Including Spring Formed Tool Or Standard Patents (Class 172/142)
  • Patent number: 11083125
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining field characteristics of a field across which an implement is being moved may include a tine configured to engage a surface of soil within the field. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a load being applied to the ground engaging tine by the soil. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, with the controller being configured to determine a field characteristic of the field based on measurement signals received from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alan Forbes, James W. Henry, Robert A. Zemenchik
  • Patent number: 10834862
    Abstract: A disc conditioner to work soil in a forward direction including a main support structure, a secondary support structure that protrudes from the main support structure in the forward direction, a main disc assembly affixed to the main support structure, and a secondary disc assembly that is affixed to the secondary support structure and protrudes from the main disc assembly in the forward direction. The secondary disc assembly generates an oscillating soil and residue flow along a central axis of the disc conditioner that levels the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: KUHN KRAUSE, INC.
    Inventors: Tom W. Ankenman, Rodney L. Hagman
  • Patent number: 10772255
    Abstract: A seed firmer for firming seeds deposited in the seed trench to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. A bracket mounts the seed firmer to the row unit frame such that the seed firmer is aligned with the seed trench. The seed firmer includes a resilient insert positioned in the firmer body to stiffen the seed firmer to more resiliently firm the seed into the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Hodel, Kent Levy
  • Patent number: 10772252
    Abstract: A tillage implement having a frame member extending in a fore-aft direction of the implement, the frame member pivotally connected in a foldable configuration, the frame member comprising a main frame section; a first wing section and a second wing section, each being pivotally connected at opposing lateral sides of the main frame section in the fore-aft direction; and a middle breaker including a first disc coupled to the main frame section, the first disc laterally offset from a centerline of the middle breaker extending in the fore-aft direction, the first disc having a concave side facing towards the centerline, and a second disc coupled to the main frame section, laterally offset from the centerline of the middle breaker, the second disc having a concave side facing towards the centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Shawn J. Becker, David L. Steinlage, Mark D. Beeck, Andrew J. Peterson, John W. Gisler, Narayanan E. Esakkimuthu
  • Patent number: 10448571
    Abstract: An apparatus for tending to rows of vines is presented which may be pulled, or driven, between a pair of rows of a vineyard. The apparatus includes implements to tend to the vines on both rows at the same time. The apparatus include a left portion that tends to a left row of vines and right portion that tends to a right row of vines. The portions are attached to the apparatus using linkages that permit the portions to adjust to changes in row spacing or the position of the apparatus between the rows. The apparatus also includes weeder assemblies that weed the ground between the vines while preventing damage to the vines, and a spray device for spraying the vines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventors: Kelly McFarland, Claude Brown
  • Patent number: 10412873
    Abstract: A towed soil cultivation implement (1) is proposed in which the soil tillage tools (5) are guided by a contact pressure controlled depth guide device (9), which enables a constant weight load on a downstream, adjustable reconsolidation implement (6) on uneven ground as well. In the process, the pull line between tractor (3) and soil cultivation implement (1) are maintained in an optimum position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: LEMKEN GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Achten, Johannes Bodewig, Clemens Diepers, Josef Van Haaren, Christoph Happe, Sebastian Karsten, Ludger Maas, Georg Paulessen
  • Patent number: 10405477
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a two-position quick-connect mounting system for mounting a farm implement to a toolbar in an operating configuration, the mounting assembly including a toolbar bracket and an implement bar, the implement bar being mounted to the toolbar bracket by: i) raising the implement bar into a downward facing cavity of the toolbar bracket; and ii) longitudinally translating the implement bar such that lateral projections on either side of the implement bar are received into operating slots in the toolbar bracket, and a spring-biased locking member automatically engages a securing member. In an illustrative embodiment, the implement bar may be mounted to the toolbar bracket in a stowage configuration by sliding the projections into stowage slots separate from the operating slots. In some embodiments, the implement may advantageously be mounted in one of two mounting configurations, without requiring tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: May-Wes Mfg.
    Inventor: Benjamin Wick
  • Patent number: 10225973
    Abstract: A tine harrow has a plurality of harrow tines mounted on and downwardly depending from a harrow frame. The tines are configured to be movable between a lowered position and a raised position, and at least one tine lowerable or raiseable to a different relative position in relation to a surface of a field than others of the tines. The ability to lower and raise individual tines or rows of tines to different positions in relation to a surface of a field provides more effective response of the tine harrow to changing land conditions. The positions to which individual tines or rows of tines are lowered or raised may be selectively set to further enhance effectiveness of the response of the tine harrow to changing land conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Salford Group Inc.
    Inventors: Geof J. Gray, John Mark Averink, Jonathan Gillier, Bradley William Baker
  • Patent number: 9730374
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a two-position quick-connect mounting system for mounting a farm implement to a toolbar in an operating configuration, the mounting assembly including a toolbar bracket and an implement bar, the implement bar being mounted to the toolbar bracket by: i) raising the implement bar into a downward facing cavity of the toolbar bracket; and ii) longitudinally translating the implement bar such that lateral projections on either side of the implement bar are received into operating slots in the toolbar bracket, and a spring-biased locking member automatically engages a securing member. In an illustrative embodiment, the implement bar may be mounted to the toolbar bracket in a stowage configuration by sliding the projections into stowage slots separate from the operating slots. In some embodiments, the implement may advantageously be mounted in one of two mounting configurations, without requiring tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: May-Wes Mfg.
    Inventor: Benjamin Wick
  • Patent number: 9661798
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement including a main section having a hitch extending in a travel direction, a plurality of foldable wing sections coupled with the main section, and a plurality of ground engaging tilling elements. The tilling elements are coupled to the main section and wing sections. At least one of the sections have a gauge wheel system. The gauge wheel system includes an untilled wheel assembly, a tilled wheel assembly, and an adjustment device. The adjustment device is configured to adjust the untilled wheel assembly relative to the tilled wheel assembly thereby compensating for a characteristic difference between tilled and untilled soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Sudbrink, Dean A. Knobloch
  • Patent number: 9253937
    Abstract: A towed agricultural machine for tillage purposes and/or for sowing seeds is disclosed. The machine comprises a running gear, tillage tools, and a packer unit, the latter being coupled to the running gear and forming a constructional and/or functional unit therewith. In a first operating position, the running gear is in an active position for road traffic and the packer tools are brought outside the engagement range with the ground. In a second operating position, the running gear, or at least parts thereof, are in an inactive position out of contact range with the ground, while the packer tools are in an active mode in engagement with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Horsch Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Horsch
  • Patent number: 9074330
    Abstract: An apparatus to distribute materials in an artificial lawn includes a row of prongs joined to a transverse support, the row of prongs being configured to lift the blades of the artificial lawn, thereby enhancing penetration of the materials between the blades. The apparatus is configured to angularly preadjust the transverse support according to multiple adjustment positions so as to vary pressure of the prongs on the lawn; and a row of brushes configured to improve distribution of materials remaining on a surface of the lawn after the passage of the row of prongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Cuadrado
  • Patent number: 8307909
    Abstract: A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may have a coil spring with a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is used in the management of crop residue as part of a minimum tillage strategy, is particularly resistant to plugging, and can be operated at high speeds and/or in standing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Salford Farm Machinery Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacobus A. Rozendaal, Philip M. O'Grady, James F. Boak, John M. Averink, Geof J. Gray
  • Patent number: 8307908
    Abstract: A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may comprise a coil spring having a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is particularly resistant to plugging and can be operated at high speeds without undue damage upon impact with obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Salford Farm Machinery Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacobus A. Rozendaal, Philip M. O'Grady, James F. Boak, John M. Averink, Geof J. Gray
  • Patent number: 8196672
    Abstract: A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may have a coil spring with a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is used in the management of crop residue as part of a minimum tillage strategy. The implement is particularly resistant to plugging and can be operated at high speeds without undue damage upon impact with obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Salford Farm Machinery Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacobus A. Rozendaal, Philip M. O'Grady, James F. Boak, John M. Averink, Geof J. Gray
  • Patent number: 8113295
    Abstract: A conservation tillage implement having three or more rows of individual coulter wheel assemblies laterally spaced apart and removably mounted on a cultivator frame, a coulter wheel assembly in a given row being staggered with respect to the coulter wheel assemblies in a longitudinally adjacent row. The coulter wheel assemblies may be laterally adjustable and may be mounted to the cultivator frame using a mounting means that permits rotation about a vertical axis. The coulter wheel assemblies may comprise a coil spring having a horizontal spring axis to permit upward deflection in response to impact with an obstacle. Leveling attachments may optionally be mounted to the cultivator frame, along with additional field working tools. The implement is used in the management of crop residue as part of a minimum tillage strategy. The implement is particularly resistant to plugging and can be operated at high speeds without undue damage upon impact with obstacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Salford Farm Machinery Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacobus A. Rozendaal, Philip M. O'Grady, James F. Boak, John M. Averink, Geof J. Gray
  • Patent number: 8079424
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting post-harvest crop stubble. The apparatus including, a support frame, a plurality of layover bars coupled to the frame for laying over the stubble, and a plurality of cutting discs for cutting the stubble. The layover bars being adapted to present a substantially smooth transitioned engagement to the stubble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Richard James Larsen, David Larsen
  • Patent number: 7775293
    Abstract: A furrow closer apparatus has a bracket extending down from an upper forward portion of an implement shank. Right and left spring arms with soil moving elements at lower ends thereof are attached at top ends thereof to right and left coil springs connected by a cross member. A spring tube extends through the coil springs and through the bracket aperture to attach the spring arms such that a spring arm extends rearward and downward on each side of a shank location. Clips are attached to the spring tube on each side of the bracket aperture and define clip apertures. The cross member extends through the clip apertures, and the clip apertures are larger than the cross member such that the cross member is movable in the clip apertures. Rotatable discs with a twine wrap inhibiting ring can provide the soil moving elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Rick Stokes
  • Patent number: 7520338
    Abstract: A furrow closer apparatus for attachment to a shank of a ground working implement, the shank extending rearward and downward from an implement frame member, comprises a bracket adapted for attachment to the shank. The bracket extends down from an upper forward portion of the shank. Spring arms extend from the bracket rearward and downward on each side of and below the shank, and are biased to a neutral position. Soil moving elements are attached to the spring arms near the lower end of the shank. Leading faces of the soil moving elements are oriented at opposed angles to the travel direction such that forward portions thereof are farther apart than rearward portions and such that soil contacted by each face is moved toward the shank rearward of the shank. Rotatable discs with a twine cutter can provide the soil moving elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Rick Stokes
  • Patent number: 7017675
    Abstract: A one-pass primary tillage machine provides a combination of shallow and deep tillage, residue cutting and mixing, and clod size reduction and leveling of the field to prepare the field for the next planting season. A front group of flat coulters slice through the residue to reduce its size, followed by deep shanks that improve the tilth of the soil to a point below the intended planting depth. Following the shanks, a group of concavo-convex conditioning discs mix the residue with the soil, reduce clod size, and level the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Krause Plow Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Ankenman, John T. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 6896068
    Abstract: A tillage implement includes a hitch adapted for connection to a prime mover. A cultivator section is attached to the hitch. The cultivator section includes a plurality of transversely spaced cultivator members. A tine harrow assembly is connected to the cultivator section in a trailing relationship thereto. The tine harrow assembly includes at least two transversely oriented rows of transversely spaced tines. A first row of tines are adjacent to the cultivator section having the tines arranged such that one of the tines is positioned along a line of travel offset laterally from a line of travel of each the cultivator members to engage soil positioned in a mound to opposing sides of the cultivator members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: William J. Dietrich, Sr., Dean A. Knobloch
  • Publication number: 20040050561
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for tilling a field that includes a frame, a ground engaging tool attached to the frame wherein the ground engaging tool creates an initial residue flow pattern and a spike tooth linked to the fame and positioned approximately inline with the initial residue flow pattern, wherein the tooth alters the flow pattern of the residue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Sunflower Manufacturing Company, Inc.,
    Inventors: Dennis L. Lewallen, Jeffrey S. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6655469
    Abstract: A turf combing device. A plurality of spring biased tines are fixedly mounted to rods rotatably mounted to a frame. Pivot arms fixedly mounted to the opposite ends of the rods are pivoted thereby rotating the rods and positioning the tines relative to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Greensgroomer Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Davis
  • Patent number: 6626246
    Abstract: A tine harrow assembly includes a frame member; a plurality of tines pivotally connected to the frame member to permit a rake angle adjustment of the tines. The tines are arranged in a plurality of transversely extending rows and an adjustment mechanism operably connects to the tines for effecting a change in the rake angle, where the adjustment mechanism includes a tine slide having a stop formed therein corresponding to each the transverse row of tines. The tine slide being movable relative to the frame to position the stops at one of multiple selected positions, the transverse rows of tines are pivotable against the corresponding stops to define a selected rake angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Case, LLC
    Inventors: Rickey Gerber, Dean Knobloch, Paul Hurtis, William J. Dietrich, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20020144827
    Abstract: A tillage implement includes a hitch adapted for connection to a prime mover. A cultivator section is attached to the hitch. The cultivator section includes a plurality of transversely spaced cultivator members. A tine harrow assembly is connected to the cultivator section in a trailing relationship thereto. The tine harrow assembly includes at least two transversely oriented rows of transversely spaced tines. A first row of tines are adjacent to the cultivator section having the tines arranged such that one of the tines is positioned along a line of travel offset laterally from a line of travel of each the cultivator members to engage soil positioned in a mound to opposing sides of the cultivator members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Case Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Dietrich, Dean A. Knobloch
  • Publication number: 20020144826
    Abstract: A tine harrow assembly includes a frame member; a plurality of tines pivotally connected to the frame member to permit a rake angle adjustment of the tines. The tines are arranged in a plurality of transversely extending rows and an adjustment mechanism operably connects to the tines for effecting a change in the rake angle, where the adjustment mechanism includes a tine slide having a stop formed therein corresponding to each the transverse row of tines, The tine slide being movable relative to the frame to position the stops at one of multiple selected positions, the transverse rows of tines are pivotable against the corresponding stops to define a selected rake angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Rickey Gerber, Dean Knobloch, Paul Hurtis, William J. Dietrich
  • Patent number: 6360827
    Abstract: An apparatus and method transporting an attachment, such as a box blade assembly, which is secured to a land based vehicle has a box blade and a transporting mechanism. The box blade is made up of two opposing side walls, an open top and bottom, and front and rear sides. The walls are connected using frame members and a cutting surface extends between the side walls and below the bottom edge of the side walls. The transporting mechanism is comprised of a movable frame member rotatably secured to the rear of the box blade at one end and operatively secured to one or more wheels at the other end. A lifting member, which may be a hydraulic cylinder or hand crank, is operatively secured to the movable frame member and to the top of the box blade. Using a single point of attachment hitch, such as a ball type hitch, the box blade may still be lifted from the work surface for easy transport, and then easily lowered for use on a work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Clary Investment, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Clary
  • Patent number: 5988294
    Abstract: A cultivator for towing by an ATV comprises a cultivator frame including a plurality of horizontal parallel tool bars and a pair of side rails interconnecting the tool bars to hold the tool bars at right angels to a direction of forward movement of the frame. The middle tool bar is of a length to extend only between the rails. The front tool bar is of intermediate length and extends beyond the rails to leave free ends. The rear tool bar is longest. Each tool bar carries a plurality of S-tines. A pair of ground wheels is mounted on a cross-shaft of the frame at the front tool bar for pivotal movement relative to the frame and including an actuation lever operable by an electric actuator for raising a height of the frame relative to the ground. A hitch pole is connected to the frame by a pair of collars under the front tool bar and the middle tool bar and extends forwardly therefrom to a hitch connection for connecting to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Darin Hubscher
  • Patent number: 5809915
    Abstract: A seed drill particularly adapted for contouring uneven ground and accommodating rocks, especially where depth of furrow and placement of seed against wet soil is critical, as in dry land farming. Each drill in a set of drills is a separate unit which is mounted on a vehicle. Each unit includes a split press wheel with an opener mounted within the wheel. The units can easily be individually mounted or adjusted on the vehicle for spacing and height. The opener has an articulating adjusting arm which allows easy adjustment to all preferred positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: JK Industries, LLC
    Inventors: James L. Jess, Kevin Prather
  • Patent number: 5794714
    Abstract: This invention relates to a dirt leveling device adapted for towing by a tractor which is characterized by one or more chisels attached to a transverse shaft on the front of the dirt leveling device having a rotatable relationship thereto, and a dirt leveling blade rotatably attached to the frame and controlled by a second hydraulically actuated ylinder. The hydraulically actuated cylinder for the chisels and the hydraulically actuated cylinder for the blade may be controlled by extensions to the vicinity of the driver of the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Dennis Brown
  • Patent number: 5769170
    Abstract: An integrated soil cultivation apparatus (20) which is coupled to the rear of a propelling vehicle (21) and can carry out a number of different soil working operations during forward movement, the apparatus comprising a frame; a coupling arrangement (2) at the forward end of the frame; a first packer (9) arranged to support the forward part of the frame (1); a second packer (11) arranged to support the rear part of the frame (1); depth adjustable levelling tines (8) arranged forwardly of the first packer (8); rows of transversely extending harrow tines (26 and 27) mounted on the frame (1) between the first and second packers (9 and 11); rear rows of tines (28, 29) preferably provided with coulter tubes for seed distribution; and a lowerable set of transport wheels (3) arranged to support the rear end of the frame (1) during transport only, but being raised out of contact with the ground so that soil cultivation can take place, whereby the first and second packers (9 and 11) carry out dual function of soil cru
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Kverneland Klepp AS
    Inventor: Magne Skjaeveland
  • Patent number: 4685524
    Abstract: A tine mounting arrangement for a harrow provides a transverse elongate support member with a plurality of stub shafts extending outwardly therefrom in the same horizontal plane at an angle of 45.degree.. Each stub shaft carries a pair of spring tines with the springs wrapped around the shaft and an inclined portion of the tine extending forwardly from the angled shaft and therefore at an angle to the transverse support member. Two such members can be mounted on pivot arms to provide a transverse reciprocating working action of the tines. This harrow element can be mounted upon support arms pivoted from a draw bar and carried on ground wheels which may be simple depth wheels or may form packer wheels. In an alternative arrangement the packer wheels and harrow element are mounted on a subframe which can be reversed so that the packers operate in advance of the harrow element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Airmaster Sales Ltd.
    Inventor: Wilfred G. Williamson
  • Patent number: 4615396
    Abstract: A system for actuating a plurality of farm implements includes a frame adapted to be connected between a tractor and a first farm implement such as a drill. A tool frame, adapted to be connected to one or more additional farm implements, is pivotally suspended beneath the frame by front and rear support linkages. The rear support linkages are also connected with a linkage which raises and lowers the grain drills on the drill. An hydraulic actuator is connected to the front support linkage to move the tool frame and the drill between a transport position and a working position. Adjustment means are provided at the connection between the rear support linkage and the linkage to the drill for determining the transport height of the drill, the spring tension on the grain drills, and the height of the rear of the tool frame with respect to the front of the tool frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Loren G. Arnold
  • Patent number: 4561504
    Abstract: In a flexible tine harrow for the preparation of seed beds and comprising a plurality of individual harrow sections, each of these sections has an intermediate frame which is supported by earth crumbling drums in front of and behind the harrow section and is towingly connected with the main frame both through a link connection at the front end of the intermediate frame and through a telescopic stay biased to extension and arranged above the harrow section, the directions of the pull and push forces exerted through the link connection and the stay intersecting at a point approximately in the level of the shares of the harrow tines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Kongskilde Koncernselskab A/S
    Inventor: Helge H. Andersen
  • Patent number: 4479549
    Abstract: A ground working implement is disclosed which comprises three rectangular frames connected together by means of hinges. A center frame is provided with a tongue for attachment to a traction device such as a tractor. Each of the frames is provided with a packer wheel attached to and extending along the rear portion thereof and each of the frames is also provided with a separate frame from which S tines depend. S tines are sometimes referred to as Danish tines. The separate frames are connected to the first frame by means of a bell crank which is fulcrumed on members depending from the first frame and which are connected together by means of levers which in turn are connected to a rotatable shaft. Each frame is provided with a rotatable shaft which are connected together for concurrent rotation by an articulated connection permitting the outermost frames to be rotated 180.degree. by means of hydraulic cylinders and supported on the center frame for road transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Assignee: Remlinger Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Fegley
  • Patent number: 4452315
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for deflecting straw and other debris from in front of a soil opening implement used in farming. The straw and debris deflector is particularly useful where the soil is generally not tilled. The straw and debris deflector includes an adjustable bracket which extends forward of the soil opening disk of the implement. Extending downwardly from the end of the bracket is a flexible oscillating tine. The tine rubs along the surface of the ground immediately in front of the soil openers to collect and deflect straw and other debris. The flexible tine oscillates forwardly and backwardly and from side to side. Periodic flexing to one or the other side of the disk removes collected debris from in front of the tine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Inventor: Guy J. Swanson
  • Patent number: 4446925
    Abstract: An agricultural apparatus and more specifically a cultivator intended to till the soil for the incorporation of chemical solutions and to prepare it for sowing. This cultivator has a double-wheel-mounted frame capable of being hitched to a tractor, at least one transverse row of tines at the front or drawing end and at least one additional transverse row of the tines at the rear. A single or double transverse cylindrical rolling harrow, spring-pressed downwardly and oscillating vertically, is provided behind the rear tines, the harrow having a churning action which breaks up the lumps left after the soil has been loosened by the tines. A further transverse rolling harrow is also provided between the front and rear rows of tines, generally at the center of the frame. This additional harrow is, like the rear one, pressed downwardly by springs and is also able to oscillate vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: Ber-Vac Inc.
    Inventor: Bertrand Vachon
  • Patent number: 4423787
    Abstract: A harrow mounted on an earthworking tool works the soil adjacent the tool. The harrow has a clamp assembly mounted on the body of a spring earthworking tool. A pair of coil springs are mounted on the clamp assembly. Each coil spring is connected to a downwardly directed earthworking tine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Inventor: Richard W. Steinberg
  • Patent number: 4315547
    Abstract: An attachment for agricultural machines includes a frame having a leading and trailing portion, a first soil-treating unit located at the leading portion of the frame and a second soil-treating unit located at the trailing portion of the frame. Between the first unit and the second unit there is located on the frame wheels for supporting the frame when an agricultural machine provided with the attachment moves along a road. The wheels are displaceable relative to the frame between a first position in which the wheels engage the ground and a second position in which the wheels do not engage the ground. The frame is so coupled to a lifting device of the agricultural machine that, when the wheels are in the second position, the trailing portion of the frame is supported on the ground by the second soil-treating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Rau GmbH
    Inventors: Willy Rau, Christian Taus
  • Patent number: 4304306
    Abstract: A double-coil spring tine is pivotally attached to a channel-shaped mounting bar of a harrow unit by a removable bracket. The portion of the tine connecting the coils is held loosely next to the mounting bar by the bracket so that the entire tine can pivot about the axis of the attaching portion. The portion of the tine on either side of the bracket is placed in tension rather than subjected to bending. Tines are individually replaceable without need to disassemble the mounting bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: John E. Maust, Jr., Phillip E. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4250970
    Abstract: A farm implement has a mobile frame from which is suspended a number of chisel plow shanks and a row of rolling coulters ahead of the plows for cutting crop residue to prevent trash buildup and plugging at the plows. A transverse rock shaft on the frame is provided with swingable wheel arms and cranks to which hydraulic piston and cylinder assemblies are connected for raising and lowering the frame, and therefore, the plows and the coulters in unison. The coulters are swingably mounted on the frame for up and down movement relative to the frame as well as fore and aft movement toward and away from the plows. Turnbuckles pivotally interconnecting the coulter supports and the wheel arms impart swinging movement to the coulters during up and down movement of the frame. Accordingly, adequate slicing heights for the cutters are automatically maintained even at shallow plowing depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Assignee: Krause Plow Corporation
    Inventors: Billy J. Pfenninger, Otto Kahler
  • Patent number: 4227581
    Abstract: Ground preparing apparatus for seed planting comprising a frame adapted to be drawn along a field by a tractor or the like connected to the leading end of the frame and with a planting machine connected to the trailing end of the frame. A colter disc rotatably carried by the frame penetrates the ground to form a slit in the ground and cut stalks and like debris. A pair of laterally and longitudinally spaced narrow tooth elements carried by the frame between the colter disc and the trailing end of the frame penetrate the ground on opposite sides of the slit and cut the ground to form a band-like region of ground prepared to receive seeds and the like dispensed by the planter. A pair of wheels rotatably connected to the frame contact the ground and are located between the tooth elements and the trailing end of the frame and are laterally spaced from the band-like region for controlling the depth of penetration of the colter disc and tooth elements into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1980
    Inventor: Harry A. Klotzbach
  • Patent number: 4212254
    Abstract: A tractor-drawn machine adapted to perform tilling, seed bed preparation, and planting in a single operation, comprises a frame from which plow units, a reel unit, a seed bed finishing implement and seed planting units are mounted seriatim. The attitude of the frame may be adjusted during operation in that the operator of the tractor is able to independently adjust the elevation of both the front of the frame and the rear of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Inventor: Vincent J. Zumbahlen
  • Patent number: 4180005
    Abstract: A tractor-drawn machine adapted to perform tilling, seed bed preparation, and planting in a single operation, comprises a frame from which plow units, a soil leveling and pulverizing unit, a seed bed finishing implement and seed planting units are mounted seriatim. The attitude of the frame may be adjusted during operation in that the operator of the tractor is able to independently adjust the elevation of both the front of the frame and the rear of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Inventor: Vincent J. Zumbahlen
  • Patent number: 4135581
    Abstract: A weeding rod unit arranged in combination with a plow which embodies a plowshare and a shank upstanding from the plowshare for attachment to a tractor-drawn tool bar; the weeding rod unit comprising an arm secured to and projecting rearwardly from the shank adjacent but above the plowshare, individual spring rods projecting laterally and oppositely outwardly from the arm in a plane to run in weeding relation at or slightly below ground level when the plowshare is at working depth, and said oppositely projecting rods being integral with and emanating from a vertical-axis spring coil fixedly secured to said arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1979
    Inventor: Elden C. Beale
  • Patent number: 4103628
    Abstract: A conditioner drill is disclosed herein which comprises two rows of plow teeth mounted at the front of a rectangular frame. Mounted on the frame behind the plow teeth are a drag plate and a compressor roller. A seed drill is mounted upon the frame behind the compressor roller and in front of a plain roller which is located at the rear of the frame. The conditioner drill includes a pair of wheels connected to the frame which may be lowered for transporting the conditioner drill. The conditioner drill may also include a farm chemical distribution system, such as a tank mounted upon the frame and connected to a boom sprayer located at the rear of the conditioner drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Inventor: Charles O. Gaston
  • Patent number: 4029155
    Abstract: A trailing floating mount for agricultural finish tools is connected to the wheeled frame of an implement carriage and includes an elongated, longitudinally oriented finish tool draw bar attached to the carriage by a double-stop bracket which allows the bar freedom to pivot in a vertical plane through an angle sufficient to follow ground contours but limited so that when the implement frame is raised for transport, the draw bar, with the finish tools attached, is also raised but prevented from folding into the implement carriage or tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1977
    Assignee: Kent Manufacturing Co. Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin B. Blair, Lee J. Brinker, Thomas W. Ankenman
  • Patent number: 4005756
    Abstract: A lightweight pasture harrow for breaking up and scattering piles of manure and like material in a pasture including a shaped wire mesh framework secured to a front crossbar which provides a tow bar for pulling the harrow across a field, or pasture. The wire mesh framework includes a plurality of longitudinal wires and a plurality of transverse wires. Ends of the longitudinal wires may serve as harrow teeth, or separate harrow teeth may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1977
    Inventor: William E. Morse, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3998275
    Abstract: An earthworking implement mounted on a three-point hitch of a draft vehicle with a hitch assembly. The hitch assembly has L-shaped members mounted in clamps secured to a main transverse beam. A plurality of parallel linkages movably connect a transverse tool bar to the beam. Row guide units having longitudinally aligned guide wheels and furrowing tools are mounted with clamps to the tool bar. Earthworking tools are mounted with clamps to the tool bar. In one form, the earthworking tool is a blade sequentially moved into and out of the soil with a lifting wheel to dig water and snow holding basins or trenches in the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1976
    Assignee: Alloway Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Fred W. Eisenhardt