Abstract: Unique self-propelled soil working machines are disclosed. In certain exemplary embodiments the self propelled soil working machine includes a tool carrier which is actively adjustable to provide variable downward force on a soil working tool via a suspension element which is further passively responsive to accommodate motion of the tool in response to external force. In certain exemplary embodiments, the tool carrier is configured to adjust the working depth and pitch of the tool. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and figures.

Abstract: Unique self-propelled soil working machines are disclosed. In certain exemplary embodiments the self propelled soil working machine includes a tool carrier which is actively adjustable to provide variable downward force on a soil working tool via a suspension element which is further passively responsive to accommodate motion of the tool in response to external force. In certain exemplary embodiments, the tool carrier is configured to adjust the working depth and pitch of the tool. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and figures.

Abstract: A self-centering pivot assembly for an agricultural implement having a tool bar is provided. The self-centering pivot assembly includes at least one spring, a bar segment operatively connected to one or more working tools of the agricultural implement, and a mounting assembly operatively connected between the tool bar and the bar segment. The self-centering pivot assembly further includes a pivot operatively connected to the bar segment and the at least one spring such that as the agricultural implements travels over the ground and the bar segment deviates laterally from a neutral position, the at least one spring temporarily compresses and urges the bar segment back towards the neutral position.

Abstract: An implement with a ground working tool mounted on an arm pivotably movable between raised and lowered positions includes a pneumatic down pressure control system. The down pressure control system includes upper and lower mounts with an air spring located between them and having compressed and extended configurations with said arm raised and lowered respectively. A parallel plate mechanism maintains the upper and lower mounts in parallel relation and maintains a relatively consistent down pressure of the air spring. Multiple air springs can be provided on an implement and pneumatically interconnected by an air line for simultaneously charging to a constant air pressure.

Abstract: A disc harrow composed of one or more disc gangs has a subframe coupled to the disc gangs to move the disc gangs in response to variations in farmland terrain to limit the impact of obstructions when encountered during the harrowing process. When the obstruction is cleared, the subframe automatically returns the disc gangs to their pre-obstruction position. In addition to reducing the potentially-damaging impact of obstructions, the subframe also maintains a more consistent reel depth during undulations or changes in the farmland terrain, such as during harrowing of slopes or unleveled fields such as valleys, near waterways, and along fence rows.

Abstract: A ground engaging agricultural toolbar for accommodating uneven terrain. The toolbar is provided with a plurality of long arms with multiple articulations, actuated and controlled by hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders may be actuated to fold the toolbar for transport and to prevent the toolbar from becoming damaged as it moves across uneven terrain. The toolbar may also be actuated to anticipated variations in the terrain, to further prevent potential damage to the machine.

Abstract: A grout removal tool includes an adapter having a replaceable cutting blade mounted thereon. The adapter is configured to be installed within a common reciprocating saw. The adapter has a proximal attachment end for attachment to the saw, an elongated proximal leg extending from the proximal attachment end, and an elongated distal leg extending from the proximal leg at an angle to terminate in a distal end whereupon the cutting blade is attached. When the proximal attachment end of the adapter is installed within the reciprocating saw, the cutting blade reciprocates in a parallel plane beneath the plane in which the proximal leg reciprocates. When the cutting blade is reciprocated across a grouted work surface, it results in a high rate of grout removal with low dust dispersion.

Abstract: A seed bed packer including a frame, a plurality of wheels connected to the frame, and a soil packing element. The packer also includes a spring shank for transferring weight from the frame to the soil packing element. The spring shank includes a first leg connected to the frame and a second leg connected to the soil packing element. When weight is transferred through the spring shank to the packing element, the first and second legs flex toward one another. The spring shanks are capable of distributing the weight of the frame between the wheels and the packing element, while concurrently providing sufficient flexibility to allow the packing element generally uniformly pack the soil, even over rough terrain.

Abstract: An agricultural ground working implement is provided with a first ground working unit and a second ground working unit that follows the first ground working unit. A row cleaner is assigned to the portion of the soil upon which the second ground working unit acts. The row cleaner extends rearwardly from the first ground working unit.

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 spring mechanism is provided which interconnects the rockshaft and the first tool frame to exert a spring force on the tillage tools supported on the first tool frame to urge the tools into the ground. The spring mechanism is supported on a support arm extending rearwardly from the rockshaft.

Abstract: A spring trip standard for a tillage implement includes a coil spring freely and solely compressed between an upper spring-abutting surface on the mounting bracket and a lower spring-abutting surface on a casting which is connected by a transverse pivot to the mounting bracket. A tool supporting shank is bolted to the casting and biased downwardly into a ground working position by the spring. The casting includes an integral stop extending forwardly from the pivot. The stop contacts the bottom of the bracket when the shank is in the ground working position so that a tension link between the bracket and casting is eliminated. A spring guide through the coils is also obviated. A relatively high initial trip force prevents unwanted tripping of the shank and prevents looseness in the shank pivot so the lateral position of the tool is maintained. The spring-abutting surface on the casting includes a spring receiving projection to help maintain the spring position relative to the shank.

Abstract: An opener for use in varying ground conditions, ranging from no-till to conventional full tillage conditions, includes an adjustable down pressure control and a down pressure spring and tension link assembly which selectively provide a limited free float opener condition or a conventional down pressure spring controlled bias condition. A sleeve slidably received by the opener arm and mounted over the lower portion of the tension link assembly allows the opener to free float in loose soil conditions so that only the weight of the opener provides downward bias when the down pressure control is adjusted to a minimum condition. The opener is free to ride up and down to follow irregularities in the ground surface.

Abstract: A sugar cane piler having a mechanical spring suspension device connected between the piler and the front end of the loader, the device including a precompressed spring to absorb a major portion of the weight of the piler and reduce the force of the piler acting on the ground. The device permits the piler to readily float over the ground and minimizes penetration of the piler's tips into the ground.

Abstract: A drawbar packer having an adjustable bias assembly which transfers implement weight between the wheels and the coil packers. Tension on extension springs is adjustable so that sufficient weight is transferred from the wheels to the coil packers such that the wheels pack soil less than the coil packers. In this way, the implement packs soil uniformly in preparation of the seed bed.

Abstract: A plurality of parallel arm type openers are mounted on a frame tube, and a rockshaft is supported directly below the tube. Adjacent each of the openers, a lever arm is fixed for rotation with the rockshaft and, upon rotation of the rockshaft in a first direction, the lever arm engages the parallel arms to lift the opener while the frame tube remains stationary in the vertical direction. A tension spring assembly connected between the parallel arms and the lever arm applies varying down force when the opener is lowered by rotating the rockshaft in the opposite direction. The amount of down pressure can be adjusted for varying conditions by rotation of the rockshaft, and adjustment can be made on-the-go from the tractor cab to compensate for changing ground conditions in a given field. Locking structure on the row units permits selective lock-up of row units with a single cycle of the hydraulic lift system.

Abstract: An earth crust breaker drawn by a tool bar on a tractor is provided and consists of an elongated U-shaped frame having an angularly upwardly extending front end attached to the bottom of a vertical member of the tool bar. A post extends vertically from each side of the frame to the free end of a horizontal member of the tool bar. A plurality of specifically placed knife blades extend from the bottom of the frame to penetrate the ground and make slices into the crust thereby chopping it up.

Abstract: A field marker for attachment to a sprayer boom has an outer square tube clamped to the end of the spray boom. An inner square tube slides in the outer tube and is connected to it by a pair of coil springs that bias the inner tube downwardly. An hydraulic cylinder joins the inner and outer tubes as well and, when actuated, raises the inner tube against the biasing force of the springs. A marking disk is mounted on the bottom end of the inner tube, preferably with an adjustable mounting to accommodate booms of different heights.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is equipped with a plurality of earthworking tools spaced from one another in the fore and aft direction. One of the tools is adjustable between working and nonworking positions on a main frame by a hydraulic actuator connected to the main frame by a resiliently cushioned support which includes a spring loaded link. The one tool includes a coulter gang supported on a subframe by a pair of U-shaped springs. The deflection of the U-shaped springs and the spring loaded link allows the coulter gang to pass over relatively large boulders or the like without raising the implement frame to a significant extent and without causing the relief valve in the actuator hydraulic system to open.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a trash seeder having a seeding tyne and a following press wheel. A hydraulic cylinder applies pressure to both the seeding tyne and the press wheel. The press wheel is pivoted to the frame by a trailing arm and the tyne is pivoted to the trailing arm, the hydraulic cylinder acting on the tyne. Thus the single hydraulic cylinder applies pressure to both tyne and wheel, while allowing the tyne to move upwardly over obstructions without effecting operation of the press wheel.

Abstract: A shank assembly including a rearwardly opening bracket pivotally mounting a shank. A tension link extends upwardly from a central portion of the shank and through an apertured strap. A stop member at the upper end of the link limits the downward rocking of the shank. An adjustable arm assembly including a trunnion slidably received over the tension link is pivotally connected to the bracket and adjustably compresses a down-pressure spring which encircles the link between the trunnion and the shank. Individual down-pressure adjustments can be made without affecting the transport height of the assembly.

Abstract: In a drill, there is provided the combination of a pair of foldable pivot frames to each of which is attached a wheeled wing frame for up and down swinging movement, together with a tongue assembly for effecting the folding action, as well as a subframe for each wing made up of a T-frame and a hoe frame especially adapted for opening seed-receiving furrows and pressing the soil in each seeded furrow.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a main pull-type frame carrying a first set of ground-engaging tillage tools and a subframe carrying a second set of tillage tools. A lift mechanism including an hydraulic cylinder operated from the operator's position on the tractor pulling the implement adjusts the height of the subframe relative to the main frame to set the working depth of the tools on the subframe. A preload spring cushion mechanism is interposed between the main frame and the hydraulic cylinder to permit the subframe to lift for smaller obstacles and be reset by the spring without actuating the pressure relief valve. The force of the spring assists in resetting the subframe to its desired working depth after the obstacle is passed. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring cushion mechanism has an increasing moment arm as the spring compresses thereby to equalize the resetting force applied to the lift mechanism; and it is preloaded so that the operator can adjust the operating depth of the subframe.

Abstract: A pre-stressed columnar rubber spring interposed between the pressure beam and pivoted draw bar tube of a no-till seed drill deflects under load in one direction only and the force causing increased spring deflection in the principle operational range increases to a desired maximum and then remains substantially constant or decreases slightly thereby relieving the machine of excess stresses caused by contact of coulters and openers with rocks and other field obstructions.

Abstract: A mechanism for quickly and independently mounting detachable soil engaging tools on mobile agriculture equipment includes a vertically extending frame member and a pivotal tool support member. The frame member and tool support member have a tool mounted orientation, during which a frame member surface abuts a tool member surface in facing relationship where they are rigidly held and locked together by a hooking and locking assembly. The hooking and locking assembly have parts thereof aligned and respectively positioned so as to permit operable engagement by a simple insertion motion.

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.

Abstract: A light soil tillage implement is adapted to be drawn by a farm tractor, and is designed to perform a light tillage immediately preceeding fertilizing, planting, and/or other farming operations. The implement comprises a frame having support wheels thereon engaging the ground, one or more tool bars having ground working tools thereon, and a mounting mechanism for each tool bar connecting each tool bar with the frame. Each mounting mechanism comprises a series of linkage elements which resiliently bias the working tools downwardly into the soil when the implement is in a tilling position. The mounting mechanism is adapted to positively lift the tools and tool bars out of engagement with the ground when it is desired to transport the implement, and further individually mounts each tool bar in a manner which allows the same to laterally rotate about a central point thereon in order to follow the contour of the soil independent from the other tool bars.

Abstract: An earth working apparatus comprising a main frame having a hitch for detachably connecting the apparatus to a prime mover, a first ground working implement mounted on the main frame, a pair of support arms operatively connected at forwardly disposed ends thereof to the main frame for pivotal movement about a first transverse axis, ground engaging wheels mounted on the support arm, a lift arm operatively connected to each of the support arms for pivotal movement about a second transverse axis, a second earthworking implement mounted on the lift arms, chains interconnecting each of the lift arms and the main frame, a ground engaging wheel mounted on one of the frames and hydraulic cylinders operatively interconnecting each of the support arms and the main frame for angularly displacing the support arms relative to the main frame whereby upon actuation of the hydraulic cylinders when the ground engaging wheel is not in engagement with the ground, the working implements will be caused to move into and out of eng

Abstract: A depth control for grain drills, planters or the like utilizing a press wheel which can be adjusted to control the depth of each individual furrow opener to insure uniform depth of planting across the width of wide machines presently in use.

Abstract: An agricultural seed-drill comprises a frame and pivotally mounted drag bar carrying a coulter disc. An ovoid rubber spring is located between the drag bar and a member, such as a moving beam or bell crank lever, associated with the frame to apply pressure to the coulter, or to enable the coulter to be raised so that the disc does not contact the soil. In order to relieve strain on the spring member when the coulter is raised, the said spring member and associated threaded studs, used to attach the spring member to the drag arm and the member associated with the frame, contain a continuous longitudinal axial passageway in which is located a cable the end portions of which extend through the studs and are terminated by nipples spaced apart from the end of the studs. By this means the weight of the drag arm is taken by the cable when the drag arm is in the raised position.

Abstract: A down pressure control for use with furrow openers in grain drills which provides a spring load for maintaining down pressure on the furrow opener during normal operating conditions and which can be at relatively high rate to permit minimum tillage, or work in hard ground, but yet will release upon excessive movement of the furrow opener to prevent overstressing the hold down springs. The down pressure control is used in combination with an individual depth control for each of the furrow openers to insure that each furrow opener is individually controlled as to down pressure and depth.