Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly features a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a ground engaging tool, and an adjustable packer wheel assembly. The design provides improved seeding accuracy by providing a variable distance between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention allow for adjustment of the distance between the ground engaging tool and wheel elements.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a seeding implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a seeding implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a seeding implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for quantifying a degree of discontinuity of material flow from a meter roller. In an exemplary embodiment, flowable particulate material is fed into a meter roller. The meter roller is then rotated one revolution, and the output from the meter roller is collected and measured. Next, the meter roller is rotated one revolution in discrete increments, each increment having a substantially equal rotational angle. The output from the meter roller is then collected and measured for each increment. Finally, the measurement for each increment is compared to the measurement for the one revolution to determine a statistical parameter indicative of flow rate discontinuity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a seeding implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: An implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging the soil. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to allow for adjustment of the distance between the packer wheel and the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.

Abstract: A universal sweep plow configured to mate securely and be attached to a seed boot. The universal sweep plow includes sweep plow attachment formed from a single unit of metal and an anchor. The attachment includes a central portion configured to mate with a seed boot and right and left central portion openings configured to align with an anchor hole in the seed boot. The right and left wing portions extend outward and rearward from the central portion. The anchor is configured to attach the sweep plow to the seed boot by passing through the right and left central portion openings and the anchor hole in the seed boot.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, especially during changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly features a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a ground engaging tool, and an adjustable packer wheel assembly. The design provides improved seeding accuracy by providing a variable distance between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention allow for adjustment of the distance between the ground engaging tool and wheel elements.

Abstract: A femoral component of a hip implant is disclosed. The femoral component may be used specifically in a neck sparing resection (i.e., any process or device that avoids removing the femoral neck) and may include a shortened stem (with respect to a conventional stem) having a terminal flare portion for internally contacting a medial calcar portion of the proximal femur, and a significant curvature on its medial side. Other features of the femoral component include, flat side portions on the anterior and posterior sides of the stem, a lateral fin or a wing or T-back to aid in resisting torsional forces. The femoral component may also include a sagittal slot for proper fitting and placement in the femoral canal. The femoral component may also include a neck component that is modular with respect to the stem component. A head component, whether monoblock or modular with respect to the neck component, may also be utilized as part of the femoral component.

Abstract: A method of and system for moving an agricultural implement between a folded inoperative system for transport and an extended, field position is provided. The method includes the steps of providing an agricultural implement having a right wing of tools and a left wing of tools each located on opposite sides of a central longitudinal axis of the implement relative to each other; moving one of the right and left wings of tools from an extended position to a folded, inoperative position for transport; and moving the other of the right and left wings of tools from an extended position to a folded, inoperative position for transport after the step of moving one of the right and left wings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating picture, video, audio and other informational data relating to a subject, e.g. person, place or thing, to a user by playing a portable viewer at the subject site affiliated with the subject. For example, the subject may be a deceased person, or decedent, and the subject site may be the grave site of the decedent. Alternatively, the subject may by a dwelling for sale and the subject site the property or yard the dwelling is located on. The system has memory module configured to store the video data relating to the subject and configured to attach to a location at the subject site, or be positioned at a remote location. The memory module is configured to interface with a portable playback device and transfer data to the portable playback device to display the video data relating to a subject at the subject site. The memory module may store any number of files including store picture data, audio data, and information relating to the subject.

Abstract: A tillage implement includes a ground engaging tool assembly configured to enhance alignment relative to a forward direction of travel of a tow vehicle. The ground engaging tool assembly generally includes a ground engaging tool, a shank, and clip coupled therebetween. The ground engaging tool includes a mounting portion that defines a channel configured to receive an upper portion of the clip. The shank includes a lower portion that defines an elongated slot configured to receive a lower portion of the clip. The clip is configured to align the mounting portion of the ground engaging tool with respect to the shank and the forward direction of travel. The mounting portion and associated clip are also configured to not cause undesired disturbance of the ground beyond the side-to-side width of the shank relative to the forward direction of travel.