Abstract: An output shaft of a motor is divided into a front shaft (first or second front shaft) and a rear shaft. The first front shaft is to be rotatably supported by a first shaft support plate connected directly to a motor housing. The second front shaft is to be rotatably supported by a second shaft support plate connected to the motor housing with a spacer provided between the second shaft support plate and the motor housing. A braking mechanism including a flange plate, a braking member and a biasing member is mounted to the second shaft support plate and the second front shaft. The first front shaft is used with the first shaft support plate to realize a power tool without the braking mechanism. The second front shaft is used with the second shaft support plate and the spacer to realize a power tool without the braking mechanism.

Abstract: An improved rock picker system includes a prime mover, with an operator's cab and towing means; windrow means detachably and foldingly mounted to the prime mover front; collector means; separator means; transfer means; dump trailer means detachably connectable to the prime mover towing means; an hydraulic power supply in fluid communication with the hydraulic loads; and, control means for controlling the hydraulic power supply and hydraulic loads individually. Control means includes a plurality of remotely operated hydraulic control valves corresponding to the hydraulic loads and a control panel in electrical communication with the remotely operated hydraulic control valves, and speed control means for controlling the speed of the hydraulic loads.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting plant species of varying heights and varying diameters adapted to be mounted on a conventional land vehicle includes a frame and an extracting member rigidly attached to and extends outwardly from a bottom edge of the frame. The extracting member includes a first elongated extracting portion having a knife-like free end, a pair of second extracting portions each positioned adjacent a respective edge of the first elongated extracting portion and having a cutting edge formed generally perpendicular to the respective edge of the first elongated extracting portion, and a pair of third extracting portions each connecting an end of the cutting edge of the second extracting portion with a respective end of the bottom edge of the frame. A pair of elongated member are attached to the rear surface of the frame for attaching it to the land vehicle.

Abstract: A self-propelled screening apparatus (1) having a chassis (11); a pair of endless tracks (12) supporting the chassis (11); a superstructure (13) rotatably mounted on the chassis (11); a prime mover (19) provided in or on the superstructure (13) and arranged to provide motive power to operate the endless tracks (12) and where the prime mover (19) is rotatable with the superstructure (13); and a screen box (16) mounted on the superstructure (13), also for rotation therewith. The screen box (16) has an input (17) for receiving a supply of bulk material, at least one screen deck for screening the bulk material, and an output for discharging screened material. The prime mover (19) and the screen box (16) are arranged on opposite sides of the rotational axis of the superstructure (13), to provide a stable weight distribution.

Abstract: A rock picker for use with all terrain vehicles and lawn and garden tractors that has a generally horizontal movable frame with one or more operative wheels secured to the frame. The frame holds a rock holding receptacle that is tiltable for rock dumping. A towing tongue is mounted to the forward end of the frame. Also mounted to the frame in a position such that it can be moved from a rock pick up position to a rock unload position dumping the rocks into the rock holding receptacle is tiltable rock scoop. As the picker is towed forward, the scoop scoops up the rocks and it can be hydraulically activated to dump the rocks into the rock holding receptacle or basket. In turn, the rocks can be dumped from there once carried away from the area from which the rocks are cleared.

Abstract: A system for measuring payload is integrated into the cargo carrying bed of a vehicle. The vehicle bed is formed from a plastic material and includes a body member that is supported on a vehicle frame. At least one sensor assembly is molded within the body member. The sensor is positioned over the vehicle frame and generates a weight signal representative of weight of the payload supported on the body member. A central processor receives the weight signal and transmits the weight signal to a vehicle driver. The weight signal can be used to activate a warning device if the payload exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting, topping and sacking bulb crops, such as onions. The harvester extracts the onions from the ground and transports them rearward to a cutting assembly by conveyor systems that drop out small onions, dirt, rocks and debris. The cutting assembly comprises a set of elongated cutting blades positioned to cooperatively accept and sever the leaves and roots from the bulb. The offal drops away from the harvester to the ground by manner of gravity. After cutting, the onions are transported through an inspection assembly for inspection, sorting, grading and further distribution. The onions are then transported rearward to a sacking assembly for placing the onions into sacks, to a chute device returning the onions to the ground or to a conveyor system transferring the onions to an adjacent vehicle. Platforms on the sides and ends of the harvester facilitate the above operations.

Abstract: A mini shrub spader for unearthing and transporting trees and shrubs. The mini shrub spader has a basketed U-blade which allows it to unearth, shape the root ball and transport a tree or shrub utilizing the same device. The mini shrub spader is preferably mounted to the rear of a small tractor.

Abstract: A rock picker having a frame supported by rear support wheels and a tongue that is adapted to be attached to a tractor draw bar. A basket assembly having gathering tines and separation bars is carried by the frame. The gathering tines gather rocks and hold the rocks while allowing soil to pass between adjacent tines. The basket assembly is pivotally attached to short links. The short links are pivotally attached to the frame. Hydraulic cylinders are attached to the frame and to the basket assembly. When the basket assembly is filled with rocks, the hydraulic cylinders are extended. Initially, the short links pivot forward, lowering and extending the forward ends of the gathering tines and placing a downward force on the gathering tines. Continuing extension of the hydraulic cylinder raises the gathering tines and causes rocks to slide down the separation bars and into a rock hopper. Dirt passes between the separation bars and to the ground.

Abstract: An earth and root removing implement is formed from a cylindrical steel walled tube having a mouth at the front end for penetrating the earth into the root structure of a plant to be removed. To aid in penetration and permit disengaging of earth and roots received within the tube, the mouth includes an opening in the tube wall extending and tapering rearwardly to an apex. To maintain sufficient structural rigidity of the tube, the opening extends about the circumference of the tube for less than 180.degree. and defines in combination with the front end a scoop-like configuration. Attachment devices, including slots at the rear end of the tube for receiving the blade of a bucket of a front end loader and chains extending from the bucket to the tube, mounts the implement upon the bucket. By manipulating the bucket, and hence the implement, the implement is used to dig under, loosen and pry out of the earth the roots of selected plants.

Abstract: A plow having a wheeled frame for towing by a land vehicle. The plow includes a tool carrier pivotally secured to the frame for carrying soil cultivating tools. A ratchet wheel and a lever are pivotally secured to the frame in a side-by-side relationship. A drive pawl is pivotally secured to the lever for pivoting the ratchet wheel in one direction when the lever is pivoted. A holding pawl is pivotally secured to the frame for permitting the rotation of the ratchet wheel with the lever in one direction but preventing the rotation of the ratchet wheel in the opposite direction. A tiebar assembly, having a rocker arm and a lifting arm, is pivotally secured to the frame. A link connects the lifting arm to the tool carrier. A pushrod connects the ratchet wheel to the rocker arm. By manually pivoting the lever, the user of the plow can easily raise and lower soil cultivating tools with an accompanying mechanical advantage.

Abstract: A mine extractor for removing buried mines having a plurality of leaf springs disposed in parallel side by side relationship and mounted on a common support. The extractor further comprises adjacent auxiliary springs and thereby forming additional batteries, a slide attached to the springs and adapted to slide on its bottom on the ground and/or an apparatus for swinging a beam and the slide with respect to a base to lift the slide from the ground.

Abstract: A lightweight mine extracting plow is provided that can be mounted on any type of armored vehicle to enable the vehicle to cross minefields in an attack formation or to assist the armored vehicle in escaping from scattered minefields, either laid by air or by artillery, by removing obstacles, such as mines, from all areas of land. The plow has tines which penetrate the land to extricate the mines. Blades are shaped to dispose the mines sideways out of the path of the tracks of the vehicle. A folding skid device controls articulation of the plow over ground undulations and extends forward to assist in bridging ditches. The skid has a device which automatically positions it in front of the plow and overturns it into a pre-operation mode. A mechanical lifting device is operable by reversing the vehicle to lift the plow out of the ground. Thereafter, the device automatically reverts to its pre-operation mode.

Abstract: A farm tractor field stone collection implement is provided with a forward dragbox section having open forward and aft ends, a perforated bottom, multiple spaced-apart teeth projected forwardly and downwardly from the section leading edge, and hitch points for coupling to a farm tractor implement hitch accessory, with an aft dragbox section having a forward open end aligned with the forward dragbox section open aft end, a perforated bottom, and an aft end from which collected field stone may be dumped, with a vibrator mounted on the forward dragbox section, and with fasteners joining the forward and aft dragbox sections in an articulated manner relative to each other.

Abstract: A battlefield debris clearing apparatus for attachment to a vehicle comprising a horizontal beam for lateral attachment to a vehicle; a plurality of baskets pivotally attached to the beam, each basket having an opening to lift and collect battlefield debris from the ground surface; and a mechanism for the rotation of the baskets about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beam. Apparatus is provided for the delivery of a high velocity gas stream to the ground surface proximate the baskets. A magnetic sensor array positioned behind the baskets detects objects deeply buried below the ground surface.

Abstract: Mine clearing apparatus for attachment to a vehicle and comprising a frame mountable onto a vehicle for selectable positioning in a raised or lowered orientation; apparatus mounted onto the frame for raising and shunting aside mines; and apparatus operable from inside the vehicle for automatically raising the plow from its lowered orientation to its raised orientation independently of vehicle movement. The frame may include angled side portions mountable onto the vehicle and having a profile complementary to that of the vehicle and the apparatus for raising and shunting aside mines includes a pair of angled arms having a profile complementary to that of the frame and the vehicle.

Abstract: Mine clearing apparatus for attachment to a vehicle and comprising a frame mountable onto a vehicle for selectable positioning in a raised or lowered orientation; apparatus mounted onto the frame for raising and shunting aside mines; and apparatus operable from inside the vehicle for automatically raising the plow from its lowered orientation to its raised orientation.

Abstract: Mine clearing equipment mountable on a vehicle. Two plow sections arranged one above the other in hinged engagement are included in apparatus which mounts on a frame and by which mines are raised and shunted aside. The frame in turn is mountable onto the vehicle in raised or lowered orientation. In the frame raised position, the plow sections are in folded engagement. The raising and shunting aside apparatus is angularly oriented with a forward edge adjacent the vehicle interior and a rearward edge adjacent the vehicle side edge. A chain is attached to the forward edges and plow sections in tension when the plow sections are lowered into their operating orientations to define mine barriers.

Abstract: Apparatus for clearing mines comprising a frame mountable onto a vehicle for selectable positioning in a raised or lowered orientation, plow apparatus for raising and shunting aside mines mounted onto the frame and apparatus for automatically raising the plow from its lowered orientation to its raised orientation in response to backwards motion of the vehicle and including mounting apparatus rotatably mounted onto the vehicle, spring supporting apparatus mounted onto the mounting apparatus and attached to the plow apparatus; and tooth apparatus fixed onto the mounting apparatus and arranged for selectable engagement with a vehicle tread, the spring supporting apparatus being operative when the plow is in its lowered orientation to urge the tooth apparatus into driven engagement with the vehicle tread whereby during backwards movement of the vehicle the mounting apparatus rotates in a first direction, thereby extending the length of the spring supporting apparatus, and increasing the spring force thereof until

Abstract: Mine clearing apparatus for attachment to a vehicle comprising a frame mountable onto a vehicle for selectable positioning in a raised or lowered orientation; apparatus for raising and shunting aside mines mounted onto the frame; and apparatus for selectably retaining the frame in a raised orientation and comprising control apparatus operable from inside the vehicle for releasing the frame from the raised orientation and allowing it to assume the lowered orientation.

Abstract: This rock picker invention is a towable farm implement which is capable of removing rocks from a farm field. A plurality of buckets scoop up quantities of soil as the rock picker is towed by a tractor. The buckets are mounted on a pair of cables which pass over guide wheels. The cables are forced to move by a power source so that the buckets are forced into, across and out of the ground. The guide wheels are mounted on axles on a conveyor frame which allows the buckets and cables to be lifted to a transport position and which allows the angle of attack between the buckets and the ground surface to be varied. The buckets are equipped with openings and shaped such that soil falls from the buckets when the buckets are lifted. The cables are guided such that the buckets are caused to invert and dump the rocks collected into a hopper. The hopper is equipped with a lifting linkage to allow transfer and disposal of rocks collected.

Abstract: Within an agricultural vehicle for harvesting root crops, such as potatoes, a frame is suspended and has its bottom formed by a screen conveyor, its front end carrying a set of plows preceded by pilot wheels which ride respective furrow slices and control the elevation of the frame. The suspension for the frame comprises a pair of cables, one of them extending transversely over two rollers and engaging the rear of the frame at opposite ends while the other rises from a forward part of the frame and is hydraulically tensionable for raising or lowering same. The frame is limited for movement both longitudinally and transversely with reference to the vehicle body, its mobility in any direction being restricted by a pair of rearwardly projecting lateral guide rollers confined between vertical tracks and horizontal abutments; one of these guide rollers has a trapezoidal profile coacting with a similarly shaped track surface while the other guide roller is substantially cylindrical.