Including Smooth Levelling Roller Patents (Class 172/170)
  • Patent number: 11931633
    Abstract: A rideable golf cycle adapted to transport a rider and a golf bag for use on a golf course. The cycle includes a frame and a seat, a front wheel and steering components, a rear wheel, an inclined bag support structure extending between the legs of the rider, and a motor/control subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: Eric W. Reimers
  • Patent number: 11723299
    Abstract: A closing wheel assembly for a seed row planter unit resides behind the gauge wheel assembly and furrow disks of the planter unit. The closing wheel assembly includes a coupler with a pair of closing wheels mounted thereon. A single pin removably extends through the coupler and through the gauge wheel assembly to detachably mount the closing wheel assembly to the gauge wheel assembly. Different closing wheel assemblies can be quickly mounted on the row unit, depending upon the type of seed being planted. The closing wheels are laterally adjustable via a rotatable threaded bushing so as to be centered behind the furrow disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Harvest International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alan Sivinski
  • Patent number: 11690330
    Abstract: An integrated aeration spreader for use with an aerator includes a mounting plate, a mounting block rigidly coupled to the mounting plate, a support arm rotatably coupled to the mounting plate, a support block rigidly coupled to the support arm, a shaft rotatably coupled to the support block, wherein the shaft extends through the mounting block, a first nut threaded on the shaft, a first spring having a first end engaged with the first nut and a second end engaged with the mounting block, a second nut threaded on the shaft, and a second spring having a first end engaged with the second nut and a second end engaged with the mounting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: AER-AIDER LLC
    Inventors: Michael Goldsberry, Martin Stickels
  • Patent number: 11208768
    Abstract: A soil compactor machine can include a machine frame; at least one cylindrical roller drum rotatably coupled to the machine frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of travel of the compactor machine; and a radar sensor mounted to a front portion of the machine frame and positioned forward of the roller drum, wherein the radar sensor is mounted to the machine frame by a sensor bracket configured to directly mount to the machine frame for both a blade and a non-blade soil compactor machine configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A. Impola, John L. Marsolek, Timothy M. O'Donnell, Jacob J. McAlpine
  • Patent number: 11182601
    Abstract: A system for recognizing an operating intention at an operating unit that can be actuated manually includes an image capture unit for monitoring a capture region surrounding the operating unit for an entering hand in order to capture it in terms of a positioning of a palm of a hand or of one or a plurality of fingers in relation to the operating unit and to generate corresponding image information. An evaluation unit is provided for comparing the generated image information with at least one image pattern that is characteristic for an operating intention from a pattern memory. In the event of a correspondence that lies within a permitted variation range, a controllable function is enabled on the part of the operating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Christoph Wagner, Peter Herrmann
  • Patent number: 10021821
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement has a main frame with a plurality of ground support wheels, and a finishing attachment arranged behind a group of primary seedbed preparation tools. The finishing attachment includes a reel assembly having an over-frame tube to which reel standards are attached, and reel arms that connect the over-frame tube to the implement frame. The reel arms are attached to the over-frame tube by a flex pivoting connection that allows at least one degree of freedom movement when the reel encounters an obstruction. The reel assembly includes a rolling reel basket having slats made from half-round material. The slats are oriented with leading edges that provide clod breakage and residue pinning action during their descent, and rounded surfaces for firming soil at their lowest quadrant position. A push configuration treader assembly with multiple operation modes can be mounted compactly close to and ahead of the reel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Mark Hennes
  • Patent number: 9392738
    Abstract: A land roller implement with fold-out wings features at least one raisable/lowerable roller on each wing that is carried on a movable subframe that is pivotally mounted to the main frame of the wing. The movable subframe is pivotal up into a folded position overlying the main frame of the wing so that the raisable/lowerable roller is elevated overtop of an adjacent roller on the same wing. This minimizes the width of the implement when the wings are folded in to lie longitudinally of the implement for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Inventor: Travis Mark Fehr
  • Patent number: 9033063
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Publication number: 20150096278
    Abstract: Provided are devices, systems and methods related to lawn implements for use in landscaping. Devices including lawn implements such as rollers, stripers, dethatchers, aerators, and lawn spreaders adapted to be selectively coupled to a walk-behind lawn implement, such as a walk-behind lawn mower. A receiver system is provided to be coupled to or as a part of the walk-behind lawn implement. In use, the devices coupled to the walk-behind lawn implement are preferably disposed beneath the handle of the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Steven A. Sprinkmann, Stefan Behling, John Ward, Daniel Riley
  • Patent number: 8820428
    Abstract: A land roller implement includes a wheel aligned with the respective gap between the inner roller and the outer roller of each wing in which the wheel is pivotal between a packing position in the working position of the rollers and a transport position supporting the rollers in the transport position of the implement. The wings can also include a drive motor associated with each transport wheel to drive forward rotation of the wheel for displacing the wings from the transport position to the working position without displacing the implement in a rearward direction. A leveling beam attachment and a seeding attachment can also optionally be used on the land roller implement. Optional latchable brace members pivotally supported on the wings may provide additional support to the wings when using the leveling beam attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventors: David Gary McCrea, Thomas Edward McCrea
  • Publication number: 20140238710
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a seeding 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, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Henry, Nicholas George Alfred Ryder
  • Patent number: 8807237
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Patent number: 8807238
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Patent number: 8770310
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Patent number: 8727033
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the stresses placed on a cantilevered component mounted to a rigid frame includes cushioned bushings coupling the cantilevered component to a rigid frame. As the cantilevered component is loaded due to bending moments, the cushioned bushings flex and cushion the cantilevered component. The cantilevered component is retained within the bushing using hardware that allows the cantilevered component to float as needed to further reduce stresses and strains thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, Timothy Olson, Troy L. Cooper, Marvin Kuebler, Scott Lang, Klint Peterson, Ricky Gerber
  • Publication number: 20140054051
    Abstract: A tillage implement with raisable soil-leveling reels includes a main frame, which can include a center section and wing sections hingedly connected to the center section. The wing sections are adapted for being hydraulically rotated and raised from generally horizontal field positions to transport/storage positions. Gangs of earth-working tools, such as coulter discs or tines, are mounted on the wing sections. The soil-leveling reels are mounted on trailing arm assemblies, which are adapted for raising and lowering the reels between raised, transport/storage positions and lowered, field-engaging positions. Hydraulic piston-and-cylinder units are connected to compression springs and adapted for raising and lowering the arm assemblies and the reels. The compression springs absorb and dampen jolts and impacts from field irregularities and transport motion-induced forces, thus protecting the piston-and-cylinder units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Landoll Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Landoll, Dirk E. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20130220653
    Abstract: A seeder implement (125) includes a fork (146) having a first spindle support arm (150) that supports a first spindle (164) and a second spindle support arm (152) that supports a second spindle (168). A first disk (160) is supported on the first spindle (164), wherein the first spindle (164) is oriented in a first orientation and at a first acute angle relative to a lateral line. The first disk (160) is oriented at a second acute angle relative to the ground surface. A second disk (166) is supported on the second spindle (168), wherein the second spindle (168) is oriented in a second orientation and at a third acute angle relative to the lateral line. The second disk (166) is oriented at a fourth acute angle relative to the ground surface. The first disk (160) is longitudinally offset ahead of the second disk (166), and there are no structural components between the first and second disks (160, 166) other than the first and second spindles (164, 168).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: AGCO-AMITY JV, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Breker, Jake Gust, Darryl Justesen, Jack Oberlander
  • Patent number: 8511398
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Patent number: 8505644
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Publication number: 20130140048
    Abstract: A seeding implement is provided that includes a depth adjustment mechanism configured to facilitate rapid reconfiguration of a ground engaging tool for varying penetration depths. In an exemplary embodiment, the seeding implement includes a ground engaging tool and a packer arm pivotally coupled to a packer support structure. The seeding implement also includes a packer wheel rotatably coupled to the packer arm, and configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of the ground engaging tool into the soil. The seeding implement further includes a depth adjustment assembly including a slot within the packer support structure, a corresponding slot within the packer arm, and a fastener disposed through the slots. In this configuration, the penetration depth of the ground engaging tool is varied by adjusting a position of the fastener within the slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: CNH Canada, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130140047
    Abstract: A seeding implement is provided that includes a depth adjustment mechanism configured to facilitate rapid reconfiguration of a ground engaging tool for varying penetration depths. In an exemplary embodiment, the seeding implement includes a ground engaging tool and a packer arm pivotally coupled to a packer support structure. The seeding implement also includes a packer wheel rotatably coupled to the packer arm, and configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of the ground engaging tool into the soil. The seeding implement further includes a depth adjustment assembly including a slot within the packer support structure, a corresponding slot within the packer arm, and a fastener disposed through the slots. In this configuration, the penetration depth of the ground engaging tool is varied by adjusting a position of the fastener within the slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: CNH Canada, Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8333249
    Abstract: A roller device having an elongated tank and a tank frame for supporting the tank. A center axle traverses the tank. The first end of the center axle engages the third side portion of the tank frame and the second end of the center axle engages the fourth side portion of the tank frame. The tank can roll about the center axle. The device also features two retractable wheels, which are attached to the frame via wheel braces. The wheel braces are each operatively connected to hydraulic arms. The hydraulic arms function to retract and extend the wheels with respect to the frame, raising and lowering the tank away from and onto the ground surface. A first tow is disposed on the third side portion of the tank frame and a second tow is disposed on the first side portion of the tank frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventors: Herman E. Minton, William Jeffrey Minton
  • Patent number: 8302700
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Publication number: 20120199055
    Abstract: A single pass ground driven tiller and seeder apparatus includes a support frame, an elongated drive rotor journaled transversely on the frame, a tillage assembly pivotally connected to the frame and formed by a pair of rearwardly extending bearing plates and having an elongated tillage rotor journaled thereto and extending transversely therebetween, and a firming roller journaled between mounting plates pivotally connected to the bearing plates. The drive rotor is rotated by ground contact as the apparatus is drawn along by a tractor. The drive rotor is drivingly engaged with the tillage rotor so that the tillage rotor rotates at a faster speed than the drive rotor. A seed metering mechanism is supported on the frame and deposits seed in front of the drive rotor. The tillage rotor breaks the soil and incorporates the seed into the soil, after which the firming roller firms the seed bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Brent P. Berglund
  • Patent number: 8074730
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Patent number: 8074729
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Publication number: 20110203817
    Abstract: A trail grooming device connectable to a towing vehicle so that the towing vehicle can pull the device over a surface includes a connection assembly that connects the device to the vehicle; a cutting bed to cut, level and process the surface and with a front portion connected to the connection assembly; a suspension system coupled to the cutting bed to raise or lower the cutting bed; a rear assembly connected to a rear portion of the cutting bed; and a roller connected to the rear assembly to compact the surface after the cutting bed has cut, leveled and processed the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Todd Hanson
  • Publication number: 20100282480
    Abstract: A seeder implement (125) includes a fork (146) having a first spindle support arm (150) that supports a first spindle (164) and a second spindle support arm (152) that supports a second spindle (168). A first disk (160) is supported on the first spindle (164), wherein the first spindle (164) is oriented in a first orientation and at a first acute angle relative to a lateral line. The first disk (160) is oriented at a second acute angle relative to the ground surface. A second disk (166) is supported on the second spindle (168), wherein the second spindle (168) is oriented in a second orientation and at a third acute angle relative to the lateral line. The second disk (166) is oriented at a fourth acute angle relative to the ground surface. The first disk (160) is longitudinally offset ahead of the second disk (166), and there are no structural components between the first and second disks (160, 166) other than the first and second spindles (164, 168).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: AMITY TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Breker, Jake Gust, Darryl Justesen, Jack Oberlander
  • Publication number: 20100025055
    Abstract: An apparatus assists in clearing furrows in a plowed field. A plurality of furrow assist members line up with a plurality of plowshares on a furrow roller which is towed around a field. The furrow roller may have one or more cylindrical rollers that may include extension rollers that are foldable for storage. Plowshares are moveably attached to rigid beams and positioned to engage the ground and dig irrigation furrows. The cylindrical rollers smooth and compact seed beds in a uniform manner. Furrow assist members, in accordance with embodiments, are selectively deployed and positioned to be substantially in line with the plowshares to clear and distribute any soil or other materials that may be in the furrows following the passage of the cylindrical rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: PITONYAK MACHINERY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Pitonyak
  • Patent number: 6948398
    Abstract: A multi-axis vehicle control device or “joystick” includes one or more sensors defining discrete sensor zones on the handle portion thereof. The sensors are operative to passively detect the presence of a person or object in the vicinity of the handle. Location of the sensor zones in the regions of the handle engaged by the thumb and fingers of the operator's hand during normal operation allows the sensors to detect when the operator has manually engaged the joystick for normal operation. The sensors are in communication via a logic circuit to the actuator circuitry so that the actuator portion of the joystick is enabled only when a presence is detected in the discrete sensor zones and disabled when no presence is detected. The use of such sensors greatly reduces the risk of inadvertent actuation of the joystick and the associated safety hazards, while maintaining the positive ergonomic characteristics of the joystick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Niels Dybro
  • Publication number: 20030000713
    Abstract: A ground surface treatment apparatus including a frame adapted to be operatively received by a ground ripping attachment of a self propelled vehicle, and a ground engaging implement carried by the frame for treating the ground surface is provided. The apparatus further includes a resiliently responsive linkage interposed between a portion of the frame and a portion of the ground ripping attachment such that the frame is resiliently responsive to ground ripping tool manipulations and ground surface contours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Reinhold P. Mathiowetz
  • Patent number: 6467550
    Abstract: A tiller assembly includes a tine assembly that is rotatably connected to a tiller body and the tine assembly includes at least one tine for use in tilling associated soil. A hydraulic system is operatively connected to the tine assembly and includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor for use in rotating the tine assembly in first and second directions, a control valve, and hydraulic hose for use in communicating hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic pump, the hydraulic motor, and the control valve. The control valve may be positioned on-the-go into a first position thereby causing the tine assembly to rotate in a first direction and into a second position thereby causing the tine assembly to rotate in a second direction. The tiller assembly may also include a roller assembly that has a roller frame pivotably connected to the tiller body. The roller assembly also includes a roller that is rotatably connected to the roller frame and a spring for use in maintaining the roller against the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: MTO Products INC
    Inventor: Usman Firdaus
  • Patent number: 5622227
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Kevin G. McDonald
  • Patent number: 4836295
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: Rodger E. Estes
  • Patent number: 4505349
    Abstract: In the embodiment disclosed, the invention comprises a single, dual-piston cylinder, operable by hydraulic fluid, interpositioned between a pair of pivotably coupled, vehicular units. The cylinder is pivotably secured to pivot coupling elements which join the units, and each piston has its translating rod pivotably coupled to one of the units. Ports opening into the cylinder admit and discharge operating, pressured, hydraulic fluid (a) to displace the pistons apart, whereby a first crab steering is effected, (b) to move the pistons into mutual proximity, whereby a second, alternate crab steering is affected, (c) to displace the pistons in unison, in a first direction, whereby a left-hand or right-hand steering is effected, or (d) to displace the pistons in unison, in an opposite direction, whereby the opposite-handed steering is effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Bernard J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 4422796
    Abstract: A small roller attached to a conventional power-driven paving roller or the like is hydraulically positionable to roll a surface outside of the normal rolling track of the power roller, such as against a building, high curbing, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Inventor: Boyd D. Tavernier
  • Patent number: 4141302
    Abstract: A new apparatus for opening furrows in soil is disclosed. Specifically, this apparatus consists of an opening mechanism, a closing mechanism, an automatic seed planting mechanism, an automatic seedling planting mechanism, a driving means, a towing means, and the salient component parts necessary to make them function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: John E. Morrison, Jr., Charlie F. Abrams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3966345
    Abstract: A tandem road roller having a pair of rolls arranged one behind the other which are capable of both pivoting relative to each other to negotiate curves and being offset relative to each other to vary the width of the roller track. The roller comprises a first frame member carried on the front roll, a second frame member carried on the rear roll, a connecting bar member hinged at opposite ends to the first and second frame members between the rolls, and an actuating mechanism operating on the first and second frame members to control their angular relationship and to control their lateral offset. Preferably the actuating mechanism includes two fluid pressure operated double-acting piston and cylinder assemblies and in this case one of the piston and cylinder assemblies is preferably arranged parallel to but spaced apart from the intermediate frame member and the other piston and cylinder assembly is connected diagonally between the one piston and cylinder assembly and the intermdiate frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1976
    Assignee: Koehring GmbH -- Bomag Division
    Inventor: Ferdinand Kofel