Frame And Planting-element Arrangement Patents (Class 111/52)
  • Patent number: 11968921
    Abstract: A depth gauge wheel for a row planter. The depth gauge wheel sets the planting depth for the seeds planted by the row planter. The depth gauge wheel sets planting depth by setting the cutting depth of the disk opener of the row planter. The depth gauge wheel also scrapes mud from the disk blade of the disk opener. The depth gauge wheel includes a rim, a tire attached to the rim and a ring attached to the rim. The tire contacts the surface of the ground to set the cutting depth of the disk opener and the ring scrapes mud from the disk blade of the disk opener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Jung Enterprise, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan F. Jung
  • Patent number: 11340092
    Abstract: Work vehicle display systems and methods for generating map displays including automatic section control (ASC) lookahead symbology are disclosed. In embodiments, the work vehicle display system includes a display device on which a map display is generated, a position tracking data source, and a controller architecture. The controller architecture is operable in an ASC lookahead mode in which the controller architecture: (i) projects a future position of the work implement at a future timepoint based, at least in part, on data received from the position tracking data source; (ii) projects future operative states of the implement sections at the future timepoint when the implement sections are controlled by an ASC system; and (iii) generates ASC lookahead symbology on the map display visually indicating the projected future position of the work implement and the projected future operative states of the implement sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew M. Colosky, Gregory J. Reinhart, Douglas J. Feldmann, Adam E. Bogenrief, Luciana Mueller, Theodore J. Shinners
  • Patent number: 11122729
    Abstract: A seeding implement has an implement frame with a lateral frame member. Spoked wheels rotate about a wheel axis that is fixed with respect to the implement frame. Shanks are mounted to the lateral frame member such that each shank is movable with respect to the frame. Each spoked wheel rotates about the wheel axis in a plane that is vertical, aligned with, and forward of, a front face of a corresponding shank, and ends of spokes pass adjacent to a front face of the shank. A spoke clearance distance between the ends of the spokes and the front face of the corresponding shank remains within a trash clearing range as the shank moves with respect to the implement frame from a first operating position to a second operating position that is below the first operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: Peter Dillon
  • Patent number: 10806068
    Abstract: Disc drill agricultural implements are configured to form product rows in a planting surface of a field. The disc drill may include two different sections of row units, the first section containing single-shoot row units and the second section containing double-shoot row units. The configuration may be used to produce three sets of product rows which may be used placement of seeds, fertilizer and/or other agricultural products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin J. Roberge, Joel John Octave Gervais, Guillaume Cloutier Boily
  • Patent number: 10327372
    Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a pivot arm to an implement has a cylindrical member, an adjusting sleeve, and a mounting bolt extending through the cylindrical member and adjusting sleeve to fix the cylindrical member and adjusting sleeve together. The cylindrical member extends through a bore of a bearing housing for rotation within the bearing housing. The adjusting sleeve has a threaded external surface. A disc spring is positioned on the adjusting sleeve. An adjusting nut is threaded onto the threaded external surface of the adjusting sleeve. The adjusting nut can be tightened to compress the disc spring to create a lateral bearing force against the bearing housing. The bearing housing can be integral with a pivot arm for mounting a gauge wheel assembly on a planter row unit, or the bearing housing can be a fixed part for mounting a pivot arm for a closing/press wheel on a drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Copperhead Planter Products, LLC
    Inventor: Philip C. Kester
  • Patent number: 10004172
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a center section having a first aperture, a wheel supporting the center section, a wing section connected to the center section and having a second aperture, and a hinge positioned between the center section and the wing section to permit the wing section to pivot about the center section. The hinge includes a pin having a first end and a second end. The pin extends through the first and second apertures to connect the wing section to the center section. A first fastener engages the center section or the wing section and is adjacent to the first end of the pin to thereby retain the pin in the first and second apertures. A second fastener engages the center section or the wing section and is adjacent to the second end of the pin to thereby retain the pin in the first and second apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Jeremy Nefzger, Shawn J. Becker
  • Patent number: 9635799
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a transformable agricultural planter that is structured and operable to transform to a Transport Configuration wherein a width of the planter is less than or equal to a Department Of Transportation maximum load width for which special ‘Wide Load’ permits are not required. The planter includes a support cart including a telescoping support axle having a plurality of wheel assemblies mounted thereto and a plurality of actuators connected to the telescoping support axle. The actuators are operable to extend and retract the telescoping support axle such that a spacing between the wheel assemblies can be set to any desired distance. The planter additionally includes a main toolbar assembly connected a toolbar lift and spin assembly rotatably mounted to the support cart and operable to rotate, raise and lower the main toolbar assembly between the Transport Configuration and a Planting Configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Hundley, Andrew D. Thielen, Brian Forinash, David J. Baitinger, Timothy J. Forbes
  • Patent number: 9526201
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a twin-row planter with tandem driven seed meters at a pair of row units at each row segment of a twin-row planter. A tandem drive system drives the seed meters in a tandem manner, which may include a single transmission assembly simultaneously rotating a pair of seed discs in the pair of seed meters at each row segment. An indexing system allows for quickly changing an amount of relative rotational or angular indexing of seed disks inside of the pair of seed meters at the pair of row units of each row segment to adjust longitudinal spacing between delivery locations of seeds from the seed disks at planted row segments of a planted twin-row. Adjustments can be made at disk hubs, between shaft segments linking the seed disks, or with multiple sets of mounting holds on the seed disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Keith W. Wendte, Brian T. Adams
  • Patent number: 9313940
    Abstract: Various seed planter embodiments may comprise a frame including a main frame section and a furrowing disk frame section. A plurality of planter assemblies may be connected to the main frame section, and a plurality of furrowing disks may be connected to the furrowing disk frame section. At least one linkage may connect the main frame section and the furrowing disk frame section, and at least one motor may be configured to move the furrowing disk frame section with respect to the main frame section, wherein the at least one linkage permits the furrowing disk frame section to move to a low position for no-till planting and move to a high position for prepared seed beds or conventional planting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Truax Company Inc.
    Inventors: James Truax, Ben Zoubek
  • Patent number: 9265188
    Abstract: A metering system for distributing an agricultural product in a field includes a drive input and a drive shaft coupled to the drive input and configured to be driven in rotation by the drive input. The metering system also includes a first meter box assembly having a first housing, a first metering shaft extending through a first plurality of meter rollers within the first housing, and a second metering shaft extending through a second plurality of meter rollers within the first housing. The metering system includes a second meter box assembly having a second housing, a third metering shaft extending through a third plurality of meter rollers within the second housing, and a fourth metering shaft extending through a fourth plurality of meter rollers within the second housing. Each metering shaft is configured to be independently driven by the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dennis George Thompson, Jared Steven Wright
  • Patent number: 9003983
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Roth, Corey Dillon, William Curran, Christian Houser
  • Patent number: 8733256
    Abstract: An agricultural planter includes a frame and left and right wings pivotally attached to respective ends of the frame, all of which have a plurality of spaced row units. Each wing includes a forward bar pivotally coupled to the frame for forward folding for transport and an aft bar having row units attached thereto. Each aft bar is aligned parallel with and is pivotally coupled to its associated forward bar by at least one pair of first and second non-parallel coupling arms. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the forward bar and to one of the pivoting arms raises the associated aft bar with row units above the soil to a first elevated position to facilitate turning the planter. Further extension of the hydraulic cylinder causes additional elevation, and substantial rotation of the aft bar and row unit combination to provide a low and narrow planter profile for transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon E. Kinzenbaw
  • Publication number: 20140053762
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the field of agricultural machinery and relates to preplanting tillage implements generally used in combination with a seed planting device, or other multi-row implement. Specifically, the disclosure relates to row treating units incorporating a row clearance arrangement or a combination of tools that includes a row cleaning device and a soil penetrating coulter device. The units are designed to be attached to the front of a multi-row implement. The deployment of and down force exerted by the row cleaner is independently adjustable and controlled using pneumatic air bag operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicants: YETTER MANUFACTURING COMPANY, L & B MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Dylan C. Van Buskirk, Derek W. Allensworth
  • Patent number: 8626408
    Abstract: An integrated system for row-producing in agriculture fields comprises several implements each having an elevated central frame, an undercarriage assembly with a rear active steering system and the undercarriage assembly is rear located and being behind the structures of toolbar and row units. The rear active steering system controlled by a GPS system comprises a steer angle sensor and a closed loop continuous feedback system, with the purpose of keeping a precise lateral location. This integrated system also comprises an active toolbar height controlling system. When needed, the undercarriage assembly can be disconnected from the implement. This integrated system functions to reduce compactions in the field and ensure lateral accuracy of the implement movement. The integrated system works as a strip tiller, and as a planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald L. Satzler, David C. Janzen
  • Patent number: 8505473
    Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing device such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Howard D. Martin
  • Patent number: 8494727
    Abstract: In order to achieve a solution which assists a farmer in working land in a way which reduces the risk of soil compaction of the land there is, among others, a method of determining a work trajectory to be followed by an agricultural work vehicle. The method includes accessing a soil carry capacity map of an area of land to be worked by the agricultural work vehicle, receiving load data of the agricultural work vehicle so as to determine the agricultural work vehicle load and determining the work trajectory to be followed by the agricultural work vehicle. The work trajectory is determined by correlating the soil carry capacity map and the load data of the agricultural work vehicle, so as to optimize that the area to be worked with low carry capacity is worked with low agricultural work vehicle load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Aarhus Universitet
    Inventors: Ole Green, Dionysios D. Bochtis
  • Publication number: 20120266794
    Abstract: A seeding follower isolation device may include a forming bar connection portion, a seeding follower support portion, and an extension portion. The forming bar connection portion may be configured for secured attachment to a forming bar in a leading position relative to a seed tube of a planting unit. The seeding follower support portion may be configured to adjustably and removably support a seeding follower in an aft position relative to a seed tube. The extension portion may extend between the forming bar connection portion and the seeding follower support portion. The seeding follower isolation device does not contact a seed tube so that a seeding follower joined to the seeding follower isolation device is isolated from the seed tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAFFERT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Paul E. Schaffert
  • Patent number: 8271164
    Abstract: The invention provides a guidance system for guiding a towed agricultural implement such as seeders, planters, sprayers and the like, along a preferred path between rows of growing crop or standing stubble by sensing the rows of growing crop or standing stubble with a uniquely designed paddle-like sensor means which does not engage the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: One Pass Implements Inc.
    Inventors: Barry K. Melanson, Bruce W. Wilton, David R. Duke, Ross L. Filpula, Patrick M. Beaujot
  • Patent number: 7997217
    Abstract: The invention refers to an implement regulating device in an agricultural machine including at least one group of implements (4) arranged across the driving direction, thereafter cross-wise arranged support members (15) and at least one each group of implements and support members are controllable and adjustable by a power device (23). Implements (4) and support members (15) in each group are journalled in bearings at one end of at least one carrying arm (13). The power device (23) is adapted to rotate a cross-running main beam (19). The main beam is connected with the carrying arm (13) via a spring member (18) and is rotatably suspended in relation to the frame (Ia) of the machine (1). Activation of the power device is adapted to influence the carrying arm between a position for maximum sowing depth and a transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Vaderstad-Verken Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Crister Stark, Johan Mattsson
  • Patent number: 7975629
    Abstract: A closing wheel assembly having a closing wheel frame and at least one closing wheel pivotally mounted to a lever allows the operator to change the angle at which the at least one closing wheel intersects the ground surface during use. The lever to which the closing wheel is mounted may be pivotally mounted to the closing wheel frame about a lever attachment. The lever may be formed with a lever handle on a first end thereof and a closing wheel mount on the second end thereof, wherein the lever attachment is positioned between the first and second ends of the lever. Accordingly, as the angle of the lever is manipulated about the lever attachment, the angle of the closing wheel pivotally mounted to that lever changes in the vertical and/or horizontal dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald S. Martin
  • Patent number: 7757620
    Abstract: A garden machine allows a user to perform various gardening functions with a single machine by allowing the user to easily interchange implements placed on an implement mounting shaft of the machine. The garden machine includes a frame and an implement mounting shaft. The user, faced with a job to do, selects the implements best suited for the job and mounts the selected implements on the implement mounting shaft. The user then manipulates the machine to do the job. The machine can be hand powered or be powered by an engine or motor. A seed drill of the invention includes seed discharge tubes spaced around the circumference of a disk. Each seed discharge tube communicates with a seed reservoir in the disk through a displacement operated valve arrangement. As a planting head is displaced toward the disk against a spring bias, the displacement opens the seed discharge tube so that a seed is discharged from the reservoir into the tube and is delivered to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J. French
  • Patent number: 7669536
    Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing apparatus such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Howard D. Martin
  • Patent number: 7644670
    Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing member such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Howard D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20090199750
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Haydon Rice, Leonard Bettin
  • Publication number: 20090178600
    Abstract: A seed tank arrangement is provided with improved access to seed tanks of an agricultural planter and the contents thereof, while simplifying the manufacturing of such tanks. The seed tank has a fill opening formed in the upper surface of the tank for loading and accessing seeds in the interior of the tank. Features of the tank are mirror images about a diagonal plane of the tank, which enables the same tank to be used for both the left and right sides of the planter. This is achieved by rotating the left tank 90 degrees with respect to the right tank. The design provides improved access to the interior of the tanks for filling and servicing the seed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Rodney Samuel Horn, Ben A. Coats
  • Patent number: 7469648
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America, LLC
    Inventor: Leonard A. Bettin
  • Publication number: 20080302283
    Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing means such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Howard D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20080302282
    Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing means such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Howard D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20080276846
    Abstract: A seed drill planting apparatus includes an opener configured to plant a row of seeds at locations corresponding to the wing tips of the openers and a row of fertilizer at the center of the opener. The press wheels for the opener are constructed of a pair of skewed wheels that are arranged to throw soil inwardly to provide a proper cover for the rows of seeds and fertilizer placed into the ground by the opener. The skewed press wheels are connected to an adjusting mechanism that is operable to selectively vary the angle at which the press wheels are skewed with respect to the direction of travel. A one-way castering wheel is also provided to function to caster for tight turns on the side of the implement at the inside of the turn, but automatically locks into a stable position when the implement is converted into a transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Terrance Alan Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20080053351
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: Leonard A. Bettin
  • Patent number: 7025008
    Abstract: An implement lift system for connection to a tractor and a farm implement, the system including a frame having a plurality of pivotal attachment devices being the sole structural connection of the implement lift system to the tractor. The pivotal attachment devices are substantially aligned about an axis and a support member is associated with the frame. The support member is movable in a plane substantially parallel with the axis. The support member being connectable to the farm implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Rex A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6986313
    Abstract: A compression system for a dual material delivery assembly for mounting on a frame alongside a plurality of similar assemblies is described. The assembly includes a furrowing knife for producing a furrow in the ground as it is towed across the ground. A fertilizer tube is mounted behind the furrowing knife. A seed dispensing tube provided is for depositing seed in the furrow behind the fertilizer knife offset to one side and above the fertilizer. A packer wheel is attached to the seed tube assembly. The fertilizer knife and the seed tube assembly are separately mounted on a bracket attached to the implement frame for pivotal movement about a common pivot Two separate cylinders are provided to apply a separate force on the furrowing element and the packer wheel. The cylinders of each of the assemblies are commonly connected for common adjustment on the frame or on the go on a tractor towing the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Vale Farms Ltd.
    Inventors: James William Halford, Frederick Nicholas Butuk, Derek Christopher Opseth
  • Patent number: 6983705
    Abstract: A depth control mechanism for an agricultural seed planter is made up of an index plate, a T-handle, a spring, and a gauge wheel arm. The T-handle is moved into different positions which are indicated in the index plate. The spring and the gauge wheel arm allow for selective manual movement and locking of the depth adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Jacob N. Gust
  • Patent number: 6912963
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing soil for the placement therein of at least one of seed and fertilizer. A frame is provided with there being first structure on the frame for penetrating the soil to create an opening for at least one of seed and fertilizer as the frame is advanced in a travel direction. A second structure is provided on the frame at least partially downstream of the first structure for at least one of a) stripping soil clods from the first structure and b) loosening soil downstream of the first structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: James H. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20040216654
    Abstract: An implement lift system for connection to a tractor and a farm implement, the system including a frame having a plurality of pivotal attachment devices being the sole structural connection of the implement lift system to the tractor. The pivotal attachment devices are substantially aligned about an axis and a support member is associated with the frame. The support member is movable in a plane substantially parallel with the axis. The support member being connectable to the farm implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Rex A. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20040206282
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for an agricultural planter includes a first electronic controller, a second electronic controller, a hydraulic valve manifold, hydraulic drives for the seed and fertilizer hoppers, and a feedback sensor from the hydraulic drives to the second electronic controller. The first electronic controller is located in the cab of the tractor connected to the planter, while the second electronic controller is mounted on the planter to control the operation of the hydraulic drives. The feedback sensors provide data as to the operation of the hydraulic drives. Another sensor associated with the forward speed of the planter also provides input to the second electronic controller so that the second controller can coordinate the operational speed of the hydraulic drives to provide the rate of application of the seed and fertilizer products desired by the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Jaime Arana Sandoval, Francisco Perez Cervantes, Ivan Gabriel Salcedo Mendoza
  • Publication number: 20030209175
    Abstract: A pivot assembly is provided for attaching a closing wheel frame to a planter. The closing wheel frame has a pair of closing wheels attached at a rear end and a pair of mounting openings formed at a front end. The pivot assembly includes ball bearings having outer races fit loosely within each of the mounting openings of the closing wheel frame. The inner races of the ball bearings are secured to the planter frame using threaded nut and bolt assemblies. The closing wheel frame is pivotal relative to the planter frame during normal operation by relative movement between the inner and outer races of the bearing. Variations of the mounting openings in the closing wheel frame are disclosed, including a tubular part, heavy washer or other annular structure welded to an outside surface of the closing wheel frame, or a bearing housing formed integral with the closing wheel frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Philip C. Kester
  • Patent number: 6622646
    Abstract: A case drain coupler mounting plate is mounted to the frame of the seeding machine. The case drain hydraulic coupler is secured to the case drain coupler mounting plate when it is not coupled to a tractor. The mounting plate is provided with a keyhole-shaped mounting aperture having an enlarged upper opening and a narrow channel projecting downwardly from the enlarged opening. The case drain hydraulic coupler is provided with a circumferential groove that engages the narrow channel in the keyhole shaped slot. A backing plate is mounted to the mounting plate at a fixed distance from the mounting plate. The backing plate engages the case drain hydraulic coupler and overcomes the biasing force to open the check valve. With the check valve open the case drain line provides a drain path for hydraulic fluid from the case drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert Edwin Bennett, Bradley John Meyer, William Douglas Graham
  • Patent number: 6581530
    Abstract: A seeding machine having a wing frame with planting units. The planting units are coupled to the wing frame by a pivot arm. The pivot arms move the planting units between a horizontal working configuration and a vertical transport configuration. An operator walkway is located above the planting units. The operator walkway comprises a walkway frame and a footboard. The walkway frame is pivotally coupled to the wing frame segment by a walkway frame pin. The footboard is pivotally coupled to the walkway frame by a footboard pin. As the planting units are moved from their horizontal working configuration to their vertical transport configuration the walkway frame and attached footboard are automatically folded between the planting units and the respective wing frame segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Thomas LeRoy Hall, Bradley John Meyer, Nathan Albert Mariman, William Douglas Graham
  • Publication number: 20030110995
    Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and two wing frame segments. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly from the wing frame segments. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft having an actuator bell crank. The bell crank is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in contact with the ground, an intermediate holding position, wherein the planting units are raised out of the ground, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position. To maintain the rear rank of planting units in the intermediate holding position, a U-shaped stop is placed over the linear actuator so that the linear actuator cannot retract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas LeRoy Hall, Bradley John Meyer
  • Patent number: 6530332
    Abstract: An earth working apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a frame, a harrow cultivator connected to the frame and adapted to be angled and adjusted for height with respect to the frame, a plow cultivator connected to the frame and adapted to be adjusted for height, a seed and fertilizer dispensing hopper connected to the frame, a drag and compactor device connected to the frame, a height adjustment for setting the soil depth of the harrow cultivator and plow cultivator and an adjustable one-point hitch attachment. The apparatus is adapted to be attached to a wide variety of prime movers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Blaine F. Burley
  • Patent number: 6520100
    Abstract: A twin row planter (10) includes planting units (20a-26b) arranged in pairs (20-26). Each pair (20-26) is configured and positioned for planting two rows (78,80) of seeds less than about ten inches apart to produce two rows of crops in order to increase the yield of the plot. With this spacing, the rows (78,80) in each pair are close enough to simulate a single row enabling the use of a conventional cultivator, sprayer or harvesting machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: ATI
    Inventors: Steven Maurice Spooner, Sr., Paul Barrett Wood, Eric Thomas Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 6443079
    Abstract: An agricultural machine has a movable rack (10) having at least one main wheel (16, 18), a hitch (12) which is arranged on the rack (10), a reservoir container (14) which is carried by the rack (10) and/or the hitch (12), and an agricultural implement (20) which is attached to the rack (10) at the rear in the direction of travel and has a plurality of rear support wheels (28). The machine is developed to the effect that the at least one main wheel (16, 18) is positively steered as a function of the pulling direction of a traction force which is exerted on the hitch (12). Such a machine is particularly compact and maneuverable even when the reservoir container is large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Horsch Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Horsch
  • Patent number: 6378621
    Abstract: A lift and rotate agricultural implement frame comprises a main frame having a lift tube and a carrier frame slidably mounted to the lift tube. The lift tube comprises a vertically extending main support tube having planar surfaces and a corrosion resistant exterior sleeve. The corrosion resistant exterior sleeve comprises corrosion resistant plates corresponding to the planar surfaces of the main support tube. Each of the plates has an interior surface and an exterior surface. At least one of the corrosion resistant plates adjoins another plate. One of the adjoining plates is provided with an overhang that extends past the exterior surface of the other plate of the pair. The plates are fillet welded to one another between the overhang and the other plate. The plates are also provided with oblong openings having oblong edges. The oblong edges are fillet welded to the main support tube to couple the sleeve to the main support tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: William Douglas Graham, Scott Charles McCartney, William Howard Smith, Patrick M. Buckley, Robert Edwin Bennett
  • Publication number: 20020043193
    Abstract: An earth working apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a frame, a harrow cultivator connected to the frame and adapted to be angled and adjusted for height with respect to the frame, a plow cultivator connected to the frame and adapted to be adjusted for height, a seed and fertilizer dispensing hopper connected to the frame, a drag and compactor device connected to the frame, a height adjustment for setting the soil depth of the harrow cultivator and plow cultivator and an adjustable one-point hitch attachment. The apparatus is adapted to be attached to a wide variety of prime movers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Blaine F. Burley
  • Patent number: 6356830
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically measuring soil pH at a relatively large number of places in a field, and automatically creating a soil pH map by simultaneously measuring the position of the apparatus and storing the pH data in association with the location from which the corresponding soil sample was taken. The apparatus includes a wheeled chassis, a shank for exposing soil at a controlled depth, a sampling tray for collecting soil, a probe for measuring the pH of the soil, a water supply for cleaning the probe between measurements, a devise for measuring the location of the apparatus, and a computer for controlling the measurement cycle and recording the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Viacheslav I. Adamchuck, Mark T. Morgan, Daniel R. Ess
  • Patent number: 6295938
    Abstract: The invention is a soil preparation device for use with a planter row unit of the type which includes a front face, a furrow opener to the rear of the front face, a seed dispenser, and a furrow closer to the rear of the furrow opener and seed dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: William J. Stephan
  • Patent number: 6240860
    Abstract: A mounting system for securing planting units in planting machines, each unit including at least a portion removably secured to a carrier beam, the system allowing to quickly and simply change the distance between working units in order to adapt the machine to a better use thereof the beam having at least one slot extending along the beam and receiving a bolt connected to a curved plate bearing against a rear face of the beam, and to the beam, the bolt passing through the slot of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Elvio Antonio Forchino
  • Patent number: 6237696
    Abstract: A ground opener unit for a seeding or planting unit includes an arm attachable to an implement frame and a disc rotatably mounted to the arm for forming a furrow in the ground. A scraper assembly includes a scraper plate defining a scraper edge for contacting and scraping a surface of the disc. The scraper plate defines a mounting region remote from the edge. A scraper plate mount secures the scraper plate adjacent the disc and a resilient pad of material is interposed between the plate mounting region and the scraper plate mount. A spaced pair of fasteners extend through the mounting region to secure the scraper plate and resilient pad to the scraper plate mount. The fasteners are located in selected positions in the mounting region relative to the resilient pad such that the scraper plate is capable of being tilted or rocked when said scraper edge encounters irregularities thus assisting the scraper edge to follow the disc surface during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Flexi-Coil Ltd.
    Inventor: Dean J. Mayerle
  • Patent number: 6192812
    Abstract: A debris shield is provided for use with a single furrow planter unit of a multi-row planter. The planter unit comprises a generally horizontally disposed frame including a pair of horizontally spaced-apart frame members which define an opening therebetween. The debris shield of this invention is secured to the frame between the frame members and extends therebetween for preventing debris from passing upwardly past the debris shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Stanley R. Schmedding