Abstract: A sway limiting apparatus for a tractor hitch assembly including draft links which are vertically movable between a lower operative position and an upper transport position. The sway limiting apparatus includes a telescopic linkage assembly whose operative effectiveness in limiting lateral sway of the hitch assembly is controlled by a cam defining a cam profile. The cam profile and the linkage assembly cooperate to normally control lateral sway of the hitch assembly as a function of the vertical position of a draft link relative to the horizontal.

Abstract: A latch device for a hinged door including a resiliently flexible latch bar secured to the door and having a free portion extending along the inside of the door to an end portion, near the door edge, which engages a catch by means of the bending and straightening of the latch bar. Preferred embodiments include a stop bar similar to the latch bar, but extending beyond the opposite door edge to engage another catch to hold the door open. The latch and stop bars are preferably a single bar with two free portions at its opposite ends. The catches have bearing surfaces which distort the bar as the door swings to prepare it to snap into locking engagement with the catches. Access to the latch bar, to allow unlatching, is provided through the door.

Abstract: A cable guiding chute assembly suitable for attachment to a vibratory plow blade to dispense a cable at a selected drop radius. The cable chute assembly includes a pair of generally vertical side wall members joined by a forward wall to define a cable passageway and interchangeable gate members extending the length of the passageway to define cable guiding conduits having different radii. Each gate member is releasably secured to the side walls of the chute to permit expeditious removal and replacement. Further, the chute assembly is constructed with minimal surface area to reduce drag and a leading edge to reduce the build-up of material between the chute and plow blade. Moreoever, the chute assembly includes a downwardly directed bottom opening which permits pulling of the cable when the plow blade is removed from the ground without damaging the cable exterior.

Abstract: A radiator restraining assembly which permits limited flexing of the radiator while retaining it in its desired position. The radiator restraining assembly generally comprises a ring mounted to the radiator, a resilient bushing within the ring, and a fastener inserted into the bushing. The fastener includes a bearing portion which engages a washer element that is positioned between the bearing portion and the bushing. The restraining assembly holds the radiator in a desired position while allowing flexing of the unit about the axis of the fastener. Moreover, the construction provides longevity to the flexing and shock absorbing characteristics of the assembly.

Abstract: A multi-speed powershaft transmission comprising a speed transmission assembly, a range transmission assembly, and a master clutch for selectively connecting the speed and range transmission assemblies. The speed transmission assembly includes a speed input section which is connectable to a driven powershaft and a speed output section which is connected to the master clutch. A cluster gear assembly interconnects the speed input and output sections. The speed input section includes two hydraulically operated clutch assemblies capable of producing two different forward input speed ratios. The speed output section comprises a plurality of clutch operated driven gear assemblies and is capable of producing at least three equally different forward output speed ratios and one reverse output speed ratio. Any of the plurality of driven gear assemblies included in the speed output section are engaged by powershifting through the pair of hydraulically operated clutch assemblies included in the speed input section.

Abstract: A heating and cooling assembly in association with an internal combustion engine for minimizing the effect of temperature extremes on engine components. The assembly includes an enclosure which is located beneath or near the radiator such that the radiator traverses and divides the enclosure for forming air flow channels into the enclosure. The movement of air through the radiator passes across the channel openings and into the enclosure for creating a slight differential pressure which enhances the flow of air through the enclosure. Valves or baffles are provided such that the assembly may be switched from summer to winter operation.

Abstract: A quick coupler for attaching various material handling implements to a lift arm. The quick coupler includes an opening on one end for pivotal connection with the lift arm and a slotted end portion for selective engagement with a mounting pin on the implement. An intermediate portion of the quick coupler includes a mounting or coupler pin that extends laterally beyond the sides of the quick coupler. An actuating mechanism including a push-pull link is connected to the quick coupler for rotating it about the end of the lift arm. The quick coupler includes an element which may be used for lifting or positioning objects while the quick coupler is fully attached to the implement. Each implement is provided with a pair of opposed attachment members which include slots for receiving the outer laterally extending portions of the quick coupler mounting pin.

Abstract: A microprocessor-based electronic control system for a powershift transmission having at least one proportional actuator, such as a solenoid-operated proportional valve, is disclosed. The controller operates a plurality of on-off solenoid valves and the solenoid-operated proportional valve to provide operator-selected gear shifts in both forward and reverse directions having controlled clutch engagements achieved by modulation of clutch engagement pressure by the proportional valve. The key parameters associated with the gradual clutch engagement are all easily varied by the controller, most under program control during operation, to provide for optimized clutch engagments for smooth gearshifts. The key parameters include: fast-fill clutch delay, initial clutch engagement pressure, rate of increase of clutch engagement pressure, and the length of the reduced pressure clutch engagement interval.

Abstract: A hose positioning and tensioning assembly for a vehicle having a transverse scraper blade supported on the forward end of the vehicle for relative movement. A plurality of hydraulic fluid lines extend from the lower forward end of the vehicle to the rear of the blade in an arch. The hose positioning and tensioning assembly holds the fluid line arch in an upright position and maintains a tension on the arch during any movement of the blade relative to the vehicle. Further, the hose positioning and tensioning assembly permits the blade to be moved without interfering with or twisting the hydraulic fluid lines.

Abstract: A quick coupler for attaching various material handling implements to a lift arm. The quick coupler includes an opening on one end for pivotal connection with the lift arm and a slotted end portion for selective engagement with a mounting pin on the implement. An intermediate portion of the quick coupler includes a mounting or coupler pin that extends laterally beyond the sides of the quick coupler. An actuating mechanism including a push-pull link is connected to the quick coupler for rotating it about the end of the lift arm. The quick coupler includes an element which may be used for lifting or positioning objects while the quick coupler is fully attached to the implement. Each implement is provided with a pair of opposed attachment members which include slots for receiving the outer laterally extending portions of the quick coupler mounting pin.

Abstract: An anti-theft security system for an off-road vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a master control module, which may be part of the vehicle's instrument cluster, and a remotely located security module, which is directly adjacent to at least one electrically-operated actuator of the vehicle normally operated as part of transporting the vehicle to another location. The security module includes a tamper-resistant housing which obstructs physical access to at least part of the actuator. The master module, which may include a microprocessor and LED display, has an operator interface such as a keypad for entering a first access code known only to authorized operators of the vehicle. When the sequence of entered keystrokes matches the first access code stored within the master module, the module automatically generates and transmits to the security module a signal containing a second and different access code.

Abstract: In an industrial, agricultural, or earth-moving vehicle, a charging pump, which delivers hydraulic fluid under pressure remaining substantially constant while the vehicle is operating and a coupler are combined. In the coupler, a hydraulically actuated piston-cylinder mechanism is used to wedge a pin into an orifice in an implement, thereby to couple the implement to the vehicle, and to withdraw the pin, thereby to uncouple the implement from the vehicle. A directional valve, which is connected between the pump and the piston-cylinder mechanism, is switchable by an operator of the vehicle between a first stage wherein the directional valve allows hydraulic fluid delivered by the pump to actuate the piston-cylinder mechanism in a forward direction, thereby to wedge the pin into the orifice, and a second stage wherein the directional valve allows hydraulic fluid delivered by the pump to actuate the piston-cylinder mechanism in a reverse direction, thereby to withdraw the pin.

Abstract: An improved vertical service door for a tractor engine housing of the vertically-hinged horizontally swingable type. The vertical service door has a lower panel hinged to the lower edge of an upper panel, and means to support the lower panel in a horizontal position when the door is open so that it may serve as a tool tray during engine service. Some preferred embodiments include an inwardly-turned edge forming a vertical retaining edge for the tray and a rod/J-slot linkage between the upper and lower panels to support the lower panel in its horizontal position.

Abstract: An automatic feedback control system for use with an off-road vehicle having an adjustable-elevation, ground-engaging implement, such as an agricultural tractor with a three-point hitch and a plough or cultivator, is disclosed. The automatic control system provides an engine-sensing draft control system which adjusts the height or elevation of the ground-engaging implement so as to maintain the draft or load forces experienced by the vehicle at a substantially constant level. The determination of the draft being produced by the ground-engaging implement is determined by the engine speed deviation from a target point speed which is indicated by an operator-set desired no-load engine speed and an operator-set engine lug-down value or load.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a hydraulic control system including a valve body having one or more valves slidably arranged therein. Each valve is movable along a linear path in a manner regulating fluid flow through the valve body as a function of the linear position of the valve. The actuating mechanism includes a rotatable cam for selectively positioning each valve relative the valve body. Each valve is operatively connected to the cam such that each valve is positioned as a function of cam rotation. The cam is rotated about an axis extending substantially perpendicular to the linear path of each valve.

Abstract: An aspirator attachment connectable to a conventional grain/air drill hopper for emptying or filling the hopper with grain or fertilizer. The attachment comprises a simple air flow director which may be readily connected to a discharge port of the centrifugal blower carried by the hopper. Standard tubing or hoses are connected to the air flow director for picking up the grain or fertilizer and for directing discharge thereof to a desired location. No modification of existing grain hopper structure is required.

Abstract: A clutch assembly is provided in a tractor for selectively establishing and disestablishing a drive connection between a pair of relatively rotatable members. The clutch assembly includes a series of interleaved elements operably effective when axially compressed to couple the rotatable members of the tractor. A clutch actuator is provided for regulating the operable effectiveness of the clutch assembly. The present invention contemplates arranging the clutch actuator in a fluid receiving chamber provided in the driven rotational member. To effect these ends, the driven rotational member is arranged adjacent a stationary extension of a tractor housing. Fluid passageways are provided in such extension and in the driven rotational member for permitting a supply of fluid pressure to be transmitted to the fluid receiving chamber. Such passageway includes a rotating joint between the rotating member and the stationary extension.

Abstract: A window latch that includes a handle portion secured to the window and a generally U-shaped latch member that is secured to the frame. The U-shaped latch member defines a projection in engagement with the handle to retain the window in the closed position. To open the latch, the legs of the U are moved toward each other to disengage the projection from the handle to permit the window to be moved to the open position.

Abstract: A manually operable creep control mechanism for a tractor of the like having multiple direct drive gears and a creep clutch. The mechanism comprises an elongated arm pivotally mounted on the control box cover plate adjacent the slot through which the gear shift lever travels to shift into the direct drive gear positions. In a first position, the arm is clear of the slot and the gear shift lever is free to move through the entire range of gear positions, while preventing inadvertent pivoting of the arm out of the first position once the lever is in a predetermined low gear, such a fourth. When pivoted to a second position, the arm lies across the slot and limits shifting of the lever to a predetermined higher gear, such as twelfth, while preventing inadvertent movement of the arm out of the second position once the lever is at or beyond the fourth gear position. A flexible switching cable is connected to the arm and an electrical switch for actuating the creep clutch.

Abstract: A visual tilt indicator for an implement, particularly but not exclusively for indicating the tilt angle of a dozer blade on a tractive vehicle, wherein the implement is pivotally supported on the vehicle by an implement universal joint and the support includes hydraulic cylinders operably interconnected between the vehicle and the implement to angle and tilt the implement. The visual tilt indicator of this invention includes an indicator shaft which is operably connected to the vehicle by a universal joint in the vertical axis of the implement support universal joint and the shaft extends horizontally adjacent the implement to indicate the tilt angle of the implement relative to the vehicle. The implement preferably includes a plurality of shaft support indicator means, such as brackets, which receive and slidably support the indicator shaft on the implement to indicate the relative movement of the shaft and the implement.