Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention an extension section of a frame is held down in its locked position by the same mechanism that folds and unfolds the frame extension. When the frame extension is in its locked down position, it bears against a limit stop that precludes further movement in an unfolding direction. An operating link that is pushed and pulled by a hydraulic cylinder to manipulate the frame extension is controlled in such a way by a guide member that the line of action of the link is directed transversely toward a guide surface of the guide when the frame extension is in its unfolded position. Thus, only a small amount of force is required from the hydraulic cylinder at that time to maintain the link in its locked position, since most of the load from the link is born by the guide surface at this time. In a preferred embodiment, the line of action of the link is approximately perpendicular to the guide surface.

Abstract: A folding agricultural implement is disclosed having a frame including an inner section, a pair of intermediate sections, and a pair of end sections. The inner section and the end sections of the frame are equipped with lift wheel assemblies including a ground engaging wheel and a wheel cylinder connected to the ground engaging wheel for selectively raising and lowering the frame relative to the ground. The intermediate sections have no lift wheel assemblies. The joints between the end sections and the intermediate sections are held rigid when the implement is in the working position, but can be folded to move the implement into the transport position. When the implement is folded, the intermediate sections and end sections are first raised together relative to the inner section. After the intermediate sections and end sections reach a generally vertical position, the end sections are then folded downwardly over the inner section.

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

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises a main frame segment and left and right wing frame segments. In its working configuration the wing frame segments extend transversely. In its transport configuration the wing frame segments are folded forwardly. The wing frame segments are provided with a rear rank of planting units that are mounted to the wing frame segments by pivot arms that extend downwardly and rearwardly. The pivot arms are pivotally mounted to the wing frame segments by a rock shaft. The rock shaft is provided with an actuator bell crank that is coupled to a linear actuator for rotating the rock shaft relative to the wing frame segments. The pivot arms have a working position, wherein the planting units are in their working position, and a transport position, wherein the planting units have been pivoted on their noses into their substantially vertical transport position to reduce the transverse transport width of the seeding machine.

Abstract: A seeding machine having a wing frame with planting units. The planting units are coupled to the wing frame by a pivot arm. The pivot arms move the planting units between a horizontal working configuration and a vertical transport configuration. An operator walkway is located above the planting units. The operator walkway comprises a walkway frame and a footboard. The walkway frame is pivotally coupled to the wing frame segment by a walkway frame pin. The footboard is pivotally coupled to the walkway frame by a footboard pin. As the planting units are moved from their horizontal working configuration to their vertical transport configuration the walkway frame and attached footboard are automatically folded between the planting units and the respective wing frame segment.

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

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

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

Abstract: A swivel device is provided for support wheels on front attachments for agricultural machines, in particular for swath pick-up devices on forage harvesters and bale presses. An embodiment includes coupling plates (11) attached to the front free end of the supporting arm (10). Attached to the coupling plates (11) are coupling levers (13, 14), which are connected to swivel plates (15). The swivel plates (15) are connected by a swivel pin (16) to a wheel yoke (17) for receiving the support wheel (7). Between a fixed point on the supporting arm (10) and the coupling lever (14) is arranged a hydraulic cylinder (8).

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

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

Abstract: An agricultural planter is provided with forwardly folding wing members that allow conversion of the planter from a laterally extending operating position to a compact transport position. To increase stability for the planter, the draw bar telescopes as the wing members are folded forwardly into the transport position. Brace members interconnect a forward portion of the draw bar and the wing members. As the wing members fold forwardly, the brace members are arranged to cause a rearward portion of the draw bar to extend rearwardly from the forward portion and effect the telescopic action in the draw bar. A draw bar hitch lock linkage is provided to keep the draw bar compacted when the wing members are in the operating position. A hitch lock actuator is tied into the hydraulic system for the movement of the wing members into the transport position to permit the telescopic action of the draw bar in concert with the forward folding of the wing members.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A system for ensuring the uniform height of gauge wheels for a towed implement assembly such as a seeder. The seeder has a frame structure with a series of front gauge wheels suspended by the front of the frame structure. A greater number of rear wheels are suspended by the frame structure to the rear of the front gauge wheel. A tow hitch is pivotally connected from the front of the frame structure for coupling to a work vehicle. A front bar having a first end and a second end is coupled to the tow hitch. A center actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder is coupled to one end of the front bar. A rear bar is placed in contact with the opposite end of the hydraulic cylinder. The front gauge wheels are raised by extending the cylinder and causing force to be applied to the front and rear bars. In this manner, the weight on the front wheels is distributed to the work vehicle via the tow hitch and the rear wheels.

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

Abstract: Detecting section detects joint angles and the relative angle of rotation from a plurality of rotatable operating tools mounted on a single mobile platform of a construction machine. Interference distance calculator, having recorded predetermined point positions for each operating tool, derives the distances between the plurality of operating tools on the basis of the detection results and the point positions, and calculates the shortest approach distance from these distances. If this shortest approach distance is less than a prescribed set distance, anti-interference controller issues a warning to alarm via the output controller, and it outputs anti-interference control to hydraulic control section CC such that the approaching tool is halted or slowed down, or the velocity of the operating tool being approached is matched to that of the approaching tool depending on the set mode.

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

Abstract: A field finishing land plane has a V-shaped, horizontally oriented frame converging at a front end affixed pivotal to steerable rollers in a yoke fastened to a tow tongue. The pivotal front is housed in a protective shielding. A cross member that attaches to the wide section of the V frame at the rear of the land plane extends outward from the V ends on each side. The outward extensions have individual rollers attached to swivel at the outer ends. Supported by internal framing and operated hydraulically, pneumatic tired, retractable road wheels can be raised for field use of the land plane and lowered for on-road towing. For field use with the road wheels raised, the land plane of this invention rests on the front steerable rollers and on the rear swivel rollers so that a long crosswise scooping bucket located centrally under the main frame of the land plane makes ground contact. For road safety during towing with road wheels down, the long crosswise scooping bucket has rotatable end sections.

Abstract: A boom lock assembly is disclosed. The boom lock assembly locks a boom in a boom saddle and includes a lock mounting frame, a boom lock, and a boom lock actuator. The lock mounting frame is attached to the boom saddle frame. The lock mounting frame includes an actuator support member and a lock support member. The boom lock is slidably mounted on the lock support member and is moveable between a first extended position and a second retracted position. When the boom lock is in the first extended position, the boom lock captures the boom between the boom saddle and the boom lock. When the boom lock is in the second position, the boom lock permits movement of the boom out of the saddle. The boom lock actuator is mounted to the actuator support member at a first end and the boom lock at a second end. The boom lock actuator moves the boom lock to its first and second positions.

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

Abstract: A folding boom for a tri-fold row marker for an agricultural implement. The boom comprises three segments, an inboard segment pivotally coupled to the toolbar, a middle segment pivotally coupled to the inboard segment, and an outboard segment pivotally coupled to the middle segment. Control of the boom during folding and unfolding is maintained by a toggle link mechanism having a cam a cam follower and a system of pivots and linkages. Dynamic forces are dampened at both ends of the folding and unfolding by use of a cushion hydraulic cylinder with flow limiting structure at each end of the cylinder stroke.

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

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

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a forward implement frame and an aft carrier frame with wheels, with the two frames pivotally connected. The implement frame includes a hitch mechanism for attaching the implement to a traction vehicle, while a toolbar having a plurality of working units, such as ground working tools or spraying units, arranged in a spaced manner along its length is attached to an aft portion of the implement frame. Attached to the carrier frame is a storage container for dispensing material such as fertilizer or a herbicide. A forward portion of the carrier frame is pivotally coupled to an intermediate portion of the implement frame. A lift arrangement including a pair of hydraulic cylinders connecting the implement and carrier frames is located aft of the pivot connection between these two frames and permits the toolbar and working units to be raised to a nonuse position such as for transport or at the end of a field without lifting the storage container and its contents.

Abstract: A folding planter includes a frame formed by first and second frame members supported for relative, longitudinal shifting movement, a primary fluid-actuated piston and cylinder assembly for shifting the first and second frame members between retracted and extended positions, and a pair of planter assemblies each supported on the second frame member for pivotal movement about a vertical pivot axis between an extended planting position and a retracted transport position. Each planter assembly includes a tool bar that extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the frame in the planting position and parallel to the frame in the transport position, and a plurality of planting units supported on the tool bar. A pair of elongated trusses are connected between the first frame member and the planter assemblies.

Abstract: An agricultural implement such as a planter has wing sections which, when folded for transport, are stacked side-by-side above a center section. Improvements include structure which reduces bending moments about the pivot connections between a guide link forming part of a four-bar linkage which stacks the wings, and the wing frame. A drive train for the row unit meters is also placed in the transport position without disconnecting the drive shafts.

Abstract: A hitchable and towable implement suitable for the attachment of various agricultural tooling and that is convertible between a laterally expanded use position and a laterally narrow transport position. The implement has a wheeled lower center section connectable to a towing tractor by an elongate tongue member. An upper center frame section rotates on the lower center section. Powered and hinged lift arms extend in opposite directions from the upper center section and attach to a pair of wing sections for raising and lowering the wing sections. The wing sections rotate with the lift arms and the upper center section about the lower center section. Rotation of the upper center section one quarter turn swings the wing sections between a lateral position with respect to the lower center frame section and the transport position in which the wing sections are fore and aft of the lower center section.

Abstract: The implement has a folding tool-bar, with a main section and wings. Hydraulic rams press the wings downwards relative to the main section during operation. Another ram presses the main-section downwards, reacting the force against a relatively weighty component, such as a air-cart. During non-operation, a carriage wheel is lowered, which raises the main section of the tool-bar off the ground. The wings also are raised clear of the ground. A sensor detects the position of the carriage wheel, and blocks movement of the wings downwards when the carriage wheel is lowered.

Abstract: An agricultural drawbar adapted to be pulled by a power source and used for farming operations such as spraying or harrowing, is equipped with right and left wing booms which are adapted to be folded or unfolded from the transport to operating positions. To enable the drawbar to move more quickly and easily from one position to another, lockable inner caster wheels are attached to a tensioning/control assembly which is attached to the cart. During the folding process the inner lockable caster wheels are progressively turned as the wings move to the folded transport position, thus easing the implement quickly into the transport position without skidding or binding of the wheels. Furthermore, a semi-lockable outer caster wheel is adapted to rotate inwardly to a toe-out position to facilitate the unfolding of the drawbar when the drawbar is pushed rearwardly.

Abstract: An improved frame for a drawn agricultural implement, such as a planter, includes a telescoping main frame. The main wheel set is mounted to a sliding carriage to support the central main frame, and may be moved between a forward and a rear position. As the main frame extends, the wing sections fold forwardly. When the wing sections in the illustrated embodiment are completely folded, hydraulic cylinders slide the main wheel set forwardly so that the down load on the hitch is reduced for road transport. Conversely, during the unfold cycle, the hydraulic cylinders return the wheel set to the rear position, and the wings are then extended (i.e., unfolded) for field use.

Abstract: A hitchable and towable implement that is suitable for the attachment of various agricultural tooling and that is convertible between a laterally expanded use position and a laterally narrow transport position. The implement has a wheeled lower center section connectable to a towing tractor by an elongate tongue member. An upper center frame section rotates on the lower center section. Powered and hinged lift arms extend in opposite directions from the upper center section and attach to a pair of wing sections for raising and lowering the wing sections. The wing sections rotate with the lift arms and the upper center section about the lower center section. Rotation of the upper center section one quarter turn swings the wing sections between a lateral position with respect to the lower center frame section and the transport position in which the wing sections are fore and aft of the lower center section. In the use position, lift arms and wing sections are laterally positioned and lowered.

Abstract: A floating wing apparatus for toolbars which allows each wing to ride smoothly over terraced or rolling terrain, thereby providing a continuous, even contact between the implements carried thereon and the ground. Upper and lower pivot arms extend from the central section of the toolbar to the inner end of each wing section to form a parallelogram linkage which maintains the wing sections in a substantially horizontal orientation at all times, whether in the raised or lowered position. The upper pivot arm is pivotally connected to a pivot post, which is in turn pivotally connected to the central section. When working the land, this pivot post allows the wing sections and their attached implements to float or ride over uneven, rolling terrain. When the implements must be raised above the ground as during turning at the end of a field or when the wings are raised to the retracted position, the pivot posts are locked to a vertical position by means of hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A low profile folding row marker apparatus is provided for use with an agricultural implement, such as a seed planter or the like. The apparatus includes inboard and outboard arm assemblies that are supported on the implement by a marker mount. The inboard and outboard arm assemblies are connected to the marker mount and to each other for relative pivotal movement about horizontal axes between a generally vertical storage position and a generally horizontal use position. A linkage assembly is connected between the inboard and outboard arm assemblies for controlling relative movement of the outboard arm assembly, and an actuating means is provided between the marker mount and the linkage assembly for moving the inboard and outboard arm assemblies sequentially between the storage and use positions.

Abstract: A collapsible tool bar is provided for carrying agricultural earth-working tools and includes a normally horizontal main tool bar section and at least one outer wing section. The main and wing section are connected by a hinge which has a main hinge plate secured to one of the tool bar sections and a wing hinge plate secured to the other tool bar section. The hinge also includes an intermediate hinge plate connecting the main and wing hinge plates. The main hinge plate is rotatably attached to said intermediate hinge plate about a substantially vertical axis. Means are provided for selectively securing the main hinge plate to the intermediate hinge plate. The wing hinge plate is rotatably attached to the intermediate hinge plate about a substantially horizontal axis. Means are provided for urging said outer wing section in a downward direction when the main hinge plate is secured to the intermediate hinge plate.

Abstract: The toolbar (10) includes a center section (12), a first wing (14) and a second wing (16). The first wing (14) is pivotally attached to the center section (12) by a first wing pivot pin (132). A double acting hydraulic cylinder (154) for pivoting the first wing (14) relative to the center section (12) is pivotally attached to the center section and to a lift link (146) which is also attached to the first wing by a pin (148). The lift link (146) increases the range of movement of the first wing (14) relative to first wing pivot axis (138). A lift link lock latch bar (198) is pivoted about the axis of pendulum shaft (188) by a pendulum weight (194) and moved into a position in which movement of the lift link (146) relative to the first wing 14 is blocked. Retraction of the cylinder 154 moves the first wing (14) toward a transport position and the pendulum weight 194 pivots the lift link lock latch bar (198) away from the lift link (146) thereby freeing the first wing (14) to pivot to its transport position.

Abstract: An apparatus for adapting a tool bar planting system to the front of an agricultural combine. The tool bar is secured to the front framework of the combine after the grain head has been removed. The tool bar includes folding extension arms that allow for various planting and transporting configurations. Planter seed units are attached to the tool bar and the extension units to complete the planting system. Seeds for the planter seed units are stored in the grain storage bin on the combine and delivered to the individual planter seed units by an air conveying system.

Abstract: An improved frame for a drawn agricultural implement, such as a planter, includes a central main frame which is extensible. As the main frame extends, the wing sections fold forwardly. When the wing sections fold to a predetermined position, positioning links act to pull the main wheel set, which is mounted to a carriage and supports the rear of the central main frame, forwardly so that the down load on the hitch is reduced. Conversely, during the unfold cycle, after the wing sections have unfolded to a predetermined position, as unfolding continues, the positioning links urge the carriage and main wheel set toward the rear of the main frame to the field use position. A hydraulic circuit for folding, unfolding and preparing the implement for transport is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a foldable agricultural implement frame having a first pair of controlling/controlled lifting hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering the right wing section and the center section together in a level condition, and a second pair of controlling/controlled lifting hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering the left wing section and the center section together in a level condition. In the first pair of controlling/controlled hydraulic cylinders one of the hydraulic cylinders lifts the right wing section and the other lifts the center section. In the second pair of controlling/controlled hydraulic cylinders one of the hydraulic cylinders lifts the left wing section and the other lifts the center section. A rephasing valve assembly is used to rephase the controlling/controlled hydraulic cylinder pairs when the implement frame is folded and only the center section needs to be lifted and lowered.

Abstract: A tri-fold row marker comprises three arm segments, a winglet pivotally coupled to the toolbar, an inner arm pivotally coupled to the winglet, and an outer arm pivotally coupled to the inner arm. A marker disc is mounted to the distal end of the outer arm for marking the ground surface when said row marker is its extended working position. The winglet is provided with a first bell crank extending upwardly from the winglet and a second bell crank extending downwardly from the winglet. The inner arm is provided with a third bell crank extending downwardly therefrom. A double acting hydraulic cylinder is pivotally coupled to the agricultural implement and the first bell crank for retracting and extending the row marker. An inner control arm is pivotally coupled to the agricultural implement and the third bell crank for pivoting the inner arm relative to the winglet when the hydraulic cylinder is extended or retracted. An outer control arm is pivotally coupled to the second bell crank.

Abstract: A unique and improved seed and fertilizer coulter-type drill is disclosed. The drill has a plurality of coulter wheels in four rows, the front two rows of coulters cut first furrows and deposit seed. The rear two rows of coulters cover the seed in the first cut furrows and produce a second set of furrows in which fertilizer is deposited, approximately 1 inch away from the seed. The two sets of coulters are followed by a plurality of press or packer wheels which ensure good seed to soil contact and cover the *remaining fertilizer furrows.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural cultivator frame having a center and two wing sections pivotally attached to the center section for rotation about horizontal axes in the direction of travel for movement between a substantially horizontal field or working position and a substantially vertical transport position. Support wheels are attached adjustably to the frame by a transverse rockshaft extending the width of the cultivator and controlling the elevation of the frame above ground level. The hitch is pivotally attached to the frame for automatic leveling. The rockshaft wing sections are connected to the rockshaft center section by a universal joint. The rockshaft wing sections are pivotally attached to the wing section for movement about multiple axes and provide for longitudinal displacement relative to the frame.

Abstract: An agricultural implement having main and wing sections which are joined by a folding mechanism. The folding mechanism includes a first pivot connection for allowing generally horizontal pivoting movement of the wing section between a field working position and a folded position. In either position, the wing section remains in essentially the same plane as the main section. The folding mechanism further includes a second pivot connection whereat the sections are joined to each other and which allows independent vertical movement of the wing section relative to the main section. The folding mechanism further includes limit stops for limiting relative movement between the wing and main sections. Moreover, the agricultural implement can include a driver for effecting powered movement of the wing section relative to the main section.

Abstract: The front folding machine has a main fore-and-aft carrier frame provided with transport wheels that may be hydraulically actuated to raise and lower the frame simultaneously with the actuation of gauge wheels on a pair of transverse drill units connected to the rear of the carrier frame, thereby causing the trash cutters and openers which are carried by the drill units to raise out of the ground while the gauge wheels and transport wheels remain in ground engagement. Before folding the drill units forwardly into transport positions extending parallel to the path of travel, the drill units are raised by hydraulically operated tool bars into elevated positions in which the gauge wheels of the units are entirely off the ground and the residue cutters are high enough to clear the transport wheels of the carrier frame as the drill units are folded into the transport position.

Abstract: An agricultural frame particularly for transporting active harrow elements and packer elements comprises a central frame section and a pair of wing frames projecting outwardly to the side of the central frame section at right angles thereto. The whole of the frame can be raised and lowered to lift the ground working implements from the ground. Each of the wing frames is rigid and is formed from a front beam and a rear beam interconnected by inclined beams carrying the active harrow elements. Each wing frame includes a steerable wheel at the outside end. Each wing frame is attached to the central frame by a rear pivot member which allows pivotal movement about a forward horizontal axis and also pivotal movement about a vertical axis for movement to the transport position. A latch is provided adjacent the front beam of the wing frame and is defined by a horizontal pin the axis of which defines the horizontal axis of pivotal movement of the wing frame.