Abstract: This invention relates to an air valve which includes a deflector positioned inside a float chamber in order to improve the flow of air through the air valve. Further, the air valve includes an upper opening leading from the float chamber and having a transverse cross-section which increases away from the float chamber in order to smooth air flow. The invention further relates to an air valve accessory whereby an air valve can be modified in order to improve air flow therethrough.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus (10) for monitoring biofilm formation on a surface (12). The apparatus (10) comprises a disk-shaped member (14) which provides said surface (12); and a sensor (16) for measuring biofilm formation on a measuring zone (18) of the surface (12). A plurality of bodies (29) are mounted on the surface (12) of the disk-shaped member (14) so that biofilm formation on different materials can be observed. The apparatus (10) includes a housing (22) wherein the member (14) is located. A body of liquid (24), such as water, is disposed inside the housing (22) and fills the housing (22) only partly. The member (14) is continuously moved into and out of the liquid (24) by being rotated about its central axis (30).

Abstract: A sod cutting apparatus includes a cutting head positioned to cut grass sods from grass land and a sod receiving conveyor positioned adjacent the cutting head for receiving the cut grass sods from the cutting head. The sod receiving conveyor has a discharge end which extends away from the cutting head and which is moveable between a first position and a second position. An intermediate conveyor is positioned adjacent the discharge end of the sod receiving conveyor for receiving a first cut grass sod from the discharge end of the sod receiving conveyor in the first position. An offset conveyor is positioned in spaced relation to the intermediate conveyor adjacent the discharge end of the sod receiving conveyor for receiving a second cut grass sod from the sod receiving conveyor in the second position. The intermediate conveyor and the offset conveyor are operable so that the offset conveyor stacks the second cut grass sod on the first cut grass sod.

Abstract: A sod cutting apparatus includes a cutting head positioned to cut grass sods from grass land and a sod receiving conveyor positioned adjacent the cutting head for receiving the cut grass sods from the cutting head. The sod receiving conveyor has a discharge end which extends away from the cutting head and which is moveable between a first position and a second position. An intermediate conveyor is positioned adjacent the discharge end of the sod receiving conveyor for receiving a first cut grass sod from the discharge end of the sod receiving conveyor in the first position. An offset conveyor is positioned in spaced relation to the intermediate conveyor adjacent the discharge end of the sod receiving conveyor for receiving a second cut grass sod from the sod receiving conveyor in the second position. The intermediate conveyor and the offset conveyor are operable so that the offset conveyor stacks the second cut grass sod on the first cut grass sod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a grass sod from a grass land are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cutting blade positioned between a front end and rear end of a sod cutting apparatus. An adjusting mechanism adjusts the position of the cutting blade to cut the grass sod a predetermined distance below a surface of the grass sod. A measuring mechanism measures a profile of the grass sod to be cut from the grass land and/or a thickness of the cut grass sod. A controller is connected to the measuring mechanism and the adjusting mechanism. The controller causes the adjusting mechanism to adjust the position of the cutting blade in response to the measuring mechanism detecting changes in the profile of the grass sod to be cut from the grass land and/or the thickness of the cut grass sod. The method includes setting a cutting blade to cut from the grass land the grass sod having the predetermined thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting grass sods out of grass land and for stacking or rolling up into a predetermined amount of stacks or rolls of one or more grass sods. The apparatus includes a frame provided with two or more wheels suspended thereon, a cutting head suspended in the frame for cutting under the grass sods, a first conveyor which is mounted on the frame in driving direction as seen from behind the cutting head and which repeatedly transports the grass sods from the cutting head in an upwards direction, a second conveyor mounted on the frame in a driving direction as seen from behind the first conveyor and whereof at least one part is moveable with respect to the first conveyor and/or the other part to the second conveyor.

Abstract: Device for carrying a load behind a vehicle, comprising:a frame whereon the load is to be placed;one or more support wheels for supporting the frame; andone or more arms for causing one or more shafts of the support wheels to move between a first position wherein the frame rests on a ground and a second position wherein the frame (and the load) are at least partially supported by the support wheels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rolling-up one or more rolls of sod wherein the sod is conveyed on a conveyor against a blocking mechanism which include tooth like elements which extend between the belts of the conveyor. The blocking mechanism blocks the progress of the sod's leading edge causing it to begin to curl. After curling up the leading edge presses the teeth of the blocking mechanism upward to a point which allows the curled up leading portion to be conveyed past the blocking mechanism. Frictional elements grip the curled up portion of the sod to cause continued rolling up of the sod. The blocking mechanism is provided with a drag end for pressing against the following portions of the sod.

Abstract: An implement for cutting one or more strip of sod is provided which can be attached to standard vehicles, such as tractors. The cutting head of the implement is mounted in a subframe which is pivoted about a longitudinal axis with respect to the vehicle such that it will follow any unevenness of the ground. A remotely controllable depth adjustment means is also provided for varying sod thickness. The adjustment means includes a large eccentric bushing for rough adjustment and a smaller hydraulically controlled eccentric bushing for fine adjustment.