Abstract: Dribble control apparatus including a dribble control door hingedly or pivotally connected to an upper portion of a tube of a grain unloading conveyor. The door has a closed position covering a discharge opening of the tube for preventing grain dribbling, and an open position. The door has a shape which positions a center of gravity of the door for urging the door toward the closed position, including when closed, and which enables the door to support itself in the open position on a stream of grain flowing from the discharge opening with at least a substantial portion of the door spaced above the grain stream, while influencing or controlling an outward extent and direction of the flow of the stream.

Abstract: A rotor, in an agricultural harvester crop processing unit, comprising a drum to which crop processing elements for an infeed section and a threshing section are affixed. The drum comprises a rearward cylindrical portion and a forwardly extending frusto-conical portion. The frusto-conical portion is divided into an aft-region adjacent to the rearward cylindrical portion of the drum, and a fore-region. The infeed section has at least one infeed element located on the fore-region of the frusto-conical portion of the drum. The crop processing section has at least one crop processing element located on the aft-region of the frusto-conical portion of the drum.

Abstract: A grain cleaning module, adapted to be fitted to a grain cart (1) having means to deliver cleaned grain to collection means, includes a cleaning stage comprising at least one hollow cylinder (4) adapted to be mounted to said cart and means for causing the grain and waste material to pass through the one or more cylinders so that the grain can pass into the grain cart and the waste material can pass through the one or more cylinders for subsequent discharge. Each cylinder includes an outer sieve containing a rotary assembly carrying brushes arranged in a spiral to brush against the inside of the sieve and thereby to increase separation of grain and waste. The grain falls to the bottom of the cart where it can be moved by an auger to a chute and then out to another grain cart for example. A modular combine harvester includes a cutting head fitted to a tractor, a cart towed by the tractor and fitted with the module, and a conveyor module to carry the cut material from the header to the cart.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle such as a combine is provided with a collapsible agricultural material storage bin. The bin may be collapsed to allow for decreased overall vertical height during transport to avoid contact with obstacles, such as overhead power lines and street lights. In the field, the agricultural material storage container may be expanded to increase the agricultural material holding capacity of the vehicle. The bin may be provided with an internal extension mechanism to increase the lifting power of the container to allow for the placement of a second container or other material thereabove. Alternatively, the container may be provided with an external lifting means to allow for unobstructed evacuation of the interior of the container.

Abstract: A cotton packager for mounting on a chassis of a cotton harvester interchangeably with a cotton basket, allowing for pivotal movement of the packager between an operating position and a tilted unloading position. The packager includes a pivotable fluid cylinder which attaches to the chassis in place of a fixed front lift cylinder of the basket, and a rear pivot which attaches to the chassis in place of a rear lift cylinder. As a result, a rear open end of the packager can be lowered closer to a surface onto which cotton is to be unloaded, and drivers for an unloader door of the packager can be subjected to less damaging loads.

Abstract: A pivoting unloading door for ramp assembly and common conveyor drive for door or ramp segments thereof. The door or ramp segments are pivotable about a pivotal axis between a folded or closed position in generally overlaying relation one to the other, and an unfolded or open unloading position in parallel, end-to-end relation, the door segments including conveyors thereon for conveying objects or matter thereover when in the unloading position. The door assembly includes a common drive for the conveyors which is disposed beneath the conveyors in the unloading position in coaxial relation with the pivotal axis, and which is operable for simultaneously moving the conveyors. The output of the drive can extend through a pivot joint connecting the door segments, and can connect the elements of the pivot joint.

Abstract: A cotton receiving basket for an on-board cotton harvesting machine including a lower basket having a plurality of upwardly extending walls having upper portions including elongate upper seal elements extending therealong, respectively; a basket lid having a plurality of downwardly extending walls having lower portions including elongate lower seal elements extending therealong, respectively, and the lower basket and the basket lid being telescopically related so as to be movable one relative to the other between a telescopically retracted position and a telescopically extended position, and wherein the upper and lower seal elements have oppositely facing tapered seal surfaces, respectively, which are cooperatively engaged along substantially the lengths thereof forming substantially sealed conditions therebetween when the lower basket and the basket lid are in the telescopically extended position.

Abstract: An improved combination of a powered combine carrying a combine grain bin for housing harvested grain and a towed grain cart carrying a grain cart bin for housing harvested grain includes improved harvested grain transfer between the combine grain bin and the grain cart bin and improved off-loading of harvested grain from the combination. A generally horizontally disposed first grain movement assembly is pivotally connected to a second grain movement assembly, which in turn is pivotally connected to a vertically disposed grain movement assembly in the grain cart, such that the rear end of the second grain movement assembly moves in all horizontal directions, but not in the vertical direction. The first grain movement assembly has an arcuate trolley ahead of the pivoted joint with the second grain movement assembly. An off-loading grain movement assembly is disposed for off-loading grain only from the combine grain bin.

Abstract: A self-propelled combine harvester has a threshing mechanism composed of at least one aggregate selected from the group consisting of a threshing part, a working unit, and both, at least one stripping unit which is assigned to the at least one aggregate, and at least one rotary chamber configured on the at least one stripping unit on a circumference of the at least one aggregate.

Abstract: A cotton picker basket is disclosed that includes a first basket portion and a second basket portion, the first basket portion configured to move relative to the second basket portion to adjust a volume contained therein and an compactor disposed at least in part within one of the first basket portion and the second basket portion. The cotton picker basket also includes an actuator configured to adjust a position of the compactor within one of the first basket portion and the second basket portion and to move the first basket portion relative to the second basket portion to adjust the volume contained therebetween.

Abstract: A cab arrangement for a harvesting combine includes a harvesting combine having a body and a cab spaced-apart from the body. A platform is positioned between the cab and the body. The cab, the boy, and the platform define a passageway to allow an operator to visually monitor and access the body from the platform.

Abstract: A cotton receiver for a cotton harvesting machine and a method of operation of the same. The receiver includes a cotton compacting chamber, a precompacting area above the chamber, and an accumulator deployable upwardly from the precompacting area to increase the cotton holding capacity thereof. Compactor apparatus is located in the compacting chamber and is configured for holding cotton thereabove separate from cotton therebelow. The compactor apparatus is movable downwardly against cotton therebelow for compacting it into a unitary body or module, including while holding cotton thereabove, and is controllably operable for conveying cotton held thereabove downwardly therethrough, subsequent to unloading a completed compacted body of cotton.

Abstract: A combine harvester with a rotor housing which is positioned in a lengthwise direction and with an inclined angle towards the horizontal line inside of the combine. To arrange the rotor housing in a favorable way inside of the combine harvester, it is suggested to use a feeder house which comprises elements which distribute harvested material from the cutterbar in an up and rearward direction towards its discharge end, said discharge end being arranged in a height substantially above of the rotational axis of the front wheels and in a region before the rotational axis of the front wheels, the discharge end feeds the harvested material into the feeding opening of the rotor housing of the separation unit being arranged in the upper half of it, whereby the rotor housing reaches with its front from a region before the rotational axis of the front wheels and a lower third of the height of the combine harvester to its rear being arranged in the top rear half portion of the combine harvester.

Abstract: A grain tank for an agricultural harvester has an extension assembly to enable the volume of the tank to be increased. The extension assembly comprises two pairs of mutually opposed panels that are movable relative to the tank between a lowered position in which they serve as a cover for an opening in the top of the tank and a raised position in which they define the side walls of an extension volume that communicates through the opening with the interior of the tank. In the invention, a blind is secured to the opposed panels of one of the pairs to cover the grain tank when the extension assembly is raised. The blind is automatically deployed from a stowed position to a extended position as the two panels are moved to their raised position.

Abstract: A grain tank of an agricultural harvester having a top formed with an opening is provided. A cover overlies the opening, and a lifting mechanism is provided for raising the cover to an elevated position. Side panels extend between the cover and the top of the grain tank when the cover is in the elevated position to provide an enclosed extension volume that increases the storage capacity of the grain tank. At least two of the side panels are rigidly and permanently connected to the cover.

Abstract: A deflector for a discharge outlet of a tailings conveyor of a harvesting machine for providing tailings dispersal over a sieve of a cleaning system or other location on the harvesting machine, without significantly interfering with crop material flow from a threshing system of the combine and while also preventing entry of crop material from the threshing system into the conveyor outlet.

Abstract: A foldable extension for an unloading door of a cotton receiving receptacle of cotton harvester which, when in a deployed position, increases the overall length of the door and directs cotton conveyed over the extension in a downward direction so as to facilitate more precise placement in a receiving receptacle. The extension does not have to be folded to its stored position each time the unloading door is closed, and when folded into its stored positions, does not increase the overall height of the harvester or interfere with telescopic operation of upper and lower portions of the basket.

Abstract: For establishing proper clearance between adjacent parts of a combine harvesting machine spacers are provided which create a clearance between housing parts of the combine. The clearance produces a gap which is to be controlled in terms of its extent. To control the extent of the gap, a flap member of flexible material is used. The flap member provides for control of airflow through the machine after proper clearances are established.

Abstract: A cleanout configuration is provided for a grain compartment on a harvesting apparatus. The grain compartment has walls that form a trough, and a vertically arranged auger that is supported on an auger casting located in a sump at a bottom of the trough. Wall portions, in the form of a unitary casting with the auger casting are adjacent to the auger casting and comprise cleanout openings covered by removable covers. The openings are in a grate pattern. The unitary casting can be a bridge member, which supports all, or a substantial amount of the weight of the unitary casting and the auger.

Abstract: A grain tank of an agricultural harvester is described having a top formed with an opening. A cover overlies the opening, and a lifting mechanism is provided for raising the cover to an elevated position. Side panels extend between the cover and the top of the grain tank when the cover is in the elevated position to provide an enclosed extension volume that increases the storage capacity of the grain tank. At least two of the side panels are rigidly and permanently connected to the cover.

Abstract: For establishing proper clearance between adjacent parts of a combine harvesting machine spacers are provided which create a clearance between housing parts of the combine. The clearance produces a gap which is to be controlled in terms of its extent. To control the extent of the gap, a flap member of flexible material is used. The flap member provides for control of airflow through the machine after proper clearances are established.

Abstract: A grain tank for an agricultural harvester has an extension assembly to enable the volume of the tank to be increased. The extension assembly comprises two pairs of mutually opposed panels that are movable relative to the tank between a lowered position in which they serve as a cover for an opening in the top of the tank and a raised position in which they define the side walls of an extension volume that communicates through the opening with the interior of the tank. In the invention, a blind is secured to the opposed panels of one of the pairs to cover the grain tank when the extension assembly is raised. The blind is automatically deployed from a stowed position to a extended position as the two panels are moved to their raised position.

Abstract: A pressurized air cleaning system is provided for a harvesting apparatus having a grain tank for holding harvested crop. The cleaning system can include an air manifold and tubing network for receiving pressurized air and distributing the pressurized air to an outlet port near to the grain tank of the harvesting apparatus. The outlet port is located and configured for connecting a short portable air cleaning hose and wand to be wielded by an operator to clean the grain tank. The air manifold and tubing network can also include an outlet port near to the header, and/or next to the straw chopper, both accessible from grade level. The cleaning system can include air cleaning nozzles, fixed in position on the harvesting apparatus and connected to the network, the nozzles directing air streams onto hard-to-access areas of the harvesting apparatus. The nozzles can be located inside the grain compartment along the horizontal augers and in the unloader tube.

Abstract: A one piece blow molded cover panel removably positionable in an access opening in a structure adjacent to a threshing region of an agricultural combine. The cover panel includes an inner wall, an outer wall generally co-extending with the inner wall in spaced relation thereto defining at least one cavity therebetween, and elongate upper and lower peripheral edge, and elongate spaced, side peripheral edges.

Abstract: A grain tank cover having a tarp and support structure, the support structure including legs and an upper frame structure that are shiftable downwardly into the tank to assume a lowered position, and a domed structure extends upwardly from the upper frame structure and supports the tarp in a generally domed configuration in that location.

Abstract: A control device and corresponding method for controlling a transfer device on a harvesting machine are disclosed. The transfer device is arranged at a distance adjacent to a housing part so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis and, to alter the height setting, elevatable about a horizontal axis. The control device includes a rotation range limiting means that limits the maximum permitted pivot range of the transfer device as a function of the height setting of the transfer device.

Abstract: A cleanout configuration is provided for a grain compartment on a harvesting apparatus. The grain compartment has walls that form a trough, and a vertically arranged auger that is supported on an auger casting located in a sump at a bottom of the trough. Wall portions, in the form of a unitary casting with the auger casting are adjacent to the auger casting and comprise cleanout openings covered by removable covers. The openings are in a grate pattern. The unitary casting can be a bridge member, which supports all, or a substantial amount of the weight of the unitary casting and the auger.

Abstract: An air cleanout system is provided for a grain unloader tube for a harvesting apparatus. The unloader tube has an auger therein and a plurality of air nozzles located at least partially within the unloader tube. The air nozzles have air outlets directed substantially longitudinally within the tube to deliver air into the tube to effect cleaning of grain and residue from the unloader tube. A pressurized air manifold is flow-connected to the plurality of air nozzles. The air nozzles comprise nozzle housings that penetrate a wall of the unloader tube, the housings having a tapered profile in an upstream direction within the tube to minimize resistance to grain flow through the tube during normal unloading operation. The nozzles are arranged longitudinally spaced apart along the tube. The nozzles of the plurality can be sequentially operated in a direction along the tube from an upstream end toward a tube outlet.

Abstract: A plug for a drain and grain-emptying opening for a grain compartment on a harvesting apparatus prevents clogging of the opening. The grain compartment has an auger casting for supporting a vertical unloader auger. The auger casting has openings therethrough that serve as a bottom drain for the grain compartment. The drain system includes a plug having plug bodies sized and shaped to be inserted into the openings to effectively close a bottom of the grain compartment. The openings comprise crescent shapes in horizontal cross-section, and the plug bodies comprise corresponding crescent shapes in horizontal cross-section. The plug bodies can have lengths substantially equal to depths of the openings. The plug of the invention is made from a soft plastic, which molds to the bottom surface of the casting and eliminates the need for a sealable casting cover.

Abstract: An auxiliary rotary drive for at least one auger that in normal operation is rotatable to transport grain from a grain tank of a harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive is configured to rotate the at least one auger during cleanout to assist air nozzles or other means to remove residual grain or residue from the harvesting apparatus. The auxiliary rotary drive can be arranged to transfer power to the auger via a clutch arrangement arranged between the auxiliary rotary drive and the auger. The auxiliary rotary drive turns the auger at a speed slower than a normal operating speed of the auger.

Abstract: An air cleanout system is provided for a grain unloader tube for a harvesting apparatus. The unloader tube has an auger therein and a plurality of air nozzles located at least partially within the unloader tube. The air nozzles have air outlets directed substantially longitudinally within the tube to deliver air into the tube to effect cleaning of grain and residue from the unloader tube. A pressurized air manifold is flow-connected to the plurality of air nozzles. The air nozzles comprise nozzle housings that penetrate a wall of the unloader tube, the housings having a tapered profile in an upstream direction within the tube to minimize resistance to grain flow through the tube during normal unloading operation. The nozzles are arranged longitudinally spaced apart along the tube. The nozzles of the plurality can be sequentially operated in a direction along the tube from an upstream end toward a tube outlet.

Abstract: A method for controlling a transfer device (2) mounted pivotally on a harvesting machine (1) so that it can be pivoted about both a vertical axis (3) and a horizontal axis (4) is described. In this method the transfer device is automatically swung from an actual position (A) about the vertical axis (3) into another position above a supporting member (11) for the transfer device (2) mounted on the harvesting machine (1). The transfer device (2) is then automatically lowered into a street travel position on the supporting member (11) within an event-controlled street travel positioning procedure. Moreover a suitable apparatus for controlling the transfer device (2) is also described.

Abstract: A grain tank cover having a tarp and support structure, the support structure including legs and an upper frame structure that are shiftable downwardly into the tank to assume a lowered position.

Abstract: Rigid cover panels of the cover for grain storage tubes on combines, harvesting machine, are preferably fabricated of double-wall plastic to limit weight of the cover while providing desired strength and rigidity. The rigid cover panels can be pivoted about top edges of an underlying grain tank whereby the cover panels function as a height extension of the underlying tank, thus to increase the grain-carrying capacity of the tank. Flexible transition panels are preferably mounted to the rigid cover panels to bridge spaces between edge regions of the rigid cover panels when the rigid cover panels are raised to their upright, tank-extending orientations. A preferably single underlying actuator in the tank, in combination with mechanical linkages, can simultaneously raise all the rigid cover panels, all the flexible transition panels, and the discharge end of a clean grain elevator which discharges grain into the tank.

Abstract: A folding door or gate arrangement and method of operation thereof for a mobile cotton harvesting machine including a tiltable cotton module builder. In one embodiment, folding door or gate arrangement includes primary and secondary folding door segment pivotal between a folded or closed position in at least partially closing relation to an open end of the module builder and an unfolded or open position at least substantially parallel to a floor thereof, and a door driver arrangement connected between the primary door segment and the secondary door segment including a pivoting link element that facilitates pivotally moving the secondary door segment while the module builder is pivoted to an unloading position without exerting binding or potentially damaging loads against the door segments or the drivers to provide a straight inclined path for unloading or loading cotton onto of from a surface lower than the module builder.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic adjustment of a transfer device on an agricultural harvesting machine includes a sensor for determining the current position of the transfer device; means for adjustment of the transfer device; a navigation device located in the harvesting machine for determination of a first and a second navigated position in a field; and an electronic analyzer wherein the electronic analyzer automatically adjusts the transfer device through the means for adjustment as a function of the current position of the transfer device and the first and second navigated positions of the harvesting machine.

Abstract: A one piece blow molded cover panel removably positionable in an access opening in a structure adjacent to a threshing region of an agricultural combine. The cover panel includes an inner wall, an outer wall generally co-extending with the inner wall in spaced relation thereto defining at least one cavity therebetween, and elongate upper and lower peripheral edge, and elongate spaced, side peripheral edges.

Abstract: A foldable extension for increasing a grain holding capacity of a grain tank of an agricultural harvesting machine. The grain tank includes angularly related upper peripheral portions defining an upwardly facing opening, and the extension includes a corresponding number of extension panels mounted for pivotal movement about the respective upper peripheral portions of the grain tank. Each of the extension panels is pivotally positionable in a deployed position extending upwardly and outwardly relative to the opening of the grain tank at an acute angle of less than about 80° to horizontal, and a generally horizontal folded position extending over a portion of the opening, adjacent ones of the extension panels having adjacent ends defining corner spaces therebetween when in the deployed position.

Abstract: A foldable extension for increasing a grain holding capacity of a grain tank of an agricultural harvesting machine. The grain tank includes angularly related upper peripheral portions defining an upwardly facing opening, and the extension includes a corresponding number of extension panels mounted for pivotal movement about the respective upper peripheral portions of the grain tank. Each of the extension panels is pivotally positionable in a deployed position extending upwardly and outwardly relative to the opening of the grain tank at an acute angle of less than about 80° to horizontal, and a generally horizontal folded position extending over a portion of the opening, adjacent ones of the extension panels having adjacent ends defining corner spaces therebetween when in the deployed position.

Abstract: A control for an unloader of a cotton module builder or other cotton compactor for controlling unloading and loss of uncompacted or loose cotton from the compactor. The unloader includes an unloading element which is preferably a door, gate or ramp mounted to the compactor, the unloading element having a first end located adjacent to an open end of a cotton compacting chamber of the compactor in position for receiving a mass of compacted cotton from the chamber, an opposite second end, and an intermediate portion located between the ends. A first cotton driver is positioned and operable for moving cotton over a first portion of the unloading element from the chamber to the intermediate location, and a second cotton driver is positioned and operable for moving the cotton over the unloading element from the intermediate location to the second end.

Abstract: A folding door or gate arrangement and method of operation thereof for a mobile cotton harvesting machine including a tiltable cotton module builder. In one embodiment, folding door or gate arrangement includes primary and secondary folding door segment pivotal between a folded or closed position in at least partially closing relation to an open end of the module builder and an unfolded or open position at least substantially parallel to a floor thereof, and a door driver arrangement connected between the primary door segment and the secondary door segment including a pivoting link element that facilitates pivotally moving the secondary door segment while the module builder is pivoted to an unloading position without exerting binding or potentially damaging loads against the door segments or the drivers to provide a straight inclined path for unloading or loading cotton onto of from a surface lower than the module builder.

Abstract: A harvesting machine, especially a self-propelled pick-up chopper for picking up and chopping corn, wilted grass, green feed and similar harvested produce, including an ejection elbow arranged after pulling in and chopping devices for transferring harvested produce to a loading space of an accompanying vehicle. In order to free the operator of the harvesting machine from the burden of the cumbersome positioning work after each change in the direction of travel, the ejection elbow can be swiveled by a motor controlled by a control device from a first operating position into a second operating position which corresponds to the first operating position of the ejection elbow mirrored in the vertical median plane.

Abstract: A flow sensor for use in a harvester is disclosed. The flow sensor has a microwave transceiver for transmitting a microwave signal and receiving a reflected microwave signal, an in-phase mixer electrically connected to the microwave transceiver for combining the transmitted microwave signal and the reflected microwave signal and outputting an in-phase Doppler signal, a quadrature mixer electrically connected to the microwave transceiver for combining the transmitted microwave signal and a delayed reflected microwave signal and outputting the quadrature Doppler signal, and an electronic circuit electrically connected to the in-phase mixer and the quadrature mixer and having a flow rate output.

Abstract: A hinged unloading auger for an agricultural combine that reduces the portion of the unloading auger that extends beyond the rear end of the combine when the unloading auger is in its storage position. The horizontal section of the unloading auger includes a hinged joint that connects a first segment and a second segment. In the storage position, the joint is separated to provide a compact storage package. In the unloading position, the second segment is rotated around the hinge so that the axes of the first and second segments are coaxial.

Abstract: Novel covers for grain storage tanks on harvesting machines such as combines. Rigid cover panels of the cover are preferably fabricated of double-wall plastic to limit weight of the cover while providing desired strength and rigidity. The rigid cover panels can be pivoted about top edges of an underlying grain tank whereby the cover panels function as a height extension of the underlying tank, thus to increase the grain-carrying capacity of the tank. Flexible transition panels are preferably mounted to the rigid cover panels to bridge spaces between edge regions of the rigid cover panels when the rigid cover panels are raised to their upright, tank-extending orientations. A preferably single underlying actuator in the tank, in combination with mechanical linkages, can simultaneously raise all the rigid cover panels, all the flexible transition panels, and the discharge end of a clean grain elevator which discharges grain into the tank.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester is provided with a grain tank affixed to its main frame for storing therein processed crop material. The volume of the grain tank can be extended by an extension assembly comprising a first pair of mutually opposed panels and a second pair of mutually opposed panels. The panels are movable between a lower, inoperative position and a higher, operative position in which the panels substantially increase the volume of the grain tank. The movement of the second pair is controlled by the movement of the first pair of panels. The panels are provided with locking mechanism for keeping all panels in their operative position and which are disposed to become engaged and to secure the extension assembly in the extended position when the first pair of panels moves the second pair of panels to their operative position.

Abstract: A rotary combine is disclosed to include a wheel-supported main frame supporting, among other components, a cylindrically shaped rotor and a grain bin having sides and a bottom for the temporary storage of crop material treated by the combine. A support structure supported by the main frame overlying the rotor and including a lower portion having a semi-circular surface partially surrounding the upper longitudinal half of the rotor and including an upper portion having two inclined surfaces meeting to form an inverted-V shaped surface extending, in spaced-apart relationship, along and above the semi-circular surface and comprising at least a portion of the bottom surface of the grain bin.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting a cotton receiving basket of a cotton harvester above a frame thereof including a plurality of upstanding fluid lift cylinders disposed at spaced locations around the basket, each of the lift cylinders has a cylinder body including an outer surface having a vertical extent at least equal to a maximum height that the basket is to be lifted above the frame, each of the cylinder bodies being fixedly mounted to the frame and the cylinders having extendable rods attached to the basket such that when the rods are moved telescopically upwardly the basket is lifted relative to the frame; and at least one lateral support bracket fixedly mounted to the basket and engaged with the outer surface of one of the cylinder bodies for moving therealong in engagement therewith when the basket is lifted for preventing lateral movement of the basket relative to the one of the cylinder bodies.

Abstract: Apparatus for lifting a cotton receiving basket of a cotton harvester above a frame thereof including a plurality of upstanding fluid lift cylinders disposed at spaced locations around the basket, each of the lift cylinders has a cylinder body including an outer surface having a vertical extent at least equal to a maximum height that the basket is to be lifted above the frame, each of the cylinder bodies being fixedly mounted to the frame and the cylinders having extendable rods attached to the basket such that when the rods are moved telescopically upwardly the basket is lifted relative to the frame; and at least one lateral support bracket fixedly mounted to the basket and engaged with the outer surface of one of the cylinder bodies for moving therealong in engagement therewith when the basket is lifted for preventing lateral movement of the basket relative to the one of the cylinder bodies.

Abstract: The apparatus applies to a basket having an upstanding wall structure defining an upwardly facing opening and a lid structure disposed over the opening and positionable in a retracted position close to the wall structure and in an extended position spaced a predetermined distance above the wall structure, at least one lifting element being present having a member extendable for lifting the basket relative to the frame to a lifted position and retractable for lowering the basket from the lifted position, the apparatus including at least one leg mounted to the lid structure and engageable with a portion of the lifting element when the basket is in the lifted position and the lid structure is in the retracted position so as to hold the lid structure relative to the portion of the lifting element engaged therewith while the basket is lowered from the lifted position to move the lid structure to the extended position, the at least one leg being engageable with the lifting element with the lid structure in the exte