Abstract: A system and method of guiding a vehicle moving an implement along crop rows in a field includes using an external guidance apparatus to receive external vehicle location signals and guide the vehicle along a desired vehicle path in response to the vehicle location signals. The position of a guide crop row location relative to the implement is also sensed and linked to the external guidance apparatus such that the external guidance apparatus is operative to laterally adjust the desired vehicle path to maintain the implement substantially on a desired implement path relative to the crop rows. The vehicle path can be directly controlled with respect to the crop rows, or row location information can be linked to the external guidance apparatus through a field guidance apparatus that is operative to shift the implement laterally relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism for pivotally attaching two members about a pivot axis comprises a first member defining a first pivot hole, and having first and second bearing surfaces oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis. A second member defines a second pivot hole aligned with the first pivot hole, and a pivot plate defines a plate pivot hole aligned with the first and second pivot holes such that inner surfaces of the second member and pivot plate are parallel to the bearing surfaces. Wear pads are located between the inner and bearing surfaces. A pivot pin extends through the pivot holes. The pivot plate and second member are squeezed against the wear pads, and the second member and the pivot plate rotate together with respect to the first member. A residue deflector deflects residue clumps falling off a front seeder leg away from the path of a rear seeder leg.

Abstract: For connection to a hydraulic power supply of a tractor, wherein the tractor comprises a plurality of hydraulic supply circuits, and wherein each hydraulic supply circuit comprises a pair of quick couplers for connecting the hydraulic supply circuit to a hydraulic device, a hydraulic motor apparatus comprises a first pair of hydraulic lines adapted for connection to the quick couplers of a first hydraulic supply circuit; a second pair of hydraulic lines adapted for connection to the quick couplers of a second hydraulic supply circuit; and a hydraulic motor connected to both the first and second pairs of hydraulic lines such that fluid can flow from both the first and second hydraulic supply circuits through the hydraulic motor to drive the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: For connection to a hydraulic power supply of a tractor, wherein the tractor comprises a plurality of hydraulic supply circuits, and wherein each hydraulic supply circuit comprises a pair of quick couplers for connecting the hydraulic supply circuit to a hydraulic device, a hydraulic motor apparatus comprises a first pair of hydraulic lines adapted for connection to the quick couplers of a first hydraulic supply circuit; a second pair of hydraulic lines adapted for connection to the quick couplers of a second hydraulic supply circuit; and a hydraulic motor connected to both the first and second pairs of hydraulic lines such that fluid can flow from both the first and second hydraulic supply circuits through the hydraulic motor to drive the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism for pivotally attaching two members about a pivot axis comprises a first member defining a first pivot hole, and having first and second bearing surfaces oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis. A second member defines a second pivot hole aligned with the first pivot hole, and a pivot plate defines a plate pivot hole aligned with the first and second pivot holes such that inner surfaces of the second member and pivot plate are parallel to the bearing surfaces. Wear pads are located between the inner and bearing surfaces. A pivot pin extends through the pivot holes. The pivot plate and second member are squeezed against the wear pads, and the second member and the pivot plate rotate together with respect to the first member. A residue deflector deflects residue clumps falling off a front seeder leg away from the path of a rear seeder leg.

Abstract: A floating harvesting header apparatus comprises a float pan pivotally attached at a front end thereof to the header at a front attachment location in proximity to the crop intake. The float pan extends rearward under the header and a pan actuator is attached to the float pan to selectively move the float pan up and down and maintain the float pan in a selected vertical position relative to the header such that the header can slide along the ground on the float pan. The header can float up and down independently with only a portion of the header's weight carried on the float pan. The float pan curves down from the front and then curves upward towards the rear such that when the rear end of the float pan is raised the crop intake moves lower and the contact area between the float pan and the ground moves toward the crop intake.

Abstract: A field marker attachable to an outer end of an agricultural implement comprises an arm pivotally attachable to the implement extending perpendicular to the travel direction. A marking device is attached at a distal end of the arm. An extendable hydraulic cylinder is attached to the arm and implement and moves in one direction to a stopped position where the arm is in the operating position. An active hydraulic source supplies hydraulic fluid at an operating pressure such that the cylinder remains at the stopped position until a rearward force on the arm causes the pressure in the cylinder to exceed the operating pressure and the arm moves rearward. Where the marking device scores the field, a wheel can be mounted on the arm such that its axis of rotation is removed from the center of the wheel so that the scoring device moves up and down scoring an intermittent line.

Abstract: A floating harvesting header apparatus comprises a float pan pivotally attached at a front end thereof to the header at a front attachment location in proximity to the crop intake. The float pan extends rearward under the header and a pan actuator is attached to the float pan to selectively move the float pan up and down and maintain the float pan in a selected vertical position relative to the header such that the header can slide along the ground on the float pan. The header can float up and down independently with only a portion of the header's weight carried on the float pan. The float pan curves down from the front and then curves upward towards the rear such that when the rear end of the float pan is raised the crop intake moves lower and the contact area between the float pan and the ground moves toward the crop intake.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of reducing plugging of a no-till seeder with crop residue by guiding the furrow openers of the seeder between the standing stubble rows of the previous crop. A guidance system is provided comprising sensing means to sense the standing stubble rows from the previous crop and to send a steering signal in response to changes in the relative position of the seeder to the standing stubble rows; and adjusting means to adjust the travel path of the seeder in response to the steering signals. The sensing means can sense the location of the standing stubble rows by contact therewith or by sensing the furrow from which the standing stubble rows extend. The position of the seeder relative to the towing vehicle is adjusted in response to steering signals sent by the sensing means.

Abstract: A field marker attachable to an outer end of an agricultural implement comprises an arm pivotally attachable to the implement extending perpendicular to the travel direction. A marking device is attached at a distal end of the arm. An extendable hydraulic cylinder is attached to the arm and implement and moves in one direction to a stopped position where the arm is in the operating position. An active hydraulic source supplies hydraulic fluid at an operating pressure such that the cylinder remains at the stopped position until a rearward force on the arm causes the pressure in the cylinder to exceed the operating pressure and the arm moves rearward. Where the marking device scores the field, a wheel can be mounted on the arm such that its axis of rotation is removed from the center of the wheel so that the scoring device moves up and down scoring an intermittent line.

Abstract: A seeder comprises a front furrow opener forming a first furrow and a rear furrow opener forming a second furrow beside the first furrow. The rear furrow opener has a ground engaging front face oriented at an angle to the operating travel direction such that a far side of the face, farthest from the first furrow, is ahead of an opposite near side of the face such that soil engaged by the face is pushed toward the first furrow, and the rear furrow opener tends to move away from the first furrow. A membrane between the paired shanks of the furrow openers facilitates trash flow and reduces trash build up on the rear shank.

Abstract: A versatile animal-immobilizing chute or cage structure is an integral vise framework having open ends and no bottom, comprised as a fixed side wall unitary with a top wall, and a movable opposed side wall, the movable wall comprising five or six longitudinally spaced upright frame columns each slidable along a top wall member toward or away from a corresponding fixed member by individual linear hydraulic motors, to grip the sides of an animal body between the vise walls. The vise inner surfaces are comprised of cushion bodies having friction casings fitted over inflatable bags or bladders that may be distended by pneumatic pressure, mounted on swivelling plates to conform to animal surfaces engaged.