Abstract: A probe provides one end of an electrically conductive path with a ground stake defining a second end. The probe is supported on a tip of a cable rotatably supported by a snake, with the snake including a conductor routed toward the ground stake. A spool can optionally be located between the conductor and the ground stake. A voltage source and a current sensor are located upon said electrically conductive path. The probe is fed by action of the snake along an underground pipe to be scanned. The current sensor senses current flow between the probe within the underground pipe and the ground stake. Analysis of the current flowing in this electric circuit allows for determining if underground pipe material includes lead, based at least partially on electrical conductivity of pipe segments through which the probe passes.

Abstract: A probe provides one end of an electrically conductive path with a ground stake defining a second end. The probe is supported on a tip of a cable rotatably supported by a snake, with the snake including a conductor routed toward the ground stake. A spool can optionally be located between the conductor and the ground stake. A voltage source and a current sensor are located upon this electrically conductive path. The current sensor senses current flow between the probe within the underground pipe and the ground stake. Analysis of the current flowing in this electric circuit allows for determining if underground pipe material includes lead, based at least partially on electrical conductivity of pipe segments through which the probe passes. Conductivity data is transmitted between a local processor, such as a smart phone, and a remote processor for analysis, including a prediction as to lead presence in the pipe.

Abstract: A probe provides one end of an electrically conductive path with a ground stake defining a second end. The probe is supported on a tip of a cable rotatably supported by a snake, with the snake including a conductor routed toward the ground stake. A voltage source and a current sensor are located upon said electrically conductive path. The probe is fed by action of the snake along an underground pipe to be scanned. The current sensor senses current flow between the probe within the underground pipe and the ground stake. Analysis of the current flowing in this electric circuit allows for determining if underground pipe material includes lead, based at least partially on electrical conductivity of pipe segments through which the probe passes. A tool is provided to assist in navigating a sharp bend near where the probe enters the pipeline.

Abstract: A probe provides one end of an electrically conductive path with a ground stake defining a second end. The probe is supported on a tip of a cable rotatably supported by a snake, with the snake including a conductor routed toward the ground stake. A spool can optionally be located between the conductor and the ground stake. A voltage source and a current sensor are located upon said electrically conductive path. The probe is fed by action of the snake along an underground pipe to be scanned. The current sensor senses current flow between the probe within the underground pipe and the ground stake. Analysis of the current flowing in this electric circuit allows for determining if underground pipe material includes lead, based at least partially on electrical conductivity of pipe segments through which the probe passes.

Abstract: A probe provides one end of an electrically conductive path with a ground stake defining a second end. The probe is supported on a tip of a cable rotatably supported by a snake, with the snake including a conductor routed toward the ground stake. A spool can optionally be located between the conductor and the ground stake. A voltage source and a current sensor are located upon said electrically conductive path. The probe is fed by action of the snake along an underground pipe to be scanned. The current sensor senses current flow between the probe within the underground pipe and the ground stake. Analysis of the current flowing in this electric circuit allows for determining if underground pipe material includes lead, based at least partially on electrical conductivity of pipe segments through which the probe passes.

Abstract: An electrically conductive probe, such as a probe similar to those utilized in other electric leak detection systems, is positioned electrically adjacent to different regions of a wall of an underground access chamber, for detection of leaks therein. In one embodiment, the probe is positioned at an elevation and circumferential position which is sequentially adjusted so that the probe can scan regions of the wall for leaks. In another embodiment, a modified probe remains centrally located within the underground access chamber and only moved vertically. The modified probe is fitted with whiskers extending radially. The modified probe includes sectors circumferentially spaced from each other and with each whisker associated with one of the sectors. A selector switch electrically connects one sector to the electrically conductive cable. Data collected by either probe can be graphed or otherwise analyzed with regions of high conductivity correlating with leaks in the underground access chamber.

Abstract: The system utilizes conductivity equipment as well as a camera, pressure sensor, and acoustic hydrophone within a probe deployed via cable into a pipe to be inspected. The probe completes an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. The camera, incorporated into the electric probe, is utilized for both inspection and navigation through the pipe by providing a close-circuit video data feed. The pressure sensor detects alterations in the pressure and flow field of the fluidic region in the area of a leak. The acoustic hydrophone listens for the sound leaks in a pressurized pipeline. The inspection device is tethered to a cable and inserted a measured distance into the pipeline, typically with the pipeline under pressure, via a launch tube. Multi-sensor data versus pipeline position is thus obtained.

Abstract: Extensions exited from electrodes of an electroscan probe, allowing for operation in a wide range of pipe sizes, particularly large diameter pipes, by extending the maximum effective distance of the electric fields generated by the probe. The extensions preferably extend radially from each of the electrodes, and are sized to bring tips of the extensions close to the pipe wall. The extensions can be joined by lanyards to assist in keeping them spaced apart. At least some extensions preferably have bulbous tips, preferably at least partially formed of non-conductive material to keep adjacent extensions from touching each other, especially extensions coupled to different electrodes. The extensions, in one embodiment, are threaded into collars adjacent to each electrode and selected to have a length appropriate for the pipe diameter.

Abstract: The system utilizes conductivity equipment as well as a camera, pressure sensor, and acoustic hydrophone within a probe deployed via cable into a pipe to be inspected. The probe completes an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. The camera, incorporated into the electric probe, is utilized for both inspection and navigation through the pipe by providing a close-circuit video data feed. The pressure sensor detects alterations in the pressure and flow field of the fluidic region in the area of a leak. The acoustic hydrophone listens for the sound leaks in a pressurized pipeline. The inspection device is tethered to a cable and inserted a measured distance into the pipeline, typically with the pipeline under pressure, via a launch tube. Multi-sensor data versus pipeline position is thus obtained.

Abstract: The system utilizes conductivity equipment as well as a camera, pressure sensor, and acoustic hydrophone within a probe deployed via cable into a pipe to be inspected. The probe completes an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. The camera, incorporated into the electric probe, is utilized for both inspection and navigation through the pipe by providing a close-circuit video data feed. The pressure sensor detects alterations in the pressure and flow field of the fluidic region in the area of a leak. The acoustic hydrophone listens for the sound leaks in a pressurized pipeline. The inspection device is tethered to a cable and inserted a measured distance into the pipeline, typically with the pipeline under pressure, via a launch tube. Multi-sensor data versus pipeline position is thus obtained.

Abstract: Extensions exited from electrodes of an electroscan probe, allowing for operation in a wide range of pipe sizes, particularly large diameter pipes, by extending the maximum effective distance of the electric fields generated by the probe. The extensions preferably extend radially from each of the electrodes, and are sized to bring tips of the extensions close to the pipe wall. The extensions can be joined by lanyards to assist in keeping them spaced apart. At least some extensions preferably have bulbous tips, preferably at least partially formed of non-conductive material to keep adjacent extensions from touching each other, especially extensions coupled to different electrodes. The extensions, in one embodiment, are threaded into collars adjacent to each electrode and selected to have a length appropriate for the pipe diameter.

Abstract: The system utilizes conductivity equipment as well as a camera, pressure sensor, and acoustic hydrophone within a probe deployed via cable into a pipe to be inspected. The probe completes an electric circuit back to ground when the probe is adjacent a defect through which electric currents can pass, thus producing varying electric current. The camera, incorporated into the electric probe, is utilized for both inspection and navigation through the pipe by providing a close-circuit video data feed. The pressure sensor detects alterations in the pressure and flow field of the fluidic region in the area of a leak. The acoustic hydrophone listens for the sound leaks in pressurize pipes may create. The inspection device is tethered to a cable and inserted a measured distance into the pipeline, typically with the pipeline under pressure, via a launch tube. Multi-sensor data versus pipe position is thus obtained.

Abstract: A vehicle is configured to perform shuttle-shifting and comprises an engine and a power shift transmission operably connected with the engine comprising forward and reverse mechanical gears, the power shift transmission having more forward mechanical gears than reverse mechanical gears. The vehicle comprises a processor operably connected to the power shift transmission and to the engine, and is configured to receive a command from a user to establish a relationship between a last forward gear used and a desired reverse performance. The processor is configured to determine a desired reverse ratio based upon the last forward gear used and the established relationship and to select a reverse mechanical gear having a reverse gear ratio which is the same or less than the desired reverse ratio.

Abstract: A vehicle is configured to perform shuttle-shifting and comprises an engine and a power shift transmission operably connected with the engine comprising forward and reverse mechanical gears, the power shift transmission having more forward mechanical gears than reverse mechanical gears. The vehicle comprises a processor operably connected to the power shift transmission and to the engine, and is configured to receive a command from a user to establish a relationship between a last forward gear used and a desired reverse performance. The processor is configured to determine a desired reverse ratio based upon the last forward gear used and the established relationship and to select a reverse mechanical gear having a reverse gear ratio which is the same or less than the desired reverse ratio.

Abstract: An oscillation stop mechanism for use in conjunction with a compound steering mechanism adapted for use on a compact tractor is disclosed wherein an elongated stop link is positioned on opposing sides of the steering axis about which the pivoted axle rotates to effect a compound steering action as a function of the amount of steering movement of the steerable wheels. The elongated stop links are provided with upper and lower cupped flanges that are engageable with corresponding upper and lower brackets affixed, respectively, to the chassis and the front axle to stop the pivotal movement of the front axle about its oscillation axis. The upper flange on each stop link is positionally adjustable along the length of the stop link for selectively varying the linear distance between the upper and lower flanges and, thereby, vary the amount of permissible oscillation of the front axle relative to the chassis.

Abstract: A powershift transmission having input, center and output clutch sections, each section including a plurality of clutches, is arranged to have a high and a low range of input/output speed ratios with some of the lower ratios of the high range being substantially equal to some of the higher ratios of the low range. During upshifting the shift sequence is 1L, 2L, . . . (N-2)L, (N-1)L, NL, 3H, 4H, . . . NH and during downshifting the sequence is NH, (N-1)H . . . 2H, 1H, (N-2)L . . . 2L, 1L wherein ratios (N-1)L and NL are substantially equal to 1H and 2H, respectively, L represents the low range, H represents the high range and N represents the number of gear ratios within each range. The arrangement avoids the need for simultaneous clutch swaps in all three clutch sections and reduces the number of shifts requiring simultaneous clutch swaps in the center and output clutch sections.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a tractor having a transverse axle with pivotally movable steering wheels and a laterally shiftable chassis is disclosed wherein a first tie rod interconnects the steering arms of the opposing steerable wheels to couple the movements thereof and a second tie rod interconnects the chassis and the first tie rod to couple the laterally shifting movements of the chassis to the pivotal movements of the steerable wheels. The second tie rod is selectively re-positionable to the transverse axle to disassociate the lateral shifting movements of the chassis from the pivotal movements of the steerable wheels, thereby allowing a selection between a compound steering operation and a conventional-type simple steering operation.

Abstract: An adjusting device for a tractor trailing hitch link provides for adjusting telescoping link from within the cab of the tractor through a shaft connection and permits locking the telescoping link in its adjusted position while isolating the shaft connection from forces imposed on the trailing hitch link.

Abstract: As the backhoe boom 19 swings into a swing stop, hydraulic fluid is trapped in the head end 28 of the swing side cylinder 24. This trapped fluid is discharged through a cylinder relief valve, thus absorbing the boom kinetic energy and providing a smooth deceleration of the boom. Fluid discharged from the relief valve 47 is routed to the rod end of the swing cylinder and the head end of the opposite cylinder. Because of the swing linkage geometry, the cylinder rod 30 of the other cylinder had passed over the pivot axis about which the backhoe boom was swinging and thus the piston 29 of the other cylinder was caused to move in the same direction as the swing side piston 29. The movement of this piston can be utilized to provide additional deceleration torque as long as no voiding is permitted to occur in the head end of this other cylinder. Voiding only occurs when the backhoe swing control lever 38 is released prior to the backhoe boom reaching the swing stop.