Abstract: In an implement frame, particularly for an agricultural machine, comprising a central section and at least an end section or wing which is foldable between an extended operating position and a transport position substantially perpendicular thereto, the folding mechanism incorporates a first latch member for automatically arresting the end section in its extended position and a second latch member, associated with said first latch member, for automatically arresting the end section in its transport position.

Abstract: An oscillating harrow having a pair of harrow rings which can be raised and folded easily for transport. Each ring includes a pair of opposed, central segments which are disposed below a ground-travelling frame, and a pair of opposed side segments which are mounted on the central segments for swinging between positions extending laterally and upwardly with respect to the frame. A pair of wing members attached to opposed sides of the frame, adjacent opposed side segments, are shiftable between operative and transport positions. The wing members are coupled to associated side segments through cables which are slack when the members are in their operative positions. As the wing members are swung from their operative to their transport positions, slack in the cables is taken up, causing the side segments to be drawn toward the associated wing members.

Abstract: An implement that includes a central subframe, a center frame, a pair of wing frames pivotally connected to the ends of the center frame for movement between a transversely aligned operating position and a rearwardly folded transport position, and a set of extendable transport wheels mounted on the rear end of the subframe generally adjacent the wing transport wheels, wherein the noted transport wheels provide the sole ground contact of the implement during transport for desirable handling characteristics.

Abstract: A folding tool bar with hollow main and wing sections (12, 21, 22) incorporates restraining links (111, 112), disposed within the hollow main section (12) when the wing sections (21, 22) are lowered to their working positions, which not only serve to limit upward folding movement of the wing sections (21, 22) but also form a passageway for the hydraulic hoses (126, 127) extending from the interior of the hollow main section (12) to the interiors of the hollow wing sections (21, 22) thereby protecting the hoses (126, 127) against damage at the folding connections.

Abstract: Land leveling apparatus includes a leveling attachment drawn by a tractor with the attachment having pivotally connected side blade sections on a central blade section affording a substantially greater leveling capacity. The side blade sections fold up to reduce width during transport and have a power-driven linkage arrangement for each blade section that moves and positions the blade sections and locks them in the lowered working position, together with upper and lower level adjustments for the side blade sections. A hitch assembly facilitates quick coupling to a crossbar carried by the lower links of the tractor linkage and is pivotally joined to the central blade section so as to facilitate rear tractor wheel movement independently of the scraper blades.

Abstract: Land leveling apparatus includes a leveling attachment drawn by a tractor with the attachment having pivotally connected side blade sections on a central blade section affording a substantially greater leveling capacity. The side blade sections fold up to reduce width during transport and have a power-driven linkage arrangement for each blade section that moves and positions the blade sections and locks them in the lowered working position, together with upper and lower level adjustments for the side blade sections. A hitch assembly facilitates quick coupling to a crossbar carried by the lower links of the tractor linkage and is pivotally joined to the central blade section so as to facilitate rear tractor wheel movement independently of the scraper blades.

Abstract: In cultivating or rolling soil by rollers with several hinged interconnected frame sections, each having a set of rolls on a common shaft, rotatably journalled at the ends of downwardly dependent arms the rolls closest to a hinge will not roll the soil at all or too loosely in case of irregular or uneven ground.To avoid this inconvenience the arms are pivotably and preferably also resiliently mounted on the frame in addition to which the arms are slightly rotatable or twistable about its longitudinal axis to allow a deviation from horizontal of the shaft which thus may follow the irregularities of the ground so that the roller rolls the soil very efficiently.

Abstract: A marking element is carried by at least one arm which is pivotally mounted to a short boom. The boom, in turn, is pivotally mounted to the outboard end of a tool bar or planter frame. A single hydraulic ram is used to move the marker between a use position in which the arm extends horizontally so the marker engages the ground, and an upright position in which the arm is folded over the tool bar.

Abstract: In apparatus for mounting agricultural implements to be propelled over the ground by a tractor or the like, a laterally extending tool bar arrangement is provided in which a tool bar mounting at least one implement is supported to extend substantially horizontally and to be movable to and from a lowered laterally extended position and a raised laterally retracted position while the tool bar is maintained substantially horizontal.

Abstract: A folding sectional tool bar for agricultural implements and including a series of articulated hollow sections connected together in end-to-end fashion so as to provide an inner main-section, a pair of outer sections, and a pair of intermediate sections. An offset hinge joint between each outer section and its adjacent intermediate section permits them to be latched in an aligned working arrangement and allows generally horizontal folding of the outer sections forwardly relative to the adjacent intermediate sections. An offset hinge joint between each intermediate section and its adjacent main section permits the intermediate sections to float down about 5.degree. relative to the main section and allows vertical folding of the intermediate sections relative to such main section. Hydraulic two-stage cylinders are provided whereby an initial partial fold of 5.degree. intermediate sections can elevate them relative to the inner main section to an angle of about 5.degree.

Abstract: A foldable implement construction includes an implement tool carrying center frame pivotally connected to a draft frame and is provided with a pair of transversely extending outrigger tool sections connected on respective opposite sides of the center frame by a single ball and socket-like hinge which provides a single hinge for both horizontal swinging of the outrigger sections from their transversely extending working position to a longitudinally extending transport position, and further provides for radial pivotal movement of the outrigger sections in their working position to allow the latter to cant and rise and fall in accordance with uneven terrain.

Abstract: A folding sectional tool bar for agricultural implements and including a series of articulated hollow sections connected together in end-to-end fashion so as to provide an inner main-section, a pair of outer sections, and a pair of intermediate sections. An offset hinge joint between each outer section and its adjacent intermediate section permits them to be latched in an aligned working arrangement and allows generally horizontal folding of the outer sections forwardly relative to the adjacent intermediate sections. An offset hinge joint between each intermediate section and its adjacent main section permits the intermediate sections to float down about 5.degree. relative to the main section and allows vertical folding of the intermediate sections relative to such main section. Hydraulic two-stage cylinders are provided whereby an initial partial fold of 5.degree. intermediate sections can elevate them relative to the inner main section to an angle of about 5.degree.

Abstract: The device includes (i) a supporting frame for connection to a draft source, this frame having a plurality of laterally positioned rigid supporting sections each hinged to its laterally adjacent section; (ii) a plurality of working sections corresponding to the respective supporting sections, the working sections each comprising (a) tandemly positioned transverse harrow bars secured together for independent vertical and pivotal motion with respect to each other, and (b) downwardly disposed harrow teeth secured to the harrow bars; and (iii) connectors flexibly securing the working sections to their corresponding supporting sections so that when in harrowing position a working section underlies its supporting section. At least one of the outboard supporting sections together with its working section can be rotated as a unit around a longitudinal axis between prone and upstanding positions.

Abstract: A forwardly foldable agricultural planter includes a hitch shiftable as wing sectons are moved between transport and operational configurations. Rigid link tow bars pivot about centrally positioned pivots permitting the hitch to be horizontally shifted between transport and operational positions to thereby realize positive drawn implement control in both configurations. A telescoping drawbar provides further implement support and control and either manual or automatic latching mechanisms can be provided to secure the folded wing sections in position.

Abstract: A farm implement having a main transverse central frame and outer frames that are connected to opposite ends of the main frame to swing between transversely extending positions and rearwardly extending positions with respect to the central frame. The central frame carries a vertical mast on which is mounted a horizontal tool-supporting beam structure. A powered device is provided between the beam structure and the main central frame to raise the beam structure on the mast to thereby elevate the tools carried by the beam structure to a height permitting the outer sections to swing rearwardly and inwardly beneath the tools on the beam structure.

Abstract: A folding tool carrier to be attached to a tractor and to carry an array of cultivating tools or implements. The carrier includes three bars forming a central section and a wing section at each side of the central section. Each wing section is connected to the central section by inner and outer swing arms to function as a parallelogram when the wings are lifted and retracted above the central section. The central section, the wings and the arms, are placed in a common vertical transverse plane to provide for a compact unit which may be carried immediately behind a tractor.To accomplish this, the inner arms are above and the outer arms are below the central and wing sections when the wing sections are extended. A comparatively short crown bar is mounted upon and above the central section and an inner swing arm is pivotally attached to each end of this crown bar to pivotally connect with the inner end of the adjacent wing section.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a main frame and tool-carrying outer sections foldable between transversely extending operational and fore-and-aft extending transport positions. The folding mechanism transversely separates the inner ends of the outer sections as it simultaneously rotates the sections rearwardly into transport position. Tools supported on adjacent ends of the sections are thus separated to eliminate interference therebetween during transport.

Abstract: A soil cultivating implement is structured to work soil across a broad path and includes a frame that can be towed when hitched to trail substantially behind the rear of a prime mover. The main frame supports a central frame portion and an outer frame portion is pivoted at each lateral end of the central portion. Each frame portion is elongated with a corresponding group of soil working members being rotatably mounted on upwardly extending axes. The frame portions and groups of soil working members are located side-by-side in a row that extends transverse to the direction of operative travel. For transport purposes, each outer group is pivoted by a hydraulic system to an upwardly tilted position to narrow the implement's width. Ground wheels are hydraulically interconnected to the frame and positioned at the rear of the central portion to sustain essentially all of the implement's weight. The height of the implement frame is adjustable with the wheels.

Abstract: An improved lock and lift mechanism for a foldable implement wherein the implement is provided with a main section and at least one wing pivotally mounted to the main section. The invention embodies mechanisms which permit the raising (folding) and lowering (unfolding) of the wing relative to the main section and further allow the locking and unlocking of the wing to the main section by a single operation, such as activating a fluid pressure cylinder. The lock and lift mechanism allows the wing to be secured in the lowered position without the necessity of maintaining pressure in the mechanism to keep the wing bar in the lowered position as the implement traverses the ground. The lock and lift mechanism employs registering passageways, one of which is provided on the main section transverse to the axis of the section and the other of which is provided on the wing.

Abstract: A folding cultivator is disclosed wherein first and second sets of downwardly extending teeth are attached to the rearwardly folding wing of the cultivator at spaced intervals along its length. The teeth are arranged so that teeth of one set are located on each side of a tooth of the other set. In addition, the distal ends of the teeth of one set are located forwardly with respect to distal ends of the teeth of the other set. When the wing frame of the cultivator is folded and unfolded to achieve transporting and operating configurations, respectively, the teeth of a central wing section and those of outer wing sections intermesh without entangling and damaging each other.

Abstract: A farm implement of the sectional tow type having at least two rigid frames positioned end-to-end and pivotally interconnected, includes a restrictor apparatus for resisting excessive oscillation between the frames and comprises a fixed and a reciprocating bracket having cooperating faces which are urged abuttingly together by a resilient member. The fixed bracket is attached to and disposed upstanding from one of the frames adjacent to the end thereof, and the reciprocating bracket is connected to the other frame by a linkage mechanism having one end pivotally attached to the reciprocating bracket in a spaced relation to the face thereof and having the other end pivotally attached to the other frame in a spaced relation to the pivotal connection. The resilient member is further compressed from a precompressed condition upon pivotal frame motion by the articulate movement of the reciprocating bracket relative to the fixed bracket.

Abstract: A latching yoke is pivotally attached to the main brace of an earth working implement having a wing frame which is rearwardly foldable. Elongated, flexible cables extend rearwardly and outwardly from the main frame to the outer ends of the wing frame and arm members, pivotally attached to the main frame, receive one end of the cables for preventing slackening thereof when the wing frame is folded from an operating configuration to a transporting configuration, or vice versa. A wing frame lifting tower is on the main frame and has a lever operating an actuator rod. When the wing frame is in the operating configuration, the arm members are folded forwardly and inwardly and the outer ends thereof are latched by the yoke which has an opening through which the rod extends and is freely movable. Adjustable yoke engaging members are spaced along the rod to determine the positions of the wing frame when the arms are latched for operation and unlatched for transport configuration.

Abstract: A rearwardly folding multi-sectional implement includes a U-shaped center section and lockable wing linkage structure for securing the wing sections in either their operational or transport position. A resilient pad is provided to permit limited lateral movement of the wing during transport.

Abstract: A harrow assembly having a main frame section and two wing frame sections articulated on generally fore and aft axes on opposite ends of the main frame section is disclosed herein. Each frame section has a rockshaft rotatable thereon and the rockshafts are in axial alignment when the sections are in end-to-end relation with an interconnection between adjacent ends of the respective rockshafts. The interconnection includes a pair of arms that have contacting surfaces defined thereon and the contact point between the surfaces is generally in alignment with the hinge axis between the respective sections when the assembly is in a normal earthworking position.

Abstract: The invention provides a folding wing disc harrow wherein a hydraulic operating mechanism is provided for folding and unfolding the wings through an arc of more than 180.degree. through the positive bidirectional linear movement of the plunger of a double acting hydraulic cylinder cooperating with the wing to which it is connected, for said folding and unfolding operations, and which mechanism allows a limited angular free floating motion of the wing above and below the horizontal "unfolded" or "working" position when the hydraulic control valve is set accordingly. The connection of the hydraulic piston rod with the wing is so organized that the straight line motion of the piston rod is enabled to fold and unfold the wing through an arc well in excess of 180.degree. and is organized to allow a limited free floating action of the wing for following the soil surface variations.The ability of the present invention to swing the wing through 180.degree.

Abstract: Power operated mechanisms are provided to operate a foldup implement which includes a double-acting hydraulic jack interconnected between a foldup wing section and a main section. The jack has a lost motion connection with the main section permitting the wing section to float up and down about its longitudinal pivot connection to the main section during field operations. An elongated slot of the lost motion connection is so disposed as to minimize any tendency for the end of the jack associated with the slot to move from its position at the laterally outer end of the slot as the wing section is raised to its transport position. To further insure that the end of the jack will not shift from its position at the laterally outer end of the slot as the wing section is raised to a transport position, an abutment member is disposed above a part of the slot so as to abut the end of the jack in the slot should the latter tend to shift laterally inwardly while the wing section is in its raised transport position.

Abstract: A folding sectional tool bar for agricultural implements and including a hollow horizontal main section and wing sections hingedly connected thereto for independent movement between lowered operative positions and raised inoperative over-center parked positions. An articulated actuating linkage mechanism for each wing section embodies a hydraulic cylinder wholly positioned within the main section and having a plunger operatively connected to a crank arm on the adjacent wing section by means of a draw link which functions initially as the plunger is extended to engage the crank arm and transmit torque to the latter so as to raise the wing section by a powerful leverage action, and which subsequently functions, as the plunger continues to be extended, to move away from the crank arm and act in tension and transmit the necessary torque to raise the wing section and force it over to its parked position.

Abstract: A pull-type harvesting machine in the form of a baler has a vertically adjustable windrow pickup mechanism and a generally fore-and-aft laterally swingable tongue that connects the baler to a towing tractor, lateral adjustment of the tongue causing the baler to shift between a transport position behind the tractor and an operating position wherein the pickup mechanism is disposed outwardly of the tractor. The positions of the tongue and the header are respectively controlled by a pair of two-way hydraulic cylinders, and the flow of pressurized fluid between the cylinders and the tractor hydraulic system is controlled by a single control valve on the tractor, the cylinders being connected in parallel.

Abstract: A rearwardly folding multi-sectional agricultural implement includes power rotated toolbars elevated during transport to eliminate tool interferences at sectional hinge joints. The outboard sections are mechanically moved between operative and transport positions, mechanically secured in each position and resiliently restrained against lateral movement when in the transport position.

Abstract: In an earth working implement having a wing frame which is rearwardly foldable, and with elongated, flexible cables which extend rearwardly and outwardly from a main frame of the implement to the outer ends of the wing frame, apparatus is provided for preventing slackening of the flexible cables when the wing frame is folded from an operating configuration to a transporting configuration, or vice versa. The flexible cables are thus kept from sagging to the ground and tangling during folding and unfolding of the implement. One end of each of the cables is attached to the outer end of an arm member, with the inner end of the arm members being pivotally attached to the main frame for back and forth pivoting of the arms. When the wing frame is in the operating configuration, the arm members are folded forwardly and inwardly and the outer ends thereof are latched by a yoke pivotally attached to the main frame.

Abstract: A wing folding or lift kit adapted to be easily installed on the central frame members of foldable, multi-sectioned earthworking implements to selectively move pivotally mounted side sections or wings. A centrally mounted floating hydraulic cylinder has linkage arms hinged on the ends thereof, with the outer ends of said arms attached, by lost-motion links, to cross members of the wings. In cylinder-extended position, the wings are free to follow ground contour without "working" the cylinder. Upon contraction of the cylinder, the wings are rotated or folded.

Abstract: A folding tool bar for agricultural implements and including a central section and outboard wing sections hingedly connected thereto for movement between extended operative lowered positions where they may follow rolling ground conditions and folded over-center raised positions to reduce transport width. Each wing section is actuated by a two-stage hydraulic cylinder on the central section which cooperates with a crank arm on such wing section during its first stage to apply torque to the crank arm through the medium of a draw link by a pulling action in tension, assisted by a powerful camming action, the two forces serving to raise the wing so that it barely clears the ground at a small angle on the order of 5.degree., thereby enabling the implement to perform a turnabout motion with the tools withdrawn from the ground but with the wing remaining unfolded. An abutment within the cylinder positively terminates the first stage of operation and determines the 5.degree.

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

Abstract: An improved farm implement of the sectional tow type including a central section and wing sections hingedly connected to the central section. Each section is mounted on wheels for transport and the sections are comprised of a plurality of hingedly connected frames to allow uniform ground coverage on coarse terrain. The wing sections are connected to the central section for movement therewith between a vertical transport position and a horizontal cultivating position. A spring loaded oscillation restriction mechanism including oppositely loaded leaf springs is provided between each wing section frame and operates to reduce oscillation when towed in the transport position.

Abstract: A tractor drawn agricultural implement of the folding wing type having right and left toolbar frames, the inner ends of which are pivoted to a tongue or drawbar for horizontal swinging movement about closely spaced vertical axes between extended operative positions of end-to-end alignment and folded positions wherein the frames lie close to each other in trailing relationship with respect to the drawbar. The outer ends of the frames are independently supported upon lift wheels of the caster type which do not leave the ground during swinging movement of the frames. A hydraulic cylinder on the drawbar has a plunger which operates through the medium of a pair of thrust links to swing the frames between their two extreme positions. Latch means normally maintains the frames extended but a cam element on the plunger trips the latch means at the commencement of the plunger stroke, thereby freeing the frames for movement to their folded positions.

Abstract: An agricultural machine for performing multiple farming operations such as planting, fertilizing and harvesting, where desired tilling, so to eliminate the necessity of investment in separate specific machines. The do-all machine, briefly described, consisting of a vehicle having a cab for an operator, an engine that moves the vehicle and also delivers power to a side power outlet to which interchangeable work units such as a sprayer, planter or harvester are attachable and are removably supported from sideward extending carrier arms that are supported from the vehicle.

Abstract: An earth tillage apparatus has a hydraulically liftable, foldable carriage with sections which extend laterally from a tongue to a wide field working position and are foldable to a narrow transport or storage position. Rigid structural arms are hingedly mounted on the tongue and have free ends extending laterally a substantial distance therefrom. In a preferred embodiment, cables respectively have one end secured to the tongue and the other end secured to the wings and extend through a pulley mounted on each of the arm free ends for the purpose of positioning the point of pull a substantial distance laterally of the tongue thereby reducing the tendency for inwardly buckling the carriage. The arms are locked in their laterally extending position when the wings are in the wide field position and are selectively released to hingedly move to a second or transport position when the wings are folded.

Abstract: An improved chain lifter for foldable soil conditioner apparatus of the general type characterized by an elongated, foldable wing frame for soil conditioning members which is hingably mounted transversally on the rear of a main frame, is liftable from the ground by means of a lifting tower on the main frame, and is stabilized by reinforcing chains which extend rearwardly and outwardly from the main frame to the outer ends of the wing frame. Arm members which lift the chains have one end pivotally attached to the main frame whereas the other ends of the members are secured to the reinforcing chains intermediate to the ends thereof. Resilient biasing links interconnect the arm members with the upright lever of the lifting tower. Accordingly, the arms are pivoted upwardly and forwardly by means of the resilient biasing links when the wing frame is folded to a transport position, hence lifting the slackened reinforcing chains off the ground.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated folding mechanism for ground working implements wherein substantially rectilinear movement of the piston rod of a hydraulic actuator causes one section of the implement to rotate substantially 180.degree. relative to another section thereof. This enables a relatively large implement to be made small and compact for purposes of storage and transport. It further includes members for permitting the several sections to pivot relative to each other when in operating position so that the implement can conform to the contour of the ground and locking structure which prevents such pivotal movement as soon as the folding mechanism becomes operative.

Abstract: A farm implement tool bar includes a hollow main frame and oppositely extending wing sections pivotal between horizontal and vertical positions. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to a mounting assembly including upper and lower mounting plates interconnected at their inner ends by a vertical post. The mounting plates are secured to the top and bottom walls of the main frame and the inner end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the vertical post. The outer end of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to an ear on the wing section. The lower adjacent edges of the main frame and wing section include sleeves adapted to register with each other for receiving a bolt to lock the wing section in its lowered position. A transport brace may be provided with its opposite ends movably secured to the main frame and wing section across the hinge. The transport brace includes telescopic sections which allow the wing section to be moved between the raised and lowered positions.