Abstract: An inexpensive device which is easily operated to accurately measure the Coulomb parameters of the soil. The Coulomb parameters are used in Coulomb's equation to calculate the shearing stresses along a failure surface of the soil. The device includes an instrument to test soil shear strength to which several weights have been added. To obtain the Coulomb parameters, the instrument is placed on the soil to be tested and weights are incrementally added to it. The instrument is rotated at each weight increment and the shearing stresses are read from its calibrated dial. The stresses are plotted on a graph from which the Coulomb parameters are determined. The shearing stress of the soil with any known force applied to it can then be determined.

Abstract: The rotary tiller slot planter of the present invention comprises a subsoiler shank positioned to engage the soil and make a trench therein. A pair of rotary tiller blades are rotatably mounted on the opposite sides of the sub-soil shank in planes parallel thereto. The centerlines of the rotary tiller wheels are located behind the subsoil shank. Each of the wheels have a plurality of blades extending radially outwardly from the rotational axis thereof and terminating in outer radial ends which engage the soil slightly ahead of the subsoiler shank and adjacent the lateral edges of the trench. A seed tube shank is positioned behind the subsoiler shank and between the tiller wheels. The seed tube shank has a lower end positioned to extend below the soil surface. A seed tube is positioned behind the seed tube shank for depositing seed in the soil. The rotation of the blades on opposite sides of the subsoil shank causes the soil to be mechanically aggregated and aerated and helps prepare a seed bed for the seeds.

Abstract: A compactor device for large round bales is disclosed comprising a horizontally disposed cylindrical housing containing a plunger, a double toggle mechanism connected to the plunger, a hydraulic cylinder connected to the double toggle mechanism for driving the plunger, and a stabilizer linkage connected to the plunger and the double toggle mechanism for maintaining the plunger in a vertical position during compaction of a bale.

Abstract: A moldboard plow implement includes an elongated tool bar and several moldboard plow units, each plow unit including a plow bottom and a plow bottom support frame connected to the tool bar for pivotal movement about a pivot axis situated in vertical alignment with the point of the respective plow bottom. The plow units are pivotally moved in unison in response to the plowing speed to maintain the specific plow resistance constant for all tractor speeds.

Abstract: A recording soil penetrometer comprising a frame having upper and lower ends with a penetration probe extending downwardly from the lower end of the frame for penetration of the ground. A handle is operatively yieldably vertically movably mounted on the upper end of the frame for forcing the probe downwardly into the ground. A recording drum is rotatably mounted, about a vertical axis, on the frame and is adapted to have pressure sensitive recording paper mounted thereon. A ground-engaging apparatus is vertically movably mounted on the lower end of the frame. A rubber foot is provided on the lower end of the ground-engaging apparatus for engagement with the ground. A scriber is mounted on the upper end of the ground-engaging apparatus which is adapted to scribe the recording paper on the recording drum. A force link apparatus operatively interconnects the handle and the recording drum for causing rotation of the drum relative to the force required to cause the probe to penetrate the soil.

Abstract: A blade guard for rotary lawn mowers comprising a support means secured to the mower cowling and having a plurality of spaced apart elongated members secured thereto which extend longitudinally in the intended direction of travel of the mower device. A guard ring is mounted on the support and extends upwardly therefrom adapted to engage the unsharpened portion of the mower blade to prevent the elongated members from being struck by the blade upon the elongated members being deflected upwardly relative to the blade. The forward ends of the elongated members have spear-like points provided thereon which are positioned in openings formed in the forward skirt portion of the cowling. A bumper guard is secured to the cowling and is positioned over the forward ends of the spear-like points.

Abstract: A blade guard for rotary lawn mowers comprising a plurality of spaced apart elongated members which extend longitudinally in the intended direction of travel of the mower device. The space between the forward ends of the elongated members and the forward end of the mower cowling is open and free from obstructions to permit the grass to be sucked upwardly for cutting by the mower blade. The elongated members have varying lengths to define an effective area substantially the same as the area defined by the unsharpened center portion of the mower blade when rotating so that the sharpened ends of the blade extend outwardly beyond the effective area of the guard means. The guard means is hinged to the mower cowling to permit convenient cleaning of the mower. An ignition interlock means is also connected to the guard.