Abstract: A suspension diaphragm (16) is configured to support a precision transducer (14) within a container (12). The suspension diaphragm (16) is buttressed by an underlying complaint preform (152) and an annular hybrid support (16B) disposed along the periphery of an opening of the container (12). The transducer (14) is affixed to the suspension diaphragm (16) using the compliant preform (152) and rigid epoxy in the securing channels (120). The annular hybrid support (16B) is affixed to the exterior of the container (12).

Abstract: Accelerometers having higher concentration of flux closer to the proof mass. The invention includes a proof mass, an excitation ring, a magnet, a pole piece, and a coil. The excitation ring includes a ring unit and a base unit that are attached and the ring unit or base unit includes an annular groove. The magnet is mounted to the base unit and the pole piece is mounted to the magnet. The coil is attached directly to the proof mass. A gap is formed between the ring unit and the pole piece. The pole piece includes a first section that has a radius smaller than the radius of a second section.

Abstract: A force rebalance accelerometer (20) includes a silicon dioxide-based proof mass (28) having capacitive elements (40) engaged with excitation rings (61) made from alloys of Super Invar. The magnet assembly includes an excitation ring, a magnet, and a pole piece (65). The Super Invar of the excitation rings (61) substantially matches the coefficient of thermal expansion of the silicon dioxide-based proof mass (28) to substantially reduce distortion signals caused by temperature changes. Movement of the accelerometer causes the capacitive elements (40) to produce a signal proportional to the movement acceleration and not by temperature changes experienced by the accelerometer.

Abstract: A suspension diaphragm (16) is configured to support a precision transducer (14) within a container (12). The suspension diaphragm (16) is buttressed by an underlying complaint preform (152) and an annular hybrid support (16B) disposed along the periphery of an opening of the container (12). The transducer (14) is affixed to the suspension diaphragm (16) using the compliant preform (152) and rigid epoxy in the securing channels (120). The annular hybrid support (16B) is affixed to the exterior of the container (12).

Abstract: A force rebalance accelerometer (20) includes a silicon dioxide-based proof mass (28) having capacitive elements (40) engaged with excitation rings (61) made from alloys of Super Invar. The magnet assembly (60) includes an excitation ring (61), a magnet (63), and a pole piece (65). The Super Invar of the excitation rings (61) substantially matches the coefficient of thermal expansion of the silicon dioxide-based proof mass (28) to substantially reduce distortion signals caused by temperature changes. Movement of the accelerometer causes the capacitive elements (40) to produce a signal proportional to the movement acceleration and not by temperature changes experienced by the accelerometer.

Abstract: A lateral bale pick-up assembly comprising an elongated wheeled frame having a bale conveyor positioned thereon for receiving large round bales thereon and for conveying the same either rearwardly or forwardly. A bale pick-up cradle is mounted at one side of the wheeled frame and is pivotally movable from a substantially vertically extending position upwardly from one side of the wheeled frame to a position extending outwardly from the one side of the wheeled frame. The cradle includes spaced-apart inner and outer tines which are adapted to engage the underside of the bale and to lift the same upwardly onto the bale conveyor on the wheeled frame. The forward end of the inner tine has a rotatable member provided thereon which is adapted to engage the bale resting on the ground and to turn the same 90.degree. so that the bale will be received between the inner and outer tines with the ends of the bale being arranged in a fore and aft position.

Abstract: A bale shredding comprising an elongated wheeled frame having a first bale conveyor pivotally mounted thereon and moveable from an inclined position for loading bales onto the bale conveyor to a horizontally disposed transport positon. A bale shredder is mounted on the forward end of the wheeled frame at one side thereof forwardly of the forward end of the first bale conveyor. A second bale conveyor is positioned on the wheeled frame forwardly of the forward end of the first bale conveyor for conveying bales laterally into bale shredding drums. A pair of push rods are longitudinally movably mounted on the first bale conveyor for pushing the last bale thereon onto the second bale conveyor.

Abstract: A bale shredding comprising an elongated wheeled frame having a first bale conveyor pivotally mounted thereon and moveable from an inclined position for loading bales onto the bale conveyor to a horizontally disposed transport position. A bale shredder is mounted on the forward end of the wheeled frame at one side thereof forwardly of the forward end of the first bale conveyor. A second bale conveyor is positioned on the wheeled frame forwardly of the forward end of the first bale conveyor for conveying bales laterally into bale shredding drums. The bale shredding drums have collars mounted at the ends thereof to prevent twine from wrapping around the shafts of the drums.

Abstract: A bale handling and shredding apparatus is described including an elongated conveyor pivotally mounted on a wheeled frame such as a trailer or the like adapted to be pulled by a prime mover. The conveyor comprises a pair of elongated conveyor members which are pivotally mounted on the frame so that the rearward end of the conveyor may be positioned adjacent the ground to enable a plurality of bales to be conveyed forwardly on the conveyor. A bale shredding apparatus is pivotally mounted at the forward end of the frame at one side of the conveyor. A push arm assembly is mounted on the bale shredding apparatus and is adapted to push the forwardmost bale on the conveyor laterally into the bale shredding apparatus. The bale shredding apparatus shreds the bale and deposits the shredded hay or the like at one side of the trailer as the trailer is being moved through the field or feedlot.