Abstract: A no-till marker for multi-row planters characterized by a soil-engaging disc yieldably supported on the outer or distal end of a marker support arm and oriented so that the concave face of the disc is turned generally toward the direction of implement travel. The disc is rotatable on its principal axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements in seed metering apparatus for seed planters such as disclosed in applicant's U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,888,387 and 3,999,690. The improvements relate to improved seed pick-up, retention, and release; to a non-wear pneumatic seal between rotating seed disc and housing; and a seed gate.

Abstract: An automatic, hydraulically actuated, sequencing valve for use with a pair of hydraulic actuators (e.g. double acting hydraulic cylinders). The valve includes a valve body, a bore therein, and a valve spool axially shiftable in the bore. The valve spool shifts automatically due to creation of a differential in hydraulic pressures on opposite ends of the valve spool during each admission of hydraulic fluid under actuating pressure to the valve.

Abstract: An overload warning system for an industrial lift truck including a fluid supported rear suspension, pressure responsive switches communicating with the fluid suspension, and a mast height sensor. One pressure switch is actuatable by a first preset pressure in the fluid suspension to signal the presence of a lift overload with the lift mast retracted. The other pressure switch is actuable by a second preset pressure in the fluid suspension and coacts with the mast height sensor to signal the presence of a lift overload with the lift mast extended.

Abstract: For the hydraulic brake system of a vehicle such as a farm or industrial tractor having brakes on the right and left rear wheels for both braking and steering, flow control means operatively interconnecting a source of hydraulic pressure available when the vehicle is operating, a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a manually actuated brake applicator means such as a brake pedal, so as to provide power braking. The flow control means also provides for manual braking when hydraulic pressure is not available. A separate relatively large fill piston and small pressurizing piston used in manual braking are in combination with the power brake valve. An unloading valve is provided for cooperation with the fill piston during both the power and manual modes.

Abstract: An implement such as a tractor-propelled, multi-row planter having row markers hingedly mounted on opposite sides is provided with an automatically operating hydraulic sequencing valve for alternately actuating the markers. The sequencing valve is adapted to be readily connected with the hydraulic system of the tractor used to raise and lower the implement. If desired the hydraulic circuit may be arranged so that the sequencing valve is automatically actuated or sequenced when the implement is raised and lowered whereby the oppositely mounted markers are alternately raised and lowered automatically with the raising and lowering of the implement itself.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for detachably connecting an independently operable rotary ground tiller to the rear of a garden tractor or other riding vehicle for towed operation therebehind. Remote tiller clutch and tilling depth controls are mounted on the tractor within easy reach of the tractor operator.The hitch assembly includes a draw bar hitch pivotally mounted to the rear of the garden tractor, a tongue member mounted to and extending forward from the tiller, and a dual pivotal mounting universal joint releasably pivotally mounted to and between the draw bar and tongue. Removable pivot pins provide means for maintaining the universal joint in pivotally mounted relation between the tongue and draw bar.As hitched to the tractor, the rotary ground tiller, when desired, may be easily disconnected for independent walk-behind operation by removing one of the pivot pins from the hitch mounting, disconnecting the remote clutch control cable, and remounting the conventional tiller clutch control to the clutch.

Abstract: An improved seed metering apparatus for use in a seed planter of the type having a seed storage hopper and a drop chute for depositing seeds into an underlying furrow comprises a rotatably driven seed metering disc having a plurality of seed receiving pockets about its periphery. As the planter is pulled forward the metering disc rotates and each pocket is caused to pass through a pressurized chamber wherein a predetermined number of seeds are picked up, and then to pass through a compartment of reduced pressure wherein the seeds are released into the drop chute. A pressure-sealed wear-resistant engagement is obtained between the seed metering disc and the chamber walls by means of replaceable wear plates mounted on the wall edges and a coil spring carried on the disc mounting shaft which causes the metering disc to bear against the wear plates during operation.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle is disclosed which includes first and second vehicle sections interconnected by an articulating linkage. The articulating linkage includes a universal joint and a cooperating pantograph linkage. The universal joint and the pantograph linkage define a vertically extending steering axis about which the vehicle sections are relatively pivoted to enable steering. The pantograph linkage comprises a first link bar pivoted to one vehicle section in substantial alignment with the steering axis and second and third link bars connected between respective end portions of the first link bar and connecting locations on the other vehicle section. A steering actuator is connected between the first link bar and the associated vehicle section and is operated to provide forces for steering the vehicle.