Abstract: Cross slope sensing apparatus for directly and accurately measuring the cross slope of a surface finishing machine cutting blade regardless of the depth or angle of the cut, or the looseness of the attachment of the blade to the machine. The apparatus includes a sensor support table that rests on the upper edge of the cutting blade and linkage for maintaining the longitudinal axis of the table parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine during selective positioning of the cutting blade. Since the table rides on the upper edge of the cutting blade while remaining forwardly oriented, the inclination of the table reflects the true cross slope of the blade and is directly measured and controlled by a sensor positioned on the table.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuated friction clutch assembly includes rotatable driving and driven members adapted to be coupled frictionally together by a clutch pack as the pack is compressed by two pistons movable between advanced and retracted positions relative to the driving member. The pistons are moved between their advanced and retracted positions by a non-compressible pressure fluid as the latter is filled and emptied from a main chamber located behind the pistons. Secondary chambers containing pressure fluid urge the pistons toward their retracted positions with one of the pistons being urged rearwardly with a greater force than the other. Accordingly, as the main chamber is filled, the other piston advances to engage and partially compress the clutch pack before the one piston engages the clutch pack to fully compress the clutch pack and thereby complete clutch engagement.

Abstract: An emergency braking system for a vehicle having a transmission of the type having a plurality of selectively pressurized control ports for operating respective clutches for engaging the drive gears in predetermined combinations to provide respective driving ratios. An auxiliary pump of the positive displacement type is driven by one of the vehicle wheels to produce a source of emergency pressure fluid which is available as long as the vehicle is in motion. Emergency valve means are provided for connecting the output of the auxiliary pump simultaneously to a plurality of the control ports on the transmission which tends to connect the gears in contradictory combinations thereby to block the transmission against rotation to provide emergency braking for the vehicle wheels which are connected to the transmission.