Outrigged Implement Adjustable Inwardly Patents (Class 172/311)
  • Patent number: 8074729
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Patent number: 8074730
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Publication number: 20110284253
    Abstract: An agricultural cultivator having a set of cultivator discs followed by a packer roller, with the cultivator disc cutting depth and the packer roller pressure independently controllable during use. A disc cultivator with a frame adapted to be towed across a field, ground wheels supporting the frame, actuators for changing vertical position of the frame relative to the ground wheels, a cultivator disc assembly attached to the frame, the cultivator disc assembly having rotatable cultivator discs independently suspended from a cultivator disc support bar, a packer roller assembly attached to the frame rearward of the cultivator disc assembly, and actuators for changing vertical position of the packer roller assembly relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Donald Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20110265699
    Abstract: A land roller implement includes a wheel aligned with the respective gap between the inner roller and the outer roller of each wing in which the wheel is pivotal between a packing position in the working position of the rollers and a transport position supporting the rollers in the transport position of the implement. The wings can also include a drive motor associated with each transport wheel to drive forward rotation of the wheel for displacing the wings from the transport position to the working position without displacing the implement in a rearward direction. A levelling beam attachment and a seeding attachment can also optionally be used on the land roller implement. Optional latchable brace members pivotally supported on the wings may provide additional support to the wings when using the levelling beam attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: David Gary McCrea, Thomas Edward McCrea
  • Publication number: 20110203818
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides systems for adjusting tension and positioning of a harrowing chain. Systems may include a tension adjustment assembly, and the tension adjustment assembly may include a pivot assembly and/or a cylinder hydraulic assembly. Modifications also may be made to the frame of an agricultural implement to address transport issues related to harrowing chains. Further modifications to exterior harrowing chains may be made to reduce the number of small ditches formed in a field due to digging by harrow disks of the chains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Donnie Wayne Hicks, Randy Joe Holloway, Chad Phares
  • Patent number: 7984767
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Terrance A. Friggstad, Dennis G. Thompson, Ryan R. Georgison
  • Patent number: 7921932
    Abstract: An agricultural implement arrangement is disclosed that may provide wheel assemblies that are stored in front of wing assemblies and row units mounted thereon. The arrangement may include actuators to extend the wheel assemblies in order to lift the row units off the ground to move to a transport position. When in a fully-folded position, the wing wheel assemblies may interleave. The arrangement may also shift the weight of the wing assemblies while in transport position to the hitch of the tractor and center the rearward weight over the central wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Gerald W. Poole
  • Publication number: 20110017480
    Abstract: A folding frame for an agricultural implement such as a wheel rake. The frame includes ground engaging wheels and two toolbars foldable for operation and for transport. The folding frame is provided flexibility to conform to uneven surfaces, yet stability against the torques and forces of operation. A slidable tongue provides folding action between the transport position and the operating position. A spacing between rear ends of the two toolbars may be altered hydraulically for wider or narrower windrows. A novel caster wheel provides support for the toolbars and is located so that the implement's transport position is narrower than the prior art's.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Kent L. Thompson, Michael R. Vaske, Rustin V. Bentzinger, Michael Kindley
  • Patent number: 7861793
    Abstract: A stabilising and release system, for an agricultural apparatus having a mounting portion for mounting the apparatus to a tractor, a pendulum mounted on the mounting portion, and a boom for spraying or cutting, which is pivotally mounted to the pendulum at a pivot point so as to allow pivoting of the boom relative to the pendulum. The system stabilises the boom against movement imparted to it by disruptive forces which disturb the natural position of the boom by proving a rigid damper arranged between the support frame and the boom and arranged to damp relative movement of the boom and the mounting frame caused by disruptive forces, the damper has an articulated coupling which allows the damper to articulate so that the damper can follow the motion of the boom thus damping any undesired swaying action caused by bumps and ruts over which the tractor passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Murphy
  • Patent number: 7861795
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Dillon
  • Patent number: 7857073
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes first and second outer harrows positioned adjacent front and left sides and front and right sides of a frame, respectively, at generally opposite diagonal directions. Third and fourth harrows are similarly positioned adjacent rear and left sides and rear and right sides of the frame, respectively, at generally opposite diagonal directions. The implement may include inner harrows positioned to close gaps left by the outer harrows and positioned at generally opposite diagonal configurations. Each harrow includes a plurality of discs and a chain with a plurality of links. Each outer harrow chain is held in relative tension by a spring interconnecting a respective chain end and the frame. Left and right sides of the frame are foldable upwardly and inwardly for transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventors: Shane P. Kelly, Peter L. L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7854272
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Terrance A. Friggstad, Eric N. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7854273
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Terrance A. Friggstad, Matthew S. Naylor
  • Patent number: 7854271
    Abstract: A marker assembly mountable to an agricultural implement includes a set of interconnected frame sections that can be pivoted with respect to one another to retract the marker assembly for transport and/or storage. The marker assembly has a support wheel that supports the marker assembly above the ground as the marker assembly is being deployed and when in an extended working position. The point at which the support wheel engages the ground is controlled by a rigid link and cam assembly. The rigid link has a first end connected to a first frame section and a second end connected to a lever arm that is connected to a link of a second frame section. The rigid link is operative to pull down on the lever arm when the marker assembly is being deployed so as to force the second frame section away from the first frame section. The amount the second frame section pulls away from the first frame section is determined by the cam assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Naylor, Ryan R. Georgison, Dennis G. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20100314140
    Abstract: A folding tool bar apparatus for an implement such as a rake, the toolbar having a frame with ground engaging wheels. The folding tool bar apparatus is adapted to be operatively attached to a prime mover for towing from place to place. First and second tool bars are pivotally attached to linkage members. A tongue member that sides along its longitudinal axis with respect to the frame pulls front ends of the tool bars toward the tongue member during movement to the transport position thereof and away from the tongue member during movement towards the working position thereof. The rear end of the tongue member is behind the frame in the working position thereof, making the folding tool bar apparatus shorter than conventional folding tool bars in the working position thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Kindley, Michael Vaske, Rustin V. Bentzinger
  • Publication number: 20100314144
    Abstract: A multisection tandem disk harrow has a frame, a first disk gang, and a second disk gang. The concave sides of the disk blades in the first disk gang face one side of the disk harrow, and the concave sides of the disk blades in the second disk gang face the other side of the disk harrow. The disk blades in the first disk gang are mounted for rotation about a common axis that extends through a center of the disk blades. The disk blades in the second disk gang are mounted for rotation about respective individual axes that are substantially parallel with and spaced apart from each other. The first and second disk gangs are arranged so that the common axis of the first disk gang is nonparallel with the individual axes of the second disk gang. Various frame, support wheels, disk gang, and hitch configurations are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Hennes
  • Patent number: 7849933
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kuhn North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Marggi
  • Publication number: 20100307779
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a first wing tool bar and a second wing tool bar on each lateral side of the implement. The first wing tool bar and the second wing tool bar are configured to rotate from a working position to a transport position. The first wing tool bar and the second wing tool bar each include a respective tool frame configured to rotate upwardly from a working position to a transport position. In addition, the second wing tool bar is configured to articulate with respect to the first wing tool bar during transport. A fold-away frame section is rotatably coupled to the first wing tool frame and configured to rotate out of a plane formed by the first and second wing tool frames to avoid contact between the tool frames during transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: CNH CANADA, LTD.
    Inventors: Nicholas George Alfred Ryder, Darwin Zacharias
  • Publication number: 20100307780
    Abstract: A land roller implement has a center frame and a center roller. Wings are pivotally mounted to a wing bracket pivotally mounted to, and extending rearward from, each side of the center frame. The wings and center frame thus move independently up and down when operating. The bracket is locked and wheels mounted on the brackets move the rollers up for transport. Inner and outer rollers on each wing are aligned and separated by a roller spacing. An overlap roller rolls over the spacing. In transport position the right and left wings extend rearward from the center frame and right and left overlap rollers are aligned with, and adjacent to, each other. During a turn, the wings pivot and move closer to each other. To avoid contact with each other the right and left overlap rollers move forward and rearward to offset positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Les Hulicsko
  • Patent number: 7832494
    Abstract: A tension member arrangement is disclosed that can be mounted between a central portion of an agricultural implement and a wing. The wing is configured to be raised and lowered by an actuator. The tension member is mounted to support structures on the central portion of the implement and on the wing once the wing is raised, to maintain the wing in the raised position. Stress may then be relieved from the actuator without the wing descending from the raised position. The tension member may be completely removed from the implement or may remain attached and employed only when needed to maintain the wing in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Rodney Samuel Horn
  • Publication number: 20100282481
    Abstract: A towable soil pulverizer having a longitudinal center section, and foldable wings mounted by hinges on opposite sides of the center section to fold upwardly or downwardly about substantially longitudinal hinge axes. The wings and center section have ground working rollers. Each hinge has a spaced ball joint and guide roller in roller slot. A wing float axis for each wing extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal hinge axis in a transverse direction, each wing also being pivotal about the float axis. The hinge design with the float axis prevents weight transfer between the center section and wing sections when the pulverizer operates over uneven soil, to provide uniform soil conditioning over the width of the pulverizer. The center section rollers are positioned ahead of (or behind or co-linear with) the wing rollers. Components of the ball joint and roller guide in slot are fixedly and non-rotationally attached to the center section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher Lee Tamm, Norman George Reichardt
  • Patent number: 7828071
    Abstract: An agricultural machine including a chassis, an engine, a driver's cabin, a hitch, and at least two working units connected to the hitch by a hitching frame. The at least two working units are configured to be pivoted between a working position in which the working units extend substantially horizontally and transversely to a direction of travel in work and a transport position in which the working units extend substantially over the chassis. The hitch is connected to the chassis via a rigid structure, the rigid structure connected to the chassis by a transverse articulation, at least one actuator being provided between the chassis and the rigid structure to allow the rigid structure to tip about the transverse articulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Kuhn S.A.
    Inventors: David Breneur, Gilles Fischbach
  • Patent number: 7819202
    Abstract: An agricultural implement apparatus includes a center section and wings pivotally attached to ends of the center section. Wing wheels are pivotally mounted to the wings about vertical axes. The wings can pivot from a transport position, where the wings extend rearward in alignment with the travel direction and where a rotational plane of each wing wheel is aligned with the corresponding wing, to a field position where the wings extend perpendicular from the center section and where the rotational plane of each wing wheel is perpendicular to the wing. Right and left wheel actuators pivot the wing wheels from the transport position to the field position as the apparatus moves in the operating travel direction by pivoting the right wing wheel such that a front edge thereof moves to the right, and by pivoting the left wing wheel such that a front edge there moves to the left.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Les Hulicsko
  • Publication number: 20100126744
    Abstract: An agricultural implement arrangement is disclosed that may provide wheel assemblies that are stored in front of wing assemblies and row units mounted thereon. The arrangement may include actuators to extend the wheel assemblies in order to lift the row units off the ground to move to a transport position. When in a fully-folded position, the wing wheel assemblies may interleave. The arrangement may also shift the weight of the wing assemblies while in transport position to the hitch of the tractor and center the rearward weight over the central wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Gerald W. Poole
  • Publication number: 20100126743
    Abstract: An agricultural implement arrangement is disclosed that may provide wheel assemblies that are stored in front of wing assemblies and row units mounted thereon. The arrangement may include actuators to extend the wheel assemblies in order to lift the row units off the ground to move to a transport position. When in a fully-folded position, the wing wheel assemblies may interleave. The arrangement may also shift the weight of the wing assemblies while in transport position to the hitch of the tractor and center the rearward weight over the central wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Gerald W. Poole, Paul Paluch
  • Publication number: 20100126742
    Abstract: An agricultural implement arrangement is disclosed that may provide wheel assemblies that are stored in front of wing assemblies and row units mounted thereon. The arrangement may include actuators to extend the wheel assemblies in order to lift the row units off the ground to move to a transport position. When in a fully-folded position, the wing wheel assemblies may interleave. The arrangement may also shift the weight of the wing assemblies while in transport position to the hitch of the tractor and center the rearward weight over the central wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Gerald W. Poole, Paul Paluch
  • Patent number: 7717189
    Abstract: An agricultural implement, such as a planter, having a telescoping tongue for placing the implement in either a transport or field use configuration, includes an hydraulic pump located on the planter frame, preferably toward the rear, for powering the planting functions. A mechanical drive line from the PTO of the tractor to the remote hydraulic pump is disengaged as the planter frame begins to move from the planting position. The drive line permits the tractor to make full 90° turns in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Shoup, Alan F. Barry
  • Patent number: 7712544
    Abstract: The forward folding tool bar for grain planters includes a main frame. Left and right pivot frames are pivotally attached to the main frame for pivotal movement about vertical axes. Wing assemblies are pivotally connected to the pivot frames for pivotal movement about horizontal fore and aft axes. A tongue assembly includes a rear tube fixed to the main frame. A forward tube is telescopically received in the rear tube. A mast is fixed to the forward end of the forward tube. A pantographic linkage includes draft links pivotally attached to the mast and a hitch member. A hydraulic cylinder raises and lowers the mast. The draft links include slots that receive bar portions attached to the rear tube, in a lowered working position. Telescopic tension connector links attached to the mast and the wings prevent pivotal movement of the pivot frames when telescopic movement is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: John G. Misenhelder, Douglas Dean Harkness
  • Publication number: 20100101812
    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
    Inventor: Terrance A. Friggstad
  • Publication number: 20100101813
    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, Eric N. Anderson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7703404
    Abstract: A seed tank arrangement is provided with improved access to seed tanks of an agricultural planter and the contents thereof, while simplifying the manufacturing of such tanks. The seed tank has a fill opening formed in the upper surface of the tank for loading and accessing seeds in the interior of the tank. Features of the tank are mirror images about a diagonal plane of the tank, which enables the same tank to be used for both the left and right sides of the planter. This is achieved by rotating the left tank 90 degrees with respect to the right tank. The design provides improved access to the interior of the tanks for filling and servicing the seed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Rodney Samuel Horn, Ben Coats
  • Patent number: 7686096
    Abstract: A surface brake system for a detachable agricultural implement towed by a tow vehicle is provided. The detachable agricultural implement includes a frame connected by a telescoping tongue assembly at the tow vehicle. The frame and tongue assembly are movably supported by at least one wheel assembly having a circumferential tread surface. The brake system includes a pivot linkage pivotally connected at the frame of the detachable agricultural implement, and a horizontal aligned brake arm attached at the pivot linkage. The brake system further includes an actuator cylinder interconnected between the pivot linkage and the frame. Movement of the actuator cylinder causes the brake arm to engage a brake pad assembly against the outer circumferential tread surface of the wheel assembly so as to restrain movement of the wheel assembly and frame of the agricultural implement as the tow vehicle extends and retracts the telescoping tongue assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas G. Ryder, Trevor L. Kowalchuk, Calvin K. Greenstein, Trent W. Reimer
  • Publication number: 20100018729
    Abstract: An agricultural implement apparatus includes a center section and wings pivotally attached to ends of the center section. Wing wheels are pivotally mounted to the wings about vertical axes. The wings can pivot from a transport position, where the wings extend rearward in alignment with the travel direction and where a rotational plane of each wing wheel is aligned with the corresponding wing, to a field position where the wings extend perpendicular from the center section and where the rotational plane of each wing wheel is perpendicular to the wing. Right and left wheel actuators pivot the wing wheels from the transport position to the field position as the apparatus moves in the operating travel direction by pivoting the right wing wheel such that a front edge thereof moves to the right, and by pivoting the left wing wheel such that a front edge there moves to the left.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Les Hulicsko
  • Patent number: 7640873
    Abstract: A system for distributing seeds is configured to be transported by an agricultural vehicle along a direction of travel. The system includes a main frame extending along the direction of travel, a first wing frame extending from a first side of the main frame in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, and a second wing frame extending from a second side of the main frame in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. The system further includes at least one row unit arranged on the first side of the main frame and supported by the first wing frame, at least one row unit arranged on the second side of the main frame and supported by the second wing frame, a first seed reservoir arranged on the first side of the main frame, and a second seed reservoir arranged on the second side of the main frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America, LLC.
    Inventors: Kevin Charles Chiavario, Ricardo Diaz
  • Patent number: 7607489
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes first and second outer harrows positioned adjacent front and left sides and front and right sides of a frame, respectively, at generally opposite diagonal directions. Third and fourth harrows are similarly positioned adjacent rear and left sides and rear and right sides of the frame, respectively, at generally opposite diagonal directions. The implement may include inner harrows positioned to close gaps left by the outer harrows and positioned at generally opposite diagonal configurations. Each harrow includes a plurality of discs and a chain with a plurality of links that are rotatable about the longitudinal direction of the chain so as to affect multi-purpose actioning of the soil by being able to level the surface rather than dragging material while also breaking up or uprooting weeds or stubble. Left and right sides of the frame are foldable upwardly and inwardly for transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventors: Shane P. Kelly, Peter L. L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7604068
    Abstract: A forwardly folding tool bar which may be moved between field and transport positions. The tool bar includes a center tool bar section having a hinged telescopic tongue extending forwardly therefrom for connection to a tractor. Right and left wrap-around winglet tool bar sections are pivotally secured to the right and left ends of the center tool bar section and are pivotally movable between field and transport positions. Right and left wing hinges are also pivotally secured to the center tool bar section. Right and left intermediate hinge sections are pivotally secured to the outer ends of the right and left hinge sections, respectively. Right and left outer hinge sections are pivotally secured to the outer ends of the right and left intermediate hinge sections. Inner, intermediate and outer tool bar sections are secured to each of the inner, intermediate and outer hinge sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Milford E. Friesen
  • Publication number: 20090236108
    Abstract: The invention refers to an agricultural machine (1) for cultivation comprising a frame beam extending on both sides of a centre line in the driving direction of the machine, on which tools (11), preferably planter aggregates, are arranged at relative or group wise generally equal spacing. The agricultural machine has at least one joint for dividing the frame beam into frame beam sections (5, 6) and means (9) for swinging the corresponding frame beam sections on each side of said centre line through a generally equal angle in the horizontal plane, so that neighbouring tools in the working position on the frame beam sections always maintain a generally equal relative spacing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Vaderstad-Verken Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Crister Stark
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7562719
    Abstract: The forward folding tool bar for grain planters includes a main frame. Left and right pivot frames are pivotally attached to the main frame for pivotal movement about vertical axes. Wing assemblies are pivotally connected to the pivot frames for pivotal movement about horizontal fore and aft axes. A tongue assembly includes a rear tube fixed to the main frame. A forward tube is telescopically received in the rear tube. A mast is fixed to the forward end of the forward tube. A panographic linkage includes draft links pivotally attached to the mast and a hitch member. A hydraulic cylinder raises and lowers the mast. The draft links include slots that receive bar portions attached to the rear tube, in a lowered working position. Telescopic tension connector links attached to the mast and the wings prevent pivotal movement of the pivot frames when telescopic movement is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventors: John G. Misenhelder, Douglas Dean Harkness
  • Patent number: 7549482
    Abstract: A towed agricultural implement including a center section having a chassis supported on wheels, and with a pair of selectively positionable wing assemblies extending laterally from each side. The wing assemblies include an arm assembly operably coupled at one end to the center section, and operably coupled at the other end to a wing frame. The wing assemblies are positionable in a folded-down position, wherein the wing frames are generally parallel to the ground, and a folded-up position wherein the wing frames are positioned generally perpendicular to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: William Allen Wake, Nicholas Dean Pederson, Jacob N Gust
  • Patent number: 7540332
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for use with a farm implement is configured to move an implement frame between a first height corresponding to a planting position, a second height corresponding to a field transport position, a third height corresponding to a lock up position and a fourth height corresponding to a road transport position. At least one hydraulic cylinder is mounted to a rock shaft connected to the implement frame to move the implement frame between the first height, the second, the third height and the fourth height. At least one depth stop valve is in communication with the hydraulic cylinder. The depth stop valve includes a bypass configured to allow controlled movement of the hydraulic cylinder between the second position and the third positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Terrance A. Friggstad, Dean J. Mayerle
  • Publication number: 20090101373
    Abstract: A transport lock joint is provided for an implement with a center section and wing sections adapted for stack folding to transport positions over the center section. The lock joint includes an insert element mounted on one of the wing sections and a retainer element mounted on the other wing section. With the implement in its stack-folded transport position, the insert element is received within the retainer element and the wing sections are mutually restrained against relative movement, particularly relative movement associated with the over-the-road travel. Unfolding the implement to a field working position disengages the lock joint by extracting the insert element from the retainer element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Bigham Brothers, Inc.
    Inventor: Von D. Kimball
  • 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: 7497269
    Abstract: An agricultural implement apparatus comprises a center section, inner foldable wings, outer foldable wings, and foldable wing extensions oriented substantially horizontally when in the field position. When in the transport position, the center section is horizontal, the inner wings extend vertically from ends of the center section, the outer wings extend downward and inward from upper ends of the inner wings such that lower ends of the outer wings are adjacent to each other, and the wing extensions extend downward and outward from the lower ends of the outer wings toward corresponding ends of the center section. A wing locking and folding apparatus includes an over-centering locking mechanism, and maintains an implement wing extension in alignment with an implement wing when in a field position, and folds the wing extension upward to a transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Bourgault Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Scot Jagow
  • Patent number: 7478683
    Abstract: A lift system includes parallel connected cylinder circuits with cylinders mechanically tied together on a first lift wheel arm. The base end of a third cylinder connected to a second lift wheel arm is connected in parallel with the pair of cylinders. The rod end of the third cylinder is constrained for movement with the rod end of a fourth cylinder also connected to the second wheel arm. The rod end of one of the pair of cylinders is connected in series with the base end of the fourth cylinder to thereby constrain the third and fourth cylinders on the second lift wheel arm to move in unison with the pair of cylinders on the first lift wheel arm. Series cylinder circuits move the wing cylinders in unison with the main frame cylinders to keep the implement level. The hydraulic circuit is also plumbed to retract outer wing wheels during wing fold operations to eliminate outer wing wheel interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Donald Ray Peck, David Carl Winter, James T. Noonan, Richard Wayne Hook
  • Patent number: 7469648
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system for use with a front fold planter is configured to move the tool bar of the planter between a first height corresponding to a planting position, a second height corresponding to a field transport position and a third height corresponding to a road transport position. A first set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height, the second and the third height. A second set of hydraulic cylinders is mounted to the tool bar for moving the frame between the first height and the second height. The first and second set of cylinders are arranged in a master/slave relationship relative to each other and operable independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: CNH America, LLC
    Inventor: Leonard A. Bettin
  • Publication number: 20080314605
    Abstract: A land roller, and in particular a multiplex land roller including five individual horizontally and longitudinally spaced apart rollers for flattening and leveling agricultural land. The rollers are supported by a pivoting, articulated frame mechanism which allows easy transport of the heavy roller system on ground wheels for purposes of general transportation and ease of implementation into a working arrangement for leveling and rolling land.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Degelman Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Wilfred J. DEGELMAN, Miles M.E. EVANS, Donald STEVENSON
  • Patent number: 7467668
    Abstract: A transport lock joint is provided for an implement with a center section and wing sections adapted for stack folding to transport positions over the center section. The lock joint includes an insert element mounted on one of the wing sections and a retainer element mounted on the other wing section. With the implement in its stack-folded transport position, the insert element is received within the retainer element and the wing sections are mutually restrained against relative movement, particularly relative movement associated with the over-the-road travel. Unfolding the implement to a field working position disengages the lock joint by extracting the insert element from the retainer element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Von D. Kimball