Abstract: Adjustable gauge wheels are provided on a row unit planter adjacent the opening disc. The wheels are adjustable laterally for proper spacing adjacent the discs. The camber of the gauge wheels relative to discs is also adjustable. The lateral adjustment is accomplished via a wear bushing and pivot bushing extending into the wear bushing for each gauge wheel. A grease zerk is provided on the end of each pivot bushing to supply grease to the inside of the adjustment wear bushing. The camber adjustment is accomplished via a slot in the row planter frame and bolts extending into arms on a pivotal member.

Abstract: In an embodiment, computer processes are programmed to determine planting plans based on planting characteristics data received for an agricultural field and a plurality of management zone delineation options defined for the agricultural field. Each of the planting plans specifies different planting recommendations for the agricultural field. A first graphical representation of the planting plans, and an interactive object is generated and displayed on a computing device. The interactive object is configured to receive input specifying a relative importance ratio between the planting plans for determining a new planting plan for the agricultural field. A particular relative importance ratio is received via the interactive object, and is used to determine the new planting plan, which specifies new planting recommendations for the agricultural field. Information about the new planting plan is displayed on the computer device.

Abstract: A residue management tool mountable to a frame of a seeder for cutting or clearing residue on the ground is provided, comprising a pivotable arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the pivotable arm adapted to be directly or indirectly pivotally attached to the frame; a rotatable cutting or clearing device operably mounted to the distal end of the pivotable arm and operative to cut or clear the residue on the ground; a biasing device operative to exert a downward bias force on the pivotable arm to engage the rotatable cutting or clearing device with the ground; and a depth restraint operative to prevent the rotatable cutting or clearing device from over-penetrating the ground.

Abstract: A ridge formation method includes the steps of: providing a sieve instrument immediately after a tilling unit configured to scrape soil to throw the soil backward while rotate a rotor having a plurality of soil scraping pieces to cause the tilling unit to travel, the sieve instrument configured to receive the thrown soil to perform a sieve operation; and moving the sieve instrument in a reciprocating manner in a traveling direction to generate an impact on the received soil so that the soil is finely grained, and to separate the finely-grained soil from other impurities, whereby the finely-grained and separated soil is allowed to pass through a sieve mesh and fall onto a ground so that the falling soil is accumulated on the ground so as to form the ridge substantially the same in width as the sieve instrument on the ground.

Abstract: A pivotally retractable seed planting apparatus that comprises a main frame assembly, a pivoting transverse member, a pivotally retractable transverse member, a lift system, a set of retractable wheels, a plurality of set of transverse member wheels, a hitching pole member, a central transverse member and a set of frame wheels.

Abstract: An implement weight transfer system having a feedback control system to vary the amount of weight transfer as product stored on the implement is used.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes a towing frame to which a planting row unit is attached. The planting row unit is movable in a forward direction on a field having soil of varying hardness conditions, including a soft soil and a hard soil. The planting row unit includes a planting bin positioned rearwardly of the towing frame for carrying at least one of a fertilizer and seeds to be deposited into the soil. The planting row unit further includes a linkage assembly for coupling the planting bin to the towing frame, and an opener device forward of the towing frame. The opener device prepares the soil and includes an opener blade and a soil-hardness sensor. The opener blade maintains the same soil-penetration depth Z in the soft soil and the hard soil based on soil-hardness changes detected by the soil-hardness sensor.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-told implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position, The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members.

Abstract: A secondary air seeder assembly for depositing seed along the tire tracks formed by an air seeder cart and system comprising the same is provided. The secondary air seeder assembly includes includes first and second elongated and parallel main frame members, each having a terminal forward end and a terminal down turned rearward end. First and second elongated and parallel transverse frame members are connected to and extend between the first and the second main frame members at a longitudinal spaced distance from one another. Two forward caster wheels, one is connected at each terminal forward end of the first and the second main frame members. Two rearward wheels, one is connected at each terminal down turned rearward end of the first and the second main frame members. First and second elongated coupling frame members, are each connected at first end thereof to the first transverse frame member at a spaced distance and connected together at a second end thereof forming a hitch point.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members. A retractable ladder may be stowed beneath the hopper assembly.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members. A retractable ladder may be stowed beneath the hopper assembly.

Abstract: A towed implement, such as a planter is provided with a folding platform allowing improved access to row units and seed tanks of the planter implement. The platform is movable or foldable to improve access to row units below the platform while providing access to seed tanks. The platform may be provided in addition to a transverse platform, such as for access to seed tanks in planters. The folding platform may be used, along with handrails and a ladder, for accessing the platform for servicing the implement. The folding platform may be collapsed or folded to allow access to the row units that are beneath the platform.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.

Abstract: A multipurpose device for planting, transplanting and harvest garlic and similar crops in raised beds includes a base structure having a frame, gauge wheels attached to the frame to support it at a desired height from the raised bed, and left and right raised bed followers to engage the sides of a raised bed as the device is drawn along by a conventional agricultural tractor. Two chairs can be detachably mounted on the base structure, they are abreast of each other when planting or harvesting, or one behind the other when transplanting seedlings. The toolbar is mounted on the base structure in front of the chairs to provide room for attaching one or two furrow openers and a furrow closing plate can be detachably attached to the base structure behind the chairs when planting cloves or bulbs.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an agricultural assembly including at least one rigid support member and a plurality of power cables that traverse along trajectories generally aligned with a cable trajectory adjacent a mounting segment on a mounting side of the support member, the apparatus comprising a substantially rigid restraining member that forms an elongated passageway that traverses between first and second ends and that defines a minimum cross sectional area that loosely accommodates all of the cables passing therethrough and a mounting member linked to the restraining member and operable to mount the restraining member to the mounting side of the support member such that the passageway is substantially aligned with the cable trajectory wherein the cables are loosely receivable through the passageway to generally retain the cables proximate the support member.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus comprising a carrier frame including a support surface defining an arcuate track about a pivot point, a mainframe mounted to the carrier frame at the pivot point for rotation thereabout between an operating position and a transportation position and a wheel assembly including at least one wheel mounted to a mounting member, the mounting member mounted to the mainframe such that the wheel is received on the curved track for rotation there along where the wheel assembly is vertically adjustable.

Abstract: An agricultural implement with an elongated bar having a front side nearer in use to a drive vehicle and a rear side. A first plurality of row units are laterally spaced apart along the bar and extend rearwardly thereof connected through parallel linkage to the front side of the elongated bar. A second plurality of row units are laterally spaced apart along the bar and extend rearwardly thereof interleaved with the first plurality of row units and connected through parallel linkage to the rear side of the bar. Parallel linkage for both the first and second plurality of row units is directly mounted to and extends rearwardly of and below the bar to position all row units to the rear of the bar, allowing both field crops or row crops to be planted.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and left and right wing frame segments. In its working configuration the wing frame segments extend transversely. In its transport configuration the wing frame segments are folded forwardly. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft. The rock shaft is provided with an actuator bell crank that is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in their working position, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position to reduce the transverse transport width of the seeding machine.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus comprising a carrier frame including a support surface defining an arcuate track about a pivot point, a mainframe mounted to the carrier frame at the pivot point for rotation thereabout between an operating position and a transportation position and a wheel assembly including at least one wheel mounted to a mounting member, the mounting member mounted to the mainframe such that the wheel is received on the curved track for rotation there along where the wheel assembly is vertically adjustable.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and two wing frame segments. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly from the wing frame segments. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft having an actuator bell crank. The bell crank is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in contact with the ground, an intermediate holding position, wherein the planting units are raised out of the ground, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position. To maintain the rear rank of planting units in the intermediate holding position, a U-shaped stop is placed over the linear actuator so that the linear actuator cannot retract.

Abstract: A twin row planter (10) includes planting units (20a-26b) arranged in pairs (20-26). Each pair (20-26) is configured and positioned for planting two rows (78,80) of seeds less than about ten inches apart to produce two rows of crops in order to increase the yield of the plot. With this spacing, the rows (78,80) in each pair are close enough to simulate a single row enabling the use of a conventional cultivator, sprayer or harvesting machine.

Abstract: An agricultural implement frame comprises a main frame having ground engaging wheels, a mast extending upwardly and forwardly from the main frame, a truck slidably mounted on the mast, and a carrier frame pivotally mounted to the truck. Two hydraulic lift cylinders are used to raise and lower the truck on the mast. A hydraulic pivot cylinder is used to pivot the carrier frame relative to the truck on a vertical pivot located on the truck. Rollers forming a bearing facilitates the sliding movement of the truck on the mast.

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: A full truss tool bar is disclosed comprising an elongated main tool bar section having right and left tool bar wing sections positioned at the right and left ends of the main tool bar section. An elongated main truss member is positioned above the main tool bar section and is secured thereto. Right and left truss members are positioned above the right and left tool bar wing sections and are secured thereto. The main truss member is pivotally connected to the right and left truss members, about horizontal axes. In a modified version of the device, auxiliary tool bar sections are positioned outwardly of the right and left tool bar wing sections and have truss sections positioned thereabove and secured thereto. The trusses on the auxiliary tool bar sections are pivotally connected, about vertical axes, to the outer ends of the right and left tool bar wing sections.

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 agricultural implement is towed behind a tractor or other propelling vehicle and is mounted on a lifting mechanism at the rear of such vehicle so that the forward part of the implement is supported by such mechanism. In one embodiment the agricultural implement includes a seed drill that introduces seeds into the ground at a substantially constant depth below ground level, despite possible undulation in the surface profile of the field which is being seeded.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a forward implement frame and an aft carrier frame with wheels, with the two frames pivotally connected. The implement frame includes a hitch mechanism for attaching the implement to a traction vehicle, while a toolbar having a plurality of working units, such as ground working tools or spraying units, arranged in a spaced manner along its length is attached to an aft portion of the implement frame. Attached to the carrier frame is a storage container for dispensing material such as fertilizer or a herbicide. A forward portion of the carrier frame is pivotally coupled to an intermediate portion of the implement frame. A lift arrangement including a pair of hydraulic cylinders connecting the implement and carrier frames is located aft of the pivot connection between these two frames and permits the toolbar and working units to be raised to a nonuse position such as for transport or at the end of a field without lifting the storage container and its contents.

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 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: A dual dispensing device to be attached to the frame of an apparatus for seed and fertilizer placement in the ground comprising an elongate body member to be pivotally connected to the frame of the apparatus, a first dispenser for fertilizer is pivotally connected to the elongate body member, the first dispenser includes a first knife to make a first furrow in the ground and a first tube to carry fertilizer to be deposited in the first furrow. A fluid biasing element is pivotally connected to the first knife and to the frame to control the pivoting of the first knife. A second dispenser for seed is fixed to the elongate body member to the rear of the first dispenser, the second dispenser includes a second knife to make a second furrow in the ground and a second tube to carry seed to be deposited in the second furrow. Prior to the seed entering the seed tube the seed passes through a seed and air deceleration and air removal chamber.

Abstract: A power take-off shaft driven combination machine for ground preparation which can be coupled to a tractor vehicle is equipped, with a view to a short, light and constructionally simple construction, with levelling tools 107 arranged directly behind the tractor vehicle 38 which level the wheel tracks left by the tractor vehicle 38, with a rotor-tiller 20 arranged between the levelling tools which is driven via the power take-off shaft in a direction of rotation U which sustains the direction of travel F and which throws the excavated earth against a movable rake 24 or against a flexibly arranged mat 31 and with a vertically adjustable crushing roller 202 arranged therebehind which has a peripherally at least substantially closed roller body 203 with peripherally directed rows of teeth 204 and scrapers 207 arranged between and spaced apart from the rows of teeth.

Abstract: An agricultural planter for metering seeds for row crops includes a main frame in the form of a sled with transport wheels which can be selectively raised and lowered for transporting the planter and a tool bar for mounting a plurality of implements. A planter unit for the planter machine includes a main frame having a pair of vertically extending shanks for connecting to the tool bar, a mounting bracket for a seed shoe, and a bracket for a press wheel, a vacuum operated seed dispensing device with the vacuum provided by a vacuum fan mounted on the sled and powered by hydraulic motor with fluid from the main hydraulic system of the tractor. A jack shaft mounted transverse to the sled for powering the implements is driven by a ground wheel including a frame having a pair of reversible tool bar shanks and a drive transmission including a countershaft providing the pivotal support for the frame of the ground wheel.

Abstract: A planting machine wherein its planter wheel and a packer wheel trailing the same respectively have peripheral velocities greater and less than the speed of advance of the machine. Shoes on the former open the ground and deposit a seed therein on relative rearward movement, with feet on the packer wheel covering deposited seeds on forward movement thereof relative to the ground. The drives for the planter and packer wheels are interconnected to minimize the overall power requirement. Seeds are dispensed from a hopper to a position adjacent the axle of the planter wheel and spirally nested delivery tubes gravitationally deliver the dispensed seeds to the planter shoes in an arrangement such that a seed is delivered to a shoe only after a predetermined advance of the seed has occurred subsequent to its having been dispensed.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which facilitates the ready attachment and detachment of coulters to a standard seed planting device. The seed planting device is typically of a type that is towed behind a tractor and automatically furrows the ground, deposits the seeds in the furrows at spaced intervals and covers the seeds over. The disclosed apparatus allows an operator to readily attach a plurality of coulters to this planting device thereby enabling its use for minimum-till, or no-till farming operations. The coulters are attached to a framework which is bolted onto the planter frame. This framework may be readily removed as a unit to enable the use of the planter in its standard condition. The framework locates the coulters in a forwardmost direction to increase the downward force on same so as to enable no-till farming operations with hard or rocky soil. This location of the coulters eliminates the need for ballast weights.

Abstract: A rotary harrow or cultivator has a frame that supports a plurality of soil working members arranged in a row that extends transverse to the direction of travel. The frame includes two linked portions and one portion is connected to a rear support roller that regulates the working depth of the implement. A dispensing mechanism, including a plurality of delivery members, is mounted on the implement and the delivery members are carried on a common support that extends transverse to the direction of travel. The common support is interconnected to the roller so that material is dropped as the roller levels the worked soil.

Abstract: A press grain drill includes a plurality of opener units mounted on an elongated tow tube and including a plurality of elongated, pivotably coupled elements forming a pair of parallelograms which support a self-penetrating shovel and a press wheel respectively. A first one of the parallelograms permits up and down movement of the shovel relative to the tow tube while maintaining the pitch of the shovel relative to the ground substantially constant. A second one of the parallelograms responds to each movement of the shovel to move the press wheel in the same direction and relative to the shovel so as to maintain the depth of the shovel within the ground substantially constant. Whenever the tow tube which is coupled by pairs of parallel links to an elongated main frame tool bar is raised relative to the tool bar for towing, a lift tube coupled to the links via bracket numbers engages the opener units to lift them relative to the tow tube.

Abstract: A soil working machine has an elongated frame portion that supports a row of soil working tools that extends transverse to the direction of travel. The machine is partly supported by rear wheels that are located adjacent the lateral sides of the machine and arms connect the wheels to an upper part of the machine. A delivery mechanism, including an elongated hopper is mounted on the implement and delivery tubes extend from the hopper to the ground, between the wheels and the soil working tools. The hopper is positioned above the frame portion and a rotatable member in the hopper is drivenly connected to the wheels.

Abstract: A sub-soil planter machine has a frame, including front and rear transverse tool bars; a plurality of sub-soil blades mounted on and transversely spaced along the front tool bar; a plurality of rotary tilling assemblies mounted on and transversely spaced along the rear tool bar; and a plurality of planter units mounted on and transversely spaced along the rear tool bar in trailing relationship to the rotary tilling assemblies. The sub-soil blades, rotary tilling assemblies and planter units are so arranged in close proximity to one another such that the depth of the machine has been reduced whereby a given sized tractor, to which the machine is mounted on, is capable of lifting a larger machine than heretofore been accomplished due to the closeness of the machine to the rear end of the tractor resulting in a shorter length movement arm.

Abstract: Seed sowing apparatus comprising a plurality of ground-engaging discs arranged in staggered relationship in two or more rows and driven from ground-engaging wheels, with individual seed metering devices carried by and driven by each disc to deposit seeds at regularly spaced intervals.

Abstract: A down pressure control for use with furrow openers in grain drills which provides a spring load for maintaining down pressure on the furrow opener during normal operating conditions and which can be at relatively high rate to permit minimum tillage, or work in hard ground, but yet will release upon excessive movement of the furrow opener to prevent overstressing the hold down springs. The down pressure control is used in combination with an individual depth control for each of the furrow openers to insure that each furrow opener is individually controlled as to down pressure and depth.

Abstract: A machine for planting agricultural crops, particular seed potatoes, has multiple chassis frames that each constitute a multi-row module so as to facilitate manufacture of various models, later conversions of one model to another, and assembly, shipping, and maintenance of the machine. The chassis frames are hinged to accommodate multiple planting devices to the varying contour of the farmland being planted. A central chassis frame is flanked at opposite sides by chassis frames supported by ground-engaging wheels, some of which serve to drive the mechanisms of the planting devices carried by the frames. Hinging of the frames at the front is accomplished by respective pairs of elongate and upstanding hinge plates arranged face-to-face and pivotally interconnected at their lower ends (located as close to ground level as practical considering operating requirements).