Abstract: A feed mixer vehicle having a hopper with a base is carried on a chassis. A vertically extending auger assembly is rotatably mounted in the hopper adjacent the base, extending from the hopper base. A reduction gearbox assembly having a reduction gear train assembly is mounted adjacent the base of the auger assembly. The reduction gear train assembly has an input shaft and an output shaft, with the output shaft coupled to the auger assembly. The reduction gearbox assembly further includes a first planetary gear set assembly meshed with a second planetary gear set assembly, where the first planetary gear set assembly includes the input shaft and the second planetary gear set assembly includes the output shaft. Coupled to the input shaft of the reduction gearbox assembly is an axial flux motor assembly.

Abstract: An aerial work platform having an electric rotary actuator for electrically rotating the aerial work platform. The aerial work platform includes a housing support to which an electric motor is mounted, the electric motor having output shaft that meshes with a compound planetary gearset disposed within a main gear housing. The planetary gearset is used to actuate a rotary shaft to which is attached a rotary bracket that supports an aerial work platform. An electric brake is disposed adjacent one of the rotary shaft or the motor output shaft to prevent rotation of a shaft when the motor is not energized or when loss of power occurs. The electric rotary actuator can be energized to rotate the aerial work platform in a lateral plane.

Abstract: A U-shaped clip for use in a driveline shield system having a cap disposed to releasably engage a bearing mounted adjacent a drive shaft. The cap supports a tubular guard or shield in a coaxial position relative to the drive shaft. One or more lugs on the bearing are disposed to seat in corresponding slots formed in the cap. When the lugs are seated in the slots, rotation of the cap relative to the bearing causes the bearing and the cap to engage one another. The U-shaped clip is pivotally mounted to the cap and rotatable between a first position in which the clip extends into the slot and secures the lugs in engagement with the cap and a second release position in which the clip is retracted from the slot, thereby permitting relative rotation between the cap and bearing.

Abstract: Reduction gear units are provided comprising a gearbox, a cam assembly, a bearing assembly, a first gear and a second gear. The first and second gears may engage one another and translate rotating movement from one axis to an axis perpendicular thereto. The second gear is disengagable from the first gear by action of the cam assembly, which is adapted to disengage the second gear from the first gear through eccentric rotation of the cam assembly. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly carried by the cam assembly is preloaded. The cam assembly is disposed so that the preloaded can be maintained during manufacture of the gearbox. In another embodiment, the gearbox case and cam assembly are disposed so as to minimize internal leakage from the case and enhance sealing of the gearbox.

Abstract: An in-line coupling device for a motor driven agricultural system utilizes less metal components while optimizing torque transfer. The device comprises a puck having a plurality of outwardly extending arms, a first shaft hub having outwardly extending flanges adapted to seat between a pair of the plurality of outwardly extending arms, and a second shaft hub having outwardly extending flanges adapted to seat between a pair of the outwardly extending arms.

Abstract: A driveline shield system having a cap disposed to releasably engage a bearing mounted adjacent a drive shaft. The cap supports a tubular guard or shield in a coaxial position relative to the drive shaft. One or more lugs on the bearing are disposed to seat in corresponding slots formed in the cap. When the lugs are seated in the slots, rotation of the cap relative to the bearing causes the bearing and the cap to engage one another. A U-shaped clip is pivotally mounted to the cap and rotatable between a first position in which the clip extends into the slot and secures the lugs in engagement with the cap and a second release position in which the clip is retracted from the slot, thereby permitting relative rotation between the cap and bearing.

Abstract: Reduction gear units are provided comprising a gearbox, a cam assembly, a bearing assembly, a first gear and a second gear. The first and second gears may engage one another and translate rotating movement from one axis to an axis perpendicular thereto. The second gear is disengagable from the first gear by action of the cam assembly, which is adapted to disengage the second gear from the first gear through eccentric rotation of the cam assembly. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly carried by the cam assembly is preloaded. The cam assembly is disposed so that the preloaded can be maintained during manufacture of the gearbox. In another embodiment, the gearbox case and cam assembly are disposed so as to minimize internal leakage from the case and enhance sealing of the gearbox.

Abstract: A U-shaped clip for use in a driveline shield system having a cap disposed to releasably engage a bearing mounted adjacent a drive shaft. The cap supports a tubular guard or shield in a coaxial position relative to the drive shaft. One or more lugs on the bearing are disposed to seat in corresponding slots formed in the cap. When the lugs are seated in the slots, rotation of the cap relative to the bearing causes the bearing and the cap to engage one another. The U-shaped clip is pivotally mounted to the cap and rotatable between a first position in which the clip extends into the slot and secures the lugs in engagement with the cap and a second release position in which the clip is retracted from the slot, thereby permitting relative rotation between the cap and bearing.

Abstract: A landing gear system for a trailer is described. The landing gear system includes two jacks, each with a first tubular body in which a second tubular body is telescopically mounted, a hydraulic chamber and a pneumatic chamber. The system includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a pneumatic fluid source, a pneumatic manifold in pneumatic fluid communication with the pneumatic source and in pneumatic fluid communication with said hydraulic reservoir and a hydraulic manifold in hydraulic fluid communication with the hydraulic reservoir. Pneumatically operated hydraulic pumps are included, along with a central control mechanism attached to the pneumatic manifold and disposed to simultaneously control pneumatic flow into the pneumatic chambers of the jacks and to pneumatically operated hydraulic pumps. Separate pneumatically operated hydraulic valve are provided to individually control hydraulic flow from the jacks.

Abstract: Reduction gear units are provided comprising a gearbox, a cam assembly, a bearing assembly, a first gear and a second gear. The first and second gears may engage one another and translate rotating movement from one axis to an axis perpendicular thereto. The second gear is disengagable from the first gear by action of the cam assembly, which is adapted to disengage the second gear from the first gear through eccentric rotation of the cam assembly. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly carried by the cam assembly is preloaded. The cam assembly is disposed so that the preloaded can be maintained during manufacture of the gearbox. In another embodiment, the gearbox case and cam assembly are disposed so as to minimize internal leakage from the case and enhance sealing of the gearbox.

Abstract: An in-line coupling device for a motor driven agricultural system utilizes less metal components while optimizing torque transfer. The device comprises a puck having a plurality of outwardly extending arms, a first shaft hub having outwardly extending flanges adapted to seat between a pair of the plurality of outwardly extending arms, and a second shaft hub having outwardly extending flanges adapted to seat between a pair of the outwardly extending arms.

Abstract: A driveline shield system having a cap disposed to releasably engage a bearing mounted adjacent a drive shaft. The cap supports a tubular guard or shield in a coaxial position relative to the drive shaft. One or more lugs on the bearing are disposed to seat in corresponding slots formed in the cap. When the lugs are seated in the slots, rotation of the cap relative to the bearing causes the bearing and the cap to engage one another. A U-shaped clip is pivotally mounted to the cap and rotatable between a first position in which the clip extends into the slot and secures the lugs in engagement with the cap and a second release position in which the clip is retracted from the slot, thereby permitting relative rotation between the cap and bearing.

Abstract: A landing gear system for a trailer is described. The landing gear system includes two jacks, each with a first tubular body in which a second tubular body is telescopically mounted, a hydraulic chamber and a pneumatic chamber. The system includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a pneumatic fluid source, a pneumatic manifold in pneumatic fluid communication with the pneumatic source and in pneumatic fluid communication with said hydraulic reservoir and a hydraulic manifold in hydraulic fluid communication with the hydraulic reservoir. Pneumatically operated hydraulic pumps are included, along with a central control mechanism attached to the pneumatic manifold and disposed to simultaneously control pneumatic flow into the pneumatic chambers of the jacks and to pneumatically operated hydraulic pumps. Separate pneumatically operated hydraulic valve are provided to individually control hydraulic flow from the jacks.

Abstract: Reduction gear units are provided comprising a gearbox, a cam assembly, a bearing assembly, a first gear and a second gear. The first and second gears may engage one another and translate rotating movement from one axis to an axis perpendicular thereto. The second gear is disengagable from the first gear by action of the cam assembly, which is adapted to disengage the second gear from the first gear through eccentric rotation of the cam assembly. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly carried by the cam assembly is preloaded. The cam assembly is disposed so that the preloaded can be maintained during manufacture of the gearbox. In another embodiment, the gearbox case and cam assembly are disposed so as to minimize internal leakage from the case and enhance sealing of the gearbox.

Abstract: A lifting device is provided for raising and lowering of heavy objects, including trailer landing gear and outriggers. The lifting devices may comprise one or more jacks where each jack is comprised of telescoping legs. In each jack, an expandable hydraulic cylinder may be expanded or extended by a pneumatically actuated pump or pumps that pump hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid source mounted on the jack to the expandable hydraulic cylinder so as to motivate extension of each telescoping jack. A control mechanism may be provided to actuate one or more pneumatically actuated pumps to introduce hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic cylinders. Methods of use and operation are also provided.

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 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 bi-directional 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 adjustable coupler for in-line coupling of a motor drive shaft of an agricultural system with the square drive shaft of a gearbox, wherein the coupler has an adjustable clamping hub for securing around differing sizes of square drive shafts while maintaining coaxial alignment between the coupler, the square drive shaft and the motor drive shaft. The coupler is adjustable to fit different size square drive shafts, yet maintains symmetry about the center axis of the coupler, thereby reducing off-balance forces that could result in wear points and early fatigue. Contact surfaces between the coupler components are minimized to reduce the likelihood that contaminants can become entrapped between the components. The coupler is comprised of a round hub and a square hub, each attached to the opposite sides of a shock absorbing puck. The square hub is symmetrical about the axis of the puck and is formed of two axially sliding, opposing L-shaped brackets configured to clamp around the square end of a drive shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable coupler for in-line coupling of a motor drive shaft of an agricultural system with the square drive shaft of a gearbox, wherein the coupler has an adjustable clamping hub for securing around differing sizes of square drive shafts while maintaining coaxial alignment between the coupler, the square drive shaft and the motor drive shaft. The coupler is adjustable to fit different size square drive shafts, yet maintains symmetry about the center axis of the coupler, thereby reducing off-balance forces that could result in wear points and early fatigue. Contact surfaces between the coupler components are minimized to reduce the likelihood that contaminants can become entrapped between the components. The coupler is comprised of a round hub and a square hub, each attached to the opposite sides of a shock absorbing puck. The square hub is symmetrical about the axis of the puck and is formed of two axially sliding, opposing L-shaped brackets configured to clamp around the square end of a drive shaft.

Abstract: A drive line protection system to shield the drive train of agricultural irrigation systems. The system is comprised of an endcap that attaches to the external face of a gearbox which itself engages the rotating elements of the drive train of an irrigation system. An elongated sleeve or endbell attaches to the endcap and is characterized by a first diameter at its proximal end and a second smaller diameter at its distal end. The proximal end of the endbell is attached to the endcap and extends outwardly along a drive shaft of the drive train. The larger first diameter permits the endbell to encase the coupler or linkage joining the gearbox and the drive shaft. The second diameter of the endbell permits the endbell to be necked down to the approximate diameter of a drive shaft protection tube. The adjustable drive shaft protection tube seats in the distal end of the endbell and extends substantially along the length of the drive shaft.