Abstract: A machine bucket assembly includes a bucket having a top section, a bottom section, and a curved middle section. The bucket assembly may also include a kinematic reaction point about which the bucket is configured to rotate. A loadability index of the bucket may be between approximately 0.95 and 1.05. The loadability index is a ratio of a distance between the kinematic reaction point and a tip of the bottom section and a distance between the kinematic reaction point and a tip of the top section.

Abstract: A machine bucket may include an upper pin hole and a lower pin hole. The machine bucket may also include a bottom section. A distance between the lower pin hole and a tip of the bottom section may have a first length. The machine bucket may also include a top section. A distance between the lower pin hole and a tip of the top section may have a second length. A ratio of the first length to the second length may be equal to a value between approximately 0.95 and 1.05. The machine bucket may further include a middle section located between the bottom section and the top section. At least a portion of the middle section may be curved.

Abstract: A poppet valve arrangement is provided and has a poppet slideably disposed therein. The poppet has an odd number of integral guide legs formed thereon about the periphery of the poppet. The odd number of integral guide legs are evenly spaced from one another and are of a size sufficient to permit fluid to freely flow thereby when unseated. The integral guide legs also function to permit the poppet to freely slide, without binding, within a bore of the poppet valve arrangement. The poppet having integral guide legs is compact, versatile, cost effective to produce and has good strength.

Abstract: A fluid circuit for raising and lowering an implement including a quick drop valve member movable between at least a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to a non-quick drop hydraulic fluid flow path of the fluid circuit and the second position corresponding to a quick drop hydraulic fluid flow path of the fluid circuit, the quick drop valve member being movable between at least the first and second positions based on pressures in the fluid circuit produced by hydraulic fluid. The fluid circuit further including a control system configured to selectively apply a biasing force against the quick drop valve member biasing the quick drop valve in the first position, the control system providing the biasing force independent of pressures in the fluid circuit produced by the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A single lever control assembly that limits motion due to the inherent design of the assembly. In other words, no additional components are required to limit the motion of the single lever control assembly. The assembly includes two U-shaped members each having a base and parallel legs extending from the base, a lever connected to one of the U-shaped members and a pivot block interconnecting the parallel legs for allowing the U-shaped members to rotate relative to one another. The assembly has at least one of the parallel legs having a projection that engages one of the parallel legs of the other U-shaped member. In general, the single lever control assembly is a type of modified universal joint whose movement is limited by a projection.

Abstract: A fluid circuit for raising and lowering an implement including a quick drop valve member movable between at least a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to a non-quick drop hydraulic fluid flow path of the fluid circuit and the second position corresponding to a quick drop hydraulic fluid flow path of the fluid circuit, the quick drop valve member being movable between at least the first and second positions based on pressures in the fluid circuit produced by hydraulic fluid. The fluid circuit further including a control system configured to selectively apply a biasing force against the quick drop valve member biasing the quick drop valve in the first position, the control system providing the biasing force independent of pressures in the fluid circuit produced by the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A single lever control assembly is disclosed that limits motion due to the inherent design of the assembly. In other words, no additional components are required to limit the motion of the single lever control assembly. The assembly includes two U-shaped members each having a base and parallel legs extending from the base, a lever connected to one of the U-shaped members and a pivot block interconnecting the parallel legs for allowing the U-shaped members to rotate relative to one another. The assembly has at least one of the parallel legs having a projection that engages one of the parallel legs of the other U-shaped member. In general, the single lever control assembly is a type of modified universal joint whose movement is limited by a projection.

Abstract: A high force detent mechanism to selectively hold a control input lever in any selected position between neutral and its maximum travel in either direction. The high force detent mechanism includes a coil assembly connected to a control input lever and disposed in close proximity to a semi-circular member having a serrated edge defined thereon. An armature of the coil assembly has a first portion in driving contact with the serrated edge and a second enlarge portion having a latching surface disposed adjacent one of the first and second end faces of the coil assembly's detent coil. The size of the latching surface is larger than the size of the first portion that is in driving contact with the serrated edge. Consequently, the latching force generated between the latching surface and the one face of the detent coil is multiplied several time to create a detent holding force that is larger than the latching force.