Abstract: A friction furnace having a casing and containing a plurality of orifice plates disposed therein. The orifice plates are of two types arranged in alternating order throughout the casing; each type of orifice plate, however, having an annular ring disposed radially inward from its periphery which contains a plurality of radially disposed passages. The first type of orifice plate contains a plurality of transverse passages disposed between its periphery and annular ring whereas the second type of orifice plate contains a plurality of transverse passages disposed entirely within the diameter of its annular ring. An adjusting means is provided for varying the number of orifice plates contained within the casing. Fluid is circulated throughout the friction furnace through and around the orifice plates by a pump; and, a heat exchanger is provided in fluid communication with the furnace to transfer the heat of the circulating fluid to a directionally controlled flow of air.

Abstract: A cleaning conveyor is illustrated as part of a beet harvester and includes a plurality of transversely extending elongated rollers which move the beets laterally to feed into a vertical auger conveyor. At the vertical auger end, the forwardmost and rearwardmost cleaning rollers are yieldably mounted and the cleaning conveyor is positioned relative to the vertical auger conveyor so that the flow of beets into the vertical auger conveyor is unobstructed by dirt and mud buildup above the cleaning rollers or by the repelling force of the rotating vertical auger.

Abstract: A device for mounting an earth working tool to a tool bar for allowing the earth working tool to move upwardly and rearwardly when it encounters an object which it cannot penetrate, rather than placing an undesirably high force on the earth working tool itself. A tool holding rod is moveably mounted in a slot in a housing and is pivotally connected to a pair of levers which are, in turn, pivotally connected to the housing. Biasing structure is provided for urging the earth working tool to a proper working position.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining an implement which is coupled to a tool bar in a controlled position behind a prime mover, having a pair of rock arm devices each including a rod coupled to the bottom lift arms of the tractor's three-point hitch, each of the rods being rotatably received by a sleeve upon which is mounted a normally upright plate. Positioned a distance above the sleeve on the plate is a second rod extending rearwardly and rotatably received by a second sleeve. The second sleeve is rigidly secured to the tool bar by a bracket device. A cylinder and piston having one end of the cylinder pivotally fastened to the tool bar and the piston pivotally fastened to the nearest plate, with a rod coupling both plates together. As the piston expands and contracts relative to the cylinder, the tops of the plates are displaced in the same direction.

Abstract: A disc scraping apparatus in combination with a disc assembly including a pair of elongated scraping blades having formed upon their lower portion a scraping edge and positioned between a pair of rotating discs. The scraping blades are held apart with the scraping edge positioned against the discs by a biasing unit which is positioned midway through their length. A bracket unit is pivotably fastened to the scraping blades and securely coupled to the planter apparatus and provides for positioning of the disc scraping apparatus in proper alignment with the discs.

Abstract: A cultivator apparatus attached to a draw bar hitched to a tractor and having a tool bar attached to the draw bar and movable therewith. A cultivating mechanism is attached to the tool bar and is movable between positions of engagement and disengagement with the ground when the tool bar is moved. A plurality of cultivating units comprise the cultivating mechanism and are independently movable about the tool bar. A lateral support mechanism is comprised of gauge wheels mounted intermediate the ends of each of the cultivating units. Each gauge wheel is laterally offset with respect to the cultivating unit to which it is attached.

Abstract: A frame having weed pulling apparatus attached thereto is adapted to be attached to a tractor hitch for lifting or lowering the frame. Pairs of pneumatic tires are rotatably mounted along substantially parallel axes. Each of the pneumatic tires has an axle with a sprocket affixed thereto. A chain is arranged to be disposed over a first sprocket and under the next adjacent sprocket, and so forth, for each adjacent sprocket such that each adjacent sprocket and thereby each adjacent wheel will rotate in an opposite direction. A chain lubricating structure is also attached to the frame. Weed guiding mechanisms are provided to prevent pulled plants from being deposited on top of the frame. Two wheels are pivotally attached to the frame in association with hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A planter apparatus for attachment to a tractor or other draft vehicle and having a pair of vertically disposed interconnected pivoting frames. Front and rear ground engaging wheels are mounted along the longitudinal axis of the lower frame, and a pair of transversely disposed discs are mounted therebetween along the axis and for forming an incision in the ground. A chain and belt drive from the front wheel actuates a rotating seed discharge mechanism in a housing mounted over the rear portion of the discs whereby seed is discharged into the incision. The rear wheel compacts the soil over the incision with the seed therein.