Abstract: A disc valve assembly includes a disc element housed within a housing, the disc element having an inlet facing side and a second side opposite to the inlet facing side, and flow pathways configured as a plurality of different pressure zones with the flow pathways extending axially along a longitudinal axis of the disc element from at or adjacent to the inlet facing side to the second side. The valve housing that houses the disc element includes porting configured as part of the plurality of different pressure zones respectively in fluid communication with the flow pathways of the disc element. The disc element is configured to rotate to control a flow of hydraulic fluid through the disc valve assembly. The different pressure zones are isolated from each other using a plurality of annular sealing rings located on the inlet facing side of the disc element.

Abstract: A brake apparatus for restricting rotation of a rotatable member of a mowing machine, thereby controlling rotation of a wheel of the mowing machine, includes a brake member fixable on the rotatable member, and a gripping member for engaging and disengaging the brake member for restricting or permitting rotation of the rotatable member. A thrust link is coupled to the gripping member such that movement of the thrust link causes the gripping member to engage or disengage a radially outer surface of the brake member. For example, the gripping member may be biasedly engaged with at least a partial circumferential extent of the brake member such that actuation of the thrust link causes disengagement of the gripping member from the brake member.

Abstract: An automatic high speed labeling machine with an improved label stripper is provided capable of applying 700 to 1,000 labels to individual produce items in a single lane, without tearing the label carrier strip. The improved label stripper has a contoured surface wherein only the center section contacts the label carrier strip. The edges of the carrier strip are prevented from contacting the label stripper surface.

Abstract: A disc valve assembly for control of a flow of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic fluid system may include a disc element comprising an inlet facing side and a second side opposite to the inlet facing side, and flow pathways configured as a plurality of different pressure zones with the flow pathways extending axially along a longitudinal axis of the disc element from at or adjacent to the inlet facing side to the second side. A valve housing houses the disc element and includes porting configured as part of the plurality of different pressure zones respectively in fluid communication with the flow pathways of the disc element. The disc element is configured to rotate to control a flow of hydraulic fluid through the disc valve assembly. The different pressure zones are isolated from each other using a plurality of annular sealing rings located on the inlet facing side of the disc element.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor includes a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor and the stator define a plurality of motor pockets for receiving a flow of hydraulic fluid, and the rotor rotates relative to the stator based on a pressure differential between the motor pockets. A commutator having porting controls the flow of hydraulic fluid into the motor pockets. The rotor rotates about a first axis and the stator orbits about a second axis, and the stator is configured to orbit such that the second axis orbits about the first axis. The commutator is eccentrically piloted about the first axis and the second axis so that the commutator both rotates and orbits to control the flow of hydraulic fluid into the motor pockets. With such configuration, an output shaft is driven by rotation of the rotor about the first axis without orbiting, obviating the need for a drive link.

Abstract: A brake apparatus for a mowing machine that includes a brake gear operatively rotatable with a rotatable member and a lock assembly for meshing with the brake gear to restrict rotation of the brake gear. A guide rail assembly is fixable relative to a support for supporting the rotatable member for rotation. The guide rail assembly guides a lock assembly movable between an unlocked arrangement and a locked arrangement. An actuator plate and the guide rail assembly jointly engage the lock assembly to effect meshing and unmeshing of at least one engagement member of the lock assembly, such as a roller or a jaw member, with the brake gear. The actuator plate is selectively rotatable about an axis of rotation of the brake gear relative to the guide rail assembly, where rotation of the actuator plate effects movement of the lock assembly between the unlocked and locked arrangements.

Abstract: An automatic high speed labeling machine with an improved label stripper is provided capable of applying 700 to 1,000 labels to individual produce items in a single lane, without tearing the label carrier strip. The improved label stripper has a contoured surface wherein only the center section contacts the label carrier strip. The edges of the carrier strip are prevented from contacting the label stripper surface.

Abstract: A brake apparatus for restricting rotation of a rotatable member of a mowing machine, thereby controlling rotation of a wheel of the mowing machine, includes a brake member fixable on the rotatable member, and a gripping member for engaging and disengaging the brake member for restricting or permitting rotation of the rotatable member. A thrust link is coupled to the gripping member such that movement of the thrust link causes the gripping member to engage or disengage a radially outer surface of the brake member. For example, the gripping member may be biasedly engaged with at least a partial circumferential extent of the brake member such that actuation of the thrust link causes disengagement of the gripping member from the brake member.

Abstract: A hydraulic motor includes a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor and the stator define a plurality of motor pockets for receiving a flow of hydraulic fluid, and the rotor rotates relative to the stator based on a pressure differential between the motor pockets. A commutator having porting controls the flow of hydraulic fluid into the motor pockets. The rotor rotates about a first axis and the stator orbits about a second axis, and the stator is configured to orbit such that the second axis orbits about the first axis. The commutator is eccentrically piloted about the first axis and the second axis so that the commutator both rotates and orbits to control the flow of hydraulic fluid into the motor pockets. With such configuration, an output shaft is driven by rotation of the rotor about the first axis without orbiting, obviating the need for a drive link.

Abstract: A brake apparatus for a mowing machine that includes a brake gear operatively rotatable with a rotatable member and a lock assembly for meshing with the brake gear to restrict rotation of the brake gear. A guide rail assembly is fixable relative to a support for supporting the rotatable member for rotation. The guide rail assembly guides a lock assembly movable between an unlocked arrangement and a locked arrangement. An actuator plate and the guide rail assembly jointly engage the lock assembly to effect meshing and unmeshing of at least one engagement member of the lock assembly, such as a roller or a jaw member, with the brake gear. The actuator plate is selectively rotatable about an axis of rotation of the brake gear relative to the guide rail assembly, where rotation of the actuator plate effects movement of the lock assembly between the unlocked and locked arrangements.