Abstract: An access assembly for an agricultural planter which includes a platform configured for connection to the agricultural planter, a railing which extends from the platform, and a gate pivotably connected to the railing and which extends from the platform.

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: A ground opener that is allowed to caster in one direction is associated with a pair of arms connected by a pivot connection that allows one arm to move relative to the other arm. The movable arm is forced against the stationary arm when the ground opener impacts the soil as the ground opener is pulled along a relatively straight travel path. When the ground opener is turned radially from the straight travel path, the movable arm may cast away from the stationary arm. The disc opener is coupled to the movable arm through a central hub and, as such, the trailing edge of the disc opener will move away from the stationary arm as the disc opener is turned. When the disc opener has completed the turn, the torque on the disc opener will lessen thereby allowing the movable arm to move back toward the stationary arm.

Abstract: The mounting mechanism comprise: on the straddle carrier side, a main frame mounted on wheels and suitable for selective lifting and lowering of the main frame in relation to the ground; on the equipment side, an auxiliary frame suitable for fixing to the main frame using detachable connection mechanism allowing it to be detached; and of a number of struts for supporting the auxiliary frame on the ground when the auxiliary frame is separated from the main frame. The main frame and the auxiliary frame both comprise a pair of parallel, substantially horizontal girders. One of the frames comprises mechanism for longitudinal guidance able to co-operate with the girders on the other frame to guide the two frames in along each other, when the main frame moves longitudinally with respect to the auxiliary frame supported by the struts.

Abstract: A towed agricultural implement including a center section having a chassis supported on wheels, and with a pair of selectively positionable wing assemblies extending laterally from each side. The wing assemblies include an arm assembly operably coupled at one end to the center section, and operably coupled at the other end to a wing frame. The wing assemblies are positionable in a folded-down position, wherein the wing frames are generally parallel to the ground, and a folded-up position wherein the wing frames are positioned generally perpendicular to the ground.

Abstract: A tillage apparatus including a frame having tillers, land wheels supporting the frame, and press wheels on the frame is disclosed. In one form, the frame has a forward section and a rearward section supporting the press wheels. The rearward section can pivot radially with respect to the direction of movement of the forward section. In another form, the frame includes a linkage assembly connected to the rearward section. An inner wheel support gang having press wheels is attached to a pivoting mounting bracket of the linkage assembly such that the inner wheel support gang can pivot vertically. In another form, the apparatus includes a weight transfer device including a linkage connecting a boom and the forward section. A biasing means pivotally connected to the forward section and to the linkage distributes weight from the boom to the forward section to the rearward section and to the press wheels.

Abstract: A down pressure assembly for incorporation into an agricultural implement to be pulled by a tractor (10) has an attachment frame (21) for attachment between a portion of the agricultural implement and at least two wheels (22) of a row unit (18) for traveling along the ground, the row unit (18) also having a tool (23) disposed between the two wheels (22) for engaging the ground, the down pressure assembly also having at least one torsion element (41, 50) disposed on the frame (21), with the torsion element (41, 50) having one fixed mounting to the frame (21) and one adjustable mounting to the frame (21), and the assembly further having an adjustment mechanism (37, 60) for varying the torsion of the torsion element (41, 50) at the adjustable mounting; and at least one down pressure member (36, 56, 57) for receiving a force from the torsion element to apply a downward force to the top members (26, 27) of the frame (21).

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for use with a farm implement is configured to move an implement frame between a first height corresponding to a planting position, a second height corresponding to a field transport position, a third height corresponding to a lock up position and a fourth height corresponding to a road transport position. At least one hydraulic cylinder is mounted to a rock shaft connected to the implement frame to move the implement frame between the first height, the second, the third height and the fourth height. At least one depth stop valve is in communication with the hydraulic cylinder. The depth stop valve includes a bypass configured to allow controlled movement of the hydraulic cylinder between the second position and the third positions.

Abstract: A steering connection assembly that interconnects an implement train comprising first and second detachable implements towed by a draw bar of a tow vehicle is provided. The first implement is pivotally attached at the draw bar so as to rotate about a first vertical axis, and the second implement is pivotally attached to the first implement. The steering connection assembly includes a drive linkage pivotally connected at a draw bar so as to rotate about a second vertical axis. A steering linkage interconnects a rearward end of the drive linkage to a wheel assembly in support of the frame of the second towed implement. In response to a turn of the tow vehicle, a hitch coupling member generates a turn signal communicated via the drive linkage so as to cause the steering linkage to steer the wheel assembly of the second implement in a direction opposite a turn direction of the tow vehicle.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a wheeled frame and a draft tongue pivotally connected to and extending forwardly from the frame to connect with the tractor. A hydraulic cylinder controls the pivotal movement of the draft tongue relative to the frame. A hydraulic conduit system having at least one flexible hose provides a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure from the tractor to the hydraulic cylinders. A hydraulic hose support is mounted at the forward end of the draft tongue to support the flexible hoses. The hose support includes a vertical support, a base portion that defines a curved portion and that is affixed to the vertical support, and an elastomeric block having openings therein to receive and fix the flexible hoses to the hose support.

Abstract: A pneumatic agricultural product delivery system configured to reduce the velocity of agricultural product entering a furrow is disclosed. The system includes at least one product supply chamber, a furrow opening device configured to engage the ground to create a furrow, a plurality of tubes providing an interior passage extending from the product supply chamber to a cyclone rigidly mounted to the tool bar. A pneumatic pressure source is pneumatically coupled to the interior passage to supply pressurized air to the interior passage to move product within the interior passage and a product placement tube extends from an outlet of the cyclone to a location adjacent the furrow opening device.

Abstract: A sway control arrangement configured to control movement of a product storage tank supported on a wheeled chassis assembly is provided. The wheeled chassis assembly includes a leaf spring in support of a frame and a tank on a transverse axle relative to a forward direction of travel. The sway control arrangement includes a master cylinder actuator in fluid communication with a pair of slave cylinders. The master cylinder is mounted between the frame and the leaf spring. The pair of slave cylinders are spaced apart from one another and mounted between the tank and the frame. The master cylinder communicates a fluid signal representative of a movement of the leaf spring relative the frame. In response to the fluid signal, the pair of slave cylinder actuators reduces movement of the tank from generally level alignment relative to the axle.

Abstract: A harvesting device comprises two shaker assemblies mounted face-to-face on a straddle carrier frame for shaking fruit-bearing trees or bushes. Each shaker assembly comprises a plurality of horizontal flexible material rods having a first end detachably fixed to an oscillatory vertical support, a median portion adapted to act on the fruit-bearing trees or shrubs to shake them, and a second end connected to the frame by a connecting link that is horizontal and perpendicular to a vertical median plane of symmetry of the frame. Hence, in operation, the second end of the rod is maintained at a substantially constant distance from the vertical median plane of symmetry. The connecting link is fixed to the frame by a rigid connection and is flexible in a substantially horizontal plane, so that, in operation, the end of the connecting link adjoining the rod moves to-and-fro substantially horizontally in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical median plane of symmetry.

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 subframe arrangement is configured for a mobile vehicle chassis assembly to enhance isolation of the subframe platform and drive mechanism from flex in the chassis assembly caused by dynamic forces associated with operation of the chassis assembly. The chassis assembly includes a frame having a front and a rear frame support, and a pair of elongated frame side supports interconnected therebetween. The subframe arrangement includes a subframe platform configured to receive the drive-unit, and a plurality of subframe mounting couplings operable to attach the subframe platform to the pair of elongated frame side supports. Each of the plurality of subframe mounting couplings is located along a generally isosceles triangular-shaped arrangement that enhances isolation of the subframe arrangement and attached drive unit.

Abstract: A color enhancement method for use in a video camera imaging system in the context of non-uniform lighting includes an adaptive algorithm for developing a shutter speed control signal, analog gain control signal and color balance signals from pixel luminance over one field of video. The control signals developed during one field are used to control the camera during the next field. The speed control signal and analog signal are determined based on the luminance signal obtained in digital form from the video camera, and analyzed over at least one field of video.

Abstract: A steering connection assembly for a vehicle train having at least one implement towed behind a tow vehicle in a direction of travel is provided. The steering connection assembly includes an elongated tow bar interconnecting a first implement towed behind a second implement. A rearward end of the tow bar is includes an elongated opening to receive a steering rod member therethrough. A steering arm interconnects the steering rod member to a caster-type wheel assembly located at a forward of a first towed implement. With a first angle of rotation of the tow bar relative the longitudinal axis of the first implement, the vertical steering rod member slides along the opening of the tow bar such that the steering arm member and attached wheel assembly rotate a second angle of rotation less than the first angle of rotation of the tow bar.

Abstract: A scraper system to remove and deflect debris and soil from a disc gang mounted on an agricultural implement is provided. The scraper system includes a mounting bracket member supported at a common axle in support of the disc gang. The mounting bracket member is aligned generally parallel to and located forward of the common axle, and is mounted at a forward end of an elongated carry member supported from the common axle. The elongated carry member is generally aligned perpendicular relative to the common axle. A scraper blade is supported by a scraper arm mounted at the mounting bracket member and is located above the common axle. The location of the scrapper blade and the scraper arm allows a deflector plate to be located at the rearward end of the carry member.

Abstract: A disc opener system for attachment to an agricultural vehicle for opening a seed trench. The system includes a main arm, a disc opener mounted to the main arm, a gauge wheel mounted about a pivot axis to the main arm, a gauge wheel mounted for rotation on the gauge arm, and a depth adjustment assembly for adjusting and positively locking a position of the gauge wheel relative to disc opener. The depth adjustment assembly includes an adjustment link mounted to the main arm, an adjustment coupling attached to the gauge arm, a handle pivotably attached to the adjustment coupling and a clip attached to the adjustment coupling. The clip locks the handle in a position where it mates the adjustment link and adjustment coupling to fix the position of the gauge wheel relative to the disc opener.