Rotating Or Orbiting Opener Patents (Class 111/121)
  • Patent number: 11406055
    Abstract: An agricultural implement for applying fertilizer beneath the surface of the soil. The implement has a main frame for connecting the agricultural implement to agricultural equipment. A swing arm is pivotally connected to the main frame. An adjustable actuator interconnects the swing arm to the main frame to control the movement of the swing arm with respect to the main frame. A pair of discs are mounted to the free end of the swing arm for rotation with respect to the swing arm. The discs are offset mounted with respect to one another and are angled outwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the implement. The discs form grooves for receipt of fertilizer. Fertilizer tubes are mounted to the swing arms adjacent the discs. The fertilizer tubes deposit fertilizer in the grooves formed by the discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: AG FOCUS LLC
    Inventors: Bruce W. Freed, Brian E. Freed
  • Patent number: 10986774
    Abstract: An agricultural implement for applying fertilizer beneath the surface of the soil. The implement has a main frame for connecting the agricultural implement to agricultural equipment. A swing arm is pivotally connected to the main frame. An adjustable actuator interconnects the swing arm to the main frame to control the movement of the swing arm with respect to the main frame. A pair of discs are mounted to the free end of the swing arm for rotation with respect to the swing arm. The discs are offset mounted with respect to one another and are angled outwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the implement. The discs form grooves for receipt of fertilizer. Fertilizer tubes are mounted adjacent the discs and terminate behind the discs with respect to the direction of travel. The fertilizer tubes deposit fertilizer in the grooves formed by the discs. A furrow closer is attached to the main frame to close the groove opened by the discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: AG FOCUS LLC
    Inventors: Bruce W. Freed, Brian E. Freed
  • Patent number: 10865096
    Abstract: In a method and system for delivering fluid to a fluid consuming asset having a fluid tank, an inlet of a manifold is fluidically coupled to a tank and an outlet of the manifold is coupled to a spigot. A pressure relief valve is disposed between the tank and the manifold to facilitate fluid flow back to the tank through a recirculation inlet when the back-pressure in the system reaches a threshold value. A first distal end of a fluid transporting mechanism is coupled to the spigot and a second distal end thereof is coupled to a hydraulic connector of a fill cap having a connection plate coupled to the fluid tank of the fluid consuming asset. The fill cap further comprises a probe and fluid flows from the first tank to the second tank, through the manifold and the hydraulic connector, through the probe and into the fluid tank of the fluid consuming asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Texas Fueling Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mason Duncan, Hanan Tuchshnieder
  • Patent number: 10830274
    Abstract: A bracket for use with an agriculture planter including a trailing arm frame defining a pivot point thereon may include an arm bracket assembly with first and second arms. Each arm may extend from a middle portion of the bracket. First and second implements may be rotatably mounted on mounting ends of two of the arms. The middle portion of the bracket may be pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame at the pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Schaffert Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Schaffert, Doug Shadley
  • Patent number: 10813279
    Abstract: A tank support assembly for an agricultural implement includes a primary connecting member and first, second, and third support members. The primary connecting member is configured to couple to a main frame assembly of the agricultural implement, where the primary connecting member extends substantially along a longitudinal axis of the agricultural implement. The first support member is configured to couple to the primary connecting member at an end of the first support member. The second and third support members are configured to couple to the first support member, the primary connecting member, or a combination thereof, at ends of the second and third support members. The first support member extends substantially vertically upward from the primary connecting member and the second and third support members extend generally upward and generally outward from the primary connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Johnathon R. Dienst, Gerard James Gadzella
  • Patent number: 10721855
    Abstract: An agricultural system includes a frame configured for attachment to a leading tow bar of a towing vehicle, and at least one roller device attached to the frame and extending between two adjacent parallel strip positions. The roller device is configured to crush standing residual plant matter in the field. The system further includes a fertilizer opener disk attached to the frame and which is configured to prepare, at least in part, a furrow for receiving a fertilizer. The system also includes a fertilizer injector attached to the frame and which is configured to deposit the fertilizer into the furrow in a trailing position relative to the fertilizer opener disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 10645874
    Abstract: An outdoor power equipment unit having a frame including at least one laterally-extending structural member and at least a pair of opposite, longitudinally-extending side structural members, a first front wheel assembly, and a second front wheel assembly. The unit also includes a first pair of substantially parallel, laterally-extending suspension arms pivotally coupled to the first front wheel assembly to form a first 4-bar linkage arrangement, and a second pair of substantially parallel, laterally-extending suspension arms pivotally coupled to the second front wheel assembly to form a second 4-bar linkage arrangement. The unit further includes at least one longitudinally-extending first side suspension arm coupled to the first front wheel assembly and to a first one of the longitudinally-extending side structural members, and at least one longitudinally-extending second side suspension arm coupled to the second front wheel assembly and to a second one of the longitudinally-extending side structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Krajewski, Robert S. Laurin, E. Mark Lynch
  • Patent number: 10528052
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for generating shared collaborative maps for planting or harvesting operations. A method of generating a collaborative shared map between machines includes generating a first map for a first machine based on a first set of data and generating a second map for a second machine based on a second set of data. The method further includes generating at least one shared collaborative map for at least one of the first and second machines based on the first and second maps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: THE CLIMATE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Doug Sauder, Tavis Bones, Tim Reddy
  • Patent number: 10477753
    Abstract: An agricultural planter includes systems, methods, and apparatuses for maintaining down force pressure at row units of the planter. The row units may include an electric linear actuator connected to linkages of the row units to maintain a down force pressure for the row unit. The linkage may also be removed and replaced with a strut or like mechanism to apply a direct down force pressure to components of the row unit. One or more sensors can be included to obtain information related to the ground to automatically adjust the amount of down force provided based upon a ground characteristic in order to maintain a substantially uniform furrow depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Courtney N. Achen, Marvin Bachman, Rhett Schildroth, Merlan Rolffs, Michael J. Myers, John Kollman, John P. Mulherin
  • Patent number: 10455824
    Abstract: A movable agricultural product applicator system for dispensing various agricultural-related products along the ground surface of agricultural crops is provided. The application system provides a hose assembly interconnecting a supporting boom and an applicator, wherein the applicator drags along the ground surface dispensing product as the supporting boom moves by a carrier. The application system may include a swivel connection facilitating a rotational and pivotal connection of the hose assembly to the supporting boom, wherein a mounting assembly removably mounts the application system to the supporting boom. The hose assembly is designed with bending properties that enable the applicator to self-center and locate rows between crops as it is being dragged along the ground surface, as well as enable the applicator to surf above obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Rick Eugene Lawrence
  • Patent number: 10149427
    Abstract: An air seeder distribution apparatus has a manifold and a plurality of delivery conduit connected to ports of the manifold. A supply conduit carries a product air stream and is connected the manifold interior. A port valve when open connects a delivery conduit to the manifold interior through the port and disconnects same when closed. A purging conduit connects the supply conduit, at a clean air location configured to receive from the supply conduit a clean air stream with no agricultural products entrained therein, to the delivery conduit such that the clean air stream has an open path from the supply conduit to the delivery conduit. When the port valve is open the clean air stream flows through the purging conduit at a low first flow rate, and when the port valve is closed the clean air stream flows through the purging conduit at a second significantly greater flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Bourgault Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerard Bourgault, Mark Cresswell, Scot Jagow
  • Patent number: 10060467
    Abstract: A bracket for use with an agriculture planter including a trailing arm frame defining a pivot point thereon may include an arm bracket assembly with first and second arms. Each arm may extend from a middle portion of the bracket. First and second implements may be rotatably mounted on mounting ends of two of the arms. The middle portion of the bracket may be pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame at the pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: SCHAFFERT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Paul E. Schaffert, Doug Shadley
  • Patent number: 10004175
    Abstract: Fertilizer is applied between the rows of growing plants or to the bases of growing plants in adjacent rows. A dirt moving member then moves dirt and any applied fertilizer from between the rows onto the bases of the growing plants in the adjacent rows. The dirt acts to seal the fertilizer and to significantly reduce fertilizer losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: John A. Miller
  • Patent number: 9854722
    Abstract: A tool bar mounting assembly for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes a first tool bar assembly having a tool bar and a plurality of row units coupled to the tool bar and configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a frame assembly coupled to the first tool bar assembly. The frame assembly includes a mounting assembly having a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage is configured to removably couple the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via a plurality of fasteners. The frame assembly is configured to provide structural support to the first tool bar assembly. The mechanical linkage of mounting assembly is configured to removably couple a second tool bar assembly having a different configuration than the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via the plurality of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Brian McMahon
  • Patent number: 9456542
    Abstract: A debris assembly for use with a mobile agricultural device is provided. The debris assembly may include a debris member and an attachment bracket. The debris member may substantially prevent debris from accumulating on the disc of the mobile agricultural device. The debris member may be adjustable as a single component relative to the disc to accommodate various soil conditions. The debris member may be removable from the attachment bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Schaffert Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul E. Schaffert
  • Patent number: 9433138
    Abstract: An inductor mountable to a frame member of an implement. The inductor is movable between a working position and a stowed position. In the working position, the soil engaging tool is in engagement with the soil. In the stowed position, the soil engaging tool is out of engagement with the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Advanced Ag Concepts Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 9271438
    Abstract: Systems for mounting a plurality of agricultural tools on a transverse support bar and a method for operating an agricultural implement having a transverse support bar. The systems include a lateral positioning structure that can attach to the transverse support bar and a detachable base that can be releasably coupled to the lateral positioning structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Lee Reade, Gregory W. Arnett
  • Patent number: 9232689
    Abstract: A bracket for use with an agriculture planter including a trailing arm frame defining a pivot point thereon may include an arm bracket assembly with first, second, third, and fourth arms. Each arm may extend from a middle portion of the bracket. First and second fertilizer furrow opening discs may be rotatably mounted on mounting ends of two of the arms. First and second furrow closing wheels may be rotatably mounted on a mounting end of the other two arms. The middle portion of the bracket may be pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame at the pivot point. The arms joined to the fertilizer furrow opening discs may be arranged at opposing ends of the middle portion to enable the furrow opening discs to open two fertilizer furrows on opposing sides of a seed furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SCHAFFERT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Ramiro Trevino, Paul E. Schaffert
  • Patent number: 9021968
    Abstract: A tool bar mounting assembly for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes a first tool bar assembly having a tool bar and a plurality of row units coupled to the tool bar and configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a frame assembly coupled to the first tool bar assembly. The frame assembly includes a mounting assembly having a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage is configured to removably couple the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via a plurality of fasteners. The frame assembly is configured to provide structural support to the first tool bar assembly. The mechanical linkage of mounting assembly is configured to removably couple a second tool bar assembly having a different configuration than the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via the plurality of fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Brian McMahon
  • Patent number: 8910581
    Abstract: An agricultural side dressing fertilizer coulter row unit includes a first attachment member adapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame, and a second attachment member pivotably coupled to the first attachment member for pivoting movement about a substantially vertical axis. A linkage is pivotably coupled to the second attachment member for pivoting movement of the trailing end of the linkage relative to the second attachment member, and a tool-carrying stem pivotably coupled to the trailing end of the linkage carries a rotatably mounted coulter wheel for forming a slit in the soil, a liquid fertilizer dispenser for dispensing fertilizer, and a rotatably mounted closing wheel for closing the slit. A biasing element is pivotably attached to the linkage and coupled to the second attachment member for urging the stem downwardly with a controllable force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 8875640
    Abstract: A trough is cut in the ground surface by a rotating member. The rotating member displaces soil upward with respect to the ground surface and rearwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the rotating member. While the soil is in the air, slurry is deposited into the trough. The soil is then redirected downward to the trough to cover the slurry with the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: VTI, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Phillip E. Reed
  • Patent number: 8844451
    Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying an active substance to the root zone of a plurality of plants, the applicator assembly comprising: a subsoil applicator having a cutting element for generating an incision in the ground, an injector associated with the cutting element to allow the active substance to be injected into the incision; and a positioning device adapted to allow the position of the cutting element to change position such that an incision is generated in some material in the root zone while the cutting element moves over other material in the root zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Douglas Paton, David Smith
  • Publication number: 20140251192
    Abstract: An applicator for applying dry fertilizer or livestock waste in the form of a slurry beneath the soil surface with minimum soil displacement includes a leading spring-cushioned, conical-shaped, wavy coulter angularly offset from the direction of travel which displaces soil laterally in forming a furrow adapted to receive fertilizer. The coulter is trailed by a single, or a pair of, rotary blade(s) which fill the furrow, covering the deposited fertilizer. A second embodiment includes a second wavy coulter disposed between the leading coulter and the trailing rotary blades for directing soil in a laterally opposed direction from the soil displaced by the leading coulter in forming a wider furrow. The single conical coulter and dual conical coulter embodiments are easily interchangeable in the applicator, and are easily removed and replaced with a curved shank and sweep assembly to convert to sweep fertilizer application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: William J. Dietrich, SR.
  • Publication number: 20140216312
    Abstract: An agricultural furrow opening system having a hybrid single-disk, double-disk opener is disclosed including a swing-arm, a primary disk, and a deflecting disk. The primary disk is coupled to a distal end of the swing-arm and configured to rotate about a first axis. The primary disk is rolled about a direction of travel at a first oblique angle ?P and yawed about a vertical direction at a second oblique angle ?P. The deflecting disk is coupled to the distal end of the swing-arm and configured to rotate about a second axis. The deflecting disk is rolled about the direction of travel at a third oblique angle ?D and yawed about the vertical direction at a fourth oblique angle ?D. The first oblique angle ?P is between the vertical direction and the third oblique angle ?D.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: DAWN EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 8794164
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Chad Plattner
  • Patent number: 8776701
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an apparatus for use in applying fertilizer in the ground adjacent to a row line of seeds being planted by a planter the apparatus comprising a frame mounted to the planter, and having at least one mount structure extending from a forward end of the frame, a disk structure mounted to each of the mount structures and configured to be horizontally pivotable about a selected one of multiple forwardly located pivot points on the mount structure, the disk structure being horizontally pivotably attached to the mount structure at one of the pivot points, the disks forming a V shaped opening in the ground during forward movement, a fertilizer applying structure mounted to the apparatus for delivering a fertilizer into the V shaped opening, wherein each of the multiple pivot points delivers fertilizer into the V shaped opening at predetermined lateral distances from the row line of seeds being planted by the planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: A.I.L., Inc.
    Inventors: Lee F. Nikkel, Eugene H. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140158031
    Abstract: A seed tube guard for agricultural planters is cast from a high-chrome cast-iron alloy or manufactured from other wear-resistant material. The seed tube guard has right and left wear surfaces for engaging inner surfaces of a pair of opener discs. A fluid delivery channel is integrated within the body of the seed tube guard with an exit in the bottom surface for delivering fluid into a seed furrow ahead of a seed tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew P. Hagny
  • Publication number: 20140109809
    Abstract: An opener for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double-shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface, a fertilizer tube that drops fertilizer into the furrow, and a trailing seed tube assembly, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface onto which seed is deposited. The seed trench provides a seed bed that is offset from the bottom of the furrow to provide horizontal and vertical stratification of the seed and fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor, Dennis W. Chahley
  • Publication number: 20140109808
    Abstract: An opener for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double-shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface, a fertilizer tube that drops fertilizer into the furrow, and a trailing seed tube assembly, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface onto which seed is deposited. The seed trench provides a seed bed that is offset from the bottom of the furrow to provide horizontal and vertical stratification of the seed and fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor, Dennis W. Chahley
  • Publication number: 20140090585
    Abstract: An agricultural row unit apparatus, systems, methods for effectively creating a trench having an improved configuration and for improved product placement in or near the trench wherein the trench has a vertical sidewall and an angled sidewall. In some embodiments, a cavity is created adjacent the bottom of the trench. In some embodiments, the depth of the trench is maintained by a gauge wheel compacting soil adjacent to the angled sidewall. In some embodiments, fertilizer or other liquid or crop input is placed in the soil on the side of the trench opposite the gauge wheel. In some embodiments, two trenches each having a vertical sidewall and an angled sidewall are created by a single row unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: PRECISION PLANTING LLC
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Timothy A. Sauder
  • Patent number: 8677914
    Abstract: The invention refers to a method at a seed drill (1) or a planter for placing seeds (27) in the soil. According to the invention the steps executed are that each seed fed out is detected, its placement site in the soil is determined through detection and at least one compound (26, 28) is placed intermittently at at least one predetermined placement site in relation to the specific placement site of each seed. The invention also refers to a device (4) for execution of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Vaderstad-Verken Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Crister Stark
  • Patent number: 8676451
    Abstract: An apparatus for spraying a treatment liquid onto grass growing on a ground surface includes a plurality of rotatable discs spaced laterally apart across the path of travel. Each disc has a plurality of cutters which are adapted to penetrate the ground surface and to cut holes therein as the apparatus travels forwardly. The holes are spaced apart along the path of travel and are also spaced apart laterally. The apparatus also includes a set of nozzles positioned on the apparatus above the grass such that each nozzle is spaced rearwardly along the path of travel from its associated disc but is aligned along the path of travel with such disc. The nozzles are adapted to spray the treatment liquid. The apparatus also including a controller for causing the nozzles to spray the treatment liquid into the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Brouwer Sod Farms Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerardus J. Brouwer, Ralph Ratsep
  • Publication number: 20140060406
    Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a first tool bar and a second tool bar each supporting respective ground engaging tools and fluid dispersal components. The second tool bar is pivotally coupled to the first tool bar. The agricultural implement further includes fluid conduits coupled to respective tool bars for conveying fluid to the respective fluid dispersal components. Additionally, each of the conduits has a flexible end adjacent to the other tool bar. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a fluid joint coupled between the first and second flexible ends and configured to provide a sealed connection between the first and second flexible ends during relative pivotal movement of the first and second tool bars in operation but to allow for uncoupling of the first and second flexible ends for servicing of the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Jarod Murdock
  • Publication number: 20140026792
    Abstract: An agricultural side dressing fertilizer coulter row unit includes a first attachment member adapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame, and a second attachment member pivotably coupled to the first attachment member for pivoting movement about a substantially vertical axis. A linkage is pivotably coupled to the second attachment member for pivoting movement of the trailing end of the linkage relative to the second attachment member, and a tool-carrying stem pivotably coupled to the trailing end of the linkage carries a rotatably mounted coulter wheel for forming a slit in the soil, a liquid fertilizer dispenser for dispensing fertilizer, and a rotatably mounted closing wheel for closing the slit. A biasing element is pivotably attached to the linkage and coupled to the second attachment member for urging the stem downwardly with a controllable force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20130263767
    Abstract: A bracket for use with an agriculture planter including a trailing arm frame defining a pivot point thereon may include an arm bracket assembly with first, second, third, and fourth arms. Each arm may extend from a middle portion of the bracket. First and second fertilizer furrow opening discs may be rotatably mounted on mounting ends of two of the arms. First and second furrow closing wheels may be rotatably mounted on a mounting end of the other two arms. The middle portion of the bracket may be pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame at the pivot point. The arms joined to the fertilizer furrow opening discs may be arranged at opposing ends of the middle portion to enable the furrow opening discs to open two fertilizer furrows on opposing sides of a seed furrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: SCHAFFERT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: SCHAFFERT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
  • Patent number: 8550019
    Abstract: A method is provided for depositing slurry into a ground surface for plant nutrition. A trough is cut in the ground surface by a rotating member. The rotating member acts by displacing soil upward with respect to the ground surface and rearwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the rotating member. While the soil is in the air, slurry is deposited into the trough. The soil is then redirected downward to the trough to cover the slurry with the soil. The rotating member may be a coulter blade that has a plurality of flutes formed on a first and a second side of the blade. The flutes have a leading edge that enters the ground substantially perpendicular with respect to the ground and exits at an angle to eject soil upward and outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: VTI, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Phillip E. Reed
  • Patent number: 8544395
    Abstract: An applicator unit for applying slurry fertilizer beneath the soil with reduced soil displacement includes a spring-cushioned main mounting shank and a forward spring-biased coulter. A narrow applicator shank, mounted to the main mounting shank just above the surface of the soil, is oriented generally upright and includes a leading nose portion having a small low angle forward protruding tip and a tapered leading edge for forming a furrow without tilling the soil. The furrow is formed in four stages: by the small low angle forward protruding tip, the upright tapered leading edge of the sweep shank, by a bulge on each side of the casting near the soil surface, a slurry tube widens the slot further, facilitating the delivery of the slurry in the vertical slot. Swept back wings gently lift the soil to allow horizontal distribution of the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: William J. Dietrich, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8511241
    Abstract: A furrow opener is operable as part of a nonsingulating air seeder and includes a rotatable disc to open a furrow. The opener also includes a vented seed catch pan positioned adjacent one side of the disc. The catch pan is operably coupled to a seed conduit of the air seeder to receive seed in a pressurized air stream from the seed conduit. The catch pan presents a seed inlet configured to receive seed from the seed conduit, a seed outlet positioned to deposit the seed within the furrow, and an elongated chamber extending between the inlet and outlet. The catch pan presents multiple vents spaced between the inlet and outlet, with the vents allowing pressurized air flow to escape from the chamber to ambient without passing through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Exactrix LLC
    Inventor: Guy J. Swanson
  • Patent number: 8499703
    Abstract: An opener assembly for an agricultural seeder has an opener disc attached to an opener subframe. The opener disc is angled to the direction of travel to create a furrow for depositing seeds. A boot is mounted to the opener subframe beside the opener disc for preventing loose soil from falling into the furrow ahead of seed deposited therein. A seed tube is mounted to the opener subframe by a two-part bracket. The bracket includes a first part attached to the opener subframe and a second part fixed to the seed tube. The first part has a channel structure for receiving and partially surrounding the seed tube, and a pair of slots formed in sidewalls of the channel structure. The second part has an L-shaped structure with a portion that mates with the pair of slots. A key ring mechanism is used to lock the first and second parts together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew P. Hagny
  • Patent number: 8356563
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an agriculture planter. The planter may include a planter frame, a seed hopper and a trailing arm assembly. The planter frame may include a hitch tongue extending forwardly from the planter frame. The planter frame supports the seed hopper. The a trailing arm assembly is vertically pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the planter frame, extends rearward from the planter frame and includes a trailing arm frame and a lever arm vertically pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame by a pivot point. The lever arm includes a leading end, a trailing end, a middle portion, a furrow opener disc and a first furrow closer wheel. The disc is rotatably mounted to the lever arm near the leading end. The first wheel is rotatably mounted to the lever arm near the trailing end. The middle portion is pivotably coupled to the pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Paul E. Schaffert, Doug Shadley
  • Patent number: 8327780
    Abstract: An agricultural implement is directed to delivering a fluid to the soil of an agricultural field and includes a main frame attached to an opener device, a closing device, a pivoting assembly, and an injection tine. The opener device forms a furrow in the soil, the closing device trails the opener device for closing the furrow, and the injection tine delivers the fluid towards the furrow. The injection tine has a pivoting end attached to the pivoting assembly and a bottom end extending downwardly into the furrow between the opener device and the closing device. The pivoting end is pivotably connected at the pivoting end such that the injection tine is freely pivotable in at least two independent pivotable directions relative to furrow. A diffuser is attached to the bottom end of the injection tine for expelling the fluid into the furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20120260836
    Abstract: A no-till apparatus for application of herbicide and fertilizer, soil preparation, and seeding of a cover crop in a standing crop has inter-row assemblies configured to pass along inter-row areas between adjacent row lines of standing crop plants. Each assembly includes a fertilizer applicator, a no-till soil preparation element, a cover crop seed applicator, and a post-seeding element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Roth, Corey Dillon, William Curran, Christian Houser, W. Scott Harkcom
  • Patent number: 8275627
    Abstract: A method of seed planting in a “serpentine” pattern called the wave planter is demonstrated. It consists of a manner of placing the seeds that essentially results in equally spaced rows of seeds placed in a serpentine-like layout or wave instead of a straight row. The preferred method creates a wave pattern equidistant from the next, yet creates a substantial increase over the density of straight row planting devices and drills (eg parallel, essentially straight rows). The use of the wave pattern provide concrete and substantial benefits to the business and economics of farming through labor, energy, and maintenance savings over current planting methods which results in a new farming business method. The method may be accomplished by several devices. Some of the devices include an oscillating draw Bar planter; oscillating tongue planter; elliptical row opener; steerable undercarriage for the planter and castor row openers under undercarriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Steven A Henning, Robert J Pensec, Jerry M Stires
  • Patent number: 8205566
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to be mounted upon a planter row unit for delivering liquid fertilizer to the bottom of a trench without contacting the seed to be planted may be integrated with a cleaner for the furrow opening device. The system as claimed and described is adapted for mounting to substantially all modern row units employing floating row units. The method and apparatus as described does not interfere with existing down pressure or seed placement systems as found on modern row crop planters. As described and implemented, the method and apparatus is more compact and lighter in weight than the prior art. The attached assembly for a seed planting unit works in combination with a seed trench opener to form a trench for the deposit of liquid fertilizer offset from and parallel to the later formed seed trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Howard D Martin
  • Patent number: 8201507
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Precision Planting, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Chad Plattner
  • Publication number: 20120137942
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an apparatus for use in applying fertilizer in the ground adjacent to a row line of seeds being planted by a planter the apparatus comprising a frame mounted to the planter, and having at least one mount structure extending from a forward end of the frame, a disk structure mounted to each of the mount structures and configured to be horizontally pivotable about a selected one of multiple forwardly located pivot points on the mount structure, the disk structure being horizontally pivotably attached to the mount structure at one of the pivot points, the disks forming a V shaped opening in the ground during forward movement, a fertilizer applying structure mounted to the apparatus for delivering a fertilizer into the V shaped opening, wherein each of the multiple pivot points delivers fertilizer into the V shaped opening at predetermined lateral distances from the row line of seeds being planted by the planter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: A.I.L., INC.
    Inventors: Lee F. Nikkel, Eugene H. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8191490
    Abstract: A disc planter (10) for applying fertilizers and seeds to soil, and incorporating previously applied chemicals therein, the disc planter (10) having a frame (12) with a longitudinal forward direction of travel, and a plurality of rotatable tools mounted in series to the frame, the plurality of rotatable tools including a fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), a seed furrow opening disc (18), a soil throw controlling wheel (20), a soil closing wheel (22) and a soil disturbing star wheel (24), wherein the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are alternately oppositely inclined to one another in the forward direction of travel, the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), soil throw controlling wheel (20), soil closing wheel (22) and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are longitudinally spaced and alternately laterally offset from one another in the forward direction of travel, the soil throw controlling wheel (20) is closel
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: The Gusset Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: William Pias Noel Tobin
  • Patent number: 8146519
    Abstract: An agricultural implement is directed to delivering multiple fluids to the soil of an agricultural field. The implement includes a frame for carrying a soil cutting device and a closing device. The cutting device forms a furrow in the soil and the closing device, which trails the cutting device, closes the furrow. A fluid delivery tine is mounted on the frame and extends downwardly into the furrow between the cutting device and the closing device. The tine has a pair of coaxial tubes, including an outer tube and an inner tube, wherein the coaxial tubes form an outer passageway between the outer tube and the inner tube for delivering a first fluid toward the furrow. The inner tube has an internal passageway for delivering a second fluid toward the furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20120042811
    Abstract: A coulter assembly is provided that facilitates continuous adjustment of coulter disk penetration depth. In an exemplary embodiment, the coulter assembly includes a gauge wheel configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of a coulter disk into the soil. A depth adjustment assembly is coupled to the gauge wheel and configured to adjust the penetration depth of the coulter disk by continuously varying the vertical position of the gauge wheel. This configuration may enable the coulter disk to operate at any penetration depth within the gauge wheel range of motion, thereby facilitating deposition of fertilizer within the soil at a suitable depth to enhance crop growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventor: Travis Harnetiaux
  • Publication number: 20110100275
    Abstract: An apparatus for spraying a treatment liquid onto grass growing on a ground surface includes a plurality of rotatable discs spaced laterally apart across the path of travel. Each disc has a plurality of cutters which are adapted to penetrate the ground surface and to cut holes therein as the apparatus travels forwardly. The holes are spaced apart along the path of travel and are also spaced apart laterally. The apparatus also includes a set of nozzles positioned on the apparatus above the grass such that each nozzle is spaced rearwardly along the path of travel from its associated disc but is aligned along the path of travel with such disc. The nozzles are adapted to spray the treatment liquid. The apparatus also including a controller for causing the nozzles to spray the treatment liquid into the holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Gerardus J. Brouwer, Ralph Ratsep