Abstract: In apparatus including framework adapted for removably mounting the apparatus in operating relationship with respect to a postage meter having a lever movable between a plurality of postage value selecting positions, wherein the apparatus includes a base having an aperture formed therein which is dimensioned to permit movement of the lever within the aperture when the apparatus is mounted in its operating relationship; there is provided structure for movably connecting the base to the framework for movement between a first position and a second position. The structure includes at least one spring interconnecting the base and framework for urging the base into the first position, the base being manually movable from the first position to the second position, and the aperture including a portion thereof dimensioned for permitting passage of the lever through the base when the base is disposed in the second position.

Abstract: A drive coupling for a power operated folding support structure which is pivoted between a horizontal use position and a vertical storage position by an electric drive mechanism. A drive coupling operatively couples the arm of the electric drive motor to the pivoting support frame. The drive coupling includes a friction plate which is held between a pair of friction members secured by clamping members. The frictional drive coupling transmits force from the drive motor to pivot the frame, but allows slippage in the event that an obstacle or excessive force is encountered while pivoting the frame.

Abstract: A safety gas valve with latch against non-permitted reopening has the connector of the thermoelectric power unit located on the same side of the housing as the push button of the operating rod which is born shiftable and turnable in the housing. For this purpose, besides a first lever, carrying the closure member and a latch as part of the latching mechanism and cooperating with the power unit, there is provided a second lever which is tiltable around the stationary axis of the first lever. The one end of the second lever engages the armature pin of the power unit, where the other end is positioned opposite an inclined surface of the latch and disengages the latch from the first lever which carries the closure member. In the normal operating position, a projection of the latch keeps the safety valve open. After closing the valve manually, a portion of the latch is located opposite a stationary abutment until the power unit is deenergized after cooling down the thermocouple.

Abstract: The parking brake mechanism includes a simplified equalizer having one end pivotally attached to a bracket on a part of the vehicle underbody. The other end of the equalizer lever receives the end of the cable from the parking brake foot pedal or hand lever. The cable end has a threaded member thereon which extends through an aperture in the end of the equalizer lever. An adjuster lock nut is attached to the threaded member to provide adjustment for the entire parking brake mechanism at this point. The equalizer lever is slightly V-shaped so that the center portion extends toward the rear of the vehicle. A parking brake cable extending from the left rear brake passes around the lever at the center portion, is retained on the lever by a lanced tab portion made from part of the lever, and then extends to the right rear parking brake. This provides a simplified yoke arrangement which eliminates parts and has a simpler adjusting mechanism than devices earlier used.

Abstract: A tong arm assembly for carrying and moving a tong head arcuately between two horizontally spaced positions includes a housing having the tong head pivotally connected to one end; the other end of the housing being rotatably mounted to a fixed arm stud. A pair of levers located within the housing have their first ends pivotally connected to an extension of the stud and their second ends pivotally connected to the tong head. As the housing is arcuately moved, the levers maintain the tong head steady and in its proper orientation.

Abstract: A lawn mower driven by an internal combustion engine and having a foot operated starter for the engine; the pedal lever for the starter is pivotably supported on the mower body and is provided with at least one guiding pulley or roller around which the spring biased cord for actuating the starter is guided to increase the speed of actuation of the starter during the downward movement of the pedal; the pull arm of the pedal lever can be made as a leaf spring to further accelerate the starter cord.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated pump jack utilizing dual hydraulically operated piston and cylinder assemblies for pivoting the beam of the pump jack and including a unique control arrangement associated with a reversing valve for controlling operation of the piston and cylinder assemblies. The control arrangement includes a hydraulically operated holding valve incorporated into each of the conduits between the reversing valve and the hydraulically operated piston and cylinder assemblies combined with a control piston and cylinder assembly for controlling the operation of the holding valves. A manually operated valve assembly is also incorporated into each conduit to enable conversion of either or both of the piston and cylinder assemblies from double acting to single acting.

Abstract: A resilient control link assembly for a control system for transmitting a mechanical signal from a transmitter to a receiver so as to prevent component damage resulting from force overload situations due to response differences of components, fluid pressure failure, etc. The assembly includes two link elements which cooperate with the receiver and transmitter and are hinged together at a main hinge for relative swinging thereabouts from a datum relationship. Two following members are hinged to the first link element for rotation about a follower hinge spaced from the main hinge and are adapted to contact the second link element. A resilient member interconnects the two following members to force the members to cooperate with the second link element to maintain the link element in the datum relationship. When the datum relationship is disturbed, the following members are moved apart and the resilient means opposes this movement tending to draw the link elements back into the datum relationship.

Abstract: Roller-tip rocker-arm for high-performance internal combustion engines, pivotable about a trunnion therethrough, having a roller in the tip thereof for contacting the stem of a valve depressed (i.e., in the engine, per se, "lifted" from its seat in the "closed" position) thereby and having on the other end (i.e., tail) thereof an arcuate surface for contacting and abutting the cooperatively shaped end of a pushrod, the latter of which lifts said tail, wherein the roller and arcuate surface are so positioned so that, at the point in the motion of the rocker-arm wherein the valve stem is at a location corresponding to the mid-lift of the valve to which it is attached, the angles (a) that the axis of the valve stem defines with the axis intersecting the axes of the roller and trunnion and (b) that the axis of the pushrod defines with the axis intersecting the center of the arcuate surface and the axis of the trunnion are both essentially 90 degrees.

Abstract: The previous linkages for transmitting signals across an axis (21) between a first member or cylinder (20) and a second member or frame (11) have been relatively difficult to adjust and have had a tendency to bind. Herein, a roller (44) is pivotally mounted to a first link structure (36) which is itself pivotally mounted relative to the cylinder (20). The roller (44) defines a generally circular cam surface (42). A second link structure (52) is mounted to the frame (11) and a generally U-shaped member (98) has one of its legs (100) mounted to the second link structure (52) and the other leg (102) positioned to define a coacting surface (106) for action against the roller (44). An adjustment device (122) serves for adjusting the other leg (102) of the generally U-shaped member (98) tangentially and radially relative to the roller (44). Relatively straightforward and easily accessible adjustment is thereby provided. Also, binding problems are reduced.

Abstract: A proportional linear output system in which a second link mechanism consisting of a link and a slider is coupled to a portion of a link of a first link mechanism consisting of a link and a slider, so that the individual link mechanisms describe geometrically similar figures, and in which an input displacement fed to one slider is converted into an output displacement and is produced by another slider, the quantity of output displacement being reduced according to a ratio of similar figures of the first link mechanism to the second link mechanism.

Abstract: A universal adaptor linkage for connection between the transmission and the shift or linkage rod associated with the gear selector lever of an automobile comprising a lower linkage portion having at least one hole therein for selective connection to the shift or linkage rod, a center linkage portion having a hole therein for connection to the gear shift control valve trunnion of the transmission, a transverse linkage portion for connecting the upper end of the lower linkage portion to the lower end of the center linkage portion, an upper linkage portion extending upwardly from the center linkage portion and having at least one hole therein for selective connection to the shift or linkage rod, and an upper transverse linkage portion extending between the upper end of the center linkage portion and the lower end of the upper linkage portion.

Abstract: A compensating linkage for the rotor control system on rotary wing aircraft is disclosed. The main rotor and transmission are isolated from the airframe structure by elastic suspension. The compensating linkage prevents unwanted signal inputs to the rotor control system caused by relative motion of the airframe structure and the main rotor and transmission.

Abstract: Metal stock is forged into a blank consisting of a rod-like shank joined at one end to the inner ends of a pair of forks having enlarged flattened outer ends projecting laterally of the forks in the same direction and provided with pin-receiving openings. One fork is aligned with the shank and the other fork extends laterally away from the shank and then outwardly, with its enlarged end projecting toward the other fork. Both forks are then twisted in the same direction to turn their flattened ends approximately 45.degree. into spaced parallel planes, and the longer fork is bent to move its flattened end into a position in which its opening is axially aligned with the opening in the other enlarged end.

Abstract: A valve drive device for an internal combustion engine characterized in a movably pivoted rocker arm, at either a cam-contacting part or a valve stem-contacting part thereof, having installed therein a built-in oil pressure tappet for automatically absorbing a gap created at such contacting part. Between the oil pressure tappet and the cam or the valve stem, in contact with the oil pressure tappet, a movable plate is provided, having a curved surface where the movable plate and/or the oil pressure tappet contact each other, thereby lubricating the contacting part to prevent its abrasion.

Abstract: The amount of lift of a valve lifter rocker arm is determined by a rotatably mounted valve pushrod seat having an eccentrically positioned depression for receiving the pushrod end. The seat is rotatably adjusted to one of two predetermined positions to increase or decrease the leverage ratio of the rocker arm. A screwdriver slot in the seat member permits easy adjustment without removing the rocker arm, and a set screw locks the seat member in the desired position.

Abstract: A high-current, low-voltage load-break switch of the type having a plurality of fixed contacts and a plurality of movable contacts. Each of the movable contacts moves between a closed position in bolted pressure contact with one of the fixed contacts and a open position which is displaced from its fixed contact. An actuating bar connects the movable contacts for movement of the contacts in unison. A switch-operator mechanism is provided for rapidly closing the switch by driving the movable contacts to their closed positions and also to their open positions. An electrically non-conductive operating rod assembly is provided for connecting the actuating bar and the switch-operator mechanism. This rod assembly includes an elongated metal rod having threads at its opposite ends. One end of the rod is threaded to a first metal yoke which is pivotally connected to one end of an insulator link. The insulator link is pivotally connected to an operating lever formed as part of the switch-operator mechanism.

Abstract: A mobile derrick, aerial man lift or the like has a boom pivotally mounted at one end on a vehicle, with a hydraulic cylinder also pivotally mounted at one end on the vehicle for raising and lowering the boom. A linkage interconnects the other end of the hydraulic actuator with the boom while permitting limited relative movement between the interconnected points of the boom and the actuator. A resilient biasing means such as a compressed coil spring is connected to the linkage and resists downward movement of the actuator away from the boom. The linkage is responsive to upward movement of the actuator to form a rigid connection between the boom and the actuator and bypassing the biasing means, and is responsive to downward movement of the actuator to form a resilient connection between the boom and the actuator through the biasing means to permit limited downward movement of the actuator away from the boom against the urging of the resilient biasing means.

Abstract: A linkage is disclosed which is especially adapted for use in articulated rail vehicles to ensure proper transmission of handbrake actuating force from car section to car section regardless of relative movement therebetween. Parallel bar linkages extending between car sections adjust the position of a fulcrum point to prevent changes in the location of vital linkage points, thereby avoiding unwanted brake application or release as the car sections undergo relative movement.

Abstract: A hammering system for a compartmented, rotary metering drum comprising an elongated member rotatably supported on bearings, a lever pivotably mounted on the elongated member, hammers mounted on one end portion of the lever, and a biasing mechanism secured to the other end portion of the lever urging the lever to pivot about its fulcrum to engage the hammers with the metering drum. The metering drum has cocking structures associated with the leading face of each vane on the drum which forces the hammers away from the drum and suddenly releases the hammers to subsequently strike the drum to knock away any caked material therefrom.

Abstract: A caliper brake for a bicycle comprising left and right caliper arms rotatably fitted to a pivot shaft and having at their ends brake shoes adapted to be urged against a rim of a wheel of the bicycle, a rocking arm having a base portion pivotally mounted to a frame of the bicycle between the caliper arms on the pivot shaft in a semi-fixed condition, and the rocking arm having at its end a through-hole, opposite to which the left and right caliper arms have bottomed holes, respectively, and a universal joint lever having at its middle portion a middle protrusive ball portion and at both its ends end protrusive ball portions, respectively, the middle protrusive ball portion fitting in the through-hole of the rocking arm, those end protrusive ball portions fitting in the bottomed holes of the left and right caliper arms, respectively, whereby the extent of the free gaps between the left and right brake shoes and the rim are maintained substantially equal.

Abstract: A linkage and motion system pivoted to a bracket comprises a first linkage connecting the bracket with a second linkage, a holder connected to the bracket and to the second linkage, and a drive with a linear working motion connected to the bracket. The articulated connection of the drive to the bracket is spaced from that of the holder thereto, the articulated connections of the second linkage to the holder, the first linkage and the drive define a triangle, and the articulated connection of the first linkage to the bracket and that of the drive thereto are on either side of the articulated connection of the holder to the bracket.

Abstract: The upper end of a railway car live brake lever between the axles of a car truck is pivotally connected to one end of a link that extends across the top of the adjacent axle and is pivotally connected to the lower end of a vertical fulcrum lever. The central portion of the fulcrum lever is provided with a circular opening, the wall of which is convex from side to side of the lever and forms an arc of a circle. A rigid supporting member for the fulcrum lever projects laterally from one side of the center sill of the car and has a hook at its outer end extending through the lever opening and curved away from the live lever. The hook forms an arc of a circle and has a circular cross section, the radius of the inside of the hook being substantially the same as the radius of the wall arc. The inside diameter of the lever opening is only slightly greater than the diameter of the hook in cross section, and the upper end of the fulcrum lever is formed for connection to a device for rocking that lever around the hook.

Abstract: A safety device for locking a plurality of operation levers, the device comprising a frame on which the levers are mounted for pivotal movement with respect thereto, two lock plates mounted side by side on the frame for movement towards and away from one another between locked and unlocked positions of the device in response to rotary movement of a cam disposed therebetween; a respective link pivoted to each of the levers having its free end supported for linear reciprocal movement in response to the pivotal movement of the respective lever, the link having an engaging portion which co-operates with an engaging portion on the respective lock plate on movement of the lock plate towards the locked position to lock the link against the said reciprocal movement.

Abstract: A pushrod-to-bellcrank attachment includes a primary pivot connection and two secondary pin and slot connections so arranged relative to each other that there is a continuing operative connection of the pushrod to the bellcrank in the event the primary connection is lost by small arms fire. When the primary pivot is lost, the pins of the secondary connections act in conjunction with the slots, which are arcuate, as a large bearing struck about the primary pivot to maintain the rod and the bellcrank in their original relative positions about the primary pivot with no introduction of lost motion between bellcrank and rod.

Abstract: A lever operated control device has a control portion lying adjacent, and adapted to move parallel to a motor vehicle control panel. The control device has an elongated control lever having a first end and a second end, the control portion being located at the first end for movement of the control lever. A restraining lever has one end pivotally mounted on a movable axis of the control lever, and an opposite end pivotally mounted on a fixed axis. The control lever is designed to move pivotally about its second end along with simultaneous longitudinal movement.

Abstract: An improved calibration mechanism is provided for use on a pressure switch having an adjustable, spring biased plunger arrangement for controlling the pressure level required to actuate the switch. The mechanism includes a support bracket, a cam rotatably supported by the bracket and a plunger adjustment lever, including a cam follower in engagement with a surface of the cam. The support bracket defines a guide slot into which the cam follower extends, transverse movement of the cam follower being limited by the guide slot. The cam surface defines a range of pressure settings between the normal low and the normal high as well as a switch reset position adjacent the normal high setting position. The guide slot includes a stop surface which engages the cam follower when the cam is turned to the reset position, and the configuration of the cam, plus the engagement of the follower and the stop surface, prevents further turning of the cam.

Abstract: A loader comprises a pair of lift arms pivotally mounted on a frame, and a bucket pivotally mounted on the forward end of the lift arms. A bucket tilt linkage, including at least one double-acting hydraulic tilt cylinder is operatively connected between the lift arms and the bucket to selectively position the bucket for various earth-working operations. The tilt linkage further includes improved linkage means for mechanically coupling sensed positions of an extensible rod of the cylinder across the pivot axis of the cylinder for enabling control means to respond to this condition independently of cylinder angular position.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism is interposed between a pedal and a movable actuating member, and movement of the pedal in one direction is resisted by the extension of a resilient helical spring. The linkage and spring are arranged so that movement of the pedal in such one direction is resisted by a substantially constant force throughout the travel of such pedal in such one direction.

Abstract: A control lever arm pivotably mounted on a shaft has associated therewith a plurality of friction discs, and washers disposed between alternate adjacent friction discs. Means are included for adjusting the tightness of the friction discs and washers, such adjustment thereby varying the force which must be applied to the lever arm to overcome the force of such friction discs and pivot the arm about the shaft.

Abstract: A force balance transmitter having a substantially flat base plate detachably carrying a primary unit and a secondary unit on an upper substantially flat surface thereof. A bell crank flexure pivot operatively interconnects a primary arm of the primary unit to a secondary arm of the secondary unit.

Abstract: A control device of the double lever-fulcrum type for controlling the opening and closing of a fluid valve includes a single solid shaft rotatably mounted and connected to a longer or power lever. A notch is formed in the shaft to provide a preferably flat surface, one end edge of which acts on the valve element to close the valve. The fulcrum of the device comprises the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and the shorter or thrust lever of the device comprises a radius of the shaft extending from the longitudinal axis to the one end edge of the surface formed by the notch.

Abstract: A force limiting device for a motor vehicle parking brake according to the present invention includes an intermediate lever that is connected by a first cable to a brake pedal and by a second cable to a wheel brake. The intermediate lever is supported on a support lever and the support lever, in turn, is supported on vehicle body structure. The support lever is displaceable from its normal stationary support position to a force limiting position. Tension forces in the first and second cables acting through the intermediate lever will cause the support lever to move from its normal support position to its force limiting position when said tensions exceed a predetermined minimum. With this construction, excessive displacement of the brake pedal will cause the support lever to be displaced rather than produce excessive loads upon the wheel brake.

Abstract: Switch actuator having a base adapted to be mounted adjacent a switch and an elongated lever hingedly mounted on the base to make it possible to operate the switch by means other than the fingers.