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.

Abstract: A coulter assembly is provided that facilitates continuous adjustment of coulter disk penetration depth. In an exemplary embodiment, the coulter assembly includes a gauge wheel configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of a coulter disk into the soil. A depth adjustment assembly is coupled to the gauge wheel and configured to adjust the penetration depth of the coulter disk by continuously varying the vertical position of the gauge wheel. This configuration may enable the coulter disk to operate at any penetration depth within the gauge wheel range of motion, thereby facilitating deposition of fertilizer within the soil at a suitable depth to enhance crop growth.

Abstract: A coulter assembly is provided that facilitates continuous adjustment of coulter disk penetration depth. In an exemplary embodiment, the coulter assembly includes a gauge wheel configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of a coulter disk into the soil. A depth adjustment assembly is coupled to the gauge wheel and configured to adjust the penetration depth of the coulter disk by continuously varying the vertical position of the gauge wheel. This configuration may enable the coulter disk to operate at any penetration depth within the gauge wheel range of motion, thereby facilitating deposition of fertilizer within the soil at a suitable depth to enhance crop growth.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus and methods for injecting viscous fertilizer, such as dewatered biosolids, below the surface of the soil. The invention also pertains to apparatus and methods for creating a continuous flow of viscous material and for dividing a flow of viscous material.

Abstract: Articulated device for controlling seeding depth in seeding assembly in grain seeding machines, in which the depth control wheel device has a hinge placed on the front part of the opening disks, which allows the angular opening of the depth control wheels with respect to the furrow opening disks, minimizing the entry of vegetable residues, dust, moist, soil, etc., and providing efficient and prompt cleaning of the existing space between the wheels and the disks, with the purpose of reducing detention time of the seeding machine.

Abstract: A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.

Abstract: A disc gang for use with an agricultural implement includes a pair of front and a pair of rear disc openers mounted to a carrier boom by a mounting arm that can be independently raised and lowered as desired. The front and rear disc openers are mounted such that the openers can oscillate in response to surface undulations independently of one another. Moreover, the disc openers of each pair are free to oscillate in response to surface contours independently of one another.

Abstract: This improved apparatus for planting grain crops provides improved emergence, particularly under heavy soil conditions, promotes more vigorous growth, reduces tillering and improves the yield in wheat and barley crops. The improved apparatus receives seed at a more-or-less uniform rate, captures the flow of seed until a multiplicity of seed generally in the range of 20 to 30 seeds is gathered, then releases said seed in concentrated groups spaced apart from one another and with blank or non-seeded portions therebetween into a furrow prepared by means of an angled disk.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying an active substance to the root zone of a plurality of plants, the applicator assembly comprising: a subsoil applicator having a cutting element for generating an incision in the ground, an injector associated with the cutting element to allow the active substance to be injected into the incision; and a positioning device adapted to allow the position of the cutting element to change position such that an incision is generated in some material in the root zone while the cutting element moves over other material in the root zone.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a seed drill row unit with an arm and an opener disc assembly rotatably mounted on the row unit arm. A soil strip assembly includes a mounting bracket with a mounting bracket base and first and second bracket arms. Each of the bracket arms has a front end attached to the bracket base and a trailing back end. The base is attached to the row unit arm in front of the opener disc assembly. Each of the mounting bracket arms extends rearwardly from the base along a respective side of the disc assembly. First and second flexible soil strips are attached to the first and second mounting bracket arms respectively and extend downwardly and rearwardly therefrom along either side of the disc assembly.

Abstract: A seeding assembly in grain seeding machines, in which the position of some of the usual devices is modified and some others are redesigned, adding on the depth control device a hinge placed on the front part of the opener disks, which allows the angular opening of the depth control wheels with respect to the furrow opening disks, minimizing the entry of vegetable residues, dust, moist, soil, etc., and providing efficient and prompt cleaning of the existing space between the wheels and the disks, with the purpose of reducing detention time of the seeding machine.

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

Abstract: An opener assembly for an agricultural seeder has an opener disc attached to an opener subframe for rotation about an axis. 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. The boot contacts and scrapes the opener disc and creates an enclosure between the boot and the opener disc. A flexible seed bounce flap provides the rear wall of the enclosure. The boot has a lower edge that fits entirely within the furrow created by the opener disc. A seed tube having a lower end extending into the enclosure is mounted to the opener subframe by a bracket independently of the boot. A structure is also provided for limiting downward movement of a firming wheel arm.

Abstract: A coulter assembly is provided that facilitates continuous adjustment of coulter disk penetration depth. In an exemplary embodiment, the coulter assembly includes a gauge wheel configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of a coulter disk into the soil. A depth adjustment assembly is coupled to the gauge wheel and configured to adjust the penetration depth of the coulter disk by continuously varying the vertical position of the gauge wheel. This configuration may enable the coulter disk to operate at any penetration depth within the gauge wheel range of motion, thereby facilitating deposition of fertilizer within the soil at a suitable depth to enhance crop growth.

Abstract: An opener assembly for an agricultural seeder has an opener disc attached to an opener subframe for rotation about an axis. 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. The boot contacts and scrapes the opener disc and creates an enclosure between the boot and the opener disc. A flexible seed bounce flap provides the rear wall of the enclosure. The boot has a lower edge that fits entirely within the furrow created by the opener disc. A seed tube having a lower end extending into the enclosure is mounted to the opener subframe by a bracket independently of the boot. A structure is also provided for limiting downward movement of a firming wheel arm.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus and methods for injecting viscous fertilizer, such as dewatered biosolids, below the surface of the soil. The invention also pertains to apparatus and methods for creating a continuous flow of viscous material and for dividing a flow of viscous material.

Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing member such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an agriculture planter. The planter may include a planter frame, a seed hopper and a trailing arm assembly. The planter frame may include a hitch tongue extending forwardly from the planter frame. The planter frame supports the seed hopper. The a trailing arm assembly is vertically pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the planter frame, extends rearward from the planter frame and includes a trailing arm frame and a lever arm vertically pivotally coupled to the trailing arm frame by a pivot point. The lever arm includes a leading end, a trailing end, a middle portion, a furrow opener disc and a first furrow closer wheel. The disc is rotatably mounted to the lever arm near the leading end. The first wheel is rotatably mounted to the lever arm near the trailing end. The middle portion is pivotably coupled to the pivot point.

Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus has an arm assembly adapted at a front end thereof for pivotal attachment to a seeder frame. A single disc is rotatably attached to the arm assembly about a disc axis at an angle to the travel. A walking beam is pivotally attached to the arm assembly rearward of the disc about a beam axis transverse to the travel direction. A bias element exerts a force on the arm assembly such that a downward bias force is exerted on the walking beam at the beam axis. A packer wheel is rotatably attached at a rear end of the walking beam, and a gauge wheel is rotatably attached at a front end of the walking beam. The gauge wheel is configured to roll along the ground adjacent to the leading face of the disc, and the packer wheel is configured to roll along the furrow.

Abstract: A seed drill or seeder of a kind to deposit serial streams of seed each into a disc made trough, trench or the like, characterised by each disc having its bearing mounted to the disc from the inside (i.e. the concave side) and a chute providing member or assembly down which the stream of seeds is to passes, is attached to the bearing from the outside (i.e. the convex side) of the disc.

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.

Abstract: A furrow opener device includes a disc arranged to open a primary furrow in the ground. A scraper body has a leading scraper edge supported alongside the disc to scrape the disc. A wing member is supported on a bottom portion of the scraper body in proximity to a bottom end of the disc and extends laterally outwardly away from the disc so as to be arranged to open a groove in the primary furrow projecting laterally to one side of the primary furrow, and a tube extends generally downward to an output opening located adjacent the wing member and is arranged for depositing product into the groove. A packer wheel is arranged in a first configuration where depth of disc penetration is gauged by a gauge wheel adjacent to the furrow opener and in a second configuration in which depth is gauged by the packer wheel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interseeding an area of ground having existing vegetation growing thereon are provided. The interseeder apparatus tills a plurality of spaced-apart rows in the ground, deposits seed in the exposed soil of the rows, compacts the seed into the rows, and optionally, sprays at least a portion of the exiting vegetation adjacent the rows with a herbicide so as to reduce competition for the new seedling.

Abstract: A ground opening device includes a ground-penetrating element configured to penetrate a ground surface, a down drive element configured to apply a downward force to the ground-penetrating element, a reaction force sensor configured to sense a ground reaction force in response to the action of the ground-penetrating element, and a controller configured to adjust the downward force on the ground-penetrating element in response to the sensed ground reaction force.

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

Abstract: A furrow forming tool (20) for use in agricultural apparatus, the tool (20) including a furrow forming disc (27) and a ground engaging wheel (28) associated therewith, the disc (27) and its associated ground engaging wheel (28) being assembled another with respect to the normal direction of travel of the tool (20) when in use, the disc (27) being mounted relative to the tool (20) so that its leading edge (29) is disposed forwardly of the leading edge of the ground engaging wheel (28).

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seed sowing apparatus which includes a substantially flat circular disc (1) mounted on a frame so as to be rotatable about horizontal axis (2) while partly embedded in soil (3) and drawn in a forward direction substantially parallel to the soil surface and substantially perpendicular to a disc axle. The apparatus also includes at least one blade (10) having a leading edge (11) defined by the intersection of two opposite side surfaces and a means (41, 45) for mounting said blades on said apparatus so that said leading edge (11) is held close to or in intimate contact with said disc (1), wherein said at least one blade's leading edge (11) is inclined in a plane of said blade such that an angle of the leading edge (11) with respect to an arc (A, B, C) of the disc surface passing beneath the leading edge (11) is zero or positive over the entire length of the leading edge (11).

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame, a grow medium manipulation surface configured to manipulate and move a growing medium and at least one elastomeric torsion element coupled to the surface. The growing medium manipulation surface moves between a first growing medium engagement position in which the surface manipulates and moves the growing medium and a second growing medium non-engagement position. The elastomeric torsion element resiliently biases the surface towards the first growing medium engagement position. In one exemplary embodiment, the growing medium engagement surface comprises the surface of a furrow opening device on an agricultural implement. In one exemplary embodiment, the implement additionally includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to the elastomeric torsion element.

Abstract: A disc opener for no till or minimum till seeding and/or fertilizing operations, the opener having a frame adapted to move in a forward direction of travel, an opening disc for forming a furrow in soil when moved in the forward direction, the disc being rotatably mounted to the frame and inclined in the direction of travel to provide a leading and a trailing surface, means for dispensing seed and/or fertilizer into the furrow, a soil retaining wheel mounted to the frame and set to run along an undisturbed soil surface behind the trailing edge of the leading surface of the opening disc in substantially the same direction as the direction of travel, such that in use the soil retaining wheel replaces soil from the furrow formed by the opening disc and also controls the depth of the furrow.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted for use with a disk type planting unit or opener assembly for depositing material in a furrow formed in the ground thereby. The disk type planting unit or opener assembly includes a disk supported for forward movement through the ground for forming the furrow, the disk being oriented at a small acute angle with respect to the forward direction and having a generally rearwardly facing disk surface. The apparatus includes a material delivery member having an inlet opening for receiving the material, a lower portion having an outlet opening for depositing the material into the furrow, and a conduit for the passage of the material between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

Abstract: An opener for use in varying ground conditions, ranging from no-till to conventional full tillage conditions, includes an adjustable down pressure control and a down pressure spring and tension link assembly which selectively provide a limited free float opener condition or a conventional down pressure spring controlled bias condition. A sleeve slidably received by the opener arm and mounted over the lower portion of the tension link assembly allows the opener to free float in loose soil conditions so that only the weight of the opener provides downward bias when the down pressure control is adjusted to a minimum condition. The opener is free to ride up and down to follow irregularities in the ground surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for manipulating and clearing crop residue or other debris from a zone of soil before tilling the zone of soil to form a seedbed. The apparatus may be attached to the tool bar of a farm implement and includes a pair of fingered wheels which are rotated by the ground and manipulate the crop residue as the apparatus moves along the ground. A rotating coulter blade is disposed behind and between the wheels, and the wheels pull the residue rearward and press it against the soil surface where it is cut by the rotating coulter blade. The coulter blade cuts the residue into several portions at least some of which are thrown outward away from the zone of soil to be tilled. A zone tillage apparatus then tills, mixes, aerates and fertilizes the soil in the zone to form a fertilized seedbed, and a planter places seed in the seedbed, all of these procedures being carried out in one pass along the soil.

Abstract: A disc-type opener and seeder useful in direct seeding during zero-till operations includes index/presser wheels to prevent hairpinning of trash etc. A soil retainer wheel cooperates with the disc to close the furrow cut by the disc and to cover the seeds placed therein. All of the above wheels are adjustably mounted to a main frame together with a spring-biased furrow finishing wheel. Improved seed supply means designed to reduce seed bounce are provided. Multiple units are mounted to a tool bar. Minor modifications permit the opener/seeder to be installed on the shank of a chisel plow air seeder.

Abstract: A rim liner member attached to and covering the face of a gauge wheel rim adjacent a soil penetrating disk. The liner member has an exterior surface having a high lubricity which minimizes the build up of wet soil on the exterior surface. The entire liner member may be formed of low-friction polyethylene and it may be configured to conform to the face of the gauge wheel rims used by the manufacturers of planter, grain drills, and other soil working implements.

Abstract: A one pass seedbed preparation device having two fluted coulter assemblies per seedbed. The coulter assemblies are attachable to existing seed planting apparatus at their bias spring housings and are offset to provide self-cleaning action. Fertilizer delivery is then provided to an area surrounding the seedbed raised by the coulter wheels. The fertilizer may be delivered by a knife-blade cultivator, an injector or a rolling-disc drive.

Abstract: In an agricultural drill having a frame plurality of pairs of furrow opening disk equipped supporting arms and pressure wheels are connected in trailing relation with the frame. A dry soil parting share is vertically adjustably connected with the respective pair of disk furrow supporting arms forwardly of the furrow opening disks and in the direction of disk travel so that as the drill is moved forwardly the share removes dry soil from the travel path of the furrow opening disks.

Abstract: A one pass seedbed preparation device having two fluted coulter assemblies per seedbed. The coulter assemblies are attachable to existing seed planting apparatus at their bias spring housings and are offset to provide self-cleaning action. Fertilizer delivery is then provided to an area surrounding the seedbed raised by the coulter wheels. The fertilizer may be delivered by a knife-blade cultivator, an injector or a rolling-disc drive.