Abstract: A prefabricated, easily installable strain gage assembly (10) is provided which includes an elongated synthetic resin substrate (12) having adhesive (16) applied to the majority of one surface thereof while leaving a handling tab portion (18) adjacent one end of the substrate (12). A strain gage unit (28) is secured to the adhesive-bearing surface of substrate (12). A strippable protective film (56) is placed in covering, protective relationship to the strain gage (28) and the adhesive surface of substrate (12). Preferably, the substrate (12), adhesive (16) and film (56) are substantially transparent, and the substrate (12) is provided with perpendicular alignment marks (55, 55a) which are strategically located relative to the strain gage unit (28).

Abstract: An electric drive system for tracklaying vehicles includes a pair of electric motors and an infinitely variable speed, hydromechanical steering transmission including a pair of hydrostatic propulsion units and a plurality of planetary gears sets. The hydrostatic units are driven by one or both of the electric motors to produce separate hydrostatic propulsion outputs which are combined with the mechanical outputs of the motors by the planetary gear sets to generate separate hydromechanical propulsion outputs on right and left transmission output shafts for vehicle propulsion and steer in two speed ranges.

Abstract: An electric drive system for track-laying vehicles includes a pair of electric motors for respectively driving the two vehicle tracks in low range forward and reverse, variable speed propulsion and steer. The output of a third electrical motor is additively combined with the outputs of the pair of motors to provide high range forward and reverse, variable speed propulsion and steer.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission includes a mechanically driven hydraulic pump connected in hydraulic circuit with first and second hydraulic motors. The hydrostatic outputs of the first and second motors are respectively applied to the ring and sun gears of a planetary gear set whose carrier constitutes the transmission hydrostatic output. Acceleration under low speed, high torque conditions is achieved by varying the displacements of the pump and second motor, while the first motor is removed from the hydraulic circuit and the ring gear is braked. At an appropriate shift point, the first motor is inserted into the hydraulic circuit and the ring gear is released, such that further acceleration is achieved by varying the displacements of the pump and both motors in coordination.