Abstract: A portable earth boring machine for the horizontal boring of shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections in installations where excavation from the surface is undesirable. The machine is characterized by frame means adapted for movement along a track means, which frame means supports an engine which drives an earth boring auger as well as casing pusher apparatus for pushing casing sections into the earth fill as the boring operation progresses. The machine is further characterized by a fluid actuated pusher cylinder means for advancing the auger into the earth fill and associated automatic auger feed control means for automatically maintaining a constant fluid flow rate to said pushing cylinder means under variations in resistance to auger penetration of said earth fill during a boring operation.

Abstract: A mechanism carried at the forward end of a tubular pipe which is adapted to be driven underground over a considerable distance while maintained at a particular grade level. In the preferred embodiment the control mechanism comprises a cylindrically shaped steering head pivotally mounted to the forward end of the pipe and including means attachable to the steering head for rotating the same a predetermined amount with respect to the direction of movement of the pipe so as to initiate a movement of the pipe in either vertical or horizontal directions. In another version of the present invention a second cylindrically shaped steering head is mounted at the forward end of the first steering head with the second steering head being movable about an axis which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first head whereby the direction of movement of the pipe may be selectively controlled in perpendicular planes.

Abstract: This invention relates to log splitters and more particularly to an apparatus adapted for use with a conventional four wheel garden tractor. The apparatus is characterized by a log splitting tool that is removably mounted on a hub of a driven wheel of the tractor and further includes a tractor lifting and support framework which is readily attached to the rear of the tractor and provides means for lifting the driven wheel to a position clear of the ground and further serves to stably support the tractor in this position. As another feature, the tractor lifting and support means is adjustable to a mobile position and therein functions as a transporting bracket for the log splittng tool when it is removed from mounted relationship on the driven wheel.

Abstract: A power tool driven by a vehicle wheel hub characterized by a removable mounting means which comprises a plurality of lug extenders adapted for removal attachment to the existing lugs which normally retain the wheel on the vehicle. The lug extenders are arranged to utilize various existing lug bolt nuts such that they are universally adaptable to various models of vehicle sizes and configurations.

Abstract: A method for producing frozen confections such as ice cream, or the like, wherein liquid mix is delivered from a storage tank through a freezing chamber to a draw-off valve from which the frozen mix is dispensed to cones or cups. The method is characterized by a mix tank arrangement which utilizes disposable flexible bags removably confined within a rigid container which arrangement eliminates the necessity of returning mix tanks to the dairy for sterilization and refill. The method is further characterized by a mix tank arrangement which utilizes a gaseous propellant to agitate the mix as well as to propel the mix through the machine thereby achieving homeogeneity of mix without the need for special shaking machines.

Abstract: A portable earth boring machine for the horizontal boring of shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections in installations where excavation from the surface is undesirable. The machine is characterized by a steering head positioned at the front of the casings and remotely controlled by the machine operator so as to directionally control the direction of extension of the pipeline as the drilling operation progresses.

Abstract: A digital fuel rate monitor apparatus for vehicles which apparatus measures signals proportional to units of fuel flow volume and signals proportional to distance of vehicle travel and electronically relating such signals to effect digital readout in miles per gallon. The apparatus is characterized by a positive displacement flow volume monitoring cylinder that includes a low friction piston and seal arrangement and associated control apparatus which are adapted to reveal piston position with respect to the metering cylinder in a highly accurate manner.

Abstract: A log splitting apparatus for attachment to the powered wheel of a vehicle characterized by a base portion for removable attachment to the vehicle wheel, and an outer rotary end portion provided with a tapered auger means adapted to penetrate and effect splitting of logs.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor control apparatus comprising a plurality of standard multiple function modules adapted to be selectively programmed in various arrays to effect substantially any required hydraulic control function.

Abstract: A method of producing ball joints of the type that include a ball and stem member pivotally mounted in a housing, the method comprising forming separate stem portions and ball portions and joining the portions at welded junctions to provide pivot members of composite construction. Such pivot members are characterized by relatively large ball diameters as compared to the shank diameters so as to provide a high degree of angularity of movement.

Abstract: A portable earth boring machine for the horizontal boring of shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections in installations where excavation from the surface is undesirable. The machine is characterized by a steering head particularly adapted for rock drilling operations which head is positioned at the front of the casings and remotely controlled by the machine operator so as to directionally control the direction of extension of the pipeline as the drilling operation progresses.

Abstract: A refuse truck of the rear loading type provided with a novel packer blade and associated control apparatus. More specifically, the packer blade is mounted on a carriage that is arranged to reciprocate on an inclined track means so as to load and pack the truck body and the blade and carriage are respectively actuated by separate hydraulic cylinders which are in turn controlled in a novel manner. The control apparatus includes a main power flow circuit for driving the hydraulic cylinders and an associated low pressure fluid signal flow circuit for controlling the flow of oil in the power flow circuit. The signal flow circuit is further characterized by an emergency stop control as well as an optional holding control for certain portions of the cycle of the packer blade.

Abstract: A carpet cleaning machine of the portable type that is characterized by a compact frame arrangement for supporting dispensing and pick-up systems for liquid type carpet cleaners. The cleaning liquid and dirty liquid are simultaneously applied to and picked up from a carpet by means of a manually operated carpet cleaning tool. The machine is further characterized by auxiliary dirty fluid collecting means mounted on a separate wheeled auxiliary frame. The auxiliary fluid collecting means is disconnectably located in the flow of dirty fluid from the carpet cleaning tool to a main collecting means on the machine with said auxiliary collecting means being adapted to be removed for emptying without preventing continuation of the carpet cleaning operation.

Abstract: A fluid actuated power cylinder comprising a housing means and attached base means for pivotal mounting of the cylinder characterized by a structural arrangement for strongly attaching the base by welding techniques without causing heat imposed distortion of cylindrical surfaces of the working surfaces. The apparatus is further characterized by a quickly detachable base plate construction which permits ready access to the interior components of the cylinder via the base end thereof.

Abstract: The method of controlling the packing action of a rear loader type refuse truck of the type that includes a packer body provided with a load receiving opening and a movable packer blade means cycled through said body for packing refuse therein. The method is characterized by applying a main power flow of fluid energy to actuate the packer blade, and a signal flow of fluid energy to control the power flow with various safety, split cycle, and continuous cycle operational advantages.

Abstract: A basement sump construction characterized by a sump chamber including a side wall provided with a drain outlet opening. A trap apparatus for the unidirectional flow of water is removably mounted on the sump side wall so as to be easily accessible to cleaning and servicing through a top access opening in the sump.

Abstract: A portable earth boring machine for the horizontal boring of shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections in installations where excavation from the surface is undesirable. The machine is characterized by a steering head particularly adapted for rock drilling operations which head is positioned at the front of the casing with such steering head being automatically controlled so as to directionally control the direction of extension of the pipeline as the drilling operation progresses.