Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a valve in fluid communication with first and second actuating cylinders and with first and second fluid conduits. The valve is configured to control fluid flow from the first and second fluid conduits to the first and second actuating cylinders. Furthermore, a controller is communicatively coupled to first and second pressure sensors and to the valve. The first pressure sensor is coupled to the first fluid conduit, and the second pressure sensor is coupled to the second fluid conduit. The controller is configured to determine whether the first fluid conduit or the second fluid conduit is supplying fluid to the valve based on signals from the first and second pressure sensors, and to automatically control fluid flow to the first and second actuating cylinders such that wheel assemblies are rotated to a desired angle relative to an implement frame.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a hitch assembly configured to couple the agricultural implement to a tow vehicle, and a carrier frame pivotally coupled to the hitch assembly. The agricultural implement also includes a pair of wheel assemblies each rotatably coupled to the carrier frame by a respective pivot joint. The agricultural implement further includes an actuator assembly configured to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a first direction by applying a first torque, and to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a second direction, opposite the first direction, by applying a second torque. A magnitude of the first torque and a magnitude of the second torque are substantially equal.

Abstract: A pump support coupler assembly for connecting a large displacement hydraulic pump to a tractor power take off device is provided. The pump support coupler assembly includes a coupler housing with front and back walls, and sidewalls. The high displacement hydraulic pump attaches directly or indirectly to the coupler housing back wall. A shaft extends longitudinally through the coupler housing. The shaft is coupled to an input shaft of the hydraulic pump at its first end and a power take off output shaft at its second end. A torque restraint strap extends between the coupler housing and a tractor drawbar, and prevents the coupler housing from rotating about its longitudinal axis. In this configuration, the power take off output shaft supports the pump support coupler assembly and the hydraulic pump, and since the pump is attached to the coupler housing, the pump input shaft is not subjected to bending-type loads.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a valve in fluid communication with first and second actuating cylinders and with first and second fluid conduits. The valve is configured to control fluid flow from the first and second fluid conduits to the first and second actuating cylinders. Furthermore, a controller is communicatively coupled to first and second pressure sensors and to the valve. The first pressure sensor is coupled to the first fluid conduit, and the second pressure sensor is coupled to the second fluid conduit. The controller is configured to determine whether the first fluid conduit or the second fluid conduit is supplying fluid to the valve based on signals from the first and second pressure sensors, and to automatically control fluid flow to the first and second actuating cylinders such that wheel assemblies are rotated to a desired angle relative to an implement frame.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a hitch assembly configured to couple the agricultural implement to a tow vehicle, and a carrier frame pivotally coupled to the hitch assembly. The agricultural implement also includes a pair of wheel assemblies each rotatably coupled to the carrier frame by a respective pivot joint. The agricultural implement further includes an actuator assembly configured to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a first direction by applying a first torque, and to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a second direction, opposite the first direction, by applying a second torque. A magnitude of the first torque and a magnitude of the second torque are substantially equal.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: A case drain circuit particularly well suited for use with a bulk fill subassembly or a vacuum fan assembly of an agricultural implement towed by a tractor or similar vehicle includes a pressure switch that may cause illumination of an in-cab warning light and/or sounding of an in-cab alarm when pressure in the case drain circuit exceeds a predetermined threshold. A fan is driven by a solenoid controlled hydraulic motor which is supplied hydraulic fluid under pressure from a flow control valve to the motor in accordance with electrical signals that are supplied to the solenoid by a controller. The case drain circuit provides a pathway along which leakage fluid from the motor may be delivered to a fluid reservoir, preferably carried by the towing vehicle. During undesirable high pressure conditions in the case drain circuit, the pressure switch provides a corresponding high pressure signal to the controller that in turn cuts electrical current to the solenoid to cut the flow of hydraulic fluid to the motor.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: A friction drive for an agricultural planter has a linear actuator, which may be hydraulically or pneumatically controlled, to selectively raise or lower a drive wheel into frictional engagement with a carrying wheel. A valve network is fluidly associated with the linear actuator and allows the operator or pilot to variably define the degree of frictional engagement. This allows the operator to vary the amount of frictional engagement of the drive wheel and the carrying wheel, the output of which is used by a material dispensing system to deposited planting material onto a planting surface.

Abstract: A pump support coupler assembly for connecting a large displacement hydraulic pump to a tractor power take off device is provided. The pump support coupler assembly includes a coupler housing with front and back walls, and sidewalls. The high displacement hydraulic pump attaches directly or indirectly to the coupler housing back wall. A shaft extends longitudinally through the coupler housing. The shaft is coupled to an input shaft of the hydraulic pump at its first end and a power take off output shaft at its second end. A torque restraint strap extends between the coupler housing and a tractor drawbar, and prevents the coupler housing from rotating about its longitudinal axis. In this configuration, the power take off output shaft supports the pump support coupler assembly and the hydraulic pump, and since the pump is attached to the coupler housing, the pump input shaft is not subjected to bending-type loads.

Abstract: A folding marker for connection to an agricultural implement toolbar with a marker shoulder pivot, an inner arm and a double acting hydraulic cylinder both pivotally connected to the shoulder pivot. A middle arm bracket is pivotally connected to the inner arm and the cylinder. A middle arm is connected to the middle arm bracket, with two beams extending from the bracket and terminating at an outer arm pivot, with a third beam connected between the bracket and a crossbrace. An outer arm pivot bracket is pivotally connected to the outer arm pivot, an outer arm connected thereto and having two legs connected between the outer arm pivot bracket and a plate assembly. The legs define a channel therebetween, and an adjustable arm is slidably connected within the channel. An extension element is insertable within the channel and lockable with the plate assembly, with a marking element connected thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: A friction drive for an agricultural planter has a linear actuator, which may be hydraulically or pneumatically controlled, to selectively raise or lower a drive wheel into frictional engagement with a carrying wheel. A valve network is fluidly associated with the linear actuator and allows the operator or pilot to variably define the degree of frictional engagement. This allows the operator to vary the amount of frictional engagement of the drive wheel and the carrying wheel, the output of which is used by a material dispensing system to deposited planting material onto a planting surface.

Abstract: A down pressure assembly for incorporation into an agricultural implement to be pulled by a tractor (10) has an attachment frame (21) for attachment between a portion of the agricultural implement and at least two wheels (22) of a row unit (18) for traveling along the ground, the row unit (18) also having a tool (23) disposed between the two wheels (22) for engaging the ground, the down pressure assembly also having at least one torsion element (41, 50) disposed on the frame (21), with the torsion element (41, 50) having one fixed mounting to the frame (21) and one adjustable mounting to the frame (21), and the assembly further having an adjustment mechanism (37, 60) for varying the torsion of the torsion element (41, 50) at the adjustable mounting; and at least one down pressure member (36, 56, 57) for receiving a force from the torsion element to apply a downward force to the top members (26, 27) of the frame (21).

Abstract: A folding marker for connection to an agricultural implement toolbar with a marker shoulder pivot, an inner arm and a double acting hydraulic cylinder both pivotally connected to the shoulder pivot. A middle arm bracket is pivotally connected to the inner arm and the cylinder. A middle arm is connected to the middle arm bracket, with two beams extending from the bracket and terminating at an outer arm pivot, with a third beam connected between the bracket and a crossbrace. An outer arm pivot bracket is pivotally connected to the outer arm pivot, an outer arm connected thereto and having two legs connected between the outer arm pivot bracket and a plate assembly. The legs define a channel therebetween, and an adjustable arm is slidably connected within the channel. An extension element is insertable within the channel and lockable with the plate assembly, with a marking element connected thereto.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for use with a front fold planter is configured to move the tool bar of the planter between a first height corresponding to a planting position, a second height corresponding to a field transport position and a third height corresponding to a road transport position. A first set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height, the second and the third height. A second set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height and the second height. The first and second set of cylinders are arranged in a master/slave relationship relative to each other and operable independent of each other.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for use with a front fold planter is configured to move the tool bar of the planter between a first height corresponding to a planting position, a second height corresponding to a field transport position and a third height corresponding to a road transport position. A first set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height, the second and the third height. A second set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height and the second height. The first and second set of cylinders are arranged in a master/slave relationship relative to each other and operable independent of each other.