Abstract: A system is provided for delivering particulate material from a material storage hopper to a remote discharge station on a wheeled frame structure of an agricultural implement. The system includes a material dispensing mechanism, a connector, and an elongated material conveying tube. The dispensing mechanism is adapted to receive material from the hopper and dispense the material through an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit is directed at an angle relative to the discharge station. The conveying tube delivers material from the dispensing mechanism to the discharge station. The connector interconnects the outlet conduit to one end of the tube and has a passageway therethrough to allow material to pass from the outlet conduit to the tube. The connector is configured to direct the axis of the tube generally closer to the discharge station relative to the axis of the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism is disclosed for use in association with a row unit having a furrow forming apparatus as an integral part thereof. A linkage arrangement is provided for mounting the row unit to a tool bar of a tractor or the like thus allowing the furrow forming apparatus to follow the contour of the ground for consistent and efficient furrow formation. The mounting mechanism of the present invention includes a unique pressure applicator that allows for one-handed adjustment of the furrow forming mechanism on each row unit without the use of tools. The present invention is furthermore structured to facilitate adjustment of the pressure applicator along a predetermined path of travel relative to the linkage assembly that mounts the row unit to the tool bar.

Abstract: A system for delivering particulate material from a common hopper to row units mounted on each of first and second pivotally interconnected frame sections of an agricultural implement. The delivery system includes a first series of conduits for directing particulate material from the hopper to the row units mounted on the first frame section of the implement and a second series of conduits. Each conduit in the second series of conduits includes a first tube leading from the hopper, a second tube leading from a particular row unit on the second frame section of the implement, and a split manifold coupling for connecting free ends of the tubes in the second series of conduits thereby defining enclosed passages leading from the hopper to each row unit on the second frame section of the implement which is adapted to receive material from the hopper.

Abstract: A agricultural implement incorporates a frame which is adapted to engage a three point hitch of a tractor. The frame employs a longitudinally extending member which is pivotally connected to a link member. A resilient yielding assembly is disposed between the longitudinally extending member and the link member to absorb forces exerted from the link member onto the longitudinally extended member. Accordingly, when the link is acted upon by forces which cause the link to exert a stress on the three point hitch of a tractor, the resilient yielding assembly allows the first link to pivot about the longitudinal member thereby reducing compressive loads exerted on the upper link of the tractor's three point hitch.

Abstract: A foldable implement carrier is disclosed including a central support bar supporting two pivotally connected tool bar sections which are movable from a laterally extended position to a folded position to reduce the width of the foldable implement carrier for transport. The tool bar sections have pivot columns which are rotationally received within a H-shaped frame member. A main wheel set is privotally connected to a frame, which includes the H-shaped member and the central support member, and is driven vertically downwardly to raise the frame off of the ground. The first and second tool bar sections are driven to pivot within the H-shaped frame member and move from the extended position to the folded position. Each tool bar section includes a latch and a wheel to secure the tool bar section to the central support bar. When folded, the latches are received upon the top of the central support bar and the wheels are retracted and abut a lower portion of the central support bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing a chute includes a chute for dispensing a granular material. A gate assembly is mounted for controllably opening and closing the chute and includes a bridge member with a curved gate attached to it. The gate assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the gate permits granular material to be dispensed through the chute and in the second position, the gate co-acts with a sealing member and the chute to prevent material from passing through the chute. In a highly preferred embodiment, the sealing member comprises a plurality of inwardly projecting curved ridges formed on the interior of the chute.

Abstract: A floating marker arm mechanism is disclosed. The marker arm mechanism comprises a bifolded marker arm pivotably mounted on a wheeled farm implement. The marker arm comprises first and second elongated members, pivotally connected together. The marker arm folds and is generally vertically disposed when not in use. When in use, the marker arm is extended outwardly from the wheeled implement and downwardly toward the ground. The marker arm mechanism of the present invention further includes a pivotable bracket removably affixed to the wheeled implement. The marker arm is pivotally mounted on the bracket. The bracket permits the arm to "float" between upper and lower positions when extended outwardly toward the ground to permit a marker disc mounted on the free end of the arm to follow ground contours if any.

Abstract: A folding sectional tool bar for agricultural implements and including a series of articulated hollow sections connected together in end-to-end fashion so as to provide an inner main-section, a pair of outer sections, and a pair of intermediate sections. An offset hinge joint between each outer section and its adjacent intermediate section permits them to be latched in an aligned working arrangement and allows generally horizontal folding of the outer sections forwardly relative to the adjacent intermediate sections. An offset hinge joint between each intermediate section and its adjacent main section permits the intermediate sections to float down about 5.degree. relative to the main section and allows vertical folding of the intermediate sections relative to such main section. Hydraulic two-stage cylinders are provided whereby an initial partial fold of 5.degree. intermediate sections can elevate them relative to the inner main section to an angle of about 5.degree.

Abstract: A tractor drawn agricultural implement of the folding wing type having right and left toolbar frames, the inner ends of which are pivoted to a tongue or drawbar for horizontal swinging movement about closely spaced vertical axes between extended operative positions of end-to-end alignment and folded positions wherein the frames lie close to each other in trailing relationship with respect to the drawbar. The outer ends of the frames are independently supported upon lift wheels of the caster type which do not leave the ground during swinging movement of the frames. A hydraulic cylinder on the drawbar has a plunger which operates through the medium of a pair of thrust links to swing the frames between their two extreme positions. Latch means normally maintains the frames extended but a cam element on the plunger trips the latch means at the commencement of the plunger stroke, thereby freeing the frames for movement to their folded positions.