Abstract: A vibratory plow blade which increases the efficiency of the plowing action. The tapered leading edge of the plow blade includes a plurality of saw-like teeth or serrations. The uppermost serration acts as a soil cutter as the plow blade moves along the ground slot formed by the blade during vibration, thereby relieving surface tension created by packed soil or sod. The intermediate serration provides an upward fracturing of the subsoil with each successive up stroke from the vibratory action. This fracturing reduces the amount of work required to move the plow blade through the soil in the direction of plowing. The lower serration also provides an upward fracturing of the deep subsoil directly above the serration. Further, the upper leading edge of the lower serration is sloped to a greater extent than the upper leading edges of the other serrations to provide blade pull for maintaining the proper plowing depth during the plowing operation.

Abstract: A fluid power circuit providing a selective operation of a trailer brake system, coupleable with a tractor brake system, comprises a pilot operated valve located between tractor and trailer brake system. The pilot operated valve can be put in a fluid flow passing mode from its fluid blocking mode by simultaneous engagement of two tractor brakes. An independent engagement of either of the tractor brakes, which is necessary for sharp turns in the field operation, does not actuate the trailer brake system.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated latch mechanism is disclosed for releasably maintaining a backhoe in its lowered, working position on an associated material handling implement. In the preferred embodiment, the mechanism includes a movable latch member pivotally mounted on the implement for movement between engaged and disengaged positions. A latch pin is provided on the frame of the backhoe for cooperation with the latch member whereby the latch pin is adapted to be received by the latch member in the engaged position thereof for holding the backhoe against movement relative to the implement. A latch hydraulic motor is provided in operative connection to the pivotal latch member for effecting movement between the engaged and disengaged positions.

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 operator restraint system for a front end loader which requires an operator to rotate a pair of opposed restraint arms in front of him when he is seated before the loader may be operated. Each restraint arm is pivotally mounted to a cab surrounding the operator. A park latch cable is attached to each pivotal restraint arm and the cable is additionally attached to other components including a parking brake assembly and loader control lock. The restraint arms are biased to normally assume a generally vertical inoperative position which prevents operation of the loader. After the operator is seated, he rotates the restraint arms to an operative position in front of him wherein the arms are securely stationed and cannot be rotated back to their generally vertical inoperative position until the operator releases them. The loader is incapable of being operated until the restraint arms are locked into position for securing the operator in his seat.

Abstract: A bushing assembly is disclosed for effecting a pivotal connection of associated first and second members. Notably, the assembly is of an integrally sealed configuration, and includes concentrically arranged first outer and second inner bushings which are sealed by a pair of annular end caps. An arrangement is provided for conveniently lubricating the interface thus formed between the inner and outer bushings, with the sealed nature of the construction significantly reducing the required maintenance. Notably, final assembly of the pivotal connection provided is effected with a suitable adhesive, thus permitting manual or hand-fitting of the various components for final assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a pressure compensated directional control valve. The present invention allows the flow rate to a given hydraulic implement to be constant regardless of the load imposed upon the hydraulic implement or the hydraulic pressure supplied by the hydraulic pump. Pressure compensation is achieved by a piston mounted within a sleeve valve insert wherein the piston moves to create a variable orifice to control the amount of hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic implement. The desired flow rate is maintained regardless of changes in the supply pressure and the implement load pressure. The present invention eliminates the need for two separate valves for directional flow control and pressure compensation, without increasing the casing size of the flow control auxiliary valve.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is provided for holding one or more flexible fluid lines or hoses of a material handling device wherein fluid hoses extend between the body of the device and an implement movably mounted thereon. The arrangement includes a clamp assembly fitted to the one or more flexible fluid hoses, and further includes a flexible linkage preferably comprising a flexible cable which extends between and is connected to the body of the device and its movable implement. The clamp assembly is configured such that it receives the flexible cable therethrough, and is freely movable along the cable. By this arrangement, desired support and restraint of fluid hoses are provided while avoiding undesired tangling or kinking of the hoses.

Abstract: A material handling implement is disclosed having a multi-mode steering system embodying the principles of the present invention. The implement includes an articulable frame having front and rear frame portions which can be selectively articulated by an articulating hydraulic motor operatively connected thereto. The implement further includes steerable front wheel assemblies mounted on the front frame portion which can be selectively steered by operation of a steering hydraulic motor. An electrical control network is provided whereby the operator of the implement may selectively choose either conventional front wheel steering or articulated steering only. Additionally, this system includes first and second rotational sensors respectively associated with the articulable frame and one of the steerable front wheels. The sensors are electrically joined with the control network of the system whereby the operator may further select combined or coordinated front wheel and articulated steering.

Abstract: A multiple compensating unloading valve circuit including multiple fixed displacement pumps and corresponding compensator unloading valves which are phased so that one pump supplies the fluid demand for the circuit until the demand exceeds that pump's capacity and then another pump adds to the flow to supplier larger flow demands. Thus, a primary pump delivers its output to satisfy low flow requirements while a secondary pump's output is vented to a reservoir. When the primary pump cannot supply the demand, the secondary pump automatically adds to the flow to satisfy larger demands. The compensator unloading valves are closed center and are operated in response to a differential pressure which is created between the primary pump's outlet pressure and the load pressure. The primary pump unloading valve has a differential pressure setting which is greater than the differential pressure setting for the secondary pump unloading valve.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for hoses which are connected between a tractor and piston-cylinders on an attached implement such as a backhoe. The clamping assembly includes a base and at least one releasable clamping element. Each hose is strung through an opening in the base and abutted against an arcuate wall. The clamping element also includes an arcuate wall which engages the opposite side of the hose. The clamping element is secured in position by a bolt fastener. The clamping element includes opposed upstanding lugs which are spaced apart far enough to permit the head of the bolt fastener to slide between them. After the head of the bolt is positioned between the lugs, it cannot be turned, and therefore, a nut may be conveniently tightened on the bolt without the need for an additional tool to hold the head of the bolt. Further, angled surfaces on the base and clamping element provide for clamping or wedging action as the bolt is tightened.

Abstract: An adjustable width plow having its diagonal frame pivoted to a forecarriage unit at a point such that pivotal adjustment of the frame relative to the forecarriage results in both a variation in the cutting width and a transverse displacement in the proper amount of the first plow bottom in the appropriate direction.

Abstract: An improved control assembly is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment as a so-called mono stick control for a material handling implement. The control assembly includes a lever support member adapted to be pivotally mounted on an associated implement, and which carries a first control lever adapted to pivot with respect to the support member about a first pivot axis. The support member further carries a second control lever which is adapted for pivotal movement about a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. Notably, the second control lever is operatively interconnected with the first control lever such that relatively large angular movement of the second lever results in a relatively lesser angular movement of the first control lever, with the second lever then acting to prevent movement of the first lever back into its neutral position.

Abstract: A cotton harvesting machine is provided with an on board cotton module maker. The module maker is capable of operating simultaneously with the harvesting of cotton by the harvesting machine.

Abstract: The present invention is a stabilizer for steering priority flow divider valves. The present invention prevents the variable displacement pump of the steering hydraulic system from destroking to zero displacement when the steering hydraulic demand rapidly varies from a high level to a low level of demand. The use of the present invention is especially advantageous in hydraulic systems which are close centered with pressure and flow compensation.

Abstract: A transmission system for transmitting power from an engine to the driving wheels of a tractor. The system includes a multiple ratio mechanical range transmission coupled to a speed transmission via a manually operable master clutch. A high slip fluid coupling is used to couple the speed transmission to the engine. The coupling includes a lockup clutch engageable and disengageable under predetermined conditions and sequential order with other clutches.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the range of movement of a linearly movable control handle is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment in association with a control console through which the control handle extends. The arrangement includes a handle guide adapted to be mounted on and beneath the control console cover for limited rotational movement. This rotational movement allows the guide to be selectively positioned to control the range of linear movement of the control handle. In a first position of the guide, the control handle is retained against linear movement in a neutral position. In a second position of the guide, the control handle is operable through a range of limited linear movement, while in a third position of the guide the control handle is operable through a range of relatively greater linear movement.

Abstract: A selectively positionable pad assembly for the stabilizer of a material handling implement is disclosed wherein the pad assembly includes multiple ground-engaging surfaces. The pad assembly includes a mounting bracket which is pivotally connected to a free end of a vertically movable stabilizer arm for relative movement with respect to the arm about a first axis. The assembly further includes a pivotal pad member pivotally connected to the mounting bracket for relative pivotal movement with respect thereto about a second axis which extends at an acute angle with respect to the first axis. The pivotal pad member includes first and second pad portions which respectively define first and second ground-engaging surfaces. The first ground-engaging surface is provided in a grouser-like configuration for use on relatively soft ground, while the second surface is defined by resilient elastomeric elements for use on relatively hard ground such as asphalt or concrete.

Abstract: A single lever control facilitating engagement of the speed and range transmission of an agricultural tractor comprising a handle lever initially engaging range gears and subsequently variable speed transmission when moved in one direction and engaging reverse speed when moved in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An improved track tensioning and recoil arrangement for crawler track drive systems is disclosed which uniquely functions to tension the crawler tracks responsively to the load thereon. The arrangement includes a pair of hydraulic drive motors respectively associated with each of the crawler tracks for independent operation thereof. Tensioning of the tracks is provided by a hydraulic tensioning cylinder assembly. In order to tension the tracks responsively to the torque applied thereto by the drive motors, branch hydraulic fluid lines are provided from the fluid supply lines for each hydraulic motor to the tensioning cylinder assembly of the respective track. By this arrangement, tension in the track is increased as torque applied to the track by its drive motor is increased. In the preferred form, pressure relief valve means are provided in communication with each tensioning cylinder assembly in order to relieve pressure within the tensioning cylinders if it exceeds a predetermined value.