A centrifugal compressor (10/110) or a centripetal turbine (76) having coaxially aligned, relatively rotatable rotors (12,112,212/14,114,214) mounting a plurality of blades (30,32,34,36,38/130/230) having variable radial extension from a central axis (15). The blades closer to the center of rotation of the rotors are operated at high speeds so to maximize their gas treating effect while rotating the larger diameter blades (40,42,44/132,232) at lower speeds commensurate with their stress capabili...

A recoil damper (10) for a reciprocating member (12) mounted in a housing (24) includes a annular ring (38,138) mounted adjacent a shoulder (28) formed on the reciprocation member, the annular ring (38,138) mounted in a viscous fluid interior of the housing. The annular ring (38,138) cooperates with the shoulder (28) of the reciprocating member (12) to allow a relatively free flow of the viscous fluid around the shoulder (28) upon motion of the reciprocating member (12) in one direction and to r...

Hydrostatic transmissions are commonly employed in the drive train of earthmoving and industrial vehicles. It is difficult to stop some such vehicles at a precise location on a slope due to the presence of a delay valve included in the controls for delaying application of a friction brake until the vehicle has been stopped by the hydrostatic transmission. In the present control system, a manual control valve (74) is moved to a first operative position and a hand control lever (25) is manipulated...

A compact nutating traction drive transmission is disclosed having particular utility in a vehicle as a steering differential. The transmission includes an input body rotatable about a central axis, first and second cone-like members rotatably mounted on the body on an inclined axis, and a pair of traction rings reacting against the respective cone-like members. A first embodiment includes a tubular shaft and a solid main shaft which are rotatably mounted and pilotably interconnected along the i...

A mounting bracket (14,14') for attaching an axle housing (10) to a frame (16,16') includes a rigid column structure (26,26') attached to each of a front (22) and a rear side (24) of the axle housing (10) and having a longitudinal opening (30,30'), a plate (40,40') arranged above and below the column structures and axle housing, and threaded fasteners (50,52) which extend through the upper plate (40,40'), lower plate (40,40'), and frame (16,16'). The plates (40,40') are each attached only to the...

The present cooling system provides a limited flow rate to the clutches during disengagement and provides additional cooling flow to the clutches during partial engagement and controls the pressure level of the fluid from the source of cooling fluid by operation of a valve mechanism which is responsive to a control mechanism. Upon full engagement, the valve mechanism automatically reduces the volume of cooling fluid to the clutches and simultaneously reduces the pressure level of the cooling flo...

An apparatus for selectively holding a door of a vehicle in a plurality of discrete positions. The apparatus includes a rod reciprocatably disposed within a body fixedly attached to the door. The rod is insertable into a plurality of openings within a bracket fixedly attached to the cab of the vehicle.

A vehicle transfer gear and drive line brake mechanism (16) includes a depending gear transfer train (22) having a rotatable shaft (36) and an output gear (28) connected to the shaft (36). A drive line brake assembly (40) is operatively associated with the shaft (36) on a lower axis (30) and a housing (58,118,120) is provided for defining an enclosed compartment (116) for containing them and a common lubricating fluid. A baffle element (186) divides the enclosed compartment (116) into a brake ch...

A control mechanism (14) associated with a tractor operators seat (110) and an arm rest (112) is disclosed which includes a steering selector apparatus (116) having an upstanding member (134) and a tiller arm (118) extending outwardly therefrom. The tiller arm (118) is advantageously located immediately forwardly of the arm rest (112) and has a mounting portion (142) and hand grip portion (144) that can be easily grasped by an operator's downwardly facing hand palm. A support assembly (136) pivo...

A method and apparatus for laterally severing an asphalt layer to form a ribbon, separating the asphalt ribbon from an underlying base, elevating the separated asphalt ribbon, and fracturing the elevated asphalt ribbon by bending same. A cutting member having a leading edge which is insertable between the asphalt ribbon and base provides separation thereof along a lateral line. A ramp and elevating structure elevatingly guide the separated asphalt ribbon into a pair of breaker drums which are ro...