Abstract: An improved belted chain is described in which there are a plurality of pairs of chain rods secured to spaced-apart carriers and a central belt. The inner ends of the chain rods in each pair are aligned end-to-end with each other and then secured to the central belt. The outer ends are secured to the spaced-apart carriers. Preferably the central belt is composed of rubber. The chain rods in each pair are able to be flexed relative to each other without danger of breaking the rods.

Abstract: Method for separating clods and the like from potatoes, which includes placing the clods and potatoes on a first belt for transporting the potatoes and clods toward a forward end and positioning a second belt spaced horizontally apart from and vertically lower than the end of the first belt such that potatoes leaving the end travel through the air and land on the second belt. The clods are detected by a detector that includes a magnet and a coil positioned in the field of the magnet. The clods are removed from the system by a normally flaccid inflatable finger positioned between the forward end of the first belt and the second belt. When the detector signals the presence of a clod, air is supplied to the finger causing the stiffening thereof, which deflects the trajectory of the clod causing it to fall between the forward end and the second belt.

Abstract: A safety device and method for detecting over-power conditions on the chassis of a motor driven system interrupts energization of the system when the voltage differential between the system chassis and earth ground exceeds a selected value. The device is especially beneficial for systems utilizing multi-phase induction motors in which current sensing safety devices cannot effectively detect all over-power conditions. The safety device utilizes a fuse and a motor control relay such that, upon the occurrence of the over-power condition, the fuse is rendered non-conductive, opening the motor control relay.

Abstract: A center pivot irrigation system has first and second auxiliary nozzles, or end guns, aternately operable for irrigating substantial portions of corner regions. The system includes a main pipeline sprinkler having main fluid discharges nozzles for irrigating a central, generally circular area, and the end guns are connected to the main pipeline sprinkler and draw irrigation fluid from it. When a corner is approached, one of the end guns is actuated while maintaining actuation of the main fluid discharge nozzles. A short period of time thereafter, the second end gun is actuated, and the pivotal rate of the main pipeline sprinkler is reduced to zero. At this time the main fluid discharge nozzles and the first end gun are closed, thereby providing all of the fluid from the main pipeline sprinkler to the operating end gun. After a predetermined time period, the second end gun is inactivated, the first gun and the main nozzles are reactivated, and the system is pivoted to a new orientation.

Abstract: A fan housing through which mire is drawn includes a plurality of rods connected around and inside the periphery of the housing and a belting placed thereover, ends of the belting extending through a side opening in the housing and connected to a rocker arm or other oscillating means, thereby flexing the belting and scraping the belting against the rods to prevent mire build up and to remove existing mire without having to shut down fan operation.

Abstract: A center pivot irrigation system has first and second auxiliary nozzles, or end guns, alternately operable for irrigating substantial portions of corner regions. The system includes a main pipeline sprinkler having main fluid discharge nozzles for irrigating a central, generally circular area, and the end guns are connected to the main pipeline sprinkler and draw irrigation fluid from it. When a corner is approached, one of the end guns is actuated while maintaining actuation of the main fluid discharge nozzles. A short period of time thereafter, the second end gun is actuated, and the pivotal rate of the main pipeline sprinkler is reduced to zero. At this time the main fluid discharge nozzles and the first end gun are closed, thereby providing all of the fluid from the main pipeline sprinkler to the operating end gun. After a predetermined time period, the second end gun is inactivated, the first gun and the main nozzles are reactivated, and the system is pivoted to a new orientation.

Abstract: A safety device and method for detecting over-power conditions on the chassis of a motor driven system interrupts energization of the system when the voltage differential between the system chassis and earth ground exceeds a selected value. The device is especially beneficial for systems utilizing multi-phase induction motors in which current sensing safety devices cannot effectively detect all over-power conditions. The safety device utilizes a fuse and a motor control relay such that, upon the occurrence of the over-power condition, the fuse is rendered non-conductive, opening the motor control relay.

Abstract: An enclosure is disclosed for use with motors in an outdoor environment. The enclosure serves to prevent moisture and dirt from contacting the motor housing or fan, thereby to prevent condensation inside the motor housing. The enclosure comprises a cylindrical moisture shield disposed about the motor housing to which is attached a rain canopy at one end thereof. An appropriate spacing is provided between the rain canopy and the moisture shield to permit air to be drawn inside of the enclosure to permit air cooling of the motor during operation.

Abstract: A pivot or circle type irrigation system has a single hydraulic cylinder upon each vehicle to provide motive force to that vehicle. Two hydraulic tubes extend the length of the system and each hydraulic tube is connected to one side of each cylinder without valves. The cylinder movement is blocked if the vehicle upon which it is mounted is detected to be ahead by an alignment system. Hydraulic fluid is pumped into one tube until an increase of pressure indicates that all of the cylinders are cockablock and then the tubes are reversed and hydraulic fluid is pumped into the other line until, again, a rise in pressure indicates that all of the cylinders are cockablock.