Abstract: A fluid drive system for vertical mixer tubs is provided. Rotational power from the power take-off of a tractor or other suitable vehicle is increased in rotational speed by an input gearbox. The input gearbox is, in turn, coupled to a fluid coupler that locks up when the input rotational speed reaches an optimum speed. The output of the fluid coupler is coupled to an output gearbox that reduces the rotational speed of the fluid coupler. The output of the output gearbox is connected to the drive mechanism of the mixer tub auger.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus has a main body in a working position with a bottom end resting on the ground. The bottom end of a frame is pivotally attached to the main body above the bottom end of the main body and the frame is aligned with a side of the main body. An actuator pivots the frame downward about the pivot axis to a transport position where the frame extends substantially horizontally away from the main body. Wheels support the frame and a hitch at a top end of the frame is adapted for connection to a tow vehicle when the frame is in the transport position. When the frame is connected to a tow vehicle, the actuator can be operated to pivot the main body downward about the pivot axis to a lowered transport position where the main body rests on the frame for transport on the wheels.

Abstract: An interference knife apparatus is provided for use with an environmental material mixer. The mixer includes a tub housing at least one auger with blades mounted on the auger flight. The apparatus includes a post rotatably mounted on the outer sidewall of the mixer tub. The post can include one or more knives extending therefrom. Rotating the post moves the knives in and out of the mixer tub through access slots extending through the mixer's sidewall. The combination of the knives and the auger blades provides a “scissors-like” cutting action for cutting the environmental material during auger rotation.

Abstract: A guide track system for a tool that can be raised and lowered within a telescoping drilling rig tower is provided. The system includes parallel guide rails mounted on a fixed lower tower section and on a movable upper tower section of the drilling rig tower. The lower and upper guide rails are parallel to one another and overlap one another when the lower tower section is nested with the upper tower section. Guide wheels rotatably attached to the tool can have parallel grooves to roll on the guide rails. The grooves can have sidewalls that flare outward so that they do not scuff against the guide rails as the tool travels up and down within the tower.

Abstract: An oscillating variable displacement ring pump provides both positive and variable displacement. A housing circumscribes a pump chamber. The pump chamber encases an oscillating ring driven by a crankshaft. The crankshaft's offset shaft is located inside the pump chamber. The ring encircles the offset shaft. A bearing rotatably attached to the offset shaft rolls inside the ring. When the pump chamber is sealed, rotation of the offset shaft causes ring oscillation in the chamber. Ring oscillation creates vacuum pressure, which draws substances into pump chamber via an inlet port while pumping out substances of the pump chamber via an outlet port. A valve within the pump chamber contacts the ring and follows ring oscillation to help separate incoming substances from outgoing substances. The pump can include an adjustable internal by-pass means to control the volume and pressure of substances delivered by the pump.

Abstract: An auger for a vertical livestock feed mixer having an open-top mixing tub is provided. The auger includes two flights to draw in feed components from the bottom of the mixer tub and move them to the top. The trailing edge of the upper auger flight includes an upraised portion to deflect feed components towards the sidewalls of the feed mixer. The leading edge of the lower auger flight includes a kicker plate on the topside of the flight to deflect feed components towards the centre of the auger.