Abstract: An offset hitch bale accumulator hitch for connecting a hay baler to a bale accumulator including a pitch axle based pitch movement assembly, a roll movement assembly using a long channel twisting joint, a yaw limiting movement assembly use double arm connections and an offset movement assembly including a beam in tube linear joint controlled by an extension actuator perpendicular the forward and backward towing forces.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a towing hitch for a work vehicle. The towing hitch includes a retaining element. A coupling member coupled to the retaining element. A guide element having at least one guide channel formed therein; wherein the guide channel is sized to receive a portion of the retaining element. An actuator coupled to at least one surface of the retaining element, wherein the actuator is arranged such that lateral displacement of the actuator moves the retaining element between a first position and a second position within the guide channel of the guide element.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the articulated connection of two vehicle frames, a front and a rear frame, of a construction machine, especially a vibration roller. The apparatus comprises a pivot joint with a vertical pivot axis and a crab-steering joint with a vertical rotational axis, a connection support which connects the pivot joint and the crab-steering joint with one another, and a connecting rod which is linked on one side to the vehicle frame and on the other side to the connection support. The apparatus further comprises a steering drive for relative pivoting of the front and rear frame about the pivot axis, and a crab-steering drive for setting a lateral offset between the front and the rear frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hinge assembly for connecting two vehicle parts to a vehicle that is capable of crab steering, has articulated frame steering and comprises articulating vehicle axles. Four structural elements are connected to each other by four hinge connections, the hinge centers being arranged in a common plane in a basic state, such that they form a frame which is substantially rigid with respect to thrust forces in that plane. Two of the structural elements forming opposite sides of the frame can in each case be rotated about a rotational axis located in said plane with respect to the other three structural elements. Furthermore, the hinge connections are designed in such a manner that, starting from the basic state, the two rotational axes can be articulated relative to each other in that one of the rotational axis can be pivoted out of the plane.

Abstract: A rotary tow coupling. The rotary tow coupling changes the angular orientation of a trailer relative to a tow vehicle without moving the tow vehicle. The rotary tow coupling is fixedly secured to the tow vehicle. The rotary tow coupling includes a hitch connectable to a trailer coupling. The hitch is moveable from a home position along a circuit around a reference point defined by the rotary tow coupling. The hitch is moved a selected direction along the circuit, the trailer moves left and right and forward and backward. One complete circuit of the hitch incrementally changes the angular orientation of the trailer relative to the tow vehicle. Using multiple trips around the circuit, the rotary tow coupling is capable of adjusting the angular orientation of the trailer relative to the tow vehicle between 90° and 270° without moving the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method to selectably control a position of a first end of a drawbar between a locked position and a suspended position with respect to a drawbar support. The drawbar is securable to a work vehicle distal from the first end, the method includes locking a position of the first end in response to a first predetermined condition and placing the first end in a suspended position in response to a second predetermined condition. Position control of the first end is continuously maintainable.

Abstract: A variably adjustable trailer hitch assembly, comprising a horizontal tube assembly that is fixedly secured onto a vehicle. A journaling tube assembly is mounted upon and journals the horizontal tube assembly. A ball assembly is mounted onto the journaling tube assembly and receives a trailer's hitch ball coupler. Adjustable means laterally move the journaling tube assembly mounted upon the horizontal tube assembly. A torque equalizer assembly is fixed upon the journaling tube assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trailer towing-control apparatus comprising a towing means connectable between a trailer and a towing vehicle; the towing means having a first connection means at its operative forward end pivotably connectable to a towing vehicle and a second connection means pivotably connectable to the trailer on the other side of the axis of the trailer relative to the first connection means; and a restraint means to selectively allow for articulation of the first connection means relative to the towing vehicle or to prevent articulation of the towing means relative to the towing vehicle in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus is provided for use on a first mobile machine such as a conveyor vehicle to be used with a second mobile machine connected to the first machine. The apparatus includes a track member adapted for mounting at an end of the first machine, this member providing a track having two opposite sides and bent to form a circular arc having a center of curvature. A hitch unit is mounted for rolling movement on the track and can pivotably connect the end of the first machine to the second machine. The hitch unit includes rollers for engaging both of the opposite sides so that the track is captured between the rollers. The first machine is able to pivot about a substantially vertical axis extending through the center of curvature relative to the second machine and is connected to the second machine for movement therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to trailer (1) for towing after a towing after a towing vehicle, said trailer (1) comprising a frame (3) configured for carrying a load and having a front end with a coupling (5) configured for connecting the trailer (1) to the towing vehicle and allowing that the trailer (1) and the towing vehicle are able to assume mutually angular positions during turning about a turning point O; and a rear end. The trailer also has a separate wheel frame (8) that is connected to the frame (3) by means (10) that allow a relative turning of the frame in relation to the wheel frame (8) during turning of the trailer about the turning point, said wheel frame (8) comprising oppositely arranged wheels (4) that support the trailer (1) during the towing and that are arranged at a distance from each other close to a respective longitudinally extending side of the frame (3); and actuator means (15) for producing said relative turning of the frame (3).

Abstract: An improved equipment guidance system and assembly is described comprising a top plate in releasable engagement with a drawbar of a towing vehicle, a supplemental or ancillary drawbar pivotable about a forward location and movable to an offset position left or right of center by a pair of pistons, and a bottom plate for attachment to the ancillary drawbar and the top plate. The pistons are controlled by a control box that dictates in concert the extension and retraction of the left and right pistons. A signal from the control box is generated from a plurality of sources. One example of a signal source is a tilt sensor that measures inclination relative to gravity. Another example of a signal source is an automatic “whiskers” crop row sensing wand system. Yet another example of a signal source can be generated manually from an operator of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch assembly is mounted on a towing vehicle and is adapted to move the hitch transversely, horizontally and vertically with respect to the towing vehicle. A first traveler is provided in a horizontally disposed C-shaped channel and is selectively movable along the channel with a rotatably driven threaded rod. A vertical C-shaped channel is mounted to the first traveler. A second traveler is provided in the vertical channel and is selectively movable along the vertical channel with a threaded rod extending longitudinally in the vertical channel. A hitch is mounted to the vertical channel traveler and is adapted for connecting to a trailer.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch assembly is mounted on a towing vehicle and is adapted to move the hitch transversely, horizontally and vertically with respect to the towing vehicle. A first traveler is provided in a horizontally disposed C-shaped channel and is selectively movable along the channel with a rotataly driven threaded rod. A vertical C-shaped channel is mounted to the first traveler. A second traveler is provided in the vertical channel and is selectively movable along the vertical channel with a threaded rod extending longitudinally in the vertical channel. A hitch is mounted to the vertical channel traveler and is adapted for connecting to a trailer.

Abstract: A movable drawbar control system for use on a typical tractor and specifically on endless track type tractors. The drawbar control system is hydraulically controlled by the user of the tractor via controls in the cab. The system uses a hydraulic cylinder to operate independently movable bar lock flaps. The design of the invention is such that inward and outward motion of the hydraulic cylinder changes the orientation of the bar lock flaps between an engaged vertical position or a disengaged horizontal position. These flaps are used to lock a drawbar into a center position or allow the drawbar to swivel freely from side to side along a pivot bar. Additionally, the bar lock flaps are biased with springs that place a rotation force on them so that they tend toward an engaged or vertical orientation when the hydraulic cylinder is engaged to move them to this position.

Abstract: A control system for an industrial vehicle having an articulated frame with front and rear movably connected frame halves. The control system includes a steering mechanism disposed between the frame halves and is configured to pivot the rear frame half about the front frame half. A first hydraulic actuator is operably connected with the steering mechanism. An offset mechanism is disposed between the frame halves and is configured to displace the rear frame half with respect to the front frame half in a direction generally toward one of the lateral sides of the vehicle. A second hydraulic actuator is operably connected with the offset mechanism. A hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic fluid source and a selector valve device connected with the fluid source and with each of the first and second actuators. The selector valve is configured to selectively direct hydraulic fluid to the first actuator to operate the steering mechanism and alternatively to the second actuator to operate the offset mechanism.

Abstract: The tilting trailer hitch (10) includes a compressible main support assembly (22) having a hitch coupler (24) and a hitching mechanism (26) attached thereto. The hitch coupler (24) is configured to connect a towing connector (92) to a towing vehicle (94) and the hitching mechanism (26) is configured to couple with a trailer (12). An actuator (28) is pivotally connected to the main support assembly (22) in response to trailer loading and is operable to rotate part of the main support assembly (22), thereby raising or lowering the hitching mechanism (26) along a generally arcuate path (116). When the hitching mechanism (26) is in the raised position, a loading end (20) of the trailer (12) is lowered to assist in loading the trailer (12).

Abstract: A safety device (30) is actuatable to uncouple a first vehicle (10) from a second vehicle (12) to which the first vehicle (10) is coupled by a pivotable joint. An actuating apparatus (70, 72) senses and responds to a specified vehicle crash condition by actuating the safety device (30). Preferably, an additional safety device (32) is actuatable to roll the vehicles (10, 12) relative to one another. The actuating apparatus (70, 72) further responds to the specified vehicle crash condition by actuating the additional safety device (32).

Abstract: An articulated utility vehicle having forward and rearward frame portions, each supported by a roller. A pair of fluid-powered rotary actuators are positioned between the front and rear frame portions of the vehicle. One actuator accomplishes side shifting of the rear frame portion relative to the front frame portion. The side shifting actuator has its drive shaft secured to the front frame portion and is oriented with its longtitudinal axis extending horizontally. The other actuator provides for steering of the vehicle. The steering actuator has its body rigidly attached to the rear frame portion and has its axis oriented vertically. The steering actuator is positioned immediately below the side shifting actuator, and has its drive shaft extending upwardly to pivotally couple to a clevis rigidly attached to the body of the side shifting actuator. The actuators can be separately and simultaneously operated to achieve separate and simultaneous steering and side shifting of the vehicle.

Abstract: The articulated vehicle of the present invention includes a front frame and a rear frame which are interconnected by a universal coupling joint which is capable of pivoting about a vertical axis and about a horizontal axis. Mower decks may be mounted on the vehicle and raised and lowered by hydraulic cylinders. Hydraulic cylinders are also used to cause articulated movement with respect to the front and rear frames about a vertical axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the position of a trailer with respect to a tractor is disclosed. A control mechanism is attached to the steering mechanism of the tractor and produces an output corresponding to the position of the steering mechanism. A movable hitch is attached to the tractor to receive a hitch on the trailer. The hitch on the tractor is movable with respect to the tractor in opposed directions transverse to the center line of the tractor. Hydraulic cylinders are driven by the central mechanism to move the hitch in response to the position of the steering mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for damping pendulum oscillations of a trailer hitched to a coupling of a motor vehicle. For this purpose, the coupling at the rear of the motor vehicle is horizontally adjustable at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and damping means serve for adjusting the coupling, in proportion to the deflection of the trailer drawbar, from a position lying on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle in the direction of the side of the motor vehicle into which the trailer is swerving.Transverse movements of the coupling relatively to the superstructure of the motor vehicle cause a continuous shifting in the instantaneous fulcrum or center of rotation of the trailer drawbar forwardly along the longitudinal vehicle axis, whereby interfering forces impairing the driving direction of the trailer are counteracted and driving stability is ensured.

Abstract: A power hitch has first and second frame elements interconnected for movement relative to each other about a vertical pivot axis. The first frame element is adapted for connection to a vehicle in a manner placing the pivot axis is to the rear of the vehicle. The second frame element is adapted for detachable connection to an implement to be towed behind the vehicle. The second frame element has a central axis extending rearwardly from the pivot axis. Extensible actuators on opposite sides of the central axis are pivotally connected at opposite ends respectively to each frame element. A suitable control system is employed to extend either one of the actuators while simultaneously retracting the other actuator in order to forcibly pivot the second frame element and the implement connected thereto about the pivot axis.

Abstract: This hitch assembly includes a frame which is fixedly attached to the rear of a truck and extends widthwise of the truck to provide upper and lower horizontal rails. A transverse carriage having upper and lower roller assemblies engageable with the rails is mounted to the frame and moved laterally relative to the frame by means of a ram assembly. The ram assembly includes a piston extending from end-to-end of the frame and a cylinder which is fixedly attached to the carriage and movably mounted to the piston. A vertical lift carriage is slidably mounted to the transverse carriage and is movable vertically relative to the frame by a ram assembly. The vertical carriage includes a hitch ball for attachment of a trailer tow bar and the transverse and vertical carriages provide the hitch connection and the tow bar with vertical and laterally horizontal components of movement.

Abstract: In the embodiment disclosed, the invention comprises a single, dual-piston cylinder, operable by hydraulic fluid, interpositioned between a pair of pivotably coupled, vehicular units. The cylinder is pivotably secured to pivot coupling elements which join the units, and each piston has its translating rod pivotably coupled to one of the units. Ports opening into the cylinder admit and discharge operating, pressured, hydraulic fluid (a) to displace the pistons apart, whereby a first crab steering is effected, (b) to move the pistons into mutual proximity, whereby a second, alternate crab steering is affected, (c) to displace the pistons in unison, in a first direction, whereby a left-hand or right-hand steering is effected, or (d) to displace the pistons in unison, in an opposite direction, whereby the opposite-handed steering is effected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new hitch or drawbar assembly for use with agricultural implements towed in a train of implements behind a tractor or the like. The assembly includes a drawbar that is shorter than normal and is pivotally connected to a primary unit, such as a cultivator, for adjustable pivoting action about a horizontal axis. The drawbar is connectable to a towing or intermediate unit on or closely adjacent to the axis of the ground-engaging wheels of the intermediate unit. That connection point is also on or closely adjacent to a reaction line drawn between the connection point of the intermediate unit and the ground-engaging area of implements carried by the primary unit.

Abstract: In the exemplary embodiment shown, the vehicle is a drum-type asphalt compactor having a pair of drum-compactor units coupled together for steering articulation. The units have prescribed axes of travel, and are coupled together for travel with the axes in line with, transverse to, or offset from, each other. A hydraulic piston and cylinder actuator displaces a coupling link, which is commonly, pivotedly joined to the units, to bring the travel axes into a transverse disposition. Another link or lock bar, freely engageable and disengageable from one of the units, is used also to couple the units together for the purpose of cooperating with the actuator and coupling link to bring the travel axes into an offset, parallelism.

Abstract: A generally horizontal forwardly opening U-shaped frame is provided including a pair of front to rear extending elongated opposite side members and a rear cross member extending and secured between the rear ends of the side members. The forward ends of the side members may be removably anchored to transversely spaced rear portions of a forward implement and an elongated front-to-rear extending draw bar is provided and pivot structure pivotally anchors the draw bar to the cross member for oscillation relative thereto about an upright axis disposed intermediate the opposite ends of said cross member and the front and rear ends of said draw bar.

Abstract: A train comprising a lead and a plurality of interconnected succeeding transport vehicles and having devices for actuating the steering gears of succeeding vehicles. Adjacent transport vehicles are interconnected through links, whereas each device for actuating the steering gear incorporates two shafts vertically mounted on the bodies of adjacent transport vehicles and connected to pulleys wound around with a flexible pulling member, and a bushing hingedly installed on each vertical shaft and rigidly associated with said link. The vertical shaft mounted on the preceding transport vehicle is kinematically associated with an independent drive remotely controlled from the lead transport vehicle, while the succeeding transport vehicle and the shaft of the steering gear thereof carry pulleys wound around in a crosswise manner with flexible pulling member.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a trailer to be towed by a tractor or truck and hydraulically powered from a hydraulic power source on the tractor or truck for picking up round bales of hay lying on their sides in the field, and for transporting the bales. Each embodiment has spaced-apart rails adapted to lift and cradle round bales of hay, the spacing of the rails being variable for handling bales of different diameters, the rails being adapted to pick up bales in the manner of a fork lift. In the first embodiment, means is provided for towing the trailer either to the left or right of the towing vehicles as well as in line with the towing vehicle, and the trailer may be maneuvered for nonstop front or rear loading and unloading of bales. In the second (and simpler) embodiment, loading and unloading is from the rear only. In each embodiment, the rails are adapted to be positioned generally horizontally, with the bales lifted off the ground for transporting the bales, and to be lowered for unloading the bales.

Abstract: A variable width furrow-spacing plow system embodied in an implement having a laterally adjustable tractor hitch, an angularly adjustable plow-carrying main frame, and hydraulic means for correlating the lateral movement of the hitch and angular position of the frame, to the end that for any given furrow spacing the hitch point of the implement will fall closer to the line of pull than has heretofore been possible, and minimum pulling force will be required to motivate the implement. The system embodies a pull bar or frame which has its forward end pivoted to the adjustable tractor hitch and its rear end pivoted to a medial region of the plow-carrying frame. A hydraulic ram controls the lateral adjustment of the hitch, while a second ram controls the angularity between the pull frame and the main frame. The two rams are phased for operation in unison under the control of a valve in the cab of the tractor.

Abstract: An automatic guidance system for towed vehicles is disclosed comprising a marker, a position sensor, an electronic operational amplifier circuit, an electrical servo controlled hydraulic valve, and a hydraulically controlled swinging draw bar hitch. The position sensor comprises a follower to follow the furrow mark in the ground made by the marker on the preceding pass of the farm implement over the ground and variable resistors mounted on the followers electrically connected to the amplifier circuit. The electrical servo controlled hydraulic valve is driven by the operational amplifier circuit in response to the varying output voltages received from the variable resistors responding to the position of the follower. The position of the towed implement relative to the furrow mark is adjusted by the action of the hydraulically controlled swinging draw bar responding to the operation of the electrical servo controlled hydraulic valve.

Abstract: A farming implement, particularly for row cultivation, wherein the operator device comprises a mill or harrow having substantially vertical axes or slightly inclined to the vertical, and connected to the tractor by the interposition of an automatic device for transverse movement relative to the tractor, transversely displacing the implement and securing it at any intermediate position.

Abstract: A trailer steering and towing hitch includes a moveable hitch connecting member which is supported on a towing vehicle for moving back and forth transverse to the axis of the towing vehicle with a motor for moving the hitch member back and forth for moving the front of a towed trailer for shifting and steering the trailer.

Abstract: A three-point linkage for coupling farm implements to a tractor has two lower links pivoted at their forward ends to a tractor and lie in a plane which from the rear to the front ends of the links is downwardly inclined and the links converge towards a point at or near ground level, and an upper link whose center line converges with the lower links towards the said point. In lieu of a single upper link, a pair of links which diverge from one another as they extend toward the tractor are preferred.

Abstract: A towing apparatus useful for moving mobile homes includes a vehicle having a frame movable to adjusted positions along a linear path of motion parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a support mounted on the frame so as to be movable to an adjusted vertical position and a hitching ball mounted on the support so as to be movable in lateral direction with respect to the vehicle to an adjusted position.

Abstract: A hitch mechanism for towing and maneuvering mobile and modular home sections, in which a frame structure is mounted on the rear of the towing vehicle and a carriage is connected to the frame structure and supports a hitch head for connection to the towed vehicle. A first, second and third power means are provided for moving the hitch head laterally, vertically and longitudinally, the power means preferably being hydraulic cylinders operated by the hydraulic system of the towing vehicle. The frame structure is mounted on the towing vehicle and supports the power means for moving the hitch head and the adjacent end of the mobile and modular home sections laterally, vertically and longitudinally to assist in distributing the load for towing and to place the mobile or modular home section in the desired position at the location.

Abstract: An elongated, generally horizontal frame is provided with latch means at each end. An equipment mounting frame is mounted on the elongated frame for movement to selected positions therealong from adjacent one end to adjacent the other end of the elongated frame; a hydraulic cylinder is pivotally mounted on the equipment mounting frame, about a generally horizontal axis proceeding transversally. Piston rods extend in opposite axial directions from a piston slidingly received in the cylinder. Cooperating latch means are provided on the outer ends of the two piston rods. The equipment mounting frame is moved along the elongated frame by latching one piston rod end or the other in one of the latch means of the elongated frame and applying hydraulic fluid to the cylinder to relatively extend or retract the latched piston rod. Latching and unlatching are accomplished by temporarily tilting the cylinder from horizontal (e.g.

Abstract: A tandem road roller having a pair of rolls arranged one behind the other which are capable of both pivoting relative to each other to negotiate curves and being offset relative to each other to vary the width of the roller track. The roller comprises a first frame member carried on the front roll, a second frame member carried on the rear roll, a connecting bar member hinged at opposite ends to the first and second frame members between the rolls, and an actuating mechanism operating on the first and second frame members to control their angular relationship and to control their lateral offset. Preferably the actuating mechanism includes two fluid pressure operated double-acting piston and cylinder assemblies and in this case one of the piston and cylinder assemblies is preferably arranged parallel to but spaced apart from the intermediate frame member and the other piston and cylinder assembly is connected diagonally between the one piston and cylinder assembly and the intermdiate frame member.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle is disclosed which includes first and second vehicle sections interconnected by an articulating linkage. The articulating linkage includes a universal joint and a cooperating pantograph linkage. The universal joint and the pantograph linkage define a vertically extending steering axis about which the vehicle sections are relatively pivoted to enable steering. The pantograph linkage comprises a first link bar pivoted to one vehicle section in substantial alignment with the steering axis and second and third link bars connected between respective end portions of the first link bar and connecting locations on the other vehicle section. A steering actuator is connected between the first link bar and the associated vehicle section and is operated to provide forces for steering the vehicle.

Abstract: A farming implement, particularly for row cultivation, wherein the operator device comprises a mill or harrow having substantially vertical axes or slightly inclined to the vertical, and connected to the tractor by the interposition of an automatic device for transverse movement relative to the tractor, transversely displacing the implement and securing it at any intermediate position.