Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable double trailing axle attachment that is mounted on an extended frame of a vehicle for increasing the legal load carrying capacity of the vehicle by adding more axles thereto. The retractable double trailing axle attachment includes a pair of generally parallel beams carrying wheels at opposite ends, a pair of arms pivotally connected to the beams and to a support, and pneumatic cylinders and piston rods for effecting movement of the pair of arms from a position at which the beams are generally horizontal to the ground with the wheels engaging the same, and a second nonrunning position in which the arms support the wheels in a superimposed position through the intermediary of a pneumatic air bag.

Abstract: An automatic dumping hopper mechanism includes a hopper of an asymmetrical configuration relative to a vertical axis which is mounted for pivoting movement about a horizontal axis with a door normally closing a discharge opening at a lower end of the hopper. A linkage is provided to effect opening and closing movement of the door upon pivotal movement of the hopper. The hopper is so constructed, arranged and disposed as to effect its movement automatically to the dumping position in response to a predetermined amount of material being charged therein.

Abstract: An asphalt plant which includes a drum having an axis of rotation, a mechanism for introducing materials into one end of the drum, a mechanism for discharging the materials from a second opposite end of the drum, and a heater for establishing a relatively high temperature zone through which the materials travel during drum rotation. A sinusoidal heat transfer tube is defined by opposing loops and conducts heat from the high temperature zone to the discharge end of the drum. The heat transfer tube thereby increases the efficiency of the asphalt plant by burning less fuel and more uniformly distributes heat throughout the drum, particularly at the discharge end thereof.

Abstract: Lapidary device for making composite jewelry from various combinations of stone pieces. The device has opposed jaws for holding two pieces of material together. By reciprocating one jaw a lap-grinding action is created which fits the two pieces together to give finely matched pieces of stone.