Spring Biased Or Formed Tool Or Tool Part Patents (Class 172/705)
  • Patent number: 11925138
    Abstract: A beet scalper includes an upwardly biased parallel arm linkage, a boom, having an upper end coupled to the parallel arm linkage and a lower end bearing a beet scalping blade, and a locking mechanism, holding the boom in a downward operating position. Forward deflection of the lower end of the boom releases the locking mechanism, allowing the boom to rise to a tripped position under force of a biasing mechanism associated with the parallel arm linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Inventor: Andrew Florence
  • Patent number: 11229157
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a row unit, comprising an upright frame portion comprising front and rear-facing sides, the front facing side configured to be coupled to a tool bar; a fore and aft extending frame coupled on one end to the rear-facing side, the fore and aft extending frame operably coupled to one or more disc openers and plural gauge wheels; a pair of arms pivotably and independently coupled to the fore and aft extending frame; a pair of closing wheels, each operably coupled to one of the pair of arms; and a pair of down force components, each coupled between the upright frame and the one of the pair of arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin J. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 11039572
    Abstract: A multi-positional stalk stomper assembly for attaching a stalk stomper to a toolbar of a farm implement comprises a mounting bracket and a pivotal shoe assembly. The mounting bracket is adaptable to be attached to the toolbar of the farm implement and includes a rectangular plate, the plate having first and second major sides, the first side engageable with the toolbar. A first connecting member outwardly extends perpendicular from the second major side of the plate. The shoe assembly includes a torsion spring assembly, a second connecting member outwardly extending from the torsion spring assembly, the second connecting member mateable with the first connecting member, a shoe bracket pivotally connected to the torsion spring assembly, and a downwardly extending shoe attached to the shoe bracket. Upon mating the second connecting member with the first connecting member, the shoe assembly is lockable to the mounting bracket at a selected position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Pride Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Justin D. Buetow, Benjamin W. Wick
  • Patent number: 10375874
    Abstract: An agricultural implement including a frame configured to be towed behind a vehicle and a plurality of shank assemblies connected to the frame and configured for engaging a soil. Each shank assembly includes a shank mount configured to mount to the frame, a coupling arm pivotally connected to the shank mount and extending rearwardly therefrom, and a shank connected to the coupling arm at an end and extending downwardly therefrom to a tool-supporting end. Each shank assembly also includes a ground-engaging tool connected to the tool-supporting end of the shank and a variable rate spring positioned in between the shank mount and the coupling arm and configured for providing a variable ground-engaging tool load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Dean A. Knobloch
  • Patent number: 8985234
    Abstract: A coulter assembly for an agricultural implement. The coulter assembly includes a support structure and a disc blade rotatably mounted to the support structure. The coulter assembly also includes a spring assembly coupled to the support structure and configured to urge the disc blade into soil. The spring assembly includes a variable rate spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerard James Gadzella, Robin Bruno Schilling
  • Patent number: 8776702
    Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame, and a linkage assembly pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the linkage assembly relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the linkage assembly for urging the linkage assembly downwardly toward the soil, and an accumulator is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder for supplying pressurized gas to the hydraulic cylinder urging the linkage assembly upwardly away from the soil. A manifold is removably mounted to the hydraulic cylinder via a mounting interface, the manifold being selected from a group of different types of modular manifolds in which each manifold is removably mountable to the hydraulic cylinder, one at a time, via the same mounting interface, the manifold having two hydraulic-fluid ports including an inlet port and an outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20140034344
    Abstract: A kit of components for use in assembling different agricultural implements includes (1) multiple linkages each of which includes a pair of parallel arms mounted for vertical pivoting movement at a first end of the linkage, and adapted to be coupled to a tool-support arm at the second end of the linkage, the multiple linkages having different sizes, (2) multiple coupling elements for coupling said linkages to a toolbar to be attached to a tractor, (3) multiple tool-support arms adapted to be connected to the second ends of the linkages, and (4) multiple tools adapted to be mounted on the tool-support arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20130269960
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a tool to a frame and a system for working land are provided. The mounting assembly includes a base for attaching to the frame, a bushing fastener connected to the tool, and an elastomeric bushing between the base and the bushing fastener for allowing dampened movement of the tool with respect to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: PENTA TMR INC.
    Inventor: John BAKER
  • Patent number: 8544398
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame. A support member is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the support member relative to the attachment frame, and at least one furrow-closing device is mounted on the support member. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the support member for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. The hydraulic cylinder includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for urging the ram in a first direction that pivots the support member in a first vertical direction. An accumulator has a fluid chamber containing a pressurized gas for urging the ram in a second direction that pivots the support member in a second vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 8544397
    Abstract: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, and a row unit frame having a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the row unit frame relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 7793739
    Abstract: Overload protection device for agricultural appliances, such as for example agricultural implements with a joint connecting the agricultural tool to the carrier frame, having two joint parts held together by spring load and mutually supporting, of which one is mounted on the agricultural tool and the other on the carrier frame. On both joint parts at least one upper support arrangement and at least one lower support arrangement are arranged as spaced from one another, with the lower support arrangement (9, 20) having at least one pivot bolt (10, 23) extending horizontally and transversely to the working direction and at least one joint retainer (11) supported on the pivot bolt (10, 23) and having a V or U-shaped cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Reimer U. Tiessen, Michael Pokriefke, Stefan Altmann, Jurgen Sosnicki, Wilfried Reinke
  • Patent number: 7673570
    Abstract: An agricultural row-clearing unit for use with an agricultural row unit attached to a towing frame hitched to a tractor comprises an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a support element having a leading end pivotally connected to the attachment frame for vertical pivoting movement relative to the attachment frame, at least one agricultural tool mounted on the trailing end of the support element, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the attachment frame and the support element for pivoting the support element around the pivotal connection to the attachment frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 6926093
    Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a soil leveling device to the mounting arm of a leveling attachment operates in either a fixed setting or a floating setting. The mechanism includes a rearwardly extending carrier arm which carries the soil leveling device at its distal end. The carrier arm is pivotably connected at its proximal end to the mounting arm of the leveling attachment for upward and downward movement. A connecting link is mounted to the mounting arm and a spring assembly extends between the link and the carrier arm. The connecting link is selectively operable in either a fixed setting or a released, floating setting. When the connecting link is in the fixed setting, the spring assembly biases the carrier arm and the leveling device with a downward force. When the connecting link is in the floating setting, the leveling device can move across a soil surface free of a downward bias from the spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Krause Plow Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Thomas Fink, Rodney Lee Hagman
  • Patent number: 6871709
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement that employs multiple apparatus to carry out a strip-till farming operation is disclosed. A tillage shank runs a point through the compaction layer to fracture and loosen the soil, forcing it upwardly and outwardly where a pair of angled soil-gathering blades, located adjacent the shank, redirect the soil into a newly created berm. A trailing conditioning rotary reel having a particular cross-sectional profile forms the soil into a uniform raised berm ideally suited for planting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Dean Knobloch, Daryl T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6688405
    Abstract: A simplified, low component harrow attachment includes several clevis-like mounting castings pivotally connected between two identical flat side sheets. A link which pivots the ranks in unison is pinned to the legs of the mounting castings between the sheets by free-floating pins captured between the sheets. The castings can pivot to a retracted position and be secured by a pin for increased clearance between the teeth and the ground during transport. The rear mounting casting has a longer clevis structure than the remainder of the castings and serves as a tine depth stop when a stop pin is inserted through apertures in the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: David Lee Steinlage
  • Patent number: 6684961
    Abstract: A spring trip shank assembly with a fixed downstop includes a pivot area with an eccentric mechanism for varying the location of the shank pivot relative to the downstop so that shank position and tool pitch can be adjusted without need to change downstop location. A bushing with an eccentric bore and a keyway receives a threaded bolt with a mating key. A captive nut fastens the assembly in position for the desired shank pitch. Marks located on the mounting bracket and on the bolt head provide an easily readable indication of the selected pivot location so a plurality of the assemblies can be adjusted to the same pitch quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jarrod Ray Ruckle, Garrett Lee Goins
  • Publication number: 20030205392
    Abstract: A spring trip shank assembly with a fixed downstop includes a pivot area with an eccentric mechanism for varying the location of the shank pivot relative to the downstop so that shank position and tool pitch can be adjusted without need to change downstop location. A bushing with an eccentric bore and a keyway receives a threaded bolt with a mating key. A captive nut fastens the assembly in position for the desired shank pitch. Marks located on the mounting bracket and on the bolt head provide an easily readable indication of the selected pivot location so a plurality of the assemblies can be adjusted to the same pitch quickly and easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Jarrod Ray Ruckle, Garrett Lee Goins
  • Publication number: 20030132013
    Abstract: A simplified, low component harrow attachment includes several clevis-like mounting castings pivotally connected between two identical flat side sheets. A link which pivots the ranks in unison is pinned to the legs of the mounting castings between the sheets by free-floating pins captured between the sheets. The castings can pivot to a retracted position and be secured by a pin for increased clearance between the teeth and the ground during transport. The rear mounting casting has a longer clevis structure than the remainder of the castings and serves as a tine depth stop when a stop pin is inserted through apertures in the sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation
    Inventor: David Lee Steinlage
  • Publication number: 20020195259
    Abstract: A ground engaging tool that oscillates in a motion, relative to the ground, that is substantially vertically upward, and then downward and forward in a direction in which the apparatus is moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Satzler
  • Publication number: 20020157371
    Abstract: A tine element which is installed on a rake wheel of an agricultural implement which displaces harvested products such as hay and cut grass, the tine element comprising a first and second tine with the outboard end of each tine being disposed so that it points normal to the direction of travel of the tine element around the axis of the rake wheel. Each of the tines has on its inboard end a coiled part and such coiled parts are joined by a common central part. In operation, one of the tines is disposed above the other tine with the lower tine being longer than the upper tine. The coiled parts comprise coil torsion springs and each part has different elasticity characteristics so that the resilient deflection of the lower tine is greater than the relative deflection of the upper tine and the flexibility of the each tine is optimized to obtain better adaptation to the ground and to provide a longer life span for the tine element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: MAASLAND N.V. A DUTCHLIMITED LIABILITY CO.
    Inventor: Alfonsus Jacobus Van Den Engel
  • Publication number: 20020144826
    Abstract: A tine harrow assembly includes a frame member; a plurality of tines pivotally connected to the frame member to permit a rake angle adjustment of the tines. The tines are arranged in a plurality of transversely extending rows and an adjustment mechanism operably connects to the tines for effecting a change in the rake angle, where the adjustment mechanism includes a tine slide having a stop formed therein corresponding to each the transverse row of tines, The tine slide being movable relative to the frame to position the stops at one of multiple selected positions, the transverse rows of tines are pivotable against the corresponding stops to define a selected rake angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Rickey Gerber, Dean Knobloch, Paul Hurtis, William J. Dietrich
  • Publication number: 20020125019
    Abstract: A disc harrow has a frame and a plurality of earth working discs. Each disc has a central aperture for attachment to a gang shaft. A mount attaches the gang shaft to the underside of the frame and has bearings to permit rotation of the shaft in response to forward movement of the disc harrow. The mount includes a first structural member, a second structural member and a resilient spring connected between the two members. In operation, upon striking of an obstacle by the discs, the gang shaft is permitted to upwardly deflect by the mount to prevent damage to the disc harrow. The second structural member has first and second portions with aligned longitudinal axes. The first and second portions are rotationally connected to permit rotation of the second portion in response to an angular moment applied to the second portion by deflection of the gang shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Salford Farm Machinery Ltd.
    Inventor: Jacobus A. Rozendaal
  • Patent number: 6164386
    Abstract: A harrow is provided having an elongate tool bar mounted on wheels for movement in a forward direction perpendicular to the tool bar. A plurality of harrow elements are mounted on the tool bar to extend generally rearward therefrom. A pair of support arms are pivotally mounted on the tool bar at a first end and mount each harrow element on a second end towards a rearward end of the harrow element. A hanger is connected between the support arms and the harrow element towards a forward end of the harrow element for suspending the harrow element therefrom. A plurality of tines are mounted on the harrow element such that the angle of the tines relative to the ground may be adjusted. A coupling connects between the hanger and the tines such that the height of the front end of the harrow frame is adjusted in response to tine angle adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald T. Delaurier
  • Patent number: 6119608
    Abstract: The planer row unit has a unit frame with a front member that is adapted to be secured to a tool bar. A sub frame is secured to the front member by parallel links. A furrow opener disk, a seed shoe and a gauge wheel are secured to the subframe.A cam plate supported by a spring to the rear of the seed shoe presses seeds into moist soil in the bottom of a seed furrow. A seed covering disc is supported by a covering disc shank to the rear and to one side of the furrow opener. The covering disc has a circular plate portion that faces downwardly and forwardly, moves loose soil from the furrow opener into the seed furrow and rotates about a central axis that extends downwardly from a horizontal plane. A flange, with notches extends radially outward and rearwardly from the outer periphery of the circular plate portion, rolls and slides along the surface and limits soil penetration by the covering disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Hiniker Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Peterson, Roger J. Scheurer
  • Patent number: 6102132
    Abstract: A coulter mounting assembly includes a torsion tube that absorbs upward movement of the coulter while maintaining downward force on the coulter. The torsion tube is mounted on a support beam which depends from a farm implement. A lever arm attaches to the torsion tube and supports a strut which allows the coulter to swivel about a vertical axis. The coulter rotatably attaches to an arm which is attached to the strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Harvey W. Schimke
  • Patent number: 6098722
    Abstract: A versatile implement system utilizing a single implement structure that is capable of being utilized as a grain planter, row crop planter, tiller or anhydrous applicator. The inventive device includes a conventional implement frame, a bracket, a pair of support arms connected to the bracket, a breakaway structure, a receiving arm having a tubular structure, a syncline shaped brace within the receiving arm, a shank member having a syncline end that is removably insertable into an open end of the receiving arm for mating connection with the brace, and an attachment connected to the shank opposite of the syncline end for performing a specific task. This structure allows a plurality of shank planters, anhydrous applicators, double-disc openers, corn planters or tillage attachments to be utilized upon a single implement frame. Varying row spacing such as 30, 15 and 71/2 inch are achievable by removing specific planter attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Leroy J. Richard
  • Patent number: 5787992
    Abstract: The spring trip assembly has lever mechanism between the shank and the compression spring which causes the trip-out force of the shank to drop sharply once the relatively high, initial trip-out force level has been reached, thus permitting the shank to slide up and over obstructions without breakage. The compression spring is actuated from both ends simultaneously as the shank rises so that although the trip force drops off quickly, energy also builds up quickly in the spring. Thus, the trip force does not drop as low as it otherwise would, assuring that ample return force is available to reset the shank down into the soil in its working position. Various components of the assembly can be removed and replaced easily without disassembling the entire unit from the tool bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Morris Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: David A. Dobson, Lyle E. Harper
  • Patent number: 5544709
    Abstract: A series of notches are provided in the upright plates on one end of a parallel bar linkage connecting a cultivator rig or planter assembly to a tool bar. Coil springs are tensioned between the opposite end of the linkage and a rod and trunnion assembly that fits into the series of notches. The coil springs maintain the rod and trunnion in a selected set of notches. A handle on the rod allows the operator to walk the rod and trunnion assembly up and down the series of notches to select a different set of notches and thereby incrementally adjust the down pressure to a known value or setting. When the tool bar is raised to a transport position and the linkage pivots downwardly to a lowermost position, the spring is stretched only slightly so that down pressure adjustments can be made easily using only the handle on the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Terry L. Lowe, James T. Noonan
  • Patent number: 5461995
    Abstract: A planter includes a pair of toothed wheels which sweep mulch away from the path followed by furrow opening discs. The sweeper wheels are carried on the trailing end of a parallel bar linkage attached to a tool bar by which the planter is pulled. As a result of the parallel bar linkage, the sweeper wheels may float upwardly and downwardly independently of the planter frame in order to conform to uneven ground. A spring acts on the parallel bar linkage and may be adjusted either to press the wheels downwardly into the ground if the mulch is hard and dense or to urge the wheels upwardly and relieve some of the weight of the wheels from the ground if the mulch is loose and the underlying soil is relatively fine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignees: Dean A. Winterton, Paw Paw Farmer's Factory Co.
    Inventor: Dean A. Winterton
  • Patent number: 5443126
    Abstract: The invention relates to a grubber tine of a tubular cross-section which, as compared to known grubber tines, give reduced weight and larger flexure and vibrations when moved through the soil, which gives reduced tractive power. The grubber tine is adapted to escape obstacles within the soil in that the grubber tine is pivotally suspended on a shaft. Bosses are attached to the grubber tine through friction forces between the bosses and the grubber tine at a preferably conical contact face, achieved in that the bosses are pressed into holes in the wall of the grubber tine. In the working position, the grubber tine rests against a shaft and is kept in place by means of a safety bolt adapted to be stretched off upon the occurrence of overload. The safety bolt may be combined with a resilient member, such that the grubber tine to a certain degree may yield upon load and then return to working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Kverneland Klepp AS
    Inventor: Magne Skj veland
  • Patent number: 5437113
    Abstract: A plow blade assembly including a moldboard, displaceable trip cutting edge connected to the moldboard, a moldboard receiving surface attached to the backside of the moldboard, a trip cutting edge contact surface attached to the backside of the trip blade, and a spring for urging the trip blade into a forward position. The trip cutting edge mechanism, located at the bottom edge of the moldboard, holds the trip cutting edge rigid for plowing but will allow it to give way upon contact with any solid object. The braking mechanism provides a large surface area which protects the trip blade mechanism from damage when the trip blade "bottoms out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Daniel K. Jones
  • Patent number: 5351635
    Abstract: A seeding system includes a frame mounted on ground wheels for moving across the ground together with a plurality of individually mounted seeding elements carried on parallelogram linkages from the frame. A seeding element includes a walking beam arrangement having a single front wheel and a pair of rear wheels straddling the seeding sweep positioned between the front and rear wheels. The rear wheels act as packer wheels for two rows of seeds. The walking beam system lifts a main support frame of the seeding element against the bias from a pressurized controlled hydraulic cylinder. The seeding sweep is mounted upon a trip shank. The seeds are supplied through a tube which splits at the sweep to deposit the seeds into the cavity within the sweep on either side of the center line of the sweep. A fertilizer banding knife projects downwardly and rearwardly from the lower end of the shank to a position rearwardly of the sweep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Leslie Hulicsko
  • Patent number: 5323862
    Abstract: A moldboard support is pivotally hinged to its carrier and has a medial rearward portion pivotally connected to a lower link, the upper portion of the link having an arcuate ramp with a portion engaging a detent mounted in an upper link that is pivotally connected to the lower link at its lower end portion and to the carrier at its upper end. The support and two links form a toggle in which the pivot pin connecting the two links is normally slightly rearward of a line connecting their upper and lower pivot pins and that permits the support to pivot rearwardly and upwardly when an obstruction is met and to return by gravity when the carrier is raised. The operating angular position of the support may be changed by shifting the pivot pin for the upper link.A tension spring is mounted to exert an initial resetting force on the moldboard support in its upper tripped position to assist in breaking away from impacting materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Long Manufacturing N.C., Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Furlough
  • Patent number: 5279236
    Abstract: A seed drill for planting seed in untilled ground. The drill is pulled by a prime mover and includes an array of double disk furrow opening assemblies in conjunction with a seed dispensing mechanism. The seed drill is equipped with an array of forwardly located trash disks in order to clear trash in the immediate vicinity ahead of each double disk furrow opening assembly. The trash disks clear the ground to facilitate the work of the furrow opening disks. Each trash disk assembly includes a circular trash disk rotatably mounted on a torque arm that is resiliently movable with respect to the frame of the machine. Each trash disk is mounted at an angle canted downward and forward between 15 and 25 degrees. The trash disk has a concave dish shape with a scalloped outer peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Inventor: James R. Truax
  • Patent number: 5267619
    Abstract: A disk harrow assembly comprising a frame with an elongated beam and having an elongated shaft arranged generally parallel to and below the beam with a plurality of laterally spaced disks mounted on the shaft of rotation therewith. At least two laterally spaced bearing standards resiliently connecting the shaft to the beam. Each bearing standard includes a spring whose first extremity is secured to the beam, a curved central portion for positioning a free ended second extremity of the spring in spaced relation beneath the first extremity and a bearing assembly carried toward the free ended extremity of the spring for rotatably supporting the shaft. The bearing assembly is mounted toward the second end of the spring for rocking movement about an axis disposed in an acute angle relative to the horizontal direction of movement of the harrow assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Brad K. Eversole
  • Patent number: 5165486
    Abstract: An automatic implement lock-up system with shock absorbing cushion springs for releasably raising and lowering implements mounted to a vehicle. An implement is pivotally attached to a vehicle mounting bracket via an implement support arm. A lock-up bracket is mounted to the implement support arm. A cast swivel is pivotally mounted to the lock-up bracket. A support rod is pivotally attached at a first end to the vehicle mounting brackets and extends through an opening in the cast swivel, whereby the support rod advances freely through the cast swivel when the implement support arm is raised. A support rod spring surrounding the support rod at a location between the vehicle mounting bracket and the cast swivel, whereby the support rod spring provides downward pressure on the implement support arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Summers Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory L. Davidson
  • Patent number: 5158145
    Abstract: A rotary harrow blade assembly for a cultivator of the type including a drawbar for attachment to a towing vehicle, a pair of swing booms pivotally connected to the outer ends of the drawbar, and a plurality of skeletal frames extending rearwardly from the drawbar and booms for carrying packers, the assembly including tracks mounted on the packer frames, an elongated wheel frame suspended from the tracks and being movable therealong for changing the angle of inclination of the wheel frame with respect to the longitudinal axes of the drawbar and booms, and a plurality of toothed wheels mounted in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: John Karchewski
  • Patent number: 5129282
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting the height of a farm implement/tool of the type to be carried by a drawing vehicle includes a connector for supporting a farm implement/tool in an operative position. A guide directs sliding movement of the connector selectively between first and second positions corresponding to raised and lowered positions for a farm implement/tool which is carried by the connector. A mount connects the guide to one of a drawing vehicle and a support to be carried by a drawing vehicle. A lock fastens the connector in one of the first and second positions and selectively releases the connection to allow the connection to be slid into the other of the first and second positions therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventors: James H. Bassett, Robert E. Boyle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4974683
    Abstract: A ridge tillage attachment includes springs associated with a linkage which guides a tool and wheel support beam for vertical movement, the springs being mounted within the linkage envelop to provide a compact arrangement and being operative to apply required forces to to a tool and wheels carried by the beam, while facilitating disassembly of the attachment when desired. The attachment also includes a structure which securely connects wheel axles to the support beam with a clamping action while being adjustable to provide a large range of relative positional values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John Hanig, Edward H. Smit, Steven E. Sukup, James D. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 4800964
    Abstract: A compact, leaf spring biased shank assembly with a shank bracket which clamps to a tube and leaves the upper portion of the tube relatively unobstructed to eliminate interference with the lift mechanism and/or implement frame. The shank bracket includes easily accessible down pressure and shank height pins for quick, effortless adjustments of the shank assembly. The leaf spring is C-shaped and is designed to approach a straightened condition as the shank moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Vernon E. Rettig, Ronald M. Steilen, Jeffrey J. Postal
  • Patent number: 4730678
    Abstract: Normally, spring loaded trip mechanisms increase in resistance and pressure as they move rearwardly. This device includes a swing arm above the shank with a roller engaging the upper surface of the shank. The tension springs extend from the swing arm to the upper end of the shank arm near the pivot thereof to the frame and are adjustable so that the initial tripping pressure may be set. Once this pressure is reached, the shank and arm move rearwardly causing the roller and swing arm also to be forced rearwardly thereby extending the springs. The geometry of the swing arm and springs, together with the shank is such that once the tripping pressure is reached and the shank commences to move rearwardly, the resistance drops rapidly instead of increasing thus letting the arm clear the object without any increase of contact force. Once cleared, the springs return the shank to the working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Inventors: Phillipe F. Denis, Bernard Denis
  • Patent number: 4702323
    Abstract: A ridge tillage attachment for conventional row-crop planters for use in minimum tillage planting on row ridges is disclosed. This ridge tillage attachment includes a tool portion and a linkage portion. The linkage portion has a parallelogram linkage support system and is attached to the planter. The tool portion is detachable from the linkage portion and is in the form of a tool support beam with guide wheels, cutting discs and sweep plates mounted thereto. The linkage portion of the unit is designed so that it can remain attached to the planter after the tool portion has been detached. An adjustable compression spring down-pressure system acts directly above the tillage implements to apply maximum down pressure. The guide wheels can be adjusted relative to the tool support beam by a height adjustment structure located directly above the wheels. The cutter discs are slightly offset to prevent plugging between them and to facilitate penetration of the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Edward H. Smit, Charles E. Sukup, Eugene G. Sukup
  • Patent number: 4700785
    Abstract: A shank assembly including a rearwardly opening bracket pivotally mounting a shank. A tension link extends upwardly from a central portion of the shank and through an apertured strap. A stop member at the upper end of the link limits the downward rocking of the shank. An adjustable arm assembly including a trunnion slidably received over the tension link is pivotally connected to the bracket and adjustably compresses a down-pressure spring which encircles the link between the trunnion and the shank. Individual down-pressure adjustments can be made without affecting the transport height of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Bartusek, Ronald M. Steilen, Vernon E. Rettig
  • Patent number: 4699221
    Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic release mechanism for a cultivator which provides good resistance to release of the shank holder and which upon release causes the shank holder to rise to a good height to clear obstacles encountered during operation of the cultivator. The shank holder is mounted so as to pivot about an axis and is retained in the working position by a pair of springs under tension, the forward end of the springs being mounted in front of and beneath the position of the pivot axis of the shank holder, and the moment arm of the springs is such that, as the shank holder pivots, the moment arm decreases resulting in the tangential force applied by the springs to the ground engaging tool about the pivot axis remaining substantially constant during pivoting of the shank holder to clear an obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Leon's Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Leon A. Malinowski, Kenneth J. Lange
  • Patent number: 4690223
    Abstract: A rod weeder attachment for the tool bar of an agricultural implement comprises an arm portion extending rearwardly from a clamp on the tool bar defined by a pair of spaced parallel bars extending rearwardly to a transverse strut. From the strut to the ground is provided a rear arm portion the angle of which can be adjusted relative to the front arm portion. The rear arm portion carries on the lower end a ground wheel for running on the ground and providing drive therefrom. A pair of shanks at opposed ends of the strut extend down to the ground and carry at their lower ends a rod which is driven by a chain mechanism from the ground wheel. Springs allow the arm to lift relative to the tool bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Inventor: Duane C. Haukaas
  • Patent number: 4683958
    Abstract: A cultivator shank is adapted for mounting at one end on a cultivator frame and has an open C-shaped central section with its other end receiving a ground engaging tool. In between its ends, the shank tapers through a profile of changing sectional dimension so that its central section is deeper or thicker, in line with the direction of travel, than the dimension of the central section transverse to the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Leon's Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Leon Malinowski, Kenneth Lange
  • Patent number: 4683959
    Abstract: The grading vehicle has a grading blade which is guided displaceably on the frame of the vehicle transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In order to obtain automatic readjustment of the guidance of the blade upon the occurrence of wear and play in the guidance, the blade is displaceable, by means of two guide ledges which extend horizontally on the blade and are spaced vertically from each other, between upper and lower slide pieces, the lower slide pieces being movable vertically and being pushed by spring force against the lower guide ledge of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: O&K Orenstein & Koppel Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Clemens
  • Patent number: 4660650
    Abstract: A sod cutting apparatus which includes a generally flat slide member having an upturned frontal portion and multiple slots extending in parallel, spaced relationship from front to rear, hinge arms pivoted to upward standing fulcrums secured to the slide member, the hinge arms and fulcrums provided in alignment with the slots, respectively, and round blades rotatably secured to the free ends of the hinge arms and projecting through the slots, respectively, with an adjusting mechanism secured to each hinge arm and provided with a core spring for adjusting downwardly-applied tension on the blades. In a preferred embodiment, a spring-biased plow attachment is mounted to the slide member rearwardly of the blades to aid in cutting and breaking up of the sod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Inventor: Ross D. Moak
  • Patent number: 4635387
    Abstract: A snowplow with a blade having a lower edge to which several spring flaps are hingeably linked. Reset springs retain the spring flaps in their working positions, and return the spring flaps to their working positions after having been deflected. To prevent overload of the reset springs, each is supported to be movable in the same sense as the pivoting direction of the associated spring flap, so that the increase in spring force, while the spring flap is being deflected, is at least partially counteracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Theodor Haring
  • Patent number: RE45091
    Abstract: An agricultural row-clearing unit for use with an agricultural row unit attached to a towing frame hitched to a tractor comprises an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a support element having a leading end pivotally connected to the attachment frame for vertical pivoting movement relative to the attachment frame, at least one agricultural tool mounted on the trailing end of the support element, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the attachment frame and the support element for pivoting the support element around the pivotal connection to the attachment frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett