Against Spring Return Device Patents (Class 172/264)
  • Patent number: 11619016
    Abstract: A V-blade for a snowplow, a snowplow incorporating the V-blade and a method of use thereof. The blade includes left and right wings engaged with a central shaft. A trip edge is provided on each wing and includes a lower section of moldboard, a cutting edge, and snow shield engaged with an upper section of the moldboard via a biasing assembly. The assembly biases the trip edge into alignment with the upper section. When an obstacle on the surface is struck by the trip edge, the trip edge pivots relative to the upper section about a horizontal axis extending along a shaft of the biasing assembly. A translation assembly causes the trip edge to move laterally in a first direction away from the central shaft and parallel to the vertical axis extending therealong. The trip edge returns to its original position under spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: VENTURE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael S. Hoffman, Corey Gerber
  • Patent number: 11421391
    Abstract: A snow plow blade assembly allows substantially rigid blades to shift in response to surfaces and obstacles without placing undue stress on the blade assembly as a whole. The assembly includes a flexible bushing that is received in a bushing hole of a blade, the bushing further having at least one bushing hole to receive at least one stem. The blade is disposed between first and second plates that cooperate with the stem and a fastener to removably secure all of the elements together. A kit contains replacement blades and bushings, a flexible bushing or variable density, a wear block assembly on the blade trailing edge, a protuberance on the bushing that is received in one of the plates and a bushing hole formed as two connected lobes for receiving a like shaped bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: 9318704 Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Desrochers, Vittorio Violo
  • Patent number: 10099733
    Abstract: A track assembly is formed from an endless track, an elongate guide member, a drive sprocket, and a plurality of track engaging rollers. The endless track has an inner surface having a plurality of parallel circumferential ridges. Formed between the circumferential ridges is a circumferential channel. The guide member is at least partially positioned and closely received within the circumferential channel. The track engaging rollers are arranged in a pair of parallel rows near an outer side of each circumferential ridge. During track rotation, the guide member remains closely received within the channel, and the rollers contact the outer side of the ridges to resist lateral movement of the track. Positioning of the guide member in the circumferential channel, with the rollers outside the ridges, laterally stabilizes the track thereby reducing the risk of the track slipping off the track assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Cody L. Sewell
  • Patent number: 9955622
    Abstract: A coulter assembly for an agricultural implement. The coulter assembly includes a support structure and a disc blade rotatably mounted to the support structure. The coulter assembly also includes a spring assembly coupled to the support structure and configured to urge the disc blade into soil. The spring assembly includes a variable rate spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerard James Gadzella, Robin Bruno Schilling
  • Patent number: 9008913
    Abstract: A trailer includes a chassis having a hitch, an axle having a pair of tractive elements rotatably coupled to the chassis, an actuator coupled to the chassis and positioned to steer the pair of tractive elements, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit has an input for receiving a transmission gear of a tractor vehicle and a variable output for engaging the actuator. The processing circuit is configured to control the steering of the pair of tractive elements according to a control strategy that varies based on the transmission gear of the tractor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Mitch F. Sears, Kevin W. Magners, Jeffrey J. Miller, Benjamin G. Lochner, Jason M. Ollanketo, Jason R. Shively, Sean Strosahl, Kellie Watters, Bashar M. Amin
  • Patent number: 8985234
    Abstract: A coulter assembly for an agricultural implement. The coulter assembly includes a support structure and a disc blade rotatably mounted to the support structure. The coulter assembly also includes a spring assembly coupled to the support structure and configured to urge the disc blade into soil. The spring assembly includes a variable rate spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gerard James Gadzella, Robin Bruno Schilling
  • Publication number: 20150053438
    Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement including a carriage frame assembly and pull hitch towed by a tractor and secondary frames supported by the carriage frame assembly. The secondary frames support gangs of disk blades for tilling the soil in a travel direction. Bearing hanger assemblies support the gangs of disk blades below the secondary frames through a C shaped resilient element. Stop elements are mounted on the bearing hanger assemblies and to a cross bar to limit deflection of the C shaped elements by abutting some of the secondary frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, Eric J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20140338935
    Abstract: A tillage with an auto-reset mechanism and system adapted for tripping when a tool encounters an obstacle in the field, and automatically resetting when the obstacle is cleared. The mechanism is adapted for mounting various ground-working tools, such as shank-mounted chisels, which typically operate slightly below the ground surface and are thus susceptible to damage from submerged obstacles, such as rocks, buried timber and tree roots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: BIGHAM BROTHERS, INC.
    Inventors: Von D. Kimball, Jimmy D. Gray, JR.
  • Patent number: 8857529
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Henry, Nicholas George Alfred Ryder
  • Patent number: 8776702
    Abstract: An agricultural row unit includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame, and a linkage assembly pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the linkage assembly relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the linkage assembly for urging the linkage assembly downwardly toward the soil, and an accumulator is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder for supplying pressurized gas to the hydraulic cylinder urging the linkage assembly upwardly away from the soil. A manifold is removably mounted to the hydraulic cylinder via a mounting interface, the manifold being selected from a group of different types of modular manifolds in which each manifold is removably mountable to the hydraulic cylinder, one at a time, via the same mounting interface, the manifold having two hydraulic-fluid ports including an inlet port and an outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 8733466
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Henry, Nicholas George Alfred Ryder
  • Publication number: 20140076594
    Abstract: A ground working apparatus has a plow assembly including a frame formed with an attached runner and a plow tool. A linkage assembly couples the frame to a bridle assembly for movement of the plow assembly between raised and lowered positions relative to the bridle assembly. The runner and the plow tool depend downwardly from the frame to concurrently run over and plow, respectively, ground to be plowed along a plowing path ahead of the bridle assembly and the plow assembly, wherein the runner sets the frame of the plow assembly at a fixed elevated position with respect to the ground to be plow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald J. Kile
  • Patent number: 8555798
    Abstract: A down pressure adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement includes a rockshaft to which one or more disc opener units are mounted and an actuator that rotates the rockshaft. Rotation of the rockshaft causes the disc opener units to be raised or lowered. When the disc opener units are lowered into a field engagement position, further rotation of the rockshaft will cause compression of down pressure springs for each of the disc opener units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor, Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 8544398
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame. A support member is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the support member relative to the attachment frame, and at least one furrow-closing device is mounted on the support member. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the support member for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. The hydraulic cylinder includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for urging the ram in a first direction that pivots the support member in a first vertical direction. An accumulator has a fluid chamber containing a pressurized gas for urging the ram in a second direction that pivots the support member in a second vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 8544397
    Abstract: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, and a row unit frame having a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the row unit frame relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 8479670
    Abstract: A down pressure adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement includes a rockshaft to which one or more disc opener units are mounted and an actuator that rotates the rockshaft. Rotation of the rockshaft causes the disc opener units to be raised or lowered. When the disc opener units are lowered into a field engagement position, further rotation of the rockshaft will cause compression of down pressure springs for each of the disc opener units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor, Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20130112443
    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: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: CNH Canada, Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130112442
    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: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: CNH CANADA, LTD.
    Inventor: CNH Canada, Ltd.
  • Patent number: 8360164
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Henry, Nicholas George Alfred Ryder
  • Patent number: 8342254
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Henry, Nicholas George Alfred Ryder
  • Publication number: 20120325504
    Abstract: A down pressure adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement includes a rockshaft to which one or more disc opener units are mounted and an actuator that rotates the rockshaft. Rotation of the rockshaft causes the disc opener units to be raised or lowered. When the disc opener units are lowered into a field engagement position, further rotation of the rockshaft will cause compression of down pressure springs for each of the disc opener units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor, Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 8286566
    Abstract: A down pressure adjustment assembly for a disc opener of an agricultural implement includes a rockshaft to which one or more disc opener units are mounted and an actuator that rotates the rockshaft. Rotation of the rockshaft causes the disc opener units to be raised or lowered. When the disc opener units are lowered into a field engagement position, further rotation of the rockshaft will cause compression of down pressure springs for each of the disc opener units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor, Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Patent number: 8100193
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Henry, Nicholas George Alfred Ryder
  • Patent number: 8100192
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Henry, Nicholas George Alfred Ryder
  • Patent number: 8042620
    Abstract: An implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging the soil. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to allow for adjustment of the distance between the packer wheel and the ground engaging tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jim Henry
  • Patent number: 7921931
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Henry, Nichaolas George Alfred Ryder
  • Patent number: 7806197
    Abstract: A strip tillage implement includes a single, center-mounted arm located directly above the row area of a strip-till berm. Basket halves are rotatably connected to opposite sides of the arm in cantilever fashion to eliminate outer support arms. Residue flow encounters rolling baskets rather than fixed arms so that catching, flipping and twisting of residue is minimized and plugging in high residue conditions is reduced. A single, center-mounted bearing and simplified basket halves reduce the cost and complexity of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Vernon Eugene Friedley
  • Patent number: 7743844
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Kovach, Garry Good, Michael R. Newman, Kai Zhao, Suresh Pai
  • Patent number: 7640875
    Abstract: A disc system for an agricultural machine including a frame carrying a plurality of agricultural tools, the disc system comprising a leading disc mounting mechanism and a rear tools mounting mechanism, wherein the mechanisms are mounted in the frame in a manner that they move in upward and downward directions and when one of the mechanisms tends to move in one of the directions the other one of the mechanisms tends to move in the opposite direction to copy as close as possible the field profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Elvio Antonio Forchino
  • Patent number: 7631607
    Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine including at least one tool bar and a plurality of row units attached to the tool bar. Each row unit including a frame, a plurality of ground engaging wheels including a first ground engaging wheel, at least one suspension structure and a torsional biasing device. The at least one suspension structure including a first suspension structure having a first end and a second end. The first end rotatably coupled to the first ground engaging wheel. The torsional biasing device coupled to the second end of the first suspension structure. The biasing device being carried by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Todd E. Vandersnick
  • Patent number: 7578356
    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 ground variation 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Michael R. Newman
  • Patent number: 7467485
    Abstract: The present invention relates to snowplow (200) systems provided with a shovel (105) utilized generally for scraping snow (106). Articulated blades (20), resembling a hand (21) having a Y or a H shape, wherein wear knives (22) are inserted and locked in place between twin blades (23), by particular means of retention, permitting to increase the longevity of the blades during frequent passages over altered roads. The blades are provided also with a skate (129) system at an attack corner (139) preventing the breaking of the blade and allowing the blade to follow the irregularities of the road. The blades are installed lengthwise along the snowplow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventors: Ghislain Lachance, Guy Hamel
  • Patent number: 7261048
    Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus includes a parallel link trailing arm having a rear link that is maintained substantially horizontal as the arm moves up and down. Front and rear furrow openers are attached to the rear link. A packer wheel arm is attached to the rear link and extends rearward and downward from the rear link, and a packer wheel is mounted to the packer wheel arm and aligned with one of the furrow openers. A bias device exerts a downward bias force on the trailing arm, furrow openers, and packer wheel. The furrow openers, the packer wheel, and the rear link are maintained in rigid orientation with respect to each other when in a working mode, and a vertical operating position of at least one of the furrow openers with respect to the packer wheel is adjustable to vary a depth of the furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Bourgault Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Glenn Hantke
  • Patent number: 7107709
    Abstract: An articulated scraper blade system mounted to a snow plow blade length installed in the front of a vehicle for snow scraping, which comprises a multitude of carbide sections moving independently when they strike an obstacle on a road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Guy Hamel
  • Patent number: 6105680
    Abstract: The present invention includes an angle blade assembly with a blade assembly pivotally connected to a subframe. In certain operating conditions, such as pushing material along the ground, a spring trip mechanism, including a plurality of springs, is connected between the blade assembly and the subframe. The springs are preset at a desired tension therebetween to control the pivotal movement of the blade assembly relative to the subframe when the blade assembly encounters variances in the ground elevation. When the angle blade assembly is used for a different operating function that does not require the spring trip mechanism, a locking device is connected between the blade assembly and the subframe. The locking device restricts the pivotal movement of the blade assembly relative to the subframe and, thereby, disables the control action of the springs. The disablement of the control action of the springs is accomplished without removal of the springs, saving the time and energy of an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Bradley R. High
  • Patent number: 6098722
    Abstract: A versatile implement system utilizing a single implement structure that is capable of being utilized as a grain planter, row crop planter, tiller or anhydrous applicator. The inventive device includes a conventional implement frame, a bracket, a pair of support arms connected to the bracket, a breakaway structure, a receiving arm having a tubular structure, a syncline shaped brace within the receiving arm, a shank member having a syncline end that is removably insertable into an open end of the receiving arm for mating connection with the brace, and an attachment connected to the shank opposite of the syncline end for performing a specific task. This structure allows a plurality of shank planters, anhydrous applicators, double-disc openers, corn planters or tillage attachments to be utilized upon a single implement frame. Varying row spacing such as 30, 15 and 71/2 inch are achievable by removing specific planter attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Leroy J. Richard
  • Patent number: 6068061
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for tilling a seedbed with a soil manipulation device comprising a tilling shank for forming a groove in the soil followed a pair of coulter blades for closing the groove and a rear finishing device such as a rolling basket for further tilling and firming of the soil with improved coulter downward pressure and shank head. Downward pressure on the coulter blades is provided by a coulter spring attached to a lever arm pivotally attached to the framework which applies downward pressure to the framework supporting the coulter blades. The rear finishing device is connected to the same coulter support framework by a pivotal rear arm and a rear arm spring such that when the rear finishing device is displaced upward by changing field conditions, an upward force is imparted to the coulter support framework thus raising the coulter blades in response to changing field conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Smith, William C. Maenle
  • Patent number: 5787992
    Abstract: The spring trip assembly has lever mechanism between the shank and the compression spring which causes the trip-out force of the shank to drop sharply once the relatively high, initial trip-out force level has been reached, thus permitting the shank to slide up and over obstructions without breakage. The compression spring is actuated from both ends simultaneously as the shank rises so that although the trip force drops off quickly, energy also builds up quickly in the spring. Thus, the trip force does not drop as low as it otherwise would, assuring that ample return force is available to reset the shank down into the soil in its working position. Various components of the assembly can be removed and replaced easily without disassembling the entire unit from the tool bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Morris Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: David A. Dobson, Lyle E. Harper
  • Patent number: 5697172
    Abstract: A snowplow mountable on a track or similar vehicle includes a displaceable trip edge that enables the plow to pass over trip hazards without transferring significant impact forces to the plow. The plow mold board includes one or more trip plates that are coupled to the mold board through compression spring elements and linkages. The linkages cause the trip edge to swing up and away from the pavement to avoid "undercutting" when a trip hazard is encountered. This helps keep the plow from jumping. The linkage also automatically reduces the moment arm defined by the compression spring element, the trip plate and the mold board so as substantially to compensate for an increasing restoring force generated by the compression spring member as it is progressively compressed. The trip plate can thereby be displaced over its entire range without significantly increasing the contact force between the trip plate and an encountered trip hazard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Schmidt Engineering & Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Verseef
  • Patent number: 5560433
    Abstract: An earth working implement including a frame having at least one earth working tool mounted thereon. A spring biased linkage assembly connects the tool to the frame to allow for vertical "floating" and "tripping" movements of the tool. The linkage assembly includes upper and lower generally parallel links which are pivotally connected to the frame and to a generally vertical standard having the tool connected to the lower end thereof. The upper link is formed from a pair of toggle elements defining a pivotal connection between opposite ends thereof. A spring assembly normally maintains the toggle elements in non-collapsible relation relative to each other and inhibits floating movements of the tool as it is drawn through the soil. The spring mechanism furthermore allows the toggle elements to move to a collapsed position relative to each other thereby allowing the tool to move to a tripped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Grimm, Austin W. Lutz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5555825
    Abstract: A direct drill seeding unit comprising a coulter wheel (5), a pair of depth control wheels (7) and a splitter (9) where the main components of the seeding unit are pivoted on an elongate arm (1) which is connected to a common or main frame (3). The pivotal movement of the unit allows a gang of the seeding units to follow undulating land in a very faithful manner. Furthermore the splitter (9) is capable of variable height and angle relative to the ground level according to the vertical position of the elongate arm such that as the arm moves up the splitter shall automatically compensate by lowering in order to maintain contact with the soil. The adjustment of the splitter is effected by the trapezoid configuration of the 4 pivoting points and the "L" shaped common linkages (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Ian Geddes
  • Patent number: 5450908
    Abstract: A tillage implement has its residue incorporating gangs of discs hydraulically adjustable on-the-go to vary the extent of residue incorporation. Cylinders connected with the gangs are of matching volumetric capacities and are connected in a series hydraulic arrangement so that all of the cylinders operate in unison and in equal amounts. Each cylinder has a rod that extends through the entire length of the cylinder and projects outwardly from opposite ends thereof. Each cylinder is also provided with a relief spring coiled about its exterior and trapped between a lower shoulder on the cylinder and an upper slip collar that is trunnion-mounted to the attaching bracket of the implement frame, thus permitting the cylinder to slip upwardly through the collar under the resistance of the relief spring when an obstacle is encountered by the incorporating discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Krause Plow Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney L. Hagman, Bill J. Pfenninger
  • Patent number: 5427183
    Abstract: A double spring reset standard and spring bracket therefor particularly useful for intermediate tillage operations at depths of approximately 13 inches wherein high average draft loads are in the range of 2000 pounds. The moment arm that the springs must resist to keep the standard from tripping during normal operation is minimized by bringing the draft force line closer to the standard pivot. The spring bracket which must be able to resist extremely high torsional stresses is fabricated from 0.375 inch thick metal blanks in a single cold die operation and includes offsets and specially designed edge flanges to reduce edge stresses at the offset bends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Paul D. Parker
  • Patent number: 5343960
    Abstract: The caterpillar track attachment is provided for a vehicle having a drive shaft and a steering mechanism. The attachment comprises a pair of endless caterpillar tracks for propelling the vehicle, a frame for supporting the vehicle, drive devices to be operatively connected to the drive shaft and engaging the tracks for transmitting motive power from the drive shaft to the tracks, and a hydraulic device to be coupled to the steering mechanism for providing at least one hydraulic fluid outlet controlled by commands from the steering mechanism. The frame has securing devices for connecting the vehicle onto the frame, and a pair of spaced apart elongated side members around which the tracks are respectively mounted. Each of the members has front and rear sets of wheels located substantially at its front and rear extremities for guiding therearound the corresponding track, and straight slides located at its lower portion between the corresponding rear and front sets of wheels for guiding the corresponding track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Les Equipements Industriels
    Inventor: Sylvain Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5323862
    Abstract: A moldboard support is pivotally hinged to its carrier and has a medial rearward portion pivotally connected to a lower link, the upper portion of the link having an arcuate ramp with a portion engaging a detent mounted in an upper link that is pivotally connected to the lower link at its lower end portion and to the carrier at its upper end. The support and two links form a toggle in which the pivot pin connecting the two links is normally slightly rearward of a line connecting their upper and lower pivot pins and that permits the support to pivot rearwardly and upwardly when an obstruction is met and to return by gravity when the carrier is raised. The operating angular position of the support may be changed by shifting the pivot pin for the upper link.A tension spring is mounted to exert an initial resetting force on the moldboard support in its upper tripped position to assist in breaking away from impacting materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Long Manufacturing N.C., Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Furlough
  • Patent number: 5197552
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventor: Philip Di Maria
  • Patent number: 5191941
    Abstract: In a plow, particularly a reversible plow, one has aimed at a plow enabling plowing in hard soil affording very heavy resistance against the plow bodies (2), using comparatively small material dimensions and corresponding light weight of the plow. For this purpose, the plow beam (3), at the front end thereof, is pivotally mounted on the plow frame (1) and, somewhat spaced behind the pivot (4), a rotation restricting shear pin (5) is secured to the plow frame (1). The plow beam (3) is coupled to a lever (6) which, spaced from its connection point (7) to the plow beam (3), possibly via a longitudinally adjustable stop member (10), is resting supportingly on an adjacent plow beam portion. The lever (6) is, spaced from its said connection point (7) as well as from said supportingly resting portion/stop member (10), linked to an elastic compliant, resilient damper (11). Additionally, said damper (11) is connected to the plow frame (1) or to an element connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Kverneland Klepp AS
    Inventors: Olav Nja, Einar Ognedal
  • Patent number: 4984638
    Abstract: A plow having symmetrical mold-boards and bodies, the plow comprising a hitch 1 connected in particular by means of a pivot 3 and to a main frame 4 which is provided with a pivot 18 receiving a hydraulic actuator 17 whose action causes a beam 8 to pivot about its axis 7 together with body carrier elements 10 provided with mold-boards 11, characterized by a symmetrical moldboard 11 having a concave working surface which is horizontally hollow 46 and vertically hollow 47, with each of its side ends taken in a front position tapering upwardly rearwardly, by a single deflector 45 for both working directions in the form of a sector of a melon, by a strut 10 comprising a safety system including two elements 36 and 78 capable of moving longitudinally relative to each other, and by a pivoting rear rudder blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Inventor: Denis Coste
  • Patent number: 4363363
    Abstract: A trip mechanism for a ground working tool and, particularly, for use on minimum tillage blade cultivators or mold board ploughs. A shank supports the ground working tool and is supported by the implement frame. A parallel-type deflection linkage allows deflection of the ground working tool with the position of the tillage tool remaining parallel to its original working position. A detent linkage keeps the tillage tool in its original position until the predetermined deflection force is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1982
    Inventor: John D. Dyck
  • Patent number: 4200157
    Abstract: A shank assembly for tools, such as those used in tillage on farm implements, is provided with mechanism which, during use, will yield horizontally, yet not trip, when the tool encounters certain abnormal resistances, e.g. frozen or compact soils, thereby maintaining the tool in its proper attitude, which will trip in response to the tool encountering relatively immovable obstructions, for example large, heavy rocks, and which will automatically reset after the tool has cleared the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1980
    Assignee: Hesston Corporation
    Inventor: Carl M. Anderson