Abstract: The present invention relates to a gate assembly that can be configured to reduce the vulnerability of the gate to operation by a horse. In an embodiment, a lever operator is configured to extend above the head of a rider, such that a rider can reach up to operate the lever to open the gate. A configuration is illustrated wherein the operator lever moves relative to the gate as the gate opens and closes for providing full access through the gate area when the gate is open.

Abstract: A hitch structure for mounting attachments to a vehicle such as a skid steer loader is disclosed herein. The hitch structure includes a universal, reversible hitch structure. The hitch structure includes a first end positioned opposite a second end, a fixed locking structure located adjacent each of the first end and the second end, the fixed locking structure constructed for receiving a toe end of an attachment carrier of a loader vehicle. The hitch structure also includes a removable locking structure with a slot for receiving a locking wedge positioned adjacent a heel end of the attachment carrier. The removable locking structure is removably engageable with the hitch structure alternatively adjacent either the first end or the second end of the hitch structure to form a clamping structure with the fixed locking structure located at the opposite end from the removable locking structure for mounting the attachment to the vehicle.

Abstract: A blade assembly includes a main body vertical blade portion and a pair of wings pivotally mounted at the ends of the main body. A hydraulic cylinder attached to each wing pivotally moves each wing relative to the main body, the cylinders being operatively connected in series. Each wing is configured to rotate through a range of rotation substantially equal that of the other wing but includes a different radius of rotation than the other wing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently separating solids from liquid/solid slurries are disclosed. The slurry to be separated is retainably placed within a container having one or more lift paddles secured within its inner cavity. The container is supported for rotation about an axis and has drive means for slowly rotating the container. As the container rotates, the lift paddles lift a portion of the retained slurry, allowing the liquid portion to fall back into the primary slurry pool to be separated, and lifting coarse solids toward the top of the rotation path of the paddles. The separated solids slide by gravity from the lift paddles as they approach the top of their rotation paths and into a collection tray. A filter that rotates with the container filters fine solids from the liquid portion of the slurry and also deposits the fine solids on the collection tray. The filtered liquids can be readily pumped from or recirculated to the separator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently separating solids from liquid/solid slurries are disclosed. The slurry to be separated is retainably placed within a container having one or more lift paddles secured within its inner cavity. The container is supported for rotation about an axis and has drive means for slowly rotating the container. As the container rotates, the lift paddles lift a portion of the retained slurry, allowing the liquid portion to fall back into the primary slurry pool to be separated, and lifting the solids toward the top of the rotation path of the paddles. The separated solids slide by gravity off of the lift paddles as they approach the top of their rotation paths and into a collection hopper and transport means that carry them away from the container. The liquids returned to the primary retained slurry within the container assist in washing the slurry for facilitating solids separation without required increase in the retained slurry volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently separating solids from liquid/solid slurries are disclosed. The slurry to be separated is retainably placed within a container having one or more lift paddles secured within its inner cavity. The container is supported for rotation about an axis and has drive means for slowly rotating the container. As the container rotates, the lift paddles lift a portion of the retained slurry, allowing the liquid portion to fall back into the primary slurry pool to be separated, and lifting the solids toward the top of the rotation path of the paddles. The separated solids slide by gravity off of the lift paddles as they approach the top of their rotation paths and into a collection hopper and transport means that carry them away from the container. The liquids returned to the primary retained slurry within the container assist in washing the slurry for facilitating solids separation without required increase in the retained slurry volume.

Abstract: An improved towed apparatus for pumping and/or agitating manure slurries is disclosed. The apparatus, which is configured for energization by a tractor's hydraulics and power take-off system, includes an elongate conduit beam member flexible along a center section and extending from the towing vehicle to a distally mounted pump and/or agitator. The conduit can be controllably raised to extend over obstacles, and bent along its flexible section to accurately position the pump or agitator in the slurry to be pumped. Hydraulic steering means are provided for accurately maneuvering the apparatus by a tractor, and cooling means which uses the material being pumped as a heat sink are provided for cooling the hydraulic fluid that energizes the pump or agitator.

Abstract: An improved manure transfer system is disclosed. A collection hopper is located at a first location, preferably within a building, for collecting manure and animal waste products from the building. A piston pump apparatus directs and forces the collected manure through a pump cylinder into a below-grade transfer conduit that carries and deposits the manure through a discharge outlet located at a remote, second location. Means for bypassing the pump piston and cylinder are provided for accessing the transfer conduit enabling safe servicing and maintenance of the system. Isolation means are provided at the conduit discharge outlet for isolating the outlet from accumulated manure at the second location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying continuous uniform pressure to lubricant within a lubricant reservoir are disclosed. Memory retentive material, when inserted within a lubricant reservoir, compresses when initially subjected to lubricant pressure and later expands back to its original shape as lubricant seeps from the reservoir, thereby applying pressure to the lubricant to maintain constant lubricant pressure within the reservoir.

Abstract: An improved automated wire mesh straightening apparatus is described. Wheels, casters and a jack enable ease of mobility, jockeying and leveling respectively of the apparatus at a construction site. Hydraulic operation of moving parts provides general fail-safe operation of the apparatus which is also otherwise designed with operator safety in mind. Rolled wire mesh is automatically straightened by a unique application of drive, nip and reaction forces that can be rapidly adjusted to completely straighten wire mesh of varying gauge and under varied environmental conditions.