Abstract: The invention relates to controlling a driving condition for an agricultural machine having a tractor, an implement for applying materials selected from the group of granular material, liquid material, and a powder-form material, the implement carried or trailed by the tractor and comprising a supply container, an application device, and a weight sensor device having at least one weight sensor and configured to sense an empty weight and a filling weight for the supply container. A tractor implement management system is provided and is operationally connected to the weight sensor device and configured for controlling driving conditions of the tractor. The method comprises driving the tractor, measuring first weight signals, indicative of a first driving condition, providing first tractor control signals, generated in response to the first weight signals and configured to apply a first control condition to the tractor driving, for controlling the tractor driving.

Abstract: An air seeder cart apparatus has a primary container assembly with a plurality of primary product containers, with primary fill hatches at tops thereof. An air distribution network comprises product conduits and primary metering devices that dispense agricultural products from each primary product container into one of the product conduits. A secondary product container is mounted on a side of the primary container assembly and has a secondary fill hatch much lower than the primary fill hatches, and a secondary metering mechanism dispenses product from the secondary product container into one of the product conduits. The secondary product container is convenient for receiving bagged agricultural products from a low truck bed. Unopened product bags may be stored on a grate inside the secondary product container so they will be available if required. Weighing of product in the container can be provided.

Abstract: A commodity tank for use with an air seeding implement includes a series of panels arranged to form an enclosure defining a volume configured to hold a supply of commodity. At least one or more of the panels has a warping-reducing bend formed therein. The commodity tank further has a series of tubular members with each tubular member located between adjacent and perpendicular panels to define a respective corner of the enclosure.

Abstract: The vapor exhaust assembly, for anhydrous ammonia, includes a closed filter tower and a closed exhaust tower with vertical tubes. The filter tower is connected to the vapor tower by a vapor upper pipe and a liquid lower pipe. A filter tube is mounted in the filter tower. Ammonia enters the filter tower above an open end of the filter. Ammonia vapor moves from the filter tower through the vapor upper pipe to a vapor chamber in the vapor tower. Liquid moves from the filter tower through the liquid pipe to the vapor tower. Liquid received in the vapor tower is moved upward by a dam. Vapor in the liquid moves upward to the vapor chamber. Liquid moves downward from the dam top to a liquid discharge exit. A vapor discharge valve in the top of the vapor tower is opened to discharge vapor and increase liquid in both towers.

Abstract: A farm implement includes a chassis, a wheeled section, a tool section, and a fifth wheel coupling device for receiving and coupling with a complimentary coupling pin on a semi-trailer. A fifth wheel coupling system includes a fifth wheel coupling plate having a slot designed to receive a coupling pin of a semi-trailer, a latching mechanism designed to latch onto the coupling pin of the semi-trailer, and a coupling device interface designed to connect the fifth wheel coupling plate and latching device to a farm implement. A method of connecting a semi-trailer to a farm implement having a fifth wheel coupling device includes aligning and connecting a coupling pin of the semi-trailer with a coupling device of a farm implement. A farm implement includes a coupling device designed to connect with a complimentary coupling device of a trailer having a storage tank with a capacity greater than 1,000 gallons.

Abstract: A containment assembly and method includes generally side-by-side longitudinal tanks that are oriented substantially along a direction of travel of the containment assembly. The containment assembly includes a frame, a ground engagement member, and a plurality of tanks coupled to the frame. Each tank includes a longitudinal axis defined between a fore end and an aft end that is substantially parallel to the direction of travel. A length between the fore end and the aft end of the tank is greater than the width between a left side and a right side of the tank. A tank bottom surface is contoured to direct the granular material toward the aft end. The plurality of tanks are oriented such that at least a right side or a left side of one tank is proximate at least a right side or a left side of another one of the plurality of tanks.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for distributing a product by dense phase flow is disclosed. The agricultural implement comprises a frame and a product distribution system configured to distribute the product to different positions on the frame by dense phase flow. The product distribution system includes a primary container configured to accommodate the product and includes a primary container inlet and a product exit. The product distribution system also includes a pressure supply assembly configured to provide a pressurized fluid and is in fluid communication with the primary container through the primary container inlet. The product distribution system also includes a distribution conduit that includes a conduit first end connected to the product exit and a conduit discharge end opposite the conduit first end.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agricultural implement and a method of making an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement has a primary containment unit and a plurality of sections. At least one dense phase delivery line connects the primary containment unit to each of the sections. A transport control system allows for individual control of the dense phase transport of the granular product from the primary containment unit to each of the plurality of sections via the at least one dense phase delivery line.

Abstract: A friction drive for an agricultural planter has a linear actuator, which may be hydraulically or pneumatically controlled, to selectively raise or lower a drive wheel into frictional engagement with a carrying wheel. A valve network is fluidly associated with the linear actuator and allows the operator or pilot to variably define the degree of frictional engagement. This allows the operator to vary the amount of frictional engagement of the drive wheel and the carrying wheel, the output of which is used by a material dispensing system to deposited planting material onto a planting surface.

Abstract: A seed tank arrangement is provided with improved access to seed tanks of an agricultural planter and the contents thereof, while simplifying the manufacturing of such tanks. The seed tank has a fill opening formed in the upper surface of the tank for loading and accessing seeds in the interior of the tank. Features of the tank are mirror images about a diagonal plane of the tank, which enables the same tank to be used for both the left and right sides of the planter. This is achieved by rotating the left tank 90 degrees with respect to the right tank. The design provides improved access to the interior of the tanks for filling and servicing the seed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying liquid anhydrous ammonia to a pump or other flow control system whereby a separation chamber removes vapor generated by friction in the flow path from a storage tank containing saturated anhydrous ammonia. Additionally, liquid ammonia in the separation chamber creates a static head pressure. The difference in height between the inlet near the top of the separation chamber and the outlet at the bottom causes the static head pressure. The static head assures pure liquid at the bottom since absolute pressure exceeds saturation pressure. As a result, the feed stream to the pump or other flow control system is free of ammonia vapor.

Abstract: A standardized receiver for bulk materials containers such as seeds for the quick and efficient loading of seed into a planter with bulk handling capability. Delivery mechanism associated with the receiver is disposed to accept materials discharged from the container after it has been placed on the planter frame and to transport such materials to the opener rows. A manifold of the mechanism is fitted with output pipe fixtures for the discharge of the seed to individual rows via flexible hose. The inlet of the manifold is on the top surface of the structure and aligned with the slidegate opening of the shipping container. Air pressure is created within the manifold by a fan assembly. Airflow exiting the manifold carries seed through the pipe fittings, into the hoses and on to the planter rows. The receiver mounts to the planter frame above the mechanism. The receiver conforms to the general dimensions of the bottom of a shipping container.

Abstract: A method of modifying a grinder-mixer unit into a seed tender unit includes the steps of providing a grinder having a frame, a generally upright bin, a mixing auger within the bin, a grinding device and an outlet device. The outlet device and the grinding device are removed from the frame. A seed output opening is formed in the bin and a false floor plate is mounted within the bin to direct seed towards the opening, and a seed transfer device having a lower end and an upper end is connected at the lower end to the seed output opening, a seed feed control device is interposed therebetween and the seed transfer device is connected to a power device for engaging the seed transfer device to transfer seed from the lower end to the upper end of the seed transfer device.

Abstract: A bulk seed handler and dispenser is provided for transporting bulk seed containers and for dispensing the seed within the containers into planting equipment. The bulk seed handler and dispenser is comprised of a trailer having a plurality of bulk seed containers mounted thereon, each of which is in communication with individual hoppers located therebelow. A horizontally disposed conveyor auger is in communication with each of the hoppers and is adapted to convey the seed from the hoppers to a transition box located at the forward end of the conveyor auger. A seed discharge auger has its lower end in communication with the transition box and extends upwardly and laterally therefrom. A discharge tube is connected to the upper end of the seed discharge auger which is maneuvered for placement adjacent planter unit hoppers.

Abstract: A bulk seed handler and dispenser is provided for transporting bulk seed containers and for dispensing the seed within the containers into planting equipment. The bulk seed handler and dispenser is comprised of a trailer having a plurality of bulk seed containers mounted thereon, each of which is in communication with individual hoppers located therebelow. A discharge auger conveyor is in selective communication with each of the hoppers and is adapted to convey the seed from the hoppers through a discharge tube which is maneuvered for placement adjacent planter unit hoppers.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprising a transversely extending main frame and left and right transversely extending wing frames. The main frame and the wing frames are provided with a plurality of planting units. Left and right main seed hoppers are mounted to the main frame. The left and right main seed hoppers are transversely separated from one another by a longitudinally extending gap located along the longitudinal centerline of the seeding machine. A pneumatic seed on demand delivery system automatically directs seed from the left and right main seed hoppers to the planting units. A walkway is positioned in the gap between the left and right main seed hoppers to facilitate operator access to the lids of the main seed hoppers.

Abstract: A fodder mixing wagon including a fodder mixing container equipped with at least one vertical auger above the bottom region, and including an undercarriage having a chassis and ground wheels, is provided with an active adjusting system for adjusting the fodder distribution within the mixing container in at least two opposed directions being substantially parallel to the bottom region, the adjusting system being equipped with at least one sensor arrangement for detecting either the actual fodder weight distribution within and/or the inclination of the mixing container. The adjusting system allows to actuate actuators for adjustable counter blades provided in the mixing container and/or mixing container/slanting devices, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a planting assembly including a mounting member and comprising a hopper including first and second wall members that form first and second hopper external surfaces wherein first and second forces applied perpendicular to the first and second surfaces include at least components along first and second opposing trajectories, respectively, a first elongated bearing member rigidly linked to the mounting member and forming a first bearing surface that applies a first applied force to the first hopper surface wherein the first applied force includes at least a first compressing component along the first trajectory, a second elongated bearing member forming a second bearing surface and having a first end and a retainer linked to the first end of the second bearing member and rigidly linking the second bearing member to the mounting member in any of several different positions relative to the first bearing member so that the second bearing surface applies a second applied force to the second

Abstract: A bulk seed storage and dispensing box of the present invention uses properly angled box sides to assist in the flow of the seed from the box. A side discharge opening is essential for ease of use of this invention.

Abstract: A particulate distribution apparatus for receiving seed or other particulate from a pneumatic source and temporarily storing the seed for subsequent use by a metering device where the particulate is characterized by a particulate size, the apparatus comprising a housing including walls that form a cavity, a hopper inlet linkable to the duct outlet and a hopper outlet linkable to the metering device inlet, at least one of the housing walls forming vent apertures that are generally smaller than the particulate size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a planting assembly including a first mounting member having first and second horizontally separated ends, the apparatus comprising first and second rigid support members that extend in the same direction from and substantially perpendicular to the first and second ends of the mounting member and that form first and second support surfaces, respectively, a hopper including first and second lower wall members that together define an upwardly facing cavity and form first and second downward and oppositely facing external surfaces, respectively, the external surfaces sloping downward toward a hopper opening along first and second trajectories, respectively, the hopper positioned on the support members such that the first and second external surfaces are received on the first and second support surfaces, respectively, the first external surface forming a first hopper coupler having an engaging length dimension along the first trajectory and a first locking member having a first

Abstract: An all wheel steer variable load carrying tractor vehicle which is particularly suited for towing crop input implements, the front section of which comprises a cab and engine the back section of which comprises several storage containers for carrying bulk crop inputs. The storage containers are releasably attached to the vehicle and can be changed based on the type of crop inputs applied and any implements towed by the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with low impact tracks to increase maneuverability. The vehicle may also be equipped with a combination of high flotation tires or tracks to minimize soil compaction. A delivery system in combination with a control system coordinates the movement of the crop inputs from the vehicle to places located off the vehicle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dispensing aggregates for lawn improvement. Aggregates are delivered to the site in a primary dispensing vehicle, which is configured to allow a smaller secondary dispensing vehicle to be loaded with the aggregate directly from the primary vehicle. The process includes aerating the soil, distributing a variety of soil amendments evenly over the area to be treated and then dragging a unique drag mat over the area to make a smooth contour and to even the distribution of the aggregate.

Abstract: An agricultural machine has a movable rack (10) having at least one main wheel (16, 18), a hitch (12) which is arranged on the rack (10), a reservoir container (14) which is carried by the rack (10) and/or the hitch (12), and an agricultural implement (20) which is attached to the rack (10) at the rear in the direction of travel and has a plurality of rear support wheels (28). The machine is developed to the effect that the at least one main wheel (16, 18) is positively steered as a function of the pulling direction of a traction force which is exerted on the hitch (12). Such a machine is particularly compact and maneuverable even when the reservoir container is large.

Abstract: An all wheel steer variable load carrying tractor vehicle which is particularly suited for towing crop input implements, the front section of which comprises a cab and engine the back section of which comprises several storage containers for carrying bulk crop inputs. The storage containers are releasably attached to the vehicle and can be changed based on the type of crop inputs applied and any implements towed by the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with all wheel steering to increase maneuverability. The vehicle is also equipped with high flotation tires or tracks to minimize soil compaction. A delivery system in combination with a control system coordinates the movement of the crop inputs from the vehicle to places located off the vehicle.

Abstract: A winged implement includes an hydraulic control circuit having two operator-controlled valves, including a work valve and a transport valve. Using only these controls, and without leaving the tractor cab, the operator can (1) fold the implement for transport; (2) unfold the wings; (3) place the implement in the field use position with substantial constant down pressure on the wings; and (4) raise the wings and center section to an intermediate position with the wings inclined upwardly for end row turns.

Abstract: An all wheel steer variable load carrying tractor vehicle which is particularly suited for towing crop input implements, the front section of which comprises a cab and engine the back section of which comprises several storage containers for carrying bulk crop inputs. The storage containers are releasably attached to the vehicle and can be changed based on the type of crop inputs applied and any implements towed by the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with all wheel steering to increase maneuverability. The vehicle is also equipped with high flotation tires or tracks to minimize soil compaction. A delivery system in combination with a control system coordinates the movement of the crop inputs from the vehicle to places located off the vehicle.

Abstract: A towed, three row cultivator including a frame, a hitch bar, primary and secondary implement bars and vertical columns slidable within bearing housings attached at each side of the frame. The columns are attached to each other at the upper end by a bridge member and terminate in wheel assembles at the lower end. Actuators are provided for lifting and lowering the frame relative to the columns. Fertilizer and chemical tanks may also be provided for attachment to the bridge member, thereby placing the weight of such tanks and their contents directly on the wheels independent of the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a grain drill with grain includes a grain hopper and a manifold assembly. The hopper includes an open upper portion and a lower portion, and a conveying conduit communicates with an outlet in the lower portion of the hopper such that grain exits the outlet into the conduit. An air blower device is positioned at an end of the conveying conduit and forces pressurized air through the conduit and beneath the hopper outlet. The air in the conveying conduit entrains grain exiting the outlet and carries the grain along the conduit to the manifold assembly mounted on the planting apparatus. The grain and air pass into a manifold tube having a delivery slot and air exhaust apertures, with the grain passing through the slot into the grain drill and the air exiting through the exhaust apertures. The hopper, blower device and conduit may be formed as a stand alone unit which, during filling, is connected to the manifold assembly that is secured to the grain drill.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an integral coupling arrangement for coupling a trailing cart to a transverse toolbar. The cart is provided with two draft links extending forwardly from the cart that are pivotally coupled to the toolbar. A central hitch also extends forwardly from the cart and is coupled to the toolbar by a floating link. Pushing and pulling forces are applied through the draft links only. The central hitch carries the vertical weight applied by the cart.

Abstract: An agricultural implement designed for distributing anhydrous ammonia by laterally spaced applicator knives includes an elongated wagon hitch frame which has a forward end pivotally mounted to a forward section of the implement frame and a rear end which carries a drawbar and hitch clevis for a trailing wagon carrying a tank of anhydrous ammonia. As the implement is raised, the rear end of the wagon hitch frame drops away from the implement frame so that the height of the wagon hitch above the ground remains substantially constant and the implement hitch section and wagon tongue remain in line. The break-away coupler for the main hose from the anhydrous tank to the implement is provided with a swing arm to facilitate disconnection of the main hose even when the anhydrous wagon is sharply angled. In the case of a larger implement, having right and left pivoting wings, the frames of the wing sections are strengthened with efficient use of upper and lower laterally spaced channel stiffeners.

Abstract: An implement for agricultural field work is primarily useful for preparing a field for no-till planting and comprises a wheel carried frame for carrying a massive fertilizer hopper which has apertures in its bottom portion through which fertilizer flows at a metered rate into feed tubes which carry the fertilizer to furrows formed by double-disc ground openers mounted on the frame. The openers aerate the soil and chop crop residues remaining on the ground surface from the previous crop. Hoes attached to the openers draw a portion of the soil displaced from the furrows back into the furrows after the fertilizer is deposited therein.

Abstract: A hopper for dispensing seed, grain and the like comprises a housing having a lower portion and at least one dispensing opening in the lower portion; a rotatable shaft located within the housing; a drive shaft transferring rotational energy to the shaft from a low horsepower, low rpm, electric motor; a brush having a plurality of tufts of flexible bristles held in an annular member mounted on the shaft above each dispensing opening for feeding seed, grain and the like to the dispensing opening during rotation of the shaft; a marked metering plate having a metering hole therethrough and extending into a slot formed in a first side portion of the housing; and a mechanism for selectively stopping rotation of the shaft whereby when rotation of the shaft is stopped, seeds, grain and the like are blocked from access to the dispensing opening, the mechanism including a cam adjustably mounted on the shaft, a cam follower for engaging the cam and a microswitch connected to the cam follower and deactivating the electri