Abstract: A frame for a tillage implement includes a pair of opposing frame sections pivotally connected to a central kingpost for a folding movement between a transversely extending working position and a longitudinally extending transport position. The frame sections have mounted thereto a number of tool sub-frames carrying ground engaging working tools. The tool sub-frames are pivotally movable relative to a rockshaft carried by the frame sections so as to be rotatable between a lowered operative position and a generally vertical raised non-working position. Depth control for the ground engaging tools is accomplished through the rotation of the rockshaft about its pivot lug. The frame sections are connected at the inner end to the kingpost so that the main frame members abut when placed in the working position. Each frame member is supported by a pair of wheel assemblies at the inner and distal ends respectively.

Abstract: A frame for a tillage implement includes a pair of opposing frame sections pivotally connected to a central kingpost for a folding movement between a transversely extending working position and a longitudinally extending transport position. The frame sections have mounted thereto a number of tool sub-frames carrying ground engaging working tools. The tool sub-frames are pivotally movable relative to a rockshaft carried by the frame sections so as to be rotatable between a lowered operative position and a generally vertical raised non-working position. Depth control for the ground engaging tools is accomplished through the rotation of the rockshaft about its pivot lug. The frame sections are connected at the inner end to the kingpost so that the main frame members abut when placed in the working position. Each frame member is supported by a pair of wheel assemblies at the inner and distal ends respectively.

Abstract: A multi-section implement frame with outer wing sections which fold relative to an inner section includes a bump stop tube assembly having a simple tube with faces slotted at one end to receive the bight portion of a U-bolt. The legs of the U-bolt are threaded and extend around the faces of an inner frame section tube, and a two-hole strap is positioned over the ends secured against the bottom of the frame section tube by two nuts. A tapered stop includes a connecting portion received within the projecting contact end of the tube to eliminate a welding step during manufacture. The slotted end of the tube is coped to generally conform to the shape of the frame section tube. The assembly is very simple and inexpensive and can be slid easily on the frame section tube to avoid standards, wheel modules or various other obstructions mounted on the frame.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting apparatus comprising a base frame, a pivotally mounted wing frame and a pivotally mounted outer wing frame. The outer wing frame is folded and unfolded into its operating and transport positions by an outer wing pivot drive. An outer wing pivot sensing hydraulic cylinder drives inner and outer pushing rods pivoting hydraulic cylinders and a pivot locking hydraulic cylinder so that the associated elements are placed in their respective transport or operating positions. After the outer wing frame is folded together with the associated elements into their transport positions a wing pivot hydraulic cylinder folds the wing frame.

Abstract: A winged implement includes an hydraulic control circuit having two operator-controlled valves, including a work valve and a transport valve. Using only these controls, and without leaving the tractor cab, the operator can (1) fold the implement for transport; (2) unfold the wings; (3) place the implement in the field use position with substantial constant down pressure on the wings; and (4) raise the wings and center section to an intermediate position with the wings inclined upwardly for end row turns.

Abstract: A forwardly folding tillage implement carries a number of ground engaging tools on a tool gang frame disposed to the rear of a carrier frame. A rockshaft is disposed between the carrier frame and the tool gang frame and is movable between four rotated positions about two axes of rotation. A control mechanism controls the relative angular position of the rockshaft. A support mechanism is disposed rearwardly of the axes of rotation to support the rear of the tool gang frame above the ground in the field working position. An abutment member restrains the relative rotation between the rockshaft and the tool gang frame to fully support the tool gang frame on the rockshaft upon rotation of the rockshaft. An automatic locking mechanism is associated with a transport latching apparatus to effect a release of the latching mechanism in response to the actuation of the hydraulic cylinders for converting the wing members from the transport configuration to the field operating configuration.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a support for a draft cable in a multi-sectional agricultural tillage apparatus movable between an open operating position and a folded transport position. The draft cable is attached to the central frame hitch and an outer wing, and is supported along its length by a folding support arm attached to the inner wing frame. A mechanical mechanism interconnects the central hitch frame with the support arm such that the cable moves to a non-interfering position when the tillage apparatus is in the transport position.

Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod.

Abstract: An implement supports several ground cultivating tools on a main toolbar and at least one wing toolbar. The two are coupled together by two pivot brackets attached to the outer end of the main toolbar and the inner end of the wing toolbar. The pivot brackets are coupled to the main toolbar and the wing toolbar to permit the wing toolbar to pivot upwardly and downwardly with respect to the main toolbar. When the wing toolbar pivots upwards with respect to the main toolbar, it pivots about an upper point or axis and when it pivots downwards with respect to the main toolbar it pivots about a lower point or axis below the upper point or axis.

Abstract: A forwardly folding tillage implement carries a number of ground engaging tools on a tool gang frame disposed to the rear of a carrier frame. A rockshaft is disposed between the carrier frame and the tool gang frame and is movable between four rotated positions about two axes of rotation. A control mechanism controls the relative angular position of the rockshaft. A support mechanism is disposed rearwardly of the axes of rotation to support the rear of the tool gang frame above the ground in the field working position. An abutment member restrains the relative rotation between the rockshaft and the tool gang frame to fully support the tool gang frame on the rockshaft upon rotation of the rockshaft. A secondary hitch mechanism is also provide to couple a second implement behind the forwardly folding tillage implement.

Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.

Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.

Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.

Abstract: A headlands control system for a winged agricultural implement includes a headlands actuator operatively connected between implement wing actuators for establishing operation in either of two modes. In the first mode, when the headland actuator is in a first position (e.g. extended), the wing actuators are provided extra downward range to pivot and bias the wing sections downward below horizontal as may occur during operation over uneven ground. In the second mode, when the headland actuator is in a second position (e.g. retracted) and the implement is raised (e.g. at the headlands), the downward range of the implement wings is more limited (as compared with the first mode) at the point where the wing actuators are fully extended. This system thus provides an apparatus for preventing implement wings from drooping in the headland position so the operator is not required to reset the wing control from float mode, or from down pressure mode, depending on what is equipped.

Abstract: A frame for a tillage implement includes a pair of opposing frame sections pivotally connected to a central kingpost for a folding movement between a transversely extending working position and a longitudinally extending transport position. The frame sections have mounted thereto a number of tool sub-frames carrying ground engaging working tools. The tool sub-frames are pivotally movable relative to a rockshaft carried by the frame sections so as to be rotatable between a lowered operative position and a generally vertical raised non-working position. Depth control for the ground engaging tools is accomplished through the rotation of the rockshaft about its pivot lug. The frame sections are connected at the inner end to the kingpost so that the main frame members abut when placed in the working position. Each frame member is supported by a pair of wheel assemblies at the inner and distal ends respectively.

Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.

Abstract: A forwardly folding tillage implement carries a number of ground engaging tools on a tool gang frame disposed to the rear of a carrier frame. A rockshaft is disposed between the carrier frame and the tool gang frame and is movable between four rotated positions about two axes of rotation. A control mechanism controls the relative angular position of the rockshaft. A support mechanism is disposed rearwardly of the axes of rotation to support the rear of the tool gang frame above the ground in the field working position. An abutment member restrains the relative rotation between the rockshaft and the tool gang frame to fully support the tool gang frame on the rockshaft upon rotation of the rockshaft.

Abstract: An agricultural implement trailer for supporting one of a plurality of implements for field usage and transport. The trailer includes a trailer frame supported by transport wheels, and a turntable supporting a hitch member for attachment to a conventional three-point hitch connection on an implement. The hitch member is connected to a horizontally extending arm of the turntable through a linkage assembly including upper and lower link structures defining a parallelogram structure for moving the hitch member from a lowered field-use position to a raised transport position. In the raised transport position, the arm of the turntable supports an implement in cantilever relationship to a pivot member supporting the arm for pivotal movement.

Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod.

Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod.

Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod. The draft cable is attached to the center frame hitch and outer wing. It is supported in the center by a folding support arm. This allows the wire to be moved when the cultivator is being transported. The draft cable transfers the draft force exerted on the outer wing to the center frame hitch.

Abstract: A multi-section implement frame includes outer wing sections which fold relative to inner wing sections and then over a main center frame to a transport position. The wing sections include selectively extendable and retractable structure such as lift wheel assemblies which, if extended in the transport position, can interfere with each other. Transducers detect the position of the inner wing sections during folding and unfolding and provide signals to an implement control unit (ICU) to automatically operate the lift wheel assemblies to prevent interference during folding and unfolding and to assure the lift wheels are extended before the implement frame reaches the fully unfolded position. Proximity switches supported above the center frame or other transducer devices such as mercury switches on the wing sections responsive to section angle provide the signals to the ICU. During folding, the ICU causes the lift structure to retract after both switches are activated.

Abstract: A flat fold hinge assembly for implement frame sections that fold substantially greater than 90 degrees includes a modular hinge having first and second hinge portions that bolt solidly to the frame sections. A folding cylinder is protectively cradled between the sides of a cast mounting bracket closely adjacent the frame tube. Floating links are connected to the rod end of the cylinder generally below the main pivot which is offset above the frame tube a distance substantially less than most previously available hinge structures for compact storage of the wing frame close to the inner frame. The design, preferably utilizing four cast components, is more compact than previous designs so the frame sections fold more compactly. The simple mounting arrangement provides versatility in locating the hinge assembly to accommodate a wide variety implement configurations and implement attachments.

Abstract: An agricultural device for transporting planting units which has a first stationary toolbar and a pair of toolbars spaced away and separate from the stationary toolbar and carrying a plurality of planting units thereon at fixed intervals. The pair of toolbars are moved between a first position where the fixed toolbar and the pair of toolbars are positioned with their longitudinal axes generally colinear and a second position where the pair of toolbars are spaced from the fixed toolbar and the longitudinal axes of the fixed toolbar and the pair of toolbars are parallel. The agricultural device is incapable of positioning the planting units carried thereby in at least two different spacings depending upon whether the pair of toolbars are in the first or the second positions thereof.

Abstract: A forwardly folding tool bar including a center tool bar section having wing tool bar sections pivotally secured to the outer ends thereof. The wing tool bar sections are pivotally movable from a field position to a transport position. In the field position, the wing tool bar sections are parallel to and extend outwardly from the outer ends of the center tool bar section. When the wing tool bar sections are moved to their transport positions, the wing tool bar sections pivotally move approximately 180° with respect to the center tool bar section so that the wing tool bar sections are positioned in front of the outer ends of the center tool bar section. A telescoping tongue is also provided on the tool bar section which includes telescoping tongue sections which are automatically locked and unlocked.

Abstract: An agricultural planter is provided with hydraulically operated devices to effect the folding and unfolding of the planter support structure between operative and transport configurations. The planter includes a telescopic hitch apparatus that lengthens as the pivoted wing members are folded forwardly to position a transport lock mechanism for engagement with vertically oriented wing latch retainer bars mounted in a latch tower on the draw bar. A hitch latch mechanism is also provided to control the movement of the telescopic draw bar. A caster lock apparatus is also provided to control the castering action of a wheel device positioned near the ends of the wing members. In operation, the laterally extending tool bar is pivoted on a transverse axis to forwardly roll the tool bar toward an intermediate transport position.

Abstract: A drive arrangement (62) for transferring rotational motion from a pin (44) of a draft arm (14,16) of a hitch assembly (10) to a position sensor (64). The drive arrangement (62) includes a driver (68) that acts as a wear compensation mechanism (66).

Abstract: An agricultural implement, having a tool bar that is pivoted forwardly to initiate the conversion of the implement from a working position toward a transport position, including left and right wing members extending in opposing directions to respective distal ends, is provided with a lift assist mechanism to support the distal ends of the wing members as the tool bar is pivoted forwardly to an intermediate transport position. The lift assist mechanism includes a frame pivotally mounted to each respective wing member, a lift assist wheel providing ground-engaging support for the wing member, and a lift assist actuator that controls the pivoted movement of the lift assist mechanism to maintain the lift assist wheel in supporting contact with the ground until the tool bar has been rotated approximately 60 degrees from the lowered working position toward the raised intermediate transport position.

Abstract: Agricultural machine are generally equipped attachments, such as pick-up drums or cutting attachments. Generally, the width of the attachment is greater than that of the main machine or tractor. Because the agricultural machines travel in road traffic, the permitted width of the attachment must not exceed the legally prescribed width of a road vehicle. These attachments usually have supporting wheels for supporting the attachment on the ground. The supporting wheels are mounted and rotate upon carrying arms. Also, the attachment's height above the ground is adjustable by an adjusting device. The attachment provides for positioning the supporting wheels such that the width of the attachment is within the limits permitted in road traffic when traveling in public road traffic, although during working use, the width of the attachment is beyond the width permitted on the road.

Abstract: An agricultural planter is provided with hydraulically operated devices to effect the folding and unfolding of the planter support structure between operative and transport configurations. The planter includes a laterally extending tool bar that is pivoted about a transverse axis to forwardly roll the tool bar between a lowered field operating position and a raised transport position. The transverse pivot axis is located such that the first component of the pivotal movement of the tool bar from the field operating position is generally vertical, while a second component of the pivotal movement of the tool bar approaching the transport position is generally horizontal and forwardly of the first component. The headland position corresponds to a position in which the tool bar is raised sufficiently to move the planting units mounted thereon out of the ground to facilitate the turning of the implement at the end of the field.

Abstract: An implement lift with a plurality of individual electrohydraulically controlled lift cylinders spaced on a tool frame includes a bypass system for facilitating continued implement operation in the event of a failure of the electronics or wiring. The system includes an electrically controlled valve at each cylinder normally operated by an electronic controller but manually lockable in an open position if there is a circuit failure so the operator can control the implement from the tractor selective control valve (SCV). Hydraulic hoses with quick disconnects compatible with both the tractor SCV connections and the main electrohydraulic valve on the tractor are connected to the tractor valve for normal automatic operation but can be easily rerouted to the SCV connections for control by the SCV when the cylinder valves are manually locked in the open position.

Abstract: The agricultural roller has three rolls mounted in a triangular overlapping operable configuration. The wing rolls are movable about a pair of spaced-apart transversal articulations between the wing roll frameworks and a central framework enclosing the central roll. The transversal articulations are positioned near a respective end of the central roll such that adjacent roll ends move up and down in unison. The central framework is also movable about a longitudinal articulation across the rear end of a trailer frame. The diameter of the central roll is larger than the diameter of wheels on the trailer frame such that the wheels are raisable off the ground when the rolls are deployed in an operable mode. In a towable configuration, the central roll is moved above the trailer frame and the wing rolls are moved above the central roll with their respective axes aligned forwardly.

Abstract: A land smoother and packer system for smoothing and packing irregularities in a ground surface. The inventive device includes a frame, a plurality of wheels, a right blade pivotally attached to the frame, a center blade attached to the frame, a left blade pivotally attached to the frame, and a plurality of rollers rotatably attached to the frame behind the blades. The frame has a center portion, a left wing and a right wing that fold upon the center portion for travel. A pair of hydraulic cylinders are attached to the right blade and the left blade for controlling the rotational position of the respective blades. The plurality of rollers are preferably comprised of a center roller, a right roller, a left roller, a right rear roller, and a left rear roller. In operation, the blades are lowered to the desired level for leveling the ground surface of dirt mounds. The rollers follow behind the blades thereby packing the ground surface and forcing any rocks into the ground surface.

Abstract: An agricultural planter is provided with wing members that fold forwardly from a laterally extending operating position to a compact transport position. The wing members are supported on wheel assemblies when in both the operating and transport positions. A transport lock mechanism is operable to secure the forwardly folded wing assemblies in the transport position against the draw bar. A latch tower having vertically oriented latch retainer bars permit the wing members to move vertically relative to the draw bar without disengaging the transport lock to allow the wing member wheel assemblies to follow ground undulations in the transport position. A wheel lock is also provided to convert the wheel assemblies between a forwardly fixed position used when the wing members are in the operating position and a castering position that enables the wing members to move into the transport position.

Abstract: A hay-making machine comprising motor-driven working members which rotate about upwardly orientated shafts. The working members are divided into three groups arranged in rows extending transversely to the direction of travel of the machine. A central group is at the rear of the machine and two outboard groups extend outwardly from a location forward of the central rear group in such a manner that the inner working member of each outboard group overlaps (as seen in the direction of travel) the outer working member of the central rear group. The machine includes a frame on which the three groups of working members are mounted. Each group includes four working members. The outer two working members of the outboard groups are foldable to a position over the two inner working members of each of these groups about horizontal axes. Then the outboard groups, as so folded, can be pivoted about vertical axes so that they are positioned along side the frame.

Abstract: A flexible folding agricultural implement includes a frame with a number of independent frame sections each supporting a plurality of ground working tools via front and rear ground engaging and depth adjustment wheels. Each frame section is attached to the adjacent section(s) via front flexible link connectors and rear ball joints. Each front flexible link connector is a bar pivotably attached at one end to the center point of one frame section, and, at the other end, to a front corner of an adjacent frame section in alignment with the respective rear ball joint and a scissor limit stop is positioned around each bar which scissor limit stops limit the amount of relative twist between adjacent frame sections to prevent roll over and to allow the link connectors to be made rigid such that they can act as pivot supports for the respective frame sections as they are folded for transport.

Abstract: A tool bar comprising an elongated tongue having a forward end rotatably secured to the hitch of a tractor and having first and second horizontally disposed pivot pins secured to the rearward end thereof at the opposite sides thereof. The inner end of a first elongated tool bar section is pivotally secured to the first pivot pin and a second elongated tool bar section is pivotally secured to the second pivot pin. The pivotal connection between the tool bar sections and the rearward end of the tongue permits the tool bar sections to flex upwardly and downwardly.

Abstract: A forwardly-foldable agricultural implement includes a center frame supported by wheels and extending generally transverse to the direction of travel, and a pair of wing sections. Each wing section has an intermediate portion pivotally connected to the center frame by a foldable frame and being supported by a wheel. The foldable frame includes a pair of elongated wing support members having one end connected to the center frame and another end connected to the respective wing section. The foldable frame also includes a pair of hitch arms with one end connected to a two-direction pivot knuckle on a three-point tractor hitch and another end pivotally connected to the respective wing section and its wing support member. This structure provides a method of changing a foldable implement between a wide, field operating configuration and a narrower, road transport configuration without the necessity of a telescopic tongue member.

Abstract: A flexible frame structure for an implement includes a wing frame section with several fore-and-aft spaced, transversely extending rank tubes that are connected to surrounding support structure with conventional, non-resilient pin joints for rotation about a fore-and-aft extending horizontal rank axis. A transversely extending rear rank tube is rigidly connected to a fore-and-aft extending caster wheel support frame which extends forwardly above the ends of the rank tubes. A caster wheel projects forwardly from the end of the support frame out of interfering relationship with the forward tool-carrying rank. The rear rank tube and caster wheel support frame define a rigid L-shaped member which is connected to the adjacent frame section by a conventional pin and pivot structure for rotation about a first axis corresponding to the rank axis, and a second axis perpendicular to the forward direction.

Abstract: A full truss tool bar is disclosed comprising an elongated main tool bar section having right and left tool bar wing sections positioned at the right and left ends of the main tool bar section. An elongated main truss member is positioned above the main tool bar section and is secured thereto. Right and left truss members are positioned above the right and left tool bar wing sections and are secured thereto. The main truss member is pivotally connected to the right and left truss members, about horizontal axes. In a modified version of the device, auxiliary tool bar sections are positioned outwardly of the right and left tool bar wing sections and have truss sections positioned thereabove and secured thereto. The trusses on the auxiliary tool bar sections are pivotally connected, about vertical axes, to the outer ends of the right and left tool bar wing sections.

Abstract: A stacking tool bar including a wing flex structure is disclosed which includes a main tool bar section having right and left wing sections positioned at the outer ends thereof. Hydraulically operated lift arms are operatively connected to the wing sections for pivotally moving the wing sections from a field working position to a transport position. Double-acting flex cylinders are provided for dampening the upward and downward movement of the outer ends of the wing sections as the tool bar is pulled through the field. The double-acting flex cylinders also enable the wing sections to be disposed in a horizontally disposed condition when the wing sections have been pivotally moved upwardly to their folded and stacked position.

Abstract: A header for crop harvesting machine includes a transport arrangement towing the header in a direction at right angles to its normal working direction. The transport system includes a first wheel at one end of the header which can be steered by a hitch pole connected to the first wheel. A second wheel is located symmetrically relative to the first wheel at the opposite end of the header and is free to caster. In the normal working position of the header the first and second wheels act as gauge wheels and are left in the direction of working movement. A third wheel which is removed in the working position is attached to the cutter bar by a clamping action over the knife guard and behind the knife support plate at a respective one of the forwardly extending support arms of the header frame.

Abstract: A folding finger wheel V-rake with right and left movable heads independently rotatable on a carrier between operating and upside down position for transport, the same mechanism facilitating intermediate lifting of the finger wheels out of contact with the ground.

Abstract: An implement lift system including a plurality of individual electrohydraulically controlled cylinders spaced on a tool frame and connected to lift wheel. An implement control unit (ICU) in the towing vehicle cab is connected to feedback potentiometers or similar transducers which provide signals corresponding to cylinder stroke length or suspension position. The feedback signals are compared at the ICU to a control signal obtained by rotation of a lever or knob on an operator control unit in the cab. Depending on the cylinder position relative to the operator selected position, the ICU provides an output signal to the electrohydraulic valve to achieve a proportional amount of flow for the desired cylinder position. The ICU also compares feedback signals from the transducers and adjusts the output voltage to each of the valves so that the frame can be raised and lowered evenly.

Abstract: A haymaking machine having a chassis which is composed of a central section and several lateral sections which are articulated together and carry rotors. On each side of the central section four lateral sections are provided which are articulated together by axes extending in the direction of travel, the length of each first lateral section being at least equal to the distance between the support spindles of two adjacent rotors, the length of each second lateral section being substantially longer than the distance between the support spindles of the two adjacent rotors, the length of each third lateral section being substantially shorter than the distance between the support spindles of the first adjacent rotors, and the length of each fourth lateral section being at most equal to the distance between the support spindles of the two adjacent rotors.

Abstract: A stack folding implement has a transverse frame that includes a center section and two opposite wing sections half as wide as the center section. Each of the wing sections is connected in a four bar linkage relationship with the center section so that as the wings are lifted by cylinders coupled with the linkages, the wing sections stay generally level and upright, causing the wing sections to come into stacked relationship with the center section directly above the latter and beside one another. In order to reduce the overall height of the stack-folded machine the linkage for each wing section is connected to the wing adjacent the inner end of the wing so that the wing is supported in a cantilever manner. The main lifting link of the linkage is designed to swing through an arc greater than 90.degree. to permit the wing sections to settle down close to the center section in their final positions of rest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic lift mechanism for a manifold in a pneumatic delivery system of an agricultural air cart for seed and fertilizer delivery. The unitary manifold is composed of a plurality of pneumatic passages and mixing valves for conducting metered product from to delivery tubes in a delivery tool. The lift mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder for rotating a pivotal support rod and pivotal linkages connected to the manifold to lower and disengage the manifold from the meters and to position it to one side of the cart in a service position exposing the under carriage for access. A guide is provided to cooperate with the cylinder and pivotal linkages to guide substantially vertical movement of the manifold for disengaging and engaging the meters for sealing contact. The lift mechanism further includes a lock for maintaining the manifold in sealing contact in an operational position under tension once the actuating cylinder is depressurized.

Abstract: An improved disc-type ground tillage implement for tilling ground. The implement has a frame connectable to a towing machine and having multiple pairs of gangs of blades connected to the frame. The frame is supported by a plurality of wheels which may be used to raise and lower the implement in relation to the ground. Each of the pairs of blade gangs includes a front and a rear gang, there being a pair of outer right blade gangs, at least one pair of center blade gangs and a pair of outer left blade gangs. The front and the rear gangs of the outer right and the outer left gang pairs converge as they extend out away from the left-right center of the frame and the outer left and outer right gangs are non-continuous with a center gang pair.

Abstract: A folding frame assembly is provided for supporting soil-cultivating equipment. The folding frame supports the soil-cultivators in a working position in which each cultivator is in contact with the field surface and a transport position in which each cultivator is not touching the field surface and the main wheels support most of the weight of the folding frame. The main wheels are retractable and can be moved from the transport position to an intermediate position for working the field surface. The folding frame assembly includes a support frame, a main frame, and two wing frames. The wing frames are pivotally connected to the main frame and the main frame is pivotally connected to the support frame. Hydraulic cylinders can be used to fold the wing frames and the main frames to their respective positions to that the folding frame assembly is in the transport position or unfold the main and wing frames so that the folding frame assembly is in the working position.

Abstract: A folding multi-row crop planter having coupled thereto individual planter row units. The planter having an assisted hinge that allows the planter wings to be moved from an open field position to a closed travel position. Further, the multi-row crop planter having a large central fluid storage tank for fertilizers/insecticides mounted forward of the foldable wings. The distribution of fluids occuring through a fluid network system along the planter wings.