Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for controlling the downforce applied to a row unit of an agricultural implement having multiple row units. A downpressure control device in fluid communication with a down chamber of the least one actuator maintains as a selected downpressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the downpressure chamber. Pressure in the down chamber tending to oppose pressure in the lift chamber of the at least one actuator.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for controlling the downforce applied to a row unit of an agricultural implement having multiple row units. A downpressure control device in fluid communication with a down chamber of the least one actuator maintains as a selected downpressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the downpressure chamber. A lift pressure control device in fluid communication with a lift chamber of the at least one actuator for controlling pressure in the lift chamber maintains as a selected lift pressure, any one of a continuous range of pressures in the lift chamber.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system includes a tow bar configured to couple to a hitch assembly. The agricultural implement system also includes a tool bar pivot hinge assembly comprising two pivot points. The agricultural implement system additionally includes a first tool bar member mechanically coupled to a second tool bar member via the tool bar pivot hinge assembly; the first tool bar member extending transversely from the tow bar, wherein the tool bar pivot hinge assembly provides for an axis of rotation of the second tool bar member about the first tool bar member and additionally provides for an extension of the second tool bar member away from the first tool bar member.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, and a furrow-opening module comprising a first linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, a first movable frame pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the first movable frame relative to the linkage, a furrow-opening device mounted on the first movable frame, and a first biasing element pivotably attached to the linkage and coupled to the first movable frame for urging the furrow-opening device downwardly against the soil. The row unit also includes a furrow-closing module and a second biasing element for urging the at least one furrow-closing device downwardly against the soil.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: A ground engaging apparatus (10) has a support plate (50) pivotally attached to a frame (100); a pair of arms (30, 40) interconnecting the support plate (50) and a shank support (60), which supports a shank (70) and ground follower (90) and first and second biasing rams or springs (200, 300), to maintain the ground follower (90); against the ground (91) but allow controlled break out of a ground opening, or tillage, tool (81) if an obstruction is engaged.

Abstract: The seed drill of the present invention particularly includes a front chassis resting on the ground by wheels and a rear chassis carrying elements for planting seeds in the ground, the rear chassis being connected to the front chassis by a central articulation the axis of which is at least substantially vertical. The seed drill is one which additionally includes structure making it possible, as soon as the planting elements leave the earth, to align the rear chassis with respect to the front chassis. The object of the present invention is to avoid any possible shocks between the rear chassis and the front chassis, the shocks being caused by pivoting of the rear chassis about the central articulation when the seed drill is switched to the transport position on sloping ground.

Abstract: The seed drill of the present invention particularly includes a front chassis resting on the ground by means of wheels and a rear chassis carrying elements for planting seeds in the ground, the rear chassis being connected to the front chassis by means of a central articulation the axis of which is at least substantially vertical. The seed drill is one which additionally includes means making it possible, as soon as the planting elements leave the earth, to align the rear chassis with respect to the front chassis. The object of the present invention is to avoid any possible shocks between the rear chassis and the front chassis, the shocks being caused by pivoting of the rear chassis about the central articulation when the seed drill is switched to the transport position on sloping ground.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a carrier frame including a curved track portion, and a mainframe rotatably attached to the carrier frame and rotatable along the curved track portion and about a pivot point, which is offset from a centerline of the carrier frame. The transverse center of gravity of the planter apparatus is substantially along the centerline when the mainframe is in a transportation position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a seed drilling implement (10) which comprises a frame (11), a coupling device (12) at the forward end of the frame (11), drilling elements (13) mounted on the frame (11) at or near the rear end of the frame, coulters (14) mounted on the frame (11) forwardly of the respective drilling elements (13), forward packer elements (15) mounted on the frame (11) forwardly of the coulters (14) and arranged at least partly to support the frame (11) in order to control the operating depths of the coulters (14) and the drilling elements (13), and an associated rear packer element (16) mounted rearwardly of the respective drilling element (13), and arranged to exert a soil-packing operation over each seeded row formed by the drilling element.

Abstract: An improved down pressure arrangement for an implement such as a multi-section grain drill having fixed-height section frames with corresponding gangs of opener assemblies. The opener assemblies of each gang are yieldingly biased downwardly by a spring and bracket structure operably connected to a rockshaft. One rockshaft per gang is provided, and each rockshaft is controlled by a single down pressure adjusting cylinder. The cylinders are connected in parallel and to a pressure regulator to provide adjustable and uniform average opener down pressure across the width of the drill for more contant opener depth in irregular ground conditions. Tension links connected to the bracket structure permit the opener assemblies to be raised from a ground-working position to a transport position.

Abstract: A drive coupling mechanism for transmitting rotational motion from a drive shaft to a driven shaft by surface-to-surface contact of a flat drive face of a contact head of a first coupler with the flat drive face of a contact head of a second coupler. Each flat drive face lies in a plane extending radially from the axis of the attached shaft. The contact head includes a number of radial and axial guide flats which function only to guide the drive faces of a pair of adjacent couplers into contact with each other as the couplers enter their engaged driving mode.

Abstract: A seeder cart having draft apparatus and caster wheels arranged to be coupled between draft bars of an agricultural implement, the seeder cart carrying seed and/or fertilizer bins and a metering arrangement to feed the seed and/or fertilizer to distributor points on the implement characterized by a pull head on the seeder cart having withdrawable pins on the pull head allowing the implement to be detached from the draft bar of the seeder cart, the pull head having a universal coupling device between it and the draft apparatus of the seeder cart and the seeder cart having limited movement stabilizer apparatus connecting its rear portion to the draft bars of the implement.

Abstract: A cultivator or rotary harrow has soil working members rotatable about upwardly extending shafts journalled in a frame portion that extends transverse to the direction of travel. The front of the frame is supported by a coupling attached to a prime mover and the rear of the implement is supported by two ground wheels. One wheel is located at each lateral side of the frame portion at the rear thereof and a bracket is pivoted to the frame with rearwardly extending arms connected to the wheel axle mountings. An extensible connecting member interconnects the axle mountings to the frame above the bracket so that the wheels can be vertically displaced by shortening or lengthening the connecting members. A sowing mechanism, including a feed box, is mounted to the rear of the soil working members with delivery tubes leading to shoes. A flow control mechanism is driven by a transmission from the wheel mountings and the shoes can be raised or lowered by a linkage and control lever.