Abstract: A vehicle drive system includes a hybrid wheel and track system, having a drive wheel operably coupled to a motive source, the motive source for imparting rotational motion to the drive wheel, the drive wheel having an axis of rotation, an idler wheel displaced from the drive wheel and rotationally coupled to the drive wheel by a continuous track; and a cantilever beam supporting the idler wheel and being rotatable as desired about the drive wheel axis of rotation. A device and method for controlling a suspension are further included.

Abstract: The invention provides a remotely controlled furnace tap hole tapping system. The system is pneumatically driven and is able to tap holes placed at different heights, different positions, and different angles. The invention replaces an oxygen filled lance which is consumable, with a solid metal lance. The lance is carried by a carrier system, which moves long a track. The invention provides a gantry that is able to move the carrier system to different tracks. The pneumatic drive system cools the tapping system, in addition to driving the tapping system.

Abstract: A failsafe stabilizer for an aircraft loader includes a pair of stabilizers extending from the loader which have a ground engaging plate which is actuated by a piston cylinder combination hydraulically. The cylinder is pivotally mounted to the chassis of the loader and normally maintained in its vertical position by a locking pin which engages a plate extending from the piston. If there is an emergency power failure in the hydraulic system, the pin may be withdrawn and when the loader is towed away, the cylinder and ground engaging plate pivot to remove any load from the plate to allow the loader to be easily moved on its wheels. To insure that the locking pin may be easily removed an offset pivot mounting is provided for the cylinder in the chassis relative to the center line of the cylinder so that there is minimal force on the locking pin even when the stabilizer is extended to contact the ground in its operating position.

Abstract: A hydraulic rear platform lift for an aircraft loader provides for an increased height by providing a pair of lifting levers actuated by a hydraulic cylinder-piston which extends into cutout space of a forward support frame and mates with the scissor type lifting beams of a forward lifting platform. The lifting mechanism generally consists of a chicken leg lever and tension bar with the actuating force provided by a cylinder--piston connected between the chicken leg lever and the other end of the tension bar. For even greater lifting heights, one end of the tension bar may be placed on the leg of the rear scissor beams with appropriate cutouts being provided in the rear support frame and rear elevatable platform.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus especially useful for loading a cargo airplane utilizes several parallel transverse and longitudinal shafts on which are fixed for rotation wheels which contain around their periphery rollers which have axes of rotation in a plane perpendicular to the shaft on which the wheel is mounted. The shafts are divided into appropriate zones and subzones to provide for longitudinal, transverse and rotary movement in two zones for the conveyor as a whole. Joystick type controllers with rocker switches provide for easy actuation of the above control directions.