Abstract: A structural member is provided in an embodiment for a lift assembly. The structural member comprises an elongated member having a pair of spaced apart sidewalls with a pair of aligned apertures therein. A joint assembly comprises a support member is positioned between the sidewalls and aligned with the apertures. The support member has an outer dimension greater than the diameter of the apertures so the support member will not pass through the apertures. An interior sleeve is disposed adjacent to the support member and extends through the apertures. The interior sleeve has end portions projecting beyond the sidewalls. The end portions are cold worked, radially flared portions adjacent to the sidewalls. The radially flared portions have an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the apertures. A portion of the sidewalls around the apertures are fixedly captured between the radially flared portion of the interior sleeve and the support member.

Abstract: A linear actuator assembly having a cylinder body and an actuator rod slideably disposed in the cylinder body. The actuator rod has a forward end portion exterior of the cylinder body. An end plug is connected the cylinder body and closes an end portion of the cylinder body. A first retaining member is coupled to the actuator rod and is connectable to a first mounting portion to allow the actuator rod to pivot. A second retaining member removably engages the end plug and the rear end portion of the cylinder body. The second retaining member is connectable to the second mounting portion to allow the cylinder body to pivot about the second retaining member relative to the second mounting portion. The second retaining member retains the end plug within the rear end portion of the cylinder. The end plug can be removed from the cylinder body upon disengagement of the second retaining member from the end plug.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for operating at least one hydraulic motor and at least one hydraulic brake. In one specific embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic motor and brake are part of an industrial vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for operating at least one hydraulic motor and at least one hydraulic brake. In one specific embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic motor and brake are part of an industrial vehicle.

Abstract: A multistage mast assembly for use on a lift truck and method of operation for staging first and second mast sections of the multistage mast assembly. Each mast section has a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus includes a mast staging hydraulic circuit which diverts hydraulic fluid from the second mast section actuator to the first mast section actuator using a multi-position valve having an open position and a restricted flow position. In the restricted flow position, hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic line supplying the second mast section increases to divert hydraulic fluid to the first mast section actuator before the second mast section reaches its extended position.

Abstract: A wobblestick with driving teeth with a helix which is equal to or less than 1° of the running angle of the wobblestick.

Abstract: An actuator for use with a lift truck having an extendible mast includes an elongated housing and an axial bore formed in said housing. The bore has a first end and a second end. A ram is slidably and sealingly mounted in the bore for axial movement between an extended position and a retracted position, and has one end disposed in the bore and an opposing end extending out of the bore second end. A pressure ring is slidably and sealingly mounted in the bore between the ram one end and the bore second end, wherein filling the bore with a fluid causes the ram to move from the retracted position toward the extended position, and engagement of the ram one end with the pressure ring traps fluid between the pressure ring and the bore second end to resist movement of the ram toward the extended position. In a preferred embodiment the ram one end includes a piston plug body with an axial piston plug bore formed in the piston plug body.

Abstract: An actuator for use with a lift truck having an extendible mast includes an elongated housing and an axial bore formed in said housing. The bore has a first end and a second end. A ram is slidably and sealingly mounted in the bore for axial movement between an extended position and a retracted position, and has one end disposed in the bore and an opposing end extending out of the bore second end. A pressure ring is slidably and sealingly mounted in the bore between the ram one end and the bore second end, wherein filling the bore with a fluid causes the ram to move from the retracted position toward the extended position, and engagement of the ram one end with the pressure ring traps fluid between the pressure ring and the bore second end to resist movement of the ram toward the extended position. In a preferred embodiment the ram one end includes a piston plug body with an axial piston plug bore formed in the piston plug body.

Abstract: A spherical gear pump comprises a housing with a first longitudinal axis, a spherical seat, an inlet and outlet adjacent the seat, inlet and outlet passages communicating with the inlet and outlet and adapted for connection to a source of liquid and a liquid load. A hemispherical gear is rotatively mounted within the seat and includes a plurality of peripherally spaced radial gear teeth and a drive shaft for rotation about the first axis. A hemispherical cam is adjustably positioned within the spherical seat having an arc less than 180.degree., and radial cam surfaces facing the spherical gear. A plurality of separate symmetrical radial gear teeth are pivotally mounted within and between the teeth of the spherical gear with each separate gear tooth having a radial top wall centrifugally biased against the cam surfaces on rotation of the spherical gear and a bottom wall adapted for pivotal movements within planes passing through the first axis on rotation of the separate gear teeth over the cam surfaces.

Abstract: A device operable in response to an input fluid force includes a housing having an inner surface and a fluid pressure responsive member carried within the housing and having a surface that abuts the inner surface of the housing. The surfaces are curved and their curvatures differ so that the fluid responsive member makes a rocking contact with the housing surface. A first force is exerted on the fluid pressure responsive member at one point and a variable force to be measured is exerted against the fluid pressure responsive member at a second point so that the point of contact of the curved housing surface and the curved surface of the fluid pressure responsive member varies as a function of the two forces.