Abstract: This invention provides a three-function control mechanism that employs a single control lever for controlling a first, a second and a third actuator and which may be used in connection with a bulldozer. A torque-amplifying device is provided for assisting in the activation of at least one of the actuators. The control mechanism includes a control bracket, a control handle, and first, second, and third bellcranks pivotably supported by the control bracket. The control mechanism further includes first, second, and third linkage that interconnect the control lever, through the bellcranks, to respective ones of the first, second, and third actuators. The torque-amplifying device is coupled to at least one of the bellcranks in order to assist in the pivoting of the bellcrank. Due to the supporting an arrangement of the control lever, bellcranks, and linkage, the control lever may be moved forward or backward, twisted clockwise or connterclockwise, or moved side to side either separately or in unison.

Abstract: This invention provides a three-function control mechanism that employs a single control lever for controlling a first, a second and a third actuator and which may be used in connection with a bulldozer. The control mechanism includes a control bracket, a control lever, and first, second, third, and fourth bellcranks supported by the control bracket. The control mechanism further includes first, second, and third linkage that interconnect the control lever, through the bellcranks, to respective ones of the first, second, and third actuators. Due to the supporting arrangement of the control lever, bellcranks, and linkage, the control lever may be moved forward or backward, twisted clockwise or counterclockwise, or moved side to side either separately or in unison. In doing so the control lever thereby respectively actuates the first, second, and third actuators.

Abstract: A truck frame (100) for use hauling heavy loads in a dump body (14) pivotally attached thereto utilizes a first beam (102) as a central spline for the truck (10). The first beam (102) is constructed by welding steel sheeting together around a plurality of support gussets (124). A pyramidal structure (102) connects this first beam (102) to a second beam (106). A pair of outriggers (110) extend from the second beam (106). The front suspension attaches the front wheels (16) of the truck (10) to the frame (100). The rear wheels (18) attach to the distal end of the first beam (102c) by the rear suspension (24). A cab support structure (120) extends across the proximal end of the first beam (102a). The monobeam construction allows for the use of two engines (30) mounted on either side of the first beam (102). If two engines are used, a second pair of outriggers (130 ) are utilized for support.

Abstract: An improved hydraulically actuated brake system for off-road heavy vehicles is disclosed that include a first accumulator, a second accumulator, a first manual and pilot actuated brake valve for controlling the flow from the first accumulator to the front brakes and to a first and a second pressure comparing devices and a second manual and pilot actuated brake valve for controlling the flow from the second accumulator to the first and second pressue comparing devices. The higher pressure from the first and second pressure comparing devices is output to the rear brakes so the front brakes are set by the pressure in the first accumulator while the rear brakes are set by the higher pressure of the first and second accumulators. A separate manually actuated brake valve controls the flow from the second accumulator to a third pressure comparing device which also is connected to receive the output of the first manual and pilot actuated brake valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing throttle control linkage for an internal combustion engine having a pivotally-mounted injector lever for movement between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position to control a fuel injector pump is disclosed and comprises a throttle control lever mounted for movement between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position, a pivotally-mounted bellcrank having an arcuate slot formed therein, first linkage structure operatively connected between the throttle control lever and the pivotally-mounted bellcrank and second linkage structure operatively connected between the arcuate slot and the pivotally-mounted injector lever. The arcuate slot is formed along a predetermined radius from the connection of the second linkage means on the pivotally-mounted injector lever when the throttle control lever and the pivotally-mounted injector lever are positioned in the first predetermined position.

Abstract: A dual rim assembly structure adapted to reduce cracking of gutter bands. An annular support wedge is disposed against an inclined surface to provide support under the lock-ring groove and reduce bending forces in the gutter band of each rim. A cylindrical spacer having annular tapered edges defines the support wedges. The spacer is disposed between the dual rim assemblies so that when the outer rim assembly is fixed to the hub, a lateral force is applied which forces the wedges of the spacer into engagement with the respective inclined surfaces of the gutter bands, thereby supporting both the inner and outer rim assemblies.

Abstract: An industrial vehicle has a tool adaptor mounted on the outer ends of a pair of support arms. A self contained hydro-electric unit is mounted on the tool adaptor or on a support arm closely adjacent to the tool adaptor. The unit comprises a hydraulic reservoir, a hydraulic pump, and an electric motor which drives the pump to pass hydraulic fluid under pressure to one or more double acting hydraulic control cylinders to move an associated locking pin from a retracted position to a locking position wherein it engages a frame element of a tool to lock the tool in place in the tool adaptor.

Abstract: A rear pivot mount for the rear axle assembly of heavy vehicles is disclosed and includes a housing, a spindle member attached to the rear axle assembly and disposed within the housing, a sleeve member circumferentially disposed about the spindle member and attached to the housing of the rear pivot mount. The sleeve member is spaced radially from the spindle member to form a first and a second cavity therebetween. A bearing member is positioned in each cavity to allow the spindle member to move or pivot with respect to the housing of the rear pivot mount. A retaining member is attached to the spindle member and is in contact with a bearing member to maintain the bearing members in position. A cover member is attached to the housing to provide a sealed cavity around the spindle member, sleeve member and bearing members.

Abstract: A tiltable element, e.g. an operator's cab, is resiliently supported on a body frame by a plurality of pivotable mounting devices. Each device comprises a pair of parallel bracket members and a support element. The support element and the bracket members have coaxial openings therethrough with a generally cylindrical shaft positioned in the openings. The shaft has first and second externally threaded end sections and an intermediate section. The diameter of the first end section is greater than the diameter of the intermediate section so as to form a first shoulder therebetween. The opening in one bracket member has internal threads to matingly receive the threads on the first shaft end section. An annular shell has an inner diameter at least as large as the diameter of the intermediate shaft portion and less than the diameter of the first shaft end section. An annular resilient sleeve is mounted between and in contact with the annular shell and the support element.

Abstract: A source of pressurized hydraulic fluid has a variable fluid output rate and a control system which varies the fluid output rate responsive to a load sense control signal, e.g., a variable displacement pump. The pressurized fluid is made available to a plurality of hydraulic actuators through a corresponding plurality of work control valves. A load sense line is utilized to sense the pressure of the fluid in each hydraulic actuator and to apply a total load sense signal to the control system. A conduit containing a pressure reducing valve provides fluid communication between the output of the source of fluid and the load sense line to pass fluid therethrough to the load sense line only when the pressure in the load sense line is less than a predetermined value. Maintaining at least this minimum pressure in the load sense line minimizes lag in the load sense signal which would otherwise occur as a result of the loss of fluid in the load sense line due to the bleeding of the load sense line.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved manifold assembly and hydraulic system for use in connecting hydraulic lines according to a predetermined circuit design. The invention is especially useful in a pilot control circuit for operating heavy equipment that is multifunctional or has the ability to operate multiple attachments. The manifold assembly comprises a baseplate having a plurality of inlet and outlet ports that are connected to various components in the hydraulic circuit. Connecting elements are then used to connect the designated inlet and outlet ports. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting elements include one or more channel plates attached to the baseplate that have segregated flow channels or passageways and interconnect the designated inlet and outlet ports. In order to convert the system from operation of one type of attachment to another, it is only necessary to exchange one set of designated channel plates for another.

Abstract: An improved latch assembly for securely latching a closure member in a position covering or uncovering an opening extending through a bulkhead of a vehicle cab or the like. The assembly includes pivotally locating a second striker pin on the bulkhead of the vehicle in such a position that it is cammed into latching engagement with the latch used for retaining the closure member in the covered position.

Abstract: A spring clip is constructed in a folded manner so as to be slipped over a peripheral edge of a clutch plate and attached thereto. The sides of the folded spring clip include fastening sections for receiving therein the clutch plate edge and having inwardly bent tabs which interlock with a hole in the clutch plate for providing a secure attachment thereto. Each spring clip has outwardly directed engaging sections for biasing neighboring clutch plates to reduce flutter.

Abstract: An improved suspension is provided for a track vehicle between a track frame (24,26) and pivot shafts (40,42) on the tractor. The suspension includes an inboard elastomeric assembly (82) and an outboard elastomeric assembly (84) which incorporates an elastomer (100). The elastomer is designed to provide different spring rates in the vertical direction than the horizontal direction parallel the length of the tractor. This permits the vertical spring rate to be set for most effective isolation of the sprung weight (14) of the crawler tractor while the horizontal spring rate is determined by the significant loads induced by an implement, such as a bulldozer blade (12) on the tractor.

Abstract: A brake-transmission system (10) is provided for a vehicle having a transmission system (14) including a transmission (18) and a brake system (12) including brakes (64, 66, 68, 70). The system (10) includes a first fluid reservoir (18, 20) associated with the transmission system (14) for supplying fluid to the transmission system (14). A second fluid reservoir (16) is associated with the brake system (12) for supplying fluid to the brake system (12). Structure (24, 26, 32, 34, 54) is provided for establishing a fluid communication path from the transmission system (14) to the second fluid reservoir (16). Structure (86, 88) is also provided to establish a fluid communication path from the brakes (64, 66, 68, 70) to the first fluid reservoir (18, 20).

Abstract: An improved parallelogram type ripper mechanism is provided. The mechanism has identical hydraulic pitch and lift cylinders lying in the same vertical plane. Also copolanar with the hydraulic cylinders are fixed length links. Identical left and right hand mounting brackets are attached to the rear of the prime mover.