Abstract: A wing section equipped rod weeder implement is provided wherein the implement includes a center section and a pair of opposite side wing sections which may be swung upwardly to retracted positions for moving along roadways or through narrow fence openings. The center section rod weeder shaft is driven by a reversible variable speed hydraulic motor and the opposite ends of the center section rod weeder shaft include universal joints removably supported therefrom for selective reversed mounting on the center section rod weeder shaft ends and each universal joint defines a swivelly supported inwardly tapering threaded socket. The adjacent ends of the wing section rod weeder shafts include tapered threaded male ends removably threaded within the sockets. The threaded connections are of the non-jamming type wherein they may be readily unthreaded.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in lawn and garden maintenance, in which a chassis having a pair of axially aligned and independently operable drive wheels carries a central reel mower mounted with the rotational axis of the mower and the drive wheels lying in the same vertical plane. A pair of outer reel mowers may be mounted on the chassis on each side of the path of the central reel mower. A cultivator mounted on a chassis with a pair of axially aligned drive wheels has the frame of the cultivator projecting laterally and aligned with the axis of the drive wheels, the frame of the cultivator being preferably extensible. A lawn trimmer swivelly mountable vertically on a motor driven chassis comprises an articulated arm with a trimming device mounted on the free end of the arm, the arm comprising two pivotally joined parallelogram units and a handle for manipulation of the arm.

Abstract: A drive assembly including first and second shafts, the shafts being normally aligned axially in an end to end relationship, a connector portion operatively connecting adjacent ends of the first and second shafts, the connector portion including a resilient section extending between the adjacent ends of the first and second shafts, a first end section extending from one end of the resilient section, the first end section including an axial opening, the adjacent end of the first shaft engaging and being affixed within the first end section opening, a second end section extending from the opposite end of the resilient section, the second end section including an axial opening, the adjacent end of the second shaft engaging and being affixed within the second end section opening; whereby the connector portion provides a flexible positive drive connection between the first and second shafts.

Abstract: Wings of multiple section farm implements are folded by hydraulic cylinders each having a knee joint between the piston rod and a single arm which swings against a lug on the wing as the rod is actuated to lift the wing. A trunnion-notch arrangement operating in conjunction with a lost motion connection and an anti-jackknife device maintains a rod-arm interlock during a portion of each cycle of swinging of the wing to and from its folded position.

Abstract: Movement of a wing frame to folded position moves a locking member into position to be engaged by the arm which actuates the wheels to lowered position. When engaged, the lock prevents the wheels from being raised. To disengage the lock the wing must be unfolded first to enable the locking lever to rise out of the way when the arm is actuated to disengage the lock. The entire operation is controlled hydraulically and the farmer need not get off his tractor to lock or unlock the rig.

Abstract: In an agricultural implement which includes a tool bar, a tongue for towing the implement in a direction generally transverse to the direction in which the tool bar extends, and a plurality of operating heads mounted from the tool bar for performing a function, such as planting, the tool bar is divided into sections of convenient length which are hinged to fold from their generally colinear use orientations to generally parallel or at relatively small angles to each other. This compact folded implement is much more conveniently transported, for example, between agricultural fields on public highways.

Abstract: A double latch system for maintaining an implement outrigger in a folded position, including a primary latch member which receives a locking pin to secure the outrigger in the raised position, and a pivoting secondary latch having a hooked end which automatically aligns with a latch pin when the locking pin is removed from a storage position for insertion into the primary latch. To lower the outrigger, the locking pin must first be removed from the primary latch, and the secondary latch hook must be pivoted and held away from the latch pin by lifting the secondary latch and inserting the locking pin in the storage position.

Abstract: A two-wheeled trailer hitch supporting two three-point hitch mounted implements side-by-side for field operation. The implements are mounted on outriggers which are foldable forwardly to narrow the unit for transport. A pair of rigid diagonal drag links movable fore-and-aft by a cylinder-activated slide block is connected to the outriggers for pivoting them approximately ninety degrees between the field and transport positions. Lift frame structures selectively engage the three-point hitch linkages to raise the implements on the respective outriggers. The lift frame structure is disengaged from the linkages when the implements are lowered for greater flexibility in the field-working position.

Abstract: The normally horizontal frame of a wheeled farm implement, such as used for tillage purposes, has a center section at the ends of which are hinged a pair of wing sections that are fully foldable into overlying, substantially parallel relationship to the center section through use of hydraulic cylinder assemblies. At each hinge a pair of links, pivotally connected to corresponding hinge straps, have a common pivotal connection at their upper ends with the piston rod of the cylinder. A pintle-receiving slot, strategically located in the wing section hinge strap not only permits limited rise and fall of the wing section over uneven terrain but causes smooth swinging movements of the wing sections to and from their folded conditions. Entirely eliminated is free falling of the wing sections because of constant control by the hydraulic assemblies made possible by abutment at all times of the spring-loaded pintles against one end of the slots.

Abstract: A hinge connection for a wheel supporting, segmented cross shaft of a winged implement permits the wing to be folded to a transport position in any raised or lowered position of the implement. The hinge connection includes a pin carried by a laterally outer end of the main frame segment of the cross shaft which cooperates with a pair of slots in legs extending from the adjacent end of a wing frame segment of the cross shaft.

Abstract: An agricultural implement of the type capable of folding from a wide operating mode to a narrow transport mode. The folding involves forward folding of the right and left wing sections alongside the central, fore-and-aft hitch. Featured are support wheels respectively for the wing sections which are selectively movable from the extended, forward positions in the operating mode to retracted or rearward positions in the transport mode to enable the wing sections to be more closely folded relative to the hitch and thus to achieve a narrower transport width. The closely spaced end-to-end relationship of the wing sections in operating mode provide for relatively narrow row spacing because only the hitch intervenes between the proximate ends of the sections.

Abstract: A rearwardly folding wing-back implement has a V-shaped frame configuration comprising two wing sections having the apex of the V-shape located at a pivot point where the wing sections are joined. A towing linkage minimizes the pulling forces being applied to the wing sections other than those pulling forces applied in the direction of movement of the implement. The implement may be pivoted rearwardly about the pivot point when transport is desired.

Abstract: A pair of tool beams with support hitches for ground working implements, the support hitches being placeable at desired positions along the tool beams. By placement of hitches at desired positions, old and new implements for working different numbers of rows may be pulled by a large tractor. The tool beams are connected through linkages or hinges to a forward draft beam such that the tool beams can be turned from a transverse working position to a longitudinal, trailing position for transportation. In the position for transportation, the implements are positioned toward a center line between the tool beams. The hitches for the implements are connected to the tool beams through power lift supports for raising the implements, and the implements are held in a raised position while being transported and while the tool beams are being folded and unfolded.

Abstract: This invention teaches an improved collapsible farm implement of the type having a wheeled frame or cart and right and left side elongated toolbars pivoted at their inboard ends about vertical axes relative to the frame so as to allow toolbar rotation rearward through approximately a quarter turn between a fully elevated field use position disposed crosswise to the path of implement travel and a road transit position disposed parallel to the path of implement travel. A wheeled truck assembly is mounted near the outboard end of each toolbar for providing rolling support of the latter, and each wheeled truck assembly can be rotated relative to the toolbar about an axis disposed substantially normal to the toolbar through approximately a quarter turn operable to steer the outboard end of the toolbar, upon appropriate forward or rearward implement movement, between the respective fully elevated field use and road transit positions.

Abstract: A ground working implement is disclosed which comprises three rectangular frames connected together by means of hinges. A center frame is provided with a tongue for attachment to a traction device such as a tractor. Each of the frames is provided with a packer wheel attached to and extending along the rear portion thereof and each of the frames is also provided with a separate frame from which S tines depend. S tines are sometimes referred to as Danish tines. The separate frames are connected to the first frame by means of a bell crank which is fulcrumed on members depending from the first frame and which are connected together by means of levers which in turn are connected to a rotatable shaft. Each frame is provided with a rotatable shaft which are connected together for concurrent rotation by an articulated connection permitting the outermost frames to be rotated 180.degree. by means of hydraulic cylinders and supported on the center frame for road transportation.

Abstract: A mulch crimper implement for use in agricultural and horticultural applications is disclosed with a flexible mounting for extension wings that accommodates both pivotal and vertical movement of the wing in relation to the main frame of the implement. The mounting includes slotted pivot mounting holes in a pair of brackets positioned between and above the wing and main frame. A power lift system operated with a hydraulic cylinder utilizes the slotted hole wing mounting system for pivoting the wing through an angle greater than 180 degrees between work position adjacent the main frame and a transportation and storage position over the main frame.

Abstract: A planting implement which includes an elongated support beam for carrying a plurality of spaced planting units thereon. The support beam also includes a plurality of rearwardly pivotable segments arranged so that a closed framework structure may be constructed by pivoting and interconnecting the rearwardly pivotal segments. The closed framework structure includes a forward side containing a portion of the planting units and a generally parallel, rearward side containing the remaining planting units. The spacing of the rearward side planting units is offset from that of the forward side units, approximately one-half of the distance of the planting units. This results in equally spaced rows of approximately one-half the distance between the planting units.

Abstract: A 180.degree. folding tool bar for an agricultural implement is described including a main frame having wing sections pivotally mounted on the ends of the main frame which are movable between field and transport positions. A hydraulic cylinder is positioned within the main frame at each end thereof and has one end connected to the main frame. The rod end of each of the hydraulic cylinders is connected to one end of a wheeled carriage with the other end of the wheeled carriage being pivotally connected to the inner end portion of the associated wing section. The inner end of the carriage has a horizontally disposed slot which receives the rod end of the hyraulic cylinder to enable the wing section to float relative to the main frame when in the field position.

Abstract: An implement having a tool equipped tool bar with a central horizontal section, a wing pivotally mounted to each end of the central section, a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the central section for each wing and connected with the wing to move the wing from a working position in general alignment with the central section to a folded storage, or transport position on the central section, a pair of spaced front support structures for the central section in the storage position and a support stand mounted on the wing, the support stand in the wing folded storage position extending downwardly and rearwardly of the tools to support the rear of the implement.

Abstract: A soil cultivating implement of relatively large working width mounts a transverse row of rotary soil working members and the soil working members are carried in two side-by-side groups by corresponding substantially axially aligned hollow frame portions. Each soil working member is rotatable about an upwardly extending axis and directly connected to a power take-off of a prime mower. In order to enable the implement to tow a separate implement, a rear coupling structure is provided that includes rearwardly directed arms that are prevented from becoming bent, broken or otherwise damaged during use, and particularly during inoperative transport. The two frame portions are foldable upwardly and inwardly towards one another about pivots by hydraulic rams and a forward frame beam mounts a coupling trestle on a central beam portion. A carrying structure having rear coupling points is releasably interconnected to the trestle and secured in a relatively fixed position.

Abstract: A disk harrow embodies a fore-and-aft extending center pole which hitches at one end to a tractor and has paired tool gang assembly units which extend laterally from opposite sides thereof. These units include tool gang carrying inner beams which are supported on transport wheels and are connected to said pole for horizontal adjustment about pivots spaced along the longitudinal axis of the pole, one behind the other. Adjustable length truss bars connected between the pole and the inner beams releasably lock said tool gang assembly units in a transport position generally perpendicular to the pole. The tool gang assembly units also include a tool gang carrying outer beam which is hinged to the inner beam to fold vertically thereover onto the pole when the units are perpendicular thereto. The spacing of the pivots provides sufficient clearance that the folded outer beams lie flat with their tools in close side-by-side relation on the pole for transport.

Abstract: A folding implement frame is disclosed which has wheels placed amid the tools on the frame so that variations in ground level will not alter cultivation depth. A novel method of folding is described which will enable the wheels to be used for transport. A linkage system is provided to maintain the frames horizontal position during raising and lowering.

Abstract: A tool bar having a hollow central section and oppositely extending offset hinged wings movable from a generally horizontal, transversely extending working position to a folded transport position. A hydraulic cylinder is positioned in the central section adjacent each wing and has its rod end pivotally connected to a pair of sliders below their center position for an effective lever action about the offset hinge with the sliders substantially spanning the hollow central section. The rod end is also pivotally connected to a pair of links via a slotted connection, with the links also being pivotally connected to the ear of a wing. The sliders reduce wing fall as the cylinder moves the wing from the working position approximately 180.degree. to a transport position on top of the central section or vice versa. The slotted link connection prevents binding of the sliders against the central section during the procedures.

Abstract: A balanced implement transport includes a rotatable drawbar having a first plurality of spaced apart implement hitch frames, for connection to individual implements to be drawn over the surface of the ground disposed for rotation with the drawbar between a position generally parallel with the surface of the ground, and a raised, substantially vertical transport position; and a second plurality of spaced apart implement hitch frames, for connection to individual implements to be drawn over the surface of the ground, rotatably disposed on said drawbar, for adjustable positioning thereon between a position parallel to the first plurality of implement hitch frames and a position of greater than 90 angular degree displacement so that the centers of gravity of the first implement hitches may be disposed on one side of the drawbar and those of the second implement hitches are disposed on the other side of the drawbar.

Abstract: A soil cultivating implement has a central frame part that extends substantially horizontally perpendicular to the direction of operative travel of the implement, the frame part has lateral arms tiltably connected to its opposite ends about pivot pins which extend in the direction of travel. Each lateral arm has a corresponding group of power drivable rotary soil working members indirectly connected to it and, a strong but simple frame which resists the high operating forces without deformation. The inner ends of the arms are each held between respective spaced apart cheek plates so as to be surrounded on three sides by those two cheek plates and by a respective connecting piece that rigidly couples the pair of cheek plates to one another beneath the corresponding arm.

Abstract: A folding toolbar adapted for attachment to a draft vehicle for carrying ground working tools, such as rotary hoe wheels, includes a main frame section and lateral wing sections pivotally connected to the main frame section for upward folding to transport positions. One of the wing sections is foldable through 180.degree. to overlie the main frame section in relatively close proximity thereto, while the other wing section is pivotally connected to the main frame section through a pivot link arrangement and a power cylinder which enable 180.degree. folding to overlie both the main frame section and the opposite first folded wing section. An auxiliary frame member is mounted is spaced relation on the main frame section and provides arrangement for mounting the wing folding cylinders so as to allow substantially the full length of the main frame to be used for mounting tools thereon.

Abstract: A pair of tool beams with support hitches for ground working implements, the support hitches being placeable at desired positions along the tool beams. By placement of hitches at desired positions, old and new implements for working different numbers of rows may be pulled by a large tractor. The tool beams are connected through linkages or hinges to a forward draft beam such that the tool beams can be turned from a transverse working position to a longitudinal, trailing position for transportation. In the position for transportation, the implements are positioned toward a center line between the tool beams. The hitches for the implements are connected to the tool beams through power lift supports for raising the implements, and the implements are held in a raised position while being transported and while the tool beams are being folded and unfolded.

Abstract: An automatic support for folding frames such as those used in many agricultural implements. The folding frames include at least one generally horizontally disposed main frame section having at least one wing frame section hingedly connected thereto, the wing frame being movable between a lowered, outwardly extended working position wherein it is substantially coplanar with the main frame, to an upwardly folded transport position wherein it generally overlies the main frame and forms an included angle of less than 90.degree.. The automatic support includes a support arm, connecting link and pivot link all of which are pivotally interconnected with the wing frame section to form a four bar linkage arrangement. When the wing frame is in its extended working position the support arm is in close proximity to the wing frame providing the implement with a low overall profile.

Abstract: An upstanding housing is provided and mounted in trailing relation to a depending tool shank by generally horizontal upper and lower pivot links having their forward ends pivotally supported from the tool shank and their rear ends pivotally supported from the housing. A driven power shaft is journaled in the upper portion of the housing and an output shaft is journaled in the lower portion of the housing. A chain is trained about sprocket wheels mounted on the shafts and has a spring biased idler sprocket wheel is engaged with one reach thereof for tensioning the chain. A rod weeder shaft has one end supported from the output shaft and additional laterally spaced depending tool shanks include trailing journal structures mounted for limited vertical shifting relative thereto and the rod weeder shaft has longitudinally spaced portions thereof journaled by the journal structures.

Abstract: The invention has been designed to be applied to conventional agricultural tillage equipment. The invention provides a new and improved mechanism for lifting and lowering, controlling and maintaining an accurate level of the equipment. It consists of a single hydraulic cylinder powering a scissor-type mechanical principle designed in such a configuration that the power provided by the hydraulic cylinder is transferred to each pivoting axle. The advantage of the device is that it is a relatively light weight arrangement while retaining stability and rigidity of the arrangement in operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a plurality of towed portable farm implement in optional dual configurations characterized by a first position wherein the farm implements are towed in a staggered or offset relationship to one another for field use and a second position wherein the farm implements are towed in aligned relationship behind the towing vehicle for over the road transportation. The apparatus includes a first tongue portion adapted to be pivotally mounted on the first farm implement between said first and second positions and locking means for releasably fixing the tongue in each of said positions. Additionally, a second hitch means is provided on a pivoted tow bar which is pivotally mounted to a swinging frame portion mounted on said first farm implement between an offset position and an aligned position. Releasably latching members are provided to fix said frame and said arm in the desired position.

Abstract: Tilling apparatus disclosed has a rotor shaft with axially spaced multiple tine and hub assemblies having hoe portions of adjacent tines overlapping one another. The apparatus is constructed as a central section and has wing sections pivotally connected to the central section. A first pivot axis for each wing section is the same horizontal plane as the rotor shaft. A first link connects at its lower end to the wing section at the first pivot axis and at its upper end to the central section at a second pivot axis. A thrust link driven by a two-way cylinder moves the wing section about the first pivot axis and then about the second pivot axis. Each tine hub is made in two half-bodies supporting two tines at 90 degrees, with a recess to turn adjacent hubs 30 degrees to one another. Each tine has a bevel on the outer side and a smooth hard surface on the inner side.

Abstract: A horizonally folding agricultural implement, such as a corn planter, comprising a main frame section with a hitch extending perpendicular therefrom for attachment to a vertically movable drawbar of a farm tractor, and a forwardly folding end wing section hinged to each outer end of the main frame section by a generally vertical pivot hinge, with the pivot hinge including a first and second set of pivot bushings rigidly attached to the abutting ends of the main frame section and the end wing sections respectively in vertical axial alignment with each other, the top end of the pivot pin having a mounting plate secured thereto, with a first hydraulic actuating assembly having one end operatively connected to the rigid plate and the other end operatively connected to the main frame section, and a second hydraulic actuating assembly having one end operatively connected to the rigid mounting plate and the other end thereof operatively connected to the folding wing section, thereby, upon actuation of the hydraulic

Abstract: A foldable implement frame and hitch for attachment to a draft vehicle with a three-point hitch, including a support frame carrying a support wheel, a support wheel motor for moving the support wheel between a working position and a transport position, a main frame having two telescoping frame members, the outer one of the frame members being supported upon the support frame and the inner one of the frame members carrying on the other end thereof a hitch for connection to the three-point hitch, two wing frames pivotally mounted on the support frame, two wing motors connected between the support frame and the wing frames for assisting in moving the wing frames between the extended working positions and retracted transport positions, two wing wheel assemblies mounted on the outer ends of the wing frames and each including a support wheel, two wing wheel lift motors mounted on the wing frame and connected to a wing support wheel for moving it between a working position and a transport position, the controls for

Abstract: A hitch transport assembly for use with end wheel grain drills which permits pulling a plurality of such end wheel grain drills in an end to end relationship across the field, and which permits folding the outer drills rearwardly into a transport position for moving the drills from field to field. A frame assembly supports the end wheels of the drills off the ground for transport. Changing the connections to convert from a working hitch to a transport hitch is rapid and simple.

Abstract: A deep tillage cultivator consists of a center section and at least two wing sections one upon each side hingedly secured to said center section. The sections are wheel supported along a transverse center line and by a hitch assembly extending from the center section. Also, castor wheel assemblies extend forwardly from the outer wing sections on each side of said center section. Flexible fore and aft connections are provided between adjacent sections with a universal joint type of connection being provided between the sections to permit better flexibility to wide cultivators. Structure is provided to stabilize the universal type hinge connection prior to folding the sections for transport purposes.

Abstract: To create a compact package for transport and storage of a foldable agricultural implement such as a field cultivator or the like, a pair of hydraulically operated 180.degree. fold hinges of different heights connect the outrigger frames to the ends of the main frame of the implement. The hinges lift the outrigger frames up and sequentially stackfold one on top of the other in generally parallel relationship above the main frame.

Abstract: An implement for general purpose broadcast or precision row crop cultivation comprising a central frame and two hingedly connected wings, or outer frames, all adapted for attachment of plow shanks at essentially any lateral position. The center frame includes cantilevered gauge wheel mounts extending beyond the hinge region so that gauge wheels for the center section are positioned in front of the side sections. Additional gauge wheels are carried by the wing sections at their ends opposite the center section. Hydraulic cylinders are provided for lifting the wing sections to an upright transporting position and latches are provided on the center section for holding the wing sections upright when the hydraulic cylinders are deactivated. Three point hitch members are provided on the front edge of the center section adapted for connection to standard tractor three point hitches with the cultivator spaced very closely to the rear of the tractor.

Abstract: A folding tool bar apparatus for a farm implement having a hollow main frame and winged sections pivotally attached to each end thereof. The winged sections are pivotal between a first horizontally extended position and a second folded horizontal position above the hollow main frame and disposed 180.degree. from the first position. An actuation structure is provided for moving the winged section between the first and second positions and this actuation structure includes the first set of teeth attached to each end of the hollow main frame and the second set of teeth attached to each end of the winged section for meshing with the teeth on the ends of the hollow main frame. The bracket structure is pivotally attached to the first and second set of teeth on each end of the main frame and a lever arm is attached to the bracket.

Abstract: A tillage implement is disclosed which facilitates transporting the implement from one field of operation to another. The implement comprises a stabilizer bar located behind the point where the implement may be "winged-back". In so doing, transport problems are reduced and the number of frame sections of the implement may be increased without increasing the width or height of the transported vehicle.

Abstract: A multiple section grain drill has a main frame with a transverse segment; a grain container mounted on the frame for receiving grain; an auger mounted on the main frame and in communication with the grain in the container for bidirectionally moving the grain; at lease one wing frame slidably engaging the main frame; hydraulic power for moving the wing frame; a wing auger mounted on the wing frame for receiving grain from the auger; furrow openers connected to the transverse segment and to the wing frame for generating furrows; grain distributing tubes in communication with the auger and wing auger for depositing the grain in the generated furrows; furrow closing and pressing members attached to the transverse segment and to the wing frame; and power for driving the auger and wing auger, for pivoting the furrow opener and furrow closing, for pressing, and for rendering power to the hydraulic power.

Abstract: A tool bar having a hollow central section and oppositely extending offset hinged wings movable from a generally horizontally transversely extending working position to a folded transport position. A hydraulic cylinder is positioned in the central section adjacent each wing and has its rod pivotally connected to a pair of rollers substantially spanning the hollow central section and to a pair of links via a slotted connection, with the links also being pivotally connected to the ear of a wing. The rollers reduce wing fall as the wing moves from the working position approximately 180.degree. to a transport position on top of the central section or vice versa. The slotted link connection prevents binding of the rollers against the central section during the procedures.

Abstract: A ground leveling and tillage implement for attachment to the front of a tractor includes an elongated frame element disposed transversely in front of the front wheels of the tractor and generally parallel with the ground. A generally rectangular tine-supporting frame is provided having spaced opposite sides and ends, and having a plurality of ground-working tines mounted thereon and depending therefrom. The supporting frame is mounted intermediate its ends on the frame element for pivotal movement about an axis parallel with its sides and with the frame element between an operative position extending forwardly of the frame element and generally parallel with the ground and with the tines in engagement therewith, and a generally upright transport position.

Abstract: An implement with a wing lift wherein the wing is displaceable from a wheel supported floating, ground working position approximately 180.degree. to a transport position where it lies inverted on the implement. The wing lift includes a pair of toggle links with one link pivotally connected to the wing hinge, a stop on the wing hinge, a lift arm pivotally connected to the implement central frame hinge structure and to the other toggle link and a hydraulic cylinder mounted on the central frame with the rod end pivotally connected to the lift arm and the other link of the toggle links. The lift arm also has a roller for contact by the wing hinge ramp. The toggle link construction allows the wing to float upwardly and downwardly in the working position without affecting the cylinder. The toggle links, upon abutting the stop, raise the wing when the cylinder is retracted until the links break wherein the roller engages the wing hinge ramp to support the wing to and in the inverted position without wing fall.

Abstract: The tillage implement has tool beam assemblies that project laterally outwardly in opposite directions from the central fore-and-aft axis of the implement, and the inboard ends of the assemblies are overlapped transversely with respect to the path of travel of the implement while also being offset in a fore-and-aft direction so that the soil worked by the inboard end of the leading tool assembly is reworked by the inboard end of the trailing tool assembly to eliminate the formation of a furrow or ridge at the point of convergence of the tool assemblies. Notwithstanding the overlap and offset, the assemblies may be swung back into folded positions for transport in which the assemblies are substantially parallel to one another in order to reduce the overall roading width of the implement.

Abstract: A mechanism for folding the wings of a multi-section implement from a transversely extending working position to a latched, vertical transport position relative to the main section and return. The mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder that extends between the main section and each wing and a support and latch assembly. This assembly includes a fixed support on the main section and a telescoping tube for each wing which has its outer end pivotally connected to the wing and its inner end pivotally attached to the support. A latch structure is attached to the inner end of each tube and includes a crank arm pivotally mounted on the latch structure and pivotally connected to the rod of a single cylinder. A lever extends from this connection to a slidable mount on a slotted hole in the fixed support. The latch structure has a spring loaded tongue that engages a ramp having an aperture therefor on the outer end of each tube to latch the inner and outer ends of each of the tubes together.

Abstract: An agricultural tool bar having a main beam and a pair of tool supporting side wings which fold forwardly from an extended operating position to a folded transport position. The inner ends of the wings are attached to hinges which are pivoted to a carriage mounted for rolling movement along the main beam. Hydraulic cylinders pivot the hinges relative to the carriage as diagonal links cause the carriage to roll along the beam in a manner to fold and unfold the side wings. Additional hydraulic cylinders act to raise the main beam to the transport position wherein the side wings are wholly supported on the main beam which is in turn supported on a wheel assembly having a sturdy axle underlying it.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is disclosed which includes a center section and a plurality of wing sections foldable with respect to each other. A plurality of ground-working tools extend downwardly and rearwardly from the sections of the implement at spaced intervals along the lengths thereof. The wing sections are pivotally connected to the center section by a telescoping hinge which prevents the ground-working tools of the respective sections from conflicting with each other when the implement is folded. The telescoping hinge includes a telescoping member, slidably connected to an end of a first associated section and pivotally connected to an end of a second associated section adjacent to the first associated section.

Abstract: A soil cultivating machine has a beamed frame, and working members arranged in pairs. Two working members are mounted one behind the other, preferably on a common carrier beam which is releasably secured to transverse beams of the frame. Thus the two working members and the carrier beam constitute a working unit which is readily releasable from the frame. The two working members of the pair are interlinked by a connecting rod to ensure a uniform operating depth over irregular ground and the members can be located on opposite sides of the carrier beam as viewed in plan. In one embodiment, the working members are mounted on pivot pins journalled to different frame beams and the members are arranged in rows that are inclined to the direction of travel. The beams with working members can be arranged in groups that are hinged to one another for elevation to a reduced transport position.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a hinged winged frame which swings between a horizontal storage position over the main frame and an outboard generally horizontal work position. A hydraulic cylinder pivoted to the implement main frame has its piston pivotally connected to the upper end of an operating link which pivotally connects at its opposite end to a link made rigid with the wing frame and which swings on the hinge axis. An abutment block on one of the links engages the other link to solidify the pivotal connection of the links converting the two links into a first class lever fulcrumed on the hinge axis as the piston is retracted within the cylinder to raise the wing frame out of its working position.