Abstract: A bumper for a backhoe boom includes a plate for mounting to the backhoe, two rods threaded at both ends that are cantilevered away from the mounting plate, and two stacks of rubber plates mounted on the threaded rods on either side of the mounting plate. The two stacks of rubber plates are secured to the threaded rods with nuts. The nuts abut two retaining plates that press against the stacks of rubber plates.

Abstract: A bumper for a backhoe boom includes a plate for mounting to the backhoe, two rods threaded at both ends that are cantilevered away from the mounting plate, and two stacks of rubber plates mounted on the threaded rods on either side of the mounting plate. The two stacks of rubber plates are secured to the threaded rods with nuts. The nuts abut two retaining plates that press against the stacks of rubber plates.

Abstract: A window support assembly is provided having a first plate, a window panel with first and second sides and a high modulus of elasticity cured resin first layer bonded to and disposed between the first plate and the first surface of the window panel. The assembly may include a latch fixed to the plate or a second plate fixed to the other surface of the glass. A fastener or fasteners may compress the first and second plates together.

Abstract: A piston assembly for use in a hydraulic cylinder includes a piston head configured to slide axially within the hydraulic cylinder in response to changes in hydraulic pressure. The piston head has an axial through-hole. A piston rod has a proximal end axially abutting the piston head and a distal end extending outward through an end of the hydraulic cylinder. The proximal end of the piston rod has a threaded bore co-axial with the axial through-hole in the piston head. A bolt has a bolt head and an unthreaded shank portion adjacent the bolt head and a threaded shank portion away from the bolt head. The bolt secures the piston head to the proximal end of the piston rod when the bolt shank is inserted through the axial through-hole in the piston head and is threadingly engaged in the threaded bore in the piston rod. An annular washer is positioned and held captive on the unthreaded portion of the bolt shank between the bolt head and the piston head.

Abstract: A piston assembly for use in a hydraulic cylinder includes a piston head configured to slide axially within the hydraulic cylinder in response to changes in hydraulic pressure. The piston head has an axial through-hole. A piston rod has a proximal end axially abutting the piston head and a distal end extending outward through an end of the hydraulic cylinder. The proximal end of the piston rod has a threaded bore co-axial with the axial through-hole in the piston head. A bolt has a bolt head and an unthreaded shank portion adjacent the bolt head and a threaded shank portion away from the bolt head. The bolt secures the piston head to the proximal end of the piston rod when the bolt shank is inserted through the axial through-hole in the piston head and is threadingly engaged in the threaded bore in the piston rod. An annular washer is positioned and held captive on the unthreaded portion of the bolt shank between the bolt head and the piston head.

Abstract: An exhaust stack system for a muffler having an exhaust stub pipe including a self-holding taper on the outer diameter of the exhaust stub pipe. The exhaust stack pipe also has a self-holding taper on the inner diameter of the proximal end so as to matingly connect to the taper on the exhaust stub pipe. Preferably a securing mechanism holds the exhaust stack pipe in proper orientation with the muffler stub pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the securing mechanism further includes a spring clip member. The exhaust stack pipe has a longitudinal slot approximate the taper and the muffler stub pipe has a hole in alignment with the longitudinal slot so that a hooked end of the spring clip can fit through the longitudinal slot and into the hole. In another embodiment, the securing mechanism is a screw through the exhaust stack pipe and the muffler stub pipe.

Abstract: An exhaust stack system for a muffler having an exhaust stub pipe including a self-holding taper on the outer diameter of the exhaust stub pipe. The exhaust stack pipe also has a self-holding taper on the inner diameter of the proximal end so as to matingly connect to the taper on the exhaust stub pipe. Preferably a securing mechanism holds the exhaust stack pipe in proper orientation with the muffler stub pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the securing mechanism further includes a spring clip member. The exhaust stack pipe has a longitudinal slot approximate the taper and the muffler stub pipe has a hole in alignment with the longitudinal slot so that a hooked end of the spring clip can fit through the longitudinal slot and into the hole. In another embodiment, the securing mechanism is a screw through the exhaust stack pipe and the muffler stub pipe.

Abstract: The disclosure involves the combination of a vehicle chassis such as that used on a construction machine, e.g., a loader/backhoe. The chassis has a channel and a holding tank, e.g., a hydraulic oil tank, supported on the channel by first and second tank mounting ears. In the improvement, the channel includes a panel having outer and inner surfaces and first and second mounting plates are against the inner surface. First and second mounting fasteners extend through the first and second tank mounting ears, respectively, through the chassis panel and into the first and second mounting plates, respectively. A new method for mounting a holding tank to a vehicle chassis is also disclosed.