Abstract: Apparatus for packing a number of small packages into containers of a larger size and having an inclined conveyor for receiving packages, a counter flat adjacent to upper end of the conveyor for generating count signals, a storage chute for receiving packages being angled downwardly, container holders located adjacent to the chute lower end adapted to hold container in registration with the chute lower end for receiving packages the holder means being intermittently operably whereby to move the container when it has received a predetermined number of said packages, and to place an empty container, in registration with the chute lower end, and, controls operable to cause intermittent movement of the holder in response to a predetermined number of count signals, and a method of packing packages on the apparatus.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for joining two implements together for side-by-side field operations. Half of the hitch assembly is carried by each implement drawbar and consists of a collapsable linkages pivotally mounted to the drawbar in a cantilvered fashion. Springs floatingly suspend each linkage for ease for movement between its collapsed stored configuration and an unfolded, extended configuration assembled with the other linkage. Equalizer linkages extend between the assembled hitch assembly and the two implements to maintain fore-and-aft alignment of the two implements and bumper-cable means control the side-to-side spacing of the two implements.

Abstract: A flexible spike-tooth harrow having a plurality of tooth-supporting angles spaced fore-and-aft by connecting structure including reversible link straps having opposed edge surfaces on one end thereof tapered with respect to the axis of the strap at differing angles. A selected one of the edges is positioned against the top side of the angle to maintain the spikes in a preselected working attitude. By simply reversing the strap with respect to its longitudinal axis, the working angle of the spikes can be changed.

Abstract: A soil-smoothing or leveling tool, such as a harrow or press wheel gang, is rockably connected to the rear of the main frame of a tillage or seeding implement. The tool frame width is substantial compared to the width of the implement, and the height of the tool frame relative to the main frame is sensed to provide an accurate indication of the average depth of penetration across the width of the implement. The angle-sensing device operably connected to the drawbar of the trailing tool senses the angle between the main frame and the drawbar, and a control valve assembly responsive to the sensed angle controls the main frame lift system to maintain a preselected relationship between the tool and the main frame and thereby accurately control tillage or planting depth.

Abstract: To form a furrow for row guidance systems, a shank is mounted on a frame forwardly of a wheel which includes a V-shaped tire. The shank opens the ground and the tire crushes clods and packs the sides of the furrow. Depth bands on each side of the tire shape the edges of the furrow and prevent loose dirt from rolling back into the furrow. When utilized to reform a furrow, the frame is pivotally connected to the implement for rocking about an upright axis to allow the wheel to trail and average out guidance system corrections and driver steering corrections so that the reformed furrow will be more accurate for the next operation.

Abstract: A spring trip standard assembly for a chisel plow or the like, the standard assembly having a compact single coil spring structure with a trip geometry producing a high initial trip force and a reduced maximum to initial trip force ratio. The horizontal trip force remains above the initial trip force through greater than half the trip height and then the trip force decreases. By reduction of the ratio of maximum to initial trip force, a heavy duty standard assembly is provided which may be used on lightweight tool frames originally designed for high trip force ratio standards having lower initial spring trip forces.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided for an integrally-mounted agricultural implement which permits control of the tractor three-point hitch rockshaft cylinder, upper draft link hydraulic cylinder and lift assist hydraulic cylinder through a single valve control lever. One end of the double-acting lift assist cylinder is plumbed in parallel with the single-acting rockshaft cylinder and the other end of the lift assist cylinder is plumbed in parallel with the single-acting upper link cylinder. The fluid lines are coupled with a single control valve to permit the implement to be supported by the lift assist wheel and three-point hitch during transport, permit it to rock about the lower connection with the three-point hitch during transport and float vertically at the hitch connection during field operations while operating with the lift assist wheel elevated.