Abstract: A mechanism which maintains drive belt tension substantially constant when the drive belt is mounted on sheaves with a non-fixed center distance such as the sheaves and belt utilized in vibratory earth compaction equipment, shakers and the like where off-centered weights are rotated at high speeds to obtain desired vibrations. The mechanism includes a driven sheave that is mounted eccentrically on the rotating shaft which supports the off-center weight with the eccentricity of the eccentrically mounted sheave being in the same direction as the offset of the off-center weight. This arrangement allows the center distance between the drive sheave and driven sheave to remain relatively constant thus retaining the drive belt tension relatively constant.

Abstract: A rotary power trowel having a safety clutch, a gyroscopic stabilizing ring, blade pitch control, and an adjustable handle. The safety clutch employs a belt tension adjustment to act as a brake on the drive belt when activated either manually or, in an emergency, automatically by a lever on a handle near the operator. When the rotary trowel goes out of control in an emergency, centrifugal force activates the lever and disengages the driving force and acts to brake the belt in less than one turn of the handle. The gyroscopic stabilizer ring lowers the rotary trowel center of gravity and generates a stabilizing effect. Blade tilting is accomplished through a turning knob located at the end of the adjustable handle, which is adjustable to the height of the operator.

Abstract: An improved safety chain arrangement for linking a towing vehicle connected with primary towing arrangement to a towed vehicle. The invention assures control of the towed vehicle in the event of failure of the primary towing arrangement. A safety chain of adequate length and strength to meet standard safety regulations has a hook, snap, or other retention means at each end, and passes through a post in the towed vehicle, with each end of the chain connected to the towing vehicle, such as by looping the chain ends through an aperture on the towing vehicle bumper and suitably securing each chain end. The post has a storage compartment for storage of excess links of chain, and is provided with two slotted keyholes for passage and secure retention of links of the safety chain.

Abstract: A body of lubricant acting also as a coolant is confined by a housing to the base of a vibratory compactor, in direct contact with the planar bottom portion of the base. Upwardly inclined end portions of the base accommodate tilting of the machine in one direction for installation of wheel assemblies or in the other direction to drain all of the lubricant from the housing. A vibration generating, eccentric rotor within the housing mounts flow directing blades to effect misting of the lubricant during vibration and direct it toward critical lubricating points.

Abstract: A material handling vehicle having a deadman brake resiliently suspended from a load receiving receptacle of the vehicle. Brake shoes of the brake normally frictionally engage center wheels of the vehicle and restrain the vehicle from movement. Grasping of a handle of the brakes together with a fixed handle provided on the vehicle cause the brake shoes to disengage from the center wheels and permit free movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rotary concrete surface grinding and smoothing device having a segmental diamond chip impregnated, engine-driven, rotating grinding head; a foot-operated unit for raising and lowering the grinding head with relation to the surface to be ground; a slanted front end for better visibility; and, ballast weight and adjustable axle means to incrementally vary the downward pressure of the grinding head on the to be ground surface.

Abstract: A portable material treating device having conventional power, supporting, and treating means is provided with a novel sealed enclosure for the gearing unit between the power source and the driven treating device. The sealed enclosure for the gearing unit may be constructed to accommodate various horsepower sizes of gas or electric power sources with two embodiments being disclosed and provides for alignment and backlash adjustment between the gears of the gearing unit by adjustment of the enclosure. A lubricant fitting may be provided whereby the bottom of the sealed enclosure acts as a lubricant sump.

Abstract: A triple seal and spacer means within a multi-part seal housing, including a sealed bearing unit which supports and protects the end of a driven shaft extending outside one peripheral end wall of a container through which the driven shaft passes. Suitable lubrication fittings are provided, and lubricant is forced through these fittings into the interior of the multipart seal housing, past two relatively soft seals having a spacer therebetween, and past another spacer and a relatively rigid long-lasting seal adjacent the wall through which the driven shaft passes.