Abstract: A row planting unit closing system, the system comprising: a first stage closing unit adapted to be attached to a row planting unit and comprising: a first stage frame; and a set of at least one row closing wheel having a closing angle orientation non-perpendicular relative to the ground; and wherein the first stage frame is attached at a first end to the row planting unit, the first stage frame comprising a linkage mechanism for setting a toe in angle orientation of the set of at least one row closing wheel relative to the first stage frame.

Abstract: A mobile imaging device includes a base having at least one caster, a first drive mechanism that moves the system in a transport mode and translates an imaging component relative to the base in a scan mode, and a second drive mechanism that extends caster relative to the base to raise the base off the ground in the transport mode, and retracts the caster relative to the base to lower the base to the ground in the scan mode. A caster system for a mobile apparatus includes a base containing a housing and a caster, attached to the base, the caster having a wheel defining a wheel axis and a swivel joint defining a swivel axis and a pivot point defining a pivot axis, wherein the caster pivots on the pivot axis as the caster is retracted into the housing and extended out of the housing.

Abstract: A seeder includes a frame on ground wheels defining tool bars for seeding elements spaced across the frame. Each element includes a pair of parallel arms connected to the tool bar bracket forming a parallel linkage for up and down movement of a support arm connected at a rear end and carrying the packer wheel. A spring applies a downward spring force on the parallel linkage to apply a downward force on the packer wheel so that the spring force increases as the parallel arms pivot upwardly and decreases as the parallel arms pivot downwardly. A control device is arranged to raise and lower the tool bar in response to a detected value of a sensor so as to change the angle of the parallel linkage and change the spring force. A cam controlled double rack adjustment of the height of the opener allows the user to change seeding depth.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a vehicle (100) is provided with a blade element (1) movable between a first position (2) and a second position (3); the lubrication system comprises a pump (4) connected to a reservoir of lubricant and an actuation element or striker (6) acting on the pump (4), the actuation element (6) being activated in response to the blade element (1) when displaced between the first (2) and the second (3) position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: An improved toolbar implement is described comprising a main support bar for attachment to a tractor, a pair of folding wings supported on a wheel assembly and connected to the main support bar, and a plurality of ground working tool assemblies attached to each of the folding wings and the main support bar. The folding wings pivot about an axis set-back rearwardly from the main support bar to allow clearance of the ground working tools as the wings are moved from a transversely extended working position to a rearwardly extended transport position.

Abstract: Agricultural implement to be conveyed by a self propelled vehicle includes a structural frame and a substructure moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. The substructure has at least one ground engaging tool supported thereon so as to engage the ground when the substructure is moved to the lowered position. A fluid circuit is provided to control engagement of the tool with the ground. The fluid circuit includes a first check valve having a first side connectable to a source of pressurized fluid flow and a second side connected to a fluid cylinder. The fluid cylinder is operated between a retracted position and an extended position to move the substructure between the raised position and the lowered position, respectively. A second check valve is provided having a first side connected to drain and a second side connected to the fluid cylinder. A sensor assembly opens the second check valve when pressurized fluid flow is received by the first side of the first check valve.

Abstract: A stroke limiting structure for use with a lift control system on an implement includes a reciprocating link operably connected to a hydraulic cylinder and to a lift wheel assembly on an implement frame section. The link is connected by a lost motion connection to depth gauging structure including gauge plates pivotally supported on a carrier. The plates are rotatable between disengaged and engaging positions without need for tools and are maintained together on the carrier to eliminate loose parts that could be misplaced or lost. The plates in the engaging position determine the lowermost position of the implement and provide a positive mechanical stop for the implement to eliminate depth control problems caused by cylinder leakage or the like. The lost motion connection eliminates unwanted movement of the plate carrier and facilitates gauge plate pivoting for depth adjustments.

Abstract: An implement depth control system includes a rotating link pivotally connected to the frame adjacent the depth control cylinder. A cylinder pin contacts and rotates the link when the implement is lowered toward the field operating position. One end of an adjustable length member is threaded through a turnbuckle mounted on the link and contacts an actuator to limit cylinder retraction and set operating depth. The opposite end of the member extends to an easily accessed location on the implement and includes a crank handle for turning the member and thereby adjusting the length between the turnbuckle and actuator to vary the depth setting. An indicator near the crank handle provides an accurate depth indication at any depth setting, and relative depth adjustments may be made quickly while the implement is in the lowered field working position.

Abstract: A hydraulic rockshaft control circuit which includes a three-way valve that normally operates the rockshaft is connected to the lift cylinder on a trailing implement. A hitch lock valve connected to the rockshaft control valve maintains the rockshaft in a preselected position regardless of changes in pressure at the valve output. The extend side of the lift cylinder is connected to the control valve output so that the tractor hitch control is used to operate the trailing implement cylinder. To overcome the inability of the three-way valve to positively retract the trailing implement cylinder, a reducing/relieving valve is connected to the retract side of the cylinder and is adjusted to provide just enough pressure to retract the cylinder and raise the implement wheels from ground contact when the extend side is connected to return pressure.A position feedback system on the implement is connected to the hitch control unit (HCU) on the tractor.

Abstract: A chain is connected at its distal end to the pin at the rod end of a cylinder on an implement lift and depth control assembly. An intermediate portion of the chain is trained around a gear which rotates about the axis of the pin connecting the base end of the cylinder to the implement frame. An adjustable length, spring-biased rod is connected to the proximal end of the chain to maintain tension in the chain and operate a single point depth control valve to establish a highly accurate and repeatable depth setting which is dependent directly on cylinder rod extension and therefore less susceptible to looseness in the implement lift system.

Abstract: A soil contacting implement and depth gauging wheel at a predetermined vertical distance from the implement are provided for attachment to a tractor. Upward or downward movement of the wheel on the soil causes a deviation from the predetermined vertical displacement thereby triggering an adjustment to the downward force on the implement so as to reestablish the predetermined displacement. The magnitude of the predetermined displacement manually may be altered. In addition, the downward force of the wheel manually is adjustable without altering the magnitude of the predetermined displacement.

Abstract: A agricultural implement incorporates a frame which is adapted to engage a three point hitch of a tractor. The frame employs a longitudinally extending member which is pivotally connected to a link member. A resilient yielding assembly is disposed between the longitudinally extending member and the link member to absorb forces exerted from the link member onto the longitudinally extended member. Accordingly, when the link is acted upon by forces which cause the link to exert a stress on the three point hitch of a tractor, the resilient yielding assembly allows the first link to pivot about the longitudinal member thereby reducing compressive loads exerted on the upper link of the tractor's three point hitch.

Abstract: A method for fracturing below ground hardpan which includes entering a sub-soil tine beneath the lower surface of a layer of hardpan, with the upper surface angle of the tine in range of orientation which provides an improved fracturing width.

Abstract: A wheel arrangement includes a retainer mechanism with a spring-loaded pin mounted on the walking beam of a support wheel assembly on a folding implement. A mating retainer supported on the wheel support tube is normally offset from the pin when the implement is in the lowered field-working position. As the implement is raised toward the transport position and the angle of the beam changes relative to the support tube, the pin settles in a central notch in the retainer. The retainer mechanism maintains a preselected angle between the beam and the support tube as the outrigger is moved upwardly and the outrigger wheels are raised from the ground, thereby preventing unwanted rocking of the walking beam during transport and maintaining the wheels in a noninterfering relationship with other portions of the implement.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system is provided which includes a pair of transversely spaced rockshaft cylinders which are plumbed in parallel and connected to opposite ends of a rockshaft on the central portion or main frame of a wide implement such as a field cultivor or chisel plow. The left-hand rockshaft cylinder is connected in series with a right-hand outer cylinder located near the right end of the implement. The right-hand rockshaft cylinder is connected in series with a left-hand outer cylinder on the opposite side of the implement. When a ground condition exists which causes, for example, the left side of the implement to dig more deeply and the left-hand wing cylinder to retract, the right-hand rockshaft cylinder will also be caused to retract so the right side of the implement tends to dig in more deeply.

Abstract: An earth scraper attachment adapted to be drawn by a farm tractor or other vehicle having a vertically adjustable three point hitch has an elongated frame with a front tongue portion connectable to the hitch with a specially designed hitch connection member. A rear end portion of the frame is supported on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the frame by a pair of wheels whose heights relative to the frame may be selectively and independently adjusted. Depending from a longitudinally central portion of the frame is an earth scraping blade which is supported on the frame for pivotal motion about a generally vertically extending axis, and may be locked in a selected pivotally adjusted position. A laterally spaced series of downwardly extending earth ripping teeth are supported beneath the frame forwardly of the scraping blade and are used to rip and loosen the earth prior to operation thereon by the scraping blade.

Abstract: The farm implement drawbar is provided with a transverse frame which is pivotally mounted at the rear of the drawbar for movement between a working position and a transport position. The ground engaging rollers are mounted on the frame while separate transport wheels are also fixed to the frame. When the hydraulic ram is actuated to pivot the frame between the work position and the transport position the transport wheels and the earth working wheels move with the frame as a unit.

Abstract: A wide agricultural implement is provided with a pivoted swing hitch permitting endwise transport of the implement when supported on transport wheels which are raised and lowered by power means. A latch holding the hitch in its field working position is automatically released when the transport wheels are lowered to support the implement for endwise transport. The implement frame is made up of two subframes pivotally interconnected by the rock shaft on which the transport wheels are mounted and one of the latch parts is mounted on the rock shaft.

Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism for a framework that supports a multiplicity of ground working tools of an agricultural implement operating at variable depths of ground penetration is disclosed. The variability is acheived by rotation of framework supporting rock shafts pivoting around pivot points on wheel supported wheel frames, which in turn support the rock shafts; rotation causes the lateral spacing of the wheels to vary also. Additionally, flexibility of the framework optionally is provided by having certain fastenings and pivotal attachments between framework members in the form of resilient connections. The novel flexible framework is not critical to operation of the height adjusting mechanism, the latter being operable also with rigid framework.

Abstract: A flexible tool bar apparatus including a first tool bar adapted to have earth working implements attached thereto and a second tool bar also adapted to have earth working implements attached thereto. Two tool bars are pivotally attached at the inner ends thereof. A hydraulic cylinder mechanism is operatively attached at one end thereof to the first tool bar and is operatively attached at the other end thereof to the second tool bar. A fluid device is provided for selectively supplying fluid under pressure to a hydraulic cylinder mechanism for causing the hydraulic cylinder mechanism to hold the tool bar from flexing. The tool bar can flex when the fluid pressure is released.

Abstract: A towable support frame for supporting a pair of 12-row implements in side-by-side relation includes front and rear frame structures interconnected by longitudinal frame members. Front transport and rear wheel assemblies support the frame and implements for transport. Field wheel assemblies cooperate with the rear wheel assemblies for supporting the frame for travel during the field operation. The hitch mechanisms for the 12-row implements are mounted on the support frame at locations with respect to the transport and field wheel assemblies to provide optimum weight distribution.

Abstract: Apparatus for fracturing below ground hard pans which includes entering a sub-soil tyne beneath the hard pan with upper surface angle in range of orientation which provides improved fracturing width.

Abstract: A switch actuation assembly is provided with a support means for supporting the switch in a fixed position relative to orientations of a moveable member. A motion response element is operably connected to the moveable member for being moved in one of two directions in response to movement of the moveable member toward one of the orientations and for being moved in the other of the two directions in response to the movement of the moveable member toward the other of the two orientations. An actuating member is provided for engaging the switch to actuate the switch from a first position to a second position. The actuating member is in frictional contact with the motion response element whereby the actuating member is moved by the response element until any force of resistance to the movement of the actuating member exceeds the static friction force.

Abstract: A pull type minimum tillage implement includes a closed rectangular frame having a forward tool bar, intermediate tool bar and rear tool bar. The ground-working tools travel directly over each previous crop row and include a forward coulter mounted on the forward tool bar followed by a subshank and disk hiller mounted on the intermediate tool bar. A mounted planter may be connected to the rear tool bar while a drawn planter is connected under the rear tool bar to the intermediate tool bar. A pair of depth gauge and support wheel assemblies are provided directly over a pair of rows and include spaced apart frame members extending between the three tool bars with a ground wheel pivot arm positioned therebetween and pivotally connected to a bracket mounted on the front tool bar. A hydraulic cylinder pivots the frame about an axis through the forward end of the implement frame tongue thereby raising the rear end of the implement frame carrying with it the ground-working tools.

Abstract: The linkage mechanism between the front and the rear wheels of a farming implement includes a front and a rear arm the free ends of which suspend the respective wheels. Each arm has a transverse bracket near its other end. The bracket defines, at its free end, a pivot joint of a normally generally horizontal connecting rod whose other end is similarly connected to the bracket of the other arm. Each arm is mounted in a respective bearing for swinging about a point to raise or to lower the frame of the implement. The three pivot points associated with each arm define a respective linkage triangle. The geometry of the linkage triangles is developed from a reference triangle, divided by a median into two triangles of which one corresponds to one of the linkage triangles and the other corresponds to or is similar to the other one of said linkage triangles. The invention facilitates the designing of the linkage.

Abstract: An hydraulic circuit includes a master cylinder and at least one slave cylinder connected in series circuit. An auxiliary discharge conduit with a solenoid-actuated valve is provided to selectively permit the master cylinder to extend its full useful range after the slave cylinders are fully extended. Under normal operation the valve is closed so that the cylinders may extend together. When the slave cylinders reach full extension, the main control valve is kicked out of its detent and the system locks up in that position. If the operator wants the master cylinder to extend further to a second limit position, he opens the solenoid-actuated valve and again operates the main control valve to extend the master cylinder. The system insures that the main control valve will be released from the detent position when the slave cylinder is fully extended at the first limit position of the master cylinder.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a backhoe on a vehicle including a backhoe mounting subframe having a downwardly extending work position and a transport position in which it is pivoted upwardly and outwardly from the work position. The backhoe mounting subframe is pivotally mounted about an axis transverse to the frame of the vehicle. The backhoe mounting subframe is movable at the operator's option between the work position and the transport position, and means are provided for positively latching the backhoe mounting subframe to the vehicle frame either at the work position or at the transport position.

Abstract: A self-leveling agricultural implement is disclosed which has been particularly configured for maintaining the frame of the implement in a level disposition as it is raised and lowered by relative movement of its hydraulically-operated supporting wheels. The construction includes a pivotal draft hitch at a forward end of the implement frame, and a leveling linkage which operatively connects the draft hitch with a rockshaft of the implement which is operatively connected with its hydraulic actuators. Thus, as the actuators operate to relatively raise and lower the implement wheels, attendant rotation of the rockshaft acts to pivot the draft hitch relative to the frame, whereby the level disposition of the frame is maintained. The construction desirably includes an adjustable link which operatively connects the pivotal draft hitch with the leveling linkage, whereby the implement is readily adjustable for use with different tractors having differing drawbar heights.

Abstract: An improved farm implement includes a frame having a forwad hitch which is maintained at a fixed position relative to the remainder of the implement during all stages of operation. The rear end of the frame includes running gear which may be raised and lowered to raise and lower an array of discs and chisel plows in order to cultivate a field, particularly a field which may includes a great amount of field stubble.

Abstract: A combined depth-control and wing-lift hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The circuit is preferably used in combination with a farm implement having a tool bar. The tool bar is horizontally disposed relative to the ground, and is carried by the implement. The hydraulic circuit comprises means to raise and lower the tool bar relative to the ground, thereby to effect depth control. The tool bar includes pivotally connected wings. Each wing carries an associated wing wheel. The hydraulic circuit includes means for causing rotative movement of each wing about its associated tool bar pivot between a substantially horizontally-disposed position and a substantially vertically-disposed position, relative to the ground, and for further causing each wing to be selectively disposed at one of these positions, thereby to effect wing lift. Each wing wheel is coupled to, and is distally spaced from and located beneath, its associated wing structure when such wing is in the substantially horizontally-disposed position.

Abstract: An implement-mounting linkage mechanism for pivotally connecting a frame to a wheeled implement is disclosed. The mechanism is preferably used for pivotally connecting a wheeled load-bearing frame to the backside of a wheeled farm implement. The frame includes wheels adjustable relative to the frame for raising and lowering the frame relative to the ground. The frame preferably includes a plurality of soil-engaging ground-tool implements mounted thereon. The mounting-linkage mechanism of the present invention incorporates a novel non-parallel four-point design which virtually eliminates negative hitch weight when the frame is raised above the ground, in the static case. On the other hand, the novel design results in a net downward force being imposed upon the ground-tool implements when the frame is lowered for soil engagement, in the dynamic case.

Abstract: A novel center pivot hitch assembly mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism of the present invention is preferably carried by a wheeled tool bar and a wheeled agricultural implement. The wheeled agricultural implement or cart is typically moved along a path by a tractor. The mechanism of the present invention pivotally connects the wheeled tool bar to the backside of the cart. The mechanism of the present invention comprises a center pivot hitch assembly and a stabilization assembly. The center pivot hitch assembly selectively allows the wheeled tool bar to pivot transversely and vertically in relation to the path along which the wheeled agricultural implement is being moved. The stabilization assembly includes hydraulic fluid actuator means for selectively maintaining tool bar disposition relative to the agricultural implement backside, when the wheeled tool bar is oriented substantially parallel to the backside of the wheeled agricultural implement.

Abstract: An elevation control mechanism is provided for an agricultural implement. A first lever is pivotally mounted to the implement frame about a pivot axis for oscillation relative to the frame. The first lever carries a ground engaging wheel. A second lever is pivotally mounted to the frame about a pivot axis for oscillation relative to the frame. An extendable and retractable pressure fluid actuator is pivotally connected between the first and second levers for effecting relative movement between the levers to raise and lower the frame relative to the ground. An adjusting arrangement is carried by the frame and connected to the second lever for pivoting the second lever to a selected orientation relative to the frame so as to locate the actuator at a selected position relative to the frame.

Abstract: A farming implement is disclosed having a series of wheel subassemblies supporting a towed frame. Each subassembly has a front wheel, preferably a castor wheel, and a rear wheel arrangement. According to the invention, the rear wheel arrangement is secured to a trailing arm which is connected by a connecting rod with a front arm. The connecting rod, the pivot point of the rear and the front arms and the point at which the rear and the front wheels are secured to the respective arms form, in the preferred embodiment, identical right-angled triangles. The rear arm is operatively associated with a hydraulic cylinder for raising or lifting the trailing arm as the need arises. The movement of the trailing arm is transmitted through the linkage to the front wheel whereby the frame of the implement is maintained at a generally horizontal position at all times.

Abstract: The elevation of a tool carried by an implement towed by a tractor is determined by a hydraulic motor mounted on the implement adjusting the wheel height. A servo valve mounted on the tractor responsive to line pressure controls the hydraulic motor. An operator actuated vent valve mounted on the tractor vents line pressure to control the servo valve. A tool elevation responsive feedback vent valve mounted on the implement increasingly vents line pressure as the hydraulic motor changes tool elevation, to negate the effect of venting by the operator actuated vent valve. When hydraulic motor movement equals movement of the operator actuated vent valve, the feedback venting equals that of the operator actuated bent valve. A second negative feedback on the servo motor pistons then returns the servo valve to neutral closed position and change in tool elevation stops.

Abstract: A vehicle has a frame (2), wheel assemblies (3) connected to the frame, and a lateral support assembly (4) connected between each of the front wheel assemblies and the rear wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly is pivotally connected by an upper pivot member (92) to an upright post (24). A collar (85) is slidable up and down on each post. Bracing hydraulic cylinders (115) connect between the support assembly and the wheel assemblies. A control circuit for the cylinders (115) with a control valve (177) maintains the wheel assemblies upright. Elevator hydraulic cylinders (127) transmit the weight of the frame to the wheels. A control circuit with position control valves (153) automatically adjusts the elevator hydraulic cylinders (127) to hold the frame at a preset elevation and a control circuit with position control valves (171) automatically adjusts the wheel spacing hydraulic cylinders (166) to hold the wheels at a preset spacing.

Abstract: A disk grading terrace plow comprising a plurality of disk units mounted below an angled beam frame which is towed at an angle of 40 to 45 degrees to the direction of tow via a tractor connected to an elevated hitch beam mounted to the said angle beam frame in a lateral position which balances draft torques. Alignment of the said disk units, each comprising a disk blade, shank and attachment structure, along the angled beam frame is such that dirt is excavated from a furrow and discharged both vertically and laterally in front of the next sequential rearward disk. The excavated dirt then continues to shift from disk-to-disk in a compound grading manner until all the dirt is shifted around the rearmost disk blade. The depth of cut for the disk grading terrace plow is controlled by adjusting hydraulic cylinders connected to a front and rear gauge wheel, respectively.

Abstract: A wheeled agricultural implement that serves as a tool bar and transporter and disburser of agricultural chemicals. The implement provides a storage reservoir, a spray type disbursement system and apparatus for attachment to other agricultural implements for injection of chemicals into the soil. Pumping and metering systems are provided to aid measured disbursement of the chemicals. The implement provides secondary wheel structure to allow it to be moved, perpendicularly to its normal course of field travel, for transport over roadways.

Abstract: A transplanter mounting attachment for attachment to a crop harvester including a pivot shaft operatively connected for rotation about an axis extending longitudinally with respect to a support frame of a crop harvester. A rotating sleeve substantially orthogonally disposed with respect to the pivot shaft and rotatably mounted relative thereto. A connecting shaft substantially orthogonally disposed with respect to the pivot shaft and rotatably mounted relative thereto. At least one transplanter attaching assembly operatively connected to the rotating sleeve and being raised or lowered upon rotary motion being imparted to the rotating sleeve. Wheels are provided which are operatively connected to the connecting shaft for engaging the ground surface to support the transplanter attaching assembly. The transplanter attaching assembly is free to rotate about substantially horizontal axes which extend substantially parallel and perpendicular to the support frame of a crop harvester.

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: A hydraulic cylinder safety lock allows an operator of an implement controlled through the use of an extendable and retractable hydraulic cylinder to mechanically lock the cylinder in a transport position. The lock also is used to lock the cylinder during storage between seasons so that the implements being operated by such cylinder or cylinders will not tend to settle under loads.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for seed planting having a series of independent planter units at the rear of a frame with the planter units connected to the frame in such a manner that the press wheels of the planter units form the rear wheels of the implement, the frame having forward wheels, and the series of independent units are interconnected through common hydraulic means to allow accommodation of ground irregularities without materially changing the downward loading on each independent unit.

Abstract: A tractor-drawn plow is carried at its left front end on a tractor via vertically shiftable hitch means and at its right front end on a furrow wheel linkage means providing for raising and lowering of the frame among transport, open-up plowing and normal plowing positions. The hitch means and furrow wheel linkage include separate hydraulic motors of the two-way type, and these are connected hydraulically in series, with provision for re-phasing, to insure substantial leveling of the frame during raising and lowering movement of the frame. Provision is made in the connection of the hitch motor to the hitch means for enabling limited retrograde movement of the hitch motor piston to a position covering the re-phase port after the hitch motor has extended to fully raise the frame. Further provision is made in the furrow wheel linkage enabling lowering of the frame to either open-up plowing position or normal plowing position by retraction strokes of the same length of the furrow wheel motor.

Abstract: A lift mechanism for implements such as tool bar frames used with field cultivators and chisel plows includes means for eliminating torsional loading on the axle support and react vehicle loads through a three bar mechanism back to the frame. All structural members carrying loads are therefore stressed in compression or tension.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus and more specifically a cultivator intended to till the soil for the incorporation of chemical solutions and to prepare it for sowing. This cultivator has a double-wheel-mounted frame capable of being hitched to a tractor, at least one transverse row of tines at the front or drawing end and at least one additional transverse row of the tines at the rear. A single or double transverse cylindrical rolling harrow, spring-pressed downwardly and oscillating vertically, is provided behind the rear tines, the harrow having a churning action which breaks up the lumps left after the soil has been loosened by the tines. A further transverse rolling harrow is also provided between the front and rear rows of tines, generally at the center of the frame. This additional harrow is, like the rear one, pressed downwardly by springs and is also able to oscillate vertically.

Abstract: A tractor-drawn agricultural implement of the type that requires a floating hitch member while operating but a rigid hitch member while in transport. This is achieved according to the present invention by linkage connected between a hitch member control mechanism and the cranked axle that serves as the wheeled carrying structure for the implement main frame. The linkage is arranged so that when the main frame is in its lowered or operating mode, a stop is clear from the hitch member control so that the hitch member has a free pivotal movement about a transverse axis, but when the frame is raised to transport or raised mode, the stop engages the hitch member control and renders the hitch member rigid with the frame.

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 tractor-drawn plow is carried at its left front end on a tractor via vertically shiftable hitch means and at its right front end on a furrow wheel linkage means providing for raising and lowering of the frame among transport, open-up plowing and normal plowing positions. The hitch means and furrow wheel linkage include separate hydraulic motors of the two-way type, and these are connected hydraulically in series, with provision for re-phasing, to insure substantial leveling of the frame during raising and lowering movement of the frame. Provision is made in the connection of the hitch motor to the hitch means for enabling limited retrograde movement of the hitch motor piston to a position covering the re-phase port after the hitch motor has extended to fully raise the frame. Further provision is made in the furrow wheel linkage enabling lowering of the frame to either open-up plowing position or normal plowing position by retraction strokes of the same length of the furrow wheel motor.