Abstract: An articulate tow bar for use with a ride-on for pulling an independent mower unit. The tow bar has first and second members pivotally attached at adjacent ends by a lockable coupling that permits the members to be positioned alternately in a transport position or working position. The first member is pivotally attached to the tractor by a horizontal hinge and the second member is pivotally attached to the independent unit by a universal joint, the pivotal connections permit the tractor and independent unit to operate on hilly uneven terrain. Controls are located on the articulate tow bar adjacent the mower for operating the independent unit which allows the tow bar and the mower unit to be readily adaptable to conventional mowers.

Abstract: A clutching mechanism for a suspended belt driven mower assembly that automatically removes the mower drive belt from the pulley system when the mower assembly is raised. A brake contacts the endless drive belt when the mower is in the raised position to prevent movement of the belt. A belt retainer is positioned about one of the pulleys of the pulley system to retain the belt adjacent the pulleys when the belt tension is released. An electrical interlock system is provided to prevent the motor from being started in any position other than the mower assembly raised position.

Abstract: A hydraulic wood splitter is disclosed which is configured for highly efficient and convenient wood splitting operation. In order to retain wood being split in proper position on the frame of the splitter, the construction includes a wood-retaining configuration for the wood-abutting splitting rams of the construction. Each ram includes a peripherally extending retaining lip which cooperates with an elongated slot defined by the frame of the splitter for retention of wood in proper position thereon. Additionally, the splitting wedge of the device is provided with a dual-tapered or double-beveled configuration for further facilitating convenient and efficient wood splitting.

Abstract: A hydraulic log splitter attachable to a tractor or the like having self-contained means for raising or lowering the machine. The motive power for the elevating means is the hydraulic ram itself and only a single, fixed attachment to the tractor is required. There is also disclosed a twin-tube log bed and adjustable stabilizing means for the machine. In one embodiment of the invention, means are provided for releasably slidably mounting the twin-tube log bed, which permits the splitter to be collapsed to a relatively compact size for shipment, storage and transport.

Abstract: A dump cart is disclosed having a box removably mounted on an axle support and pulled by a drawbar. A latch is mounted on the drawbar to coact with a latch catch on the side of the box. The latch is biased by biasing means such as a spring located within the drawbar where it is protected from damage. The box can have two mounting positions with respect to the drawbar permitting alternate use of the front and back sides for dumping.

Abstract: An improved front blade mounting arrangement for a tractor is disclosed which includes a blade assembly supported by a blade mount for pivoting movement of the blade assembly to change its working angle. A control arm extending from the blade mount to the control area of the tractor permits the operator to raise and lower the blade mount and blade assembly in unison. A self-actuating lock mechanism is provided for locking the blade assembly at the desired angle when the blade assembly and blade mount are in the lowered position, the lock mechanism including a pivotal lock bar which is substantially disengaged from the blade assembly when it is in the raised position so that the tractor operator may conveniently angularly reposition the blade assembly without leaving the operator's control area on the tractor.

Abstract: An improved welding fume and spark trap includes a cannister and an inlet and outlet plenum for connection with an air filtration suction system designed to remove soot, fumes, and other particles from a welding area. The trap includes an internal baffle for reducing the velocity of the air stream passing through the trap, in this way promoting settling of particles suspended within the air stream into water contained within a water chamber defined by the bottom portion of the cannister.

Abstract: A vane air pump is used to selectively supply air under pressure to a tank or evacuate air from the tank. A control valve mounted on the pump has a housing with an air inlet area and an air outlet area. A spool rotatable in the housing to a first position connects the pump and valve passages to supply air under pressure to the tank and a second position connects the pump and valve passages to evacuate air from the tank. A lubricating apparatus having a reservoir for storing oil is connected to the air inlet area of the control valve to draw oil into the control valve and the pump to lubricate the spool of the control valve and bearings and vanes of the pump. An adjustable metering valve controls the flow of oil into the control valve and pump.

Abstract: A door opener mechanism for the side doors in a feed or grain elevator or conveyor in which the doors are hinged to the sides of the conveyor includes a crank arm pivotally connected to the conveyor at a point intermediate the side walls to provide rotation of the crank arm about a vertical axis. The crank arm is connected to the hinged doors by links and the crank arm is connected to a control arm by a link. The control arm is arranged to be connected to ropes for remote control of the door opening device. The control mechanism employed provides a relatively low profile, thus enabling placement of the conveyor and door opening mechanism close to a ceiling, which is desirable in places of limited space such as old barns.

Abstract: An implement for dispensing liquid and liquid-like materials, as liquid manure and the like, into and below the surface of the soil. The implement has a transverse hollow bar supporting a plurality of earthworking tools. Lift arms controlled with hydraulic cylinders connect the tool bar to a vehicle carrying the material. The vehicle delivers the material through a hose to the hollow tool bar. Separate hoses connected to the tool bar and to nozzles attached to the earthworking tools carry the material from the tool bar to the nozzles for discharge below the surface of the soil behind the earthworking tools.