Abstract: A hydraulic tail trailer comprising a main deck having a main tail assembly pivotally connected to the rearward end thereof with the pivotal connection therebetween being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle of the trailer suspension system. The location of the hinge between the main deck and the main tail assembly, by being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle, provides a main tail having an increased length thereby providing a lower loading angle without increasing the overall length of the trailer. The forward end of the main deck is pivotally connected to the rearward end of an upper deck so that the main deck may be raised which further reduces the angle between the rearward end of the main deck and the forward end of the main tail for loading and unloading purposes.

Abstract: A garbage can holder including a tubular member which is embedded in the ground and has a garbage can holder mechanism vertically movably mounted therein between a lowered position and a raised position. When the garbage can holder mechanism is in its lowered position, the garbage can holder of this invention is not visible. When it is necessary to place garbage cans at curbside or the like, the garbage can holder mechanism is raised from its lower position to its upper position and the garbage cans are attached thereto and supported thereby.

Abstract: A docking station for use with a liquid container which supports the container in a convenient fixed location. The docking station is designed to accept a liquid container having a predetermined height and diameter. The docking station includes a cam operated actuator which is movable between an upper “open” position to a lower “closed” position. When the actuator is moved to its lower closed position, the actuator opens a valve in the liquid container to permit liquid to be drawn from the container. When the actuator is in its upper position, the valve in the container is closed.

Abstract: A hinged pole having a base plate secured to the lower end thereof with the base plate having a plurality of upstanding brackets secured thereto. A cart is provided which is mounted on the foundation of the pole and is secured thereto and which is connected to the pole. The cart includes a power cylinder which is connected to the pole and which is used to lower the pole from its upstanding position to a horizontal position. The pole may be serviced when the pole is in its horizontal position. When the servicing of the pole has been completed, the pole is raised to its upright position and re-secured to the foundation therefore. The cart is then removed from the pole for use at a different location.

Abstract: A tarp system for a side-dump trailer or truck is disclosed with the tarp system including forward and rearward swing arms which are pivotally mounted on the pivot pins to which the rod ends of forward and rearward cylinders are connected for pivotally moving the side-dump body from side to side.

Abstract: A forwardly folding tool bar which may be moved between field and transport positions. The tool bar includes a center tool bar section having a hinged telescopic tongue extending forwardly therefrom for connection to a tractor. Right and left wrap-around winglet tool bar sections are pivotally secured to the right and left ends of the center tool bar section and are pivotally movable between field and transport positions. Right and left wing hinges are also pivotally secured to the center tool bar section. Right and left intermediate hinge sections are pivotally secured to the outer ends of the right and left hinge sections, respectively. Right and left outer hinge sections are pivotally secured to the outer ends of the right and left intermediate hinge sections. Inner, intermediate and outer tool bar sections are secured to each of the inner, intermediate and outer hinge sections.

Abstract: A bulkhead fitting which may be used on either six inch or eight inch diameter irrigation pipes through the use of an interchangeable base ring. The fitting includes a stem fitting having an interchangeable base ring mounted thereon which is extended upwardly through an outlet opening in an irrigation pipe. An upper washer is mounted on the stem portion of the stem fitting and is maintained thereon through the use of a nut which is threadably mounted on the upper end of the stem fitting. A locking mechanism is provided which prevents the inadvertent loosening of the nut with respect to the stem fitting.

Abstract: A pillow is described which is designed to be used by a sleeping person so as to reduce the pressure on the person's face so that the formation of facial wrinkles is reduced or eliminated. In the first embodiment, the pillow has a layer positioned thereon which enables a person to sleep on his/her right side or left side. In a second embodiment, the layer is designed so as to support a person's head who only sleeps on his/her left side. In yet another embodiment, the layer is designed so as to accommodate a person who only sleeps on his/her right side.

Abstract: A three-section outrigger for a boom truck or the like which may be pivotally moved with respect to the boom truck so that the outrigger may be extended outwardly, forwardly and downwardly with respect to the boom truck to eliminate the need for an outrigger at the front end of the boom truck.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for attaching a luminaire support arm to a support pole. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket includes a hook, which is secured to the support pole, and a bracket, which is attachable to the hook. In a second embodiment, the bracket is secured to the support pole without the use of the hook. In both embodiments, the support arm is selectively vertically and rotatably received by the bracket.

Abstract: A system is generally provided with at least one shielding body that is shaped and sized to envelop one or more objects that use RFID technology. A metal-impregnated ink is engaged with at least a portion of the one or more shielding bodies, adjacent locations where the objects will be secured. The shielding body may be formed into an envelope or envelope and carrier combination, either of which are suitable for use within mail delivery systems.

Abstract: A mobile soil sampling device is mounted on the side of a vehicle such as an ATV or UTV and includes an upstanding frame member which is vertically movable with respect to the vehicle by means of a parallel arm linkage and actuator. A vertically disposed and rotatable auger is mounted on the frame member and is moved upwardly and downwardly with respect thereto through the use of a motor and pinion gear with the pinion gear engaging a gear rack on the frame member. The auger is rotated so as to dig into the ground to the desired depth with the soil sample being conveyed upwardly into a vacuum collection chamber with the soil sample being conveyed to a vacuum chamber mounted on the vehicle. A sample collection device is mounted beneath the vacuum chamber for receiving the desired soil samples.

Abstract: Several different embodiments are illustrated for attaching, supporting or mounting a portable satellite antenna on a vehicle or supported by the vehicle. In two of the embodiments, the satellite antenna is secured to the roof rack of the vehicle. In a third embodiment, the satellite antenna is secured to the upper ends of the sides of a pickup truck. Alternative methods for mounting or supporting the portable satellite antenna are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic tail trailer comprising a main deck having a main tail assembly pivotally connected to the rearward end thereof with the pivotal connection therebetween being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle of the trailer suspension system. The location of the hinge between the main deck and the main tail assembly, by being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle, provides a main tail having an increased length thereby providing a lower loading angle without increasing the overall length of the trailer.

Abstract: A convertible hitch for use on an agricultural implement or the like which is convertible from a three-point hitch to a tongue-type hitch and vice versa.

Abstract: A strip till implement comprising a cultivator shovel or sweep positioned forwardly of a planter unit or strip tillage implement so as to sweep trash from the strip with a minimum of soil or ground disturbance.

Abstract: An illuminated rain gauge comprising an elongated, transparent collection vessel or tube having upper and lower ends with the lower end thereof being closed by a plug and which has a funnel-shaped collector at the upper end thereof. The plug has a battery compartment formed therein for receiving a DC battery power source. A pair of LEDs are operatively connected to the battery power source and are positioned on the plug outwardly of the vessel so as to direct light upwardly therefrom to illuminate the rain gauge. A third LED is positioned on the plug and is operatively connected to the battery power source so as to direct light upwardly onto the vessel and the float. The electronic circuitry of the gauge is positioned within the plug and is controlled by a remote IF control device which signals an IF receiver positioned on the plug.

Abstract: A wire or cable dispenser comprising a drawbar inserted into a typical hitch receiver of a vehicle with the rearward end of the drawbar having a support member pivotally secured thereto which extends upwardly and rearwardly therefrom in its dispensing position and which may be folded flat against the upper surface of the drawbar for purposes of storage or transport. Rods are extended through the drawbar and the support member for supporting spools of wire or cable on the opposite ends thereof. The rods may be stowed within the drawbar and/or support member with the dispenser including a convenient means for stowing various pins thereon so that the pins do not become lost or misplaced.

Abstract: An air suspension system for a load bearing vehicle which includes a pair of air springs fluidly connected to a pair of auxiliary air reservoirs and to a main air reservoir. The system includes control valves which permit the air in the air springs to be exhausted therefrom to lower the vehicle frame without exhausting the air from the auxiliary air reservoirs.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing meat comprising an endless conveyor having an infeed end and a discharge end with the conveyor passing through a housing or tank which is partially filled with agitated water. Pieces of meat are conveyed by the conveyor through the agitated water to remove foreign particles therefrom. The foreign particles are recirculated through a filter and a water chiller with the chilled and filtered water then being returned to the tank. Excess water is blown from the pieces of meat after the pieces of meat have been conveyed through the agitated water. The method of processing the meat is also described.