Abstract: A three point hitch assembly for attachment to the rear of a powered vehicle, such as a four wheel drive vehicle, for trailing an implement. The three point hitch assembly is pivotal in a horizontal plane to allow for decreased turning radius when the implement is rendered operable, and vertically adjustable for positioning the implement. The three point hitch assembly includes a fixed planar plate mounting device for removably securing the three point hitch assembly to the rear of the powered vehicle, and a pivotal main frame mounting a rotating planar base and adapted for pivotal movement on the fixed planar plate. The pivotal main frame includes an L-shaped member, fixedly secured to the rotating planar base, a transverse arm having a pair of free ends, with each end pivotally mounting a lifting arm, where a free end of each lifting arm includes a mounting device for removably securing the implement. Additionally, there is included at least one adjustable leveling arm.

Abstract: A processing device for determining a position of a first member capable of movement in at least two axes. A first processing device receives a first member actual position along a first axis. The first processing device determines and transmits a first member limit position along a second axis as a function of the first member actual position along the first axis.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for a work vehicle includes a first draft link adapted to be pivotably coupled to the work vehicle, a second draft link adapted to be pivotably coupled to the work vehicle, a first linear actuator having a first end adapted to be pivotably coupled to the vehicle and a second end pivotably coupled to the first draft link and a linear member having a third end adapted to be pivotably coupled to the work vehicle and a fourth end pivotably coupled to the second draft link. The first and second draft links are pivotable relative to one another. The first linear actuator is actuatable to different lengths to pivot the first draft link relative to the linear member. In one exemplary embodiment, the linear member comprises a second linear actuator.

Abstract: An assembly with a lower steering arm has a strut 1 and an attaching end 16. The attaching end 16 includes a base member 18 and a cover 19. A blocking pawl 34 is supported in the base member 18. The cover 19 is welded to the base member 18. The cover 19 includes a stop face 30 for the end face 10 of the strut 1. Thus, any tolerances in the region of the base member 18 provided in the form of a forging do not affect the position of the stop face 30. The latter can be aligned when connecting the base member 18 and the cover 19. Because of its setting contour, an actuating lever 43 can be used for both the right hand and the left hand lower steering arm.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a front, first and second opposite sides extending rearwardly from the front, first and second lower links extending forward the front and an upper link above and between the first and second lower links. The first and second lower links have first end portions pivotably supported about a first axis and second end portions configured for being coupled to an implement. The upper link includes a tongue and first and second arms extending from the tongue. The first and second arms are spaced apart from one another and receive the front and first and second sides of the vehicle therebetween. The first and second arms are pivotably coupled to the vehicle to pivotably support the tongue about an axis rearward of the front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mounting frame 10 is intended to be used with a three point hitch apparatus 4 on the rear of powered vehicle, such as a tractor. The frame 10 is rectangular so that the center is open to permit clearance for a power take off. A ball socket 20 is mounted on a horizontal lower frame beam 12 for attachment of a towed vehicle to the powered vehicle. The top of the frame 10 is attached to the tractor by a telescoping arm 60 that can be extended from a retracted to an extended position so that the frame 10 can be tilted or dumping or similar operations. A ball adaptor 34 can be mounted in the center of the mounting frame 10 to permit attachment of a towed implement or vehicle with a male attachment member, such as a ball. A center beam 78 can also be mounted on the center of the mounting frame 10 for supporting and carrying loads. The mounting frame 10 facilitates towing, hauling, dumping, scraping and is compatible with a power takeoff as used for conventional farm implements.

Abstract: An adjustable three-point hitch for allowing a user to hydraulically manipulate the rotational position of an implement with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tractor. The inventive device includes a support frame attachable to a front portion of a tractor frame, a pair of lift arms pivotally attached to the support frame, a pair of lifting cylinders fluidly connected in parallel and attached between the support frame and the pair of lift arms, a center arm pivotally attached to the support frame, a tilting arm having a slot pivotally attached to one of the lift arms, an engaging member extending from the opposing lift arm within the slot, and a tilting cylinder attached between the support frame and the tilting arm for manipulating the tilting arm. To adjust the position of the lift arms with respect to one another, the tilting cylinder is extended or retracted until the desired position is reached.

Abstract: The three point hitch mounting system allows a pick up truck to be fitted with a three point hitch so that the pick up truck can be used to transport and operate common agricultural and industrial implements such as mowers, plows, and tillers. In enhanced embodiments, the mounting system provides for a stand that allows the hitch to stand freely when not mounted on a truck, a lift device to allow control of the depth and height of the implement, and a power source and power takeoff ("PTO") for driving powered implements, such as a mower.

Abstract: An adjustable length lower lift arm is provided for a tractor three-point hitch to enable the tractor to be conveniently and quickly attached to an implement. The adjustable length lower lift arm includes a rearwardly extending connector bar which is movable by means of a hydraulic cylinder positioned in the housing of the lower lift arm. The rearwardly extending bar is moved by means of the hydraulic cylinder to enable the connector at the rearward end of the bar to be aligned with the connector on the implement.

Abstract: An improved three-point hitch assembly is provided with on board storage for towing implements or the like. The hitch assembly includes a frame having an upstanding post carried on a cross bar. A hitch receiver for holding and supporting a hitch bar or tow bar in a towing position is carried on the frame, preferably on the underside of the cross bar. One or more receptacles are carried on the cross bar adjacent to the upstanding post for receiving and holding a towing implement when not in use. An auxiliary receiver is provided on the upstanding post for supporting an auxiliary implement, such as a spear, in an operative position. The cross bar is substantially hollow and includes an tubular insert for receiving and holding the auxiliary implement when not in use. An elevated hitch ball is also provided on the upper portion of the upstanding post to provide the hitch with gooseneck towing capability.

Abstract: Hitch for interconnecting a tractor to a towed implement such as a sprayer, operated by a power takeoff (PTO) of the tractor. The hitch has a turning axis located close to the front of the implement, and a universal joint in the PTO shall be in vertical alignment with the turning axis. The towed implement thus more nearly tracks the tractor in turn, and the universal joint undergoes less vibration and thrust loading during turns.

Abstract: A hitch for a work machine such as an agricultural tractor permits controlled towing of an implement behind the work machine. The hitch is attached to the machine frame. The hitch includes first and second draft arms that are pivotally connected with and spaced apart on the frame by intermediate links. The intermediate links provide pivotal movement of the draft arms constrained about a first horizontal axis. The intermediate links also provide pivotal movement of the first draft arm constrained about a second axis, and of the second draft arm constrained about a third axis. At least one draft cylinder is connected to one of the intermediate links and to a respective draft arm. The hitch incorporates multiple degrees of movement in a compact package and is useful as a steerable component of the machine to provide positive steering force.

Abstract: A rocker for a work vehicle hitch includes a rockshaft and a pair of rocker arms coupled to the rockshaft at rocker arm bases. The rocker is designed to be mounted to the work vehicle by support brackets. Each rocker arm base includes a cavity for receiving a portion of a support bracket. A bearing assembly is located within each base for supporting the rocker on the support brackets for rotation about a rocker rotational axis. Each rocker arm includes an actuator support for coupling to an actuator and a lift link support. The actuator and lift link supports permit rotation of actuators and lift links to raise and lower implements coupled to the hitch. As the rocker is rotated about its axis, each rocker arm base and rocker arm move through respective planes of rotation. Each bearing lies substantially within the plane of rotation of the associated rocker arm base.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for a tractor is disclosed, which includes a rotatable carriage support that is carried on a fixed trunnion for providing oscillation of the hitch frame about horizontal first axis. The rotatably carriage support also pivotally mounts a hitch carriage about a second axis to provide the hitch assembly with the ability to articulate as well. Camming apparatus is also provided to progressively restrict the oscillation of the hitch frame as it is being raised and stop surfaces restrict articulation when the hitch frame is in its raised position. The articulation and oscillation ability of the hitch provides improved ease of steering and control of the tractor and improved ground contact of a ground-contacting implement on the hitch frame. A power-take-off shaft extends through said center of the fixed trunnion supporting the hitch mounting to permit simultaneous connection of the implement with the hitch and the power-take-off shaft for transmitting rotary power to the implement.

Abstract: A hitch mechanism includes a coupler frame supporting a plurality of coupler devices for coupling with an implement. A fixed length link and three variable length links are attached to the coupler frame, has a first end pivotally coupled to the vehicle and a second end pivotally coupled to a central part of the coupler frame. Three variable length links, each variable length link having a first end pivotally coupled to the vehicle and a second end pivotally coupled to the coupler frame. The three variable length links preferably extend generally parallel to each other and are spaced apart in a triangular array, and the fixed length link is positioned near the center of the array. The three variable length links include an upper link and left and right lower links. The three variable length links are preferably hydraulic cylinders which can be extended and retracted.

Abstract: A hitching device for attachment to a three-point hitch, or to a quick-attaching coupler on a three-point hitch, has a frame removably coupled to the draft links of the three-point hitch or hooks of a quick-attaching coupler. The frame has a horizontal member adapted to allow attachment of an implement. The horizontal member is disposed at a location that is below the draft links and that is forward of the ends of the draft links so that the horizontal member is closer to the tractor or other drive vehicle than the ends of the draft links. An alternative embodiment of hitching device includes an elevated hitch ball on top thereof for accommodating a fifth wheel trailer hitch. A pair of tine receiving slots are positioned in the two lowermost corners of the alternative hitching device frame for receiving a respective pair of rearwardly extending fork lift tines.

Abstract: A self-contained hydraulic three point hitch assembly including a plate; a pair of frame rail mounts, a pair of strut mounts, a pair of hydraulic actuator mounts, and a pair of lifting arm mounts on the plate; a pair of lifting arms, each pivotally attached to a lifting arm mount; a pair of hydraulic actuators each interconnected between a hydraulic actuator mount and a lifting arm; and a pair of struts, each attached on one end to a strut mount.

Abstract: A hitch module for a track-type work machine in which the pivot point of a towed work implement is varied by selectively positioning a pair of links joining the work machine to a hitch frame.

Abstract: The female unit is movably connected at its upper end to the implement upper end by a link device providing both vertical and horizontal pivotal adjustability therebetween, while their lower ends are pivotally connected.

Abstract: A hitch for a machine such as an agricultural tractor permits controlled towing of an implement behind the machine. The hitch has a frame attached to the machine and a subframe mounted to the frame for movement about a first or pivot axis with respect thereto. A mast is attached to the subframe so that it may pivot relative to the subframe about a second or pitch axis perpendicular to the pivot axis. The mast has a hitch element and a carrier positioned in movable engagement one with the other to permit relative elevational movement of the hitch element. The hitch incorporates multiple degrees of movement in a compact package and is useful as a steerable component of the machine to provide positive steering force.

Abstract: A tractor hitch engageable and disengageable by an operator without leaving a tractor seat includes an upwardly and inwardly tapering cam (A) carried by a tractor at three-point hitch locations for engagement between inwardly extending marginal guides (C) integral with a complementary substantially wedge shaped cam follower (B) carried by an implement. The method includes positioning the cam below the cam follower and then lifting the cam by raising hydraulic lift arms (D) carried by the tractor exerting a guiding action between the cam and the cam follower bringing them into interlocking relation for thereafter automatically engaging a latch (E) dislodgement of the cam from the cam follower as during transport of the implement may be avoided.

Abstract: A hitching device for attachment to a three-point hitch of a tractor has a frame removably coupled to and extending between the draft links of the three-point hitch. The frame has a horizontal member adapted to allow attachment of an implement. The horizontal member is disposed at a location that is below the draft links and that is forward of the ends of the draft links so that the horizontal member is closer to the tractor than the ends of the draft links. An alternative embodiment of hitching device includes an elevated hitch ball on top thereof for accommodating a fifth wheel trailer hitch. A pair of tine receiving slots are positioned in the two lowermost corners of the alternative hitching device frame for receiving a respective pair of rearwardly extending fork lift tines.

Abstract: A cultivator apparatus, for use on a motor vehicle, includes a blade-support/vehicle-connector assembly which includes a horizontally oriented base portion, blade connectors attached to the base portion for connecting to a blade assembly, and first vehicle connectors attached to the base portion for connecting to the motor vehicle. A blade assembly is connected to the blade connectors and extends downward from the base portion. The blade assembly includes a pair of downwardly descending strut members connected to the blade connectors and includes a horizontally extending scraper blade unit connected to the strut members. The blade-support/vehicle-connector assembly further includes a lift-link assembly supported by the base portion. The lift-link assembly includes housing walls connected to the base portion. A lower link-support pin is connected horizontally between the housing walls. An upper link-support pin is connected horizontally between the housing walls.

Abstract: In a working vehicle including a first control valve assembly (15) for controlling the operation of a hydraulic lift cylinder (14), a cylinder case (13) of the lift cylinder includes, at one of its side surfaces, a vertical seating surface (52) on which a second control valve assembly (20) for controlling the operation of plural another hydraulic actuators (18, 19) is mounted. The second valve assembly includes plural control valve spools (31, 32) which extend in the valve case axially of the vehicle at levels different from one another.

Abstract: A conversion hitch for a farm implement, such as a drill, comprising a connector which is removably secured to the forward end of the implement hitch and which has a first support member extending forwardly therefrom. A second support member is pivotally connected, about vertical and horizontal axes, to the forward end of the first support member and has connectors at the opposite ends thereof which are adapted to be secured to the rearward ends of the lift arms of the two-point hitch of the tractor.

Abstract: The forward end of a draft tongue of a towed, power take-off driven implement carries a transmission including an upper right-angle gear box rigidly fixed to the tongue and a lower right-angle gear box swivelly mounted to the tongue for rotation about a vertical yaw axis. A swivel hitch includes a frame secured to the lower right-angle gear box and to an upright extending pivot member forming part of the swivel mounting of the lower right-angle gear box. A longitudinal pivot member is swivelly mounted to the hitch frame along a roll axis. In one embodiment, a vertical clevis is fixed to a forward end of the longitudinal pivot member and is pivotally connected to a drawbar adaptor for relative rotation about a horizontal transverse pitch axis, the latter being located close to the rear end of a drawbar received in a receptacle defined by the adaptor.

Abstract: A coupling and centering device is attached to a journal (38) of a carrying frame (37) of an agricultural implement. The coupling and centering device has a catching ball (7) and a catching profile (14). The catching profile (14) has a sleeve (15) and a catching plate (25) which are connected to one another. The sleeve (15), in the fitted condition, enters a bore step (12) of the catching ball. The catching plate (25) is arranged relative to the sleeve (15) such that the transverse bore (19), for receiving the lynch pin, is arranged in the region of the wall of the catching plate (25). Thus, in view of a predetermined length of the journal (38) and the provision of the fixing bore (39), the greatest possible guiding length of the sleeve (15) is achieved on the journal (38). In this way, the strength of the connection is affected positively.

Abstract: A hitch assembly is disclosed for use with endless track land vehicles that allows an implement mounted by a three-point hitch arrangement up to about 15 degrees arcing movement off the longitudinal axis oriented in the direction of travel of the land vehicle. A pivotal mounting means is connected to two horizontal arms which are joined at the rear by another member. The mounting means and connecting arms form a four-sided polygonal structure which can be raised or lowered by a hydraulic ram since the arms are pivotally connected at the corners. Finally, a telescoping linkage assembly, after the hitch assembly has been raised through 75 percent of its travel, urges the implement mounting means on the rear vertical connecting arm into a common, pre-selected travel position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a towing arrangement for a work vehicle. The towing arrangement includes a generally fore-and-aft extending positioning frame including a main frame and a guide frame. The main frame is pivotally connected to the vehicle for vertical pivotal movement between a raised transport position and a lowered position and the guide frame is supported by and movable longitudinally of the main frame and extendable from the free end of the frame by a hydraulic cylinder connected between the main frame and the slide frame. Lift arms are connected to the free end of the positioning frame for moving the frame between its raised and lowered positions, and a towing device is carried by the free end of the positioning frame. A retaining plate is secured to the rear of the vehicle and has a pair of rearwardly extending brackets secured thereto. A retaining lug is attached to one of the towing device and the free end of the positioning frame.

Abstract: Presented is an apparatus that includes a unitary frame configured to present three mounting portions spacially separated from one another in a triangular pattern and lying in a common plane to be pivotally connected to and supported by the hitch members of a three-point hitch system mounted on the rear of a tractor and actuable hydraulically to alter the elevation of the three-point hitch system and therefore the unitary frame of the apparatus. The apparatus facilitates connecting different types of agricultural and other trailer-type implements to the tractor and for selectively varying the size of the apparatus to accommodate three-point hitch systems of different sizes.

Abstract: A coupling device for a tractor provided with a three point hitch. The coupling device has a first coupling frame, and a second coupling frame, provided with at least an upper and two lower fastening links for hinged fastening of a tool, the first coupling frame being provided with a first coupling element in longitudinally and directionally variable rotation connection with the rotating shaft of the tractor. The second coupling frame is provided with a second coupling element being rotatably connectable with the first coupling element, to transfer the effect of the rotating shaft to the tool. The coupling frames are provided with cooperating upper and lower fastening elements. The upper fastening element of the first coupling frame consists of two fastening hooks turned from the tractor, provided at a spaced horizontal distance from each other symmetrically from the vertical symmetric axis of the coupling frame, converging upwards towards each other.

Abstract: A self-contained, modular three-point hitch including a three-point hitch fixture with a power take off drive bearing, a pair of lifting arm mounts, a fixed third point hitch, and a channel housing a lifting arm drive device; and a lifting arm subassembly mounted in the lifting arm mounts, the lifting arm subassembly having a pair of lifting arms mounted to an outer tube, and a lifting arm drive bar extending within the outer tube, the bar including a lifting arm drive member connected to the lifting arm drive device.

Abstract: A self-centering device for quick hooking and release of farm tools on to and off of a tractor provided with a hydraulic hoister. The device includes a first substantially triangular male element preferably coupled to the tractor, a second substantially triangular female element preferably coupled to the farm tool to be hooked. The first and second substantially triangular elements are coupable to each other and a coupling and releasing mechanism for coupling and releasing the two elements is provided, and is operable directly from the tractor.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for a work vehicle, such as an agricultural tractor, includes a pair of mounting brackets, a rocker pivotally mounted on the brackets, a pair of draft links secured to the brackets, a pair of actuators coupled between the brackets and the rocker and a pair of lift links coupled between the rocker and the draft links. The mounting brackets are generally C-shaped unitary structures that include a rocker support, an actuator support and a draft link support, preferably all lying within a common plane, permitting forces to be transmitted to the bracket and to the vehicle with a minimum of lateral bending stress. The brackets are preferably identical to one another and include mounting pads on both sides, permitting the brackets to be interchangeably mounted on either the left or the right side of the vehicle.

Abstract: Lifting device (D) comprising a frame (4) for fixing to a tractor chassis, the frame being fitted, on its lower part, with lower securing member (A), articulated about a transverse axis and extending towards the front, with its ends capable of being coupled to the two lower fastening points of a tool, and on its higher part, with a median upper securing members (16); lifting members (14) are provided between the frame (4) and lower securing members. The lower securing members (A) comprise, firstly, a lower primary structure (19), articulated at its rear part on a transverse axis (18) carried by the frame (4), and provided on the front with two longitudinal lateral extensions (21) in which a transverse bearing (26) is provided, and secondly, a forearm (29) associated with each longitudinal extension 921) and articulated about an axis (34) carried by the bearing.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle, such as the type commonly known as a tractor, includes a chassis (11), a front axle (18) and a rear axle (40) suspended from the chassis (11) by a rear axle suspension (42-45). The rear axle suspension is preferably non-reactive, and preferably self-leveling. Further, a towing assembly (60) is secured to the rear axle by which a plow may be towed.

Abstract: An adapter for the three point hitch on an agricultural tractor for lifting and transporting the header of a combine harvesting machine comprising a frame with appropriately positioned hitch pins for engaging the three point hitch and an upper frame member adapted to engage the feed opening in the combine header housing and a pair of bumpers on a lower frame member to stabilize the header when it is lifted or transported.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a soilworking rotary machine in which there are kinematic and shape soilworking elements that obtain a cultivation effect to open and turn the soil. The fundamental unit of the machine is the cultivation unit compounded to tillage sections. The tillage sections are built with blades joined to the common holder. The blades are twisted, the holder is cone shaped and tillage sections are positioned at approximately a 450.degree. angle to the direction of linear velocity. The tillage sections, together with a transmission and support wheels, is affixed to the common frame.

Abstract: A coupling hook (5) for the lower steering arms (3) of a three-point attaching device of a tractor has a hook body (6) with a locking pawl (7). The pawl (7) is spring-loaded in the direction of the locking position. The locking pawl (7) is arranged in a recess (12) of the hook body (6) and projects through an aperture (13) into a bearing recess (10), which receives a bearing ball (11). For the purpose of supporting and guiding the locking pawl (7), the hook body (6) includes a first stop face (14), a second supporting stop (15) offset backwardly at a distance therefrom and a locking stop (16). In the locking position, the locking pawl (7) is supported on the looking stop (16) via a first supporting face (19), a second supporting face (21) and a locking face (22).

Abstract: A hitch for connecting and disconnecting implements to a tractor. A hitch with a tapered opening that can rotate in any direction is connected to a tractor's lift arms and stabilizer bars. When the hitch has made contact with the implement being used a retaining pin is inserted through the hitch to secure the implement while in use. To disconnect the implement, remove retaining pin from the hitch and store in the tab on the side of the hitch and drive away from the implement.

Abstract: Three point hitch for Hummer truck, stake truck, pickup truck, farm tractor front mount, or trailer frame. A three point hitch mounted on the rear bumper of a Hummer or pickup, the back of the bed of a stake truck, and braced to the frame or bed determined by mounting height, also adaptable to farm tractor front mount, other vehicles and trailer frames with proper bracketing. The hitch has a pair of lower lift arms and a adjustable top link to allow the mounting of standard three point agricultural equipment. It has a frame assembly with a rock shaft containing a cylinder crank arm and outer crank lift arms, hydraulic cylinder, two drag links and two lower lift arms. It also contains a two inch square receiver for use of any standard two inch towing slider, and a power take-off shaft assembly to power accessories. All moving parts are easily removable from the basic frame allowing free turning radius when used in towing operations.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor includes an axle body and a vehicle substructure. A generally vertical lifting structure is rigidly attached to the vehicle substructure and engages a lifting frame which is adjustable in height. The lifting frame carries coupling and/or drive arrangements for implements. A hydraulic cylinder is arranged between the lifting frame and the axle body. The cylinder is connected to a hydro-pneumatic pressure reservoir and functions as an elastic spring support. A lock can be engaged to fix the lifting structure rigidly to the axle body. A transport lock can be selectively engaged to rigidly connect the lifting structure to the lifting frame. A selector valve selective connects the pressure chamber of the hydraulic cylinder with either a hydro-pneumatic pressure reservoir or with a lifting control arrangement. Preferably the lifting structure is designed as a rollover structure.

Abstract: Hitch ball assemblies for implement hitches are welded directly into holes formed in sidewalls of tubing ends which have been flattened to provide direct load transfer from the tubing to the implement frame. Several different flattened end cross-sectional configurations provide strong ball joint areas with a pleasing appearance. In one embodiment, an additional plate is supported between the sidewalls prior to flattening, and the hole is formed in the two sidewalls and the plate in the same hole-forming operation. The reduced number of hitch parts and welding steps decreases cost and dimensional variations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a side strut (6) for the lower steering arm of a three-point hitch of a tractor. Locking catches (24, 25) are provided to cancel the floating position which the two telescopic members (14, 15) of the side strut 6 may assume relative to each other. The catches (24, 25) lock the members via locking contours (29, 30) of a locking recess 28, which surround and secure to a locking journal (31). The two locking catches (24, 25) are arranged at the sides of the telescopic members (14, 15). The locking catches have their pivot axis of the articulated journal (27) the points of contact between the locking contours (29, 30) and the locking journals (31), in a locked position, positioned on a connecting line. The line extends parallel to the sliding axis (16) and through the pivot axis of the ball eye (13). In this way, it is ensured that the locking catches (24, 25) and also the side strut (6), together, are not subject to any bending moments resulting from any tensile or compressive forces.

Abstract: An inventive three-point hitch assembly that attaches to the front end of a truck or pickup and supports at three points a plurality of implements or tools. It has a belt-driven power take-off for rotary tools that is controlled by an electric clutch and driven by a pulley attached below the truck engine pulley. A hydraulic lift cylinder raises and lowers the hitch and implement or tool, which by the hitch parallelogram form maintains the implements in a vertical orientation. The lift cylinder hydraulic pressure is supplied by connections to the truck power steering system via electrically controlled solenoid valves.

Abstract: A telescoping draft link assembly includes a hollow first tractor-coupled link and a second implement-coupled link slidably received by a channel in the first link. A pocket is formed in the first link next to the channel. A plate is pivotally mounted in the pocket and is pivotal from a release position wherein the plate is entirely received in the pocket to a locking position wherein at least a portion of the plate projects into the channel. The second link has a notch formed therein, an end of the notch forming a shoulder which is engageable with the plate to releasably hold the second link in the retracted position. A spring is biased to urge the plate towards its locking position and a knob is attached to the plate so that an operator may pivot the plate to a release position.

Abstract: A hitch guidance mechanism for an agricultural vehicle having a pair of movable draft links for coupling to an implement and having a pair of brackets attached to the rear end of a frame of the vehicle. The brackets are positioned above and on opposite sides of a PTO shaft which projects from the frame. Pivot arms are pivotally suspended from the brackets. Left and right sway block supports are pivotally coupled to the lower ends of the pivot arms. The sway block supports are rigidly interconnected to each other by a rectangular plate and an adjustable length rod. A pair of sway blocks slidably engage the draft links and are adjustably fixable to the sway block supports. An actuator is coupled between the frame and one of the sway block supports for controlling lateral movement of the sway block supports, the sway blocks and the draft links.

Abstract: A collapsible bar assembly which is particularly useful in couplings between a tractor and an agricultural implement, the collapsible bar assembly having first and second bars which are normally co-linear but which rotate relative to one another when a predetermined compressive force is applied thereto such as by the agricultural implement striking an obstruction. The bar assembly can be incorporated into the draw bar or into various parts of the equipment such as a plough or the like which has ground working tines.

Abstract: A hitch assembly for coupling an implement to a prime mover is disclosed, which includes a first connector assembly, having a mount for mounting the first connector assembly onto the prime mover, and a second connector assembly having a mount for mounting the second connector assembly onto the implement. One or, preferably, a plurality of complementary plug and socket members is provided for the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly with the plug member(s) and the socket member(s) being disposed on the connector assemblies at an upper medial location thereof and at a lower outer location at an opposite side of the medial location. The socket member is provided with a throat portion which is disposed with its entry axis being substantially horizontal and with entry to the throat portion being bounded by an outwardly diverging lip portion.

Abstract: A rigid pickup truck cargo supporting V shaped frame comprises necessary structural members to hole it in a V shape and to allow its narrow end frame work to be coupled to the rear of a pickup truck, below the cargo bed level, per the pickup truck's standard type trailer hitch coupler bail. The wider portion of the V shaped frame extends a number of feet rearward in a slight upward slope away from the pickup truck's rear end. A long member attached crossways at the wide end of the V shaped frame provides a cargo load carrying surface. The V shaped frame is supported and made laterally stable by a square like frame which can be attached crossways at any of several points along the more forward or more narrow section of the V shaped frame. The square like frame extends up vertically from the V shaped frame to the lowered pickup truck tailgate. The long horizontal upper member of the square like frame rest on the lowered pickup truck tailgate for support.