Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable attachment for mounting a tool to a tow bar. A shank having first and second spaced parts has a bracket for attaching the first shank part to a tow bar in an operative position thereon so that the shank may follow the movement of a drawing vehicle. A structure is provided for attaching a tool to the second shank part. The second shank part, with a tool attached thereto, is spaced below the first shank part with the tool in its operative position. A pivotal joint joins the first and second shank parts. At least one threaded bolt having a threaded shaft with two ends and a head at one end and a free end at the other end threadably engages a threaded receptacle. The threaded receptacle is positioned such that the free end of the shaft prevents the pivoting of the second shank part in at least one of a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

Abstract: A paving material distribution system for uniformly distributing a layer of paving material includes a containment member that is slidably mounted on the rear frame of a paving machine. A first means for conveying paving material laterally with respect to the direction of travel of the paving machine is positioned at a preselected distance from the containment member. Power means are also included to controllably, simultaneously move the containment member and the first means in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: An extendable, floating screed for an asphalt paver including screed extensions which extend, retract and pivot relative to the main screed. The screed extensions are mounted to the main screed with a zero clearance pivot joint. The disclosed pivot joint permits the screed extension to extend, retract and pivot relative to the main screed which maintaining zero clearance at the pivot. The pivot joint includes respective mounting plates on the extension screed and the main screed which are adapted for substantial coextensive engagement with each other in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the paver. A threaded fastener is received in coaxial apertures in the mounting plates for defining the pivot axis of the extension screed thereby permitting slope adjustment of the extension screed relative to the main screed. Tightening of the fastener draws the mounting plates in tight engagement with each other thereby establishing the zero clearance pivot joint.

Abstract: A tow point for an asphalt paver, which allows the operator to: (1) select either a fixed or sliding tow point connection; and (2) select from among several possible locations of each, thereby adjusting the distance between the screed and transverse auger of the paver. Combination of these features in a single machine makes it possible to lay down an asphalt mat of uniformly desired thickness, while optimizing use of the aggregate batch particles.

Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the height of a farm implement/tool of the type to be carried by a drawing vehicle includes a connector for supporting a farm implement/tool in an operative position. A guide directs sliding movement of the connector selectively between first and second positions corresponding to raised and lowered positions for a farm implement/tool which is carried by the connector. A mount connects the guide to one of a drawing vehicle and a support to be carried by a drawing vehicle. A lock fastens the connector in one of the first and second positions and selectively releases the connection to allow the connection to be slid into the other of the first and second positions therefor.

Abstract: A reversible connector and method of connection between a large road making machine and the fifth wheel of a tractor to facilitate towing of the machine. The connector has a downwardly projecting king pin which is adjustable between a retracted, operating position and an extended, towing position. It can be either slid or pivoted between those positions. The connector can be used on an apparatus having a chassis, a downwardly extending conveyor pivotally attached to an end of the chassis and a hydraulic cylinder to pivot the conveyor relative to the chassis. The hydraulic cylinder can lift the inlet end of the conveyor off the ground to put the fifth wheel connector in a position such that it can engage the fifth wheel of a tractor. The hydraulic cylinder also can be used to pull the front portion of the chasis up off the ground.

Abstract: A turf maintenance apparatus (10) having a cooling system. The cooling system includes a front-facing air inlet (42) which delivers air to a longitudinal duct (100) running along the length of the turf maintenance machine (10). A flow reverser (120) is located at the downstream end of the longitudinal duct (100) and serves to turn the flow roughly 180.degree. into a rear-facing radiator (80). The air inlet screen (42) is preferably located immediately behind the operator's seat (40), in a region which is substantially devoid of grass clippings. The preferred turf maintenance machine (10) thus has its power take off (PTO) located near cutting reels (22, 24) and has the air inlet for its cooling system located in a region which is relatively clean and readily serviced by the operator.

Abstract: A U-joint (23) for connecting a reel unit (22) to a lift arm (18) of a turf maintenance machine (10). U-joint (23) preferably includes a pivot arm (40) suitable for connection to the lift arm (18), and a pivot base (38) for connection to the top of a standard reel cutting unit (22). Situated between pivot arm (40) and pivot base (38) is a cross and bearing unit (72). Pitch stops are formed by the base (38) whereas roll stops are formed by the pivot arm (40). The stops act on the cross and bearing unit (72) to provide limited pitching and rolling of reel unit (22) relative to lift arm (18).

Abstract: In a flexible floating cutterbar cutting platform for a combine harvester, compact spring elements connected to cutterbar suspension linkage subassemblies are remotely controlled for adjustment of cutterbar counterbalance force so that pressure between the ground and the cutterbar skid plates may be adjusted, on-the-go, to suit varying harvesting conditions. Pinned pivotable connection of the cutterbar suspension linkage subassemblies to the rigid portion of the platform facilitate assembly and offer an improved method of adjustment of cutterbar attitude relative to the ground (tilt) when in working position.

Abstract: In an axial flow rotary separator, a transition zone between the infeed section and threshing sections is modified to serve as a stone trap or arresting and ejecting device. Radially aligned inner and outer stone collars carried by the separator rotor and casing respectively, obtrude into the annular space between rotor and casing to define between them an annular slot or gate, decreasing or limiting the annular space so as to arrest the downstream passage of stones greater than a predetermined size. The inside surface of the casing immediately upstream of the stone collars is smooth and free of guide vanes to provide a track over which arrested stones may be propelled by conveyor flights of the rotor. A permanently open outlet in the stone track allows the rotor to eject stones tangentially and centrifugally into a stone sump connected to the casing. The stone sump is easily emptied by opening a door accessible from outside the combine body wall.

Abstract: In an axial flow rotary separator for a combine, radially extending spike-tooth-like blades are arranged on a rotor body in "reverse" helical arrays, that is, such that helical flighting, similarly disposed, would tend to convey crop material upstream. The helix angles defined by the arrays approximate that of the mean spiral path of conveyance of a crop material mat portion through the separator housing. Propulsion of the crop material mat thus results from a plurality of spaced and staggered engagements of small contact area. The arrays are spaced so that the rotor elements present no extensive wall or front to the crop material thus reducing the tendency to "roping" and separator plugging in tough straw conditions.

Abstract: An improved safety clamp device for use with movable platforms and the like includes a body member having a safety cable receiving cradle, a lever arm having a safety cable engaging portion, the lever arm being pivotally connected to the body member and pivotally connected to an elongate bar member, and a modified bellcrank. The modified bellcrank has a first arm pivotally connected to the body member, a second arm pivotally coupled to a hoist line, and its apex pivotally connected to the elongate bar member. When the elongate bar member is in a first position relative to the body member, the safety cable engaging portion confronts but does not engage the safety cable. When the elongate bar member is in a second position relative to the body member, the safety cable engaging portion engages the safety cable thereby wedging the safety cable between the cradle and the safety cable engaging portions.