Abstract: A grass cutting unit has a height of cut determined by a ground roll. A reaction member linked to the ground roll has a captive screw-threaded shaft carrying a hand wheel. A block threaded onto the shaft is linked to the frame of the cutting unit so that rotation of the hand wheel adjusts the height of cut. The weight of the frame is arranged to act on the hand wheel, to urge together contoured surfaces of the hand wheel and the reaction member so as, during normal cutting, to prevent spurious rotation of the hand wheel.

Abstract: An articulation damping device having a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit 2, connected pivotally at 5 to a front vehicle 3 at a distance y from the longitudinal median plane and on the other side and symmetrically thereto and also at the distance y from the longitudinal median plane a hydraulic piston-cylinder unit 19, is also pivotally connected at 5'. At their other ends the two units 2, and 19, 19' are connected to the outer part 1' of the turntable joint at pivot 4 located in the longitudinal median plane. In this position of the piston-cylinder units the vehicles of the articulated omnibus are aligned in an in-line position for running straight ahead. Dimension x deontes the distance of the points 5 and 5' of articulation from the pivot 4 in the longitudinal median plane. The dimension b.sub.min represents the inner dead center position of the piston-cylinder unit 2, dimension a denotes the radius of the turntable joint, .beta.

Abstract: Sensors (170, 172) for sensing articulation angle (AA) and/or a time derivative thereof (dAA/dt, d.sup.2 AA/dt.sup.2) for a trailer anti-swing control system are provided. In the preferred embodiments, at least the active transducers of the sensors are mounted to the tractor (12) subvehicle of the articulated vehicle system (10).

Abstract: A novel force measuring device of simple design is provided with complementary stop surfaces protecting the device against over-loading. Alternatively, overloading is prevented by duplicating the force measuring device with two portions operating in opposite directions of force application. Such force measuring devices are advantageously incorporated in couplings between a motor driven vehicle and a further vehicle to be coupled thereto. Signals derived from these force measuring devices are used in a board computer for controlling the operation of the motor driven vehicle and the further vehicle coupled thereto.

Abstract: A damping device for use with an articulation joint of an articulated omnibus. Between the front vehicle and the rear vehicle connected with the outer race ring of a live ring or between the rear vehicle and the front vehicle connected with the inner race ring of the live ring a hydraulic cylinder or shock absorber is arranged so that in the extended, in-line alignment position of the omnibus it is in its inner dead center position. It is connected hydraulically in parallel with a further hydraulic cylinder or shock absorber. The latter is preferably placed slightly obliquely and is spaced from the longitudinal median plane of the articulated omnibus when the omnibus is in the in-line setting, the hydraulic cylinder or shock absorber being pivotally connected at one first end with one of the two vehicles and at a second end to that race ring of the live ring which is connected to the other of the two vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method for blocking a relative angular movement between a semi-trailer and a traction vehicle so as to limit the angular movement to a predetermined angle. A lock of a locking system in a guide plate is inserted in a central angle of a fifth wheel that supports the semi-trailer. The lock is electro-pneumatically actuated by an electric signal signifying brake actuation. This prevents an involuntary angular movement between the semi-trailer and the tractor from taking place mainly upon actuation of the brakes because of an imbalance occurring between friction forces acting on the tires.

Abstract: A method for calculating a value indicative of tractor dynamic turning radius of curvature (DTRC), and of the level of confidence in the determined value, is provided. Wheel speeds from a front-steer axle (40) and a rear axle (36, 38) are sensed to determine the value indicative of DTRC and the speed variance between the wheels on each side of the vehicle (VAR-L, VAR-R). The speed variance values are used to calculate a filtered value of DTRC (FDTRC) and to determine a level of confidence in the DTRC and/or FDTRC values.

Abstract: A converter dolly for interconnecting and facilitating backing up of a tandem trailer assembly pulled by a tractor is disclosed. The converter dolly is coupled to the rear of a first trailer for pivotable movement relative thereto about a substantially vertical axis. The converter dolly includes a wheeled frame. A fifth wheel is fixed on the wheeled frame and has a front end defining opposing front corner portions. The wheeled frame includes a coupling assembly for coupling the wheeled frame to a second trailer for pivotable movement about a substantially vertical axis. A locking mechanism cooperates with the fifth wheel and includes a spaced pin housing secured at each front corner portion of the fifth wheel so that when the fifth wheel pivots up or down, the housings move as units with the fifth wheel. A pin is positioned in each housing and movable therein from a retracted to an extended position.

Abstract: An anti-theft, safety device is disclosed for use with ball and socket trailer hitches comprising a base plate clamped to the tow bar near the ball, a post attached at one end to the base plate that extends vertically from the tow bar adjacent to the ball and socket, an upper plate through which the post extends that moves vertically and rotates with respect to the post, a bushing with an opening in register with the opening in the upper plate through which the post extends, both the post and the bushing having transverse openings through which a lock bolt may be passed when the holes are aligned so that the upper plate will be held over the socket to prevent the socket from being disconnected from the ball.

Abstract: An electric seat lift mechanism is easily mounted or dismounted from a seat post receptacle by insertion of its depending tube into fixed (but removable) position into the seat post, the depending tube carrying an axially positioned drive nut which is engaged with a drive screw driven by an electric motor powered transmission whose housing supports the seat.

Abstract: A controlled fluid release fifth wheel apparatus having a first control in the tractor cab and a second control outside the cab, in series with each other, and functionally located in series between a power source and a power actuator at the fifth wheel hitch. Both the inside and outside controls must be properly actuated in series for the power actuator to operate to release the hitch. A timer is actuated by the first control to set a short time period during which the second control can be actuated. A trailer brake line air pressure sensor in series with the first and second controls prevents operation of the actuator until the trailer brake line is unpressurized such that the brakes on the trailer are locked.

Abstract: A king pin locking plate assembly having a locking plate provided on the underside with a pair of cooperating jaws pivotally supported under the locking plate and being urged into open position by a spring member positioned between the two jaws, the two jaws having a frontal portion facing a king pin, the frontal portion defining a lock surface which is adapted to be abutted by a free end of a jaw lock pivotally supported in the king pin receiving slot by a pivot which engages a bifurcated end of the jaw lock. A jaw lock stop is situated in the bifurcated end of the jaw lock and, because of its internal elongated opening, is capable of maintaining the jaw lock in either a king pin securing position or in a king pin releasing position.

Abstract: A carriage for the transportation of a cable reel, comprising two parallel support elements (2, 3) which form a space between them for a reel (6) and are displaceable with respect to each other in the transverse direction (B) of the support elements, and reel supports (10) mounted on the support elements for the reel. In order to transport the reels with their central axes (A) transversely to the driving direction of the carriage so that the axes of the reels are positioned, irrespective of the size of the reels, at a constant distance from a fixed reference point (12) in the carriage, the support elements are provided with vertically displaceable carrier wheels (7) and with displacing wheels (9), the axes (C) of which extend in the longitudinal direction of the support elements. When the support elements are lowered, the displacing wheels contact the underlying surface (11) only after the reel has made contact with the surface and the reel supports have released the reel.

Abstract: A brake control system/method for preventing or minimizing trailer-swing (FIG. 6) in an articulated vehicle (10) is provided. The control system/method senses or calculates values indicative of articulation angle (AA) and time derivatives thereof (dAA/dt,d.sup.2 AA/dt.sup.2) and processes same to sense conditions indicative of an incipient or initial trailer brake induced trailer-swing event. An incipient or initial trailer brake induced trailer swing is sensed when the vehicle brakes are applied, the absolute value of articulation angle exceeds the absolute value of a reference value, the time derivative of articulation angle is in an opposite direction from articulation angle and/or the absolute value of one of the time derivatives of articulation angle exceeds the absolute value of a reference.

Abstract: A stability monitoring and alarm system for a motor vehicle (e.g., a truck or a tractor trailer) provides an early warning to the driver of unsafe or potentially unsafe conditions. Front wheel desynchronization and rear load distribution are each monitored, and an alarm is generated if either the front wheels become desynchronized or the load is unevenly distributed in the rear of the vehicle. Various filtering and averaging techniques avoid false alarms and increase reliability and sensitivity. Thresholding of the front wheel desynchronization comparison is based on a model which takes turning lateral G force for particular speeds into account so that an alarm based on front wheel descynchronization is not generated because of taking turns too rapidly. Rather, such alarm is generated by monitoring shifting rear load distribution --a better and more accurate measure of vehicle stability. The resulting indications provided by an easy to read user interface warn the driver of a variety of conditions (e.g.

Abstract: The brakes of a towed vehicle can be applied remotely responsive to braking of the towing vehicle. An air compressor driven by the motor of the towing vehicle can supply compressed air to a compressed air storage tank with a pneumatic line extending from the compressed air storage tank rearwardly to a braking assembly which is positioned in the passenger compartment of the towed vehicle. The braking assembly is adjustable and includes a rod positioned between the steering wheel and the brake pedal of the towed vehicle and is secured to both. A pneumatic control device is connected to the pneumatic line to receive a signal therethrough to actuate the braking assembly through an actuation device such as a pneumatic piston to exert pressure to expand the length of the bar and apply the brakes of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: The fifth wheel of an articulated vehicle comprising the coupling between a semi-trailer and a tractor is provided with measuring apparatus for measuring forces imparted from the semi-trailer. The apparatus comprises a sensing device for measuring horizontal loads, and a sensing device for measuring vertical loads. The signals from the sensing devices and are fed into an electronic controller, in turn to cause the brakes on the trailer to be applied to achieve balanced braking, anti-lock control, and traction control of the wheels. A tractor fitted with a braking system of the brake-by-wire type with a conventional semi-trailer, without modifications to semi-trailer or to the braking components of the semi-trailer can therefore be used.

Abstract: A brake control system/method for preventing or arresting and minimizing trailer-swing in an articulated vehicle (10) is provided. The control system/method senses or calculates values indicative of articulation angle (AA) and time derivatives thereof (dAA/dt, d.sup.2 AA/dt.sup.2) and processes same to sense conditions indicative of an incipient or initial trailer brake induced trailer-swing event.

Abstract: A suspension system for controlling the relative position of a vehicle and a wheel assembly supporting the vehicle for travel over a surface of terrain. The system includes a member for resiliently connecting the vehicle and the wheel assembly to establish an equilibrium position therebetween in which the vehicle is supported in a predetermined position with respect to the surface of the terrain. The system further includes a dynamoelectric machine comprising a stationary assembly and a rotatable assembly magnetically coupled thereto, the stationary assembly having a plurality of winding stages adapted to be electrically energized to apply an electromagnetic field to said rotatable assembly thereby to rotatably drive the rotatable assembly about an axis. A ball screw translates rotation of the rotatable assembly driven by the stationary assembly into linear motion between the wheel assembly and the vehicle.

Abstract: A brake control system/method for preventing or arresting and minimizing trailer brake induced trailer-swing in an articulated vehicle (10) is provided. The control system/method senses or calculates values indicative of articulation angle (AA) and a second order or higher time derivative thereof (d.sup.2 AA/dt.sup.2) and processes same to sense conditions indicative of a trailer brake induced trailer-swing event.

Abstract: In the combination of a power truck tractor towing serially first and second (or more) trailers, an antijackknifing hitch is disclosed for preventing jackknifing relative movement between the two towed trailers. The tractor towed first trailer is conventionally connected to the towed second trailer at a pivoting tongue. The pivoting tongue from the second trailer forms the towing point of connection to the first trailer and effects steering of the forward tandem set of wheels on the second towed trailer. Running rigging is provided with fixed ends spaced from the towing point of connection at the trailing sides of the towing trailer. The rigging runs between the fixed points by passing from one fixed point on the towing trailer to the leading edge of the towed trailer. Thereafter, the rigging runs to the towing tongue and then to the opposite leading edge of the towed trailer. Finally the rigging runs to the second fixed point on the back of the towing trailer.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing jackknifing between a tractor of a trailer truck and a trailer coupled thereto is disclosed. The apparatus includes a latch block that is movable to a deployed position forward of the front edge of the tractor's fifth wheel and a pair of stop blocks, one disposed on each side of the trailer wear plate so that a laterally extending arm of the latch block will come into contact with one of them upon relative pivotal movement of the fifth wheel and trailer wear plate beyond a predetermined angle. Upon making contact, the blocks prevent further angular movement. Arms of the latch block have projecting end portions on their upper side that slide under end portions of the stop blocks which are spaced apart from the wear plate. This secures the latch block from being sprung downward past the stop block upon occurrence of jackknifing. The latch block is supported by a forward extension of the fifth wheel and by gussets that extend underneath the fifth wheel and are welded thereto.

Abstract: A warning and safety system for tractor-trailer dump trucks to indicate that the raised trailer is in a precarious position and in danger of tipping over, which system measures the pivot angle or the angle of revolution of the front end of the trailer. When the raised trailer is in an unstable position and begins to tip over, the front end of the trailer pivots on the hydraulic telescoping cylinder extending from the fifth wheel of the trailer. Mounted directly onto to hydraulic telescoping cylinder is an instrument sensitive to angular motion, or, alternatively, mounted on the fifth wheel of the tractor is a pivoting canister containing that instrument, from which a cable extends, parallel to the hydraulic telescoping cylinder, to the bottom of the front end of the trailer, where the cable engages with a pulley arrangement securely mounted on the cylinder well of the trailer.

Abstract: An anti-jackknifing coupling device, for an articulated veicle such as a tractor-trailer combination, comprising a base member for mounting upon the tractor. A turntable member is rotatably mounted upon the base member, and a trailer support member is supported upon, and rotatable with, the turntable. The trailer support member, usually called a "fifth wheel", serves to releasably couple the trailer. A piston-and-cylinder device is connected at its one end to the turntable and at its other end to the base member, so taht it extends substantially diametrically across the turntable member when the vehicle is straight. As the tractor and trailer pivot, the trailer support member and turntable rotate together relative to the base member, causin contraction of the piston-and-cylinder device. The trailer support member will usually be able to tilt relative to the turntable about a lateral pivot axis.

Abstract: A system including an anti-jackknifing abutment apparatus (FIGS. 1-4, 7, 8) an electrical (FIG. 5) and hydraulic (FIG. 6) controls provides system control which controls limited relative angular movement between an articulated tractor 10 and trailer 20. An engagement driver in the form of cylinder 36 mounted within a rigid frame 23 is mounted by a mounting bar 25 to a forward beam member 22 of the trailer 20 for moving a abutment element 28, 128 into and out of an engagement zone within the longitudinal V-slot 17 of the fifth wheel 14. The abutment element in position on a rotational swing of the articulated vehicle is contacted by ears 18 of the V-slot, where due to the structure of the apparatus, the further rotational movement may be arrested or controlled to permit adjustment of the rotational limit of further angular movement under control of the driver.

Abstract: A trailer assembly including a cab, a first trailer hitched to the cab, a second trailer having a dolly hitched to the first trailer, and a third trailer having a dolly hitched to the second trailer. Each dolly has a framework with a front hitch and has a wheel assembly fixedly connected to the framework. The wheel assembly has an axle and four wheels and leaf springs. The dolly has a thrust bearing unit with a bearing axis. The thrust bearing unit has a bottom race fixedly connected to the framework and has a top race angularly displacable relative to the bottom race about the bearing axis. The top race has a pivot plate with a horizontal pivot axis. The pivot plate has trunnions with pivot pins for pivoting of the pivot plate about the horizontal pivot axis relative to the top race. The pivot plate has a hinge groove for connecting to a hinge pin under the overlapping trailer. The thrust bearing unit has brake means, operated by a driver in the cab by controlling a fluid meter.

Abstract: A mobile bank teller unit includes a cabinet supported by a pair of main wheels having automatic brakes. Vertically adjustable caster pairs at each end provide sidewise mobility. The cabinet opens to form an enclosure for two tellers, each having complete bank transaction equipment. Two banking customers can be accommodated simultaneously. The unit closes into a compact, secure portable form.

Abstract: A traveling service unit for an associated textile spinning mill machine may be elevationally adjusted with respect to a reference rail mounted longitudinally along the machine by a feeler guide element pivotably mounted to the service unit in following engagement to the reference guide rail in conjunction with an operatively associated controller connected with vertically adjustable roller support assemblies of the service unit 1 for varying the elevation of the service unit 1 as necessary to compensate for deviations in the pivotal disposition of the feeler guide element with respect to horizontal.

Abstract: Anti-jackknifing apparatus beneath the fifth wheel of a tractor-trailer vehicle includes a control ring carried rotably by the tractor and coupled to the trailer by interfering vertical projections directed from each of the tractor and the control ring. A sector plate, shiftable between angular stops, is mounted on the tractor co-axial with the control ring and carries three angularly spaced apart braking devices for selectively gripping the control ring. The central one of the braking devices grips the control ring in response to application of the vehicle service brakes while a control valve causes the other braking devices to grip the control ring in response to angular shifting of the sector plate.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for limiting the angular movement between the tractor and trailer wherein a fluid operated cylinder is mounted within a rigid frame, having a mounting bar attached to a forward member of the tractor, for moving an abutment means between a position extending downwardly within the longitudinal slot of the fifth wheel to a position wherein the abutment means is removed from the slot. Means are carried within the frame having fixed relation thereto for providing lateral support within the position of the slot.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for limiting the angular movement between the tractor and trailer wherein a fluid operated cylinder is mounted within a rigid frame, having a mounting bar attached to a forward member of the tractor, for moving an abutment means between a position extending downwardly within the longitudinal slot of the fifth wheel to a position wherein the abutment means is removed from the slot. Means are carried within the frame having fixed relation thereto for providing lateral support within the position of the slot.

Abstract: A supporting roller assembly for a household appliance includes a fixed rear roller and a height-adjustable front roller. The front roller has a frame for mounting against a flat surface on the underside of the appliance, together with a vertically extending front wall at the front of the appliance mounting the head of an adjustment screw. The roller is carried on a roller carrier which is pivotally mounted on the frame member and carries a captive nut engaging the screw so that rotation of the screw causes the roller carrier to rotate about its pivotal engagement to raise and lower the front end of the appliance. The fixed rear roller assembly has a frame which snaps into an opening in a bottom wall of the appliance. The bottom wall has upwardly projecting flanges which overlay a press-in axle carried by the roller frame and journaling the roller and the flanges prevent any lengthwise movement of the axle which would cause it to disengage from the ears on the frame.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for relieving friction during adjustment of a sliding tandem trailer's rear wheel assembly with respect to the trailer bed includes a plurality of bed lift devices mounted in the vicinity of the rear wheel assembly. Each of the devices are pivotally mounted to a sliding frame member of the rear wheel assembly for engagement with a respective fixed frame member of the trailer bed. By moving a roller, supported upon a pin which is rotatably mounted to a hydraulically-actuated piston contained within the device, into and out of engagement with the fixed frame member, the relative position of the rear wheel assembly may be suitably adjusted with a minimum of friction to a desired position which properly distributes, relative to the axles of the rear wheel assembly and the axles of the cab, the load upon the trailer bed.

Abstract: An anti-jackknife system for use while towing a trailer with a tractor. The tractor and trailer are coupled to each other by a fifth-wheel assembly in known manner. The fifth-wheel assembly includes a wheel plate carried by the tractor and a cooperating pin carried by the trailer, the pin being rotatable within the wheel plate when the tractor and trailer are coupled to each other. First and second abutments are carried by the trailer on opposing sides of the pin. The abutments move in paths around the pin on a change in orientation between the tractor and trailer, as during turning, for example. Fluid-actuated cylinders are carried by the tractor on opposing sides of the wheel plate with each cylinder providing a stop movable between a first position out of the abutment path. The stops are normally in the second position. A jackknife condition is detected to actuate at least one of the fluid-actuated cylinders to move its associated stop into the first position.

Abstract: In a tractor towed chassis having a telescoping, articulated stinger, a two function locking mechanism is disclosed complementary to the non-articulating and articulating functions of the chassis. In the non-articulating function, the chassis hauls short containers, has the stinger telescoped to a non-articulating disposition and conventionally pivots with respect to the towing tractor at a fifth wheel. In the articulating function, the chassis extends to expose the articulated portion of the stinger, is locked at the forward portion to the towing tractor for articulation and when turning of the tractor relative to the chassis occurs the rear wheels turn to assist in turning the tractor towed chassis. The locking mechanism has two discrete locks, a bolster lock that is engaged only when the chassis does not articulate and a fifth wheel lock that is engaged only when the chassis does articulate.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a jackknifing controlling system, for reducing undesirable jackknifing in an articulated vehicle, particularly with a rear drive. Sensing means is provided for measuring the angle of steering as well as the angle of articulation. At all times, the actual angle of articulation is compared to an ideal angle of articulation for the particular angle of steering, the ideal angle having been preprogrammed into a memory device. Whenever the actual angle of articulation deviates from the preprogrammed ideal angle by a predetermined amount, control actions are initiated to control the articulation. Further articulation in the direction of deviation is immediately blocked. Articulation in the opposite direction, toward the ideal, is freely allowed if the deviation exceeds a predetermined amount. If it is less than the predetermined amount, articulation, even toward the ideal angle is, damped by throttling of hydraulic flows.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for controlled damping of pivoting movements, preferably in an articulated bus. The arrangement comprises hydraulic dampers arranged between the vehicle units, a hydraulic control system which connects the dampers with each other, and an electrical control system which activates electrically operated valves in the hydraulic control system. The invention is characterized essentially in that it comprises devices which allows the electrical control system, in response to sensors which sense the pivot angle and the vehicle speed, to connect various throttles in the connecting lines between the dampers, to thereby control the damping level of the dampers.

Abstract: This invention deals with an antijackknifing device for tractor-trailer assemblies comprising a curved tracking bar mounted on the front of a trailer and a combination of gears and pistons translating the circular motion of the trailer in relation to the tractor into a controllable linear motion.

Abstract: In an anti-jackknifing apparatus for a semitrailer rig, upon coupling of a semitrailer to a tractor by insertion of a king pin and a wedge on the trailer into a fifth wheel of the tractor, a pin connected to the wedge traverses a guideway to execute therealong a movement limited and attenuated by double-action hydraulic cylinders connected to hydraulic valve group in turn electrically tied to a control unit. At the guideway, limit switches are provided for setting for each direction of angular motion a predetermined maximum jackknifing angle dependent on vehicle construction. The attenuation of rotary movement between the tractor and the semitrailer is implemented by throttle valves as a function of vehicle speed as measured by a speedometer and as a function of brake pressure as measured by two pressure switches.

Abstract: A stabilizer device for use on the leading end of a trailer includes a turntable with a fixed base, pivot plate rotatably mounted on the base, a pair of hydraulic cylinders pivotally connected to each other and to one side of the pivot plate at one end, piston rods extending outwardly from the other ends of the cylinders to opposite sides of the turntable, the outer ends of the piston rods being pivotally connected to a fixed portion of the trailer, a first tube extending between first ends of the cylinders, a second tube extending between the other ends of the cylinders so that the cylinders and tubes form a closed circuit, and a control system in one of the tubes. The control system includes a pair of lines inserted into the tube, a first fixed orifice element in one of the lines, a solenoid valve in the same one line, a speed monitor attached to the valve, and a second smaller fixed orifice element in the other line.

Abstract: A system including an anti-jackknifing abutment apparatus (FIGS. 1-4, 7, 8) and electrical (FIG. 5) and hydraulic (FIG. 6) controls provides system control which controls limited relative angular movement between an articulated tractor 10 and trailer 20. An engagement driver in the form of cylinder 36 mounted within a rigid frame 23 is mounted by a mounting bar 25 to a forward beam member 22 of the trailer 20 for moving a abutment element 28, 128 into and out of an engagement zone within the longitudinal V-slot 17 of the fifth wheel 14. The abutment element in position on a rotational swing of the articulated vehicle is contacted by ears 18 of the V-slot, where due to the structure of the apparatus, the further rotational movement may be arrested or controlled to permit adjustment of the rotational limit of further angular movement under control of the driver.

Abstract: A rear steer angle indicator unit for an agricultural or earth moving tractor having a steerable mainframe articulately connected to an independently wheel-mounted rear engine frame: the rear steer indicator unit comprising a sensing unit (33) capable of converting mechanical motion to electrical signals and mounted on a portion (22) of a mainframe (12) spaced away from the articulation joint (18) for the tractor (11); a gauge (37) mounted in the tractor cab (13) and electrically connected to the sensing unit (33) for receiving signals therefrom indicating the direction of movement of the engine frame (14) relative to the mainframe (12); a sensing arm unit (40) mounted independently of the sensing unit (33) in a bushing (42) provided therefore in a portion (22) of the mainframe (12); and a linkage unit (45) connected between the sensing arm unit (40) and a tongue member (27) of the engine frame (14) for translating movement of the engine frame (14) to rotation of the sensing arm (40) within the sensing unit (

Abstract: A method for regulating the bending stability of road vehicles with at least two vehicle parts linked by an articulation as well as an articulation unit with an articulation operable by means of a hydraulic adjusting assembly and a hydraulic control mechanism controllable by an electronic computer with check valves arranged in a hydraulic circuit and at least one damping valve. For the steering angles possible with a stable travel state firstly the relevant articulation is determined and then when travelling a check is repetitively made after a predetermined distance to establish whether the articulation angle predetermined at the start of the journey as a function of the steering angle corresponds to the articulation angle at the end of the journey.

Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus having an adjustable throttling arrangement for controlling the flow of fluid between working cylinders associated with sections of an articulated vehicle, has a housing which is essentially symmetric in shape. Two working connections are formed at symmetrically opposite ends of the housing and connect to the working cylinders. Two passageways, formed in the housing to connect the two working connections, are also symmetrically formed and are approximately equivalent in length. The first passageway uses a check valve arrangement to restrict fluid flow from the first working connection to the second working connection while the second passageway uses a similar check valve arrangement to restrict fluid flow in the opposite direction. The two passageways interconnect at a crossover duct which acts as a guide for the throttling arrangement.

Abstract: This invention is a tractor trailer hydraulic fifth wheel which includes a base attached to the tractor and a slidable plate attached to the trailer, and a retatchable assembly between the base and the slidable plate which includes a brak away latch therebetween.

Abstract: Structurally integrated apparatus of various configurations is selectively, individually or conjointly detachably attachable to an all terrain vehicle for conveying or carrying various types of cargo and for preventing rearward tilting of the vehicle. Supports extending from the framework of the vehicle are adapted to receive and retain with quick disconnect fittings frame elements of each configuration of the apparatus. The frame elements may be adjustable to accommodate variations in size, shape and weight of the cargo supported by the respective apparatus.

Abstract: A hitch uncouple detecting and signaling apparatus, being applied to a trailer hitch ball member, includes a plunger rod reciprocally mounted vertically through the ball member. The rod is longer than the ball member, allowing the rod to extend either above or below opposite upper and lower ends of the ball member. The rod is composed of electrically nonconductive material capable of being trimmed to a length which will exceed the ball member height at least by a desired amount. An electrical circuit adapted for connection to a source of electrical power includes an operator signaling device and a pair of contacts. One contact is carried by a lower end of the rod and the other contact is defined on the lower end of the ball member, which preferably is composed of electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage mechanism is proposed for rendering movable large, heavy, waste containers which are otherwise immovable. The wheel carriage includes channel-like frames having wheel sets mountable on trunnions provided on the receptacle sides, the container being elevated into position off the ground and onto the wheel sets by a lever adapted to cooperate with the wheel carriage. A stabilizer bar of adjustable length is provided to be fitted between one of the wheel carriages and the receptacle so as to lock the container and prevent tipping or instability.

Abstract: This invention relates to equipment for securing a truck trailer against theft by protecting the trailer kingpin against being secured by a tractor. The device employs a lock housing or body which has a hole which is adapted to fit over the trailer kingpin. A sliding member is employed to go into sliding contact with the groove in a standard trailer kingpin. The sliding member is configured with a concave edge on one end in order to contact the annular groove in the standard trailer kingpin. A slot in the sliding member is used to engage the body of a heavy duty padlock when in the locked position thus holding the sliding member in contact with the trailer kingpin. A retaining means such as a screw threadably secured to the lock body and a mating slot in said sliding member is employed to prevent the inadvertant removal of said sliding member from the lock body.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a means of coupling a trailer to an automobile comprising a self-aligning and shock-absorbing coupling means. The coupling means uses a fifth wheel and spring-loaded roller-detent means to maintain alignment in yaw between the vehicle and the trailer. A speed-responsive means reduces the "stiffness" in yaw between the automobile and the trailer when the vehicle speed is below a predetermined value.