Abstract: A system for ensuring the uniform height of gauge wheels for a towed implement assembly such as a seeder. The seeder has a frame structure with a series of front gauge wheels suspended by the front of the frame structure. A greater number of rear wheels are suspended by the frame structure to the rear of the front gauge wheel. A tow hitch is pivotally connected from the front of the frame structure for coupling to a work vehicle. A front bar having a first end and a second end is coupled to the tow hitch. A center actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder is coupled to one end of the front bar. A rear bar is placed in contact with the opposite end of the hydraulic cylinder. The front gauge wheels are raised by extending the cylinder and causing force to be applied to the front and rear bars. In this manner, the weight on the front wheels is distributed to the work vehicle via the tow hitch and the rear wheels.

Abstract: The planer row unit has a unit frame with a front member that is adapted to be secured to a tool bar. A sub frame is secured to the front member by parallel links. A furrow opener disk, a seed shoe and a gauge wheel are secured to the subframe.A cam plate supported by a spring to the rear of the seed shoe presses seeds into moist soil in the bottom of a seed furrow. A seed covering disc is supported by a covering disc shank to the rear and to one side of the furrow opener. The covering disc has a circular plate portion that faces downwardly and forwardly, moves loose soil from the furrow opener into the seed furrow and rotates about a central axis that extends downwardly from a horizontal plane. A flange, with notches extends radially outward and rearwardly from the outer periphery of the circular plate portion, rolls and slides along the surface and limits soil penetration by the covering disk.

Abstract: A planting machine having a lifting arrangement for lifting and carrying planting units, with the weight of the units uniformly and evenly distributed on the machine when the units are traveling in an inoperative mode, the planting machine including a lifting tower upwardly extending in a sloped plane for lifting the planting units up to the transportation inoperative position mode, along the sloped plane defined by the lifting tower, the center of gravity of the planting units lying in a position wherein the weight of the planting units is symmetrically distributed relative to the wheels of the rolling transportation chassis; with the spacing distance between the planting units, in the planting position, being capable of being modified as a function of the desired distance between furrows, without the wheels of the transportation chassis interfering with the hoppers of the planting units and hindering the movement of the planting units.

Abstract: A versatile implement system utilizing a single implement structure that is capable of being utilized as a grain planter, row crop planter, tiller or anhydrous applicator. The inventive device includes a conventional implement frame, a bracket, a pair of support arms connected to the bracket, a breakaway structure, a receiving arm having a tubular structure, a syncline shaped brace within the receiving arm, a shank member having a syncline end that is removably insertable into an open end of the receiving arm for mating connection with the brace, and an attachment connected to the shank opposite of the syncline end for performing a specific task. This structure allows a plurality of shank planters, anhydrous applicators, double-disc openers, corn planters or tillage attachments to be utilized upon a single implement frame. Varying row spacing such as 30, 15 and 71/2 inch are achievable by removing specific planter attachments.

Abstract: A stack folding implement has a transverse frame that includes a center section and two opposite wing sections half as wide as the center section. Each of the wing sections is connected in a four bar linkage relationship with the center section so that as the wings are lifted by cylinders coupled with the linkages, the wing sections stay generally level and upright, causing the wing sections to come into stacked relationship with the center section directly above the latter and beside one another. In order to reduce the overall height of the stack-folded machine the linkage for each wing section is connected to the wing adjacent the inner end of the wing so that the wing is supported in a cantilever manner. The main lifting link of the linkage is designed to swing through an arc greater than 90.degree. to permit the wing sections to settle down close to the center section in their final positions of rest.

Abstract: An improved planter gauge wheel arm hub assembly which reduces the effects of wear on gauge wheel hubs and shafts and the resulting looseness between the gauge wheels and furrow disks. A preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a threaded attaching stud and a threaded adjustment stud to carry a disc spring which applies a continuous force on the wheel arm hub.

Abstract: A unique coulter has a flat band adjacent the peripheral cutting edge to form a slot. Inwardly of this flat band, and on one side of the coulter blade is an inclined compacting surface. The outer, cutting edge of the coulter enters the soil first and as the machine moves forward the compacting surface of the coulter is brought into engagement with one wall of the partially formed slot to firm the soil adjacent the top of the wall. At the rear of the coulter, behind the compacting surface, there is a delivery chute or tube for depositing the fertilizer into the slot formed by the coulter.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An integrated soil cultivation apparatus (20) which is coupled to the rear of a propelling vehicle (21) and can carry out a number of different soil working operations during forward movement, the apparatus comprising a frame; a coupling arrangement (2) at the forward end of the frame; a first packer (9) arranged to support the forward part of the frame (1); a second packer (11) arranged to support the rear part of the frame (1); depth adjustable levelling tines (8) arranged forwardly of the first packer (8); rows of transversely extending harrow tines (26 and 27) mounted on the frame (1) between the first and second packers (9 and 11); rear rows of tines (28, 29) preferably provided with coulter tubes for seed distribution; and a lowerable set of transport wheels (3) arranged to support the rear end of the frame (1) during transport only, but being raised out of contact with the ground so that soil cultivation can take place, whereby the first and second packers (9 and 11) carry out dual function of soil cru

Abstract: Combined farm machine performing all of the seeding operations in one pass, comprising: a frame with a three-point attachment for the connection to the tractor and a hydraulic pump; several soil rippers; a roller for the macro- and microtillage of soil; a mechanical hopper seeder with rotating devices, from which several tubular seeding members project; several spring harrows and a levelling blade or door, which machine also includes a ploughing roller for the differentiated tillage of the soil, having several annular ribbings projecting in the same number as the seeding members and aligned therewith, the ploughing roller being rotated by motor.

Abstract: A cultivator which may be attached to a tractor or similar vehicle for use in cultivating rows of plants, includes a rotary tine assembly having a plurality of vertically-oriented, rotary tines for cultivating soil on each side of a row of plants; shields associated with each row of plants for limiting throwing of soil by the rotary tines; a drive motor for moving the rotary tines to cultivate the soil; and a support structure for securing the rotary tines, the shields, and the drive motor thereto and which is adapted for connection to the tractor or similar vehicle, wherein dimensions of and relative adjustments of the tines and the shields are chosen so that a predetermined amount of soil passes between selected shields, whereby weeds between adjacent rows of plants may be uprooted and/or destroyed and soil may be ridged and heaped around the plants and in the rows.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously planting seed in subjacent soil over which the apparatus traverses. The apparatus has a frame to be drawn by a towing vehicle, structure on the frame for resituating residue away from a row into which seed is to be deposited, structure on the frame for continuously parting soil as the apparatus is advanced in a direction of travel to define a seed slot, structure on the frame for continuously depositing seed in the seed slot, structure on the frame for continuously replacing soil in the seed slot to cover seed in the seed slot, and structure on the frame for continuously applying an additive to the soil between the residue resituating structure and the seed depositing structure. The invention is also directed to a method of planting and applying an additive.

Abstract: An apparatus for adapting a tool bar planting system to the front of an agricultural combine. The tool bar is secured to the front framework of the combine after the grain head has been removed. The tool bar includes folding extension arms that allow for various planting and transporting configurations. Planter seed units are attached to the tool bar and the extension units to complete the planting system. Seeds for the planter seed units are stored in the grain storage bin on the combine and delivered to the individual planter seed units by an air conveying system.

Abstract: A movable, row crop soil conditioner apparatus for conditioning soil prior to planting including a mechanism for first cutting a row length furrow opening in the soil when the soil conditioner is moved. A subsoiler is positioned behind the first cutting mechanism. It is selectively inserted into the furrow opening when the subsoiler is moved. The subsoiler includes a tooth, and a first pressure applicator for maintaining pressure on the soil directly and laterally on the subsoiler tooth when the tooth is inserted into the furrow opening. The tooth causes an eruption furrow in the furrow opening. The pressure applicator then controls the eruption soil wakes on either side of the subsoiler when the row crop conditioner is moved down a row. The subsoiler also includes a mechanism for turning the soil wakes on either side of the furrow inwardly towards each other to crush and shear the soil and to urge it downwardly into the eruption furrow, thereby closing the eruption furrow.

Abstract: A soil treatment apparatus is provided having a main frame to be drawn by a towing vehicle over subjacent soil, a subframe, a structure for mounting the subframe to the main frame for vertical movement relative thereto between first and second position, and structure for attaching a plurality of soil treating implements to the subframe to follow movement of the subframe between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A tractor-drawn seed sowing apparatus including a seed sower which travels on a ground surface while furrowing with furrow-cutting claw wheels, a power transmitter connected to a tractor so as to transmit a driving force of the tractor to the seed sower, and a coupler which connects the seed sower to the power transmitter, and the coupler is made of vertically and horizontally arranged linkages so that the seed sower can make up-and-down, pitching, rolling and yawing motions on irregular ground surfaces.

Abstract: A planter includes a pair of toothed wheels which sweep mulch away from the path followed by furrow opening discs. The sweeper wheels are carried on the trailing end of a parallel bar linkage attached to a tool bar by which the planter is pulled. As a result of the parallel bar linkage, the sweeper wheels may float upwardly and downwardly independently of the planter frame in order to conform to uneven ground. A spring acts on the parallel bar linkage and may be adjusted either to press the wheels downwardly into the ground if the mulch is hard and dense or to urge the wheels upwardly and relieve some of the weight of the wheels from the ground if the mulch is loose and the underlying soil is relatively fine.

Abstract: A seeder comprises a coulter assembly (13) operable to cut stubble/grass in a series of parallel lines in the first stage of forming a plurality of parallel rows of seed beds. The coulter assembly (13) comprises a plurality of coulters (21) and is operable to rotate the coulters (21) in a series of parallel circular paths around a central axis at a rate that is sufficient, relative to the forward direction of the seeder, so that the coulters (21) in each circular path make multiple cuts to the same section of ground surface in each parallel line.

Abstract: A seeder designed to seed all types of terrain including remote disrupted areas such as pipelines, oil wells, and the like. The seeder has a seeder box that is designed to be carried on the front of a vehicle and soil firming wheels on a drawbar that is pulled behind the vehicle. The seeder box has flexible discharge tubes that prevent influence from the wind on the seed being discharged and that are flexible and provide random, non-symmetrical planting. The seeder box can include more than one section, with each section having a hinged support providing positioning in horizontal or inclined planes. The press rings are associated with a mounting frame on the drawbar that allows each ring to adjust vertically according to the contour of the seeded ground. The drawbar supports a harrow ahead of the soil firming rings and also may support an auxiliary seeder.

Abstract: A planting implement is disclosed which is operable for performing both row crop and drill planting operations. The implement includes a front planting structure which is detachably coupled to a rear planting structure. The front planting structure includes a front gang of planter units and the rear planting structure includes first and second gangs of planting units wherein the planting units of each gang include a furrow opener and a seed metering unit. The planter units provide accurate seed depth control as well as singulation and precise positioning of seeds along each row. In addition, the planting implement is formed as a compact structure in a longitudinal direction to ensure that a consistent spacing between planted rows of seeds is provided during use of the implement.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing seed and fertilizer in the ground comprises, a sectional frame, a seed supply and a fertilizer supply mounted on the frame, a multiplicity of unique fluid controlled seed row assemblies pivotally mounted on the frame to receive seed and fertilizer from their supplies, a fluid pressure source, a first control means for controlling fluid flowing from the source to the seed row assemblies, an identical second control means for controlling fluid flowing from the source to fluid controlled pivotal sections of the sectioned frame.

Abstract: A minimum tillage farm implement capable of being used for plowing, cultivating, planting and insecticide and herbicide and fertilizer application, which includes a tool bar frame having three parallel spaced apart laterally positioned tool bars held together by detachable interconnecting frame members. Coulters, chisel plows and discing pairs are mounted in series to the front tool bar. Variable width rototillers are attached to the middle tool bar and planters are attached to the rear tool bar, both serially alligned with the discing pairs. The coulters, chisel plows, discs and rototillers prepare a fine seed bed, even in stalks and stubble, to allow beneficial planting of row crop seeds by the planters. In a second mode the front and rear tool bars are detached leaving only the middle tool bar with rototillers, which can be adjusted for width and position to perform as cultivators of the areas between adjacent seed beds.

Abstract: The equipment system consists essentially of the undercarriage 101 having supporting wheels, the rotary device with dovetailing prongs 102, the sowing machine 103 and the land roller or clod breaker apparatus 104. The system components may be used in various combinations or individually.

Abstract: A multi-function draft implement for opening, seeding, and fertilizing is disclosed. The implement provides a vertical knife opener for creating a vertical trench in the ground, a horizontal sweep for opening a horizontal swath in the ground and creating a seed-supporting shelf. The seed-supporting shelf thus created allows the seeds to be deposited on the shelf on either side of the vertical trench. Fertilizer can be placed in the vertical trench and the ground is replaced over the shelf-supported seed and fertilizer. In one embodiment, the vertical knife is biased with respect to the horizontal sweep and depth-controlling ground-engaging wheels are provided for controlling the depth of the planting sweep. In another embodiment, the vertical knife and the horizontal sweep are in adjustable fixed relation.

Abstract: A seed drill is provided including opposite side ground engaging support wheels journaled from opposite ends of a transverse beam of the seed drill. The longitudinal center of the beam includes a horizontal, forwardly directed towing tongue and the opposite ends of the beams include forwardly and upwardly inclined support arms from whose opposite ends the remote ends of a pair of axially aligned and spaced apart drums are journaled, the adjacent ends of the drums being journaled from the upper portion of upstanding support structure carried by the tongue a spaced distance forward of the beam. The ground engagable wheels are drivingly connected to the drums and the latter include axially spaced circumferentially extending rows of openings through which seeds may be dispensed and longitudinally spaced portions of the beam have drag-type link chain sections anchored relative thereto in registry with the axially spaced circumferential rows of openings formed in the drums.

Abstract: A planter as heretofore commercially available may be modified to accept a seed trench covering assembly of superior design, also commercially available, by lengthening the frame of the planter to increase the available space between the opener and the rear press wheel and by providing front and rear adapter brackets which enable the superior covering assembly to be coupled at the front to the opener and at the upper rear to the overhead frame. Different configurations of front adapter brackets are provided to accommodate variously shaped opener housings, and different configurations of rear adapter brackets are provided to accommodate variations in frame design.

Abstract: A ridge tillage attachment includes springs associated with a linkage which guides a tool and wheel support beam for vertical movement, the springs being mounted within the linkage envelop to provide a compact arrangement and being operative to apply required forces to to a tool and wheels carried by the beam, while facilitating disassembly of the attachment when desired. The attachment also includes a structure which securely connects wheel axles to the support beam with a clamping action while being adjustable to provide a large range of relative positional values.

Abstract: A seed drill comprising a frame (1), a beam (14) that is mounted on the frame (1) so as to extend transversely of the direction of forward motion of the drill and that has a plurality of coulters (5) mounted along the beam (14) so as to trail therefrom and engage the ground when in work, the beam (14) comprising a central beam portion (29) and an outer beam portion (30) each side that is pivotally connected to the central beam portion (29) so as to be pivotable upwards to a transport position, characterized in that a strut assembly (39) is provided at each side of the drill between the frame (1) and the respective outer end of the beam (14) so as to be inclined downwards towards said outer end when the outer beam portion (30) is lowered, and pivotal connections (45, 47) being provided between the ends of the strut assembly (39) and the frame (17) and the outer beam portion (30) so that the strut assembly (39) can pivot upwards with the outer beam portion (30) to the transport position, the pivotal connection

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved row cleaning apparatus to selectively clean away mulch from conservation tilled fields without cultivation of the soil. When mounted on a tractor-drawn planter unit, the cleaning action of the present invention improves depth control and planting speed of the planter unit and facilitates seed germination while retaining the mulch between crop rows for erosion control and yield enhancement. In its planter embodiment, the row cleaner disclosed herein comprises a pair of pointedly toothed wheels journaled for rotation about intersecting axes mounted on the planter unit ahead of the furrow opener. The toothed wheels are mounted with their teeth intermeshed above the soil surface and rotate in planes symmetrically inclined downwardly, outwardly, and forwardly of the direction of travel of the planter unit.

Abstract: An agricultural planter for row crops has conventional pull-type row units mounted to a frame at a relatively wide spacing for planting a crop such as corn. Push-type row units, each capable of planting two rows at a spacing which is one-third of the wide spacing are mounted to be pushed by the frame so that when both front and rear row units are used, a much narrower row spacing for beans or wheat, for example, can be achieved. The furrow openers on the push-type units are staggered fore-and-aft to avoid plugging of adjacent gauge wheels with field trash or clods of soil.

Abstract: A pull type minimum tillage implement includes a closed rectangular frame having a forward tool bar, intermediate tool bar and rear tool bar. The ground-working tools travel directly over each previous crop row and include a forward coulter mounted on the forward tool bar followed by a subshank and disk hiller mounted on the intermediate tool bar. A mounted planter may be connected to the rear tool bar while a drawn planter is connected under the rear tool bar to the intermediate tool bar. A pair of depth gauge and support wheel assemblies are provided directly over a pair of rows and include spaced apart frame members extending between the three tool bars with a ground wheel pivot arm positioned therebetween and pivotally connected to a bracket mounted on the front tool bar. A hydraulic cylinder pivots the frame about an axis through the forward end of the implement frame tongue thereby raising the rear end of the implement frame carrying with it the ground-working tools.

Abstract: A planting machine has a ground-conditioning wheel ahead of the planting mechanism. This wheel normally carries a portion of the weight of the machine. The traction thus established is utilized to generate power for the planting mechanism as the machine is moved forward. Power is transferred to the planting mechanism by a sequence of chain drives having replaceable sprockets of various diameters to establish different spacing of planting positions along the row.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel zero-till seed drill which has a shortened wheel base and can thus closely follow the contours of a field which is being seeded, is capable of being raised and lowered at the beginning and end of each pass on the field, and has adjustable level and packer wheel weight capability. The invention is directed to a zero-till drill apparatus which is adapted for optionally carrying a Coulter disk, at least one seed drill, and a holder for carrying seeds, the apparatus being mounted on transport wheels. The apparatus includes means for raising at least one of the transport wheels off the ground while the Coulter disk and/or drill are on the ground in position for dispensing seeds into the ground, and lowering the transport wheel onto the ground when the Coulter disk and/or drill are raised off the ground.

Abstract: A ridge tillage attachment for conventional row-crop planters for use in minimum tillage planting on row ridges is disclosed. This ridge tillage attachment includes a tool portion and a linkage portion. The linkage portion has a parallelogram linkage support system and is attached to the planter. The tool portion is detachable from the linkage portion and is in the form of a tool support beam with guide wheels, cutting discs and sweep plates mounted thereto. The linkage portion of the unit is designed so that it can remain attached to the planter after the tool portion has been detached. An adjustable compression spring down-pressure system acts directly above the tillage implements to apply maximum down pressure. The guide wheels can be adjusted relative to the tool support beam by a height adjustment structure located directly above the wheels. The cutter discs are slightly offset to prevent plugging between them and to facilitate penetration of the soil.

Abstract: A single pass fracture planting system comprised of a tractor which tows a subsoil fracture tiller and a drawn multi-function planter drawn by a unique hydraulically controlled hitch system. The tractor draws a subsoil fracture tilling system comprised of a plurality of plows which fracture the soil to a depth of approximately one and a half feet while leaving surface residue largely undisturbed. The suboil fracture blades are mounted on a platform having a storage tank for anhydrous delivered to the soil through tubes mounted on the shanks of the fracture tiller blades. A multi-function drawn planter is drawn behind the subsoil fracture tiller by a hitch system having a hydraulically controlled drawbar. The hitch system is comprised of a frame having a drawbar pivotally mounted and hydraulically damped at one end with the opposite end being free to swing from side to side in a controlled fashion. Drawbar locking hydraulic cylinders center the planter during a planting pass.

Abstract: A trailer-like apparatus adapted to be towed by a farm implement for depositing seed from a supply hopper into the ground at a controlled spacing substantially independent of the vehicle's relative ground speed. In a first embodiment, an endless chain having pockets for receiving individual seeds from a supply hopper affixed to predetermined lengths of the chain is driven by a sprocket wheel which is, in turn, belt-coupled to a ground-engaging towed wheel of the vehicle. The chain is longitudinally aligned rearward of a disk-like colter which digs the trench into which the seeds ultimately fall and the trench is then closed as the vehicle's frame supporting wheels pass by the trench. Means are provided for elevating the colter, the chain-driving wheel and the supply hoppers when, at the end of a planting row and when moving to or from the planting site.

Abstract: An agricultural row crop planter is disclosed which includes a frame and a plurality of individual row units mounted to the frame. Some of the row units are mounted in front of the frame to be driven or pushed by it. The remaining units are mounted behind the frame and are pulled by it. Driven and pulled row units are arranged to plant alternate crop rows so the "on center" lateral spacing of row units is much greater than if all units were mounted side-by-side as is conventional. The driven row units are foreshortened and have their frames strengthened to withstand the forces encountered in use, particularly on curves. The arrangement enables the farmer to plant more than one crop with the same planter and without adjusting the spacing of row units. It also permits the manufacturer to provide a wide range of row spacing, including a very narrow one, with the same planter frame and row units while providing greater trash clearance.

Abstract: A minimum tillage farm implement capable of being used for plowing, cultivating, planting and insecticide and herbicide and fertilizer application, which includes a tool bar frame having three parallel spaced apart laterally positioned tool bars held together by detachable interconnecting frame members. Coulters, chisel plows and discing pairs are mounted in series to the front tool bar. Variable width rototillers are attached to the middle tool bar and planters are attached to the rear tool bar, both serially aligned with the discing pairs. The coulters, chisel plows, discs and rototillers prepare a fine seed bed, even in stalks and stubble, to allow beneficial planting of row crop seeds by the planters. In a second mode the front and rear tool bars are detached leaving only the middle tool bar with rototillers, which can be adjusted for width and position to perform as cultivators of the areas between adjacent seed beds.

Abstract: An agricultural seeder having a plurality of spaced openers for application of fertilizer in a seed row and at a spaced distance therefrom. The implement is supported for locomotion by a primary lower frame which in turn supports a secondary, vertically pivotable, upper frame. Hydraulic linkage communicates between the frame elements to move the upper frame relative the lower frame to raise applicators from the earth when necessary. The upper frame carries a plurality of spacedly arrayed openers and associated material applicators, which are hydraulically mounted to allow vertical adjustment and constant pressure depth maintenance.

Abstract: A system for actuating a plurality of farm implements includes a frame adapted to be connected between a tractor and a first farm implement such as a drill. A tool frame, adapted to be connected to one or more additional farm implements, is pivotally suspended beneath the frame by front and rear support linkages. The rear support linkages are also connected with a linkage which raises and lowers the grain drills on the drill. An hydraulic actuator is connected to the front support linkage to move the tool frame and the drill between a transport position and a working position. Adjustment means are provided at the connection between the rear support linkage and the linkage to the drill for determining the transport height of the drill, the spring tension on the grain drills, and the height of the rear of the tool frame with respect to the front of the tool frame.

Abstract: An attachment for a tractor drawn grain drill is disclosed having a horizontal array of harrow tines staggered along a plurality of transverse rows with each row commonly supported by a rotatable control rod with a tine coiled portion encircling the control rod and one tine end fixed thereto while the other tine end extends away from the rod a distance sufficient to engage and till the earth when the other tine end is directed generally downwardly. Each control rod has a lever arm extending away from the rod and pivotally coupled to one or more control links so that link movement induces rotation of the control rods for pivoting the entirety of tines simultaneously between earth engaging and generally horizontal stowed positions. A hydraulic arrangement remotely controllable by a tractor operator is provided for moving the control links to raise or lower the tines and the hydraulic arrangement may further be coupled to enable or disable the grain drill.

Abstract: A conservation no till apparatus for placing seed and fertilizer into the ground in one operation as pulled through the field includes a main implement frame having ground engaging support wheels. Hoppers for supplying the seed and fertilizer are supported on the ground separately from the main implement frame. A plurality of ground working units are mounted to the main implement frame in separate laterally spaced relation by four-bar linkage assemblies. Each ground working unit is thus movable by its linkage assembly between a raised transport position and a lowered ground engaging position, with the linkage assembly for each unit permitting that unit to move vertically independently of the other units when the units are in the ground engaging position. Each ground working unit includes a unit frame and a plurality of ground working tools staggered laterally and longitudinally for engaging the ground and creating separate furrows when the unit is in its ground engaging position.

Abstract: A second crop is planted in a field by first cutting and removing the majority of a first crop from the field, seeding the field with the second crop, and then immediately applying the cut portion of the first crop over the seeded field as a mulch. A planter including a cutting assembly and a row planting assembly is provided to accomplish the above steps in a single pass over the field.

Abstract: A minimum tillage planting apparatus includes a soil conditioning device comprising a coulter for cutting through surface residue and slicing into the soil, a plow element behind and in alignment with the coulter for penetrating and lifting the soil, and a pair of spaced-apart pressure wheels located above the point of the plow element for exerting a downward pressure on the soil and, in cooperation with the plow element, creating a crushing, shearing action on the soil. A pair of filler wheels are provided rearwardly of the plow element to fill the furrow formed by the plow element and to level the row zone for a furrow opening means, seed depositing means for depositing seeds in the opened furrow and seed covering and soil firming or compacting means, all of which follow the pair of filler wheels.

Abstract: A wheeled agricultural implement that serves as a tool bar and transporter and disburser of agricultural chemicals. The implement provides a storage reservoir, a spray type disbursement system and apparatus for attachment to other agricultural implements for injection of chemicals into the soil. Pumping and metering systems are provided to aid measured disbursement of the chemicals. The implement provides secondary wheel structure to allow it to be moved, perpendicularly to its normal course of field travel, for transport over roadways.

Abstract: A modular drill frame construction which can assume configurations for standard seeding-drive fertilizer application, and with a modular section added, used for side banding of fertilizer, that is, depositing fertilizer between the normal rows of seed, and by merely changing a tool bar become a row crop planting with side banding option. The modular frame constructions are easily inserted, and the various components are easily removed and replaced for the particular configuration that the farmer wishes to use.

Abstract: A generally conventional seeder is provided including a main frame supporting a plurality of laterally spaced rear seeder units and equipped with a forwardly projecting tractor attachable hitch assembly including dependingly supported ground wheel structure. The hitch assembly includes mounting frame structure intermediate the main frame and the forward extremity of the hitch assembly and a pair of elongated, generally aligned and axially spaced transversely extending opposite side tool bars are disposed on opposite sides of the ground wheel structure. A pair of laterally spaced upstanding guide and support members project upwardly from adjacent ends of the tool bars and the mounting frame structure includes guide structure from which the guide and support members are guidingly supported for vertical shifting.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for seed planting having a series of independent planter units at the rear of a frame with the planter units connected to the frame in such a manner that the press wheels of the planter units form the rear wheels of the implement, the frame having forward wheels, and the series of independent units are interconnected through common hydraulic means to allow accommodation of ground irregularities without materially changing the downward loading on each independent unit.