such as for use in farm tractors. The microprocessor adjusts the drive reduction ratio so that engine power at all levels is produced at a minimum specific fuel consumption.