Abstract: A screening device having a first oscillating body with first cross members and a second oscillating body with second cross members. The first and second cross members are arranged alternately to a screening surface and each includes clamping devices via which screen linings forming the screening surface are each clamped between a first cross member and a second cross member. The first and second oscillating bodies are set in oscillation relative to one another to alternately compress and expand the screen linings. The first oscillating body includes a first pair of push rods on which the first cross members are arranged and the second oscillating body includes a second pair of push rods on which the second cross members are arranged. A stationary support structure accommodates the two oscillating bodies. The first and second oscillating bodies are set in oscillation relative to the stationary support structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vibrating material sorting screen with a substantially variable tilt angle and a tilt angle measuring device where the screen has a gear box which is horizontal when the screen is horizontal and inclined when the screen is inclined and further where the gear box has a plurality of oil level sensors or indicators therein which are sized, placed and configured to provide proper oil volume while the screen is oriented horizontally or at various inclines.

Abstract: A calculation device for calculating an appropriate stowage pattern of articles, and a robot controller including the calculation device. The calculation device has: a model generating section configured to generate first physical models of the articles based on dimensions of respective types of the articles, and generate a second physical model of a containing region in which the articles are stacked, based on a dimension of the containing region; a locating section configured to locate the first models in the second model, in descending order of priority predetermined with respect to the types of the articles; and a physical calculating section configured to add vibration or a shock to the second model each time when the first models is located in the second model, and calculate a change in a position and/or orientation of the first model in the second model due to the vibration or the shock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vibrating material sorting screen with a substantially variable tilt angle and a tilt angle measuring device where the screen has a gear box which is horizontal when the screen is horizontal and inclined when the screen is inclined and further where the gear box has a plurality of oil level sensors or indicators therein which are sized, placed and configured to provide proper oil volume while the screen is oriented horizontally or at various inclines.

Abstract: A compact mobile variable angle vibrating screen with a suspension and dampening system configured to accommodate variable angles and exhibit acceptable vibration levels; especially during power up and power down surge vibration at the variable angles. The system comprises a group of bi-directional dual pivot leg vibration damper mechanisms which are effective only during times of excessive vibration such as during the power up and power down vibration surges.

Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed herein is a device for processing minerals and a method for its use, which device and method employ gravimetric principles to separate values in a feedstock from gangue, thereby allowing recovery or concentration of the values. The invention includes a table that receives and holds the feedstock, a chassis for supporting the table, and a mechanism for imparting a specific motion to the table, the motion being referred to as “compound cyclic,” which is a reciprocating, rectilinear, to-and-fro motion parallel to or coincident with the working axis of the table, combined with a simultaneous, continuous, and smooth vertical up-and-down motion that eliminates vertical jolting, jarring, or bumping.

Abstract: A plant/herb sifting apparatus and method is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a containment unit having at least two levels of a sifting means; the containment unit comprising a primary containment, a secondary containment and a collection base to sift and refine a plant/herb component by a vibrating and agitation means. The apparatus further comprises a platform unit supporting the vibration and agitation means to which the containment unit is removably attached. The platform unit comprises a base and deck. The base houses a gear motor that provides the agitation through a connected arm to the deck, while a vibrator motor mounted to the deck provides a vibration motion. The levels of sifting means within the containment unit, comprise separated sieves increasing in fineness from top to bottom. The apparatus operates to sift under vibration and rapid agitation motions, providing an efficient sifting procedure to obtain a desired refined plant/herb component.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for screening materials with a tube-shaped screen. The tube that has at least one section with a plurality of screen openings, which are placed in the wall of the tube, and that form a screen frame which defines at least the length and the cross section of the tube, and a screen mesh, that is tensioned on the screen frame, to form at least a part of the wall of the tube-shaped screen. The system further includes at least one ultrasonic converter and at least one feed-line sound conductor placed between the ultrasonic converter and the tube, with the tube being configured, to be subjected to ultrasonic excitation so that the amplitude of the ultrasonic excitation transferred to the tube has a component in a direction perpendicular to, and a component in a direction parallel to, the central axis of the screen.

Abstract: A compact mobile variable angle vibrating screen with a suspension and dampening system configured to accommodate variable angles and exhibit acceptable vibration levels; especially during power up and power down surge vibration at the variable angles. The system comprises a group of bi-directional dual pivot leg vibration damper mechanisms which are effective only during times of excessive vibration such as during the power up and power down vibration surges.

Abstract: A vibratory separator including a frame, a screen configured to connect to the frame, a first actuator coupled to the frame, and a second actuator coupled to the frame, wherein the first actuator imparts a high frequency motion to the frame, and wherein the second actuator imparts a low frequency acceleratory motion to the frame is disclosed. Also, a method for processing drilling waste including imparting a low frequency acceleratory motion to a frame of a vibratory separator and imparting a high frequency motion over the low frequency acceleratory motion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A screening apparatus for separating components of a material by vibratory separation which, in certain aspects, includes a vibratable box connected via vibration isolators within a container, the box including screening apparatus thereon or the vibratory separator having replaceable screening cartridges within a container. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A system, methodology, and product to sort, organize and store individual members of building/construction toy sets utilizing a multi-level system of bins with sieves at different heights using user applied forces and gravity to automatically sort and organize pieces into bins, while providing a fun hands-on sorting experience for kids. The location, size and shape of the sieves can be designed to optimize sorting speed and user experience for specific toy manufacturer brands including Lego™ bricks made by Lego Corporation. The system also functions as a storage unit for the pieces, during and after sort. A flexible binding mechanism holds the system together during sort. The system is designed with see-through materials to monitor the status of the sort and find specific pieces in respective bins. A set of wheels enables mobility. The “hands-on” involvement in sorting also makes this an entertaining and educational apparatus for kids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for screening first particles out of a granulate comprised of first and second particles by conveying the granulate along a first screen surface which extends outward from a vibrating device, wherein the first particles have an aspect ratio a1, with a1>3:1, and the dimensions of the second particles allow them to fall through the mesh of the first screen surface.

Abstract: In a system to separate shredded vegetable pieces, a slicer cuts a vegetable having leaves and a core into pieces to form a mixture of leaf and core pieces. The mixture then passes through a sorting mechanism that separates the core pieces from the mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of objects and other debris from cement that is pumped via a concrete pump includes a secondary screen that is pivotally attached at one end thereof to a concrete pump a predetermined distance above a grate that is disposed over a hopper, the screen having a smaller opening size than that of the grate. An opposite end of the screen is urged toward an opposite end of the hopper by a pair of elastomeric straps. A pair of upraised sides are included at a top and bottom of the screen, the screen having a planar member that is disposed at a steeper angle than is the grate. When cement is poured it first contacts and passes through the secondary screen which automatically descends and rises, thereby maximizing the flow rate of cement through the screen as the objects are removed from the mixture.

Abstract: The vibrating screen has a frame, a screen box, two pairs of springs supporting the screen box over the frame and a driven eccentric shaft mounted under the screen box. The vibrating screen is characterized by a loading pan affixed to the upper end of the screen box. The loading pan has a central region over the upper springs such that a flexion of the structural members under the loading pan is minimum. The loading pan is wider than the screen box and has sloped sides forming a funnel on the upper end of the screen box to retain the side portions of a load until most of the central portion has been moved to the screen box. In another aspect, each spring has torsion bushings therein, with a pair of arms joining the torsion bushings and forming an angle pointing toward the lower end of the screen box.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a large stationary, aggregate processing screening tower by fabricating weldment modules and preassembling them with aggregate processing equipment internal within the weldment modules, transporting the preassembled weldment modules to a field work site where the tower is to be erected on a foundation, aligning the modules and stacking the modules in layers and then bolting adjacent modules together. A large stationary, aggregate processing screening tower has weldment modules preassembled with aggregate processing equipment internal within the modules. The preassembled modules are stacked up on one another and secured together and can receive aggregate product at the top module and the product is processed by screening and sizing as it moves downwardly by gravity through the modules and their processing equipment for final clarification and collection of the product.

Abstract: A screening apparatus is removably connected to a prime mover having an excavating bucket or loading shovel. The screening apparatus includes a material feed conveyor that feeds material to a screening device. A mounting mechanism and associated adjustment mechanism are used to detachably and movably mount the screening apparatus to support structure on the prime mover, with the conveyor being located adjacent the bucket or loading shovel for receiving unscreened material into the screening apparatus from the bucket or loading shovel during use.

Abstract: A sieving device having a mesh screen detachable from a frame body is capable of easily removing particulate material remained on the mesh screen and cleaning of the mesh screen and being installed even in a confined space requiring a sanitary condition. The particulate material sieved through the mesh screen is prevented from getting out of a collecting container or scattering around. With a vibration generating means in the sieving device, sieving vibration can be efficiently produced with a relatively small power with preventing coagulation and agglomeration of the particulate material. By corrugating the bottom of the mesh screen, the efficiency of sieving the particulate material be increased remarkably.

Abstract: A vibrating screen separator. The vibrating screen separator may be operated in a linear, an elliptical, or in a transition from elliptical to linear modes of operation. In the linear mode of operation, the screen separator moves along a reciprocating straight line path, and, in the elliptical mode of operation, the screen separator moves along an elliptical path. In the transitionary mode of operation, the screen separator is transitioned from movement along the elliptical path to movement along the linear path.

Abstract: In combination, a dump truck mountable particle screener for mounting atop the dump body of a dump truck, and a dump truck. The dump-truck mountable particle screener has a support frame, a screen deck, a plurality of spring assemblies connecting the screen deck to the support frame, and a vibrating mechanism attached to the screen deck for imparting the vibratory motion to the screen deck. The dump truck receives the particle screener atop the dump body.

Abstract: A vibratory separator with a base, vibrating apparatus, a screen container on the base, the screen container having a plurality of spaced-apart drain holes, a plurality of spaced-apart screens in the screen-container, said screens oriented vertically within the screen container, and the screens positioned so that screened fluid passes through the screens and flows from the container through the plurality of spaced-apart drain holes.

Abstract: A method for conveying silicon fragments has the silicon fragments being conveyed over a conveyor surface, which is made from hyperpure silicon. There is a vibrating conveyor, and during the conveying, the sharp edges of the silicon fragments are rounded and mechanical-physical decontamination takes place. The vibrating conveyor has a conveyor surface which is made from hyperpure silicon. A second vibrating conveyor unit has a conveyor surface which is made from hyperpure silicon and has passage openings therethrough.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the vibration screening of coating powders in particular, wherein a screening cloth is used, which is supported loosely on a screen frame and fixed to a clamping frame, wherein the screening cloth may additionally be supported on co-vibrating braces.

Abstract: A sieving device and the operation of a sieving device are proposed. The sieving device has a supporting frame which can be made to vibrate and a vibration frame which is held so as to be able to vibrate freely in relation to said supporting frame. A simple, compact design which provides good sieving and conveying performance is achieved in that the vibration frame is spring-elastically coupled to the supporting frame by helical springs, with the main spring axes of the spring elements extending in the direction of vibration of the tension waves. Furthermore, guiding elements for movable bearing arrangement of the vibration frame on the supporting frame are provided. The sieving device is operated in particular at a vibration frequency of at least 850 vibrations per minute at an average speed of approx. 11 m/s and at an average acceleration of the vibration frame relative to the supporting frame of approx. 2.2 m/s2.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a granular catalyst to a destination such as a reactor at a constant feeding rate uniformly charges the catalyst material into the device. The granular catalyst is loaded into individual compartments of a hopper and is ejected at a discharge rate controlled by a gate. When a vibrator is activated, a trough is caused to vibrate in its obliquely upward direction and the granular material in the trough is smoothly conveyed toward outlets of granular material passages formed in the trough, and is introduced to reaction tubes of the reactor via sieves. Powdery waste of the granular catalyst produced by the vibration of the trough is removed by letting it fall the sieves made in the granular material passages.

Abstract: In combination a screen, a shaker, a conveyor and carbody device which is attachable to a vehicle of choice, such as an hydraulic excavator, a backhoe, etc., and when installed thereon allows the vehicle to perform as a padding machine.

Abstract: A screen frame and screen are secured into sealing engagement within a screening machine by a screen frame sealing mechanism and method which allows the user to simultaneously raise an entire side of the screen frame into sealing engagement. Advantageously, the entire screen frame can be raised into sealing engagement to prevent the escape of fine material being screened and avoid metal-to-metal contact during the screening process from a single location.

Abstract: A transportable sorting machine frame formed of first and second frame sections which are hinged together is provided. The sorting machine is mounted to one frame section and an infeed conveyor is mounted to the other. A pair of elevational jacks located adjacent to the hinge assemblies are used to tilt the frame sections upward from a horizontal transport position to an elevated position wherein the sorting machine is angled up for proper operation.

Abstract: A structural mount for a vibrator of a screen separator is provided in which the vibrator mounting plate is secured at an angle directly to the basket side wall structure or to a load bearing structure which is parallel and fixed to the basket side wall structure. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an opening or pocket is provided in the basket side wall to accommodate protrusion of the inward end of the vibrator into or even through the basket side wall. Access to and removal of the cap from the inward end of the vibrator is accomplished in the former case from the inside of the basket and in the latter case from the outside of the basket. The basket side wall reinforcing structure preferably includes a Y-shaped yoke with the mounting plate being fixed proximate the Y-connection point. Transverse reinforcing members of the basket have their ends fixed to the extremities of the Y-shaped yoke.

Abstract: A vibratory screening device includes a frame and a screen, supported by the frame, for separating undersize and oversize material. A vibrating device, coupled to the screen includes a first output shaft with an axis of rotation that oscillates relative to the frame. The vibrating device oscillates the screen as the first output shaft is rotated. A driver includes a second output shaft with an axis of rotation that is fixed relative to the frame. The driver rotates the first output shaft. A connector mechanically couples rotational output of the first output shaft to the second output shaft. Preferably, the connector includes a first universal joint, a sliding spline shaft, and a second universal joint. The driver preferably includes an engine, a centrifugal clutch coupled to the first output shaft, a sheave, and an endless belt connecting the centrifugal clutch to the sheave.

Abstract: A vibratory screen system including a screen assembly having screen cloth on both the top and the bottom of the frame. The screen cloth on the bottom has openings larger than and up to five times the size of the openings on the upper screen cloth. A pattern of dividers divide the screen into compartments. The screens are bonded to the frame and to the pattern of dividers.

Abstract: A portable shaker frame that is particularly adapted for separating irregularly-shaped wood shavings used in animal stalls as bedding materials from manure contained in the bedding material. The wood shavings are recovered for reuse and the manure is separated therefrom for disposal. The shaker frame is inclined and is suspended on springs carried on a carriage having wheels to permit it to be moved from place to place. The springs permit the shaker frame to vibrate relative to the carriage frame. The shaker frame includes a number of longitudinally extending, substantially parallel steel rods that are spaced from each to enable the irregularly-shaped wood shavings to pass therethrough while the manure slides downwardly along the rods and into a collection container for disposal. A vibratory motor is positioned on an end panel of the shaker frame for imparting vibratory motion to the rods carried by the shaker frame.

Abstract: A portable vibrating screen which has an arched frame, a basket supported on top of the arched frame by springs and a rotatable eccentric shaft for imparting a reciprocal movement to the basket. The arched frame has a vertical tall end, a vertical short end and two spaced apart stringer members joining the upper portions of the tall and short ends. The stringer members define an inclined plane between the tall end and the short end. The tall end has a first pair of spaced apart leg members and a first ballast mounted between the leg members of that first pair. The short end has a second pair of leg members and a second ballast mounted between the leg members of that second pair. An amplitude of a vibration of the basket transmitted to the arched frame is largely absorbed by the mass of the first and second ballasts. In another aspect of the present invention, the eccentric shaft has bearings attached to the basket and to the stringer members for retaining the basket along the inclined plane.

Abstract: An agglomerator structure, used in conjunction with a sifting structure, is described to provide variable sized agglomerates and uniform agglomeration, using at least one cone, with apex pointing toward the feed flow, and an inverted cone with a screen below. The agglomerator structure is provided to enable convenient use in a sanitary environment, with the system including an agglomerator cone above the inverted cone, which defines a central opening for feeding the material to one or more screens. The system is primarily designed for use with a vibration-imparting structure to better enable use in a sanitary environment.

Abstract: A screening system having a resiliently mounted housing with a screen extending thereacross. The housing is vibrated by a low frequency vibratory drive using eccentric weights. About the peripheral frame of the screen, a high frequency drive or drives is employed to vibrate the screen in the range of 20,000 Hz. The high frequency vibration is generated at the peripheral frame about the screen. The screen may be responsive to the high frequency vibrations in a plate-like manner or as a membrane. With the high frequency drives mounted within the housing, a structure made of a sheet extends from a mounting flange inwardly to a mounting ring supporting the screen and the high frequency drives and inwardly to a collecting system including a trough and a central dome. The center of the dome may be fixed to the screen and include a high frequency drive.

Abstract: Screens have been developed which, in one aspect, have interconnection apparatus including male projections on one first screen end which are received in female openings on another adjacent screen end. In one aspect the female openings are defined by raised portions of a three-dimensional screen and the male projections either are formed of the other screen's end or are part of plugs inserted into raised portions of the first screen end. A shale shaker has been developed with such screens. In one aspect such a shale shaker has screens disposed in a tiered configuration, one screen in sealing contact with the next. Screen connector apparatus has also been developed for such screens.

Abstract: A screen assembly according to the invention screens material by size and includes first and second sets of transversely spaced apart, longitudinally extending first and second members respectively. The members are parallel to each other, and some members of the second set are located between some members of the first set. At least one of the sets is mounted to vibrate along a longitudinal axis to feed material therealong. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart, transversely extending third members are located between adjacent first and second members so as to define a plurality of screen openings between the first, second and third members. Third members are mountable so as to be out-of-phase with vibrations of at least one of the first or second sets of longitudinally extending members. The screen assembly can be installed in a vibrating conveyor, such that the first members vibrate with a pan of the conveyor, so as to feed material along the first members.

Abstract: A vibro separator, comprising a separator unit which is comprised of a screen assembly releasably mounted on a hopper at the top, which screen assembly has a screen releasably fastened therein; a vibrator unit which is comprised of a motor directly or indirectly attached to the hopper at the bottom for driving two eccentric weights to rotate via a revolving shaft; and a base which has springs for flexibly supporting the vibrator unit and the separator unit.

Abstract: A vibratory conveying and separating apparatus and a clamping device therefor are disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor bed which supports processing screens which convey and separate material being processed. The bed is vibrated in a forward and upward direction at a predetermined forward and upward angle of inclination. At least one releasable clamping device engages between the conveyor bed and processing screen to provide a releasable clamping force against the screen for clamping it to the conveyor bed. The clamp is mounted or positioned to orient the releasable clamping force substantially parallel with the predetermined forward and upward angle of inclination.

Abstract: In a screening machine comprising two screening frames (13 and 31) each having mutual oppositely located feed and discharge ends on which there is arranged an elastic screening lining (54) and which are caused to oscillate by independent oscillating drives wherein the two screening frames (13 and 31) are associated with each other at different heights in such a way that the lower region of the upper screening frame (31) and the upper region of the lower screening frame (13) lie in a common plane, that the elastic screening lining (54) is secured to the two screening frame (13, 31) in the common plane thereof and that the upper screening frame (31) is independently driven in a circular configuration at the feed end and the lower screening frame (13) is indepndently driven in a circular configuration at the discharge end.

Abstract: A sieve for powder. The sieve has a housing in which a transverse screen is mounted to divide the housing into upper and lower chambers. Air under pressure carries powder into a cyclone stack mounted on top of the housing from which it is directed onto the screen. A vibrator is connected to the screen to vibrate and thus to assist in the sieving operation. The screen is downwardly inclined and overlying its lower end an inspection cover is mounted in the housing to permit access to the screen for removal for the material which does not pass through the screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screening machine having a multiplicity of mutually parallel transverse supports which are arranged transversely to the transport direction of the material being screened and on or between which a flexible screen plate is fastened. The transverse supports, which are movable relative to one another, of at least two movement systems are driven in such a way that mutually adjacent transverse supports alternately approach one another and move away from one another. The transverse supports move in separate, mutually parallel planes which are at an angle to the planes in which the transverse supports of one particular movement system are located.

Abstract: The method of riddling wine contained in bottles packed in shipping cases in which the cases are inverted to allow solids to settle into the necks of the bottles, tilting the cases from side to side to jostle the bottles, and vibrating the cases and bottles contained therein, the jostling and vibrating of the bottles serving to dislodge solids in the wine from adherence to the bottles so that the solids settle onto a temporary cap at the outlet of the bottle for disgorging when the cap is removed. The cases of bottles are tilted and vibrated for periods from about ten minutes to about thirty minutes to dislodge solid particles from adherence to the bottle, and the tilting and vibrating is halted for periods from about one hour to about six hours until tilting and vibrating is again effected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating sewage and converting the sewage into organic fertilizer which utilizes equipment for converting the solid material of the sewage into patties and a mixing apparatus for mixing the patties with bulking agents. The mixture of patties and bulking agents is stored in a pile and subjected to a supply of air to enhance the self-combustion or oxidation of the organic material in the patties. The bulking agents provide the patty-bulking agent mixture with air passages and pockets and minimize compaction of the patties. The self-combustion of the patties continues until the organic material is burned out, leaving a residual ash. A shaker separator having an elongated longitudinal perforated member is reciprocated to separate the ash from the bulking agents. The ash is collected and utilized as organic fertilizer. The bulking agents are recycled back to the mixing apparatus.

Abstract: A portable loam screening apparatus includes a nearly-square, sloping shaker screen supported by a box-like frame. The frame has a tall end and a short end joined by two sides. Funneling surfaces directed toward the screen are provided along the upper edges of the tall end and the sides. A mixture of coarse material and finer material is dumped onto the shaker screen from the shovel of an excavating vehicle. The coarse material falls from the lower end of the shaker screen outside of the frame, and the finer material passes through the shaker screen to within the box-like frame. The separated finer material is directed to an outfeed conveyer by a hopper or feed conveyor within the frame. The outfeed conveyor extends through one of the sides. A set of wheels mounted to one side of the frame is movable relative to the frame from an operative position for transporting the apparatus to an inoperative position for resting the frame flush on the ground.

Abstract: The method of riddling wine contained in bottles packed in shipping cases in which the cases are inverted to allow solids to settle into the necks of the bottles, tilting the cases from side to side to jostle the bottles, and vibrating the cases and bottles contained therein, the jostling and vibrating of the bottles serving to dislodge solids in the wine from adherence to the bottles so that the solids settle onto a temporary cap at the outlet of the bottle for disgorging when the cap is removed. The cases of bottles are tilted and vibrated for periods from about ten minutes to about thirty minutes to dislodge solid particles from adherence to the bottle, and the tilting and vibrating is halted for periods from about one hour to about six hours until tilting and vibrating is again effected.

Abstract: In a sifting machine having a driven vibratory screen assembly comprising a so-called sifting basket of which a screen forms the base, the screen is releasably located by a plurality of spaced bars which extend across the screen and project at their ends through side walls of the basket. The projecting end portions of the bars are bolted to external supports on the side walls, and the bars carry spring-loaded plungers which press the frame of the screen against internal ledges on the side walls.

Abstract: A portable loam screening apparatus includes a nearly-square sloping shaker screen supported by a box-like frame. The frame has a tall end and a short end joined by two sides. Funneling surfaces directed toward the screen are provided along the upper edges of the tall end and the sides. The short end is closed to provide a wall between separated loam and coarse material. A mixture of loam and coarse material is dumped onto the shaker screen from the shovel of an excavating vehicle. The coarse material falls from the lower end of the shaker screen outside of the frame, and the loam passes through the shaker screen to within the box-like frame. The separated loam falls down a sloping table within the frame and can then be retrieved by an excavating vehicle through the open tall end of the frame. A set of wheels mounted to one side of the frame is moveable relative to the frame from an operative position for transporting the apparatus to an inoperative position for resting the frame flush on the ground.

Abstract: In combination a screen, a shaker, a conveyor and carbody device which is attachable to a vehicle of choice, such as an hydraulic excavator, a backhoe, etc., and when installed thereon allows the vehicle to perform as a padding machine.