Abstract: An auxiliary power system for a long-haul truck includes a first frame which has an auxiliary power unit mounted thereon using elastomeric isolation mounts. A second frame is affixed in a stationary position to an exterior surface of a single longitudinal rail of the vehicle frame. There is a pair of spring elements each operable in a vertical direction and having a first end thereof pivotally connected to a respective side member of the first frame and having a second end thereof pivotally connected to a respective side member of the second frame, whereby the first frame is capable of moving in a vertical plane relative to the second frame for isolating the auxiliary power unit from the effects of road shock and vibration. Elastomeric isolation mounts are also provided for controlling downward movement of the first frame.

Abstract: A reversible mode heating and cooling system for an interior space of a vehicle having an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) employs a heat pump arrangement, wherein a refrigerant compressor is driven by APU's diesel engine through pulley and belt arrangement. An air duct is provided to communicate engine exhaust air to an external heat exchanger during a heating mode. Openings and dampers are provided in the air duct to direct engine exhaust air flow to atmosphere and introduce ambient air into the external heat exchanger during cooling mode. Exhausted air from the external heat exchanger may be re-circulated back to the air inlet side of the engine. Provisions are also provided for operating the refrigerant compressor from the electrical power grid.

Abstract: An automatic throwing machine (10) includes a throwing arm (18) rotated by a worm gear (78) driven by a worm (76) carried on a rod (42). The rod is driven by an electric motor (32). An extension spring (68) is extensible as the arm is moved to store energy in the spring and create a torque on the throwing arm. The arm is configured for objects such as clay pigeons (P), baseballs (B), and hockey pucks (H) and the like. When the spring reaches an over-center position, the throwing arm is rapidly rotated to launch the object along a desired trajectory. A control (112) controls operation of the motor. A passive infrared detector (110) identifies people (X) near the device and controls the direction of discharge of the object so the object is thrown toward, or away from, the person depending upon the object being thrown. The detector further provides an interlock to prevent object release if there is a person in the direction the object is thrown who should not be there.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit and charging valve arrangement is disclosed for charging an accumulator where the accumulator is used to power an additional function such as a brake valve. The accumulator charging circuit is connected to a load sensing power steering circuit including a flow divider that controls the flow of a fixed displacement pump to selectively effect actuation of a power steering motor and an auxiliary device such as a bucket loader or backhoe control valve. The charging circuit includes a pilot operated charging valve which controls the flow divider of the load sensing steering circuit for the purpose of recharging the accumulator. The charging valve includes a valve member that is biased against a coil spring to a neutral position when the accumulator is charged. When the accumulator pressure drops below a preset level, the valve member is shifted thereby permitting fluid flow through the charging valve to the flow divider in the load sensing steering circuit.

Abstract: An unloading valve for satisfying the requirements of a hydraulic system while minimizing transient pressure fluctuations. When the hydraulic system requires full fluid flow, fluid under pressure passes through the valve for discharge to the hydraulic system. If the system does not require full fluid flow, the excess fluid is automatically discharged from the unloading valve to a reservoir. Incoming fluid under pressure is communicated against one end of a locking spool for causing it to operate against an unloading pin. An orifice plate is mounted within the valve body adjacent to the unloading pin with the opening through the orifice plate being closed by a spring biased unloading poppet. A relief poppet is provided in the valve body and incoming fluid under pressure into the interior of the relief poppet is communicated to a fluid chamber between the seated end of the unloading poppet and a mounting plug holding the unloading pin.

Abstract: A precision regulated plural voltage system having particular application for vechicular electrical systems requiring dual voltage applications. The output of a voltage doubler is precisely regulated as a function of the regulated output voltage from the alternator. This precise regulation of the doubler output is provided automatically without having to manually adjust the output as a function of load or temperature, is provided inexpensively by use of a relatively few number of solid state circuit components, and produces the desired regulated doubles voltage output having the precise value desired as a function of the loads connected to the circuit.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator and control for positioning the boom of a backhoe mounted on the rear of a tractor that smoothly decelerates the boom at the limits of its horizontal swinging movement. A directional control valve ports fluid to two double acting hydraulic actuators positioned in opposed relation on the tractor to drive the boom from side to side. The boom is cushioned at the limits of its travel, whether or not the operator releases the operating pedal for the directional control valve, by blocking discharge flow from a contracting actuator to the directional control valve and porting this discharge flow over a pressure relief system that is independent of the directional control valve. The pressure relief system provides substantially constant deceleration of the boom without high peak pressure in the actuator by using a lower pressure relief valve in the actuator cylinder heads arranged in series with a higher pressure relief valve that discharges directly to tank.

Abstract: A protective fluid system having a fluid pump and a fluid control valve and a fluid protective valve and a fluid motor all connected together. The protective valve is responsive to a loss of pressure in a fluid line, such as when the line breaks, and the valve then closes to avoid the reaction of the fluid motor which may be a powered cylinder assembly under the influence of a load, and thus the load does not fall or otherwise move when the pressure is lost in the cylinder assembly.