Coulter Patents (Class 111/140)
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Patent number: 11716923Abstract: A row cleaning/closing wheel having debris removing and/or furrow closing performance with complimentary left and right cleaning/closing wheel pairs having a sloped body portion at an angle relative to a hub base for cleaning and/or closing operation during row planting. The sloped body portion and the hub base may form a continuous curve from the center of the hub base to a set of teeth on the outer edge of the sloped body portion. The row cleaning wheel for use with a floating row cleaner and/or closing arm assemblies attached to a row planter during planting operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Inventors: Ronald Steve Martin, Asghar Rezasoltani
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Patent number: 10888042Abstract: A ground engagement tool, such as a universal coulter, with an integrated offset to facilitate multiple mounting configurations. In some embodiments, the ground engagement tool includes a polygonal shank, defining, for example, an octagonal or hexagonal cross-section. The polygonal shank enables rotational offset to be secured in discrete rotational orientations. A lower bracket is mounted to a spindle, providing an angular displacement range for angular deflection of the ground engagement tool. The spindle includes a key structure that complements the angular orientations of the polygonal shank so that the lower bracket can be compensated for the rotational offset. A rotational indexing plate enables selection of one of a plurality of angular displacement ranges. Retention rods may be implemented for setting a depth of the tool. A dirt deflector may also be provided, dimensioned to prevent spewing dirt from landing on adjacent plant rows and to prevent fouling in muddy conditions.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Fast Ag Solutions, LLCInventors: James Bruce Prohaska, Kurt Mitchell Forth, Trevor Norman Rollenhagen, Verlyn Keith Fast
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Patent number: 10743455Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for adjusting the depth of a trench opened by a row unit of an agricultural planter. The row unit includes a trench depth adjustment assembly configured to modify the furrow depth. In one embodiment, the depth adjustment assembly may include a gear box having one or more gears which engage with a gear rack. The gear box may be pivotally connected to a depth adjustment body supporting a rocker that adjusts upward travel of gauge wheel arms. In another embodiment, the depth adjustment assembly may include a depth adjustment arm having a screw receiver that cooperates with a driven screw that adjusts the position of the depth adjustment arm acting on the gauge wheels to adjust trench depth.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: Precision Planting LLCInventors: Dillon Sloneker, Todd Swanson, Dale Koch
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Patent number: 10531605Abstract: A seed firmer includes an attachment bracket having a portion provided for attachment to a row unit of a planting machine. A non-compliant arm is provided with a ground-facing surface for engagement with the soil during planting. The seed firmer includes a mount through which the non-compliant arm is connected to the attachment bracket. The mount is a compliant mount operable to deflect and exert an elastic bias force during operation, without deflection of the non-compliant arm.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Kamalakannan Natarajan, Dnyanesh Dhobale, Elijah B. Garner, Cary Hubner
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Patent number: 10405473Abstract: A tillage apparatus for selective primary tillage and seed bed preparation makes use of a selectively moveable primary tillage shank to provide seasonal, in-field and/or on-the-fly flexibility of tillage operation. The tillage apparatus has a cultivator frame, at least one secondary tillage tool mounted on the frame and a primary tillage shank mounted on the frame, the primary tillage shank selectively moveable between a lowered soil engaging position and a raised disengaged position. In a method of tilling or preparing a seed bed, the tillage apparatus is dragged around a field with the at least one secondary tillage tool engaged with the field when secondary tillage of the field is desired, and the selectively moveable primary tillage shank lowered to be engaged with the field when the field is in need of primary tillage or raised to be disengaged from the field when primary tillage is not desired.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Inventors: Geof J. Gray, Simon Goveia, John Mark Averink
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Patent number: 10172289Abstract: The invention relates to a system for adjusting the height of an agricultural implement, including an arm that can be controlled to raise and lower the implement, a height measuring sensor, and a calculator configured to provide a control set point for the height of the arm on the basis of the measurements obtained by the height measuring sensor. The height measuring sensor is an imaging system including at least one camera mounted such that the sensor can form an image of a scene located in front of the agricultural implement in the direction of travel of the vehicle equipped with the arm. A computer processing unit is configured to produce, on the basis of the images delivered by the at least one camera, a 3D reconstruction representative of the depth of the aforementioned scene.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGUE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Nolwenn Briquet-Kerestedjian, Frederic Colledani, Baptiste Lelong, Patrick Sayd
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Patent number: 10051772Abstract: A debris clearing apparatus for use with an agricultural implement has a pair of rotatable discs each having a plurality of teeth extending from a periphery thereof. The teeth on the discs each have a profile comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edges are sharpened to create cutting edges to cut through crop residue and other debris. The leading cutting edge can be a straight edge with an outer edge formed at the distal tip of the tooth between the leading and trailing edges. Alternatively, the leading cutting edge can be a curved edge with a sharp outer point between the leading and trailing edges. The discs are arranged so that geometric planes containing the first and second discs intersect and the discs are toed-in toward each other relative to a direction of travel of the implement.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Inventors: Brian E. Freed, Bruce Freed
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Patent number: 9913421Abstract: A suspension set for an agricultural implement includes a first arm, a holder attached to a portion of a chassis of the agricultural implement, the holder comprising an attachment point for receiving the first arm to allow pivoting of the first arm, a first flange associated with the first arm, and at least a disc associated with the first arm via the first flange. The holder comprises a second attachment point to receive a second arm to allow pivoting of the second arm. The first flange is replaced by a second flange when the second arm is inserted. The second flange is associated with the first and second arms and with the disc. Receipt of the second arm and replacement of the first flange by the second flange provides a pantographic movement to the disc.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Eleandro Tomelero
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Patent number: 9763375Abstract: A planter downforce system includes a plurality of hydraulic accumulators. Each of the plurality of hydraulic accumulators is operatively connected to a pressure line associated with a row unit of a planter. A pressure sensor is operatively connected to the pressure line. An orifice is operatively connected to the pressure line to limit flow of fluid within the pressure line to a hydraulic zero-pressure tank. A controller is operatively connected to the pressure sensor and configured to determine accumulator charge pressure of the accumulators.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Ag Leader Technology, Inc.Inventor: Kurt Townsend
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Patent number: 8985232Abstract: An agricultural system includes an agricultural row unit movable on a field between a first soil condition and a second soil condition, the first soil condition having a different soil hardness than the second soil condition. A down-pressure actuator applies an initial first pressure associated with the first soil condition. A soil-hardness sensing device is positioned at a distance D forward of the row unit and outputs a soil-hardness change signal when detecting a change from the first soil condition to the second soil condition. At least one memory device stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the down-pressure actuator to change, in response to receiving the soil-hardness change signal, the initial first pressure to a different second pressure when the row unit encounters the second soil condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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Patent number: 8826836Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the field of agricultural machinery and relates to preplanting tillage implements generally used in combination with a seed planting device, or other multi-row implement. Specifically, the disclosure relates to row treating units incorporating a row clearance arrangement or a combination of tools that includes a row cleaning device and a soil penetrating coulter device. The units are designed to be attached to the front of a multi-row implement. The deployment of and down force exerted by the row cleaner is independently adjustable and controlled using pneumatic air bag operators.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignees: L & B Manufacturing, Inc., Yetter Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Dylan C. Van Buskirk, Derek W. Allensworth
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Patent number: 8813662Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a vertical floating row cleaner may include a mounting bracket configured to engage a row unit frame, which mounting bracket may have a receiver engaged therewith. An extension member may have first and second ends, with one end configured as an adjustor interface and the opposite end configured to pivotally engage at least one row cleaner wheel. An adjustor may engage the extension member at the adjustor interface such that the adjustor prevents the extension member from moving with respect to the receiver past a certain point in at least one direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Inventor: Howard D. Martin
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Patent number: 8794165Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Inventor: Ronald S. Martin
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Patent number: 8763713Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes a hydraulic cylinder coupled to a support member for urging a soil-engaging tool coupled to the support member downwardly toward the soil. A hydraulic line is coupled to the hydraulic cylinder for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the cylinder, and a controllable valve is provided in the hydraulic line for controlling the supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the cylinder through the line. A pressure sensor, such as a load cell or strain gauge, is connected between the hydraulic cylinder and the support member for producing an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure on the tool, and a controller is coupled to the pressure sensor and the controllable valve, the controller being adapted to receive the electrical signal from the pressure sensor and produce a control signal for controlling the valve thus the supply of the hydraulic fluid to the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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Patent number: 8596375Abstract: A row cleaner includes a wheel mount, a pair of hubs on the wheel mount and a finger wheel on each hub. The hubs are offset relative to each other in the direction of travel, and angled downwardly and inwardly. The finger wheels are concave and have equally spaced fingers. Each finger has three straight edges at selected angles to provide tapering fingers with a specific shape.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Inventors: Alan E. Winick, Jerry L. Groff
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Publication number: 20130276683Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a vertical floating row cleaner may include a mounting bracket configured to engage a row unit frame, which mounting bracket may have a receiver engaged therewith. An extension member may have first and second ends, with one end configured as an adjustor interface and the opposite end configured to pivotally engage at least one row cleaner wheel. An adjustor may engage the extension member at the adjustor interface such that the adjustor prevents the extension member from moving with respect to the receiver past a certain point in at least one direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventor: Howard D. Martin
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Patent number: 8522889Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, and a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit. The agricultural implement system also includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the down force cylinder and the depth control cylinder. The valve assembly is configured to automatically adjust the downward force by varying fluid pressure within the down force cylinder based on fluid pressure within the depth control cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Brian T. Adams, Keith W. Wendte
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Patent number: 8408149Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: David J. Rylander
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Patent number: 8359988Abstract: An agricultural implement for tilling at least a strip of soil to be planted includes a tillage device for penetrating and tilling a strip of soil and displacing soil and residue upwardly, the tillage device including at least one coulter wheel mounted for rotation about a first axis of rotation and positioned at least in part below the soil, when tilling the strip of soil, such that the coulter wheel is able to cut a slit in the soil, and a depth control device laterally offset from the centerline of the strip of soil and mounted for rotation about a second axis of rotation located rearwardly of the trailing end of the tillage device. The depth control device is positioned to intercept soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device. Multiple tines made of a polymeric material are mounted on the depth control device, extending laterally away from only one side of the depth control device toward the centerline to intercept a portion of the soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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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: 20120210920Abstract: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, and a furrow-opening module comprising a first linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, a first movable frame pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the first movable frame relative to the linkage, a furrow-opening device mounted on the first movable frame, and a first biasing element pivotably attached to the linkage and coupled to the first movable frame for urging the furrow-opening device downwardly against the soil. The row unit also includes a furrow-closing module and a second biasing element for urging the at least one furrow-closing device downwardly against the soil.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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Patent number: 8151717Abstract: An agricultural implement for tilling at least a strip of soil to be planted includes a tillage device for penetrating and tilling a strip of soil and displacing soil and residue upwardly, and a depth control device laterally offset from the centerline of the strip of soil and mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation located rearwardly of the tillage device and positioned to intercept soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device. Multiple tines mounted on the depth control device extend laterally away from the depth control device toward the centerline to intercept a portion of the soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device. The tines are attached to the depth control device only at one end of each tine, and the free ends of the tines terminate laterally short of the centerline and vertically between the elevations of the upper and lower edges of the depth control device.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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Publication number: 20120017813Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: L & B Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Brian R. Meldahl
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Publication number: 20110247537Abstract: 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).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventor: Brian E. Freed
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Patent number: 7975629Abstract: A closing wheel assembly having a closing wheel frame and at least one closing wheel pivotally mounted to a lever allows the operator to change the angle at which the at least one closing wheel intersects the ground surface during use. The lever to which the closing wheel is mounted may be pivotally mounted to the closing wheel frame about a lever attachment. The lever may be formed with a lever handle on a first end thereof and a closing wheel mount on the second end thereof, wherein the lever attachment is positioned between the first and second ends of the lever. Accordingly, as the angle of the lever is manipulated about the lever attachment, the angle of the closing wheel pivotally mounted to that lever changes in the vertical and/or horizontal dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2009Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Inventor: Ronald S. Martin
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Patent number: 7946231Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2009Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Inventors: Howard D. Martin, Ronald S. Martin
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Patent number: 7861660Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Inventor: Ronald S. Martin
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Patent number: 7832345Abstract: An apparatus that cleanly severs and clears crop debris from a planting row or closes a furrow while causing minimal disturbance to the soil. The residue coulter apparatus comprises a pair of flat discs each having a plurality of back swept teeth extending about their periphery. The teeth include a beveled cutting edge on the outer edge of the teeth adapted to sever residue from the field or close a furrow. The discs are oriented substantially vertical to the ground. Two discs are used in combination to clear a pathway for planting seed or for closing a furrow.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Yetter Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Patrick Whalen, Stephen E. Cerven, Derek A. Litchfield
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Patent number: 7743718Abstract: An agricultural implement for tilling at least a strip of soil to be planted includes a tillage device for penetrating and tilling a strip of soil and displacing soil and residue upwardly, and a depth control device laterally offset from the centerline of the strip of soil and mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation located rearwardly of the tillage device and positioned to intercept soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device. Multiple tines mounted on the depth control device extend laterally away from the depth control device toward the centerline to intercept a portion of the soil and residue displaced upwardly by the tillage device. The tines are attached to the depth control device only at one end of each tine, and the free ends of the tines terminate laterally short of the centerline and vertically between the elevations of the upper and lower edges of the depth control device.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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Patent number: 7673570Abstract: An agricultural row-clearing unit for use with an agricultural row unit attached to a towing frame hitched to a tractor comprises an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a support element having a leading end pivotally connected to the attachment frame for vertical pivoting movement relative to the attachment frame, at least one agricultural tool mounted on the trailing end of the support element, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the attachment frame and the support element for pivoting the support element around the pivotal connection to the attachment frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett
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Patent number: 7665539Abstract: An agricultural implement for clearing and tilling soil to be planted includes a residue-clearing sub-assembly including a first rotatable coulter wheel and at least one toothed wheel mounted for rotation about an axis located rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the first coulter wheel of forward portion of the toothed wheel overlaps a rear portion of the first coulter wheel. A tillage sub-assembly includes second and third coulter wheels that are offset from each other both laterally and fore and aft, and are mounted for rotation about axes of rotation that are located rearwardly of the axes of rotation of the toothed wheels. A depth control device is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation located rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the rearmost of the second and third coulter wheels. A common frame carries the residue-clearing sub-assembly, the tillage sub-assembly, and the depth control device so that all of the axes of rotation are fixed relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventors: James H. Bassett, Joseph D. Bassett
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Patent number: 7640875Abstract: A disc system for an agricultural machine including a frame carrying a plurality of agricultural tools, the disc system comprising a leading disc mounting mechanism and a rear tools mounting mechanism, wherein the mechanisms are mounted in the frame in a manner that they move in upward and downward directions and when one of the mechanisms tends to move in one of the directions the other one of the mechanisms tends to move in the opposite direction to copy as close as possible the field profile.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Inventor: Elvio Antonio Forchino
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Patent number: 7597055Abstract: An agricultural machine apt for crop interseeding, of the type that is self-propelled, comprising a unit with a drawing drive unit and a draw unit, both operatively linked to each other. The drawing drive unit comprises a land vehicle including an elevated chassis disposed at a substantial height for passing over tall mature crops such as corn, wheat, sunflowers and other similar crops, without causing any damage. The drawn unit comprises a structure mounted on a metal frame of a single hopper housing seeds and/or fertilizers with its corresponding dosage dispensers and mechanically actuated drop chutes.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Inventor: Alberto Oscar Choulet
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Patent number: 7584707Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural planter having a rearwardly curving forward wall, a rearwardly curving rearward wall and opposing sidewalls defining a seed passageway which curves rearwardly from an upper ingress end toward a lower egress end. Wear resistant material is disposed proximate the egress end which provides a point of first contact with the opener disks thereby preventing appreciable wear of the egress end of the seed tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Precision Planting, Inc.Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Chad E. Plattner, Brad A. Wiegand
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Patent number: 7540245Abstract: A strip till implement comprising a cultivator shovel or sweep positioned forwardly of a planter unit or strip tillage implement so as to sweep trash from the strip with a minimum of soil or ground disturbance.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Inventor: Seth Spicer
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Patent number: 7475738Abstract: A disk assembly for an agricultural implement includes a hub; a disk mounted to the hub; an axle having outer threads; a sleeve having inner threads engaged with the outer threads on the axle; and a bearing assembly having an outer race adjacent the hub and an inner race adjacent the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Michael E. Frasier
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Patent number: 7464767Abstract: A disc opener assembly for an agricultural planter includes a coulter disc formed without a pilot hole for the spindle of the mounting hub. The mounting hub is formed without the spindle such that the coulter disc is supported directly in a cantilevered manner from the mounting flange of the mounting hub. The coulter disc is formed with fastener holes aligned with mounting holes in the mounting flange for the passage of fasteners to affix the coulter disc to the mounting flange. The fasteners are countersunk into the coulter disc to present a smooth exterior surface. A seal is positioned between the mounting flange and the coulter disc to prevent the entry of dirt and debris into the mounting hub. No dust cap on the exterior surface of the coulter disc is required with this configuration which improves the operation of the disc opener assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.Inventor: Robin Schilling
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Patent number: 7451712Abstract: An agricultural implement for clearing and tilling soil to be planted includes a residue-clearing sub-assembly including a first rotatable coulter wheel and at least one toothed wheel mounted for rotation about an axis located rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the first coulter wheel of forward portion of the toothed wheel overlaps a rear portion of the first coulter wheel. A tillage sub-assembly includes second and third coulter wheels that are offset from each other both laterally and fore and aft, and are mounted for rotation about axes of rotation that are located rearwardly of the axes of rotation of the toothed wheels. A depth control device is mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation located rearwardly of the axis of rotation of the rearmost of the second and third coulter wheels. A common frame carries the residue-clearing sub-assembly, the tillage sub-assembly, and the depth control device so that all of the axes of rotation are fixed relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventors: James H. Bassett, Joseph D. Bassett
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Patent number: 7263937Abstract: A mutually-engageable or interlocking connection between a seed tube guard and a frame member mounted to a seed planting machine. The mutually-engageable connection includes a yoke having a front journal and a rear journal with a gap, the yoke, carried on the frame member, and a pin connected to a neck, carried by the guard. The pin is sized to fit between and into the front and rear journals, wherein the neck has a thickness less than a width of the gap in order to slide though the gap during installation, and a length to fit between and through the front and rear journals.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Michael Eugene Frasier
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Patent number: 7240627Abstract: A residue coulter apparatus that cleanly severs and clears crop debris from a planting row, causing minimal disturbance to the soil. The residue coulter apparatus comprises a pair of flat discs each having a plurality of back swept shark type teeth extending about their periphery. The teeth include a double beveled cutting edge on the outer edge of the teeth adapted to sever residue from the field. The clearing discs are oriented substantially vertical to the ground. Two clearing discs are used in combination to clear a pathway for planting seed. The clearing discs are angled toward each other so that the leading edges of the clearing discs are pointed in a toe-in orientation. The present design effectively removes crop debris without over discharge and causes minimal soil disturbance.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Yetter Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Patrick Whalen, Stephen E. Cerven, Derek A. Litchfield
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Patent number: 7222575Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventor: James H. Bassett
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Patent number: 6834598Abstract: An agricultural ground working implement is provided with a first ground working unit and a second ground working unit that follows the first ground working unit. A row cleaner is assigned to the portion of the soil upon which the second ground working unit acts. The row cleaner extends rearwardly from the first ground working unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Detlef Jüptner
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Patent number: 6776107Abstract: Apparatus comprising a frame carried by an elongated and laterally extending bar and having mounted thereon a first pair of rotatable trash wheels and a second pair of rotatable trash wheels longitudinally spaced behind the first pair of rotatable trash wheels and forward of a furrow opener. The first pair of rotatable trash wheels is angularly disposed toward each other forming a first angle therebetween and staggered such that one rotatable trash wheel contacts soil forward of the other rotatable trash wheel. The second pair of rotatable trash wheels is angularly disposed toward each other forming a second angle therebetween greater than the first angle. The apparatus cuts and clears trash from minimally and untilled soil.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
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Patent number: 6761120Abstract: An agricultural primary tillage implement is disclosed with a row cleaner assembly attached in front of the shank. That row cleaner is adjustable fore-and-aft for optimum clearance between the shank and a leading soil preparation apparatus to maximize clearance for residue movement. The row cleaner is also adjustable for depth. The row cleaner assembly reduces the amount of residue in line with the shank path (row) and creates smaller clod sizes of soil in line with the shank swath, resulting in a better seedbed and faster warm up in the spring, enabling the planter to run in cleaner soil, preventing planter plugging and uneven seed planting depth as well as resulting in better seed-to soil-contact.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Michael G. Kovach, Rickey L. Gerber
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Publication number: 20040094079Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventor: James H. Bassett
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Patent number: 6701856Abstract: A device is attached to a vehicle, such as a tractor, to deliver slurry into soil. The device has a hinged connector allows side-to-side movement between the vehicle and the main frame. There is at least one coulter attached to the main frame, a retaining wheel and slurry applicator attached to the main frame; and a closure wheel attached to the main frame. The at least one coulter preferably is a double coulter system.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Winske, Inc.Inventors: Mick Zoske, Richard D. Winter
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Patent number: 6644224Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1993Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: James H. Bassett
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Publication number: 20020162492Abstract: An agricultural ground working implement is provided with a first ground working unit and a second ground working unit that follows the first ground working unit. A row cleaner is assigned to the portion of the soil upon which the second ground working unit acts. The row cleaner extends rearwardly from the first ground working unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventor: Detlef Juptner
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Patent number: 6447414Abstract: A chain tensioner system having a hydraulic tensioner and a tensioner arm with a spring blade. A hydraulic tensioner applies force against the end of the tensioner arm. The arm is pivotally supported at one end and supported by the tensioner piston at the other end. A blade spring into inserted into the plastic shoe to provide tension to the arm.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: David C. White, Michael Marsh
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Patent number: RE45091Abstract: An agricultural row-clearing unit for use with an agricultural row unit attached to a towing frame hitched to a tractor comprises an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a support element having a leading end pivotally connected to the attachment frame for vertical pivoting movement relative to the attachment frame, at least one agricultural tool mounted on the trailing end of the support element, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the attachment frame and the support element for pivoting the support element around the pivotal connection to the attachment frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: Joseph D. Bassett