Abstract: A compact conveyor having a primary conveyor, a feed conveyor and a hopper mounted to a mobile base. The base may be a trailer or a vehicle bed. The primary conveyor is rotatably and pivotably mounted to the base. The feed conveyor has a pivoting segment pivotably mounted to the base near the second base end and disposed at least partially beneath the hopper. An extending segment of the feed conveyor is longitudinally-movably mounted to the pivoting segment and extends toward the first primary conveyor end. An arm is mounted to the base, the extending segment and a prime mover for, upon actuation of the prime mover, displacing the extending segment longitudinally relative to the pivoting segment and simultaneously pivoting the pivoting segment relative to the base. This end of the feed conveyor moves along an arc that extends from below the primary conveyor to above the conveyor.

Abstract: A windrower includes a header having a crop cutting and a crop conditioning mechanism for conditioning crop material severed from the field and for discharging the conditioned material in a rearwardly directed stream as the windrower moves across the field. The windrower has a crop merger attachment with a conveyor configured to receive crop material from the crop conditioning mechanism and direct the crop material to a side of the windrower to form a windrow on the ground to the side of the windrower when in an operation position or to direct the crop material to the ground beneath the windrower when in a nonoperational position.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting and elevating articles and a method and system for conveying articles up inclines is provided. The conveyor has a conveyor belt and a plurality of support elements extending outward from the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt advancing upward along the incline. The support elements prevent conveyed articles from sliding down the conveyor belt on the incline. The article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt may provide a low-friction retention surface to articles leaning away from the conveyor belt on the incline.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying material for railway construction comprises a material loading device that is movable on a chassis, in particular a crawler chassis (2) having at least one receiving conveyor belt (17) each for receiving material and having a transfer conveyer belt (9, 12) for transferring material. The transfer conveyer belt (9, 12) is rotatable about a chassis vertical axis using a rotary drive and can be adjusted in height along the chassis vertical axis by using a lifting drive (4).

Abstract: A compact spreader on continuous tracks (10) for use in opencast mining has a discharge boom (70) with a rearward extension designed as a rocker having a counterweight (100). The rocker is suspended centrally in a framework (50) over the turntable (40). Hydraulic cylinders (14) absorb only forces from half of the imposed load. The embodiment according to the invention is suitable for large band widths and discharge projections up to 100 m and eliminates the danger of tipping over.

Abstract: An excavating and loading apparatus and method. The excavating and loading apparatus includes an excavator and a stacker conveyor. The excavator includes paired crawler tracks and an articulated boom with a bucket. The excavator further includes an inclined feeder conveyor with an intake end and a discharge end. A wide apron is positioned at the intake end of the feeder conveyor. The apron includes a left-hand side and right-hand side load receiving area that are arranged on opposing sides of the feeder conveyor. Two double hinged feeder blades are positioned at the apron. The feeder blades are arranged to operate asynchronously. Each feeder blade includes a main blade and a wing blade. The stacker conveyor is on paired crawler tracks and includes an intake end and a discharge end. The excavator includes a control cabin that is turreted to the crawler tracks.

Abstract: A mobile oilfield material transfer unit includes a chassis having a gooseneck and support base, the support base including a first portion and second portion, and the chassis further comprising a rear axle suspension system coupled with at least two wheels for movably supporting the chassis. The mobile oilfield material transfer unit further includes an erecting mast assembly having a mast movably connected with the chassis proximate to the second portion, and an actuator system coupled with the mast and with the chassis for moving the mast between a horizontal position and a vertical position. At least two vertical conveyor assemblies may be coupled with the erecting mast and moveable between the horizontal position and the vertical position, and at least two horizontal conveyor systems may be coupled with the support frame and engageable with the at least two vertical conveyor assemblies.

Abstract: An agricultural system for conveying product to a holding container is provided. One agricultural system includes a product conveying system having a conveyor and a hopper. The conveyor is configured to move product from the hopper to a holding container. The hopper has an opening for receiving product, and the opening includes a first side adjacent to the conveyor, and a second side opposite the first side. The second side is substantially v-shaped, and configured to channel the product to exit the hopper through the opening while the opening is directed downwardly.

Abstract: A compact spreader on continuous tracks (10) for use in opencast mining has a discharge boom (70) with a rearward extension designed as a rocker having a counterweight (100). The rocker is suspended centrally in a framework (50) over the turntable (40). Hydraulic cylinders (14) absorb only forces from half of the imposed load. The embodiment according to the invention is suitable for large band widths and discharge projections up to 100 m and eliminates the danger of tipping over.

Abstract: One example of the invention is a vehicle including a chassis, engine and wheels, and further comprising a rotating main turret; an outflow conveyor mounted on the main turret and configured to be rotated relative to the vehicle through rotation of the main turret; a feed turret assembly configured for vertical movement between a lowered storage position and a raised operational position, the feed turret assembly configured for rotation independent of and relative to the main turret; a feed conveyor configured to be rotated relative to the vehicle through rotation of the feed turret assembly, a discharge end of the feed conveyor connected to the feed turret assembly and positioned above the outflow conveyor when the feed turret assembly is in a raised operational position; and wherein when the feed turret assembly is in a raised operational position material being carried along the feed conveyor is deposited from the discharge end of the feed conveyor downward onto the outflow conveyor and transferred along t

Abstract: A container for example for a seeder includes a filling conveyor mounted on one with a bottom hopper and an upper filling spout with the conveyor being movable in a direction inwardly and outwardly relative to the side of the container to different positions relative to the container for cooperation with a supply. This is achieved by mounting the conveyor on a swivel coupling at the outer end of an arm which can be raised and lowered by pivotal movement about an inner end at the container. The hopper is supported on two pairs of ground wheels, each pair being arranged on a respective side of the hopper for supporting the respective side and each pair comprising a respective one of a pair of castor wheels mounted at respective ends of a pivotal beam extending along the respective side of the hopper and pivotal about an axis transverse to the hopper.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a mechanical sweeper. The mechanical sweeper comprises a pickup broom for lifting debris toward a first belt conveyor. The sweeper further comprises a second deployable conveyor assembly mounted on a turntable and adapted for conveying the debris from the first conveyor to an auxiliary vehicle such as a dump truck.

Abstract: An auger assembly transfers particulate material from a source area to a target area using a main auger, an open top swing auger or U-trough, and an extendable loading swing auger connected to one another. The main auger is supported on a wheeled frame similar to conventional grain augers while the U-trough is pivoted thereon, and the extendable loading swing auger is mounted on a rail system on the top of the U-trough. The inlet hopper of the extendable swing auger can be extended out to reach away from the main auger thus can be more easily positioned for proper alignment with the discharge hopper of a particulate material container even when the discharge hopper is within a confined space.

Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a self-propelled mechanical sweeper. The mechanical sweeper comprises a pickup broom for lifting debris toward a first belt conveyor. The sweeper further comprises a second deployable conveyor assembly mounted on a turntable and adapted for conveying the debris from the first conveyor to an auxiliary vehicle such as a dump truck.

Abstract: An unloading auger for an agricultural harvester includes an inner auger having an outer end and a first coupler at the outer end. The first coupler includes a first engagement cog. An outer auger is pivotally attached to the outer end of the inner auger. The outer auger has an inner end and a second coupler at the inner end. The second coupler includes a second engagement cog. The first coupler or second coupler includes at least one engagement assistor configured to rotate the outer auger prior to engagement between the first engagement cog and the second engagement cog.

Abstract: A belt conveyor and a crushing unit includes a conveying upper run presenting a feed end and a discharge end, and a return lower run, with the conveying upper end including a curved extension, which is concave and ascending and presents an inlet lower portion and an outlet upper portion of the conveying upper run, where the belt conveyor imparts to the material a path that is substantially coplanar and opposite in relation to that imparted to the material in the inlet portion, and with ascending curved path presenting at a determined belt speed, a centrifugal force sufficient to maintain the material seated against the curved extension of the conveying upper run until reaching the discharge end.

Abstract: In a haulage device for the continuous removal of material excavated below ground, which can be continuously slaved between a mining machine (8) and a continuous road haulage means (2) over a defined path and narrow curve radii of the mining machine (8) while continuously hauling without interruption, the haulage device is configured as a closed-belt conveyor (9) which is movable on a suspended rail system (3), whose receiving end adjacent the mining machine (8) is coupled with a movable transfer conveyor (7) and whose end facing away from the mining machine (8) and adjacent the continuous road haulage means (2) is connected with a clamping device exerting a defined tensile stress over a defined displacement path of the transfer end of the closed-belt conveyor (8) in a displaceable transfer position onto the continuous road haulage means (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a loading and unloading apparatus comprising in mutual cooperation a conveyor device (3) adjacent a roller table (2), where said conveyor device and roller table are pivotably mounted on a carrying structure (5), which structure, in use is vertically extendable and retractable.

Abstract: An aggregate processing unit is provided that includes an in-feed conveyor adapted to have a first lower section that can move laterally to accommodate various processing configurations and to also allow for enhanced mobility.

Abstract: A remote controlled swing auger system for efficiently manipulating a position of a swing auger. The remote controlled swing auger system includes a swing auger connectable to a main auger, a swing hopper connected to the swing auger, a plurality of front wheels and a plurality of rear wheels rotatably attached to the swing hopper, a drive motor mechanically connected to the front wheels, a control unit in communication with the drive motor, and at least one controller in communication with the control unit. The controller may be comprised of a manual controller and/or a remote controller. The user is able to pivot the swing hopper with respect to a main auger by using the remote controller while in the tractor or in a remote location away from the augers.

Abstract: A movable belt conveyor system for a leach pad for use for sulfidic copper ore, where favorable conditions are to be generated for leaching out the copper by a slight compaction of the ore piled up into a dump for the microbiological leaching technology. The movable belt conveyor system of a length of up to several km is composed of a plurality of smaller belt segments, comprising a tail segment (70), standard segments (711-n) and a head segment (72), as well as a traveling tripper (8). To prevent the loading by these individual components from being excessively compacted by the weight of the device during multiple travel over the dump during the moving process, the belt drives with the driving drum are accommodated in the tail element (70), which is supported on the soil next to the leach pad.

Abstract: A mobile feeder has a distributor conveyor band which is adjustable in at least a height direction. The distributor conveyor band is connected to a carrier frame and can be removed with the carrier frame from the mobile feeder. The mobile feeder is equipped with a mounting device for the distributor conveyor band. The mounting device at least temporarily is provided at the mobile feeder, can be set on the ground, and engages the carrier frame from below. Matching connection assemblies releasably connect the carrier frame to the mounting device. Drive assemblies at the mounting device adjust the carrier frame relative to the mobile feeder to a ground contact position of the distributor conveyor band.

Abstract: A transfer station for a material conveyor system. The transfer station includes a portion for engaging a ground surface and for moving the transfer station relative to the ground surface. The transfer station includes a portion for supporting a conveyor belt, which has a longitudinal extent and which supports material, for movement relative to the ground in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the belt. The transfer station includes a portion for applying a skewing force against the belt to maintain the belt at a location relative to the means for supporting during movement of the belt.

Abstract: A pallet and conveyor system for loading pallets onto a transport vehicle is described. The conveyor system has a first and a second conveyor which positions the pallets between the conveyors and maintains the pallets in upright orientation. The conveyor defines an upper conveyance track and a lower conveyance track which may be placed on the bed of a transport truck. The pallets maintained in the conveyor system are easily loadable on the truck and can be captured without operator lifting by the conveyor system. The pallets may be forked from any direction and provide a stabilization device for maintaining the cargo within the pallets.

Abstract: A pallet and conveyor system for loading pallets onto a transport vehicle is described. The conveyor system has a first and a second conveyor which positions the pallets between the conveyors and maintains the pallets in upright orientation. The conveyor defines an upper conveyance track and a lower conveyance track which may be placed on the bed of a transport truck. The pallets maintained in the conveyor system are easily loadable on the truck and can be captured without operator lifting by the conveyor system. The pallets may be forked from any direction and provide a stabilization device for maintaining the cargo within the pallets.

Abstract: A mobile feeder B has a distributor conveyor band V which at least is adjustable in height direction. The distributor conveyor band V is connected to a carrier frame T and can be removed with its carrier frame T from the mobile feeder B. The mobile feeder is equipped with a mounting device M, M′ for the distributor conveyor band V. The mounting device at least temporarily is provided at the mobile feeder, can be set on the ground 20 and engages from below under the carrier frame T. Matching connection assemblies A1, A2, A3, A1′, A2′, A3′ releasably connect the carrier frame T to the mounting device. Drive assemblies Z, Z1 at the mounting device and/or at the distributor conveyor band V serve to adjust the carrier frame relative to the mobile feeder to a ground contact position of the distributor conveyor band (V).

Abstract: A mobile feeder B has a distributor conveyor band V which at least is adjustable in height direction. The distributor conveyor band V is connected to a carrier frame T and can be removed with its carrier frame T from the mobile feeder B. The mobile feeder is equipped with a mounting device M, M′ for the distributor conveyor band V. The mounting device at least temporarily is provided at the mobile feeder, can be set on the ground 20 and engages from below under the carrier frame T. Matching connection assemblies A1, A2, A3, A1′, A2′, A3′ releasably connect the carrier frame T to the mounting device. Drive assemblies Z, Z1 at the mounting device and/or at the distributor conveyor band V serve to adjust the carrier frame relative to the mobile feeder to a ground contact position of the distributor conveyor band (V).

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus comprises an upper conveyor tube. A lower conveyor tube has an open upper discharge end telescopically engaged with the upper conveyor tube, and an intake hopper mounted on a lower intake end. A telescope actuator selectively extends and retracts the lower conveyor tube. Wheels are attached to the upper conveyor tube to support the lower end of the upper conveyor tube and the lower conveyor tube. The wheels are oriented for travel transverse to the conveyor tubes, and an elevating actuator is operative to raise and lower the wheels. A conveyor belt has a top run that passes through the hopper and conveyor tubes, and a belt drive moves the top run of the conveyor belt up through the conveyor tubes to carry material from the intake hopper to the upper discharge end of the upper conveyor tube.

Abstract: A transport conveyor particularly for grain in piles on the ground has a trailer mounted on ground wheels for towing by a tractor in a direction of travel. The trailer can be driven forward while the tractor remains stationary either by a hydraulic cylinder on an extendible hitch or by a drive at the ground wheels which moves the trailer while the hitch and the tractor remain stationary. An auger tube is carried on the trailer by a support post which allows the auger tube to swivel about a vertical axis from a longitudinally extending transport position to an operating position in which the tube extends generally transversely of the direction of travel with a feed end of the tube projecting outwardly beyond one side of the trailer, with a discharge end projecting outwardly beyond the opposite side of the vehicle and with the discharge end raised for discharge into a transport truck on that side. The tube can also pivot about a horizontal axis at the post allowing the feed end to float up and down.

Abstract: Chain conveyors in an agricultural harvesting machine can be tensioned by means of a tension adjusting device including an adjusting unit which is coupled to a displaceable shaft via a linkage means or connector members. The adjusting units are advantageously hydraulic cylinders controlled in synchronism. The hydraulic cylinders can be mutually independently pressurized via bypass lines incorporating control valves.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly is for use with a vehicle having a wheel pivotable about an axis and an actuator configured to pivot the wheel. The conveyor assembly includes a carriage connectable with the vehicle and having a wheel pivotable about an axis, a swing axis and a first bearing surface about the swing axis. A carriage steering actuator pivots the carriage wheel about its axis in one direction when the vehicle actuator pivots the vehicle wheel about its axis in an opposing direction. A conveyor connected with the carriage has a second bearing surface engaged about the first bearing surface. Further, a swing actuator rotates the conveyor about the swing axis such that the second bearing surface linearly displaces along a first arcuate path as an actuator end displaces along a second arcuate path, configured such that the bearing surface displacement is greater than the actuator end displacement.

Abstract: A conveyor transport apparatus comprises a main portable conveyor and a secondary conveyor releasably attached to the main conveyor frame. An actuator is operable to move the secondary conveyor from a ground position where the secondary conveyor is supported on the ground, to a transport position where the secondary conveyor is raised above the ground. The apparatus may be configured so that the secondary conveyor is supported on the ground and attached to the main conveyor when the main conveyor is in a raised position and the secondary conveyor is raised above the ground when the main conveyor is in a lowered position. The main conveyor can be attached to a towing vehicle for transport of the apparatus.

Abstract: The laser pointer 52 indicates the work position and the camera 54 takes the image and the laser range finder 46 provided on the upper frame 10 of the conveyor system is heading for the indicated position, so that the distance is measured. The coordinate of the work position is found from the previously obtained distance and the rotating amount rotating the laser range finder towards the indicated position, and the cargo work is executed. The work position may be easily indicated and the coordinate of the work position may be recognized surely.

Abstract: A conveyor transport apparatus comprises a main portable conveyor and a secondary conveyor releasably attached to the main conveyor frame. An actuator is operable to move the secondary conveyor from a ground position where the secondary conveyor is supported on the ground, to a transport position where the secondary conveyor is raised above the ground. The apparatus may be configured so that the secondary conveyor is supported on the ground and attached to the main conveyor when the main conveyor is in a raised position and the secondary conveyor is raised above the ground when the main conveyor is in a lowered position. The main conveyor can be attached to a towing vehicle for transport of the apparatus.

Abstract: A self propelled vehicle for transport and placement of an onboard supply of fill material in an onboard hopper. The hopper is connected to said vehicle at a point operatively positioned to discharge fill material placed therein on a conveyor belt mounted to a support structure. The fill material is deposited on the conveyor at a receiving and discharged at the distal end of the conveyor either directly or via a flow director attached to the distal end attached thereto. The flow director bifurcates the stream of fill material allowing the operator to place more or less of the fill in two streams using a plurality of independently adjustable channeling ramps. The hopper is optionally adjustable from an angle normal to the vehicle to allow for adjustment in the vehicle center of gravity on grades. The flow director can also be configured for attachment to existing conveyors to increase their utility or used as part of the entire self propelled device in a single unit.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted conveyor system including an infeed conveyor assembly mounted for powered rotation relative to the vehicle. The conveyor system includes a discharge conveyor assembly pivotally mounted to a main turret, which in turn is mounted to a primary turntable for powered rotation relative to the vehicle. The discharge conveyor assembly includes a telescoping boom and a moving discharge conveyor belt to supply an aggregate material, such as concrete, to a desired point at the work site. An infeed conveyor assembly is rotatably mounted to the main turret by a powered secondary turntable. The powered secondary turntable is mechanically driven by a drive mechanism, such that the infeed conveyor assembly can be rotated relative to the main turret. The secondary turntable and the primary turntable are independently operable and rotate about a common vertical axis, such that the infeed conveyor assembly and the discharge conveyor assembly can be independently rotated relative to the vehicle.

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 method and apparatus for spreading paving materials. A chassis forms a support structure for the spreader and includes a front side facing toward a paving direction, a rear side opposite the front side, a receiving side facing toward a haul road and a far side opposite the receiving side. A receiving conveyor belt extends across the haul road and runs to a central point beneath the chassis, the receiving conveyor belt receives paving materials from delivery trucks traveling along the haul road and transports the paving materials to the central point where the paving materials fall off the receiving conveyor belt and onto a swinging delivery conveyor belt. The delivery conveyor belt includes a first end located at the central point beneath the receiving conveyor belt and extends beyond the rear side of the chassis to a second end of the receiving conveyor belt.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted conveyor system including an infeed conveyor assembly having a telescoping feed section including a pivotable outer portion. The feed section of the infeed conveyor assembly includes an outer portion pivotally mounted to an inner portion such that the outer portion can be positioned at an angle relative to the inner portion. The outer portion of the feed section includes a support assembly such that the outer portion can be supported on the ground in a generally horizontal orientation. The outer section includes a collapsible collection bin having a pair of hinged sidewalls and a pair of hinged end walls that can be joined to form the collection bin above the conveyor belt of the infeed conveyor assembly. The combination of the collapsible bin and horizontal outer portion of the feed section of the infeed conveyor assembly allows the conveyor system to be used in directly unloading a supply of aggregate material without the requirement of a separate hopper and additional unloading equipment.

Abstract: An auger system for a gravitationally dispensing storage receptacle associated with a trailer. The system comprises two discrete sections selectively coupled by a pivot assembly. During coupling, the second section arcuately moves from a stowed position into a discharge position wherein receptive contact is established with the first section. The first section comprises an elongated conveyor disposed beneath the bin to receive dispensed materials for subsequent output adjacent the trailer periphery. The conveyor comprises a cylindrical housing supporting a terminal hydraulic motor that rotates an internal screw auger to propel dispensed particulate material inside the transporter to an output orifice for transfer into the second section for external delivery. The second section comprises a auger transporter that comprises a cylindrical housing supporting a terminal motor rotating an internal screw auger that propels materials therethrough to an external discharge spout.

Abstract: An extension or companion conveyor is used with a primary conveyor to convey grain or other granular materials. The companion conveyor swings into a lesser angle than the primary conveyor, which may be at a relatively steep angle to convey grain into a tall bin. The companion elevator travels at a high rate relative to the primary conveyor to provide an accelerator function. A mounting mechanism between the companion and primary conveyors includes a swing arm pivotally connected in its opposite ends so as to swing the companion conveyor from end to end abutment with the primary conveyor forwardly and outwardly to a stored/transport position parallel to the primary conveyor. A slip connection in the mounting mechanism allows the angle of the companion conveyor relative to the primary conveyor to vary as it is folded against the primary to reduce the pushing force necessary to be applied by an operator during the first half of travel of the swing arm.

Abstract: A materials spreader for a plant for the continuous deposition of conveyable material, the substructure of which is supported on three support points and has a discharge jib. The support points of its substructure are designed as pontoons resting on the ground. A transport vehicle is provided underneath the substructure for moving the spreader. This transport vehicle is not permanently connected to the substructure.

Abstract: A continuous highwall mining machine includes a frame and a ground engaging loading shovel that is mounted to extend forwardly from the frame. A cutter for winning aggregate material is mounted to the frame so as to extend above and forwardly of the loading shovel. An armless conveyor system conveys aggregate material won from the mineral seam. The armless conveyor system includes twin chains having a forked section at the forwardmost end carried on the loading shovel and an uninterrupted straight path extending rearwardly from the forked section to a discharge end.

Abstract: A cart for transporting grain and the like and unloading the grain using an auger system. The system has two augers, a lower auger that elevates the grain from the cart's grain storage hopper and deposits it into an upper auger that carries the grain out and away from the cart for discharge at the desired place. Each auger is independently driven by a hydraulic motor. The upper auger can be swung through a wide arc thereby allowing the grain to be discharged to almost any unloading position without moving the cart. Because the upper auger is independent, the arc through which it is swung is at a relatively low angle from the horizontal and the grain therefore can be discharged a greater distance from the cart. Also, the upper auger can be swung to a position alongside the hopper for over-the-road transport of the cart.

Abstract: The connecting belt bridge provided with the feed end side and the discharge side end each supported on their respective travelling means, the discharge side travelling means including a travelling unit which is not railbound, the connecting belt bridge being pivotally supported on the discharge side travelling means about a vertical as well as a horizontal axis and on the feed side travelling means by a longitudinally displaceable single point support including a support beam which can be horizontally aligned and has at its feed side end a feed jib hinged on by way of a horizontal transverse axis.

Abstract: A feed auger for transporting particulate material to a main auger which has a drive shaft driven by a direct mechanical connection from a PTO of a tractor vehicle. The feed auger is attached to a hopper at one end and pivotally mounted to the main auger at the other end such that particulate material entering the hopper is transported through the feed auger and into and through the main auger. The feed auger is driven by a hydraulic system operated from the drive shaft of the main auger, the hydraulic system providing independent control of the operation of the feed auger.

Abstract: An arm and cradle apparatus is disclosed for receiving empty trays from an upper conveyor having empty lettuce holding and transporting trays, lowering the received empty tray to an angular disposition in which it can most conveniently be packed, and finally off loading the packed full tray to a lower conveyor having full lettuce holding trays thereon for plunging to cartons. The arm and cradle apparatus is mechanically passive in that all movements of the trays to and from the arm and cradle apparatus are either worker assisted or occur under the natural gravity biased movement of the arm and cradle apparatus.

Abstract: An auger system comprises a main auger with a longitudinal auger flight extending from a container at the bottom of the main auger to a discharge spout at the top of the main auger. The lower end of the main auger is connected by a hitch member to a tractor and the lower end of the main auger flight is connected to a PTO shaft of the tractor. A side load auger extends from a hopper at the lower end to a discharge spout connecting into the container at the lower end of the main auger. A mechanical drive connection extends from the main auger shaft to the feed auger shaft and comprises a chain drive coupling driving a second shaft parallel to the main auger shaft at a position above the main auger shaft. Two right angle gear boxes are mounted with one inside the container and the other inside the discharge spout of the side load auger.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a back arm pivotal about a first vertical axis; a discharge arm pivotal about a horizontal axis and about the first vertical axis; a discharge belt mounted on the discharge arm and extending rearward, beyond the first vertical axis, to the back arm; and a connecting bridge pivotal about second and third vertical axes, and supported on a separate, movable device so as to be longitudinally displaceable. The connecting bridge is articulated to a component of the conveyor system above the back arm. The second vertical axis is spaced from the first vertical axis at a predetermined distance and disposed diametrally opposite a discharge end of the discharge belt with respect to the first vertical axis. There is further provided a connecting belt mounted on the connecting bridge and feeding the discharge belt.