Coulter Patents (Class 111/140)
  • Patent number: 11716923
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Inventors: Ronald Steve Martin, Asghar Rezasoltani
  • Patent number: 10888042
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Fast Ag Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: James Bruce Prohaska, Kurt Mitchell Forth, Trevor Norman Rollenhagen, Verlyn Keith Fast
  • Patent number: 10743455
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Dillon Sloneker, Todd Swanson, Dale Koch
  • Patent number: 10531605
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kamalakannan Natarajan, Dnyanesh Dhobale, Elijah B. Garner, Cary Hubner
  • Patent number: 10405473
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventors: Geof J. Gray, Simon Goveia, John Mark Averink
  • Patent number: 10172289
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGUE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Nolwenn Briquet-Kerestedjian, Frederic Colledani, Baptiste Lelong, Patrick Sayd
  • Patent number: 10051772
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventors: Brian E. Freed, Bruce Freed
  • Patent number: 9913421
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Eleandro Tomelero
  • Patent number: 9763375
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Ag Leader Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt Townsend
  • Patent number: 8985232
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 8826836
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignees: L & B Manufacturing, Inc., Yetter Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Dylan C. Van Buskirk, Derek W. Allensworth
  • Patent number: 8813662
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Howard D. Martin
  • Patent number: 8794165
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald S. Martin
  • Patent number: 8763713
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 8596375
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Alan E. Winick, Jerry L. Groff
  • Publication number: 20130276683
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Howard D. Martin
  • Patent number: 8522889
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Adams, Keith W. Wendte
  • Patent number: 8408149
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: David J. Rylander
  • Patent number: 8359988
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 8327780
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20120210920
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 8151717
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20120017813
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: L & B Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Brian R. Meldahl
  • Publication number: 20110247537
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Brian E. Freed
  • Patent number: 7975629
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald S. Martin
  • Patent number: 7946231
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventors: Howard D. Martin, Ronald S. Martin
  • Patent number: 7861660
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald S. Martin
  • Patent number: 7832345
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Yetter Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Patrick Whalen, Stephen E. Cerven, Derek A. Litchfield
  • Patent number: 7743718
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 7673570
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 7665539
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventors: James H. Bassett, Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 7640875
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Elvio Antonio Forchino
  • Patent number: 7597055
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Alberto Oscar Choulet
  • Patent number: 7584707
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Precision Planting, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Chad E. Plattner, Brad A. Wiegand
  • Patent number: 7540245
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Seth Spicer
  • Patent number: 7475738
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Michael E. Frasier
  • Patent number: 7464767
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robin Schilling
  • Patent number: 7451712
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventors: James H. Bassett, Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 7263937
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Michael Eugene Frasier
  • Patent number: 7240627
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Yetter Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Patrick Whalen, Stephen E. Cerven, Derek A. Litchfield
  • Patent number: 7222575
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: James H. Bassett
  • Patent number: 6834598
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Detlef Jüptner
  • Patent number: 6776107
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Patent number: 6761120
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, Rickey L. Gerber
  • Publication number: 20040094079
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: James H. Bassett
  • Patent number: 6701856
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Winske, Inc.
    Inventors: Mick Zoske, Richard D. Winter
  • Patent number: 6644224
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: James H. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20020162492
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Detlef Juptner
  • Patent number: 6447414
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: David C. White, Michael Marsh
  • Patent number: RE45091
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett