Abstract: A lift assembly comprises a frame work extending between a first lift side and a second lift side and a frame support system wherein a portion of the frame support system includes a ski system that extends under the frame work in the direction of travel such that a continuous sliding surface is presented to slide the frame over obstacles.

Abstract: A scraper has an apron, a bowl, a cutting edge, a vehicle attachment, and a pivoting mechanism such that the scraper has a flat position and an angled position. In the flat position the cutting edge is in position to cut into dirt and store the dirt in the bowl, while in the angled position the scraper is rotated such that dirt within the bowl can drop onto the ground in front of the scraper.

Abstract: A scraper has an apron, a bowl, a cutting edge, a vehicle attachment, and a pivoting mechanism such that the scraper has a flat position and an angled position. In the flat position the cutting edge is in position to cut into dirt and store the dirt in the bowl, while in the angled position the scraper is rotated such that dirt within the bowl can drop onto the ground in front of the scraper.

Abstract: A torque tube with slide out cage system for providing both structural support to the frame of the machine and a protective area for sensitive control systems for the machine. The torque tube with slide out cage system includes a torque tube attached between a first side and a second side of a frame, a side opening within the frame exposing the lumen of the torque tube, and a cage slidably positioned within the torque tube. The cage is capable of supporting various types of control systems such as a valve box, hydraulic systems and electronics.

Abstract: A combination support stand and bucket locking system for providing both a support stand and a locking device for selectively preventing movement of a bucket with respect to an implement attached to a bucket. The combination support stand and bucket locking system includes a bucket, a locking bracket extending from the bucket, an implement that pivotally attaches to the bucket, an arm member pivotally attached to the implement wherein the distal portion of the arm member is capable of engaging the locking bracket, and an actuator connected between the arm member and the implement. The arm member includes a support stand for supporting the implement when the arm member is within the support position.

Abstract: A pivoting loader attachment system for allowing an attachment to freely pivot with respect to a tractor's loader. The pivoting loader attachment system includes a pivoting connector pivotally attached to an attachment. The pivoting connector is attached to the front end connector of a front end loader. The pivoting connector pivots within a defined range of movement thereby limiting the range of movement the attachment makes with respect to a front end loader of a tractor.

Abstract: A sweeper chain support system for allowing efficient removal of debris between a sweeper chain and a digger chain. The sweeper chain support system includes a rear roller supporting a rear portion of a sweeper chain, a pair of rear arms attached to the rear roller in a pivoting manner, a front roller supporting a front portion of the sweeper chain, a pair of front arms attached to the front roller in a pivoting manner, and a link member connected between the front arms and the rear arms. When the front arms are lifted, the rear arms are simultaneously lifted causing the front roller and the rear roller to lift upwardly thereby removing the weight of the lower run of the sweeper chain to allow for the removal of lodge debris (e.g. rock).

Abstract: The invention comprises an oven apparatus. The apparatus has a housing with a main rotary wheel rotatably mounted within the housing. The main wheel has a plurality of radial arms extending radial outward from a center plate to the main rotary frame. A sub wheel rotatably mounted to the outer ends of each of the radial arms of the main wheel. Each of the sub wheels have a plurality of baskets rotatably mounted to the sub wheel at intervals about the outer circumference of each sub wheel. Each of said baskets being elongated and are adapted to receive a plurality of cobs of corn therein for supporting the cob in the baskets in the housing. A heating member is mounted to the bottom of the interior of the housing of the oven for heating the corn cobs being carried in the baskets. A moisture distributing structure is mounted within the housing to maintain the cobs moist to a certain extent while being heated and cooked.

Abstract: A four-way hydraulic control valve automatically reverses flow of hydraulic fluid to a double acting hydraulic cylinder or to a reversible hydraulic motor when a substantial resistance to fluid flow is encountered, such as when the cylinder or a machine being operated by the cylinder or motor reaches a mechanical limit of its motion. The valve has a reciprocating spool in a valve body with two internal control valves, one at each end, and with appropriate internal pressure shunts for directing high pressure fluid into the control valves and drain fluid restrictions to shuttle the spool back and forth in response to an increase in pressure resulting from a substantial resistance to fluid flow.

Abstract: A retractable in-row tiller device is adapted for mounting on a movable vehicle and for tilling the ground around and between objects in a row. An outrigger arm with a rotary tiller mounted on its distal end is retracted inwardly and extended outwardly by a trapeze-type control arm which amplifies the velocity and magnitude of reciprocal motion produced by a hydraulic ram to move around and avoid objects encountered in the row. Both manually and automatically operable controls are included respectively to allow an operator to retract and extend the tiller out of and into the row as desired and to cause the tiller to be retracted and extended out of and into the row automatically upon encountering an object in the row. Manual control is also provided for the operator to override the automatic retraction control.

Abstract: A retractable tool apparatus is adapted to be mounted on a movable vehicle for working the area around and between objects in a row. The tool apparatus includes an extendable and retractable outrigger arm attachable on one of its ends to the vehicle. A work tool is mounted on the other end of the outrigger arm. An electro-hydraulic control system controls the retraction of the outrigger arm. This control system includes sensors in the form of a pair of wands mounted on the outrigger arm to sense objects in proximity to the work tool before the work tool contacts the objects. The first wand activates the control system upon contact with an object to retract the work tool. The second wand holds the control system in its retraction mode upon contact with the object even after the first wand has cleared the object.

Abstract: The disclosure in this patent application includes a retractable in-row tiller device that has a parallelogram carriage structure for supporting the outrigger arm and tiller and for retracting and extending the outrigger arm and tiller in relation to the tractor on which it is mounted. It also includes an electro-hydraulic control system with a single wand plant feeler device that provides very accurate and responsive automatic control to guide the tiller around plants and which can be overridden and operated manually with ease and accurateness. It also includes an automatic positive depth control feature operated electro-hydraulically by a gauge wheel.

Abstract: A retractable in-row tiller device is adapted for mounting on a movable vehicle and for tilling the ground around and between objects in a row. An outrigger arm with a rotary tiller mounted on its distal end is retracted inwardly and extended outwardly by a trapeze-type control arm which amplifies the velocity and magnitude of reciprocal motion produced by a hydraulic ram to move around and avoid objects encountered in the row. Both manually and automatically operable controls are included respectively to allow an operator to retract and extend the tiller out of and into the row as desired and to cause the tiller to be retracted and extended out of and into the row automatically upon encountering an object in the row. Manual control is also provided for the operator to override the automatic retraction control.