Plural Cooperating Disk Openers Patents (Class 111/164)
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Patent number: 7823521Abstract: A gauge wheel assembly for a farming implement is disclosed which comprises a hub portion positioned substantially centrally with respect to the assembly, a rim portion forming a circumference of the assembly and forming a circumferential ground contacting surface; and an intermediate portion positioned between and connecting the hub portion and the rim portion. The intermediate portion comprises a hub side section positioned about the hub portion, a rim side section positioned inwardly of the rim portion, and a plurality of spoke sections extending from the hub side section to the rim side section and connecting the hub side section to the rim side section. The rim side section encircling the plurality of spoke sections. The hub side section of the intermediate portion defines an aperture with the hub portion being positioned in the hub side section. The intermediate portion is separable from the rim portion and the hub portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Inventor: Duane A Smith
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Patent number: 7819072Abstract: A method and apparatus to be mounted upon a planter row unit for delivering liquid fertilizer to the bottom of a trench without contacting the seed to be planted may be integrated with a cleaner for the furrow opening device. The system as claimed and described is adapted for mounting to substantially all modern row units employing floating row units. The method and apparatus as described does not interfere with existing down pressure or seed placement systems as found on modern row crop planters. As described and implemented, the method and apparatus is more compact and lighter in weight than the prior art. The attached assembly for a seed planting unit works in combination with a seed trench opener to form a trench for the deposit of liquid fertilizer offset from and parallel to the later formed seed trench.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Inventor: Howard D Martin
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Patent number: 7721663Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Exler Equipment LimitedInventors: Selwyn Vesey Stewart Exler, Michael Kevin Scheib
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Patent number: 7707952Abstract: An extension for use with a planter, drill, or other farming implement having a seed tube that deposits seed in a furrow. The extension defines protrusions for attaching one or more liquid distribution apparatuses arranged to distribute liquid in a furrow well above the seeds, on the seeds, or both.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Inventor: Paul E. Schaffert
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Patent number: 7669536Abstract: 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 apparatus such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Inventor: Howard D. Martin
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Publication number: 20090241818Abstract: A ground opener that is allowed to caster in one direction is associated with a pair of arms connected by a pivot connection that allows one arm to move relative to the other arm. The movable arm is forced against the stationary arm when the ground opener impacts the soil as the ground opener is pulled along a relatively straight travel path. When the ground opener is turned radially from the straight travel path, the movable arm may cast away from the stationary arm. The disc opener is coupled to the movable arm through a central hub and, as such, the trailing edge of the disc opener will move away from the stationary arm as the disc opener is turned. When the disc opener has completed the turn, the torque on the disc opener will lessen thereby allowing the movable arm to move back toward the stationary arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLCInventor: Brian Donald Cey
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Patent number: 7584706Abstract: A gauge wheel assembly for a farming implement is disclosed which comprises a hub portion positioned substantially centrally with respect to the assembly, a rim portion forming a circumference of the assembly and forming a circumferential ground contacting surface; and an intermediate portion positioned between and connecting the hub portion and the rim portion. The intermediate portion comprises a hub side section positioned about the hub portion, a rim side section positioned inwardly of the rim portion, and a plurality of spoke sections extending from the hub side section to the rim side section and connecting the hub side section to the rim side section. The rim side section encircling the plurality of spoke sections. The hub side section of the intermediate portion defines an aperture with the hub portion being positioned in the hub side section. The intermediate portion is separable from the rim portion and the hub portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2007Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Inventor: Duane A. Smith
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Patent number: 7584707Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural planter having a rearwardly curving forward wall, a rearwardly curving rearward wall and opposing sidewalls defining a seed passageway which curves rearwardly from an upper ingress end toward a lower egress end. Wear resistant material is disposed proximate the egress end which provides a point of first contact with the opener disks thereby preventing appreciable wear of the egress end of the seed tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: Precision Planting, Inc.Inventors: Derek A. Sauder, Chad E. Plattner, Brad A. Wiegand
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Publication number: 20080302282Abstract: 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 means such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventor: Howard D. Martin
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Publication number: 20080295750Abstract: There is proposed a novel furrow opening apparatus (10) that includes toothed discs (12 and 14) that are able to penetrate the soil thereby creating a furrow (114). The teeth (20) of the apparatus (10) are configured to prevent hair pinning of plant material within the furrow (114). The edges of the teeth (20) slice any plant material as teeth (20) penetrate the soil. Uncut straw is wedged between the teeth (20) and broken by tension as the discs (12 and 14) diverge and any uncut straw is removed from the furrow (114) by teeth (20). Any soil and plant material that adheres to the teeth (20) is cleared by a scraper (48) and deposited back on the soil surface. The apparatus (10) may further include a seeding device (142) that is configured to follow the toothed discs (12 and 14) and create a seeding furrow (166).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2004Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: David Gregor
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Patent number: 7448333Abstract: A seeder (10) includes multiple cutting head units (30) pivotally mounted to a jack shaft (24) of a frame (12) and spring biased downwardly by hold downs (80). Each multiple cutting head unit (30) includes multiple roller blades (36) received on an axle (34) rotatably mounted in a carrier (32) and in gearing relation to the jack shaft (24). The roller blades (36) include a series of oppositely formed, circumferentially spaced radially extending indentations (36a) extending from a continuous, smooth periphery at a constant extent from the axle (34). Fingers (46) extending between the roller blades (36) are pivotally mounted to the carrier (32) to adjust the depth of the slits formed by the roller blades (36). Each hose (98) extending from a seed box (96) diverts seed into adjacent slits immediately after the roller blades (36).Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Turfco Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Scott Kinkead, Terrence R. Bondeson, Tom Fiske, Thomas E. Isaman, Kenneth Sylvester, Steven Ferguson, John Blackburn Kinkead
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Patent number: 7438006Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine movable in a planting direction includes a frame; a disc opener assembly carried by the frame and having a first axis of rotation; a gauge wheel assembly carried by the frame and having a second axis of rotation, and a press wheel assembly carried by the frame and having a third axis of rotation. The second axis is positioned forward of the first axis relative to the planting direction. The gauge wheel assembly overlaps the disc opener assembly relative to the planting direction. The third axis is positioned rearward of the first axis relative to the planting direction. The press wheel assembly overlaps the disc opener assembly relative to the planting direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Nathan A. Mariman, Ronald T. Flowers, Michael E. Frasier
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Patent number: 7426893Abstract: A planting unit is provided having a seed trench opener that forms a seed trench in a ground surface as the planting unit travels along the ground. A depth regulating member is provided that has a predetermined vertical position relative to the opener. The depth regulating member is operable to ride along the ground and thus predetermined the seed trench depth. A suspension assembly is provided to reduce the shock forces on the planting unit when obstacles are encountered. Furthermore, a suspension system is provided to the seed trench opener, in addition to the depth regulating member.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2007Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Keith W Wendte, Brian T Adams
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Patent number: 7360495Abstract: An improved method of monitoring penetration of a planting unit into a ground surface comprising engaging a planting unit with a ground surface wherein the planting unit has a planting unit frame and the planting unit frame is cooperatively engaged with a support member by a planting frame and wherein the planting unit comprises, a seed trench opening assembly operable to create a seed trench in a ground surface, a depth regulating member having a vertical position relative to the seed trench opening assembly and monitoring penetration of the furrow forming structure into the ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Inventor: Howard D. Martin
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Patent number: 7360494Abstract: A seed planting assembly comprising a laterally extending support member and a planting unit including a planting frame supported by said support member. Said planting unit frame carries, a seed trench opening assembly operable to create a seed trench in a ground surface, a depth regulating member having a vertical position relative to said seed trench opening assembly, wherein said depth regulating member responds to forces upon said planting unit to control ground surface engagement, an arm assembly connecting said depth regulating member to said planting unit frame with a depth monitoring means for indicating whether said depth regulating member is fully engaged with said ground surface wherein said depth monitoring means indicates whether said arm assembly is engaged with said stop means.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Inventor: Howard D. Martin
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Patent number: 7308859Abstract: A planting unit is provided having a seed trench opener that forms a seed trench in a ground surface as the planting unit travels along the ground. A depth regulating member is provided that has a predetermined vertical position relative to the opener. The depth regulating member is operable to ride along the ground and thus predetermined the seed trench depth. A suspension assembly is provided to reduce the shock forces on the planting unit when obstacles are encountered. Furthermore, a suspension system is provided to the seed trench opener, in addition to the depth regulating member.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2004Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Keith W. Wendte, Brian T. Adams
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Patent number: 7263937Abstract: A mutually-engageable or interlocking connection between a seed tube guard and a frame member mounted to a seed planting machine. The mutually-engageable connection includes a yoke having a front journal and a rear journal with a gap, the yoke, carried on the frame member, and a pin connected to a neck, carried by the guard. The pin is sized to fit between and into the front and rear journals, wherein the neck has a thickness less than a width of the gap in order to slide though the gap during installation, and a length to fit between and through the front and rear journals.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Michael Eugene Frasier
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Patent number: 7240627Abstract: A residue coulter apparatus that cleanly severs and clears crop debris from a planting row, causing minimal disturbance to the soil. The residue coulter apparatus comprises a pair of flat discs each having a plurality of back swept shark type teeth extending about their periphery. The teeth include a double beveled cutting edge on the outer edge of the teeth adapted to sever residue from the field. The clearing discs are oriented substantially vertical to the ground. Two clearing discs are used in combination to clear a pathway for planting seed. The clearing discs are angled toward each other so that the leading edges of the clearing discs are pointed in a toe-in orientation. The present design effectively removes crop debris without over discharge and causes minimal soil disturbance.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Yetter Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Patrick Whalen, Stephen E. Cerven, Derek A. Litchfield
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Patent number: 7216596Abstract: An agricultural plough (1) including a longitudinally extending support member (2) having a forward portion to be attached to a vehicle to thereby enable the apparatus (1) to be towed by the vehicle; a generally “n” shaped frame (500) fixed to the support member (2) and including a pair of ends (505, 510) located on opposite longitudinal sides and spaced normal to the support member (2); a pair of axles (13, 14) attached to and extending laterally from the ends and providing a pair of laterally extending rotational axes, the axes being located on opposite sides of the member (2) and in a plane extending transversely normal to the member (2) and at an acute angle longitudinally so as to extend rearwardly down, the axes each being inclined by an acute angle of 6 to 12 degrees to a plane extending normal to the member (2) to diverge rearwardly; a plough disc (18, 20) supported on each axle to rotate about the rotational axes, with the discs (18, 20) and axles being configured so that the discs (18, 20) convergeType: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Ceekay Innovations Pty LtdInventor: Christopher Anthony Jones
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Patent number: 7104206Abstract: An agricultural plough has a longitudinally extending support member having a forward portion to be attached to a vehicle to thereby enable the apparatus to be towed by the vehicle. A pair of axles extend laterally from opposite longitudinal sides of the support member and provide a pair of laterally extending rotational axes. The axes are on opposite sides of the support member at acute angles longitudinally so as to extend rearwardly, the acute angles being 8 to 10 degrees to a plane extending normal to the support member to diverge rearwardly. Plough discs are supported on the axles to rotate about the rotational axes, with the discs and axles being configured so that the discs converge rearwardly and downward. The discs are displaced rearwardly from the forward portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: Christopher Anthony Jones
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Patent number: 6913085Abstract: A double disk C-spring standard assembly utilizes bearings mounted to a simple carrier plate. The plate is connected to the lower end of a single C-spring oriented in the fore-and-aft direction. Bearing assembly mounting holes in the plate define the necessary gang angles. Compact disk blade hub assemblies facilitate side-by-side mounting of the center bearing assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Jarrod Ray Ruckle
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Patent number: 6776107Abstract: Apparatus comprising a frame carried by an elongated and laterally extending bar and having mounted thereon a first pair of rotatable trash wheels and a second pair of rotatable trash wheels longitudinally spaced behind the first pair of rotatable trash wheels and forward of a furrow opener. The first pair of rotatable trash wheels is angularly disposed toward each other forming a first angle therebetween and staggered such that one rotatable trash wheel contacts soil forward of the other rotatable trash wheel. The second pair of rotatable trash wheels is angularly disposed toward each other forming a second angle therebetween greater than the first angle. The apparatus cuts and clears trash from minimally and untilled soil.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
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Patent number: 6763773Abstract: An extension for use with a planter, drill, or other farming implement having a seed tube that deposits seed in a furrow. The extension defining one or more depressions for locating one or more liquid distribution apparatuses arranged to distribute liquid in a furrow well above the seeds, on the seeds, or both.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Inventor: Paul E. Schaffert
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Patent number: 6578502Abstract: A soil working apparatus including at least one rotatable soil working members (52, 54) for disturbing the soil in the direction of travel of the apparatus, the rotatable soil working members (52, 54) being obliquely passing through and beneath the surface of the soil, and at least one press wheel (80, 82) positioned beside and at least partially behind each of the at least one rotatable soil working members for pressing down the soil disturbed by the rotatable soil working members, each press wheel corresponding to at least one rotatable soil working members.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Inventors: Derek Gilbert Barnstable, Denis James Danaher
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Patent number: 6453832Abstract: A liquid distribution apparatus for use with a planter, drill or other farming implement having a seed tube that deposits seeds in a furrow. The liquid distribution apparatus includes a supply channel in fluid connection with a hose supplying a liquid to the furrow. The liquid distribution apparatus also includes a distribution channel that is oriented to distribute the liquid onto one or both sidewalls of the furrow. The apparatus may be used alone or along with an extension for reducing seed bounce.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Inventor: Paul E. Schaffert
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Patent number: 6321667Abstract: An agricultural planting machine having a frame, a pair of opposite furrow forming disks rotatably mounted on the frame on intersecting axes and a pair of gauge wheel assemblies mounted on the frame respectively adjacent the opposite sides of the pair of furrow forming disks. An improved mechanism for adjustably mounting the other end of each gauge wheel arm which has an internally threaded bore to the frame includes an internally threaded cylindrical shaft mounted on the frame. An externally threaded bushing is rotatably mounted on the shaft for engagement with the internally threaded bore in the gauge wheel arm such that rotation of the bushing with respect to the gauge wheel arm moves the gauge wheel arm axially of the internally threaded cylindrical shaft to adjust the lateral spacing of the gauge wheel from the adjacent disk. A locking member locks the externally threaded bushing to the other end of the gauge wheel arm to cause rotation of the bushing and the arm as a unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Inventor: Kenneth E. Shoup
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Patent number: 6283050Abstract: An extension for use with a furrow opener is disclosed for properly placing seeds in a furrow. The extension attaches by way of particular attachment brackets to the furrow opener to help direct bouncing seeds into the vertex in the bottom portion of the furrow. The extension comprises an elongated flexible body member defining a general arcuate shape, and also defines an upper segment and a lower segment. The upper segment defines an attachment structure for releasable engagement to the furrow opener. The lower segment depends downwardly and rearwardly from the furrow opener and extends into the furrow. The lower segment has a width dimension decreasing continuously along its length, the width dimension substantially equal to but less than the width of the furrow along the length of the extension. The lower segment terminates at a trailing end, which is spaced above the centrally located bottom portion of the furrow.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Inventor: Paul E. Schaffert
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Patent number: 6213035Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus for attachment to an agricultural implement for depositing agricultural material such as seed and fertilizer in the soil. The apparatus comprises a flat disc rotatably attached to the apparatus such its axis of rotation is perpendicular to the direction of travel; a concave disc rotatably attached to the apparatus such that firstly the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the direction of travel, secondly the rear edge of the concave disc is behind the rear edge of the flat disc, thirdly the concave side of the concave disc is facing the flat disc and the outer rim of the concave disc is in close proximity to or touching the side of the flat disc; and means to introduce the agricultural material into the open area between the concave side of the concave disc and the side of the flat disc. The furrow opener requires less power to pull than present openers and penetrates un-tilled soil. A swivel mount and packer are provided for the furrow opener.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventor: Fred Harrison
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Patent number: 6148747Abstract: The wheel arms of a planter row unit are mounted to the row unit frame for independent pivotal motion. The ends of a saddle link are received in sockets formed on gauge wheel arms; and a yoke (or ring-shaped link) pivotally mounted to the frame engages a central saddle bearing surface on the saddle link. The wheel arms, saddle link and yoke are constructed and arranged such that when one gauge wheel raises when it encounters an obstruction, the other lowers and the frame raises by about one-half the distance which the first gauge wheel is raised.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing Inc.Inventors: Harry C. Deckler, Alan F. Barry, Steven D. Rodgers
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Patent number: 6082275Abstract: An extension for use with a furrow opener is disclosed for properly placing seeds in a furrow. The extension attaches by way of particular attachment brackets to the furrow opener to help direct bouncing seeds into the vertex in the bottom portion of the furrow. The extension comprises an elongated flexible body member defining a general arcuate shape, and also defines an upper segment and a lower segment. The upper segment defines an attachment structure for releasable engagement to the furrow opener. The lower segment depends downwardly and rearwardly from the furrow opener and extends into the furrow. The lower segment has a width dimension decreasing continuously along its length, the width dimension substantially equal to but less than the width of the furrow along the length of the extension. The lower segment terminates at a trailing end, which is spaced above the centrally located bottom portion of the furrow.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1997Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Inventor: Paul E. Schaffert
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Patent number: 6082276Abstract: A disk colter has a main disk for making a furrow in the ground. A secondary disk keeps the furrow open over a long enough distance that one or more seeds can be deposited. A support member supports the disks which are mounted so that they can rotate freely and are inclined in such a way that their peripheries meet in a region where the disks are closest to each other. This region is located at a bottom front part of the colter. On the main disk and/or the secondary disk, there is a plugging member intended to plug, at least in a vicinity of the region, a slot between the main disk and the secondary disk so that earth and/or plant debris are prevented from accumulating between the disks at least in the region.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Kuhn S.A.Inventors: Jean Klein, Edmond Oberle
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Patent number: 6073565Abstract: A disk opener and packer wheel system for maintaining a constant disk opener depth and for maintaining a constant packing of the soil by the packer wheel when planting upon uneven surfaces. The inventive device includes a frame having a bracket for attaching to the drill, a pair of support arms pivotally attached to the frame, a compression spring positioned between the support arm and the frame, a first member pivotally attached between the pair of support arms, a second member pivotally attached between the pair of support arms, a disk opener attached to the lower end of the first member, a packer wheel attached to the lower end of the second member, and an adjusting shaft adjustably positioned between the upper ends of the first member and the second member. In use, when the disk opener engages a hard object, such as a rock, the disk opener and the support arm are elevated while the packer wheel is forced downwardly to compensate for the elevated support arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Inventor: Leroy Richard
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Patent number: 5934208Abstract: A depth control structure for an agricultural seeder, having laterally spaced opener structures including pivotally mounted opener beams extending rearwardly and downwardly from the seeder frame to journal openers for vertical motion, provides a depth control wheel adjustably supported forwardly of each opener. Each depth control wheel is journaled in the rearward portion of a body beam pivotally supported in its forward portion on the seeder to extend rearwardly with at least its rearward portion below the associated opener beam. The medial portion of the body carries adjustment structure interconnected with the superior opener support beam to fixedly maintain and adjustably vertically position the depth control wheel relative to the associated opener. The depth control wheels have a cylindrical periphery with substantial width to aid in compacting and conditioning the earth that is to define a potential seed furrow for seed placement.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Inventor: Lester L. Clemons
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Patent number: 5918557Abstract: An extension for use with a furrow opener is disclosed for properly placing seeds in a furrow. The extension attaches to the furrow opener to help direct bouncing seeds into the vertex in the bottom portion of the furrow. The extension comprises an elongated flexible body member defining a general arcuate shape, and also defines an upper segment and a lower segment. The upper segment defines an attachment structure for releasable engagement to the furrow opener. The lower segment depends downwardly and rearwardly from the furrow opener and extends into the furrow. The lower segment has a width dimension decreasing continuously along its length, the width dimension substantially equal to but less than the width of the furrow along the length of the extension. The extension does not contact the furrow. The lower segment terminates at a trailing end, which is spaced above the centrally located bottom portion of the furrow.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1997Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Inventor: Paul E. Schaffert
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Patent number: 5752453Abstract: A fertilizer applying apparatus for agricultural row crops applies fertilizer at a predetermined depth and lateral distance relative to a row line. A castering pair of disks are sized and oriented to part the soil adjacent the row line in a manner which minimizes soil fracturing which distorts the seed bed.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: A.I.T. Inc.Inventors: Lee F. Nikkel, Eugene H. Schmidt
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Patent number: 5724902Abstract: A seeding device principally for no-tillage seeding conditions comprises a drag arm carrying two disk blades and transmitting the necessary forces thereto to cut through crop residues at the ground surface and to open a furrow for seed placement in the soil. The smaller disk is oriented vertically, whereas the larger disk extends at a compound angle from a lower front contact point between the two disks which thus define a V-shaped opener. The larger disk is angled relative to both the direction of travel and to a vertical axis to cut through residues and the soil and to displace a volume of soil for forming a trench. The smaller disk retains soil on a side of the furrow to allow a tube to deliver seeds therein. The smaller blade can also cut residues at the point of contact between the two disks to avoid trash buildup thereat.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1994Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Universite Laval of Cite UniversitaireInventors: Luc Janelle, Claude Lague, Sylvio Tessier
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Patent number: 5678500Abstract: A seed delivery device is positioned on the seed tube of a planter and between a pair of V-oriented opening disks. The device has an elongated duct having an upper end with an opening capable of being disposed in spatial communication with the seed tube. A lower end of the duct has an opening which is positioned directly behind and adjacent to the location where the pair of opening disks contact one another. The duct extends along a substantially straight line below the seed tube so that a seed traveling through the duct is directed in a substantially downward direction into a V-shaped trench. Structure is also provided for attaching the duct to the planter.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Montezuma Welding & Mfg., Inc.Inventor: LaVern D. Schmidt
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Patent number: 5664507Abstract: The present invention is a seed tube guide for maintaining the seed tube in the center of the seed planting furrow between the double disc openers. The seed tube guide comprises a unitary member having left and right forwardly extending mounting plates for engaging a seed tube guard. Each of the mounting plates has a notch for receiving the transversely extending ridge of the seed tube guard. Extending rearwardly are left and right guide members for gripping the seed tube and centering it in the seed planting furrow.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1996Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Norman Robert Bergland, Alfred Dean Yoder
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Patent number: 5655468Abstract: A system is provided for delivering particulate material from a material storage hopper to a remote discharge station on a wheeled frame structure of an agricultural implement. The system includes a material dispensing mechanism, a connector, and an elongated material conveying tube. The dispensing mechanism is adapted to receive material from the hopper and dispense the material through an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit is directed at an angle relative to the discharge station. The conveying tube delivers material from the dispensing mechanism to the discharge station. The connector interconnects the outlet conduit to one end of the tube and has a passageway therethrough to allow material to pass from the outlet conduit to the tube. The connector is configured to direct the axis of the tube generally closer to the discharge station relative to the axis of the outlet conduit.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Case CorporationInventors: Donald L. Ledermann, John F. Stufflebeam
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Patent number: 5640915Abstract: An extension for use with a furrow opener is disclosed for properly placing seeds in a furrow. The extension attaches to the furrow opener to help direct bouncing seeds into the vertex in the bottom portion of the furrow. The extension comprises an elongated flexible body member defining a general arcuate shape, and also defines an upper segment and a lower segment. The upper segment defines an attachment structure for releasable engagement to the furrow opener. The lower segment depends downwardly and rearwardly from the furrow opener and extends into the furrow. The lower segment has a width dimension decreasing continuously along its length, the width dimension substantially equal to but less than the width of the furrow along the length of the extension. The extension does not contact the furrow. The lower segment terminates at a trailing end, which is spaced above the centrally located bottom portion of the furrow.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1995Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Inventor: Paul E. Schaffert
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Patent number: 5603269Abstract: A mechanism for planting agricultural seed. The mechanism has a frame to be drawn by a towing vehicle in a forward direction, a seed supply hopper on the frame, structure on the frame for directing seed from the hopper to a delivery point adjacent to a surface on underlying soil into which seed is to be planted, structure on the frame for pressing seed from the seed directing structure into underlying soil adjacent to the delivery point as the frame moves in the forward direction, and cooperating first and second soil parting structures on the frame for defining a receptacle for seed at the delivery point.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventor: James H. Bassett
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Patent number: 5595130Abstract: A planting unit utilizing a single disk opener supported for rotation about a horizontal axis offset at a small angle from the transverse direction for opening a furrow. A seed tube assembly is located adjacent the rearward facing side of the disk and includes a runner extending forwardly of the lower portion of the seed tube for holding loose soil out of the furrow in advance of seed or other material deposited therein, the runner being located in the shadow of the disk so as not to significantly contact or disturb the side of the furrow. The opener is mounted on an arm which is pivotable about a relatively low point so as to be oriented at a relatively flat angle with respect to the ground and to maintain the general orientation of the opener as it moves through the soil throughout the range of pivotal movement of the arm. The planting unit can include one or more pivotable press wheels which can be mounted for pivotal movement about the same axis as a pivotable gauge wheel adjusting arm.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1995Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Inventors: Roger D. Baugher, Garreth D. Baugher
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Patent number: 5477792Abstract: A method of continuously applying an additive to soil with a soil treating apparatus as the soil treating apparatus is advanced in a travel direction along a planting path on soil being treated. The method includes the steps of resituating residue in the planting path in a lateral direction transverse to the travel direction away from the planting path, applying an additive to the soil, and moving soil laterally inwardly over the planting path after the additive is applied to the soil. An apparatus is provided for practicing the method.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1993Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Dawn Equipment CompanyInventors: James H. Bassett, Timothy R. Baer
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Patent number: 5427038Abstract: An agricultural planting machine has a pair of adjacent furrow opening disks that form a V-shaped furrow as the machine advances and a pair of ground engaging gauge wheels respectively mounted for rotation adjacent the opposite sides of the opening disks. The gauge wheels are journaled on the lower ends of a pair of arms having their upper ends attached to the planter frame by mechanisms that permit easy lateral adjustment of the arms to optimize the close spacing between the gauge wheels and the opening disks. Each adjusting mechanisms includes an externally threaded bushing mounted on a shaft and engaging an internally threaded bore in the gauge wheel arm so that rotation of the bushing laterally shifts the arm and the gauge wheel mounted thereon. A locking device is operative between the bushing and the shaft to selectively lock the adjusting mechanism in the desired position.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1994Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Frank E. Ege
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Patent number: 5398625Abstract: A seed firming wheel assembly is supported in close-coupled relationship with the rear portion of the paired discs of an opener to gently press deposited seeds down into the bottom of a V-shaped trench formed by the discs. The mounting arm of the assembly is configured in a manner to minimize the accumulation of mud and trash residue, while the wheel itself may take the form of a solid, circular block of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene with slick sides to reduce soil adherence or a spoked, molded plastic wheel having open spaces between the spokes to permit soil pass-through.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1992Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, IncorporatedInventors: Eric Johnson, J. Michael McClure, James I. Van Blaricon
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Patent number: 5398771Abstract: A grain drill is disclosed having a folding frame for parallel operation and a parallel link system that controls the tension to earth openers in order to produce relatively constant downward pressure for the openers. The grain drill includes a rotating tool bar for facilitating the adjustment of downward pressure to the openers, controlling the ground cutting depth of the openers and raising the tools to obtain the ground clearance needed for road transport. The drill has disc openers with axially collocated discs having different outer diameters and a narrow angle between the opener discs producing a "V" shaped groove for seeding. The grain drill has a common horizontal center to support seed boxes, fixed dual wheels and a hitch for connection to a pulling vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1993Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignee: CrustBuster/Speed King, Inc.Inventors: Donald F. Hornung, J. Edson Mc Canse, Thomas A. Klenke, Roger C. McDonald
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Patent number: 5337832Abstract: A repositioning mechanism for an agricultural implement. The mechanism has an adjusting rod with a length, a receptacle for the adjusting rod, cooperating structure on the adjusting rod and receptacle for relatively moving the adjusting rod and receptacle lengthwise of the adjusting rod as an incident of the adjusting rod being rotated about its length, structure on the receptacle for mounting an agricultural implement so that the agricultural implement moves with the receptacle, an operating handle, and structure for attaching the operating handle to the adjusting rod to facilitate rotation of the adjusting rod about its length by manipulation of the operating handle. The attaching structure, in one form, is a pin on one of the operating handle and adjusting rod and a slot on the other of the operating handle and adjusting rod, to receive the pin with the operating handle and adjusting rod in an operative position.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1992Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Inventor: James H. Bassett
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Patent number: 5318133Abstract: A disk scraper assembly for a furrow opener including a pair of closely spaced disks rotatably mounted on a support in downwardly converging relation relative to each other. The scraper assembly includes a pair of scraper blades supported for lateral-sliding movement independently of and in opposite directions relative to each other between the disks of the furrow opener. Each blade has a generally planar configuration and includes an elongated scraper surface which is adjustably fitted and then fixedly held in place to scrape dirt from an inner face of one of the disks.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1992Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Assignee: Case CorporationInventor: Robert W. Logue
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Patent number: 5269380Abstract: A mud scraper assembly includes a scraper blade mounted on the lower end of a scraper arm which in turn has a clamp at its upper end mounted on the sleeve of a depth gauge wheel support arm. No alteration of existing planter structure is required for adapting the mud scraper assembly to a Deere Max-Emerge planter and planters having generally the same structure. An adjustment screw is provided on the clamp for engaging the wheel support arm at a point remote to the shaft axis on which it is mounted to pivot the scraper arm into close proximity with the depth gauge wheels as needed.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1992Date of Patent: December 14, 1993Assignee: Lofquist Welding, Inc.Inventors: Donald B. Lofquist, Steven L. Lofquist
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Patent number: 5235922Abstract: For multi-row planting a seed planter having furrow-opening discs and associated gauge wheels the independent support arms of which are operatively interconnected by an equalizer arm whereby the combined load carried by the gauge wheels is distributed substantially equally therebetween so as to compensate for ground surface irregularities encountered by the gauge wheels. The distance a planter rises when a gauge wheel rolls over a stone is cut in half thereby reducing shock and minimizing interference with seed metering and dispensing. The equalizer arm may be mounted on adjustable support linkage whereby the gauge wheels may be positioned at different heights for different depth furrows.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1979Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Assignee: Allied Products CorporationInventor: Harry C. Deckler