Abstract: One or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media including instructions that cause a processor to receive a signal indicative of a residue coverage on a surface of an agricultural field from a sensor, and the sensor is positioned behind a harvester system relative to a direction of travel. The instructions also cause the processor to determine the residue coverage on the surface of the agricultural field based on the signal, and the residue coverage includes a percentage of the agricultural field that is covered by residue. Further, the instructions cause the processor to control a residue control system based on the residue coverage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media comprising instructions configured to cause a processor to receive a signal indicative of a residue coverage on a surface of an agricultural field from a sensor, and the sensor is positioned in front of a row unit of an agricultural product application system relative to a direction of travel. Further, the instructions are configured to cause the processor to determine the residue coverage on the surface of the agricultural field based on the signal, and the residue coverage includes a percentage of the agricultural field that is covered by residue, an evenness of the residue, or a combination thereof. Moreover, the instructions are configured to cause the processor to control an agricultural product control system of the agricultural product application system based on the residue coverage.

Abstract: A strip-till row apparatus includes a primary frame having spaced apart side panels each having an upstanding front edge and an opposed upstanding rear edge. A tillage assembly is operatively coupled to the primary frame adjacent the rear edges thereof and configured to contact a ground service so as to prepare the soil. An auxiliary frame includes an upstanding front wall and a mounting arm extending rearwardly from the front wall, the auxiliary frame having a linking member having a first end pivotally coupled to the front wall and a second end coupled to the primary frame. A selectively inflatable airbag includes a top coupled to the mounting arm and a bottom coupled to the linking member via an airbag mounting bracket. A relative downward force is applied to the primary frame as the airbag is selectively inflated or deflated, respectively.

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: 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: An illustrative embodiment of a vertical floating row cleaner may include a mounting bracket configured to engage a row unit frame, which mounting bracket may have a receiver engaged therewith. An extension member may have first and second ends, with one end configured as an adjustor interface and the opposite end configured to pivotally engage at least one row cleaner wheel. An adjustor may engage the extension member at the adjustor interface such that the adjustor prevents the extension member from moving with respect to the receiver past a certain point in at least one direction.

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: An agricultural row unit includes a towing frame, an attachment frame, and a linkage. A row unit frame has a forward end coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the row unit frame relative to the attachment frame. A closing-wheel assembly includes a support arm having a leading end coupled to the row unit frame, and a hub assembly mounted at a trailing end of the support arm. The hub assembly has a wheel-fastening mechanism with one or more removable fasteners. The closing-wheel assembly further includes a closing wheel connected to the hub assembly with the one or more removable fasteners such that the closing wheel is interchangeable with different types of modular closing wheels.

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 method for controlling a seeding apparatus including sensing a ground force acting on a furrow opener of the seeding apparatus and providing a ground force sensor signal in dependence upon the ground force acting on the furrow opener. The method further includes providing an actuator to apply a bias force to a packer wheel of the seeding apparatus. The method also includes providing a control device operative to receive the ground force sensor signal and an input from an operator and to adjust the bias force that the actuator applies to the packer wheel in dependence on at least one of the ground force sensor signal and the input from the operator.

Abstract: A single arm row cleaner unit mountable to a grain drill opener arm includes a row cleaner arm and a mounting saddle. The mounting saddle is generally configured for attachment to a main arm of a furrow forming assembly. A row cleaner arm may be pivotally attached to the mounting saddle about a mandrel, and a row cleaner wheel may be pivotally mounted to the row cleaner arm. A biasing member may be positioned adjacent the mandrel to engage the row cleaner arm and a biasing member retainer, which may be affixed to the mounting saddle. A deflector may be positioned adjacent the row cleaner wheel and biased there against. A connector and lever arm may be used to communicate forces from a closing wheel arm to the row cleaner wheel for adequate clearance of the row cleaner wheel during transport of the grain drill.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a biasing member, a ground engaging tool, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by compensating for changes in draft force caused by changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A suspension system for a row crop planter unit which includes a shock absorber extending between the planter unit mounting bracket and the parallel arm linkage which vertically mounts the planter unit to a toolbar. The shock absorber permits the planter unit to move more quickly in the rebound cycle than in the compression cycle to reduce row unit bounce.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for splitting, mulching, and leveling soil beds for planting. The apparatus adapts to changes in contour and elevation of a soil bed to insure that seeds are planted at equivalent depths along the length of the bed. The apparatus includes a tracking wheel that rises and falls with concomitant changes in the elevation of the top of the soil bed and that causes associated bed preparation apparatus to rise and fall simultaneously with the tracking wheel.

Abstract: A seed planting assembly is provided having a plurality of planting units supported by a tool bar, each of which being operable to form a seed trench in soil, plant seeds in the seed trench, and close the seed trench. Each planting assembly is supported by the tool bar via a mounting assembly that can be actuated by a vertical positioner to raise and lower individual planting units. The vertical positioner is prevented from becoming unintentionally locked during use.

Abstract: A no-till drill with a novel walking beam assembly that allows the drill to be pulled over severe terrain conditions that include large rocks, fallen limbs and other large obstructions. The inventive walking beam assembly includes two independent pivot points that allow the cutting and opening disks to maintain substantially constant or continuous contact with the ground, such that the length of the furrow formed and seed deposited therein are maximized. A closing disk assembly is suspended from the rear of the drill independently from the walking beam assembly. This independent suspension allows the walking beam assembly to function without interference from the closing disks.

Abstract: A seed planting assembly is provided having a plurality of planting units supported by a tool bar, each of which being operable to form a seed trench in soil, plant seeds in the seed trench, and close the seed trench. Each planting assembly is supported by the tool bar via a mounting assembly that can be actuated by a vertical positioner to raise and lower individual planting units.

Abstract: A working element of an agricultural machine mounted on a substantially horizontal beam by a linking structure comprising at least one upper arm and at least one lower arm, the working element being subjected on one hand to a depth control force directed toward the ground and on another hand to a ballasting exerted by a ballasting device comprising at least one spring. The ballasting device consists of a handle and at least one rack, the handle comprising at least one rod intended to collaborate with the rack.

Abstract: A planting unit lockup assembly extends between upper and lower links of a parallelogram linkage. A lockup link is pivotally coupled to the upper link and extends downwardly to the lower link. The lockup link is also provided with a slot having a hook. A slide member is mounted to the lower link and engages the slot. A control link is pivotally coupled to the lockup link by a loose pivot coupling. The control link is biased towards the lower link by a spring. The control link is provided with a trapping element that engages the lockup link. The trapping element of the control link engages the lockup link in one of two positions, a normal position and a lockup position. In its normal position, the control link biases the hook away from the slide bushing member. In its lockup position, the control link biases the hook toward the slide bushing member.

Abstract: A support for a seed firming wheel of an agricultural planter. The support comprises a frame member, a link pivotally coupled to the frame member and a spring positioned between the link and frame member. The frame member is also provided with a pivot assembly to which the link is pivotally mounted. The seed firming wheel is rotatively mounted to the link. A lockup link is positioned between the frame member and the link for holding the seed firming wheel in a non-working position.

Abstract: A planter row unit having a frame with a first unitary rigid plate and structure for attaching a soil engaging component in an operative position on the first unitary rigid plate and first structure cooperating between a towing frame that is movable in a forward towing direction and the first unitary rigid plate for attaching the first unitary rigid plate to a towing frame so that the first unitary rigid plate a) follows forward movement of the towing frame to which the first unitary rigid plate attaches and b) is movable vertically relative to a towing frame to which the first unitary rigid plate attaches to allow the first unitary rigid plate to move conformingly over uneven terrain.

Abstract: A direct drill seeding unit comprising a coulter wheel (5), a pair of depth control wheels (7) and a splitter (9) where the main components of the seeding unit are pivoted on an elongate arm (1) which is connected to a common or main frame (3). The pivotal movement of the unit allows a gang of the seeding units to follow undulating land in a very faithful manner. Furthermore the splitter (9) is capable of variable height and angle relative to the ground level according to the vertical position of the elongate arm such that as the arm moves up the splitter shall automatically compensate by lowering in order to maintain contact with the soil. The adjustment of the splitter is effected by the trapezoid configuration of the 4 pivoting points and the "L" shaped common linkages (4).

Abstract: A mounting mechanism is disclosed for use in association with a row unit having a furrow forming apparatus as an integral part thereof. A linkage arrangement is provided for mounting the row unit to a tool bar of a tractor or the like thus allowing the furrow forming apparatus to follow the contour of the ground for consistent and efficient furrow formation. The mounting mechanism of the present invention includes a unique pressure applicator that allows for one-handed adjustment of the furrow forming mechanism on each row unit without the use of tools. The present invention is furthermore structured to facilitate adjustment of the pressure applicator along a predetermined path of travel relative to the linkage assembly that mounts the row unit to the tool bar.

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 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.

Abstract: A planting, and agri-chemical applicating farming implement for multiple tilling functions. The implement can be deployed in multiple gang configurations. Each gang comprises a frame for coupling the implement to a tow vehicle, a blade depending downwardly from the front of the frame for initially contacting, shaping, and leveling a raised row or bed, means for applying agri-chemicals and seed to soil behind the blade, and multiple spider gangs for vigorously mixing and incorporating agri-chemical, seed, and soil. The spider gangs comprise a first gang of rotatable spiders disposed in a row beneath said frame and journaled for rotation about a first adjustable common axis of rotation, and a second gang of rotatable spiders disposed in a row beneath said frame means and journaled for rotation about a second adjustable common axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation preferably form equal and opposite acute angles with respect to the implement's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A plurality of parallel arm type openers are mounted on a frame tube, and a rockshaft is supported directly below the tube. Adjacent each of the openers, a lever arm is fixed for rotation with the rockshaft and, upon rotation of the rockshaft in a first direction, the lever arm engages the parallel arms to lift the opener while the frame tube remains stationary in the vertical direction. A tension spring assembly connected between the parallel arms and the lever arm applies varying down force when the opener is lowered by rotating the rockshaft in the opposite direction. The amount of down pressure can be adjusted for varying conditions by rotation of the rockshaft, and adjustment can be made on-the-go from the tractor cab to compensate for changing ground conditions in a given field. Locking structure on the row units permits selective lock-up of row units with a single cycle of the hydraulic lift system.

Abstract: A seed drill machine of the type having a plurality of disk assemblies, and a torsion spring joint for connection of the disk assemblies to the frame of the machine. The machine is conventionally mounted on a pair of wheels and the disk assemblies can be raised and lowered relative to the wheels for travel from place to place in the raised position and for ground working in the lowered position. In the lowered position, the torsion spring joint biases the disk blades in penetrating engagement with the soil to form a furrow. The torsion joints include flexible, resilient type spring elements. The disk assembly is carried by an arm connected to the joint. The spring elements are prone to develop a permanent deflection when they are left under load for a period of time. Means are provided for adjusting the angular relationship of the disk assembly arms to the connecting joints to compensate for such deformation.

Abstract: A hoe-opener assembly having a "float" feature is disclosed. The present invention ties operation of several hoe openers to a common framework so that uniform depth control can be maintained. The hoe-opener assembly of the present invention is drawn behind an agricultural implement having a tool bar, and comprises a vertically movable framework. A frame lift-and-lower arrangement is provided for adjusting the spacing of the framework relative to the ground. The hoe-opener assembly includes a plurality of spring-biased hoe openers, each pivotally carried for limited pivotal movement by the framework at spaced intervals along the length thereof. A biasing-spring arrangement in operative association with each hoe-opener is provided whereby each hoe opener is substantially fixed against independent movement, relative to the framework.

Abstract: A planter has the seed box and seed dispensing mechanism supported by a tool bar which is supported by tool bar gage wheels and a tractor. A plow moves loose, dry dirt from the seed bed. The plow, opening plow, and covering mechanism are drawn as a unit from the tool bar by a parallel motion linkage. The plow, opening plow, and covering mechanism unit for each row is supported by a planter gage wheel running in front of the plow.

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: An earth-working implement and a method utilizing such an implement for preparing soil for planting seeds and concurrently planting the seeds wherein a plate-like plow stock penetrates the soil to a substantial depth below ground level, and the soil is concurrently leveled and smoothed inwardly behind the plow stock by concave and forwardly diverging cutting discs straddling the forward path of the plow stock and whose lower extremities are spaced a substantial distance above that of the plow stock for forming a substantially smooth linear area of loose soil. A furrow opener, behind the plow stock, forms a planting furrow in the soil along the linear area, while seeds are being deposited in the furrow and soil is pressed to cover the thus planted seeds. An improved mounting post arrangement is provided for supporting each of the diverging discs in predetermined angular relationship.

Abstract: A seed drill has a frame, a transverse hopper and a series of triple disc coulters mounted on the frame below the hopper. The coulters are each mounted on the frame by a parallelogram linkage which maintains the proper relative positions of the front and rear discs of the coulters at different penetration depths and permits the maximum transport height of the coulters.

Abstract: A packer wheel assembly is disclosed that is particularly useful for sod seeding purposes. The apparatus includes a mounting bracket having a pair of spaced arms with a packer wheel being rotatably mounted between the center portion of each of the arms. A packer pivot rod is connected between the arms at the front portion of each so that the arms pivot about a horizontal axis. A packer stop is also provided at the front of the arms rearwardly of the pivot, and an adjustable spray shield is attached to the rear of the bracket. This assembly provides the needed flexibility to follow the contour of the ground and allow the assembly to be adjusted to various cutter wheel depths with the packer wheel having a capability to follow the furrow for all selected cutter wheel depths.

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: Seed and/or fertilizer or similar particulate material is fed by a seed cup assembly or the like from a hopper to a main conduit through which air is passing at a rate sufficient to ensure that the material is picked up by the air stream and transported thereby. A main distributor head receives the material and feeds it pneumatically to a plurality of secondary distributor heads. A plurality of feed conduits extends from each secondary distributing head one to each of the seed outlets provided adjacent the furrow openers of the assembly. Each distributor head is provided with tapered restrictors which concentrate the material centrally so that it strikes the curved upper end centrally and is thus spread evenly to all of the conduits extending from the manifold thus ensuring even distribution of the material.