Abstract: A folding toolbar for an agricultural implement. A unitary flex hinge structure connects adjacent sections of the toolbar and provides a dual pivoting function. The flex hinge pivots about a first pin connected to a first section and is in pivotal connection about a second pin connected to a second section, the first and second pins defining axes that are orthogonal to each other. The unitary flex hinge further includes a lug plate that defines a mid plane along which a force may be applied. The mid plane and the axis of the first pin may be coplanar to reduce bending moments about the flex hinge relative to conventional arrangements where the axis of a hinge pin is offset relative to the plane in which the force is applied. The first pin may be mounted to a hinge mount that is mounted to lug plate for a compact design.

Abstract: A multi-row agricultural soil treatment implement includes a semi-trailed carriage and a rearward folding toolbar. The toolbar is suspended from the semi-trailed carriage through parallel links and includes a center section, flex hinges, main wings, main wing latches, and outer flip wings operatively connected to hydraulic cylinders to move them between transport and field position. The main wings fold rearward relative to the center section and are supported by a transport rack but they retain the ability to pivot up or down as needed for ground contour following capability or row end turning.

Abstract: A steerable track system for steering a vehicle with a main frame and a track includes an undercarriage with pivoting links connected to the main frame; a bendable flexible track to provide a vehicle-surface interface for propelling the vehicle; a plurality of idler wheels which engage the track and are connected to the undercarriage; and a plurality of bogie wheels which engage the track and are connected to the undercarriage.

Abstract: A continuous loop plant growing system includes a channel having a moving floor, a growing medium contained in the channel, at least one plant, at least one light, and at least one chopper. The moving floor transports the growing medium around a continuous loop dividable into a planting zone, a growing zone, a harvesting zone, and a decomposing zone.

Abstract: A steerable track system for steering a vehicle with a main frame and a track includes an undercarriage with pivoting links connected to the main frame; a bendable flexible track to provide a vehicle-surface interface for propelling the vehicle; a plurality of idler wheels which engage the track and are connected to the undercarriage; and a plurality of bogie wheels which engage the track and are connected to the undercarriage.

Abstract: A variable rate suspension system for a boom sprayer including a lift assembly and chassis. The suspension system includes a needle valve fluidly connected to a hydraulic accumulator and a first and second lift arm cylinder. A control block provides hydraulic fluid to the system and lift arm cylinders. Dampening of vertical accelerations encountered by the chassis and transmitted to the boom sprayer through the lift assembly is controlled by adjusting the rate hydraulic fluid flows from the cylinders into the accumulator using the needle valve.

Abstract: A continuous loop plant growing system includes a channel having a moving floor, a growing medium contained in the channel, at least one plant, at least one light, and at least one chopper. The moving floor transports the growing medium around a continuous loop dividable into a planting zone, a growing zone, a harvesting zone, and a decomposing zone.

Abstract: A biomass harvester is configured to simultaneously clear-cut and gather both free-standing and random-lie biomass. Saw blades and gather aprons are located on arms that extend forwardly from an undercarriage. Cut and gathered biomass is reduced in size by a cutter head on-board and stored by a hopper on-board, thereby reducing the costs associated with using multiple machines to harvest biomass.

Abstract: A chassis suspension for agricultural equipment, the chassis suspension comprising: an axle having a substantially upright journal adapted for upright axial constraint of an inner journal therein; an inner journal extending into the upright journal, the inner journal having a lower end, wherein the inner journal is adapted to constrain axial movement of a strut rod therein; a strut rod extending into the inner journal and having a lower strut rod portion adapted for mounting a ground-engaging drive mechanism and wheel, wherein the lower strut rod portion has an upper end; and, a spring constrained between the lower end of the inner journal and the upper end of the lower strut rod portion.

Abstract: A chassis suspension for agricultural equipment, the chassis suspension comprising: an axle having a substantially upright journal adapted for upright axial constraint of an inner journal therein; an inner journal extending into the upright journal, the inner journal having a lower end, wherein the inner journal is adapted to constrain axial movement of a strut rod therein; a strut rod extending into the inner journal and having a lower strut rod portion adapted for mounting a ground-engaging drive mechanism and wheel, wherein the lower strut rod portion has an upper end; and, a spring constrained between the lower end of the inner journal and the upper end of the lower strut rod portion.

Abstract: A vehicle with a hydrostatic drive circuit assembly including a vehicle frame and a hydrostatic drive circuit. The hydrostatic drive circuit has four hydrostatic motors configured to produce a torque and cause rotation of the wheels or tracks of the vehicle, and two hydrostatic pumps adapted to distribute fluid to the hydrostatic motors. A controller is provided to signal for adjustments of torque applied to the wheels when a first wheel is rotating at a first rate and a second wheel is rotating at a second rate different than the first rate. The controller is adapted to cause adjustments to the displacement in either the motors or the pumps, and cause a change in torque in the first wheel that is substantially equal and opposite to the change in torque in the second wheel.