Abstract: A cam control between a brake pedal and an adjusting lever for actuating a locking device for a selector lever of an automatically shifting change gear is so designed that the moments resulting on the brake pedal from the actuation of the locking device are approximately zero in a narrow pivot-angle range of the brake pedal which contains the position of rest.

Abstract: A portable vehicle throttle lock which includes a base member having opposite end portions. An accelerator pedal engagement means is formed in or connected adjacent to one of the opposing ends of the base member and a brake pedal engagement means is formed in or connected adjacent to the remaining opposing base member end. Also included are means for adjustably lengthening or shortening the base member. In operation the throttle lock is engaged between the brake and accelerator pedals of a conventional motor vehicle. An operator may lengthen the throttle lock via the adjustable lengthening means in order to adjust the rate of engine shaft rotation. The throttle lock may be manufactured and installed such that an operator may return the engine to idle by simple depressing the accelerator pedal thereby causing the throttle lock to disengage.

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: A vehicle foot pedal actuator device is adapted for both depressing a vehicle foot pedal and returning the pedal to its normal position. The actuator device includes a variable length extension assembly adapted to be connected between the vehicle driver's seat and the pedal to be actuated. A drive arrangement is adapted for extending and retracting the extension assembly, and a control system having a moveable remote control unit is adapted for controlling the operation of the actuator from various positions around the vehicle where maintenance and repair work may be performed. The extension assembly preferably includes an elongated extension housing tube adapted to receive an elongated extension member that may be extended and retracted in a telescoping fashion to vary the length of the assembly.

Abstract: A switching mechanism for driving a self-propelling agricultural machine, particularly a harvester thresher, comprises a switching lever arranged to assume a switching-off position actuated by a spring force and a fixed abutment, and a switching-on position actuated against a spring force, and mechanical means for obtaining a fixed position of the switching lever, the switching lever being arranged so that it is movable both for obtaining the switching-on position and also for unlocking the switching lever from the fixed position in a same direction.

Abstract: A dead-man lever control system for apparatus such as a snow blower or lawnmower includes a latch and key arrangement connected to the levers which permits the levers to be operated independently or conjointly, and which also permits one lever to be locked out by the other. Provision may be made for the locked-out lever to over-ride the lock-out by applying a greater than normal force to the lever.

Abstract: A pedal actuator in which a pedal 10 is movable by the application of foot pressure between raised and depressed positions to actuate a device such as a vehicle differential lock 11 via an operating device 12,13,14,16. The pedal is biased towards its raised position, and a holding device 24 is provided for maintaining the pedal in its depressed position. The holding device comprises a cam follower 33 connected with the operating means for co-movement therewith and a cam 32 for co-operation with the follower. The cam includes a first cam path 34 along which the follower 33 is moved as the pedal is moved from its raised to its depressed position, a holding position 35 in which the cam follower is held by the bias 21 to hold the pedal it its depressed position, and a second cam path 36 along which the follower moves under the action of the bias as the pedal rises from its depressed position to its raised position.

Abstract: A parking brake device adapted to be attached to a vehicle including a clutch lever on a handlebar such as a three- or four-wheeled buggy, wherein a parking brake is arranged coaxially with respect to the clutch lever; a lock arm is provided, which is formed at its free end with a lock hole for holding a parking brake lever in its braking position; and upper and lower pins are respectively inserted into upper and lower pin holders of a slitted sleeve mounted on the parking brake lever. The upper pin is pushed to engage the lower pin with the clutch lever and rotate therewith the parking brake lever by manipulation of the clutch lever, so that the slit on the parking brake lever is advanced into the free end of the lock arm to hold the parking brake in its braking position by the upper pin fitted into the lock hole in the lock arm.

Abstract: A lockable pedal arrangement having an operating pedal (14) which is movable between raised and depressed positions to perform a function such as the operation of a differential lock in a vehicle such as a tractor. The pedal is pivotally mounted on an operating member (10) and latching means (21a) associated with the pedal are engageable with fixed latching formation (21b) on movement of the pedal to its depressed position and pivoting of the pedal relative to the operating member. Detent means (17,19) at between the pedal (14) and the operating member (10) to hold the pedal in its pivoted position relative to the operating member (10) to maintain the latching means (21a) and latching formation (21b) in engagement and thus hold the operating member (10) in its depressed position.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the range of movement of a linearly movable control handle is disclosed which is particularly suited for embodiment in association with a control console through which the control handle extends. The arrangement includes a handle guide adapted to be mounted on and beneath the control console cover for limited rotational movement. This rotational movement allows the guide to be selectively positioned to control the range of linear movement of the control handle. In a first position of the guide, the control handle is retained against linear movement in a neutral position. In a second position of the guide, the control handle is operable through a range of limited linear movement, while in a third position of the guide the control handle is operable through a range of relatively greater linear movement.

Abstract: A reversible torque hand crank or lever for machine tools comprises a generally elongated cylindrically outlined hub having a blind bore located axially in the mounting face of the hub for mounting the hub fixedly to a feed mechanism shaft of the machine. The end of the hub opposite the mounting face has a generally flat lever mounting face substantially parallel to the hub mounting face. An arm guide channel having parallel arm support side walls and oppositely disposed symmetrical straight bottom walls which walls are sloped from the apex to form guide arm support planes depending outwardly at an obtuse angle to the hub faces is located diametrically and transversely on said hub.A pair of oppositely disposed hub bearing bores are transversely located in said hub perpendicular to said channel at its apex.

Abstract: A control arrangement is disclosed which is particularly suited for selective operation of a reciprocable member, such as the valve spool of a hydraulic power takeoff valve on a material handling implement. The arrangement includes a handle bracket which is adapted to be mounted in association with the hydraulic valve, and further includes a control handle adapted for releasable connection with the spool of the valve. The movement of the handle is guided by the handle bracket such that in a first position of the handle with respect to the valve spool, the handle can be positioned within a detent notch in the bracket for maintaining the valve spool out of its neutral position in opposition to its associated centering springs. The control handle can further be connected to the control member in a second position. In this second position, the handle is no longer receivable within the detent notch, thus requiring continued manipulation of the handle to maintain the valve spool out of its center, neutral position.

Abstract: A control device for a two stage derailleur comprising a control lever supported swingably around a first lever shaft between first and second speed change positions and which is biased always toward the first speed change position, and a release lever which holds the control lever in the second speed change position and which is operable to release the control lever. The release lever is supported to a second lever shaft perpendicular to the first lever shaft to thereby allow the control lever and release lever to operate perpendicularly to each other.

Abstract: A jacket securable to the accelerator foot pedal of a truck cab has a slotted plate on the top thereof. A threaded rod having one end pivotably carried by the fire wall of the cab is receivable within the slot. A nut is threadedly received on the free end of the rod and an abutment member is carried by the rod intermediate the nut and the pivoted end. When the rod is positioned within the slot the abutment member may be disposed against the face of the plate remote from the fire wall, and when so disposed rotation of the nut will control depression of the pedal and thus the idle speed of the engine of the truck so that the idle speed may be increased when the truck is stationary in extreme temperature environments.

Abstract: To provide the pilot with the "feel" that he is inadvertently moving his cyclic control stick from its midposition when the helicopter is on the ground, and thereby possibly changing the rotor plane from a safe to an unsafe position for ground personnel, a restraint member is provided which includes an over-center spring, and which may be pivoted from its stowed position into an operable position where it bears against the cyclic stick so midpositioned. The over-center spring thereof offers resistance to cyclic stick motion if the pilot inadvertently begins to move the stick forward or laterally of its midposition, but the spring biasing force can readily be overcome by the pilot by manually pushing the cyclic stick forward and thereby cause the restraint member to move to its stowed position.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for simultaneously shutting off or opening two gas supplies comprises two valve bodies for mounting a distance apart from each other. Each body has an internal conduit therethrough for the passage of gas. A lift valve within each conduit closes or opens the conduit with reciprocation of the valve. The lift valve has a valve stem engagable externally from each valve body. A pair of spaced-apart, parallel shafts are rotatably journalled at each end in apertures in the valve bodies and are axially slidable within the apertures, permitting the distance between the valve bodies to be varied. A first lever is connected to a first of the shafts and has a member connected thereto for engaging the valve stems, and a detent. A second lever is connected to a second of the shafts and has a notch for engaging the detent when the first lever is pivotted from a shut-off position to an open position where the member engages the valve stems to open the lift valves.

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 planter to be towed that includes a frame supported, rotatably mounted furrow forming disks that are arranged to substantially contact each other at the approximate point of entry into the soil and diverge apart rearwardly and upwardly, a seed tube for depositing seed into the furrow, a pair of rotatable gauge wheels having supports that individually and pivotally connect the wheels to the frame with each wheel being located generally adjacent an outer surface of a disk, furrow closing structure mounted rearwardly of the disks and gauge wheels, gauge wheel adjustment structure including a lever pivotally mounted on said frame and having one end adapted to engage and move the wheel supports, a slide for moving the other end of the lever, a plate having a plurality of equally spaced holes, a handle resiliently mounted on the slide and having structure to engage the holes to set and maintain furrow depth and adjustment structure for movably mounting the plate on the frame wherein when the disks and wheels cont

Abstract: A control lever 10 is restrained in a neutral position through the interaction of a perforated hinged plate 24 with a horizontal rod 16 extending from said control lever 10. The hinged plate 24 is provided with a spring 44 to urge the plate into engagement with the upwardly extending end portion 20 of the rod 16 attached to the control lever 10. The hinged plate 24 is provided with a cutout 48 having a depth greater than the diameter of the control lever to prevent transverse movement of the control lever 10 when the plate 24 is in a restraining position. The spring 44 also urges the hinged plate 24 into disengaged over center position when the lever restraint is in a disengaged mode.

Abstract: Actuation of a valve is prevented under certain circumstances wherein an axially reciprocable stem connected to the valve has shoulders thereon, which shoulders are selectively engageable by shiftable blocking bars.

Abstract: A control lever 10 is restrained in a neutral position through the interaction of a perforated hinged plate 24 with a horizontal rod 16 extending from said control lever 10. The hinged plate 24 is provided with a spring 44 to urge the plate 24 into engagement with the upwardly extending end portion 20 of the rod 16 attached to the control lever 10. The spring 44 also urges the hinged plate 24 into a disengaged over-center position when the lever trap is in a disengaged mode.

Abstract: A shift gate 22 allowing movement of a control lever 12 in a fore and aft plane is provided with a pivotable plate 46 having a recess 60 located in the midsection of said pivotable plate corresponding to a neutral position of a control lever. The control lever 12 will be locked in neutral when the pivotable plate is swung into position and an attached security knob 56 draws the pivotable plate 46 into a restrained position.

Abstract: A handle bar for a power operated machine has two operating positions in inverted relation to one another. A forward and reverse drive control is mounted on the handle bar for movement in each handle bar position from a neutral position toward and away from an operator into reverse and forward operative positions respectively for actuating a power transmission to effect machine movement in corresponding reverse and forward directions.

Abstract: A quick release locking device to hold a tiller arm of a sailing boat is disclosed. The device allows a helmsman to engage or disengage the locking mechanism almost instantaneously with one hand, and also allows the tiller arm to be locked in any position. The device comprises two rope attachment anchors, one at each side of the boat, positioned an equi-distance from the rudder axis, rope locking device located on the underside of the tiller arm which includes two opposing cam detents to positively grip the rope, flexible rope tautly strung between the two attachment anchors passing through the rope locking device, quick release control lever located on the tiller arm and a connection between the control lever and the rope locking device such that depression of the control lever releases the rope from the locking device allowing the tiller arm to rotate as desired, and release of the control lever grips the rope in the locking device preventing the tiller arm from rotating.

Abstract: An apparatus providing means for locking the controls of construction machinery in a safe position. Implements are maintained in a preset position safe from inadvertant control activation by an operator controlled locking gate which engages the control activating linkages when they are in a neutral position. A single locking gate may be used to lock several controls and unlocking, controlled by the operator, unlocks all of the previously locked controls.

Abstract: A movable linkage has a surface of travel in which a generally V-shaped notch with edges is formed. A rotatable cam follower has first and second sides meeting to form a corner that fits in the notch. One of the sides of the cam follower is urged by a spring against the surface of travel of the linkage. The spring force acts in a direction transverse to one side of the notch and along the other surface of the notch. An arcuate concave relief on the first side of the cam follower adjacent to the corner is shaped to embrace one edge of the notch without such edge bottoming on the cam follower as the corner of the cam follower enters the notch.

Abstract: A control mechanism for shifting the differential lock mechanism of a vehicle between unlocked and locked positions. The differential lock is hydraulically operated and is controlled by a two position hydraulic valve. A control link extends from the hydraulic valve to the control mechanism. When the control link is disposed in a retracted position the differential lock will be disposed in an unlocking position, and when the control link is disposed in an extended position the differential lock will be in its locking position. The control mechanism includes a pivoted cam-like member and a pivoted catch member provided with cooperating surfaces, biasing means operable to bias the cam-like member to a retracted position and actuator means operable to shift the cam-like member away from its retracted position through engaged and stop positions to a release position.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to a changeable gate plate means for use with lever control devices which have a mounting plate with an opening therein through which the lever arm of the control devices passes. The changeable gate plate means of the present invention comprises a cover means adapted to mount on said mounting plate of the control device and includes an opening therein substantially co-extensive with the opening in the mounting plate. The cover plate includes a gate plate receiving means located adjacent said opening for removably positioning a gate plate at said opening. The gate plate is positioned within the cover opening and receiving means and includes at least one detent in which the lever arm may travel. Means are included for mounting said cover to the mounting plate to complete the assembly in cooperation with the lever control device.

Abstract: A manual actuator for a multifunction system including a lever having a manually grippable handle, a first mounting element mounting the lever for movement along a first axis between first and second positions, a second mounting element mounting the first mounting element, and thus the lever, for movement along a second axis intersecting the first axis so that the lever is movable between third and fourth positions, and a detent mechanism carried by the first mounting element and movable therewith along the second axis for holding the lever in at least one of the first and second positions.

Abstract: A movable linkage has a surface of travel in which a generally V-shaped notch with edges is formed. A rotatable cam follower has first and second sides meeting to form a corner that fits in the notch. One of the sides of the cam follower is urged by a spring against the surface of travel of the linkage. The spring force acts in a direction transverse to one side of the notch and along the other surface of the notch. An arcuate concave relief on the first side of the cam follower adjacent to the corner is shaped to embrace one edge of the notch without such edge bottoming on the cam follower as the corner of the cam follower enters the notch.

Abstract: Apparatus for locking and holding structures to one another in a releasable manner, including a separable element which may be fastened to each of the structures. One of the elements may be a generally spherical member, similar to the ball fixture utilized in cooperation with a trailer hitch. The other fixture includes a housing with a dual-acting or compound motion mechanism pivotally mounted therein. The mechanism may comprise a gate having a locking surface which cooperates with a locking seat in the housing to receive and lock the spherical element therebetween. A locking mechanism may be movably mounted on the gate to limit the movement of the latter as well as to fix it in the locking position.

Abstract: A control linkage for controlling operation of a control valve of a remote hydraulically operated device is mounted in a vehicle cab and includes a control lever located between the vehicle seat and a door to the cab so as to be within easy reach of a seated operator. When in a normal working position, the lever is located such that it may present an obstacle to operator entry and exit and may be accidently bumped so as to effect actuation of the control valve.