Abstract: Provided is a safety apparatus for a cultivator. A driving cylinder includes a body wherein a rod having a pressurizing plate at a front end of the rod is inserted into the body; a first inlet hole and a second outlet hole which are formed at one side of the body; a first inlet hole and a second outlet hole formed at a rear portion of the pressurizing plate when the rod extends from the body; a first outlet hole and a second inlet hole formed at the other side of the body; a relief valve at the first outlet hole; a first hydraulic line to connect the relief valve and the first inlet hole; a second hydraulic line to connect the second outlet hole and the second inlet hole; and a check valve at any of the second outlet hole, the second inlet hole and the second hydraulic line.

Abstract: A system for automated control of a machine having a ground engaging work implement includes an implement load sensor system. A controller determines a change in terrain based at least in part upon a change in the load on the ground engaging work implement. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller generates an alert command signal. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A telescoping coulter system for an agricultural machine, operable on ground and having a frame and a moveable structure, includes a coulter arm, having a proximal end with a pivot point, and a distal end bearing a rotatable coulter disk. An extension mechanism connects the frame to the coulter arm, and is configured to translate the coulter arm between a raised transport position not in mechanical conflict with the moveable structure, and a lowered operational position in which the coulter disk can contact the ground and is proximate to the moveable structure.

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.

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.

Abstract: An implement for soil preparation is moved in a direction of travel by a tractor with a three-point linkage. The implement includes an attaching mechanism, a coupling member with three coupling points, a first tool beam which is attached to the coupling member, at least one tool which is supported by the first tool beam, and three coupling elements which are each movably attached to the coupling member in the region of the respective coupling points to connect the coupling member to the attaching means. The first coupling element defines a path of movement for a guided movement of the first coupling point with respect to the attaching means. The second and the third coupling element each define a path of movement for a guided movement of their respective coupling point with respect to the attaching mechanism.

Abstract: An implement for soil preparation is moved in a direction of travel by a tractor with a three-point linkage. The implement includes an attaching mechanism, a coupling member with three coupling points, a first tool beam which is attached to the coupling member, at least one tool which is supported by the first tool beam, and three coupling elements which are each movably attached to the coupling member in the region of the respective coupling points to connect the coupling member to the attaching means. The first coupling element defines a path of movement for a guided movement of the first coupling point with respect to the attaching means. The second and the third coupling element each define a path of movement for a guided movement of their respective coupling point with respect to the attaching mechanism.

Abstract: This tillage machine design utilizes the patented aerator tine by Martindale (U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,525). It is disclosed here in a series of different arrangements within machine frame designs. These frame design protocols protect the farmer from maintenance neglect and unintentional misuse of the tine technology which can lead to inconsistent performance. These designs result in greatly reduced costs of soil-engaging tines. The range of power requirements and concomitant degree of soil fracturing in relation to the number of tine perforations is achieved while enhancing soil erosion control potential. The frame design also embraces two additional technologies for crop residue re-sizing and secondary tillage, creating a one-pass total tillage machine for forage crops, vineyards, orchards, pastureland and row-crop production systems. The machine designs disclosed require less framing steel and ballasting requirements for soil penetration thus extending life of all component parts such as bearings.

Abstract: Overload protection device for agricultural appliances, such as for example agricultural implements with a joint connecting the agricultural tool to the carrier frame, having two joint parts held together by spring load and mutually supporting, of which one is mounted on the agricultural tool and the other on the carrier frame. On both joint parts at least one upper support arrangement and at least one lower support arrangement are arranged as spaced from one another, with the lower support arrangement (9, 20) having at least one pivot bolt (10, 23) extending horizontally and transversely to the working direction and at least one joint retainer (11) supported on the pivot bolt (10, 23) and having a V or U-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A disc harrow composed of one or more disc gangs has a subframe coupled to the disc gangs to move the disc gangs in response to variations in farmland terrain to limit the impact of obstructions when encountered during the harrowing process. When the obstruction is cleared, the subframe automatically returns the disc gangs to their pre-obstruction position. In addition to reducing the potentially-damaging impact of obstructions, the subframe also maintains a more consistent reel depth during undulations or changes in the farmland terrain, such as during harrowing of slopes or unleveled fields such as valleys, near waterways, and along fence rows.

Abstract: A snow plow assembly with a longitudinally extending plow body has a blade mounting structure that supports a longitudinally extending plow blade. The blade mounting structure has a series of hinges that receive a longitudinally extending pivot rod to couple the plow body to the snow blade and set of springs to bias the snow plow blade into an operative position and to resiliently restore the snow plow blade to the operative position after encountering an obstacle. The hinge portions fixed to the snow plow body each have a receiving slot to slidingly receive a hinge key and the hinge keys define a bearing surface for abutting one end of the coil spring. A locating notch is provided in the hinge keys to limit relative movement between a hinge key an associated hinge portion. A hinge lock to capture the pivot rod is also provided.

Abstract: Overload protection device for agricultural appliances, such as for example agricultural implements with a joint connecting the agricultural tool to the carrier frame, said joint comprising two joint parts held together by spring load and mutually supporting, of which one is mounted on the agricultural tool and the other on the carrier frame, wherein on both joint parts at least one upper support arrangement and at least one lower support arrangement are arranged spaced from one another, characterised in that the lower support arrangement (9, 20) has at least one pivot bolt (10, 23) extending horizontally and transversely to the working direction and at least one joint retainer (11) supported on the pivot bolt (10, 23) and having a V or U-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multilayer wiring substrate, which can preserve the dimensional stability of a conductor pattern at a fine pitch, solve the restriction on a process from the viewpoint of material selection, and further reduce a manufacturing cost, and a multilayer wiring substrate. A second wiring substrate formed on a supporting sheet made of metal and an adhesive layer are partially stacked on a predetermined region of a first wiring substrate by using the supporting sheet. After the lamination of the second wiring substrate, the supporting sheet is finally etched and removed. The second wiling substrate is stacked only on the portion required to be multilayered on the first wiring substrate to thereby reduce the amount of the construction material of the second wiring substrate.

Abstract: A slip hitch connection to a drive vehicle for a snow plow comprises an elongated flat planar member that can be hooked on to a connecting lug of the drive vehicle, the flat planar member being mounted on the snow plow frame for reciprocal movement in each of a pair of spaced apart coupling assemblies secured to the snow plow frame for connecting the snow plow to the drive vehicle. Each of the elongated flat planar members have an upper and lower elongated guide slot in which guide bolts that move up and down as the snow plow itself is moved up and down are received to enable the guide bolts and snow plow to which they are connected make limited reciprocal movement up and down while hooked up to the drive vehicle and being pushed forward during a snow plowing operation.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a soil leveling device to the mounting arm of a leveling attachment operates in either a fixed setting or a floating setting. The mechanism includes a rearwardly extending carrier arm which carries the soil leveling device at its distal end. The carrier arm is pivotably connected at its proximal end to the mounting arm of the leveling attachment for upward and downward movement. A connecting link is mounted to the mounting arm and a spring assembly extends between the link and the carrier arm. The connecting link is selectively operable in either a fixed setting or a released, floating setting. When the connecting link is in the fixed setting, the spring assembly biases the carrier arm and the leveling device with a downward force. When the connecting link is in the floating setting, the leveling device can move across a soil surface free of a downward bias from the spring assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to using the expansion force of an air spring, coupled between a snowplow vehicle and the attached snowplow, so that contact between ground engaging components of the snowplow and the road can be controlled, either automatically or manually. The air spring is held in alignment as it expands longitudinally, by an apparatus using guides and struts. Longitudinal alignment is important, as bending of the air spring causes loss of force. Attachment points of the apparatus are drawn together, as the air spring expands. The longitudinal expansion force of the air spring can be transmitted directly to a chain or cable.

Abstract: An overload protection apparatus for use with a planter apparatus including a coulter bar and coulter/fertilizer units mounted thereto, the coulter bar pivotally mounted to the underside of a wheel supported carrier frame designed for transport in a transport direction where a hydraulic cylinder is linked between the frame and the bar for moving the bar between a ground clearing transport position and a ground engaging position where the frame, cylinder and frame form a linkage path, the protection apparatus linked within the linkage path such that a draft force applied to the bar in a direction opposite the transport direction causes a secondary force on the apparatus and, when the secondary pressure exceeds the threshold pressure level, the protector de-links the linkage path thereby reducing the draft force.

Abstract: An overload protection apparatus for use with a planter apparatus including a coulter bar and coulter/fertilizer units mounted thereto, the coulter bar pivotally mounted to the underside of a wheel supported carrier frame designed for transport in a transport direction where a hydraulic cylinder is linked between the frame and the bar for moving the bar between a ground clearing transport position and a ground engaging position where the frame, cylinder and frame form a linkage path, the protection apparatus linked within the linkage path such that a draft force applied to the bar in a direction opposite the transport direction causes a secondary force on the apparatus and, when the secondary pressure exceeds the threshold pressure level, the protector de-links the linkage path thereby reducing the draft force.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame, a grow medium manipulation surface configured to manipulate and move a growing medium and at least one elastomeric torsion element coupled to the surface. The growing medium manipulation surface moves between a first growing medium engagement position in which the surface manipulates and moves the growing medium and a second growing medium non-engagement position. The elastomeric torsion element resiliently biases the surface towards the first growing medium engagement position. In one exemplary embodiment, the growing medium engagement surface comprises the surface of a furrow opening device on an agricultural implement. In one exemplary embodiment, the implement additionally includes an adjustment mechanism coupled to the elastomeric torsion element.

Abstract: A soil penetrating tool assembly (10) having a tool shank (18) which is pivotally mounted so as to clear obstructions in the ground. Movement of the shank away from its normal attitude is opposed by a hydraulic ram (22). The force required to be exerted by the shank (18) against the opposing force of the ram (22) is initially high but is reduced upon a predetermined movement of the tool (18) and thus a predetermined retraction of the ram (22). This allows the tool (18) to more easily clear large obstructions without causing damage to the tool (18).

Abstract: A plow blade operating system having a plow or scraper is configured to quickly and retractably overcome obstacles that are encountered during plowing, scraping, and leveling activities without the need to recharge or reset the system pressure after the obstacles have been passed and which continually biases the plow or scraper downward against the road surface such that the plow or scraper will properly remove snow, sand, gravel, etc . . . from any dips or depressions in the road.

Abstract: A row cultivator (10) includes a row following system (12) coupled to a toolbar (13) employing frame members (17) and (18) constrained to remain parallel by a cross member (21). Coulter wheels (30) and (31) secured to the frame members (17) and (18) are non-steerable and tool bar drift may be corrected. A tool (40) employs a leading blade (44) and a pair of diverging cutting blades (47) and (48) trailing behind the leading blade (44). A sheer release assembly employs a longitudinally extending bolt (70) centrally disposed and holding a shank (61) to a tool bar (65) so that when a tool on the shank (61) strikes an underground obstacle the bolt (70) is sheared longitudinally.

Abstract: A collapsible bar assembly which is particularly useful in couplings between a tractor and an agricultural implement, the collapsible bar assembly having first and second bars which are normally co-linear but which rotate relative to one another when a predetermined compressive force is applied thereto such as by the agricultural implement striking an obstruction. The bar assembly can be incorporated into the draw bar or into various parts of the equipment such as a plough or the like which has ground working tines.

Abstract: The device is mounted in an agricultural machine comprising two links for drawing an implement, a lifter member and a central control unit for controlling the member. The device comprises: two horizontal bars carried in the form of brackets from the chassis of the machine; and four resistive elements deposited on flat faces of the bars symmetrically with respect to a neutral axis defined in this latter, made of a material having an electrical resistance proportional to the deformations to which they are subject and connected in a Wheatstone bridge circuit in such a way such that this arrangement generates an electrical signal proportional to the imbalance of the bridge caused by the deformations to which the elements are subjected, and which are transmitted from the traction force on the implement.

Abstract: A trip assembly for a ground-working implement includes a rigid toggle member and a spring toggle member that are pinned, respectively, at a first point to a ground-engaging tool and at a second point to a frame. The rigid toggle member and the spring toggle member are pinned together at a third point that is a small distance vertically below a line extending between the first two points. A fulcrum from the rigid toggle member is in contact with the top of the spring toggle member at a central position. An obstruction force transmitted to the ground-engaging tool is transmitted to flex the spring toggle member vertically upwardly at the central position. As the spring toggle member flexes vertically upwardly, the third point moves upwardly through the small distance. Once the third point crosses the line between the first two points, the trip assembly trips and moves the ground-engaging tool to a vertically upwardly removed tripped position.

Abstract: An improved snowplow apparatus provided with articulated quadrilateral means permitting vertical movement of a snow clearing blade which is kept in a lowered position by a compressed gas accumulator communicating with one or two hydraulic cylinders connected between the snow clearing blade and a supporting frame therefor which is secured to a tractor. When the force exerted by said blade as it encounters an obstacle on a road exceeds the resistance of the accumulator, the pistons of the two cylinders are moved to supply hydraulic fluid under pressure to a hydraulic ram for lifting the blade.

Abstract: A trip mechanism 41 for a plow standard 11 includes a pair of toggle links 46, 61 having their remote ends pivotally connected, respectively, to a plow frame 15 and the standard 11. Link 61 includes a leaf spring 63 with a rolled end 86 pivotally connected to the link 46 by a pin 88 normally disposed in an overcenter position; however, when excessive working forces are encountered, the leaf spring 63 deflects somewhat in the manner of a cantilevered beam causing the pin 88 to move from its overcenter position to a tripped position thus allowing the plow standard 11 to swing upwardly about its pivot axis 16.

Abstract: An implement has subsoil tines interconnected to a beam of the frame. At least one of the tines has an upper fastening portion pivoted to a beam of the frame. An overload device also interconnects the fastening portion to the beam so that upon overload on the tine, the device can trip and release the tine for pivotal movement, out of operative position to avoid damage. The device is a hydraulic circuit in which a piston in a cylinder holds the tine in place. A relief valve in the circuit allows escape of fluid from one side of the piston to a reservoir so that the piston and cylinder can move relative to each other upon overload. A spring, either within the cylinder or otherwise associated with the piston, biases the tine to return in operative position. A part of the circuit has a further valve that permits fluid return. The relief valve is held by a spring and screw knob to vary overload pressure of the fluid.

Abstract: An elongated coupling member is connectable to the upper link of a three point tractor lift and to an implement carried by the lift, such as a spreader. The member includes a piston slideably mounted in a cylinder and a hydraulic circuit between a space at each side of the piston. The piston can be adjusted to a set position in which the relative positions of the piston and cylinder are maintained by hydraulic fluid within the circuit and spaces. An overload device, such as a spring biased, one-way valve, is included in the circuit so that upon overload, the piston moves, usually to lengthen the coupling member and allow fluid to flow from one space to the other. In one version, an overflow space or reservoir is in the circuit to accomodate excess fluid when the piston is shifted and one space is larger than the other.

Abstract: A cultivating implement such as a discer is provided with a coulter disc engageable with the ground and secured to the tail beam with the depth being preset by the hydraulic setting of the main disc gang. A fluid operator is included at a preset pressure and normally is fully extended until an obstruction is reached at which time the preset pressure is exceeded and the fluid operator or ram unloads and allows the coulter to raise up and clear the obstruction. Once cleared, the pressure in the ram returns the coulter to the preset depth. This coulter assists in maintaining the angle of travel of the discer, particularly on side hills, together with the pivoted rudder wheel assembly. In this invention the rudder wheel assembly is normally held against a stop at the desired angle, by a further ram or fluid operator instead of a spring and which only unloads during turning to allow rudder wheel assembly to break away.

Abstract: A material handling assembly has a frame for attachment to the three point hitch of a tractor. A laterally swingable boom extends rearwardly from the frame and has an upright shaft at its rear end rotatable about an upright axis for suspending a reversible scraper blade whose angularity may be varied as the shaft is rotated. The blade is releasably attached to and tiltable relative to the shaft. All four functions of raising and lowering the frame, swinging the boom, varying the angularity of the blade and tilting the blade are hydraulically controlled. A special four bar linkage coupled with the shaft provides for wide blade angularity adjustment. A fluid bypass arrangement interconnects the swing and angularity functions to accommodate for excessive loads which may be encountered when the attitude of the blade is to be varied in accordance with desired grading operations.

Abstract: The motor grader drawbar assembly has a blade mounted on a circle gear and a drive gear selectively rotates the circle gear and the blade via a pinion gear engaged with the circle gear and mounted on a rotatable shaft. A slip clutch is interposed between the drive gear and the shaft to allow relative movement therebetween when a preselected torque is exceeded, as when the blade hits an obstruction. A pressure plate overlies the slip clutch and may be adjusted to change the preselected torque required.

Abstract: This invention relates to earth processing equipment and, more particularly, to a scarifier or plow apparatus capable of deep soil penetration which has an attached earth fragmentation assembly. The apparatus comprises a frame mounting on its forward end, a scarifier assembly which is adjustable from the frame to provide varying soil penetration. An earth fragmentation assembly is permanently affixed to the frame immediately behind the scarifier and comprises a scoop bucket with internal, shaft-mounted rotatable arms or cudgelers for fragmentizing earth passing interiorly of the fragmentation assembly and with a fixed bottom support for the soil within the scoop bucket. This apparatus is particularly useful for the single pass processing of compacted agricultural beds.

Abstract: A spring bias safety trip mechanism for holding a ground working tool in a fixed position with respect to a support frame is disclosed herein. The spring bias safety trip mechanism consists of a plurality of links that are interconnected in such a manner that the links act as a rigid bar between the frame and standard and collapse when excessive forces are encountered by the standard. The spring biased linkage system is designed to eliminate the need for large springs that must produce sufficient forces equal to the normal forces encountered during the normal earthworking operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a subsoil plow which includes a supporting frame having front and rear sides. A plurality of plow elements are mounted on the frame for pivotable movement on a horizontal axis in a direction fore and aft of the frame. The plow elements are transversely spaced on the frame. Latching means are provided for releasably holding each plow element generally upright in plowing position. Each plow element is spring urged to plowing position whereby forward movement of the plow through the soil may be accompanied by a vibratory pivotal motion thereof.