Abstract: A working platform that can be removably attached to a front portion of a utility tractor is provided in which the platform is at least horizontally adjustable, is sized to allow a user to move about on the platform, and the tractor can be controlled by a user with controls located on the platform. In addition, an automatic steering system may be included that allows the tractor to remain generally along a preselected course, such as between rows of trees or other objects. As the tractor moves down the row of an orchard, the platform can be adjusted so as to be in an appropriate position for performing work on the tree. A harvesting accessory system may also be attached to the tractor in conjunction with the working platforms, which supports and conveys bins from the tractor to the ground.

Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes a controller configured to determine a position of a conveyor outlet relative to a storage compartment, and to select a target unloading area from a set of candidate target unloading areas. The set of candidate target unloading areas includes a target circle having a center at an unloading point and a radius corresponding to a threshold range from the unloading point, a bounding shape within the storage compartment, and a selected zone of a set of non-overlapping zones within the bounding shape. In addition, the controller is configured to engage product flow from the conveyor outlet to the storage compartment while the position of the conveyor outlet is within the target unloading area, and to terminate product flow from the conveyor outlet to the storage compartment while the position of the conveyor outlet is outside of the target unloading area.

Abstract: A machine which transports and positions joints of line pipe has a trailer member having at least two ground engaging wheels and a distributor box disposed within the trailer member. The distributor box has a top, a bottom, a front and a back, where a longitudinal axis is defined between the front and the back. A shaft is rotationally supported between the front and the back, where the shaft has an axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis. A plurality of spaced-apart disks are mounted on the rotatable shaft, where each disk has a plurality of slots radially extending to a circumferential edge of the disk, where each slot is open-ended at the circumferential edge and each disk of the plurality of spaced-apart disks has a slot in axial alignment with a slot of the other spaced-apart disks. The group of the axially aligned slots is adapted to receive a joint of the line pipe.

Abstract: A harvest aid machine and method of use is provided comprising a machine having a main chassis. The main chassis includes a roof, a lateral conveyor belt, a chute for storing empty harvest containers and worker stations. The harvest aid machine is powered by a motor and moves using a directional wheel and two rear wheels. Workers load empty containers onto the chute and after the containers slide down the chute, the empty containers rest in a storage station accessible by additional workers. When a worker is ready to harvest a crop, the worker removes the container from the chute and places harvested crops inside the container. The worker then places the harvested crop filled container onto a worker station. After the worker collects multiple harvested crop filled containers, the worker pushes the containers onto a conveyor belt system, adjacent to the worker station, that runs laterally on the machine.

Abstract: A harvest aid machine and method of use is provided comprising a self-powered vehicle having a main chassis upon which a crate storage unit may be mounted. The harvest aid machine has improved maneuverability and may have a near zero-point turning radius. Crate storage unit may comprise a platform for receiving packed crates and a second platform for receiving empty crates. Alternatively, crate storage unit may include a chute assembly for receiving empty crates and/or a roller table for receiving packed crates. A harvest aid machine may further include harvest modules that may be removably mounted to a main chassis and are width-adjustable such that the harvest modules are adaptable to different crop row spacing, and optionally different crate sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling articles in a transporting unit, which may be an interchangeable container, having a mobile conveying unit that is moved into the transporting unit to unload the unit, collect and receive articles stacked in the unit under the control of an operator, and convey the articles out of the transporting unit in an unloading direction for further processing. The apparatus generally facilitates removal from the transporting unit with a small amount of effort during the unloading of non-uniformly or randomly stacked articles. The conveying unit has a floor conveyor which conveys in a loose random arrangement the articles that have been toppled or removed from the stack of articles.

Abstract: The machine allows the placing of small troughs in trenches, made up by a loading platform (1) with a rotating conveyor (4) or sliding (7) for the small troughs (CA) to a feeding train (2) directing them towards an aligning box (3). The feeding train has folding sections (21), (22) and (23), being the central section (22) the one that has the coupling and linking means (24) to the tractor (T) and also where the loading platform (1) is journalled, the first section (21) is the one receiving the small troughs from the rotating conveyor (4), the second section (22) receives them from the sliding conveyor (7) and the third section (23) deposits the small troughs (CA) in the aligning box (2), which aligns the small troughs (CA) on which the corresponding covers (P) are overlapped by a device based on a framework (8) and an inclined platform (9).

Abstract: A conveyor for transporting materials or people from a first location to a second location has an elongated boom having a first end, a second end, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a conveyor mechanism such as an endless belt, chain, or ladder that is operably attached to the elongated boom; and a plank platform operably attached to the boom adjacent to the bottom surface of the boom, wherein the platform is selectively pivotable from the boom and capable of providing a walking surface for the person unloading the conveyor. The platform may additionally or alternatively be at least partially extendible from one end of the elongated boom. The conveyor may be operably attached to a vehicle.

Abstract: A safety equipment for use on a trailer to reduce the risk of an operator failing from a load on the trailer. The safety equipment includes an arm having an articulating portion, a feature for selectively securing the arm to the periphery of the trailer, a feature associated with the arm for enabling the articulating portion thereof to pivot toward and away from a widthwise edge of the trailer in a plane approximately parallel to the bed of the trailer, a feature for securing the articulating portion at any one of a plurality of articulated positions, a post extending from the arm in a direction transverse to the pivot plane of the articulating portion, a cable having a first portion thereof secured to the post, and a feature for securing a second portion of the cable at the oppositely-disposed widthwise edge of the trailer such that the cable extends along a lengthwise direction of the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer hitch mounted recreational equipment carrier for transporting various recreational equipment. The trailer hitch mounted recreational equipment carrier includes a support frame having at least a horizontal member and a vertical member, a first link arm pivotally coupled to the horizontal member, and a second link arm pivotally coupled to the vertical member. The second link arm may be a different length than the first link arm. The recreational equipment carrier also includes a crossbar support frame pivotally coupled to the first and second link arms to provide a pivotal motion geometry that facilitates the crossbar support being pivotally moved from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position.

Abstract: A vehicle for the harvesting of plants bearing fruit or vegetables and particularly strawberries is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a conveyor belt system which is a pair of conveyors each comprising a belt assembly and an elongated trough positioned in a fixed relation above the belt assembly. Each conveyor is configured so that it can span many rows of fruit. Workers stand behind a conveyor and follow the vehicle picking strawberries. When the vehicle reaches the end of a row, the conveyor belt system is arc displaced over the vehicle to the opposite side using hydraulic power or some other appropriate means for displacement. The vehicle wheels are orientated for travel along the access road along the end of a field, for example, 90 degrees when the road is perpendicular to the rows of fruit. The vehicle then travels along the end of the field until it is again aligned with rows of fruit to be picked. The wheels are then orientated back for travel across the field.

Abstract: A vacuum trailer assembly for collecting and disposing of debris. The vacuum trailer assembly includes a frame having a hitch portion and a trailer portion. The trailer portion has a plurality of wheels for supporting the frame. The hitch portion is designed for coupling to a vehicle. A vacuum assembly is coupled to the frame. The vacuum assembly includes a flexible intake tube for sucking debris into the vacuum assembly. The vacuum assembly has a discharge tube for expelling debris from the vacuum assembly. A collection bin is coupled to the frame. The collection bin is positioned whereby debris expelled from the discharge tube is collected in the collection bin. A stand assembly is coupled to the frame. The stand assembly includes a support panel designed for supporting a person thereon whereby the person can manipulate the intake tube to collect debris from an area surrounding the frame.

Abstract: A flowable material delivering vehicle in combination with a material dispensing system including a fixed conveyor extending continuously from a position located adjacent a vehicle container outlet aperture to a position located adjacent a vehicle cab front end. A dispensing adapter is attached to the vehicle for receiving a portion of the flowable material when the latter emanates from the fixed conveyor. In one embodiment, the dispensing adapter includes a pivotable conveyor pivotally attached to the vehicle and a configuring mechanism. The configuring mechanism allows the pivotable conveyor to pivot between a stowed configuration wherein it lies in a generally proximal and parallel relationship relative to an edge of the vehicle and a working configuration wherein the pivotable conveyor extends away from the vehicle so as to allow discharging of the flowable material away from the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transferring harvested tobacco leaves from an amorphous mass of harvested tobacco leaves to a bulk curing container component for subsequent transfer to a bulk curing site. According to the method, the bulk curing container component is positioned adjacent a tobacco discharging end of a tobacco transferring system. The transferring system has the discharging end, a tobacco receiving end opposite the discharging end, and a generally upwardly facing tobacco conveying apparatus for supporting and moving the leaves between the discharging and receiving ends. The amorphous mass of harvested tobacco leaves is supplied to the tobacco conveying apparatus at the tobacco receiving end of the transferring system in such a manner that the harvested tobacco leaves of the amorphous mass are randomly arranged and stacked on top of one another in a generally vertical direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transferring harvested tobacco leaves from an amorphous mass of harvested tobacco leaves to a bulk curing container component for subsequent transfer to a bulk curing site. According to the method, the bulk curing container component is positioned adjacent a tobacco discharging end of a tobacco transferring system. The transferring system has the discharging end, a tobacco receiving end opposite the discharging end, and a generally upwardly facing tobacco conveying apparatus for supporting and moving the leaves between the discharging and receiving ends. The amorphous mass of harvested tobacco leaves is supplied to the tobacco conveying apparatus at the tobacco receiving end of the transferring system in such a manner that the harvested tobacco leaves of the amorphous mass are randomly arranged and stacked on top of one another in a generally vertical direction.

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

Abstract: A truck is fitted with an unloading conveyor for carrying packages of material, e.g. roofing shingles, from a transfer station on the truck bed, preferably at its rear. This conveyor can swing in an arc about its mounting adjacent the transfer station, and its azimuth can be adjusted to reach a wide variety of delivery sites. The truck bed can carry multiple rows of stacked packages such as pallettized loads of roofing shingles, and is fitted with a bed conveyor system to move an entire row of loads to the transfer station. Upper flights of the bed conveyor move toward a lift platform designed to receive a few of the palletized loads as these are carried to the transfer station. An operator removes the packages from the loads and places them onto the discharge conveyor. As the loads are emptied, the lift platform can rise so the operator only shifts the packages onto the discharge conveyor with minimal lifting.

Abstract: A road surfacing vehicle having a controllable articulated distribution head is presented. The distribution head has a material transfer device such as a mixer box pivotally mounted on the vehicle. A laying box is also connected to the material transfer device.

Abstract: Trailer-mounted apparatus of the type with a platform that can rotate on a central fifth wheel-like support with a vertical axis, particularly for the loading and handling of coop frames for poultry and the like, which includes: a substantially rectangular rotating platform which is driven by a motor; two fifth wheel-like supports with a vertical axis which are individually driven with a preset rotation angle by individual independent motors; and a horizontal secondary frame which is anchored to each one of the two end fifth wheels, and which has a retention sidewall for accommodating in succession a frame of coops to be loaded with poultry while another coop frame, arranged on the secondary frame that is rigidly associated with the opposite fifth wheel, is being loaded; each coop frame to be filled is arranged on the rotating secondary frame located opposite to the one that supports the coop frame during loading so that its longer longitudinal axis is orientated like the longitudinal axis of the platform by

Abstract: A vehicular machine available for transplanting vegetal seedlings onto seedbed lines comprising; a planting unit which is furnished with a plurality of vegetal seedling mounting tables and planting levers for transplanting vegetal seedlings onto seedbed lines supplied from these mounting tables disposed on the back side of a working truck hauled by a tractive vehicle; and a working step which facilitates an operator to mount himself on the working truck in order to replenish vegetal seedlings to respective mounting tables of the planting unit. The working truck itself is held by a plurality of supporting wheels which are respectively aligned with the level line identical to that of those wheels of the tractive vehicle.

Abstract: A machine for harvesting fruit from trees is provided. The machine includes a supporting vehicle; a hopper mounted on the vehicle; a blower assembly for maintaining a sub-atmospheric pressure in the hopper; an extendable/retractable boom rotatably mounted on the vehicle; a worker-supporting bucket attached to the outer end of the boom; and a conduit system extending from the bucket, through the boom, and into the hopper whereby the fruit may be transferred from the bucket to the hopper. The boom includes inner, middle and outer telescopically slidable boom sections; while the conduit system includes inner, middle and outer telescopically slidable conduit sections. The machine further includes a first deflection-preventing member which is mounted on the inner end of the middle boom section and a second deflection-preventing member mounted on the inner end of the outer boom section.

Abstract: A track-bound freight car comprising a box for storing bulk material, the box having a bottom portion and comprising a longitudinally extending conveyor in the bottom portion of the box, a carrier frame bearing the conveyor, the conveyor and carrier frame having a width exceeding the width of the bottom portion of the box car, and two longitudinally extending side walls, at least a lower portion of the side walls adjacent the conveyor being pivotal about a longitudinally extending axis away from the conveyor, or a lower side wall portion being detachable.

Abstract: A machine for harvesting fruit including a supporting vehicle (30, 31) having a hopper 40 on one end (31) and a three-section extensible boom (80a, 80b, 80c) rotatably mounted on the other end (30) and having a bucket (96) on the outer end of the boom, and extensible conduits (82a, 82b, 82c) enclosed within the boom for conducting fruit to and through an extended conduit system (99, 75b) and into the boom.

Abstract: A horizontal boom extends laterally from a superstructure and includes a boom belt conveyor which receives harvested fruit from upwardly extending belt conveyors. The boom conveyor carries fruit to an inner discharge end above the superstructure for discharge into a vertical passage and then into a container at the bottom of the passage. A downwardly moving vertical conveyor forms one side of the passage and has rows of deformable fingers which lower fruit into the container. A sheet forming the opposite side of the passageway moves the entire vertical conveyor upwardly in response to accumulation of fruit within the container, while the vertical conveyor continuously moves in a downwardly conveying direction to carry fruit to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting row crops having a mobile frame; harvesting units mounted on the frame and adapted for individual movement under the control of field workers borne thereby toward and from the row crop for harvesting of the crop therefrom; and in the preferred embodiment, an assembly mounted on the frame for depolying a continuous tray on the earth surface bearing the crop so harvested for sun drying thereof.

Abstract: The machine which is the object of the invention comprises a frame 1 supporting on one side a platform for an operator within whose reach lies another platform 5 bearing rolls 7 of turf and further back a second platform 8 whereas on the left hand side of the frame is situated a platform supporting a conveyor belt 13 in a horizontal plane, the rear end of the said conveyor being juxtaposed to a chute 14 extending on two conveyor belts enclosed in a coffer 16, which said coffer 16 carries at its lower end a mechanical cutter 22 and a sprinkler 18.

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 vehicle for use in the servicing of aircraft, particularly in the removal of feces from toilets of passanger aircraft, comprises a chassis and a body which is mounted on said chassis and has only a small height so that the vehicle can be moved under aircraft portions having only a small ground clearance. A cage comprising a working platform is mounted on the vehicle near its rear end and by means of an upright hydraulic cylinder having a telescopic piston is adapted to be raised from a position of rest, in which the cage is flush with the top of the body. To permit the use of a telescopic piston having large length sections, the hydraulic cylinder extends at least through a major portion of the height of the body. The working platform is disposed on the rear of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling sod includes a wheeled frame for moving along the ground and a forward frame section which is adapted to receive pallets of sod adjacent thereto. A conveyor is coupled to the frame for transporting pieces of sod between the pallet and the ground. A pair of foot supports are attached on either side of the wheeled frame for allowing workers to stand thereon while handling the sod either along the conveyor or on the pallet. The foot supports extend forward from adjacent a rear end of the conveyor to adjacent the pallet of sod.

Abstract: A device is described suitable for harvesting peppers and other vegetables which grow on short bushes or vines close to the ground. Thus, a pepper picker sits on the seat in close proximity to the plants, while the device is in straddle position relative to the row. The pickers then are able to select the ripe fruits from the bush leaving the half-ripe or green fruit to mature further. A pair of belt conveyors are diagonally disposed with the inlet portion directly in front of the seat to a discharge portion near the top for discharge into a receptacle. Due to the extremely low profile of the device, the center of gravity is low so that the device can be used in rocky and hilly terrain. Further, through the means of the lift on the tractor, the device can be raised or lowered, depending upon the height of the plants, fulcruming around the axle of the wheel in the extreme rear of the device. Thus, the device can be lowered or raised so as to compensate for lower or taller plants.

Abstract: A railcar transport for use with a truck tractor towing means comprising a trailer having an elongated rectangular frame having the rails thereon located on the longitudinal side frame members, having a railcar ramp secured to one end thereof, having a power winch mounted on the other end thereof to pull railcars thereon, having a rail alignment mechanism on one end the trailcar ramp mounted between the rails thereon, and having railcar ramp articulation means which are mounted either at the ramp pivot point or therebelow.

Abstract: A tiltable device for forming weather-proof stacks of hay bales which in the preferred embodiment contains thirty bales per stack comprising a tiltable bed of generally "L" shaped cross-section carried on an axle and adapted to be towed behind a hay baler, the forward legs portion of the bed providing a platform oriented somewhat greater than 90.degree., the device being equipped with hydraulic means to tilt the same and a side rail situated to enable a bale stacking person to ride with the device as it tilts back to deposit a stack of bales.

Abstract: In abstract a preferred embodiment of this invention is a tobacco harvester having staggered cropper seats with only one seat on each side being outboard of the confines of the device. An inclined central conveyor, in combination with a lateral conveyor for each of the outboard cropper seats, conveys and lifts the tobacco from its priming location for deposit in a bulk curing box carried on a separate detachable trailer. An extension tongue for the trailer and/or an extension conveyor can be provided to allow two or more bulk boxes to be filled on the same trailer prior to replacement of the same.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle has a pulpit boom mounted near a single steering wheel for azimuth and elevation positioning under control from the pulpit. All three wheels are driven, also under control from the pulpit. The boom assembly supporting the pulpit swings laterally over the area generally above, and slightly laterally beyond, the two coaxial wheels. The actuator responsible for boom elevation moves in a sector between diagonal bracing supporting an upper bearing for the vertical journal section of the boom assembly.

Abstract: Suspension members flexibly connected to a carriage and to an overhead support above the racking platform of an oil well mast or derrick support the carriage, which is provided with a floor to support a derrick man therein. The lower end of the suspension means can be swung back and forth parallel to the side of the mast or derrick and also at right angles to it to thereby move the carriage in the same directions, the carriage being provided with a lateral seat for receiving the upper end portion of a pipe and moving it with the carriage into another position.