Rolling Tool Has Circumferentially Spaced Blades, Tines Or The Like Patents (Class 172/177)
  • Patent number: 11051442
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Patent number: 10779453
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a main frame, a rotating blade assembly operatively connected to the main frame, the rotating blade assembly comprising a shaft having a plurality of blades mounted thereto, and a first grader blade and a second grader blade operatively connected to the main frame. Both the first grader blade and the second grader blade follow the rotating blade assembly such that in operation the plurality of blades positioned along the rotating blade assembly chop up a soil heave into smaller pieces of dirt and may for provide for pushing the soil towards a center. The first grader and the second grader may further push the dirt towards the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: SOIL-MAX, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan David Horsman, Joseph Henry Irwin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10575452
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Patent number: 10542655
    Abstract: In one aspect, an auxiliary tool assembly for an agricultural implement may be configured to support a finishing tool(s) at a location at or adjacent to the aft end of the implement. The auxiliary tool assembly may include a support arm extending lengthwise between a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the support arm being pivotally coupled to a portion of the implement at or adjacent to its aft end so that the tool assembly is pivotable relative to the implement between a work position and a transport position. In addition, the finishing tool(s) may be configured to be coupled to or otherwise supported relative to the ground by the support arm at a location between its proximal and distal ends. Moreover, the auxiliary tool assembly may include one or more surface-engaging wheels coupled to the distal end of the support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, Scott R. Faust, Timothy R. Blunier, Gaylen J. Kromminga
  • Patent number: 10039222
    Abstract: One embodiment is a tow-behind grading tool structured for attachment to a work machine. The tool includes a frame, ground contacting members rotatably coupled with the frame, a comb coupled with the frame and extending from a first end of the frame, a tow coupling member coupled with the frame and located proximate a second end of the frame, the second end of the frame being opposite the first end of the frame, a drag bar assembly including a plurality of arms rotatably coupled with the frame and drag bar rotatably coupled with the plurality of arms, and at least one spring coupled with the frame and the drag bar assembly such that the spring resists upward rotation of the drag bar and provides force urging the drag bar to rotate downward after upward rotation of the drag bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: ABI Attachments, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin V. Keigley
  • Patent number: 9769972
    Abstract: A self propelled aerator and fertilizer apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 includes an elongated frame 12, having front wheels 20 and rear wheels 22 coupled to the frame. A steering wheel 30 which controls the front wheels 20 is provided so that the apparatus 10 can be moved in a predetermined direction. An aerator 34 is coupled underneath a lower intermediate portion of the frame 12 for aerating the soil upon rotation thereof when the aerator is moved up and down to selectively engage the soil. A fertilizer 90 is coupled to an upper end portion of the elongated frame 12 so that fertilizer can be dispensed into the soil after aeration is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Oscar Jelks
  • Patent number: 9370137
    Abstract: An agricultural implement (10) has front and rear gangs (12, 13) of rotatable tillage tools arranged to follow each other along a line of travel. The front and rear gangs (12, 13) are mounted to a main frame (21F), which is mechanically linked to a hitch frame (22) by a self-leveling linkage system (32, 33). The linkage system (32, 33) includes a spring assembly (48) arranged to allow relative movement between the hitch frame (22) and the main frame (21F) when the implement (10) is in a lowered field working position. The linkage system (32, 33) has a pivoting cam (41) for changing the field working preload of the spring assembly (48) to provide multiple hitch operation modes. The linkage system (32, 33) is arranged to make the main frame (21F) level and the hitch frame (22) rigid relative to the main frame (21F) when the implement (10) is in a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventor: Mark Hennes
  • Patent number: 8887824
    Abstract: A tilling cultivator and associated method is disclosed for strip tilling cover crop in preparation for primary crop planting. The tiller includes a pressing drum having a band coulter for cutting surface and subsurface cover crop residue roots and compressing the cover crop into the soil. A trailing shank just behind and aligned with the coulter clears debris from the planting furrow, and a pair of staggered wavy coulters behind the shank closes any shank voids. A rolling basket or other optional soil conditioners trail behind the planting furrow to create a suitable seedbed for primary crop planting. The apparatus and an associated method of use aids in cover crop decomposition and pre-plant field preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Myron Quinton Johnson
  • Patent number: 8714276
    Abstract: A tillage implement equipped with a finishing attachment for chopping and leveling soil. The implement includes at least one soil engaging element (e.g., a shank) operable to form a trench with mounds on either side of the trench. The finishing attachment includes at least one soil chopping and leveling assembly that is operable to chop up clods of soil and crop remnants in the mounds and to level off the mounds by pushing the mounds at least partially into the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney D. Hake, Michael J. Ohnsat, Hank A. Kummer
  • Patent number: 8408324
    Abstract: A residue clearing apparatus for a shank of an agricultural implement includes a spoked wheel adapted for attachment to the implement such that the spoked wheel rotates about a wheel axis oriented substantially horizontal and perpendicular to an operating travel direction of the implement and forward of the shank. A drive is operative to rotate the spoked wheel. The spoked wheel is oriented such that ends of spokes of the spoked wheel pass above the ground forward of the shank, and such that the ends of the spokes of the spoked wheel pass adjacent to a front face of the shank. The spokes may be resiliently or pivotally mounted to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Dillon
  • Patent number: 8235132
    Abstract: Plows and methods of fabricating plows are provided. The plow includes an elongated frame. One or more shear assemblies are affixed to the frame in a spaced relationship along a length of the frame, wherein each of the one or more shear assemblies includes a shearing blade disposed at a distal end of the shear assembly and configured to operate below the surface of the soil to sever the roots of planted vegetation as the plow is pulled through a field. One or more cylinder assemblies are rotatably affixed to the frame and positioned parallel to the one or more shear assemblies and configured to rotate as the plow is pulled through a field. The one or more cylinder assemblies include a plurality of radially extending cylinder blades configured to mulch the soil and press the severed vegetation into the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Mod-Track Corporation
    Inventor: Tommy H. Condrey
  • Publication number: 20120111588
    Abstract: An exemplary best mode embodiment and various alternative embodiments are shown for combining horizontal and vertical tillage to solve both weed control and penetration of compaction layer. In one exemplary embodiment a large colter or tine is disposed behind a plow, sweep, concave disc, or other horizontal tillage implement to slice the soil to penetrate any compaction created by the implement. In another exemplary embodiment, a colter with lateral blades penetrates a surface compaction layer, chops crop residue and hoes and levels the soil all in one pass with one implement. We have discovered that a deeper-penetrating tailing ground slicing implement behind a horizontal tillage device results in full root depth for a stronger crop and better yields with normally deep-rooted crops such as corn and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: TRAVIS R. SMITH, LEONARD R. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20100319942
    Abstract: A turf leveling device includes a metering blade together with first and second horizontal and parallel main blades separated by first and second open distances. The blade are supported by a frame with spaced frame arms adapted to provide three point hitch attachment points. Skid plates mounted on left and right sides of the frame prevent the metering blade from scrapping or cutting elevated areas of the turf surface. The metering blade and the first and second main blades with deflectors effectively redistribute and level the gathered material. A vertically adjustable verticutting knife roller having keyed knife discs extending through slots in a grating insert is preferably disposed in the first open distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Eric Merkt
  • Patent number: 7806197
    Abstract: A strip tillage implement includes a single, center-mounted arm located directly above the row area of a strip-till berm. Basket halves are rotatably connected to opposite sides of the arm in cantilever fashion to eliminate outer support arms. Residue flow encounters rolling baskets rather than fixed arms so that catching, flipping and twisting of residue is minimized and plugging in high residue conditions is reduced. A single, center-mounted bearing and simplified basket halves reduce the cost and complexity of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Vernon Eugene Friedley
  • Publication number: 20080142233
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement constructed to condition crop residue and cultivate the conditioned crop residue. The tillage implement includes a first residue conditioner and a second residue conditioner pivotably attached to a frame of the tillage implement. The first and second conditioners are movable independent of each other and of the frame such that an operator may raise and lower the first and second conditioners relative to the frame to change the depths of the conditioners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Paul A. Hurtis, Joseph M. Keeler, Tim Blunier
  • Patent number: 6612378
    Abstract: A one-pass field tillage implement and method which maintains a uniform soil density throughout the crop root zone for greater root development, improved plant health and greater yields by eliminating tillage of the soil at seed planting depths. The implement includes a wheeled frame operably supporting at least three longitudinally spaced tillage tool assemblies which first chops crop surface residue, then aggressively lifts and redistributes the chopped surface crop residue and breaks up the soil surface crust, and then levels the soil so that the soil surface is substantially smooth and ready for planting, all in a single-pass without tilling the soil at seed planting depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Gregg A. Sauder
  • Publication number: 20030037935
    Abstract: A one-pass field tillage implement and method which maintains a uniform soil density throughout the crop root zone for greater root development, improved plant health and greater yields by eliminating tillage of the soil at seed planting depths. The implement includes a wheeled frame operably supporting at least three longitudinally spaced tillage tool assemblies which first chops crop surface residue, then aggressively lifts and redistributes the chopped surface crop residue and breaks up the soil surface crust, and then levels the soil so that the soil surface is substantially smooth and ready for planting, all in a single-pass without tilling the soil at seed planting depths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Gregg A. Sauder
  • Patent number: 6182770
    Abstract: An adjustable crop thinning device configured for mounting on an attachment frame for pulling behind an agricultural vehicle such as a tractor in a field of row crops. The attachment frame is oriented generally transverse to the direction of motion of the tractor, and comprises a plurality of generally upright rotating hubs disposed upon its rearward portion. Each hub has a plurality of elongate sweeps extending radially therefrom, each sweep having an elongate axis and a substantially planar end blade, and being configured to contact the ground with the end blade, such that the hub will rotate as the frame is pulled across the ground. The end blades are selectively rotatable about their elongate axes, whereby the aspect of their sweep through a row of crops may be adjusted. The rotating hubs are also angularly adjustable, being connected to the frame by a pivot mechanism allowing vertical and/or horizontal rotation of the orientation of the plane of the hub relative to the direction of motion of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: River Valley Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Paul Pickett, Ryan Pearson
  • Patent number: 5921324
    Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for clearing range land of sagebrush an other invading non-grazing plant species. The device is adapted to be towed by a tractor, and has a pair of blades arranged in a "V" configuration, with the point of the "V" facing forward. The device is adapted to float on the ground surface so as to not bind on immovable embedded objects. Removable knife blades on the lower, ground-engaging surfaces of the blades shear off or pull out brush. A roller having roller blades on the surface mulches the just-cleared land in preparation for seeding. A seeding apparatus may be affixed to the device to immediately apply native grasses and other forage plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Ray W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5797460
    Abstract: A tillage implement includes straight bar ripper structure with a main forward toolbar supporting subsoiler shanks from special brackets which can also support coulters ahead of the shanks independently of additional toolbar structure. An optional rear or secondary toolbar is attached by four-bar linkages to the main toolbar. The four-bar linkages allow the operator to adjust the height of the secondary toolbar relative to the main toolbar to accommodate changes in the operating depth of the rippers. The linkages may also be released to allow the secondary toolbar to float relative to the main toolbar. The secondary toolbar accommodates different attachments behind the rippers, such as disk bedders, lister bedders and strip till rigs which can operate at optimum attack angles and penetration regardless of the operating depth of the ripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Paul David Parker, Jason Daniel Wattonville
  • Patent number: 5732780
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to form a series of angled depressions with raised sides in the row space between adjacent row lines of a row crop. The depressions and raised mounds between them are oriented at an acute angle relate to the row line, to present a generally uniform surface for subsequent farming operation which minimizes machine and operator jostling, while effectively retaining water where it falls, and nutrients, herbicides and the like where they are applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: A.I.L. Inc.
    Inventors: Lee F. Nikkel, Eugene H. Schmidt, David R. Long
  • Patent number: 5704431
    Abstract: The invention provides a packer wheel to be towed behind agricultural equipment such as an air seeder, the wheel being used to pack the soil in which seed or fertilizer has been placed. The packer wheel includes a hub and a body extending from the hub to a peripheral wall. A plurality of circumferentially spaced slots extend from the peripheral wall inwardly of the wheel body. Adjacent slots define therebetween a fin which, due to the slots, is somewhat flexible. As the packer wheel rotates the fins will flex sightly, but enough to cause any mud, soil or debris that built up thereon to break away so that the packer wheel remains relatively clean, even in muddy conditions. The slots are shaped so that any mud or debris that builds up therein is automatically forced axially outwardly of the slots as the wheel rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Clint Berscheid
    Inventor: Ron R. Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 5689906
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing sites for planting tree seedlings, and more particularly establishing mounds on the ground surface formed of soil scooped from the ground. The apparatus may be of the pull type having a pair of scoops and scoop operators for moving the scoop through a ground penetrating and mound depositing cycle. A control times the cycling of the operations so that the mounds formed during a constant movement in the forward direction are arranged in two lines and wherein the mounds in the two lines may be in a staggered relationship. The apparatus has rear wheels and a front towbar. Actuators are provided for moving the wheels up or down relating to the frame and also moving the towbar so that the height, as well as the fore and aft tilt, of the frame relative to the ground can be varied to control the depth of penetration of the scoops. The wheels also have actuators which allows adjustment of the tread of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Canadian Forest Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Dillman, Timothy W. Vinge, Allen A. Pusch, Minoru Saruwatari, S. Carl Zanon
  • Patent number: 5628372
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus which is both land and roadworthy and which is for use in land management. The apparatus comprises wheel or drum members on which it travels which members are provided with friction free or self-cleaning ridges which when travelling over land provide an impression of a kind which safeguards against soil erosion and improves land irrigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Charles H. Creyke
  • Patent number: 5622227
    Abstract: A farm implement has a rigid frame from which is supported a mechanism for breaking and loosening compacted soil. A first plurality of S-tines are supported by the frame and disposed behind the breaking and loosening mechanism. Each S-tine has a sweep disposed on a lower end thereof. A reel is supported by the frame and disposed behind the first plurality of S-tines. The reel has a plurality of blades for chopping debris and breaking soil clods. A second plurality of S-tines are supported by the frame and disposed in offset rows behind the reel. Each S-tine has a sweep disposed on a lower end thereof. A roller mechanism is rotatably supported by the frame and disposed behind the second plurality of S-tines. The roller mechanism mixes and blends the soil with a rolling action. A finished roller breaks down remaining dirt clods and seals moisture in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Kevin G. McDonald
  • Patent number: 5477792
    Abstract: A method of continuously applying an additive to soil with a soil treating apparatus as the soil treating apparatus is advanced in a travel direction along a planting path on soil being treated. The method includes the steps of resituating residue in the planting path in a lateral direction transverse to the travel direction away from the planting path, applying an additive to the soil, and moving soil laterally inwardly over the planting path after the additive is applied to the soil. An apparatus is provided for practicing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventors: James H. Bassett, Timothy R. Baer
  • Patent number: 5474135
    Abstract: A tillage implement for preparing seed beds for planting seeds for row crops. The implement includes deep tillage units for loosening soil behind the wheels of a tractor, additional deep tillage units for loosening soil in the areas where seed beds are located, seed bed shaping units, and ribbed wheels for providing guide tracks in the soil for use in aligning a planter with the seed beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Schlagel Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Schlagel
  • Patent number: 5461994
    Abstract: A seed drill includes a novel planting assembly combining press wheels for packing angular sides of a furrow and a runner immediately behind and longitudinally aligned with the press wheel. The runner extends rearwardly from beneath the press wheel and is transversely guided on the press wheel structure or frame of the drill to maintain it in longitudinal alignment within an open longitudinal slot cut through the soil and intersecting the base of the packed furrow. Seed is dropped into the open slot prior to being covered with soil. Moist soil can be packed along the sides of the furrow to maintain the furrow in an open condition during seed germination and plant emergence. Highly accurate planting depth control can be achieved, with provision for upward relative movement of the runner as required by encountered field conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Robert Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5309852
    Abstract: A seed drill includes a novel planting assembly combining press wheels for packing angular sides of a furrow and a runner immediately behind and longitudinally aligned with the press wheel. The runner extends rearwardly from beneath the press wheel and is transversely guided on the press wheel structure to maintain it in longitudinal alignment within an open longitudinal slot cut through the soil and intersecting the base of the packed furrow. Seed is dropped into the open slot prior to being covered with soil. Moist soil can be packed along the sides of the furrow to maintain the furrow in an open condition during seed germination and plant emergence. Highly accurate planting depth control can be achieved, with provision for upward relative movement of the runner as required by encountered field conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Robert Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5152349
    Abstract: A primary tillage apparatus includes a plurality of primary tillage tools and a coulter assembly for each primary tillage tool including first and second coulters positioned directly forward of the primary tillage tool, the coulters being mounted to diverge in a v-shape relative to the direction of travel such that the separation between the edges of the coulters increases in a rearward direction, and concave working surfaces of the coulters face outwardly away from one another, the weight of the implement frame and the action of the primary tillage tools causing the coulters to penetrate the soil ahead of the tillage tool and to press into any residue encountered, the cutting edges of the coulters gripping the residue and drawing the residue outwardly in opposite directions, tearing the residue in two and clearing the residue to the sides and out of the path of the primary tillage tool located rearwardly of the coulter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Thomas V. Roden
  • Patent number: 5062488
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to perform a method of tilling the soil on a crop field that: will hold rainwater where it falls, increase the percolation rate of this water into the soil, and provide storage room above and below ground level for this water. The tillage method depends on forming a series of small, flat topped terraces with interconnecting lateral dams. These small, flat topped terraces are sized, laterally spaced, and flat topped so that row crops can easily be planted on top of them. The small, flat topped terraces are generated during a deep soil tillage operation. An apparatus is provided to generate these uniformly spaced, flat topped terraces with lateral dams in a four-step process while traveling in either direction across a sloping crop field. Small supplemental tillage means may advantageously be provided for lateral dam generation under adverse soil conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventor: Alan W. Lochmiller
  • Patent number: 5040617
    Abstract: An active harrow comprises a rotatable cylindrical body on the outer surface of which is mounted a plurality of tines which project outwardly for engaging the ground. The rotatable body is carried in a yoke and supported from a tool bar in a manner which allows the axis of the rotatable body to be adjusted relative to the tool bar. The tines are inclined so that they lie in axial planes but inclined relative to the radial plane of an angle in order of 20.degree. to 30.degree.. Each tine includes a main body portion and an end portion which is cranked. This orientation of the tines provides an effective harrowing action but prevents accumulation of trash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Hi-Line Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond J. Bussiere
  • Patent number: 5020604
    Abstract: A combination tillage and incorporating implement having widely spaced sweeps in several rows at the forward portion of the main frame with tow trailing rows of angled spider wheels supported in pairs, for ground contour following ability and ease and flexibility of manufacture, by rockable arms extending rearwardly from the frame. Spray nozzles or the like, positioned rearwardly of the sweeps and forwardly of the spider wheels, apply material to the soil loosened and leveled by the sweeps to eliminate banding and uneven application otherwise causded by sweeps parting the soil or by material being deposited on rough ground surfaces. The rotational axes of the wheels of each row are parallel and angled with respect to the transverse direction with the rear row of wheels being angled in the opposite direction to that of the leading row to provide aggressive mixing and smooth uninterrupted soil flow across the width of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Donald R. Peck
  • Patent number: 4844174
    Abstract: A press wheel improvement for seed drills in which one or more open recesses are presented through the circular rim of the press wheel to form transverse dams along packed furrow walls. The recesses are bounded by walls that present a projecting tab extended beyond the conical wheel surfaces. A complementary insert can be fastened to each tab when damming of the furrows is not desired or required by field conditions. The tabs cooperate with straw walkers to assist in clearing trash and preventing obstruction of the straw walkers by rocks wedged between them and the conical press wheel walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: Robert Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 4726428
    Abstract: A minimum upper ground layer and stubble disturbance tillage unit is provided including a pair of dependingly support opposite side plates between whose lower end a horizontally elongated blade assembly is supported with the blade assembly including front and rear marginal portions and disposed in an inclined position with the front marginal portion lowermost and the rear marginal portion uppermost. The blade assembly includes longitudinally spaced V-shaped cutting edges disposed along the forward marginal edge thereof and disposed in a forwardly and downwardly inclined plane generally paralleling the blade assembly. The V-shaped cutting edges are positioned with their apex portions forwardmost and define included angles of graeter than 90.degree.. Rotary members are disposed rearward of the blade assembly and include upper portions spaced above the upper rear marginal edge of the blade assembly. The rotary members are radially aligned with the junctures between pair of adjacent V-shaped blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Inventor: Patrick G. Puntoni
  • Patent number: 4560010
    Abstract: To prevent the development of clods on the soil surface when using a soil layer cultivator for the deep loosening of a field or the like, a pressure roller is provided to travel over the soil surface rearwardly of the elements effecting the deep loosening of the soil. The pressure roller is made up of several sections mounted on a common shaft with the individual roller sections located between support posts on a frame tube which posts support the loosening elements. The roller sections may be hinged individually or in groups to the frame tube. The rollers may roll freely over the soil surface or a forced drive for the roller sections can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Inventor: Ernst Weichel
  • Patent number: 4554977
    Abstract: A cultivator of the type having a vertically movable harrow bar followed by a vertically movable harrow roller. A plurality of springs biases the roller down against the ground. The springs are operatively connected to the harrow bar in a manner to have vertical movement of the bar automatically vary the pressure exerted by the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Ber-Vac Inc.
    Inventor: Bertrand Vachon
  • Patent number: 4508177
    Abstract: An implement and process for implanting successive reservoirs, each including a "pit" and an adjacent "dam" in the ground surface along row crops for the purpose of retaining water and avoiding water runoff. The implement includes several spider wheels having radial blades spaced along a common shaft. The wheels are fixed to the shaft for common rotation. Blades of each spider wheel are angularly staggered from blades on other spider wheels of the same shaft. Weight of the spider wheels and shaft may therefore be carried by a minimum number of ground engaging blades to maximize soil penetration and minimize individual spider wheel weight. The present process involves formation of a pit in the soil surface and deposition of soil directly adjacent to the pit by rotating a radial blade surface about an axis while simultaneously moving the axis horizontally along the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Inventor: Thayne B. Wiser
  • Patent number: 4315547
    Abstract: An attachment for agricultural machines includes a frame having a leading and trailing portion, a first soil-treating unit located at the leading portion of the frame and a second soil-treating unit located at the trailing portion of the frame. Between the first unit and the second unit there is located on the frame wheels for supporting the frame when an agricultural machine provided with the attachment moves along a road. The wheels are displaceable relative to the frame between a first position in which the wheels engage the ground and a second position in which the wheels do not engage the ground. The frame is so coupled to a lifting device of the agricultural machine that, when the wheels are in the second position, the trailing portion of the frame is supported on the ground by the second soil-treating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Rau GmbH
    Inventors: Willy Rau, Christian Taus
  • Patent number: 4269535
    Abstract: An operating and down-pressure hydraulic control system for vehicle-mounted implements such as earth compactors and the like. The assembly of hydraulic cylinders, valving and a hydraulic accumulator provided herein operates as a hydraulic system to raise, lower and otherwise position an implement and to provide down-pressure to it. The assembly also permits the hydraulic support of the implement to flex, while maintaining down-pressure on it, when the ground surface elevation rises or falls away relative to the implement as it moves over the ground being worked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Earl W. Sornsin
    Inventor: Gene Schultz
  • Patent number: 4267783
    Abstract: A farm implement is provided having a sub-soiler followed by a seed bed preparation tool and a planter. The seed bed preparation tool includes a rotary bladed portion for filling in the furrow left by the sub-soiler with soil turned up by the sub-soiler and for forming a depression along the crop row for planting. The seed bed preparation tool can also include a curved packer blade at the rear thereof for packing the soil in a central portion of the depression formed by the rotary portion of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Inventors: Robert W. Hendrix, Jerry W. Hendrix
  • Patent number: 4263974
    Abstract: A soil cultivating machine has a row of cultivating members journalled in an elongated frame portion. The rear of the machine is supported by elongated rollers positioned side-by-side and pivotable arms interconnect the lateral roller ends to rear plates on the frame portion. The arms and working level of the rollers are settable and beam supports extend from the plates upwardly and forwardly to an apex connection to a trestle top. The trestle is a coupling with points connectable to the three point lift of a tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4258635
    Abstract: A soil cultivation implement comprising a frame adapted to be coupled to a drive means, and said frame supporting, one behind the other in the direction of travel, first cutting means for cutting the ground substantially vertically, second cutting means for dividing the ground substantially horizontally and lifting it in a rearward direction, and a substantially horizontal rotor. The rotor is provided with power means from said drive means and is adapted to be driven rotationally and provided with prongs for penetrating the surface of the ground. The prongs are disposed helically on a rotor shaft in a least three rows staggered uniformly in relation to one another in the peripheral direction. The prongs are further substantially rectilinear and rigidly fastened substantially tangentially on the rotor shaft. Furthermore the prongs enclose in relation to the radii associated with their fastening points an angle of less than 90.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignees: Claus Lutz, Bernhard Beha, Heinz Gernot Nieter, Helmut Steinhilber
    Inventors: Claus Lutz, Bernhard Beha, Heinz G. Nieter
  • Patent number: 4244306
    Abstract: A planter for seed crops, such as grains. A wheeled framework supports the apparatus for movement about a field. At the front of the framework is a row of transversely spaced chisels which produce tilled areas parallel to the path of movement of the framework and separated from one another by strips of untilled soil. Each chisel carries a roller that breaks up any resulting clods of soil. Liquid fertilizer is directed to the tilled areas by delivery conduits extending along the rear of each chisel to their respective lower ends. The rollers provide a cover of soil to the liquid fertilizer. A drill apparatus is mounted to the framework behind the chisels, with individual openers in longitudinal alignment with the respective chisels for planting seeds in the tilled soil at an elevation above the elevation at which fertilizer has been supplied and without the strips of untilled soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1981
    Assignee: Idaho Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Peterson, Edwin A. Dowding
  • Patent number: 4231305
    Abstract: A cultivating machine includes a forward row of subsoil tools and a plurality of elongated cultivating rollers having support plates to which soil penetrating T-section bars or knife edged bars are attached. To the rear of the cultivating rollers, a trailing roller is mounted on the frame and adjusting arms to the roller can be interconnected with the frame to raise or lower same and thereby set the soil working levels of the subsoil. Each cultivating roller can have its soil penetrating depth controlled through pivot arm connections that move the roller through an arc centered on the pivot axes which extend transverse to the direction of machine travel. The machine frame has a coupling that is connectable to the lifting hitch of a tractor and tanks of liquid soil treating material are mounted on the tractor adjacent the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4212254
    Abstract: A tractor-drawn machine adapted to perform tilling, seed bed preparation, and planting in a single operation, comprises a frame from which plow units, a reel unit, a seed bed finishing implement and seed planting units are mounted seriatim. The attitude of the frame may be adjusted during operation in that the operator of the tractor is able to independently adjust the elevation of both the front of the frame and the rear of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Inventor: Vincent J. Zumbahlen
  • Patent number: 4180005
    Abstract: A tractor-drawn machine adapted to perform tilling, seed bed preparation, and planting in a single operation, comprises a frame from which plow units, a soil leveling and pulverizing unit, a seed bed finishing implement and seed planting units are mounted seriatim. The attitude of the frame may be adjusted during operation in that the operator of the tractor is able to independently adjust the elevation of both the front of the frame and the rear of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Inventor: Vincent J. Zumbahlen
  • Patent number: 4150502
    Abstract: When breaking up lumps of stone from a subaqueous stony ground, the lumps are loosened by means of at least one chisel inserted into the ground and being moved along the ground surface. In order to break up lumps of stone by low power and to main a predetermined size of the loosened lumps of stone suitable for being lifted by a suction dredger system, the structure of the top layer of the stony ground is disturbed by inserting displacers from above into the ground at places distributed over the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1979
    Assignees: Ballast-Nedam Groep N.V., Amsterdamse Ballast Bagger en Grond, B.V. en Scheepswerf en Machinefabrick "de liesbosch" B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Piet t. Sijthoff
  • Patent number: 4103628
    Abstract: A conditioner drill is disclosed herein which comprises two rows of plow teeth mounted at the front of a rectangular frame. Mounted on the frame behind the plow teeth are a drag plate and a compressor roller. A seed drill is mounted upon the frame behind the compressor roller and in front of a plain roller which is located at the rear of the frame. The conditioner drill includes a pair of wheels connected to the frame which may be lowered for transporting the conditioner drill. The conditioner drill may also include a farm chemical distribution system, such as a tank mounted upon the frame and connected to a boom sprayer located at the rear of the conditioner drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Inventor: Charles O. Gaston
  • Patent number: 4102406
    Abstract: Water-holding and retaining cavities are formed in furrows with the cavities being staggered between adjacent rows. An arm spring biased downwardly carries a hub having spikes in planes laterally spaced apart with the spikes around the hub being staggered between the planes. Each spike is concave longitudinally and in transverse cross section and is secured to opposite sides of a disc mounting plate by a pair of clamping elements one of which is integrally connected to the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1978
    Assignee: Orthman Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry K. Orthman