Abstract: Systems and method for linearly displacing an object, such as a cutter or other component, in response to a rotation of a pivotable arm are disclosed. The systems and method encompass one or more actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders, to pivot a pivotable arm pivotable about an axis. A flexible component coupled to an end of the pivotable arm is displaced in response to the rotational motion of the pivotable arm. Movement of the flexible component in response to rotation of the pivotable arm is converted into linear motion via curved surface on which the flexible component rides. The pivotable arm is rotated in response to actuation of one or more actuators, such as one or more hydraulic cylinders, coupled to the pivotable arm.

Abstract: A timing apparatus for sickle knives having adjacent knife ends, respectively, having an endless elongate element encircling and movable about spaced apart support elements such that first and second portions of the elongate element span a space between the support elements, and connector elements connecting the knife ends to the first and second portions of the elongate element, respectively, such that movement of the elongate element in a first direction about the support elements will move the knives in timed relation in first opposite cutting directions, and movement of the elongate element in a second direction opposite the first direction will move the knives in timed relation in second opposite cutting directions. The apparatus can be connected between separately drive knives for timing their motions, or for using one of the knives for timingly driving another of the knives.

Abstract: This application discloses a method for separating banana clusters into individual fruits. In this method, the banana cluster is hung on a carrier (such as a cable) in such a way that the hanging point is the place where the banana fruit stalks converge (at the crown). The cluster and/or the cutter are moved toward each other and the cutter is positioned such that the cutter cuts the fruit stalks at a point lower than the cluster hanging point.

Abstract: A weed trimmer or whacker which has an improved drive belt system. The cutting blades carried by a pulley driven belt have dual cutting edges, so the belt can be reversed after one side of the blades becomes dull. The reversal of the belt allows the other cutting edge to be used, thus effectively doubling the useful life of the belt. The drive system has either a V-shaped belt or a timing belt to reduce the probability of dislodging the belt from about the pulleys, when the cutting blades impinge upon an obstacle.

Abstract: An aquatic weed cutter has a continuous cable strung along the horizontal and vertical members of an inverted T-shaped cable frame. The cable is moved by a motor drive in a circuit between opposed sheaves on the ends of the horizontal and vertical members. The drive comprises a pair of engaging belts which hold the cable therebetween and drive it about the circuit. Cutting clips are attached at spaced intervals to the cable for cutting the stems of underwater plants.

Abstract: A tree harvesting cable saw includes an elongated flexible cable that has a plurality of tubular cutting links located at spaced intervals thereon with reversible drive means for driving the cable saw in either direction of its length. Each cutting link has an axial opening for receiving the cable and a continuous cutting edge on each end extending circumferentially around the entire cable and being spaced therefrom so that the cable can be driven in either direction and sever a tree. The cable saw is supported on a frame through a drive pulley and a driven pulley and is driven by a reversible motor. Preferably, the frame is movable between positions so that the cable saw can be forced through a standing tree to sever the tree adjacent its base.

Abstract: A plurality of cutting teeth are disposed at intervals in a complete circle around the periphery of a flexible cutting element. A frame is coupled to the cutting element to receive and guide the cutting element. Means is coupled to the cutting element and to the frame to impart an oscillatory motion to the cutting element to enable the oscillating teeth of the cutting element to cut a selected material. A simplified version of the present invention includes first and second handles coupled to opposite ends of the flexible cutting element to enable an operator to impart an oscillatory motion to the cutting element.

Abstract: A combination hay conveying belt and working element is provided which comprises a belt made primarily of elastomeric material and having an inner compression section, a load-carrying section and an outer tension section, the tension section having grooves disposed transverse to the endless path of the belt, and a working element attached exteriorly to the belt within each groove by means substantially conforming to at least a portion of the groove. Also provided is a hay or vegetation gathering apparatus which employs at least one of the above belts in combination with the working elements so that the belts travel parallel to the ground and the working elements extend perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: A synthetic resinous garment or similar article, the vertical length and sleeve length of which are adjustable by cutting along predetermined parallel lines formed by heat sealing welds positioned parallel to the lower edges of the body enclosing tubular element of the garment, and the corresponding lower edges of the sleeves.