Abstract: A single disk fertilizer opener assembly for opening a trench in soil includes a frame support and a cutting disk for forming the trench. The cutting disk is coupled to an axle and rotates about the axle as the assembly moves in a working direction. The assembly also includes a first arm pivotally coupled to the frame support and the axle, and a second arm pivotally coupled to the frame support at a location spaced from the first arm. A bracket is coupled to the axle and the second arm, and a scraper is coupled to the bracket and disposed substantially perpendicularly to the working direction.

Abstract: A tillage point (10) includes a body (12) with a flat nose (21) angled from the horizontal approximately 35 degrees, a more shallowly angled intermediate flat portion (22) behind the nose, and aft flat surfaces (28) angled downwardly in the outward direction to connections with rear wings (14). The wings (14) may be angled approximately 16 degrees downwardly in the outward direction and upwardly about 28 degrees in the aft direction to significantly improve soil fracture, vertical force and draft. The wings (14) may be positioned far back on the point body entirely above an increased strength shank mounting area (16). Use of the flat angled surfaces (21, 22, 28) improves soil rupture compared to points with more rounded surfaces. The downwardly angled flat surfaces (28) above and adjacent the wings (14) provide soil parting for improved flow around the shank.

Abstract: A tillage point (10) includes a body (12) with a flat nose (21) angled from the horizontal approximately 35 degrees, a more shallowly angled intermediate flat portion (22) behind the nose, and aft flat surfaces (28) angled downwardly in the outward direction to connections with rear wings (14). The wings (14) may be angled approximately 16 degrees downwardly in the outward direction and upwardly about 28 degrees in the aft direction to significantly improve soil fracture, vertical force and draft. The wings (14) may be positioned far back on the point body entirely above an increased strength shank mounting area (16). Use of the flat angled surfaces (21, 22, 28) improves soil rupture compared to points with more rounded surfaces. The downwardly angled flat surfaces (28) above and adjacent the wings (14) provide soil parting for improved flow around the shank.

Abstract: A ripper plough for soil tillage includes a body having an upper mounting attachment end, a lower soil engaging end, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and opposed sides. A ploughshare support extends outwardly from the body from the leading edge toward the trailing edge at a plough angle of between 40 degrees and 55 degrees and extends outwardly and downwardly relative to the body at a thrust angle of between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. Ploughshares are mounted on the ploughshare support. The ploughshares have a length between a leading edge and a trailing edge of at least 1.5 feet and are spaced apart at the trailing edge by at least two feet, to provide an average lift angle of upward lift of between 10 degrees and 15 degrees.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a framework configured to be towed behind a vehicle, and a plurality of shanks mounted to the framework and configured to engage the soil. A tillage point is mounted on each shank. Each shank tillage point includes a body having a top surface and a nose extending from the top surface. The tillage point also includes two wings each disposed on a lateral side of the body and extending laterally outward. In certain embodiments, a slope of the nose relative to a horizontal plane of movement of the tillage point through soil is greater than a slope of the top surface of the body. In further embodiments, the wings are configured to engage the soil at a shallower depth than the nose, and/or a tip of each wing is configured to engage the soil at a greater depth than a respective wing root. In yet further embodiments, the tillage point includes a boss positioned forward of openings configured to receive a fastener for coupling the tillage point to a shank.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a tillage point includes a body having a top surface and a nose extending from the top surface. The tillage point also includes two wings each disposed on a lateral side of the body and extending laterally outward. In certain embodiments, a slope of the nose relative to a horizontal plane of movement of the tillage point through soil is greater than a slope of the top surface of the body. In further embodiments, the wings are configured to engage the soil at a shallower depth than the nose, and/or a tip of each wing is configured to engage the soil at a greater depth than a respective wing root. In yet further embodiments, the tillage point includes a boss positioned forward of openings configured to receive a fastener for coupling the tillage point to a shank.

Abstract: A knife assembly includes a unique finned point with angled soil-engaging surfaces defining several fracture areas and preventing slabbing to avoid excessive soil disturbance and knife wear. The knife has an extended length between the point and upper mounting brackets to facilitate operation of the point over a substantial range of depths, and the mounting brackets operate above ground level even at maximum point depth operation.

Abstract: A ground engaging furrowing tool for paired row seeding comprising a body having a forward leading point, a bottom and laterally outwardly extending wing members. Each wing member including a leading edge that flares rearward to a trailing edge to form a generally V-shaped profile bottom surface, the trailing edge of each wing member including a seed outlet only open in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A tillage implement includes a ground engaging tool assembly configured to enhance alignment relative to a forward direction of travel of a tow vehicle. The ground engaging tool assembly generally includes a ground engaging tool, a shank, and clip coupled therebetween. The ground engaging tool includes a mounting portion that defines a channel configured to receive an upper portion of the clip. The shank includes a lower portion that defines an elongated slot configured to receive a lower portion of the clip. The clip is configured to align the mounting portion of the ground engaging tool with respect to the shank and the forward direction of travel. The mounting portion and associated clip are also configured to not cause undesired disturbance of the ground beyond the side-to-side width of the shank relative to the forward direction of travel.

Abstract: A ripper plough for soil tillage includes a body having an upper mounting attachment end, a lower soil engaging end, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and opposed sides. A ploughshare support extends outwardly from the body from the leading edge toward the trailing edge at a plough angle of between 40 degrees and 55 degrees and extends outwardly and downwardly relative to the body at a thrust angle of between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. Ploughshares are mounted on the ploughshare support. The ploughshares have a length between a leading edge and a trailing edge of at least 1.5 feet and are spaced apart at the trailing edge by at least two feet, to provide an average lift angle of upward lift of between 10 degrees and 15 degrees.

Abstract: Ripper point structure includes a nose with a tapered top that initiates lift and fracture of compacted soil layers. The tapered top with an included angle of about 100 degrees just forward of the parting wear shin creates a parting stress which increases until the center portion of the soil profile is cut by a sharp leading edge of the shin. In a winged embodiment, gently sloping ripper point wings gradually enter the fracture plane left below the lifted compaction layer and initiate a second fracture of the soil profile. The wings are spaced rearwardly from the point so that the point and wear shin have enough time to lift, fracture, and part the soil profile in contact with the shank prior to any wing action.

Abstract: A tillage sweep includes an elongated nose portion having forward cutting edges which are straight and diverge at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from a leading point. The top of the nose viewed from the side is straight and angles upwardly at an angle of approximately eleven degrees from the planar bottom surface to juncture with a stem or connecting portion which forms an angle of about 46 degrees with the plane of the bottom surface. The sweep includes outer wing portions with the cutting edges which are straight and which diverge at an angle of approximately 67 degrees thereby forming an angle of about 11 degrees with the respective forward cutting edges. The overall length of the sweep is greater than the width.

Abstract: A subsoil applicator has an upright shank provided with a leading soil-slicing edge and a pair of opposite sides. At the bottom of the shank, a pair of soil lifting wings are provided, presenting a pair of outermost wing edges that diverge rearwardly from the lowermost and forwardmost point of the shank to the rear extremity of the applicator. The wings are generally relatively thin and flat except for a thickened portion across their rear extremity making an upright, rearwardly facing rear wall. A pair of laterally spaced discharge outlets are located in the rear wall and communicate with an internal tubular passage within the shank for delivering substance down into the soil behind the wall as the applicator advances through the soil. The discharge outlets are located in undercut portions of the rear wall, while top, upwardly facing surfaces of the thickened portion are convexly curved to improve soil flow and provide extra protection against premature wear for the internal substance passageways.

Abstract: A cultivator shovel for mounting on one of the shanks of a conventional agricultural cultivator. The shovel includes a shank mount in the form of a channel for receiving the shank therein. A shovel body is supported on a lower end of the shank mount and includes a leading edge extending rearwardly and outwardly from opposing sides of a forward apex to respective rearward free ends of the shovel body. A pair of upright end plates are mounted on the shovel body adjacent the respective rearward free ends. The end plates prevent deflection of weeds about the free ends of the shovel body when the shovel is used for weeding, thus forcing the weeds to be broken on the leading edge of the shovel body or on the end plates for more effective weeding using a cultivator. Furthermore, soil disturbance is increased dramatically using the end plates, and as a result, shallow rooted weeds such as millet die.

Abstract: A novel solution for changing sweeps or knives on a cultivator or other soil working tool is the subject matter of the present invention. In today's farming world, where labor is at a premium and time is of the essence, a sole operator or farmer in preparing the fields for planting, summer fallow or other operations will sometimes need to change the sweeps or knives which till the ground several times for different crops or operations. The novel invention herein provides for an apparatus for quickly removing the sweeps (2) on cultivator shanks and replacing them with other soil openers of different width or configuration. A simple press button (7) releases the sweep (2) from an adapter bolted to a standard cultivator shank. The present invention eliminates the problem of sweeps falling off shanks due to lack of friction or difficulty in removing sweeps because of over friction.

Abstract: Sweep retaining structure includes a spring wire retainer with a base supported in a groove on the underside of the wedge support which mates with a stem portion of the sweep. The wedge support is apertured, and a central curved portion of the retainer passes through the aperture and supports a sweep-contacting end above the surface of the wedge support. The end is biased toward a contact area on the sweep to engage the area and eliminate sweep loss problems by preventing the sweep from slipping downwardly from the mounted position. To remove the sweep, a tool is inserted through the slot to depress the retainer end, and the sweep is forced off the wedge support. A raised area on the sweep directs soil away from the retainer and contact area to reduce wear and eliminate depression of the end during operation. The underside of the raised area positions the wire end and provides bend-resisting support for the wire.

Abstract: The present invention has several aspects to it, one of which is the provision of a chisel point which is straight and tapered from its thinnest part at the extreme front to a thicker part at the rear thereof for causing a sweep to wear longer than prior art sweeps. This sweep also improves soil penetration and is self-sharpening. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an earth working sweep having a front end, a right side, a left side, and a central upper portion for connecting the sweep to an implement. It also has a right rear wing portion and a left rear wing portion with an intermediate portion connecting the front end to the central upper rear portion and the left and right rear wing portions. A right edge and a left edge have concave edges on the front and convex edges on the back so as to form a somewhat S-shaped configuration which reduces scrap when being made and adds to the longevity and performance of the sweep.

Abstract: The present invention has several aspects to it, one of which is the provision of a chisel point which is straight and tapered from its thinnest part at the extreme front to a thicker part at the rear thereof for causing a sweep to wear longer than prior art sweeps. This sweep also improves soil penetration and is self-sharpening. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an earth working sweep having a front end, a right side, a left side, and a central upper portion for connecting the sweep to an implement. It also has a right rear wing portion and a left rear wing portion with an intermediate portion connecting the front end to the central upper rear portion and the left and right rear wing portions. A right edge and a left edge have concave edges on the front and convex edges on the back so as to form a somewhat S-shaped configuration which reduces scrap when being made and adds to the longevity and performance of the sweep.

Abstract: A deep tillage ripper point includes an aggressive long, narrow leading point portion with a top surface that forms a steep angle of approximately 40-50 degrees with the horizontal. An intermediate portion has a top surface and wings extending at a relatively shallow angle of about 15 degrees relative to the horizontal. A centrally located vertical fin having a width of about half the width of the leading point portion and approximately equal to the width of the ripper shank extends upwardly from the leading point portion rearwardly and above the forward edge and forwardly of the leading edges of the wings. Pre-fracturing action of the fin initiates substantial lateral displacement of the soil prior to the soil contacting the wings. The fin reduces violent vertical eruption of the soil when contacted by the wings and provides improved soil profile.

Abstract: A tillage tooth for use in an implement which performs shallow tillage with tillage discs followed by chisel plows with winged points performing primary tillage in strips of untilled soil left by the forward discs. The points include wings mounted to either side of a central tooth. The wings are constructed and arranged to provide a greater rise to lift soil adjacent their inner edges than is provided by the outer edges of the wings. This imparts a lifting and lateral rolling motion to tilled soil and enhances a smooth finish.

Abstract: Plowshare particularly for seeding and eventual manuring in soil in a continuous line of the type involving two equal and symmetrical opposite convergent wings with an apex having a substantial “V” shaped plan (31). Their ends are turned upwards (32) so that the plowshare may be pulled so as to penetrate at a certain depth into the soil; cut the soil at the depth and make it slide above the wings (31). The flaps (32) force the soil to pour back in the obtained furrow covering it, applying at least one seed distribution device in the free area of the “V” shaped inside apex being possible.

Abstract: A tillage tooth for use in an implement which performs shallow tillage with tillage discs followed by chisel plows with winged points performing primary tillage in strips of untilled soil left by the forward discs. The points include wings mounted to either side of a central tooth. The wings are constructed and arranged to provide a greater rise to lift soil adjacent their inner edges than is provided by the outer edges of the wings. This imparts a lifting and lateral rolling motion to tilled soil and enhances a smooth finish.

Abstract: A ground-engaging paired row furrow forming tool includes a tool body having fore and aft ends with an outer edge defined on each of two opposing sides of the tool body. A furrowing wing is located adjacent each of the opposing sides and protrudes from bottom portions of the tool body. The tool body has lower surfaces including a central front surface portion which is angled upwards towards the fore end and a center passage is defined between the furrowing wings. This passageway is in part defined by a central rear surface portion which is adapted to be substantially aligned fore to aft in a direction of travel T during operation of the ground engaging tool. This paired row opener works well without compromise in a broad range of soil conditions without fouling and enables planting of seed rows spaced widely apart while minimizing soil surface disturbance.

Abstract: A ground-engaging paired row furrow forming tool includes a tool body having fore and aft ends with an outer edge defined on each of two opposing sides of the tool body. A furrowing wing is located adjacent each of the opposing sides and protrudes from bottom portions of the tool body. The tool body has lower surfaces including a central front surface portion which is angled upwards towards the fore end and a center passage is defined between the furrowing wings. This passageway is in part defined by a central rear surface portion which is adapted to be substantially aligned fore to aft in a direction of travel T during operation of the ground engaging tool. This paired row opener works well without compromise in a broad range of soil conditions without fouling and enables planting of seed rows spaced widely apart while minimizing soil surface disturbance.

Abstract: A retainer is disclosed for preventing accidental release of a knock-on earthworking tool from an adaptor secured to the tine of an agricultural implement. The retainer, which is integrally formed from a single piece of metal, comprises an anchoring portion which is retained inside a bolt hole of the of the adaptor and a tail portion which extends between the anchoring portion and an aperture in the stem of the earthworking tool. The tail of the retainer has an upturned end which catches in the aperture in the stem of the earthworking tool when the stem is wedged over the adaptor in its normal working position, thereby preventing accidental dislodgement of the earthworking tool during use.

Abstract: Apparatus for the subsurface disruption of soil which includes horizontal and vertical members enabling operation at great depths without excessive driving force. The apparatus includes vertical members having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end is removably connectable to a driver, such as a tractor, and the bottom end is attached to a horizontal member. The apparatus includes horizontal members having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface comprising a leading surface and a tailing surface. The substantially horizontal bottom surface, upon intersection with the leading top surface and the trailing top surface, forms a triangular cross section, preferably that of a scalene triangle. This cross sectional form allows for optimum operation.

Abstract: A method of making earth tilling sweeps from disc scrap including a process of cutting a plurality of circular discs side-by-side to form disc cut-outs as well as discs. Each cut-out is formed around an axis which is perpendicular to the plane of the sheet of metal from which the discs are cut. The method herein includes leaving a predetermined width of material between the disc cut-outs and a predetermined width of metal between each respective disc cut-outs on at least one of the side edges. A sweep blank is made by cutting between and through the width of metal between the cut-outs and between the one edge and each one of two adjacent cut-outs. Further cutting of the sweep blank toward its final configuration includes forming attachment openings therein. The sweep blank is then bent into a three-dimensional shape for use in tilling the earth.

Abstract: An agricultural sweep has an upwardly extending stem adapted to be secured to a tine of an agricultural implement and a ground breaking member comprised of a pair of substantially planar wings diverging rearwardly from a tip. In order to prevent bending or breaking of the sweep, a reinforcing ridge is provided at the juncture of the wings and the stem, the ridge extending along a longitudinal axis of the sweep from the upper surface of the wings to a point on the stem between the base and the upper end of the stem.

Abstract: A cultivator sweep secured to a sweep holder that is attached to a cultivator implement for shearing surface soil. The cultivator sweep includes a body member having a front nose portion, a rear portion and a pair of laterally outwardly extending wing members. The rear portion includes a slot. The sweep holder includes an insertion member and at least two flanges. The insertion member is received within the slot and the at least two flanges extend outwardly from the insertion member and define grooves to receive the body member. An interference fit is created between the body member of the cultivator sweep and the at least two flanges of the sweep holder to securely retain the cultivator sweep with respect to the sweep holder.

Abstract: A tillage sweep assembly includes a base sweep with a central fore-and-aft slot. A support strap or stem includes a corresponding fore-and-aft extending protrusion which mates with the slot. A filet weld connects the top of the base sweep to the support strap with the weld extending around the strap. A plug weld is added to the underside of the sweep in an offset or lifted portion of the bottom of the base sweep above the cutting plane of the sweep. The extra plug weld adds strength to the existing filet weld joint and significantly reduces the chance of inadvertent base sweep loss. The location of the plug weld above the cutting plane protects the plug weld from wear. The strap or step of the sweep assembly is slotted for ease of pitch adjustment, and the base sweep has wings with substantial fore-and-aft extending end portions to retain working width over the life of the sweep.

Abstract: A row cultivator (10) includes a row following system (12) coupled to a toolbar (13) employing frame members (17) and (18) constrained to remain parallel by a cross member (21). Coulter wheels (30) and (31) secured to the frame members (17) and (18) are non-steerable and tool bar drift may be corrected. A tool (40) employs a leading blade (44) and a pair of diverging cutting blades (47) and (48) trailing behind the leading blade (44). A sheer release assembly employs a longitudinally extending bolt (70) centrally disposed and holding a shank (61) to a tool bar (65) so that when a tool on the shank (61) strikes an underground obstacle the bolt (70) is sheared longitudinally.

Abstract: A tapered adaptor (10) disposed at a free, leading end of a cultivator shank (S) is arranged to co-operate with a blocking member (27). The blocking member (27) defines forwardly facing abutment surfaces (28, 29). They engage a rear edge portion (54) of the socket (46) of a sweep when the sweep is subjected to a hard impact which would otherwise force the socket beyond the position required for a firm wedging frictional grip with the adaptor (10). Thus, the undesired displacement excessively beyond the required grip position is prevented to enable removal of the socket (46) on exchange of the sweep by a hammer blow. A retainer pin (32) is resiliently held in a transverse groove (31) by the nose (35, 36) of a pair of flat springs. Thus the free movement which might result in loss of the pin 32 is prevented while allowing relatively easy withdrawal of the pin when the sweep is to be knocked off the adaptor. Several alternative embodiments are mentioned.

Abstract: Knock-on sweep mounting structure includes a combination of first and second tapers, and mating notch structure in the sweep connecting portion and in the mounting structure on the shank, to provide easy installation and prevent sweep loss. The notch structure facilitates easy connection of the sweep on the mounting structure by rotational movement of the sweep at a single narrowed attaching location between the tapers. Once on the mounting structure, the sweep can slide along the shank. By forcing the sweep upwardly, the sweep is wedge-locked in the field-working position on the first taper. The second taper, opposite in direction from the first taper, fits against the naturally occurring shape of the bottom of the sweep connecting portion to retain the sweep on the shank if the sweep is dislodged from the first taper. The combination of tapers with the notch structure located therebetween substantially reduces the possibility of a sweep accidentally falling off the shank.

Abstract: A conservation tillage unit for use in primary tillage includes a rolling coulter followed by a chisel plow having a narrow shank and a soil working unit mounted to the bottom of the shank. The working unit includes a point and a delta wing mounted behind and above the point, and forward of the shank. The working unit fractures the soil beneath the surface without throwing the surface soil and residue to the side and while leaving only a narrow furrow behind the shank even at ground speeds up to five to seven miles per hour.

Abstract: A cultivator sweep includes a body with a forward point and wings diverging outwardly in the rearward direction. In one embodiment, a row side sweep includes a row side wing angled upwardly from the horizontal at an angle of approximately 27 degrees, and the opposite wing is angled downwardly, to closely match the profile of the ground from the row bed to the row middle. In another embodiment of the invention, a wide sweep extends between the beds of adjacent rows and includes wings with outermost portions bent upwardly at an angle with respect to the horizontal to provide a sweep profile which closely approximates the ground profile between the rows for more uniform depth of penetration, less soil throw and crop root damage, and reduced draft.

Abstract: A long wearing deep tillage sweep includes a central point member having a leading tip and attached to a shank at an angle to the horizontal of approximately 30 degrees. A pair of wings having the shape of a parallelogram are fixed to the lower, forward portion of the point with the sides of the wings parallel to the forward direction of travel and with the leading and trailing edges extending outwardly from the member and parallel to the surface of the ground when the shank is in the normal field-working position. The top surface of the wings has a shallower angle than the point surface, which, together with the horizontal leading and trailing wing edges, reduces soil disturbance. The wings are closely adjacent the tip of the point member so that the angle of the resultant force on the sweep closely approximates that of a straight point alone and the depth of tillage is more consistent than tools having wings offset a greater distance from the leading tip.

Abstract: A seed furrow cutting knife adapted for cutting a seed furrow, fluffing the furrow sidewalls to avoid soil compaction, and for offset placement of fertilizer in the furrow is provided. The furrow cutting knife has associated side wings for fluffing sidewalls of the seed furrow and for simultaneous discharge of liquid fertilizer through a fertilizer tube into the seed furrow, but offset from the bottom of the seed furrow to avoid burning of the seed.

Abstract: An agricultural shank assembly includes an edge-bent standard having an integral tool-receiving end which is tapered to provide a self-locking fit for a matching sweep. A non-corroding plastic pin inserted through a hole in the sweep and through an elongate hole in the end of the standard retains the sweep in position and prevents the sweep from jarring loose. The elongate hole in the standard accommodates considerable variation in the tapered end and the mating sweep portion. The pin is easily shearable by a hammer blow to the sweep during sweep replacement.

Abstract: An agricultural sweep for being attached to a tractor for pulling the agricultural sweep across the ground. The agricultural sweep incudes a ground engaging portion having a cutting edge for cutting through the ground as the sweep is pulled across the ground; a stem portion for attaching the ground engaging portion to a tractor; and an extended wear portion applied to the stem portion for rendering the stem portion resistant to abrasion.

Abstract: A conservation tillage unit includes a coulter and a plow having a shank, a point and a pair of wings mounted slightly forwardly of the shank. The unit fractures the soil at ground speeds up to seven miles per hour without throwing the surface soil and residue to the side and while leaving a reduced furrow behind the shank.

Abstract: The subsoiler has shank assemblies which are designed to cut a thin, clean slice in the soil without frontal upheaval forces that would cause eruption of the soil in a turbulent manner ahead of the shank line. The soil lifting components at the bottom of the shank are configured to produce generally laminar soil flow over and around their lifting surfaces so that the upwardly and outwardly directed fracturing forces occur behind the leading shank line in a readily controllable manner and without disturbing residue and other materials on top of the ground. The subsoiling profile at the bottom of the shank may be varied by interchanging variously configured points and caps which are securely but removably secured to the shank. An alternate embodiment provides adjustment of the profile presented to the soil by having a portion of the component angularly vertically adjustable to vary the angle of attack of its lifting surfaces.

Abstract: A chisel cultivator for post-planting cultivation. The cultivator includes a main frame. A chisel member has one end portion coupled to the frame and a second end portion spaced from the first end portion along a longitudinal axis of the chisel member for cultivating sub-surface soil during operation of the cultivator. A heave limiter is coupled to the frame ahead of the chisel member relative to the direction of operation of the chisel cultivator. The chisel member is adjustable relative to the frame to adjust the distance of the second end portion of the chisel member from the frame. A sweep assembly is coupled to the frame behind the chisel member relative to the direction of operation of the chisel cultivator. The sweep assembly includes wings which extend outwardly of a centerline extending in the direction of operation of the chisel cultivator in a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the chisel member.

Abstract: A cultivator for post-planting cultivation. The cultivator includes a main frame. A chisel member has one end portion coupled to the frame and a second end portion spaced from the first end portion along a longitudinal axis of the chisel member for cultivating soil during operation of the cultivator. A heave limiter is coupled to the frame ahead of the chisel member relative to the direction of operation of the chisel cultivator. The chisel member is adjustable relative to the frame to adjust the distance of the second end portion of the chisel member from the frame. A sweep assembly is coupled to the frame behind the chisel member relative to the direction of operation of the cultivator. The sweep assembly includes wings which extend outwardly of a centerline extending in the direction of operation of the cultivator in a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the chisel member. A sifting assembly is coupled to the sweep assembly.

Abstract: A blade construction for a cultivator blade or a cultivator sweep, wherein the blade is adapted to sever plants from the ground by digging up the roots, to permit collection of the plants and subsequent separation of the fruit contained thereon. The blade includes first and second elongated body portions that have respective upper surfaces that are disposed relative to each other to define an obtuse included angle. The forward body portion includes a cutting edge that extends longitudinally of the blade, the cutting edge defined by the intersection of the upper planar surface of the first body portion with a longitudinally-extending grinding surface that is oriented at an acute angle relative to the forward upper planar surface. The obtuse included angle between the first and second body portions can range from about 150.degree. to about 170.degree., and the acute angle at the grinding surface can range from about 25.degree. to about 35.degree..

Abstract: A cultivator sweep having a substantially constant cross-sectional thickness and configured with a generally triangular head portion including a pair of side edges diverging symmetrically rearward from a nose region. Each of the side edges is provided with a bevelled outer edge defining a blade region to enhance weed cutting ability of the sweep. Each blade region extends forwardly toward and terminates short of the foremost point of the sweep to provide the nose region with a width equal to at least two times the thickness of the sweep thereby increasing the strength and configuration of the nose region thus prolonging the useful life of the sweep. The sweep can also include in the attachment portion which is integrally formed with the head portion.

Abstract: A cultivator sweep or shovel includes a rigid generally arrowhead shaped body having a central mounting flange enabling attachment to a support shank or tine. The sweep has rearwardly diverging primary cutting edges and one or more outwardly and forwardly projecting weed cutting points formed along the primary cutting edges to capture and sever weeds in the path of the sweep so as to prevent weeds from slipping past the sweep.

Abstract: An agricultural share having a working portion with a front face, a rear face and two sides converging to a forward point. A plurality of depressions are formed on the rear face of the working portion in the vicinity of the two sides for the purpose of achieving a reduction in the "footprint" area of the share. Additionally, the depressions serve to trap soil therein with the result that there is a reduction in wear on the rear face.

Abstract: Sweep tillage tools (10, 10') according to the preferred teachings of the present invention are disclosed including generally flat, horizontal sweep blades (18) generally located behind the implement shank (12) and above the point (28) of the spike (16, 16'). Specifically, the front corners of the sweep blades (18) between their front cutting edges (36) and inside edges (40) are integrally connected to the side edges (34) of a central portion (32, 32'). Gussets (20) are provided having a first side (48) integrally connected generally perpendicular to the inside edges (40) of the sweep blades (18) and having a second side (50) integrally connected to the side edges (34) of the central portion (32, 32') to provide catilever mounting of the sweep blades (18) and to provide support for soil passing over the spike (16, 16') and the sweep blades (18) at their intersection.

Abstract: A soil-working tine has a recess extending along its wearing edge. The recess captures some soil as the tine passes through the soil. The soil captured in the recess acts as a wearing edge, reducing wear on the material of the tine.

Abstract: The convex upper surface of the generally triangular sweep has oppositely inclined, lateral faces that diverge from the forwardmost point of the sweep and serve to loosen and lift the soil while the outer cutting edges sever subsurface roots of weeds and other above-ground growth. Rigid, rearwardly extending flaps at the rear extremity of the sweep are disposed at such a strategic angle that although they rigidify the trailing section of the sweep and reduce wear which might otherwise occur at outer rear corners of the sweep, they avoid untoward turning and rolling of the loosened soil and severed plant materials so that moisture-retaining trash and plant residue is left intact on the ground surface.