Abstract: The press wheel has instrumentation associated therewith detecting a rolling of the wheel over a planted set. A computing device is connected to the instrumentation and to the speed monitoring device of the planter. The computing device determines spacings between planted sets. The data obtained is real-time data and is readily available to the operator of the planter so that the speed of the planter can be adjusted on the fly to maintain an ideal set spacing. The press wheel has a soft, smooth, flexible and stretchable rolling surface capable of deforming over a planted set and detecting an imprint of the planted set in the surface thereof, without damaging the planted set. A contact signature of the rolling of the press wheel over a planted set shows that the “rolling on” of the press wheel over a planted set is as smooth as the “rolling away” from the planted set.

Abstract: A ground shaping machine, particularly an agricultural machine, including a frame, at least one roller fitted with a flexible tire, a first bearing and a second bearing whereby the roller can rotate about a substantially horizontal axis in the working position, the first bearing and the second bearing being positioned one at each end of the roller. The frame has a first support and a second support, the first support at least being connected to the first bearing through a suspension device including a mechanism with an upper arm and a lower arm, both substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roller, each of the upper and lower arms being connected by a joint to the first support, and to the first bearing, the mechanism forming a deformable quadrilateral, while the suspension device also have a substantially vertical resilient return member connected by a joint to the first support and to the first bearing.

Abstract: A roller assembly for agricultural machinery is disclosed. The roller assembly includes at least one tube onto which tires are threaded, and two arms adapted to support the tube in rotation at both its ends. Each arm carries a suspension lever housed inside the tube and acted upon by a resilient recoil member. The suspension lever is mounted on the arm so as to be pivotable about a first rotation axis and supporting a shaft end which carries a flange fixed to the inside of the tube for the rotation of this tube about a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis. The roller assembly applies particularly to the rollers of seed drills.

Abstract: A soil treatment apparatus (10) comprises an endless band (12) of resilient material with soil treatment teeth (14) projecting radially therefrom. The teeth are replacably attached to the band (12).

Abstract: The invention relates to a ground shaping machine, particularly an agricultural machine, comprising a frame (3), at least one roller (11) fitted with a flexible tire (13), a first bearing (37) and a second bearing (37) whereby the roller (11) can rotate about a substantially horizontal axis (XX) in the working position, the first bearing (37) and the second bearing (37) being positioned one at each end of the roller (11).

Abstract: The machine comprises a given number of roller pairs respectively connected to the machine frame by a linking part (32). The linking part (32) of each roller pair is adapted so as to enable the rollers (12a, 12b) to incline freely about a first roll axis (YY?) perpendicular to and coplanar with the longitudinal axis (XX?) of the rollers and about a second axis (HH?) parallel to the pitch axis of the frame (10), no matter what deformations of the road or terrain are encountered. Application in particular to seed drills for agricultural machines.

Abstract: A ground surface treatment apparatus including a frame adapted to be operatively received by a ground ripping attachment of a self propelled vehicle, and a ground engaging implement carried by the frame for treating the ground surface is provided. The apparatus further includes a resiliently responsive linkage interposed between a portion of the frame and a portion of the ground ripping attachment such that the frame is resiliently responsive to ground ripping tool manipulations and ground surface contours.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press-wheel assembly of the kind used with seed planting machines and which includes a press-wheel (11) formed by a pair of mating wheel halves (11′, 11″), the inner wheel half (11′) being provided with an integrally formed hub (13) which projects through a central bore formed in the outer wheel half (11″), the projecting hub portion being constructed and arranged so as to permit the fitment of a protective end cap (14) within its open outer end. The cap (14) when fitted to the hub (13) has its skirt surrounded and thereby protected by the walls of the projecting hub portion. Openings (28) in the projecting hub portion are provided to allow the insertion of a hand tool for manually removing the end cap from the wheel hub. Desirably the cap (14) is secured to the inside of the hub by means of an interference fit.

Abstract: A mounting for a rotary broom on a skid steer loader has a bracket that is attached to a frame plate that mounts on the front attachment plate of the skid steer loader. The front attachment plate can be tilted about a horizontal axis through the use of a tilt cylinder on the skid steer loader. The bracket is in turn pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis adjacent the top of the frame plate, and the weight of the broom, and the mounting bracket tending to pivot the lower portion of the bracket toward the frame plate is counterbalanced by a pair of compression springs on the lower part of the bracket, which react force or movement loads back to the frame plate. In this way, the counterbalancing springs are kept low, out of sight, and out of the way.

Abstract: An adjustable depth control mechanism for use with earth penetrating equipment. The invention includes a hub and spindle assembly for use with an adjustable depth gauge wheel, which is mounted on a support axle. It may also include a position indicator that an operator can readily view to determine the relative position of the depth gauge wheel and, accordingly, the depth setting of the ground penetrating disc. The indicator rotates to certain positions that correspond to the depth to which the disc is allowed to penetrate into the ground. Preferably, both the position indicator and the adjustment mechanism of the assembly are located internal to the depth gauge wheel and are covered and protected by the rim of the wheel from contamination by soil and crop residue.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus which is both land and roadworthy and which is for use in land management. The apparatus comprises wheel or drum members on which it travels which members are provided with friction free or self-cleaning ridges which when travelling over land provide an impression of a kind which safeguards against soil erosion and improves land irrigation.

Abstract: A spring tooth harrow packer comprising a transversely extending draw bar which is wheel supported and which has a hitch extending forwardly therefrom for attachment to a tractor. A plurality of harrow sections are secured to the draw bar and are positioned rearwardly thereof which each of the harrow sections including a plurality of ground engaging spring teeth. A packer is mounted on the rearward end of each of the harrow sections and is pivotally secured thereto for selectively controlling the penetration depth of the teeth of the associated harrow section.

Abstract: A rim liner member attached to and covering the face of a gauge wheel rim adjacent a soil penetrating disk. The liner member has an exterior surface having a high lubricity which minimizes the build up of wet soil on the exterior surface. The entire liner member may be formed of low-friction polyethylene and it may be configured to conform to the face of the gauge wheel rims used by the manufacturers of planter, grain drills, and other soil working implements.

Abstract: A transplanter is disclosed which provides uniform planting without damaging plants. The transplanter includes a rotating cup assembly having two-piece clam shell cups, one of which opens by lateral movement by the cup halves of the cup. The transplanter also includes a chute and kick plate which move together to position the plants received from the rotating cup assembly in the planting position. A unique means is provided for opening the cup halves at a position immediately above the chute to minimize any hang-up of the plants. A polymer furrow opening shoe is also disclosed which includes a protective member which prevents soil damage to the polymeric surface. Also novel packing wheels are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of an auger with fixed or replaceable tips designed to cut openings through sheet plastic or fiberglass ground coverings and drill, in a continuous operation, an appropriate diameter hole for planting seedlings or seeds as may be desired. This invention is comprised of a shaft with spiral auger and a cutting tip with a cylindrical cutting edge and a recessed drilling point as an assembly which is removably attached to the shaft with flights on it. The device can be driven by a conventional electric drill with a one-half inch chuck.

Abstract: An implement for seeding "fluffy" grass seed comprising a seed box defining a plurality of seed compartments having a seed dispensing slot in a lower portion thereof. Seed delivery tubes are connected to the seed box so that each of the seed delivery tubes encompasses one of the seed dispensing slots. A picker wheel assembly is rotatably supported on the seed box such that a picker wheel is disposed in each of the seed dispensing slots and a directional flow agitator assembly is rotatably mounted in each of the seed compartments for agitating and directing seed toward the seed dispensing slots and into contact with the picker wheels. A packer assembly, designed to substantially "float" over the surface of the ground, is rotatably connected to the frame assembly so as to support the frame assembly while at the same time firming soil over and around seed dispensed from the seed compartments through the seed delivery tubes.

Abstract: A towable, furrow opening seed planting assembly includes a mobile frame and a planting unit, the planting unit including a ground engaging opener, a seed depositing apparatus and a press wheel for covering the deposited seed with soil. A variety of different press wheels may be substituted through the use of adapters removably mounted on a universal press wheel arm whereby press wheels having different widths may be maintained in proper alignment with the furrow created by the opener for ensuring proper soil coverage and contact with the deposited seed.

Abstract: An agricultural roller is disclosed that permits rocks and other obstructions to be compacted into soil. and especially sod fields. In particular, the disclosed agricultural roller employs a pipe on which a plurality of rubber treads are mounted. The substantially solid treads insure that the full weight of the roller is applied to obstructions to press rocks and other obstructing objects into the soil, while at the same time permitting the roller to be towed in the field and on roads at increased speeds as compared with steel rollers. A tongue hitch is also provided to permit easy servicing of the treads.

Abstract: An attachment for a lawn roller which includes an elongated sheet of flexible material for covering the outer cylindrical surface of the lawn roller that the ends of the sheet abut. The ends of the sheet are provided with complementary connectors to enable the sheet to be removably attached to the roller. The sheet is provided with a plurality of rigid pins which project from the outer face of the sheet when it is applied to the roller or penetrating the top soil of a lawn or garden as the roller is rolled along the surface of the soil.

Abstract: The sidewall of the zero pressure tire of a combined gauge wheel and slicing disc assembly includes an annular sealing surface in axial engagement with the disc which is not pulled away from the disc by flexing of the tire tread during operation of the agricultural equipment on which the assembly is used.

Abstract: The clearing appliance has a number of clearing elements (4) mounted so that they can rotate on a support beam (3). The clearing elements are arranged one after the other in a line and are offset transversely with respect to one another. The axes of rotation of the clearing elements (4) are angled in relation to the appliance longitudinal axis and the clearing elements (4) are tilted relative to the horizontal plane. Each clearing element (4) is concave in shape, and the concave side points downwards and forwards and comprises an outer ring (17) made of elastic material in the form of a truck tire cut in half perpendicular to its axis of rotation.

Abstract: A cutting blade, for vines and the like, adaptable for use on a standard gauge or press wheel typically mounted on a shovel cultivator used in agricultural purposes. The cutting blade is readily secured for use on the gauge wheel, upon removal of the regular tire. In another invention embodiment, a specialized structure mounts the cutting blade. In any event, effective operation is provided to prevent binding during the cultivating operation.

Abstract: An apparatus to be towed that includes a frame supported, rotatably mounted, pair of furrow forming disks that are arranged to substantially contact each other at the approximate point of entry into the soil and diverge apart rearwardly and upwardly, and a frame supported, rotatable gauge wheel located adjacent each disk, with each wheel having a radially inwardly located recessed lip immediately adjacent the disk to trap soil removed from the furrow to form a mound of moist and substantially uncompacted soil along the edge of the furrow.

Abstract: To form a furrow for row guidance systems, a shank is mounted on a frame forwardly of a wheel which includes a V-shaped tire. The shank opens the ground and the tire crushes clods and packs the sides of the furrow. Depth bands on each side of the tire shape the edges of the furrow and prevent loose dirt from rolling back into the furrow. When utilized to reform a furrow, the frame is pivotally connected to the implement for rocking about an upright axis to allow the wheel to trail and average out guidance system corrections and driver steering corrections so that the reformed furrow will be more accurate for the next operation.

Abstract: The seed planter press wheel having a resilient tire means that is partially filled with an incompressible liquid so that the resilient tire means stretches upon contacting of the tire means with an earthen seed bed to inhibit the sticking of any caked mud on the outer surface of the resilient tire means.

Abstract: A conditioning apparatus is provided for working of an upper surface layer of a dirt race track to form a cushion of loosened and uncompacted earth particles. The apparatus includes a rigid structural frame mounted on a single elongated supporting roller extending substantially the entire width of the apparatus. A plurality of transversely extending beams are fixedly secured to the frame and each carries a plurality of vertically extending earth working tines. The frame is vertically adjustable on the roller to a selected elevation and a leveling mechanism is interconnected between the frame and a towing bar to enable pivoting of the frame about the single roller to a horizontal plane when the towing bar is connected to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an agricultural roller useful, for example, in closing and packing furrows after they have been sowed by a seed drill. The roller includes a generally rectangular frame equipped with several roller mounting stations for mounting the desired number of pairs of rollers for a particular use in side-by-side alignment. The frame is also equipped with alternate towbar mounting stations and means for positioning the towbar appropiately for the number of roller pairs employed, and with mounting stations for outrigger frames carrying additional roller pairs when desired. The roller pairs are so mounted on the frame (and outriggers) that they are pivotable in a vertical plane transverse to the rolling direction to closely follow the land contour.

Abstract: A dual packer unit is disclosed that is particularly useful for sod seeding purposes. The apparatus includes an H-shaped mounting bracket consisting of an arcuate leg connected at opposite ends to a pivot arm and a wheel mounting arm. The pivot arm is integrally formed with one end of the arcuate leg at the central portion of the pivot arm, and the wheel mounting arm is integrally formed with the other end of the arcuate leg at the central portion of the wheel mounting arm so that the ends of the pivot arm may be pivotally mounted between a pair of seed tubes, and packer wheels may be mounted for free rotation at the ends of the wheel mounting arms. When so mounted, each packer wheel is received in a furrow immediately following and in line with the seed tube. The packer wheels are gravity biased downwardly toward a cut furrow, and the unit therefore provides sufficient flexibility to follow the contour of the ground and to follow the cut furrow regardless of the depth selected.

Abstract: An earthworking implement mounted on a three-point hitch of a draft vehicle with a hitch assembly. The hitch assembly has L-shaped members mounted in clamps secured to a main transverse beam. A plurality of parallel linkages movably connect a transverse tool bar to the beam. Row guide units having longitudinally aligned guide wheels and furrowing tools are mounted with clamps to the tool bar. Earthworking tools are mounted with clamps to the tool bar. In one form, the earthworking tool is a blade sequentially moved into and out of the soil with a lifting wheel to dig water and snow holding basins or trenches in the soil.