Abstract: A swivel connector includes a ring (1) which is assembleable into a slot (5) in a hoist member (2), with the slot having an open end forming an enlarged bifurcated recess portion (8). The ring and hoist are assembled to an annular housing (9) and a first nut (14) is positioned for sliding movement and relative rotation within the housing and is threaded onto the slotted end of the hoist member. A plug (16) is positioned within the bifurcated hoist slot recess end and a second nut (17) having a threaded axial opening is secured within the housing. A threaded shaft (22) is provided and which is threadably disposed within the second nut opening and in relatively loose engagement with the plug. The shaft extends outwardly for securement to the load or the like. During swiveling use, the ring (1), hoist (2), plug (22) and first nut (14) turn together, with the other elements remaining fixed.

Abstract: A material loading and conveying machine has an openended scoop for gathering and containing loose material, and a conveyor for receiving material from the scoop. The open rear end of the scoop abuts a curved backstop plate having a center of curvature on the axis about which the scoop is raised or lowered. In addition, the lower portion of the backstop plate is fixed to the machine, while the upper backstop portion normally abuts the lower portion but is selectively raisable to form a gate which meters the flow of gathered material from the open rear end of the raised scoop onto the conveyor.