Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Caterpillar Inc.

Duane R Smith

R Paul Cobb

Richard G Davenport

In order to overcome the disadvantage of overspinning of a winch drum when a disconnect device adjacent the drum is disengaged, a drag brake apparatus is provided for limitedly restricting the rotation of the drum when an actuator having a braking element is continually urged against the drum by a spring. A control mechanism includes a control lever assembly movable to operate a hydraulic valve assembly for the primary control of the winch drum, and movable to operate an associated valve for controllably directing pressurized fluid to the actuator for supplementing the spring force. Thus, a first drag brake mode can be attained for substantially freespool operation of the drum, and a second drag brake mode can be attained for controlled load dropping operation of the drum.

Winch drag brake apparatus

The hydraulic control system including an accumulator includes a safety connecting means for connecting the accumulator to the system so that partial disengagement of the connecting means automatically vents the accumulator to the sump of the hydraulic system.

Accumulator drain

A wheel rim assembly comprises a pair of annular rim sections each having a rim flange secured on an outboard end thereof for retaining an air-inflated tire thereon. A pair of back-to-back mounting flanges extend radially inwardly from inboard ends of the rim sections and are bolted together. One of the mounting flanges preferably extends radially inwardly beyond the other mounting flange and is adapted to be bolted to an axle hub of a vehicle. At least two latch means are mounted on peripheral portions of the rim sections to straddle the same for releasably attaching them together. Carrying forth the method of this invention, the tire is first deflated whereby a tool may be inserted through an opening formed through one of the rim sections to release the latch means to provide for separation of the rim sections upon release of the bolts.

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Oswego, IL, United States of America

Duane R Smith