Abstract: An installation for giving driving instructions, comprising a passenger vehicle equipped with a gear shift, an electric motor and a mechanism for supplying electrical energy. Between the gear shift and the electric motor there is provided a releasable clutch, and there is further provided an electronic control mechanism for the electric motor and which control mechanism is responsive to the position of a foot pedal.

Abstract: A hand guided, motor driven, utility tractor having a single drive wheel which is rotatably mounted on a frame approximately 1/2 to 2/3 of the length of the frame away from its front end and which is driven by an engine mounted on the frame forward of the drive wheel. A beam is adjustably mounted on the frame to the rear of the drive wheel for attaching plows, discs or a variety of other devices for planting, tilling, smoothing or otherwise modifying land in the path of the drive wheel. A stabilizer wheel, preferably with a cutter portion adapted to penetrate the soil, is adjustably mounted on the frame forward of the drive wheel and disposed forward and below the engine. A hand control lever is mounted on a handle structure extending upwardly and rearwardly from the frame and simultaneously raises, or lowers, the tool attachment beam and the stabilizer wheel.

Abstract: A carrier frame for large cylindrical bales of hay is adapted to be connected to a towing vehicle and includes latch mechanisms operable from the towing vehicle to tilt the carrier frame into position about the bale of hay, cause same to be moved into the carrier frame or dumped therefrom and returned to the towing position.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a carriage about an elongate shaft for linear movement of the carriage along the shaft. The apparatus comprises an elongate tubular housing to which a carriage may be mounted, the housing having opposing normally open ends, a pair of linear bearings mounted in the housing in spaced apart relation adjacent respective opposing ends thereof, the bearings having aligned openings for receiving an elongate shaft in contacting relatively movable relation, and means included in the housing for lubricating the bearings during movement of the housing along an elongate shaft disposed therethrough.

Abstract: A ski boot clamping device comprises a ski clamp mounting plate which has an end with a raised portion forming a hook. The boot clamp has a first portion which is adapted to extend across the ski for engagement with the rear end of the boot and which has a skirt which has an engagement end which is engageable behind the plate raised portion with the hook. The boot clamp also has a second portion which is rotatably mounted in a cylindrical formation on the side of the ski and it is biased by a spring so that when the first portion becomes released from the boot, the first portion is rotated by rotation of the second portion at least over 180.degree. so that it extends downwardly into engagement with the snow so as to hold the ski against movement.

Abstract: A bearing comprising a steel backing with a porous matrix composition comprising 1/2 to 6 percent by weight sulfur, 0 to 60 percent copper, and the balance iron which is impregnated with babbitt.

Abstract: In an anti jack-knifing coupling arrangement between a tractor vehicle and a trailer wherein a turntable is mounted on the tractor vehicle for rotation about a vertical axis and carries a brake member for rotation therewith and having opposing horizontal parallel faces defining brake surfaces and brake callipers are mounted on the tractor vehicle for operative engagement with such brake surfaces, while themselves being restrained from movement about the vertical axis; the brake surfaces and the brake callipers are cooperatively disposed in a manner so as to be protected from exposure to rain and like elements and are kept clean and dry so that any possible slippage therebetween when the brake callipers are actuated to grip the brake surfaces is obviated.

Abstract: A guide device for receiving a slideable element, the device comprising laterally spaced series of studs with each stud of each series arranged opposite a space between two adjacent studs of the other series. Studs of each series are spaced apart a distance at least equal to the width of one stud of the opposing series. This guide device is produced by a moulding process especially an injection-moulded process and due to the disposition and arrangement of the studs the moulding process and equipment is simplified.

Abstract: A machine of the dragline, shovel, or crane type having a body rotatably mounted upon a base with a padded live roller circle interposed between the body and base to facilitate rotation of the body. The roller circle includes flat, segmental upper and lower rails with resilient and compressible pads between the rail segments and the respective body and base, and a roller cage between the rails having rollers which are generally cylindrical and in bearing contact with the rails, the rail segment pads permitting movement of the segments to distribute local loads to adjacent rollers. The rails are clamped to the body and base by means of yieldable clamping means, and the cage is guided in its circular travel path by yieldable guide means.

Abstract: A speed limiting system for a vehicle in which the main speed controlling member is equipped with an overridable return device that applies to such speed controlling member a limited predetermined magnitude of force opposing movement of the speed control member to a higher speed position whenever the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed. The return means is operated by control signal means utilizing signals representing the actual vehicle speed and an adjustable preset speed limit, and effecting comparison of such signals.

Abstract: A baby carrier which can be converted into an infant's stroller comprising first and second tubular frame members which are bent to form a three-sided rectangular shaped opening in order to support a baby seat. The extending ends of the first and second tubular members are connected to articulated joints so that parallel spaced apart front and rear legs can be connected to the tubular members. At the ends of the legs are provided wheels so that when the legs are opened to their fully extended position, they form a stroller for the seat. One of the tubular members includes loops which are formed as handles at the rear portion of the seat. A shoulder strap is also provided as well as a back rest which spans between the ends of the tubular members adjacent to the articulated joints.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved mechanism systems for controlling and assisting the operating effort of a mechanical member and is especially applicable to automatic assisted steering systems for automobile vehicles. The said servo-mechanism comprises essentially a steering shaft including two coaxial sections, the first section being coupled to a steering wheel for its rotation about the common axis of the two sections, while the second section is coupled to the mechanical member to be servo-controlled, this second section being fixed on an end sleeve which is coaxial and surrounds one part of the first, which is provided with a pin mounted in one of its diametral planes, the wings of said pin being identical and projecting over the same length from each side of the common axis, the second section co-operating with the first by means of the wings of said pin and an elastic member interposed between the pin and the second section.

Abstract: An apparatus for equalizing the radical load on the pivoted bearing pads of a journal bearing which comprises in excess of two pivoted bearing pads, say four or five pivoted bearing pads, for example.In a preferred embodiment, the total number of bearing pads is an even number (4, 6, etc.) and the two centrally located bearing pads relative to the span of the plurality of bearing pads in a circumferential direction are radially fixed in position. The remaining bearing pads are mounted on supports which are radially adjustable. A mechanical adjusting means is provided for separately radially adjusting the support for each of the radially adjustable bearing pads. The supports for the respective radially adjustable bearing pads are radially adjusted until an equalization is reached between the high pressure oil film pressures at the interfaces between all of the respective bearing pads (including the radially fixed bearing pads) and the rotating journal.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for a vehicle comprises a two-armed, V-shaped support having its apex disposed at the rear of the vehicle. The support is attached at its forward end to a chassis of the vehicle and carries at its apex a hitching ball. The chassis has a rear end terminating forwardly of a rear central part of the body of the vehicle and the chassis and body are interconnected by resilient means allowing relative longitudinal displacement of the body and chassis. The support and the body are connected together at the rearward end of the support by a flexible strip which is rigidly attached to each arm of the support and is rigidly or pivotally attached to the body, the strip permitting the said relative longitudinal displacement of the chassis and body. The flexible strip is preferably pivotally mounted on a link attached to the body by means of a mounting sleeve on a shoe attached to the strip, a damping sleeve to damp noise and vibration being received on the link within the mounting sleeve.

Abstract: An auto towing apparatus including an A-frame attachable to an auto for lifting and supporting a pair of the wheels thereof and having a socket for engaging a novel hitch ball and hoist combination on a towing vehicle, the hoist eliminating the need for precisely positioning the ball under the hitch socket.

Abstract: A yieldable assembly for mounting the bearing block of a roller in a frame for reciprocal movement therein comprising a first piston, a cylinder for said first piston, a piston rod on said first piston and extending from said cylinder, a second piston free for movement in said cylinder independantly of said first piston, a first chamber in said cylinder partially defined by one end of said second piston, a second chamber in said cylinder partially defined by the other end of said second piston and one end of said first piston, a third chamber in said cylinder partially defined by the other end of said first piston, means for charging said first chamber with a fluid, means for selectively charging said second chamber with a fluid, means for selectively charging said third chamber with a fluid, said cylinder and said piston being connectible between the frame and the bearing block of a roller mounted therein to permit reciprocation of the bearing block in the frame as the first piston and cylinder reciprocate w

Abstract: The specification describes two embodiments of a one-piece rear grease seal for an idler roller mounted on a shaft. Both embodiments comprise an annular lip in the shape of a truncated cone, an annular ring integrally connected to the larger end of the annular lip, and an annular web integrally connected to the outer end of the annular ring. In one embodiment, an annular groove is found on the annular ring to receive an axial end of an inner tube mounted concentrically about the shaft; the other embodiment does not have this feature.

Abstract: An improved sealing apparatus for permitting the continuous passage of a web material through a gap in a wall separating two zones at different pressures while minimizing the flow of air from one zone to the other.

Abstract: An electric vehicle of adequate performance and range and of low cost uses a long tray of batteries easily rolled into or from a housing which also comprises a structural backbone of the car. The body provides useful space, such as a passenger compartment on both sides of the backbone, extending down to about the level of the bottom of the backbone, thereby keeping a low center of gravity, and compactness for low wind resistance. The steering wheel is on a swing-arm standing out laterally from the backbone, the backbone supporting the steering shaft in a position not "aimed" at the driver. The steering arm swings out of the way to facilitate access, and in one form of the invention the body top swings open and there are no side doors. Separate V belt drives from the motor through automatic speed-changing pulleys for each side minimize current draw on start-up and acceleration, maximize performance, ensure driving both drive wheels in slippery weather, and permit differential wheel speed on turns.

Abstract: A boot seal for rack and pinion steering gear assemblies having an integrally formed attachment opening for a fluid transfer tube, the opening being formed either as a nipple on the boot seal or as a clamp associated opening through the end of the seal.