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 ripper carriage assembly has a transverse cross beam fixedly mounted at a central portion of the cross beam to a ripper implement support structure. The distal ends of arms extending outwardly from the central portion of the transverse cross beam are adapted for pivotal connection to a pitch control mechanism. Stress relief notches are formed in the transverse cross beam at a position between the distal ends of the arms and the central rigidly mounted portion of the beam. Energy generated as a. result of the ripper tip twisting upon impact with rock or other solid objects in hardened ground is stored in the transverse cross beam, and subsequently returned to the ripper tip to bring the tip into a desired operational orientation.

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: A mechanism for adjusting the height and level of a movable boom is disclosed. This mechanism includes a carrier member mountable for vertical pivotal movement about one end thereof, and a first actuator is provided for controlling the movement and position of the carrier member. A unitary member for supporting the boom in a cantilevered manner is also provided. The unitary support member is connected at the distal end of the carrier member for vertical pivotal movement. Finally, a second actuator is provided for controlling the vertical movement of the support member and boom relative to the carrier member, with the second actuator controlling the vertical level of the boom and the first actuator controlling the vertical height of the boom.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a vehicle, preferably a bulldozer, comprises a first arm having a ripper shank extending therefrom which is pivotally attached to a second arm. A second arm is mounted to a vehicle for rotation about a horizontal axis so that when the first and second arms are in one orientation the ripper shank may be operated to move in a plane transverse to the direction of motion of the vehicle. The apparatus may be rotated to any angle such that the shank extends forwardly, or rearwardly, of the vehicle to engage objects. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second arms are pivotally mounted to a journal which extends through a mounting housing. A hydraulic cylinder engages one end of the journal at an eccentric location to cause the journal to rotate upon activation of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for moving objects which may be partially buried. The apparatus comprises a hook-like element which may be attached to the side of a vehicle, such as a bulldozer. The hook-like element is pivotally attached so that its orientation is adjustable.A method of moving objects is disclosed where a hook-like element extending from the side of a vehicle engages the objects to be moved.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting soil engaging tools to mobile agricultural equipment includes a vertically extending frame adapted for connection to the agricultural equipment and a trailing arm pivotally attached to the frame and having soil engaging tools attached rearwardly thereof. An extensile arm arrangement is pivotally attached between an upper portion of the frame and a lower terminal sleeve member. The sleeve member is slidably mounted upon the length of the trailing arm and is selectively fastened to the trailing arm at various positions therealong whereby the depth of the soil engaging tools in the soil is determined. A compression spring is utilized to biasly extend the extensile arm arrangement, and the upper portion of the extensile arm has an over-center locking device whereby the extensile arm may be rapidly lengthened or shortened, and respectively locked in such condition, thereby respectively engaging or disengaging the soil engaging tools in the soil.

Abstract: A wheel rut closing device for use in combination with an irrigation system having an irrigation line support or supports, each support having rotatably mounted thereon a wheel or wheels. The wheel rut closing device is mounted on each irrigation line support and generally comprises an implement support frame mounted on the irrigation line support and extending generally rearwardly of the wheel, a rearwardly trailing implement holder pivotally connected to the frame, and apparatus carried by the holder for closing a wheel rut created by the wheel. A device is also provided which is connected to the frame and the holder for raising and lowering the holder to the desired height.