Abstract: A time delay device for the seat interlock mechanism on a skid-steer loader is disclosed wherein the boom structure will not be rendered inoperable for vertical movement, until the passage of a short predetermined period of time after the seat switch has indicated that the operator has left the loader seat. A solenoid valve is operable to stop the flow of fluid to the hydraulic cylinders moving the boom structure along a generally vertical path. A seat switch connected in the electrical circuit to the solenoid valve activates the solenoid valve to stop the fluid flow if the operator leaves the loader seat. The time delay device includes a capacitor, a resistor and a diode in series-parallel with both the source of electrical current and the solenoid valve and prevents the solenoid valve from restricting the flow of fluid through the hydraulic circuit to the boom lift cylinders for a short period of time after the seat switch has indicated that the operator has left the seat.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a tractor scoop mechanism which is connected to the rear hydraulic arms of a tractor and pivotally to a tractor scoop. The tractor scoop can then be dumped by pulling the handle on the scoop mechanism which releases the scoop by rotating locking pins from an engaged position and allows the scoop to pivot downwardly into a dumping posture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for lifting, gripping and transporting printing plates in a processing apparatus of the type in which the printing plates are fixed by suction on a processing table during processing at individual stations of the apparatus. The device comprises a lifting device, positioned below the processing table, for lifting a printing plate positioned on the table, movable in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus, and a gripping member positioned above the processing table for gripping a printing plate lifted off of the processing table by the lifting device.

Abstract: A twin control lever arrangement for the control of three functions such as hydraulic valves. The arrangement includes a first control lever (10) mounted on a first mounting means (12) for pivoting about first (A) and second (B) perpendicular axes to operate first and second functions respectively and a second control lever (13) mounted on a second mounting means (15) for pivoting about a third axis (C) aligned with the first axis (A) and a fourth axis (D) parallel to the second axis (B). Pivoting of the second lever (13) about the third axis (C) operates the third function and a link member (32) extends generally perpendicularly to the two control levers (10,13) to operatively connect the levers by way of pivotal connections at both ends of the link member so that the two levers pivot together about the second and fourth axes to allow either lever to operate the second function.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic system is disclosed for a backhoe having a rotating boom operated by a hydraulic swing mechanism. The system includes a hydraulic rotary sequencing valve which is operatively connected with the swing tower which supports the rotating boom. During rotation of the swing tower and boom by the hydraulic motors of the backhoe, the rotary valve is operated to selectively direct pressurized fluid to the motors for improved torque characteristics. A hydraulic cushioning circuit is provided in association with the rotary sequencing valve so that hydraulic cushioning of the motors, and thus the boom, is effected during the approach of the boom toward its travel stops, eliminating the need for conventional cushioning mechanisms in the motors themselves, and improving overall performance of the machine.

Abstract: A seat interlock mechanism for a skid-steer loader is disclosed wherein the boom structure can be rendered inoperable for vertical movement if the operator leaves his seat. The hydraulic circuit for powering the hydraulic cylinders, which move the boom structure in a vertical direction, includes a solenoid valve that is capable of stopping the flow of fluid through the hydraulic circuit and, thereby, prevent the boom structure from vertically moving. An improved seat frame structure, incorporating a switch which senses the presence of an operator on the seat, provides greater sensitivity for the presence of the operator, so that the switch can control the solenoid valve to stop or permit the flow of fluid through the circuit. The improved seat frame includes a first member mounted to the loader frame and a second member biased away from the first member by a spring positioned beneath the center of gravity of that portion of the seat being biased upwardly by the spring.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved tractor front end implement mount adaptable for rapid attachment and detachment by a single person. This invention is characterized by a working implement having a pair of lift frame arm assemblies coupled in working relationship with intermediate frame members, the intermediate frame members being attachable to support structures attached to the tractor for mounting an implement thereto. Pockets are formed on the outer extremities of the support structures which extend outwardly from opposite sides of the tractor and are adaptable for catching and retaining the rear end portion of the respective intermediate frame members until the intermediate frame members can be pivotally attached thereto by pins. The invention is further characterized by the use of multiple diameter configuration pins which are tapered at the ends and adapted to fit into snug fitting relationship with openings in the pockets and in the intermediate frame members.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a mobile chassis having a turntable on which is supported a boom assembly. At the free end of the boom assembly is tiltably mounted a forklift carriage which can be extended and retracted relative to the boom assembly.

Abstract: A self propelled reaching type mobile loader includes a mobile vehicle which has an articulated body and frame and self leveling wheels. The front portion has a supporting frame with a cab enclosing the front end thereof and has a suitable motor means for operating the vehicle and loading components. A pair of pivot supports are laterally spaced on the frame adjacent the top of the cab and support a pair of pivoted supporting lever members each having a pair of arms rigidly extending at an angle to each other. One of the arms on each of the supporting lever members is supported for pivotal movement on the pivot supports and has an initial position extending along the top of the cab with the angularly extending arm extending substantially vertically in front of the cab. A pair of supporting boom members are supported on each of the angularly extending arms of the supporting lever members and movable longitudinally thereof. A load carrying carriage is supported on the lower ends of the boom members.

Abstract: A support carriage of a manipulator carries an outrigger arm on which is mounted a grab assembly. Upper and lower jaws pivotal on the assembly about respective superposed upper and lower parallel axes can be moved by an actuator head engaging both of these jaws from an open position in which the jaws are pivoted apart from each other to a closed position in which the jaws are pivoted together. The lower jaw is moved at first into the closed position and locked therein before the upper jaw is moved all the way down into the closed position.

Abstract: A load skidding vehicle (10) utilizing a grapple assembly (28) for grasping loads. The grapple assembly (28) is pivotally connected to a boom (24) which extends rearwardly from and is connected to a chassis (12). The grapple assembly (28) is pivotable relative to the boom (24) by a hydraulic cylinder (36) connected to the grapple assembly (28) and chassis (12). Displacement of the hydraulic cylinder (36) provides pivoting of the grapple assembly (28) to an optimum load skidding position. Means (66,68,70,72,78,62',68') are provided for maintaining the optimum skidding position for the grapple assembly (28) with a biasing force during skidding by permitting the grapple assembly (28) to pivot away from the initial skidding position when a predetermined skidding force is encountered. When the skidding force falls below the biasing force magnitude, the grapple assembly (28) is again pivoted toward the initially set skidding position.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for handling and conveying materials is disclosed having a movable chassis, a longitudinally extendable conveyor assembly mounted on the chassis, the conveyor having a projecting loading end capable of limited longitudinal and arcuate vertical movement to a position immediately adjacent the location of the material being handled. An articulated boom assembly is rotatably mounted on the chassis with the movable free end carrying a pushing and pulling blade for loading the material unto the loading end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A dampened fully pivotal hanger (10) for a grapple (12) of a log skidding vehicle (14) or the like having a main mounting member (24) attachable to a rotator (22), first pivoting members (32) pivotal with respect to the main mounting member (24) and second pivoting members (48) pivotal with respect to the first pivoting members (32). A grapple assembly (12) is attached to the second pivoting members (48). A pair of shock absorbers (60,68) is connected between each pair of pivotally attached assemblies (24,32,48) for dampening motion therebetween. The elements of the present hanger (10) define a recess (71) through which hydraulic lines (72) are protectedly run. The dampened, fully pivotal hanger (10) prevents destructive swinging of the grapple assembly (12) when not loaded.

Abstract: A pair of side frames, each comprising a side plate and a connecting arm, are provided on the opposite sides of a tractor body and connected together at their front ends by a connecting member. Each of the side frames has front and rear mount portions for a front loader and is removably provided at its front end with an upright frame extending upward in front of the bonnet of the tractor. The upright frame includes a mount member at the base portion thereof and an upright member removably attached to the mount member. The upper ends of the upright members are interconnected by a connector having a turnable rod extending therethrough and provided with a lift arm at each end. A front three-point linkage for attaching a front working implement to the tractor is mounted on the side frames and the upright frames. A lift cylinder is provided between the lift arm and a lower portion of each of the upright frames.

Abstract: A mobile shovel excavator having a superstructure rotatable about a vertical axis on an undercarriage wherein the arc circumscribed by the rotating superstructure projects beyond the undercarriage, and a stump jib pivotable on the superstructure about a vertical pivot axis by means of a hydraulic cylinder is provided; an excavator jib is attached to the distal end of the stump jib, and the excavator jib is pivotable about the stump jib; in use, the stump jib may be pivoted so that the outer end thereof is either inside or outside of the arc circumscribed by this superstructure, thus varying the pivot point of the excavator jib, and when the excavator is not in use, both the stump jib and the excavator jib are entirely positioned within the arc circumscribed by the rotatable superstructure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic loader comprising a boom, a balance beam and a bucket for loading material, boom jacks and balance beam jacks being coupled between the frame and the boom and between the boom and the balance beam. A secondary jack is also coupled between the frame and the boom and comprises an active chamber, while a first conduit connects this active chamber to the extension chamber of the balance beam jack and a first cut-off valve is disposed in this first conduit, establishing, in its first position, communication of the two sections of the first conduit which are connected thereto, isolating, on the contrary, in its second position, these two sections. One application of the invention is the production of a powerful and efficient loader.

Abstract: A bucket leveling mechanism that automatically operates a tilt cylinder for pivoting the bucket so that the attitude of the bucket remains substantially constant as the bucket lift arms are raised. Two push-pull cable assemblies are provided; one cable assembly senses the rotation of the bucket and the other cable assembly senses the pivotal movement of the lift arms. The cable assembly for the bucket is attached between the bucket and a wedge shaped block that operates a spool control valve for the bucket tilt cylinder. The lift arm cable assembly is attached to a lift arm at one end and includes an opposite roller end that engages one side of the wedge shaped block, with the block being sandwiched between the control valve spool and roller end of the lift arm cable assembly. The wedge shaped block includes a cam surface that is movable between the control valve spool and roller end of the lift arm cable assembly in proportion to the relative movement of the bucket and lift arms.

Abstract: A workpiece handling system is disclosed. The system includes a generally centralized pallet handling stand, and a number of pallet-accepting stations. These stations can be associated with machine tools such as vertical turret lathes or horizontal boring machines or other machine tools. The station can also be a relatively simple pallet storage station. Alternatively, the station can comprise a cart upon which a pallet can be deposited for movement to other parts of the factory. The pallet transfer station includes a foundation, and a base rotatable upon the foundation. A ram is translatably slidable on the rotatable base. A latch is reciprocable upon the ram. To transfer a pallet from one station to another, the base is angularly indexed into general alignment with the first work station. A shot pin device effects final, precise alignment of the ram with the work station. The ram is then radially advanced into engagement with the work station.

Abstract: A motor vehicle equipped with lift arms and a bucket for handling material. The vehicle has a fluid power system including piston and cylinder assemblies to pivot the lift arms between down and up positions and tilt the bucket relative to the lift arms. A bucket leveling control apparatus operates a fluid control valve in response to the pivotal movement of the lift arms to control the flow of fluid to the bucket tilting piston and cylinder assembly to maintain the bucket substantially level during the movement thereof between down and up positions. The fluid control valve is operable to supply fluid under pressure to the bucket tilt piston and cylinder assembly to move the bucket to a dump position.

Abstract: A calibration fixture is disclosed for calibrating the link position transducer output signals of a teaching robot and a work robot such that when the links thereof occupy the same identical spatial position and orientation, the magnitudes of the corresponding link position transducer outputs of the work and teaching robots will be the same.