Abstract: An adjustable tool including at least two tool parts, each having a work engaging surface, the parts being interconnected such that the work engaging surfaces are relatively movable, an elongated rotary and reciprocal, threaded actuator operatively associated with a part such that upon rotation or reciprocation of the actuator, relative movement between the parts will occur, a tool base mounting the parts in the actuator and a clutch on the base and receiving the actuator for selectively engaging or disengaging the threads on the actuator, the actuator being substantially freely reciprocal within the base when the threads are disengaged to allow rapid relative movement between the work engaging surfaces to occur to effect rapid adjustment of the relative position of the surfaces, the actuator being rotatable when the threads are engaged to effect fine adjustment and/or the application of clamping force by the work engaging surfaces. Also disclosed is an improved clutch construction.

Abstract: An adjustable tool including at least two tool parts, each having a work engaging surface, the parts being interconnected such that the work engaging surfaces are relatively movable, an elongated rotary and reciprocal, threaded actuator operatively associated with a part such that upon rotation or reciprocation of the actuator, relative movement between the parts will occur, a tool base mounting the parts in the actuator and a clutch on the base and receiving the actuator for selectively engaging or disengaging the threads on the actuator, the actuator being substantially freely reciprocal within the base when the threads are disengaged to allow rapid relative movement between the work engaging surfaces to occur to effect rapid adjustment of the relative position of the surfaces, the actuator being rotatable when the threads are engaged to effect fine adjustment and/or the application of clamping force by the work engaging surfaces. Also disclosed is an improved clutch construction.

Abstract: For use in a 3-point hitch for a tractor or the like wherein there is provided a top link of variable length and a pair of powered lift arms, an improved top link including an elongated threaded rod, a connector for securing the rod to either a tractor or an implement, and a nut structure threaded on the rod. A connector is provided for securing the nut structure to the other of the tractor or the implement and the nut structure is split so that it may move radially relative to the rod to engage or disengage the same. An actuator is provided for selectively effecting the relative movement or precluding the relative movement and may be operated to allow the relative radial movement of the nut relative to the rod to disengage the same from the rod whereby the rod may be moved axially relative to the nut without rotation to rapidly adjust the link to a desired length. Relative movement of the nut toward the rod to engage the same may then be effected to maintain the link at the desired length.