Abstract: A vehicle for transport and placement of fill material in trenches and for backfilling. The vehicle features a tiltable hopper connected to a central portion of a chassis which may be tilted to adjust the vehicle's center of gravity. Two conveyors deposit two independent volumes of fill material on or adjacent to a target through the positioning of one conveyor a distance from the hopper further than the other. The speed of the conveyors or the volume of fill material placed thereon may be varied to vary each respective discharged volume of material from each conveyor. The conveyors and hopper may be engaged to the base of the vehicle on a chassis that is rotatable on the base and fluid dispensers may be positioned over each conveyor to dampen the fill material.

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 device for unloading a live floor bulk material hauling vehicle which includes a feeder that collects bulk material being dumped from the vehicle by action of the live floor and moves the material onto a conveyor. The conveyor accepts the material from the feeder and conveys it outwardly from the vehicle to a desired location. The conveyor is pivotably attached to the vehicle and can be pivoted to a first position whereby the vehicle can be unloaded by operation of the live floor and the conveyor, and a second position whereby the conveyor is displaced sufficiently from the vehicle that the vehicle can be unloaded by operation of the live floor without operation of the conveyor.

Abstract: A pivoting unloading door for ramp assembly and common conveyor drive for door or ramp segments thereof. The door or ramp segments are pivotable about a pivotal axis between a folded or closed position in generally overlaying relation one to the other, and an unfolded or open unloading position in parallel, end-to-end relation, the door segments including conveyors thereon for conveying objects or matter thereover when in the unloading position. The door assembly includes a common drive for the conveyors which is disposed beneath the conveyors in the unloading position in coaxial relation with the pivotal axis, and which is operable for simultaneously moving the conveyors. The output of the drive can extend through a pivot joint connecting the door segments, and can connect the elements of the pivot joint.

Abstract: An auger latch for securing an auger assembly of a bulk loader, and having a mounting plate with a locking pin thereon for attachment to the loader. The latch features spaced apart guide plates, which define a longitudinally extending opening for receiving the locking pin. A latch plate is pivotally secured to and positioned between the guide plates, the latch plate having a handle portion at one end thereof and a pin engaging portion at an opposite end. When the latch plate is in an unlocked position, the pin engaging portion extends into the opening defined by the guide plates. When the auger assembly is to be moved from a working position to a stowed position adjacent a sidewall of the loader, the locking pin is inserted into the opening of the guide plates to initially engage the pin engaging portion, and, as the locking pin continues to be inserted into the opening, the pin engaging portion biasingly retracts, permitting the locking pin to be inserted fully into the opening.

Abstract: An agricultural combine including an unloading system wherein an unloading conduit assembly is, in an operational set-up, rotatable or swivelable through an arc of 360° to permit grain unloading into a grain truck located at any point around the combine, whether the combine is stationary or moving. For road travel or storage the unloading conduit assembly, or some portion of it, is pivoted into a set-up wherein the longitudinal conduit is retracted into nesting relationship against the side of the combine and below the top of the grain tank.

Abstract: A grain wagon includes a wheel supported frame supporting a container having inclined front and rear walls connected by opposite inclined side walls. Each side wall has inwardly projecting wall portions defining a wheel well for receiving longitudinally offset dual wheels or extra wide wheels. The rear wall includes a portion sloping between the wheel well wall portions to a forward grain removal zone, and generally triangular diverter walls extend from the rear wall to the wheel well wall portions. A corner discharge auger conveyor extends from the grain removal zone and has an upper portion which pivots to a stored position adjacent the front wall of the container. The dual wheels are positioned within the wheel wells by support members having end portions pivotally connected to the wagon frame and opposite end portions connected to the frame by laterally slidable clamping plates.

Abstract: A bulk seed handler and dispenser is provided for transporting bulk seed containers and for dispensing the seed within the containers into planting equipment. The bulk seed handler and dispenser is comprised of a trailer having a plurality of bulk seed containers mounted thereon, each of which is in communication with individual hoppers located therebelow. A horizontally disposed conveyor auger is in communication with each of the hoppers and is adapted to convey the seed from the hoppers to a transition box located at the forward end of the conveyor auger. A seed discharge auger has its lower end in communication with the transition box and extends upwardly and laterally therefrom. A discharge tube is connected to the upper end of the seed discharge auger which is maneuvered for placement adjacent planter unit hoppers.

Abstract: A work vehicle is provided for conveying an agricultural product via a movable member or tube to an adjacent product receiving bin. The movable member is controllable to swing back and forth accurately over the bin under precise operator control to enable the bin to be “topped off”. An auger or other conveyer device is used to feed product into the movable member. The vehicle's control system includes an extend switch and a retract switch which operate in a latched first mode when the conveyer device is not actuated. In the latched first mode, the extend or retract switches are pressed once to start the swinging motion of the movable member and are pressed a second time to stop the swinging motion. However, when the conveyer device is turned on to feed product into the movable member, the vehicle's control system switches to an unlatched second mode. In the unlatched second mode, the operator presses the extend or retract switch and the corresponding swinging motion commences upon such contact.

Abstract: A bulk seed handler and dispenser is provided for transporting bulk seed containers and for dispensing the seed within the containers into planting equipment. The bulk seed handler and dispenser is comprised of a trailer having a plurality of bulk seed containers mounted thereon, each of which is in communication with individual hoppers located therebelow. A discharge auger conveyor is in selective communication with each of the hoppers and is adapted to convey the seed from the hoppers through a discharge tube which is maneuvered for placement adjacent planter unit hoppers.

Abstract: An improved trailer for transporting bulk seed boxes is provided. The trailer includes a bed, a hopper extending below the bed for receiving seed from the bulk seed box, and an auger for unloading seed from the hopper. The bed includes upwardly and outwardly extending guide plates to provide self-centering of the seed box when the box is loaded onto the bed with a forklift truck. The bed includes lock bars moveable between locked and unlocked positions to secure the seed box to the bed. The hopper includes a slide gate with a control arm connected to the gate and extending to the auger side of the trailer for moving the slide gate between open and closed position. The auger includes a foldable upper section which is pivotal between a folded transport position and an extended raised operative position. The folding of the upper auger section is facilitated by a gas cylinder and a lever arm.

Abstract: An improved combination of a powered combine carrying a combine grain bin for housing harvested grain and a towed grain cart carrying a grain cart bin for housing harvested grain includes improved harvested grain transfer between the combine grain bin and the grain cart bin and improved off-loading of harvested grain from the combination. A generally horizontally disposed first grain movement assembly is pivotally connected within the combine grain bin and pivotally connected within the grain cart bin and disposed for reciprocally transporting grain between the combine grain bin and the grain cart bin. A generally vertically disposed second grain movement assembly is cooperatively operable with the first grain movement assembly for transferring grain from the grain cart bin to the first grain movement assembly and thence to the combine grain bin. An off-loading grain movement assembly is disposed for off-loading grain only from the combine grain bin.

Abstract: A two-wheeled hoppered cart is particularly adapted to receive crop from a combine and transfer same to another transport vehicle with an unloading conveyor, and to conveniently transport products to an air-seeder cart. The frame comprises a rear frame portion supporting the hoppered container, and a front frame portion extending forward and down from the rear frame portion to a hitch. A port with a gate is located below the rear frame, and a pair of wheels is mounted on the frame such that the rotational axis is located below the rear frame portion and rearward of the port. An access area below the port, ahead of the port, and to the first side of the port, is unobstructed. An intake hopper of a conventional air-seeder cart filling conveyor can be positioned under the port with the filling conveyor in front of the wheel on the first side of the cart.

Abstract: A bulk seed storage and dispensing box of the present invention uses properly angled box sides to assist in the flow of the seed from the box. A side discharge opening is essential for ease of use of this invention.

Abstract: A material distribution device having a hopper and a conveyor belt with paddles for removing material from the hopper. The conveyor is pivotally connected to the hopper to be lowered into the top of the material in the hopper and scrape the top layer of material from the load in the hopper off of the load and expel it from the hopper. When the hopper is on a trailer or other vehicle the rate of the conveyor belt can be controlled to distribute the material from the hopper at an even rate.

Abstract: A self-unloading, bottom-discharge trailer and a discharge conveyor therefore, are provided. In a working position, the discharge conveyor transports material from a trailer container upwards beyond the rear of the trailer for depositing into storage. In a transport position, a rear section of the discharge conveyor is folded downwards into a substantially vertical position, resting against the rear of the trailer frame and not substantially protruding beyond the back of the trailer. The frame may include a recess sized to accommodate the rear section such that the rear section is substantially flush with the rear of the frame. Consequently, the trailer may remain in compliance with highway safety regulations.

Abstract: A self-unloading container apparatus comprises a container mounted on a vehicle. An upright auger tube has its bottom end in the container and top end outside the container. An intermediate auger tube is pivotally attached at one end to the upright auger tube so as to pivot about a pivot axis on a pivot plane and at the other end to a lateral auger tube at a fixed oblique angle. A universal joint connects the intermediate flighting shaft to the upright flighting shaft with the center of the joint on the pivot plane and axis. A constant velocity universal joint connects the intermediate flighting shaft to the lateral flighting shaft with a center thereof located at the intersection of axes of the intermediate and lateral auger tubes. The lateral auger tube pivots from a transport position aligned with the travel direction, to an operating position transverse to the travel direction.

Abstract: A self propelled vehicle for transport and placement of an onboard supply of fill material in an onboard hopper. The hopper is connected to said vehicle at a point operatively positioned to discharge fill material placed therein on a conveyor belt mounted to a support structure. The fill material is deposited on the conveyor at a receiving and discharged at the distal end of the conveyor either directly or via a flow director attached to the distal end attached thereto. The flow director bifurcates the stream of fill material allowing the operator to place more or less of the fill in two streams using a plurality of independently adjustable channeling ramps. The hopper is optionally adjustable from an angle normal to the vehicle to allow for adjustment in the vehicle center of gravity on grades. The flow director can also be configured for attachment to existing conveyors to increase their utility or used as part of the entire self propelled device in a single unit.

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: The dump body of a dump truck includes an opening in the bottom of the dump body through which material in the receptacle can be deposited onto an endless conveyor below the dump body. A spreader is removably mounted on the conveyor whereby material moved by the conveyor onto the spreader is discharged rearwardly of the dump truck. The conveyor and spreader unit can be extended and retracted relative to the dump body and can be completely removed from the dump body and the opening in the bottom of the dump body covered when using the dump truck in a dumping mode of operation.

Abstract: A framework for a belt conveyor comprising a base structure having a three point mounting arrangement in which the mountings are in a substantial triangular displacement with one upper mounting and two lower mountings. A boom structure has its inward end pivotally connected to the base structure through the three mountings and has an elongate boom member and an elongate support member. The boom member is pivoted to the upper mounting with the support member being pivoted to one of the lower mountings. The support member underlies the boom member and towards its mounted inward end is cranked outwardly and has outer end pivotally connected to the boom structure. A mounting plate is provided near to the crank between which and the second of the lower mountings, a ram and cylinder arrangement is connected. The mountings are displayed angularly to enable the boom structure to be capable of articulation between an outbound upwardly inclined horizontal orientation and an inward substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: A self-unloading container apparatus comprises a container mounted on a vehicle. An upright auger tube has its bottom end in the container and top end outside the container. An intermediate auger tube is pivotally attached at one end to the upright auger tube so as to pivot about a pivot axis on a pivot plane and at the other end to a lateral auger tube at a fixed oblique angle. A universal joint connects the intermediate flighting shaft to the upright flighting shaft with the center of the joint on the pivot plane and axis. A constant velocity universal joint connects the intermediate flighting shaft to the lateral flighting shaft with a center thereof located at the intersection of axes of the intermediate and lateral auger tubes. The lateral auger tube pivots from a transport position aligned with the travel direction, to an operating position transverse to the travel direction.

Abstract: A safety and assist mechanism for a flip chute hingedly connectable to a main chute for movement about a transverse hinge axis between a stored position over the main chute and a working position as an extension to the main chute. The mechanism has a lever rigidly securable to the flip chute to rotate with the flip chute about the hinge axis. A spring is connectable to the lever and to the main chute to generate a moment about the hinge axis contra to a moment generated by the weight of the flip chute.

Abstract: A grain wagon includes a wheel supported frame on which is mounted a hopper or container for receiving grain, and the wagon is pulled by a tow vehicle or tractor. An inclined discharge auger conveyor has an outer section which folds between a stored position and an operating position projecting upwardly and forwardly and laterally outwardly from the container. The outer auger section has a pivotal discharge spout with a pivotal internal baffle, and the spout is actuated by a double acting hydraulic cylinder controllable through hydraulic lines from the cab of the tractor so that the tractor operator may fully load and “top off” the grain within an adjacent semi-trailer as the tractor operator pulls the wagon along the side of the semi-trailer. In one embodiment, the outer section of the auger conveyor has an outer telescopic housing extension which carries the discharge spout and extends and retracts automatically with folding of the outer auger conveyor section.

Abstract: A work machine is provided and adapted for use in paving operations. The work machine has a conveying system for moving paving material from a first end portion to a predetermined distance beyond a second end portion. A receiving portion is included on the second end portion and is adapted to receive a plurality of operational attachments. The plurality of attachments transforms the work machine into three distinct machines that perform different paving operations.

Abstract: The invention is a bulk handing apparatus attachable to the flat bed of a truck having a flat bed tiltable on the frame of the truck rearward at an angle. The apparatus has a rectangular elongated frame having side frame members spaced from one another to receive seed containers with projecting ledges the bottom of the containers. The side frame members have inward flanges for engagement over the projecting ledges of seed containers to lock the containers between the side frames and is adapted to receive a plurality of seed containers between the side frame members..

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the remote operation of an auger attached to a portable unit for storing and transporting particulate matter. A bin having a number of sidewalls which converge downwardly and inwardly to a discharge end secured to a frame. A discharge chute is attached to the bin to receive particulate matter from the bin and transfer the particulate matter from the bin. An unloading auger is secured within the discharge chute and powered by a motor which is secured to the frame. In general operation, a clutch assembly engages the motor to the unloading auger causing the particulate matter to be unloaded. A user may use a transmitter to send a signal to a receiver which increases or decreases the output of the motor and engages or disengages the clutch such that the auger may be started or stopped. The transmitter and receiver may communicate using a radio signal. Additionally, wheels may support the frame and a trailer hitch may be attached.

Abstract: A self propelled vehicle for transport and placement of an onboard supply of fill material in an onboard hopper. The hopper is connected to said vehicle at a point operatively positioned to discharge fill material placed therein on a conveyor belt mounted to a support structure. At the distal end of the conveyor where the material is discharged a flow director is operatively attached to the support structure to receive the flow of fill material carried by said conveyor from the hopper. The flow director bifurcates the stream of fill material allowing the operator to place more or less of the fill in two streams using a plurality of independently adjustable channeling ramps. The hopper is optionally adjustable from an angle normal to the vehicle to allow for adjustment in the vehicle center of gravity on grades. The flow director can also be configured for attachment to existing conveyors to increase their utility or used as part of the entire self propelled device in a single unit.

Abstract: A grain wagon includes a wheel supported frame on which is mounted a hopper or container for receiving grain, and the wagon is pulled by a tow vehicle or tractor. An inclined discharge auger conveyor has an outer section which folds between a stored position and an operating position projecting upwardly and forwardly and laterally outwardly from the container. The outer auger section has a pivotal discharge spout with a pivotal internal baffle, and the spout is actuated by a double acting hydraulic cylinder controllable through hydraulic lines from the cab of the tractor so that the tractor operator may fully load and “top off” the grain within an adjacent semi-trailer as the tractor operator pulls the wagon along the side of the semi-trailer. In one embodiment, the outer section of the auger conveyor has an outer telescopic housing extension which carries the discharge spout and extends and retracts automatically with folding of the outer auger conveyor section.

Abstract: A grain wagon includes a wheel supported frame on which is mounted a hopper or container for receiving grain, and the wagon is pulled by a tow vehicle or tractor. An inclined discharge conveyor or auger has a folding outer section which projects upwardly and forwardly and laterally outwardly from the container. The auger has a pivotal discharge spout and a pivotal internal baffle, and the spout is actuated by a double acting hydraulic cylinder controllable through hydraulic lines from the cab of the tractor so that the tractor operator may fully load and “top off” the grain within an adjacent semi-trailer as the tractor operator pulls the wagon along the length of the semi-trailer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a mobile bin device having a mobile bin with a first conveyor extending along the bottom of the bin beneath a bin opening to convey material in the bin to one end of the bin. A second belt conveyor has one end pivotally mounted to the one end of the bin to pivot relative to the bin upward and downward and to one side or the other. The second conveyor is slidably mounted in its pivotal mounting to side longitudinally in the mounting to along the one end of the bin beneath the one end of the first conveyor to shorten or lengthen the distance from the outer end of the first conveyor to the outlet end of the second conveyor at the one end of the bin. Power devices are provided to power the upward and downward movement of the second conveyor and the longitudinal movement of the second conveyor.

Abstract: A system and auger assembly for conveying a solid granular material includes a rotatable auger, a first auger tube and a second auger tube telescopically recieved in the first auger tube. A drive mechanism longitudinally moves the second tube between a first position in which the second tube extends from the first tube and over a remaining portion of the length of the auger, and a second position in which the second tube is telescopically recieved within the first auger tube.

Abstract: An upper support mechanism for an unloader auger tube of a combine having a ball mechanism fixed atop the unloader auger tube and a bushing having a generally spherical opening for swivellably receiving the ball member. The bushing is slidable up and down within a cylindrical opening formed in a sleeve member fixed with the combine frame. The bushing is made of a material that generally does not require lubrication as it rubs against the ball member or the sleeve member.

Abstract: An auger hopper seal for a pivotable auger is provided according to the invention.

Abstract: A bulk seed bag carrier and dispenser of the present invention is adapted to transport and dispense the contents of a plurality of bulk seed bags. The bag carrier and dispenser includes a plurality of hoppers having V-shaped bottoms which help to empty the contents of the bag as well as stabilize the bag within the hopper. A horizontal auger is disposed below the hoppers and empties into a discharge auger having a movable and telescoping spout. The hoppers of the bulk seed carrier are offset to one side to allow a fork lift to move closer to the hoppers. The bulk seed carrier is preferably controlled by a wireless remote control.

Abstract: An auger system for a gravitationally dispensing storage receptacle associated with a trailer. The system comprises two discrete sections selectively coupled by a pivot assembly. During coupling, the second section arcuately moves from a stowed position into a discharge position wherein receptive contact is established with the first section. The first section comprises an elongated conveyor disposed beneath the bin to receive dispensed materials for subsequent output adjacent the trailer periphery. The conveyor comprises a cylindrical housing supporting a terminal hydraulic motor that rotates an internal screw auger to propel dispensed particulate material inside the transporter to an output orifice for transfer into the second section for external delivery. The second section comprises a auger transporter that comprises a cylindrical housing supporting a terminal motor rotating an internal screw auger that propels materials therethrough to an external discharge spout.

Abstract: A low profile trailer adapted for use with bulk material containers having either a central discharge port, or a side discharge port. The trailer includes a trailer bed having a pair of container decks each adapted to receive and support a bulk container. Each of the container decks has both a central discharge opening and a side discharge opening disposed to register with the central and side discharge ports of various bulk containers. A retainer lip extends up from and around three sides of each container deck so that a rigid bulk container may be loaded on the container deck with a fork lift and be conveniently positioned and secured on the deck. All discharge openings communicate with a hopper located under the trailer bed, and a hydraulically powered auger is used to discharge material, such as seed, from the hopper to the seed boxes of a planter.

Abstract: A wheel supported wagon includes a gravity discharge container or hopper for directing grain, feed, dry fertilizer or other granular material into a receiving box mounted on the side of the hopper. An inclined elongated auger unit includes a tubular conduit enclosing a hydraulically driven auger, and the lower end portion of the conduit has an inwardly projecting and upwardly curved annular upper flange. The flange seats on a downwardly projecting and outwardly curved lower flange forming part of an annular auger support member projecting downwardly from the material receiving box. The mating flanges provide for rotating the auger unit on a vertical axis and also for tilting the auger unit in a vertical plane at any selected rotational position.

Abstract: A loading car for bulk material for incorporation in a freight train of a plurality of successively arranged like loading cars, includes a box open on top and mounted on a frame for storing bulk material. A bottom conveyor is disposed in a lower portion of the box and has opposite conveyor ends spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction. Positioned between the boxes of two successive cars, each loading car has a transfer conveyor arrangement which projects beyond the frame and is angularly adjustable with respect to the bottom conveyor, with the transfer conveyor arrangement including two separate transfer conveyors, with one of the two transfer conveyors cooperating with one of the conveyor ends and the other one of the two transfer conveyors cooperating with the other one of the conveyor ends so as to allow a reversal of the conveying direction for the bulk material.

Abstract: A bulk loader car (1) comprises a storage box (2) exhibiting a ground conveyor belt (4) and a support frame (3). The storage box (2) is supported on a vehicle undercarriage frame (9), wherein in each case rail undercarriages (12) are disposed on end sides of the vehicle undercarriage frame (9). A transfer conveyor belt (8) is coordinated to a discharge end (6) of the ground conveyor belt (4) disposed at an angle to the horizontal. The vehicle undercarriage frame (9) is composed out of a first and a second car frame (10, 11) connected to each other by a coupler (15). The storage box (2) is supported in each case by a swivel ring (19, 20) on the two car frames (10, 11). One of the swivel rings (19) is supported longitudinally shiftable relative to the car frame (10).

Abstract: A portable grain cart that has independently operated, endless, rubber belted conveyors for moving material out of the hopper and then discharging the material into a truck or other transport or storage facility. A first rubber belted conveyor is mounted inside of the hopper to pick up the material from the hopper and then discharge the material outside the cart onto a second conveyor which then moves the material into the truck. The outside or discharge conveyor is pivotally mounted so that it can be swung to a number of positions, including a storage position, and it also can be elevated to different heights depending upon the truck or storage facility into which the material is to be discharged.

Abstract: A box car for carrying bulk material and capable of being incorporated into a freight train of a plurality of successively arranged like box cars, the box car comprising a box having an open top and an endless horizontal conveyor at the bottom, one of the endless conveyor ends being a rear end in the conveying direction and another endless conveyor end being a front end in the conveying direction, and a bulk material transfer device for transferring the bulk material from a preceding to a succeeding box car, the preceding and succeeding box cars being coupled to each other, the bulk material transfer device comprising an inclined endless conveyor having a lower end and an upper end, a drive for moving the inclined endless conveyor, and an adjusting drive for adjusting the distance of the transfer device from the ends of the horizontal endless conveyor, and the inclined endless conveyor being so arranged that the lower end subtends the front end of the horizontal endless conveyor of the preceding box car, and

Abstract: A system for rapidly receiving and storing a quantity of loose copy, for example newspapers, from a high speed printing press and dispensing them to the point-of-use without having to undergo the traditional operation of bundling the newspapers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a newspaper delivery system comprising a conveyor system for receiving a continuous stream of loose, unbound, newspapers directly from a high speed printing operation, an over-the-road vehicle having a cargo area equipped with a loose copy storage unit for receiving the loose newspapers supplied by the conveyor system and storing the newspapers during transport; and means for dispensing a selected quantity of newspapers once the truck arrives at a delivery destination.

Abstract: A vehicle has a mixing bin with a discharge chute, with or without a discharge door. An adjustable duct assembly in communication with the discharge chute has a second chute. Bedding materials are mixed in the bin, discharged through the discharge chute, and mechanically moved through the duct assembly to the second chute.

Abstract: A conveying/sorting apparatus includes a truck movable along a fixed route and possessing a vertically movable platform that can support objects. The truck delivers the articles to respective collection stations disposed along the route. Pairs of plates are connected between the platform and truck to reinforce the platform against horizontal forces. Each pair of plates includes an upper plate hinged to the platform, and a lower plate hinged to the truck, with the plates hinged to one another to be able to fold and unfold in response to vertical movement of the platform.

Abstract: A material aerating and mixing machine having a material elevator which elevates, mixes and aerates the material to be processed. The material from the elevator is discharged onto a pair of conveyors, a cross conveyor that can be side shifted for windrow turning, and a discharge conveyor that is pivotally mounted for swingable movement in a horizontal plane into a different positions, one position being in line with the cross conveyor for truck loading, another at an angle for stack turning, and a third position where the conveyor is folded for windrow turning or transport. Each of the conveyors is independently powered depending upon the mode in which the machine is operated.

Abstract: A bulk seed cart includes a seed bin with sloping sides converging at a bottom mounted discharge hopper to which a conveyor is removably connected for unloading seed from the cart. The conveyor is supported by a telescoping boom mounted on the side of the cart and the boom, and attached conveyor, can be raised or lowered via an attached hydraulic lifting cylinder. The boom can be pivoted from side to side and the conveyor is attached to the boom via a swivel assembly, which, once the conveyor is detached from the seed cart, allows the conveyor to be swiveled 180 degrees and attached to a nearby source of seed, such as another seed cart, a stationary bin, a truck or railroad car, etc., with the conveyor being directed toward the seed bin in the seed cart. Seed can thus be unloaded from the source and loaded into the seed cart via the conveyor. The lifting cylinder, the telescoping boom and the conveyor motor are all controllable via a single remote control module.

Abstract: A stowage latch assembly for an auger includes a hopper for holding granular material and an auger barrel which is swingably movable in an auger-stowing path from a hopper-unloading position, where the auger barrel extends outwardly from the hopper, to an auger-stowage position, where the auger is positioned adjacent a sidewall of the hopper. An auger-latching support assembly is provided, which includes a gate member openable for receiving the auger barrel when the barrel is moved from the hopper-unloading position to the auger-stowage position. The gate member is locked in a closed position when the auger is in the stowage position.

Abstract: A gravity box grain cart has an auger assembly for conveying granular material. The auger assembly includes an auger with an axis and a helical flight along the axis, with the auger having a feed end, a discharge end and a central auger section therebetween. A cylindrical auger tube surrounds at least the central auger section, and the feed end of the auger extends outwardly from the tube. A sump for granular material is connected to the auger tube and surrounds the feed end of the auger. The auger, auger tube and sump are pivotable about approximately the feed end of the auger in approximately a first plane. The auger, auger tube and sump are further pivotable about approximately the feed end of the auger in a second plane approximately perpendicular to the first plane. The sump has a diameter through the axis of the auger which is about perpendicular to the second plane, and which is at least about 40-100% larger than the diameter of the auger tube.

Abstract: A trailer (10) for handling and rotating poultry cages (14,16) loaded by an automatic poultry catching device (12). The trailer (10) includes two rotating platforms (20,22) mounted to a chassis (18) for rotational movement about a single vertical axis extending through the chassis (18) and a turntable assembly (24) for rotating the platforms (20,22). The turntable assembly (24) rotates the rotating platforms (20,22) independently of one another so that one platform can be positioned in a poultry-loading position for loading poultry in the cages supported thereon and the other platform can be positioned in a cage-loading and unloading position for unloading the filled cages and replacing the filled cages with empty cages.