Abstract: The inlet end of an axial flow rotor feeds high volumes of crop materials at low crop pressures toward the threshing and separating areas to avoid bunching of crop materials or plugging of the rotor. A cylindrical core tube at the inlet end of the rotor is of substantially reduced diameter compared to the generally cylindrical threshing or separating portions of the rotor. A frusto-conical portion connects the core tube to the threshing portion for a ramp-like transition of crop materials near the threshing area. The flighting, which is helically disposed about the core tube, feeds the materials toward special threshing elements which rise from the frusto-conical portion and a connecting portion of the core tube to a height approximately equal to that of a plurality of rasp bars affixed to the threshing portion for uniformly dispersing the crop materials against the rotor casing.

Abstract: A braking system for the tractor unit of a tractor trailer vehicle in which the ratio of the pressure applied to the front brakes to the pressure applied to the rear brakes changes automatically when a trailer is connected to or disconnected from the tractor. The brake system includes two dual mode relay valves and feedback conduits which convey feedback pressures between the front and rear dual mode valves and between a trailer brake service conduit and the front valve. The brake system includes brake pressure proportioning apparatus which is operative to reduce brake pressures on the rear tractor brakes, during normal brake applications, when the tractor is operated bobtail but which can be overriden by a vehicle operator if conditions warrant. The pressure feedback and system hysterresis cooperate to produce balanced braking and the proper sequence of brake application under a variety of vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for discharging threshed crop materials, in a relatively uniform manner across the body width of the combine, directly from the discharge end of a threshing and separating rotor in an axial flow combine without the need for additional apparatus at the discharge end of the rotor to discharge the threshed materials or to avoid plugging or bunching of crop materials between the rotor and rotor casing. The rotor extends longitudinally through the combine to a discharge area at the discharge end of the rotor. The rotor casing closely surrounds the rotor near the discharge end and guide vanes disposed in the rotor casing cooperate with separating elements circumferentially disposed about the rotor near the discharge end to positively move threshed materials toward the discharge end of the rotor.

Abstract: A brake system for a tractor unit of a tractor-trailer vehicle which includes a ratio and proportioning apparatus responsive to trailer attached and trailer detached conditions. The proportioning apparatus communicates with a conduit conveying supply pressure to a trailer carried brake system and effects a reduction of the pressure applied to the rear brake actuators when a trailer is not attached. The proportioning function of the ratio and proportioning apparatus is sensitive to, and modified by, reservoir pressure and can be overridden by the vehicle operator regardless of the vehicle operating mode. The preferred brake system also includes a front dual mode relay valve which is operative to reduce the pressure applied to the front brake actuators, relative to that applied to the rear brake actuators, when a trailer is attached to the tractor.

Abstract: In an axial flow combine, an improved inlet transition area for changing the flow of crop materials from a linear ribbon-like flow through the feeder to an arcuate ribbon-like flow about the flighting of the inlet end of the rotor to a helical sleeve flow between the rotor and rotor casing while at the same time injecting crop materials in all portions of the flighting. A sloping ramp extends upwardly and rearwardly from the feeder to an elliptical intersection with the rotor casing. A pair of oppositely disposed sidewalls in generally perpendicular relation to the ramp extend from the feeder and converge about the inlet end of the rotor at an upper portion of the rotor casing. Another wall between the sidewalls, oppositely disposed from the ramp, encloses the inlet transition area.

Abstract: A support system and height control mechanism for a flexible floating cutterbar to be used on a crop harvesting machine. The support system includes counterbalancing shoe support springs that are easily adjustable to regulate the lifting pressure for the cutterbar head by the use of a conventional tool. The height control mechanism is especially useful for the header of a machine having a flexible floating cutterbar mounted on the header where a cutterbar can follow the contour of the land wherein the highest point along the cutterbar is sensed and will control the height adjustment for the header. Sensor fingers along the bar back of the cutterbar are connected through a lost motion connection to a control for adjusting the height of the cutterbar in accordance with the contour of the land being harvested.

Abstract: A cutterbar for a crop harvesting machine having narrow pitch guard prongs and knife points. The guard prongs are formed on guard sections, and the knife points are formed on knife sections, wherein the guard sections include a plurality of prongs and the knife sections include a plurality of points and symmetrically arranged mounting holes allow mounting the guard sections on a conventional bar back. The knife sections include form-beveled and serrated knife edges, together with fastener assemblies for connecting the knife sections to the knife back such as to permit easy replacement of damaged knife sections. A drive assembly for the knife bar applies reciprocating action to the knife bar. Feeder shields protect the drive assembly and enhance the feed of crop to the collecting auger.

Abstract: An over-the-highway tractor-trailer vehicle including a tractor coupled in towing relationship to a forward trailer, and a dolly for towing a rearward trailer behind the forward trailer. The dolly has a hydraulically driven power unit. A hydraulic pump is driven by the tractor engine, and connects with a first set of flexible hydraulic hoses. A hydraulic motor is provided to drive the dolly, and connects with a second set of flexible hydraulic hoses. The sets of hoses releasably connect with conduits carried under the bed of the forward trailer. When the tractor is "dead headed" without a trailer or towing only one trailer, the sets of hoses are directly coupled so as to power the dolly drive.

Abstract: In a vehicle brake system of the type employing both spring and service brake actuators, fluid which is discharged from the spring brake actuators at the initiation of spring brake application is exhausted through selected service brake actuators to effect at least a momentary service brake application. Since spring brakes normally respond relatively slowly as compared to service brakes, service brake application can be effected prior to spring brake application, and brake response time is reduced. The service brake actuators selected to receive exhausted spring brake fluid can be arranged to brake vehicle wheels which have no associated spring brake actuators, whereby emergency braking capability can be provided on vehicle wheels which have no spring brake actuators.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine cooling system is disclosed which utilizes a coolant having a greater viscosity and film strength then water. Heat is transferred from the coolant as it flows through a radiator assembly. The coolant is directed through multiple heat transfer passes defined by core tubes and headers of the radiator with the coolant moving through the core tubes of each pass at a flow velocity which insures a Reynolds number of no less than 5000. The flow velocity is substantially reduced in a header communicating the core tubes of successive heat transfer passes so that a region of substantially quiescent coolant is produced in the header. Air or gas in the coolant is collected and expelled from the header adjacent the quiescent coolant region.

Abstract: A brake system includes separate service and emergency brake actuators. The service brake actuators are normally disengaged, and engage when supplied with pressurized fluid. The emergency brake actuators are disengaged when supplied with pressurized fluid and engage in the absence of fluid pressurization. A restricted orifice limits the rate at which pressurized fluid can be supplied to the emergency brake system. Fluid is tapped from the emergency brake system to effect service brake application. The flow of tapped fluid from the emergency brake system is regulated by an operator control to effect a controlled application of the service brake actuators. In the event of a failure in the conduit receiving tapped fluid from the emergency brake system the discharge of tapped fluid from the emergency brake actuators into the failed conduit is regulated by the operator control to effect a smooth, controlled application of the emergency brake system.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine cooling system is disclosed which utilizes a coolant having a greater viscosity and film strength than water. Heat is transferred from the coolant as it flows through a radiator assembly. The coolant is directed through multiple heat transfer passes defined by core tubes and headers of the radiator with the coolant moving through the core tubes of each pass at a flow velocity which insures a Reynolds number of no less than 5000. The flow velocity is substantially reduced in a header communicating the core tubes of successive heat transfer passes so that a region of substantially quiescent coolant is produced in the header. Air or gas in the coolant is collected and expelled from the header adjacent the quiescent coolant region.