Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to the design principles for forming a welded joint between two sections of tubing or pipe. The material at the end portion of a first section of tubing to is folded inwardly to create a support surface. This support surface improves the ability to weld light gage material with traditional arc welding and it creates conditions to allow brazing to be as strong as traditional arc welding by using A shaped piece of filler material which is located at the intersection between the support surface of the first section of tubing and a side wall section of the second section of tubing. While holding together the first and second sections of tubing with the filler material, heat is applied at the intersection at a temperature and for a duration sufficient to melt the filler material and form the 3t joint.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a post and rail fence comprised of a plurality of posts, rails, and clamps. The posts rigidly engage with the ground in a generally perpendicular fashion, at spaced apart intervals. The clamps interconnect the rails and the posts, through interconnected post clamp and rail clamp sections. The clamp interconnection is accomplished with a tensioning member that provides a variable clamping force and maintains the connection between the posts and the rails.

Abstract: A telescopic tractor frame comprised of two interconnected cylindrical frame members which allow the frame to extend a contract and to pivot horizontally along the frame's axis. The frame may be extended to carry large loads or contracted to increase maneuverability. The frame may also be extended and contracted repeatedly to extricate the tractor from muddy or boggy soil.

Abstract: An animal headgate has a rectangular frame in which a pair of neck-engaging yokes is mounted for coordinated sliding movement between a fully open position and a fully closed position. A parallelogram linkage interconnects each yoke to an associated sleeve on the rectangular frame so that movement of the sleeve between an upper and a lower position will move the yokes between the fully open and the fully closed position, respectively. An over-center spring arrangement urges the yokes from a neutral, open position toward the fully closed position. A unidirectional locking mechanism associated with each of the posts permits the spring arrangements to close the yokes about the neck of an animal but prevents unassisted opening of the yokes thereby restraining the animal. A notched bar and associated catch mounted on the upper end portions of the yokes provide for automatic operation of the headgate. The spring arrangements act to hold the notched bar in the catch at a preselected open position for the yokes.

Abstract: An animal gate latch mechanism having upper and lower latch units movable successively and alternatively between gate open and gate latching positions therefor by a linkage system including a single actuating arm. From a gate open position of both latch units, movement of the actuating arm in one direction will independently move the latch units to the gate latching positions therefor. An intermediate latched condition of the gate is thus provided which can quickly and easily be effected by an operator on horseback. With both latch units in the latched position therefor, the gate is securely latched at two spaced-apart locations to prevent twisting of the gate by a confined animal and its possible escape therethrough.

Abstract: An animal handling device including a ground supported base frame and a squeeze chute pivotally supported on the base frame by an upright lever assembly. The squeeze chute includes two side members, a flat first side member and a second, generally open second side member, that are pivotally connected at their lower end portions to permit movement of the second side member relative to the first side member into and out of an animal restraining position. By means including the upright lever assembly, the squeeze chute is pivotally movable with the lever assembly toward the first side member relative to the base frame between an upright animal receiving position and an animal shift position and then independently of the lever assembly to a substantially horizontal operational position wherein easy access to the animal for treatment procedure can be made through the second side member.

Abstract: The animal holding gate is operable either manually or automatically to hold an animal. In an automatic operation, a pair of animal engaging members are initially adjusted to positions permitting the head of an animal to pass therethrough and then are automatically operated to continuously move inwardly against opposite sides of an animal's neck and to be releasably locked against outward movement to maintain an animal holding position. The initial gate setting mechanism is in a readily visible position and conveniently accessible for quick and easy manipulation to accommodate in succession animals of varying size.

Abstract: The animal squeeze structure for a cattle chute having a base frame and a pair of transversely opposite side panels is supported between and intermediate the ends of the panels and includes an upright squeeze bar movable toward and away from one panel to squeeze an animal between the bar and the opposite panel. The squeeze bar is radially offset from and pivotable about a vertical axis to swing from an open position adjacent the one panel to an operative position spaced from the one panel and against the adjacent side of an animal in the chute. Means are provided for releasably locking the squeeze bar in its operative position.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention is capable of handling large bales of hay weighing fifteen hundred pounds or more without requiring the use of hydraulic, electrical or any other special source of power. The apparatus includes a portable frame connectable to a tractor and a hay buck or fork unit carried on a lift frame assembly which is movably supported on the portable frame to provide for a movement of the fork unit between a lowered bale loading position and a bale transport position. The fork unit is movable by gravity from the transport position to the bale loading position therefor, wherein the bale is loaded by a rearward movement of the portable frame relative to such bale. As the bale approaches a fully carried position on the fork unit, a leverage means is automatically actuated to elevate the lift frame assembly to a transport position in response to a forward advance of the portable frame.