Abstract: A manure transfer apparatus for transferring manure from a first location to a second remote location. The apparatus has a hopper at the first location for receiving the manure, and a collection chamber communicating with the hopper for receiving the manure. It also has a pumping chamber communicating with the collection chamber, a first guillotine door positioned between the collection chamber and the inlet of the pumping chamber, and a second guillotine door positioned between the outlet of the pumping chamber and a conduit communicating to the second remote location. A first hydraulic cylinder is connected to the first guillotine door for opening and closing it. A second hydraulic cylinder is also connected to the second guillotine door for opening and closing it. A pumping tube communicates with the pumping chamber and a hydraulic piston actuated by a hydraulic cylinder is positioned within the pumping tube for sucking manure into, and pushing manure out of the suction chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting liquids from a slurry formed of liquids and fibers, like diluted manure or paper mills residue. The apparatus has a rotatable drum covered with a resilient layer. The apparatus also has two draining rolls which are pressed against the drum so that the slurry passing in between is squeezed. Each roll has a hollow cylindrical shell with a uniform distribution of openings. Each roll also has a perforated filter screen fixed to is. The screen has perforations evenly distributed so that only some perforations lie over the openings in the shell. The perforations are smaller in size than the openings. The apparatus also has a pair of wipers in order to wipe the fibers out of the draining rolls and guide the liquids collected in the shells towards a liquids outlet. A reservoir can be mounted above the drum and upper draining roll for receiving the slurry, storing it to build-up a constant pressure, and supplying it in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A distributor for use in a liquid manure spreader to distribute manure to a plurality of discharge hoses via a manifold fed by a manure feed pipe connected to a manure pump. The distributor has a cylindrical chamber connected to the manifold above the same. This chamber has a bottom wall with a central inlet in open communication with the manifold and a top wall provided with a set-of equally spaced apart outlets. An annular baffle is mounted within the cylindrical chamber, so as to better distribute the incoming manure within the chamber. The distributor also has a set of atop discharge pipes connecting each outlet of the cylindrical chamber to a corresponding discharge hose.

Abstract: An automatic, hydraulically-operated steering assembly for a towed vehicle is disclosed. Each set of steerable ground-engaging wheels of this towed vehicle is steered by a double action piston fed by a pair of hydraulic hoses connected to a control valve actuated by a pivotal device and a control rod. A bypass is provided between the two hydraulic hoses to allow the hydraulic pressure to slowly equilibrate in the two hoses and thus allow the wheels to return in their straight line position when the source of pressurized fluid is normally disengaged or in the case of a failure of the hydraulic system. Advantageously, the valve is controlled by a push-pull cable having one end attached to one wheel and another end to the valve. The towed vehicle may comprise one or more sets of steerable wheels. In the latter case, the front and rear sets of wheels are adapted to pivot in either direction, the middle set being non-pivotal.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for agitating and pumping slurry such as manure in a reservoir. A vertical support assembly carries at its lower end the combination of an agitating propeller and of a centrifugal pump used for circulating the slurry. A propeller assembly which has a fixed scraper blade immediately adjacent the leading edge of the propeller blades. The propeller is rotated by a drive shaft via a gear box pivotally mounted to the support assembly.