Abstract: A mat lift is disclosed. In an example, the mat lift may be configured to work with a truck-mounted crane to store and organize a plurality of mat pads. An example of the mat lift includes a channel track that extends rearwardly on a back end of the truck-mounted crane. The example channel track has a downward bend that extends the channel track vertically down a rear surface of the truck-mounted crane. The example channel track also includes a winch or roller that drives a cable or chain in order to move a trolley from a first horizontal end to a second vertical end of the channel track. In an example, the trolley includes a post member configured to receive at least one of the plurality of mat pads thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus is for collecting and transporting bales. The apparatus includes a transport assembly and a grasping assembly operatively connected thereto. The transport assembly includes a bale loading platform extending above and mounted to a chassis. The bale loading platform comprises at least one bale conveying section in including a bale conveying mechanism. The grasping assembly includes a mechanical arm having a prehension end effector engageable with the bales. The grasping assembly is configurable between a bale engagement configuration for engaging a corresponding one of the bales laying on the ground, a bale capture configuration for capturing and lifting the corresponding one of the bales off the ground and a bale release configuration for releasing the corresponding one of the bales onto the bale loading platform and comprises a movement absorption mechanism operative to substantially cancel the forward displacement of the apparatus during the capture of the bales.

Abstract: An adaptable handling system featuring a boundary subsystem and one or more robots. Each robot typically includes a chassis, a container lift mechanism moveable with respect to the robot chassis for transporting at least one container, a drive subsystem for maneuvering the chassis, a boundary sensing subsystem, a container detection subsystem, and a controller. The controller is responsive to the boundary sensing subsystem and the container detection subsystem and is configured to control the drive subsystem to follow a boundary once intercepted until a container is detected and turn until another container is detected. The controller then controls the container lift mechanism to place a transported container proximate the second detected container.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a movable debris apparatus for receiving and collecting debris, including a collector for receiving and collecting debris in the collector mounted in the front of the debris apparatus. A waste bin is provided for receiving and holding debris collected by the collector mounted in the rear of the debris apparatus. Two sets of gears are provided for pivotally connecting the collector to the debris apparatus. An operating handle has a U-shape with two legs having teeth thereon for engaging the two sets of gears by moving the handle up and down to turn the gears and pivot the collector between a first position for receiving and collecting the debris and a second position for transferring the debris in the collector to the waste bin.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for loading articles, such as wild game or the like, into an all terrain vehicle (ATV). The device provides a tripod-type support on the front upper part of the ATV having a pulley at its apex whereby the cable from a winch on the front of the ATV is passed over the pulley and then extends over the ATV to the rear of the ATV where a sled is placed on the rear of the ATV so that an article placed at the base of the sled can be pulled up the sled and loaded into the ATV.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting traffic cones from a surface to a vehicle, or dispensing traffic cones onto the surface from the vehicle, includes a conveyor disposed in use between the vehicle and the surface for transferring cones therebetween. The apparatus further includes means for actuating the conveyor in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular with the direction of movement of the vehicle during use. This allows the apparatus to lift and lay cone tapers.

Abstract: A front-loading, refuse collecting vehicle is modularly provided with a combination of a low-profile, front-loadable waste bin (intermediate container) and one or more, side-loading robotic arms. To reduce mechanical stresses along couplings between the vehicle and the combination of the intermediate container and the robotic arm(s), a major portion of the mass of the robotic arm mechanism is situated to the rear of the intermediate container so that a mass and beam combination is defined where the mass-supporting beam has reduced length. More specifically, hydraulic and/or other relatively massive motor means of the robotic arm mechanism are mounted to the rear of a refuse-containing wall of the intermediate container.

Abstract: Through the use of a rail system having spaced apart rails tracking above and along a roadway with arcuate guides associated with each rail and a cone magazine sequentially delivering traffic cones in a horizontal position between the rails in front of the arcuate guides, each horizontally disposed cone will be brought to an upright position when the top of its base contacts the guides as a result of friction with the roadway of one edge of the base of the traffic cone and movement of the guides with the rails. In one embodiment the magazine includes a mechanical arm with a cone clamp at its distal end, arranged to move the cone clamp from a cone storage to a location between the rails to sequentially deliver cones to the rail system. An auxiliary system is provided to reposition upright traffic cone from the rail system in a taper for closing off access to roadways.

Abstract: A wheeled vehicle, preferably a trailer, carries highway markers in a storage frame that is horizontally rotated to selectively align each of a plurality of parallel, circularly spaced, slide bearings, each configured to confine a linear array of highway markers against circumferential and radial movement, while allowing sliding along the length of the array. A powered abutment feeds the highway markers to a transfer station. A transfer mechanism picks up a highway marker by attraction and moves it between the transfer station and a highway station. A video camera records the highway station environment and wirelessly sends a video stream to a monitor plugged in the driver's cab. A releasable electrical connector between a tow vehicle and a trailer wheeled vehicle transmits a lights-on signal to control the operations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for retrieving traffic cones from roadway surfaces comprises a framework which is adapted to be attached to a roadwork vehicle so as to be movable therewith along a roadway surface. A knock-down bar upon the framework knocks down a normally upstanding traffic cone, and a substantially horizontally oriented, substantially conically configured spearing mechanism mounted upon the framework is inserted into the hollow interior of the traffic cone. The spearing mechanism and traffic cone are pivoted to a vertical orientation, and subsequently elevated so as to place the traffic cones onto a platform in a nested stacked array.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for loading, unloading, and handling bales. A powered apparatus is configured to load bales, slide the bales from a loading mechanism to a rearward position on a platform, and unload the bales from the apparatus comprises a variety of mechanisms and control systems. Such mechanisms include a bale accumulating platform, a bale loading mechanism to pick up and deposit bales on the accumulating platform, a bale sliding mechanism, and a push-off or sliding mechanism to unload bales from the apparatus. The apparatus may be positioned in a variety of configurations and a chain tensioner mechanism is used to keep chains taut. The apparatus further comprises a control system that includes a computer device or controller, sensors and switches. The sensors and switches are configured to selectively provide input to the computer device or may be used independent of the computer device to control one or more mechanisms of the apparatus.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting cylindrical bales comprises a pair of rails and a conveyor chain located between and below the rails such that a bale is maintained in position on the conveyor chain by the rails. The load engaging face of the conveyor chain comprises a plurality of resilient pads having a roughened surface to increase friction between the pads and the bale without protruding into the bale. The load engaging face can slide with respect to the bale. First and second loading arms are operative to raise first and second bales onto corresponding conveyors. A third loading arm raises the first bale from the first conveyor to allow the first loading arm to raise a third bale from the ground and position it on the first conveyor, and then lowers the first bale to rest on the second and third bales.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting round bales has two bale support cradles one on each side and pivotal about an axis along the side between a first lifting position in which the cradle extends outwardly and a second transport position in which the cradle is located on the support area for transport on the frame. Each cradle has bale support rails carried on polygonal axially spaced rings defining a cylindrical chamber so that a bale can be lifted by rails on each side from the ground rotated onto the frame for transport and rotated back to its initial position with its flat spot back on the ground. A backstop member can be moved from a first position closing the rear end to allow the bales to be discharged from the rear end by forward movement of the trailer.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing or placing traffic cones onto a roadway surface at predeterminedly spaced locations thereof comprises a horizontally disposed magazine, and a vertically oriented chute section. A plurality of traffic cones can be loaded into the magazine section, and a leading one of the traffic cones can be moved into the vertically oriented chute section for discharge and deposition onto the roadway surface. An automatic control system can also be used to control the discharge of the traffic cones into the vertically oriented chute section in accordance with predeterminedly timed sequences such that the traffic cones can be placed upon the roadway surface at locations which are spaced apart by predeterminedly defined distances.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting cylindrical bales comprises a pair of rails and a conveyor chain located between and below the rails such that a bale is maintained in position on the conveyor chain by the rails. The load engaging face of the conveyor chain comprises a plurality of resilient pads having a roughened surface to increase friction between the pads and the bale without protruding into the bale. The load engaging face can slide with respect to the bale. First and second loading arms are operative to raise first and second bales onto corresponding conveyors. A third loading arm raises the first bale from the first conveyor to allow the first loading arm to raise a third bale from the ground and position it on the first conveyor, and then lowers the first bale to rest on the second and third bales.

Abstract: A simple agricultural bale loading accessory that provides an efficient tool that should save time and labor costs over other existing loaders. The invention permits a novel lifting, flipping, rotating, and depositing of a mid-size or big bale in one continuous motion from the ground in the field onto and across a receiving wagon or vehicle. The invention is designed to facilitate the easy conversion of an existing small bale hay pickup and transport vehicle into a vehicle that can more easily handle mid-size and big bales.

Abstract: A device for setting cones on a roadway surface having a lower base portion and an upwardly extending cone extension. The device includes a chute portion having an upper end and a lower end, a feeder portion adapted to release cones one at a time from the upper end to the lower end of the chute portion to set cones on a roadway surface. The device also has a hopper portion adapted for holding a plurality of stacked cones above the feeder portion, wherein in the plurality of stacked cones the base portions are spaced apart, a motive portion to activate the feeder portion, and a control module to control the motive portion and release individual cones at a desired spaced apart interval.

Abstract: An apparatus which automatically retrieves conical highway warning markers from the roadway and transports the cones to a support vehicle for storage. The apparatus, which is attached to a vehicle, comprises a clamping plate disposed at the end of a lifting arm, which clamps the base of the traffic cone onto a platform. The lifting arm then rotates to raise the cone to a position for stowage. The raised cone can then be manually removed from the lifting arm for stowage or, alternatively, dropped onto a conveyor system which transports the traffic cone to a storage area within the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention involves a loading hay bale trailer. The trailer comprises (a) a carriage having (i) a frame, (ii) axles and (iii) wheels, (b) a pivotal cradle attached to the frame, the carriage having (i) a back section and (ii) tines, (c) a device for forcibly pivoting the cradle. The trailer may be loaded by lowering the tines to the ground level, forcing the tines under the bale, pivoting the cradle to roll the ball onto the elbow section, and transporting the bale.

Abstract: A method for picking up rectangular big bales of hay, straw, or the like; placing the bales on a turntable for proper selective orientation of the bales relative to a stacker bed; and for pivoting the turntable, with bales, about a horizontal axis for depositing the bales on a stacker bed. Sideways displacement of a first bale on the turntable permits a second bale to be placed in a side by side, parallel relationship with a first bale and also permits tying of tiers of bales on the stacker bed. A novel pick-up member, which rotates one hundred eighty degrees, allows pick up of bales from a horizontal location on the ground and placement of the bales in an upside down, lengthwise and horizontal position on the turntable.

Abstract: Embodiments of a big hay bale stacker apparatus and method are shown and described. The big hay bale stacker picks up a first big hay bale cross-wise, rotates the first bale 90.degree. about an axis parallel to the long dimension of the bale, and lifts the bale and places it on the front edge of a load table. The load table rotates to tip backwards so the first bale slides to the back of the load table when the pick-up mechanism releases the bale. The load table continues to rotate and tip backwards until it also has rotated 90.degree., and, by doing so, it rotates the first bale another 90.degree. and positions it on the front edge of a load bed. The load table and pick-up mechanism then reverse their travel, and in like fashion as for the first bale, pick up a second bale. The pick-up mechanism does not release the second bale until the load table has rotated 90.degree.

Abstract: A hay roll transporter is adapted to pick up very large hay rolls in the field, carry them to another location, and off load them for storage or further transport. The transporter is in the general configuration of a truck, and may be driven on public roads and also as an agricultural vehicle in the field. The transporter is capable of carrying multiple large hay rolls, which rolls may each exceed one thousand pounds. The rolls are loaded in two rows side by side on the truck bed, with rolls being added alternatingly to each row for lateral balance of the truck. A front ramp with movable forks thereon is used to pick up each roll and load it on the front of the truck, whereupon the roll is transferred to a bed rack which carries and deposits the roll on the bed of the transporter truck.

Abstract: The invention provides a center-line loading harvester that can: 1) drive up to a filled fruit picker's tub; 2) lift the tub and transfer its contents to a hopper from whence a conveyor moves the fruit to a larger dump bin; 3) place the tub back on the ground; and 4) drive over the tub without damaging it or moving it appreciably from a desired location at which it was "spotted". The apparatus of the invention also provides a tub-holding magazine on the harvester that can both: 1) pick empty tubs off the ground and store them in a stack; and 2) take empty tubs from a stack and spot them on the ground.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted device for positioning traffic cones (14) on the street and for collecting them from the street. Each cone has a conical hollow body (15) and a base (16). The cones are stacked and nested in a supply (8) comprising a hollow vertical body open at least at its base (28) to permit the reception of the base (16) of a cone. A platform (4) is disposed about a vertical axis (10) and disposed below the base (28) of the supply (8). The platform (4) has at least one opening (6) and a fork formed of two fingers (7) which are substantially horizontal and are spaced from each other in a direction radially of the platform so as to let pass only the body (15) of a cone and not the base (16) of the cone.

Abstract: The bale handling farm trailer comprises an elongated chassis, a front bed frame overlying and coextensive with the chassis and having a flooring secured to and extending across the front section of the front bed frame. The rear end of the latter is pivoted to the rear end of the chassis for pivoting movement to an upwardly tilted bale unloading position. This front bed frame defines a cavity rearwardly of the front bed flooring. A rear bed fits within the cavity and is pivoted to the rear of the front bed frame for movement between a rest position fitting within the cavity and resting on the front bed frame with both bed floorings in alignment and forming a continuous surface to an upright bale unloading position relative to the front bed frame. Hydraulic cylinder and piston units pivot the rear bed with respect to the front bed and the front bed with respect to the chassis. A bale pusher assembly serves to successively move the loaded bales from the back to the rear of the two bed frames.

Abstract: Multifunction building machine used in civil construction sites and public works. The machine combines on a self-propelled frame, a concrete-mixer (20) with a set of tools on one side, comprising a loading power shovel (60), a grader (70) and a digging shovel (80) and on the other side a dumper (50). The concrete mixer is of the fixed container type provided with a rotary mixer (33), a hinged cover (25) being adapted to form a spout for transfering the contents from the loading shovel to the dumper.

Abstract: A system for handling bales of feed includes a freight trailer with a tongue that can be offset laterally to cause the trailer to follow a path to one side of the path of a tractor to permit a front-loading device on the trailer to engage bales of feed and raise them onto a load-carrying platform of the trailer. The platform is tiltable downward to the rear to induce sliding movement of loaded bales, and to release said bales in a vertical stack. The platform is provided with a device to grip the top bale of a stack and insert a lifting member under the stack to retrieve it for feeding operations. The platform is tiltable downward-forward to induce forward movement of the bales for release onto a bale shredder carried in part on the tongue of the trailer.

Abstract: An articulated U-shaped multi-purpose vehicle particularly adapted for underground digging and hauling comprising: a U-shaped frame having opposing sides and front ends connected by a front piece, and rear ends defining an open interior space in communication with an open front end; a bucket load chamber mounted within the U-shaped frame, a liftable bucket loader hingedly attached to the frame to pivotally tilt the bucket loader bottom as it is rearwardly lifted and transported to empty its contents into the bucket load chamber, wheel mounts capable of pivoting attached to the opposing sides; a plurality of wheels independently suspended and rotatably attached to the wheel mounts; pivots associated with the wheel mounts to pivot and turn each wheel in a desired direction; a motor associated with each wheel to rotate the wheels forward and backward; a power source operably associated with the pivots and motors; and controls mounted to the frame and associated with the engine, pivots, and power source is select

Abstract: A bale handling apparatus, particularly for loading, stacking and retrieving large rectangular bales, includes an elongated bed mounted on a vehicle adapted for forward loading of bales into a loading cradle pivotally connected to the front of the bed. The loading cradle includes two sections pivotally connected to each other such that the angle between the two sections changes during the loading cycle to support the bale and then push the bale onto the elongated bed. Curved loading forks projecting from one of the loading cradle sections are adapted to slide under a bale to be loaded and also aid in stabilizing the bales accumulated on the bed as the bed is pivoted from the horizontal loading position to a vertical position to create a bale stack that may be retrieved by the apparatus at a later time.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle for picking up and stacking large hay bales of a one-ton size is disclosed. The vehicle has a pivotally mounted stacking bed that receives bales in a horizontally arrayed matrix and pivots to deposit the arrayed matrix in a vertical orientation for storage. Forward pick up mechanism provides a pivotally mounted mast carrying paired spaced squeeze arms in its outer portion to cooperatively pick up a bale forwardly of the vehicle and pivotally move that bale upwardly and rearwardly to the stacking bed for deposition thereon. Bale moving mechanism positions bales on the stacking bed in proper matrix position. Hydraulic powering and control circuits provide automatic and semi-automatic operation of the various mechanisms of the device.

Abstract: A self-loading transport for round hay includes at tilt platform hinged to a transport platform. Round bales of hay are captured onto the tilt platform when it is in an upright position. Then, movement of the transport forward will raise and level the tilt platform with a bale of hay on it. When the tilt platform is in its full erect position, the bale of hay will roll forward from the tilt platform onto the transport platform. A rocker on the tilt platform aids in the smooth motion of the tilt platform and the rear of the transport platform from the transport position to a tilt position with a tilt platform in upright position. When the bales have been transported to the desired location, they are unloaded from the transport by permitting individual trays carrying the bales in transport on the transport platform to rotate upon the transport frame.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a beach trash remover which includes a motorized vehicle having a conventional construction type shovel attached to the front thereof. An opening covered by a screen is provided in the center of shovel to allow the beach sand, containing the trash, to drop back onto the beach thereby leaving the trash within the screened opening portion of the shovel. The screen is held on a frame which is coupled to the shovel through shock absorbers and means are provided to provide a vibrating motion to the screened frame to further aid in returning the sand to the beach. A grader may be attached to the back end of the beach trash remover to cover any tire tracks or otherwise smooth the beach.

Abstract: A load toting vehicle apparatus includes a vehicle such as a pick up truck having a special cylindrical bumper, rotably mounted to the rear thereof, with special bumper mounting brackets. The bumper mounting brackets have sleeves for the cylindrical bumper to rotate in, and a pair of spears are removably attachable to the cylindrical bumper for spearing a load of hay, or the like. The bumper has a rotating mechanism for rotating the bumper in the sleeves so as to lift the spears and any load mounted on the spears. The vehicle can be driven to spear a load of hay, or the like, then the load lifted and moved with the vehicle to a different location. The spears can be removed from their operating position and stored inside the hollow cylindrical bumper and locked in the bumper with a threaded clamp. The actuating mechanism includes a leverage bracket attached to the cylindrical bumper and connected with a hydraulic cylinder for rotating the cylindrical bumper.

Abstract: A tie lifting machine comprises a reciprocating tie removing member provided with retractable push fingers for removing the ties from the ballast and pushing them onto an upwardly inclined ramp to an intermediate position, a fork-like tie lifting member adapted to lift the ties from the intermediate position up to a belt conveyor running in the direction of travel of the machine, and a tie pusher adapted, when the tie lifting member is in its upper position, to transfer the ties carried by this member to the belt conveyor.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus comprises a mobile frame defining a longitudinal axis and a raised load compartment on the mobile frame substantially in alignment with said longitudinal axis, and having open front and rear ends. A material handling bucket is pivotally mounted to a carriage mounted for longitudinal movement in an axial direction. A drive is provided driving the carriage bidirectionally in the axial direction. A cam surface is defined substantially continuous with the open front end of the raised load receiving compartment and continuing to a location vertically therebelow. The bucket is arranged for simultaneously pivoting and riding along the cam surface and the load compartment in response to the movement of the carriage for alternatively loading material through the open front end of the load receiving compartment and clearing the load receiving compartment of material loaded thereupon through the open rear end thereof.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered unit which serves as a rear truck bumper and as a bale carrier for large cylindrical hay bales. The unit includes a pair of stationary end bumper sections and a pivotal center bumper section having a pair of sockets for receiving bale piercing spears. A rigid frame secures the bumper to the truck at the customary location for the rear bumper. The center bumper section can be pivoted by hydraulic cylinders in order to load an impaled bale into the truck bed for transport and to unload the bale back onto the ground. Spring loaded locking plates hold the spears in the sockets and can be released to permit removal of the spears when they are not needed to handle bales.

Abstract: A hay bale retrieving and transporting trailer which includes a rectangular frame mounted upon a pair of ground-engaging wheels and carrying a pair of oppositely disposed bale loading and supporting cradles pivotally mounted on the frame. The cradles are actuated by a pair of piston and cylinder subassemblies which extend between the frame and the cradles for moving the cradles from a first, pick-up position to a second, transporting position. The trailer is further provided with a horizontally extending towing tongue having one end pivotally connected at the center of the trailer frame. A piston and cylinder is connected between the trailer frame and the tongue to swing the tongue to a selected angle with respect to the fore-and-aft axis of the trailer frame so that the trailer can be towed in a laterally offset position from a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A control linkage for a round bale wagon is disclosed wherein both the operation of the bale pickup mechanism to squeeze a bale of crop material for firm engagement between a pair of projecting arms and the operation to lift a bale so engaged onto the load bed can be controlled by a single control lever. The squeeze and lift operations are powered by separate hydraulic cylinders operatively controlled by respective control valves having three position spools, spring loaded to the central, neutral position. The control linkage includes a cross link interconnecting the two respective control valves and a connecting link extending from a point on the cross link, closer to the squeeze valve than to the lift valve, for connection to the control lever.

Abstract: An apparatus for the unrolling or reduction of cylindrical bales of hay, straw or like material and for the measured distribution of such materials directly to the place of use, comprising, a trolley or trailer capable of being attached to the rear of a tractor and; a substantially horizontal journal or pivot member extending parallel to the forward direction of movement of the trailer and capable of being axially inserted into a cylindrical bale. A mechanism is provided for displacing the pivot member parallel to itself from a lateral, pick-up position to an upper loaded position. The apparatus includes a substantially horizontal conveyor disposed transversely for supporting and unwinding or rotating the cylindrical bale which is loaded thereon and retained by the pivot member.

Abstract: A trailer for loading and transporting cylindrical bales of straw fodder or other materials, of the type having an off-set draw-bar, comprising a chasssis supported by wheels, a main platform integral with this chassis, a fork articulated in the region of the front edge of the main platform and pivotable between a low bale pick-up position, in which the free end of the fork is close to the ground, and a high loading position, in which the free end of the fork is above the plane of the main platform, a control member capable of assuming a first or second state and a drive member controlled by said control member, causing the fork to pivot upwards when the control member is in its second state, and allowing the fork to pivot downwards when the control member is in its first state.

Abstract: A bale loader designed for use in combination with a pickup truck. The loader features a frame assembly which slides easily into and out of the bed of the pickup truck and which may be secured thereto and removed therefrom without the need for special tools. The bale fork portion of the loader is designed to be utilized either in connection with the pickup truck frame assembly or with a standard three-point tractor hitch. The base of the bale fork is pivotally mounted to the rear portion of the frame assembly. An adjustable mast extends vertically from the center post of the bale fork and has a pulley connected to the top portion thereof. A winch motor is attached to the forward portion of the frame assembly and drives a spool having a cable which engages the pulley for selective pivoting of the bale fork.

Abstract: An improved vehicle is described which is adapted both for the handling of refuse containers and for general utility purposes. The vehicle has a chassis, an elongated lifting frame supported by the chassis, and means for elevating a rearward segment of the frame with respect to a rear segment of the chassis. Refuse container engaging arms are supported near a rear segment of the lifting frame and a utility vehicle body is mounted on the lifting frame. The vertical position of the container engaging arms is varied in accordance with movement of the lifting frame.