Rotating Or Orbiting Opener Patents (Class 111/121)
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Patent number: 11406055Abstract: An agricultural implement for applying fertilizer beneath the surface of the soil. The implement has a main frame for connecting the agricultural implement to agricultural equipment. A swing arm is pivotally connected to the main frame. An adjustable actuator interconnects the swing arm to the main frame to control the movement of the swing arm with respect to the main frame. A pair of discs are mounted to the free end of the swing arm for rotation with respect to the swing arm. The discs are offset mounted with respect to one another and are angled outwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the implement. The discs form grooves for receipt of fertilizer. Fertilizer tubes are mounted to the swing arms adjacent the discs. The fertilizer tubes deposit fertilizer in the grooves formed by the discs.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2019Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: AG FOCUS LLCInventors: Bruce W. Freed, Brian E. Freed
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Patent number: 10986774Abstract: An agricultural implement for applying fertilizer beneath the surface of the soil. The implement has a main frame for connecting the agricultural implement to agricultural equipment. A swing arm is pivotally connected to the main frame. An adjustable actuator interconnects the swing arm to the main frame to control the movement of the swing arm with respect to the main frame. A pair of discs are mounted to the free end of the swing arm for rotation with respect to the swing arm. The discs are offset mounted with respect to one another and are angled outwardly with respect to the direction of travel of the implement. The discs form grooves for receipt of fertilizer. Fertilizer tubes are mounted adjacent the discs and terminate behind the discs with respect to the direction of travel. The fertilizer tubes deposit fertilizer in the grooves formed by the discs. A furrow closer is attached to the main frame to close the groove opened by the discs.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: AG FOCUS LLCInventors: Bruce W. Freed, Brian E. Freed
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Patent number: 10865096Abstract: In a method and system for delivering fluid to a fluid consuming asset having a fluid tank, an inlet of a manifold is fluidically coupled to a tank and an outlet of the manifold is coupled to a spigot. A pressure relief valve is disposed between the tank and the manifold to facilitate fluid flow back to the tank through a recirculation inlet when the back-pressure in the system reaches a threshold value. A first distal end of a fluid transporting mechanism is coupled to the spigot and a second distal end thereof is coupled to a hydraulic connector of a fill cap having a connection plate coupled to the fluid tank of the fluid consuming asset. The fill cap further comprises a probe and fluid flows from the first tank to the second tank, through the manifold and the hydraulic connector, through the probe and into the fluid tank of the fluid consuming asset.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Texas Fueling Services, Inc.Inventors: Mason Duncan, Hanan Tuchshnieder
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Patent number: 10830274Abstract: A bracket for use with an agriculture planter including a trailing arm frame defining a pivot point thereon may include an arm bracket assembly with first and second arms. Each arm may extend from a middle portion of the bracket. First and second implements may be rotatably mounted on mounting ends of two of the arms. The middle portion of the bracket may be pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame at the pivot point.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Schaffert Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Paul E. Schaffert, Doug Shadley
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Patent number: 10813279Abstract: A tank support assembly for an agricultural implement includes a primary connecting member and first, second, and third support members. The primary connecting member is configured to couple to a main frame assembly of the agricultural implement, where the primary connecting member extends substantially along a longitudinal axis of the agricultural implement. The first support member is configured to couple to the primary connecting member at an end of the first support member. The second and third support members are configured to couple to the first support member, the primary connecting member, or a combination thereof, at ends of the second and third support members. The first support member extends substantially vertically upward from the primary connecting member and the second and third support members extend generally upward and generally outward from the primary connecting member.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Johnathon R. Dienst, Gerard James Gadzella
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Patent number: 10721855Abstract: An agricultural system includes a frame configured for attachment to a leading tow bar of a towing vehicle, and at least one roller device attached to the frame and extending between two adjacent parallel strip positions. The roller device is configured to crush standing residual plant matter in the field. The system further includes a fertilizer opener disk attached to the frame and which is configured to prepare, at least in part, a furrow for receiving a fertilizer. The system also includes a fertilizer injector attached to the frame and which is configured to deposit the fertilizer into the furrow in a trailing position relative to the fertilizer opener disk.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2018Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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Patent number: 10645874Abstract: An outdoor power equipment unit having a frame including at least one laterally-extending structural member and at least a pair of opposite, longitudinally-extending side structural members, a first front wheel assembly, and a second front wheel assembly. The unit also includes a first pair of substantially parallel, laterally-extending suspension arms pivotally coupled to the first front wheel assembly to form a first 4-bar linkage arrangement, and a second pair of substantially parallel, laterally-extending suspension arms pivotally coupled to the second front wheel assembly to form a second 4-bar linkage arrangement. The unit further includes at least one longitudinally-extending first side suspension arm coupled to the first front wheel assembly and to a first one of the longitudinally-extending side structural members, and at least one longitudinally-extending second side suspension arm coupled to the second front wheel assembly and to a second one of the longitudinally-extending side structural members.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Christopher Krajewski, Robert S. Laurin, E. Mark Lynch
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Patent number: 10528052Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for generating shared collaborative maps for planting or harvesting operations. A method of generating a collaborative shared map between machines includes generating a first map for a first machine based on a first set of data and generating a second map for a second machine based on a second set of data. The method further includes generating at least one shared collaborative map for at least one of the first and second machines based on the first and second maps.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: THE CLIMATE CORPORATIONInventors: Doug Sauder, Tavis Bones, Tim Reddy
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Patent number: 10477753Abstract: An agricultural planter includes systems, methods, and apparatuses for maintaining down force pressure at row units of the planter. The row units may include an electric linear actuator connected to linkages of the row units to maintain a down force pressure for the row unit. The linkage may also be removed and replaced with a strut or like mechanism to apply a direct down force pressure to components of the row unit. One or more sensors can be included to obtain information related to the ground to automatically adjust the amount of down force provided based upon a ground characteristic in order to maintain a substantially uniform furrow depth.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Courtney N. Achen, Marvin Bachman, Rhett Schildroth, Merlan Rolffs, Michael J. Myers, John Kollman, John P. Mulherin
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Patent number: 10455824Abstract: A movable agricultural product applicator system for dispensing various agricultural-related products along the ground surface of agricultural crops is provided. The application system provides a hose assembly interconnecting a supporting boom and an applicator, wherein the applicator drags along the ground surface dispensing product as the supporting boom moves by a carrier. The application system may include a swivel connection facilitating a rotational and pivotal connection of the hose assembly to the supporting boom, wherein a mounting assembly removably mounts the application system to the supporting boom. The hose assembly is designed with bending properties that enable the applicator to self-center and locate rows between crops as it is being dragged along the ground surface, as well as enable the applicator to surf above obstacles.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Inventor: Rick Eugene Lawrence
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Patent number: 10149427Abstract: An air seeder distribution apparatus has a manifold and a plurality of delivery conduit connected to ports of the manifold. A supply conduit carries a product air stream and is connected the manifold interior. A port valve when open connects a delivery conduit to the manifold interior through the port and disconnects same when closed. A purging conduit connects the supply conduit, at a clean air location configured to receive from the supply conduit a clean air stream with no agricultural products entrained therein, to the delivery conduit such that the clean air stream has an open path from the supply conduit to the delivery conduit. When the port valve is open the clean air stream flows through the purging conduit at a low first flow rate, and when the port valve is closed the clean air stream flows through the purging conduit at a second significantly greater flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Bourgault Industries Ltd.Inventors: Gerard Bourgault, Mark Cresswell, Scot Jagow
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Patent number: 10060467Abstract: A bracket for use with an agriculture planter including a trailing arm frame defining a pivot point thereon may include an arm bracket assembly with first and second arms. Each arm may extend from a middle portion of the bracket. First and second implements may be rotatably mounted on mounting ends of two of the arms. The middle portion of the bracket may be pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame at the pivot point.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: SCHAFFERT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Paul E. Schaffert, Doug Shadley
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Patent number: 10004175Abstract: Fertilizer is applied between the rows of growing plants or to the bases of growing plants in adjacent rows. A dirt moving member then moves dirt and any applied fertilizer from between the rows onto the bases of the growing plants in the adjacent rows. The dirt acts to seal the fertilizer and to significantly reduce fertilizer losses.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Inventor: John A. Miller
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Patent number: 9854722Abstract: A tool bar mounting assembly for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes a first tool bar assembly having a tool bar and a plurality of row units coupled to the tool bar and configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a frame assembly coupled to the first tool bar assembly. The frame assembly includes a mounting assembly having a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage is configured to removably couple the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via a plurality of fasteners. The frame assembly is configured to provide structural support to the first tool bar assembly. The mechanical linkage of mounting assembly is configured to removably couple a second tool bar assembly having a different configuration than the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via the plurality of fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Brian McMahon
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Patent number: 9456542Abstract: A debris assembly for use with a mobile agricultural device is provided. The debris assembly may include a debris member and an attachment bracket. The debris member may substantially prevent debris from accumulating on the disc of the mobile agricultural device. The debris member may be adjustable as a single component relative to the disc to accommodate various soil conditions. The debris member may be removable from the attachment bracket.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Schaffert Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventor: Paul E. Schaffert
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Patent number: 9433138Abstract: An inductor mountable to a frame member of an implement. The inductor is movable between a working position and a stowed position. In the working position, the soil engaging tool is in engagement with the soil. In the stowed position, the soil engaging tool is out of engagement with the soil.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Advanced Ag Concepts Inc.Inventor: Benjamin G. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 9271438Abstract: Systems for mounting a plurality of agricultural tools on a transverse support bar and a method for operating an agricultural implement having a transverse support bar. The systems include a lateral positioning structure that can attach to the transverse support bar and a detachable base that can be releasably coupled to the lateral positioning structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Lee Reade, Gregory W. Arnett
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Patent number: 9232689Abstract: A bracket for use with an agriculture planter including a trailing arm frame defining a pivot point thereon may include an arm bracket assembly with first, second, third, and fourth arms. Each arm may extend from a middle portion of the bracket. First and second fertilizer furrow opening discs may be rotatably mounted on mounting ends of two of the arms. First and second furrow closing wheels may be rotatably mounted on a mounting end of the other two arms. The middle portion of the bracket may be pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame at the pivot point. The arms joined to the fertilizer furrow opening discs may be arranged at opposing ends of the middle portion to enable the furrow opening discs to open two fertilizer furrows on opposing sides of a seed furrow.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: SCHAFFERT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Ramiro Trevino, Paul E. Schaffert
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Patent number: 9021968Abstract: A tool bar mounting assembly for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes a first tool bar assembly having a tool bar and a plurality of row units coupled to the tool bar and configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a frame assembly coupled to the first tool bar assembly. The frame assembly includes a mounting assembly having a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage is configured to removably couple the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via a plurality of fasteners. The frame assembly is configured to provide structural support to the first tool bar assembly. The mechanical linkage of mounting assembly is configured to removably couple a second tool bar assembly having a different configuration than the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via the plurality of fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Brian McMahon
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Patent number: 8910581Abstract: An agricultural side dressing fertilizer coulter row unit includes a first attachment member adapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame, and a second attachment member pivotably coupled to the first attachment member for pivoting movement about a substantially vertical axis. A linkage is pivotably coupled to the second attachment member for pivoting movement of the trailing end of the linkage relative to the second attachment member, and a tool-carrying stem pivotably coupled to the trailing end of the linkage carries a rotatably mounted coulter wheel for forming a slit in the soil, a liquid fertilizer dispenser for dispensing fertilizer, and a rotatably mounted closing wheel for closing the slit. A biasing element is pivotably attached to the linkage and coupled to the second attachment member for urging the stem downwardly with a controllable force.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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Patent number: 8875640Abstract: A trough is cut in the ground surface by a rotating member. The rotating member displaces soil upward with respect to the ground surface and rearwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the rotating member. While the soil is in the air, slurry is deposited into the trough. The soil is then redirected downward to the trough to cover the slurry with the soil.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: VTI, L.L.C.Inventor: Phillip E. Reed
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Patent number: 8844451Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying an active substance to the root zone of a plurality of plants, the applicator assembly comprising: a subsoil applicator having a cutting element for generating an incision in the ground, an injector associated with the cutting element to allow the active substance to be injected into the incision; and a positioning device adapted to allow the position of the cutting element to change position such that an incision is generated in some material in the root zone while the cutting element moves over other material in the root zone.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, LimitedInventors: Douglas Paton, David Smith
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Publication number: 20140251192Abstract: An applicator for applying dry fertilizer or livestock waste in the form of a slurry beneath the soil surface with minimum soil displacement includes a leading spring-cushioned, conical-shaped, wavy coulter angularly offset from the direction of travel which displaces soil laterally in forming a furrow adapted to receive fertilizer. The coulter is trailed by a single, or a pair of, rotary blade(s) which fill the furrow, covering the deposited fertilizer. A second embodiment includes a second wavy coulter disposed between the leading coulter and the trailing rotary blades for directing soil in a laterally opposed direction from the soil displaced by the leading coulter in forming a wider furrow. The single conical coulter and dual conical coulter embodiments are easily interchangeable in the applicator, and are easily removed and replaced with a curved shank and sweep assembly to convert to sweep fertilizer application.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventor: William J. Dietrich, SR.
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Publication number: 20140216312Abstract: An agricultural furrow opening system having a hybrid single-disk, double-disk opener is disclosed including a swing-arm, a primary disk, and a deflecting disk. The primary disk is coupled to a distal end of the swing-arm and configured to rotate about a first axis. The primary disk is rolled about a direction of travel at a first oblique angle ?P and yawed about a vertical direction at a second oblique angle ?P. The deflecting disk is coupled to the distal end of the swing-arm and configured to rotate about a second axis. The deflecting disk is rolled about the direction of travel at a third oblique angle ?D and yawed about the vertical direction at a fourth oblique angle ?D. The first oblique angle ?P is between the vertical direction and the third oblique angle ?D.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: DAWN EQUIPMENT COMPANYInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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Patent number: 8794164Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Precision Planting LLCInventors: Derek A. Sauder, Chad Plattner
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Patent number: 8776701Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: A.I.L., Inc.Inventors: Lee F. Nikkel, Eugene H. Schmidt
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Publication number: 20140158031Abstract: A seed tube guard for agricultural planters is cast from a high-chrome cast-iron alloy or manufactured from other wear-resistant material. The seed tube guard has right and left wear surfaces for engaging inner surfaces of a pair of opener discs. A fluid delivery channel is integrated within the body of the seed tube guard with an exit in the bottom surface for delivering fluid into a seed furrow ahead of a seed tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Inventor: Matthew P. Hagny
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Publication number: 20140109809Abstract: An opener for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double-shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface, a fertilizer tube that drops fertilizer into the furrow, and a trailing seed tube assembly, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface onto which seed is deposited. The seed trench provides a seed bed that is offset from the bottom of the furrow to provide horizontal and vertical stratification of the seed and fertilizer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2014Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor, Dennis W. Chahley
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Publication number: 20140109808Abstract: An opener for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double-shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface, a fertilizer tube that drops fertilizer into the furrow, and a trailing seed tube assembly, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface onto which seed is deposited. The seed trench provides a seed bed that is offset from the bottom of the furrow to provide horizontal and vertical stratification of the seed and fertilizer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2014Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor, Dennis W. Chahley
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Publication number: 20140090585Abstract: An agricultural row unit apparatus, systems, methods for effectively creating a trench having an improved configuration and for improved product placement in or near the trench wherein the trench has a vertical sidewall and an angled sidewall. In some embodiments, a cavity is created adjacent the bottom of the trench. In some embodiments, the depth of the trench is maintained by a gauge wheel compacting soil adjacent to the angled sidewall. In some embodiments, fertilizer or other liquid or crop input is placed in the soil on the side of the trench opposite the gauge wheel. In some embodiments, two trenches each having a vertical sidewall and an angled sidewall are created by a single row unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: PRECISION PLANTING LLCInventors: Derek A. Sauder, Timothy A. Sauder
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Patent number: 8677914Abstract: The invention refers to a method at a seed drill (1) or a planter for placing seeds (27) in the soil. According to the invention the steps executed are that each seed fed out is detected, its placement site in the soil is determined through detection and at least one compound (26, 28) is placed intermittently at at least one predetermined placement site in relation to the specific placement site of each seed. The invention also refers to a device (4) for execution of the method.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Vaderstad-Verken AktiebolagInventor: Crister Stark
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Patent number: 8676451Abstract: An apparatus for spraying a treatment liquid onto grass growing on a ground surface includes a plurality of rotatable discs spaced laterally apart across the path of travel. Each disc has a plurality of cutters which are adapted to penetrate the ground surface and to cut holes therein as the apparatus travels forwardly. The holes are spaced apart along the path of travel and are also spaced apart laterally. The apparatus also includes a set of nozzles positioned on the apparatus above the grass such that each nozzle is spaced rearwardly along the path of travel from its associated disc but is aligned along the path of travel with such disc. The nozzles are adapted to spray the treatment liquid. The apparatus also including a controller for causing the nozzles to spray the treatment liquid into the holes.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Brouwer Sod Farms Ltd.Inventors: Gerardus J. Brouwer, Ralph Ratsep
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Publication number: 20140060406Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a first tool bar and a second tool bar each supporting respective ground engaging tools and fluid dispersal components. The second tool bar is pivotally coupled to the first tool bar. The agricultural implement further includes fluid conduits coupled to respective tool bars for conveying fluid to the respective fluid dispersal components. Additionally, each of the conduits has a flexible end adjacent to the other tool bar. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a fluid joint coupled between the first and second flexible ends and configured to provide a sealed connection between the first and second flexible ends during relative pivotal movement of the first and second tool bars in operation but to allow for uncoupling of the first and second flexible ends for servicing of the implement.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: CNH America LLCInventors: Timothy R. Blunier, Jarod Murdock
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Publication number: 20140026792Abstract: An agricultural side dressing fertilizer coulter row unit includes a first attachment member adapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame, and a second attachment member pivotably coupled to the first attachment member for pivoting movement about a substantially vertical axis. A linkage is pivotably coupled to the second attachment member for pivoting movement of the trailing end of the linkage relative to the second attachment member, and a tool-carrying stem pivotably coupled to the trailing end of the linkage carries a rotatably mounted coulter wheel for forming a slit in the soil, a liquid fertilizer dispenser for dispensing fertilizer, and a rotatably mounted closing wheel for closing the slit. A biasing element is pivotably attached to the linkage and coupled to the second attachment member for urging the stem downwardly with a controllable force.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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Publication number: 20130263767Abstract: A bracket for use with an agriculture planter including a trailing arm frame defining a pivot point thereon may include an arm bracket assembly with first, second, third, and fourth arms. Each arm may extend from a middle portion of the bracket. First and second fertilizer furrow opening discs may be rotatably mounted on mounting ends of two of the arms. First and second furrow closing wheels may be rotatably mounted on a mounting end of the other two arms. The middle portion of the bracket may be pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame at the pivot point. The arms joined to the fertilizer furrow opening discs may be arranged at opposing ends of the middle portion to enable the furrow opening discs to open two fertilizer furrows on opposing sides of a seed furrow.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: SCHAFFERT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.Inventor: SCHAFFERT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
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Patent number: 8550019Abstract: A method is provided for depositing slurry into a ground surface for plant nutrition. A trough is cut in the ground surface by a rotating member. The rotating member acts by displacing soil upward with respect to the ground surface and rearwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the rotating member. While the soil is in the air, slurry is deposited into the trough. The soil is then redirected downward to the trough to cover the slurry with the soil. The rotating member may be a coulter blade that has a plurality of flutes formed on a first and a second side of the blade. The flutes have a leading edge that enters the ground substantially perpendicular with respect to the ground and exits at an angle to eject soil upward and outward.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: VTI, L.L.C.Inventor: Phillip E. Reed
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Patent number: 8544395Abstract: An applicator unit for applying slurry fertilizer beneath the soil with reduced soil displacement includes a spring-cushioned main mounting shank and a forward spring-biased coulter. A narrow applicator shank, mounted to the main mounting shank just above the surface of the soil, is oriented generally upright and includes a leading nose portion having a small low angle forward protruding tip and a tapered leading edge for forming a furrow without tilling the soil. The furrow is formed in four stages: by the small low angle forward protruding tip, the upright tapered leading edge of the sweep shank, by a bulge on each side of the casting near the soil surface, a slurry tube widens the slot further, facilitating the delivery of the slurry in the vertical slot. Swept back wings gently lift the soil to allow horizontal distribution of the slurry.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Inventor: William J. Dietrich, Sr.
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Patent number: 8511241Abstract: A furrow opener is operable as part of a nonsingulating air seeder and includes a rotatable disc to open a furrow. The opener also includes a vented seed catch pan positioned adjacent one side of the disc. The catch pan is operably coupled to a seed conduit of the air seeder to receive seed in a pressurized air stream from the seed conduit. The catch pan presents a seed inlet configured to receive seed from the seed conduit, a seed outlet positioned to deposit the seed within the furrow, and an elongated chamber extending between the inlet and outlet. The catch pan presents multiple vents spaced between the inlet and outlet, with the vents allowing pressurized air flow to escape from the chamber to ambient without passing through the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Exactrix LLCInventor: Guy J. Swanson
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Patent number: 8499703Abstract: An opener assembly for an agricultural seeder has an opener disc attached to an opener subframe. The opener disc is angled to the direction of travel to create a furrow for depositing seeds. A boot is mounted to the opener subframe beside the opener disc for preventing loose soil from falling into the furrow ahead of seed deposited therein. A seed tube is mounted to the opener subframe by a two-part bracket. The bracket includes a first part attached to the opener subframe and a second part fixed to the seed tube. The first part has a channel structure for receiving and partially surrounding the seed tube, and a pair of slots formed in sidewalls of the channel structure. The second part has an L-shaped structure with a portion that mates with the pair of slots. A key ring mechanism is used to lock the first and second parts together.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Inventor: Matthew P. Hagny
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Patent number: 8356563Abstract: Disclosed herein is an agriculture planter. The planter may include a planter frame, a seed hopper and a trailing arm assembly. The planter frame may include a hitch tongue extending forwardly from the planter frame. The planter frame supports the seed hopper. The a trailing arm assembly is vertically pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the planter frame, extends rearward from the planter frame and includes a trailing arm frame and a lever arm vertically pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame by a pivot point. The lever arm includes a leading end, a trailing end, a middle portion, a furrow opener disc and a first furrow closer wheel. The disc is rotatably mounted to the lever arm near the leading end. The first wheel is rotatably mounted to the lever arm near the trailing end. The middle portion is pivotably coupled to the pivot point.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Inventors: Paul E. Schaffert, Doug Shadley
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Patent number: 8327780Abstract: An agricultural implement is directed to delivering a fluid to the soil of an agricultural field and includes a main frame attached to an opener device, a closing device, a pivoting assembly, and an injection tine. The opener device forms a furrow in the soil, the closing device trails the opener device for closing the furrow, and the injection tine delivers the fluid towards the furrow. The injection tine has a pivoting end attached to the pivoting assembly and a bottom end extending downwardly into the furrow between the opener device and the closing device. The pivoting end is pivotably connected at the pivoting end such that the injection tine is freely pivotable in at least two independent pivotable directions relative to furrow. A diffuser is attached to the bottom end of the injection tine for expelling the fluid into the furrow.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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Publication number: 20120260836Abstract: A no-till apparatus for application of herbicide and fertilizer, soil preparation, and seeding of a cover crop in a standing crop has inter-row assemblies configured to pass along inter-row areas between adjacent row lines of standing crop plants. Each assembly includes a fertilizer applicator, a no-till soil preparation element, a cover crop seed applicator, and a post-seeding element.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: The Penn State Research FoundationInventors: Gregory W. Roth, Corey Dillon, William Curran, Christian Houser, W. Scott Harkcom
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Patent number: 8275627Abstract: A method of seed planting in a “serpentine” pattern called the wave planter is demonstrated. It consists of a manner of placing the seeds that essentially results in equally spaced rows of seeds placed in a serpentine-like layout or wave instead of a straight row. The preferred method creates a wave pattern equidistant from the next, yet creates a substantial increase over the density of straight row planting devices and drills (eg parallel, essentially straight rows). The use of the wave pattern provide concrete and substantial benefits to the business and economics of farming through labor, energy, and maintenance savings over current planting methods which results in a new farming business method. The method may be accomplished by several devices. Some of the devices include an oscillating draw Bar planter; oscillating tongue planter; elliptical row opener; steerable undercarriage for the planter and castor row openers under undercarriage.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Inventors: Steven A Henning, Robert J Pensec, Jerry M Stires
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Patent number: 8205566Abstract: A method and apparatus to be mounted upon a planter row unit for delivering liquid fertilizer to the bottom of a trench without contacting the seed to be planted may be integrated with a cleaner for the furrow opening device. The system as claimed and described is adapted for mounting to substantially all modern row units employing floating row units. The method and apparatus as described does not interfere with existing down pressure or seed placement systems as found on modern row crop planters. As described and implemented, the method and apparatus is more compact and lighter in weight than the prior art. The attached assembly for a seed planting unit works in combination with a seed trench opener to form a trench for the deposit of liquid fertilizer offset from and parallel to the later formed seed trench.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2010Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Inventor: Howard D Martin
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Patent number: 8201507Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Precision Planting, Inc.Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Chad Plattner
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Publication number: 20120137942Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: A.I.L., INC.Inventors: Lee F. Nikkel, Eugene H. Schmidt
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Patent number: 8191490Abstract: A disc planter (10) for applying fertilizers and seeds to soil, and incorporating previously applied chemicals therein, the disc planter (10) having a frame (12) with a longitudinal forward direction of travel, and a plurality of rotatable tools mounted in series to the frame, the plurality of rotatable tools including a fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), a seed furrow opening disc (18), a soil throw controlling wheel (20), a soil closing wheel (22) and a soil disturbing star wheel (24), wherein the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are alternately oppositely inclined to one another in the forward direction of travel, the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), soil throw controlling wheel (20), soil closing wheel (22) and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are longitudinally spaced and alternately laterally offset from one another in the forward direction of travel, the soil throw controlling wheel (20) is closelType: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: The Gusset Pty Ltd.Inventor: William Pias Noel Tobin
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Patent number: 8146519Abstract: An agricultural implement is directed to delivering multiple fluids to the soil of an agricultural field. The implement includes a frame for carrying a soil cutting device and a closing device. The cutting device forms a furrow in the soil and the closing device, which trails the cutting device, closes the furrow. A fluid delivery tine is mounted on the frame and extends downwardly into the furrow between the cutting device and the closing device. The tine has a pair of coaxial tubes, including an outer tube and an inner tube, wherein the coaxial tubes form an outer passageway between the outer tube and the inner tube for delivering a first fluid toward the furrow. The inner tube has an internal passageway for delivering a second fluid toward the furrow.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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Publication number: 20120042811Abstract: A coulter assembly is provided that facilitates continuous adjustment of coulter disk penetration depth. In an exemplary embodiment, the coulter assembly includes a gauge wheel configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of a coulter disk into the soil. A depth adjustment assembly is coupled to the gauge wheel and configured to adjust the penetration depth of the coulter disk by continuously varying the vertical position of the gauge wheel. This configuration may enable the coulter disk to operate at any penetration depth within the gauge wheel range of motion, thereby facilitating deposition of fertilizer within the soil at a suitable depth to enhance crop growth.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLCInventor: Travis Harnetiaux
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Publication number: 20110100275Abstract: An apparatus for spraying a treatment liquid onto grass growing on a ground surface includes a plurality of rotatable discs spaced laterally apart across the path of travel. Each disc has a plurality of cutters which are adapted to penetrate the ground surface and to cut holes therein as the apparatus travels forwardly. The holes are spaced apart along the path of travel and are also spaced apart laterally. The apparatus also includes a set of nozzles positioned on the apparatus above the grass such that each nozzle is spaced rearwardly along the path of travel from its associated disc but is aligned along the path of travel with such disc. The nozzles are adapted to spray the treatment liquid. The apparatus also including a controller for causing the nozzles to spray the treatment liquid into the holes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Gerardus J. Brouwer, Ralph Ratsep