Detailed Disk Structure Per Se Patents (Class 172/604)
  • Patent number: 11882778
    Abstract: A disk for use with a tillage machine includes a body portion rotatable about an axis of rotation. The body portion has a circumferential edge and a concavity with a first radius defined from a point on the axis of rotation. A hub portion is continuous with the body portion and presents an abutment face having a concavity with a second radius defined from a point on the axis of rotation. An aperture extends through the abutment face and is centered about the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Luc Janelle, David L. Steinlage, Jacob W. Cross, Greg T. Buse, Rohit Bartakke
  • Patent number: 11330752
    Abstract: A jump arm assembly for a tilling machine includes a jump arm and a disc hub assembly. The jump arm has a first end coupled to a frame unit of the tilling machine and a second end opposite the first end. The disc hub assembly includes a an arm end configured to be fixedly secured to the second end of the jump arm, and an opposing disc end. A first plane defined by the arm end of the disc hub assembly is arranged in non-parallel relation with respect to a second plane defined by the disc end of the disc hub assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: David Larsen
  • Patent number: 10405472
    Abstract: A link assembly (3) for an agricultural ground engaging chain (1) including a plurality of said link assemblies (3), the link assembly including: a first component (7) having a first clamping portion (21) and a first link portion (13) for linking with a link portion of an adjacent link assembly; a second component (9) having a second clamping portion (27) and a second link portion (15) for linking with a link portion of an adjacent link assembly; a resilient harrow member (5), wherein the resilient harrow member (5) is elastically deformable; and at least one fastening element (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Hard Metals Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Charles Ainge
  • Patent number: 9107352
    Abstract: A blade for a furrow cutter has a planar fastening region which is located in a fastening plane. The blade is driven in rotation via a transmission arranged in a transmission housing. The fastening plans separates a first region of the furrow cutter from a second region of the furrow cutter. The transmission is arranged in the first region. The blade has at least one arm projecting from the fastening region and having a free end. The arm has a first segment which extends out of the fastening plane into the second region. A simple structure, a good cutting result and a high service life are achieved when the arm has a second segment in which the arm extends back in the direction of the fastening plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Stark, Juergen Haeberlein, David Guenther
  • Patent number: 9027664
    Abstract: A method of making a tillage blade by obtaining a generally circular sheet metal steel disc having an outer peripheral edge. Waves are made in the outer peripheral edge of a circular steel disc in a predetermined pattern while the steel is cold. The outer peripheral edge is then sharpened at a predetermined acute angle with respect to a first plane by grinding. Then the disc is heat treated to make it harder so it will wear longer. If it is desired to have a concave/convex disc, instead of a coulter, then during the heat treating process the disc is deformed so that the sharpened portions of the peripheral edge remain generally in the first plane but a central portion of the disc is disposed at least partially in a second plane which is parallel to but spaced from the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas G. Bruce
  • Publication number: 20150075413
    Abstract: A seed planting apparatus has a first disc is rotatably disposed about a first axis which is substantially perpendicular to a line of travel. A following trenching device has a second disc rotatably attached along a second axis transverse to the line of travel but not parallel to the first axis. A third disc is rotatably attached along a third axis which is transverse to the line of travel but not parallel to either the first axis or the second axis. At least one of the first, second and third discs has a first side has an outer periphery and a second side has an outer periphery. The second side is spaced from the first side and has a larger diameter than the first side. A transition surface between the outer periphery of the first side and the outer periphery of the second side being annular and concave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas G. Bruce
  • Publication number: 20150034344
    Abstract: A method of making a tillage blade by obtaining a generally circular sheet metal steel disc having an outer peripheral edge. Waves are made in the outer peripheral edge of a circular steel disc in a predetermined pattern while the steel is cold. The outer peripheral edge is then sharpened at a predetermined acute angle with respect to a first plane by grinding. Then the disc is heat treated to make it harder so it will wear longer. If it is desired to have a concave/convex disc, instead of a coulter, then during the heat treating process the disc is deformed so that the sharpened portions of the peripheral edge remain generally in the first plane but a central portion of the disc is disposed at least partially in a second plane which is parallel to but spaced from the first plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas G. Bruce
  • Patent number: 8899345
    Abstract: A fast-action harrow-disc coupling for fixing a harrow disc (1) to the corresponding hub (2), which is characterized in that it consists of a planet wheel (4) fixed to the corresponding hub (2), the planet wheel (4) being provided on its front face and centrally with a frustoconical projection (5) having a polygonal base, with a section of a threaded shank (6) protruding centrally from the frustoconical projection (5); it being envisaged that the corresponding disc (1) is provided with a central hole (7) for positioning the polygonal base of the frustoconical projection (5), the disc (1) being fixed by means of the thread of a nut (12) onto the section of the shank (6) corresponding to the frustoconical projection (5), with the arrangement, in between, of a plate (9) having a cavity (10) with a central hole (11) for positioning the frustoconical projection (5) and allowing passing out of threaded shank (6), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Bellota Agrisolutions, S.L.
    Inventor: Bakame Lazcano Lasa
  • Publication number: 20140345893
    Abstract: A coulter blade includes a plurality of teeth extending radially from a blade body. The teeth are shaped to efficiently cut crop stubble and aerate the soil. The teeth made include a flat side and a sabre-shaped side. The flat side and sabre-shaped side can be alternated on adjacent teeth. Inserts may be included on the blade to improve the function of the blade. Sets of blades having different teeth shapes and insert locations may be provided to permit a user to customize an implement depending on soil and stubble type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Richard L. Christie, Dan Schuler, James Wheat
  • Patent number: 8875640
    Abstract: A trough is cut in the ground surface by a rotating member. The rotating member displaces soil upward with respect to the ground surface and rearwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the rotating member. While the soil is in the air, slurry is deposited into the trough. The soil is then redirected downward to the trough to cover the slurry with the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: VTI, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Phillip E. Reed
  • Publication number: 20140299343
    Abstract: An agricultural disc having a one piece metal plate is adapted to be rotated about a rotational axis. An inner circular section of the disc is disposed generally along a first plane. A outer section of the disc is disposed generally radially outwardly from the inner circular section, the outer section has an outer periphery which does not lie in the first plane. A transitional section of the one piece metal plate has an inner portion thereof connected to the inner circular section, the transitional section also having an outer circular portion thereof connected to an inner periphery of the outer section. The disc can be, but is not limited to, a flat or wavy coulter or a disc which can be concave/convex, with or without cut out portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas G. Bruce
  • Publication number: 20140262384
    Abstract: A coulter disc for use in an agricultural implement is divided into a plurality of segments each having an arcuate pattern of bolt holes offset by a radius r from a displaced center such that material removed in dividing said coulter is accounted for when the disc is reassembled on an implement. The coulter disc is provided with capture devices radially outwardly of the arcuate pattern that connect the edges of the segments to reduce distortion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Kelley Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mike Taunton, Bennie G. Branch
  • Publication number: 20140262385
    Abstract: A coulter disc for use in an agricultural implement is divided into a plurality of segments each having an arcuate pattern of bolt holes offset by a radius r from a displaced center such that material removed in dividing said coulter is accounted for when the disc is reassembled on an implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Kelley Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mike Taunton, Bennie G. Branch, JR.
  • Patent number: 8833483
    Abstract: A berm building disc is designed to reduce the amount of soil that builds up on the inner surface of the disc as the disc pushes soil for berm formation. The disc has a disc body having an outer radial edge, and defining an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface. Features are formed on the inner concave surface to reduce the surface area or soil adhesion properties of the inner concave surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Dean A. Knobloch, Rodney L. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8826836
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the field of agricultural machinery and relates to preplanting tillage implements generally used in combination with a seed planting device, or other multi-row implement. Specifically, the disclosure relates to row treating units incorporating a row clearance arrangement or a combination of tools that includes a row cleaning device and a soil penetrating coulter device. The units are designed to be attached to the front of a multi-row implement. The deployment of and down force exerted by the row cleaner is independently adjustable and controlled using pneumatic air bag operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignees: L & B Manufacturing, Inc., Yetter Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Dylan C. Van Buskirk, Derek W. Allensworth
  • Patent number: 8813662
    Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a vertical floating row cleaner may include a mounting bracket configured to engage a row unit frame, which mounting bracket may have a receiver engaged therewith. An extension member may have first and second ends, with one end configured as an adjustor interface and the opposite end configured to pivotally engage at least one row cleaner wheel. An adjustor may engage the extension member at the adjustor interface such that the adjustor prevents the extension member from moving with respect to the receiver past a certain point in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Howard D. Martin
  • Patent number: 8794345
    Abstract: A berm building disc is designed to reduce the amount of soil that builds up on the inner surface of the disc as the disc pushes soil for berm formation. The disc has a disc body having an outer radial edge, and defining an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface. Features are formed on the inner concave surface to reduce the surface area or soil adhesion properties of the inner concave surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Dean A. Knobloch, Rodney L. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140102738
    Abstract: A substantial reduction in traction force demand can be achieved for agricultural tools with modified surface topography comprising dimples arranged in a parallelogram (hexagonal) pattern, the morphological unit of which is an equilateral triangle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicants: Universidad Tecnologica Nacional, Instituto Nacional De Tecnologia Agropecuaria
    Inventors: Adrian Marcelo CANZIAN, Jose CRISANTI, Carlos Alberto MONTI, Eduardo Alfredo FAVRET, Hector Jose Maria MORRAS, Angel ROMITO, Marcos Andres ROBA, Juan Pablo D'Amico, Mario Omar TESOURO
  • Patent number: 8596375
    Abstract: A row cleaner includes a wheel mount, a pair of hubs on the wheel mount and a finger wheel on each hub. The hubs are offset relative to each other in the direction of travel, and angled downwardly and inwardly. The finger wheels are concave and have equally spaced fingers. Each finger has three straight edges at selected angles to provide tapering fingers with a specific shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Alan E. Winick, Jerry L. Groff
  • Patent number: 8550019
    Abstract: A method is provided for depositing slurry into a ground surface for plant nutrition. A trough is cut in the ground surface by a rotating member. The rotating member acts by displacing soil upward with respect to the ground surface and rearwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the rotating member. While the soil is in the air, slurry is deposited into the trough. The soil is then redirected downward to the trough to cover the slurry with the soil. The rotating member may be a coulter blade that has a plurality of flutes formed on a first and a second side of the blade. The flutes have a leading edge that enters the ground substantially perpendicular with respect to the ground and exits at an angle to eject soil upward and outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: VTI, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Phillip E. Reed
  • Patent number: 8517119
    Abstract: This disk is a metal disk comprising a central ductile portion (10), particularly used for attaching the disk to a chassis or the like, and an outer circumferential portion (12), particularly for working on land and having a hardness greater than that of the central portion (10). The disk also has a transitional area (14), between the central portion (10) and the circumferential portion (12), that has a hardness gradient in a radial direction, and at least in the central portion (10), a hardness gradient is present in the body of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Forges de Niaux
    Inventor: Laurent Pineda
  • Publication number: 20130037285
    Abstract: A berm building disc is designed to reduce the amount of soil that builds up on the inner surface of the disc as the disc pushes soil for berm formation. The disc has a disc body having an outer radial edge, and defining an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface. Features are formed on the inner concave surface to reduce the surface area or soil adhesion properties of the inner concave surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Dean A. KNOBLOCH, Rodney L. SCHMIDT
  • Patent number: 8291998
    Abstract: A furrow closing wheel assembly includes a closed loop that has an inner surface, an outer surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface. Each of the first and second lateral surfaces has a channel therein. Flanges positioned on a hub are extendable into the channels to couple the hub to the loop. A plurality of teeth extends upwardly from the outer surface. Each of the teeth has a front face, a rear face, a first side, a second side and an apex positioned distal to the loop. Each the front faces is faceted such that the front faces are absent of a substantial planar surface lying in a plane that is orientated parallel to an axis of rotation of the loop. The front face of each of the teeth is a leading face of the teeth extending into soil when the loop is positioned on the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin J. Berg, David Terveen
  • Publication number: 20120168187
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fast-action harrow-disc coupling for fixing a harrow disc (1) to the corresponding hub (2), which is characterized in that it consists of a planet wheel (4) fixed to the corresponding hub (2), said planet wheel (4) being provided on its front face and centrally with a frustoconical projection (5) having a polygonal base, with a section of a threaded shank (6) protruding centrally from said frustoconical projection (5); it being envisaged that the corresponding disc (1) is provided with a central hole (7) for positioning the polygonal base of the frustoconical projection (5), said disc (1) being fixed by means of the thread of a nut (12) onto the section of the shank (6) corresponding to the frustoconical projection (5), with the arrangement, in between, of a plate (9) having a cavity (10) with a central hole (11) for positioning the frustoconical projection (5) and allowing passing out of threaded shank (6), respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Bakame Lazcano Lasa
  • Publication number: 20120103642
    Abstract: The invention refers to a disc (8) for an agricultural implement (1) comprising an annular, outside a predetermined centre diameter (D) defined, soil-cultivating portion (44), a central, inside a predetermined centre diameter (d) defined, dish-shaped portion (43), with a boss-receiving, inner side and between these portions an existing, annular connection portion (45) with fastening screw holes (46). The connection portion (45) is a truncated conical portion, the inner mantle surface of which is mainly straight or double-bowed with the convex side facing said inner side and a line through the opening plane in the hole opening of each fastening screw hole on said inner side forms an angle ? with a plane that is perpendicular to the centre line of the disc, wherein the angle ? is 5°-10°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: VADERSTAD-VERKEN AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventor: Crister Stark
  • Patent number: 8152410
    Abstract: An apparatus for compaction, breaking and rubbilization comprises a first non-circular plate having a first plate flat portion and a first plate thickness, a second non-circular plate having a second plate flat portion and a second plate thickness substantially equivalent to the first plate thickness, and a third plate having a third plate first flat portion and a third plate second flat portion and a third plate thickness less than the first plate thickness and the second plate thickness. The first plate flat portion is coupled to the third plate first flat portion and the second plate is coupled to the third plate second flat portion and each of the first plate, the second plate and the third plate are configured to form a multi-lobed roller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Scott R. Roth
  • Patent number: 8100194
    Abstract: A coulter or disc having a plurality of directional notches therein is used in one rotational direction for one use and an opposite rotational direction for a different use. The notches are selected from many arcuate shapes and sizes. The notches taper from sharp to dull from one end to the other, but in use one can chose to lead with the dull or the sharp end of the notches. A method of making and using such coulters or discs is described and shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas G. Bruce
  • Publication number: 20110240319
    Abstract: A shallow concavity scalloped disc blade particularly suitable for vertical tillage applications is disclosed. The disc blade comprises a generally circular plate having a peripheral radially toothed cutting edge, a smooth central portion configured to mountingly engage a harrow or like agricultural implement, and a curved scalloped (or fluted) portion adjacent to the central portion, the curved scalloped (or fluted) portion having a plurality of scallops formed between the flat central portion and the edge. The radius of curvature of the curved scalloped (or fluted) portion preferably is between about 850 mm and about 1000 mm, and more preferably about 900 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: CANYON STREET CROSSING LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
    Inventor: Donald J. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 8020629
    Abstract: A low till agricultural implement has a frame with a hitch for attachment to a tractor. An shallow-angled blade gang composed of an array of parallel ultra-shallow inclined disk blades is mounted to the front of the frame, and is followed by at least one wheel, spiral reel, and spike tooth harrow. The ultra-shallow inclined disk blades are mounted perpendicular to rotating shafts, and slice through field residue and soil with minimal lateral movement of material. The blades of the following reel then make cuts nearly perpendicular to those made by the circular blades. A trailing rolling basket or other finishing implement follows the spiral reel. The implement aids in drying the soil surface layer. Also, by cutting up residue and evenly spreading debris and topsoil, the implement helps to warm up the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: McFarlane Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley McFarlane, Aaron J. Faessler, Rick K. Kohn
  • Patent number: 7992651
    Abstract: A wavy disc and coulter with notches and method of using same, the disc or coulter having plurality of waves formed in the blade by deviating the entire outer periphery of the variable wave coulter from a flat plane. A plurality of crests and a plurality of valleys are formed in the blade, wherein each of said plurality of waves comprises a first and a second crest and one valley between the first and second crests at the outer periphery thereof. A notch is disposed in each respective wave on the outer periphery of the blade and wherein at least a majority of the notch is disposed between the first one of the respective crests and the respective valley, such majority of the notch being closer to the first respective crest than to the second respective crest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas G. Bruce
  • Patent number: 7975629
    Abstract: A closing wheel assembly having a closing wheel frame and at least one closing wheel pivotally mounted to a lever allows the operator to change the angle at which the at least one closing wheel intersects the ground surface during use. The lever to which the closing wheel is mounted may be pivotally mounted to the closing wheel frame about a lever attachment. The lever may be formed with a lever handle on a first end thereof and a closing wheel mount on the second end thereof, wherein the lever attachment is positioned between the first and second ends of the lever. Accordingly, as the angle of the lever is manipulated about the lever attachment, the angle of the closing wheel pivotally mounted to that lever changes in the vertical and/or horizontal dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald S. Martin
  • Publication number: 20110162856
    Abstract: A wavy disc and coulter with notches and method of using same, the disc or coulter having plurality of waves formed in the blade by deviating the entire outer periphery of the variable wave coulter from a flat plane. A plurality of crests and a plurality of valleys are formed in the blade, wherein each of said plurality of waves comprises a first and a second crest and one valley between the first and second crests at the outer periphery thereof. A notch is disposed in each respective wave on the outer periphery of the blade and wherein at least a majority of the notch is disposed between the first one of the respective crests and the respective valley, such majority of the notch being closer to the first respective crest than to the second respective crest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas G. BRUCE
  • Publication number: 20110024141
    Abstract: This disk is a metal disk comprising a central ductile portion (10), particularly used for attaching the disk to a chassis or the like, and an outer circumferential portion (12), particularly for working on land and having a hardness greater than that of the central portion (10). The disk also has a transitional area (14), between the central portion (10) and the circumferential portion (12), that has a hardness gradient in a radial direction, and at least in the central portion (10), a hardness gradient is present in the body of the disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORGES DE NIAUX
    Inventor: Laurent Pineda
  • Patent number: 7878262
    Abstract: A coulter or disc having a plurality of directional notches therein is used in one rotational direction for one use and an opposite rotational direction for a different use. The notches are selected from many arcuate shapes and sizes. The notches taper from sharp to dull from one end to the other, but in use one can chose to lead with the dull or the sharp end of the notches. A method of making and using such coulters or discs is described and shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas G Bruce
  • Patent number: 7874376
    Abstract: A fluted farming disc comprising a plate having a peripheral cutting edge and a central portion, and a plurality of waves extending radially inwardly from the cutting edge and forming a plurality of crests and a plurality of valleys, with the plurality of crests extending radially beyond the plurality of valleys in a manner to define a radially toothed cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Ingersoll Argentina S.A.
    Inventor: Julio Cesar Piccat
  • Publication number: 20110011603
    Abstract: A coulter or disc having a plurality of directional notches therein is used in one rotational direction for one use and an opposite rotational direction for a different use. The notches are selected from many arcuate shapes and sizes. The notches taper from sharp to dull from one end to the other, but in use one can chose to lead with the dull or the sharp end of the notches. A method of making and using such coulters or discs is described and shown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas G. Bruce
  • Patent number: 7832345
    Abstract: An apparatus that cleanly severs and clears crop debris from a planting row or closes a furrow while causing minimal disturbance to the soil. The residue coulter apparatus comprises a pair of flat discs each having a plurality of back swept teeth extending about their periphery. The teeth include a beveled cutting edge on the outer edge of the teeth adapted to sever residue from the field or close a furrow. The discs are oriented substantially vertical to the ground. Two discs are used in combination to clear a pathway for planting seed or for closing a furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Yetter Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Patrick Whalen, Stephen E. Cerven, Derek A. Litchfield
  • Patent number: 7810580
    Abstract: A sectored disc assembly, removable disc sector, and method of replacing a disc sector are disclosed for use with a soil opener that uses a disc assembly to open the soil prior to injection of a fertilizer or seed into the ground. The sectored disc assembly includes a rotatable hub and a plurality of disc sectors cooperatively forming a substantially continuous disc around the hub. Connectors, such as bolts, secure each of the disc sectors to the hub. The disc sector includes a body with radially inner and outer margins and side margins that are configured for continuous abutment with adjacent side margins of other disc sectors. The method of replacing a disc sector includes removing the connector securing the disc sector to the hub, moving the disc sector radially outwardly away from the hub, placing a replacement disc sector into contact with the hub, and inserting the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Guy J. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7757777
    Abstract: A segmented furrow closing wheel comprises a body member rotatable about a rotation axis. The body member comprises a hub and a plurality of fingers radiating from the hub. Each of the fingers has a root end connected to the hub, and each of the fingers terminate at a radially outermost end with a contact surface for contacting a contact patchy on the ground surface. The contact surface of one of the fingers being spaced from the contact surfaces of the adjacent fingers of the plurality of fingers. The contact surface is blunt in character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Lakeview Hutterian Brethern
    Inventors: Danny Wipf, Joseph Hofer
  • Publication number: 20100147541
    Abstract: A fluted farming disc comprising a plate having a peripheral cutting edge and a central portion, and a plurality of waves extending radially inwardly from the cutting edge and forming a plurality of crests and a plurality of valleys, with the plurality of crests extending radially beyond the plurality of valleys in a manner to define a radially toothed cutting edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Julio Cesar PICCAT
  • Patent number: 7685950
    Abstract: A furrow opener device includes a disc arranged to open a primary furrow in the ground. A scraper body has a leading scraper edge supported alongside the disc to scrape the disc. A wing member is supported on a bottom portion of the scraper body in proximity to a bottom end of the disc and extends laterally outwardly away from the disc so as to be arranged to open a groove in the primary furrow projecting laterally to one side of the primary furrow, and a tube extends generally downward to an output opening located adjacent the wing member and is arranged for depositing product into the groove. A packer wheel is arranged in a first configuration where depth of disc penetration is gauged by a gauge wheel adjacent to the furrow opener and in a second configuration in which depth is gauged by the packer wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Dick Edward Friesen
  • Patent number: 7673571
    Abstract: The present planter unit, and planter implements using the present planter unit, include first and second discs and first and second pathways. The first and second discs may be generally planar and in a non-overlapping relation. As the planter unit is towed through a field, the first disc creates a first trench in the seedbed and the first pathway deposits a first material in the first trench. Subsequently, the second disc creates a second trench which is continuous with the first trench and partially fills the first trench. A second material is deposited in the second trench by the second pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ashley M Medernach
  • Patent number: 7648309
    Abstract: An apparatus for compaction, breaking and rubblization comprises a first non-circular plate having a first plate flat portion and a first plate thickness, a second non-circular plate having a second plate flat portion and a second plate thickness substantially equivalent to the first plate thickness, and a third plate having a third plate first flat portion and a third plate second flat portion and a third plate thickness less than the first plate thickness and the second plate thickness. The first plate flat portion is coupled to the third plate first flat portion and the second plate is coupled to the third plate second flat portion and each of the first plate, the second plate and the third plate are configured to form a multi-lobed roller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Scott R. Roth
  • Patent number: 7640995
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for soil conditioning, the apparatus comprising a frame, a rotary harrow supported by the frame for engaging the soil and a plurality of disks supported by the frame and in front of the rotary harrow along the advancing direction for rotation about disk axis and for engaging soil below the frame, each disk including a scalloped peripheral edge that forms a plurality of teeth and a space between each two adjacent teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Dean A. Knobloch
  • Patent number: 7631702
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a double-coated sintered composition on a hard-faced disk blade for agricultural use as a rotary knife blade of a farm implement termed a harrow wherein the sintered hard-faced composition is applied to both the concave and convex sides of the rotary harrow disk blade to provide protection against soil abrasion and wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Canyon Street Crossing Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Larry Hansen
  • Patent number: 7581503
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Martin, James R. Peterson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7497270
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wavy coulter having a plurality of variable-amplitude waves, each wave defined by a crest and an adjacent valley. The coulter is mounted on an implement such that a leading peripheral edge of the coulter rotates in a downward direction as it enters the soil. The waves having larger amplitudes of deviation from flat provide a driving force for turning the variable wave coulter. The waves having smaller amplitudes of deviation from flat provide penetration into the soil. The result is a coulter that is forgiving in both wet and dry soil conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Douglas G. Bruce
  • Patent number: 7475738
    Abstract: A disk assembly for an agricultural implement includes a hub; a disk mounted to the hub; an axle having outer threads; a sleeve having inner threads engaged with the outer threads on the axle; and a bearing assembly having an outer race adjacent the hub and an inner race adjacent the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Michael E. Frasier
  • Patent number: 7464767
    Abstract: A disc opener assembly for an agricultural planter includes a coulter disc formed without a pilot hole for the spindle of the mounting hub. The mounting hub is formed without the spindle such that the coulter disc is supported directly in a cantilevered manner from the mounting flange of the mounting hub. The coulter disc is formed with fastener holes aligned with mounting holes in the mounting flange for the passage of fasteners to affix the coulter disc to the mounting flange. The fasteners are countersunk into the coulter disc to present a smooth exterior surface. A seal is positioned between the mounting flange and the coulter disc to prevent the entry of dirt and debris into the mounting hub. No dust cap on the exterior surface of the coulter disc is required with this configuration which improves the operation of the disc opener assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robin Schilling
  • Publication number: 20070187123
    Abstract: A device for attaching blades to rings which are integrally connected to a rotating shaft for an agricultural machine. Each ring has several cutouts which can receive, by nesting support feet of flat segments, each segment bearing one or several blades for mounting the segments to the ring adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction and for configuring the segments into a blade support disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: SAS DAIRON
    Inventors: Michel Maurice Dairon, Jose Alain Loyer