Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating telephone cable or other continuous lengths of cylindrical objects with a continuous coating of molten thermoplastic sealant material. The cable or cylindrical object is passed through an annular array of nozzles operative to apply multiple beads of molten thermoplastic material to the surface of the cable or object. A liquid impervious casing is then placed over the bead coated cable while the beads are still in a molten state. The casing compresses the beads and forms them into a continuous coating of thermoplastic material surrounding the cable or object and contained within the liquid impervious casing.

Abstract: A lift mount assembly is provided for a plow blade unit mounted on the front of a vehicle having longitudinally extending frame members and a laterally extending bumper at the front ends of the frame members. The assembly includes a supporting portion comprised of mounting plates attached to the front ends of the frame members behind the bumper, and laterally extending upper and lower tubular cross members between the mounting plates. The supporting portion further includes a pair of lift arm mounting members on the upper cross member extending to a point just above the bumper, and a bracket on the lower cross member providing a forwardly open socket just below the bumper.

Abstract: A device for spreading particulate material from a vehicle mounted dump bed includes a hopper device mounted transversely across a material discharge end of the dump bed and a broadcast spreader beneath one end of the hopper device. The hopper device includes first and second spaced end walls, a fixed back wall between the end walls, and an elongated auger extending between the end walls arranged to be rotated about an axis parallel to the back wall. Rotation of the auger causes particulate material entering the hopper device to be moved toward one end wall beneath which the broadcast spreader is located. Spreading through, dumping over, and cleaning of the hopper device are possible as a result of an independent cover member extending between the end walls and movable between three corresponding positions.

Abstract: An arrangement for modifying a plow blade power unit of the type positioned between the mounting frame on the front of a vehicle and a plow blade lift arm, to a unit for creating pressurized fluid from a remote location. Modification enables a basically similar power unit to be utilized in both remote and direct operational environments with only minor substitution of interchangable parts. A piston-cylinder unit which enables direct lifting of a plow blade is replaced by a modified, but similar, cylindrical element for use in indirect lifting of a plow blade by fluid under pressure.

Abstract: An improved lift arm is pivoted upward by a hydraulic cylinder to lift a plow blade by a chain connected between the lift arm and blade. The lift arm includes an elongated body with a chain receiving member permanently fixed to an end thereof. Engaging a link of the chain is a slot in an upwardly facing concave surface of the chain receiving member. The slot has a width slightly greater than the thickness of a link of the chain so that a link is engaged and restrained. An opening, having a width slightly greater than the width of the link, receives the chain ahead of the link restrained in the slot. Regardless of the relative orientation of the chain and lift arm, the concave surface causes the chain and chain receiving member to remain generally perpendicular.

Abstract: A snow plow is detachably mounted to the front of a vehicle by interlocking members extending from the snow plow and vehicle. Engageable members on the plow are fixedly positioned a predetermined distance apart. Corresponding engaging members on the vehicle are displaceable between latching and unlatching positions by an over-center linkage arrangement. A first portion of the over-center linkage is pivotally connected to the vehicle. A second portion of the over-center linkage is slidably connected to the vehicle. Actuation of a hydraulic cylinder forces the over-center linkage to move from the unlatching position, wherein the blade and vehicle are disconnected, to the latching position, wherein the blade and vehicle are detachably connected. With the over-center linkage in the latching position, a toggle pin at the center moves against an abutment to lock the position of the over-center linkage, and therefore the plow onto the vehicle.

Abstract: In a spreader of the type used for spreading particulate material onto a roadway and comprising an upper hopper having a lower material discharge chamber terminating in a lower discharge opening, a rotatable spreader element below the discharge opening and a valve mechanism between the discharge chamber and the spreader element for controlling flow of material from the chamber to the spreader, there is provided an arrangement for shifting the valve mechanism between an opened and closed position in response to the direction of rotation of the spreader element. When the spreader element is rotating in one direction, the valve mechanism is automatically opened. When the spreader is rotated in the opposite direction the valve mechanism is automatically closed. This valve operating feature is accomplished by transmitting force through the particulate material within the discharge chamber of the spreader device so that no physical connection is provided between the motor and the valve shifting arrangement.

Abstract: A hopper device for mounting transversely across the material discharge end of a vehicle mounted dump bed adapted to contain particulate material to be spread over a roadway being travelled by the vehicle. This type of hopper includes fixed first and second spaced end walls, a fixed back wall between the end walls and an elongated auger extending between the end walls, and an arrangement for rotating the auger about an axis to move material through the hopper toward one end of the hopper. The hopper includes a cover member extending between the end walls and movable between a spreading position where the material can dump into the hopper and be spread from the hopper, a dumping position where the material can be dumped over the hopper and a cleaning position where access is possible to the auger for cleaning by a water hose.