Abstract: A coupling device couples a vehicle, such as an agricultural or industrial vehicle, to an implement, such as trailer. The device includes a three-point implement interface with a coupling frame which is movably mounted on a chassis of the vehicle. A one-point coupling is mounted on the coupling frame. The coupling frame may be connected to the vehicle chassis by means of adjustable length connecting elements, which are preferably arranged in the form of a hexapod.

Abstract: A hitch mechanism for coupling an implement to a utility vehicle includes a coupling frame and six variable length links. The frame has couplers for coupling to the implement. Each link has a first end coupled to the vehicle and a second end coupled to the coupling frame. The links are preferably arranged in the form of a hexapod, so that, in addition to the functions of known three-point hitches, the implement may be steered sideways or shifted sideways, and so that the motion of the coupling frame has six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A control system for internal combustion engines of an agricultural tractor include a memory unit in which is stored engine performance maps. The control system includes a vehicle speed sensor and transmits control signals to an electronically controlled fuel injection system to control the fuel injection quantity as a function of sensed speed, target value inputs and as a function of the engine performance maps. The control system, in response to sensed vehicle speed, limits the maximum engine output as a function of the vehicle speed. In particular, at lower vehicle speeds the engine output is limited to a level which is lower than the rated engine output.

Abstract: A drive system for utility vehicles, in particular for agricultural or industrial tractors, includes a generator driven by an internal combustion engine, a drive axle with wheels driven by associated electric motors which are powered by the generator, a steerable axle with wheels which are steerable together or individually by steering actuators, and manual operating control devices for vehicle operating functions such as steering and vehicle. The drive system includes a process computer which includes parallel and independently operating function modules for controlling high priority vehicle functions, such as steering, as well as function modules for low priority vehicle functions, such as speed input. The process computer transmits target value signals for actuator, such as electric wheel drive motors and steering actuators, in the form of a combined message communicated over a system bus. Information is exchanged between the function modules internally within the processor.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system includes a generator driven by an internal combustion engine and a drive axle having a pair of wheels, each wheel being driven by an associated electric motor powered by the generator. The engine also drives a drive shaft which is coupled to the drive axle. The drive system also includes a pair of summing gears, each having an output shaft coupled to a respective wheel, and each summing gear having a first input coupled to the drive shaft and a second input coupled to the respective electric motor.

Abstract: A wheel drive for agricultural or industrial utility vehicles includes an electric motor with an output shaft which drives a final drive gearbox that reduces the rotational speed of the driven wheel. A transmission gearset is arranged between the electric motor and the final drive gearbox, and can be shifted between at least two rotational speed transmission ratios. The wheel drive permits attainment of a wide range of vehicle speeds with the use of low cost commercially available electric motors. The design speed of the electric motor corresponds with the principal operating speed of the vehicle and relatively high vehicle speeds are possible.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling the power train of a work vehicle. The power train includes an engine with a fuel injection control and an infinitely variable transmission. The method include first determining an initial engine speed, an initial wheel speed, the actual engine speed, and the actual wheel speed. To improve comfort and reduce fuel consumption and emissions two steps are performed. First, the transmission ratio of the infinitely variable transmission will be increased if the actual engine speed is less than the initial engine speed, or decreased if the actual engine speed is greater than the initial engine speed. Second, while the transmission ratio remains constant, the engine speed will be adjusted until the engine speed is the same as the initial engine speed.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor includes an axle body and a vehicle substructure. A generally vertical lifting structure is rigidly attached to the vehicle substructure and engages a lifting frame which is adjustable in height. The lifting frame carries coupling and/or drive arrangements for implements. A hydraulic cylinder is arranged between the lifting frame and the axle body. The cylinder is connected to a hydro-pneumatic pressure reservoir and functions as an elastic spring support. A lock can be engaged to fix the lifting structure rigidly to the axle body. A transport lock can be selectively engaged to rigidly connect the lifting structure to the lifting frame. A selector valve selective connects the pressure chamber of the hydraulic cylinder with either a hydro-pneumatic pressure reservoir or with a lifting control arrangement. Preferably the lifting structure is designed as a rollover structure.

Abstract: A vehicle power distribution and control system controls and distributes the power supplied to the wheels of a motor vehicle with at least two driven axles. One of the axles includes an axle differential gear. The control system includes a steering angle sensor, rotational speed sensors to monitor the rotational speeds of the wheels of at least one axle, and an electronic control unit. A differential lock for the axle differential gear is controlled by the control unit to equalize sliding effects that can occur between the wheels of one axle. The control unit calculates a theoretical rotational speed difference ratio from the value of the sensed steering angle for conditions of rolling without any slip and an actual rotational speed difference ratio from the sensed rotational speed values.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission, particularly for industrial and agricultural vehicles, includes a speed change gearset (gear and range) and a central differential for distributing the gearset output to the front and rear axles of the vehicle. The central differential is formed of a Ravigneaux gearset to reduce the dimensions of the transmission and to minimize the costs and technical resources required to produce it. The Ravigneaux gearset distributes the torque of a gear output shaft to the front and rear axles according to the ratio of the two planetary sun gear diameters. Preferably, the end stage of the speed change gearset is formed by a further gearset, and the planet carriers of both Ravigneaux gearsets are formed as a common structural member carrying the planets of both Ravigneaux gearsets.

Abstract: A clutch has two pressure plates that are provided with conical teeth facing one another on opposing faces of the pressure plates. The conical teeth resolve relative rotation between the pressure plates into axial force pushing the plates apart, thereby to press the clutch disks together to engage the clutch. A selectively engageable stop is provided on one of the pressure plates to permit limited, unlimited, or no relative rotation between the pressure plates. The stop is controlled depending on parameters such as steering angle and direction of travel. Two such clutches can be applied to the differential of a vehicle drive.

Abstract: A device for making vehicles, especially two-wheelers, burglar-proof comprises locking means for a flexible securing member and a container fixed at the vehicle which has a storage room for the securing member fixed at one end in the container, at the locking means and/or the vehicle as well as an opening for the securing member from which the same protrudes in the non-used condition and through which the same is removable from the container upon use and is adapted to be drawn into the container after use. The container is provided with a driven guide/conveyor wheel for the securing member between the opening and the storage room.

Abstract: A driving arrangement for selectively drivable wheels of a motor vehicle has, in or on an adjustable bearing axle, telescopic input shafts connected at one end to a direction-changing gear and at the other end to an input shaft for a spur gearing in a swivel housing. A clutch engaging and disengaging in dependence upon relative rotation between the wheels and the input shaft is connected between the spur gearing and the input shaft. This allows catching up of the wheels, while the driving connection to the other wheels is maintained, as well as engine braking.

Abstract: An engine shaft drives oppositely rotating bevel gears which can be coupled to a hollow clutch shaft by forward and reverse clutches. The clutch shaft is coupled to the input shaft of a six-speed, change-speed gearbox through a two-stage epicyclic range gear with a direct drive clutch and brakes for engaging the overdrive and underdrive stages, respectively. An epicyclic creep gear can be selectively switched in upstream of the range gear. Thus, a coupling sleeve couples the clutch shaft either to the input of the range gear or to the input sun wheel of the creep gear. Since the creep gear reverses the sense of rotation, a changeover of control of the clutches is effected when the creep gear is engaged.

Abstract: The basic structure of the operator station comprises two transversely positioned U-shaped frames mounted by anti-vibration mountings on longitudinal frame members of a tractor and supporting a floor. The uprights of the U-shaped frames are interconnected by side panels formed at the top with mudguard flanges or fenders. The floor supports the driver's seat and a console, including steering wheel, pedals, etc. The basic, open driver station may be provided with a roll-over protection frame composed of further U-shaped frames oriented on their sides and fixed on top of the uprights of the main U-shaped frames. The further U-shaped frames are connectd by struts extending therebetween. A roof may be fitted on the further U-shaped frames. The station may be converted to an enclosed cab by adding a rear window, side windows and a wraparound windscreen incorporating a full height door of one side.

Abstract: A gearbox has an input shaft on a longitudinal shaft line which is also the line of a change-speed gear main shaft. A countershaft is on a parallel shaft line. Half axles are on a third, co-planer shaft line, the plane being the parting plane between bottom and top casing parts, whereby assembly and servicing are simplified. Enclosed within the casing is a PTO shaft, the change-speed gear, a first range of splitter gear, a second range gear doubling the available forward speeds, a mechanical front wheel drive and a preliminary gear establishing the correct input torque.

Abstract: A safety-container is removably mounted at an elongated frame member of a two-wheeler and includes closeable locking means so that the container can be neither opened after locking nor removed from the frame member. The mounting means for the safety-container at the frame member are inaccessible from the outside when the container is mounted at the frame member. The mounting means include especially straps, ties, clips etc. by means of which the container is adapted to be clamped at the frame member.

Abstract: An attaching device is described for facilitating the attachment of various implements to the chassis of a motor vehicle. The attaching device includes a first frame having a pair of generally L-shaped support members with vertical and horizontal legs. The vertical legs are connected together at an upper end by a cross bracket and are tiltable relative to the chassis of the vehicle by a hydraulic cylinder connected between the chassis and the cross bracket. The horizontal legs are pivotally attached at one end to a lower point of the chassis and permit the first frame to pivot thereabout. A second frame is movably supported by the vertical legs of the first frame and contains a plurality of coupling elements arranged in the preset relationship for easy coupling to an attachable implement. The second frame is movable relative to the first frame by hydraulic drive cylinders which provide up and down movement of the second frame in a stepless manner.

Abstract: An attachment device is shown for mounting an implement onto the front of a motor vehicle. The attachment device is substantially contained within the hood portion of the vehicle and includes a pair of vertically aligned support members fastened to the frame of the vehicle. A first pair of swinging arms are pivotally attached to the support members and extend forward thereof to merge into a single pivot point. A second pair of swinging arms are also pivotally attached to the support members, below the points of attachment of the first pair of swinging arms and in a parallel fashion thereto. The forward ends of the first and second pair of swinging arms support an adjustable implement. The swinging arms are vertically adjustable by a pair of lifting means, such as hydraulic cylinders, which are pivotally attached at a lower end to the frame of the vehicle and are rotatably attached at their upper ends to the first pair of swinging arms.

Abstract: Method for the solidification, in a manner which protects the environment against contamination, of waste materials obtained during reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuel and/or breeder materials in a matrix of borosilicate glass. Highly radioactive solutions or slurries containing the waste materials in dissolved or suspended form are evaporated in a vessel in the presence of glass former substances until they are dry, the dry residue is calcinated and the calcinate is melted together with the glass formers while the waste gases are discharged to the environment. The waste liquid is obtained from a reprocessing system without pretreatment, is mixed with glass formers and a reduction agent and then is introduced in a controlled, continuous manner into the center of a borosilicate glass melt disposed in a melting crucible at a temperature in the region of 1000.degree. to 1400.degree. C.