Abstract: Systems for automatically leveling a base frame of a bulk material transport conveyor include radial travel wheels mounted on generally opposing sides of the base frame that can move from a raised position above the ground to a lowered position in contact with the ground to permit radial travel of the conveyor. Actuators normally used to raise or lower the radial travel wheels may be actuated automatically by a controller in response to a signal from an inclination and/or limit sensor mounted on the conveyor that represents a non-level orientation of the conveyor, to level the base frame.

Abstract: A transport unit, a material transfer structure and a material transfer unit for a mobile haulage arrangement are arranged for continuously conveying fragmented material in a conveying direction. A mobile haulage arrangement and a method for continuously conveying fragmented material in a conveying direction is also disclosed. The transport unit includes two ground transportation structures and a support frame suitable for fitting a belt of an enclosed belt conveyor thereunder. The ground transportation structures has at least one height adjustment device, wherein the support frame comprises at least one connector, which is arranged for connecting a support structure thereto. The height adjustment devices are arranged to vary the position of at least a portion of the support frame in relation to the ground transportation structures.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for transferring bulk material comprises a conveyor which is supported in inclined orientation with its discharge at a higher elevation than its intake. The conveyor is carried on a frame arranged for rolling movement on a support surface, affording the portability of the apparatus. The conveyor is displaceable back and forth relative to the axle assembly in a lateral direction to adjust a position of the discharge of the conveyor in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A belt-type, portable, radial conveyor system is provided that may include a conveyor frame extending from a rear end to a front end, and having rear portions and front portions, a hopper disposed adjacent the rear end of the conveyor frame, a conveyor belt mounted to the conveyor frame, a tracked or wheeled drive carriage to support the conveyor system during relocation from site to site, and an engine mounted to the rear portion of the conveyor frame remote from the carriage.

Abstract: An extractor apparatus for moving grain from a grain bag has a frame mounted for movement along the ground in a rearward direction, and an upright oriented main auger attached to a rear end of the frame. A knife extends rearward from the main auger to cut the grain bag. A feed auger extends horizontally right and left of the intake end of the main auger, and is configured to auger grain to the intake end of the main auger. A disintegrator shaft is mounted rearward of the feed auger and parallel to the feed auger, and a plurality of disintegrator blades are spaced along a length of the disintegrator shaft and extend outward from the disintegrator shaft. A drive system is operative to rotate the main auger, feed auger, and disintegrator shaft. The length of the disintegrator shaft can be adjusted to suit the width of a particular bag.

Abstract: A sod harvester having a sod hold down with at least one free wheeling elastic belt that maintains a downward pressure on sod slabs carried on a conveyor belt with the free wheeling elastic belt moving in unison with the conveyor belt through frictional engagement between sod slabs on the conveyor belt and the free wheeling belt or between the conveyor belt and idler pulleys, which rotationally support the elastic belt, to enable the hold down to prevent or inhibit slippage of the sod slabs on the conveyor belt during sod slab transfer thereon.

Abstract: A method of collecting and processing organic waste material is disclosed, comprising, placing organic waste in an identifiable can liner, placing the can liner in a general waste stream, and at a later point in time removing the can liner from the waste stream while maintaining the integrity of the contents therein.

Abstract: An improvement to cable conveyor system using a pneumatic cylinder system for keeping a cable tight is provided for preventing damage to the system if the cable stretches/fails or is too loose. The fluid cylinder/piston applies a force on the cable proportionate to the pressure that is regulated to the cylinder during normal operation of the cable conveyor system. The relative position of a magnetic switch and a magnet on a piston in the cylinder, provides a way to sense a lack of tension in the cable and shut the system down before damage is done to the conveyor. Likewise, if the cable stretches or fails, a carriage having an idler thereon, will move close enough to a proximity switch to cause the proximity switch to shut down the system.

Abstract: The moving mechanism is capable of separating an orientation of a vehicle body from a traveling direction. In addition, the moving mechanism has a low center of gravity and is capable of reducing its weight. A moving body includes a vehicle body, steering actuators, right and left steering hubs, vehicle wheel actuators, and vehicle wheels. The steering actuators are disposed on the right and left sides of the vehicle body and drivable around a vertical axis. The right and left steering hubs are driven by the steering actuators. The vehicle wheel actuators are fixed to the steering hubs. The vehicle wheels are driven by the vehicle wheel actuators and are disposed in an inclined manner with respect to a vertical direction.

Abstract: In an agricultural conveyor, an auger housing is formed of modular tube sections and an inline drive assembly for driving rotation of the auger member relative to the auger housing which is connected in series between the modular tube sections. The auger housing is supported on an adjustable carriage frame for transport. The auger housing is supported on a portion of the carriage frame by a roller assembly having rollers engaging diametrically opposed top and bottom sides of the auger housing for rolling movement along the auger housing. The connection between at least one adjacent pair of modular tube sections is arranged to allow the roller assembly to roll across the connection along the length of the assembled auger housing.

Abstract: The steerable conveyor includes a conveyor frame supported on a first pair of wheels and a second pair of wheels at laterally opposed first and second sides of the conveyor. The conveyor includes a hitch for connection to a towing vehicle such that the conveyor is pivotal relative to the towing vehicle about a vertical steering axis. A steering mechanism is arranged to pivot all of the steerable wheels relative to the conveyor frame about respective upright steering axes in a common direction of rotation such that the conveyor is arranged to be steered relative to the towing vehicle about the vertical steering axis by steering the conveyor wheels relative to the conveyor frame when the conveyor is towed by the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile material placer with an auxiliary steering system having a direct hydraulic drive mechanism. The mobile material placer includes a body, a material hopper coupled to the body and configured to receive and store material, a feeder conveyor coupled to the body, and a placer conveyor pivotally coupled to the body. The auxiliary steering system includes a direct hydraulic drive mechanism coupled to the steering column and which causes the steering column to rotate bidirectionally in response to fluid flow from a hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A mobile bridge of great length is a support construction for at least one transport means, which particularly avoids constraints and undefined stresses as a result of temperature variations and/or support lowering movements, for example, to the greatest possible extent. This will guarantee a statically definite system, is essentially accomplished in that the bridge, in its totality, forms a multi-member statically definite system in the vertical plane, and a statically definite continuous carrier in the horizontal plane. The bridge segments of the bridge are connected with one another, in articulated manner, exclusively in the vertical plane, and the bridge is supported by means of at least three bearing mechanisms of a type A, B, and C having different static valence. Each bearing mechanism of the type A, B, C is carried by a self-propelled, tip-proof traveling mechanism.

Abstract: A self-propelled aircraft cargo belt loader is both propelled and operated hydrostatically. An engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid combination of both provides a power source to operate first and second hydraulic pumps. The first, or primary pump, provides variable fluid pressure used to propel the vehicle., while the second, or secondary pump, provides constant fluid pressure used to drive the conveyor belt, operate the hydraulic cylinders used to raise and lower the conveyor belt, and operate the vehicle's steering. The use of a hydrostatic drive system facilitates off-center placement of both the powerplant and the conveyor belt system, with the powerplant and conveyor belt system being positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle. As the powerplant is not covered by the conveyor belt system, engine access for maintenance and replacement is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A silage cutter and loader assembly including a beater assembly for removing silage from a bunker and transferring the silage via a cross auger to a conveyor for transport to an independent container. The assembly further includes independently arranged wheels, at least two of the wheels being rotatable about a respective vertical axis.

Abstract: A self-propelled aircraft cargo belt loader is both propelled and operated hydrostatically. An engine, an electric motor, or a hybrid combination of both provides a power source to operate first and second hydraulic pumps. The first, or primary pump, provides variable fluid pressure used to propel the vehicle., while the second, or secondary pump, provides constant fluid pressure used to drive the conveyor belt, operate the hydraulic cylinders used to raise and lower the conveyor belt, and operate the vehicle's steering. The use of a hydrostatic drive system facilitates off-center placement of both the powerplant and the conveyor belt system, with the powerplant and conveyor belt system being positioned on opposite sides of the vehicle. As the powerplant is not covered by the conveyor belt system, engine access for maintenance and replacement is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: An assembly for processing blanks comprises a first endless conveyor (1) with locations for holders for the blanks and at least one stationary processing station as well as optionally a second conveyor (6) arranged next to said first conveyor (1). The first conveyor (1) comprises a number of self-propelled vehicles (2), where each vehicle carries a tool (4) and a holding device (3) for the blank device. The first conveyor (1) comprises at least one guiding line (19) marked on the running surface (18). Each vehicle (2) comprises sensors (20) detecting the guiding line, and guiding means (22) guiding the vehicle into the guiding line (19) of the running surface.

Abstract: A conveyor system having a plurality of segments and articulable joints connecting adjacent segments is disclosed. Each segment is provided with an individually controllable drive unit for moving the conveyor segment over a surface on which the conveyor system is supported. Each joint between segments is provided with a sensor system to measure the amount of articulation at each joint. The conveyor system is further provided with a control system for aligning the segments of the conveyor system. The control system surveys each joint of the conveyor to determine which, if any, joints are out of alignment. The extent of misalignment at each joint is measured and the joint having the maximum misalignment at the time is identified. The maximum velocity at which the overall conveyor system may travel is then limited based on the ratio between the maximum measurable misalignment and the maximum surveyed misalignment.

Abstract: A conveyor system having a plurality of segments and articulable joints connecting adjacent segments is disclosed. Each segment is provided with an individually controllable drive unit for moving the conveyor segment over a surface on which the conveyor system is supported. Each joint between segments is provided with a sensor system to measure the amount of articulation at each joint. The conveyor system is further provided with a control system for aligning the segments of the conveyor system. The control system surveys each joint of the conveyor to determine which, if any, joints are out of alignment. The, extent of misalignment at each joint is measured and the joint having the maximum misalignment at the time is identified. The maximum velocity at which the overall conveyor system may travel is then limited based on the ratio between the maximum measurable misalignment and the maximum surveyed misalignment.

Abstract: An articulated apparatus including a first section having first and second ends, and a length between the first and second ends; a second section having first and second ends, and a length between the first and second ends; a joint connecting the second end of the first section to the first end of the second section for pivotal movement about a first axis; and a cylinder/piston assembly having a piston connected to the first section and movable with the first conveyor section, and having a cylinder mounted to the second section and movable with the second section, the piston being slidably received in the cylinder, and a transmitter and a receiver capable of determining the location of the piston in the cylinder, the transmitter and receiver being located within the cylinder.

Abstract: A fully adjustable conveyor system for transporting loose items of cargo which are to be manually loaded or unloaded by a worker. In one embodiment, the conveyor system includes a powered device, such as a driveable, maneuverable tug which is provided with a vertically adjustable operator platform, expandable and vertically adjustable first and second powered conveyor units. In a second embodiment, the conveyor system includes an electrically powered mobile base frame which is provided with an adjustable operator platform, a vertically adjustable first conveyor, and a flexible expandable second conveyor. The conveyor system of the present invention includes a control system for positioning the conveyor system at the optimum height and location for efficiently loading and unloading cargo and significantly reducing the risk of strain and injury to the workers handling the cargo.

Abstract: A conveyor coupled to a skid motor vehicle operates to unload bulk granular material from a railroad hopper car. The conveyor has an obtuse configured frame supporting an endless belt extended about an idler roller and a driven roller. A hydraulic motor mounted on the frame supplied with hydraulic fluid under pressure from the hydraulic system of the motor vehicle rotates the drive roller thereby moving the belt relative to the frame and mount thereon. A pair of transverse tubular box members are secured to the bottom of the frame to accommodate forks attached to the skid motor vehicle whereby the skid motor vehicle can lift the conveyor and transport it to another location.

Abstract: An improved two-row, four-wheel cane harvester includes first and second front carrier assemblies for carrying cut cane rearward in first and second passageways each passing between the pair of front wheels and then outwardly between the respective front and rear wheels. First and second rear piler assemblies are provided for receiving cane from the respective first and second carrier assemblies and moving the cane transversely before releasing the cut cane across a cut cane row spaced between the first and second rows.

Abstract: A multiple section conveyor for the positioning of loose items for manual loading or stacking is, in combination, a first, telescoping gravity fed conveyor connected with a second powered elevated and delivery conveyor, controlled by the arrival of objects at the end of the second powered conveyor. The combination is coupled to a mobile, powered elevating work platform, to provide cargo items to a work crew at a controlled rate and at a proper height for safest handling, over the range of motions and elevations of the work platform.

Abstract: An improved two-row, four-wheel cane harvester includes first and second front carrier assemblies for carrying cut cane rearward in first and second passageways each passing between the pair of front wheels and then outwardly between the respective front and rear wheels. First and second rear piler assemblies are provided for receiving cane from the respective first and second carrier assemblies and moving the cane transversely before releasing the cut cane across a cut cane row spaced between the first and second rows.

Abstract: A self-propelled conveyor includes a number of auger sections each section including at least one spiral mounted on a shaft, a housing surrounding the spiral and having two end terminations, and structure for driving of one spiral by driving an adjacent spiral whether or not the shaft of the spirals are in line with each other. The driving structure can comprise axially and radially extending projections from each adjacent shaft providing a lost motion connection between the shafts, or a universal joint. More than one auger may be mounted in each housing section, with a common drive shaft for the augers connected by a universal connection to a similar drive shaft for an adjacent auger section. The end terminations of the housing allow relative pivotal movement between adjacent housing sections at least in a horizontal plane, and comprise inter-engaging cylindrical section elements allowing relative rotational movement between adjacent housing sections of at least about 15.degree..

Abstract: The invention provides a self-propelled fully operational loose bulk material slinger in a vehicle equipped to be driven. A slinger and hopper is mounted on a chassis supported by a triangular arrangement of road wheels. Individual powering of two road wheels, one on each side of the chassis, allows self-powered mobility and the road wheels can be steered for directional release of a material being stockpiled. A third small road wheel attached to swivel, balances the vehicle and can be retracted and extended to angle the vehicle for increasing and decreasing trajectory height of material being stockpiled. An engine and a hydraulic system provides mobility and mechanical adjustability to the vehicle. A stand-on control station allows the slinger vehicle according to the invention to be fully controlled by a single operator.

Abstract: An aircraft belt loader having electric motors to power the drive wheels and an electrically driven hydraulic pump for actuation of a hydraulic ram for elevation of a belt conveyor. A battery pack and the hydraulic compartment are positioned between the drive wheels and the steerable wheels and are spaced apart laterally to define a channel to accommodate the linkage including the hydraulic ram, supporting the conveyor.

Abstract: A steep angle conveyor for lifting bulk material from a lower level to a higher level is able to accommodate variations in the vertical distance between the levels. The conveyor includes a lower frame that is supported at the lower level by a drive mechanism, an upper frame that is supported at the upper level by another drive mechanism, and an obliquely disposed intermediate frame that is connected to the upper and lower frame by hinges. Rollers on the frames guide a belt.

Abstract: A swivelling bin-filling conveyor comprising a frame including two main wheels and a nosewheel assembly, on which frame there is mounted a conveyor extending obliquely upwardly from the frame, and which is further fitted with a foot resting, in operation, on the ground. The foot is adapted for rotation relative to the frame about a vertical axis lying in the median perpendicular plane of the connecting line between the axles of the two main wheels. The main wheels are each adapted to be brought from the normal position of travel into a swivelling operating position transverse to the connecting line between the vertical axis and the axle of the respective main wheel. Each of the two main wheels includes a separately energizable drive motor. An arrangement is provided for ensuring that at least in the swivelling operating position only the rear main wheel, as viewed in the direction of movement of the bin-filling conveyor, is driven.

Abstract: Relatively heavy duty and large auger assemblies often used in present day farming are difficult to move and maneuver around a farmyard or the like and it is not always convenient to hitch a tractor to such auger assemblies for relatively short distance moving. This invention includes a small electric or gasoline motor or engine which can be operatively connected to a small wheel which is mounted within a frame secured to the auger assembly framework and which engages the ground. Means are provided so that this small wheel can be rotated in either direction. A small castoring wheel assembly supports the rear end of the auger assembly and when the small wheel is operatively connected to the motor, the wheel may be rotated slowly thus enabling the auger assembly to be moved as desired. Directional control is by steering the rear end of the auger assembly manually.A further embodiment connects the motor and the main supporting ground engaging wheels directly.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle is tethered so that as it skids on a pile of bulk material, the cleated tracks transfer the material toward the tethered end. The tethering rope hitch point on the vehicle is translatable laterally to effect controlled sideward skiding for sweeping bulk material from a wide area and is located at one end above the vehicle center of gravity so that the vehicle can be lowered by the tethering rope through narrow openings in storage chambers yet come to rest upright. The tracks comprise cleated endless belts coupled to endless wire ropes at the end pulleys by resilient rail members made of two rows of discrete blocks bolted to the belts which are wedged against the wire ropes by grooves in the pulleys so that tension induced in the wire ropes resists the lateral forces tending to cause the belts to creep along the pulleys.

Abstract: A two row harvester running gear is of a tricycle type with all wheels being hydraulically driven and with a center rear wheel that is steerable and smaller than the two front wheels. The running gear configuration provides sharper turns in muddy fields without bulldozing, and space for side mounting pilers adjacent the front wheels and inboard of them to minimize the number and degree of changes of direction in cut cane travel. Closed loop and parallel connections of an hydraulic power system rotates all wheels for a common linear speed, and at torques relative to the size and positioning thereof for maximum traction.

Abstract: A wheel assembly extends from both of the auger braces to the ground and is adjustable by means of a jack, in order to lift the lower end of the auger assembly clear of the ground or to raise the wheel assembly when the auger assembly is being towed. A source of power drives the wheel assembly and thus supplies power to the wheel assembly when it is engaged upon the ground so that the auger can be moved by an operator. The wheel assembly is steerable by an off-standing handle thus enabling the auger assembly to be steered into position relative to a grain bin, for example, or relative to a towing vehicle when it is desired to tow the grain auger. The source of power may be hydraulically driven by the auger assembly engine in a hydraulic motor operatively connected to the wheel axle and the jack may be mechanical or hydraulic.

Abstract: A mobile material transfer apparatus having a conveyor mounted on a vertically pivotal boom and a pivoting depository including pivotal side hoppers for depositing material into a center hopper and from the center hopper onto the belt, the whole apparatus being pivotally mounted on a self propulsion unit and pivotal about an axis generally through the vertical centerline of the propulsion unit; and methods of using such a device for more efficient strip mining are disclosed.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed to be used in the trenching operation necessary for burying utility facilities such as water, sanitary pipes or gas mains. The machine includes an elongated, boom-like body having a large earth receiving hopper and a conveyor belt for transporting the earth to the rear and discharging it. It is equipped with a power plant in front and, while in operation at a trenching site, a hydraulically powered propulsion unit which pulls the machine along the trench. Its rear end is shaped and elevated such that earth moving equipment can operate beneath it and thus lay pipe, backfill and compact the trench between the ends of the machine using the earth discharged by the machine at its rear end. The rear portion of the machine is equipped with wing-like legs provided with wheels which support the rear of the machine while it is bridged over the trench.

Abstract: An aerial conveyor system comprises a pair of spaced apart cables extending from a first vehicle including material delivery apparatus across a material receiving zone, across an open area, and across a material discharge zone to a second vehicle. The cables support a conveyor support frame comprising a pair of elongate members extending substantially parallel to the cables, a plurality of transversely disposed conveyor support rollers, and structure for suspending the elongate members from the cables. An endless conveyor belt is mounted for movement around a course defined by the conveyor support rollers of the conveyor support frame and functions to transport material received from the delivery apparatus of the first vehicle in the receiving zone across the open area to the discharge zone. An axially outwardly directed force is applied to the ends of the conveyor system to suspend the system from the receiving zone to the discharge zone.

Abstract: In a self-propelled, hydraulic four wheel drivetwo row cane harvester having a four-row piler with a main power source driving variable volume pumps for propulsion and operation; structural and operational improvements of a shortened wheel base, outward extension of right rear center carrier, individual suspension of rear wheels for stability on uneven ground, steerable rear wheels differentially linked by means of bell crank linkages, single articulation pilers having multiple row piling capacity, adjustable cane butt deflectors, and a combination range and speed controls with independent adjustments of ranges ground chain speeds and unit control of the cut cane carrier chains of all speeds within the set range.

Abstract: A transversely movable belt conveyor assembly having an articulated frame supporting a single, endless conveyor belt for moving bulk particulate materials. The movable belt conveyor assembly is maintained perpendicular to a fixed reference, such as a receiving conveyor for the material contained thereon. The pivoted frames carrying the long endless belt are automatically maintained in a straight, end-to-end orientation relative to one another. The entire belt conveyor assembly is automatically maintained in a perpendicular relationship to the transverse fixed reference during movement of the assembly. Individual carriers for each segmented frame are independently driven and their relative speeds are controlled along the assembly to maintain the segmented frames in longitudinal alignment. The working flight is maintained laterally horizontal along its entire length to prevent spillage of material.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting solid-waste material, the apparatus being arranged to be used in conjunction with a moving collection vehicle, wherein the apparatus includes an improved pick-up means adapted to pick up waste material, whether the material is encapsulated within paper or plastic bag containers, or stacked as loose bundles, such as stacked newspapers or the like, the improvement further including a novel steering device.

Abstract: An aerial conveyor system comprises a pair of spaced apart cables extending from a first vehicle including material delivery apparatus across a material receiving zone, across an open area, and across a material discharge zone to a second vehicle. The cables support a plurality of conveyor support frames each comprising a pair of tubular members extending substantially parallel to the cables, a plurality of hook rollers for supporting the tubular members on the cables, and a plurality of transversely disposed conveyor support rollers. An endless conveyor belt is mounted for movement around a course defined by the conveyor support rollers of the conveyor support frames and functions to transport material received from the delivery apparatus of the first vehicle in the receiving zone across the open area to the discharge zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in reclaiming bulk material such as bean meal or the like from a pile of such material. A self-propelled wheeled vehicle is equipped with an elongated boom. An endless belt-like member is movably positioned along the length of the boom. A plurality of platelike blades are attached to the endless belt-like member for movement along the length of the boom so that when the boom is positioned against or adjacent a pile of bulk material, the platelike blades will scrape, rake or otherwise convey portions of the bulk material from the pile to an under-floor conveyor or the like.