Abstract: A drive mechanism wherein a first rotatable drive portion is connected to a second rotatable drive portion by a clutch. One of the drive portions is provided with a first part drivingly connected to a second part by a meshed interconnecting structure arranged to maintain an effectively positive driving connection between the parts notwithstanding play movement between the interconnected parts. In one form the first drive portion defines a planetary differential gear and the second drive portion includes an axle carrying a side gear in meshing relationship with the planetary gear. The side gear is splined to the axle and releasably connected to a carrier by the clutch. In another form the first and second drive portions define coaxial shafts.

Abstract: A log skidder (10) has a fairlead (26) with a main guide roller (54) having a special contoured surface (60) to prevent grooving of the surface of the guide roller (54), to prolong cable life, and to assist in evenly winding the cable (32) on a winch drum (33). The special contoured surface (60) of the guide roller (54) includes a pair of shaped or rounded shoulders (68) at the side extremes which are aligned with the side rollers (44,46) in a way that a cable (32) passing over the main guide roller (54) in contact with one of the side rollers (44,46) receives a downward and inward centering force component which moves the cable (32) toward the midportion of the main guide roller (54).

Abstract: A steering control with a hydraulic follow-up wherein a movable valve member of a control valve is automatically brought back to a nonsteering disposition as a result of the movement of the device being steered to the desired steering position. Movement of the device is effected by a pair of steering cylinders. Control of the movable valve member is effected by a variable volume storage device which receives hydraulic fluid from the control valve and returns the fluid to the control valve as a function of the relationship of the steering mechanism and device to be steered.

Abstract: Water initially contained in fuel tends to separate out and accumulate at certain relatively low points in an engine fuel system. Automatic purging means are provided to remove such water continuously or intermittently without relying on periodic corrective actions by an operator. Purging conduit means are provided to connect the low point of one or more fuel chambers in the fuel system with lower-pressure regions so that accumulated water and a very small amount of the total fuel flow is withdrawn. One purging conduit may communicate the base of the fuel filter housing with a low-pressure point in the engine air intake such as the inlet of a turbocharger. Another purging conduit may connect a low point of the high-pressure region of the fuel pumping chamber with the fuel tank.

Abstract: A combination slave cylinder and relief valve for controlling release of a valve lever from a detented position. The valve is operated by pressurized fluid and is arranged to relieve the fluid pressure at a preselected value above that required for release of the lever.