Abstract: An electric drive system is provided. The electric drive system includes a first output member, a second output member, and an electric motor that includes an output shaft having an axis of rotation. The output shaft is operatively engaged with the first and second output members to rotate the first and second output members. A differential steering system is disposed between the electric motor and the first and second output members. The differential steering system includes at least one planetary gear assembly that has an axis of rotation that substantially aligns with the axis of rotation of the output shaft. A steering motor is operatively engaged with the at least one planetary gear assembly and is operable to modify the rotational speed of the at least one planetary gear assembly to thereby adjust the rotational speed of one of the first and second output members relative to the other of the first and second output members.

Abstract: Electrical devices such as motors and generators create heat as they operate. This can lead to lower performance and life. Therefore, it is important to provide cooling for such devices. This is particularly true in heavy duty applications such as earthmoving or other industries. Methods and apparatus are disclosed to provide cooling that involves the circulation of two fluids in defined pathways. Heat within a case or other enclosure for an electrical device is transferred to one fluid. Heat from the one fluid is subsequently transferred to the other fluid. In one example, this heat transfer may occur across fins for increased effectiveness. It is also preferred that the flow of fluid be closed loop so that contaminants are not introduced into the electrical device. By providing the heat transfer out of the electrical device as described, cooling is enhanced that can lead to longer lived and better performing devices.

Abstract: An electric drive system is provided. The electric drive system includes a first output member, a second output member, and an electric motor that includes an output shaft having an axis of rotation. The output shaft is operatively engaged with the first and second output members to rotate the first and second output members. A differential steering system is disposed between the electric motor and the first and second output members. The differential steering system includes at least one planetary gear assembly that has an axis of rotation that substantially aligns with the axis of rotation of the output shaft. A steering motor is operatively engaged with the at least one planetary gear assembly and is operable to modify the rotational speed of the at least one planetary gear assembly to thereby adjust the rotational speed of one of the first and second output members relative to the other of the first and second output members.

Abstract: Electrical devices such as motors and generators create heat as they operate. This can lead to lower performance and life. Therefore, it is important to provide cooling for such devices. This is particularly true in heavy duty applications such as earthmoving or other industries. Methods and apparatus are disclosed to provide cooling that involves the circulation of two fluids in defined pathways. Heat within a case or other enclosure for an electrical device is transferred to one fluid. Heat from the one fluid is subsequently transferred to the other fluid. In one example, this heat transfer may occur across fins for increased effectiveness. It is also preferred that the flow of fluid beclosed loop so that contaminants are not introduced into the electrical device. By providing the heat transfer out of the electrical device as described, cooling is enhanced that can lead to longer lived and better performing devices.

Abstract: An electric drive system is provided. The electric drive system includes a first output member, a second output member, and an electric motor that includes an output shaft having an axis of rotation. The output shaft is operatively engaged with the first and second output members to rotate the first and second output members. A differential steering system is disposed between the electric motor and the first and second output members. The differential steering system includes at least one planetary gear assembly that has an axis of rotation that substantially aligns with the axis of rotation of the output shaft. A steering motor is operatively engaged with the at least one planetary gear assembly and is operable to modify the rotational speed of the at least one planetary gear assembly to thereby adjust the rotational speed of one of the first and second output members relative to the other of the first and second output members.

Abstract: A main frame to roller frame stop assembly for limiting movement of an equalizer bar relative to the main frame of a track-type tractor or other work machine wherein the stop assembly includes a first member mountable to one of the roller frames, and a second member mountable to the main frame of the work machine, the second member being positioned and located to engage the first member when the equalizer bar moves a predetermined distance relative to the main frame, the first member being positioned and located in the vicinity of the bearing joint coupling the equalizer bar to the roller frame and further including an elastomeric portion capable of dampening and absorbing at least a portion of the load exerted thereagainst when the first stop member engages the second stop member.

Abstract: The transmission system and associated method includes a drive shaft having a first input connected in rotatable communication with an output of a hydrostatic drive, and a second input adapted for connection in rotatable communication with a clutch selectably engageable with an engine for rotating the drive shaft therewith. The hydrostatic drive is selectably operable in at least a first drive mode for rotatably driving the drive shaft within a first or low rotational speed range, in a second drive mode for rotatably driving the drive shaft within a second or low-to-mid rotational speed range, and in a neutral mode for allowing the engine to directly drive the drive shaft when the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A work machine having an adjustable operator station including a cab having a floor and an operator station. The operator station has (i) a platform which is pivotally mounted to the floor, (ii) a pair of rollers which are secured to the platform, wherein the pair of rollers contact the floor so as to support the support structure above the floor, and (iii) a seat secured to the platform. The work machine further includes a locking mechanism for locking the platform at any one of a plurality of positions relative to the floor. An associated method for positioning the operator station relative to the cab floor of the work machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: Driving systems for belted machines have in the past utilized a common material interface to drive the belted machine. For example, rubber belted machines have generally used a rubber drive therewith. The present drive wheel is made of metal and includes a plurality of contacting elements attached to the outer surface of a drum. Each of the contacting elements have a contacting surface have a generally diamond configuration defining a leading point of contact, a trailing point of contact, a major length and a minor length. The plurality of contacting elements are arranged on the drum in a plurality of spaced apart rows which extend circumferentially along and axis and each of the major lengths coincide with the axis. Furthermore, the major length is greater in length than the minor length. The plurality of contacting elements extend from the outer surface a preestablished distance and the interface of the preestablished distance and the contacting surface form a sharp edge 67 or a point 68.

Abstract: In certain machines, such as construction equipment, it is desirable to provide a supplemental fluid supply for hydraulic steering systems to maintain sufficient fluid flow should a failure occur in the primary fluid supply. It is also desirable to provide retarding or dynamic braking to help control speed of the machine when operating downhill with a heavy load. A ground driven pump is provided to supply fluid to a selector valve for selectively directing the output of the ground driven pump to a steering system or a dynamic braking system. The selector valve is responsive to pressure in the steering system to direct flow from the ground driven pump to the steering system when the pressure drops below a predetermined level. The operator may selectively direct flow from the ground driven pump to the dynamic braking system when dynamic braking is needed.

Abstract: Vehicles (12) having implements (14) are typically used to perform repetitive functions in work cycles. Advantageously, such vehicles (12) include control systems (10) for maintaining a control lever (26) in a predetermined position until an associated work cycle function is completed. The subject control (10) includes a rocker bar (46) connected to the control lever (26) and a solenoid (50) having an actuator rod (52) disposed adjacent the rocker bar (46). The control (10) energizes the solenoid (50) to hold the control lever (26) in the predetermined position in response to a position of the implement (14), a position of the control lever (26), and a desired kickout position.

Abstract: In many transmission control systems, electro-hydraulic valves have been used to condition the various clutches in the transmission. It is desirable to have a system where the clutches remain engaged in the event of an electrical malfunction in the system. In the subject invention, a separate electro-hydraulic interlock system is provided to control each one of a plurality of hydraulically actuated speed and directional clutches. Each of the electro-hydraulic interlock systems includes a pilot operated valve which operates to proportionally control one of the hydraulically actuated clutches in response to receipt of a pilot signal from an electro-hydraulic proportional valve that is proportionally controlled in response to a first electrical control signal.

Abstract: A control system for a road planer in which the mechanical drive components are selectively and sequentially controlled in response to operator inputs and to sensed operating conditions. The control also responds to the occurrence of predefined fault events and internal system failures by controlling the operation of one or more of the mechanical drive line components in a preselected order. Suitable time delays are provided between the execution of selected commands to prevent undesirable wear or loads on components of the drive train.

Abstract: The installation of a power train module on the frame of a track-type vehicle is simplified and noise transmisson to the frame is significantly reduced by a mounting arrangement including a pair of first elastomeric coupling devices and a pair of second elastomeric coupling devices for resiliently connecting the power train module to the main frame. The power train module has a pair of oppositely extending hollow trunnions, a wheel rotatably supported on each trunnion, an output drive train for driving each wheel, and an endless drive belt frictionally driven by each wheel. The frame has a pair of generally semicylindrical pockets which face upwardly and rearwardly and the first coupling devices are seated in the respective pockets in embracing relationship to the trunnions such that the drive wheels are elevated above the ground. The second coupling devices are connected to the frame for resisting rotational forces of the power train module about the axis of the trunnions.

Abstract: A track-type vehicle capable of high speed operation over rough terrain includes a frame supported by lefthand and righthand suspension mechanisms individually having a plurality of hydropneumatically actuated struts for supporting the frame on a plurality of wheels. An elastomeric drive belt is entrained about these wheels and is frictionally driven by an elevated drive wheel. Forces from several struts are directed into the frame in a centralized common region which minimizes rocking of the vehicle. A front idler wheel is urged forwardly and downwardly against the drive belt by a hydropneumatically actuated recoil mechanism, and a front strut also acts on the front idler wheel to resiliently urge it downwardly. A plurality of pivoting members are cooperatively connected to the struts to more evenly distribute forces against the drive belt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laterally severing an asphalt layer to form a ribbon, separating the asphalt ribbon from an underlying base, elevating the separated asphalt ribbon, and fracturing the elevated asphalt ribbon by bending same. A cutting member having a leading edge which is insertable between the asphalt ribbon and base provides separation thereof along a lateral line. A ramp and elevating structure elevatingly guide the separated asphalt ribbon into a pair of breaker drums which are rotatable in opposite circumferential directions. Each breaker drum has protruding teeth which are arranged in laterally separated circumferential rows with the teeth in adjacent circumferential rows being preferably arcuately offset. Corresponding circumferential rows on the opposed breaker drums are laterally aligned and the teeth in those rows engage opposite surfaces of the asphalt ribbon during rotation of the breaker drums.

Abstract: A control mechanism (14) associated with a tractor operators seat (110) and an arm rest (112) is disclosed which includes a steering selector apparatus (116) having an upstanding member (134) and a tiller arm (118) extending outwardly therefrom. The tiller arm (118) is advantageously located immediately forwardly of the arm rest (112) and has a mounting portion (142) and hand grip portion (144) that can be easily grasped by an operator's downwardly facing hand palm. A support assembly (136) pivotally supports the upstanding member (134) for movement about a fixed upstanding axis (140) and a control device (46,50,52,54,184) steers the tractor in response to the swinging movement of the tiller arm (118). In response to rotation of the hand grip portion (144) about the axis (158) of the tiller arm (118) a second control device (38,42,174) effects a change in the gear condition of an associated transmission (36).

Abstract: Truck bodies are useful for receiving and transporting material from an excavation site. When abrasive material is being loaded and transported, the truck body is equipped with a hardened replaceable wear member to reduce wear and denting. The truck body includes a plurality of base members welded together. A non-metallic member is bonded to the base members. A hardened replaceable wear member is bonded to the non-metallic member. This arrangement of components provides truck body floors which have hardened wear members, which are bonded to the base members, thus, eliminating the need for welding.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for evacuating air from an at least partially enclosed space around an internal combustion engine including an exhaust pipe for the flow of combustion products to atmosphere. The present system and apparatus includes a shaft and structure for mounting the shaft to the exhaust pipe in the exhaust path, and an impeller mountable for rotation on the shaft, the impeller including a first rotor having at least one vane or blade positioned in the exhaust path and oriented so as to be rotatably driven by the flow of combustion products, and a second rotor connected in rotatably driven communication to the first rotor, the second rotor including at least one vane or blade positioned and oriented for propelling air within the enclosure for evacuating the air therefrom.