Abstract: A work machine with a bell crank for coupling an attachment to a work machine includes a frame extending in a fore-aft direction, and a pair of lift arms pivotally coupled to the frame. The bell crank comprises a support member interposedly positioned between the pair of lift arms; and a first and second elongated, laterally spaced tilt levers coupled to the support member. Each tilt member may have a first pivoting link, a second pivoting link, and an aperture positioned between the first pivoting link and the second pivoting link. The aperture may comprise a first wall, a second wall, and a through-hole for coupling the tilt lever to the support member with a pin.

Abstract: A boom for an earth-moving machine, in particular an excavator, comprising rear and front boom parts that are cohesively assembled to form a boomerang-like boom structure, wherein the central connection between the boom parts is formed by a simple thick central connecting plate.

Abstract: A cutting assembly comprising a drive arm assembly and knife head assembly for a header of a plant-cutting machine is disclosed. The drive arm assembly generally includes a drive unit connected to a pivotable drive member and a bearing element with a rounded head. The knife head assembly generally includes a mounting bar and a clamping portion that collectively form a cavity for receiving the bearing element and forming a pivot joint. The knife head assembly is attached to a cutter bar such that the operation of the drive unit causes the cutter bar to have substantially linear motion by way of the pivot joint.

Abstract: A removable cover plate to be used in a threshing module of an agricultural machine, e.g., a grain harvester. The removable cover plate provides a uniform and homogeneous distribution of grains onto a cleaning and harvesting system of the machine. The removable cover plate is designed to be applied to at least one part of a concave of the cleaning and harvesting system of the machine. The cleaning and harvesting system includes at least one rotor and a least one concave mounted around the rotor, to which is attached and installed a removable structure that has a material retention surface, in which there are provided openings to limit grains and/or MOG passage.

Abstract: A method of making a sheet metal component from a tailored blank includes altering an initial blank formed from a first material to form the tailored blank by at least one of (i) coupling additional material to a portion of the first material, and (ii) removing the first material from a portion of the initial blank. The method also includes forming the sheet metal component from the tailored blank by an incremental sheet forming process.

Abstract: A boom for a linkage assembly of an implement system includes a boom body and a fork reinforcement plate. The boom body includes a pair of sidewalls, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The top portion and the bottom portion extend between the pair of sidewalls. The top portion and the bottom portion define a boom nose at a distal body end. The sidewalls each include a fork portion disposed at the distal body end and extending in outward relationship to the boom nose. Each fork portion defines therein a stick mounting opening. The fork reinforcement plate is connected to the inner surface of one of the pair of sidewalls at the fork portion. A proximal plate end of the fork reinforcement plate is in abutting relationship with the boom nose.

Abstract: A bed knife adapted to be coupled with a reel cutting unit for cutting grass is oriented with respect to a rotating cutting reel of the reel cutting unit. The bed knife includes a body formed from a first material and a cutting portion formed from a second material. The second material is different from the first material, and the second material is deposited onto the body by a welding process.

Abstract: A horticultural system having a horticultural grow gutter produced from a single sheet of material and including an upper bridge a length, a bottom surface, and two side edges. Two upwardly facing upper channel sections are each individually integral with one of the two side edges along the length of the upper bridge section. The upwardly facing channel sections have a channel bottom having a plurality of apertures configured to allow a liquid to pass through the apertures by gravity. Two side panels are each individually integral with one of the top edges and extend downward from the top edge. An inwardly bent and upwardly facing lower channel section is integral with each side panel and the upwardly facing lower channel section is sized and positioned to receive the liquid passing through the apertures disposed below the upper channel section.

Abstract: A vessel for containing, cultivating and suspending plants. The vessel consolidates and reduces the time necessary for the process of sowing seeds, transplanting plants, growing plants, recycling plant materials, dismantling and storage, by simplifying and reducing the number of process steps.

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.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for applying a product to an agricultural field. The agricultural implement including a chassis, at least one tank positioned on and carried by the chassis, a plurality of ground engaging devices and a plurality of suspension elements. The plurality of suspension elements are coupled to the chassis. Each of the ground engaging devices are coupled to one of the plurality of suspension elements. The plurality of suspension elements are coupled to an outbound side of the ground engaging devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular structure for provision of a raised garden planter bed. The structure includes at least first and second receptacles adapted to be juxtaposed and connecting means adapted to bind the juxtaposed receptacles together. The present invention also relates to a kit of parts and a method for building the modular structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seed metering assembly comprised of a set of stand-alone modular seed metering units. Each seed metering unit is selectively driven by a common drive member, such as a drive shaft. When a seed metering unit is engaged with the drive member, the unit will meter granular material. On the other hand, when the seed metering unit is not engaged with the drive member, the metering unit will not meter granular material. Hence, the present invention provides a seed metering apparatus in which the number of seed metering units can be scaled to match the number of distribution headers of a seeding implement.

Abstract: An inductor box for an agricultural implement having compression limiters. One inductor box includes a housing having a first side configured to receive an agricultural product from a tank. The first side has a sealable surface, and the sealable surface has plates attached thereto. The inductor box includes a first gasket disposed on the sealable surface and configured to establish a seal between the sealable surface and a corresponding surface of the tank. The plates are configured to extend through respective openings in the gasket, and to block compression of the first gasket beyond a desired compression limit.

Abstract: A method of forming a processor disk for a processor of materials may include providing a disk blank with a central portion and a perimeter portion, with the perimeter portion extending between the central portion and a circumference of the disk blank, the perimeter portion having a perimeter surface; and applying material to the perimeter portion of the disk blank to form a plurality of teeth on at least the perimeter surface of the perimeter portion. A processor disk may comprise a disk blank with a central portion and a perimeter portion, with the perimeter portion extending between the central portion and a circumference of the disk blank and having a perimeter surface divided into opposite side surfaces by a circumferential edge; and a plurality of teeth formed on the perimeter surface through application of material to the perimeter surface.

Abstract: An improved stripper comprising a plurality of ducting units, a platform, a bin, a header, and a chassis. Said platform supporting said plurality of ducting units. Said bin capable of holding a harvested crop. Said header is capable of harvesting said harvested crop. Said plurality of ducting units convey said harvested crop from said header to said bin. Said chassis supports said platform, said bin, said headers and said plurality of ducting units. Said plurality of ducting units comprise hollow channel comprising a passage between an entry at a first end and an exit at a second end of said plurality of ducting units. Said channel in said plurality of ducting units are formed between said entry to said exit in a two vectors. Said two vectors comprise a y-axis and a z-axis.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for holding a blade relative to a surface of a disc for a soil engaging apparatus, including: a first blade mount; and a blade; wherein the blade is mounted on the first blade mount such that the blade can move at least partially along the first blade mount and can tilt about an axis of the first blade mount.

Abstract: The present invention involves a seed firmer with a pusher or embedding attachment that extends the life of the seed firmer. The seed firmer has a flexible portion adapted to be coupled to a seed chute of a planter. Also, a firming arm flexibly is connected to the flexible portion, with the firming arm having an engagement portion bounded at one end by a stop. Additionally, an extender attachment is mechanically coupled to the engagement portion and abuts the stop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural machine such as a combine harvester. The machine comprises a feeder (1) such as a straw elevator, and a detachable header (2). The feeder comprises at least one rotatable cam (15) and a hook (16), rotatable about a common axis (14). The cam is arranged to gradually reduce the distance between the feeder and the header by rotating the cam (15) away from the header and the hook is arranged to grip a bar or pin (18) located on the header as the cam is being rotated away from the header, thereby securing the header to the feeder. An agricultural machine according to the invention further is equipped with a coupling mechanism (20) for automatically establishing a hydraulic and/or electric coupling between the feeder and the header, the coupling being actuated through the reduction of the distance between feeder and header.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect coupling for securing an agricultural implement, such as a stalk stomper, to a tool bar assembly on a tractor, without the need for any tools. The tool bar assembly includes a bracket having a pair of spaced-apart arm members. Each arm member has a recess therein, and a hole spaced therefrom. The recesses and the holes are generally transversely aligned. A pin is adapted to be received in the holes. The agricultural implement assembly includes a plate member. Provided on the plate member is a cross bar. The cross bar is adapted to be engaged in the recesses. To connect the agricultural implement assembly to the tool bar assembly, the cross bar is engaged in the recesses and the agricultural implement and the pin can be inserted into the transversely aligned holes to connect the agricultural implement to the tool bar assembly. A spring member biases the implement to pivot away from the plate member.

Abstract: A telescoping coulter system for an agricultural machine, operable on ground and having a frame and a moveable structure, includes a coulter arm, having a proximal end with a pivot point, and a distal end bearing a rotatable coulter disk. An extension mechanism connects the frame to the coulter arm, and is configured to translate the coulter arm between a raised transport position not in mechanical conflict with the moveable structure, and a lowered operational position in which the coulter disk can contact the ground and is proximate to the moveable structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a baler ejection system that may be used with an agricultural harvester, such as a round baler, waste baler, combine, or cotton harvester. More particularly, the bale ejection system uses the motion of two pairs of parallel arms that extend transversely from the sidewalls of a bale chamber at two sets of distinct pivot points. When activated by the operator of the bale ejection system, the two pairs of parallel arms raise simultaneously to expose an outlet through which the bale may be ejected. The bale ejection system is designed to allow a larger outlet for the bale evacuation as compared to existing bale ejection systems that employ circular motion to expose the bale outlet. A formed bale may become ejected by one or more conveyer belts that exert a rearward force on the bale within the bale chamber. The bale becomes ejected through the outlet onto a field upon which the bale ejection system is operating or into a second bale chamber.

Abstract: An agricultural implement frame having at least one beam welded to additional components is formed by cutting the beam into a first tube member and a second tube member having an overlaying portion formed by overlaying ends of the first and second tube members. Each overlaying end has an overlaying wall and a base wall connected by opposing interface side walls. The laser cut forms interface surfaces in the interface side walls. The cut forms a plurality of interlocking load transfer teeth in the interface surfaces. Micro tabs are left uncut in the interface side walls to keep the first and second tube members aligned. The beam is then welded to other components of the implement frame. The micro tabs are broken to separate the first and second tube members so the frame may be folded. When joined, the interface surfaces contact and the interlocking load transfer teeth mesh.

Abstract: A sectioned metering system and method is provided. One metering system for distributing an agricultural product in a field includes a drive input and a rotary shaft assembly coupled to the drive input and configured to be driven in rotation by the drive input. The metering system also includes a first metering section driven by the rotary shaft assembly and at least two additional metering sections. Each additional metering section is selectively engageable to drive the respective additional metering section by the rotary shaft assembly. Each additional metering section is also selectively disengageable to interrupt driving of the respective additional metering section by the rotary shaft assembly while the first metering section remains driven.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing linters from ginned cottonseeds are provided. The systems and methods involve rotating the cottonseeds in a rotatable drum having a plurality of longitudinal brushes. The centrifugal force created by the rotation of the drum and the plurality of longitudinal brushes urge the cottonseeds against an interior surface of the drum that is lined with a flexible abrasive member. In this way, work is performed that removes the linters from the cottonseeds. The linters are removed using reduced pressure and the processed seeds are removed. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A compression roll housing (1) for an agricultural machine having opposing front and rear ends (11b, 12) for connection to parts of the machine, an upper and a lower panel (16) and two opposing side panels (15). Each of said side panels is provided with at least one substantially vertical elongated aperture (7) for receiving a shaft (3) of a compression roll (2a). Each of the side panels is also provided with a horizontal aperture (8) which extends across the at least one elongated aperture to the front or rear end of the housing.

Abstract: An irrigation conduit for sub ground irrigation, methods for fabrication the conduit and irrigation systems comprising the same. The irrigation conduit comprises one or more elongated water-impermeable plastic strips joined to form a sleeve, wherein at least one of the strips comprises a plurality of water transmitting ceramic windows spaced along its length. The water transmitting ceramic windows are having an internal structure comprising vacuoles and a network of channels connecting between the vacuoles.

Abstract: Bosses extending in the boom width direction are provided in a front end part of a main boom body rotated upward, and hooks opening downward are provided in a base end part of an extension boom body rotated downward. The above hooks and the bosses are arranged so as to satisfy a condition that at the time of second relative rotation by a two-step pin hole matching method of matching pin holes in order from the upper side and with a different center, the hooks and the bosses are moved away from each other while lower pin holes are matched with each other.

Abstract: Bosses extending in the boom width direction are provided in a front end part of a main boom body rotated upward, and hooks opening downward are provided in a base end part of a front boom body rotated downward. In a state that the bosses and the hooks are engaged with each other, a scooping action is performed so as to match pin holes thereof. The above hooks and the bosses are arranged so as to satisfy a condition that in a state that an angle between both boom bodies is a maximum angle at the time of work, the hooks and the bosses are moved away from each other and a distance between the hooks and the bosses is increased as the angle is reduced from the maximum angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled, wheeled irrigation vehicles (10) that may be converted into a multi-track self-propelled irrigation vehicle (60) using one or more track assemblies (62). Each track assembly (62) includes a carriage (70) with frames (92, 94) that support a plurality of pairs of idler wheels (74, 76), and pairs of bogey wheels (80, 82, 84). A portion of one of the frames (94) is telescopically received within a portion of the other frame (92), so that the frames (92, 94) may move relative to each other in a linear fashion. A tensioning apparatus (212) is connected to the frames (92, 94) so that the frames are adjustable relative to each other. Each carriage (70) also includes a hub support frame (90) that is connected to one of the frames (92) in an offset manner. The hub support frame (90) includes an aperture (132) that rotatably receives a spindle (262) of an adaptor (258).

Abstract: An improved pickup comprising offset pickup tines for improved feeding of balers or harverters. The offset mounting of the rotor tines and auger tines of the pickup reduces and/or substantially eliminates the “dead area” between the pickup and the rotor during the handing off of crop from one feed mechanism to another feeding mechanism resulting in improved control of the crop as the crop travels through the machine. The rotor tines and the auger tines may comprise the same structure providing improved efficiencies in manufacturing, inventory and maintenance of the pickup equipment.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.

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.

Abstract: A method for making a lawn mower deck is disclosed, which method comprises providing a sheet blank (9) of a mouldable material, forming in a housing portion of said sheet blank (9) a housing (2) for a cutter, cutting the sheet blank in a one-piece shape comprising the housing portion and a protruding portion (3), bending the protruding portion (3), so as to bring an attachment portion (5) of said protruding portion (3) in contact with said housing (2), and fastening said attachment portion (5) to said housing (2). Also disclosed is a lawn mower deck, comprising a housing (2) for a cutter, and a protruding portion (3), which protruding portion (3) is bent such that an attachment portion (5) thereof is in contact with said housing (2), wherein said attachment portion (5) is fastened to said housing (2), and wherein said housing (2) and said protruding portion (3) are formed in one piece.

Abstract: A seed meter includes an input port configured to receive a supply of seeds and an output port configured to deliver the supply of seeds for dispensing to a planting area and a seed disk configured to receive the supply of seeds from the input port and deliver the supply of seeds to the output port at a substantially uniform rate. The seed disk has a seed side where seeds flow from the input port, and a vacuum side opposite the seed side. The seed meter further includes a first housing portion surrounding a first portion of the seed disk in a fixed relationship to direct the supply of seeds against the seed disk and a second housing portion.

Abstract: A soil treatment apparatus (10) comprises an endless band (12) of resilient material with soil treatment teeth (14) projecting radially therefrom. The teeth are replacably attached to the band (12).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a control assembly and method of manufacturing a walk-behind mower having a transmission and an engine electrically connected to an operator presence switch. The control assembly can include a left drive lever and a right drive lever. The control assembly can also include a left control member and a right control member each coupled to the transmission. The control assembly can further include a left operator presence lever and a right operator presence lever coupled to the operator presence switch. The operator presence switch can allow the engine to operate when either the left operator presence lever is moved toward the left drive lever or the right operator presence lever is moved toward the right drive lever.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a swing link, a ground engaging tool, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by compensating for changes in draft force caused by changes in terrain elevation. The swing link allows the cylinder to compensate for the forces applied to the ground engaging tool, thereby providing a substantially constant packing force to the soil beneath the packing wheel.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, especially during changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: An agricultural system which includes at least one agricultural implement with at least one application device for applying crop inputs, where the agricultural implement includes an agricultural harvester and/or an agricultural planter. A databus is connected to the at least one agricultural implement, and at least one input device is connected to the databus. At least one data storage device is connected to the databus, and an application controller is connected to the at least one application device. A processor is connected to the databus and the application controller, where the processor applies inputs to the application controller to adjust and/or optimize in real time a current operation of the application device(s) in order to efficiently and accurately apply the crop inputs.

Abstract: A towed implement, such as a planter is provided with a folding platform allowing improved access to row units and seed tanks of the planter implement. The platform is movable or foldable to improve access to row units below the platform while providing access to seed tanks. The platform may be provided in addition to a transverse platform, such as for access to seed tanks in planters. The folding platform may be used, along with handrails and a ladder, for accessing the platform for servicing the implement. The folding platform may be collapsed or folded to allow access to the row units that are beneath the platform.

Abstract: A flexible connector may include a tube having an open end and a lower end distal from the open end, an inner surface of the open end comprising a plurality of apices forming a substantially polygonal lower cross-section, an upper shaft having an insert end disposed insertably in the open end, an outer surface of the insert end comprising a plurality of substantially planer flats forming a substantially polygonal upper cross-section normal to the driven axis of rotation, the upper cross-section being substantially similar to the lower cross-section, and an elastic member disposed compressably between each of the flats and each of the apices.

Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.

Abstract: There is provided a boom assembly bent at the center in a longitudinal direction so as to form a round shape protruding upward when seen from the side, comprising; a front boom sub assembly (47), the front boom sub assembly constituting the front of the center in the longitudinal direction of said boom assembly; and a rear boom sub assembly (48), the rear boom sub assembly constituting the rear of the center in the longitudinal direction of the boom assembly, wherein the front boom sub assembly (47) and the rear boom sub assembly (48) are symmetric when seen from the side, and portions from the midway positions in the longitudinal direction of the front boom sub assembly (47) and the rear boom sub assembly (48) to the center in the longitudinal direction of the boom assembly (12) have upper surfaces of arc shape protruding upward when seen from the side, and portions from the middles in the longitudinal direction of the front boom sub assembly (47) and the rear boom sub assembly (48) to ends in the longitudin

Abstract: A roller assembly for use with an agricultural baler is configured to be mounted to a housing of the baler in a manner that avoids transmitting an undue axial load to a bearing of the roller assembly. An assogated method is disclosed.

Abstract: A folding marker for connection to an agricultural implement toolbar with a marker shoulder pivot, an inner arm and a double acting hydraulic cylinder both pivotally connected to the shoulder pivot. A middle arm bracket is pivotally connected to the inner arm and the cylinder. A middle arm is connected to the middle arm bracket, with two beams extending from the bracket and terminating at an outer arm pivot, with a third beam connected between the bracket and a crossbrace. An outer arm pivot bracket is pivotally connected to the outer arm pivot, an outer arm connected thereto and having two legs connected between the outer arm pivot bracket and a plate assembly. The legs define a channel therebetween, and an adjustable arm is slidably connected within the channel. An extension element is insertable within the channel and lockable with the plate assembly, with a marking element connected thereto.

Abstract: A cotton picker basket is disclosed that includes a first basket portion and a second basket portion, the first basket portion configured to move relative to the second basket portion to adjust a volume contained therein and an compactor disposed at least in part within one of the first basket portion and the second basket portion. The cotton picker basket also includes an actuator configured to adjust a position of the compactor within one of the first basket portion and the second basket portion and to move the first basket portion relative to the second basket portion to adjust the volume contained therebetween.

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.

Abstract: A sweeper for a corn harvester includes self-gripping paddle assemblies mounted about a drive axle. The self-gripping paddle assemblies have a plurality of paddles formed of flat plate stock with a high moment of inertia formed by stiffeners extending from the flat plate. The stiffener plates are orthogonal to the axis of the drive axle and to the base plate. The orthogonal plates have curved surfaces formed such that when the paddles are connected together, the curved surfaces grip the drive axle.

Abstract: An improved roller assembly for use in machinery such as round balers is disclosed. The roller assembly of the present invention reduces sensitivity to varying dimensional tolerances on the roller assembly and the structure to which the roller assembly is mounted. At least one elastic member is used to permit the axial position of at least one of the bearings on the roller assembly shaft to vary. Spring washers provide a predetermined, axial force to at least one of the bearings.