Abstract: The extendable drag plow provided by this invention has a laterally-fixed center section, and moveable outer sections positioned by a controllable actuator system. The moveable plow sections are equipped with followers engaging oppositely-extending pairs of guideways in the central plow section, with the actuators positioned between these pairs. A lifting actuator extends between pivotal connections to a bracket mounted on the vehicle and a terminal fixed with respect to the central plow section. Drag arms are also pivotally connected to a bracket mounted on the vehicle and are secured at their opposite end to the central plow section. A diagonal brace extending between the top portion of the central plow section and the drag arm is also used as a terminal for the actuator.

Abstract: A gripping device provided with handles is adapted to engage the ball of a conventional trailer hitch as a convenience in handling the hitch when it is removed from the towing vehicle. The preferred form of the device provides a clam shell-type grasping assembly that is manipulated by handles having overlapped portions that together form the handle. These overlapped portions are locked releasably against separation, and accommodation is also provided for receiving a padlock maintaining the closure of the clam shell components whenever this becomes desirable. A simplified version of the device is formed by a piece of bent rod having portions providing the handle and also for gripping the ball.

Abstract: A corner conveyor having a flat endless carrying belt is supported on a frame defining an arcuate conveying path. Either the upper or the lower course, or both, are driven by pinch rollers located at an intermediate point around the turn. The conveyor preferably has a hollow guide rail around the outer periphery of the turn, and the belt has spaced rollers adjacent its outer edge engaging the inside of the hollow rail above and below a slot receiving the belt. The drive mechanism engages the belt portion that extends radially outward from the guide rollers.

Abstract: A wedge-type cable clamp has an outer member providing an open-ended tapered recess receiving a wedge around which a cable is wrapped in the usual manner. The wedge projects beyond the larger end of the recess, and the sides of the outer member extend past the wedge to shield it against random accidental forces. A cut-out in the sides provides finger access for intentionally releasing the clamp.

Abstract: A machine for laying shelter film along a planting row supports the film roll at least in part on wheels disposed to press the opposite edges of the film into furrows in the ground. The film is thus carried by the wheels from the roll to the ground. A cantilever member is mounted centrally and ahead of the wheels to temporarily support the film when it is deposited over a series of arches.

Abstract: A vertical-axis centrifugal fan is operated in an orchard or crop area to draw warm upper air downward, and urge it laterally outward to displace lower strata of cold air to prevent freezing. The rotor is axially open on top, and closed on the bottom to establish this flow without ducting.

Abstract: A planting machine has a ground-conditioning wheel ahead of the planting mechanism. This wheel normally carries a portion of the weight of the machine. The traction thus established is utilized to generate power for the planting mechanism as the machine is moved forward. Power is transferred to the planting mechanism by a sequence of chain drives having replaceable sprockets of various diameters to establish different spacing of planting positions along the row.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a primary circuit formed by a serpentine tube with parallel sections spaced to receive open ended tubes preferably of the same diameter between and around the primary tube sections in the natural arrangement of six about one. A secondary fluid may pass through these open-ended tubes in lengthwise manner and over the return bends of the primary circuit, lengthening the distance for contact and enhancing heat transfer. This arrangement permits a more compact heat exchanger and greater utilization of heat transfer surfaces. A pair of the exchangers can be operated as evaporators in series in alternating sequence for continuous defrosting.

Abstract: A device capable of functioning as a fluid pump or motor has a related hydraulic circuit controlling the relationship of the case pressure to the pressure in high-pressure port. The arrangement thus limits the operating pressure effective on the seal system. The preferred form incorporates the hydraulic circuit within the body of the device.

Abstract: A four-wheeled freight trailer adapted particularly to farm use has its front axle beam fixed with respect to the frame of the trailer, and has steerable wheels at the opposite ends of this beam. The tongue of the trailer is fixed with respect to the frame against rotation on a vertical axis. A crank arm on the front of the tongue engages an abutment on the hitch of a towing vehicle, so that turning the vehicle induces rotation of the crank arm which actuates a steering linkage connected to the front wheels of the trailer.

Abstract: A machine bends pieces of wire into an arch configuration, and then inserts the ends of the arch into the ground to form a support for a shelter film protecting a row of plants. An orbital system rotating on an axis parallel to the axis of ground wheels permits the arches to be inserted at close to zero speed relative to ground as the machine moves. The preferred form of the machine installs the film over the arches.

Abstract: The head of a golf club is provided with directional indicia oriented to the path of movement of the face of the club. Groups of lines converging in the direction of striking form the indicia. Projections of the lines converge with an axis perpendicular to the face of the club at points in front of the face.

Abstract: This bearing system has been developed primarily for long rotating shafts having a number of support points and supported objects. A beam is preferably extruded with a T-slot in one face. The slot receives the heads of mounting bolts securing a split bearing housing to the beam. A split eccentric assembly is also provided, which is rotatively secured to the shaft by clamps to generate orbital movement of a second beam, which is secured to a split bearing housing surrounding the eccentric assembly.

Abstract: This spade drill has an elongated holder with a standard driving configuration at one end, and adapted at the axially opposite end to receive a carrier block provided with receptacles for receiving indexable standard cutting inserts of extremely hard alloy.

Abstract: A work piece is mortised to receive an insert, and drilled for fastenings securing the insert in position, in a single cycle of operation facilitated by mounting the drill in an axial hole in the routing cutter. The drill is guided by the radially inner surfaces of the specially hard cutter inserts. A mechanism advances and retracts the drill with respect to the cutter, with the extension of the drill beyond the cutter taking place only when the cutter is not moving laterally in forming the mortise. The mortised depth is accurately controlled by an adjustable stop traversed by the drill, and forming an abutment limiting the insertion of the router bit into the holding collet. In addition to the plunge and horizontal movements involved in the formation of the mortise, a vertical movement to form mortise side-openings is provided by pivoting downward the frame carrying the entire movement system.

Abstract: A master computer of a controlled system is interrelated with the executory computer of a peripheral device via a standard serial interface. This relationship centers in the programming of the executory computer to make available on command from the master computer substantially all of the functions of the peripheral device, as well as the data stored in the executory computer, and also to lock out the keyboard of the peripheral device on command to prevent operator intrusion.

Abstract: A thermocouple probe assembly for a billet furnace is provided with replaceable contact tips joined to the shanks of the probe rods within a surrounding insulator to inhibit oxidation of the junctions. Two pairs of probes are used, each pair being associated with an independent control circuit as a safety backup system. The assembly is preferably mounted on a bracket that is extendable on an angle forty-five degrees to the horizontal to provide correct probe positioning for various sizes of billets, and has a heat shield correspondingly adjustable along the probe assembly to accommodate various degrees of penetration of the probe assembly into the furnace.

Abstract: A disc is rotatably mounted in a position to be partially exposed to, or immersed in, a liquid. Slow rotation of the disc causes liquid adhering to the disc to move upward into a position where wipers remove most of the adhering film, and divert it into a drainage trough or collector. In the simplest form of the invention, the disc is of magnetic-responsive material, and the wipers are flexible strips having permanent magnetism.