Abstract: A lid assembly for a rectilinear bin includes two lid panels independently movably mounted to the bin such that when the lid assembly is in a fully-closed position, inner longitudinal edges of the panels abut each other so as to give the closed lid assembly an arched configuration. In the open position, each lid panel lies vertically along the exterior of a corresponding bin sidewall. Each lid panel is movable along tracks provided in the bin structure longitudinally outboard of the lid assembly by means of track wheels provided at each end of the panel's inner longitudinal edge. Each lid panel is movable between its open and closed positions by means of actuating arms each pivotably mounted at one end to the panel's outer longitudinal edge, and rigidly mounted at the other end to a rotatable horizontal lid actuation shaft mounted on the exterior of a corresponding bin sidewall.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a rectilinear bin includes two lid panels independently movably mounted to the bin such that when the lid assembly is in a fully-closed position, inner longitudinal edges of the panels abut each other so as to give the closed lid assembly an arched configuration. In the open position, each lid panel lies vertically along the exterior of a corresponding bin sidewall. Each lid panel is movable along tracks provided in the bin structure longitudinally outboard of the lid assembly by means of track wheels provided at each end of the panel's inner longitudinal edge. Each lid panel is movable between its open and closed positions by means of actuating arms each pivotably mounted at one end to the panel's outer longitudinal edge, and rigidly mounted at the other end to a rotatable horizontal lid actuation shaft mounted on the exterior of a corresponding bin sidewall.

Abstract: An unloading apparatus capable of automatically unloading agricultural materials from a storage bag is disclosed. The unloading apparatus includes a drive mechanism for advancing the apparatus along the direction of an elongate storage bag, a collection mechanism for withdrawing material from the bag, and mechanisms for both sensing resistance imposed on the advancing apparatus by material in the bag and controlling further advancement of the apparatus in accordance with the level of that resistance.

Abstract: An unloading apparatus capable of automatically unloading agricultural materials from a storage bag is disclosed. The unloading apparatus includes a drive mechanism for advancing the apparatus along the direction of an elongate storage bag, a collection mechanism for withdrawing material from the bag, and means for both sensing resistance force imposed on the advancing apparatus by material in the bag and controlling further advancement of the apparatus in accordance with the level of that resistance.

Abstract: An unloading mechanism capable of automatically unloading agricultural materials from a storage bag is disclosed. The unloading mechanism includes a collection mechanism, discharge mechanism and a sensor arrangement configured to engage the storage bag. The sensor arrangement controls the unloading mechanism so that it automatically advances in a direction towards the storage bag as material is unloaded therefrom.

Abstract: A roping practice apparatus includes a base and at least one wheel rotatably mounted to the base about a horizontal wheel axis oriented transverse to the base and below the top surface of the base, the wheel defiling at least one slot extending from a rim of the wheel toward the wheel axis. The rim of the wheel extends above the top surface of the base. An upper portion defines a wheel well on a bottom surface thereof, and is configured such that the wheel extends upward into the wheel well. The upper portion is supported above the base such that a gap is formed between the upper portion and the base. The wheel is configured such that a selected object drawn through the gap enters the at least one slot on the wheel and causes the wheel to rotate. A retainer mechanism is operative to prevent the upper portion from moving upward away from the base.

Abstract: A roping practice apparatus includes a base and at least one wheel rotatably mounted to the base about a horizontal wheel axis oriented transverse to the base and below the top surface of the base, the wheel defiling at least one slot extending from a rim of the wheel toward the wheel axis. The rim of the wheel extends above the top surface of the base. An upper portion defines a wheel well on a bottom surface thereof, and is configured such that the wheel extends upward into the wheel well. The upper portion is supported above the base such that a gap is formed between the upper portion and the base. The wheel is configured such that a selected object drawn through the gap enters the at least one slot on the wheel and causes the wheel to rotate. A retainer mechanism is operative to prevent the upper portion from moving upward away from the base.

Abstract: An unloading mechanism capable of automatically unloading agricultural materials from a storage bag is disclosed. The unloading mechanism includes a collection mechanism, discharge mechanism and a sensor arrangement configured to engage the storage bag. The sensor arrangement controls the unloading mechanism so that it automatically advances in a direction towards the storage bag as material is unloaded therefrom.