Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a frame having a tongue hitch for attachment to a towing vehicle, the tongue hitch being oriented along a longitudinal axis inline with the direction of travel. The agricultural machine has an axle mounted to the frame and an arm mounted to the axle. A front spindle is mounted at the front end of the arm with a front tire mounted to the front spindle and a rear spindle is mounted at the rear end of the arm with a rear tire mounted to the rear spindle. The tires are positioned on a same side of the swing arm. The front tire has a different diameter than a diameter of the rear tire.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar, for controlling operative height of a toolbar and sections of a toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a work position and a transport position. A ground engaging wheel and an actuator are coupled to the toolbar. In one embodiment, a fluid control system is responsive to a command signal to modify the actuator pressure such that the actuator pressure corresponds to a desired pressure.

Abstract: Provided is a seeder assembly for an aerial vehicle as shown and described. The distribution assembly includes a frame selectively attachable to an aerial vehicle and at least one distribution device attached to the frame. The distribution device having a body defining a cavity to receive a plurality of products and a barrel to discharge the plurality of products. A control device configured to communicate with the aerial vehicle and the distribution device to coordinate the timing that products are discharged and a spacing of a subsequent discharged product relative to the speed of the aerial vehicle. A system, method, and cartridge device associated with the distribution assembly are also contemplated by this disclosure.

Abstract: A variable pressure control system for varying pressures in the fluid circuits of a dual acting actuator over a range of pressures. The variable pressure control system includes a controller that cooperates with pressure regulators for regulating the desired pressure in the fluid circuits.

Abstract: One closing assembly of a row unit for an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to support ground-working tools of the row unit. Multiple arms are coupled to the frame, each arm of the multiple arms being independently rotatable about a common axis. Each arm is configured to be coupled to a closing disc configured to direct soil into a trench.

Abstract: Agricultural planter row units feature soil finishing assemblies for closing a seed groove after seed is placed in the soil. An adjustable furrow closing assembly enhances upper seed groove coverage and closure with soil resulting in sustained relative humidity levels and optimum seed-to-soil contact for faster seed germination. The furrow closing assembly includes a closing wheel assembly having at least one closing wheel and a press wheel assembly having a press wheel following behind the closing wheels. The closing wheels and press wheel are attached to the planter row unit in a manner allowing the press wheel to move vertically relative to the closing wheels. Adjustable down-force systems are provided to vary the down force applied to the closing wheels and the press wheel to maintain optimum soil contact in irregular terrain and in varying soil densities and conditions to provide optimum soil coverage and compaction of the seed bed.

Abstract: An articulated device for controlling seeding depth of a seeding assembly in grain seeding machines, more precisely, a seeding assembly with a hinge mechanism in the front part of the assembly, which allows control of the distance between the depth control wheel and the opener disk. This allows minimizing the entrance of vegetable residues, dust and moist soil, while also aiding in their expulsion, and provides an efficient and prompt way for cleaning to avoid longer out of service times of the machine.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a tool bar and at least one row unit carried by the tool bar. Each row unit includes a furrow opener arrangement with a gauge wheel. The gauge wheel includes a rim with an outer periphery and a tire mounted to the outer periphery. The tire includes an outer shell formed from a first resilient material and an inner core formed from a softer second resilient material. The outer shell is positioned radially outward from the inner core and axial outward from axial ends of the inner core. The inner core is mounted directly on the outer periphery of the rim and defines an annular hollow core therein. The tire is structured and arranged such that the softer inner core, the annular hollow core and the harder outer shell coact to provide good wear, good shock absorbance, and good mud shedding capabilities.

Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing device such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.

Abstract: A coulter assembly is provided that facilitates continuous adjustment of coulter disk penetration depth. In an exemplary embodiment, the coulter assembly includes a gauge wheel configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of a coulter disk into the soil. A depth adjustment assembly is coupled to the gauge wheel and configured to adjust the penetration depth of the coulter disk by continuously varying the vertical position of the gauge wheel. This configuration may enable the coulter disk to operate at any penetration depth within the gauge wheel range of motion, thereby facilitating deposition of fertilizer within the soil at a suitable depth to enhance crop growth.

Abstract: A coulter assembly is provided that facilitates continuous adjustment of coulter disk penetration depth. In an exemplary embodiment, the coulter assembly includes a gauge wheel configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of a coulter disk into the soil. A depth adjustment assembly is coupled to the gauge wheel and configured to adjust the penetration depth of the coulter disk by continuously varying the vertical position of the gauge wheel. This configuration may enable the coulter disk to operate at any penetration depth within the gauge wheel range of motion, thereby facilitating deposition of fertilizer within the soil at a suitable depth to enhance crop growth.

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 hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.

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 hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.

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 furrow opener device includes a disc arranged to open a primary furrow in the ground. A scraper body has a leading scraper edge supported alongside the disc to scrape the disc. A wing member is supported on a bottom portion of the scraper body in proximity to a bottom end of the disc and extends laterally outwardly away from the disc so as to be arranged to open a groove in the primary furrow projecting laterally to one side of the primary furrow, and a tube extends generally downward to an output opening located adjacent the wing member and is arranged for depositing product into the groove. A packer wheel is arranged in a first configuration where depth of disc penetration is gauged by a gauge wheel adjacent to the furrow opener and in a second configuration in which depth is gauged by the packer wheel.

Abstract: The present planter unit, and planter implements using the present planter unit, include first and second discs and first and second pathways. The first and second discs may be generally planar and in a non-overlapping relation. As the planter unit is towed through a field, the first disc creates a first trench in the seedbed and the first pathway deposits a first material in the first trench. Subsequently, the second disc creates a second trench which is continuous with the first trench and partially fills the first trench. A second material is deposited in the second trench by the second pathway.

Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing apparatus such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.

Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing member such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.

Abstract: A disc system for an agricultural machine including a frame carrying a plurality of agricultural tools, the disc system comprising a leading disc mounting mechanism and a rear tools mounting mechanism, wherein the mechanisms are mounted in the frame in a manner that they move in upward and downward directions and when one of the mechanisms tends to move in one of the directions the other one of the mechanisms tends to move in the opposite direction to copy as close as possible the field profile.

Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine including at least one tool bar and a plurality of row units attached to the tool bar. Each row unit including a frame, a plurality of ground engaging wheels including a first ground engaging wheel, at least one suspension structure and a torsional biasing device. The at least one suspension structure including a first suspension structure having a first end and a second end. The first end rotatably coupled to the first ground engaging wheel. The torsional biasing device coupled to the second end of the first suspension structure. The biasing device being carried by the frame.

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: A seed planting assembly comprising a laterally extending support member and a planting unit including a planting frame supported by said support member. Said planting unit frame carries, a seed trench opening assembly operable to create a seed trench in a ground surface, a depth regulating member having a vertical position relative to said seed trench opening assembly, wherein said depth regulating member responds to forces upon said planting unit to control ground surface engagement, an arm assembly connecting said depth regulating member to said planting unit frame with a depth monitoring means for indicating whether said depth regulating member is fully engaged with said ground surface wherein said depth monitoring means indicates whether said arm assembly is engaged with said stop means.

Abstract: An improved method of monitoring penetration of a planting unit into a ground surface comprising engaging a planting unit with a ground surface wherein the planting unit has a planting unit frame and the planting unit frame is cooperatively engaged with a support member by a planting frame and wherein the planting unit comprises, a seed trench opening assembly operable to create a seed trench in a ground surface, a depth regulating member having a vertical position relative to the seed trench opening assembly and monitoring penetration of the furrow forming structure into the ground surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a 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 hydraulic system (20) for controlling the seed/fertilizer supply system (10) and the down pressure on a plurality of individual row units (12). A secondary supply arrangement (60) interconnects a first control circuit (26) of supply system (10) with a second control circuit (28), when the row units (12) are in a float mode, to provide pressurized fluid for the down force on the row units (12) during operation.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame, a grow medium manipulation surface configured to manipulate and move a growing medium and at least one elastomeric torsion element coupled to the surface. The growing medium manipulation surface moves between a first growing medium engagement position in which the surface manipulates and moves the growing medium and a second growing medium non-engagement position. The elastomeric torsion element resiliently biases the surface towards the first growing medium engagement position. In one exemplary embodiment, the growing medium engagement surface comprises the surface of a furrow opening device on an agricultural implement. In one exemplary embodiment, the implement additionally includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to the elastomeric torsion element.

Abstract: An adjustable depth control mechanism for use with earth penetrating equipment. The invention includes a hub and spindle assembly for use with an adjustable depth gauge wheel, which is mounted on a support axle. It may also include a position indicator that an operator can readily view to determine the relative position of the depth gauge wheel and, accordingly, the depth setting of the ground penetrating disc. The indicator rotates to certain positions that correspond to the depth to which the disc is allowed to penetrate into the ground. Preferably, both the position indicator and the adjustment mechanism of the assembly are located internal to the depth gauge wheel and are covered and protected by the rim of the wheel from contamination by soil and crop residue.

Abstract: A hydraulic downpressure system for use on no-tillage seeders allows for a constant downward force to be applied on seeding tools operating in highly variable soil surface conditions in order to keep a uniform seeding or planting depth. Raising and lowering of the seeding units can also be achieved with this hydraulic system. A double acting hydraulic cylinder is principally used having its rod end connected to one or two seeding units. A hydraulically operated two-way mode selection valve provides system shifting between both modes involved. The first mode is used when transporting the seeder on roads and to operate the seeding tools in the field. Control is then provided by a three-way directional valve mounted to an external hydraulic power supply, such as an agricultural tractor. Raising and lowering of the seeding tools can be achieved when operating in this mode. A second mode is involved when the seeding tools are working into the ground to sow seeds.

Abstract: A farm implement having a frame and a plurality of row units mounted on the frame with each row unit including a tool. Each row unit has at least one gauge wheel associated therewith with a spring urging each gauge wheel into contact with the soil to be worked by the tools. A single trash blade rotatably is mounted on an arm pivotally mounted on the frame associated with each gauge wheel ahead of the associated tool. A spring continually urges each trash blade toward contact with the soil ahead of the associated tool, with the plane of each trash blade being angularly displaced from the direction of travel of the associated gauge wheel in the range of from about 22.degree. to about 30.degree. and being angularly displaced to the vertical in the range of from about 20.degree. to about 30.degree. to move trash from ahead of the tool to form a row of trash between adjacent row units.

Abstract: A vehicular machine available for transplanting vegetal seedlings onto seedbed lines comprising; a planting unit which is furnished with a plurality of vegetal seedling mounting tables and planting levers for transplanting vegetal seedlings onto seedbed lines supplied from these mounting tables disposed on the back side of a working truck hauled by a tractive vehicle; and a working step which facilitates an operator to mount himself on the working truck in order to replenish vegetal seedlings to respective mounting tables of the planting unit. The working truck itself is held by a plurality of supporting wheels which are respectively aligned with the level line identical to that of those wheels of the tractive vehicle.

Abstract: A depth gauging adjustment mechanism includes a spring-loaded handle which pivots about a common axis with the depth gauging wheel arm on an opener assembly. The handle has two transversely located pins, and the back of the opener assembly has notches on a radius struck on the axis for receiving the pins. The wheel arm and thus the planting depth are maintained by the handle. Each handle position represents a different planting depth which can be adjusted easily with one hand by pulling the handle against the bias, repositioning the pins and then releasing the handle. The wheel arm is freely rockable downwardly from the depth adjusted position to facilitate handle movement when the opener assembly is raised from the ground-working position.

Abstract: The disclosed planting apparatus includes a frame fixedly attached to a transversely extending tool bar. Secured to the tool bar and extending rearwardly therefrom is a platform on which the seed hopper and herbicide container are mounted. Seed from the hopper is dispensed downwardly to a seed metering device which deposits seed at uniformly spaced intervals into a furrow formed by a pair of furrow-opening discs and a shoe associated therewith, the shoe packing or compacting the soil at the bottom of the furrow formed by the discs. Playing an important role in the invention is a walking beam system which mounts a pair of gauge wheels for independent movement relative to each other and also relative to the furrow-opening discs and shoe. Also supported by the walking beam system is a pair of furrow-closing or press wheels, the pitch of which can be adjusted for varying soil conditions.

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 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 seeding apparatus is provided which includes a V-shaped frame having forward and rear arms of which the forward arm is hitchable to a tractor or other vehicle for pulling such apparatus. The seeding apparatus includes a carriage assembly which supports a furrow opener at one end of the carriage assembly adjacent the V-shaped frame. The seeding apparatus further includes a furrow closer at the remaining end of the carriage assembly. The carriage assembly is coupled to the rear arm of the frame by a spring mechanism which downwardly biases the furrow opener and closer toward the soil when the furrow opener and closer are in contact with the same. A second dual spring mechanism is situated between the hitch and the forward arm of the frame to further bias the furrow opener and closer downwardly when the furrow opener and closer contact the soil.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling the depth of soil penetration of a ground contact implement, such as a planter, furrow opener, seeder, tiller, fertilizer or pesticide applicator, plow, etc. or any combination thereof. The present invention permits presetting of a desired ground contact implement soil penetration depth, and provides continuous dynamic regulating of an adjustable downpressure system in response to changing forces exerted on the device (for example, including those forces resulting from soil unevenness), so as to maintain the ground contact implement at approximately the preset desired depth.

Abstract: A planting unit which includes opening plows, seed chute, and covering devices, which are carried by a four link parallel motion linkage to the tool bar, has a novel spring arrangement. The spring extends from one of the junctions of the linkage to a spring lever mounted at midpoint of one of the links. The spring lever is adjusted about its pivot point by having an adjustment bar extending through an ear and held in place by a pin through one of a selected number of holes. The linkage is connected to a cylindrical tool bar by "U" bolts so that each of many planting units may be adjusted for proper alignment relative to all the other planting units. The cylindrical planter tool bar is journaled to a main tool bar so that all of the planting units upon the planter bar may be adjusted by rotating the cylindrical planter tool bar about its longitudinal axis, making it unnecessary to rotate the entire main tool bar.

Abstract: A seed drill including depending furrow openers having a lower shovel and a supporting seed boot. Each seed boot is pivotally supported on a longitudinal drag bar assembly connected to it about a transverse pivotal connection. The forwardly extending arm at the upper end of the seed boot selectively engages one end of a longitudinal leaf spring mounted to the drag arm assembly. A preselected planting position for the shovel and seed boot is defined by an overlying adjustable stop. An arcuate abutment surface is interposed between the seed boot arm and leaf spring. A stop is interposed between the drag arm assembly and leaf spring for limiting upward movement of the free spring end.

Abstract: A leveling linkage is provided on a planter unit of a planter implement. Each planter unit includes a leveling spring for supporting a back end of the plant unit in its raised, transport position. The leveling linkage is connected to a mounting bracket and a draft frame of the planter unit, which move relative to each other when the implement is raised and lowered. The leveling linkage extends the leveling spring when the implement is in its transport position and retracts the leveling spring when the implement is in its work position.