Abstract: Highway safety regulations generally limit the length of trailers to 75'. Most large conveyors generally have two top folds, one at each end of the conveyor. This format facilitates a trailer which is balanced on a wheeled support both in an unfolded operative position and a folded towing position. The mono-fold trailer conveyor comprises: a main conveyor section having a feed end portion; one and only one folding discharge conveyor section having one end hingably attached to the main conveyor section and having a length exceeding one half of the length of the main conveyor section; and, a counterweight positioned on the feed end portion of the conveyor, necessitated by the otherwise unbalanced folding discharge conveyor section, and sized to stably maintain the discharge end of the conveyor in an elevated position when the conveyor is in an operative unfolded position.

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting grain or the like consists of three or more sections foldable about two axes of rotation displaced from each other. Separate retractors operate to fold the conveyor about the two axes. A link connecting the first and second retractors permits a single actuator to fully fold the conveyor about the two axes. The first and second axes may be rotationally displaced from each other by about 90.degree..

Abstract: A poultry loading apparatus for transporting poultry from a confinement area such as a poultry house to a transport vehicle to allow transport of poultry from farm-to-farm or from farm-to-processing plant. The mobile poultry loading apparatus includes a conveyor system whereby poultry ride from a confinement area to the transport vehicle during loading. The conveying system includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from a coop during the loading process. A system of hydraulics controls the speed of the conveyor, aids in the transverse leveling of the machine, adjusts both the angle and tier of loading, and levels and controls the telescoping end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A portable trommel has a chassis, including support wheels at one end thereof for movement of the trommel. A trommel is rotatably mounted on the chassis and has an input and an output end. A hopper and an input conveyor, for supplying material to be screened to the input end of the trommel, are mounted on the chassis adjacent the input end of the trommel. An output or fines conveyor, for collecting material passing through the trommel screen, is mounted on the chassis, below the trommel. A stockpiling conveyor is mounted on the chassis and has a lower end adapted to receive screened material from the fines conveyor and an upper end for discharging screened material to form a stockpile. The stockpiling conveyor can be in two parts, which can be folded into a retracted position for storage and transportation, and further can be mounted for rotation about a vertical axis to enable an arcuate storage pile to be formed.

Abstract: A conveyor system particularly adapted for feeding vehicle tires to a shredder mechanism includes telescopic conveyor sections supported to removably, adjustably position an outlet end of a first conveyor section relative to an inlet opening of the shredder mechanism and to adjustably position an inlet end of a second conveyor section at a convenient elevation for tire loading purposes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a grain cart having a downwardly and inwardly tapered hopper for temporarily storing grain, an auger mounted to an outer, forward portion of the cart's hopper is adapted for unloading grain from the cart. An interface housing mounted to the outer portion of the cart's forward inclined wall and disposed over an aperture in the wall is coupled to a lower end of the auger. Grain discharged from the hopper under the influence of gravity enters the interface housing and is removed from the housing by the auger for discharge into another vehicle such as a truck. The interface housing is removably mounted to the outer surface of the hopper, such as by bolts, to facilitate removal and repair of the auger, and to simplify grain cart design and manufacture. An angle drive gearbox couples the auger shaft to the power take-off unit of a tractor pulling the grain cart for driving the auger.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved grain cart comprising a mobile frame adapted to be pulled by a vehicle, such as a tractor. The frame supports a grain hopper or box. The hopper includes an inset front corner area. An auger for unloading grain from the hopper is located entirely outside the hopper. The auger includes a sump for receiving grain from the hopper, the sump being positioned on a lower, outside wall portion of the inset front corner area. Between the sump and the surface of the outside wall portion of the inset front corner area there is a grain shut off door for controlling a flow of grain from the hopper to the sump. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted adjacent to the sump and is connected to the grain shut off door for opening and closing the door. A conduit is connected to the sump, and a drive assembly is provided for conveying grain through the conduit. The drive assembly includes a gear box having a shaft connected to auger flighting disposed inside the conduit, and a drive shaft.

Abstract: A turret deck for a telescopic conveyor comprises a platform which is longitudinally and translationally movable relative to the chassis of a vehicle on which it is supported. The platform supports a base plate and a supporting yoke on which the telescopic conveyor is pivotally mounted about a horizontal shaft. The conveyor is tilted by means of two hydraulic cylinders, one of which is located between the base plate and a second supporting yoke for placing the conveyor in a transport position, while the other cylinder tilts the conveyor to allow unloading. An additional hydraulic cylinder on the conveyor retracts automatically during operation of the first hydraulic cylinder in order to prevent the conveyor from interfering with obstacles or power lines while it is being placed in the transport position. The telescopic conveyor comprises devices for storing the lower band of the endless belt conveyor during the retraction of the various sections of the conveyor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conveyor belt/cutting head advancement mechanism (10). Mechanism (10) comprises a conveyor belt support structure (11) connected at one end to a conveyor belt gathering structure (12). The conveyor belt support structure (11) is typically interconnected at its forward end to a self advancing conveyor return end (not shown). Material removed from a mine face by the cutting implement is delivered to a conveyor belt supported by the support structure (11). Structure (11) comprises a plurality of structural elements (18) pivotally interconnected in a scissor-like configuration. The mid points of elements (18) are pivotally interconnected at a point coinciding with the mounting location of a conveyor belt return roller (16). At the upper pivotally interconnected extremities of elements (18), the conveyor belt advancing rollers are supported. Mounted at a location nearby the lower ends of elements (18) are ground engaging wheels (17).

Abstract: A conveyor is rotatably mounted to a vehicle. The conveyor includes a plurality of frame members pivotally coupled to one another, such that they can be placed in overlapping relationship for transport with the vehicle or unfolded for use. An extension member is slidably coupled to one of the frame members such that the conveyor can be extended beneath a rail car for receiving material therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extendible conveyor structure (10). Structure (10) comprises a main frame (11) supported above a ground surface by way of wheels (20). Main frame (11) comprises a number of vertical members (22) and cross-members (18) extending therebetween. Main frame (11) further comprises a number of longitudinal members (23). Either fixed to main frame (11) or rollably supported thereby is a sub-frame (14) to support a conveyor belt (16). Rollably supported to sub-frame (14) is a pair of movable sub-frames (12, 13). The conveyor belt (16) spans all three sub-frames (12, 13 and 14) and is supported by rollers (15) or alternatively by troughing plates or a combination of both. The respective sub-frames (12, 13 and 14) may be manually or automatically extended between a loading zone and a discharge zone as required.

Abstract: A conveyor vehicle having a pair of lateral-feeding conveyors which in a road transport position extend longitudinally along opposite sides of a vehicle frame. A longitudinally-feeding conveyor has a road transport position stacked above the lateral-feeding conveyors. The conveyors have mountings mounting them for pivotal movement to place them in set up positions and expanses of the conveyors fold over to attain compactness.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading belly dump trucks into piles comprises a ramp onto which the unloading truck drives, a hopper for reception of dumped material, and a conveyor running under the hopper and onto a side conveyor arm for disposal of the material The conveyor arm can be raised and lowered and collapsed for transport An engine for powering the apparatus is disposed oppositely of the conveyor arm, and can be moved toward and away from the ramp for transport and operation, respectively. Rear wheel assemblies comprise a plate slidably mounted to the side of the ramp which can raise and lower the ramp. A steerable front wheel assembly can be raised and lowered for removal of the apparatus from the towing truck and local movement of the apparatus.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle mounting a cantilevered conveyor truss for concrete and the like. An improved force balancing frame enables the vehicle to remain stable even though the truss conveyor is extended to maximum length and elevated to a high angle. Improved geometry enables the truss conveyor to be pivoted at a point above a cab mounted on a turntable of the vehicle and forward of the axis of rotation of the turntable, thereby facilitating the deposit of concrete on the conveyor. Polyethylene pads control the motion of the truss conveyors, especially when the truss conveyor is elevated to a high angle. A unique drive assembly enables a mid-section and fly section of the truss conveyor to be moved simultaneously with respect to a base section of truss conveyor such that the fly section moves at twice the rate of the mid-section.

Abstract: A belt conveyor advancing and/or retreating return end (1) is situated between a conveyor structure (2) and an excavation implement (3). Elements (1, 2 and 3) are to be located in an underground mine (12) for example. Return end (1) comprises a main frame (4) located above a crawler frame (5). Tracks (7) are mounted to the crawler frame (5) and are mounted in a parallel configuration to laterally opposed sides of the crawler frame (5). Slewing cylinders (10) are provided such that one end of each slewing cylinder (10) is connected to the main frame (4) whereas the other end is connected to the crawler frame (5). A number of levelling cylinders (11) effect vertical movement of crawler tracks (7) relative to crawler frame (5) which in turn effects vertical movement of the main frame (4).

Abstract: A harvester adapted for harvesting low-lying fruit, such as typical with high-density, dwarf trees, includes an intra-loop conveyor for collecting detached fruit relatively close to the ground and elevating same with a single flighted belt. The harvester straddles a single row of the trees and detaches the fruit therefrom by repeatedly impacting the tree canopies are the harvester moves along the row. Spring-loaded deflection plates close around the tree trunks and deflect detached fruit outwardly to interior surfaces of a pair of single-loop conveyors. Baffles cooperating with the interior of each conveyor restrains fruit therein as the conveyor passes overhead to an inverted position. Fruit is discharged from the conveyor elevated segment onto an output conveyor passing beneath the discharge area. The output conveyor includes a multi-segment, foldable conveyor frame over which a single conveyor belt is entrained. The conveyor belt may be folded over the harvester during non-harvesting transport.

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: A belt-type conveyor with two sections at a variable angle to each other and with a continuous belt that travels at each end over at least one deflection roller, at least one of which is driven and at least one of which can be shifted at an angle to its axis of rotation. The sections of belt associated with each conveyor section are accommodated in two channels that are positioned at a variable angle originating at an axis of articulation paralleling the axes of rotation of the deflection rollers and that have walls at each side of the belt extending above its upper strand, and is deflected around guide rollers in the vicinity of the axis of articulation between the conveyor sections. The axis of articulation between the adjustable-angle channels is on the side facing away from the level of the lower strand of the belt and away from the level of the upper strand. The walls of the two adjacent channels overlap throughout the range of angles between the two conveyor section.

Abstract: There is disclosed an endless conveyor having a foldable framework and comprising a supporting structure (3), a tail conveyor framework (1) which is hingedly connected at one end (2) to the supporting structure (3), a head conveyor framework (6) is hingedly connected to the other end (5) of the tail conveyor framework (1), the tail and head conveyor drums (4, 7) mounted on tail and head conveyor frameworks respectively and around which an endless belt (8) is taken, and at least one supporting link (10) hingedly connected at one end (11) to the supporting structure (3) and at the other end (9) to the head conveyor framework (6) at a point adjacent to the hinged connection (5) of the tail conveyor framework (1) to the head conveyor framework (6).

Abstract: There is disclosed an endless conveyor elevator with a foldable support frame, and which has a chassi (3), a tail conveyor section (1) pivotally connected at its tail end (2) to the chassis (3) and pivotally connected at its other end (4) to the lower end of an intermediate conveyor section (5). The upper end (6) of the intermediate conveyor section (5) is pivotally connected to one end of a head conveyor section (7). An actuator (12) is coupled with the conveyor sections to move them between an inoperative folded position, as shown in FIG. 1, to an unfolded rectilinear working position shown in FIG. 2. This movement of the conveyor sections between the inoperative and working positions is achieved by the geometry of the conveyor sections and that of a link member (9) which interconnects the chassis (3) and the head conveyor section (7).

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus that can be attached to the rear of a truck or the like. The conveyor belt apparatus of the present invention may be adjusted in both the vertical and horizontal plates either during operation or when at rest. This versatility in movement assures that the materials discharged by the conveyor are placed in specific locations. The conveyor is stored in the vertical position at the rear of the truck or vehicle to which it is attached. The speed of the motor on the conveyor apparatus may be adjusted to accommodate any number of applications. The whole apparatus is hydraulically controlled, and the hydraulics can be connected with the hydraulic system provided on a truck. The conveyor is provided with a cover to avoid injury to persons by stray particles. The cover also assures that materials will not be lost along the path to the end of the conveyor apparatus.

Abstract: A portable angle auger apparatus for conveying bulk material comprising a conveyor auger and duct pivotable with respect to a supply auger and duct, a pivot hinge attached to beveled ends of the ducts and a movable flexible covering for the pivot juncture. The pivot juncture and flexible covering are designed such that the apparatus can be assembled and disassembled quickly by one individual.

Abstract: A mobile material handling apparatus which includes a collapsible conveyor system supported on a wheel-supported vehicle frame. The conveyor system may be shifted from a collapsed state to an extended state through operation of fluid-powered rams. Hinges and pivoted links guide frame sections in the conveyor system for movement in defined paths.

Abstract: A harvester adapted for harvesting low-lying fruit, such as typical with high-density, dwarf trees, includes an intra-loop conveyor for collecting detached fruit relatively close to the ground and elevating same with a single flighted belt. The harvester straddles a single row of the trees and detaches the fruit therefrom by repeatedly impacting the tree canopies as the harvester moves along the row. Spring-loaded deflection plates close around the tree trunks and deflect detached fruit outwardly to interior surfaces of a pair of single-loop conveyors. Baffles cooperating with the interior of each conveyor restrains fruit therein as the conveyor passes overhead to an inverted position. Fruit is discharged from the conveyor elevated segment onto an output conveyor passing beneath the discharge area. The output conveyor includes a multi-segment, foldable conveyor frame over which a single conveyor belt is entrained. The conveyor belt may be folded over the harvester during non-harvesting transport.

Abstract: A gravel delivery truck is disclosed, which carries a moving belt conveyor, on a boom that can swing over the delivery site. The boom is foldable for stowage on the truck. The boom includes a foldable extension, hinged to the main length of the boom. For stowage, the extension is doubled over the main length, and the main length is placed lengthwise, behind the driver's cab, down one side of the truck, and over the rear wheels. The folded-over extension fits into the space ahead of the rear wheels, underneath the main length. The layout of the hinge joint is such that, during folding of the boom, the total length of the run of the belt remains the same. The belt can be kept running, and delivering, at all angles of fold of the boom, and even while the boom is being folded.

Abstract: A grain cart includes an auger having a first lower section fixedly mounted to an inner portion of the cart and a second upper section pivotally mounted to an upper end of the first auger section and movable between a retracted, non-use position and an extended, use position. The auger's second section is folded inwardly and maintained in position within an upper portion of the grain cart by gravity when positioned in the retracted position. The second section of the auger is pivotally displaced outwardly to assume the extended, use position wherein the two auger sections are aligned and mechanically coupled for removal of grain from the cart, with the second auger section also maintained in this extended position by gravity. The first and second auger sections are coupled to a mounting plate so as to form an integral structure which is easily removed from and installed in the cart as a unit by means of a plurality of bolts coupling the mounting plate to a lateral wall of the cart.

Abstract: A mobile conveyor unit having first and second conveyors mounted on a drivable, wheeled chassis in back-to-back relation. At least one of the conveyors in the unit can be raised or lowered, extended or retracted, and swung laterally to increase the range of the conveyor. An operating station is provided on the chassis to control the operation of the chassis and the two conveyors. A second operating station is provided at the outer end of the one conveyor to also control the operation of the one conveyor.

Abstract: A loading conveyor for a mobile concrete mixing machine is disclosed wherein the conveyor is provided with a receiving hopper for receiving a supply of material from an external source of supply. The chain and slat conveyor is provided with an elevating portion that conveys the material from the hopper to a delivery portion which permits selective delivery to one of two aggregate supply bins. The floor of the conveyor is disposed between an upper delivery run and a lower return run and is provided with a movable section actuated by hydraulic cylinders to selectively create an opening in the floor over one or the other of the aggregate supply bins. The return run is operable to redistribute piled material within the supply bin during operation of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously producing concrete at a job site is disclosed wherein the machine is provided with separate aggregate supply bins and a cement supply bin which are arranged in a generally linear fashion on a mobile frame and sized to hold at least a standard truck load of material. Delivery conveyors in operative communication with the supply bins convey material from the bins into a mixing auger where the materials are combined with water to produce concrete. A loading conveying is operable to receive different aggregates from delivery trucks and convey the aggregates to the respective supply bins while the machine continues forward movement along a path of travel. As a result, the concrete production machine can produce and discharge concrete in a continuous manner along its path of travel without stopping for frech supplies of materials.

Abstract: There is described an extensible belt take-up and storage device for use in an extensible belt conveyor system. The device overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by being very compact and by having a configuration such that almost all the stored belt can be let out to the conveyor system. To accomplish this first and second sets of rollers are mounted on a fixed and on a movable frame respectively and the rollers are mounted parallel to each other and inclined at an acute angle to the horizontal axis of the device.

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: Drive transmission from the bottom auger of a combine grain tank to an outwardly and upwardly inclined swinging unloading auger-conveyor by means of (sequentially) a telescoping, double U-jointed drive shaft, an acute angle bevel gear box, and a jack shaft, permit the enclosure of the drive components in a compact housing while retaining a desirably, relatively unobstructed flow channel from the grain tank into the unloading conveyor housing. Bevel gear box and U-joint locations are chosen so that the unloading auger may be driven, if desired, in any position in its normal range of swing.

Abstract: A foldable and swivelable screw conveyor mounted on a transportable storage hopper is disclosed. The storage hopper typically contains particulate material such as grain, fertilizer and the like. The present invention is directed to a spatially-compact hopper-loading screw conveyor which can be folded onto a frame portion of the storage hopper, and which can be secured thereto. The conveyor is foldable along a hinge joint and swivelable along a swivel joint. The screw conveyor has an inlet chute which can be placed on the ground. The foldability and swivelability features allow the screw conveyor to be carried in a spatially-compact fashion on the storage-hopper frame when not in use and further allow the inlet chute to be placed on the ground and extended away from the storage hopper, to convey particulate material into the storage hopper, as desired.

Abstract: An over-the-road vehicle having a pivotally-mounted telescoping boom which moves in and out, up and down, and from side to side. An extensible concrete conveyor belt is mounted on the boom for movement with the boom for conveying and placing concrete within the reach of the boom. The vehicle is equipped with stabilizing outriggers which are pivotally mounted on the vehicle and can be folded back in nesting relation to minimize the width of the vehicle during transit. The vehicle also carries a separate belt conveyor for feeding concrete to the extensible conveyor, the discharge end of said separate conveyor being mounted on arms which fold down to reduce the overall height of the vehicle during transit.

Abstract: A coupling between two auger conveyor tubes is formed from three linkages providing rotation about fixed axes arranged mutually at right angles. The coupling is formed by a pair of coaxial rings coupled by pivot pins, a second pivot pin connection and a rotational sliding fit connection between a spout of the first auger and one of the sleeves or between an inlet opening of the second auger and one of the sleeves. The coupling arrangement allows the use with a main auger of a feed auger which can be pivoted relative to the inlet of the main auger to a storage position and to various working positions to accommodate varying ground conditions and varying positions of discharge of the material to be conveyed.

Abstract: In sieving apparatus, an undercarriage carries a belt conveyor, which has a frame that is adapted to be folded in length about a hinge. The belt conveyor carries at its discharge end a sieving machine, which is adapted to be driven and which has an adjustable inclination relative to the belt conveyor. Hydraulic cylinder-piston units are provided for adjusting the inclination of the sieve and for pivotally adjusting the pivotally movable section of the conveyor belt frame. The sieving machine is adapted to be swung against that side of the adjacent section of the conveyor belt frame which faces downwardly when the apparatus is in operating position. As a result, when the apparatus is entirely collapsed the upper section of the conveyor belt frame extends above and along the lower section of said frame and the sieving machine is disposed above the upper section of said frame.

Abstract: A harvester comprising a vehicle (11) supported on wheels (12) and forming a loading platform (51) on which packers can stand to pack the produce in cartons. Wings (17, 18) extend from opposite sides of the vehicle and include hinged assemblies (22, 24) to allow folding for turning and road transportation. A continuous conveyor (50) extends the length of both wings and along the vehicle loading platform to carry produce from field level to be packed. The conveyor comprises a flexible cable (61) on which are suspended baskets (70) for carrying produce. A drive wheel (71) powers the cable and means are provided for moving this wheel relative to the vehicle to maintain the cable taut and make the conveyor operable in all positions of the wings.

Abstract: A helical conveyor is especially adapted to convey cylindrical articles such as projectiles quickly between two points. The helical conveyor may include an internal helical skeleton about which a helical casing rotates. Alternately, the helical conveyor may be realized by an external helical skeleton supporting a large number of cylindrical rollers which are disposed in a flighted configuration to approximate a helix. The skeleton is a spring-like structure which allows great flexibility in operating the conveyor to transport loads. A motor is used for driving the conveyor to transport articles. The conveyor may be mounted to a vehicle such as an ammunition supply vehicle to provide for the rapid supply of projectiles to a tank, self-propelled howitzer, or similar weapon.

Abstract: A self-propelled, foldable grain conveyor that includes an intake conveyor section, an intermediate conveyor section and a discharge conveyor section. The intermediate conveyor section is mounted on a triangular wheel mounted frame. The elevation of both the intake end and the discharge end of the intermediate conveyor section are adjustable independently of the other. The intake conveyor section is pivotally mounted to the intermediate conveyor section. Gears and hydraulic cylinders are provided for pivoting the intake conveyor section with respect to the intermediate conveyor section between an extended work position and a retracted transport position. The discharge conveyor is also pivotally mounted to the intermediate conveyor section and is swung (by hand) between a retracted and extended position. A sweep conveyor section, pivotally mounted to the intake conveyor section, is also provided for optional use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a telescopic boom and conveyor apparatus which can be vehicle mounted. An endless conveyor belt is carried by a main boom which itself is telescopic. Optionally, an articulated boom can be attached to the free end of the main boom. Separate means is provided for the support of the main and articulated boom which automatically adjusts during telescopic displacement in order to maintain the main boom and articulated boom at predetermined angles. The angulation of the booms can be changed and the conveyor run while the main boom is undergoing telescopic displacement.

Abstract: A portable radial stacker includes a conveyor for transporting material along the length thereof. The conveyor is foldable, including a horizontal folding axis located at the top of the conveyor, an "A" frame located intermediate relatively folding portions of the conveyor, and an extensible motor whose ends are attached respectively to one of said relatively foldable conveyor portions and to said intermediate "A" frame, said motor being located medially between lateral sides of each of said portions of said conveyor.

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 multiple section grain drill has a main frame with a transverse segment; a grain container mounted on the frame for receiving grain; an auger mounted on the main frame and in communication with the grain in the container for bidirectionally moving the grain; at lease one wing frame slidably engaging the main frame; hydraulic power for moving the wing frame; a wing auger mounted on the wing frame for receiving grain from the auger; furrow openers connected to the transverse segment and to the wing frame for generating furrows; grain distributing tubes in communication with the auger and wing auger for depositing the grain in the generated furrows; furrow closing and pressing members attached to the transverse segment and to the wing frame; and power for driving the auger and wing auger, for pivoting the furrow opener and furrow closing, for pressing, and for rendering power to the hydraulic power.

Abstract: A continuous mining apparatus and method for the underground mining of coal. The continuous mining apparatus includes a cutter assembly, conveyor assembly and base assembly. The base assembly is adapted to be maintained in a stationary position during a cutting operation. The cutter assembly is adapted to be projected outwardly from the stationary base assembly into the seam of coal for a substantial distance on the order of 80-100 feet. The conveyor assembly is positioned between the cutter assembly and the base assembly and, with the aid of telescoping members, provides two functions. First, the conveyor assembly provides for a variable length conveyor between the cutter assembly and the base assembly permitting the cutter assembly to project outwardly from the base assembly for varying distances of up to 80-100 feet. Second, the conveyor assembly serves as a means to crowd the cutter assembly into the coal seam without movement of the base assembly.

Abstract: A screening apparatus includes a conveyor (14) pivotally mounted on a wheeled chassis (2) for movement between an extended operational position and a folded transporting position. The conveyor (14) includes an endless belt (16) and a boom frame (20) supporting the belt (16). The boom frame (20) consists of a rear section (24) pivotally mounted on the chassis (2), and a forward section (26) pivotally mounted to the rear section (24). A screen device (54) is pivotally coupled to the conveyor forward section (26), and a hopper (12) is mounted at the rear of the chassis (2).To erect the apparatus, the conveyor section (26) is swung down to straighten the conveyor (14), and hydraulic rams (30) are operated to raise the conveyor (14) sufficiently to move the screen device (54) by means of a hydraulic ram (66).

Abstract: An elevating conveyor for a portable luffing stacker adapted to be collapsed and folded from an erected operational position to a compactly folded transport position. An elevating conveyor frame, which supports an endless belt conveyor has five frame sections pivotally connected to each other an canted to permit compact folding of the frame sections. A mast structure, which supports the elevating conveyor frame when in its operational position, includes a tower mast section pivotally foldable relative to a base mast section to a horizontal transport position about a substantially horizontal first pivotal axis and a telescopic mast section supporting the elevating conveyor frame which is telescopically movable relative to the tower mast structure upwardly to an operational position or downwardly to a retracted transport position.

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: An excavating loading system is disclosed which includes a vehicle with an excavating wheel assembly at the front and a plurality of conveyors toward the rear. The conveyors of the excavating and loading system include cross conveyors and a main conveyor for receiving material from the excavating wheels. The main conveyor transports the material rearwardly from the excavating wheel assembly and delivers the material to the opposite end of the vehicle. An auxiliary conveyor assembly is pivotally supported at the rear end of the vehicle to receive material from the main conveyor and to transport the material either laterally or rearwardly. The auxiliary conveyor assembly has inner and outer conveyors mounted with the discharge end of one conveyor adjacent the receiving end of the other conveyor. The conveyors are connected so that the outer conveyor can be folded under the inner conveyor.

Abstract: An improved conveyor comprising an endless belt mounted for travel on a novel support structure permitting substantially horizontal pivotal movement about upright axes of one or both ends of the support structure from a collapsed side-by-side position to longitudinal alignment with each other whereby the endless belt folds about its longitudinal medial axis and then transversely upon itself about said upright axes.

Abstract: An improved direct-loading crop harvester is disclosed as having an articulated elevator which is retractable into a berth in the harvester. During transportation of the harvester from field to field, the lower leg of the loading elevator is horizontally positioned within the berth upon a slidable support cradle, and the upper leg of the elevator is nestled vertically at a side of the berth. Prior to harvesting, the elevator is pulled from the side of the berth with the lower leg resting on the cradle. The elevator is then connected by pivot and hydraulic cylinder mechanisms to the berth such that the lower leg tilts upwardly at the side of the harvester and the upper leg projects outwardly from the upper end of the lower leg. During the harvesting operation, crops are fed to the elevator by a conveyor and are discharged at a selected position above an attendant trailer, preferably through a detachable decelerator mechanism.