Abstract: An orientation control system for an agricultural implement includes a first sensor configured to be positioned at a left end portion of a frame. The first sensor is configured to emit a first output signal toward a soil surface and to receive a first return signal indicative of a first height of the left end portion. The orientation control system also includes a second sensor configured to be positioned at a right end portion of the frame. The second sensor is configured to emit a second output signal toward the soil surface and to receive a second return signal indicative of a second height of the right end portion. In addition, the orientation control system includes a controller configured to control first, second, and third actuators such that a difference between the first height and the second height is less than a threshold value.

Abstract: A down-pressure system for an agricultural implement has a linear actuator connected between a frame assembly and an opener assembly. A mounting structure for connecting the linear actuator to the opener assembly includes a bushing and an alignment member attached to the linear actuator. The bushing has protrusions extending transversely from opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator. Each protrusion has a curved engagement surface for engaging a flat surface on the opener assembly to prevent bending stresses on the linear actuator when the opener assembly is raised and lowered. The alignment member is arranged to lock the bushing into a predetermined rotational position about a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator relative to the opener assembly. The alignment member comprises a first structure that mates with a corresponding structure on the bushing, and a second structure that engages opposite sides of the opener assembly.

Abstract: A tillage implement includes at least one row unit having at least one shank assembly. The shank assembly includes a shank engaged at one end to the at least one row unit and at an opposing end to a tool. Planar members are positioned on a portion of each lateral side of the shank and the tool. The shank includes at least two mounting features and the tool includes one mounting feature. Each planar member has at least two matching mounting features for the shank and at least one matching mounting feature for the tool. A first connecting member engages at least one of the at least two matching mounting features, and a second connecting member also engages one of the at least two matching mounting features. One additional connecting member engages one mounting feature of the tool and one matching mounting feature of each planar member.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement, comprising at least one section including a plurality of attachment bars; and a plurality of indexed seedbed tillage arrangements distributed on the at least one section, each indexed seedbed tillage arrangement including a first horizontal tillage apparatus coupled to a first attachment bar; a second horizontal tillage apparatus coupled to a second attachment bar and offset in the travel direction from the first horizontal tillage apparatus; and a vertical tillage apparatus coupled to a third bar of the plurality of bars and offset in the travel direction from the first and second horizontal tillage apparatuses, positioned such that it processes soil not disturbed by the first and second horizontal tillage apparatuses.

Abstract: A down-pressure system for an agricultural implement has a linear actuator connected between a frame assembly and an opener assembly. A mounting structure for connecting the linear actuator to the opener assembly includes a bushing and an alignment member attached to the linear actuator. The bushing has protrusions extending transversely from opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator. Each protrusion has a curved engagement surface for engaging a flat surface on the opener assembly to prevent bending stresses on the linear actuator when the opener assembly is raised and lowered. The alignment member is arranged to lock the bushing into a predetermined rotational position about a longitudinal axis of the linear actuator relative to the opener assembly. The alignment member comprises a first structure that mates with a corresponding structure on the bushing, and a second structure that engages opposite sides of the opener assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for classifying fine particles, the method comprising: introducing a fine particle dispersion in which fine particles are dispersed in a liquid medium into an inlet of a microchannel having the inlet and a recovery portion; and delivering the fine particle dispersion, which has been introduced through the inlet, to the recovery portion in laminar flow, wherein delivering the fine particle dispersion includes classifying the fine particles using the difference in sedimentation speed or floatation speed among the fine particles in the fine particle dispersion. The present invention also provides a device used in the method for classifying fine particles.

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.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement employing a series of apparatus to perform one-pass primary tillage is disclosed. A cutting disk is the first apparatus that works the field. These disks cut the residue laterally (across the machine) and mix the majority of the residue throughout the disk tillage profile. Additional conditioning occurs by knocking residue/stalks over into a prone position with large cast spools between each disk for quicker decay. Next, chisel plow units work the soil to fracture and loosen the soil, providing proper soil aggregate size and air pore space relationship throughout the shank tillage profile. The last apparatus to work the field is a set of leveling disks, or a combination of leveling disks and a rotary reel/drag harrow. The function of these will provide is to reduce clod size and leave the soil level and smooth enough to allow one-pass secondary tillage in the spring.

Abstract: A minimum tillage planting/renovation system configured to facilitate an enhanced seedbed in a variety of soil conditions, while maintaining nominal surface disturbance. The present invention may further be configured to provide intercrop planting, renovating, and/or fertilizing. The system of the present invention contemplates a planter/fertilizer wherein there is provided a ripping point configured to penetrate a predetermined depth into the soil or sod, the ripping point designed to facilitate a splitting and lifting of the soil, forming a seed bed void, while cutting any organic ground cover, which might comprise, for example, sod, widening the ground cover, and lifting same to a prominent head, wherein first and second coulters, situated above and about the ripping point, are configured to independently engage and cut first and second sides of the lifted ground cover, trash and the like, respectively, then cutting the lifted ground cover, etc.

Abstract: An agricultural chisel plow row unit designed for minimum soil displacement has a pair of spring-biased firming wheels mounted to either side of and behind the plow shank to firm the surface of the berm formed by the breaking point without affecting the operating depth of the point.

Abstract: A minimum tillage planting/renovation system configured to facilitate an enhanced seedbed in a variety of soil conditions, while maintaining nominal surface disturbance. The present invention may further be configured to provide intercrop planting, renovating, and/or fertilizing. The system of the present invention contemplates a planter/fertilizer wherein there is provided a ripping point configured to penetrate a predetermined depth into the soil or sod, the ripping point designed to facilitate a splitting and lifting of the soil, forming a seed bed void, while cutting any organic ground cover, which might comprise, for example, sod, widening the ground cover, and lifting same to a prominent head, wherein first and second coulters, situated above and about the ripping point, are configured to independently engage and cut first and second sides of the lifted ground cover, trash and the like, respectively, then cutting the lifted ground cover, etc.

Abstract: A minimum tillage planting system configured to facilitate a wider, enhanced seedbed in a variety of soil conditions, while maintaining nominal surface disturbance. The present invention may further be configured to provide intercrop planting, renovating, and/or fertilizing.

Abstract: A furrow closer for mounting to an anhydrous ammonia fertilizer applicator knife. The furrow closer has a base plate which can be selectively mounted to a mounting bracket fixed to the shank of the applicator knife. A pair of offset fluted disks lie in intersecting planes with the leading edges of the disks spiced further apart than the trailing edges. The disks are suspended of an axle which is pivotable on an axis perpendicular to the line of travel of the applicator knife.

Abstract: A soil manipulation device is provided for closing a groove in soil formed by a soil tiller shank. The device includes a frame connected to a rear portion of the tiller shank and a pair of rotatable coulter blades mounted on the frame for engaging soil behind the tiller shank. The coulter blades are positioned on opposite sides of the groove so as to close the groove in the soil behind the tiller shank. The coulter blades are selectively movable and positionable in directions toward and away from each other so as to vary the distance between the coulter blades. The coulter blades also are selectively movable and positionable in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the frame, so as to permit variation in depth of coulter blade penetration into the soil.

Abstract: A multiple rig row crop cultivator with first and second concave disks supported for operation at two different depths from adjacent rigs to provide two-step sizing of residue. The first disk, located ahead of the second disk, operates at a first depth in the soil to slice out the upper portions of roots and direct plant residue to the row middle. The second disk cuts to a depth approximately twice that of the first disk to further cut out root sections and move the root sections and other plant debris to the opposite row middle. After the disks move stalks and roots to the row middles, sweeps with ridging/bedding wings move the mixture of soil, stalks, and roots to the top of the bed to cover the groove made by the disks and preserve the original plant bed.

Abstract: A ground leveler attachment for a ground working device comprises a bracket fastened to a shank supporting a ground breaking tool, a carrier arm connected to the bracket, a pair of leg supports in pivotal contact with the carrier arm, a pair of springs biasing the legs supports into pivotal contact with the carrier arm, a pair of leg members extending from the leg supports, and a pair of levelers rotatably mounted upon the leg members and biased into a ground engagement position by the springs. The levelers independently and resiliently retract upon contact with a relatively immoveable object or objects to avoid being broken off from the leg members or severely damaged beyond usefulness.

Abstract: A soil tillage implement to be pulled behind a tractor having a conventional frame with one or more furrowing elements depending from the frame or plough share. Each furrowing element has a disc-like coulter, a shank, and a replaceable plough share mounted on the soil engaging end of the shank. One or more gauge wheels, which can be adjusted to vary the height of the implement from the soil so as to adjust the depth of the tillage extending down from the frame. Each gauge wheel employs a counterbalance spring assembly to support the weight of the gauge wheel during adjustment.

Abstract: A seeder comprises a coulter assembly (13) operable to cut stubble/grass in a series of parallel lines in the first stage of forming a plurality of parallel rows of seed beds. The coulter assembly (13) comprises a plurality of coulters (21) and is operable to rotate the coulters (21) in a series of parallel circular paths around a central axis at a rate that is sufficient, relative to the forward direction of the seeder, so that the coulters (21) in each circular path make multiple cuts to the same section of ground surface in each parallel line.

Abstract: Seed bed preparation apparatus for the no-till preparation of longitudinal strips of soil for the planting of seeds in longitudinal rows including plurality of laterally spaced apart gang assemblies which are individually mounted on a draft vehicle such as a tractor or the like. Each gang assembly includes a main frame, adapted to the coupled to the draft vehicle, swingably mounting a chassis which follows the contour of the land via rotatable depth wheels which mount a forward, surface soil cutting disk for cutting a slot in the surface soil. A vertical tillage blade is received in the slot cut by the cutting wheel and includes an under surface soil lifting tillage point for lifting and partially breaking up strip of soil as the apparatus forwardly moves. A pair of rotatable soil crumbling disks are mounted on the chassis, parallel to the tillage blade, on opposite side of the blade for containing and further crumbling the portion of the lifted strip of soil between the disks and the blade.

Abstract: The present invention is a mounting device for individually mounting rotary hoes on the shanks of row crop cultivators. The tractor pulls shanks through the fields to cultivate the soil with rotary hoes connected to the shanks by a mounting device. The mounting device includes a portion which clamps to the shanks and a portion which is pivotally connected to the clamping portion and extends to a rotatably mounted rotary hoe. The hoe may float over irregular surfaces of the ground to penetrate and dig up the soil. The rotary hoes may be biased by a spring to maintain a relatively constant ground depth, and they may include stops to limit their forward movement, backward movement, or both.

Abstract: A ridge tillage attachment includes springs associated with a linkage which guides a tool and wheel support beam for vertical movement, the springs being mounted within the linkage envelop to provide a compact arrangement and being operative to apply required forces to to a tool and wheels carried by the beam, while facilitating disassembly of the attachment when desired. The attachment also includes a structure which securely connects wheel axles to the support beam with a clamping action while being adjustable to provide a large range of relative positional values.

Abstract: A soil preparation machine is pulled by a tractor across a field in which rows of plants and tracks followed by the tractor are at permanent locations from season to season. Soil from between the remains of two rows of the previous season's plants is lifted by a blade and delivered to the forward end of a belt conveyor which is slanted rearwardly and upwardly. Devices on the machine upturn the remains of the previous season's plants and the soil beneath them. Soil falls from the rear end of the conveyor onto the upturned remains. The blade and conveyor are narrower than the distance between the rows of plants, and the upturning devices are aligned with the rows of plants inboard of the tractor tracks.

Abstract: A row crop cultivator particularly adapted for ridge-hill and minimum tillage farming conditions. The cultivator carries a number of tools including spaced hilling disks, a coulter wheel and a sweep for effectively pitching soil and cutting crop residues and weeds between the planted rows. A gauge wheel assembly is provided for controlling the depth of penetration of the tools into the soil. The gauge wheel assembly includes a pair of elongated arms pivotally connected between a pair of parallel plates on the cultivator frame. Series of vertically spaced adjustment holes are formed in the plates and a pin member is selectively insertable in any aligned pair of holes to limit pivotal movement of the gauge wheel arms the elevation of the gauge wheel relative to the frame. The gauge wheel adjustments are easily made by hand in the field without the use of tools.

Abstract: A ridge tillage attachment for conventional row-crop planters for use in minimum tillage planting on row ridges is disclosed. This ridge tillage attachment includes a tool portion and a linkage portion. The linkage portion has a parallelogram linkage support system and is attached to the planter. The tool portion is detachable from the linkage portion and is in the form of a tool support beam with guide wheels, cutting discs and sweep plates mounted thereto. The linkage portion of the unit is designed so that it can remain attached to the planter after the tool portion has been detached. An adjustable compression spring down-pressure system acts directly above the tillage implements to apply maximum down pressure. The guide wheels can be adjusted relative to the tool support beam by a height adjustment structure located directly above the wheels. The cutter discs are slightly offset to prevent plugging between them and to facilitate penetration of the soil.

Abstract: This invention relates to an attachment for conventional planters that will convert them to ridge-till planters at reasonable costs. It consists of a pair of laterally spaced vertical mounting bars, fastened suitably at their upper end to the parallel linkage of a planter, extending downward to connect pivotally to the rearward end of a horizontal L-shaped parallel linkage, whose forward ends connect pivotally to the horizontal frame of this invention called the ridgemate. At the forward end of the horizontal frame is a drum wheel that runs on top of a ridge and gives constant height to the horizontal support frame. To the rear of the drum wheel is a pair of disk openers, adjusted in depth by a tubular screw arrangement. Following closely and to the rear of the disk openers is a sweep to widen and further clean off the ridge. The sweep also is adjusted in its operating depth by a tubular screw arrangement.

Abstract: Soil conditioning apparatus having a main frame, and means coupled to the main frame for cutting and loosening compacted soil to prepare a seed bed and rooting environment, including a subsoiler coupled to the main frame and angled to be pulled downwardly into the earth below the surface to prepare a better rooting environment and seed bed and to increase water infiltration. A slot filler wheel is coupled to the main frame for filling voids in the soil left by the forward motion of the subsoiler therethrough; the slot filler wheel is mounted adjacent to and laterally spaced from the subsoiler so that a portion of the slot filler wheel may extend forwardly of the trailing face of the subsoiler. Also, the slot filler wheel may be mounted to lie in a plane of rotation which extends downwardly toward the subsoiler and inwardly toward the slot formed behind the subsoiler.

Abstract: A duplicate shield mechanism or unit is employed for each rearmost sweep of a cultivator. The unit in each instance includes two laterally adjustable disks mounted for rotation at the trailing end of a longitudinally adjustable two-piece drawbar or arm. The forward end of each drawbar or arm is pivotally attached to a selected portion of the rear shank having the sweep with which the unit is to co-act. Both disks of each unit travel between the rows of plants rather than over the row.

Abstract: An inter-row crop cultivator for use particularly in severe residue conditions such as in minimum tillage conservation applications is disclosed. A leading gauge wheel providing support and soil surface tracking is immediately trailed by two laterally displaced discs which cut away from the row. Aft of the two cutaway discs and directly to the rear of the gauge wheel is a stabilizing and cutting coulter which prevents side to side sway while cutting and reducing residue ahead of a sweep shank which directly trails the cutting coulter. By severing and dividing the residue, the cutting coulter permits the residue to flow over the sweep and around the shank. The shank is adapted to receive an anhydrous ammonia applicator and knife assembly which may be easily and securely mounted to the shank. A plurality of such inter-row crop cultivators may be mounted on a tool bar.

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.

Abstract: The system includes a pull-type frame with a forward line of disc blades widely spaced to part the trash, mix it with soil and displace most of the mixture laterally on top of previously undisturbed soil, thereby creating strips of ground which are alternately cleared and windrowed. At least a second line of disc blades, also widely spaced, is placed to the rear of the first line; and these blades are offset laterally from, and located in the windrows formed by, the discs of the first row, to part and return at least some of the previously cleared trash and previously undisturbed soil back onto the cleared strips while still leaving strips of undisturbed soil with an accumulation of cleared trash on top. Cooperating with the discs are novel plow points located in the undisturbed strips having accumulated layers of cleared trash.

Abstract: A sub-soil planter machine has a frame, including front and rear transverse tool bars; a plurality of sub-soil blades mounted on and transversely spaced along the front tool bar; a plurality of rotary tilling assemblies mounted on and transversely spaced along the rear tool bar; and a plurality of planter units mounted on and transversely spaced along the rear tool bar in trailing relationship to the rotary tilling assemblies. The sub-soil blades, rotary tilling assemblies and planter units are so arranged in close proximity to one another such that the depth of the machine has been reduced whereby a given sized tractor, to which the machine is mounted on, is capable of lifting a larger machine than heretofore been accomplished due to the closeness of the machine to the rear end of the tractor resulting in a shorter length movement arm.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is disclosed which is adapted to perform soil ripping, mixing, and seed planting behind a single prime mover. Soil ripping is accomplished by a parabolic pointed shank attached to a frame by a pivot bolt and secured by a shear bolt to provide release in the event that an essentially immovable object is struck. Attached to the same framework behind the shank is a pair of mixer wheels for tilling the furrowed soil, and attached behind the mixer wheels is a press pan for smoothing the soil into a seed bed, followed by a seed planter of conventional construction connected to a rear planter bar supported by gauge wheels.

Abstract: A method and implement for facilitating and fostering the germination and sprouting of seeds of row crops, particularly under encrusted soil conditions, and eliminating the need for using herbicide for most common weeds in growing row crops by covering the rows of seeds with a layer of loose soil after the seeds have been sown in cultivated soil and prior to sprouting and emergence of the crop through the soil. Preferably each layer of loose soil has a generally convex cross-section with a slight depression directly over the row of seeds. The implement for forming the convex layer of loose soil has a pair of laterally spaced apart discs which break up into fine particles at least a portion of the soil on each side of the row of sown seeds and propel a portion thereof onto a deflector shield received between the discs and overlying the row of sown seeds which directs such particles into a layer of loose soil overlying the row of sown seeds.

Abstract: Cultivator apparatus comprises an elongate main frame and a plurality of cultivator sub-assemblies spaced along the length of the main frame and each including a sub-assembly frame. Respective linking means connect each of the sub-assembly frames to the main frame for independent floating movement of the sub-assembly frame with respect to the main frame while preventing tilting of the sub-assembly frame with respect to the main frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulverizing debris in land clearing operations, or the like, including: a frame; a ground engaging drum rotatably mounted on the frame and carrying generally radial teeth, and specifically conventional sheeps feet; and a forwardly facing debris pickup and breaker assembly carried by the frame for feeding debris to the rotor teeth in response to forward movement of the frame, and cooperating with the rotor teeth to break up the debris.