Abstract: In general, drug administration devices configured to communicate with networks and external devices are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a drug administration device is configured to adjust an operational parameter of the drug administration device based on a data packet formed from drug administration data ancillary data received from networks and/or external devices. In another example embodiment, a drug administration device is configured to scan for and establish communications with at least one external device. In another example embodiment, a method includes assessing whether to update a control program on a drug administration device from a network or external device. In another example embodiment, a system includes a first drug administration device configured to communicate with a second drug administration device to optimize a drug treatment.

Abstract: A trailer landing gear drive system in which pneumatic, hydraulic and electric motors, as well as the traditional hand crank, are easily interchangeable. The landing gear jack mechanism is disposed to easily connect to any one of these drive motors. The system can utilize any one of the three motor combinations without making any change to the jack itself. Each drive motor output shaft is keyed to connect to the input shaft driving the worm gear of the jack. The output shaft of each type of motor is keyed the same so that the motors are swappable with respect to the input shaft of the landing gear. The hand crank shaft is also keyed to be the same as the keyed motor output shafts. Each motor may include a flange to permit it to be secured to the landing gear. The system eliminates the gear reduction box and replaced it with a worm gear.

Abstract: A high efficiency drivetrain for an agricultural irrigation system is described. The drivetrain includes a ball ramp brake to inhibit movement of a wheel tower when the drive gear motor is not engaged. In one embodiment, the ball ramp brake is a bidirectional ball ramp brake disposed between the drive gear motor and the gearbox of the drivetrain. Utilizing a ball ramp brake such as this, the gearbox can incorporate much more highly efficient gearing mechanisms, such as for example only, involute gears, beveled gears, hypoid gears, planetary gears or the like. The ball ramp brake is enclosed and includes an oil bath that functions to lubricate the components of the brake, preventing corrosion and dissipating heat.

Abstract: An internal, mechanical wet clutch for agricultural equipment is disclosed in which the clutch mechanism is enclosed within a lubricant case filled with oil. The enclosed clutch mechanism is attached to a gearbox for disposition in the driveline of agricultural machinery. The clutch enclosure inhibits tampering with the torque settings of the mechanism and includes an oil bath that functions to lubricate the components of the clutch while at the same time providing a fluid braking that inhibits freewheeling. The enclosures for the gearbox mechanism and clutch mechanism may be completely separate enclosures fastened together, a single enclosure with separate sealed compartments for the gearbox mechanism and the clutch mechanism or a single enclosure with a single compartment enclosing both mechanisms. In one embodiment, the gearbox is a right angle gearbox and is integrally formed with the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A swivel gearbox system having multiple drivetrain outputs is disclosed. The system comprises a swivel gearbox and an angled divider gearbox where the power input and divided power output shafts are not in the same plane. The swivel gearbox is a right angle gearbox to permit power input to the divider through a 360 degree range. The output shaft of the swivel gearbox functions as the input shaft of the angled, divider gearbox. The input shaft for the swivel gearbox and the multiple divided output shafts for the divider gearbox are positioned relative to one another in parallel, offset planes, shared shaft between the swivel gearbox and the angled, divider gearbox is preferably positioned in a plane perpendicular to the other input and output shafts. In another embodiment, an angled divider gearbox is provided.

Abstract: A gearbox for a drive line irrigation system in which the input and output shafts of the gearbox are sealed with a compressed and sintered silicon and carbide face seal. The face seal is contained within the gearbox and compressed between a gearbox end cap and a shaft bearing, obviating the need for external loading by bellows or similar spring elements.

Abstract: A trailer landing gear drive system is disclosed in which pneumatic, hydraulic and electric motors, as well as the traditional hand crank, are easily interchangeable. The landing gear jack mechanism is disposed to easily connect to any one of these drive motors. The system can utilize any one of the three motor combinations without making any change to the jack itself. Each drive motor output shaft is keyed to connect to the input shaft driving the worm gear of the jack. The output shaft of each type of motor is keyed the same so that the motors are swappable with respect to the input shaft of the landing gear. The hand crank shaft is also keyed to be the same as the keyed motor output shafts. Each motor may include a flange to permit it to be secured to the landing gear. The system eliminates the gear reduction box and replaces it with a worm gear.

Abstract: A gooseneck trailer hitch formed of a top plate pivotally attached to a base plate, wherein each plate is formed by investment casting and the components and features of each plate are integrally formed therewith. The top plate is an elongated structure that includes an aperture through which a trailer ball can pass, a ball housing concentrically located over the aperture and a tab at one end of the plate. The base plate is an elongated structure that includes an aperture through which a trailer ball can pass and a spring enclosure formed at one end of the plate, the enclosure including a slot into which the tab of the top plate extends. Contained within the spring enclosure is a spring that bears against the tab. The top plate is pivotally mounted on the base plate so that the two apertures are concentrically aligned, thus permitting a trailer ball to pass through the base plate aperture and seat in the ball housing formed as part of the top plate.