Abstract: An improved breakaway assembly for preventing damage to markers for agricultural equipment when such markers encounter obstacles during use. The improved breakaway assembly includes an elongated member for holding the marker in place, imparting only tension forces onto such elongated member and minimizing the amount of shearing forces typically encountered by prior art shear pins. The elongated member is generally positioned tangentially to an arc formed by rotation of the point of attachment of such elongated member about the vertical axis on which the marker pivots when an obstruction is encountered.

Abstract: A wide farm implement is provided with a swingable tongue which permits endwise to and from fields. A pair of transport wheels are provided for supporting the implement for endwise transport and the support wheels, on which the implement is supported during a field working operation, are raised so as not to interfere with endwise transport. In order to prevent the automatic lowering of a row marker when the support wheels are thus raised relative to the frame, a blocking valve is provided in the row marker hydraulic circuit which moves to its closed position when the tongue is moved from its field working position thereby preventing lowering of the row marker.

Abstract: A combined depth-control and wing-lift hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The circuit is preferably used in combination with a farm implement having a tool bar. The tool bar is horizontally disposed relative to the ground, and is carried by the implement. The hydraulic circuit comprises means to raise and lower the tool bar relative to the ground, thereby to effect depth control. The tool bar includes pivotally connected wings. Each wing carries an associated wing wheel. The hydraulic circuit includes means for causing rotative movement of each wing about its associated tool bar pivot between a substantially horizontally-disposed position and a substantially vertically-disposed position, relative to the ground, and for further causing each wing to be selectively disposed at one of these positions, thereby to effect wing lift. Each wing wheel is coupled to, and is distally spaced from and located beneath, its associated wing structure when such wing is in the substantially horizontally-disposed position.

Abstract: A floating marker arm mechanism is disclosed. The marker arm mechanism comprises a bifolded marker arm pivotably mounted on a wheeled farm implement. The marker arm comprises first and second elongated members, pivotally connected together. The marker arm folds and is generally vertically disposed when not in use. When in use, the marker arm is extended outwardly from the wheeled implement and downwardly toward the ground. The marker arm mechanism of the present invention further includes a pivotable bracket removably affixed to the wheeled implement. The marker arm is pivotally mounted on the bracket. The bracket permits the arm to "float" between upper and lower positions when extended outwardly toward the ground to permit a marker disc mounted on the free end of the arm to follow ground contours if any.

Abstract: A field marker is disclosed for selectively dropping sections of rolled paper tissue to the ground surface to indicate the boundary of an area being treated with a liquid. The marker includes a device for mounting a tissue roll for rotation to facilitate unraveling the free end of the paper tissue. A gripping mechanism is provided to take hold of the free tissue end and pull it from the roll. The action is such that individual tissue sections are selectively removed from the tissue roll and dropped to the ground surface. Preferably, the area marked is slightly inward of the treatment pattern such that the dropped tissue sections are saturated by the liquid being applied and thereby secured to the ground surface.

Abstract: A toolbar attachment assembly for a rear tine rotary tiller having a tine guard and forward wheels. The toolbar attachment assembly is secured to the tiller in place of the drag stake. A V-shaped brace allows for the assembly to be attached without removing either the tines or the tine guard. A toolbar secured to the V-shaped brace allows for the releasable attachment of an extension which supports tools such as plows outwardly of the toolbar for the laying off of rows and for throwing dirt to cover weeds in established rows of plants.

Abstract: The row marker for farm planters has a horizontal base bar and a vertical post. A main arm and brace arm are pivotally mounted to the base bar. A marker bar is pivotally mounted between the outer ends of the main and brace arms, with the pivot mounting of the marker bar being intermediate its ends so as to provide a stub lever marker bar section. A diversion arm extends between the main and brace arms and has one end mounted for pivotal and longitudinally floating movement at the upper end of the post, and the other end pivotally mounted to the stub lever marker bar section. Powered means swings the main arm upwardly and effects an overhead folding of the marker bar. The floating pivot of the diversion arm permits variation in the horizontal projection of the main arm and marker bar in response to the level of land.

Abstract: A row marker for a planting implement having a floatation slot formed in an extendable marker link arm. The link arm slot is generally longitudinal to the link arm and has a transverse hooked portion at the outer end. Engagement of the end pin of an activating hydraulic cylinder in the hook portion results in a smooth even motion of the marker as it moves from the vertical position to the normal working position. Use of a spring tensioned cable simultaneously provides for full marker arm extension prior to reaching the working position and clear marking through the full range of floatation.

Abstract: In an agricultural implement which includes a tool bar, a tongue for towing the implement in a direction generally transverse to the direction in which the tool bar extends, and a plurality of operating heads mounted from the tool bar for performing a function, such as planting, the tool bar is divided into sections of convenient length which are hinged to fold from their generally colinear use orientations to generally parallel or at relatively small angles to each other. This compact folded implement is much more conveniently transported, for example, between agricultural fields on public highways.

Abstract: A single disc field marker comprises a support arm pivotally mounted on the end of the sprayer boom and carrying on its end a rotatable disc. The disc is supported so that in one position it lies in a plane which is substantially vertical and parallel to the direction of motion of the boom and can be adjusted readily by movement of the support arm through 90 to a second position in which the outer surface of the disc is inclined so the top edge is outward of the bottom edge and the rear edge is inward of the front edge. The first position can be used to form a furrow in bare land and the second position can be used with standing crop to gently lie the crop to one side.

Abstract: A folding marker arm for an agricultural implement includes a swing link and a single hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected between the frame and the swing link. A push/pull link is mounted between the swing link and the marker arm. As the cylinder extends to rotate said marker toward the storage position and the marker arm passes through top dead center the design decelerates the marker arm as it approaches the storage position to avoid having the marker arm slam into the frame.

Abstract: A no-till marker for multi-row planters characterized by a soil-engaging disc yieldably supported on the outer or distal end of a marker support arm and oriented so that the concave face of the disc is turned generally toward the direction of implement travel. The disc is rotatable on its principal axis.

Abstract: A telescoping row marker for use with a conventional agricultural tillage apparatus such as a tractor carried, or pulled, planter, cultivator or the like; for the alignment of soil working implements with crop rows is disclosed. Positioned within a hollow mounting bar open at both ends are first and second telescoping marker arms having marking means attached to the distal ends and engageable track means located along the length thereof. Positioned adjacent respective ends of the mounting bar are first and second drive means engaging the track means of an adjacently positioned marker arm for displacing the marker arms along the hollow mounting bar whereby the marker arms may be fully extended in the working position or may be fully retracted for transporting or maneuvering the tillage apparatus.

Abstract: An agricultural row marker assembly is provided which includes a three-piece articulated arm and which is hydraulically actuated. The assembly has a base which is connectable to an agricultural tool bar. A second arm is pivotally mounted to the first arm and a telescopingly extendable third arm is pivotally connected to the second arm. A marker disc is located at the distal end of the third arm. The arm is hydraulically actuated with the hydraulic cylinder acting on the first arm through a link member. A second link runs from the base to the second arm and a cable runs between the second link and the third arm so that extension of the hydraulic cylinders extendable rod urges all three arms in the substantially linear alignment.

Abstract: An improvement in furrow followers of a type adapted for connection to an automatic steering mechanism for causing a vehicle to selectively follow a furrow is disclosed. The improvement provides a first and a second probe unit which are adapted to lie in a field furrow. The first probe unit is pivotally connected to a horizontal displacement arm. The second probe unit is pivotally connected to the first probe unit and is disposed in spaced trail position behind the first probe unit. A spacing bend is also provided in the second probe unit.

Abstract: The tongue or drawbar of a boat trailer is severed intermediate its ends; and the cut ends are then releasably hinged together by a pair of spaced, parallel hinge pins, either of which can be withdrawn to permit the forward end of the drawbar to be swung about the remaining pin, and rearwardly into an inactive position in which it effectively shortens the overall length of the drawbar, so that the associated trailer can be readily stored in a conventional garage. The hinge mechanism comprises a pair of tubular members designed to be slid over the cut ends of the drawbar, and then to be bolted and/or welded to the associated drawbar section. Confronting ends of the hinge members have thereon two sets of cooperating hinge barrels, which releasably support the two hinge pins about spaced, vertical axes adjacent opposite sides, respectively, of the drawbar. These tubular hinge members can be manufactured in various sizes so that they can be inserted onto drawbars of the most conventional sizes, e.g. 3".times.

Abstract: A row marker featuring tandem cutting discs, each with convex and concave surfaces, which are disposed to present the convex surfaces to opposite sides of a cutting line. The disc's cutting edges are rotatably adjustable, either individually or as a pair, whereby they can be rotated to widen or narrow the furrow if desired. The cutting edges are set to cut along the same line or overlap slightly at their deepest points. The trailing disc cuts the earth to a deeper point than the lead disc. The depth of the marker furrow can be varied by adjusting a forwardly disposed ground wheel. An extension arm connects the tandem cutting discs to a planter at a selected distance to provide the precise location of the marker furrow. An adjustable joint allows realignment of the cutting edges to insure contact with the soil in a true vertical position when extension arm length is altered.

Abstract: An apparatus which is enclosed within a main tool bar carried by a vehicle and is used to raise and lower an auxiliary tool bar or other implement carrier such as a row marker. The apparatus includes a frame having a first portion of a cross-sectional size comparable to the cross-section of the main tool bar and a second portion of a size to be removably mounted within the main tool bar. Such frame supports a fluid cylinder having a guided piston rod the outer end of which is connected to one end of a link and the opposite end of such link is pivotally connected to a tongue carried by the auxiliary tool bar, such auxiliary tool bar being pivotally connected to the first portion of the frame which is mounted on the main tool bar.

Abstract: An auxiliary shovel operatively mounted on each side of an agricultural implement, each being laterally disposed relative to the usual rows of shovels. A ground marker laterally extending from each side of the implement and being automatically operable into down ground engaging and marking position and into raised inoperative position. Each auxiliary shovel being connected with the marker which extends laterally from the same side of the implement, and means automatically connecting each shovel to a marker, each shovel being in down operative ground engaging and digging position when its corresponding marker is in down ground marking position and being in inoperative raised position when its corresponding marker is in raised position. The positions of the two laterally extending markers being controlled by the operator of the implement.

Abstract: A folding tool bar with hollow main and wing sections (12, 21, 22) incorporates restraining links (111, 112), disposed within the hollow main section (12) when the wing sections (21, 22) are lowered to their working positions, which not only serve to limit upward folding movement of the wing sections (21, 22) but also form a passageway for the hydraulic hoses (126, 127) extending from the interior of the hollow main section (12) to the interiors of the hollow wing sections (21, 22) thereby protecting the hoses (126, 127) against damage at the folding connections.

Abstract: A marking element is carried by at least one arm which is pivotally mounted to a short boom. The boom, in turn, is pivotally mounted to the outboard end of a tool bar or planter frame. A single hydraulic ram is used to move the marker between a use position in which the arm extends horizontally so the marker engages the ground, and an upright position in which the arm is folded over the tool bar.

Abstract: An improved assembly is provided for mounting a disk blade to the drawbar or standard of a furrow opener on a grain drill, planter or similar implement. A bearing support is attached to the drawbar. A bearing includes an outer race held by the bearing support, an inner race extending axially beyond the support and a single disk blade receiving bolt depending from the inner race. A disk blade is secured on the bolt between the inner race and a securing nut threaded on the end of the bolt so that the bolt, disk blade and inner race rotate together about the axis of the bolt. Since the bearing is not riveted or otherwise supported on the disk blade, the blade can be removed from the bolt and replaced easily and quickly without having to replace the bearing. The bearing case normally riveted to the disk blade is eliminated increasing the clearance between blades for better flow of dirt and trash.

Abstract: A row crop planter supports at least two vertical guide making blocks to form superficial trenches about four or five inches deep precisely midway between adjacent rows as they are planted. Tires with trench-riding central ridges on front wheels of a tractor powering a subsequent row crop processing implement along these rows serve to guide the tractor down the rows. Vertical guide following blocks on such a subsequent processing implement such as a cultivator, for example, find and follow exactly the previously formed trenches and so serve to guide cultivator blades to follow every minor deviation of the rows, even on hillsides causing the implement to be tilted transversely of the direction of movement of the implement down the rows. The depth of the guide trenches and the depth of penetration of the guide following blocks is determined by implement support wheels near those blocks.

Abstract: There is presented a row marker adapted to be used with a tractor carrying seed-dispensing hoppers and having an hydraulic system and having a tool bar carried by the tractor for movement over the ground. The row marker comprises a frame for mounting on one end of the tool bar and carrying a pivoted first arm portion of the marking arm for oscillation between a substantially horizontal working position and a substantially vertical carrying position. A second arm portion of the marking arm has one end pivotally attached to the outer end of the first arm portion at a pivot shaft for oscillating movement between a generally vertical carrying position close to the first arm portion and a generally horizontal working position in alignment with the first arm portion in its working position. A marking element, such as a disc, is attached to the outer end of the second arm portion.

Abstract: A mount is supported at the forward portion of a farm tractor or the like adapted to pull draft implements therebehind and the mount is swingable about an upstanding axis for angular displacement between opposite limit positions with a mounting portion of the mount spaced laterally of the aforementioned axis disposed at opposite sides of the forward portion of the vehicle. An elongated horizontal arm having base and free ends is supported at its base end from the mounting portion for angular displacement relative thereto about an upstanding axis and with the arm swingable between a horizontal laterally outwardly projecting position and a trailing position when the mounting portion is disposed at either side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A folding tool bar for agricultural implements and including a central section and outboard wing sections hingedly connected thereto for movement between extended operative lowered positions where they may follow rolling ground conditions and folded over-center raised positions to reduce transport width. Each wing section is actuated by a two-stage hydraulic cylinder on the central section which cooperates with a crank arm on such wing section during its first stage to apply torque to the crank arm through the medium of a draw link by a pulling action in tension, assisted by a powerful camming action, the two forces serving to raise the wing so that it barely clears the ground at a small angle on the order of 5.degree., thereby enabling the implement to perform a turnabout motion with the tools withdrawn from the ground but with the wing remaining unfolded. An abutment within the cylinder positively terminates the first stage of operation and determines the 5.degree.

Abstract: Agricultural apparatus for distributing material, such as fertilizer or pesticide, to a field, characterized by apparatus adapted to be affixed to a conventional vehicle, such as a truck, and including a pivoted boom extending outwardly from each side of the vehicle, a fixed spray tube or the like extending across the rear end of the vehicle, and caster mounted markers carried by each boom at its outer end for marking the edges of a path over which material is delivered by the booms and fixed spray tube. Each boom is mounted for major pivotal movement about an axis extending upwardly and forwardly with respect to the direction of movement of the vehicle, the angle being of the order of 40.degree. to 60.degree., which permits the booms to swing rearwardly and upwardly when a marker passes over an obstruction, such as a rock.