Towmotor Corporation

James G Blaha

John E Wible

Grant C Melocik

Richard C Maher

John R Dineen

PCT No. PCT/US79/00026 Sec. 371 Date Jan. 18, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Jan. 18, 1979, PCT Filed Jan. 18, 1979 PCT Pub. No. W080/01505 PCT Pub. Date July 24, 1980. A seal (16) is positioned to prevent entry of foreign matter through an annular opening (26) between first and second members (12,14). The first and second members (12,14) are, for example, a stationary backing plate (20) and a rotatable hub (22) of a brake assembly (24) or a rotatable shaft and associated housing element. Foreign matter passing between the backing plate (20) and the hub (22), for example, can enter an associated brake drum (30) and interfere with effectiveness of the brake assembly (24). Apparatus (72) connects the seal (16) to the backing plate (20). The seal (16) has first and second legs (38,40) each having a sealing surface (58,60). The sealing surface contact a face (68) and outer surface (66) of the hub (22), respectively, to substantially block passage of foreign matter to the brake drum (30).

Seal and seal assembly

A seal (16) is positioned to prevent entry of foreign matter through an annular opening (26) between first and second members (12,14). The first and second members (12,14) are, for example, a stationary backing plate (20) and a rotatable hub (22) of a brake assembly (24) or a rotatable shaft and associated housing element. Foreign matter passing between the backing plate (20) and the hub (22), for example, can enter an associated brake drum (30) and interfere with effectiveness of the brake assembly (24). Apparatus (67) connects the seal (16) to the backing plate (20). The seal (16) has first and second legs (38,40) each having a sealing surface (58,60). The sealing surfaces contact a face (94) and outer surface (92) of the hub (22), respectively, to substantially block passage of foreign matter to the brake drum (30).

Seal

A fluid power system (10) for a lift truck (18) has a movable steering device (12) and a valve (14) which moves in response to movement of the steering device (12) a preselected amount to supply fluid power for steering the lift truck (18). Apparatus (30) is provided for controllably supplying fluid power to the valve (14) prior to the valve (14) moving to supply fluid power for steering. The apparatus (30) eliminates delay between the moving of the valve (14) and the availability of fluid power at the valve (14) to insure quick, responsive steering.

Fluid power system

A directional control lever and horn actuating arrangement is disclosed including a frame, a directional control lever assembly pivotally supported on the frame, a horn, an interrupted electrical circuit including a source of electricity which is selectively coupled to the horn for operation thereof, and a horn actuating mechanism supported by the control lever assembly and movable therewith which is disposed in communication with the electrical circuit and adapted to be manually positioned to complete the circuit and actuate the horn.

Directional control lever and horn actuating arrangement

A hydraulic circuit including a single pump and a plurality of control valves for communicating actuating fluid to the separate hydraulic motors from the single pump includes a synchronizing unit for initiating and terminating operation of the pump in response to operation of any of the control valves, the synchronizing unit including a pivotable gang plate adjustably mounting cam shoes separately associated with synchronizing levers connected to actuating elements for each of the control valves, the single gang plate thus being movable in response to operation of any one of the valves in order to initiate or terminate operation of the pump in closely synchronized relation to positioning of any one of the control valves to communicate the pump with one of the motors.

Growing community of inventors

Painesville, OH, United States of America

James G Blaha