Abstract: The efficiency of a fan clutch is improved by having a central finned cover attached to the fan clutch at its rotational axis with fins or blades thereon to disperse air radially outwardly from a dead air bubble at the rotational axis of the fan. This is achieved by a cover having a disk-shaped body with fan fins extending from the rotational axis outwardly to the rim of the disk-shaped body to move air from the rotational axis to prevent the build-up of a negative pressure at the rotational axis and this air flow from the rotational axis into the clutch fan blades appreciably increases the total air flow by the fan clutch. The preferred fins are curved between their inner ends at the rotational axis and their outer ends which extend to the fan blades of the fan clutch. The fins may wrap around the rim of the disk-shaped body and the latter may have a curved outer, front surface.

Abstract: A kingpin assembly for heavy duty vehicles having upper and lower yokes of a steering spindle knuckle straddling upper and lower sides of an end portion of an axle. The upper and lower steering spindle yokes have respective bores in registration with a bore in the axle end portion. A kingpin has a central portion fixedly secured within the axle bore, and has opposite, accurately machined and polished end portions disposed within respective upper and lower steering spindle yoke apertures. There is an annular gap between the peripheries of the kingpin end portions and the interior surfaces of the steering spindle yoke bores. An annular sleeve resides within the gap. A pair of roller bearings are mounted in spaced relation internally of the sleeve, with a grease reservoir being defined in the space between adjacent roller bearings. The roller bearings have an outer race mounted in a stationary position on the internal wall of the sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing substantially all of the soil from a section of grass sod by soaking the section of sod with water to loosen the soil and to remove an initial portion of the soil, then brushing the root and soil side of the grass sod to brush substantially all of the remaining soil off of the grass sod, and finally rinsing the sod to rinse off any remaining soil. The brush sweeping against the roots of the sod raises the root ends upwardly and scratches the roots, both of which stimulate the roots for improved growth into the recipient soil site.

Abstract: A kingpin assembly for heavy duty vehicles having upper and lower yokes of a steering spindle knuckle straddling upper and lower sides of an end portion of an axle. The upper and lower steering spindle yokes have respective bores in registration with a bore in the axle end portion. A kingpin has a central portion fixedly secured within the axle bore, and has opposite, accurately machined and polished end portions disposed within respective upper and lower steering spindle yoke apertures. There is an annular gap between the peripheries of the kingpin end portions and the interior surfaces of the steering spindle yoke bores. An annular sleeve resides within the gap. A pair of roller bearings are mounted in spaced relation internally of the sleeve, with a grease reservoir being defined in the space between adjacent roller bearings. The roller bearings have an outer race mounted in a stationary position on the internal wall of the sleeve.

Abstract: A sod laying apparatus is provided which also has sod roll loading and transporting capabilities and a method of laying sod using such an apparatus without requiring a winch or a separate forklift to load sod onto the apparatus while also providing for increased sod laying rates. The sod laying apparatus includes a frame having a pair of elongate arms pivotally attached thereto for supporting sod rolls therewith. The preferred apparatus is a three-wheeled vehicle with large, wide tires for sharp turning without scuffing the ground and for rolling transport of the roll along the surface. The preferred apparatus is self-propelled and carries the operator who drives the vehicle and lays sod at a faster speed than the normal walking speed. When laying the sod, the roll is allowed to rest on the sod in a float position to force the sod against the cantour of the ground.

Abstract: A roller bushing assembly for use in a vehicular leaf spring suspension system pivotally supports an end of a leaf spring so as to minimize transmission of roadway induced shock and vibration loads to the vehicle and driver. The roller bushing assembly includes a tubular housing containing roller bearings for support of a shaft which is connected to a vehicle chassis. Free flexure of the spring is facilitated by providing low friction pin connections that minimize resistance of the vehicle/spring connections to rotation of the spring ends and extension and contraction of the spring. A method of installation of a bushing having bearings therein includes supporting the bearings on a pilot and force-fitting the tubular housing into a spring eye with a pressing tool. After removal of the pilot from the bearings, the shaft is inserted into the bearings and seals are slid along the shaft to abut and seal the bearings against intrusion of foreign matter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing substantially all of the soil from a section of grass sod by soaking the section of sod with water to loosen the soil and to remove an initial portion of the soil, then brushing the root and soil side of the grass sod to brush substantially all of the remaining soil off of the grass sod, and finally rinsing the sod to rinse off any remaining soil. The brush sweeping against the roots of the sod raises the root ends upwardly and scratches the roots, both of which stimulate the roots for improved growth into the recipient soil site.

Abstract: A roller bushing assembly for use in a vehicular leaf spring suspension system pivotally supports an end of a leaf spring so as to minimize transmission of roadway induced shock and vibration loads to the vehicle and driver. The roller bushing assembly includes a tubular housing containing roller bearings for support of a shaft which is connected to a vehicle chassis. Free flexure of the spring is facilitated by providing low friction pin connections that minimize resistance of the vehicle/spring connections to rotation of the spring ends and extension and contraction of the spring.