Abstract: The present invention extends to a lifting system for lifting a portion of a conveyor. The lifting system maintains the length of the conveyor while changing the shape of the conveyor to lift the top surface of the conveyor belt towards a stacking head. This design facilitates the quick lifting and lowering of slabs of sod while minimizing the stress on the sod harvesting machine.

Abstract: The present invention extends to a stacking mechanism having electrical actuators for stacking slabs of sod on a sod harvesting machine. The electrical actuators allow the stacking head to be driven in three axes. The stacking mechanism also includes position feedback sensors for reporting the position of the stacking head to enable precision when operating the stacking head at a fast rate. The stacking mechanism of the present invention also provides temporary pallet support wings to enable the continued stacking of slabs of sod on one pallet even while another pallet is being dropped from the sod harvesting machine.

Abstract: In one example, a moon gear assembly is provided that includes a moon arm assembly having a driving moon gear. A pivot pin is connected to the moon arm assembly, and an adjustment arm is connected to the moon arm assembly.

Abstract: Transmission systems, assemblies, and components are described. In particular, aspects of the present disclosure relate to an infinitely variable transmission that maintains constant tooth engagement during changes in gear ratio. In one aspect, a transmission includes an axially movable sheave coupled to a chain. The sheave rotates around a drive axis. At least partially within the sheave is a set of moon gears. The moon gears orbit around the drive axis and are rotatable around respective internal axis. As the sheave moves axially, the chain and the set of moon gears move radially to define different gear ratios, with the gear ratios being changeable in infinitely small increments. A synchronization system moves the set of moon gears radially to correspond to the axial position of the sheave. A correction system optionally controls rotation of the moon gears to rotate teeth of the moon gears into alignment with the chain.