Abstract: A ripper device includes a first cylinder, a shank, and an arm. The first cylinder includes a tube and a rod, and is disposed to extend and retract in the forward and backward direction in a plan view of the ripper device. The shank is disposed aligned with the first cylinder in the forward and backward direction in the plan view. The arm supports the shank and overlaps the tube of the first cylinder in the plan view.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for mapping network identifiers to a set of sensor modules that measure a three-dimensional action vector and that are sensitive to orientation in three-dimensional space. Each sensor module is mounted at a different position on a machine such that the orientation of each sensor module is different. The method includes one or two stages. In the first stage, the machine is placed in a stationary state, and measurements of a static action vector from a sensor module identified by a network identifier are correlated with expected measurements from a sensor module having a corresponding orientation and corresponding position. In the second stage, the machine is placed in a dynamic state, and measurements of a dynamic action vector from a sensor module identified by a network identifier are correlated with expected measurements from a sensor module having a corresponding orientation and corresponding position.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement including a carriage frame assembly and pull hitch towed by a tractor and secondary frames supported by the carriage frame assembly. The secondary frames mount gangs of disk blades for tilling the soil in a travel direction. Bearing hanger assemblies support the gangs of disk blades below the secondary frames and deflector/scraper elements are mounted on the bearing hanger assemblies for scraping soil and residue from the disk blades and deflecting it away from the travel direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a comminuting device (1) for comminuting vegetable material (8, 18). The comminuting device has a frame (2) which can be coupled to a vehicle (4) by means of a coupling element (20), a rotor (5) which is rotatably suspended in the frame (2) and provided with treatment elements (6), and a stator (7) which is attached to the frame (2) and provided with counter elements (13). In an operating position, this stator (7) is situated near a part of the circumference of the rotor (5) so as to leave clear another part of the circumference of the rotor (5) to which organic material (8) to be comminuted can be supplied. The vegetable material (8) is comminuted by rotating the treatment elements (6) and the counter elements (13) with respect to one another. The invention also relates to methods for comminuting vegetable material (8, 18) which is aboveground and/or belowground.

Abstract: A ripper assembly includes a ripper frame, which has at least one slot disposed in each of two opposing sidewalls. The ripper frame accommodates a ripper shank in a channel within the ripper frame. A pin is provided to pass through the at least one slot and through a through-way in the ripper shank to constrain the ripper shank within the ripper frame. At least one pressure source supplies pressure to the ripper shank to engage the ripper shank in a position.

Abstract: Provided is an underdrain excavation apparatus by which, while an underdrain is excavated in the ground, a hydrophobic material and/or a water-holding material (functional material) can be filled in the underdrain executed in a smooth and reliable manner. In the underdrain excavation apparatus, a soil cutting shank 11 which is vertically held and a bullet-like underdrain borer 12 which is provided on a lower end of the soil cutting shank 11 are pulled in a horizontal direction by a bulldozer 14 to excavate an underdrain 22 in a ground 21, and a functional material supplied via a functional material transport line 13 provided in the soil cutting shank 11 and in the underdrain borer 12 is filled in the underdrain. A gas flow generator generating a gas flow by jetting a high-pressure gas supplied from a high-pressure gas generator into a tubular body is connected with the functional material transport line 13.

Abstract: A ripper carriage assembly has a transverse cross beam fixedly mounted at a central portion of the cross beam to a ripper implement support structure. The distal ends of arms extending outwardly from the central portion of the transverse cross beam are adapted for pivotal connection to a pitch control mechanism. Stress relief notches are formed in the transverse cross beam at a position between the distal ends of the arms and the central rigidly mounted portion of the beam. Energy generated as a. result of the ripper tip twisting upon impact with rock or other solid objects in hardened ground is stored in the transverse cross beam, and subsequently returned to the ripper tip to bring the tip into a desired operational orientation.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is towed behind a tractor or other propelling vehicle and is mounted on a lifting mechanism at the rear of such vehicle so that the forward part of the implement is supported by such mechanism. In one embodiment the agricultural implement includes a seed drill that introduces seeds into the ground at a substantially constant depth below ground level, despite possible undulation in the surface profile of the field which is being seeded.

Abstract: A tillage implement has its residue incorporating gangs of discs hydraulically adjustable on-the-go to vary the extent of residue incorporation. Cylinders connected with the gangs are of matching volumetric capacities and are connected in a series hydraulic arrangement so that all of the cylinders operate in unison and in equal amounts. Each cylinder has a rod that extends through the entire length of the cylinder and projects outwardly from opposite ends thereof. Each cylinder is also provided with a relief spring coiled about its exterior and trapped between a lower shoulder on the cylinder and an upper slip collar that is trunnion-mounted to the attaching bracket of the implement frame, thus permitting the cylinder to slip upwardly through the collar under the resistance of the relief spring when an obstacle is encountered by the incorporating discs.

Abstract: A grain drill is disclosed having a folding frame for parallel operation and a parallel link system that controls the tension to earth openers in order to produce relatively constant downward pressure for the openers. The grain drill includes a rotating tool bar for facilitating the adjustment of downward pressure to the openers, controlling the ground cutting depth of the openers and raising the tools to obtain the ground clearance needed for road transport. The drill has disc openers with axially collocated discs having different outer diameters and a narrow angle between the opener discs producing a "V" shaped groove for seeding. The grain drill has a common horizontal center to support seed boxes, fixed dual wheels and a hitch for connection to a pulling vehicle.

Abstract: An improved down pressure arrangement for an implement such as a multi-section grain drill having fixed-height section frames with corresponding gangs of opener assemblies. The opener assemblies of each gang are yieldingly biased downwardly by a spring and bracket structure operably connected to a rockshaft. One rockshaft per gang is provided, and each rockshaft is controlled by a single down pressure adjusting cylinder. The cylinders are connected in parallel and to a pressure regulator to provide adjustable and uniform average opener down pressure across the width of the drill for more contant opener depth in irregular ground conditions. Tension links connected to the bracket structure permit the opener assemblies to be raised from a ground-working position to a transport position.

Abstract: Ripper assemblies are normally utilized for ripping hardened ground, rock, and so forth. Due to the type of ground being ripped, it is many times advantageous to selectively change the pitch angle of the ripper tip during the ripping operation. Furthermore, it is advantageous to have a push block associated with the ripper assembly in order to allow the second vehicle to provide an additional pushing force for ripping of the ground. When a ripper assembly incorporates an adjustable pitch control and has a push block, the visibility of the ripper tip by the operator is many times limited or totally lost. In this subject arrangement, a push block is integral with a frame assembly and a ripper carriage assembly is pivotally secured to the frame assembly. By the push block being integral with the frame assembly, the ripper carriage assembly is simple and compact allowing better visibility by the operator to the rear of the ripper assembly.

Abstract: An edge cutter comprising a cutter member and support means therefore adapted to be moved to cut along a guide such as the edge of a path, comprising:means to support the cutter member on transport means,means to allow the cutter member to move laterally with respect to the direction of movement of the transport means,means to urge the cutter member to move toward the guide, and,means to allow the cutter member to caster to align with the guide.

Abstract: An earth compacting apparatus for mounting at one end of an earth working vehicle comprises a plurality of separate compaction units and a pivotal linkage for pivotally mounting the compaction units side by side on a vehicle. An actuator assembly operates on the linkage for independently raising and lowering each compaction unit between a raised, inoperative position and a lowered position in contact with the ground. The actuator assembly also provides downward pressure on each compaction unit in the lowered position.

Abstract: An arrangement of a roller in combination with a draft vehicle comprising a draft frame, axle means supported by the draft frame, and roller supported by the axle means to allow rotational freedom about a central axis of a cylindrical shape of the roller, the arrangement being characterized in that the draft frame is connected to the draft vehicle by means constraining rotation of the draft frame relative to the draft vehicle about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A compaction roller machinery assembly (10) suspended from the rear of a bulldozer (12) for compacting surfaces such as sand. The assembly (10) includes a vehicle (12) having a power plant for driving the assembly, a vibratory compaction roller (18) extending in a cantilevered fashion from a pivot axis on the vehicle for compacting a surface and a roller lift assembly (20) mounted to the vehicle (12) and interconnecting the vibratory compaction roller (18) and the vehicle (12) raising and lowering the vibratory compaction roller (18) about the pivot axis between a raised position and a surface engaged position. The vibratory compaction roller (18) includes a roller (22) for rolling and compacting surfaces and a vibration producing mechanism for vibrating the roller to facilitate the compaction of the surfaces.

Abstract: An improved parallelogram type ripper mechanism is provided. The mechanism has identical hydraulic pitch and lift cylinders lying in the same vertical plane. Also copolanar with the hydraulic cylinders are fixed length links. Identical left and right hand mounting brackets are attached to the rear of the prime mover.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is equipped with a plurality of earthworking tools spaced from one another in the fore and aft direction. One of the tools is adjustable between working and nonworking positions on a main frame by a hydraulic actuator connected to the main frame by a resiliently cushioned support which includes a spring loaded link. The one tool includes a coulter gang supported on a subframe by a pair of U-shaped springs. The deflection of the U-shaped springs and the spring loaded link allows the coulter gang to pass over relatively large boulders or the like without raising the implement frame to a significant extent and without causing the relief valve in the actuator hydraulic system to open.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a trash seeder having a seeding tyne and a following press wheel. A hydraulic cylinder applies pressure to both the seeding tyne and the press wheel. The press wheel is pivoted to the frame by a trailing arm and the tyne is pivoted to the trailing arm, the hydraulic cylinder acting on the tyne. Thus the single hydraulic cylinder applies pressure to both tyne and wheel, while allowing the tyne to move upwardly over obstructions without effecting operation of the press wheel.

Abstract: There is described a furrow opener apparatus capable of operating in a furrowing mode and a carrying mode. The apparatus consists of a double acting hydraulic cylinder having one end connected to a furrow opener drag arm and the other end connectable to a drill rig. It incorporates a pressure cushioning system consisting of at least one pressure absorber and hydraulic lines communicating through a mode valve with both the thrust and draw sides of the double acting cylinder. It further communicates through a single or double acting hydraulic valve to the hydraulic pump and reservoir of an associated prime mover such as a tractor. The mode valve is hydraulically connected to both the thrust and draw sides of the double acting cylinder. In a first mode the mode valve is hydraulically connectable to the pressure cushioning system and in a second mode hydraulically connected through a double acting hydraulic valve to the hydraulic pump and hydraulic reservoir of the prime mover.

Abstract: An agricultural seeder having a plurality of spaced openers for application of fertilizer in a seed row and at a spaced distance therefrom. The implement is supported for locomotion by a primary lower frame which in turn supports a secondary, vertically pivotable, upper frame. Hydraulic linkage communicates between the frame elements to move the upper frame relative the lower frame to raise applicators from the earth when necessary. The upper frame carries a plurality of spacedly arrayed openers and associated material applicators, which are hydraulically mounted to allow vertical adjustment and constant pressure depth maintenance.

Abstract: A scraper machine for ground levelling and earth planing having a scraper unit and a ripper assembly for scarifying and loosening in advance of levelling and planing and with the ripper assembly being carried by a raised front end member of the scraper unit, vertically adjustable with respect to the scraper unit, and pulled through a ripper tongue that is pivotally connected to a main tongue of the scraper unit.

Abstract: An improved subsoil ripping device is disclosed in which ripper teeth are mounted on the sides of a tracked, crawler-type prime mover approximately opposite the center of mass. The frames carrying the ripper mechanisms are most conveniently mounted on the arms of a conventional bulldozer blade. In order to increase resistance to lateral forces acting on the ripper teeth, the frames may be bridged by a rigid arch. Alternatively, they may be braced by a strut acting between the ripper assembly and the tractor frame. If this latter arrangement is used, the ripper assemblies are preferably hinged to the blade arms to permit full normal blade movement. A ripper made according to the present teaching is especially useful when operating on uneven or debris covered ground. It does not tend to rake up debris, and thus does not require time and fuel for clearing the teeth. Because of the location of the teeth, the prime mover is easier to steer and a rip of more uniform depth can be maintained.

Abstract: A tillage system includes forward and rear sets of widely spaced discs and a set of plow points. The discs in the forward set are mounted at spaced intervals so as to leave alternate strips of worked and unworked soil of substantially equal width. Each disc of the rear set is mounted in a strip of soil left unworked by the forward set to complete the working of the top soil. The plow points are located in the furrows of one of the sets of discs (preferably the rear set) to permit some deep plowing. The working depths of the points and discs are independently adjustable. The system is designed for operation at high speed to provide complete coverage of the soil with minimal double working by the discs. It permits deeper penetration by the discs and a controlled amount of deeper plowing by the points while leaving a finished contour which is substantially free of ridges and furrows.

Abstract: Ripper apparatus having interchangeable tool bar means whereby a tool bar having a single ripper blade may be used with the apparatus or a tool bar having plural ripper blades may be used with the apparatus, whereby the tool bar supporting elements may be used for the apparatus in either form.

Abstract: A farm implement adapted to be coupled to the front of conventional tractors for pre-cutting or scalping old levees. A rigid, box-like frame is secured generally transversely upon the front of the tractor. The frame supports an elongated, rigid channel mount extending generally perpendicularly with respect thereto. An elongated, rigid stanchion may be coupled to the channel mount to elevate a first hydraulic cylinder attachment point at a desired elevation above ground. A plow assembly includes a pair of rotatable, angularly disposed forwardly projecting cutting discs rotatably secured to a central frame, and an elongated rigidly upwardly extending strut terminating at its top in a second point for connection with a hydraulic cylinder. Rigid strut guide means are secured about the channel mount at a desired elevation, sandwiching the stanchion therewithin.

Abstract: An hydraulic ram is situated between the tillage tool and the frame and is normally fully extended and acts as a rigid link. The ram has a predetermined and adjustable pressure so that if an obstruction is encountered by the tool, it only retracts when the preset pressure is exceeded and then returns to the fully extended position as soon as the obstruction is passed. It can be used on machines such as discers, hoe drills, press drills or any ground working implement which includes tillage tools which are pivoted to the frame and which do not engage the ground by raising and lowering the frame. An adjustable pressure reducing valve is situated in the hydraulic line extending to the ram and senses the pressure downstream of the valve rather than the pressure upstream as is usual.

Abstract: A ground-clearing and mound-building device is provided that can be towed along the ground to move material on the surface to one side, expose the surface of the ground, and build mounds on the cleared ground for planting and forest regeneration, having a scarifier means mounted for rotation about its central axis, circular in cross-section, and having a peripheral surface that digs into the ground during rotation thereof when in contact with the ground under pressure, arranged to be brought into contact with the ground at any selected contact pressure; with control of at least one of the selected contact pressure and the selected rotation rate to dig, loosen, and displace a surface layer of the ground and push such loosened ground into mounds.

Abstract: An hydraulic ram is situated between the tillage tool and the frame and is normally fully extended and acts as a rigid link. The ram has a predetermined and adjustable pressure so that if an obstruction is encountered by the tool, it only retracts when the preset pressure is exceeded and then returns to the fully extended position as soon as the obstruction is passed. It can be used on machines such as discers, hoe drills, press drills or any ground working implement which includes tillage tools which are pivoted to the frame and which do not engage the ground by raising and lowering the frame. An adjustable pressure reducing valve is situated in the hydraulic line extending to the ram and senses the pressure downstream of the valve rather than the pressure upstream as is usual.

Abstract: A vibrating ripper having quadrilateral linkage. The linkage, equipped with a remote hydraulic control therefor for making running adjustments as afforded by a depth actuator cylinder during ripping and possibly, but not necessarily, as afforded by a pitch actuator cylinder which also can be provided, has a raised-carry position and a lowered-rip position in which it has a vibratory rocking action, and defines a pitch axis fixed in the linkage and shifting therewith during depth changes. Strategic upper level placement of an elastic strut connection which is provided, and diagonal placement of the lift or depth cylinder connection to the draft frame or to the ripper beam and shank assembly, locate the pitch axis at the node of the rocking assembly as it vibrates.

Abstract: Individual tool bars are mounted between upright guides of a horizontal rectangular frame. Rollers engaging the guides transmit longitudinal forces from the frame to the tool bars and allow the tool bars to move freely up and down. Ground working tools mounted to the bars can therefore "walk" over uneven terrain as controlled by balancing depth wheels and packer wheels. Hydraulic cylinders are mounted between the tool bars and frame for applying upward or downward force against the tool bars without inhibiting their free movement along the guides in response to ground contour.

Abstract: Ripper apparatus of the type wherein a ripper blade is releasably fixed in place through a shank pocket slot of a pivotal tool bar, wherein a replaceable wear plate forms the front side of the shank pocket to reduce wear of the shank pocket. The tool bar may be provided in several forms.

Abstract: Axles projecting oppositely from opposite ends of a ribbed limb-breaking roller are carried by bearings mounted on plates projecting downward from the opposite ends of a transverse beam extending across the front of a crawler tractor. Arms projecting rearwardly from opposite ends of the beam alongside opposite sides of the tractor are pivotally connected to the tractor for elevational swinging of the beam about the arm pivots to alter the elevation of the ribbed roller. The roller has six equally spaced straight cleats, each projecting radially from the roller a distance approximately equal to one-third of the roller radius and extending along substantially the full length of the roller.

Abstract: Asphalt cutting apparatus for breaking up and windrowing old asphaltic pavement on a roadway or the like including the pavement adjacent to a curb or gutter. A plurality of laterally spaced, sharpened cutter discs are freely rotatably mounted on a support carriage. The support carriage is attached to a frame pivotally coupled at a forward pivot to a prime mover such as a truck or similar vehicle for movement along the asphalt surface. As the cutter discs are moved along the asphalt surface a hydraulic clamp cylinder provides a vertical movement about the forward pivot to vary the depth of cut and also maintains a downward pressure on the cutter discs and forces the discs to roll through and cut up the asphalt.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a soil aerating device which is adapted for connection to a powered vehicle, which includes a first frame rotatably supporting a drum carrying a plurality of core-forming tines adapted to penetrate the ground or turf to be aerated and remove a plug of soil and/or grass as the drum is rolled over the surface of the ground or turf, and which further includes a second frame having forward and rear portions. The first frame is pivotally connected to the rear portion of the second frame for limited relative pivotal movement between the two frames and the forward portion of the second frame is pivotally connected to the vehicle for pivotal movement of the two frames relative to the vehicle between a raised position wherein the drum and tines are disengaged from the ground or turf and a lowered position wherein the drum is in engagement with the ground or turf.

Abstract: Seed drill has a row of coulters which are raised and lowered by a beam extending along and above the row of coulters and connected to the coulters by spring assemblies. The beam is raised and lowered relative to the frame of the drill by two rams to actuate the coulters. The mounting of the beam comprises an articulated joint, such as a ball joint, which permits the ends of the beam to rise and fall independently of each other relative to the frame thereby permitting improved contour following by the coulters and avoiding excessive loads on the beam in the event of failure of one of the rams.

Abstract: Seed drill has a row of coulters which are raised and lowered by a beam positioned above the coulters and connected to the coulters by spring assemblies. The beam is journalled for pivotal movement about its longitudinal axis and the spring assemblies are connected to the beam so that some exert reaction forces on the beam having clockwise moments about the beam's pivot axis, and others anticlockwise moments, whereby changes in loading of the coulters can be distributed between the coulters by angular movement of the beam about its pivot axis.

Abstract: A seed drill for a field left in stubble, comprising a plurality of pairs of discs wherein each pair includes a forward coulter disc tangentially engaging a rearward furrow opening disc held by clevis members to a wheel supported framework. Seeds are directed between the disc pairs to fall therebetween to a point of convergence between the two discs. Forward rotation of the discs cause the seeds to be separated and evenly spaced apart as the seed drill is moved along a forward path of travel. A hydraulic system is provided wherein the pairs of discs are forced downwardy by ram cylinders connected between each clevis member and the framework. The ram cylinders are connected in a parallel hudraulic circuit to a pressure supply source so an even amount of downward pressure is applied to each of the disc pairs.

Abstract: A compaction roller is provided for attachment to a backhoe or similar boom device mounted on a tractor for compacting loose fill dirt. The roller includes a closed cylinder mounted on a free wheeling axle having a plurality of radially extending teeth spaced about its circumference. A U-shaped attachment member is connected to both ends of the axle and is provided with two comb assemblies extending across the cylinder width having teeth spaced to clean the cylinder teeth as the cylinder rotates. The attachment member extends in a tapering U-shape to form a scraper blade integral with the attachment member for scraping fill dirt into a trench for compaction. Downward pressure is provided by the backhoe hydraulic piston assembly and the partial weight of the tractor at the backhoe is rotated over a section of fill dirt in the trench.

Abstract: Attachment for a tractor to do ripping, having parallelogram linkages which support a ripper shank assembly for movement between a raised-carry position and a lowered-rip position. The linkages each have an extensible side consisting of an hydraulic cylinder which allows the shank assembly to be pitched about a transverse horizontal beam axis when located in either of the just mentioned positions or any positions therebetween. A further hydraulic cylinder is connected on one end thereof to a mounting tower by a removable pin for attachment to the tractor and on the other end thereof to a clevis pivot in coaxial alignment with the horizontal beam pitch axis. This further hydraulic cylinder functions as a depth actuator.

Abstract: A lawn treating machine consisting of a wheeled front section and a wheeled rear section hinged together by a hydraulically operated vertical hinge mechanism for steering the machine. The front section includes a hydraulically driven scattering mechanism provided at the lower outlets of a multiple-compartment hopper assembly. The scattering mechanism includes a rotating horizontal scattering disc and rotating agitating and feeding elements which feed material from the hopper compartments to the disc. The rear section carries an engine-driven hydraulic pump supplying pressure hydraulic fluid to respective hydraulic motors driving the wheels of the front section. The rear section also carries a pivotally mounted transversely extending ground-scarifying blade assembly having a plurality of sod-piercing blades, the assembly being raised and lowered by hydraulic link means.

Abstract: A bracket is carried by the motor grader and has upper and lower slots formed therein to slidably receive an upper and a lower slide surface respectively of a slide rail arrangement which is secured to the back of the moldboard. A hydraulic jack is attached to the bracket and has an extendable and retractable rod which is operatively associated with a clamp device positioned for direct engagement with the upper slide surface for forcing the lower slide surface into rigid clamping engagement with the lower slot in the bracket upon extension of the rod.