Abstract: Seedlings are typically grown in trays of soil plugs. Once the seedlings have attained a predetermined size, they may be transplanted to the ground for continued seedling growth and development. Several machines are known in the art, which allow automated seedling transplantation. The present invention provides a device that significantly improves the accuracy of automated transplantation of seedlings. The device encompasses, at least in preferred aspects, a ski-like apparatus including a defined planting slot for receiving the seedlings to be planted. Furthermore, a blade extending in front of the device cuts open the ground in preparation for plantation. The configuration of the device enables seedlings to be planted accurately to a desired planting depth. The device is particularly suited for use in connection with coniferous tree seedlings, and enables automated transplantation of such seedlings at high speed.

Abstract: Seedlings are typically grown in trays of soil plugs. Once the seedlings have attained a predetermined size, they may be transplanted to the ground for continued seedling growth and development. Several machines are known in the art, which allow automated seedling transplantation. The present invention provides a device that significantly improves the accuracy of automated transplantation of seedlings. The device encompasses, at least in preferred aspects, a ski-like apparatus including a defined planting slot for receiving the seedlings to be planted. Furthermore, a blade extending in front of the device cuts open the ground in preparation for plantation. The configuration of the device enables seedlings to be planted accurately to a desired planting depth. The device is particularly suited for use in connection with coniferous tree seedlings, and enables automated transplantation of such seedlings at high speed.

Abstract: Seedlings are typically grown in trays of soil plugs. Once the seedlings have attained a predetermined size, they may be transplanted to the ground for continued seedling growth and development. Several machines are known in the art, which allow automated seedling transplantation. The present invention provides a device that significantly improves the accuracy of automated transplantation of seedlings. The device encompasses, at least in preferred aspects, a ski-like apparatus including a defined planting slot for receiving the seedlings to be planted. Furthermore, a blade extending in front of the device cuts open the ground in preparation for plantation. The configuration of the device enables seedlings to be planted accurately to a desired planting depth. The device is particularly suited for use in connection with coniferous tree seedlings, and enables automated transplantation of such seedlings at high speed.

Abstract: Seedlings are typically grown in trays of soil plugs. Once the seedlings have attained a predetermined size, they may be transplanted to the ground for continued seedling growth and development. Several machines are known in the art, which allow automated seedling transplantation. The present invention provides a device that significantly improves the accuracy of automated transplantation of seedlings. The device encompasses, at least in preferred aspects, a ski-like apparatus including a defined planting slot for receiving the seedlings to be planted. Furthermore, a blade extending in front of the device cuts open the ground in preparation for plantation. The configuration of the device enables seedlings to be planted accurately to a desired planting depth. The device is particularly suited for use in connection with coniferous tree seedlings, and enables automated transplantation of such seedlings at high speed.

Abstract: An improved rocker joint for a chain in which each pin of a pair of pins is substantially identical in cross-sectional shape. Each pin has a front and working surface defined by a first radius and a back surface defined by a single and smaller radius. Planar surfaces diverging from front to back join the front and back surfaces of the pins. The links are provided with openings to receive the pins, each opening being generally circular and having inwardly directed lugs, the lugs defining a first arc and a second and larger arc. One of the pins of the rocker joint is held against rotation in some of the links with its back surface contacting the smaller arc and also the walls of the defining lugs.

Abstract: A roller chain in which the pins are provided with at least one longitudinal groove oriented toward the bushing seams to improve the lubrication of the pin-bushing interface.

Abstract: A power transmission chain-belt, especially adapted to provide a drive and transmit power between the pulleys of a variable ratio pulley transmission. The chain-belt is constructed of a plurality of ranks or sets of interleaved links, each rank being joined to the next adjacent rank by pivot means, such as round pins, or a pin and rocker, to permit articulation of the belt. Some of the ranks or sets of links have a pitch which is different from the pitch of the other ranks or sets of links. Generally trapezoidal load blocks are located between the pivot means of each rank or set of links, which blocks have opposite edge surfaces to contact the flanges of the pulleys. The front and rear surfaces of the blocks can be tapered to permit the articulation of the belt.

Abstract: A metal chain-belt especially usable to drivingly connect the pulleys of a pulley transmission, and constructed of a carrier which may comprise a plurality of sets of links interleaved with those of adjacent sets, with the sets being joined by pivot means. Drive blocks encircle the carrier. The blocks each have side edges adapted to drivingly engage the flanges of the pulleys. These side edges are crowned to improve the life and performance of the chain-belt assembly. The radius of curvature of the crowned side edges is far in excess of the width of a drive block.

Abstract: Resilient, preferably elastomeric or plastic means of a low modulus of elasticity are located in the lubrication passageway of a bearing housing to seal with the bearing race and to insure passage of lubricant to a lubricant opening in the bearing race and thus into the bearing and to its anti-friction elements.

Abstract: A sealed roller bearing having a double row of tapered rollers is disclosed. The bearing is insertable into and retainable within a rigidly mounted pillow housing such as a block casting or the like, such that the orientation of the bearing or flange is independent from the orientation of the housing. This self-aligning bearing is replaceable, without removing the housing from its mounting, and the dimensions of the bearing and housing are such that the assembly can be installed in place of existing non-self-aligning or fixed housings without modification of the installation site. Generally the fixed housing-bearing assemblies are small, compact and of relatively few parts. The assembly disclosed is compact, small and of relatively few parts, yet is fully self-aligning.