Abstract: An adjustable bale size indicator for a baler which forms cylindrical bales comprising a first indicator member mounted for pivotal movement on the baler and having a bale diameter indicia exposed forwardly of the baler. The first indicator member is attached to the belt tension mechanism and moves pivotally in response to increasing bale diameter. A second indicator member having a shield indicator is adjustably attached to the first indicator member the pointer indicating the maximum bale size position on the bale diameter indicia. A full bale switch mounts adjacent to the second indicator member. The second indicator member contains a flag to change the state of the switch when the bale size reaches a bale diameter equal to that set on the bale diameter indicia by the shield indicator. The change in state of the full bale switch generates a signal to the operator indicating the bale has reached the desired diameter.

Abstract: An improved stake device is provided which is capable of prolonged or even permanent ground position and location in a manner which is completely submerged below ground level at all times. The stake device allows for engaging and holding a securement line which may be removed from the stake device without movement of the stake device from its ground location and position. The stake device includes a longitudinal stake member which is attached to an open cylindrical housing member. A line receiving member is extended laterally from the frame of the housing member into an interior cavity therein for releasable fastening by a corresponding connection member of the securement line.

Abstract: A trenching machine having a tractor unit and a trenching bar mounted for transverse sliding movement on the rear end portion of the tractor unit to any desired location within the transverse confines of the tractor unit. Spoil generated by the trenching bar is deposited on either of a pair of transverse conveyors which are operable either to transport spoil transversely outwardly to the side of the trenching machine or transversely inwardly to a central hopper. A longitudinal conveyor located on the center line of the trencher extends from a low position at the rear-end portion of the tractor unit at the bottom of the hopper forwardly and upwardly to a high position forwardly of the tractor unit. A swinging conveyor is mounted for pivotal movement about both a vertical and horizontal axis forwardly of the tractor unit and below the output of the longitudinal conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for creating a database wherein the data entry, such as a journal entry in accounting, is the canonical record can be implemented utilizing a microcomputer. A plurality of data entries to be classified are separate records each comprised of one or more items having associated quantities and an entry number serving as a pointer to the record. Each item contains information including at least an item number or label and a quantity. At least two item indicators are then generated for each of the item numbers. A mapping function is applied to each data entry to assign the item indicators for the item numbers based upon the associated quantities. The item indicators for the data entry are sorted into ascending numerical sequence and an n-dimension sparse matrix is selected where "n" is the number of items in the data entry.

Abstract: An override control system for a ground-supported machine. A hand lever is used to adjust the equilibrium position of a self-centering device which is interconnected to a drive system of the machine so that a principal ground speed of the machine is selected and set by adjustment of the hand lever. A second control lever is connected to the drive system through the self-centering device and is operable to adjust the speed and direction of motion of the machine away from that set by the hand lever. Upon release of the second control lever, the self-centering device returns the ground speed of the machine to the preselected principal value.

Abstract: A lift apparatus for raising and lowering a ground vehicle. A pair of transversely opposite frame members are interconnected at their lower end portions by a transversely extended crank axle. A pair of four-bar parallelogram linkages are located on either side of the vehicle and each of which includes a lever plate which supports a ground wheel of the vehicle. An upper link pivotally interconnects the lever plate to the associated frame member. A lower link is pivotally attached at one end to the lever plate and is secured at its other end to the crank axle, thereby forming a crank arm. A hydraulic cylinder is interconnected between each of the lever plates and the associated frame member. Extension and retraction of the cylinders raises and lowers the vehicle.

Abstract: A hinged safety shield for a crop cutting apparatus having a frame for attachment to a tractor. A transversely extended cutter bar is supported on the frame for pivotal movement between a lower, operating position and a raised, transport position. The safety shield is pivotally mounted at one end portion thereof to the frame. A hydraulic cylinder for pivotally moving the cutter bar also acts to raise the shield from a lower, shielding position to an upper position. The safety shield is held in the upper position while the cutter bar is lowered whereupon unrestricted access is gained to the cutter bar for repair and maintenance procedures.

Abstract: Apparatus for communication of information from a passive identification module that may be associated with a fluid container and an active communication module associated with a fluid delivery device. The passive identification module has no independent battery or power source but receives its operational energy from an RF signal generated by the active communication module. Upon initiation of a fluid delivery transaction a communication link is established between the passive identification and active communication modules and will proceed only if appropriate authorization is received by the active communication module and an associated information storage and retrieval device. Information regarding the fuel delivery transaction may be stored on the storage and retrieval device and may be communicated to another local or remote device for further processing.

Abstract: A direct drive system for a baler of large round bales. A plurality of driven gearboxes, each of which has a planetary gear system and an interconnected bevel gear system, are located on a side wall of the baler and are each drivably connected to one of a plurality of transverse driven shafts of the baler. A distribution gearbox on the side of the baler is connected through a right angle gearbox to the power take-off of a tractor. Power from the distribution gearbox is distributed to the plurality of driven gearboxes through a plurality of driven gearboxes through a plurality of lateral drive shafts. The direct drive system of the present invention replaces substantially all of the roller chain and sprocket drive system of known balers.

Abstract: A tobacco drying apparatus for holding stalks of tobacco in a drying barn, in which a stalk of tobacco may be inserted upwardly into the drying apparatus and is automatically held against undesired downward removal therefrom. The drying apparatus includes first and second substantially parallel support members and at least one friction lock assembly which is attached to the second support member. The friction lock assembly has a gate member which is pivotal about an axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second support member. The gate member further has a leading edge which extends toward the first support member, the leading edge of the gate member and the first support member which cooperate to receive a stalk of tobacco therebetween.

Abstract: A resilient vehicle side bumper including a resilient body member having a forward section and a rearward section. Coacting end portions of the forward and rearward sections are releasably joinable to form the body member. A rotatable locking tab extends from the back or vehicle side of the forward and rearward sections for releasably locking the side bumper to the vehicle. Expansion and compression sites are provided adjacent the locking tab to facilitate flexion of the body member. A plurality of suction cups and magnet strips on the vehicle side of the male and female portions releasably adhere the body member to the vehicle.

Abstract: A clip for use with three-point seat belt systems to permit adjustment of the diagonal or shoulder belt component to accommodate relatively short passengers. The clip is substantially S-shaped in transverse cross section including a forward face, a rearward face, and an intermediate web section interconnected therebetween. Between the forward face and the web section is a shoulder belt receiving section and between the rearward face and the web section is a lap belt receiving section. In use, portions of the lap belt and shoulder belt are received within the respective belt receiving sections of the clip. By movement of the clip relative to the belts, the lower attachment point of the shoulder belt is selectively adjustable by the passenger to permit limited adjustment of the shouldeer belt to a more comfortable and effective position.

Abstract: A method for the injection molding of a laminate article having a deformable material sandwiched between a textile layer and a thermoplastic substrate and bonded into a unitary assembly by the thermoplastic. The laminate is molded into a sheet form for deformation to a preselected shape in a die-forming operation.

Abstract: A process for injection molding a hollow plastic article in which a low pressure heat-activated gas is injected in combination with a plastic material into a mold cavity of a plastic injection mold unit. When the plastic material and heat-activated gas enter the mold cavity, the gas expands to outwardly exert pressure on the plastic material thereby urging the plastic material towards the walls of the mold cavity to, in turn, form the hollow portions of the hollow plastic article. The gas remains within the hollow plastic article and continues to exert outward pressure until the plastic article has substantially cooled and hardened at which time the gas becomes dormant. Accordingly, no venting of the gas from the plastic article is necessary.

Abstract: A pour window for a metal concrete form flexible to a predetermined arcuate shape. A window panel of a generally rectangular shape forms part of a door which is pivotally mounted at one edge thereof for movement between an open and a closed position thereof. In the open position, concrete can be poured inside assembled forms intermediate the outside edges of the form assembly. In the closed position secured to structural members of the form, the window panel conforms to the generally arcuate shape of the form to present a substantially continuous arcuate surface for the forming of curvital concrete surfaces.

Abstract: A tie rod bearing unit for use in connecting together a pair of oppositely facing wall form structures of a concrete form assembly including upright structural beams with spaced-apart, back-to-back channel members, each of which has a pair of transversely opposite leg sections and an interconnecting web section. The tie bearing unit includes a bearing plate from a first side of which projects an open box member. In position against a beam, the box member of the tie bearing unit is in a friction fit with the web sections within the space between the channel members and the first side of the bearing plate is in contact engagement with the leg sections of the beam. A tie rod of the form assembly bears against the opposite or second side of the bearing plate. The tie rod bearing unit strengthens the beam and distributes the forces exerted by the tie rod.

Abstract: A crop loading monitor for a baler includes a two-state interval timer which signals an operator of the baler to position the baler so as to feed crop material preferentially alternately into one or the other side of the baler. A switch mounted on the wind guard of the baler interrupts the countdown of the interval timer when crop material is not entering the baler. The crop loading monitor can be used to control a self-steering baler.

Abstract: An eccentric adjusting apparatus for a tree spade which includes a plurality of blades mounted for upward and downward movement on mounting blocks which travel in longitudinal channels of an associated plurality of upright towers. A pair of eccentric pins are used to mount the blades to the mounting blocks. Pivotal movement of the eccentric pins permits quick and easy adjustment of the blades to assist in maintaining the desired alignment of the blades along their adjoining edges and at a common vertex.

Abstract: A bale wrapping apparatus for a baler for large round bales. A rolled web of bale wrapping material is mounted at the rear of the baler. A pair of adjacent feed rollers frictionally grip a free end portion of the web. One or more web feeding belts are in driving engagement with at least one bale-forming belt of the baler. The web feeding belts power a control mechanism for the feed rollers. When a bale is formed in the baler, the feed rollers pull wrapping material off the roll and deposit it on the web feeding belts which carry it into the baling chamber where it is wrapped around the bale. A knife is actuated near the end of the wrapping to separate the web. A conventional twine-tie mechanism can be operated simultaneously with the bale wrapping apparatus and after the web has been separated so as to further secure the wrapping material about the bale.