Abstract: An article handler for attachment to a front end loader, the article handler comprising a support body and a jaw assembly, the support body comprising a proximal end adapted for attachment to the front end loader, and a distal end adapted for attachment of the jaw assembly. The article handler may be adapted to handle, install, and dismount ground engaging tools (GET), such as teeth for excavating buckets.

Abstract: A trolley for moving heavy objects such as wire coils from a machine to a container at a packaging table is provided. The trolley includes spring-loaded spaced arms movably mounted for vertical height adjustment so that the arms are just below the coil when it is on the machine and rotational movement to separate the spaced arms with the spaced arms retaining the heavy object during movement of the trolley apparatus, and locking arms engaging the spaced arms during movement of the trolley apparatus to prevent separation thereof. The spring-loaded arms permit the heavy object to be manually pushed downward therebetween, thereby forcing the arms apart enabling the object to fall from the trolley into a container on a packaging table. The table includes a platform for supporting the container, a motor for raising/lowering the platform, and a mechanism for retaining the container and aiding its alignment with the coil.

Abstract: An upright for a lift truck includes a first group of mast sections in a first stagger arrangement where a first mast section of the first group of mast sections is fixed to the lift truck. The upright further includes a second group of mast sections in a second stagger arrangement that is reverse nested inside the first stagger arrangement. Further, the upright includes a drive system for telescopingly extending and retracting the second mast sections relative to the first mast section.

Abstract: A folding bale spear system including a frame securable to a farm implement, particularly a tractor, left and right fork posts rotatable secured to the frame, left and right bale spears, one secured to the left fork post and one secured to the right fork post, and a system for rotation of the left and right fork posts about the frame such that in an open position, the bale spears are extended rearwardly from the frame, and in a closed position the bale spears cross each other and are rotated to a position substantially parallel to the frame.

Abstract: A system and method for unwrapping round modules is disclosed. Specifically, a method for unwrapping a round module is disclosed. The method comprises supporting a round module wrapped in a module wrapper on a tilting module feeder having a tilting module feeder first side and a tilting module feeder second side, cutting the module wrapper substantially horizontally from a round module first side to a round module second side, and applying tension to a module wrapper top flap.

Abstract: A track hoe bucket attachment for purposes of loading and unloading pipe comprising two tines connected at one end by a pipe. The pipe has an opening that is capable of receiving the teeth of the track hoe bucket. The two tines are further connected by a support bar which has eyelets at its two ends. The eyelets of the support bar receive a chain that is connected to the track hoe to further secure the attachment to the track hoe.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame and a roller. The frame has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be coupled to a vehicle configured to move along a surface, such as for example, an industrial utility vehicle, scooter or the like. The roller is coupled to the second portion of the frame such that when the first portion of the frame is coupled to the vehicle the second portion of the frame and the roller are spaced apart from the surface, and the roller is configured to contact a portion of a substantially cylindrical roll. The portion of the substantially cylindrical roll is disposed between the surface and a horizontal center line of the substantially cylindrical roll.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a trailer and/or unloading device, a front and rear roller assembly and chock may be moved along the length of the trailer. The front and rear roller assemblies may each include two rollers that may be actuated between a first and second position. The chock may include a stop that may be actuated between a first and second position. The arrangement of front and rear rollers and chock allows the operator to unload a plurality of objects placed on the trailer deck, one object at a time, while remaining in the cab of a prime mover. The moving components of the trailer and/or unloading device may be powered hydraulically. The trailer and/or unloading device may include strategically placed cameras and a control panel for operating the various elements of the trailer and unloading device placed in the cab of the prime mover.

Abstract: A vertical bore coil lifter for lifting coils of steel with reduced risk of the coil telescoping includes a pair of inside legs dimensioned to fit inside the bore of the coil with remote legs to support inner wraps of the bottom of the coil. Opposed outer legs traverse the outside of the coil and terminate in outer legs that oppose the inner legs. The outer legs supporting outer wraps of the coil and prevent telescoping of the coil while it is being lifted. The lifter may be selectively brought from an open configuration, in which the feet are drawn apart to release or receive a coil to a closed configuration in which the opposed feet are drawn together to cooperate in supporting the underside of the coil. In one embodiment an automatic latching and unlatching mechanism is provided to alternate between the release and closed configurations without need for operator intervention.

Abstract: A round bale mover for attachment to either a tractor mounted front-end loader or a tractor three-point hitch for moving a pair of round bales. First and second bale teeth extend from a first end of the bale mover for supporting a first bale thereon. Third and fourth bale teeth extend from a second end of the bale mover for supporting a second bale thereon. The first and second bale teeth are selectively movable towards and away from the third and fourth bale teeth. The third and fourth bale teeth are selectively movable towards and away from the first and second bale teeth. The bale mover enables the first and second bales to be moved towards one another and moved away from one another.

Abstract: A carpet pole carriage assembly for a lift truck includes a carriage having a front plate and a back plate. The front plate includes a carpet pole receiving opening. A carpet pole retainer is carried on the carriage. A carpet pole retainer includes a first section secured to the front plate about the carpet pole receiving opening and a second section secured to the back plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a unique cart for transporting and dispensing spooled or reeled materials such as wire, carpet, or cable. The apparatus allows a user to elevate a spool of material off the ground into a suspended position where the material can be unreeled, without the user having to manually lift the spool. The apparatus also allows the user to transport or move the elevated material from place to place while still in the cart. The apparatus also contains a feature for transport, storage, and unreeling of multiple spools of material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method may comprise a platform, a rotatable structure on the platform, an arm associated with the platform, and an interface associated with the arm. The structure may be configured to hold a number of tanks. The arm may be configured to move about a plurality of axes. The interface may be configured to connect to a tank in the number of tanks. The arm may be configured to move the tank about the plurality of axes when the interface is connected to the tank.

Abstract: A roller for moving, rolling and unrolling rolls of sod. The roller is generally comprised of a top portion including a side shift actuator and at least one attachment member for attachment to a vehicle, preferably a skid steer. The roller also includes a rotary actuator with a shaft, slidably attached to the top portion. A main frame consisting of a top member, side member, base member and an end gate, extends down from the shaft of the rotary actuator. The end gate of the main frame is configured to pivot open and closed. The main frame is configured to rotate with the shaft.

Abstract: Methods and devices for positioning a group, array, series or arrangement of plumb poles in a specific relationship relative to each other, whereby a first pole is inserted in a horizontal clamshell attached to a moveable platform, retained and raised to a vertical position and plumbed. The moveable platform is positioned over the pole insertion location and the pole is released. The process is repeated at as many holes as needed. Other embodiments are used to set the poles at specific heights, or angles.

Abstract: A three wheeled cart for transporting heavy rolls of paper to and from unwinders and reminders. The operator stands at the rear end where he can start and stop the cart, steer it, and control the carriage at the front end for lifting the paper roll from the floor and/or into a processing machine. The steerable rear wheel is driven electrically from a twist type throttle on a steering handle that can be moved from an active position to a stowed position. In the stowed position the cart is secured by the same motor-brake that drives the single rear wheel.

Abstract: Hay bale suspension systems for non-pivotal connection to hitches of vehicles are disclosed herein. The systems respectively comprise connector assemblies and hay bale support assemblies. The connector assemblies non-pivotally secure to a ball hitch or a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The hay bale support assemblies are non-pivotally secured to the vehicle via the connector assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus (3, 103) for removal of packaging (11) from a big bale (1), the apparatus (3) comprising: at least one gripper (41, 141) arranged to hold on to a part of the packaging (11); at least one cutting means (31, 131) arranged to make at least a first cut through the packaging (11) at the binding material-covered face and substantially transversely of the longitudinal extent of the binding material, and optionally make further cuts through the packaging, preferably in the faces adjacent to the first cut, in order to create an opening in the packaging (11) enclosing the big bale (1); and at least one supporting means (23, 123), the at least one supporting means (23, 123) and/or the gripper (41, 141) being arranged to effect relative movement between the big bale (1) and the at least one gripper (41, 141), whereby the packaging (11) is separated from the contents (1a) of the big bale.

Abstract: Reels of material are transported by being disposed on a first transport carriage which is, in turn, disposed on a second transport carriage. The second transport carriage travels between a reel storage area, that has a plurality of storage spaces, and a reel changer of a web-processing machine. The second transport carriage, together with the first transport carriage and the reel of material that is deposited on the first transport carriage then travels to an offload or unload position of the reel changer.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for lifting manufacturing rings is provided. The lifting apparatus includes an attachment part having an opening extending therethrough, and a plurality of elongated legs extending from the attachment part. Each of the elongated legs has a slit disposed therein. A plurality of support rods are movably disposed in the slits. The support rods are pivotable between a lowered position in which each support rod extends from the associated slit and a raised position in which each support rod is disposed within the associated slit. The lifting apparatus further includes an actuating part operably associated with the support rods and for moving the support rods between the raised position and the lowered position.

Abstract: Methods and devices for positioning a group, array, series or arrangement of plumb poles in a specific relationship relative to each other, whereby a first pole is inserted in a horizontal clamshell attached to a moveable platform, retained and raised to a vertical position and plumbed. The moveable platform is positioned over the pole insertion location and the pole is released. The process is repeated at as many holes as needed. Other embodiments are used to set the poles at specific heights, or angles.

Abstract: A bale mover is disclosed which includes a frame having a hitch mounted thereon which may be attached to the three-point hitch of the tractor or to the front end of a front-end loader mounted on the tractor. The frame includes a transversely extending tool bar or main frame member having first and second upstanding posts secured to the outer ends thereof. A pair of tooth supports are vertically slidably mounted on the first and second posts respectively with chains being attached thereto which limit the downward movement of the teeth supports but which permit the tooth supports to float upwardly on the posts as required. The bale mover permits a pair of bales to be loaded, transported and unloaded without the necessity of pushing one of the bales along the ground during the loading or unloading process of the other bale thereby preventing damage to the wrap net material on the bales.

Abstract: An assembly for moving paper, board and cellulosic web rolls in a roll packaging system includes a plurality of roll handling stations incorporating at least one receiving station for the entry of rolls into the system, one wrapping station for winding at least one wrapper course on the periphery of the rolls, and at least one other station, and an indexing conveyor having a car for moving the rolls which is adapted to move synchronously into positions coinciding with each one of said roll handling stations. The car of the indexing conveyor is adapted to move on at least three different elevation levels named as a base elevation level 0, a first elevation level and a second elevation level. Additionally, at least a portion of the car coinciding with one station is on an elevated level in regard to the other parts of the car coinciding with the other stations.

Abstract: In an apparatus for handling rolls of web material, a shaft bearing one or more fully wound rolls of web material thereon are supported from one end in a cantilever support. An external mandrel is aligned with a free end of the shaft. A roll-moving device is positioned to shift the rolls axially along the shaft away from the supported end of the shaft. The roll-moving device shifts the rolls of web material off the shaft and onto the aligned external mandrel, shaft or other support device. The weight of the roll of web material is borne by the shaft and external mandrel throughout the transfer. Once the shaft is removed, the rolls of web material can be handled during further processing from the core.

Abstract: A method for moving paper, board and cellulosic web rolls in a roll packaging system comprising a plurality of roll handling stations. The system imports at least three rolls (10, 16, 17) via a receiving station (5), the rolls (10, 16, 17) are moved in the system by the use of a car (4) of an indexing conveyor, the car being adapted to move synchronously at each roll handling station, the car (4) is moved in a return motion when the indexing conveyor car (4) is in its lowermost position (elevation level ?1), the rolls (10, 16, 17) are moved in synchronism forward to at least one station, e.g., the wrapping station (7) and to at least one other station (6 or 8 or 9), and at least one roll (10) is moved at one station (7) in the direction of the roll's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for handling an artificial turf arranged on a base. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a removing station for lifting from the base a strip of the artificial turf extending in a longitudinal direction, a separating station for separating filling material from the strip and a winding station for winding the strip onto a shaft. A method is disclosed for handling an artificial turf arranged on a base. In at least one embodiment, the method includes lifting a strip of the artificial turf extending in a longitudinal direction from the base, separating infill material from the strip and winding the strip onto a shaft.

Abstract: A trailer and a system for picking up and centering spools and a method for stabilizing the trailer when not attached to a towing vehicle. The device to pick up and hold the spools of cable utilizes the mechanical advantages that are gained through the use of a fulcrum and a lever. The use of the fulcrum increases mechanical advantage making it possible to lift and transport heavy spools by a single individual without the use of hydraulics, electric motors, pulley systems and numerous other embodiments. Another feature of this invention is the position and pivoting action of the rack and range of motion of the rack. The angled support rail pivots along with the rack. The pivoting rack has a pocket system with a built-in locking device that secures the spool during transport. The pockets facilitate easy pick-up and form a secure nesting position for the spool.

Abstract: A depot or a storage facility for a plurality of material rolls, which rolls are intended for further processing in a processing machine, includes two outer shelving blocks in addition to at least one inner shelving block that is situated between the two outer shelving blocks. A storage location of the inner shelving block can be loaded or unloaded by a retrieval device which can access the shelving block from both longitudinal sides of the shelving block.

Abstract: A hydraulic grip-control unit provided with at least two gripping arms driven hydraulically to seize loads while cooperating with a striker arm of the grip with the control unit in use being connected hydraulically between a hydraulic fluid source under pressure and hydraulic cylinders each of which drives a gripping arm to form a closed supply circuit in which the source feeds fluid to the cylinders connected hydraulically in parallel and with the unit including a flow divider connected along said supply circuit between said source and said cylinders to apportion the flow of the circuit between the cylinders in parallel.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for unloading rolled material from a cantilevered support mandrel including a first guide rail extending generally parallel to the cantilevered support mandrel, a second guide rail extending generally perpendicularly to the cantilevered support mandrel, and a carrier for receiving rolled material from the mandrel, the carrier being adapted and configured for movement along the first axis relative to the support mandrel and generally vertical movement along the second guide rail relative to the support mandrel. The invention also provides a method of unloading rolled material from a cantilevered support mandrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hitching apparatus for use with a vehicle that facilitates the coupling of equipment to a vehicle in a non-hinged manner so as to inhibit the lateral pivot of the equipment in relation to the vehicle. The present invention further relates to a novel hay bale suspension system that may be coupled to a vehicle through the hitching apparatus of the present invention and used to support and enable transportation of a round hay bale.

Abstract: The plant comprises in combination at least one winder (3) which receives at least one web material and produces large diameter reels (B) by winding said web material around winding mandrels (M); at least one unwinder (9) which unwinds said large diameter reels (B) and feeds the web material to a transformation line (15, 21, 23); a plurality of carriages (11), which transfer said reels from a loading station (7) towards said unwinder (9), support said reels in the unwinder during unwinding and convey the finished mandrels towards a recovery area.

Abstract: A cable reel handler device, including a slide base on a vehicle having channels aligned transverse to the length of the vehicle. A pair of movable carriages provide lateral movement in the channels via hydraulic cylinders. Lifting arms mounted respectively on the carriages extend out to engage a reel, and have an extensible torsion bar shaft to maintain a fixed alignment. Hydraulic lift cylinders move the lifting arms in unison to move a reel to and from the vehicle and in position for winding and unwinding cable on the reel. Hydraulic motors rotate the reel for winding and unwinding cable. A source of hydraulic fluid is operably connected to all the hydraulic devices.

Abstract: A numerically-controlled robotic manipulator arm mounted to a sod harvester comprises two segments pivotally coupled together. One segment is rotatably coupled to a fixed base on the harvester while the second segment carries a pick-up head which can turn with respect to the segment. The pick-up head is capable of picking up, holding, and releasing sod rolls. The arm is programmable so that a variety of configurations of stacked sod rolls can be achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and dispensing portions from a bulk roll of carpet. The apparatus is portably mounted in a vehicle or the like and telescopically extends from the vehicle in position for the dispensing measured portions of the carpet from the roll, following which the apparatus is telescopically returnable to the vehicle for storage, transport or the like.

Abstract: A bale processing apparatus and method is provided to lift, hold, transport, and spread one or more round bales of hay or other material. The apparatus includes a belt, rollers, and a means for controlling tension on the belt to position the belt in first and second positions. In the first position the belt forms a cradle between the first and second rollers capable to hold a bale. In the second position the belt may eject the bale. The bale is lifted onto the belt, with the belt in the cradle position, is untied, and the belt is turned to unroll the bale. The apparatus may be connected to a vehicle that moves while the belt turns to feed the bale over an area. The bale is ejected from the belt by adjusting the tension on the belt to the eject position and moving the belt.

Abstract: A light pole erector and remover (10) for pedestal mounted light poles (74) that is comprised of three major elements: a transportation dolly (20), a pedestal attaching and lifting mechanism (22), and a pole tilting mechanism (24). The dolly (20) has fixed and steerable wheels attached to a tongue (34). The mechanism (22) is hinged to the dolly (20) and has a pair of base support arms (52) that embrace a concrete pedestal (56). Each arm (52) has a ratchet buckle tie-down (58) used for encircling the pedestal (56) and securing the mechanism (24) to the pedestal (56). The mechanism (24) is pivotally affixed to the mechanism (22) and includes a pair of ratchet buckle tie-downs (58) that encircle and secure the pole (74) to the invention (10). The pole (74) is horizontally positioned on the tilting mechanism (24), tied down and rotated to a vertical position over the concrete pedestal (56) and then lowered for attachment to the pedestal (56).

Abstract: A store control device of an intermediate store carries, on a pivot mounting which is mounted on a chassis capable of travelling along a track, so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis through 360°, a pick-up device for a paper reel which has a continuous track section for holding a carriage loaded with a paper reel and raisable and lowerable claws arranged on both sides thereof. Storage tracks which are in the form of short stub tracks and have carriages and which form storage places for holding paper reels with axes oriented transversely to the track are arranged on both sides of the track. Before storage of a paper reel in the intermediate store, the pivot mounting is rotated so that the winding direction of the stored paper reel corresponds to a required value. The claws can also be formed so as to be longitudinally displaceable on both sides by at least a reel length, in which case only a support surface is provided between them and the storage places are equipped with stationary storage troughs.

Abstract: A spool handling device (10) for engaging and disengaging a spool (5) having, a base (14), a spindle (15) supported by the base and adapted to receive the spool, a latch assembly (74) pivotally mounted relative to the base and including a latch (76) for releasably securing the spool on the spindle, and an ejection arm (77) for assisting in removal of the spool from the spindle.

Abstract: A device (2) for feeding reels (3) has a manipulator (14) having a gripping member (19) for picking up one reel (3) at a time off a pallet (16) and transferring the reel (3) to an unwinding pin (4a; 4b) on a machine (1); the gripping member (19) is enabled to pick up a reel (3) off the pallet (16) when at least one reference point (k1) of the gripping member (19) lies inside a central hole (7) of the reel (3).

Abstract: A bar stock loader for an elongate member and a method for use is includes a support apparatus with a support surface for supporting the elongate member and a translation apparatus proximate to the support apparatus. The translation apparatus is moveable and has an arm and a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the arm. The translation apparatus is moveable between a first and second position whereby, when the translation apparatus is in the first position, the arm is positioned overlapping the support surface for receiving the elongate member, and when in the second position the arm is horizontally displaced from the support surface.

Abstract: An improved method of mounting the cutting head of a sod harvester with respect to the conveyor employs a single ball joint between the cutting head and the conveyor, and a pair of side links spaced outwardly of the conveyor and arranged to constrain the cutting head against lateral displacement with respect to the conveyor. Preferably, the links are adjustable in length to permit vertical and lateral adjustment of the cutting head with respect to the conveyor, e.g. “tracking” of the cutting head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shelf stacking machine for stocking and removing paper reels, especially in the printing industry. The shelf stacking machine can be driven in a lane with storage places at both sides. Said storage places receive paper reels which are stacked one on top of the other or behind each other in the direction of the lane. The shelf stacking machine is provided with a receptacle for a paper reel. Said receptacle is formed by a fork which can be height-adjustably pivoted around a horizontal axle. The fork is provided with measuring devices which detect the load of the received paper reel. The measuring devices supply the detected measured data via a control device to an actuator which is coupled to the fork movement-wise and which height-adjustably pivots the fork into the horizontal position according to the measured data. The actuator holds the fork in said horizontal position during paper reel transport.

Abstract: The invention provides a bale handling apparatus capable of being used to lift and transport two similar bales in a substantially side-by-side manner. The apparatus includes at least two vertically and horizontally offset main spears. Each main spear is grouped with at least one vertically and/or horizontally offset stabilizer spear. By virtue of the offset design of the main spears, the apparatus can be used to load two bales sequentially by lifting a first bale and then lifting a second bale without unloading the first bale from the apparatus. The apparatus can also be used to load two bales simultaneously. The two bales can then be transported together to another location and unloaded from the apparatus sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: A tool magazine system and a gripper for a machining spindle. The gripper is fed to the tool laterally with respect to the rotational or longitudinal axes of the tool, particularly substantially at right angles to the axis, and should grasp the tool.

Abstract: Roll-changing tool having a dismantling device which can be supported on a rolling machine by a hook and which, on a carrier, has a lifting device mounting and a roll holder for a roll journal of a roll, the carrier having a trolley which can be moved in its longitudinal direction into the region of its head, carries the roll holder, whose holding opening faces the head and is located underneath the carrier, and the hook, which opens at the bottom, being fixed to the head of the carrier with a shaft extension ending in a projecting manner transversely with respect to the running direction of the trolley.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic pallet presenter for agricultural equipment. The pallet presenter has a storage magazine for storing pallets and a rotatable table mechanism for bringing pallets into a desired location.

Abstract: A numerically-controlled robotic manipulator arm mounted to a sod harvester comprises two segments pivotally coupled together. One segment is rotatably coupled to a fixed base on the harvester while the second segment carries a pick-up head which can turn with respect to the segment. The pick-up head is capable of picking up, holding, and releasing sod rolls. The arm is programmable so that a variety of configurations of stacked sod rolls can be achieved.

Abstract: A numerically-controlled robotic manipulator arm mounted to a sod harvester comprises two segments pivotally coupled together. One segment is rotatably coupled to a fixed base on the harvester while the second segment carries a pick-up head which can turn with respect to the segment. The pick-up head is capable of picking up, holding, and releasing sod rolls. The arm is programmable so that a variety of configurations of stacked sod rolls can be achieved.

Abstract: A numerically-controlled robotic manipulator arm mounted to a sod harvester comprises two segments pivotally coupled together. One segment is rotatably coupled to a fixed base on the harvester while the second segment carries a pick-up head which can turn with respect to the segment. The pick-up head is capable of picking up, holding, and releasing sod rolls. The arm is programmable so that a variety of configurations of stacked sod rolls can be achieved.