US2456879A

US2456879A - Loader machine

Info

Publication number: US2456879A
Application number: US640545A
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph B Kucera
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1946-01-11
Filing date: 1946-01-11
Publication date: 1948-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 1965-12-21

Description

J. B. KUCERA LOADER MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jose?? Dec. 2l, 1948.

Filed Jan. 11, 1946 Dec. 2l, 1948. J. s. Kucl-:RA 2,456,879

LOADER MACHINE Filed Jan. 1l, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 $1/ @f/M2M@ Dec. 2l, 1948. J. B. KUCERA 2,456,879

LOADER MACHINE Filed Jan. 11. 194e 4 sheets-sheet s Dec. 21, 1948. J. B. KUCERA 2,456,879

LODER MACHINE Filed Jan. 1l. 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented 2l, Y19.48

UNITED STATES -PATENT OFFICE LOADER MACHINE Joseph B. Kucera, Traer, Iowa Application January 11, 1946, Serial No. Z640,545

5 Claims'.

This invention relates generally to loader machines and in particular to a loader attachment for a tractor adapted to handle dirt, manure, `hay and the like.

An object of this invention is to provide'an improved loader machine.

A further object of this invention is to provide a tractor loader attachment of a vconstruction such that it can be easily removed from and assembled on a tractor by one man with a minimum of time and effort.

Another object of this invention is to provide a loader machine in which pivoted lifting arms, pivotally supported on a portable frame and having a scoop supported between their forward ends, are of a construction, such that the scoop, for

a given length of the arms, is movable a greatery distance forwardly of the frame to a dumping provide a loader attachment for a tractor in which pivoted lifting arms, pivotally supported intermediate their ends, carry a scoop between their forward ends and arel connected at-their rear ends with tractor operated means adapted to pivotally move the arms to raise and lower the scoop.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a loader attachment for a tractor which is of a simple and rugged construction, capable of being assembled on the tractor without interfering with the maneuverability of the tractor, with the full visibility oi the tractor operator, or with the usual storage of the tractor, and efficient in operation to quickly load and unload a scoop with a minimum of attention and effort by the tractor operator.

A feature of this invention is found in the provision of a loader attachment for a tractor in which a pair of pivoted lifting arms are provided, intermediate their ends, with upright projections on which the arms are pivotally supported above the tractor rear axle. The front ends of the arms cxtrnd forwardly of the tractor and carry a scoop, while the rear ends of the arms are extended rearwardly of the tractor rear axle. Power operated means at the rear end of the tractor are connected with the rear ends of the arms to pv- A further feature of this invention is found in the provision of a loader attachment for a tractor that the rear sections of the arms' act to counterbalance a part of the load being lifted. Means for raising and lowering the arms are connected to the rear ends ofthe arms to fully utilize the leverage effect of the rear section relative to the pivotal support for. the arms.

Further objects, 'features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a tractor with the loader attachment of this invention assembled thereon, with portions of the tractor being broken away and shown'in section to more clearly show the construction ofthe attachment;

Fig. `2 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 2-2 in Fig. 1 showing the latch mechanism for the scoop;

Fig. 3 is a detail perspective view of a rock arm forming part of the means for raising and lowering the pivoted arms of the loader attachment;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the tractor and attachment assembly shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 5-5 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of the rear end portion of the tractor and attachment assembly shown in Fig. 1; f

Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of the scoop showing the latch mechanism and the assembly of the scoop with the loader lifting arms;

Fig. 8 is a detail perspective view of a connecting member between the forward ends of the lifting arms;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the assembly shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is illustrated similarly to Fig. 1 and shows a modified form of lifting means for the pivoted lifting arms;

Fig. 11 is a. plan view of the lifting means shown in Fig. 10; and

Figs. 12, 13, and 14 are sectional views taken on the lines |2-I2, |3-I3, and II-IL respectively, in Fig. 11. v

With reference to the drawings the lloader attachment of this invention is illustrated in Fig. 1 in assembly relation with la commercial type John Deere tractor, having a frame, indicated generally as 20, a rear axle structure 2l including a differential housing 22 and a rear power take-off shaft 23, rear wheels 24 and front steering wheel 28.

3 The attachment comprises a pair of pivoted lifting arms 21 and 21a (Figs. 1 and 6) arranged at opposite sides of the tractor and of a length such that their forward ends extend forwardly ahead of the tractor, and their rear ends project rearwardly behind the tractor. Since the arms 21 and 21a are of a like construction and similarly assembled with the tractor. only the construction and assembly of the arm 21 will be described in detail. Y

The arm 21 (Fig. 1) includes a main member 29 of a straight length and a pipe construction provided intermediate its ends with an upright plate member 29. A brace member 3|, of a pipe construction, is welded or ptherwise secured to the top side of the plate member 29 and has its opposite ends inclined downwardly from the top of the plate member 29 for junction with the ends of the main member 28. As shown in Fig. 4 the rear ends of the main member 28 and the brace member 3| are of a fiat form and welded to a common plate member 32. The front ends of the members 26 and 9| (Figs. '7 and 9) are of a at form and welded to a plate member 33 extended in a rearward direction longitudinally of and to the inside of the lifting arm 21.

The lifting arm 21 extends across the top of tractor rear axle 2| and ish pivotally supported at a position spaced upwardly from the axle 2| by means including an upright U-shape member 34, having downwardly extended lugs 36 adapted to straddle the axle 2| (Figs. 1 and 6). The lugs 36 are secured to the axle by bolts 31. The arm 21, at the upright plate or projection 29, is received within the U-member 34 and pivotally supported on a pin or bolt member 38 carried in the legs of the U-member 34 and extended through an opening formed in the upright plate 29. It is seen, therefore, that the pivotal support 35 is spaced upwardly from the arm member 28.

Guide members 38 (Fig. 5) -secured to the inner sides of the legs of the bracket 34 and to opposite sides of the plate member 29, are adapted for bearing engagement with the plate 29 to support the lifting arm 21 against lateral tipping movement relative to its pivotal support 35.

The forward ends of the lifting arms 21 and 21a are secured together by a transverse connecting structure (Figs. 7, 8 and 9) including a transverse pipe member 39 secured at its opposite ends to fastening plates 4|. Brace members 42 are connected between the pipe member 39 and the fastening plates 4|. In the assembly of the loader the pipe member 39 is extended between the forward ends of the arms 21 and 21a and the fastening plates 4| are secured to the plate members 33 by bolts 43. By virtue of this detachable connection of the pipe member 39 with the lifting arms 21 and 21a, the arms are adapted to be handled separately in their assembly with and removed from th'e tractor. A scoop 44 is pivotally supported between the arms 21 and 21a, at a position forwardly of the connecting member 39, on pins 46 carried at the front ends of the plate members 33 which are grojected forwardly of the lifting rams 21 and With the arms 21 and 21a pivotally supported on the bolts 35 at positions spaced upwardly from the tractor rear axle 2|, the scoop 44, at its elevated position, is extended forwardly ahead of the tractor a greater distance relative to the distance it would be extended if the member 28 were supported directly on the pivots indicated as 41 in Fig. 1. Thus assuming the lifting arms to be pivoted at 41, the scoop pivots 46, on an upward pivotal movement of the arms would follow an arcuate path indicated in a solid line at A in Fig. 1. However with the lifting arms 21 and 21a pivotally supported at 35 the scoop pivots 46 follow an arcuate path indicated in Fig. 1 by the dotted lines B.

As a result, when the scoop 44 is in its elevated position, shown in dotted rlines in Fig. 1, it is moved farther ahead of the tractor, by avdistance indicated at C, than it would-be moved if the lifting arms were pivoted at 41. For a given length of the lifting arms, 21 an`d 21a, therefore, the scoop 44, at its elevated position, is located farther ahead of the tractor by virtue of the pivotal support of the arms at a position spaced upwardly from the; main arm members 28.

The arms 21 and 21a are raised and lowered by means including a hydraulic power unit, designated generally as 48 (Fig. 4),.of a usual type provided as an attachment for John Deere tractors., The unit 48 is supported `on the tractor rear axle 2| and includes a transverse rock shaft 49 rotatably supported in a tubular housing 5| extended across the top the rear axle structure 2|. Mounted at opposite ends of the rock shaft 49 are a pair. of rearwardly extended rocker arms 52 (Fi-gs. 3 and 4). Each arm 52 has formed in a side thereof adjacent its end 53 a V-shape recess 54 adapted to receive a squared end 56 of the shaft 59. With the squared end 56 within the recess 54 a rocker arm 52 is secured in a fixed position on the shaft 49 by a clamping unit 51.

The rocking of the shaft 49, and in turn a rocking movement of the rocker arms 52, ins accomplished by hydraulically operated means (not shown) formed as a part of the hydraulic power unit 48, and controlled by a pair of foot actuated pedals 12 and 12a which are mounted on a oommon shaft 13 supported in bearings 14 at the top of the housing 5|. The pedal 12 is formed with a rearward extension, which is pivotally connected to the upper end of a rod member 16. The

vlower end of the rod 16 is pivoted to a valve handle 11.

0n an initial depression of either one of the foot pedals 12 and 12a the rocker shaft 49 is hydraulically operated to move the rocker arms 52 in a clockwise direction as Viewed in Fig. 1. On a release of a foot pedal 12 and 12a the rock shaft 49 is held in a fixed position against move- Y ment. When a foot pedal 12 or 12a is depressed a second time the rock shaft 49 is released for free rockable movement. It is seen, therefore, that the rock arms 52 are elevated, held in an elevated position, and then released for lowering by alternately depressing and releasing 4a foot pedal 12 or 12a. Since the operation of the hydraulic power unit 48 is well-known, a further description of its operation is believed to be unnecessary.

Cables or chains 58 are connected at one of their ends 59 with the free or rear ends of the rocker arms 52, and from their ends 59 extend downwardly for travel about pulleys 62, and then upwardly for connection of their ends 63 with the plate members 32 at therear ends of the lifting arms 21 and 21a. The pulleys 62 are rotatably supported in U-shaped brackets 64, arranged at opposite ends of a transverse tractor drawbar 66, which is pivotally supported on bolts 61 carried at the rear end of a supporting structure, indi- Gated generally as 68, and secured at its forward ing 22.A Brace members 1| are connected at one end to the upright U members 34, while their opposite ends are supported on the bolts or pivots On 'a rocking movement of the rock arms 52,

in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, the

cables or lifting, members 58 provide for the aption at the rear ends of the lifting arms 21 and 21a whereby the arms are pivotally moved to raise the scoop 44 to an elevated position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1. The scoop 44 is held in an elevated position when the power unit 48 is operated to hold the rocker arms 52 against :,seaave formed with an upright rock arm 88 the free end of which is connectedto the rear end of a coil `spring 84. The forward end Yof the spring is -se- ,Y

cured at 88 to thejtop side of the brace member 3|. The spring 84 thus acts to yieldabiy move the ,rock shaft 8| iii Aa clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 7, to in turn provide for the movement of the latch member l2'into an, engaging plication of a pulling force in a downward direcposition with the catch member 83.

The latch member82 is released from its engaged position with the catch member 83 on acmovement. When the cables 58 are released by releasing the rocker arms 52 for free rockable movement, the scoop 44 is movable to a lowered position by the action of gravity, whereby the rocker arms 52 are moved by the cable in a coun'- ter-clockwise direction, as also viewed in Fig. 1.

Because the lifting larms 21 and 21a are projected rearwardly from their pivotalsupports 35 the leverage effect of the lifting arm lengths between their rear ends and the pivotal supports 35 is fully utilized in raising the load carried by the scoop 44. It is further apparent that the weight of the lifting arms 21 and 21a, located rearwardly of the arm supports 35, yacts to counter-balance a part of the weight of the arms located forwardly of the pivots 35. The arms 21 and 21a may be completely balanced, relative to their fu'crum or pivot 35 by securing suitable weights to the rear ends of the arms. Since any weight of the lifting arms or any weights secured to the lifting arms, rearwardly of the pivots 35, counter-balances any weight carried on the arms forwardly of the pivots 35, the power required to elevate the scoop-isvreduced in proportion to the balanced condition of the lifting arms.

' The latch mechanism for holding the scoop 44 in a load carrying position includes a rock shaft 8| (Figs. 2, 7, 8 and 9) rotatably supported in a pipe member 88 welded to the top side of the connecting member 38. The inner end of the rock shaft 8| is integrally formed with an upright latch member 82 adapted to releasably engage a catch member 83 projected rearwardly from the back wall 84'oi' the scoop 44. The catch 83 consists of a bolt extended through the

opposite legs

88 and 81 of an upright channel member 88 which is adjustably supported on the scoop back wall 84 by bolts 89 carried in the back wall 84 and extended through slots 9| formed in the base side of the channel member 88, which base side is positioned fiat against the back wall 84 so that the channel is open to the latch member 82. Adjustment of the channel member 88 relative to the scoop back wall 84 provides for an adjustment of the suction or digging action of the scoop during a bucking operation.

As best appears in Figs. 2 and 7 the leg 8B of the channel member 88 has a downward extension 82, the lower edge of which is adapted for abutting engagement against the top lside of the transverse connecting member 39. On a return of the scoop 44 Vfrom a dumping position to a loading position, the abutting engagement of the extension v82 with the connecting `member 39' limits the pivotal movement of the scoop in a counter-clockwisedirection, as viewed in Fig. l, at which limiting position the latch member 82 is releasably engageable with the catch member 83.

The outer end of the rock shaft 8| is integrally tuation of a rod member 88 extended longitudinally of the brace member 3| of the lifting arm 21, and slidably supported in uprlghtprojections 88 on the top side of the brace member 8| (Fig. 1). The rear end of the rod 98 isfformed with a handle l'8i located adjacent to the'seat |82 for the tractor operator. The forward end of -the rod 88 (Fig. 7) is formed with a loop |83 which is extended through the free end of the rocker arm 88.

When the rod 88 is pulled in a rearward direction, the rock shaft 8| is moved in a counterclockwise direction, 'as viewed in Fig. 7, against the action of the spring 84, whereby the latch member 82 is moved out of engagement with the catch member 83. On a release of the rod member 88 the catch member 82 is moved into an engaging position with the catch member 83 by the spring 84.

The return of the scoop 44 from a dumping position to a load carrying position is accomplished by the action of gravity. In other words the weight of the scoop located rearwardly of the scoop pivots 48 is greater thanthe weight of the scoop located forwardly of the pivotsl 46. However, when the scoop is loaded the forward portion of the scoop overbalances the rear portion of the scoop so that on a release of the catch member 82, the scoop is moved by gravity to a dumping position. After the load is dumped, the greater weight of the scoop is rearwardly of the pivots 46, whereby the scoop is pivotally moved by gravity in` a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 7, to its normal load carrying position.

As previously mentioned the connecting member 39 is detachably connected between the forward ends of the lifting arms 21 and 21a to provide for the independent handling of the lifting arms for assembly with andA removal from the tractor. As clearly appears in Fig. 8 the rocker arm 8| is pre-assembled as a unit with the con-'- necting member 39, and is removable from the loader with the member 39, by merely disconnecting the rod 98 and the spring 84 from the rock arm 93.

In Figs. 10- 14, inclusive, there is shown a modified form ofthe invention which is similar in all respects to the loader attachment illustrated in Fig.. 1, except that the lifting arms 21 and-21a are mechanically operated from the power takeoff shaft 23, instead of by the hydraulicpower unit 48. Similar numerals of reference, therefore, are used in Figs. 10-14, inclusive, to designate like parts in Fig. 1.

The mechanical means for operating the lifting arms 21 and 21a includes a ybase member i8| (Figs. 10, 1-1 and l2) secured to the drawbar' by U-clamps |82 and extended longitudinally of the tractor. The forward end of the base i 8| is integrally formed with an upright open rectangular frame |83 positioned adjacent to the the rear side of the rectangular f-rame |03.

A hollow brake drum |01, mounted on the front end of the shaft |04, is rotatable within and rear ends of the lifting arms 21 and 21a. When the shaft |04 is held against rotation the scoop 44 is maintained fixed in an elevated position. On release of the shaft |04 from its held position, the scoop 44 is lowered by gravityand the cables |08 are unwound from the-shaft |04 by the downward pivotal movement of the lifting arms 21 and 21a. y

Rotation of the shaft |04', to wind the cables 08 thereon, is accomplished by the connection of the shaft |04 with the power take-0E shaft 23 through a friction clutch unit which includes the hollow brake drum |01 (Figs. 12 and 14). The power take-olf shaft 23 extends through an upright elongated opening ||2 formed in the front -Y side of the rectangular frame |03. Mounted on the power take-off shaft 23, and located within the hollow brake drum |01, is an inflatable rubber tire ||3.

The clutch unit is illustrated in Figs. 12 and 14 in its disconnected position, in which the tire I3 is freely rotatable within the brake drum |31.

On movement of the brake drum |01 downwardly,

so that its inner peripheral surface is in frictional engagement with the outer peripheral surface of the tire H3, the shaft |04 is connected by the clutch unitin a driven relation with the power take-olf shaft 23. Downward movement of the brake drum is provided by virtue of the pivotal support of the drawbar 66 on the pivot bolts 61.

Actuation of the clutch unit is accomplished by means including a manually operated upright lever ||4 pivoted at ||6 (Figs. 1l and 12) on a bracket ||1 secured to and extended rearwardly from the dierential housing 22. Brace members ||8 and ||9 are connected between the free ends of the bracket ||1 and the housing 22. An upright project-ion 2| at the front end of the rectangular frame |03 is pivotally connected at |22 with the lever ||4 at a position above the pivot When the lever ||4 is moved forwardly, or pivoted in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 12, the entire base |0| and the frame |03 are pivoted downwardly and forwardly whereby the brake drum |01 is moved into frictional `engagement with the rubber tire ||3. 0n a rearward movement of the lever ||4 the brake drum is lifted out of frictional engagement with the tire.

Movably supported in a spaced relation above the top side 'of the rectangular frame |03 is a cam bar |33 (Figs. 11, 12,13`and'14)1having a low spot |34 formed intermediate its ends and lin one side thereof. The cam bar is extended longitudinally of the base |0| and has its front end pivoted at |36 to the lower end of the operating lever ||4. The rear end of the cam bar is guidably movable between a pair of spaced upright lugs |35 on the top side and at the rear end of the rectangular frame |03. The bar v|33 has an elongated opening v| 31 forslidably receiving a bolt |38 carried between the lugs |35.

The cam bar is yieldablyengageable with a lateral projection or cam follower- |39 provided on the brake band end |20, and adapted to ride into and out of the cam low spot |34 on longitudinal movement of the cam bar |33. The

' about the brake drum |01 by the spring |3|.

To elevate the scoop 44 the operating lever |'|4 is pivotally moved in counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 12, whereby the brake drum |01 is moved downwardly into frictional engagement with the tire ||3 to connect the shaft |04 with the power take-off shaft 23. Concurrently with this downward movement of the brake drum |01 the cam bar |33 is moved to the v right, a-s viewed in Fig. 11, whereby the cam low spot I 34 is moved away from the cam follower |30. By virtue of this movement of the cam bar |33 the brake band end r|28 is moved toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 13, to release the brake band from its engaged position with the brake drum |01. The scoop is held in an elevated position by the return of the lever |'I4 to its position shown in Fig. l2, to provide for the upward movement o`f the brake drum |01 out of frictional engagement with the tire H3, and for the movement of the cam low spot |34 to a position for receiving the cam follower 39. With the cam follower |39 in the cam low spot |34 the brake band |24 is moved by the spring 3| into frictional engagement with the brake drum |01 whereby the shaft |04 is held in a fixed position.

To lower the scoop 44 the operating lever ||4 is pivotally moved in a clockwise direction, from its position shown in Fig. 12. This movement of the operating lever ||4 moves the brake drum |01 upwardly away from a frictionally engaging position with the tire H3, concurrently with the movement of the cam bar |33 toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 11, whereby the cam low spot |34 is moved away from the cam follower |39. The shaft |04 is thus maintained out of a driven re'- lation with the power take-off shaft 23, while the brake band |24 is moved out of frictional engagement with the brake drum |01, to provide for a free lowering of the scoop 44 by the action of gravity. On a downward movement of the scoop 44 the cables |08 are unwound from the shaft |04.

It is seen, therefore, that the single lever |`|4 operates both the clutch unit for connecting and disconnecting the power take-off shaft 23 with the shaft |04, and the brake mechanism for holding the shaft |04 in a fixed position against rotation, in a timed relation so that the shaft |04 is capable of free rotation when it is connected with the power take-off shaft 23 and when it is desired to lower the scoop 44.

From a consideration of the above description it is seen that the invention provides a loader attachment for a tractor which is of a simple and rugged construction and comprised of a minimum number of parts which are capable of Abeing separately handled by one man in their assembly and removal from the tractor. The operating means, for raising and lowering the pivoted arms 21 and 21a, are located rearwardly of the tractor axle 2| so as to be out of the normal line of vision of the tractor operator. Further, the pivoted lifting arms, as well as the operating means therefor, are arranged entirely within the vertical and transverse confines of the tractor, so as not to interfere in any Way with the usual storage of the tractor in a machine shed or the like.

Although the invention has been described with respect to several embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that it is not be so limited since changes and modifications can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A loader attachment for a tractor having a rear axle, including a pair of pivoted lifting arms arranged at opposite sides of said tractor. a load carrying unit supported between the forward ends of said arms, upright members on said arms intermediate the ends thereof, a pair of upright supports oppositely arranged on said axle, means pivoting said upright members on said upright supports for up and down pivotal movement, means on said upright supports guidably engageable with said upright members to hold said arms against lateral movement at any pivotally moved position therefor, and power operated means adapted to act on the rear ends of said arms to pivotally move said arms to raise and lower said load carrying unit.

2. A loader attachment for a tractor having a rear axle and a transverse draw bar, including a pair oi' pivotal lifting arms arranged at opposite sides of the tractor. means pivotally supporting said lifting arms on said axle intermediate theirv bar at oppositely arranged positions, a pair of flexible means connected at one of their ends to the rear ends of said lifting arms, and extended downwardly about said pulleys for connection of their opposite ends with the free ends of said rock arms, and means operated by the tractor for rocking said rock shaft.

3. A loader machine including a portable frame, a pair of pivoted lifting arms arranged at opposite sides of said frame, means pivotally supporting said arms on said frame for up and down pivotal movement, a scoop pivoted between the forward ends of said arms, a transverse member connected between said forward ends, a transverse rock shaft supported on said connecting member, a latch member on said rock shaft, a catch member adapted for releasable engagement with said latch member, means adjustably supporting the catch member on said scoop for up and down movement, a stop member on said adjustable means adapted to engage said connecting member to limit pivotal movement of said scoop in one direction, means acting in one direction on said rock shaft to yieldably retain said latch member in an engaging position with said catch member, and manually operated means for rocking said rock shaft in an opposite direction to release said latch member from said catch member.

4. A loader attachment for a tractor having a rear axle comprising, a pair of pivoted lift arms arranged at opposite sides of said tractor. with the front ends of said arms being extended forwardly of said tractor and the rear ends of saids arms projected rearwardly of said axle, means for pivotally supporting said arms at positions above said axle including pairs of upright transversely spaced supports on said axle for receiving said arms therebetween, upright members on said arms, pivots carried in said spaced supports and extended through said upright members, and bearing members on said spaced supports engageable with opposite sides of said upright members to guide said arms against movement transversely of the tractor.

5. A loader attachment for a tractor having a rear axle comprising, a pair of pivoted lift arms arranged at opposite sides of the tractor, with the front ends of said arms being extended forwardly of the tractor and the rear ends of said arms projected rearwardly of said axle, means for pivotally supporting said arms at positions above said axle including pairs of upright transversely spaced supports on said axle for receiving said arms therebetween, and coacting means on said arms and supports for guiding said arms against movement transversely ofv said tractor.

JOS. B. KUCERA.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record inthe file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,322,472 Sandvig June 22, 1943 2,326,197 Bleche. Aug. 10, 1943 2,372,908 Messing Apr. 3, 1945 2,377,495 Hofmeister June 5, 1945 2,397,046 Richey Mar. 19, 1946 2,407,425 Homing etal. Sept. 10, 1946 2,407,593 Watson Sept. 10, 1940 2,435,098 Pokorny Jan. 27, 1949