Abstract: A seed drill has a hoe point operable to create a furrow and a fertilizer feed shank to apply fertilizer in the furrow. A seed tube is operatively positioned behind the hoe point and fertilizer feed shank within the furrow and is vertically adjustable relative to the fertilizer feed shank and hoe point. An adjustable hoe bed provides vertical movement of the hoe points and seed tubes relative to the main frame of the seed drill. An adjustable banding cup adaptor meters the feed of fertilizer to either the fertilizer feed shank or the seed tube. V-shaped packer wheels create V-shaped soil compaction which allows for water retention and plant protection.

Abstract: A two speed power take-off with a reversible adaptor flange and a connected drive shaft for connection to either of two drive flanges rotating at different speeds. The adaptor flange has an inner and outer transition area with a plurality of bolt holes drilled in each area. The axes of the bolt holes in each area are at different angles such that the holes in one transition area match with receiving holes in one drive flange and, when the adaptor flange is reversed, the holes in the other transition area match with the receiving holes in the other drive flange.

Abstract: A trip mechanism which allows the ground working tool of an implement to pivot about three orthogonal axes. The tool is connected to a shank which is attached to a carriage. The carriage is pivotally connected to the frame of an implement through a ball joint connection. Two arms extend from the carriage on one side of the ball joint and are connected to the frame thereby defining the working position. A hydraulic cylinder provides the necessary force to keep the carriage in its working position and allows deflection of the tool when an obstruction is encountered.

Abstract: A series of cutting knives for a threshing assembly which comprises a rotor within a cage. The assembly is mounted substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis of the combine and crop is fed into the central feed area. The knives sever the crop at the centrally located feed area and the crop is thereby split. After reaching the top of the cage, crop is conveyed to each respective end of the assembly as it travels around the inside of the cage by helical guide vanes mounted on the upper portion of the cage periphery.

Abstract: A hot wire welder comprises a plurality of longitudinal tubes with welding wire moving through the tubes. At one end, buss bars pass power to the wires as they emerge from the tubes. Replaceable copper inserts are positioned between the wires and the buss bars. A replaceable ceramic insert is positioned below the wire on a water-cooled cooling block to insulate each wire and remove excess heat. A drive device powers the wires through the longitudinal tubes.

Abstract: A sugar cane harvester is disclosed in which chopped crop is conveyed from a chopping mechanism to a cleaning mechanism. The cleaning mechanism includes an extractor fan positioned in an upper portion of a cleaning cylinder and a substantially unobstructed air intake surrounding the periphery of the cleaning cylinder. The air intake draws air in a generally downwardly direction through the air intake and into the cleaning cylinder, and upwardly through a substantial portion of the crop after the crop exits from the chopping mechanism. Debris is expelled upwardly through the extractor fan, while cleaned crop drops into an elevator for transportation away from the cleaning mechanism.

Abstract: A sugar cane billet planter has a main bin and a sorter bin adjacent the main bin. Billets are moved by a main bin elevator from the main bin to the sorter bin and, thence, by a sorter bin elevator from the sorter bin to a billet chute. The elevator used to convey billets from the sorter bin to the billet chute uses a chain with conveyor fingers, each finger carrying an individual billet in an end-to-end relationship with adjacent billets. Sorter fingers project perpendicularly from the chain, align the billets within the sorter bin and allow them to be carried by the conveyor fingers. The chains and conveyor fingers are operable within a recess of a width slightly greater than the width of the chain and conveyor fingers.

Abstract: A rearwardly folding wing-back implement has a V-shaped frame configuration comprising two wing sections having the apex of the V-shape located at a pivot point where the wing sections are joined. A towing linkage minimizes the pulling forces being applied to the wing sections other than those pulling forces applied in the direction of movement of the implement. The implement may be pivoted rearwardly about the pivot point when transport is desired.

Abstract: A floating axle assembly for a vehicle. The assembly comprises an axle extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and beneath its frame. Wheels are connected to the axle and reinforcement members extend rearwardly from the axle to attachment points on the frame. Hydraulic cylinder assemblies are positioned above the axle and provide required support. The axle is telescopic and height adjustable. The configuration allows the center area of the vehicle to be cleared for crop flow.

Abstract: A device to adjust the length of billets in a cane harvester. Hydraulic motors of different fluid throughput capacity drive chopper rolls which are mechanically connected. The outlet of one of the motors conveys fluid through a connection to the feed rolls which convey the cane to the chopper rolls. The outlet connection of a second of the hydraulic motors is interchangeable so that the fluid from either motor may pass to the feed rolls as desired.

Abstract: A trip mechanism for a ground working tool connected to a frame. The frame is connected to a carriage using a three point connection. A pivotal member is provided in the frame and a tension member is connected between one arm of the pivotal member and the carriage. Compression springs are provided to act between a second arm and the frame. An obstruction exerting a predetermined amount of force on the ground working tool of the implement will allow the trip mechanism to be activated thus preventing damage to the tool. An adjustable stop is provided on the frame engaging the first arm when the apparatus is in its untripped position to adjust the untripped position of the second arm relative to the frame to vary the initial force required to trip the mechanism.