Abstract: A transport lock joint is provided for an implement with a center section and wing sections adapted for stack folding to transport positions over the center section. The lock joint includes an insert element mounted on one of the wing sections and a retainer element mounted on the other wing section. With the implement in its stack-folded transport position, the insert element is received within the retainer element and the wing sections are mutually restrained against relative movement, particularly relative movement associated with the over-the-road travel. Unfolding the implement to a field working position disengages the lock joint by extracting the insert element from the retainer element.

Abstract: An articulated equipment position control system and method are provided for equipment consisting of motive and working components. The components are connected by an articulated connector, such as a pivotal hitch. GPS-derived positional data is utilized for power-articulating the hitch to maintain the working component, such as an implement, on a predetermined course. Operator-inducted course deviations can thus be corrected. The working component can also be positioned to follow the course of the movive component. The system includes a microprocessor control subsystem, which interfaces with a steering guidance system.

Abstract: A system for sealing thermoplastic film includes one or more bag sealing units, each comprising a lower vacuum platen and a vacuum chamber cover adapted for sealing engagement on the platen to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly includes a sealing bar designed for constant heated operation and a pair of cooling plates which function as heat sinks. The sealing bar assembly is pneumatically reciprocated between a raised, disengaged position and a lowered position with the sealing bar engaging the neck of a bag for hermetically sealing same. The cooling plates clamp the bag neck against a sealing support assembly. A method of sealing a thermoplastic film bag includes the steps of placing a packaging object in a thermoplastic bag and placing the bag on a cradle with the bag neck extending over a bag support assembly. Avacuum chamber cover is placed on the platen and evacuated to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly melds the thermoplastic to form a sealed area across the bag neck.

Abstract: A trotline leader system for fishing including a trotline, with a plurality of clips, hangers, drop lines, and fishing hooks, each clip including a head portion, a neck and a base and each hanger includes a head, a shank and an eyelet. The head portion is connected to the neck which extends from the base which is adapted to receive the hanger head. The hanger head is connected to the shank which connects and seperates the eyelet from the head. The head portion includes a tab, a channel, a slot and an apeture, the tab extending from the head and forming the channel with the base, the channel leading to the slot which guides the trotline into the apeture. Each drop line is connected to and extends from the hanger eyelet to each fishing hook. In addition, the trotline may optionally include plastic beads or spherical weights to separate and secure each clip to the trotline.

Abstract: An automatic steering system and method are provided for a vehicle including an hydraulic primary steering system. The automatic steering system includes a guidance module with a GPS receiver and a microprocessor adapted to process and store GPS data defining travel paths, which can be associated with a cultivated field in an agricultural vehicle application. An automatic steering module is connected to the guidance module and to a steering valve control block, which provides pressurized hydraulic fluid in parallel with the vehicle's primary hydrostatic steering system. The automatic steering system utilizes a constant factor, such as steering rate, for predictability and simplicity in the operation of the automatic steering system. A feedback loop from the vehicle hydrostatic steering system uses the vehicle's actual turning rate for comparison with a desired turning rate.

Abstract: A slow-release check valve for a pneumatic system including a compressed gas source and a pneumatic device includes a body with a proximal, supply end and a distal, power end. Supply and power couplings are mounted on the body supply and power ends respectively and are adapted for coupling with a compressed gas source and a pneumatic device respectively. The body includes a passage with a frusto-conical configuration with a minimum-diameter supply end adjacent to the supply coupling and a maximum-diameter power end adjacent to the power coupling. A ball is movably located within the passage and engages the body in a closed position. The ball is biased towards its closed position by a spring. For power operation the ball is in an open position whereby gas flows around same. Disconnecting the hose causes the ball to move to its closed position and allows compressed gas to slowly dissipate from the disconnected hose whereby fishtailing is avoided.

Abstract: A trim installation tool includes a base with first and second ends, inner and outer faces, and opposite side edges. First and second clamp assemblies are mounted on the base in proximity to its first and second ends respectively. The clamp assemblies have engaged and disengaged positions for respectively clamping and releasing a wall edge adjacent to the wall opening. An elongated level with an orientation-display device is mounted on the base inner face and extends generally between the ends thereof. The orientation-display device indicates a level or plumb orientation of a trim piece clamped in position by the tool for attachment to the frame members surrounding the wall opening. In an alternative embodiment or aspect of the invention, a trim installation system and method are provided, which include a level and a trim piece spacer.