Abstract: A ground engaging agricultural blade, coulter, or disc having a central opening adapted to be attached to an implement for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation; the coulter or disc have an outer periphery; and plurality of step plane notches disposed in the outer periphery. The blade can be used with a hub disposed around the central opening or a spacer spool on a shaft extending through the central openings of adjacent blades, the spacer spools extending radially outwardly by a distance.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a chipper shredder are provided. In some exemplary embodiments, the chipper shredder can include a rotor disc having an obverse side and a reverse side, one or more chipper blades provided on the obverse side, one or more impeller blades provided on the reverse side, the one or more impeller blades being perpendicular to the rotor disc, one or more hammer blades on the reverse side, the one or more hammer blades being substantially parallel to the rotor disc, and one or more L-blades on the reverse side that extend outwardly and upwardly from a center of the rotor disc.

Abstract: A system and method cuts and increases surface area of surface stubble material while contemporaneously mulching, tiling and aerating the soil. A discoidal coulter blade is configured with a plurality of circumferential teeth for cutting the surface stubble as well as reducing the downward pressure required for the blade to enter the type and depth of soil desired. The circular coulter blade is configured with a plurality of inserts oriented normal to the rotational movement of the blade as the blade cuts the soil. Each insert is shaped to aerate a specific type of soil anticipated by an operator. The inserts are positioned on the blade for desired impact with the soil and angled in placement on the blade to maintain the desired effect on the soil.

Abstract: A disc device for an agricultural machine includes at least one disc implement, an arm, at one end of which the implement is journalled in bearings at an axle, and a bearing, which is arranged at the opposite end of the arm and is adapted to be fastened at a transverse beam on the frame of the agricultural machine. The disc device includes in the circumference direction of the disc implement mainly equally distributed, freestanding, out towards the periphery radially extending, protruding parts, wherein each protruding part has an outer edge, which extends in the range 15-75 degrees in relation to the plane of the disc implement.

Abstract: A wavy disc blade is provided. The wavy disc blade includes a first side, a second side, a central portion having at least one opening, and a wavy portion adjacent to, extending radially from and circumferentially about the central portion. The wavy portion includes a plurality of waves extending from the central portion to an edge portion, the waves forming a plurality of crests and valleys between the central portion and the edge portion. The wavy disc blade also includes a plurality of teeth formed along the edge portion. At least one of a first beveled portion may be formed on the first side at and along the edge portion and a second beveled portion may be formed on the second side at and along the edge portion.

Abstract: An add-on tillage system is adapted to be mounted on an agricultural device to enhance tilling ability. The add-on tillage system includes a tilling unit with a common tool bar having attached thereto a first set of a plurality of tilling tines or coulters adapted to produce deep grooves in a tilled field. Means are provided for adjusting spacing between the tines or coulters, tilling tines or coulters up and down as a group being loaded by spring force, compressed air pistons or hydraulically actuated rams. A first mount is adapted to receive a tongue with hydraulic operations for mounting to a tractor. A second mount is adapted to receive a tongue with hydraulic mount to an agricultural device adapted to be pulled by the tractor. The add-on tillage system tills surface soil for a clean appearance, providing improved rain/irrigation water absorption, eliminating water run-off and erosion.

Abstract: A device for cultivating soil or brushing debris includes a frame supporting a transmission, a motor, and a shaft rotatably supported by a transmission housing and driven by the motor through the transmission. A distal end of the shaft includes a passageway therethrough. A fastener is at least partially received within the passageway. A tine assembly may be removably attached to the shaft and includes a first pair of two laterally spaced-apart tine disks. The first pair of tine disks being laterally positioned on the shaft between the fastener and the housing. A brush attachment may be removably attached, and includes a tube, which has a wheel rotatably attached to a first end thereof and a first gear fixedly attached to an opposing second end thereof. At least a portion of the fastener extends through at least a portion of the tube to fixedly attach the tube to the shaft.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for tilling at least a strip of soil to be planted includes a tillage device for penetrating and tilling a strip of soil and displacing soil and residue upwardly, and a depth control device laterally offset from the centerline of the strip of soil and mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation located rearwardly of the tillage device and positioned to intercept soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device. Multiple tines mounted on the depth control device extend laterally away from the depth control device toward the centerline to intercept a portion of the soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device. The tines are attached to the depth control device only at one end of each tine, and the free ends of the tines terminate laterally short of the centerline and vertically between the elevations of the upper and lower edges of the depth control device.

Abstract: An apparatus for loosening compacted topsoil is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of ground-engaging wheels, and at least one disk assembly to cut and loosen a crust formed on an upper layer of the topsoil, wherein the wheels and the at least one disk assembly are adjustable to control a depth of penetration of the apparatus.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a tool bar and at least one opener/closer arrangement carried by the tool bar for opening a trench in soil. Each opener/closer arrangement includes an opener disc positioned at an angle relative to a working direction and defining a trench profile. The opener disc has an axis of rotation, a leading edge, and a trailing edge positioned adjacent one side of the trench profile. A gauge wheel is positioned generally inline with the opener disc adjacent to the trailing edge of the opener disc. The gauge wheel has a leading edge positioned between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the opener disc. A first closing wheel is positioned on a side of the trench profile opposite to the gauge wheel. The first closing wheel has a leading edge positioned between the axis of rotation and the trailing edge of the opener disc. A second closing wheel is positioned on a same side of the trench profile as the gauge wheel.

Abstract: A tine assembly for a cultivator includes a first tine member having a plurality of radially extending non-planar tines. At least two tines on each tine member differ in shape from the remaining tines. The tine assembly may include a second tine member which is shaped like a mirror-image of the first tine member. When assembled on a shaft, the second tine member is off-set from the first tine member so that tines on alternating tine members contact the ground as the shaft rotates.

Abstract: A blade assembly for use with a tilling mechanism including a first blade disk. A second blade disk is coaxially mounted to rotate with the first blade disk and is positioned in a spaced apart generally parallel fashion relative to the first blade disk. The first blade disk and the second blade disk are rotatable in a first direction. A first plurality of teeth are disposed on the first blade disk. Each of the first plurality of teeth have a first leading edge which extends generally radially outwardly from the first blade disk. A second plurality of teeth are disposed on the second blade disk. Each of the second plurality of teeth has a second leading edge which extends generally linearly outwardly from the second blade disk in a direction counter to the first direction. The second leading edge forms an obtuse angle as measured relative to a line extending in the first direction tangent to the second blade disk. A second embodiment of the blade assembly is also shown herein.

Abstract: A seed planter is described which includes a pair of gauge wheels having a plurality of spaced fingers in generally-horizontal planes. The gauge wheels do not pack the surface of wet soil. In another embodiment, there are provided closing wheels which include spaced fingers on the periphery. The closing wheels are able to close the slot in the soil without forming a hardened crust on the soil. Use of the closing wheels and the gauge wheels enables the planting of seeds in soils which contain higher levels of moisture than normally permissible.

Abstract: A hand held garden tool that utilizes rechargeable batteries and a variable speed, reversible motor as its power source. A drive shaft housing serves as a long handle member and contains a drive shaft. The drive shaft and its housing are connected to, and removable from the power unit. The drive shaft extends to a small, compact drive assembly which rotates a short shaft extending to each side. Each shaft holds two tine discs. The curved tines on the tine discs rotate closely around the perimeter of the drive assembly to speedily and thoroughly pulverize the soil and eliminate weeds.

Abstract: A row cleaner comprising a pair of ground engageable finger wheels which are angled with respect to each other so they converge forwardly toward the center of their normal path of travel. Each of the finger wheels includes a central disc-shaped portion having a plurality of spaced-apart, elongated fingers extending from the circumference thereof. The longitudinal axis of each of the fingers is disposed at an angle with respect to a radius extending from the center of the disc-shaped portion to the outer end of the finger.

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: An agricultural tool including a disc blade incorporating hard wear resistant inserts for attachment to an axial member of an agricultural tool for rotation through the soil. The disc blade includes parallel spaced flat round front and rear surfaces having a central cylindrical opening. The front surface tapers radially outwardly to the rear surface thereby defining a common outer rim having a knife edge. A plurality of notches are spaced circumferentially along the front surface of the disc blade and inwardly from the outer edge of the front surface of the disc blade. The notches are configured to receive a plurality of hard wear resistant inserts to provide improved wear resistance.

Abstract: A stalk, root, and agricultural debris embedding or burying device particularly suited for row crops such as cotton. The apparatus is pulled behind a tractor in close proximity to the row crops. A furrowing tool creates a temporary furrow in a lee, and before gravity can pull dirt back into the furrow, an embedding tool pushes the stalk and root into the furrow, thereby embedding the debris with the collapsing soil after the furrowing tool. An optional ripping tool is used ahead of, or in conjunction with, the furrowing tool to facilitate penetration of the furrowing tool.

Abstract: A multipurpose cutting device for use with power drives is disclosed. Specific and different blade configurations are provided on opposite sides of an elongated bar or a disk type support for performing different cutting functions. By securing one side of the elongated bar or disk to the end of a shaft, one function can be performed. By securing the other opposite side of the elongated bar or disk to the shaft a different function can be performed. By securing or using the elongated bar or disk at an angle to the material being cut both blade configurations can be used simultaneously to perform yet another function. The blades on the one side and the blades on the other side of the elongated bar or disk may each have the blade configuration facing in one direction of rotation of one shape and the configuration facing in the other direction of another shape for different cutting characteristics when the direction of rotation is reversed.

Abstract: A compaction wheel is described which is suited for use with a backhoe or the like having a pivotal boom arm extending therefrom. The compaction wheel includes a supporting frame which is pivotally secured to the free end of the backhoe boom arm. A plurality of vertically disposed and horizontally spaced flat wheel members are rotatably mounted on the supporting frame and have compaction members projecting radially therefrom. In one form of the invention, the compaction members take the form of square tubes while in a modified form of the invention, the compaction members take the form of flat wege members.

Abstract: An assembly for attachment to a tractor having rotatable elements which will form water collecting and retaining pockets in the ground surface being traversed thereby preventing or reducing water erosion, wind erosion and retaining water for penetration into the soil. The assembly also includes a leveller assembled in front of the tractor to level the uneven terrain created by a previous formation of water retaining pockets. The assembly for forming water retaining pockets includes a plurality of disc-like elements having a substantially semi-circular cut-out to form a pair of diametrically opposed concave soil penetrating, cutting and lifting elements rotatable about an axis inclined in relation to the direction of travel so that water retaining pockets will be formed in the ground surface at regular intervals and the soil that is removed to form the pockets will be dumped on the ground surface adjacent the pockets thus resulting in bumps or humps.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluted coulter disc blade with a circumferential cutting edge portion, flutes circumferentially spaced apart around the disc and having a radially and axially tapered configuration, notches in the peripheral cutting edge portion, and circumferential openings through the flutes.

Abstract: A portable power operated cultivator includes a power unit comprising an internal combustion engine having a handle portion and being connected to one end of an elongated boom. A right angle gear drive mechanism is mounted on the opposite end of the boom and is driveably interconnected with the power unit by an elongated drive shaft disposed within the boom. An output shaft extends from opposite sides of the gear drive unit and is adapted to mount respective rotary cultivator blades on the ends thereof. A second handle is adjustably mounted on the boom to provide for a balanced weight distribution of the cultivator unit. The spaced apart cultivator blades are identical and include a plurality of radially projecting ground engaging tines. Adjacent tines on each blade have tip portions which are bent in the opposite direction with respect to each other along a bend line which provides for a positive angle of incidence or entry of the tine into the earth being worked by the cultivator.

Abstract: A soil working machine pivotably mounts at least one rotor having serrated working elements. The rotor is pivotally connected at each end to a frame beam by a pin which can be inserted into either one of two holes located one above the other. The hole chosen governs the resistance to upward pivoting of the rotor. The machine can be hitched to a tractor either with the frame beam substantially transverse of the intended direction of operative travel, or with the frame beam inclined to this direction. Each rotor has end plates that mount forward blades and the outer plate supports a gear transmission to the rear of the respective blade.

Abstract: A soil cultivating machine includes a frame and a plurality of cultivating members in one or more groups journalled to said frame. Each group is driven to rotate about a horizontal shaft extending substantially transverse to the direction of machine travel. The groups of cultivating members are preferably arranged in at least two groups located side-by-side and pivotable about transverse pivots to move vertically against spring opposition to avoid obstacles. Each cultivating member is made of semicircular plates fastened to rings on the horizontal shaft and the plates can have cuts that divide them into segment parts. The outer working portions of the plates can be offset so that neighboring members work paths that overlap or are closely adjacent one another. Each group has respective side plates and a hood supported by the plates and the hood is interconnected to the frame with a spring-loaded rod.

Abstract: A soil working machine has at least one, preferably two rotors, one of which is at a higher working level than the other to achieve a relatively large working depth. The rotors are driven through a drive gear transmission located about midway along the length of the rotors. An adjustable coupling of the machine can be used to establish either one of two positions which are offset about an axis which extends transverse to the normal direction of travel. The transmission includes change speed gears in a first gear box for connection to a tractor p.t.o. and an output of the transmission is geared to a gear wheel housed in a flat gear box, the gear wheel being in driving engagement with pinions on the rotor shafts. The entire frame can be rotated to a limited extent relative to the transmission gear box owing to a flange connection between the two gear boxes and a setting device for their relative positions to one another.

Abstract: An improved cutter wheel that is useful in conjunction with tilling apparatus for sod seeding purposes. The wheel has a body fashioned from sheet metal. The periphery is characterized by smooth contours which define the teeth and gullets. The wheel is devoid of hooked sections or notches as well as abrupt gullets where stringy material such as Bermuda grass could become caught or hairpin to cause wrapping. Different teeth are offset in opposite directions from the plane of the body to increase the effective cutting width. Additionally, the symmetry of the cutter wheel is such that it can be mounted for rotation in either direction.

Abstract: A seedling transplanter has a main frame securable to a drawing vehicle by a draft bar and supported for movement over a piece of ground in which seedlings are to be planted. Coulter assemblies are mounted on the main frame for cutting a furrow as the frame transverses the ground, with each of the coulter assemblies including a disk having a substantially planar main portion and a bent portion, with the amount of bend of the latter portion determining the width of the furrow. The draft bar is pivotally mounted on the main frame for swinging movement in a substantially vertical plane so as to permit the transplanter to traverse rocks and similar objects within the soil without the coulter disks being lifted from the ground, with a stop being provided on the draft bar for permitting the conventional lift provided on the towing tractor to cause the coulter assemblies to be disengaged from the ground as desired.

Abstract: By providing a circular, dished agricultural disc with peripheral V-shaped notches and intervening ovate-shaped openings, the disc may be operated at relatively high speeds while still achieving vigorous cutting, stirring and mixing of the soil. At the same time, excessive throwing of soil is avoided, thereby preventing soil accumulation into high ridges with wide furrows inbetween.

Abstract: By providing a circular, dished agricultural disc with peripheral W-shaped notches, a small tooth being formed at the center of each notch, the disc may be operated at relatively high speeds while still achieving vigorous cutting, stirring and mixing of the soil. At the same time, excessive throwing of soil is avoided, thereby preventing soil accumulation into high ridges with wide intervening furrows.

Abstract: A disc-like device, the peripheral edge of which is formed in a plurality of oppositely turned curved segments is attached to a no-till planter as used in planting seed crops in fields which have not been plowed. The disc-like device is arranged to follow the disc opener of the planter which in turn follows a wavey disc which prepares the soil for the disc opener. The configuration of the disc-like device with its outturned oppositely arranged curved segments forming its peripheral edge closes the shallow trench formed by the disc opener at the time the seeds are inserted therein.

Abstract: A rolling ring for a loose ring packer-mulcher is fabricated from a strap of mild steel. Spurs are punched from the strap by a lance die and the strap is rolled to a ring and welded together.

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: 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: An improved cutting and drive structure is disclosed that is particularly useful in conjunction with tilling apparatus for sod seeding purposes. The structure includes a tillage blade or cutter wheel mounted for rotation by a drive structure that includes a rotatable drive shaft. The cutter wheel has a thin disc-like body portion and a periphery with a plurality of teeth thereon, with different teeth being offset in opposite directions from the plane of the body portion. The offset teeth which in a preferred embodiment have hard-facing on the cutting surface, have a specific configuration to allow the cutting wheel to produce a furrow in ground contacted by the wheel, with the furrow being wider than the body portion of the wheel due to the offset teeth, and this results in reduced soil compaction at the bottom of the furrow, as well as loose dirt therein to provide cover for seed deposited in the furrow.

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 depth control and protective apparatus is disclosed as particularly useful in a tillage assembly for sod seeding purposes. The apparatus includes a pair of skids mounted upon a pivoted arm, which arm has also mounted thereon a pair of cutter wheels for cutting a furrow in ground to be seeded, each skid including a ground engaging portion to determine the maximum depth of furrow cut by the cutter wheel. Each skid is mounted for essentially vertical movement with respect to the associated arm and cutter wheel mounted thereon to thereby determine and control the depth of furrow cut by the associated cutter wheel. A substantially circular plate has an oval aperture in the central portion through which the axle and drive for the cutter wheel extends, and an inwardly directed cylindrical flange extends to the periphery of the circular plate to protect the axle and to provide for movement of the skid relative to the cutter wheel and axle.

Abstract: Conventional land packer wheels used in conjunction with seed drills or the like tend to pulverize the soil and often become clogged with debris. The present device gives proper soil compaction and does not pulverize or clog due to the shape of the teeth which are of a tapered diamond formation. Also the teeth extend from both sides of a disc having a central hub which positions the discs one from the other correctly. The construction is also strong enough to support the weight of the implement.

Abstract: A replaceable tool for attachment to the periphery of an agricultural disc is formed of an inverted U-shaped investment casting which can be fitted over the marginal edge portion of the disc to present parallel leading and trailing faces connecting side surfaces which converge outwardly of the disc, being inclined at different angles relative to the plane of the disc so as to present on one side of said disc a side surface providing clearance for the disc on that side of the disc and the other side surface being at a greater angle which reduces the areas of the end faces of the tool to reduce resistance to passage of the tool through the ground.

Abstract: A spiker blade for use on a turf spiker assembly to break and ventilate a ground surface thereby facilitating penetration of air, water and nutrient through the surface. The spiker blade has a tooth profile with a trailing edge having a counterdepression segment. The counterdepression segment functions to create a ground surface depression into which ruffled material kicked up by the tooth during spiking may be deposited. As a result, the ground surface after spiking has taken place is maintained relatively smooth with an unruffled appearance.