Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.

Abstract: Swabs, and materials of the present disclosure, and methods of making same, include randomly arranged sea-island bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: Swabs, and materials of the present disclosure, and methods of making same, include randomly arranged sea-island bicomponent fibers which have randomly splayed terminal ends.

Abstract: Swabs, and materials of the present disclosure, and methods of making same, include randomly arranged sea-island bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: Swabs, and materials of the present disclosure, and methods of making same, include randomly arranged sea-island bicomponent fibers which have randomly splayed terminal ends.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.

Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.

Abstract: Swabs, and materials of the present disclosure, and methods of making same, include randomly arranged sea-island bicomponent fibers which have randomly splayed terminal ends.

Abstract: Swabs, and materials of the present disclosure, and methods of making same, include randomly arranged sea-island bicomponent fibers.

Abstract: A sleeve is provided for a beverage container, configured to be self formed on the beverage container and adapted to fit beverage containers having various diameters.

Abstract: A multi-position support mechanism for an implement that employs an elongate member pivotably mounted at one end to the tongue of the implement and having a hook on the opposing end. The pivotable connection between the tongue and the elongate member provides a plurality of generally fixed positions, at least one where the hook supports the vehicle pto coupler, at least one for supporting hydraulic hoses, and at least one storage position where the elongate member and the hook are not in use.

Abstract: A multi-position support mechanism for an implement that employs an elongate member pivotably mounted at one end to the tongue of the implement and having a hook on the opposing end. The pivotable connection between the tongue and the elongate member provides a plurality of generally fixed positions, at least one where the hook supports the vehicle pto coupler, at least one for supporting hydraulic hoses, and at least one storage position where the elongate member and the hook are not in use.

Abstract: A valve actuator apparatus and method comprises an operator housing secured to a bonnet assembly. The bonnet assembly is secured to the valve body, and includes a bonnet stem movably within a bonnet housing for moving a gate within the valve body to open and close the valve. A downstop member is fixably secured to the bonnet stem and engages removable stem spacers which are added or removed to obtain a selected bonnet stem drift setting. The operator housing connects to a base ring that surrounds the bonnet housing and rotates to allow positioning of a fluid port in the operator housing. The operator housing may removed and replaced without altering the bonnet stem drift adjustment. A top shaft extends from the operator housing and rotates with respect to the bonnet stem to prevent torque transmission from the top shaft to the bonnet stem. A replaceable sealing cartridge sealingly supports the top shaft for axial movement within the operator housing.

Abstract: A valve actuator apparatus and method comprises an operator housing secured to a bonnet assembly. The bonnet assembly is secured to the valve body, and includes a bonnet stem movably within a bonnet housing for moving a gate within the valve body to open and close the valve. A downstop member is fixably secured to the bonnet stem and engages removable stem spacers which are added or removed to obtain a selected bonnet stem drift setting. The operator housing connects to a base ring that surrounds the bonnet housing and rotates to allow positioning of a fluid port in the operator housing. The operator housing may removed and replaced without altering the bonnet stem drift adjustment. A top shaft extends from the operator housing and rotates with respect to the bonnet stem to prevent torque transmission from the top shaft to the bonnet stem. A replaceable sealing cartridge sealingly supports the top shaft for axial movement within the operator housing.

Abstract: A valve actuator apparatus and method comprises an operator housing secured to a bonnet assembly. The bonnet assembly is secured to the valve body, and includes a bonnet stem movably within a bonnet housing for moving a gate within the valve body to open and close the valve. A downstop member is fixably secured to the bonnet stem and engages removable stem spacers which are added or removed to obtain a selected bonnet stem drift setting. The operator housing connects to a base ring that surrounds the bonnet housing and rotates to allow positioning of a fluid port in the operator housing. The operator housing may removed and replaced without altering the bonnet stem drift adjustment. A top shaft extends from the operator housing and rotates with respect to the bonnet stem to prevent torque transmission from the top shaft to the bonnet stem. A replaceable sealing cartridge sealingly supports the top shaft for axial movement within the operator housing.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to an adapter assembly for a towing vehicle having a drawbar hitch for connecting a towed implement having a pull-through swivel hitch assembly to the towing vehicle. The adapter assembly includes a drawbar extension member having a horizontal cross pin, a clamp assembly to secure the drawbar extension member to the drawbar, an adapter frame having a hook to engage the cross pin, and a trunnion pin to couple the adapter frame to the swivel hitch assembly.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to an implement transporter having an over-the-center latching mechanism that is selectively biased between locked and unlocked positions by the mere movement of a selection arm. Before moving the empty transporter, the latching mechanism is selectively biased in the locking position so that the ramps lock in place when the operator raises them from the light side, the ground-engaging end. To lower the ramps, the latching mechanism is selectively biased to the unlocked position. The weight of the ramp keeps the latch in place until the operator raises the far end of the ramp slightly, taking the load off the latch. The latch is pulled away from the ramp by the over-the-center mechanism and the ramp can be lowered to engage the ground.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to method and apparatus for securing an implement to a transporter. The transporter has rigid hooks affixed thereto adjacent the platforms upon which the wheels of the implement rest during transport. The implement has horizontally protruding cross pins that rise as the header on the implement is lowered to the transport position. By directing the wheels of the implement onto the transporter, the cross pins are moved into the mouths of the hooks and then, upon lowering of the implement header, the pins are directed into the throats of the hooks, securing the implement to the transporter.

Abstract: A transporter for use in transporting a harvesting machine having a laterally movable tongue is disclosed wherein the transporter has a jack on the forward end thereof to be deployed during the loading process for improved stability. The jack includes components that lock the jack in place when a load is applied to the jack and unlocks the jack when that load is removed, allowing it to pivot rearwardly to a transport position without manual intervention.