Abstract: A closing wheel assembly for a seed row planter unit resides behind the gauge wheel assembly and furrow disks of the planter unit. The closing wheel assembly includes a coupler with a pair of closing wheels mounted thereon. A single pin removably extends through the coupler and through the gauge wheel assembly to detachably mount the closing wheel assembly to the gauge wheel assembly. Different closing wheel assemblies can be quickly mounted on the row unit, depending upon the type of seed being planted. The closing wheels are laterally adjustable via a rotatable threaded bushing so as to be centered behind the furrow disks.

Abstract: A horizontally foldable toolbar includes opposite wings having flex joints which can be selectively locked to prevent flexing of the joints when the wings are in a transport position and unlocked to permit flexing of the joints when the wings are in a field position. The lock assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder with an extendable and retractable arm. Operation of the hydraulic cylinder can be controlled by an operator remotely, such as from a tractor cab. The stroke of the hydraulic cylinder can be adjusted to accommodate wear on the wing components.

Abstract: An agricultural toolbar has a center section and opposite wings which are horizontally foldable between transport and field positions. The toolbar has a hydraulic system which is very adaptable to many different hydraulically controlled features and options, without sacrificing the primary purpose of the system, which is accurately controlling the operating height of the toolbar, to achieve optimal planting depth of modern precision seed and fertilizer application systems.

Abstract: A lift assembly includes an insert frame between the toolbar and a row unit on agricultural planter. The lift assembly frame includes an actuator which is extended and retracted to raise and lower a pair of arms engaging a crop shaft connected to the parallel link arms of the row unit, to thereby raise and lower the row unit between planting and non-planting positions. With one of the lift assemblies associated with each row unit, the row units can be selectively raised and lowered for varied planting operations.

Abstract: A bulk seed cart has a dual conveyor system adjustable about three axes to provide easy alignment of the conveyor discharge chute over a planter seed tank fill opening. The conveyor assembly is adjustable about a vertical axis between field and transport positions, about a first horizontal axis for laterally extending and retracting the discharge chute, and about a second horizontal axis for raising and lowering the discharge chute. The inner and outer conveyors of the conveyor assembly are linked to move in unison in a lateral direction about a first horizontal pivot axis. The outer conveyer is pivotal about the second horizontal axis and the vertical axis.

Abstract: A hydraulic height control system controls all raising, lowering and folding movement of agricultural tillage equipment. The system includes a single hydraulic circuit utilizing non-rephase cylinders which allows for independent raising and lowering of the equipment frame sections and tool gangs. The hydraulic circuit also controls the folding of the frame wings between field and transport positions. Sensors monitor component positions. The hydraulic circuit also uses a common rail for providing fluid to the cylinders.

Abstract: An agricultural toolbar has a center section and opposite wings which are horizontally foldable between transport and field positions. The toolbar has a hydraulic system which is very adaptable to many different hydraulically controlled features and options, without sacrificing the primary purpose of the system, which is accurately controlling the operating height of the toolbar, to achieve optimal planting depth of modern precision seed and fertilizer application systems.

Abstract: A seed distributor evenly delivers seed from a bulk seed tank via hoses to seed bins on row planter units. The distributor has a circular chamber for receiving seeds from the seed tank. An internal cone in the distributor deposits the seeds 360° around the chamber. Seed tubes extend through the sidewall of the chamber. Pressurized air is introduced into the chamber and picks up seeds on the floor of the chamber and pass through the seed tubes for delivery by the hoses to the bins. The distributor may also include air tubes aligned with the seed tubes to further assure even distribution of seeds to the bins.

Abstract: A sensor system on the closing wheels of an agricultural planter detects rotational speed of the closing wheels, and generates a signal corresponding to the rotational speed. If the speed is below an optimum or preset speed, the operator is notified that the wheels are not rotating properly or have stopped rotating, thereby indicating improper closing of the seed furrow after the seed is planted in the furrow. A sensor system provides a method of monitoring the function of the closing wheels and generating a signal corresponding to the rotational status of the closing wheels.

Abstract: A tool assembly is provided for a planter row unit and resides at the forward end of the row unit beneath the tool bar. The assembly includes a bracket assembly connected to the row unit, with a ground engaging tool removably mounted on the bracket assembly for movement between raised and lowered positions. A linear actuator controls the position of the tool. The tool may also include a depth control mechanism. Different tools can be interchanged on the bracket assembly.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a gauge wheel on a row unit allows for infinite lateral adjustment of the gauge relative to an opening disc on the row unit. The mounting assembly includes an arm with a threaded bore extending through a split end of the arm. A threaded bushing is adjustably mounted in the bore and secured in a desired position with a bolt standing through the split end to clamp bushing in position. The split end mounting arm provides a method of quickly and easily adjusting the lateral position of the gauge wheel on the row unit in infinite increments.

Abstract: An agricultural tool bar has outer wings foldable between a lowered use or field position and a raised transport position. A primary pair of hydraulic cylinders fold and unfold the wings, while a secondary pair of hydraulic cylinders initially incline the wings from the horizontal use position before folding to the transport position. The secondary set of cylinders allow the tool bar to be used for narrow row planting without interference from seed boxes mounted on the toolbar center frame and the wings. The primary cylinders extend to push the wings to the transport position and retract to pull the wings to the use position.

Abstract: A seed planter is provided with a plurality of single or paired discs with each pair adapted to form furrows to receive seeds. Each disc is provided with a sensor to detect rotational speed of the disc. Each sensor transmits a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of the disc to a tow vehicle having a control system which compares the disc rotational speed to the tow vehicle travel speed. If the disc rotational speed drops below a predetermined value relative to the vehicle speed, this is indicative of disc plugging and/or furrow smearing, both of which are undesirable, such that corrective action can be taken by the operator of the vehicle or an autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: A tool assembly is provided for a planter row unit and resides at the forward end of the row unit beneath the tool bar. The assembly includes a bracket assembly connected to the row unit, with a ground engaging tool removably mounted on the bracket assembly for movement between raised and lowered positions. A linear actuator controls the position of the tool. The tool may also include a depth control mechanism. Different tools can be interchanged on the bracket assembly.

Abstract: Adjustable gauge wheels are provided on a row unit planter adjacent the opening disc. The wheels are adjustable laterally for proper spacing adjacent the discs. The camber of the gauge wheels relative to discs is also adjustable. The lateral adjustment is accomplished via a wear bushing and pivot bushing extending into the wear bushing for each gauge wheel. A grease zerk is provided on the end of each pivot bushing to supply grease to the inside of the adjustment wear bushing. The camber adjustment is accomplished via a slot in the row planter frame and bolts extending into arms on a pivotal member.