Abstract: A system configured to drive a fan of an agricultural applicator is provided. The fan is mounted on a wheeled chassis assembly propelled via a drive train by an engine in a forward direction of travel. The system includes a hydraulic pump mechanically driven by the engine. The hydraulic pump is connected to drive the fan in creating a pressurized air stream to distribute product from the applicator across a field. The system further includes a stroke limiter mechanically connected to the hydraulic pump. When the engine slows below a threshold speed, the stroke limiter automatically diverts a portion of a power demand by the hydraulic pump via the drive train to drive movement of the wheeled chassis assembly.

Abstract: The inductor assembly of the present invention is configured with an agricultural implement to enhance conveyance of product from a storage hopper to a remote location. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive the supply of product from the storage hopper, an inlet tube configured to direct the stream of pressurized air so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air and product, and an outlet tube configured to pass the combined stream of pressurized air and product from the inductor chamber to a distribution system application of the product in an agricultural environment. The improved inductor assembly can further include a selectively extendable outlet tube assembly, a trajectory control assembly coupled to the inlet tube, and an adjustable cover assembly configured to regulate agitation of the product and to purge deposits downstream of the inductor assembly.

Abstract: A variable air circulation system for the cab enclosure of an off-highway vehicle is disclosed and described. The system provides for adjustment of the ratio between fresh air circulation and recirculation of cab air. Fresh air is introduced into the cab through a fresh air inlet having a fresh air filter therein. The air inlet leads to a circulation conduit. When a cab door is opened, a valve to the conduit is opened. When the door is closed, the air pulse created in the cab is effective, through the valve, to dislodge dust and dirt from the filter.

Abstract: A seed planting unit provides a manifold connecting a vacuum to multiple metering disks. The manifold includes valves to sequentially connect the manifold branches to the seed unit so as to moderate the peak air flow necessary to be handled by the vacuum source reducing horsepower drain and cost of the vacuum source itself.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is disclosed having ancillary equipment that may be raised and lowered relative to the ground with consequential changing of the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle and having a hydraulic braking system comprising a master cylinder and a slave cylinder. The braking system further includes a pressure relief valve for limiting the hydraulic pressure applied to the slave cylinder only when the vehicle is in road mode. This ensures that the braking force does not exceed a safe limit below which the vehicle does not risk toppling forwards when braking.

Abstract: A connector assembly pivotally couples a caster assembly with a pivot arm of an agricultural implement. The connector assembly includes first and second structural support plates having openings to receive a connector pin therethrough pivotally coupling the arm between the plates. A fixed collar having a bore, and a lock pin passage aligned perpendicular thereto, is fixed at one of the first or second structural support plates to receive the connector pin therethrough. The connector pin includes a first end having an exterior threaded portion and a second end having a connector pin opening. The connector pin opening and the lock pin opening receive a lock pin therethrough that secures a position of the connector pin in the collar. Tightening a nut at the threaded end of the connector causes the structural support plates to squeeze against the arm, enhancing lateral support of the arm.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is disclosed having ancillary equipment that may be raised and lowered relative to the ground with consequential changing of the position of the centre of gravity of the vehicle and having a hydraulic braking system comprising a master cylinder and a slave cylinder. The braking system further includes a pressure relief valve for limiting the hydraulic pressure applied to the slave cylinder only when the vehicle is in road mode. This ensures that the braking force does not exceed a safe limit below which the vehicle does not risk toppling forwards when braking.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing multiple types of seed, fertilizer or other materials from an agricultural vehicle is disclosed. The system includes first and second sources holding the first and second materials, respectively, a plurality of distribution units, and a nurse distribution mechanism coupled between the sources and the distribution units by which each of the first and second materials from the respective first and second sources can be transmitted to the plurality of distribution units.

Abstract: A valve mounting bracket that has generally opposing first and second clamping components to hold a valve body in position relative to the bracket. The first clamping component is positioned to engage the valve body and bias the valve body into rigid contact with the second clamping component.

Abstract: A power transmission device for utility machinery is disclosed, the device including: a) a sleeve supporting a first sheave member having a first face; b) a hub received through the sleeve and moveable axially in relation thereto, the hub supporting a second sheave member having a second face that opposes the first face such that the first and second faces define therebetween a groove adapted to receive a belt and relative axial movement between the sleeve and the hub being adapted to vary at least one of pitch diameter and grip imparted to the belt from the sheaves; and c) an actuator mechanism adapted, through control of relative axial displacement between the sleeve and the hub, to vary at least one of the pitch and grip, the actuator mechanism comprising a control rod disposed substantially perpendicularly to the line of action of the axial displacement and connected to the hub through a link mechanism, the control rod being adapted to rotate and the link mechanism being adapted to translate rotation of t

Abstract: A cutting platform for a combine harvester is fitted with a crop divider that is pivotable relative to the cutting platform between a forwards projecting operating position and a retracted transport position. The divider is supported on a member that forms part of the cutting platform by means of a link which is secured at one end to the member in a manner to allow the link to pivot relative to the member about a first axis and which is secured at its other end to the divider in a manner to allow the divider to pivot relative to the link about a second axis which is inclined relative to the first axis.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing multiple types of seed, fertilizer or other materials from an agricultural vehicle is disclosed. The system includes first and second sources holding the first and second materials, respectively, a plurality of distribution units, and a nurse distribution mechanism coupled between the sources and the distribution units by which each of the first and second materials from the respective first and second sources can be transmitted to the plurality of distribution units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knife for and a method of zero till or minimum till seeding and fertilizing. The knife is particularly adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid disturbance and very shallow operation. The knife has a high penetration angle preferably of 45 degrees which permits the blade to enter high trash surface cover with little tendency to plug due to trash accumulation. The blade has a forward angle of attack, the lower cutting edge advancing before the upper cutting edge, serving to make a clean cut in the soil surface without accumulating trash. Seed and/or fertilizer conduits are attached to or incorporated in the trailing face of the blade in which the outlets may be spaced for controlled placement of the materials. By the method a furrow is cut having a substantial transverse component in an operation with a substantial forward component.

Abstract: A fixed air circulation system for the cab enclosure of an off-highway vehicle is disclosed. Fresh air is introduced into the cab through a fresh air inlet having a fresh air filter therein. The air inlet leads, through a manifold or fresh air duct, to the inside of the operator's compartment. When a cab door is opened, a bypass valve to the conduit is opened. When the door is closed, the air pulse created in the cab is effective, through the bypass valve or normal openings with the blower off, to dislodge dust and dirt from the filter.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided for an air cart towed by a tow vehicle across a field. The hydraulic system includes a first selector valve configured to selectively communicate a first flow rate regulated by a first control valve to drive a hydraulic-driven auger mechanism at the air cart. The hydraulic system also includes a second selector valve control configured to selectively communicate a second flow rate regulated by a second control valve to drive a hydraulic-driven pressure source at the air cart. The first and second selector valves and first and second control valves are located at the tow vehicle, and are connected via a common hydraulic line to a main selector valve located at the air cart. The main selector valve is connected to selectively communicate the first hydraulic fluid flow rate to a pressure source and the second hydraulic fluid flow rate to the hydraulic-driven auger mechanism.