Abstract: The present invention provides improved implements and methods for dispensing and retrieving protective crop covering materials (PCCM) onto/from rows of crops, particularly vineyard crops, to protect the plants from nuisance birds and weather conditions which cause damage to the crops. Basically, there is disclosed herein a system for layout of PCCM from a bulk roll of PCCM onto crops, a system for retrieving the PCCM from the crops and disposing it or storing said PCCM on reusable spools and a system for layout of the PCCM from the reusable spools.

Abstract: A self winding reel for an elongated, flexible component such as a hose, a cable or other similar component. The reel is operated to wind the hose thereon when pushed forward and to unwind the hose therefrom when the reel is pulled backward, without any additional handling of the hose.

Abstract: A device and method of wrapping an electric cable used for grounding a utility vehicle to minimize its electrical impedance to 60 Hz alternating current. Electrical cable is wrapped around an array of four spools that are arranged so as to form two parallel, closely-spaced planes with the axes of the spools defining the planes. The distance between the spools of each plane is larger than the distance between the planes so that the cable, when wound, forms long, parallel segments. By reversing the direction of the cable and keeping the segments parallel and close to each other, electrical currents induced in these segments cancel each other and keep the impedance in the wrapped cable minimal. Preferably the cable wrapping path begins between the two pairs of spools and continues counterclockwise outside both of the pairs of spools. The path then proceeds between the spool pairs and then clockwise outside of both pairs to the starting point.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a roof structure having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement is disclosed. The apparatus includes a carriage which is movable in a downstream direction along the length of the purlins. The carriage pays out a support sheet for support of insulation material as the carriage travels along the length of the purlins so that the support sheet depends from the top portion of adjacent purlins. The apparatus further includes at least one roller mounted on the carriage mounted to roll along the top portion of at least one purlin and thus support and guide the carriage along the downstream direction. The roller includes a frustum portion to hinder movement of the carriage in a direction lateral to the downstream direction and thus help to maintain the carriage in alignment with the purlins.

Abstract: A machine for laying a catenary cable or a trolley wire of an overhead line extending above a track comprises a machine frame supported on undercarriages for mobility along the track, a storage drum mounted on the machine frame and carrying a reel of the catenary cable or trolley wire to be paid out from the storage drum, a guide device for the paid-out catenary cable or trolley wire comprising a guide roller arranged to be engaged by the paid-out catenary cable or trolley wire and a drive for vertically adjusting the guide device. The guide device is pivotal about a horizontal axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine frame, and a drive is arranged for pivoting the guide device about the horizontal axis.

Abstract: In a safety device for the manoeuvering and auxiliary winching of self-propelled vehicles used on steep slopes, of the type comprising a manoeuvering arm (20) along which travels a winching cable (28) an end of which is fixed to the top of the slope to be travelled up, a winding drum (32) is provided around which is coiled up said cable, said winding drum (32) being disposed on the manoeuvering arm (20) particularly on a portion thereof (20a) essentially perpendicular to the plane in which said vehicle (10) lies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unrolling fencing for use with a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a frame with an unright support and a bottom, a first and second gate, each gate having a back edge and a front edge, the back edge of each gate pivotally connected to the frame such that the gates can open and close, with the front edge of the first gate adjacent to the front edge of the second gate when the gates are closed. The apparatus preferably includes hydraulic cylinders for opening and closing the gates. It also preferably includes a rotatable bottom plate. The bottom plate optionally has a pin attached to it whereby a roll of fencing having a center hole can be placed on the bottom plate over the pin and unwound. The apparatus preferably includes an adapter attached to the frame for attachment to the vehicle.

Abstract: A safety device for the manoeuvring and auxiliary winching of self-propelled vehicles used on steep slopes is provided with a winding drum (30) around which a winching cable (28) is wound, said cable having one end (28a) fixed to the top of the slope to be travelled up. The device (18) comprises moreover a pair of rollers (34, 36) around which the cable (28) is passed in advance, before being wound around the winding drum (30). The device (18) comprises finally a manoeuvring arm (20), rotatable about a vertical axis (Y), along which the cable (28) runs. The manoeuvring arm (20) is provided with a motor (26) for positioning thereof about the vertical axis (Y) and can be tilted through 90.degree. about a horizontal axis (X).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by a pair of collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members is adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. A plurality of clamping members are provided on the frame structure to lock the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members can be adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. Releasable securing members are provided on the frame structure to secure the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.

Abstract: A portable wire puller designed to be operated from a motor vehicle having a hydraulic system. The wire puller utilizes a spool mounted on an axle which is made up of two rods which can be easily connected to and disconnected from one another, so that it is simple and easy to change spools quickly without dismantling the entire apparatus.

Abstract: Portable water jetting apparatus is disclosed comprising a longitudinally collapsible cart having wheels at one end and a handle at the other, a water jetter unit removably mounted on the cart adjacent the wheeled end thereof, and a jetter hose reel unit mounted on the cart adjacent the handle end thereof. Both the water jetter unit and hose reel unit are adapted to be quickly and selectively disconnected from the cart to facilitate use, transportation, and/or storage of the apparatus, and the hose reel unit is pivotally mounted on the cart for selective orientation of the reel axis relative to the cart and thus the direction of winding or unwinding of the jetter hose therefrom during use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A device removably attachable to an electric wire spool to enable the rewinding of electric wire onto the spool in the field. The device is provided with a shaft insertable through central openings provided in the spool so that a longitudinal axis of the shaft is approximately horizontal. A bushing is provided on the shaft on either side of and adjacent to the spool so that a flange provided on each bushing abuts the spool. Each flange is provided with flange openings which can be aligned with pairs of aligned spool openings provided in the spool, and a spool fastener inserts through the aligned spool and flange openings to removably secure the spool to the bushings. Each bushing is provided with bushing openings which align with shaft holes provided in the shaft.

Abstract: A tank truck including a horizontal support platform secured on the tank for supporting a suction hose, a boom secured to the support platform and supporting a free end of the suction hose, and a lead-in rotatably supported on the support platform and connecting the suction hose thereto, with the support platform being able to rotate about the rotational axis of the lead-in independently of the rotation of the lead-in.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing at least one spool of wire includes a drawbar that is adapted at one end thereof to fit into a receiver hitch of a vehicle. A cross tube is attached to the remaining end of the drawbar and includes at least one upright post that is adapted to receive the spool of wire. As the vehicle is driven forward along side a plurality of fence posts, wire is unwound from the spool and may then be secured to each of the fence posts as desired. According to a modification a pair of end supports are each attached to the cross tube at a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. Each of the end supports includes an upright post member attached thereto. A cross tube having a pair of holes adapted to fit over each of said upright post members is included. The cross tube is inserted through a spool of wire and is then placed upon each of the pair of end supports so that each of the upright post members pass through each of the pair of holes.

Abstract: A new and improved water hose cart assembly comprising, in combination, a base in a rectangular configuration having an upper surface and a lower surface. The base has a plurality of axles parallel with each other extending across the width of the base and rotatable wheels secured to the axle exterior of the base. The wheels include a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels. Also provided is a deck which has a rectangular base with an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is positioned adjacent to the upper surface of the base with a circular bearing assembly between the deck and the base for rotation of the deck with respect to the base. The deck has upstanding side brackets on opposite sides thereof with aligned apertures at their upper extents. A spool is positioned on the deck between the side brackets for supporting a reeled hose thereon.

Abstract: A novel mechanism is presented that is able to harvest and load and to unload and install large rolls of sod with only one worker. It is equally useful with conventional sods grown on soil as well as sods grown over an impervious surface. The device is attached by a shiftable bracket to the utility mounting plate and hydraulics of a suitable tractor, skid steer loader, or modified fork lift. It consists of a steel spear or prong attached to a clevis that rotates slightly more than 180 degrees. Cones are placed on the hinged spear and these position PVC pipe or other tubing of the same length as the sod roll desired. The spear with cone(s) and tubing is placed at a right angle, either to the left or right, of the direction of the loader and dropped to the surface at the end of a cut sheet of sod. Small protrusions or prongs on the surface of the tubing lightly grasp the sod and begin rolling it up on the tubing.

Abstract: A multiple pool cover deployment apparatus includes a portable carriage having a movable frame placed at one end of a pool and a main storage reel rotatably mounted thereon and having pool covers successively wound about the main reel. The apparatus also includes a first storage spool rotatably mounted to the frame adjacent to the main storage reel. The first storage spool has an elongated flexible rope wound thereabout. The apparatus also includes a portable stand placed at an opposite end of the pool across from the portable carriage and a second storage spool rotatably mounted on the portable stand.

Abstract: A storage reel for evenly winding and unwinding heavy electrical feeder cable is mounted on the side of a mining vehicle. The storage reel is mounted so as to be stationary on the vehicle. The orbital carriage revolves around the reel evenly winding or unwinding the cable. The reel is shaped in an elongated oblong to maximize the cable storage for use on restricted low profile mining equipment. The device is suited for use on vehicles in mining operations and does not require the use of split rings, rotating collector rings, brushes, or the like for electrical connection, but permits power to pass through the cable from the power source to the vehicle without intervening electrical connectors.

Abstract: A cable guide mechanism for evenly winding a cable for an electric powered vehicle onto an on-board reel having a cable guide that is reciprocated across the reel to neatly and closely wind the cable onto the reel. The cable guide is driven by a drive linkage to reciprocate in proportion to rotation of the take-up reel. The drive linkage includes a lever having a fixed pivot end and a free end attached to the cable guide. An eccentric crank driven by the rotation of the take-up reel is attached to a connecting rod that connects the end of the crank to an intermediate point on the lever arm. Accordingly, the range of reciprocation of the cable guide is substantially greater than the diameter of the path swept out by the crank, and the drive linkage may be contained in a compact package.

Abstract: In an installation for the manufacture of hot-rolled steel strip from continuously cast stock, a caster for the continuous casting of the stock into steel strip, a furnace positioned for receiving the strip after it leaves the caster and containing at least two winding/unwinding mandrels each placed in first and second proximate locations, respectively, the first mandrel is placed in the first location adapted to receive and wind the strip into a coil, transport devices are provided for transporting the coil and first mandrel from the first location to a second location and the second mandrel from the second location to the first location; the strip is unwound from the first mandrel in said second location and then fed to a mill. Alternative embodiments include vertical or horizontal movement of the mandrels, more than two mandrels, devices for driving the mandrels at different speeds, cutting means, clamping devices, furnace heating devices, dividing shears and descaling.