Abstract: A pivotable wheel mounting system can pivot wheel mounting devices of a vehicle in a retracted position so that the vehicle conforms to a vehicle carrier volume that is in accordance with local transport laws and regulations. The pivotable wheel mounting system extends the wheels of a vehicle to positions for substantially stable support in a driving (non-transport) mode. The pivotable wheel mounting system reduces the vehicle frame volume when the vehicle is in a transport mode. The pivotable wheel system is preferably for compost treating vehicles with endless track units.

Abstract: A universal mounting assembly having bearings at predetermined locations supports motors mounted inside or outside a rotating cylinder. The universal mounting assembly through the bearings absorbs stresses exerted on both the rotating cylinder and the stationary motor shaft. When the motor is mounted in the cylinder, the cylinder protects the motor from external environmental elements which are corrosive to the motor. The universal mounting assembly provides a motor mounting assembly which is more compact and which does not interfere with the wheels of a compost vehicle support frame. The universal mounting assembly provides a motor mounting which reduces labor in assembly/disassembly of the motor mounting where the motor energy supply conduits are placed in optimal locations for easy repair/replacement.

Abstract: A drive train suspension system for a manure and compost treating vehicle wherein a linkage assembly is connected between the vehicle drive train assembly and the vehicle frame, on each side of the vehicle frame, so that the vehicle frame is articulately connected to a vehicle drive train assembly on each side. Fluid motors are connected between the vehicle frame and each drive train assembly so that the position of the vehicle frame relative to the drive train assembly can be selectively varied to thereby minimize potential damaging stress imparted to the drive train assembly by the lateral movement of the drive train relative to the vehicle frame, and to raise the vehicle frame to a selected elevation above the ground and/or maintain the vehicle frame substantially level.

Abstract: A machine and method are disclosed whereby a deep continuous layer of waste material in a large field can be processed into compost without prearranging the material in windrows. Up to four times as much material in a given area can be treated compared to windrowed material. The machine forms an initial pathway through the deep layer of material by following one boundary of the material with the material treating mechanism and supporting tunnel frame set at an oblique angle to the pathway and the tracking wheels set at acute angles to the tunnel axis. The material undergoing treatment is continuously discharged rearwardly at an oblique angle. At the end of the initial pathway, the machine is turned and adjusted to a second operational mode and moved in a reverse direction along a second pathway contiguous with the initial pathway. The material along the second pathway is treated and continuously discharged rearwardly at an oblique angle into the initial pathway to fill in the same.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus repeatedly moves the central front opening of a drum and flail compartment thereof over elongated large masses of inoculated manure and moves the drum and flail assembly therein through each of the masses to repeatedly flail it, mix it, cool it and aerate it and, by co-action of a sprayer apparatus, moisten the particles of each resultant mass while in a state of dispersion, and form the resultant moistened particulate mass by flexible skirt members outlining a rear outlet opening into a pile of readily dispersed useful granulated soil conditioner.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus repeatedly moves the central front opening of a drum and flail compartment thereof over elongated large masses of inoculated manure and moves the drum and flail assembly therein through each of the masses to repeatedly flail it, mix it, cool it and aerate it and, by co-action of a sprayer apparatus, moisten the particles of each resultant mass while in a state of dispersion, and form the resultant moistened particulate mass by flexible skirt members outlining a rear outlet opening into a pile of readily dispersed useful granulated soil conditioner.