Processes Patents (Class 172/1)
  • Publication number: 20100263887
    Abstract: A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: PlanetAir Turf Products, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Maas, Scott W. Bjorge
  • Publication number: 20100252285
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lawn perforating tool and method of using same to prepare new lawn or garden areas or distressed regions of existing lawns or gardens for the planting of seed, example of which include, but are not limited to, grass seed, clover seed, wildflower seed, and the like. The lawn perforating tool of the present invention is particularly configured to provide in the soil and dead grass holes or indentations of a size, shape, and depth that is optimal for receiving and germinating new grass seed and of a density and distribution suitable to provide the resulting grass with a visually desirable pattern, rendering new growth indistinguishable from old growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Frank CATALANO
  • Publication number: 20100212921
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention a fertilizer spike insertion tool includes a hammer coupled to a spring. When loaded the hammer is retained by a detention member and the spring is loaded (e.g., compressed or expanded). On releasing the detention member and unloading the spring, the hammer forcibly impacts a footrest and drives a hollow metal core into soil making a hole for a fertilizer spike.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Arlene Stewart
  • Publication number: 20100200253
    Abstract: A marker assembly for use with an agricultural implement includes a marker wheel that may caster as needed to reduce loading of the marker assembly during deployment of the marker assembly, in response to variations in surface contour, and in response to changes in travel direction of the agricultural implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Terrance A. Friggstad, Dennis G. Thompson, Ryan R. Georgison
  • Publication number: 20100200252
    Abstract: An agricultural implement has a marker assembly that is pivotable in a generally rearward direction when the marker assembly collides with a relatively massive field obstruction. The interconnection of the marker assembly to a central frame of the implement allows the aforementioned pivoting to reduce damage to the central frame and/or the marker assembly during such collisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew S. Naylor, Dennis G Thompson, Ryan R. Georgison
  • Patent number: 7743841
    Abstract: A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: PlanetAir Turf Products, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Maas, Scott W. Bjorge
  • Publication number: 20100155091
    Abstract: A furrow opener comprises an opener body including a shank mount arranged to support the opener body on an agricultural implement shank for movement in a forward working direction and a tip body readily separable from the opener body and arranged for forming a furrow in the ground in the working direction. The tip body includes a furrowing portion extending downwardly and forwardly beyond the opener body so as to be arranged to form the furrow in the ground. A retainer member is supported on the opener body to retain a portion of the tip body adjacent the top end thereof on the opener body to provide support to the tip body against a moment acting on the tip body from the rearward force on the furrowing portion during furrow formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Brian Cruson
  • Publication number: 20100155090
    Abstract: The nutrient device of the present invention includes a ground having a ground surface. The coulter is mounted for rotation about a coulter axis and the coulter penetrates the ground and makes the ground penetration below the ground surface. A cleaning wheel is mounted for rotation about a cleaning wheel axis, and the cleaning wheel extends upwardly from engaging the coulter to a cleaning wheel point spaced away from the coulter. A conduit is positioned to deliver a nutrient onto the coulter for dispensing the nutrient into the ground penetration. A closing wheel is positioned adjacent the rear of the coulter and the cleaning wheel for closing the ground penetration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: EDWARD LEE SCHAFER
  • Publication number: 20100139936
    Abstract: A tiller with chassis, pair of handles, and tines, wherein simultaneously raising one handle and lowering the other twists the chassis to lower one tine and raise the other. The tines comprise pairs of blades, each blade having a pair of upturned tips. The height of tines is adjusted by adjusting the support for wheel means. The tiller is supported by an arm having a single ground engaging wheel means, pivoting the arm and locking in position to adjust the height of the tiller. The tiller includes a third handle located along its chassis. The chassis is formed from two longitudinally split components. A blade cover for the tiller is thin and curved to lie in an arc spaced from the rotating tips of the tines. An attachment for the tiller has a V-shaped tip and shaped to form a furrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: John Arthur Notaras, Angelo Lambrinos Notaras
  • Publication number: 20100101810
    Abstract: A pump support coupler assembly for connecting a large displacement hydraulic pump to a tractor power take off device is provided. The pump support coupler assembly includes a coupler housing with front and back walls, and sidewalls. The high displacement hydraulic pump attaches directly or indirectly to the coupler housing back wall. A shaft extends longitudinally through the coupler housing. The shaft is coupled to an input shaft of the hydraulic pump at its first end and a power take off output shaft at its second end. A torque restraint strap extends between the coupler housing and a tractor drawbar, and prevents the coupler housing from rotating about its longitudinal axis. In this configuration, the power take off output shaft supports the pump support coupler assembly and the hydraulic pump, and since the pump is attached to the coupler housing, the pump input shaft is not subjected to bending-type loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Travis L. Harnetiaux, Leonard A. Bettin
  • Publication number: 20100101811
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a hitch boom to which a pair of wing booms is pivotably connected. The wing booms are designed to fold forward from an extended position to a transport position. The wing booms are supported above a surface by wheels that provide the aforementioned support when the wing booms are in an extended position as well as the transport position. Maintaining surface contact of the wheels in both positions reduces the load placed on the hitch to which the hitch boom is coupled as well as the hitch boom itself. Multi-link draft links are connected between the hitch boom and the wing booms to provide support for the wing booms when the wing booms are in the extended position. The relative length of the draft links dictates how far the hitch telescopes when the wing booms are folded to the stowed or transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Terrance A. Friggstad, Matthew S. Naylor
  • Publication number: 20100084147
    Abstract: An automatic control system for passive, towed implements is described. The system provides a strategy for optimal control of a towed implement using a nudge input to an autopilot-controlled tractor. Implement path-tracking error, as measured by a GNSS receiver, is consistently corrected to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Ltd.
    Inventor: Gurcan Aral
  • Publication number: 20100065290
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a machine for degrading a natural and/or man-made formation has picks connected to a drum of the machine and at least one accelerometer mounted to the machine adapted to measure forces acting on the machine. Electronic equipment is in communication with the at least one accelerometer and the electronic equipment has a processor adapted to determine a change in the formation based off of input from the at least one accelerometer. The electronic equipment also is in communication with a mechanism adapted to control, at least in part, a location of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: David R. Hall, David Wahlquist, Scott Dahlgren, Thomas Morris
  • Publication number: 20100059239
    Abstract: A system (202) is disclosed with a frame (204) with a plurality pivotable connected frame sections (214, 216, 220, 502), the frame (204) being operable in a number of positions (206, 302) and changeable between these, and a length adjustable connection (232) between at least one of the frame sections and a dragging device (212), wherein the length adjustable connection (232) is arranged in an angle (234) and a length (244) of the length adjustable connection is controlled so as to obtain drag forces created by working the soil, and the length adjustable connection (232) is so arranged that changing the length (244) of the length adjustable connection at least partly supports and at least partly powers a change of the position (206, 302) of the frame in order e.g. to provide an improved relation between a transport width and a soil working width of the frame (204) and for supporting, controlling and changing between multiple positions (206, 302).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: AARHUS UNIVERSITET
    Inventor: Ole Green
  • Publication number: 20100059238
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel configuration for agricultural row units that feature soil finishing assemblies. This configuration of the finishing assembly provides a simple adjustment of the height of the finishing assembly to enhance usability and flexibility of the row unit. The improved adjustment mechanism enhances user control over the vertical distance between the finishing wheels/discs and the ground opening assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, soil finishing assembly is pivotally coupled to the row unit frame via a height adjustment assembly. The height adjustment assembly may feature a biasing member and other components to allow adjustment of one end of the pivotal coupling of the adjustment assembly within the row unit assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, James L. Tetrick, Greg S. Smart, Scott G. Ireland
  • Publication number: 20100051297
    Abstract: A hand-manipulated dirt tool, either a spade, shovel, post hole digger or the like, is driven and guided by the hands and feet of the human user, which tool has at least three (3), operative, outwardly-directed, side edges, preferably continuous, namely, a penetrating chamfer, a slicing edge and a chopping chamfer, preferably at at least two different angles and three sizes, either on one side or on both sides. Thus, at least two, outwardly-directed, side edges are chamfer, which can be parallel, with relatively small, entry surface in beginning edge of the tool and, if spade or a shovel, etc., a foot engaged, top portion is provided. Ideally the three side surfaces, as one progresses up the tool, can make forty-five, seventy-five and forty-five degrees to the rear and ideal “vertical” distances of one, nine and one inches, respectively, and exemplary degree, distance ranges and cross-sectional dimensions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel Joseph Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20100038102
    Abstract: An apparatus for fracturing a crust on an agricultural field includes a tool bar and a support attached to the tool bar. A plurality of discs are non-rotatably attached to an axle that is rotatably supported by the support. Each of the plurality of discs include a plurality of spaced apart teeth about the perimeter of each disc. The teeth comprise convex surfaces and concave surfaces that converge at distal ends where the plurality of discs rotate about the support such that the convex surfaces penetrate and fracture the crust and that any debris or trash picked up by the teeth is ejected by the angles of the teeth and angles of the support brackets preventing plugging and destruction of the rowed crop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Trygve Skolness
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100018726
    Abstract: System and method for providing guidance control for machines. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting an implement, by a guidance controller, coupled to a machine. The method may further include determining a characteristic of the implement which affects a control setting of the machine, configuring the control setting of the machine by the guidance controller based, at least in part, on the characteristic of the implement and controlling operation of the machine based on the control setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventor: Gregory Daniel CHIOCCO
  • Publication number: 20100018727
    Abstract: A wheel tractor scraper having a rear wheel drive assist, the wheel tractor scraper includes a tractor portion pivotally coupled to a rear scraper portion, the rear scraper portion having a bowl for hauling material and a fluid powered work tool configured to assist in loading the bowl, the work tool powered by a fluid pump connected to a fluid operated work tool motor. The rear wheel drive assist includes a fluid operated drive motor coupled to the rear wheels of the machine, a diverter valve having a first position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the work tool motor and a second position at which fluid flow is delivered from the pump to the drive motor, and a controller being configured to control the diverter valve to engage the rear wheel drive assist. The machine may be operated by engaging the pump and work tool motor, and then actuating the diverter valve to the second position to divert flow from the work tool motor to the drive motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Caterprillar Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Carlton, Steven A. Daniel, Daniel P. Sergison, Robert E. Stone, Crowin E. Storer, Norval P. Thomson, Todd M. Weier
  • Publication number: 20100006308
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to apparatus for positioning a pull type farm implement which has an elongated tongue being drawn by a motor vehicle having a vehicle hitch on the rear end thereof configured for attachment to the tongue, the apparatus comprising a hydraulic hitch mechanism configured to have one end portion attached to the vehicle hitch and an opposite end portion configured to be attached to the tongue of the implement in a non-pivoting manner, the hitch mechanism having at least one hydraulic cylinder for selectively adjusting the lateral position of the front end of the tongue, a GPS operable to detect the position of the tool bar relative to the desired path and repeatedly generate position signals and means for controlling the hydraulic hitch mechanism to adjust the lateral position of the tongue so that the implement follows the desired path of movement in response to the GPS signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Eugene H. Schmidt, Marlin W. Unruh
  • Publication number: 20100008723
    Abstract: A sidewalk grader provided for grading a sidewalk base disposed along a curb of an existing road structure. The sidewalk grader comprises a tracking assembly fixable to a vertically adjustable backfill blade of a compact excavator positioned to move forward over an existing road structure to advance the sidewalk grader. The tracking assembly comprises a vertically adjustable tracking means disposed for engagement with the top surface of the curb, to provide a reference point. A grading assembly is mounted to the tracking assembly. The grading assembly comprises a frame, and a grading blade rotatingly mounted to the frame to permit adjustment of slope of the blade. An adjustable link connects the grading blade to the frame to adjustable fix their relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald H. Gordon
  • Publication number: 20100006309
    Abstract: In lieu of rigid bars, a tillage reel utilizes a number of elongated flexible elements such as lengths of link chain that are spaced circumferentially around the reel and extend axially thereof. The flexible elements bow outwardly by centrifugal force as the reel rolls along the ground during tillage operations to impact and fracture clods encountered at the lower front extremity of the reel. When the reel is used in connection with strip till operations, the flexible elements bow upwardly and inwardly along the lower periphery of the reel as they engage and conform to the transverse cross-section of the strip till berm, thereby avoiding destruction of the berm notwithstanding the clod-pulverizing action provided by the flexible elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: KRAUSE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas W. Ankenman
  • Patent number: 7640994
    Abstract: A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: PlanetAir Turf Products, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Maas, Scott W. Bjorge
  • Publication number: 20090326768
    Abstract: A digging control system for use with a machine having a work implement is disclosed. The digging control system may have a sensing system configured to generate a signal indicative of a loading of the work implement. The digging control system may also have a controller. The controller may be configured to determine the loading of the work implement based on the signal. Additionally, the controller may be configured to initiate tilting of the work implement in response to a determination that the loading of the work implement exceeds a threshold loading. The work implement may not be substantially lifted during this tilting of the work implement. The controller may also be configured to monitor a tilt angle of the work implement. Additionally, the controller may be configured to cease tilting of the work implement when the tilt angle of the work implement substantially equals a threshold tilt angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew Gordon Shull
  • Publication number: 20090301743
    Abstract: An agricultural implement has a depth control system in which a position sensor directly measures linear translation of a hydraulic cylinder that lifts and lowers the implement frame to set and adjust the depth of the implement frame. The position sensor may be positioned adjacent to or integrally formed with the hydraulic cylinder, and provides a voltage to a controller remote from the implement. The controller automatically adjusts the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinder to maintain the depth of the implement frame at an operator-selected level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: James Henry, Dean Knobloch
  • Publication number: 20090294142
    Abstract: An earth-working apparatus (1) having a drive (1?, 1?) located above the ground is described. The earth-working apparatus has at least two earth-working devices (300, 400), a first earth-working device (300) including a rotating cutter and agitator device (30) that penetrates into the ground to be worked, having first tools and a second earth-working device (400) including a comminuting device (40) having second tools. Each earth-working device (300, 400) is individually mountable on the drive. The earth-working devices (300, 400) may be individually mountable on the drive. It is also possible to combine two or more earth-working devices and to mount them together on the drive. A method for working particularly encrusted ground surfaces is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: LOBBE Industrieservice GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Reinhold Straus, Martin Straus
  • Publication number: 20090272551
    Abstract: An assembly for facilitating steering of an agricultural implement linkable to a work vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises at least a first ground-engaging wheel to engage a ground surface below a frame of the agricultural implement to support the frame above the ground surface. The assembly further comprises a positioning system for receiving a positioning signal from a positioning source. The positioning system determines a current position of the agricultural implement from at least the positioning signal, and the positioning system generates a control signal derived from the current position of the agricultural implement. The assembly further comprises a steering cylinder connected to the first ground-engaging wheel. The steering cylinder operatively connects to the positioning system to steer the first ground-engaging wheel based on the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis Thompson, Terry Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20090272550
    Abstract: A three point hitch for a work vehicle is provided with one draft link of fixed length and another draft link of variable length. The variable length draft link includes a linear double action hydraulic cylinder assembly, a first attachment plate fixedly connected with one of the arm and the cylinder of the assembly and having a pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with the vehicle, and a second attachment plate fixedly connected with a remaining one of the arm and the cylinder and having a first pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with a tilt link and a second pivot connector configured for pivotal attachment with the implement to be supported from the vehicle. The variable length draft link permits lateral adjustment of the angle of the implement with respect to the vehicle center line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Robert E. Mozingo
  • Publication number: 20090260840
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for distributing particulate matter over a surface by spreading. The apparatus for distributing particulate matter over a surface is adapted to be fitted to a prime mover. The apparatus includes a mounting frame for attaching the apparatus to the prime mover, at least one grading blade carried by the mounting frame and mounted moveable laterally sideways relative to the prime mover and an actuator to controllably move the grading blade to move the grading blade substantially sideways relative to the prime mover. The lateral sideways movement of the apparatus relative to prime mover enables particulate matter to be moved independent of the direction of travel of the prime mover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Rodney Milthorpe
  • Publication number: 20090236105
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a ground working tool having attached thereto an implement includes a trip mechanism. The trip mechanism includes a generally horizontally oriented hydraulic cylinder configured to be biased into an extended position to engage the implement in a work position engaged to work the ground. Specifically, a link rod connects the hydraulic cylinder to a carrier to which the implement is attached. The link rod can be adjusted in length and has a generally small diameter, such that, upon extending into hydraulic cylinder when the implement impacts an obstruction, the link rod does not contact the hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Duane Olson, Blake Neudorf, Warren Garth Schierling
  • Publication number: 20090229841
    Abstract: An implement apparatus includes a hitch frame, center frame section, and right and left wing sections pivotally attached to the center section. An actuator pivots the center frame section upward about the hitch frame axis at the rear of the hitch frame to raise the frame sections upward and rearward from a horizontal aligned operating position, where front ends of the frame sections are forward of the hitch frame axis, to a raised position where the frame sections are oriented vertically. Working members mounted to the frame sections forward of the hitch frame support the apparatus on the ground in the operating position, move upward off the ground in the raised position. Transport wheels rearward of the hitch frame axis are above the ground in the operating position, and move down to support the apparatus in the raised position, where wing sections can pivot rearward to the transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Peter DILLON
  • Publication number: 20090230657
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method providing for improved hitching of a towed implement to a tractor. The apparatus and method are of most use in small connections such as to a lawn tractor and provide for a handgrip to improve ease of moving the implement by hand and a hitching mechanism which serves to allow for the same hand to raise the hitch pin, engage the hitch, and then lower the hitch pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: David Miller
  • Publication number: 20090218112
    Abstract: An excavation control system for a machine is disclosed. The excavation control system may have a tool, at least one operator input device configured to provide manual control over movement of the tool, and a controller in communication with the at least one operator input device. The controller may be configured to receive an input related to an operator desired tool location, and determine that an operator is manually controlling movement of the tool toward the operator desired tool location. The controller may be further configured to automatically assume control over movement of the tool toward the operator desired tool location based on the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Mintah, Robert J. Price, Kevin D. King
  • Patent number: 7581597
    Abstract: A method of and system for moving an agricultural implement between a folded, inoperative system for transport and an extended, field position is provided. The method includes the steps of providing an agricultural implement having a right wing of tools and a left wing of tools each located on opposite sides of a central longitudinal axis of the implement relative to each other; moving one of the right and left wings of tools from an extended position to a folded, inoperative position for transport; and moving the other of the right and left wings of tools from an extended position to a folded, inoperative position for transport after the step of moving one of the right and left wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Blake R. Neudorf, Jim W. Henry, Terry A. Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20090200047
    Abstract: A modified box scraper system that is fitted with a first, second and third plurality of attachment means located on the rearward end and both sides of the box scraper allowing for the attachment of a variety of modified work implements, said modified work implements including a trench backfill blade that attaches to the box scraper and allows the operator to backfill a trench with increased precision because the trenched row material can be funneled back into the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Frederick
  • Publication number: 20090200048
    Abstract: A modified box scraper system that is fitted with a first, second third and fourth plurality of attachment means located on the rearward end and both sides of the box scraper allowing for the attachment of fine grade box extensions thereto. The fine grade box extensions are mirror images of each other and each attaches to one side of the box scraper. The fine grade box extensions are substantially similar in shape to the box scraper main body. Included on the box scraper's main frame are a visual level and a laser for greater accuracy in grading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Frederick
  • Publication number: 20090200049
    Abstract: The instant invention is of a soil conditioning device having a series of peripheral ridge members having a leading and trailing prow shaped surface circumscribing a disc, wheel or drum. Optionally the prow shaped peripheral ridge members are joined by sub-ridge members forming a single ridge of varying heights circumscribing the disc, wheel or drum. The invention is also of a method for creating a permeable soil surface using the apparatus herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Charles Stephen Carr, Keith Ward
  • Publication number: 20090200050
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for aerating a ground, comprising a frame (2) provided with moving means (4) for travel of the device over a ground, a crankshaft (14) which is bearing mounted on the frame (2) and which can be coupled to a drive, a number of aerating means (21-23) connected to the frame (2) and connected to the crankshaft (14), wherein the aerating means (21-23) comprises at least one pin (45) which is adapted to perform a repetitive movement in a situation of use, wherein the pin (45) is inserted into the ground, wherein the movement is guided by at least two pivoting arms (24, 40) of the aerating means (21-23). The invention is characterized in that at least a first arm (40) of the aerating means (21-23) has a pivot point (44) which is movable relative to the frame (2) in the situation of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: REDEXIM HANDEL-EN EXPLOITATIE MAATSCHAPPIJ B.V.
    Inventor: Anton Cornelis Bos
  • Publication number: 20090194300
    Abstract: In some embodiments a brush grubber may include one or more of the following features: (a) an elongated frame, (b) an operator's station located at an end of the elongated frame, (c) scissor gear located at an opposite end of the elongated frame, (d) an actuation lever coupled to the frame, (e) a cable operably coupled to the actuation lever and to the scissor gear, (f) a support leg coupled to the opposite end of the elongated frame adjacent to the scissor gear, (g) a pincher operably coupled to the scissor gear, (h) a tine located on a pinching surface of the pincher, and (i) a spring operably coupled to the scissor gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: BAC Industries Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Oberg
  • Patent number: 7562717
    Abstract: A culvert opening and cleaning apparatus which is designed to be operably mounted to an implement of heavy machinery such as a grader and is further designed to utilize the auxiliary hydraulic connection provided by the implement of heavy machinery. The culvert opening and cleaning apparatus comprises a mounting operably engaged to an implement of a heavy machinery, a telescoping arm member attached to the mounting means, the telescoping arm member having an outer housing and an inner concentric arm that are telescopically slidable relative to each other, a culvert cleaning tool engaged to the inner arm of the telescoping arm member, and a telescoping ram having at least one concentric cylinder and a piston that are telescopically slidable relative to each other, wherein a distal end of the piston is attached to the culvert cleaning tool for positing the culvert cleaning tool for opening of the culvert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Woodybilt Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: James W. Woodcock, Frank W. Woodcock, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090159302
    Abstract: A method of controlling a work tool with respect to a design surface gradient identifies surface gradient and determines a desired angle for the work tool. Movement of the machine is monitored and the distance between the design surface gradient and the work tool is determined. The angle of the work tool is varied based on one or more of these parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Roger D. Koch, Hiren R. Patel
  • Patent number: 7549483
    Abstract: A furrow/ditch cleaner has a rotating wheel with elongate blades that contact the obstructing matter in the eye of the furrow and move the obstruction to the side of a field row. The blades are secured on radial arms attached to the central shaft of the wheel. The wheel is towed by a farming implement causing the blades to enter the furrow and move across the bottom of the furrow. The distance between the blades and their extension from the central shaft is adjusted by extending the length of the telescoping arms. A ditch cleaning member is secured to distant ends of each blade, encircling the blades a distance from an end of each blade. The ditch cleaning member moves along a transverse ditch compacting soil and debris in the ditch and leveling the ditch for the water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Erne Plessala, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090145665
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method of soil working is provided for performing one or more of soil fracture, soil excavation and soil treatment. The method comprises the steps of: supplying a source of pressurized gas; supplying a source of fluidized material; positioning a nozzle adjacent the soil; directing a stream of the pressurized gas through the nozzle at the soil being worked; and entraining a stream of fluidized material in the gas stream prior to the stream reaching the soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas F. Hursen
  • Publication number: 20090126953
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for co-ordinated soil cultivation, said system comprising a plurality of soil compacting devices (W1, W2) used to determine location-related relative compacting values (V(W1; TB1, xi, yi;I?1 . . . n)), and a calibrating device (EV) used to determine location-related absolute compacting values. A calculating unit (R), which is connected to the compacting devices (W1, W2) and the calibrating device (EV) in such a way as to transmit messages, is used to correlate the obtained relative and absolute location-related compacting values. A system control (CPU1, . . .
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Roland Anderegg, Kuno Kaufmann, Nicole Marti
  • Publication number: 20090114406
    Abstract: A harrow frame may be operable to permit pivoting of its ground working tool support arms between a first relative angle and a second relative angle. Pivoting may be achieved through a drive system and a lock controllable remotely such that the tool support arms can be pivoted about their fulcrums “on-the-fly” while the harrow frame is being moved along a ground surface. In addition or alternately, a harrow frame may also be folded to have a width less than 8.5 feet to facilitate transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: PHOENIX ROTARY EQUIPMENT LTD.
    Inventor: Brian J. Read
  • Publication number: 20090107688
    Abstract: A suspension system for fixed-frame, towed agricultural implements having at least one floating head. A hydraulic cylinder is used for both lift and suspension of the floating head. A hydraulic accumulator provides expansion room for hydraulic fluid to move in and out of the hydraulic cylinder during suspension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Shane A. Bollinger, Kent L. Thompson, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Publication number: 20090101370
    Abstract: A soil transport machine, such as a track type tractor equipped with a bulldozer blade, includes a soil transport interaction surface (blade) with an array of anti-adhesion biomimetic protrusions that project out of a base surface. The biomimetic protrusions may have a smooth convex shape sized and distributed in a manner that reduces soil adhesion and the associated carryback, especially in adhesive soils such as heavy clay. The biomimetic protrusions may be incorporated directly into the surface of the bulldozer blade, or maybe part of a replaceable liner that is attached to the blade body in a conventional manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Vasil Tasovski
  • Publication number: 20090101369
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a tongue, a pivotable beam linked to the tongue, a cylinder configured to move the pivotable beam from an operating position to a transport position, which is narrower than the operating position, and a latchable member connected to the pivotable beam. A locking assembly includes first and second dogs which can receive the latchable member. The second dog can move relative to the first dog from an open position to a closed position in response to movement of the latchable member such that movement of the latchable member out of the second dog opening is blocked by the first dog while the second dog is in the closed position. The apparatus includes a locking member that moves in response to movement of the cylinder from an unlocked to a locked position to lock the dogs in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: KUHN KNIGHT INC.
    Inventor: Jeff MARGGI
  • Patent number: 7520337
    Abstract: A method of shaping furrows in soil includes the steps of: determining existing elevation profiles for a plurality of existing furrows in a geographic unit; establishing a target elevation profile for each of the existing furrows; and moving soil laterally either toward or away from one or both side walls along a length of each furrow to achieve the target elevation profiles within the geographic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Andrew Smart, Frederick William Nelson