Abstract: An agricultural implement with ground-engaging implements tracks in a direction down slope when pulled by a traction vehicle over uneven, or sloped, terrain. The implement's path from the track of the vehicle depends upon, among other things, the slope of the terrain. To compensate for this tendency to drift down slope away from the pulling vehicle's track, the implement frame is provide with controllable forward and aft pivoting wing sections to which the ground engaging implements are attached. Using a GPS receiver, precise positioning information is used to position the wing sections so that the ground engaging members are directed up slope to move the implement's track upwardly in correcting its track, with the wing sections then automatically re-positioned when the implements are on the proper track.

Abstract: An agricultural implement with ground-engaging implements tracks in a direction down slope when pulled by a traction vehicle over uneven, or sloped, terrain. The implement's path from the track of the vehicle depends upon, among other things, the slope of the terrain. To compensate for this tendency to drift down slope away from the pulling vehicle's track, the implement frame is provide with controllable forward and aft pivoting wing sections to which the ground engaging implements are attached. Using a GPS receiver, precise positioning information is used to position the wing sections so that the ground engaging members are directed up slope to move the implement's track upwardly in correcting its track, with the wing sections then automatically re-positioned when the implements are on the proper track.

Abstract: A standardized receiver for bulk materials containers such as seeds for the quick and efficient loading of seed into a planter with bulk handling capability. Delivery mechanism associated with the receiver is disposed to accept materials discharged from the container after it has been placed on the planter frame and to transport such materials to the opener rows. A manifold of the mechanism is fitted with output pipe fixtures for the discharge of the seed to individual rows via flexible hose. The inlet of the manifold is on the top surface of the structure and aligned with the slidegate opening of the shipping container. Air pressure is created within the manifold by a fan assembly. Airflow exiting the manifold carries seed through the pipe fittings, into the hoses and on to the planter rows. The receiver mounts to the planter frame above the mechanism. The receiver conforms to the general dimensions of the bottom of a shipping container.

Abstract: A standardized receiver for bulk materials containers such as seeds for the quick and efficient loading of seed into a planter with bulk handling capability. Delivery mechanism associated with the receiver is disposed to accept materials discharged from the container after it has been placed on the planter frame and to transport such materials to the opener rows. A manifold of the mechanism is fitted with output pipe fixtures for the discharge of the seed to individual rows via flexible hose. The inlet of the manifold is on the top surface of the structure and aligned with the slidegate opening of the shipping container. Air pressure is created within the manifold by a fan assembly. Airflow exiting the manifold carries seed through the pipe fittings, into the hoses and on to the planter rows. The receiver mounts to the planter frame above the mechanism. The receiver conforms to the general dimensions of the bottom of a shipping container.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a forward implement frame and an aft carrier frame with wheels, with the two frames pivotally connected. The implement frame includes a hitch mechanism for attaching the implement to a traction vehicle, while a toolbar having a plurality of working units, such as ground working tools or spraying units, arranged in a spaced manner along its length is attached to an aft portion of the implement frame. Attached to the carrier frame is a storage container for dispensing material such as fertilizer or a herbicide. A forward portion of the carrier frame is pivotally coupled to an intermediate portion of the implement frame. A lift arrangement including a pair of hydraulic cylinders connecting the implement and carrier frames is located aft of the pivot connection between these two frames and permits the toolbar and working units to be raised to a nonuse position such as for transport or at the end of a field without lifting the storage container and its contents.

Abstract: A caddy with a guidance system for towing agricultural implements is provided for row crop farming. The caddy converts mounted agricultural implements to pull-type implements, allowing larger implements to be pulled by relatively small tractors. A guidance system automatically maintains the desired position of the implement and the caddy with respect to the crop rows. The frame assembly of the caddy includes a tongue assembly for attachment to a tractor. The tongue is pivotally connected to an axle which is rotatable about a vertical axis at the rear of the caddy. A three-point hitch is provided in association with the axle of the caddy for attachment to a mounted implement. The guidance system of the invention is provided as a sensor-activated hydraulic mechanism having at least one hydraulic cylinder to rotate the axle about the vertical axis to steer the caddy and provide the necessary correction to its path of travel.