Abstract: A system for a high-efficiency planting operation for a work machine for planting saplings. The system comprises a conveying unit to store at least one tray of saplings and to transport the tray of saplings towards a gripping unit. The gripping unit retrieves at least one sapling from the tray and to release at least one sapling towards an indexing unit. The indexing unit is coupled to the gripping unit and individually releases a sapling for planting. A planting unit receives the sapling from the indexing unit and delivers the sapling into a ground. A sensing module is coupled to a plurality of sensors to detect a set of parameters and generates data input signals based on the parameters. A controller receives the data input signals and provides feedback to the conveying unit, the indexing unit or the planting unit to adjust actuators in response to the data input signals.

Abstract: A system for a high-efficiency planting operation for a work machine for planting saplings. The system comprises a conveying unit to store at least one tray of saplings and to transport the tray of saplings towards a gripping unit. The gripping unit retrieves at least one sapling from the tray and to release at least one sapling towards an indexing unit. The indexing unit is coupled to the gripping unit and individually releases a sapling for planting. A planting unit receives the sapling from the indexing unit and delivers the sapling into a ground. A sensing module is coupled to a plurality of sensors to detect a set of parameters and generates data input signals based on the parameters. A controller receives the data input signals and provides feedback to the conveying unit, the indexing unit or the planting unit to adjust actuators in response to the data input signals.

Abstract: A digging assembly (10) for a plough. The digging assembly (10) has a digging blade assembly (17) that is moved through the soil to form a slot, and a closing tool assembly (29) that forms a seed bed by partly closing the slot formed by the digging blade assembly (17). Following the closing tool assembly (29) is a seed boot (57) that delivers seed to the seed bed formed by the closing tool assembly (29).

Abstract: A chop mechanism for a sod harvester can include a motor for rotating a cam to lift a chop frame. The cam can include a ready position in which it remains until a chopping action is started. The cam can be rotated from the ready position to a drop position in which the cam no longer supports a follower mounted to the chop frame. After the cam reaches the drop position, the rotation of the cam can be stopped to position the cam in a safe position to prevent the follower from striking the cam as the chop frame descends. Then, rotation of the cam can be resumed to return the cam to the ready position to await the next chopping action. The rotation of the cam from the ready position to the safe position and from the safe position to the ready position can be performed at different rates.

Abstract: A percussive digging tool attachment for a small robotic platform employs a percussor module for applying percussive impulses of relatively low impact at relatively high frequency to an attached digging tool to dig into or break up soil and rocks. By using low-impact, high-frequency percussive forces, it reduces the reaction loads on the small robotic platform while providing increased capability.

Abstract: A percussive digging tool attachment for a small robotic platform employs a percussor module for applying percussive impulses of relatively low impact at relatively high frequency to an attached digging tool to dig into or break up soil and rocks. By using low-impact, high-frequency percussive forces, it reduces the reaction loads on the small robotic platform while providing increased capability.

Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, the frame carrying a coring head having a plurality of side-by-side tine assemblies. The wheels define a wheelbase which is substantially equal to or less than the width of a coring swath and the wheels are located in advance of the coring head to keep the wheels from passing over the holes or soil cores left in any preceding coring swathes formed by the aerator. The vertical position of the coring head is adjustable up and down as the ground contour changes to keep hole depth substantially constant. The tine assemblies are reciprocated by a single crankshaft driven by a single pulley, the crankshaft being assembled from multiple crank arms that are splined and bolted together. Sealed bearings connect drive arms that drive the tine assemblies to the crankshaft. The crankshaft can be disassembled to allow the sealed drive arm bearings to be replaced. Integral core deflectors are used on the drive arms.

Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, the frame carrying a coring head having a plurality of side-by-side tine assemblies. The wheels define a wheelbase which is substantially equal to or less than the width of a coring swath and the wheels are located in advance of the coring head to keep the wheels from passing over the holes or soil cores left in any preceding coring swathes formed by the aerator. The vertical position of the coring head is adjustable up and down as the ground contour changes to keep hole depth substantially constant. The tine assemblies are reciprocated by a single crankshaft driven by a single pulley, the crankshaft being assembled from multiple crank arms that are splined and bolted together. Sealed bearings connect drive arms that drive the tine assemblies to the crankshaft. The crankshaft can be disassembled to allow the sealed drive arm bearings to be replaced. Integral core deflectors are used on the drive arms.

Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, the frame carrying a coring head having a plurality of side-by-side tine assemblies. The wheels define a wheelbase which is substantially equal to or less than the width of a coring swath and the wheels are located in advance of the coring head to keep the wheels from passing over the holes or soil cores left in any preceding coring swathes formed by the aerator. The vertical position of the coring head is adjustable up and down as the ground contour changes to keep hole depth substantially constant. The tine assemblies are reciprocated by a single crankshaft driven by a single pulley, the crankshaft being assembled from multiple crank arms that are splined and bolted together. Sealed bearings connect drive arms that drive the tine assemblies to the crankshaft. The crankshaft can be disassembled to allow the sealed drive arm bearings to be replaced. Integral core deflectors are used on the drive arms.

Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging wheels, the frame carrying a coring head having a plurality of side-by-side tine assemblies. The wheels define a wheelbase which is substantially equal to or less than the width of a coring swath and the wheels are located in advance of the coring head to keep the wheels from passing over the holes or soil cores left in any preceding coring swathes formed by the aerator. The vertical position of the coring head is adjustable up and down as the ground contour changes to keep hole depth substantially constant. The tine assemblies are reciprocated by a single crankshaft driven by a single pulley, the crankshaft being assembled from multiple crank arms that are splined and bolted together. Sealed bearings connect drive arms that drive the tine assemblies to the crankshaft. The crankshaft can be disassembled to allow the sealed drive arm bearings to be replaced. Integral core deflectors are used on the drive arms.

Abstract: An aeration machine 10 comprising a drive mechanism 16 connected to sets of tines 18 by a vibration absorbing linkage arrangement 34. The arrangement 34 enables the tines 18 to remain vertical when extending into the ground thereby avoiding elongation of the holes formed thereby. The aeration machine includes a linkage arrangement including a vibration absorbing member. The vibration absorbing member comprises a first part located at least partially within a hollow housing and is held within the hollow housing by a plurality of resilient members.

Abstract: Turf aerator having a crank and crank arms which present a parallelogram for supporting the aerator assembly, including the aerating tines.

Abstract: A cultivating machine has a structure arranged to be mounted on ground engaging wheels for movement in a line of travel. At least one tool support is mounted on the structure so as to be moveable with respect thereto, and a drive is also mounted on the structure for driving the tool support. The tool support has a body having two end portions, the first end portion being driven in use in a circular path by the drive. The second end portion is connected to the structure through a link arm pivotably attached to the tool support and to a swing arm, which in turn is pivotably attached to the structure, the swing arm being biased toward a median position and the second end of the tool support carrying at least one cultivating tool.

Abstract: A power cultivator including a power source, a shaft and a cultivating head having a pair of cultivating blades is described. The cultivating head includes an assembly that opens and closes the blades using a mirrored arcuate motion. The cultivating head itself is also part of the invention in that it can be attached to a standard string trimmer in place of the standard string trimming assembly. The power cultivator is effective at cultivating small areas of soil, in which a gardener usually uses a common goose-neck garden hoe.

Abstract: A turf aeration device is provided, comprising a wheeled frame having a journalled drive shaft, wherein the frame is attachable to a pulling vehicle having a power take-off capability. Balanced chain and sprocket assemblies are used to transfer power from the power take-off to the drive shaft, and a plurality of aerator mechanisms are attached to the drive shaft and the frame. Each aerator mechanism comprises a link member which supports a pivotable tine holder having at least one tine, a stop member attached to the link member for contacting the tine holder and maintaining a minimum predetermined angle between the tine holder and the link member; a means for adjusting the predetermined angle between the tine holder and the link member; an elastomeric band pivotally connected between the frame and the tine holder for urging the tine holder against the stop member; a drive link attached to the drive shaft; and a connecting rod pivotally attached between the drive link and the link member.

Abstract: A subsurface weed tool which makes use of a variety of different detachable blade attachments to cut the roots of and other plants. The tool can be provided with a variety of different attachments, permitting it to be used for other purposes such as aeration of the soil, removal of sod strips and lawn and garden edging. The tool comprises an elongate hollow supporting member having an upper end on which is mounted a motor. An elongate drive shaft or rod is operatively connected to the motor and extends through the supporting member to the latter's lower end. A reciprocating drive unit is mounted on this lower end and includes a drive conversion mechanism connected to the bottom end of the drive shaft and capable of converting rotary motion to a reciprocating linear motion in a certain direction. A blade attachment is connectible to the conversion mechanism and can include a planar blade member with a forward cutting edge.

Abstract: A mechanized tool that produces rectilinear reciprocal motion for a tool carrying shaft is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, a rotating power takeoff shaft is attached to a circular disk, bar, or flywheel that has thereon a cam follower or protrusion. This cam follower is carried within a slot that is slidably mounted on a pair of guide rails or within a guide slot or guide rail. Also attached to the movable slot is a tool carrying shaft. Thus as the disk spins, the tool carrying shaft is moved in a reciprocal manner, with power being applied in the stroke in both directions. A pivotable cutting hoe is attached to the tool carrying shaft in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A sand distributor and spreader for filling sand into aerated holes in golf greens wherein a frame has slidably mounted thereon a plurality of brushes. A gear box, or other source of mechanical energy, is interconnected to the frame such that an output of the gear box selectively reciprocates the brushes between a first position and a second position. Furthermore, a plurality of wheels are rotatably mounted to the frame in such a manner that the frame can be moved, while the gear box output simultaneously reciprocates the brushes. Additionally, a mechanism is included so that the brushes may be lifted from the surface to be brushed so that the spreader may be easily moved. In an additional embodiment, an engine simultaneously reciprocates the brushes and rotates the wheels.

Abstract: A multiple purpose agricultural power tool is provided which consists of a removable cover to fit over an open top of a housing, a wheel assembly which is rotatable and mounted to the housing, so that it can travel along the ground and a pair of legs affixed to a rearward bottom edge of the housing for stabilizing the housing when not traveling along the ground. A power source is carried within the housing for producing rotary motion and a mechanism is carried within the housing for converting the rotary motion to a reciprocating motion. A shank coupled to the converting mechanism extends downwardly at an angle from a front wall of the housing. A detachable implement is coupled to the shank for performing a garden task on the ground. The power tool is also provision to supply power to alternative connectable auxiliary power implement.

Abstract: A machine for levelling a surface has ground engaging levelling members pivotally mounted on a main frame for back and forth vibratory or oscillatory motion relative to the main frame in a normal direction of travel of the machine. Each levelling member has a longitudinal axis which extends laterally with respect to the normal direction of travel of the machine and there is an eccentric drive for providing the back and forth motion which may be connected to a power takeoff shaft of a tractor.

Abstract: A characteristic feature of the present invention is that a damping unit is rovided between the casing, impact tool and elements of a pneumatic hammer. The damping unit may have a different design.

Abstract: A composting machine is used with an elongated reactor with flails mounted in a frame that moves longitudinally from a finishing end to a starting end during a processing pass. The flails move the organic material in the reactor along the reactor toward the finishing end. The flails are radially mounted on a shaft and the shaft rotates during the processing pass causing the flails to rotate as well. During a return pass, the flails can be made to occupy a horizontal plane so that the frame can return to the finishing end without raising the shaft vertically. Further, a skirt can be mounted adjacent to the flails to limit the distance that the material is moved by the flails. The distance of the skirt from a leading edge of the flails can be increased during the processing pass from the finishing end to the starting end. This allows the machine to be much more efficient as the level of the organic material can be maintained nearly constant from the starting end to the finishing end.

Abstract: A planter for placement of plants in spaced parallel rows in the soil has a plant dispenser fed manually or automatically from a plant supply and delivering to a furrow-opening coulter assembly and press wheels. The plant dispenser comprises a drum having an internal impeller defining plant-receiving chutes through which the plants pass, and thence downwards and outwards through an opening in the drum. The coulter assembly has reciprocated coulter side plates which receive and support each plant in a receiving zone between them, and by forward movement relative to the plant and relative to a fixed placement member located in front of the plant, allow soil to flow back to cover the plant's root ball. The press wheels are mounted with a variable caster angle to vary their soil-gathering affect. A hitch has twin parallel toolbars whereby the row units are freely laterally position-adjustable even across the tractor hitch.

Abstract: This driller for use in a rice field comprises attaching vertical rods, with freedom of up and down, to a main frame connected to a tractor; attaching, to the main frame, an up and down mechanism which is driven by a driving source mounted on the tractor to ascend and descend vertical rods; providing guide rails, which were provided horizontally at the lower ends of vertical rods, with supporting frames movable horizontally along the guide rails; interposing a tension spring between the supporting frames and guide rails, the spring which acts to bias the supporting frame forward; and providing the supporting frame with perpendicular drilling rods.

Abstract: A sod cutting machine having an undercutting blade to sever beneath a strip of sod, and a pair of separate side cutting blades, to cut the edges of the sod strip. The undercutting blade is supported by a pair of arms which are reciprocated back and forth in the direction of travel of the machine. The side cutting blades are supported by further arms which are connected by links to the undercutting blade support arms, so that the side cutting blades reciprocate oppositely to the reciprocation of the undercutting blade, thus reducing vibration. The side cutting blades are located one on each side of the roller which supports the front of the machine, and the undercutting blade is immediately behind the roller, to ensure alignment of the cuts.

Abstract: A cable guiding chute suitable for attachment to a ground slitting blade to dispense a plurality of cables includes a pair of generally vertical sidewall members, forward and trailing webs extending between the sidewall members to define a cable passageway, and a plurality of generally J-shaped separators extending the length of the passageway to define a plurality of cable guiding conduits. One of the sidewall members is releaseably secured to the forward and trailing webs and may be removed to expose the cable guiding conduits for lateral insertion or removal of cables. The forward web member includes a flange which is received within a plurality of retainer clips carried by the removable sidewall for stabilizing the forward end of the removable sidewall against lateral displacement. A channel-shaped latch is connected to the trailing edge of the removable sidewall and receives a locking bar member pivotally mounted on the trailing web for securing the removable sidewall in a cable dispensing position.