Abstract: A blade control system includes a directional control valve, a fluid regeneration valve and a selector valve for selectively controlling fluid flow between a pump and first and second hydraulic cylinders and between the cylinders. With the valves positioned at preselected operative positions, pressurized fluid from the pump is directed to the head end chamber of the first cylinder, fluid expelled from the rod end chamber of the first cylinder is diverted to the head end chamber of the second cylinder, and fluid expelled from the rod end chamber of the second cylinder is combined with the fluid being directed to the head end chamber of the first cylinders to provide two stages of fluid regeneration for increasing the extension speed of the cylinder.

Abstract: A restraint mechanism for a control lever 10 of a construction machine maintains a control lever's position in a neutral condition with respect to a control valve. A first plate 34 is pivotally mounted to a base plate 20 on the console of the machine and is movable to a first position to engage the control lever 10 and establish a neutral position. A second plate 48 is utilized to selectively secure the position of the first plate with respect to the control lever while the proper connections and adjustments are made to the linkage arrangements connecting the control lever 10 and the control valve to synchronize their respective neutral positions.

Abstract: The connecting linkage between a control lever and a control valve that controls the operation or the manipulation of an implement of a construction machine is often complex and difficult to properly adjust. The present invention provides a restraint mechanism for the control lever 10 to maintain its position in a neutral condition with respect to the control valve. A first plate 42 is pivotally mounted to a base plate 22 on the console of the machine and is movable to a first position to engage the control lever 10 and establish a neutral position. A second plate 58 is utilized to selectively secure the position of the first plate with respect to the control lever while the proper connections and adjustments are made to the linkage arrangements connecting the control lever 10 and the control valve to synchronize their respective neutral positions.

Abstract: An improved fibrous concrete batch forming system. The system includes a conveyor for introducing concrete ingredients in solid form into a mixer or the like together with apportioning devices for apportioning large aggregate, cement and sand onto the conveyor. An apportioning device is also provided for apportioning fibrous reinforcing material onto the conveyor. A hopper or the like serves as a source of fibrous reinforcing material. A separator receives fiber from the hopper and separates the same into balls of fiber and substantially individual fibers. Associated with the separator is a device for directing only substantially individual fibers from the separator to the fiber apportioning device.