Abstract: A locking pin is provided for securing movable mechanical components, and includes a tubular body defining an axial passageway. The tubular body has an actuating end and a tapered working end opposite the actuating end, and has at least one latch opening proximate the working end. The pin has a spindle constructed and arranged for reciprocation in the passageway, as well as at least one locking element, each positioned within the passageway at a corresponding latch opening, and being urged toward the corresponding latch opening by the spindle. A cap is fastened to the working end for restricting entry of contaminants into the passageway.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an apparatus for use in applying fertilizer in the ground adjacent to a row line of seeds being planted by a planter the apparatus comprising a frame mounted to the planter, and having at least one mount structure extending from a forward end of the frame, a disk structure mounted to each of the mount structures and configured to be horizontally pivotable about a selected one of multiple forwardly located pivot points on the mount structure, the disk structure being horizontally pivotably attached to the mount structure at one of the pivot points, the disks forming a V shaped opening in the ground during forward movement, a fertilizer applying structure mounted to the apparatus for delivering a fertilizer into the V shaped opening, wherein each of the multiple pivot points delivers fertilizer into the V shaped opening at predetermined lateral distances from the row line of seeds being planted by the planter.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a pull type farm implement has an elongated tongue being drawn by a motor vehicle having a vehicle hitch on the rear end thereof configured for attachment to the tongue, the apparatus including a hydraulic hitch mechanism configured to have one end portion attached to the vehicle hitch and an opposite end portion configured to be attached to the tongue of the implement in a non-pivoting manner, the hitch mechanism having at least one hydraulic cylinder for selectively adjusting the lateral position of the front end of the tongue. An optional GPS is operable to detect the position of the tool bar relative to the desired path and repeatedly generate position signals and apparatus for controlling the hydraulic hitch mechanism to adjust the lateral position of the tongue so that the implement follows the desired path of movement in response to the GPS signals.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an apparatus for use in applying fertilizer in the ground adjacent to a row line of seeds being planted by a planter the apparatus comprising a frame mounted to the planter, and having at least one mount structure extending from a forward end of the frame, a disk structure mounted to each of the mount structures and configured to be horizontally pivotable about a selected one of multiple forwardly located pivot points on the mount structure, the disk structure being horizontally pivotably attached to the mount structure at one of the pivot points, the disks forming a V shaped opening in the ground during forward movement, a fertilizer applying structure mounted to the apparatus for delivering a fertilizer into the V shaped opening, wherein each of the multiple pivot points delivers fertilizer into the V shaped opening at predetermined lateral distances from the row line of seeds being planted by the planter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus for selectively inverting one or more windrows of crop material on the ground as the apparatus is moved in a forward direction, each of the windrows having a lower surface and a generally defined width, the apparatus comprising, a frame for attachment to a vehicle, a first transport mechanism for picking up the crop material of a windrow, moving the crop material in a rearward direction, turning the crop material through a generally horizontal arc and depositing the turned crop material in an inverted condition, the first transport mechanism being movable between a raised non-operating position and a lowered operating position, a second transport mechanism having substantially the same structure and functionality as the first transport mechanism, and a hydraulic control system selectively moving the transport mechanisms between the raised and lowered positions and for driving the transport mechanisms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus for selectively inverting one or more windrows of crop material on the ground as the apparatus is moved in a forward direction, each of the windrows having a lower surface and a generally defined width, the apparatus comprising, a frame for attachment to a vehicle, a first transport mechanism for picking up the crop material of a windrow, moving the crop material in a rearward direction, turning the crop material through a generally horizontal arc and depositing the turned crop material in an inverted condition, the first transport mechanism being movable between a raised non-operating position and a lowered operating position, a second transport mechanism having substantially the same structure and functionality as the first transport mechanism, and a hydraulic control system selectively moving the transport mechanisms between the raised and lowered positions and for driving the transport mechanisms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a system for positioning a drawn implement having a transverse tool bar being pulled by a vehicle traveling generally along a desired path of movement, the vehicle having a mounting hitch on the rear end thereof where a system hitch is configured to adjust its angular orientation and that of the tool bar relative to the vehicle mounting hitch and a global positioning system having an antenna mounted on the system hitch operable to detect the position of the tool bar of the implement relative to the desired path as the vehicle moves generally along the desired path and generate a signal that is indicative of the lateral position of the implement relative to the desired path and means for controlling the hitch means to adjust the angular orientation of the hitch means and the tool bar so that the implement follows the desired path of movement in response to the global positioning system signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a system for positioning a drawn implement being pulled by a vehicle traveling generally along a desired path of movement, the vehicle having a mounting hitch on the rear end thereof where a system hitch is configured to adjust its angular orientation relative to the vehicle mounting hitch and a global positioning system receiver operable to detect the position of the implement relative to the desired path as the vehicle moves generally along the desired path and generate a signal that is indicative of the lateral position of the implement relative to the desired path and means for controlling the hitch means to adjust the angular orientation of the hitch means so that the implement follows the desired path of movement in response to the global positioning system signals.

Abstract: A novel tracking system is disclosed. In one embodiment, users obtain access to tracking information by entering a destination address in a query. In another embodiment, package shippers are given a “shipper password” and a “recipient password.” In this embodiment, the shipper may query the system with the shipper password to track all packages it has sent, and the recipient may query the system with the recipient password (and, optionally, one or more portions of the recipient's address information) to track all packages that the shipper has sent to that address. Different amounts of detail may be shown to shippers and recipients. In another embodiment, a service bureau may accept packages from shippers, collect information about the packages, process queries by shippers and recipients, and track packages that it handles using a separate “service bureau password.

Abstract: An apparatus for inverting a windrow of agricultural crop material on the ground as the apparatus moves along the windrow in a first direction has a lifting mechanism for lifting the crop material from the ground substantially without destroying the integrity of the windrow as the apparatus moves in the first direction. In addition, a transporting mechanism receives the crop material from the lifting mechanism and positively transports the crop material along a generally semicircular path substantially also without destroying the integrity of the windrow so that the crop material is positively transported generally in the first direction when it reaches an exit location where the crop material is dropped to the ground. The continued movement of the crop material by the transporting mechanism results in the crop material passing the exit location so that a lower surface of the windrow is repositioned to a top of the windrow.

Abstract: A debris clearing apparatus for use in agricultural operations. It includes a pair of rotatable concave disks arranged in a generally V-shaped orientation to spread debris encountered during forward movement. The disks have a plurality of relatively deep backswept notches.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to form a series of angled depressions with raised sides in the row space between adjacent row lines of a row crop. The depressions and raised mounds between them are oriented at an acute angle relate to the row line, to present a generally uniform surface for subsequent farming operation which minimizes machine and operator jostling, while effectively retaining water where it falls, and nutrients, herbicides and the like where they are applied.

Abstract: An adjustable row following guidance device for a tractor drawn row crop implement, includes a main support member disposed substantially transverse to the direction of travel of the implement as pulled by the tractor and having a first side and a second side, a first crank arm-assembly being releasably attachable to either of the first side and the second side, a second crank arm assembly being releasably attachable to either of the second side and the first side, the attachment of the crank arm assemblies to the main support member forming a generally inverted U-shape, each crank arm assembly including a laterally offset configuration, so that when the first crank arm assembly is attached to the first end, and the second crank arm assembly is attached to the second end, the device has a first implement width, and when the first and second crank arm assemblies are reversed on the main support member, the device has a second implement width, each crank arm assembly further including a forward portion with a t

Abstract: A guidance control system for trailing implements attached to a tractor is disclosed. The system can function to steer the implement in a row crop, for example, and can also steer the tractor. A proportional servo valve having a rotatable spool is disclosed, which valve can be controlled to operate in an open center or closed center modes of operation.

Abstract: A guidance system is disclosed for the combination of a farm tractor and trailing implement, wherein the guidance system is of the type where the implement is attached to a 3-point hitch mechanism that can be angularly oriented in a horizontal plane by extending one side relative to the other to change the angle of the hitch relative to the drive axle of the tractor. Another embodiment operates with an implement that is attached with a single pull hitch. The system operates in a turn around mode for the pull hitch embodiment where the implement swings outwardly during turning to minimize the turning radius for the combination of the tractor and the implement. Another embodiment of the system for a 3-point hitch attachment causes the implement to be centered behind the tractor for a farming operation where no crops or furrows are present.

Abstract: A guidance system for the combination of a farm tractor and trailing implement, wherein the guidance system is of the type where the implement is attached to a 3-point hitch mechanism that can be angularly oriented in a horizontal plane by extending one side relative to the other to change the angle of the cross bar relative to the drive axle of the tractor. An alternate embodiment operates with an implement that is attached with a single pull hitch. The system includes circuitry which provides for warning of improper operation and delay means for sounding a warning, provides correction of the position of the implement without over-shooting or hunting by the system. The system utilizes Hall effect sensors for determining the angular position of a wand and or either the implement tool bar or the hitch that is attached to the 3-point hitch of the tractor.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding a drawn agricultural implement of the type which has a transverse tool bar and a pull hitch. The apparatus controls the horizontal angular orientation of the tool bar relative to the pull hitch to guide the implement.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture of sulphuric acid by the contact process of the type comprising at least one gas-concentrated sulphuric acid contacting unit and a sulphuric acid heat exchanger characterized in that the contacting unit and/or heat exchanger is formed of high silicon content austenitic steel. The steel is also of use in sulphuric acid concentrations. Reduced corrosion rates are provided.

Abstract: Process for the mononitration of a nitratable organic compound, such as benzene, with a mixed acid in which one of the reactants is delivered into a body of the other reactant in the form of ultra-fine droplets through an atomizing nozzle or similar orifice. The process is economic to construct and operate, is safe and simple to control and leads to a low cost, substantially pure product.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for the manufacture of a coarse emulsion blasting agent and a method for the conversion of same into a sensitive blasting explosive. The apparatus comprises a low shear mechanical mixer in which a coarse emulsion can be continuously prepared. The coarse emulsion is then passed though a fine emulsification motionless mixer for conversion into sensitive explosive.