Abstract: A sprocket assembly is disclosed for use as a drive or idler wheel for the endless tracks of a track type vehicle. Included is an inner rim rigidly and concentrically mounted to a hub and having a series of studs projecting radially outwardly therefrom at constant circumferential spacings. Each stud has fitted thereon a universal shock absorber having two or more concentric tubes of rigid material with a preloaded elastic member or members engaged therebetween. Disposed concentrically outwardly of the studded inner rim is an outer rim having a series of sprocket teeth formed on its circumference and defining an annular row of radial, inwardly open cavities to closely receive the respective shock absorbers on the studs of the inner rim. The shock absorbers damp the forces exerted between the inner and outer rims in all of the axial, radial, and rotational directions of the sprocket assembly.

Abstract: In a wheeled vehicle such as a dump truck propelled by electric motors built into the respective wheels, a power plant is provided on a removable base for the generation of electric energy to be fed to the motors. The power plant comprises an electric generator and a pair of prime movers such as diesel engines on the opposite sides of the generator. This generator has its armature and magnetic field structure coupled directly to the respective prime movers thereby to be rotated in opposite directions relative to each other for increased power output.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a tractor, a dump trailer and a dump truck wherein the dump trailer is adapted to be selectively towed by the tractor or by the dump truck. A draw bar having a trunnion and a hole at the leading end portion is pivotally mounted on the dump trailer. The trunnion is adapted to be engaged with a gripper mounted on an arm member of the tractor so as to enable the dump trailer to be towed by the tractor. The hole of the draw bar is adapted to be engageable with a coupler pivotally mounted on a rear axle of the dump truck thereby allowing the dump trailer to be drawn by the dump truck.

Abstract: A suspension for a front axle of a trailer comprising a trailer frame, an outer cylindrical member fixedly secured to the trailer frame, a bracket mounted on the front axle, a shaft mounted on the bracket and arranged at right angles to the front axle, a sleeve rotatably mounted on the shaft, an inner cylindrical member fixedly secured to the sleeve and adapted to slide within the outer cylindrical member, a first spring retainer pivotally mounted on the outer cylindrical member, a second spring retainer pivotally mounted on the sleeve, and a spring disposed between the first and second spring retainers.

Abstract: An excavating and loading machine mounted on a wheeled type vehicle comprising front and rear frames having wheels rotatably mounted thereon, said front and rear frames being adapted to rotate relative to each other, and a vehicle body having an implement for effecting excavation and loading operations which is rotatably mounted on either of said front and rear frames.A pair of hydraulically operated cylinders are provided between said front and rear frames for controlling steering of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic torque converter having a torus provided with a bladed impeller, a bladed turbine and a bladed stator, the portions of the torus between the impeller, the turbine and the stator each being unbladed wherein the turbine is bulged towards a flywheel of a power supply and the impeller generally stands upright relative to an output axis of the converter thereby decreasing the distance between the drive ring gear and the power take off gear.

Abstract: A vehicle which has a driver's compartment being turnable at an angle of 180.degree. between its forwardly facing position and it rearwardly facing position and a transmission having a plurality of solenoid operated directional control valves for speed change of the vehicle. The transmission is controlled by a transmission control device enabling it to be operated under the same operation manner even when the vehicle travels either in the forward direction or in the rearward direction.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the rotating angle of a vessel of a dump truck which includes a detent having a guide recess, which is pivotally connected to the vehicle body said detent being connected to a spool of a control valve operated by an operating lever. An arm is pivotally connected to the vehicle body and has a cam follower journaled therein, and another arm is secured to the rod of a cylinder and has a bolt which is secured to said another arm and is adjustable in height. Thus, the shock is absorbed when the vessel is travelling upwards and is stopped.

Abstract: A brake drum arrangement for use in a braking system wherein a wheel brake is disposed outside a tire, comprises a brake drum having inner end face thereof fixedly secured to the outer end face of a wheel hub, the outer peripheral surface of the brake drum being flush with that of the wheel hub, an annular rim stopper adapted to be mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the brake drum, and a plurality of wheel clamps adapted to be fixedly secured to the outer side face of the brake drum for retaining the rim stopper. The arrangement further comprises a plurality of spacers, each being disposed between the brake drum and each wheel clamp.

Abstract: A stopper device for a vessel of a dump truck comprises a wire rope connected to the rear end portion of the vessel and having a ring formed at the free end thereof. A retaining member projects from a rear axle tube and is adapted to be engageable with and disengageable from the ring, whereby the weight of the stopper is significantly reduced and the vessel can be easily held at a rearwardly tilted position when required.