Abstract: An aerator includes a frame supported on a pair of forward drive wheels and a pair of rearward caster wheels. An aerator head is mounted on a pivot frame on the forward end of the aerator frame, pivotable to move the aerator head from a disengaged position above the ground, downwardly to an engaged position wherein tines on the aerator head work the soil. The pivot frame includes a forwardly projecting arm upon which the aerator head is mounted, and a rearwardly projecting arm upon which the forward wheels of the frame are mounted, such that movement of the pivot frame will engage either the forward wheels of the frame or the aerator head with the ground. The aerator head is mounted forwardly of the forward end of the frame such that the tines on the aerator head form the forward most part of the aerator.

Abstract: A clearing wheel for agricultural residue. The wheel has a hub defining a central axis, about which the cleaning wheel can be rotated in use, and a plurality of cutting teeth projecting radially outwardly from the hub to intercept and resituate residue upon the clearing wheel's being rotated about its central axis. At least a first and second of the teeth have an internal grain pattern running in first and second transverse directions. The invention is also directed to a method of making a clearing wheel by a forging process.

Abstract: A rotary blade for use on a cultivator or rototiller. The blade comprises two disk-like members mounted on a hub having a central axis and a central opening to mount it for rotation about that axis. Each disk-like member has ten tines projecting generally radially outward. When viewed from the side each tine is generally triangular and has a pointed free end. One of the tines of each disk-like member is planar and is disposed parallel to a common plane located between the disk-like members and perpendicular to the hub, while the other nine of the tines of that member are bent or curved with respect to the common plane. In particular, three tines bent parallel to respective bend lines in a simple curve so that the respective free ends curves inward toward the common plane. Three other tines are a bent parallel to respective pairs of bend lines in a compound or serpentine curve having a first portion curving outward away from the common plane and a second portion curving inward toward the common plane.

Abstract: A planting, and agri-chemical applicating farming implement for multiple tilling functions. The implement can be deployed in multiple gang configurations. Each gang comprises a frame for coupling the implement to a tow vehicle, a blade depending downwardly from the front of the frame for initially contacting, shaping, and leveling a raised row or bed, means for applying agri-chemicals and seed to soil behind the blade, and multiple spider gangs for vigorously mixing and incorporating agri-chemical, seed, and soil. The spider gangs comprise a first gang of rotatable spiders disposed in a row beneath said frame and journaled for rotation about a first adjustable common axis of rotation, and a second gang of rotatable spiders disposed in a row beneath said frame means and journaled for rotation about a second adjustable common axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation preferably form equal and opposite acute angles with respect to the implement's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The ridge preparation tool is adapted to be attached to a seed planter directly ahead of the trench-forming structure of the planter so as to skim off the crest of the ridge for the production of a clean, relatively narrow strip of prepared soil in which the trench-forming structure can operate effectively. The free-wheeling skimming disc of the tool is held at an oblique angle to the centerline of the planter and may be adjusted to increase or decrease the extent of side throw of the skimmed off materials by selectively raising or lowering an outwardly bent mounting arm that holds disc at its oblique angle. Raising or lowering the angled mounting arm causes the disc to cock inwardly or outwardly while maintaining the same oblique angle. The throw-adjusted disc can be returned to the same skimming depth by appropriate manipulation of a vertical adjustment unit associated with the tool.

Abstract: A rotary mixer is disclosed with automatic distribution of the drive torque at each end, wherein the power transmission at each end of the rotor is provided by at least one chain driving a pinion coaxial with the rotor, a torque limiter being interposed between the latter and said pinion and each of the two torque limiters being set to the same torque limit value such that the sum of the two values is slightly greater than the nominal drive torque of the rotor.

Abstract: A rotary hoe extension and kit for extending the effective length of one set of arms of a rotary hoe to increase the separation of the axes of rotation of adjacent rows of hoe wheels to a distance greater than the diameter of the hoe wheel while maintaining lateral wheel spacing. The extension includes a body member, having an upper end or first portion including a U-shaped alignment member which surrounds the existing rotary hoe arm on three sides to provide a rigid unit and a lower end or second portion having an aperture therethrough for attachment of a hoe wheel thereto. The lower end of the arm and lower end of the extension are in alignment with each other thereby allowing for maintenance of the lateral wheel spacing. A connector arrangement is provided to secure the extension to the support arm.

Abstract: A cultivating tool for a soil cultivating machine includes a holder adapted to be mounted on a rotatable shaft and having a generally U-shaped channel receiving a working implement. A pin is disposed in the channel, and the implement has a hook which receives the pin. Cooperable retainers in the channel and on the implement are cooperable for retaining the implement in the channel, the implement being mountable on the holder by hooking the hook on the pin and effecting engagement between the retainers, the implement being demountable from the holder by disengaging the retainers from the implement and unhooking the hook from the pin.

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.

Abstract: An elongated ground working tool (12) adapted to be supported at each end in a frame of a ground working implement for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the tool. The toll includes a multitude of tool elements (21) arranged in a plurality of groups (23) in the longitudinal direction of the tool. Each group (23) of tool elements (21) inter-engage with the next adjacent group of form flexible connections between the groups that will permit tensioning of the tool in the longitudinal direction when supported for rotation. The tool elements (21) are so constructed that when the groups of tool elements are inter-engaged and the tool longitudinally tensioned, each group of tool elements presents a plurality of prongs (27) spaced about and projecting outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tool. A tool element and a ground working implement are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A rolling hoe apparatus having a hub, shaft, bearings and a plurality of cultivating teeth, arranged into at least one hoe wheel and suspended from a bearing structure such that the axis (15) of rotation of the hoe-body (3) encloses an angle with the normal to the ground-surface in a range of 0.degree.-75.degree.when viewed in the plane of direction of advance (19), while the lateral tilting of the hoe-wheel with respect to the plane perpendicular to the direction of advance (19) lies in the range between 3.degree. and 75.degree.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved row cleaning apparatus to selectively clean away mulch from conservation tilled fields without cultivation of the soil. When mounted on a tractor-drawn planter unit, the cleaning action of the present invention improves depth control and planting speed of the planter unit and facilitates seed germination while retaining the mulch between crop rows for erosion control and yield enhancement. In its planter embodiment, the row cleaner disclosed herein comprises a pair of pointedly toothed wheels journaled for rotation about intersecting axes mounted on the planter unit ahead of the furrow opener. The toothed wheels are mounted with their teeth intermeshed above the soil surface and rotate in planes symmetrically inclined downwardly, outwardly, and forwardly of the direction of travel of the planter unit.

Abstract: A multiple fixture is provided for aiding in affixing replacement spoons to worn teeth of a rotary hoe wheel. The fixture comprises a circular hub from which extends a plurality of generally equally-spaced, radially-disposed arms. The number of arms equal the number of teeth on the worn hoe wheel. Mounting members or plates are carried by the arms and replacement spoons are positioned and clamped thereon. The rotary hoe wheel is then aligned with the fixture hub and connected thereto with the replacement spoons positioned in contact with the worn end portions of the hoe teeth and welded to them.

Abstract: A packer roller for a soil cultivating implement constructed to perform a soil cultivating operation in addition to that performed by any other soil cultivating members of the implement, the roller comprising a plurality of groups or crowns of six tine-like or tooth-like projections spaced apart from one another at regular intervals along the roller's axis of rotation which are connected to a central tubular support of that roller. Each projection has a relatively sharp rear edge with respect to the roller's usual direction of rotation and, inward from the sharp edge, a relatively blunt leading edge relative to such direction so that it first penetrates into the soil relatively easily and then resists forward progress through the soil thus tending in a positive sense to produce rotation around the roller's axis of rotation. The projections are formed from pairs of shaped plates and each plate includes a sleeve surrounding the central tubular carrier of the roller.

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.

Abstract: An improved cutter wheel that is particularly useful with tilling apparatus for sod seeding purposes. The cutter wheel is mounted for rotation by a drive structure that includes a drive shaft. The cutter wheel includes a central disk portion with an outer periphery defining a plurality of equally spaced slots, each for receiving a tip-holding insert. A bullet-shaped tungsten carbide tip is soldered or brazed to the tip-holder and the holder is welded to the disk. The disk periphery is shaped to allow cutting clearance for the tip, to protect the tip from breaking off, and to provide rear support for the tip-holder. The angle at which the tip is connected to the holder is chosen so that the brazed or soldered joint is loaded primarily in compression as the wheel cuts through the soil.

Abstract: A rotor and cultivating tools are provided for a rotary cultivating machine. The rotor is of the kind having a plurality of outwardly directed cultivating tools, in the form of rods.To fix the tools to the rotor shaft the shaft has secured to it one or more helical bars extending around the shaft from one end to the other. Holes are formed in the bars and in the shaft to receive the cultivating tools.The tools have a working portion at one end and a shank at the other end. The shank extends through the bar and the shaft and is secured by a nut at the end opposite the working portion. The working portion is flattened at its outer end to present a narrower dimension to the ground being worked.The arrangement provides a shaft and tools which are cheaper to make and replace.

Abstract: This invention consists of a device by means of which worn out spoons on the teeth of the wheels of rotary hoes can be easily replaced. It consists of individual spoons which replace the worn out spoons, and portable fixtures which guide and hold the new spoons in the proper position for welding them to the existing teeth.

Abstract: A wheel that has an alternating tooth structure for improved entry into the soil and movement therethrough for efficient soil lifting and flow, self cleaning and balanced operation. The wheel includes a central hub, four equally spaced spokes extending radially therefrom to a circular flange from which radially extending rearwardly curved, from the direction of travel, teeth extend to work the soil. A tooth of the teeth has a rearward surface that is tapered from one lateral surface to the other and rearwardly to move the soil to one side of the wheel and the adjacent tooth has a rearward surface that is similarly but, oppositely tapered but also rearwardly, to move the soil to the other side of the wheel with the teeth alternating in this sequence around the circumference of the flange.

Abstract: A dual winch for mounting on a tractor comprises a pair of winch drums separately connected via a clutch to a common drive shaft. Each winch drum typically incorporates a planetary gear unit. The cables on the winches are connected to a roller preferably provided with double chevron blades.

Abstract: A rotary tool is disclosed which is adapted to be mounted on a machine having power drive means and movable over a field surface to produce furrows therein. The rotary tool comprises bit elements mounted in abutting relation from a peripheral surface of a disc and having compacts of hard wear resistant material which form the leading edge of the bit elements that are to engage the earth.

Abstract: An improved rototiller having angulated tines which include a first tooth fixed to one portion of the tine and a second tooth fixed to a second portion of the tine angularly disposed in relation to the first portion of the tine.

Abstract: A very maneuverable soil compacting roller for use in a confined area comprises a frame, a compacting drum freely rotatable about a horizontal axis near one end of the frame, and a pair of coaxial wheels near the other end of the frame, for propulsion and steering. The wheels are maintained in coaxial spaced apart relation by axle means with which they are drivingly connected, and the axle means is confined to rotation relative to an axle housing between the wheels. A drive motor is secured to the axle housing. The unit comprising axle housing and drive motor has a connection with a steering bracket which rotates relative to the frame about a vertical steering axis, and said connection provides for swinging of said unit about an axis which is mutually perpendicular to the wheel axis and the steering axis so that the wheels can move up and down to accommodate terrain irregularities.

Abstract: A vibratory compacting roller adapted to be coupled to a prime mover and equipped with hydrostatic drive and vibrator, both drivingly connected to a hydraulic power generator located on said prime mover, is provided with recessed tamping elements distributed in parallel adjacent rows around the periphery of the roller cylinder face with a peripheral offset between adjacent rows. The tamping elements are of trapezoidal design with a semi-circular recess extending centrally from the base to the short side, said recess rendering a vibrational compacting roller with tamping elements equal in weight to a plain vibratory compacting roller of the same over-all diameter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for breaking hard snow such as has been thawed and later frozen, and having glazed top surface and consisting of a solid mass to a substantial depth. The apparatus for performing that method includes a plurality of spiders or wheels having spikes or teeth that are generally radial. The device is drawn along an area in which the snow is to be broken, such as a ski trail, the spiders rolling as the device is moved therealong, and the teeth penetrating into the snow, digging out and removing portions of the hard snow, forming a top layer of loose snow and a bottom layer of hard snow as part of the original solid mass and forming holes or pits in the surface of the bottom layer. The top layer of loose snow includes chunks and these are later crushed at least partially, such as by a roller, rolling thereover, reducing the size of the chunks and forming at least a portion of fine snow.

Abstract: Roller assemblies for refuse crushers or the like are provided wherein a roller element having axial end faces and a cylindrical surface carrying refuse crushing means is provided. Structure for supporting the roller element includes a pair of end faces, each of which is situated in opposed, spaced relation to a corresponding one of the axial end faces of the roller element. Crushing apparatus is provided on the opposed end faces of the roller element and support structure which crush refuse which might enter the space between the roller element and the support end faces.

Abstract: A variable width tool attachment for use with a vehicle is herein described as generally comprising a complete tool which is split vertically and in the direction of vehicle travel to form two half tools. The two half tools are slidably mounted for mutual relative movement in the direction normal to the direction of vehicle travel, i.e, in the direction of tool width. A hydraulic ram cylinder or the like is operable to move the two half tools to form the desired width.In one form of the invention, a horizontal cutting header is provided with a chain cutter and a chain drive having at least one moveable idler sprocket to take-up and let-out chain in the width direction whenever the width of the tool is varied.

Abstract: A vibratory compacting roller adapted to be coupled to a prime mover and equipped with hydrostatic driving and vibration exciting means, both drivingly connected to a hydraulic power generator located on said prime mover, is provided with recessed tamping elements distributed in parallel adjacent rows around the periphery of the roller cylinder face with a peripheral offset between adjacent rows. The tamping elements are of trapezoidal design with a semi-circular recess extending centrally from the base to the short side, said recess rendering a vibrational compacting roller with tamping elements equal in weight to a plain vibratory compacting roller of the same over-all diameter.

Abstract: A rotary tool is disclosed which is adapted to be mounted on a machine having power drive means and movable over a field surface to produce furrows therein. The rotary tool comprises bit elements mounted in abutting relation from a peripheral surface of a disc and having compacts of hard wear resistant material which form the leading edge of the bit elements that are to engage the earth.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is disclosed which is adapted to perform soil ripping, mixing, and seed planting behind a single prime mover. Soil ripping is accomplished by a parabolic pointed shank attached to a frame by a pivot bolt and secured by a shear bolt to provide release in the event that an essentially immovable object is struck. Attached to the same framework behind the shank is a pair of mixer wheels for tilling the furrowed soil, and attached behind the mixer wheels is a press pan for smoothing the soil into a seed bed, followed by a seed planter of conventional construction connected to a rear planter bar supported by gauge wheels.

Abstract: A cutting tool for an excavating machine is described which comprises a support arm having an inner end adapted to be movably mounted on the machine and an outer end, a shovel member having a substantially flat working face and carried by the support arm at its outer end, and a plurality of cutting teeth arranged to contact the material to be excavated in advance of the said shovel member and fixed rigidly thereto, the arrangement being such that the said working face is substantially perpendicular to its direction of motion as it contacts the material to be excavated. Assemblies of such cutting tools are also described, which are particularly smooth and efficient in operation.

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: A method and apparatus for planing a paved roadway wherein a main frame is drivingly supported by track assemblies and a planer assembly is disposed in cutting engagement with a top portion of the paved roadway to produce a new roadway surface. An elevation positioning assembly is provided for raising and lowering the main frame in response to an external control reference such as a string line, and a cross slope positioning assembly is provided for raising and lowering one side of the main frame relative to the other side thereof for maintaining a selected cross slope. The planer assembly comprises a planing cutter that is partially surrounded by a hood that forms a material directing compartment, and spray nozzles produce a vapor mist within the compartment. A floating moldboard is yieldingly forced into contact with the roadway to the rear of the planer assembly and cooperates with a reclaimer assembly to receive and transport the removed pavement material to a selected depository.

Abstract: A worker ballasted, propelled and guided wheel-like tool for imprinting predetermined surface patterns upon a slab of freshly cast, smoothed, yet still plastic concrete is disclosed. The wheel includes a generally cylindrical frame which is large enough to accommodate a worker in a walking position therewithin. The frame supports a plurality of rigid blades carried about the outside thereof, the blades being configured to provide the patterns desired. A walkway is provided on the inside of the frame for the worker and the frame may also be gripped by the worker as a handle, if desired. The weight of the worker is combined with the weight of the wheel to aid in driving the blades into the surface of the slab to a predetermined depth. The walkway enables the worker, by a walking movement in a forward direction, to propel the wheel over a path of the slab directed by the worker thereby forming the predetermined surface pattern therein.

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.

Abstract: A device for cutting, chipping and scraping compacted earth is disclosed. The apparatus is affixed to a prime mover for rotary engagement with the earth, whereby the compacted earth is selectively loosened and/or moved. The blade design disclosed is particularly useful for close accurate work around concrete forms and the like. Other embodiments are disclosed for large area grading.

Abstract: A compactor wheel comprises sets of tips each disposed in circumferential alignment therearound with the leading edge of a tip of one set being substantially aligned with the trailing edge of a tip of an adjacent set. Each tip comprises a body portion having a cross-shaped tip portion secured in upstanding relationship thereon to include a first tip portion extending circumferentially and a second tip portion extending transversely relative to the first tip portion and disposed intermediate the ends thereof. A tapered surface and concavity are formed on each lateral side of the first tip portion to dispel material outwardly therefrom during compaction of soils or the like. A plurality of circumferentially aligned blades are positioned on each lateral side of the compactor wheel.

Abstract: A tillage apparatus for sod seeding usage includes a plurality of tillage unit assemblies having power driven blades receiving power from a tractor which tows the apparatus. An improved tillage blade is disclosed.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a trailer-like multi-sectioned frame is mounted on supporting spaced-apart wheels adjustable intermittently of the height of the frame and having mounted on the various sections of the frame, functional elements including a forward rotatable cutting blade for cutting upper earth soil, a following sub-soil cutting blade aligned to follow in the upper earth cut formed by the forward cutting blade and being formable of a sub-soil groove beneath the slot, a soil-fill-in tine rotatable wheel having laterally curved and directed tine ends extending a breadth wider than the slot such that are trailed along the slot the tine ends cave-in soil to fill the sub-soil groove, a seed-bed-preparing tine wheel mounted to trail in the slot behind the soil-fill-in tine rotatable wheel, and a seed planter of conventional nature mounted to trail the seed-bed-preparing tine wheel to plant within prepared soil along the slot, the tine elements of the seed-bed-preparing tine wheel being c

Abstract: A cultivator wheel is disclosed for use in agricultural machines. It has a hub and tines which project substantially radially from the hub and are provided with pointed outer end portions. These tines are bent out of the central radial plane of the wheel. Portions of the wheel are formed with cutting edges that are inclined circumferentially of the wheel as well as relative to the central radial plane of the same.

Abstract: A tooth affixed to the outward end of each tine of a roto tiller, the tooth being made of carbide steel, so as to be very durable, the tooth projecting forwardly at an angle ahead of the tine radius, attachment of the tooth being accomplished either by a metal clamp removably secured to the tine, or else by directly welding the tooth to the tine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a farm implement for incorporating chemicals sprayed on top of soil into a predetermined depth of the soil. The incorporator implement consists of a frame adapted to be suspended on a three point suspension mechanism of a tractor and two gangs of ground driven incorporator spiders, one in front of another. Each gang includes a forward row and a rearward row of the spiders with the forward row angled acutely to one side of the direction of travel of the implement and the rearward row angled acutely to the opposite side. In a second form we utilize gangs of incorporator spiders for post emergence chemical incorporation by arranging the incorporator spiders to work between the rows of plants and providing shield troughs for the plants. In a third form we utilize gangs of incorporator spiders disposed normal to the sloped banks of a narrow, single row, plant bed for post emergence incorporation.

Abstract: A soil cultivating machine has a cultivating member that is driven to rotate about a support that defines a horizontal axis extending transverse to the direction of travel. Radial arms fastened to brackets along the length of the support in helical rows mount freely rotatable discs or strips at their outer ends and the discs or strips each comprise means that rotate about corresponding axes of rotation that are non-perpendicularly inclined to the horizontal axis. Each soil working means is positioned along the length of said support to successively work an adjacent strip of land and the axes of rotation of the discs or strips are inclined to one another.

Abstract: An elongated downwardly opening housing is provided for lengthwise advancement over the ground and includes mounting structure for dependingly supporting the housing from a farm implement tool bar. The housing includes front and rear transverse journaled horizontal shafts each having a pair of axially spaced circumferentially spiked wheels mounted thereon for rotation therewith. Corresponding ends of the shafts project outwardly through opposite sides of the housing and have aligned sprocket wheels mounted thereon. The sprocket wheel carried by the forward shaft is at least slightly greater in diameter than the sprocket wheel carried by the rear shaft and an endless chain is trained over the sprocket wheels drivingly connecting the forward shaft or front shaft to the rear shaft.