Disk Patents (Class 111/163)
  • Patent number: 11925135
    Abstract: A seeder element of an agricultural machine includes a seed distribution element and a tamping device. The tamping device is arranged behind an outlet of the seed distribution element in a direction of advance at work of the seeder element. The tamping device includes an adjustment device and a tamping element. The tamping element exerts a tamping force on the ground in at least one work position of the adjustment device. The at least one work position of the adjustment device is a load-relieving position in which the adjustment device exerts, on the tamping element, a load-relieving stress that counters the weight of the tamping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: KUHN SAS
    Inventor: Christophe Andres
  • Patent number: 11653586
    Abstract: Ground opener units for agricultural seeding machinery and the like utilise a gauge wheel and associated depth adjustment mechanism for regulating the penetration depth of the disk opener in use. An improved gauge wheel adjustment assembly comprises a spindle adapted to be rotatably supported in a spindle sleeve, the spindle having a shaft with a first end with a rectangular boss adapted for engagement with a depth adjustment handle of the disk opener and a second end with a tapered spline engagement formation. A gauge wheel support arm has a complementary tapered spline formation for engagement with the spindle second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: BPR Engineering Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Colin Wemyss
  • Patent number: 11622492
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for cutting and increasing surface area of surface stubble material while contemporaneously cutting and aerating the soil. A discoidal coulter blade is configured with a plurality of circumferential teeth for cutting the surface stubble as well as reducing the downward pressure required for the blade to enter the type and depth of soil desired. The circular coulter blade is configured with a plurality of inserts oriented normal to the rotational movement of the blade as the blade cuts the soil. Each insert is shaped to aerate a specific type of soil anticipated by an operator. The inserts are positioned on the blade for desired impact with the soil and angled in placement on the blade to maintain the desired effect on the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: PRESCRIPTION TILLAGE TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Christie, Daniel D. Schuler, James L. Wheat
  • Patent number: 11006567
    Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a seed-planting implement may include a furrow-closing assembly having a closing disc. A controller of the system may be configured to determine when a penetration depth of the closing disc falls outside a predetermined depth range based on data received from a depth sensor. The controller may also be configured to control the operation of an actuator to adjust a down pressure applied to the closing disc to return the monitored penetration depth to within the predetermined depth range. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to determine an operational adjustment to be made to an additional tool of the seed-planting implement based on the adjustment made to the down pressure applied to the closing disc. In addition, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the additional tool to execute the operational adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Trevor Stanhope, Christopher Schoeny
  • Patent number: 10813278
    Abstract: A fertilizer row unit including a toolbar coupling, first and second suspension members, a pressure applying device, a wheel assembly, a knife assembly and a wheel down pressure system. The first suspension member has a first end pivotally coupled to the toolbar coupling. The second suspension member is generally parallel to the first suspension member. The pressure applying device is coupled to the first or second suspension member. The wheel assembly has at least one wheel. The knife assembly is pivotally coupled to both the first and second suspension members. The wheel down pressure system is coupled to the wheel assembly, the wheel down pressure system substantially maintaining a selected pressure on the wheel assembly while the pressure applying device applies varying pressure to at least the first suspension member and the second suspension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Adams, Keith W. Wendte
  • Patent number: 10624253
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring the condition of a seedbed within a field may include an implement having a plurality of ground-engaging tools supported by the frame, with the implement being configured to create or be traversed across a seedbed extending downwardly within the field from an outer seedbed surface to a seedbed floor. The system may also include an auxiliary support arm coupled to a portion of the frame at or adjacent to the aft end of the frame and a seedbed floor detection assembly coupled to the auxiliary support arm such that the seedbed floor detection assembly is located behind the ground-engaging tools relative to a forward travel direction of the implement. The seedbed floor detection assembly may be configured to detect variations in a profile of the seedbed floor as the implement is moved in the forward travel direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Michael G. Kovach
  • Patent number: 10136572
    Abstract: A wear extender is presented for use with planters, air seeders and drills that utilize the engagement of a flexible wheel with a disc to scrape mud from the side of the disc. The wear extender is formed of an ultra-high molecular weight plastic that is compression molded. The wear extender is generally cylindrical in shape and when installed covers the interior edge of the tire. Installation of the wear extender extends the life of the tire and reduces the need to replace the tire. In addition, due to the more-rigid nature of the wear extender as compared to the more-flexible nature of the tire, the wear extender does a better job of scraping mud than the tire. As such, use of the wear extender reduces the number amount of downtime that occurs due to poor scraping and reduces the amount and cost of maintenance due to tire wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventors: Robin A. Weisz, Ted Juhl
  • Patent number: 9943028
    Abstract: In each case at least one double disc coulter 7, 8 and one depth control wheel 9 areas arranged on the frame 6 of a pneumatic precision seed drill. Seen from the direction of travel, this depth control wheel 9 is located between the two disc coulters 7, 8, whereby the two disc coulters 7, 8 and the depth control wheel 9 rotate in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: LEMKEN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Mark Berendsen, Dennis Bergerfurth, Martin Gebbeken, Marcel Geraats, Christian Gotzen, Thomas Lukas, Christian Paessens, Dieter Werries
  • Patent number: 9769971
    Abstract: A ground opening disc scraper assembly comprising: a scraper arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is configured for mounting to a support structure; a scraper blade; and a tensioning clip for yieldably mounting the scraper blade to the distal end of the scraper arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Pro Mags LLC
    Inventor: Ron Hesla
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140251192
    Abstract: An applicator for applying dry fertilizer or livestock waste in the form of a slurry beneath the soil surface with minimum soil displacement includes a leading spring-cushioned, conical-shaped, wavy coulter angularly offset from the direction of travel which displaces soil laterally in forming a furrow adapted to receive fertilizer. The coulter is trailed by a single, or a pair of, rotary blade(s) which fill the furrow, covering the deposited fertilizer. A second embodiment includes a second wavy coulter disposed between the leading coulter and the trailing rotary blades for directing soil in a laterally opposed direction from the soil displaced by the leading coulter in forming a wider furrow. The single conical coulter and dual conical coulter embodiments are easily interchangeable in the applicator, and are easily removed and replaced with a curved shank and sweep assembly to convert to sweep fertilizer application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: William J. Dietrich, SR.
  • 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: 8813865
    Abstract: A tillage coulter unit (22, 122) adapted for use with a farm implement (10) permits high speed tillage operations (e.g., field fertilization using liquid fertilizer such as ammonia, or seeding) without undue soil disruption or fertilizer vaporization. The coulter unit (22, 122) includes an upright, rotatable coulter blade (26, 130) with a gauge assembly (28, 132) operable to limit the depth of the coulter blade into soil and to minimize soil disruption. The gauge assembly (28, 132) preferably includes a pair of elongated, shiftable belt or chain loops (74, 212, 214) positioned in straddling relationship and astride the blade (26, 130). The loops (74, 212, 214) present lower runs (96, 212a, 214a) which substantially contact the soil as the unit (22, 122) traverses a field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: AgSynergy, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Renyer, Greg Renyer
  • 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: 8794164
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Chad Plattner
  • Patent number: 8770308
    Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes a linkage pivotably coupled to an attachment frame, and a row unit frame with a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, and includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder. A hydraulic-fluid cavity is located within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. An accumulator is positioned adjacent to the hydraulic cylinder and has a fluid chamber containing a diaphragm, with the portion of the chamber on one side of the diaphragm being connected to the hydraulic-fluid cavity in the hydraulic cylinder, and the portion of the chamber on the other side of the diaphragm containing a pressurized gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140123886
    Abstract: A ground opener unit for a seeding or planting unit includes an accessory mount attachable to an implement frame and a disc rotatably mounted to the accessory mount for forming a furrow in the ground. A scraper assembly includes a scraper plate defining a scraper edge for contacting and scraping a surface of the disc. The scraper plate is mounted to the arm by a pivot pin whose length defines a pivot axis about which the scraper plate may pivot in response to deflection of the disc. A spring is generally held in compression to bias the scraper plate against the disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robin B. Schilling
  • Publication number: 20140116306
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a planter assembly to be driven by a single-point hitch machine. The planter assembly includes a coupler having a first end coupled to the hitch and a second end coupled to a tool bar via a coupler plate. The coupler plate includes a plurality of defined openings for adjustably coupling the tool bar to the coupler. A frame is coupled to the tool bar and a swing arm is pivotally coupled to the frame. The swing arm is pivotable between a first position and a second position. A wheel is coupled to the swing arm and a final drive sprocket is coupled to the frame. The final drive sprocket is engaged with a drive chain when the swing arm is in the first position and disengaged from the drive chain when the swing arm is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Jason Sharp
  • Patent number: 8646395
    Abstract: An opener for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double-shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface, a fertilizer tube that drops fertilizer into the furrow, and a trailing seed tube assembly, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface onto which seed is deposited. The seed trench provides a seed bed that is offset from the bottom of the furrow to provide horizontal and vertical stratification of the seed and fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor, Dennis W. Chahley
  • Patent number: 8635962
    Abstract: A depth adjustment assembly for a disc opener or other furrowing device has an eccentric cam with an outer surface that engages and thus prevents rotation of a gauge wheel arm. As rotation of the gauge wheel arm sets the relative position of a gauge wheel relative to the furrowing device, preventing rotation of the arm sets the cutting depth for the furrowing device. The eccentric cam may have a smooth outer edge defining an indiscrete range of positions or a profile outer surface that defines discrete depth setting positions. The eccentric cam is biased into engagement with a receiver by a pin and spring, but overcoming the bias allows the cam to be momentarily disengaged and rotated to reposition the eccentric cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robin B. Schilling
  • Patent number: 8616298
    Abstract: A bushing is provided for mounting a pivot arm that has both a threaded portion as well as one or two smooth cylindrical portions. The threaded portion enables the pivot arm to be a laterally adjusted by rotating the bushing while the smooth portion or portions provide a bearing surface or surfaces for the pivot arm loads. This removes the load from the threads, reducing wear of both the bushing and the pivot arm, thereby reducing maintenance cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: David J. Rylander
  • Patent number: 8555798
    Abstract: A down pressure adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement includes a rockshaft to which one or more disc opener units are mounted and an actuator that rotates the rockshaft. Rotation of the rockshaft causes the disc opener units to be raised or lowered. When the disc opener units are lowered into a field engagement position, further rotation of the rockshaft will cause compression of down pressure springs for each of the disc opener units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor, Terrance A. Friggstad
  • 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: 8517119
    Abstract: This disk is a metal disk comprising a central ductile portion (10), particularly used for attaching the disk to a chassis or the like, and an outer circumferential portion (12), particularly for working on land and having a hardness greater than that of the central portion (10). The disk also has a transitional area (14), between the central portion (10) and the circumferential portion (12), that has a hardness gradient in a radial direction, and at least in the central portion (10), a hardness gradient is present in the body of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Forges de Niaux
    Inventor: Laurent Pineda
  • Patent number: 8499703
    Abstract: An opener assembly for an agricultural seeder has an opener disc attached to an opener subframe. The opener disc is angled to the direction of travel to create a furrow for depositing seeds. A boot is mounted to the opener subframe beside the opener disc for preventing loose soil from falling into the furrow ahead of seed deposited therein. A seed tube is mounted to the opener subframe by a two-part bracket. The bracket includes a first part attached to the opener subframe and a second part fixed to the seed tube. The first part has a channel structure for receiving and partially surrounding the seed tube, and a pair of slots formed in sidewalls of the channel structure. The second part has an L-shaped structure with a portion that mates with the pair of slots. A key ring mechanism is used to lock the first and second parts together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew P. Hagny
  • Patent number: 8479670
    Abstract: A down pressure adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement includes a rockshaft to which one or more disc opener units are mounted and an actuator that rotates the rockshaft. Rotation of the rockshaft causes the disc opener units to be raised or lowered. When the disc opener units are lowered into a field engagement position, further rotation of the rockshaft will cause compression of down pressure springs for each of the disc opener units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor, Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 8479669
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
  • Publication number: 20130152835
    Abstract: A manure/fertilizer injection applicator provides subsurface manure/fertilizer injection, even at low gallon per acre rates. The applicator of the present invention is a minimal till applicator that causes minimal soil disturbance compared to a conventional plow and, since the application is subsurface, there is no chance of run-off or evaporation of valuable nutrients. The applicator includes a mount to attach multiple applicators to an implement bar and a coulter till wheel to open a small ditch in the soil, an injection tube behind the till wheel for depositing manure or fertilizer, and at least one closer wheel to cover up the small ditch and to bury the manure or fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Marc Allan Stevenson, Jeffery Leroy Redick
  • Patent number: 8453755
    Abstract: A tillage coulter unit (22, 122) adapted for use with a farm implement (10) is provided which permits high speed tillage operations (e.g., field fertilization using liquid fertilizer such as ammonia, or seeding) without undue soil disruption or fertilizer vaporization. The coulter unit (22, 122) includes an upright, rotatable coulter blade (26, 130) with a gauge assembly (28, 132) operable to limit the depth of the coulter blade into soil and to minimize soil disruption. The gauge assembly (28, 132) preferably includes a pair of elongated, shiftable belt or chain loops (74, 212, 214) positioned in straddling relationship and astride the blade (26, 130). The loops (74, 212, 214) present lower runs (96, 212a, 214a) which substantially contact the soil as the unit (22, 122) traverses a field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: AgSynergy, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jim Renyer, Greg Renyer
  • Patent number: 8448717
    Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit, a press wheel cylinder configured to vary contact force between a press wheel and a soil surface, a closing disk cylinder configured to vary contact force between a closing disk and the soil surface, a residue manager cylinder configured to vary contact force between a residue manager and the soil surface, or a combination thereof. The agricultural implement system also includes an electronic control unit configured to automatically regulate a pressure within the cylinders, and a manual backup system configured to facilitate manual pressure adjustment of the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Adams, Keith W. Wendte
  • Publication number: 20130118391
    Abstract: A coulter assembly for an agricultural implement. The coulter assembly includes a support structure and a disc blade rotatably mounted to the support structure. The coulter assembly also includes a spring assembly coupled to the support structure and configured to urge the disc blade into soil. The spring assembly includes a variable rate spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerard James Gadzella, Robin Bruno Schilling
  • Publication number: 20130118392
    Abstract: A double shoot coulter assembly for an agricultural implement includes a packer wheel. The packer wheel is disposed behind a soil engaging blade. The packer wheel is configured to press soil displaced by the soil engaging blade into trenches formed by the soil engaging blade and a disc blade. A centerline of the packer wheel extends adjacent to a soil displacing side of the soil engaging blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew Stuart Naylor, Robin Bruno Schilling
  • Publication number: 20130074747
    Abstract: A bracket for use with an agriculture planter including a trailing arm frame defining a pivot point thereon may include an arm bracket assembly with first, second, third, and fourth arms. Each arm may extend from a middle portion of the bracket. First and second fertilizer furrow opening discs may be rotatably mounted on mounting ends of two of the arms. First and second furrow closing wheels may be rotatably mounted on a mounting end of the other two arms. The middle portion of the bracket may be pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame at the pivot point. The arms joined to the fertilizer furrow opening discs may be arranged at opposing ends of the middle portion to enable the furrow opening discs to open two fertilizer furrows on opposing sides of a seed furrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SCHAFFERT MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Paul E. Schaffert, Ramiro Trevino, Ashley Nicole Jackson
  • Patent number: 8387715
    Abstract: A bushing is provided for mounting a pivot arm that has both a threaded portion as well as one or two smooth cylindrical portions. The threaded portion enables the pivot arm to be a laterally adjusted by rotating the bushing while the smooth portion or portions provide a bearing surface or surfaces for the pivot arm loads. This removes the load from the threads, reducing wear of both the bushing and the pivot arm, thereby reducing maintenance cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: David J. Rylander
  • Publication number: 20130000536
    Abstract: A depth adjustment assembly for a disc opener or other furrowing device has an eccentric cam with an outer surface that engages and thus prevents rotation of a gauge wheel arm. As rotation of the gauge wheel arm sets the relative position of a gauge wheel relative to the furrowing device, preventing rotation of the arm sets the cutting depth for the furrowing device. The eccentric cam may have a smooth outer edge defining an indiscrete range of positions or a profile outer surface that defines discrete depth setting positions. The eccentric cam is biased into engagement with a receiver by a pin and spring, but overcoming the bias allows the cam to be momentarily disengaged and rotated to reposition the eccentric cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: ROBIN B. SCHILLING
  • Publication number: 20120272879
    Abstract: A packing pressure adjustment assembly for a ground opener unit of an agricultural implement includes a spring interconnected between a rotatable pressure adjustment arm and a trailing arm to which a packer wheel is rotatably mounted. The pressure adjustment arm is centered about an axle of the ground opener unit and is movable between a set of mounting positions that are defined by a set of teeth spaced and arced from one another along a frame portion of the ground opener unit. As the pressure adjustment arm is rotated, the amount of force exerted by the spring on the trailing arm is varied. The packing pressure adjustment assembly is relatively compact and is useful in providing high packing forces, such as a packing force in excess of 100 lbs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Robin B. Schilling
  • Patent number: 8286566
    Abstract: A down pressure adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement includes a rockshaft to which one or more disc opener units are mounted and an actuator that rotates the rockshaft. Rotation of the rockshaft causes the disc opener units to be raised or lowered. When the disc opener units are lowered into a field engagement position, further rotation of the rockshaft will cause compression of down pressure springs for each of the disc opener units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor, Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20120240834
    Abstract: A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor, Dennis W. Chahley
  • Publication number: 20120210921
    Abstract: A disc hub assembly includes a shouldered spindle that is secured to a disc opener frame and to which a depth adjustment arm and a gauge wheel arm are connected. The disc hub, to which a ground opener disc is mounted, is disposed on the spindle in a manner that allows the disc to rotate around the spindle. A gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm. When the depth adjustment arm is rotated between depth setting positions the gauge wheel arm is also rotated. As the gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm, rotation of the gauge wheel arm causes rotation of the gauge wheel. The depth adjustment arm is spring biased into engagement with an arc of notches on the disc opener frame. The notches define a range of positions at which the depth adjustment arm may be positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: CNH CANADA, LTD.
    Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S Naylor, Terrance A Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20120192775
    Abstract: An articulated device for controlling seeding depth of a seeding assembly in grain seeding machines, more precisely, a seeding assembly with a hinge mechanism in the front part of the assembly, which allows control of the distance between the depth control wheel and the opener disk. This allows minimizing the entrance of vegetable residues, dust and moist soil, while also aiding in their expulsion, and provides an efficient and prompt means to clean to avoid longer out of service times of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Roberto Carlos Castagno Manasseri, Carlos Alberto Reymundo Poggio
  • Publication number: 20120192774
    Abstract: A universal scraper for use with an opening disc, the universal scraper comprising: an elongated body having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted to mount to an axle, and the second end being adapted to receive a scraper blade, wherein the elongated body is sized and shaped so that when the first end of the elongated body is attached to an axle and a scraper blade is mounted to the second end of the elongated body, the scraper blade is presented in scraping disposition to the opening disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Ron Hesla
  • Patent number: 8201507
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Precision Planting, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Chad Plattner
  • Publication number: 20120145057
    Abstract: An opener assembly for an agricultural seeder has an opener disc attached to an opener subframe. The opener disc is angled to the direction of travel to create a furrow for depositing seeds. A boot is mounted to the opener subframe beside the opener disc for preventing loose soil from falling into the furrow ahead of seed deposited therein. A seed tube is mounted to the opener subframe by a two-part bracket. The bracket includes a first part attached to the opener subframe and a second part fixed to the seed tube. The first part has a channel structure for receiving and partially surrounding the seed tube, and a pair of slots formed in sidewalls of the channel structure. The second part has an L-shaped structure with a portion that mates with the pair of slots. A key ring mechanism is used to lock the first and second parts together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew P. Hagny
  • Publication number: 20120132116
    Abstract: A ground opener assembly mountable to a frame is provided, comprising a guiding member having a track mountable to the frame; a first trailing arm having a front end and a rear end, the front end of the first trailing arm operably associated with the guiding member so that the first trailing arm can travel along the track; a second trailing arm having a front end and a rear end, the front end of the second trailing arm pivotally attached to the frame; a rear link having a proximal end and a distal end, the rear end of the first trailing arm fixedly attached to the proximal end of the rear link and the rear end of the second trailing arm pivotally attached to the proximal end; at least one dispensing implement and a ground compressing member mounted to the rear link; and a bias device operative to exert a downward bias force on the rear link, the at least one ground opening tool and the ground compressing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: ONE PASS IMPLEMENTS INC.
    Inventors: Patrick M. Beaujot, Barry K. Melanson, David R. Duke, Bruce W. Wilton
  • Publication number: 20120079973
    Abstract: A furrow opener is operable as part of a nonsingulating air seeder and includes a rotatable disc to open a furrow. The opener also includes a vented seed catch pan positioned adjacent one side of the disc. The catch pan is operably coupled to a seed conduit of the air seeder to receive seed in a pressurized air stream from the seed conduit. The catch pan presents a seed inlet configured to receive seed from the seed conduit, a seed outlet positioned to deposit the seed within the furrow, and an elongated chamber extending between the inlet and outlet. The catch pan presents multiple vents spaced between the inlet and outlet, with the vents allowing pressurized air flow to escape from the chamber to ambient without passing through the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: EXACTRIX LLC
    Inventor: Guy J. Swanson
  • Patent number: 8146519
    Abstract: An agricultural implement is directed to delivering multiple fluids to the soil of an agricultural field. The implement includes a frame for carrying a soil cutting device and a closing device. The cutting device forms a furrow in the soil and the closing device, which trails the cutting device, closes the furrow. A fluid delivery tine is mounted on the frame and extends downwardly into the furrow between the cutting device and the closing device. The tine has a pair of coaxial tubes, including an outer tube and an inner tube, wherein the coaxial tubes form an outer passageway between the outer tube and the inner tube for delivering a first fluid toward the furrow. The inner tube has an internal passageway for delivering a second fluid toward the furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20120067259
    Abstract: A trench opener/closer is provided for an agricultural seeding machine movable in a planting direction. The trench opener/closer includes a disc opener assembly, a gauge wheel assembly, a closing assembly, a boot member, and a seed delivery member. The disc opener assembly has a first axis of rotation. The gauge wheel assembly has a second axis of rotation disposed rearward of the first axis of rotation in the planting direction. The closing assembly has a third axis of rotation disposed rearward of the second axis of rotation in the planting direction. The boot member extends between the disc opener assembly and the closing assembly. The seed delivery member is disposed rearward of the disc opener assembly in the planting direction. The seed delivery member is disposed adjacent to both a trailing edge of the boot member and the closing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan Albert Mariman, Elijah Beckham Garner, Lee Edward Zumdome
  • Publication number: 20120048160
    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: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Adams, Keith W. Wendte
  • Publication number: 20120048159
    Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit, a press wheel cylinder configured to vary contact force between a press wheel and a soil surface, a closing disk cylinder configured to vary contact force between a closing disk and the soil surface, a residue manager cylinder configured to vary contact force between a residue manager and the soil surface, or a combination thereof. The agricultural implement system also includes an electronic control unit configured to automatically regulate a pressure within the cylinders, and a manual backup system configured to facilitate manual pressure adjustment of the cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Adams, Keith W. Wendte