Abstract: In the braking systems of many vehicles, a parking brake is utilized that is spring applied and fluid pressure released. In the event of a mechanical breakdown, a mechanical device or other specialized tools must be used to bring about the disengagement of the parking brake so that the vehicle may be towed. The present invention overcomes this problem by providing an auxiliary actuating mechanism for a spring applied, fluid pressure released parking brake that includes an auxiliary accumulator that will maintain a preselected amount of pressure upon the loss of the primary source of pressure. An auxiliary actuating valve is positioned between the accumulator and the parking brake to selectively communicate fluid therebetween. The auxiliary actuating mechanism is provided with two remotely located actuators that may be utilized to selectively position the valve to permit the communication of the pressurized fluid within the accumulator with the parking brake assembly to achieve the disengagement thereof.

Abstract: A double, disc type brake system for wheeled vehicles, including two disc packs, operationally combined in a working set, for each vehicle wheel to be braked, the disc packs in each set being respectively placed in back to back relationship, and the disc packs having hydraulically operated multiple pistons for actuation thereof, the multiple pistons constituting two oppositely faced piston sets operatively positioned in a common actuator support centrally disposed between the two disc packs of each set, and the two piston sets being respectively operable to actuate the two disc packs of the set. The hydraulic system is operable to initially actuate one disc pack of each set upon movement of a brake pedal through a first increment of application for light braking action, and to inclusively actuate the other disc pack of each set upon movement of the pedal in an additional increment of application for increased braking action.

Abstract: A wheel final drive assembly for vehicles, wherein the assembly includes a two stage or double reduction planetary gearing mechanism positioned within wheel hubs and connected to the vehicle drive wheels, a drive axle shaft for interconnecting a vehicle power train differential and the gearing mechanism, a separable part hollow hub having positioning faces contacting and axially positioning gears of the mechanism, a hollow spacer plug insertable through the hollow hub and having a face contactable with the outer end of the axle shaft to operatively position the axle shaft, removal of the plug permitting movement of the axle shaft through the hollow hub to an inoperative position in the assembly, and partial stowing therewithin or complete removal therefrom.

Abstract: In a double planetary reduction final drive gearing arrangement for vehicles, a composite ring gear including two ring gear segments, and means for positioning and mounting the ring gear segments in the gearing arrangement, the composite providing a stepped reduction gear ratio and manufacturing economies and advantages.

Abstract: A vehicle axle mount includes an axle assembly with first and second pairs of aligned connection joints, a vehicle frame having first and second pairs of aligned connection joints with the first pairs of joints of the frame and axle assembly being coupled together, and a pair of connecting links coupled between the second pairs of joints of the frame and the axle assembly.

Abstract: A lubricating and cooling system for disc type brakes operatively positioned within a vehicle drive wheel, the system including means to increase oil flow to, through, and around brake disc packs situate in a region of restricted oil flow, the means including a vaned pump ring, partially submerged in oil, mounted for rotation with the wheel, and functionally operational to assure adequate pumping in each direction of rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: A replaceable adapter is secured to an earthworking tool having a floor with a bottom surface, a leading edge, a top surface, and an upwardly facing inclined front surface between the top surface and the cutting edge. The adapter includes a bifurcated body portion having a rearwardly extending upper arm, a rearwardly extending lower arm, and a forwardly extending nose, and an integral wing portion having a rearwardly extending lower arm and a forwardly extending cutting edge. The adapter is of a construction such that the bifurcated body portion is engaged against the bottom surface and the inclined front surface of the floor, the body and wing portions are disposed below the top surface of the floor, and the lower arms of the body and wing portions are secured against the bottom surface of the floor at laterally offset locations.

Abstract: A control lever for a machine or the like includes a grip or handle for a control member defining a housing for mounting a switch and includes a thumb actuated rocking actuator positioned on the top of the grip for ease of actuation by the thumb of an operator while grasping the handle of the control lever.

Abstract: A steering column is pivotally fastened to a support structure and pivots between an operating position and a transmission locking position. A steering wheel is rotatably supported at the upper end of the steering column while a transmission shift lever is fastened at one side of the steering column and shiftable between a forward speed position, a neutral position and a reverse speed position. A latching mechanism is carried by the steering column and is engageable with one of a plurality of notches formed in a positioning rack secured to the support structure for latching the steering column in the transmission locking position and engageable with another of the notches for latching the steering column in the operating position. A transmission locking member is secured to the support structure and extends towards the transmission shift lever for abutment therewith when the steering column is in the transmission locking position for locking the transmission shift lever in the neutral position.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism is interposed between a pedal and a movable actuating member, and movement of the pedal in one direction is resisted by the extension of a resilient helical spring. The linkage and spring are arranged so that movement of the pedal in such one direction is resisted by a substantially constant force throughout the travel of such pedal in such one direction.

Abstract: An axle housing defines extended portions which are positionable near and engageable with extensions defined by a bracket fixed relative to a vehicle frame. The respective extensions and extended portions are secured together by clamp structures interconnecting them.

Abstract: A valve is used in a system employed on a vehicle for effecting the selected automatic disengagement of the transmission or main clutch upon the application of the vehicle service brakes, as well as the reengagement of the transmission when the brakes are released. Such valve allows rapid pressure buildup to the brakes, so that they may be rapidly applied, but delays the release of the brakes to allow ample time for reengagement of the transmission.

Abstract: A parking brake interlock system includes detent means responsive to a loss of pressure in the brake-releasing hydraulic pressure system for causing the detent mechanism to engage and resist movement of a transmission control member of the vehicle transmission.