Abstract: A tube over tube joint for an implement frame includes a self-fixturing weldable connector positioned between upper and lower tubes. Standard fillet welds connect the tubes to the connector. A unitary casting can be used made from material selected to optimize load transfer between the top and bottom tubes to improve the fatigue life of the joint. The casting is self-fixturing so the top tubes can be located by simply placing in the casting on the lower tubes. A tube end connector provides fixturing and weld surfaces for butt joints in planar frames. Outwardly extended weld edges on the connector increase resistance to parallelogramming of the frame.

Abstract: A strip tillage implement includes a plurality of forward disk gang members for sizing plant residue. An upright tool support bracket extends rearwardly from the rear frame member and defines a downwardly opening accommodation space at a top portion of the bracket for a closing disk assembly rockshaft or support. The bracket includes a lower end supporting a parallel linkage that carries a clearing tool assembly in a generally constant horizontal attitude as the linkage pivots with movement of the clearing disks over obstacles. A tool support arm is pivotally connected to the bracket adjacent the parallel linkage and below the rear frame member. A closing disk arm supported from the rockshaft can be rotated to adjust down pressure or to lift the closing disk is completely out of ground contact. Closing disk spacing and disk angle are adjustable to provide the desired berm shape.

Abstract: A tube over tube joint for an implement frame includes a self-fixturing weldable connector positioned between upper and lower tubes. Standard fillet welds connect the tubes to the connector. A unitary casting can be used made from material selected to optimize load transfer between the top and bottom tubes to improve the fatigue life of the joint. The casting is self-fixturing so the top tubes can be located by simply placing in the casting on the lower tubes. A tube end connector provides fixturing and weld surfaces for butt joints in planar frames. Outwardly extended weld edges on the connector increase resistance to parallelogramming of the frame.

Abstract: A tube over tube joint for an implement frame includes a self-fixturing weldable connector positioned between upper and lower tubes. Standard fillet welds connect the tubes to the connector. A unitary casting can be used made from material selected to optimize load transfer between the top and bottom tubes to improve the fatigue life of the joint. The casting is self-fixturing so the top tubes can be located by simply placing in the casting on the lower tubes. A tube end connector provides fixturing and weld surfaces for butt joints in planar frames. Outwardly extended weld edges on the connector increase resistance to parallelogramming.

Abstract: Implement hitch height control structure to maintain a rear hitch point at a generally constant height as the implement is raised and lowered. In one embodiment, a rectangular hitch frame is pivotally connected at a forwardmost end to lever arms on the implement lift rockshaft. Linkage structure connected between the hitch frame and the implement frame help control hitch frame attitude, rear hitch point height and force transfer to the implement frame. The hitch frame is located substantially behind the implement rockshaft for minimal interference with tool placement on the frame and limited interference with trash and soil flow under the main frame. In another embodiment, linkage structure includes a second rockshaft connected generally above the aft end of the main frame.

Abstract: A strip tillage implement includes a plurality of forward disk gang members for sizing plant residue. An upright tool support bracket extends rearwardly from the rear frame member and defines a downwardly opening accommodation space at a top portion of the bracket for a closing disk assembly rockshaft or support. The bracket includes a lower end supporting a parallel linkage that carries a clearing tool assembly in a generally constant horizontal attitude as the linkage pivots with movement of the clearing disks over obstacles. A tool support arm is pivotally connected to the bracket adjacent the parallel linkage and below the rear frame member. A closing disk arm supported from the rockshaft can be rotated to adjust down pressure or to lift the closing disk is completely out of ground contact. Closing disk spacing and disk angle are adjustable to provide the desired berm shape.

Abstract: Implement hitch height control structure to maintain a rear hitch point at a generally constant height as the implement is raised and lowered. In one embodiment, a rectangular hitch frame is pivotally connected at a forwardmost end to lever arms on the implement lift rockshaft. Linkage structure connected between the hitch frame and the implement frame help control hitch frame attitude, rear hitch point height and force transfer to the implement frame. The hitch frame is located substantially behind the implement rockshaft for minimal interference with tool placement on the frame and limited interference with trash and soil flow under the main frame. In another embodiment, linkage structure includes a second rockshaft connected generally above the aft end of the main frame.

Abstract: A contaminant-resistant bearing assembly includes a multi-lip seal with an extended shroud supported from the outer ring and projecting adjacent a stepped inner ring shoulder. A steel slinger supported from the inner ring is offset outwardly adjacent the shroud and includes a radially outer edge terminating closely adjacent the connection of the seal shroud to the outer ring. The slinger includes an outer portion angled inwardly from the radial direction and supporting a lip seal which contacts an angled portion of the seal shroud at a central location between the rings. A primary step machined on the inner ring prevents the slinger from being pushed into the seal.

Abstract: Sweep retaining structure includes a spring wire retainer with a base supported in a groove on the underside of the wedge support which mates with a stem portion of the sweep. The wedge support is apertured, and a central curved portion of the retainer passes through the aperture and supports a sweep-contacting end above the surface of the wedge support. The end is biased toward a contact area on the sweep to engage the area and eliminate sweep loss problems by preventing the sweep from slipping downwardly from the mounted position. To remove the sweep, a tool is inserted through the slot to depress the retainer end, and the sweep is forced off the wedge support. A raised area on the sweep directs soil away from the retainer and contact area to reduce wear and eliminate depression of the end during operation. The underside of the raised area positions the wire end and provides bend-resisting support for the wire.

Abstract: A maintenance free repetitive sealing system for a disk blade bearing hub utilizing an integrated system of components to seal and protect the primary bearing seal. The blade side of the spindle includes a hub overlap portion which deflects dirt, keeps large debris out, and prevents wrapping. A plastic seal protector keeps dirt and debris from pushing directly into external seal lips of a multiple lip seal. The lip seal provides positive sealing and is backed up by a grease layer barrier. The hub overlap, plastic seal protector, and grease barrier protect the bearing seal. The back side of the bearing hub is positively sealed with a protected O-ring and dust cap combination. The cap combination also protects the blade mounting hardware threads and nut.

Abstract: Sweep retaining structure includes a spring wire retainer with a base supported in a groove on the underside of the wedge support which mates with a stem portion of the sweep. The wedge support is apertured, and a central curved portion of the retainer passes through the aperture and supports a sweep-contacting end above the surface of the wedge support. The end is biased toward a contact area on the sweep to engage the area and eliminate sweep loss problems by preventing the sweep from slipping downwardly from the mounted position. To remove the sweep, a tool is inserted through the slot to depress the retainer end, and the sweep is forced off the wedge support. A raised area on the sweep directs soil away from the retainer and contact area to reduce wear and eliminate depression of the end during operation. The underside of the raised area positions the wire end and provides bend-resisting support for the wire.

Abstract: A double disk C-spring standard assembly utilizes bearings mounted to a simple carrier plate. The plate is connected to the lower end of a single C-spring oriented in the fore-and-aft direction. Bearing assembly mounting holes in the plate define the necessary gang angles. Compact disk blade hub assemblies facilitate side-by-side mounting of the center bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A double disk C-spring standard assembly utilizes bearings mounted to a simple carrier plate. The plate is connected to the lower end of a single C-spring oriented in the fore-and-aft direction. Bearing assembly mounting holes in the plate define the necessary gang angles. Compact disk blade hub assemblies facilitate side-by-side mounting of the center bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A maintenance free repetitive sealing system for a disk blade bearing hub utilizing an integrated system of components to seal and protect the primary bearing seal. The blade side of the spindle includes a hub overlap portion which deflects dirt, keeps large debris out, and prevents wrapping. A plastic seal protector keeps dirt and debris from pushing directly into external seal lips of a multiple lip seal. The lip seal provides positive sealing and is backed up by a grease layer barrier. The hub overlap, plastic seal protector, and grease barrier protect the bearing seal. The back side of the bearing hub is positively sealed with a protected O-ring and dust cap combination. The cap combination also protects the blade mounting hardware threads and nut.

Abstract: A spring trip shank assembly with a fixed downstop includes a pivot area with an eccentric mechanism for varying the location of the shank pivot relative to the downstop so that shank position and tool pitch can be adjusted without need to change downstop location. A bushing with an eccentric bore and a keyway receives a threaded bolt with a mating key. A captive nut fastens the assembly in position for the desired shank pitch. Marks located on the mounting bracket and on the bolt head provide an easily readable indication of the selected pivot location so a plurality of the assemblies can be adjusted to the same pitch quickly and easily.

Abstract: A spring trip shank assembly with a fixed downstop includes a pivot area with an eccentric mechanism for varying the location of the shank pivot relative to the downstop so that shank position and tool pitch can be adjusted without need to change downstop location. A bushing with an eccentric bore and a keyway receives a threaded bolt with a mating key. A captive nut fastens the assembly in position for the desired shank pitch. Marks located on the mounting bracket and on the bolt head provide an easily readable indication of the selected pivot location so a plurality of the assemblies can be adjusted to the same pitch quickly and easily.

Abstract: Sweep retaining structure includes a spring wire retainer with a base supported in a groove on the underside of the wedge support which mates with a stem portion of the sweep. The wedge support is apertured, and a central curved portion of the retainer passes through the aperture and supports a sweep-contacting end above the surface of the wedge support. The end is biased toward a contact area on the sweep to engage the area and eliminate sweep loss problems by preventing the sweep from slipping downwardly from the mounted position. To remove the sweep, a tool is inserted through the slot to depress the retainer end, and the sweep is forced off the wedge support. A raised area on the sweep directs soil away from the retainer and contact area to reduce wear and eliminate depression of the end during operation. The underside of the raised area positions the wire end and provides bend-resisting support for the wire.

Abstract: Sweep retaining structure includes a spring wire retainer with a base supported in a groove on the underside of the wedge support which mates with a stem portion of the sweep. The wedge support is apertured, and a central curved portion of the retainer passes through the aperture and supports a sweep-contacting end above the surface of the wedge support. The end is biased toward a contact area on the sweep to engage the area and eliminate sweep loss problems by preventing the sweep from slipping downwardly from the mounted position. To remove the sweep, a tool is inserted through the slot to depress the retainer end, and the sweep is forced off the wedge support. A raised area on the sweep directs soil away from the retainer and contact area to reduce wear and eliminate depression of the end during operation. The underside of the raised area positions the wire end and provides bend-resisting support for the wire.

Abstract: Sweep retaining structure includes a spring wire retainer with a base supported in a groove on the underside of the wedge support which mates with a stem portion of the sweep. The wedge support is apertured, and a central curved portion of the retainer passes through the aperture and supports a sweep-contacting end above the surface of the wedge support. The end is biased toward a contact area on the sweep to engage the area and eliminate sweep loss problems by preventing the sweep from slipping downwardly from the mounted position. To remove the sweep, a tool is inserted through the slot to depress the retainer end, and the sweep is forced off the wedge support. A raised area on the sweep directs soil away from the retainer and contact area to reduce wear and eliminate depression of the end during operation. The underside of the raised area positions the wire end and provides bend-resisting support for the wire.