Abstract: An apparatus for providing feedback to an operator relative to a force applied to a system is disclosed. The apparatus has a first magnet and a second magnet. The first magnet receives a signal indicative of the force applied to the system and generates a first magnetic field in response to the signal. The second magnet is disposed adjacent the first magnet and generates a second magnetic field that interacts with the first magnetic field to generate a magnetic force. An operator interface is operatively engaged with one of the first magnet and the second magnet such that the magnetic force acts on the operator interface.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing feedback to an operator relative to a force applied to a system is disclosed. The apparatus has a first magnet and a second magnet. The first magnet receives a signal indicative of the force applied to the system and generates a first magnetic field in response to the signal. The second magnet is disposed adjacent the first magnet and generates a second magnetic field that interacts with the first magnetic field to generate a magnetic force. An operator interface is operatively engaged with one of the first magnet and the second magnet such that the magnetic force acts on the operator interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the clamping forces on an object being held between a bucket and a thumb of a work machine is disclosed. The apparatus and method controls the head and rod end pressures of the bucket and thumb hydraulic cylinders to substantially maintain a desired clamping pressure on the gripped object, thereby providing at a touch of a switch, a work machine that can be controlled as the thumb and forefinger combination of the human hand which gives a "wristlike" action to the bucket thumb combination.

Abstract: The present invention is a pin assembly used with a quick coupling device for attaching a work implement to a machine. The pin assembly has a pair of pins each circumferentially surrounded by a bushing which has a pair of seals therein. The seals are positioned between the inner surface of the bushing and an outer surface of the pins for retention of lubricating fluid across a portion of the pins during operation to limit pin wear.

Abstract: An improved means for dispensing a substantially even flow of semi-liquid material such as, concrete, into remote areas includes the use of an auger assembly mounted within a bucket of a construction machine. The auger assembly has a tubular housing with sealed end portions and an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion has a receiving passage defined therein. An auger is mounted within the tubular housing and has a blade portion which is rotatable in either a first or second direction by power supplied through a bi-directional motor. The semi-liquid material is poured into the bucket and enters the auger only through the receiving passage. The direction of rotation is chosen by an operator so that the material is conveyed along a rotational axis toward either a first or second opening, respectively, adjacent a remote area. The semi-liquid material flows substantially evenly through either the first or second openings to fill the remote area uniformly.

Abstract: A level indicating mechanism for indicating to a machine operator the relative level position of a work machine includes a circular ring magnet and a bullseye level instrument positioned within the ring magnet. A potting material surrounds the level instrument and connects it to the ring magnet. The level indicating mechanism is adapted to be removably secured to portions of the work machine and be visable to the machine operator. The angular orientation of the work machine is adjustable by stabilizing apparatus to bring the work machine to a level position with respect to the ground surface.

Abstract: A quick coupling device for connecting a work tool, such as a bucket, to an arm and a tilt link of a work machine includes a first hook arrangement connected to the arm and a second hook arrangement connected to the tilt link. Each hook arrangement defines a recess which engages a supporting pin connected to the work tool. An adjustable link is connected between the first and second hook arrangements and is adapted to apply a force to the hook arrangements to maintain engagement between the supporting pins and the recesses.