Abstract: A compression latch assembly (CLA) includes a latch subassembly that is movably mounted to a housing and includes a frame, a pawl pivotably connected to the frame and biased to move from a closed position to an open position, a trigger pivotably connected to the frame and movable between a home position and a release position, and a release arm pivotably connected to the frame. The release arm has a cam follower that is positioned to engage a cam on the housing. A motor unit is configured for moving the latch subassembly between extended and retracted positions. In the course of moving from the retracted position to the extended position, the cam is configured to urge the cam follower to rotate the trigger from the home position to the release position, which causes the trigger to release the pawl, which causes the pawl to move to the open position.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling drive cables and hoses used on a tree processing apparatus (10) wherein a processing head (14) travels along a horizontal boom structure (12). The processing head extend cable system (46) includes a single cable (80) which is attached at one end to the processing head and is reeved over sheaves (66, 68) attached to a hydraulic cylinder output member (55), over stationary idler sheaves (82, 86) over an adjustable idler sheave (84) and is attached at the other end to the processing head. The retract cable system (48) includes a single cable (89) which is attached at one end to the processing head, is reeved over a stationary idler sheave 93, over a sheave (70) attached to the output member (55), and is fixed at the other end to the boom structure. The adjustable idler sheave (84) is attached to a member (92) which can be adjusted relative to the boom to adjust the tension in both cables (80, 89).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for processing trees includes a hollow boom structure (12), a processing head (14) mounted for movement along the boom and an actuating cylinder assembly (38) which is mounted inside the boom structure. The cylinder includes a body member (50) and support means (52) engageable with the inside of the boom which support the body member for linear movement along the boom. A reeved cable system interconnects the actuating cylinder assembly with the processing head such that the actuating cylinder and the processing head move in opposite directions along the boom when the actuating cylinder is pressurized. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the cylinder assembly includes opposed piston assemblies (40, 42) and means associated with the piston rod (54) of one piston assembly (40) for selectively transferring hydraulic fluid from a source to the head ends of both piston assemblies and to a central chamber (60) defined between the piston assemblies.

Abstract: A safety latch mechanism for use with a tractor loader of the type including a pair of bucket supporting lift arms rigidly interconnected by a cross member. The latch mechanism includes a link pivoted at one end to the forward end of the loader frame and including a pin at its free end which coacts with a notch defined on the cross member to latchingly secure the cross member to the frame in response to upward movement of the lift arms about their pivot axis. The lift arm assembly is thus rigidly latched in a raised position to allow shop or field maintenance.

Abstract: A battery hold down device in the form of a frame made up of four parallel angle members engageable with opposed side edges of a pair of batteries placed side by side in a battery box. The ends of the angle members are connected by flat end plates, and the inner two angle members are attached to the end plates offset upwardly in relation to the outer angle members. Bolts extending between the batteries receive washers which engage the inner angle members. Nuts received over the washers are tightened down on the bolts, to clamp the batteries between the frame and the bottom of the battery box until the offset distance of the inner angle members is overcome, thus insuring a uniform preload along the four angle members.

Abstract: During a search operation in a rotating magnetic head tape transport, the tape is transported from a supply spool via guides and a vacuum column past the rotating head read/write station to a take-up spool. As the tape is wound onto the take-up spool in layer-by-layer convolutions, air is entrapped between the layers. The entrapped air forms a layer of air film and as a result the tape is loosely wound on the take-up spool. A "Hard Step" voltage is generated and is applied to the capstan motor at the end of the search operation to tighten any loose wraps caused by the air entrapment during the search.