Abstract: An agricultural implement system having: a row unit coupled to a tool bar of an agricultural implement; an opener system coupled to a chassis of the row unit and configured to engage soil to form a trench; a downforce system configured to apply a downforce to the row unit to adjust a contact force between the row unit and the soil; a soil condition sensor configured to detect a condition of the soil and/or an operational sensor configured to detect operation of the agricultural implement system; a closing system, configured to close the trench created by the opener system; and a controller coupled to the soil condition sensor and/or the operational sensor, wherein the controller is configured to control the downforce system and the closing system in response to feedback from the soil condition sensor and/or the operational sensor.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system having: a row unit coupled to a tool bar of an agricultural implement; an opener system coupled to the row unit and configured to engage soil to form a trench; a soil condition sensor; a closing system, configured to close the trench created by the opener system, the closing system comprises: a first disk configured to engage the soil and close the trench; a second disk configured to engage the soil and close the trench; and a controller configured to couple to the soil condition sensor and control a position or orientation of the first disk or the second disk in response to feedback from the soil condition sensor.

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

Abstract: An agricultural row unit assembly includes an attachment frame configured for attachment to a tow bar that is movable in a direction of travel. A proximal end of a swing-arm is coupled to the attachment frame, and an opener disk is mounted to and offset from a distal end of the swing-arm for forming a furrow. The opener disk is configured to rotate about a first axis relative to the direction of travel. A deflecting disk is mounted to the distal end for deflecting debris from entering the furrow, and is mounted between the distal end of the swing-arm and the opener disk. The deflecting disk is configured to rotate about a second axis, which is different than the first axis, relative to the direction of travel. A closing wheel is coupled to the attachment frame for closing the furrow.

Abstract: A tillage system has a first set of deep tilling tines and a second set of shallow tilling coulter tines present in a number more than twice that of the deep tilling tines. The deep tilling tines till the field to a depth of about 5 to 12 inches at row planting locations, loosening the soil for easy plant growth. This deep grooving action builds mounds of soil at both sides of the deep groove which are cleared by a second set of shallow tilling curved coulter tines followed by a third set of plurality of rows of shallow tilling toothed coulters that till the space between grooves to a depth of about 1 to 4 inches, providing a water reservoir space and clearing plant debris. A last row of shallow tilling ruffled coulters are provided to mix and incorporate into soil plant debris and plant stocks, anchoring tilled soil.

Abstract: A mount for carrying a plurality of field-conditioning implements selected from trash whipping implements, rolling baskets and coulters for connection to a planter or other multi-row implement is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.

Abstract: The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.

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: The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.

Abstract: A strip tillage implement includes a plurality of forward disk gang members for sizing plant residue. An upright tool support bracket extends rearwardly from the rear frame member and defines a downwardly opening accommodation space at a top portion of the bracket for a closing disk assembly rockshaft or support. The bracket includes a lower end supporting a parallel linkage that carries a clearing tool assembly in a generally constant horizontal attitude as the linkage pivots with movement of the clearing disks over obstacles. A tool support arm is pivotally connected to the bracket adjacent the parallel linkage and below the rear frame member. A closing disk arm supported from the rockshaft can be rotated to adjust down pressure or to lift the closing disk is completely out of ground contact. Closing disk spacing and disk angle are adjustable to provide the desired berm shape.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.

Abstract: A strip tillage implement includes a single, center-mounted arm located directly above the row area of a strip-till berm. Basket halves are rotatably connected to opposite sides of the arm in cantilever fashion to eliminate outer support arms. Residue flow encounters rolling baskets rather than fixed arms so that catching, flipping and twisting of residue is minimized and plugging in high residue conditions is reduced. A single, center-mounted bearing and simplified basket halves reduce the cost and complexity of the implement.

Abstract: Carriage (10) attachable to a prime mover (41) for travel over turf or grass wherein the carriage (10) has idler rollers (12, 13 and 14) and a ground aeration mechanism in the form of a support axle (15) having a plurality of slicer blades (16) attached thereto. There is also provided a housing (11) having a hollow interior (33) which houses rollers (12, 13 and 14) and ground aeration mechanism (15 and 16). In use, when carriage (10) travels over turf or grass, both rollers (12, 13 and 14) and the ground aeration mechanism (15 and 16) operate simultaneously to not only roll the grass but also slice it for the purpose of facilitating moisture penetration.

Abstract: A one-pass field tillage implement and method which maintains a uniform soil density throughout the crop root zone for greater root development, improved plant health and greater yields by eliminating tillage of the soil at seed planting depths. The implement includes a wheeled frame operably supporting at least three longitudinally spaced tillage tool assemblies which first chops crop surface residue, then aggressively lifts and redistributes the chopped surface crop residue and breaks up the soil surface crust, and then levels the soil so that the soil surface is substantially smooth and ready for planting, all in a single-pass without tilling the soil at seed planting depths.

Abstract: A one-pass field tillage implement and method which maintains a uniform soil density throughout the crop root zone for greater root development, improved plant health and greater yields by eliminating tillage of the soil at seed planting depths. The implement includes a wheeled frame operably supporting at least three longitudinally spaced tillage tool assemblies which first chops crop surface residue, then aggressively lifts and redistributes the chopped surface crop residue and breaks up the soil surface crust, and then levels the soil so that the soil surface is substantially smooth and ready for planting, all in a single-pass without tilling the soil at seed planting depths.

Abstract: The method of treating hydrocarbon contamination, in soil, that includes providing and operating a rotary tiller having tilling elements that rotate into and out of the soil to till and loosen the soil, and to elevate soil upwardly so that loosened elevated soil then drops downwardly, and is aerated, and dispersing into the soil aqueous streams that contain microbes or chemicals characterized as reacting with hydrocarbon in the loosened soil to produce CO2 and water, thereby to decontaminate the soil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tilling a seedbed with a soil manipulation device comprising a tilling shank for forming a groove in the soil followed a pair of coulter blades for closing the groove and a rear finishing device such as a rolling basket for further tilling and firming of the soil with improved coulter downward pressure and shank head. Downward pressure on the coulter blades is provided by a coulter spring attached to a lever arm pivotally attached to the framework which applies downward pressure to the framework supporting the coulter blades. The rear finishing device is connected to the same coulter support framework by a pivotal rear arm and a rear arm spring such that when the rear finishing device is displaced upward by changing field conditions, an upward force is imparted to the coulter support framework thus raising the coulter blades in response to changing field conditions.

Abstract: A tillage implement includes straight bar ripper structure with a main forward toolbar supporting subsoiler shanks from special brackets which can also support coulters ahead of the shanks independently of additional toolbar structure. An optional rear or secondary toolbar is attached by four-bar linkages to the main toolbar. The four-bar linkages allow the operator to adjust the height of the secondary toolbar relative to the main toolbar to accommodate changes in the operating depth of the rippers. The linkages may also be released to allow the secondary toolbar to float relative to the main toolbar. The secondary toolbar accommodates different attachments behind the rippers, such as disk bedders, lister bedders and strip till rigs which can operate at optimum attack angles and penetration regardless of the operating depth of the ripper.

Abstract: A farm implement has a rigid frame from which is supported a mechanism for breaking and loosening compacted soil. A first plurality of S-tines are supported by the frame and disposed behind the breaking and loosening mechanism. Each S-tine has a sweep disposed on a lower end thereof. A reel is supported by the frame and disposed behind the first plurality of S-tines. The reel has a plurality of blades for chopping debris and breaking soil clods. A second plurality of S-tines are supported by the frame and disposed in offset rows behind the reel. Each S-tine has a sweep disposed on a lower end thereof. A roller mechanism is rotatably supported by the frame and disposed behind the second plurality of S-tines. The roller mechanism mixes and blends the soil with a rolling action. A finished roller breaks down remaining dirt clods and seals moisture in the ground.

Abstract: A movable, row crop soil conditioner apparatus for conditioning soil prior to planting including a mechanism for first cutting a row length furrow opening in the soil when the soil conditioner is moved. A subsoiler is positioned behind the first cutting mechanism. It is selectively inserted into the furrow opening when the subsoiler is moved. The subsoiler includes a tooth, and a first pressure applicator for maintaining pressure on the soil directly and laterally on the subsoiler tooth when the tooth is inserted into the furrow opening. The tooth causes an eruption furrow in the furrow opening. The pressure applicator then controls the eruption soil wakes on either side of the subsoiler when the row crop conditioner is moved down a row. The subsoiler also includes a mechanism for turning the soil wakes on either side of the furrow inwardly towards each other to crush and shear the soil and to urge it downwardly into the eruption furrow, thereby closing the eruption furrow.

Abstract: A tillage implement for preparing seed beds for planting seeds for row crops. The implement includes deep tillage units for loosening soil behind the wheels of a tractor, additional deep tillage units for loosening soil in the areas where seed beds are located, seed bed shaping units, and ribbed wheels for providing guide tracks in the soil for use in aligning a planter with the seed beds.

Abstract: An apparatus for leveling and conditioning baseball infields and the like includes a scarifier, pulverizer, drag, and roller, all mounted on a common frame. The frame and at least some of the implements may be adjusted to adjust or disable the scarifier, pulverizer, and drag individually. The apparatus may be pulled by a small garden tractor.

Abstract: An apparatus for soil working, consisting of a frame (1) drawn over the ground by a vehicle, a first roller (7) mounted rotatably in the frame (1), extending transversely to the travelling direction, a second rotatably supported roller (19) arranged parallel to and behind the first roller (7) and driven thereby through a transmission (17), and two or more rows of soil working members (6) fixed to the frame, wherein the first roller (7) extends between two rows of soil working members (6), and is mounted adjustably in height an securably with respect to the frame (1), the second roller (19) being coupled either to the frame (1) or to the first roller (7) by two or more vertically moveable swing arms (20), so effectuating a precise pressure on the ground of the first (1) or alternatively the second roller (19) independently of one another, and also by maintaining an exact setting of the soil working members (6) at a specific level.

Abstract: A minimum tillage planting apparatus includes a soil conditioning device comprising a coulter for cutting through surface residue and slicing into the soil, a plow element behind and in alignment with the coulter for penetrating and lifting the soil, and a pair of spaced-apart pressure wheels located above the point of the plow element for exerting a downward pressure on the soil and, in cooperation with the plow element, creating a crushing, shearing action on the soil. A pair of filler wheels are provided rearwardly of the plow element to fill the furrow formed by the plow element and to level the row zone for a furrow opening means, seed depositing means for depositing seeds in the opened furrow and seed covering and soil firming or compacting means, all of which follow the pair of filler wheels.

Abstract: A soil cultivating machine comprises two transverse rows of fixed tines and three transversely extending rollers. The front roller has discs which cut parallel slits in the soil. The two following rollers have transversely extending releasable blades mounted on angle-irons which form shallow V's pointed in the direction of the rollers' rotation and which are twisted about 90.degree. from their outboard ends to their centers. The rollers are drivingly interconnected by a chain transmission so that the middle roller rotates slower than the other two and the rear roller rotates faster than it would if freely rotating on the ground. The tines are in rows between the rollers and their depth of soil penetration relative to the underlying soil is adjustable. The rollers are mounted on a generally horizontal framework which is adjustable, however, so it can be inclined slightly either forward or aft to increase or decrease the penetration of the front roller's discs.

Abstract: The planter includes a number of forward tillage units each followed by an aligned planting unit. Both units are independently mounted by four-bar linkages to the planter frame. Each tillage unit includes a leading banded coulter followed by a pair of rolling row cleaning discs which are, in turn, followed by a fluted coulter. The system may be used in any of the following planting modes: (1) no-till planting, in which the fluted coulter only is used to prepare a narrow band of soil for planting with no trash removal; (2) ridge planting or till-planting, in which the row cleaning discs clear a deeper wide band before the fluted coulter while leaving bands between the row crops untilled; (3) minimum tillage planting, in which the row cleaning discs may be used to clear a shallow band of surface trash before the fluted coulter; and (4) conventional planting, in which the tillage units are raised and not used.

Abstract: Through adaptation of and improvement upon secondary, minimum tillage techniques, there is provided a single pass, seedbed method and agricultural machine, utilizing reduction, incorporation, aeration and other procedures, capable of effectively handling all types of adverse field conditions, ground compositions and soil makeup in such manner as to quickly, easily and inexpensively convert all materials and substances therein contained or to be added thereto from a state generally unsuited for seeding and satisfactory plant development to a finished condition wherein any desired seed type may be thereupon planted, sowed or set thereinto without difficulty and with an assurance of good germination and strong, healthy crop growth unimpaired by wind and soil erosion, ineffective moisture retention and other impediments which otherwise normally reduce or destroy profitable harvesting results.

Abstract: A cultivating machine includes a forward row of subsoil tools and a pair of elongated cultivating rollers having support plates to which soil penetrating T-section bars or knife edged bars are attached. To the rear of the cultivating rollers, a trailing supporting roller is journalled on the frame and adjusting arms to the roller can be interconnected with the frame to raise or lower same and thereby set the soil working levels of the subsoil. Each cultivating roller can have its soil penetrating depth controlled through pivot arm connections that move the roller through an arc centered on the pivot axes which extend transverse to the direction of machine travel. The cultivating rollers can be moved towards or away from one another. The machine frame has a coupling that is connectable to the lifting hitch of a tractor and tanks of liquid soil treating material are at least partly supported by frame connections to the tractor, adjacent the coupling.

Abstract: A cultivating machine includes a forward row of subsoil tools and a plurality of elongated cultivating rollers having support plates to which soil penetrating T-section bars or knife edged bars are attached. To the rear of the cultivating rollers, a trailing roller is mounted on the frame and adjusting arms to the roller can be interconnected with the frame to raise or lower same and thereby set the soil working levels of the subsoil. Each cultivating roller can have its soil penetrating depth controlled through pivot arm connections that move the roller through an arc centered on the pivot axes which extend transverse to the direction of machine travel. The machine frame has a coupling that is connectable to the lifting hitch of a tractor and tanks of liquid soil treating material are mounted on the tractor adjacent the coupling.

Abstract: An improved earth working implement is disclosed which is particularly suitable for surgarcane cultivation, said implement having four main pluralities of saucer shaped cultivator discs carried by a trailer, each of said pluralities being individually adjustable to vary the angular relationship of the discs relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer as well as the lateral spacing between the discs and said axis. A pair of retractable wheels are provided to permit the trailer to be towed between a storage area and the sugarcane fields. An adjustable soil deflector disc is disposed adjacent to and rearwardly of each plurality of discs to deflect the soil removed by the cultivator discs in a loosened condition back into the general area from which it was removed. Two additional pairs of cultivator discs are rotatably, angularly, adjustably attachable to the rear end of the trailer.

Abstract: A tillage machine includes a main frame that supports rotary soil working tined members and various additional tools that can be detachably fastened to the main frame in combination with the rotary tined members to landscape in one pass. For primary use, a ripper assembly is detachably fastened at the front of the frame in advance of the rotary soil working members. A pulverizer-support roller is detachably fastened to the frame in a trailing position and a leveler bar supported between the roller and the rotary members to prevent ridging. A seed box with delivery system can be mounted on the roller frame and driven by a transmission connected to the roller axle. A packer roller is detachably pivoted to the frame to leave the ground in a finished condition.

Abstract: A laminated structure includes a wafer member with a membrane attached thereto, the membrane being formed of substantially hydrogen-free boron nitride having a nominal composition B.sub.3 N. The structure may be a component in a mechanical device for effecting a mechanical function, or the membrane may form a masking layer on the wafer. The structure includes a body formed of at least two wafer members laminated together with a cavity formed therebetween, with the boron nitride membrane extending into the cavity so as to provide the structural component such as a support for a heating element or a membrane in a gas valve. In another aspect borom is selectively diffused from the boron nitride into a <100> surface of a silicon wafer. The surface is then exposed to EDP etchant to which the diffusion layer is resistant, thereby forming a channel the wafer member with smooth walls for fluid flow.