Abstract: A shift mechanism for a two-speed countershaft type transmission is operable to move the shift rail in response to a rotary input drive motor. The shift mechanism includes a control mechanism which ensures that the rotation of the drive motor will stop when the neutral position is effected during a gear interchange prior to completion of a shift so that normal gear synchronizing will occur. The control mechanism includes a rotatable plate having a slotted portion which includes stop surfaces at the neutral position. The stop surfaces are engaged during gear interchange by a pin member which must be selectively moved prior to completion of the gear interchange. Selective movement of the pin member is controlled by a solenoid mechanism.

Abstract: A fluid delivery control in agricultural crop spraying vehicles and the like for precise preset return to an adjusted open positioning of a by-pass and shut-off valve remote from the driver platform, cab and seat, whereby variation in engine-pump speed is compensated for and fluid spray adjusted while operating the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat and hydraulic control lever interlock for lift trucks in which access to a battery compartment is in part enabled by pivoting the operator seat forwardly over the steering wheel, which pivotal movement causes interlocking lever means between the seat pivot and hydraulic control levers to actuate to an armed position. Forward pivotal movement of the control levers to an inoperative position to clear the battery compartment allows the lever means to move to a position in which the control levers are held in such inoperative position until the seat is pivoted rearwardly over the battery compartment.

Abstract: A control lever device for a bicycle, which supports a control lever to a box-shaped bracket member, the bracket member being provided therein with a rising member extending toward the pivot portion for the lever, so that the lever is pivoted to the rising member, the rising member mounting thereon a grip dimension adjuster which contacts with the lever.

Abstract: An improved throttle valve assembly of the type which includes a throttle body provided with a throttle lever and a second, intermediate lever interconnected with each other by a roller/cam slot mechanism, said throttle lever being adapted to be moved by said second lever which is connected through the throttle linkage to the accelerator. The improvement comprises means disposed between the throttle lever and the second lever for adjusting the clearance existing between the cam slot and roller when the throttle valve is located in the vicinity of the idle position thereof, so that the excessive play that would otherwise arise at the accelerator when the throttle valve is in the idle position is reduced or avoided.

Abstract: A lawn spreader for particulate material such as grass seed or fertilizer has a slidable control knob immediately adjacent the handle gripping portion for movement by one or more fingers to control the rate of feed of particulate material from the spreader without removal of either hand from gripping position. An adjustable stop for the control knob is also provided adjacent the handle gripping portion for ready adjustment without stopping the spreader and without requiring the operator to bend or stoop to reach to or adjacent to the rate gate.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for aerating liquids includes an aerating head, a mechanism for supplying gas to the aerating head from a cylinder when a control button is depressed, a platform for lifting a bottle containing liquid to be aerated into sealing engagement with the aerating head, and a rotary cam operable by a handle to raise and lower the platform. A pre-compressed coil compression spring is interposed between the platform and a button engaged with the cam to ensure adequate sealing pressure between the bottle and aerating head.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shift lever assembly for changing the speed of a power take-off shaft of a tractor. The assembly comprises a movable rod positioned between two different speed positions having a neutral position therebetween. The rod has abutment means secured to it which cooperates with knotched plates so that the rod can be moved in a linear direction between the speed positions only when it is rotated while in the neutral position.

Abstract: Stitch length stops for an industrial sewing machine which is implemented by a stop member having a slot therethrough and a finger projecting therefrom, which slot is clamped behind a sheet metal bracket that may be affixed to a sewing machine frame. The sheet metal bracket is fashioned with an aperture through which a screw may extend through the slot of the stop member and into a bracket having a threaded aperture so that the stop member may be compressed between the bracket and sheet metal member. The sheet metal member may be implemented by a belt guard.

Abstract: A time controlled thermostat provides the setting up or setting down of space temperature during certain selected time periods depending on whether it is controlling heating or cooling apparatus as selected by a changeover lever. The normal control temperature as determined by a temperature responsive switch is set by a first selection lever and the setback temperature set by a second selection lever, during heating operation, as selected by the changeover lever the normal temperature is selected by the second selection lever and the setup temperature by the first selection lever during cooling operation as selected by the changeover lever. Limit stops are provided for limiting the position of the first lever during heating to a maximum temperature and the position of the second lever during cooling for a minimum temperature.

Abstract: The present aircraft steering mechanism provides different steering characteristics for different aircraft speeds, especially at low speeds on the one hand and at high speeds on the other hand. For this purpose the steering mechanism, which is operatively interposed between a control input and a controlled member, such as a rudder or flap, forms a transmission system including a walking-beam type lever with a free-end member and a forked member. The forked member is movable relative to the free-end member in response to a flight parameter, such as the dynamic pressure, whereby the free-end member dips more or less into the forked member. Thus, the excursion of the free-end member is increasingly more limited as the speed of the aircraft increases. The see-saw type lever forms a control input and a control output and the degree of excursion is determined by the extent to which the free-end member dips into the forked member.

Abstract: A spreader unit is provided for connection to a hopper carried in an airplane for spreading granular material at a controlled rate of flow. A moveable gate on the spreader is moveable between a closed position covering a discharging opening through which the granular material may flow and an open position defining a gap to allow a predetermined flow rate of granular material from the hopper. A new and improved adjustable control 70 is provided in the cockpit of the airplane adjacent the pilot for manipulation by the pilot to control the gate width to an accurate degree to provide the desired flow rate despite deflection or other binding or lost motion in the linkage or levers in the actuating means for the gate. The control is positioned on the spreader adjacent the gate and a spreader extends from the actuator into the cockpit. A turnable handle is positioned adjacent the pilot for adjusting the size of the gap and thereby the flow rate of the granular material from the hopper.

Abstract: A gear shift mechanism for providing a vehicle operator with a "feel" of a desired gear change being completed in a power operated gear unit. A drum disc connected to the gear shift lever is formed with a recess in which a locking pin of an actuator valve is engageable when the gear shift lever is operated to a shift position, thereby limiting further movement of the gear shift lever. A sensor device associated with the gear unit detects completion of the gear change and operates the actuator to retract the locking pin from the recess to allow further movement of the gear shift lever, as an indication to the vehicle operator that the intended gear change is completed, so that he may engage the clutch and apply gas.

Abstract: An aircraft seat adapted to be releasably secured to a track member having a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings interconnected by slots in the top surface thereof and an internal channel communicating with these openings and slots, comprising a rear leg, a track fitting including lugs selectively sized and located for downward insertion into the track channel through selected track openings, a mounting pin for securing the track fitting to the rear leg, a plunger displaceable in a selected direction and selectively sized for mating insertion into a track opening, the plunger including a horizontally extending bore, a lever pivotally mounted on the mounting pin and having a medial bore, a shaft passing through the lever medial bore and the plunger horizontal bore interconnecting same, a spring clip including the shaft, a catch secured to the rear leg for retaining the spring clip at a selected orientation substantially perpendicular to the lever and for preventing upward displacement of the lever, the

Abstract: A mounting (12) for the throttle lever (13) and the dead-man control lever (22) to the handle (11) of an appliance such as a lawn mower, and including a locking bolt (30) carried by a leaf spring (27) to interfere with the movement of the dead-man control lever (22) so as to insure against accidental or unintentional movement of the dead-man control from one position to another.

Abstract: A predetermined limit in the rotation of a manually rotatable control shaft is established by a special knob having a speed nut which secures the knob to the shaft, and an interrupted circular slot in the knob, concentric with the shaft, for cooperating with a fixed projection extending parallel to the shaft and into the circular slot. The device is described as usable in a thermostatically controlled heating system with an auxiliary control for improving efficiency.

Abstract: A system of changing the travelling speed of a working vehicle in which a stepless speed-change means is operated by a pedal. Said system has a cam mechanism by which the pedal may be fixed at the desired position, and a first manual lever for operating this cam mechanism.

Abstract: The window in the door of a motorcar may be raised and lowered by means of a lifting mechanism including an electric motor connected to a speed reducing, worm gear transmission and a lifting arm turned by the output shaft of the transmission through further speed-reducing gears. The stroke of the window movement is limited by cooperating fixed, but adjustable abutments on supporting structure and an abutment connected to the output shaft of the worm gear transmission for joint rotation.

Abstract: A precision power gear train assembly particularly adaptable for use with vehicles having a 360.degree. rotatable turret mounted thereon. The assembly embodies novel spring and stop means to minimize backlash and to limit gear tooth disengagement of the enmeshed output pinion and ring gears of such an assembly. More specifically a pinion-ring gear assembly mounts a gear box to oscillate about an axis parallel to the pinion axis of rotation such that the tooth pressure between pinion and ring gear biases the teeth apart, increasing backlash. A preloaded spring biases the gear teeth into tight mesh to eliminate backlash until the tooth pressure force exceeds a predetermined maximum. Thereafter, further increases in the tooth pressure force separates the teeth by compression of the spring beyond its preloaded compression. A stop limits tooth separation.

Abstract: A device that fits on a gasoline pump nozzle handle for holding the valve open, instead the need of continuously squeezing the handle in a hand; the device, in one design, including a collapsible brace for pressing against the handle.

Abstract: An abrasive grinding machine wherein the periphery of a rotatable grinding wheel always is returned to, and during grinding maintained at, a constant and precise workpiece grinding position irrespective of the reduction of the diameter of the wheel from wear and/or dressing. The grinding wheel is mounted rotatably on the distal end of a rockable pivot arm which, during grinding, is actuated periodically to retract the wheel from and return it to workpiece grinding position. A control mechanism, constituted by a fixed stop on the pivot arm, a moveable cam for the stop and a programmable drive motor for the cam, is operative periodically, in harmony with the reciprocable movement of the pivot arm, to adjust the cam relative to the stop to permit controlled, incremental increases in the distance over which the grinding wheel is periodically retracted from and returned to workpiece grinding position. The invention finds particular use in conjunction with dressing tools or wheels for a grinding machine.

Abstract: An anti-scald apparatus for a tub and shower single control faucet which incorporates a novel cam and cam follower arrangement on the hot and cold water valve means which permits substantially more than 180 degrees of rotation of the control handle. Adjustable temperature stops provide both a comfort stop for normal use and a safety stop which can be reached only by activation of a release button carried by the faucet handle by means of which the comfort stop may be overridden by continuing the rotation of the handle.

Abstract: A brake operating device comprises a lever pivoted to a bracket member which is fixed to a handle bar at a bicycle and a retainer attached to one end of a control wire and supported to the lever. A support having a receiving portion for receiving therein the retainer, is formed and supported in a turnable manner to the lever, and a gap sustainer interposable between a front wall of the bracket member and a front surface of the lever is provided at the support, whereby the grip dimension a distance between a handle bar and lever is made changeable by a turn of the support to control the interposing of the gap sustainer between the front wall of the bracket member and front surface of the surface.

Abstract: An automotive transmission shifter and park lock is disclosed which includes a base for mounting the shifter in an automotive vehicle. A shift lever is pivotable with respect to the base and a park lock hook is pivotally mounted on the shift lever. The base includes means for engaging the park lock hook comprising an aperture disposed in the base. The park lock hook is normally spring biased upwardly out of engagement with the aperture disposed on the base. Means for connecting the lock hook to an ignition switch locked park lock cable is provided whereby once the park lock cable is locked stationary by the ignition switch, the park lock hook is automatically pivoted into engagement with the aperture in the base upon an attempt to pivot the shift lever out of the park position.

Abstract: The gear selector shaft of a manually operated transmission has shift mechanisms secured thereto for producing driving engagement between the engine and the vehicle wheels at the speed ratio selected by the vehicle operator. By moving the selector shaft along shifting planes that are defined by a control plate, the shift mechanisms actuate the selected gear into engagement with the gears of the input shaft. The control plate has a system of interconnected slots into which a gear selector pin, which is secured to the gear selector shaft, is fitted. The slot system corresponds to the conventional shifting pattern over which the vehicle operator exercises control. The control plate serves to positively restrain erratic movement of the selector shaft that could cause damage to the transmission. A second embodiment provides for the gear selector shift control pattern to be secured to the selector shaft and its movement to be controlled by the movement of that pattern about the position of the selector pin.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine such as an automatic assembly machine is disclosed which includes a work station which can include linear motion devices and rotary motion devices. A conveyor system is disclosed for transporting a workpiece to and from the work station, and positioning means are disclosed for precisely positioning the workpiece to the work station.

Abstract: A safety device for blocking out a portion of a transmission gear shift pattern to prevent a transmission gear shift lever from being inadvertently placed into a particular position. A spring-biased release latch is used to physically block off the gear position thereby preventing the gear shift lever from entering that position. In order to enter this gear position, the vehicle operator must first manually pivot the spring-biased latch. Upon removing the gearshift lever from this position after being placed therein, the release latch will spring back into place to again block off that gear position.

Abstract: The device retains the ejection seat arm/dearm lever in safe position to allow the seat to be tilted safely for required maintenance and repair work. A bolt positioned through a clearance hole in an inverted U-shaped base member engages threads in the ejection seat structure. An upstanding brace extends upward from one end of the base member at an angle to abut the seat ejection arming lever to physically block and prevent its movement into the armed position. The bolt is retained in the base member by a cotter pin through the body of the bolt under the head to allow turning while preventing separation from the base.

Abstract: A lock assembly for a transmission gear shift lever that uses a detent latch-type lock pivotably mounted to a support structure adjacent to the transmission gear shift lever. Upon rotation of the latch, a locking arm is mated with the gear shift lever thereby securing it in the neutral position. The lock functions primarily as a safety device to hold the gear shift lever of the vehicle's transmission in a neutral position thereby preventing damage or bodily injury that could occur if the shift lever is accidentally or unintentionally jarred thereby placing the transmission into gear.

Abstract: A latching device for insertion into a gas dispensing nozzle between the dispensing handle and the handle guard member, the latch having shoulders for seating between these members and for holding the dispensing handle in one of at least two fixed positions, the latch device further having at least two sets of such shoulders for utilization with gasoline dispensing nozzles of at least two different styles and sizes, the latching device being portable and removable from the gasoline dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A spacer is used to set the running clearance between parts in a power transmitting device. The power transmitting device contains a housing, a shaft rotatably mounted in the housing and a ring gear mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith. The ring gear is capable of deflecting in an axial direction under load. A stop member, fixed to the housing, is positioned to have one end adjacent one side of the ring gear. The stop member is installed to be in abutting contact with the ring gear. The spacer is formed of a material capable of wearing away when contacted by the rotating ring gear to produce a gap of a predetermined thickness between one end of the stop member and the ring gear. The one end of the stop member will prevent the ring gear from deflecting axially under load a distance greater than the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A supporting and holding device for maintaining gasoline pump handles in the raised, open position without the necessity of manual assistance. Said holding device comprises a longitudinal, insertable member adapted to be conformably placed, on a temporary basis, between the lower frontal part of the pivotally movable handle member and the upper inside portion of the bottom member of the frame supporting the handle apparatus. Said holding device comprises a longitudinally extending frontal portion on its one end, which frontal portion is configured over its upper surface in an appropriate shape to conformingly lie between the bottom of the handle member and the frame, as stated, in a supportive fashion to keep the handle raised in the open position without requiring the usual manual assistance.

Abstract: A safety throttle lever for use on hand-held tools which lever has two operational modes, the first a tool non-operating mode, the second a tool operating mode. Cam-like means are arranged to restrict and guide the lever into the second operational mode when manual effort is applied to the lever. A spring means returns the lever to first operational mode when manual effort is released on the lever.

Abstract: A shift control mechanism is provided for a transmission or the like. The control mechanism prevents the transmission from being shifted directly from a forward speed to reverse or vice versa. A shift lever of the transmission engages a slider when shifting between a reverse position and a neutral position or between a forward position and the neutral position. The slider is mounted in a guide on a lockout plate with the slider being limited in movement to prevent the shift lever from moving beyond the next adjacent position of the transmission in any single motion. Thus, the transmission must always be shifted into neutral when shifting between forward and reverse.

Abstract: A positioning device with a pivotable positioning member. The positioning member comprises a guide lug spaced from and parallel to its pivot axis, the guide lug having a head portion which may be introduced into an enlarged end of a guideway in a support but which maintains the positioning member parallel to the pivot axis. An abutment prevents the guide lug from re-entering the enlarged end of the guideway. A strip integrally formed with the positioning member has a protruding portion which bears against one side of the support tensioning the strip. The pivotal mounting is afforded by co-operable detents including a pivot pin (e.g. on the support) with a tapered end which snaps into an aperture defined by a pair of integrally formed flexible strips (e.g. on the positioning member). The oblong aperture permits the pivot pin to shift therein as the pointer at the other end of the positioning member undergoes substantially rectilinear displacement.

Abstract: A shift mechanism for the gears of a transmission is disclosed having a pivotally mounted bushing assembly. The bushing assembly defines an aperture. Positioned in adjacent, spaced apart relationship to the bushing assembly is means for selectively engaging one of a plurality of gears in a transmission. A shift lever is rotatably positioned in the aperture in the bushing assembly. One end of the shift lever is adapted for drivingly engaging the means for selectively engaging one of a plurality of gears in a transmission, whereby rotating the shift lever selects the gear in the transmission and pivoting the shift lever engages the selected gear in the transmission.

Abstract: A linear-rotary translator includes a pair of parallel, planar plates spaced apart and held by bolts having eccentric bodies. A drive shaft parallel to the bolts is journalled in the plates and is adapted to engage an operated device related to the plates. A pair of drive forks on the drive shaft straddle a drive rod between the plates and engage rollers extending from a block on the drive piston rod and disposed between the drive forks and reciprocable in rectilinear slots in the plates. The drive rod extends from a piston-cylinder arrangement pivoted to and located in part between the plates. If desired, a spring rod also engages the block, extends through a spacer pivoted between the plates and cooperates with spring discs arranged on the spring rod.

Abstract: A shift lever device for use with a bicycle comprises a bracket having a pair of spaced walls, a stepped slide shaft slidably mounted on the bracket and formed with a plurality of stepwise reduced cylindrical sections of different diameter, a push-button mounted to one end of the slide shaft, a coil spring interposed between the push-button and one of the pair of walls for urging the slide shaft in one direction, and a lever pivotally mounted on a support shaft supported by the bracket. A base portion of the lever is interposed between the pair of spaced walls and provided with a contact surface which is operatively contactable with a selected one of the plurality of stepwise reduced cylindrical sections of the stepped slide shaft.

Abstract: A governor and decelerator control linkage has two shafts (16 and 17) journalled in a housing (10) and a one-way coupling (18) permits rotation of the second shaft (17) either independently of the first shaft (16) or as a result of rotation of the first shaft (16). A lever (19) fixed to the second shaft (17) may be moved between first and second limit positions by moving a lever (24) on the first shaft (16) or may be moved between the first limit position and an intermediate position by moving a third lever (28-29) which is mounted on a third shaft (27).

Abstract: A safety interlock for power tools for preventing inadvertent operation of the tool; the interlock must be moved before the tool control throttle can be actuated.

Abstract: A safety selector switch for preventing accidental energization of an eleical circuit. A plurality of annular discs, each having a cut-out portion in its periphery, are mounted on a shaft of an electrical component, such as a rotary switch. A second shaft is provided which is translatable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the electrical component, and an arm is provided on said second shaft and is selectively positionable in each cut-out portion of said annular discs to limit rotation of the shaft of the electrical component. Continued rotation of the shaft of the electrical component can only be made by alternately rotating said shaft of said electrical component and translating said second shaft to move said arm to a cut-out portion of an adjacent annular disc.

Abstract: A gasoline pump handle insert for wedging the pump handle lever in a pump open condition. A shank, offset to one side supports spaced protrusions on one end and spaced bosses on the other to form respective bights to engage the pump handle and lever. A clip with a sharp edge for scraping windshield ice and a holder for pencils and pens also can be provided.

Abstract: A safety device for use with a forklift having an elevatable carriage, a vertical guide for the carriage, and a horizontal cross bar mounted on the guide, the device having a pair of members spaced to provide a slot dimensioned for fitted engagement with the cross bar and a portion projecting from the members for supporting the carriage in elevated relation on the guide when the device is in such fitted engagement with the cross bar.

Abstract: A limit stop assembly for use with a linear actuator in a sealed magnetic disc drive which establishes inner and outer limits of travel and provides shock absorption for the pickup heads and carriage at the limits of travel. The assembly is mounted on an adjustable seat in a wall of the actuator. A first stop member is threadably attached to the seat, a second stop member is positioned about the first member, and a spring yieldably biases the second stop member away from the stop surface of the first member. A cup shaped member is positioned about the stop surface of the first member and is yieldably biased by the spring. The first stop member extends through a hole in the second stop member, and a shoulder of the first member limits the travel of the second stop member. Adjustment of the stop positions is accomplished by movement of the seat and the first member within the seat.

Abstract: A twist-grip cable control having cable movement parallel to the axis of the twist-grip rotation. A bell-crank lever is pivotally mounted within a housing with the inner portion of a Bowden cable connected to one arm of the lever. The other arm of the lever operatively engages a pin or finger member radially extending, fixedly mounted on a rotatable twist-grip sleeve. A guide is formed within a portion of the housing to receive the pin member and to limit the rotation of the sleeve. The device includes anchor means for securing one cable of the Bowden cable to the housing permitting the other cable to move relative to the anchored cable.

Abstract: A throttle synchronizer for quickly and accurately setting and resetting each of the separate throttle valve control levers of plural internal combustion engines at a selected engine operating speed, with accurate and automatic synchronization of the engines at the selected lever setting. Adjustable throttle lever stops limit advance movement of the levers to the selected lever setting. The throttle lever stops are mounted on a transverse yoke, which is adjustable slidably relative to the paths of movement of the levers, so as to selectively locate the stops at any lever setting desired. The yoke is mounted slidably on a support located adjacent the levers, and a locking screw is utilized to secure the yoke in a selected position on the support. The throttle synchronizer is particularly useful on twin engine power boats having twin propellers, each driven by its own internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A brake control device for a bicycle is disclosed having main and auxiliary levers which are pivoted to a bracket fixed to the handle bar of a bicycle. The levers are mounted to be swingable independently of one another to swingingly move a wire hook which is integral with the auxiliary lever and which anchors one end of a brake control wire. The main lever is provided with an engaging member for swinging the wire hook upon main lever operation and between the engaging member and wire is provided an adjusting bolt for adjusting the relative position of the wire hook and engaging member. Adjustment of the adjusting bolt controls the distance between the grip portion of the auxiliary lever and the portion of the handle bar opposite thereto. An adjustment of the distance between the main lever and the portion of the handle bar opposite it can also be effected through the provision of an adjustable ratchet mechanism provided in association with the main lever.

Abstract: A worm gear set (12) particularly adapted for use as a valve actuator (10) includes a stop mechanism (14) having a blocking member (32) and a stop (34) that cooperate to terminate rotation of the worm (18) thereof in order to limit the extent of rotation of the gear (22) driven by the worm while preventing lockup due to excessive torque applied to the worm. An actuator (36) on the gear preferably moves the blocking member from a nonblocking position to a blocking position as the gear approaches an extreme of rotary movement whereupon the stop which is mounted on the worm is engaged by further worm rotation with the blocking member to terminate worm rotation and thereby limit the extent of gear rotation.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for use with automatic gas dispensing nozzles of the type having a handle and having an actuating lever. Typically the actuating lever is curved to be grasped by the user's fingers. In full service stations a latch is provided on the handle for latching the actuating lever in any one of three different positions wherein there are different rates of flow from the nozzle to accomodate different types of cars. Typically the nozzle shuts off automatically when the tank fills up. The article is used at self service pumps with nozzles not equipped with such a latch. The article is a holder member, preferably of triangular configuration, shaped to fit between the curved part of the actuating lever and a part of the nozzle handle to hold the lever in actuated position. The article is shaped to have three positions for holding the actuating lever, in any one of its three operating positions.

Abstract: First and second elongated members are provided including pairs of remote and adjacent ends. The adjacent ends of the members are supported from each other for relative longitudinal shifting of the members to extend and retract the remote ends thereof. Structure is provided for releasably securing the members in adjusted shifted positions and the remote ends of the members define endwise outwardly opening and transversely extending generally parallel notches for embracingly receiving the parallel trigger lever and trigger guard of a service station fuel supply hose nozzle when the elongated members are disposed therebetween.