Abstract: In accordance with example embodiments a hose reel system including a layout guide is provided.

Abstract: The present inventors have recognized that hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering “work units” of an agricultural implement used for engaging the ground can be improved by replacing one or more electronically controlled (electrohydraulic) proportional valves associated with a rod port of the cylinder with a simplified, flow control device, such as a pressure regulator, while still using the electronically controlled proportional valves associated with a base port of the cylinder. Due to the weight of the implement being associated with the rod side, which tends to force retraction of the rod when not opposed by the base side, complex proportional valves associated with the rod side can be replaced with such simplified devices providing a relatively low pressure sufficient to move hydraulic fluid with respect to the rod side.

Abstract: A combination of a tractor and an implement is pulled by the tractor. A draw bar is coupled to the tractor so as to be pivotable about a vertical axis. The implement is supported on the ground by wheels and comprises a cultivating element for cultivating a field. A control device is usable to activate a first actuator with which the a position of the draw bar is changeable in relation to the implement, where the control device can be operated in order to activate the first actuator in such a manner that the latter adjusts the draw bar with the effect of moving the implement toward the outside of a curve.

Abstract: A trailer system or trailer includes a trailer body having one or more wheel axle assemblies underlying the trailer body at a rear portion. In the trailer system embodiment, included is a detachable trailer neck that has at least one swivel wheel assembly located at a rear portion of the neck. The swivel wheel assemblies can be lifted or lowered using hydraulic or air cylinders. The neck or tongue has a transversely oriented pivot joint with an adjustable tongue weight assembly using springs and an air or hydraulically operated cylinder to adjust tongue weight.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a frame configured to be secured to a vehicle and that is pivotable about a first axis, a guide that is movably secured to the frame and pivotable about a second axis substantially transverse to the first axis, and a tow bar movably secured to the guide and movable relative to the guide between retracted and extended positions. The hitch apparatus includes a user controlled positioning system with a user input device that is configured to allow a user to extend and retract the tow bar and to articulate the tow bar up-down and left-right so as to position the tow bar distal end at a desired position within a three-dimensional coordinate system.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch device for coupling a towing vehicle to a towed implement or trailer is adapted for changing the coupling angle between the vehicle and the implement and also for changing the elevation angle of the implement. An elongated, rigid link is pivotally coupled at a first end to a hitch mechanism coupled to the vehicle and at a second, opposed end to a forward portion of the implement. An intermediate portion of the link is pivotally coupled to one end of a hydraulic cylinder, while a second, opposed end of the hydraulic cylinder is coupled to a forward portion of the implement. Extension of the cylinder lowers the implement's forward portion and raises its aft portion, while retraction of the cylinder has an opposite effect. In this manner, the height of the implement may be increased for use in operation or may be lowered for transport or storage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for offsetting a lifting or lowering weight of a tow bar attached to a trailer. The apparatus includes nitrogen accumulators coupled in series to a hydraulic cylinder. The accumulators include volumes of hydraulic fluid and a gas, such as nitrogen, which are preset to have differing nitrogen pressures to accommodate a full range of motion. After initial system pressurization, no separate power source is needed to provide hydraulic support at static conditions, oscillation of the tow bar below horizontal, and lift support from horizontal to a positive angle, allowing the user to lift and position a heavy tow bar several feet with minor user force.

Abstract: A system and method to selectably control a position of a first end of a drawbar between a locked position and a suspended position with respect to a drawbar support. The drawbar is securable to a work vehicle distal from the first end, the method includes locking a position of the first end in response to a first predetermined condition and placing the first end in a suspended position in response to a second predetermined condition. Position control of the first end is continuously maintainable.

Abstract: A steering system and method are capable of steering a plurality of vehicles arranged in a train with adjacent vehicles pivotally connected to each other for movement about a vertical axis. Each vehicle has a pair of steerable wheels with one pair at one end of the train being a selected leading pair having its steering angle determined by an operator. An electrical control system automatically steers all of the wheels trailing behind the leading pair. Vehicle angle sensors measure intercar angles between adjacent vehicles and provide this information to the control system. An indicator provides the controller with the current distance traveled by the train. Wheel angle sensors provide signals indicative of the current steering angle for each wheel pair. The controller adjusts the actual steering angle for each trailing pair to a desired angle by calculating adjustments based on the measurement inputs.

Abstract: A control for a drawbar of a hitch for a work machine, and at least one method of operation thereof, which provides operator selectable operating modes having different characteristics for different operating conditions and operator preferences, some of which modes being automatically adaptable for changing conditions, such as loading conditions and the like. Selectable operating modes can include, but are not limited to, a locked out mode; a stiffness mode; a position limited mode; a varying load mode; and an active mode.

Abstract: A movable drawbar control system for use on a typical tractor and specifically on endless track type tractors. The drawbar control system is hydraulically controlled by the user of the tractor via controls in the cab. The system uses a hydraulic cylinder to operate independently movable bar lock flaps. The design of the invention is such that inward and outward motion of the hydraulic cylinder changes the orientation of the bar lock flaps between an engaged vertical position or a disengaged horizontal position. These flaps are used to lock a drawbar into a center position or allow the drawbar to swivel freely from side to side along a pivot bar. Additionally, the bar lock flaps are biased with springs that place a rotation force on them so that they tend toward an engaged or vertical orientation when the hydraulic cylinder is engaged to move them to this position.

Abstract: The device consists of a two stage hydraulic tongue swing mechanism and a tongue latch mechanism for controlling and affixing the tongue of a pull type implement while the implement is being laterally transported. The two stage hydraulic tongue swing mechanism comprises a tongue plate attached to the tongue. A free plate is pivotally attached at the tongue pivot and is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder. The tongue plate and free plate are selectively attached to each other by a lateral transport latch. The tongue latch mechanism is partly affixed to the tongue and partly to the trailframe. Attached to the tongue is a tongue handle that controls the position of a tongue pin. The tongue pin is biased into an angled strike plate with a slot on the edge of the trailframe. The tongue pin may be held in a retracted position by a notched lock bar.

Abstract: An articulated trailer utilizing two pivot points and an angular transfer system to control the radial movement of the front axle during turning is disclosed. The articulated trailer comprises an elongated carriage having two spaced-part, wheeled axles. The rear axle rigidly attaches to the carriage while the front axle is pivotally mounted. The carriage front end comprises two spaced-apart pivot points, a hollow jack column assembly and a tongue assembly. A structural assembly supports the jack column assembly and the tongue assembly. A draw bar extends from the tongue assembly to the draft vehicle. Tie-rods attach the ends of the upper tongue assembly to a pair of plates. The plates are interconnected by a shaft. A responder plate is coupled to an electric motor. The electric motor selectively rotates to effect the radial movement of the tongue assembly to transfer angular movement to the jack column assembly.

Abstract: A lift mechanism is provided for lifting the tow bar of a trailer to facilitate connection of the trailer tow bar to a truck's pintle. In the preferred embodiment the lift mechanism includes a bladder which may be connected to a pneumatic system on the trailer. The air bladder is inflated to raise the tow bar above the level of the pintle, facilitating connection of the tow bar to the pintle. Because the tow bar is independent of the lift mechanism, the tow bar has a free travel range greater than the powered travel range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a farm machine. According to the present invention, the farm machine features a detection device which detects an intermediate position of a connecting device and cuts off the supply to a maneuvering element when the connecting device comes from an end work position into an intermediate position. The action of the detection device can be cancelled so that the maneuvering element can bring the connecting device beyond the intermediate position into the other end position.

Abstract: A drawbar type trailer hitch comprising a frame supported telescoping tongue extended and retracted by a first pressure cylinder while a second pressure cylinder may be operated to position the rearward end portion of the telescopically extended tongue in a lateral direction for correcting the direction of rearward movement of a towed vehicle being backed toward a parked position by the towing vehicle.

Abstract: In a trailer adapted to be connected with a front end thereof to a rear-end of a carrier vehicle, and where the front end of the trailer is held at a predetermined height above ground when connected to the carrier-vehicle, the trailer includes a frame defining a trailer frame plane extending in a hauling position of the trailer substantially parallel to the ground, a front extension and a rear extension of the trailer extending substantially along the trailer frame plane, the front extension being connected between the front end and the trailer frame, the trailer front end including an elongated drawbar defining a drawbar plane subtending a first angle close to 180.degree.

Abstract: A tandem disc implement is provided with a hitch assembly for interconnecting the implement in articulated, trailing relation with respect to a tractor. The hitch assembly includes a draw bar which is pivotally connected to the tractor and is shiftably connected to the hitch frame of the hitch assembly. In one embodiment, the draw bar is pivotally connected to the hitch frame and is shifted between in-line and angulated relation with respect to the implement. In another embodiment, the draw bar is translated laterally from an in-line position to a laterally offset position. Shifting of the draw bar permits the implement to be towed in trailing tandem relation or, alternatively, in offset relation with respect to the tractor.

Abstract: A pulling hitch assembly, which includes a front beam which can be attached to a pulling unit, such as a tractor. An angle beam is pivotably attached to the front beam, and a pivoting device is provided which is associated with the front beam and the angle beam for effecting pivoting of the angle beam and the front beam relative to one another. Pivotably connected to the angle beam is a guide wheel assembly which includes a tire mounted on a wheel. Also provided is a fixed length cable which is connected to the front beam, is guided by the angle beam, and is connected to the guide wheel asssembly. The cable is disposed in such a way, and is of such a length, that it is adapted to pivot the guide wheel assembly relative to the angle beam, when the latter is pivoted relative to the front beam, in such a way that the tire of the guide wheel assembly is always disposed substantially perpendicular to the front beam.

Abstract: A mobile transport carrier for large articles of agricultural products, such as bales, including an elongated frame having an elongated draft member pivotally connected at one end to a side rail of the frame, latch mechanism carried by the draft member to secure the draft member in transport position adjacent the side rail, a fluid operated cylinder unit arranged to move the draft member toward and away from the side rail, latch releasing mechanism operable upon the initiation of movement of the fluid operated cylinder unit to effect unlatching of the latch mechanism, and latching of the latch mechanism occurring automatically when the draft member is moved to the transport position adjacent the side rail.

Abstract: In its simplest form, a single unit implement such as a swather or the like, can be moved from field position to transport position by moving the rear offside wheels to the desired angle and fixing them in this position and allowing the near side rear wheel to castor freely. When used with multiple units, a tandem hitch is secured to the existing hitch of the front implement and extends to the next following implement with the rear wheel being positioned as heretofore. Adjustment may be provided between the adjacent units to set the relationship of the trailing unit relative to the leading unit.

Abstract: A pull-type mobile harvesting machine includes a header supported on a main frame and an arch-like tongue swingably connected to the main frame and extending forward over the header for pivoting connection to a tractor. A double-acting hydraulic steering cylinder controlled from the tractor is connected between the frame and tongue for swinging the tongue relative to the frame while the machine is advancing so that the machine is displaced laterally selectively between a range of operating positions, offset relative to the tractor, and transport positions, generally immediately behind the tractor.

Abstract: A hitch for a beet harvester including a hitch frame traversing the entire width of the harvester with outer ends connected to the harvester frame, a transverse beam with obliquely forwardly extending side portions affixed together at an apex located intermediate the ends of the hitch frame, a hitch bar extending forwardly from the apex of the transverse beam and being pivotally connected to the hitch frame adjacent said apex, the front end of the hitch bar being adapted for connection to the drawbar of a tractor, and a steering cylinder pivotally connected to the hitch bar well rearwardly of the apex of the transverse beam and also pivotally connected to one side portion of the transverse beam.

Abstract: A bale wagon for loading, unloading and transporting bales of hay, straw or the like of a size not capable of being handled and maneuvered by a single person comprising a wheel mounted, bale supporting frame, a bale loading means pivotally mounted to the frame at its forward end, means for conveying said bales from the forward end of the frame to a selected position therealong, a tongue section connectable to a draft vehicle and disposed in an operative position such that the wagon trails the draft vehicle to one side thereof and a wheel means for supporting the side of the frame opposite the tongue section when the tongue section is in its operative position.

Abstract: Large round bales are gathered in the field with a towable implement having a long bed that may be tipped forwardly or rearwardly to the ground about an intermediate transverse axis in order to accomplish front or rear loading of the implement. Bales are successively loaded by driving laterally spaced beams of the inclined bed under the bales as conveyor chains on the beams draw the bales in the opposite direction up onto the beams, whereupon the bed is leveled out for transporting the picked up bales. Unloading is accomplished by inclining the bed appropriately and driving the bales off the beams with the conveying chains as the beams are simultaneously drawn out from under the bales. The bed may be disposed either directly behind its towing vehicle or off to one side thereof by virtue of a hydraulically controlled, articulated tongue, and bale loading and unloading is facilitated by virtue of the absence of any interfering drive shafts across the beams at their opposite ends.

Abstract: A crop harvester having a mobile frame to be pulled by a tractor and movable between paths of travel at opposite sides of the path of travel of the tractor. The frame includes front and rear longitudinal frame members extending transversely of the direction of travel and a generally central transverse frame member connected to the longitudinal frame members above harvesting mechanism mounted in the frame. A draft tongue has a rear end pivotally connected to the frame on a vertical axis adjacent the connection between the front and transverse frame members, and a front end for pivotal connection to a tractor hitch. A fluid pressure operated device is connected to the frame and to the draft tongue for imparting swinging movements to the draft tongue relative to the mobile frame and for holding the draft tongue in desired set positions of the swinging movement thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling large round bales or the like includes a transverse mobile frame and a bed assembly pivotally mounted thereon. The bed assembly includes elongated, laterally spaced rails being interconnected by transverse members and pivotally mounted about a generally horizontal axis generally intermediately between opposite ends of the rails to theframe. A hydraulic cylinder and linkage assembly is provided for actuating pivotal tilting of the bed assembly between a horizontal position and a rearwardly inclined position and for supporting the bed assembly at such positions. A flexible endless conveyor chain is movably mounted along each rail for delivering a bale from a field to the bed assembly when it is disposed in its rearwardly inclined position and for moving the bale toward the rear end of the bed assembly.

Abstract: A wheeled carrier for hay or the like has a low bed that may be tilted from a horizontal transport position rearwardly for rear loading or forwardly for front loading, and has a draft tongue secured by a transverse pivot adjacent a front corner of the bed and swingable laterally about an upright pivot so that the carrier may be towed directly behind a tractor for transporting a load or offset from the tractor for front loading. The bed consists of a set of short front parallel rails and a set of long rear parallel rails; and longitudinal chain conveyor means for both sets of rails has a single drive shaft that extends through overlapping inner end portions of both sets and may be driven in either direction. The extremities of the conveyor means are on idler sprockets with no continuous cross shafts.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for forming traffic regulating indicia on road surfaces by applying tape material on a predetermined marking line trace. The apparatus consists of the combination of a service motor-van provided with steering means and driven by a first operator, and of a tape material applicator subassembly connected to and serviced by said motor-van and provided with its own steering means designed to be acted upon by a second operator, and with sight and collimation means designed for being collimated with said trace by said second operator which compensates for differences between the actual path of said motor-van and the marking line to be exactly provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling large round bales or the like includes a transverse mobile frame and an elongated bed assembly pivotally mounted about a generally horizontal axis generally intermediately between its opposite ends to the frame. A hydraulic cylinder and linkage assembly is provided for actuating pivotal tilting of the bed assembly between a horizontal position, a rearwardly inclined position, and a forwardly inclined position and for supporting the bed assembly at such positions. Means is provided movably mounted on the bed assembly for delivering a bale from a field to the forward end of the bed assembly when it is disposed in its rearwardly inclined position and for moving the bale toward the rear end of the bed assembly.