Abstract: An inertial exercise apparatus and method for exercising body muscles using acceleration and deceleration forces. A mass slidably mounted along a track is connected to a body part by a tether in such a way that the body part accelerates the mass along the track, and thereafter the motion of the mass is converted without substantially decreasing the speed of the mass to a motion which can be decelerated by the body part. In a preferred embodiment, the mass is accelerated toward a curved central portion of the track which then reverses the motion of the mass, after which the mass is decelerated. A rotating mass can also be utilized.

Abstract: A sod cutting unit supports a vibrating sod-cutting blade on a pivot under a platform and driving and control mechanism above the platform, while drawing the platform across a field on a support which allows the platform to pivot around a horizontal axis parallel to the direction of motion across the field. A multi-unit machine supports two or more units from the same draft suspension, an intermediate unit of three being additionally movable up-and-down relative to the outer units. Each unit pivots independent of all the others.

Abstract: Earthmoving machines and earthmoving implements are difficult to operate to achieve maximum implement power and to control the implement under changing working conditions. The instant apparatus is designed to maximize implement power by automatically sensing and responding to variables related to implement power and to control the implement by automatically sensing and responding to the longitudinal angular velocity of the machine. The apparatus includes a mechanism for moving the implement in response to sensed variables related to implement power, a transducer for sensing the longitudinal angular velocity of the machine, and a control for modifying the implement position in response to the sensed angular velocity of the machine.

Abstract: A weight-balancing system for a farm implement, such as a disk harrow with foldable wings operated by wingfold cylinders, includes a selective control valve for controlling fluid communication to the head and rod ends of the wingfold cylinders. A pair of pressure-reducing/relieving valves permit individual adjustment of the pressures in both the head and rod ends to achieve the desired balance. In a preferred embodiment, a pilot-operated, two-position valve is connected between the rod ends and one of the pressure-responsive valves. The two-position valve is operated by pressure signals generated by a flow-responsive switching valve connected between the two-position valve and the selective control valve. The switching valve and the two-position valve cooperate to block the pressure-controlled outlet of the one pressure-responsive valve and the rod ends and to bypass return fluid flow from the rod ends to sump when the cylinders are being extended.

Abstract: An elongated horizontal barrel, transfer tube and cylinder are provided in vertically laterally stacked relation with the barrel disposed uppermost and the cylinder disposed lowermost. Closure structure is provided for the rear end of the barrel and the rear end of the barrel and transfer tube are in closed communication with each other while the forward ends of the transfer tube and cylinder are in closed communication with each other. The closure structure is shiftable to a position opening the rear end of the barrel and the rear end of the barrel may receive a blow dart therein after which the rear end of the barrel is closed. A piston is freely slidable within the cylinder and elastic tubing structure is provided for yieldingly biasing the piston forwardly within the cylinder and cocking structure is provided whereby the piston may be manually displaced rearwardly in the cylinder against the biasing action of the force structure.

Abstract: A flexible spike-tooth harrow having a plurality of tooth-supporting angles spaced fore-and-aft by connecting structure including reversible link straps having opposed edge surfaces on one end thereof tapered with respect to the axis of the strap at differing angles. A selected one of the edges is positioned against the top side of the angle to maintain the spikes in a preselected working attitude. By simply reversing the strap with respect to its longitudinal axis, the working angle of the spikes can be changed.

Abstract: A trellis assembly for grape vines, and other vines, and which includes an upright stake, a cross-arm secured to the upper end of the stake, tensioned trellis wires which are received in slotted holes at the ends of the cross-arm in a sliding relationship with the cross-arm, and clips mounted on the trellis wires at the ends of the cross-arm which extend over the ends of the cross-arm and engage the trellis wires to prevent any tendency for the cross-arm to turn and collapse due to the weight of the vines supported thereby.

Abstract: The blade adjustment device of the present invention is used with a sod cutting machine comprising a sod cutting blade, a sod roller positioned in close spaced relation to the blade for cooperating with the blade to sever the sod from the ground, a blade supporting frame connected to the blade and movably mounted for movement toward and away from the roller. The adjustment device comprises a power actuator, and a linkage mechanism pivotally interconnecting the power actuator to the blade supporting frame for causing the blade supporting frame to move toward and away from the roller. The linkage includes an input end connected to the power means and an output end connected to the blade supporting frame for moving the blade supporting frame in response to actuation of the power actuator. The linkage mechanism reduces the distance of movement, so that the input end moves a greater distance than the output end.

Abstract: A rotation control system for the mattock (2) of a tuft-building forest mattock, whereby rotation of the mattock is adapted to be braked or stopped stepwise in a manner that each pick (3) in turn works a whole in the first stage, in the second stage the pick (3) of the mattock removes surface deposit from between the obtained hole and a tuft to be built, and in the third stage, as mattock (2) is allowed to rotate freely, pick (3) leaves the loosened earth behind as a tuft. In order to make the sticking angle and depth dictated by the start moment of braking stages readily adjustable according to various qualities of soil, at a certain angle of rotation of the mattock a first impulse sensor actuates a first delay timer (6), adapted after a settable delay time to turn on a brake (11) for setting out the first stage of the mattock (2).

Abstract: A five section implement uses a pair of folding mechanisms to fold primary and secondary wing sections above a central main section. The folding mechanisms are disposed mainly on the top side of the primary wing sections thereby providing adequate space on the top of the main section for mounting containers for dispensing liquid agricultural chemicals. Each folding mechanism includes a lost motion connection permitting floating of the implement sections, automatic lock-out structure for the lost motion connection which operates during fold-up of the implement and an automatic gravity operated latch which insures a proper sequence of unfolding of the wing sections. Each folding mechanism is operated by a single hydraulic actuator and a transport locking bar disposed alongside each actuator is provided with a slide pad to prevent damage to the actuator and other parts during operation of the associated folding mechanism.

Abstract: An arrangement for excavating bulk material from a track bed and for conveying the excavated bulk material, which comprises an endless driven excavating and conveying chain vertically adjustably mounted on a frame of a track working machine, and a guide wherein the chain is guided in an endless path. The chain is comprised of a succession of chain links and joints connecting adjacent chain links, the joints having two pivoting axles for the adjacent chain links, the axles extending perpendicularly to each other to permit pivoting of the chain links.

Abstract: A robotic tractor that travels on rails forming a grid over a crop field and automatically performs tasks in the field is described. The tractor is supported on extendable legs that carry dual tandem perpendicular wheel sets. A rotary implement bed supported by the tractor is adapted to carry implements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a support for supporting the load sensing bar of a draft control system. The support includes an L-shaped bracket which is adapted to have one leg attached to a vehicle and the other extending outwardly therefrom. The attached leg has a through opening with a spherical bearing therein through which the load sensing bar passes. A stop is carried on the other end of the outwardly projecting leg to limit bending of the bar. A clip is also carried by the outwardly extending leg and extends to a position where it will prevent the bar from sliding out of the bearing in the attached leg in the event the bar breaks.

Abstract: A crack and crevice weeder device for cleaning undesirable growth from cracks or crevices in expansion joints between sidewalks and streets. A V-shaped cutting head is attached to an end of a U-shaped rod and a triangular shaped scraper can be attached to a point on the U-shaped rod. The U-shaped rod is fixed to a long handle which enables an operator, while standing, to remove undesirable growth from cracks or crevices and expansion joints by pulling the weeder towards him, while simultaneously applying a downward pressure.

Abstract: A tongue therapy device is disclosed for training the tongue to assume its proper posture on the palate and to prevent tongue thrust during swallowing. The device includes an element, such as a pin, for irritating the tongue upon contact. A protective element is provided which keeps the tongue off the irritating element unless the tongue moves beyond a given point. The protective element can be a resiliently yieldable cover for the pin. Alternatively, it can be a ramp sloped to resist forward movement of the tongue. Each device is compact enough to fit on the lingual side of a single tooth. It can be, therefore, mass-produced to fit substantially all individuals and can be installed relatively quickly and easily.

Abstract: A root picker includes a main frame supporting within it a triangular picker frame pivoted on the main frame at one apex with a lower and rearwardly positioned apex supporting a picker roller which is rotated to pick stones from the ground. A conveyor chain supporting transverse bars with outwardly extending teeth is pivotally mounted adjacent the third apex of the frame upwardly and rearwardly of the picker roller so that the chain turns around an axis at a position alongside the picker roller to lift rocks between the conveyor chain and the picker roller onto a surface which leads up to a bucket. The frame pivots to lift the conveyor chain and the picker roller away from the ground and also the conveyor chain is pivotal relative to the frame to increase the spacing between the chain and the picker roller. Rotating sweep drums are positioned forwardly and outwardly of the frame to pick and sweep rocks into the picker roller.

Abstract: An arrow rest, for use with a bow, includes a mounting plate having a cantilever leaf spring attached thereto. The leaf spring terminates in a pair of vector arms set at an angle (90.degree.) with respect to each other which receives and supports the shaft of an arrow prior to a firing of the arrow. The arrow resting in the angle on the vector arms, transfers random motions to either one or both of the vector arms when the arrow is fired from the bow, because the arrow stops these arms in a random manner. However, a plurality of bends are formed in the leaf spring to give it stiffness in some directions and flexing in other preferred directions. This flexing transfers to the bow any vector forces resulting from a flexing of the leaf spring, the transfer always being in a single preferred direction regardless of the randomness of the vector arm motions.

Abstract: A row crop cultivator for use in farming which includes a pair of weeding disks associated with each cultivator unit of which a plurality is ganged together in series. Each weeding disk is bearingly supported by a vertical shaft which is received by a cross bar in a manner which permits the shaft associated with the weeding disk to be adjusted as to depth and angular orientation. Such changes in the vertical shaft for the weeding disks are directly transferred to the weeding disk itself. Disposed adjacent the uppermost point of the shaft is a degree gauge plate and adjacent thereto is a depth gauge structured out of angle iron. The vertex edge of the depth gauge serves as a pointer for the graduations on the degree gauge plate, while the top surface of the degree guage plate serves as a pointer or alignment marker for the graduations on the depth gauge.

Abstract: A stone digging implement is manufactured as a simple and inexpensive attachment for the front end loader of a tractor. The attachment comprises a frame formed by a pair of horizontal I-beams which support a pair of hooked or pointed tines which extend downwardly from the I-beams for engaging the ground.

Abstract: Reversing mechanism, particularly for semi-reversible ploughs, where the reversing mechanism includes hydraulic reversing cylinders (10, 11). The reversing mechanism, or device (5) to be reversed, includes a lifting arm (8) which at its one end is rotatably supported at a point (9) which the reversing mechanism turns about, and which at its other end is fastened to the device (5) to be reversed. The reversing cylinders (10, 11) have approximately the same volume and approximately the same length of stroke and are affixed symmetrically to the lifting arm (8). The piston rods of the reversing cylinders (10, 11) are rotatably attached (15, 19) with one end of a pressure arm (17, 18) whose other end is rotatably fixed to the point (9) about which the reversing mechanism rotates.