Abstract: A seed-sowing assembly, especially of rice, consisting of at least two single seeding units arranged in parallel and displaced longitudinally from each other, which allows a narrow separation between furrows, wherein each of said single units comprises a first pivoting support arm connected at one of its ends that supports a load regulator; and a second pivoting support arm connected to another end of the first support arm that supports at least one furrow-generating disc; at least one depth limiting wheel coupled to at least one furrow-generating disc; a seed contact wheel; and a third pivoting support arm connected to one end of the second support arm that supports two furrow-closing wheels. A seed-sowing machine comprising the seed-sowing assembly.

Abstract: A system for detecting plugging of ground-engaging tools of agricultural implements includes an aft sensor(s) configured to capture data indicative of a post-worked residue coverage of a portion of a field aft of a ground-engaging tool(s). The system includes a controller configured to monitor the data received from the aft sensor(s) and determine the post-worked residue coverage for the portion of the field. The controller is configured to identify when the ground-engaging tool(s) is experiencing a plugged condition based at least in part on the determined post-worked residue coverage for the field.

Abstract: An agricultural planter is operable in a travel direction and a travel velocity and configured to dispense seeds into a furrow formed within an agricultural surface. An adjustment assembly is for the agricultural planter and includes a bracket configured to be coupled to a frame of the agricultural planter and a debris cleaner coupled to the bracket. The debris cleaner is configured such that during operation of the agricultural planter the debris cleaner has, relative to the travel direction, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The debris cleaner is movable such that a distance between the leading and trailing edges in the travel direction is adjustable.

Abstract: A system for detecting the operational status of a seed-planting implement. The system includes a row unit including a frame and a residue removal device coupled to the frame. The residue removal device is configured to remove residue from a path of the row unit. The system further includes a sensor configured to capture data indicative of at least one of a position or an acceleration of the residue removal device. The system further includes a controller configured to monitor the data received from the sensor and compare at least one monitored value associated with the at least one of the position or the acceleration of the residue removal device to a predetermined threshold value set for the residue removal device. The controller is further configured to identify the residue removal device as being plugged when the at least one monitored value differs from the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the operation of rotating ground-engaging components of an agricultural implement may include a rotating ground-engaging component configured to rotate relative to soil within a field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. The system may also include a rotational speed sensor configured to capture data indicative of a rotational speed of the ground-engaging component. A controller of the system may be configured to monitor a first-order derivative of the rotational speed of the ground-engaging component based on data received from the rotational speed sensor. Moreover, the controller may be configured to determine when a frequency of the monitored first-order derivative falls outside of a predetermined frequency range. Additionally, the controller may be configured to initiate an adjustment of an operating parameter of the ground-engaging component to return the frequency of the first-order derivative to within the predetermined frequency range.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for adjustably controlling the position and depth of row cleaner wheels in no-till planting applications, the apparatus comprising a frame, a piston movably secured at the top to the frame, first and second sets of parallel arms disposed on either side of the piston and movably secured at one end to the frame and at the other end to a hub stem, and a set of piston arms each movably secured at the top to one of the first or second set of parallel arms and at the other end to the bottom of the piston.

Abstract: A rotary apparatus comprises a housing, a rotor, and a face seal. The rotor is mounted for rotation relative to the housing. The housing and the rotor cooperate to provide an annular clearance passage therebetween. The face seal is positioned in communication with the clearance passage and establishes a sealed connection between the housing and the rotor to block ingress of debris from the clearance passage. The housing or the rotor comprises a knife partially defining the clearance passage to cut debris that may enter the clearance passage. The rotary apparatus may be used, for example, in a shaft assembly or a final drive.

Abstract: An accessory assembly, such as a plow assembly for a vehicle, includes a mounting structure configured to mount at a vehicle, a support structure and an accessory or plow. The support structure includes a vehicle end and an attaching end, with the vehicle end attached to the mounting structure via a cushioning assembly. The accessory or plow is pivotally attached at the attaching end of the support structure and is pivotable about a generally vertical axis. The cushioning assembly includes (i) a first element attached at the vehicle end of the support structure, (ii) a second element attached at the mounting structure, and (iii) a plurality of resilient elements disposed between the first element and the second element.

Abstract: An electric row cleaner actuation assembly is provided. The electric row cleaner actuation assembly includes a row cleaner unit engageable with a soil to clear a planting area for a seed planting device to dispense seeds. The electric row cleaner actuation assembly also includes a motor. The actuation assembly further includes a telescoping tube arrangement comprising an inner tube and an outer tube, the outer tube moveable along the inner tube and operatively coupled to the row cleaner unit. The actuation assembly yet further includes a position driving element engageable with the outer tube to displace the outer tube to adjust a downforce applied to the row cleaner unit.

Abstract: A pair of inner plates which are mounted to a coulter wheel by a hub bolted to the two inner plates in one end, and a bearing on an opposing end. A pair of outer plates retains the inner plates and coulter wheel while provide attachment means for a hydraulic cylinder. A hydraulic cylinder is mounted between two tabs located on outer plates and between the inner plates adjacent to the pivot bearing and opposite the coulter wheel. The hydraulic cylinder is connected to a accumulator which provides for a static down pressure. Upon impact with an obstacle, the force pushing up on the coulter wheel overcomes that of the downward static pressure and the hydraulic cylinder retracts allowing the coulter wheel to move in response to the impact force. Trash wheels are bolted to the outer plates parallel to the coulter wheel or at any desired angle.

Abstract: A floating row cleaner assembly comprising a tool arm row cleaner mount, a row cleaner frame mounting plate, a row cleaner frame pivotally attached to the tool arm row cleaner mount and the row cleaner frame mounting plate. The periphery of the u-shaped row cleaner frame is composed of a combination of angled and curved portions to reduce the length and width of the frame to allow row cleaners to be used in combination with a coulter, or other tillage tool, and planter row unit spacing below 30 inches, while allowing necessary clearance between the row cleaner(s) and the coulter for terrain responsive operation.

Abstract: A mount for carrying a plurality of field-conditioning implements selected from trash whipping implements, rolling baskets and coulters for connection to a planter is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.

Abstract: A mount for carrying a plurality of field-conditioning implements selected from trash whipping implements, rolling baskets and coulters for connection to a planter is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit assembly includes an attachment frame configured for attachment to a tow bar that is movable in a direction of travel. A proximal end of a swing-arm is coupled to the attachment frame, and an opener disk is mounted to and offset from a distal end of the swing-arm for forming a furrow. A deflecting disk is mounted to the distal end for deflecting debris from entering the furrow, and is mounted between the distal end of the swing-arm and the opener disk. The deflecting disk has a top peripheral edge spaced away from a top peripheral edge of the opener disk. A support bracket is attached as a cantilevered structure depending from the proximal end of the swing arm and extends in a space between the top peripheral edges. A tube is routed long the support bracket for dispensing a material into the furrow.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a row unit configured to deposit agricultural material into soil along a direction of travel. The agricultural implement system also includes a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of soil displaced by the row unit, and an implement controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The implement controller is configured to determine a smoothness of a soil finish behind the row unit along the direction of travel based on the signal. The controller is also configured to adjust a parameter affecting the soil finish while the smoothness is outside of a desired range.

Abstract: A mount for a trash whipping implement for connection to a planter is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.

Abstract: A mount for carrying a plurality of field-conditioning implements selected from trash whipping implements, rolling baskets and coulters for connection to a planter or other multi-row implement is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.

Abstract: The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of an adjustable row cleaner may include a row cleaner assembly that functions to clear material from the ground surface, a biasing member operably engaged with both a row cleaner frame, to which one or more row cleaner wheels may be pivotally mounted, and a lifter first end. The lifter may pivot with respect to the row unit frame and/or row unit sub-frame about a lifter pivot point. The position of a lifter second end may be manipulated, thereby adjusting the maximum depth to which the row cleaner wheels penetrate the ground surface and/or the amount of down force the row cleaner wheels experience. The adjustable row cleaner may be powered or manually adjusted, and the position of the row cleaner wheels may be monitored and automatically adjusted via a control system.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for use with a row planter unit. The apparatus includes an elongated and laterally extending bar operatively secured to a row planter unit for pulling same in a forward direction of travel. The apparatus includes a frame carried by the elongated and laterally extending bar and a support arm pivotally mounted thereon. At least one rotatable trash wheel is carried on the support arm. The row planter unit is pivotally supported on the frame rearwardly of the trash wheel in the direction of travel. Articulated members operatively connect the support arm to the row planter unit for applying a pull force to the rear of the support arm for controlling the depth of penetration of the trash wheel into the ground. The articulated members may comprise various alternatives including a link chain, a pair of links pivoted to one another in an offset relationship, or a link and a turnbuckle arrangement.

Abstract: The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.

Abstract: A residue clearing apparatus for a shank of an agricultural implement includes a spoked wheel adapted for attachment to the implement such that the spoked wheel rotates about a wheel axis oriented substantially horizontal and perpendicular to an operating travel direction of the implement and forward of the shank. A drive is operative to rotate the spoked wheel. The spoked wheel is oriented such that ends of spokes of the spoked wheel pass above the ground forward of the shank, and such that the ends of the spokes of the spoked wheel pass adjacent to a front face of the shank. The spokes may be resiliently or pivotally mounted to the wheel.

Abstract: A ground working machine having a frame, a ground engaging wheel mounted to the frame and movable between a raised position not engaging the ground and a working position engaging the ground. The ground engaging wheel, when in the working position, rotating about a wheel axis as the machine is moved over the ground. An actuator raises and lowers the ground engaging wheels. A control system includes a sensor to detect rotation of the ground engaging wheel and a controller that receives an input from the sensor. The controller commands the actuator to raise the ground engaging wheel when the sensor detects that the ground engaging wheel is not rotating.

Abstract: A mount for carrying a plurality of field-conditioning implements selected from trash whipping implements, rolling baskets and coulters for connection to a planter is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.

Abstract: A seed planting assembly comprises a depth regulating member and a residue driving member. The depth regulating member and residue driving member may be integrally formed as one structure, or they may be formed separately and later joined to one another. A method of planting comprises selecting the geometries of the depth regulating member and residue driving member for a given set of conditions so that the depth regulating member facilitates travel of a planting unit over debris.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for use with a row planter unit. The apparatus includes an elongated and laterally extending bar operatively secured to a row planter unit for pulling same in a forward direction of travel. The apparatus includes a frame carried by the elongated and laterally extending bar and a support arm pivotally mounted thereon. At least one rotatable trash wheel is carried on the support arm. The row planter unit is pivotally supported on the frame rearwardly of the trash wheel in the direction of travel. Articulated members operatively connect the support arm to the row planter unit for applying a pull force to the rear of the support arm for controlling the depth of penetration of the trash wheel into the ground. The articulated members may comprise various alternatives including a link chain, a pair of links pivoted to one another in an offset relationship, or a link and a turnbuckle arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus for clearing crop residue from a field is adapted for attachment to a tool bar of an agricultural implement or to a planter unit such that the apparatus is pulled through a field by the implement. The apparatus includes a support structure extending forward of the tool bar and at least one and preferably a pair of floating arms pivotally attached to a forward portion of the support structure and extending rearwardly, with a toothed wheel rotationally attached to an aft end of the arm(s). A coulter attached to the support structure is disposed between and extends forward of the soil-engaging toothed wheel(s) and in combination with the wheel(s) severs and removes residue in the seeding pathway. An adjustable biasing arrangement urges the toothed wheels, either in unison or independently, downwardly into engagement with the soil. Upper and lower stop limits are provided to limit vertical positioning of the toothed wheel(s).

Abstract: A single arm row cleaner unit mountable to a grain drill opener arm includes a row cleaner arm and a mounting saddle. The mounting saddle is generally configured for attachment to a main arm of a furrow forming assembly. A row cleaner arm may be pivotally attached to the mounting saddle about a mandrel, and a row cleaner wheel may be pivotally mounted to the row cleaner arm. A biasing member may be positioned adjacent the mandrel to engage the row cleaner arm and a biasing member retainer, which may be affixed to the mounting saddle. A deflector may be positioned adjacent the row cleaner wheel and biased there against. A connector and lever arm may be used to communicate forces from a closing wheel arm to the row cleaner wheel for adequate clearance of the row cleaner wheel during transport of the grain drill.

Abstract: An adjustable row cleaner includes a row cleaner assembly that functions to clear material from the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner includes, in one embodiment, a connector that is in mechanical communication with both a row cleaner frame, to which row cleaner wheels may be pivotally mounted, and a first end of a translator member. The translator member may pivot with respect to the row unit frame and/or row unit sub-frame about a translator member pivot. The position of a translator member second end may be manipulated, thereby adjusting the maximum depth to which the row cleaner wheels penetrate the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner may be powered or manually adjusted, and the position of the row cleaner wheels may be monitored and automatically adjusted via a control system.

Abstract: A residue clearing apparatus for a shank of an agricultural implement includes a spoked wheel adapted for attachment to the implement such that the spoked wheel rotates about a wheel axis oriented substantially horizontal and perpendicular to an operating travel direction of the implement and forward of the shank. The spoked wheel is oriented such that ends of spokes of the spoked wheel are above the ground forward of the shank, and such that the ends of the spokes of the spoked wheel are located adjacent to a front face of the shank. A drive is operative to rotate the spoked wheel.

Abstract: The nutrient device of the present invention includes a ground having a ground surface. The coulter is mounted for rotation about a coulter axis and the coulter penetrates the ground and makes the ground penetration below the ground surface. A cleaning wheel is mounted for rotation about a cleaning wheel axis, and the cleaning wheel extends upwardly from engaging the coulter to a cleaning wheel point spaced away from the coulter. A conduit is positioned to deliver a nutrient onto the coulter for dispensing the nutrient into the ground penetration. A closing wheel is positioned adjacent the rear of the coulter and the cleaning wheel for closing the ground penetration.

Abstract: A single arm row cleaner unit mountable to a grain drill opener arm includes a row cleaner arm and a mounting saddle. The mounting saddle is generally configured for attachment to a main arm of a furrow forming assembly. A row cleaner arm may be pivotally attached to the mounting saddle about a mandrel, and a row cleaner wheel may be pivotally mounted to the row cleaner arm. A biasing member may be positioned adjacent the mandrel to engage the row cleaner arm and a biasing member retainer, which may be affixed to the mounting saddle. A deflector may be positioned adjacent the row cleaner wheel and biased there against. A connector and lever arm may be used to communicate forces from a closing wheel arm to the row cleaner wheel for adequate clearance of the row cleaner wheel during transport of the grain drill.

Abstract: An adjustable row cleaner includes a row cleaner assembly that functions to clear material from the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner includes, in one embodiment, a connector that is in mechanical communication with both a row cleaner frame, to which row cleaner wheels may be pivotally mounted, and a first end of a translator member. The translator member may pivot with respect to the row unit frame and/or row unit sub-frame about a translator member pivot. The position of a translator member second end may be manipulated, thereby adjusting the maximum depth to which the row cleaner wheels penetrate the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner may be powered or manually adjusted, and the position of the row cleaner wheels may be monitored and automatically adjusted via a control system.

Abstract: A seeding assembly in grain seeding machines, in which the position of the elements is modified and some of them are redesigned; which includes an articulation hinge kind of mechanism in association with the seeding movement, minimizing the entry of vegetable residues, dust, moist soil, etc., simplifying release thereof, and providing efficient and prompt cleaning with the purpose of reducing detention time of the machine.

Abstract: An improved depth regulating means comprising: a first portion, said first portion positioned adjacent a furrow forming means for engagement with ground surface adjacent a furrow; and a second portion, said second portion positioned adjacent said first portion opposite the surface of said first portion adjacent said furrow forming means, wherein said second portion engages and drives residue through the area between adjacent furrow forming means opposite the direction of travel of the furrow forming means.

Abstract: A minimum tillage agricultural implement 10 having a plurality of laterally spaced shank assemblies 60, 62 mounted on a transverse tool bar 56, 58. Each shank assembly 60, 62 has an elongated narrow upright shank 70 that extends downward from the tool bar 56, 58 to a working point 78 for forming a narrow furrow 12 in soil covered with agricultural residue. Each shank assembly 60, 62 has a set of residue control wheels 130, 132 that straddle the shank 70 with the axes 134, 136 of rotation of the residue control wheels 130, 132 being located rearward of a front edge reference segment 82 of the shank 70 by a distance “A” of less than a diameter of the wheels 130 or 132 for engaging and stabilizing the soil and agricultural residue downward and under the wheels and away from the shank 70. In an alternate embodiment, the residue control wheels 130, 132 are longitudinally offset with the distance “B” between the axes 134 and 136 are less than one-third the diameter of the wheels 130, 132.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing soil for the placement therein of at least one of seed and fertilizer. A frame is provided with there being first structure on the frame for penetrating the soil to create an opening for at least one of seed and fertilizer as the frame is advanced in a travel direction. A second structure is provided on the frame at least partially downstream of the first structure for at least one of a) stripping soil clods from the first structure and b) loosening soil downstream of the first structure.

Abstract: A method for clearing trash from a furrow opener path comprises moving first trash from a first path with a front finger wheel and then moving second trash from a next path on top of the first trash with a rear finger wheel. An apparatus for practicing the method comprises a front finger wheel rotatably mounted to the apparatus and oriented to move trash from a first path to a first side of the apparatus. A rear finger wheel is oriented to move trash from an adjacent second path to an opposite second side of the apparatus. The finger wheels are mounted such that bottom edges thereof are maintained at a substantially constant vertical position relative to the ground by at least one depth control wheel rolling along the ground on the first path cleared by the front finger wheel.

Abstract: A combination strip-tiller and applicator is disclosed for conservation farming. The machine is designed to save soil, fertilizer, labor and fuel while producing a higher yield. Unique features of the device include a knife that injects anhydrous ammonia or other chemicals in a broad band under the seedbed. This broad band allows seeds to be planted in the same pass or within a few days without risk of fertilizer burn to the seedlings. The knife also loosens the soil and raises the seedbed. Row cleaners and cultivator gangs can run in the same pass to remove excess crop residual and to further raise the seedbed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ground-driven residue management wheel attachment for seeding equipment comprising of a fingered wheel, inner ring, and spring-loaded arm. The fingered wheel and inner ring pin crop residue to the ground surface and prevent residue from lodging on the farrow-opening device of the seeding unit. The fingered wheel and inner ring also act as a shield and prevent soil disturbed by the furrow-opening device from being thrown out of the seed furrow. The adjustable spring-loaded arm is able to pivot about the vertical and horizontal axes and provides downpressure to keep the fingered wheel in contact with the ground surface.

Abstract: A row cleaner device for a furrow forming row unit includes a support arrangement with a parallel linkage having a single acting hydraulic cylinder connected between upper and lower links. The cylinder extension is controlled by a hydraulic circuit to provide adjustable down pressure to maintain consistent operation of the cleaner devices in varying ground conditions. A tensioning device such as a spring extending generally parallel to the cylinder acts to retract the cylinder. A blocking valve can be closed to maintain the cleaner device in the raised position and can lock the cylinder in any desired extended position. An energy storage device such as a spring compressed between the cylinder and one of the links permits limited vertical movement of the linkage without change of cylinder extension to protect the device and accommodate obstacles and ground surface irregularities in the path when the cylinder is locked in position.

Abstract: A shallow-toothed clearing disk pivotally supported from the upper end of the opener drawbar assembly. A four bar linkage is connected to the forward end of the drawbar by a bracket which includes at least one link and corresponding pivot structure located above the drawbar to increase trash clearance and reduce trash build-up. The shallow rounded gullets between pointed teeth provide good disk depth control and trash penetration while reducing soil penetration and soil disturbance. The gullets also hold and prevent sliding of trash away from the clearing influence of the angled disk. The disk effectively clears trash to the side of the opener opposite the gauge wheel to assure optimum depth gauging for the opener. The gear-type structure is capable of operating over a wide range of down pressures and loads while breaking any existing crust in the cleared path with little soil disturbance.

Abstract: A suspension for a row cleaner associated with a furrow opener in a seeding machine includes a lifting mechanism to lift the row cleaner when the furrow opener is lifted. The lifting mechanism includes a bell crank having an input crank arm coupled to the furrow opener by a fist linkage to rotate the bell crank when the furrow opener is lifted. An output crank arm of the bell crank is coupled to the row cleaner by a second linkage to lift the row cleaner when the bell crank shaft is rotated by lifting of the furrow opener. The second linkage is flexible, such as a rope, to enable the row cleaner to lift to avoid obstacles without back driving the bell crank to also lift the furrow opener. The flexible second linkage also enables the row cleaner to be equipped with a lock to retain the row cleaner in a raised position for use of the seeding machine in conditions not requiring a row cleaner.

Abstract: A coulter mounting assembly includes a torsion tube that absorbs upward movement of the coulter while maintaining downward force on the coulter. The torsion tube is mounted on a support beam which depends from a farm implement. A lever arm attaches to the torsion tube and supports a strut which allows the coulter to swivel about a vertical axis. The coulter rotatably attaches to an arm which is attached to the strut.

Abstract: A shallow-toothed clearing disk pivotally supported from the upper end of the opener drawbar assembly. A four bar linkage is connected to the forward end of the drawbar by a bracket which includes at least one link and corresponding pivot structure located above the drawbar to increase trash clearance and reduce trash build-up. The shallow rounded gullets between pointed teeth provide good disk depth control and trash penetration while reducing soil penetration and soil disturbance. The gullets also hold and prevent sliding of trash away from the clearing influence of the angled disk. The disk effectively clears trash to the side of the opener opposite the gauge wheel to assure optimum depth gauging for the opener. The gear-type structure is capable of operating over a wide range of down pressures and loads while breaking any existing crust in the cleared path with little soil disturbance.

Abstract: A pair of angled disks supported by a four bar linkage from the upper end of the opener drawbar assembly clears trash from a narrow area in front of the opener. The four bar linkage has a virtual center located on or close to the center of the opener disk for good cleaning wheel tracking and for permitting the clearing disks to be spaced closely to the opener disk without interference between the disks. The clearing disks can rock vertically to follow ground contour and prevent excessive digging and soil movement. Shallow teeth on the disks also reduce soil penetration and soil disturbance.

Abstract: An opener assembly for forming a groove in soil in preparation for placement of substances in the soil broadly comprises an upright, elongated shank having a lower end and a lower mounting edge, a lowermost, groove-forming component, and fastening structure for fastening the component to the lower end of the shank. The component includes an upper mounting surface, and is configured to be seated against the lower mounting edge of the shank. The lower edge of the shank includes a pair of angularly disposed edge portions arranged to receive thrust loads in different directions from the component during groove-forming movement of the component through the soil. One of the edge portions lies at least partially in a normally horizontal plane for preventing upward movement of the component relative to the shank while the other of the edge portions lies at least partially in a normally vertical plane for preventing rearward movement of the component relative to the shank.

Abstract: A no-till farming apparatus is provided for use with a planter unit which plants seeds as the planter unit is pulled along a predetermined path. The apparatus includes a hiller device coupled to the planter unit. The hiller device is configured to form an elevated ridge including a mixture of soil and a residue remaining from a previous crop in front of the planter unit so that the planter unit plants seeds a predetermined distance below a top surface of the elevated ridge formed by the hiller device. The apparatus also includes a residue cleaning implement located in front of the hiller device to clear at least a portion of the residue in front of the hiller device. In the illustrated embodiment, the residue cleaning implement is pivotably coupled to a support extending in front of the hiller device.

Abstract: The residue wheel has a plurality of multiply bent spring-steel tines that project outwardly from their central hub at such angles that straight foot portions of the tines engage and lie flatly against the ground as the tines sweep residue rearwardly and outwardly during rotation of the wheel about an axis oblique to the path of travel of the planting machine. The tines are equally spaced about the wheel but are arranged in pairs, comprising individual legs of a generally U-shaped, integral unit having a bight at the inner ends of the the legs that joins the legs together and serves as a means by which the unit can be clamped between opposed, flat plates of the hub. Short downturned driving prongs at the outer ends of the legs provide traction for the wheel during use.

Abstract: The zone tiller attachment employs a pair of spoked tillage wheels that converge downwardly and forwardly toward one another in leading relationship to the planter and in such an orientation that their heavy, thick, blunt spokes mutually intersect and overlap one another along the lower front extremity and bottom portion of the tiller. The crossed spokes penetrate into the soil to pulverize, cultivate, and substantially disturb the soil particles in place with a churning action while also displacing surface residue to opposite sides of the path of travel, thus producing a relatively narrow band of thoroughly tilled soil having a depth extending down to or below the seed planting level such that the trailing opener can perform its trench opening and seed placement functions in the optimum manner.