Abstract: A hydraulic drive circuit for a work vehicle including a positive displacement flow divider positioned intermediate a hydraulic pump and a plurality of hydraulic motors.

Abstract: A seating apparatus includes a torso rest and a semi-seat support or partial support for the seat of the operator of a work vehicle. The torso rest provides support for the torso when the operator leans against the torso rest in a semi standing position and is contoured to act as a backrest in a first operator position and as a front rest in a operator second position. The semi-seat support acts as a partial seat support only in the first operator position. The seating apparatus may also include an additional stowable seat support, armrests, a height adjustment assist mechanism and/or a control console.

Abstract: An articulated dozer with a four point independent suspension system between a chassis and two support frames is described. The chassis includes a front chassis portion and a rear chassis portion connected by an articulation joint. The vehicle is compactly arrange so that the chassis and the two support frames fit between the track systems supporting and propelling the vehicle. Additionally, the engine is arranged near the articulation joint and lower than the top of the track systems for improved view and visibility. The cab is arranged over the track systems at the front of the vehicle for an optimal view of the blade.

Abstract: A work vehicle with a tool pivotally attached to a linkage, an actuator for controllably moving the tool about its pivot, and a tilt angle sensor for sensing the absolute angle of the work tool relative to the earth. A controller is adapted to perform an auto-hold function for the tool, automatically maintaining an initial tool orientation by commanding movement of the tool actuator to hold the work tool at about the initial or set absolute angle of the tool. The controller is adapted to discontinue the tool auto-hold function when the operator manipulates a tool command input device affecting tool actuator movement, and resume the tool auto-hold function at the new orientation affected by the operator. Manipulation of an auto-hold command input device allows the operator to selectively enable and disable the tool auto-hold function.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a multiple mode operational system having a work system such as a linkage and associated hydraulic cylinders of a backhoe, a braking system and a multiple mode control system. The multiple mode control system includes a central controller, a mode toggle switch and a work system control device such as an electromechanical joystick. The central controller is capable of entering at least a first operational mode and a second operational mode. In the first operational mode, the central controller manipulates the work system based on signals received from the work system control device. In the second operational mode, the central controller controls the braking system based on signals received from the work system control device.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a multiple mode operational system having a work system such as a linkage and associated hydraulic cylinders of a backhoe, a steering system, a propulsion system and a multiple mode control system. The multiple mode control system includes a central controller, a mode toggle switch and a work system control device such as an electromechanical joystick. The central controller is capable of entering at least a first operational mode and a second operational mode. In the first operational mode, the central controller manipulates the work system based on signals received from the work system control device. In the second operational mode, the central controller controls at least one of the steering system and the propulsion system based on signals received from the work system control device.

Abstract: A mobile interface system for a work vehicle that affords degrees of freedom for roll as well as conventional pitch and yaw or swing motion control for a mobile interface structure to which a linkage or a work tool is attached. The mobile interface structure for a backhoe is a swing frame. The roll, pitch and yaw motions are relative to the work vehicle.

Abstract: “The invention comprises a toy top spindle having a central axis and an associated label, wherein a compact disc is used as a rotational inertia member to form a toy top assembly. The toy top spindle comprises a spinning tip, a threaded cylinder and a gripping stem, said threaded cylinder providing means to fixedly clamp said compact disc onto a medial portion along said toy top spindle central axis, said gripping stem providing means by which to manually drive the top into a spinning state of motion. The compact disc may have labels containing printed matter affixed thereto for added appeal or to meet the requirements of an intended application. With the addition of a curvilinear form to the under surface of said rotational inertia member, the device may be held inverted and horizontal to form a navigational device with said spinning tip functionally serving as a gnomon.