Abstract: A head for a powered earth-working tool is adapted to be driven by a rotating shaft which is driven by the prime mover of the tool. The head includes a housing having an opening for the shaft; a driver gear in the housing fixed to the shaft which rotates with the shaft about an axis; an axle in the housing disposed perpendicularly to such axis of rotation and carrying a driven gear on a portion of the axle away from the ends to mesh with the driver gear and rotate the axle; a pair of pins, offset from the axis of the axle, mounted to move with the rotation of the axle, 180.degree.

Abstract: In a self-propelled ballast cleaning machine which comprises a ballast excavating chain having an output, a hydraulic drive for moving the ballast excavating chain, a ballast screening and storing device arranged to receive the excavated ballast from the output for separating the excavated ballast into waste and cleaned ballast and for storing the cleaned ballast, and a hydraulic vibrating drive for imparting vibrations to the ballast screening and storing device, a control arrangement operates the hydraulic drives, the control arrangement including a control element having an input and an output, the input of the control element being connected to the chain moving drive and the output of the control element being connected to the vibrating drive for changing the frequency of the vibrations imparted to the ballast screening and storing device analogously to a respective setting of the control element for storing the ballast in the device.

Abstract: A vibrating earth ripping machine which includes a main frame and a vibrating frame which is pivotally connected to the main frame by a pair of movable thrust absorbing arms. The vibrating frame extends beyond the main frame rear end, and is secured to a transversely extending tool bar having a plurality of downwardly projecting ripper tines detachably secured thereto. A mass is rotatably mounted on the tool bar for eccentric mass distribution during rotation about a horizontal axis. A resilient vibration damping system is mounted between the main frame and vibrating frame to damp vibratory movement imparted to the vibrating frame by the rotating mass.

Abstract: A front end loader has a loading bucket secured to a tractor and a transversely elongate cutter blade closely spaced forward of a lower front edge of the bucket. Improved apparatus for reciprocating the blade in forward and aft directions relative to the front edge of the bucket is disclosed. A force transmitting beam has a resonant frequency with at least one node and first and second anti-nodes at the resonant frequency. A source of vibrations at or near the resonant frequency is coupled to the beam near the first anti-node to vibrate the second anti-node about a neutral position. The beam is secured near one node so as to locate the neutral position of the second anti-node in spaced relationship from the cutting blade within striking distance thereof. The second anti-node thus applies unidirectional force impulses to the blade in a forward direction as the second anti-node vibrates to drive the blade intermittently forward.

Abstract: A vibratory plow assembly which eliminates the need for elastic torque cushioning elements. The plow assembly includes a vertically extending support frame and a vertically extending shaker frame having an elongated plow blade attached thereto with an oscillating mechanism supported on the shaker frame for reciprocating the shaker frame and plow blade. The support and shaker frames are interconnected adjacent their upper ends by conventional connecting links. The lower ends of the support and shaker frames are interconnected by a generally planar, horizontally disposed, spring plate member which is fixedly attached to the support frame at one end and is secured to the bottom of the shaker frame at its opposite end. The spring plate member withstands the loading imposed upon it by the shaker frame and plow blade while being flexible to deflect vertically thereby permitting the vibratory motion from the oscillating mechanism to be transmitted to the plow blade.

Abstract: A pavement breaking apparatus having variable impact force for fracturing concrete to a size and pattern specification without distorting the material. The apparatus includes at least one spring pack connected between a leaf spring housing and an impact tool holder. The housing is connected to a vehicle for pivotal movement about a transverse horizontal axis. Further, the housing is connected to the vehicle for movement about a vertical axis thereby permitting lateral swinging movement of the spring pack and tool holder. The spring pack includes a plurality of stacked leaf springs with a centrally located main leaf spring extending full length between the housing and tool holder. First and second groups of leaf springs having variable lengths are stacked together on opposite sides of the main spring. The spring pack further includes third and fourth groups of leaf springs positioned on opposite sides of the main spring between the main spring and the first and second groups of springs.

Abstract: A front end loader has a loading bucket secured to a tractor and a transversely elongate cutter blade closely spaced forward of a lower front edge of the bucket. Improved apparatus for reciprocating the blade in forward and aft directions relative to the front edge of the bucket is disclosed. A force transmitting beam has a resonant frequency with at least on node and first and second anti-nodes at the resonant frequency. A source of vibrations at or near the resonant frequency is coupled to the beam near the first anti-node to vibrate the second anti-node about a neutral position. The beam is secured near one node so as to locate the neutral position of the second anti-node in spaced relationship from the cutting blade within striking distance thereof. The second anti-node thus applies unidirectional force impulses to the blade in a forward direction as the second anti-node vibrates to drive the blade intermittently forward.

Abstract: An improved ripper assembly (12) is joined to and drawn by a draft device (10) and includes a mounting structure (14), a ripper element (16), and an impactor apparatus (18). The mounting structure (14) includes an upper flange (20) and a lower flange (22) joined together by a pair of side plates (23). Aligned openings (24,26) in the flanges (20,22) permit attachment thereof to the draft device (10) and allows pivoting about a vertical pivot axis (28) when pins (30,32) are installed. The ripper element (16) is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis (38) and is secured to the mounting structure (14) by a pivot pin (40). The impact apparatus (18) imparts intermittent blows to the ripper element (16) and is joined to the mounting structure (14) by a single upper support pin (44) and two, aligned lower support pins (46).

Abstract: For the ditching of drains normally various types of excavating machines are used. This involves problems, however, especially when the ground has poor carrying capacity, for example in wetlands. According to the invention, therefore, a body is proposed which has substantially V-shaped cross-section and smooth lower sides, and which is advanced through the soil masses to be removed for ditching the drain with a pointed end along the height of the body with a closed end facing in the direction of advancement. Simultaneously, the body is subjected to at least downwardly directed striking forces with relatively high frequency. In this way, the body is maintained pressed down into the soil masses while it is being advanced. The soil masses are thereby removed substantially in lateral direction by the side surfaces of the body and compacted. For effecting the striking forces, preferably a vibrator is provided within the body.

Abstract: A cultivating implement to be carried by a vehicle comprises a frame (10) having spaced and opposed members (11, 12) between which a tine-carrying bar (13) is supported for gyratory motion the direction of which is counter to the direction of forward rotation of the ground wheels of the carrying vehicle and which derives from and is centered on the axis of axially-aligned stub shafts (14,15) adapted to be driven from a prime mover and supported in bearings mounted in or on said opposed members of the frame. Preferably the mutually-opposed ends of the stub shafts (14, 15) are cranked in mirror-image fashion and the tine-carrying bar (13) is supported between bearing arrangements (28, 29) centered on the crank arms. The angle of presentation of the tines to the ground is preferably selectable to accord with the nature of the work to be done and the tine sweeps or shovels to be used therefor.

Abstract: Previously known ripper apparatus comprise an impacting mechanism for applying impact forces to a ripper tip in an in-line relationship. The high spring rate exhibited by the shank induces high peak internal impact forces, dissipates useful energy, and provides relatively shallow cutting depths. In one aspect, the ripper apparatus (11,11a) of this invention overcomes the above problems by providing an offset relationship between a first line (L.sub.1) of impacting movement of a ripper tip (13) and a second line (L.sub.2) whereat impacting forces are applied to a shank (14,14a) carrying the ripper tip (13) and by further providing a spring mechanism (25,25a) for ensuring that the impacting forces are transmitted from the second line (L.sub.2) to the first line (L.sub.1) directly. In another aspect, the spring mechanism (25,25b) induces an efficient transfer of impact energy from an impacting mechanism (17) to the material being worked by the ripper tip (13), whether the first (L.sub.1) and second (L.sub.

Abstract: Apparatus for loosening soil as it moves over the surface of a field, has a cross-beam and a linkage for connecting the cross-beam to a vehicle, such as a farm tractor, for towing the apparatus over the ground. The cross-beam extends in a direction transverse to the direction of travel and supports a drive shaft having an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of the cross-beam. The drive shaft is connected to the power output of the tractor for rotating the drive shaft as the tractor is advanced. A plurality of discs are spaced along and eccentrically mounted on the drive shaft for eccentric rotation. A swing lever is suspended from each of the discs and a loosening bit is removably carried by each swing lever. Each loosening bit has a transversely extending arrow-shaped blade at the lower end for engaging and loosening the soil. A guide rod is connected between each swing lever and the cross-beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to an eccentric element for generating oscillations in ground vibrators. The eccentric element comprises an eccentric mass (2) radially movable on a rotatable shaft (1). The mass is movable to assume a position displaced in relation to the centerline (15) of the shaft when the shaft (1) is rotated, thus causing the amplitude of the generated oscillation to be changed. To enable control of the amplitude, the eccentric mass (2) is lockable by means of a displaceable locking piston (9) arranged in a recess (16) in the rotating shaft (1). The locking piston (9) can thus assume a position entirely thrust-back into the recess (16), wherein the eccentric mass (2) is released, or a thrust-out position in which the locking piston fixes the eccentric mass (2) in one of its end positions.

Abstract: A bulldozer having a transversely elongate cutter blade closely spaced from the bottom edge of the mold board is disclosed. The cutter blade is mounted for reciprocal motion in forward and aft directions relative to the mold board. Unidirectional force impulses are applied to the cutter blade in a forward direction to drive the blade intermittently forward without aft motion. Preferably, the unidirectional force impulses are applied by first and second matched force transmitting beams. Each beam has two divergent approximately straight legs that meet at a juncture to form an acute, approximately 90.degree. angle, a node at the juncture, an input anti-node at the end of one leg, and an output anti-node at the end of the other leg at the input frequency. A source of vibrations at or near the resonant frequency is coupled to the input anti-node and the output anti-node is disposed in spaced aft relationship from the cutter blade within striking distance thereof.

Abstract: A resonantly driven tool for forming a trench in base material is disclosed. A channel member is adapted to be aligned with the path of the trench to be formed. The channel member has a floor inclined upwardly toward the rear, and oppositely disposed sides projecting upwardly from the floor. The channel member is open front and rear, and the channel member is advanced along the path of the trench to be formed. A cutting blade is located at the leading end of the floor of the channel member, and is mounted so that it can reciprocate relative to the channel member. The cutting blade engages the material in which the trench is to be formed as the channel member is advanced. A resonant system is provided with an output vibratory in at least near resonance. The resonant system is supported to move with the channel member, and is operatively coupled to the cutting blade to drive the cutting blade intermittently forwardly.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a powered cultivating tool or the like which includes a prime mover disposed within a housing, an output shaft extending from said housing having a pinion fixed thereto, said pinion being placed in meshing engagement with a gear having a first roller thereon offset from the axis of rotation of the gear which engages a cam follower operatively connected to a cultivating implement such as a tine so that the implement displays an oscillatory pendulum-like motion about a vertical radial line extending from an axis rotation of the gear. It is contemplated that the gear has extending therefrom an axle whose opposed extremity from the gear is provided with a disc hub having a similar roller, cam follower and the like for accommodating either a terminal portion of the first cultivating implement, or a second cultivating implement so that the sychronization of the two cam followers can be beneficially altered as is required by gardening constraints and the like.

Abstract: A sonic generator produces a reciprocating force that is transmitted to a tool by a resonant or nonresonant force transmitting member having an output that reciprocates about a neutral position responsive to the force of the sonic generator. A continuous unidirectional force is applied to the sonic generator by a tool carrier. The tool advances intermittently along a work path through a medium responsive to the continuous unidirectional force and the reciprocating force. A gap is held between the neutral output position of the transmitting member and the tool when the tool is unable to advance through the medium responsive to the continuous unidirectional force and the reciprocating force. Specifically, the force of the sonic generator is sufficiently large relative to the unidirectional force to overcome the latter, and to drive the tool holder back away from the tool when the tool is unable to advance along the work path, thereby establishing a protective gap.

Abstract: A resonant work performing apparatus is disclosed which includes a resonant system which is vibratory in resonance at an unloaded resonant frequency. The resonant system has a vibratory input at a frequency near the resonant frequency, and a vibratory output responsive to vibrations at the input. The resonant system has at least one intermediate node, and the apparatus includes a frame attached to the resonant system substantially at the node. A vibrational force is applied to the input of the resonant system at a given frequency near the unloaded resonant frequency to excite the resonant system to at least near resonance. A sensor is used to determine the frequency of the resonant system. Application of the vibrational force is controlled responsively to the sensor to hold the applied vibrational force at the given frequency.

Abstract: A soil cultivating implement has a row of pivotable soil working members linked to a transverse beam of the frame and individual eccentrics are connected to the members to raise and lower soil engaging portions thereof. The portions are pivoted so that the rear parts thereof move through greater amplitudes than front parts of the portions. The frame can be supported by ground wheels which in transport position elevate the soil working members above the ground and this can be accomplished with hydraulic assemblies. The front of the frame can have a resilient coupling to a prime mover to reduce shocks induced by the eccentric drives. Dispensing mechanisms can be positioned to the rear of the soil working members to dispense and/or seed the worked ground.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/US79/00495 Sec. 371 Date July 11, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date July 11, 1979 PCT Filed July 11, 1979A compacting apparatus (10) has an impact apparatus (17) and a compactor (19). The impact apparatus (17), such as, for example, a rock breaker, provides impacting forces on the compactor (19). The compacting apparatus (10) is positioned on, for example, a work structure (12,14,15) of a work vehicle (16). It is necessary to compact material in order to provide, for example, proper filling of a trench (74) after a pipe has been placed in the trench. Compaction, as done by the compacting apparatus (10), is provided by simultaneously compacting the material and applying a compressive force to the material and remolding the material. Therefore, satisfactory compaction can be provided in the trench (74) by the work vehicle (16) which is also usable to excavate and refill the trench (74).

Abstract: The disclosed vibratory cable plow has a generally horizontal boom supported on transverse horizontal and vertical pivots and a trailer supported on the boom by a vertical pivot. A plow blade is supported on a vibration isolating frame beneath the trailer. In a first embodiment, the rear of the assembly is supported on wheels which are pivoted by piston-cylinders to control the depth of penetration of the plow blade. The first embodiment of the disclosed plow assembly provides remote steering, blade pitch, boom tilt, and depth adjustment and the entire assembly may be raised by piston-cylinders, about the transverse horizontal pivot, for transport. In a second embodiment of the cable plow, the rear of the assembly is supported on V-shaped struts, and the plow frame is supported within the opening formed by the struts on converging upper and lower links.

Abstract: An elongated tool is mounted for reciprocal motion on a support frame. A plurality of resonant force transmitting beams each having an input, an output, and at least one resonant node, are supported by the frame so their outputs are spaced apart adjacent to the length of the tool. A sonic generator operating at or near the resonant frequency of the beams is coupled to the beam inputs to produce at the beam outputs resonant vibration about a neutral position. Each beam is pivotally mounted for rotation about its resonant node and such rotation is rigidly limited such that the spacing between the neutral position of the output of each beam and the tool is the same, which synchronizes coupling of force from the beam outputs to the tool. The pivotal node support comprises a closed hollow annular elastic housing and a fluid filling the housing.

Abstract: A vibratory drive system for use in spalling a road surface, cutting rock, etc. Vibratory energy is generated by means of an orbiting mass oscillator, the output of which is rectified by means of a rectifier to provide unidirectional pulses to a cutting tool. In the interests of making the system compact and providing controlled operational parameters, non-resonant operation is employed, optimum drive to the tool being achieved by biasing the oscillator against the tool and by providing a shoulder which fixes the uppermost position of the tool when it is being biased against a load. The tool position and the design of the oscillator are such that the oscillator housing contacts the tool near the mid-down stroke (90.degree.) of the oscillatory vibration cycle, this being the point of highest vibratory velocity and kinetic energy. In this manner, the highest possible delivery of energy to the tool is provided.

Abstract: A ripping tool positioned below the earth's surface is driven by the output of a vibrating, preferably, resonant, force transmitting beam which has lateral dimensions smaller than those of the ripping tool and is positioned below the earth's surface. The beam is configured to have a single resonant node when restrained from vibrating at such node and is supported so that the single node is above the earth's surface and restrained from vibrating. The output of the beam is enlarged in thickness to form a hammer.

Abstract: A force transmitting, preferably resonant, beam having a pair of straight divergent legs meeting at a juncture. A work tool is located adjacent to the end of one leg, which is the beam output. A sonic oscillator is coupled to the end of the other leg, which is the beam input. The beam is supported so as to restrain the juncture from vibrating. In one embodiment, the legs form an angle of approximately 90 degrees and the beam is driven at or near its resonant frequency by the oscillator. An integral ear extends from the juncture along a plane that bisects the angle between the legs. The beam is pivotably supported at its juncture and a stop abuts the ear to position the beam output.

Abstract: A pavement chipping tool uses a sonic oscillator which includes a housing integral with a resonant beam. The oscillator includes a rotating shaft journaled in two sets of bearings with an eccentric weight attached to the shaft between the two sets of bearings and a pair of weights on either end of the shaft beyond the bearings. The eccentric mass of the center weight is equal to the sum of the two outer weights. The bearings have inner races keyed to the shaft.

Abstract: A vibratory power take-off apparatus for a tractor including a vibration producing unit detachably mountable on the frame of the tractor. The unit comprises a rotary transmitting shaft detachably fittable to a PTO shaft on the tractor frame and having a connecting portion eccentric with the axis of the PTO shaft, a holding case supporting the rotary transmitting shaft rotatably relative thereto, a mounting cylinder fitting around the case and having supporting portions connectable to the tractor frame, intermediate vibration transmitting means supported by the cylinder pivotally movably up and down, means for operatively coupling the connecting portion of the shaft to the transmitting means, and intermediate vibration delivering means having one end pivoted to the transmitting means and the other end pivotally connectable to a working implement connected to the tractor frame.

Abstract: A vibrating device having a mass rotated about a first shaft while the first shaft is rotated about a second shaft.

Abstract: Asphalt or concrete pavement is removed from a road bed by an elongated cutter blade that extends in a downward and forward direction along a cutting plane to a cutting edge. The cutting plane forms an acute angle of between 45.degree. and 55.degree. with the surface of the pavement. The cutter blade is intermittently driven with a force parallel to the cutting plane in the forward direction while the cutting edge penetrates the pavement to drive the cutter blade incrementally in a forward direction and plane off the pavement in a chisel-like manner. A source of vibrations is connected to one end of plural spaced apart resonant beams. At the other end, the beams drive the cutter blade.

Abstract: A sonic generator produces a reciprocating force that is transmitted to a tool by a resonant or nonresonant force transmitting member having an output that reciprocates about a neutral position responsive to the force of the sonic generator. A continuous unidirectional force is applied to the sonic generator by a tool carrier. The tool advances intermittently along a work path through a medium responsive to the continuous unidirectional force and the reciprocating force. A gap is held between the neutral output position of the transmitting member and the tool when the tool is unable to advance through the medium responsive to the continuous unidirectional force and the reciprocating force. Specifically, the force of the sonic generator is sufficiently large relative to the unidirectional force to overcome the latter, and to drive the tool holder back away from the tool when the tool is unable to advance along the work path, thereby establishing a protective gap.

Abstract: A sonic generator produces a reciprocating force that is transmitted to a tool by a resonant or nonresonant force transmitting member having an output that reciprocates in forward and backward directions about a neutral position responsive to the force of the sonic generator. The tool is located forward of the output of the force transmitting member, and is movable in backward and forward directions along the work path. A changing gap is formed between the tool and the output as the output reciprocates, the gap tending to close and strike the tool as the output reciprocates in a forward direction and tending to open as the output reciprocates in a backward direction. A continuous unidirectional force is applied to the force transmitting member. The tool advances intermittently along the work path through the material being processed responsive to the continuous unidirectional force and the reciprocating force.

Abstract: An improved ripper assembly (10) wherein a ripper shank (19) is mounted to the beam (11) of a tractor by a clevis pin (22) so as to minimize side forces acting on the shank pin (25). The vertical axis of the clevis pin may be aligned with the distal end (34) of the ripper tip (21) and the horizontal axis (24) of the shank pivot pin (25). The impact surfaces (28,29) of the impacting mechanism (18) and shank (19) preferably define a plane of abutment in which lies a radius (30) from the horizontal shank pivot pin axis (24). This plane is further preferably accurately perpendicular to the ripper tip axis (31) extending perpendicularly to the radius (30). The arrangement provides a free pivoting action of the ripper assembly about the vertical axis of the clevis pin so as to effectively minimize side loads for improved extended life of the ripper assembly (10).

Abstract: An isolation frame is connected between a conventional three-point hitch of a tractor and a vibrating plow frame. The vibrating plow frame has a plurality of rippers thereon and is mounted to the isolation frame to vibrate in a horizontal direction normal to the direction of draft. The isolation frame itself can vibrate in a horizontal direction normal to the direction of draft.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for excavating a trench in frozen or unfrozen soil and introducing cable within the trench thereby excavated. An integral vibrating or reciprocally moving blade breaks frozen soil and cuts roots, and trench depth, as well as blade angle of attack is controllable by means of an eccentric mounting structure for the blade. Angulated projections on each side of the blade lift soil from the trench formed, and a vertically adjustable connection between the blade and a following cable laying guide maintains proper elevational relationship therebetween.

Abstract: An implement attachable to the lifting links of a tractor has at least one, preferably two, rows of tines fixed to respective transverse frame beams. Between the rows of fixed tines, a supporting roller is pivoted to the frame. The roller can be adjusted relative to the frame to regulate the working depth of the first row of tines. An elongated soil working member is connected to the rear tined beam by a parallelogram linkage and a drive transmission, including at least one eccentric, is connected to upwardly extending support standards to reciprocate the working member in up and down directions so that lumps of soil are crumbled and levelled. The parallelogram linkage is resiliently connected or associated with the frame by opposing springs that permit reciprocal movements of the working member relative to the rear row of tines. The eccentric can be meshed pinions in a housing that are rotated by a drive shaft and each pinion weighted to be out of phase with the other by 180.degree..

Abstract: A plow assembly and method useful for burying an elongated flexible member at a predetermined depth beneath ground level. The arrangement utilizes a frame assembly adapted to be pulled by a tractor type vehicle and which frame assembly has a vertically-extending plow support unit. A dynamic plow unit is mounted at the lower end of the plow support unit and includes a generally horizontal base. The forward end of the plow unit includes a plow nose portion having an inclined top surface. The top of the plow unit is defined by a plate member having an upper surface which extends rearwardly from the nose generally parallel to the base. The plate member is mounted about a transverse axis closely adjacent the nose portion for pivotal oscillating movement by hydraulic cylinder means. Such oscillation is between a first position generally parallel to the plow unit base and a second position spaced angularly upward therefrom.

Abstract: The disclosed cable plow assembly is adapted to reduce the power requirements of cable and line laying plows. The plow blade is suspended on the rear of a resilient frame assembly having two pair of vertically spaced links. Each link is pivotally supported on forward and rear frame members by resilient torsional bushings. The links of each pair preferably converge toward the direction of movement of the plow or the supporting vehicle at an angle of about fifteen to twenty degrees or about three to four horizontal units to one vertical. This arrangement generates a unique forward elliptical cleaving action in the plow blade, reducing the force required to cut the earth and pull the blade through the ground. In the most preferred embodiment, the forward ends of the lower links of each pair are adjustable vertically to adjust the angle between the links and thereby adjust the elliptical motion of the plow blade to accommodate various soil conditions.

Abstract: A cultivating machine has subsoil tines and corresponding plate-shaped elements are pivoted to the lower portions of the tines. A driving mechanism, including at least one eccentric is connected to one or more of the elements or tines and the elements are caused to pivot up and down at their working depths to only partially raise the subsoil. The driving mechanism can also be connected to a further soil working member with soil engaging bars positioned to oscillate and work the topsoil.

Abstract: The disclosed vibratory cable plow has a generally horizontal boom supported on transverse horizontal and vertical pivots and a trailer supported on the boom by a vertical pivot. A plow blade is supported on a vibration isolating frame beneath the trailer and the rear of the assembly is supported on wheels which are pivoted by piston-cylinders to control the depth of penetration of the plow blade. The disclosed plow assembly provides remote steering, blade pitch and depth adjustment and the entire assembly may be raised by piston-cylinders, about the transverse horizontal pivot, for transport.

Abstract: An implement has one or more rows of tines fixed to frame beams and the lateral sides of the frame have adjustable ground wheels to control the working depths of the tines. A further soil working member is connected at the rear of the frame by parallelogram linkages and a driven eccentric on the further member imparts up and down vibratory movements to that member. Each linkage includes a bracket, the lower front portion of which is pivoted to a rear frame beam and rearwardly extending arms that are pivoted to vertical support arms that carry and move the further member. Above the pivot connection to the frame, the bracket has connection points for a tie arm that extends forward to a leading frame beam. A fixing mechanism interconnects the upper linkage arm with the front of the bracket at two spaced apart locations and springs in the mechanism bias the arm and further member to an equilibrium position.

Abstract: A cultivator has a row of soil working members mounted on upwardly extending shafts journalled in a hollow frame portion that houses driving connections for the shafts. The working members have tines that are deflectable relative to their shafts, such as supports with hubs that can be interconnected to tine supports by resiliently mounted arms. The hollow frame portion can be fashioned from upper and lower parts that are clamped together with brackets and bearings, for the shafts are held in place by the brackets. A leading soil crumbling member is pivoted to the front of the frame portion by a linkage that allows deflection of the leading member and a setting device can fix that member in place to provide support for the implement. A rear soil crumbling member is pivoted to the rear of the working members and an eccentric driving mechanism is interconnected with the rear member to vibrate same in up and down movements and further work the soil.

Abstract: A cultivating implement includes a row of cultivating members, such as resilient tines or tined rotors, and a soil crumbling member positioned at the rear of the cultivating tines. A driving transmission, including eccentric weights or discs, is interconnected to supports which mount elongated, horizontally extending elements of the crumbling member and the elements are moved relative to the frame in a non-horizontal direction to perform reciprocatory and/or vibratory movements against the soil previously worked by the tines. The supports are pivoted to the frame either by forwardly extending arms or by flexible brackets which, in effect, pivot when acted on by the eccentric transmission.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting for a subterranean tool such as one for penetrating the ground and for laying cable or the like. The tool is mounted on a tractor which moves over the ground and forms a cut in the ground, and mounting members support the tool from the tractor in various angled positions depending upon the desired angle for presenting the tool cutting edge in the ground. Mounting members between the tractor and the tool are adjustable for adjusting the ground cutting angle.

Abstract: Device for embedding in the ground a line of seismic receivers, comprising handling means for unwinding said line from storage reels placed on a vehicle, means for digging a trench into the ground, including a vibrating tool hauled behind said vehicle, a guiding member for guiding the line to the bottom of the trench, associated to the vibrating tool through elastic means so as to substantially dampen the vibrations imparted to the guiding member and consequently to the receivers of the line guided therewith.

Abstract: A crawler tractor is connected to a cable, pipe and line laying machine with a hitch assembly. The hitch assembly has a transverse drawbar secured to forwardly directed side members. The side members being pivotally mounted to the side frames of the tractor are raised and lowered with a pair of double acting hydraulic cylinders. The machine has a frame attached to the drawbar. An annular resilient and flexible member pivotally mounts a body on the frame. An attitude control cylinder connected to the frame and body adjusts the angular position of the body and a plow standard connected to the body. Plow standard is connected to the body with link and connecting members. On forward movement of the tractor, the plow standard is moved through the soil to form a slit trench for the cable, pipe or line. The connecting members are mounted on a crank shaft rotated by a hydraulic motor to provide the standard with an orbital movement.

Abstract: An implement having an elongated tool extendable into the subsoil to break up the hardpan and open the subsoil for moisture and tap roots of plants. The tool has orbital motion generated with power driven eccentric structures coupled to the tool. Power is applied to the eccentric structure with a gear box driven with a hydraulic motor. Flywheels are connected to the eccentric structures and the gear box drive shafts. Links connected to the tool and a frame carry a rolling coulter disc operable to cut a slit in the soil ahead of the tool. A hinge assembly having elastic members mounts the frame on a carriage. In one form, the carriage is pivotally mounted on a draft beam of a moldboard plow and biased to an earthworking position by a hydraulic cylinder. In a second form, the carriage is a plate which forms a part of a hitch assembly for connecting the implement to a three-point hitch of a draft tractor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an earthworking implement or attachment adapted to be connected to and powered by a prime mover such as a tractor, front-end loader, or the like. More particularly, the earthworking implement of the present invention is designed to spread and level dirt and soil material in one operation, and thereafter to appropriately generally tamp, pack or compress the dirt or material to a desired density which may customarily be done in layers. Structurally, the earthworking implement or attachment of the present invention comprises a frame structure having a ground engaging roller, sometimes referred to as a tamping roller, rotatively mounted therein, with the frame structure having a blade disposed forwardly thereacross. A driven counterweight assembly is also on the frame structure and when driven the counterweight assembly imparts a vibratory-massaging action causing the roller to tamp, compress, or massage the dirt or soil being passed thereover.

Abstract: A vibratory plow suitable for laying flexible cable, pipe and the like underground. The vibratory plow assembly includes a frame which supports the assembly on a tractor, bulldozer or other vehicle, a vibrator and a plow. The vibrator includes a housing and a rotating eccentric weight assembly which imparts an oscillatory motion to the vibrator housing about a neutral axis having a varying and reversing moment. The vibrator is supported on the frame by resilient bearings in the neutral axis of the vibrator and the plow is supported on the vibrator housing spaced from the neutral axis to impart vertical vibration to the blade. The first embodiment includes a blade on each side of the neutral axis, such that the blades are vibrated in opposite directions to impart a shearing action. In the second embodiment, only one blade is utilized and a counterweight is supported on the vibrator housing to counterbalance the blade.

Abstract: A cultivating machine having a body, at least one wheel supporting the body during normal use, and one or more soil-working blades. The blade(s) may be either serrated or generally V-shaped so that it can penetrate the soil and loosen it. The blade(s) is preferably rounded, so that it loosens the soil and pulls weeds out by the roots rather than cutting the tops of the weeds off and leaving the bottoms of the weeds in the ground to regrow, and the blade or at least one of the blades preferably projects laterally beyond the body of the cultivator on at least one side so that the cultivator may be used to loosen the soil and to pull out weeds underneath overhanging leaves of desirable plants without damaging the desirable plants by contact with moving parts of the cultivator. A motor may be mounted on the body and operatively connected to either or both of the wheel and the blades.

Abstract: The disclosed vibratory cable plot has two in line plow blades supported on a trailer having a transverse horizontal pivot and a vibrator which imparts a rocking oscillatory motion to the trailer and the blades. The first blade is preferably shorter, but thicker than the second trailing blade. The second blade is longer than the first blade and has a trailing cable guide guiding flexible cable, pipe and the like into the slot cut by the blades. The double blade assembly is more efficient than a single blade and reduces blade wear.