Abstract: A soil contacting implement and depth gauging wheel at a predetermined vertical distance from the implement are provided for attachment to a tractor. Upward or downward movement of the wheel on the soil causes a deviation from the predetermined vertical displacement thereby triggering an adjustment to the downward force on the implement so as to reestablish the predetermined displacement. The magnitude of the predetermined displacement manually may be altered. In addition, the downward force of the wheel manually is adjustable without altering the magnitude of the predetermined displacement.

Abstract: Implement draft control devices are typically utilized on agricultural vehicles such as tractors and on other earthworking type vehicles. Advantageously, such control systems should respond quickly to changing soil conditions, while remaining stable so that the hitch and implement systems do not oscillate or are not changed in a rapid or erratic fashion. The instant embodiment of a draft control system includes a control system that receives hitch position control signals and engine acceleration signals, and controllably modifies the hitch position control signals in response to the rate of acceleration and deceleration of the engine. By utilizing engine acceleration and deceleration rates as opposed to mere changes in engine speed, the system is able to respond quickly to needed changes in implement depth while remaining stable during operation.

Abstract: A device for determining the depth below the ground surface of a working member of an earth moving equipment, comprises a sensor for transmitting ultrasonic signal from underneath and toward the ground surface and for receiving a portion of the signal reflected from the ground surface. The sensor is positioned underneath the ground surface in fixed spatial relationship to the working member such that the sensor means is under the ground surface when at least a portion of the working member is under the ground surface. A circuit is provided for processing the received reflected signal to thereby indicate the depth under the ground surface of the working member, whereby the depth is proportional to the time of travel of the signal to the ground surface and the reflected signal to the sensor means.

Abstract: A seedling planter utilizes support wheels located on a main frame near the rear of the planter. The support wheels are pivotable relative to the frame, thereby allowing the force exerted by a set of intermediate packing wheels to be varied. The seedling planter was a novel planting assembly which incorporates two primary structural members; a first planting assembly piece or link which is connected to the frame, and a planting arm which is pivotally connected to the first piece. The first piece is movable to vary the height of the pivot axis about which the planting arm rotates. The planting assembly also includes a soil height level detection subsystem to automatically control downward extension of the first planting assembly piece. The planting arm is thus positioned at a desired predetermined height above the soil as it is rotated into the ground to provide consistent planting depth. A cam-operated seedling holder clamps the seedlings along the rear edge of the planting arm.

Abstract: A device for determining the depth below the ground surface of a working member of an earth moving equipment, comprises a sensor for transmitting electromagnetic signal from underneath and toward the ground surface and for receiving a portion of the signal reflected from the ground surface. The sensor is positioned underneath the ground surface in fixed spatial relationship to the working member such that the sensor means is under the ground surface when at least a portion of the working member is under the ground surface. A circuit is provided for processing the received reflected signal to thereby indicate the depth under the ground surface of the working member, whereby the depth is proportional to the time of travel of the signal to the ground surface and the reflected signal to the sensor means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically controlling the depth of earth grading for utilization with a grader or paver is disclosed. The method includes determination of time taken for an acoustic pulse to travel from a transducer to a reference surface and back, with this value being used to calibrate a microprocessor-controlled distance-measuring device. As the grader moves over a surface to be graded, the distance to the reference surface is constantly detected by a repeated emission and detection of such acoustic pulses. The timing of the echoed pulses is converted to addresses in a look-up table which contains control words symbolizing commands to be given to hydraulic rams carried by the grader. By implementing these commands, the depth of the blade relative to the reference surface is constantly updated, compensating for variations with the height of the reference surface. A thermistor is provided to automatically compensate for temperature variations as the grading takes place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically controlling the depth of earth grading for utilization with a grader or paver is disclosed. The method includes determination of time taken for an acoustic pulse to travel from a transducer to a reference surface and back, with this value being used to calibrate a microprocessor-controlled distance-measuring device. As the grader moves over a surface to be graded, the distance to the reference surface is constantly detected by a repeated emission and detection of such acoustic pulses. The timing of the echoed pulses is converted to addresses in a look-up table which contains control words symbolizing commands to be given to hydraulic rams carried by the grader. By implementing these commands, the depth of the blade relative to the reference surface is constantly updated, compensating for variations with the height of the reference surface. A thermistor is provided to automatically compensate for temeprature variations as the grading takes place.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling the depth of soil penetration of a ground contact implement, such as a planter, furrow opener, seeder, tiller, fertilizer or pesticide applicator, plow, etc. or any combination thereof. The present invention permits presetting of a desired ground contact implement soil penetration depth, and provides continuous dynamic regulating of an adjustable downpressure system in response to changing forces exerted on the device (for example, including those forces resulting from soil unevenness), so as to maintain the ground contact implement at approximately the preset desired depth.

Abstract: An automotive earth moving vehicle for civil and military applications. The lade is movable with respect to the body by two independently operable sets of fluid driven actuator sets which are in intersecting spatial relationship. Each actuator set is arranged symmetrically with respect to a vertical median plane of the blade and its actuators are in parallel spatial orientation with respect to each other. One set of actuators is designed for lifting and lowering the blade while the other set is designed to bring about oscillation and tilt. The blade comprises two segments horizontally linked to each other and is thus adapted to alternate between a dozer mode and a plough mode. Wing members may be provided for attachment to the two flanks of the blade in the plough mode.The vehicle also comprises a sensor for use in the plough mode adapted to feed the blade movement control with data on the terrain.

Abstract: The hitch gear comprises a three point lift system. It comprises a system (10) for load transfer by means of a hydraulic cylinder (11) at the third point and at least adjustment wheel (13) provided with a load sensor (19) suitable to act with control means of the cylinder (11) for keeping the load at the level of the adjustment wheel (13) approximately constant. The lift system comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder (27); a control device (28) of the position of the lift system, known per se, is provided and comprises at least an attachment means (29) for a reference position and appreciable control means at the fixed position suitable for supplying the hydraulic cylinder (27).

Abstract: A method of controlling an attachment to an agricultural tractor in which the absolute movement of the attachment is determined by a motion sensor mounted thereon and is utilized as a control standard while the relative motion of the attachment with respect to the tractor, influenced by the controller and carried out by a power lift, is determined in such a way that the absolute movement of the attachment becomes zero. This control method achieves that the attachment maintains a constant position in space in spite of the pitch movements of the tractor acting as disturbances. This guarantees an automatic tilling process, for instance a uniform depth of the furrows when plowing. By utilizing superimposed feedbacks of further control standards, such as relative position and motor load, changes in the absolute position of the attachment are possible and overloading of the motor is avoided.

Abstract: Impact rippers are useful for ripping solid rock. The service life of the impactor can be extended if the impactor is operated only when the ripper shank is loaded sufficient to transmit the impact energy into the material being ripped. The subject control system uses control signals generated by a plurality of signal generating means when the ripper shanks are loaded above a predetermined level to control the operation of the hydraulically actuated impactors associated with such ripper shanks. The number of control signals being generated is also used to control the volume of fluid made available for use by the impactors being operated at an given time to control the operating speed thereof. Thus, only the impactor(s) associated with a ripper shank(s) loaded above the predetermined level is operated thereby avoiding non-productive and harmful impactor operation if the ripper shank(s) is not sufficiently loaded.

Abstract: Hydraulic lift cylinders on a transversely extending implement frame, such as a multi-section hinged implement, are connected by valve and conduit structure to operate as single acting cylinders in parallel during an automatic depth control mode for individual cylinder control. An operator control valve and depth sensing valve permit the operator to change to a fast raise/fast lower mode wherein flow control structure causes the lift cylinders to operate substantially in series for raising and lowering the implement in level fashion across its width to and from a transport position.

Abstract: An agricultural tool assembly includes a rotary disk mounted on a lower end of a rotary spindle. A mount for the spindle includes a shank adapted to be received in the vertical slot of a clamp and a sleeve for rotatably supporting the spindle. The sleeve is connected to the shank by spaced side plates connected to the sleeve with a lower pivot member and an upper fastener extending through arcuate slots in the spaced plates. A cultivator implement has front and rear disk gangs and a rear centered tool assembly. An onion undercutting implement has a front tool bar with front tool assemblies clamped thereto and a rear tool bar with rear tool assemblies clamped thereto.A tool assembly for material distribution has a spindle with a through hole, a swivel fitting at the inlet and a flared section at the outlet. Crop cutting and windrowing apparatus has pairs of tool assemblies tilted in and down toward the crop row and forwardly and down.

Abstract: A non-contacting range sensing and control device for controlling the position of a grading implement relative to a datum is disclosed. The device includes a non-contacting distance measuring device that periodically measures the separation distance between the distance measuring device and the datum. Also included is a reference circuit that defines consecutive first, second, and third intervals for comparison to the separation distance, and a comparison circuit that periodically compares the intervals to the separation distance, and generates a positive error signal if the separation distance is within the limits of the first interval, generates no error signal if the separation distance is within the limits of the second interval, and generates a negative error signal if the separation distance is within the limits of the third interval.

Abstract: Mine clearing apparatus for attachment to a vehicle and comprising a frame mountable onto a vehicle for selectable positioning in a raised or lowered orientation; apparatus mounted onto the frame for raising and shunting aside mines including a plow section, the plow section defining a plurality of plow teeth which, in operation, extend below the ground surface, and conveyer apparatus extending along the length of the plow section and adapted to convey the contents of the earth raised by the plow section to one side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A depth sensing skid arrangement for an implement including a spring steel depth skid connected to a shank which in turn is pivotally connected to a shank support bracket including a spring trip arrangement which permits backing of the implement without damage to the skid or shank. The shank support bracket in turn is connected to a transverse beam operably connected to valve control structure for operating a hydraulic cylinder to maintain a preselected depth of penetration of earth-working tools mounted on the frame. To provide an averaging effect, two resilient depth skids are transversely spaced on the beam.

Abstract: In a particular species of the preferred embodiment, the invention contemplates a land traveller such as a farm tractor pulling a passive load such as a plough, disc or the like. A control device for directing or controlling the path of travel of the vehicle over a field, and also regulating or controlling the depth of penetration of the plough or disc into the surface of the ground according to a predetermined depth irrespective of the terrain profile. The path control system consists of locating in a predetermined way, a track whose position is sensed by an electromagnet, and the relative position of the magnet is sensed by appropriate devices such as resistence measuring devices (strain gauges or variable resistors or reostats), photoelectric devices whose values are decoded through a microprocessor whereby steering of the prime mover along the predetermined path is maintained.

Abstract: An automatic depth control system is disclosed. The system includes a floating piston hydraulic cylinder in which the floating piston is adjusted as a stop for limiting the travel of the main piston in the cylinder. A depth sensing system is provided to sense the actual depth of a implement tool on which the cylinder is mounted to provide a depth signal indicative of the depth penetration of the tool. A circuit system is provided to receive the depth signal and to control a hydraulic valve system to move the stop piston within the cylinder to adjust the working position of the implement tool. The control system includes an instrument panel having a first display indicating the actual depth of the implement tool and a second display indicating the depth limit settings predetermined by the operator. Further means are provided to monitor the actual depth and compare it to the selected depth setting and thereby correct the position of the floating piston.

Abstract: A soil-smoothing or leveling tool, such as a harrow or press wheel gang, is rockably connected to the rear of the main frame of a tillage or seeding implement. The tool frame width is substantial compared to the width of the implement, and the height of the tool frame relative to the main frame is sensed to provide an accurate indication of the average depth of penetration across the width of the implement. The angle-sensing device operably connected to the drawbar of the trailing tool senses the angle between the main frame and the drawbar, and a control valve assembly responsive to the sensed angle controls the main frame lift system to maintain a preselected relationship between the tool and the main frame and thereby accurately control tillage or planting depth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a representative agricultural implement towed by a tractor equipped by a hydraulic power source connected to a lift mechanism for raising and lowering the implement frame so as to vary the ground-working depth of the working tools. The frame carries a sensor responsive to changes in implement depth above and below a preselected norm. This sensor serves as the input for the inventive control valve and system so as to control the implement lift system automatically. The valve is designed as a four-position valve, with one of the positions serving dual modes so that the system produces fast and slow raising, fast and slow lowering and a neutral or balanced position. The valve has a pressure port connected to the pressure side of the tractor source via a manual valve to afford three of the four active positions with one setting of the manual valve. The fourth active position (fast raise) is achieved by changing the manual valve to reverse the pressure and return ports in the depth control valve.

Abstract: An automatic ground softening apparatus for crushing underground earth layer into pieces by blowing out compressed air from tips of air nozzle pipes driven deep into the ground at several positions at a time, is mounted on the load-carrying platform of a truck. The automatic ground softening apparatus includes a plurality of piston-cylinder assemblies mounted on the truck's load-carrying platform at different positions thereof. The air nozzle pipes each depend from the lower end of the piston rod of each of the piston-cylinder assemblies. Some or all of the piston-cylinder assemblies are operable through centralized control by operating an operating panel provided aside a driver's seat in the truck. The depth of driving of each air nozzle pipe driven by each piston-cylinder assembly into the ground and the pressure of compressed air jet from the tip nozzle of the air nozzle pipe into the earth can be set to desired values by operating the operating panel.

Abstract: An automotive aerator includes a tractor or the like and an aerator carried movable vertically by the tractor or the like. A landing sensor for the detection of the spike pipe of the aerator, a device for driving the spike pipe into soil, and a depth sensor for detecting that the spike pipe has been driven to a predetermined depth in soil are provided so that actuation of the spike pipe driving device is preferably started when the spike pipe engages the surface of the ground and is stopped when the spike pipe reaches the predetermined depth.

Abstract: An excavating vehicle according to the present invention comprises an excavating apparatus rotated by a hydraulic actuator, said excavating apparatus being stopped automatically and smoothly at predetermined positions with a simple operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system. The control system controls the displacement of a working portion of an implement with respect to a reference position. The reference position can be the ground surface in the proximity of the working portion of the implement. A sensor is provided for determining the location of the ground surface to provide a reference signal. A signal generator is provided for producing a displacement signal which is representative of a preselected displacement. A comparator produces an error signal which is proportional to the sum of the reference signal and the displacement signal minus a null point signal. A servo mechanism is provided which is operable via the error signal to control the displacement of the working portion so as to substantially move the working portion the preselected displacement from the reference position thereby causing the error signal to be reduced to approximately the null point signal.

Abstract: Each tamping unit of the tamping machine has a gantry (6) which is inclinable transversely to the track and in which the tool holder (3) is mounted for vertical movement.The amplitude of the downward movement of the tool holder (3) is regulated by a device (16 to 21) controlled by a command level corresponding to the depth of tamping desired.In order to correct the differences (E) between the depth of tamping reached and that desired which are caused by the inlination of the gantry (6), the command level is lowered by a distance substantially equal to the differences by a correction device comprising a mechanical feeler (25) for detecting the inclination of the gantry (6) and a mechanical connection (26, 34) connecting the said feeler to the sensitive member (16) of the regulating device in order to vary the zero thereof.In a variant, this correction device is formed of an electronic circuit which permits the cancelling of the differences (E).

Abstract: The method for automatically controlling the height of a header used with a farm implement comprises the steps of: sensing the height of the header above ground; selecting a desired height of the header above ground; determining any difference error between the selected height and the sensed height; determining the direction of the difference error, up or down; generating an electrical correction pulse having a duty cycle directly related to the amount of the difference error; supplying the electrical correction pulse to solenoid operated valving means to cause same to supply and/or relieve a pulse of pressurized fluid to a mechanism for raising or lowering the header; and repeating the above steps automatically and continuously to move the header in intermittent pulses toward the selected height, thereby automatically to control the height of the header above ground.

Abstract: To render the mixing relationship of mixed actual pulling force signals and actual positioning signals independent of the level of the respective individual signals, and thus avoid resetting of a manual positioning command element (7) upon change of respective relationships of pulling force and position, for example depth of furrow of a plough upon change of soil consistency, the force signal is normalized or rendered of equal value with respect to the position signal, preferably in accordance with predetermined events, such as change in the positioning command element, sensing of excessive pulling force, or the like, so that the normalized force signal and the actual position signal will be in balance, and relative change thereof in the mixer will not cause uncontrolled change in the position of the load, for example the plough, without resetting of the command element (or, conversely, require resetting of the command element upon change in relationship of the mixed signals).

Abstract: A depth control system for a disk tiller or similar groundworking implement having a gang of tillage tools adjustably supported from a main frame. A trailing support arm is rigidly connected to the gang and pivotally carries a gauge wheel spring-biased into engagement with the tilled soil. As the depth of the tools varies with changing conditions, the support arm moves and the gauge wheel pivots with respect to the arm to rotate a first lever. The first lever is operably connected to a second lever by a pair of pretensioned springs. Movement of the second lever moves a switch activating arm which activates one of a pair of microswitches. The microswitches control solenoid valves to operate a depth control cylinder for the gang and maintain the desired depth of cut. The switch activating arm is dampened by a dashpot which, together with the springs, prevents switch activation during short periods of oscillation.

Abstract: An improvement in apparatus for lifting an agricultural implement carried by a tractor provides for automatic rapid level adjustment of the implement relative to the terrain under control of a valve system which comprises a regulator valve controlling inlet flow to the pump responsive to a comparator valve carried by the implement. A continuous throtted flow from the regulating valve to the comparator valve is maintained at constant pressure tending to open a valve in the comparator while a sensor or feeler contacting the ground serves to effect a greater or lesser opposing force. A servo valve is provided which effects a back pressure acting together with feeler actuation. An equilibrium position of the valve determines the level to which the implement is changed, holding it constant on level ground until the feeler is actuated by encountering a rise or fall in the terrain. The construction provides for varying the elevation of an implement by either raising it or lowering it to meet rise or fall of terrain.

Abstract: A control system for a tractor hydraulical power lift system having an electrohydraulic actuator (22) coupled to a main hydraulic valve (21), comprising a feedback electronic control circuit including a circuit for mathematically combining a plurality of transducer generated signals into a command signal. The command signal comprises the output signal of a first differential summing device (32) receiving a first input signal for a control handle transducer (24) from which is substracted a second input signal produced as the output of a signal mixer that combines input signals from a rockshaft transducer (25), a draft selector transducer (26) and a draft load transducer (27). The command signal and a signal from a transducer (28) coupled to the electrohydraulic actuator are fed into a differential summing device (49) that has as its output an error signal representing the actual and desired positions of an implement to be positioned by the power lift system.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor with a hitching or lifting device which carries a farm implement. A control mechanism is provided on the tractor for adjusting automatically the height of the hitching device to enable the implement to follow irregularities in the underlying ground. The control mechanism includes a sensing member which, in one embodiment (FIG. 1), comprises two wheels which may pivot together about a common axis, such pivoting causing adjustment of the hitching device. In another embodiment, independently pivotable wheels or a further ground engaging member such as a skid may be located ahead of or behind the ground engaging wheels of a tractor which, by connection to the control mechanisms cause the hitching device to adjust to the height of the underlying ground.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring and controlling the level of a working element of an agricultural implement including a digital comparator which compares stored digital signals with digital signals corresponding to the actual position of the working element. A secondary valve is controllable from the digital comparator to limit lowering movement. The actual position digital signals are developed by counters which count clock pulses during a pulse developed by a transducer circuit and having a duration corresponding to the vertical position of the working element. Such actual position digital signals are applied to latching circuits from which a signal may be applied upon operation of a memory reset button to memory latch circuits operative to provide the stored signals and such signals may also be applied to display latching circuits.

Abstract: A depth control device is attached to agricultural implements such as cultivators, seed drills, discers and the like, in order to control, within pre-determined limits, the depth of penetration of the earth working components. It comprises firstly a ground or surface engaging sensing member extending forwardly of the framework and secondly, a sensor that is connected to the earth working components. Both of these sensors are connected to mechanism to raise and lower the earth working components which controls the depth of penetration thereof so that, for example, if uneven ground is encountered, the depth penetration is corrected and if the density changes of the ground being worked, thus affecting the suction, then once again depth penetration is corrected. Structure is provided to average out the effect of conditions changing the depth of penetration so that the desired average depth of penetration is maintained particularly in relatively wide machines.

Abstract: An automatic seeder for planting tiny seeds at a consistent depth and at evenly spaced intervals, utilizing a vehicle carrying a novel seed dispersing means operationally disposed a short, preascertained distance above a seed bed. A ground sensing arrangement is utilized, which automatically brings about necessary adjustment of the support arrangement for the seed dispersing means on an as-needed basis, in order that the seed dispersing means will be maintained by servo means at a proper, preascertained distance above the ground. A preferred embodiment of this invention involves furrow-creating means located forward of, and aligned with, the seed dispersing means, which furrow-creating means is arranged to create furrows of a consistent, desired depth, into which the seeds from the seed dispersing means are inserted at precisely controlled intervals.

Abstract: A tractor mounted tool employs a programmable control device to change the angular attitude of the tool to a work surface at a preselected depth and also indicate the relative depth at which the tool is working. The control device positions a diverter valve to apply fluid power alternately between a depth positioning power cylinder and a pitch positioning power cylinder such that the attitude of the tool is automatically changed between a penetrating mode and a working mode at a preselected depth. A depth control circuit having a depth sensor and a depth selector which monitor the depth position of the tool in relation to a preselected depth and provide an output command when the tool is detected at the preselected depth. A pitch control circuit having a pitch sensor and a pitch selector which monitor the angular displacement of the tool and provide an output command at a preselected pitch.

Abstract: A depth indicator and automatic control device to indicate and control the position of an earth cutting blade, being drawn by a tractor, with respect to the surface of the terrain over which the tractor wheels of the prime mover pass, as it draws the blade through the ground. Provision is made to readily compensate the position of the cutting edge of the blade with respect to the normal surface of the ground over which the tractor wheels move, so as to enable the depth of the cut to be accurately determined and also enable the adjusting of the device remotely from the earth moving blade, and while the earth moving device is in operation. Provision is also made to enable the blade to be maintained a controlled distance above the ground for spreading material that is being discharged.

Abstract: A digging and planting machine is provided having a tubular digging and planting tool, and at least two surface-detecting and signalling means for sensing the surface of the ground adjacent the digging tip of the tool, preferably on opposed sides of the digging tip, thus gauging the lay of the surface, so as to ensure that the digging tip provides and a plant is fed to a planting hole of the desired depth.

Abstract: An electronic control system for controlling the depth of a vehicle drawn implement as a function of a plurality of sensed variables including a plurality of transducers one for sensing the value of each of the variables, and an electronic control circuit for initially generating a pulsating signal having a characteristic which varies in accordance with and is representative of the value of each variable, for converting that variable to a variable amplitude signal, for algebraically adding the various signals and for producing a control signal to operate an electrically operated valve in response to the polarity and amplitude of the signal to selectively raise and lower the implement to the desired depth.

Abstract: A depth control device is attached to agricultural implements such as cultivators, seed drills, discers and the like, in order to control, within pre-determined limits, the depth of penetration of the earth working components. It comprises firstly a ground or surface-engaging sensing member extending forwardly of the framework and secondly, a sensor that is connected to the earth working components. Both of these sensors are connected to an hydraulic electrical or mechanical device to raise and lower the earth working components which controls the depth of penetration thereof so that, for example, if uneven ground is encountered, the depth penetration is corrected and if the density changes of the ground being worked, thus affecting the suction, then once again depth penetration is corrected. Structure is provided to average out the effect of conditions changing the depth of penetration so that the desired average depth of penetration is maintained particularly in relatively wide machines.

Abstract: The rotating cutting tool of a sub-grader is adjustably mounted transverse the front of the frame of the machine upon a tool support in a manner which isolates changes in grade from changes in slope and which minimizes the influence of changes in slope upon the grade of the tool. The transverse pivot axis for grade control of the tool support is located at an intermediate point on the main frame, while the cutting tool, its associated drive means and housing are mounted on an independent pivot axis for slope control that extends longitudinally on one side of the main frame. Any changes made in the grade are accomplished by raising and lowering the entire tool support on the transverse axis equally at both ends which does not alter the slope of the tool. The arc of movement is relatively long so that the change in fore and aft altitude of the tool is minimal. The rotating tool is maintained perpendicular to and in the plane of its longitudinal slope control axis by the tool frame.

Abstract: A removal control system for a scraper having a tractor pivotally attached to a bowl, said bowl having a cutting blade attached thereto, an elevator pivotally mounted on said bowl, an engine and utilizing an elevator control system and a cutting depth control system either in combination or separately whereby the optimum removal rate is maintained during operation of said scraper.