Abstract: A pre-cleaning air-intake duct for connection to air cleaners on the internal combustion engines of work vehicles. The duct includes a horizontal distal end portion terminating in an end wall and has an upward opening in the main duct wall. The duct eliminates the need for baffling structures on the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved roll-over protection system for a tractor of the type having a three-point hitch with a hydraulic power lift. A roll-over protection structure is movable between retracted and erect positions and the hydraulic lift of the hitch apparatus is linked to the roll-over protection structure to raise and lower it. The link is either detachable when the structure is in place or has a slotted section allowing the hitch to be lifted without detachment of the link from the roll-over protection structure.

Abstract: A shift control system for a material handling implement including a transmission having a plurality of selectively electrically-operated hydraulic clutches is disclosed. The system includes a manually positionable gear selector which provides electrical signals respectively corresponding to actuation of the transmission's hydraulic clutches. Notably, the system includes acceleration sensing means arranged to sense acceleration of the implement along its longitudinal axis, with the acceleration sensing means operatively connected with the electrical controls which interface the gear selector and the electro-hydraulic valves which operate the hydraulic clutches. By this system, acceleration on the implement, either negative or positive, created during upshifting of the transmission is monitored, and the sequential operation of the hydraulic clutches for the next-requested shift automatically adjusted responsively to the sensed acceleration for facilitating smooth shifting of the transmission.

Abstract: An improved forklift linkage device of the type engageable with the forwardly-extending forklift tines. The linkage device includes a horizontal frame having a front tool-supporting portion and a rear securing portion extending rearwardly therefrom at a lower level to a rear edge. Tine-receiving channels extend forwardly from a position forward of the rear edge, and the securing portion has portions designed to interlock with the vertical standard of the forklift when the linkage device is raised on the fork.

Abstract: A tractor power take-off shaft shield assembly having a pair of spaced side plates on either side of the shafts, a movable top plate which slideable between an extended position covering the shafts and a retracted position exposing the shafts, and locking devices adjustably holding the movable top plate in position across the side plates. This shield assembly improves accessibility to and visibility of power take-off shafts and ease of operation in attachment and detachment of implements.

Abstract: Microprocessor controlled automatic power control for adjusting the engine power setting in an engine-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 control monitors the position of this automatically moving lever and the desired transmission output speed to keep the setting adjusted so that engine power is set, within a deadband, to maintain a desired engine speed preferably resulting in minimum fuel consumption or in maintaining constant transmission output speed. Preferably, the microprocessor has a higher priority primary function of also automatically adjusting the transmission drive reduction ratio, for the same purpose but with higher sensitivity. The power control lever is specifically designed to automatically return the power setting to manual control as soon as the operator grabs the handle.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled drive train having an engine-connected variable ratio speed transmission and a load-connected range gear transmission connected by a mid-mounted clutch disposed therebetween has an automatic clutch control mode of operation, with the clutch disengaged and the range transmission in gear to complete a shift, wherein the speeds of the clutch sides are synchronized before engagement by appropriately varying the ratio of the speed transmission, thereby eliminating shift shock. This automatic clutch control mode is preferably employed in combination with operating modes which control both the speed transmission ratio and engine throttle to maintain fuel efficient operation.

Abstract: An implement wing frame folding apparatus is provided for a mobile machine and includes a main frame, a wing frame pivotally connected to the main frame, and a striker pin offset from the pivot axis of the wing frame. A float bar having first and second ends is provided with the first end pivotally connected to the wing frame. An actuating device is pivotally connected to and between the main frame and the float bar second end for selectively moving the float bar to pivot the wing frame between lowered and raised positions. A latch is pivotally mounted to the main frame for engaging the striker pin in an engaging position when the wing frame is in the raised position. A biasing mechanism is provided on the main frame for biasing the latch toward the engaging position.

Abstract: A hydraulic latch arrangement is disclosed for facilitating efficient movement of a backhoe between working and transport positions relative to an associated material handling implement upon which the backhoe is mounted. The arrangement includes an upper pivot which pivotally connects the frame of the backhoe to the implement for relative movement of the backhoe about a horizontal axis. The arrangement further includes a pivotally movable latch member preferably mounted on the associated implement, and a latch pin mounted on the backhoe frame for cooperation with the pivotal latch member. A hydraulic latch motor is provided for selectively moving the pivotal latch member between engaged and disengaged positions, wherein in the engaged position the latch member cooperates with the latch pin for effecting a substantially rigid connection between the backhoe and the associated implement.

Abstract: An elevation control mechanism is provided for an agricultural implement. A first lever is pivotally mounted to the implement frame about a pivot axis for oscillation relative to the frame. The first lever carries a ground engaging wheel. A second lever is pivotally mounted to the frame about a pivot axis for oscillation relative to the frame. An extendable and retractable pressure fluid actuator is pivotally connected between the first and second levers for effecting relative movement between the levers to raise and lower the frame relative to the ground. An adjusting arrangement is carried by the frame and connected to the second lever for pivoting the second lever to a selected orientation relative to the frame so as to locate the actuator at a selected position relative to the frame.

Abstract: A cutterbar assembly for the header of an agricultural combine having a skid coextensive with the cutterbar but comprising individual skid segments. The knife guard likewise comprises individual segments positioned in aligned relationship with the skid segments, whereby the flexibility of the cutterbar is enhanced so that it is able to follow the contour of the ground without row sensitivity. The skid segments are corrugated to provide a more efficient strength to weight ratio.

Abstract: An improved easily-adjustable chair pedestal having two principal tubular members, including a base member and a pedestal tube therein, which are axially adjustable to an infinite number of positions and are clamped together at the desired relative positions. An off-center coil spring, which is held in proper vertical alignment by support structure, biases the pedestal tube upwardly. A clamp screw passes through an orifice in the base member and through a slot in the pedestal tube and is threadedly engaged with a locking block, located inside the pedestal tube in space provided by the off-center location of the spring, to hold the principal tubular members in position.

Abstract: An improved simple device for loosening, breaking up and removing concrete pavement slabs. The device has one or more planar vertical engagement members each having a generally horizontal slab-receiving slot. Each slot is bounded by upper and lower opposed edges and a crotch edge therebetween, all in fixed relative positions. The upper and lower edges extend forwardly to aligned upper and lower forward ends. The slot is dimensioned to accept and manipulate slabs, and to lift slab pieces taking advantage of the weight of the slabs to hold them for lifting. First and second pivot-mounting means are arranged to facilitate a can-opener like slab-manipulating motion.

Abstract: In a combine header having a rotatable crop reel, a hydraulic cylinder is carried on each of the reel support arms for adjusting the fore and aft position of the reel. The cylinders are serially connected and comprise a phasing circuit wherein the cylinders have paired fluid inlets and flow-restricting orifices, and the piston is positionable between the inlet and orifice of a pair in either full-strode position. A check valve is operationally associated with each orifice to prevent loss of fluid acting on the piston when being moved from either full-stroke position.

Abstract: A vibratory plow blade having a tapered leading edge, a trailing edge, and a tapered bottom edge wherein the plow blade is configured such that its longitudinal axis regresses or is arcuately angled away from the towing vehicle. The tapered leading edge of the plow blade includes an upper straight cutting section and a plurality of forward angled serrations along its length which provide for downward and upward cutting and fracturing of the soil with each successive stroke of the blade during vibratory action. The guide chute for the cable is mounted to the trailing edge at a substantial bend radius for reducing the flexing required of the cable and reducing the weight of the guide chute. The construction permits close proximity between the plow blade and guide chute for providing increased chute protection and a reduction in the chute frictional drag thereby leaving more vibrational energy for soil displacement.

Abstract: A shut off control system for the fluid activated clutches of a transmission is provided. The inventive control valve automatically shuts off hydraulic flow to the clutches whenever the engine of the vehicle is turned off. When the vehicle is restarted the clutch pedal must be depressed and released before fluid can again activate the clutches. With the inventive control system, the vehicle can be started in any gear but the vehicle will not move until the clutch pedal is depressed and released by the vehicle operator.

Abstract: An improved high-speed cable-laying apparatus of the type which digs a kerf, lays a cable at the kerf bottom, and refills the kerf with spoil in one pass. The kerf digger is a chainline loop having ground-cutting teeth spaced along its length and restricting elements between the teeth. The chainline is preferably in the form of a narrow upright loop. Rearwardly of the chainline loop are an upright chute for directing cable to the bottom of the kerf and a trailing structure supporting a reel, cable guide means, and angled plow blades for directing spoil back into the kerf on top of the cable. The arrangement of elements is compact and maneuverable and avoids damage to fragile cable even while the device operates at high ground speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the life of a lubricant seal located around a movable shaft where it exits a fluid-containing housing on a vehicle with an internal combustion engine having a crankcase. The invention includes removing blowby, which contains lubricating oil mist, from the crankcase and channeling it into contact with the outside surface of the lubricant seal. The apparatus and method of this invention also involve isolating the lubricant seal from dust and dirt.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated clutch assembly is disclosed having an improved lubrication arrangement therefor. The assembly includes a shaft-mounted drum-like clutch carrier, and an adjacent transmission gear. The assembly further includes a plurality of clutch friction plates mounted on and operatively connected to the gear, and a plurality of clutch separator plates arranged in an alternating array with the friction plates, with the separator plates coupled for rotation with the clutch carrier. The lubrication arrangement includes means for supplying pressurized lubricant to the interface between the clutch friction plates and the associated gear, and means for inhibiting lubricant flow out of the assembly whereby the service life thereof is significantly enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a truck mounted backhoe supported by a frame that pivots between a use position and a transport position in an uninterrupted movement. The support frame is interconnected to the truck by a linkage assembly having two links pivotally connected at adjacent ends with the opposite ends connected to the frame and the truck respectively. A hydraulic cylinder is connected at the adjacent connecting point to push and pull the frame between the use and transport positions. Further, a control station is provided which is pivotally interconnected with the support frame and is moved with respect to the frame as the frame moves between the use and transport position to prevent interference with the backhoe. A bracing frame is provided to retain the frame in a substantially vertical position when in use.