Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an apparatus for use in applying fertilizer in the ground adjacent to a row line of seeds being planted by a planter the apparatus comprising a frame mounted to the planter, and having at least one mount structure extending from a forward end of the frame, a disk structure mounted to each of the mount structures and configured to be horizontally pivotable about a selected one of multiple forwardly located pivot points on the mount structure, the disk structure being horizontally pivotably attached to the mount structure at one of the pivot points, the disks forming a V shaped opening in the ground during forward movement, a fertilizer applying structure mounted to the apparatus for delivering a fertilizer into the V shaped opening, wherein each of the multiple pivot points delivers fertilizer into the V shaped opening at predetermined lateral distances from the row line of seeds being planted by the planter.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an apparatus for use in applying fertilizer in the ground adjacent to a row line of seeds being planted by a planter the apparatus comprising a frame mounted to the planter, and having at least one mount structure extending from a forward end of the frame, a disk structure mounted to each of the mount structures and configured to be horizontally pivotable about a selected one of multiple forwardly located pivot points on the mount structure, the disk structure being horizontally pivotably attached to the mount structure at one of the pivot points, the disks forming a V shaped opening in the ground during forward movement, a fertilizer applying structure mounted to the apparatus for delivering a fertilizer into the V shaped opening, wherein each of the multiple pivot points delivers fertilizer into the V shaped opening at predetermined lateral distances from the row line of seeds being planted by the planter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a system for positioning a drawn implement being pulled by a vehicle traveling generally along a desired path of movement, the vehicle having a mounting hitch on the rear end thereof where a system hitch is configured to adjust its angular orientation relative to the vehicle mounting hitch and a global positioning system receiver operable to detect the position of the implement relative to the desired path as the vehicle moves generally along the desired path and generate a signal that is indicative of the lateral position of the implement relative to the desired path and means for controlling the hitch means to adjust the angular orientation of the hitch means so that the implement follows the desired path of movement in response to the global positioning system signals.

Abstract: A debris clearing apparatus for use in agricultural operations. It includes a pair of rotatable concave disks arranged in a generally V-shaped orientation to spread debris encountered during forward movement. The disks have a plurality of relatively deep backswept notches.

Abstract: A fertilizer applying apparatus for agricultural row crops applies fertilizer at a predetermined depth and lateral distance relative to a row line. A castering pair of disks are sized and oriented to part the soil adjacent the row line in a manner which minimizes soil fracturing which distorts the seed bed.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to form a series of angled depressions with raised sides in the row space between adjacent row lines of a row crop. The depressions and raised mounds between them are oriented at an acute angle relate to the row line, to present a generally uniform surface for subsequent farming operation which minimizes machine and operator jostling, while effectively retaining water where it falls, and nutrients, herbicides and the like where they are applied.

Abstract: An adjustable row following guidance device for a tractor drawn row crop implement, includes a main support member disposed substantially transverse to the direction of travel of the implement as pulled by the tractor and having a first side and a second side, a first crank arm-assembly being releasably attachable to either of the first side and the second side, a second crank arm assembly being releasably attachable to either of the second side and the first side, the attachment of the crank arm assemblies to the main support member forming a generally inverted U-shape, each crank arm assembly including a laterally offset configuration, so that when the first crank arm assembly is attached to the first end, and the second crank arm assembly is attached to the second end, the device has a first implement width, and when the first and second crank arm assemblies are reversed on the main support member, the device has a second implement width, each crank arm assembly further including a forward portion with a t

Abstract: A guidance control system for trailing implements attached to a tractor is disclosed. The system can function to steer the implement in a row crop, for example, and can also steer the tractor. A proportional servo valve having a rotatable spool is disclosed, which valve can be controlled to operate in an open center or closed center modes of operation.

Abstract: A guidance system for the combination of a farm tractor and trailing implement, wherein the guidance system is of the type where the implement is attached to a 3-point hitch mechanism that can be angularly oriented in a horizontal plane by extending one side relative to the other to change the angle of the cross bar relative to the drive axle of the tractor. An alternate embodiment operates with an implement that is attached with a single pull hitch. The system includes circuitry which provides for warning of improper operation and delay means for sounding a warning, provides correction of the position of the implement without over-shooting or hunting by the system. The system utilizes Hall effect sensors for determining the angular position of a wand and or either the implement tool bar or the hitch that is attached to the 3-point hitch of the tractor.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding a drawn agricultural implement of the type which has a transverse tool bar and a pull hitch. The apparatus controls the horizontal angular orientation of the tool bar relative to the pull hitch to guide the implement.

Abstract: A row following drawn implement includes a transversely extended implement frame and an elongated hitch arm having a forward end adapted for connection to a towing vehicle and a rearward end connected to the frame for pivotal movement about an upright pivotal axis adjacent the rearward end of the hitch arm. A power source interconnects the frame and hitch arm for pivoting the hitch arm about its pivot axis. The power source is housed substantially within the confines of the frame to avoid interference with the mounting of tools and other equipment on the frame. A row follower senses transverse movement of the implement relative to a ground row being followed and is operatively associated with the power source to cause corrective steering movement of the implement frame relative to the hitch arm.

Abstract: A high torque cushion drive coupling has two half sections, each of which includes first and second jaw portions which are respectively bonded to a body of resilient material which fills the space between them.

Abstract: A fertilizer dispensing disc assembly is adapted for direct attachment to a planter unit for vertical movement in unison so that fertilizer is dispensed at a uniform depth relative to the planted seeds. The ground opening coulters of the assembly are caster-mounted forwardly of the planter disc, thereby preventing interference with the steering of the planter implement.