Abstract: A seed furrow closing wheel includes an annular rim and a plurality of teeth carried on the rim for rotation about an axis. The teeth extend radially outward from the rim and are circumferentially spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A tire for a furrow press roller comprises a sole via which the tire is mounted on a field roller support, a tread opposite to the sole, and two sidewalls connecting the tread to the sole. The sole, the tread and the sidewalls together delimit a non-inflatable chamber. The tread comprises at least one crest and two shoulders each connecting the crest to a respective sidewall. The chamber extends partially at least laterally under the shoulders and radially into the crest.

Abstract: A compactor wheel assembly includes a substantially cylindrical wheel surface having a plurality of compactor wheel tips extending radially therefrom. The wheel surface and the plurality of compactor wheel tips define an overall diameter. A plurality of arcuate shields are coupled with the wheel surface and define a substantially cylindrical wrapper around the wheel surface. The wrapper includes first and second bands. The first band has a diameter greater than the overall diameter and defines a substantially continuous surface for engaging the ground. The second band has a diameter less than the overall diameter and defines a substantially continuous surface for engaging the wheel surface.

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: An agricultural machine having a first frame and a roller with a tube mounted about a first axis. A second frame is connected to the first frame and a wheel, which includes a rim mounted about a second axis. The wheel has a tire and the roller has a covering around the tube. The covering and the tire tread have moldings defining a pattern element repeated in a transverse direction parallel to the first axis and to the second axis, respectively. The pitch of transverse repeat of the pattern element of the roller and the pitch of transverse repeat of the pattern element of the wheel are equal to the nearest 10%. The pattern elements define ribs the height of which on the roller and the height of which on the wheel are equal to the nearest 90%.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting and conditioning a tract of ground generally consisting of a machine; means mounted on the machine for maneuvering an implement mounted thereon along and in contact with the tract of ground; and an implement mounted on the maneuvering means of the machine movable along and in contact with the tract of ground including a frame attachable to the maneuvering means of the machine, a drum rotatably mounted on the frame and a plurality of segments comprised of loosely connected components disposed transversely and spaced circumferentially on the drum.

Abstract: This roller (10) comprises a tubular support structure (14) of horizontal axis (X-X) adapted to be rotatably mounted on a tractor-drawn support frame. A series of semi-hollow tyres with a dome-shaped profile are threaded onto this tubular support structure and enable a series of parallel furrows to be formed in the earth. The tubular support structure (14) comprises a framework formed by a plurality of bars (30) joined together by two circular end cheeks (32) between which these bars extend axially. The tyres (12) are mounted on the bars of the framework, forming with the latter an assembly that is connected for rotation and translation.

Abstract: An agricultural machine having a first frame and a roller with a tube mounted about a first axis. A second frame is connected to the first frame and a wheel, which includes a rim mounted about a second axis. The wheel has a tyre and the roller has a covering around the tube. The covering and the tyre tread have mouldings defining a pattern element repeated in a transverse direction parallel to the first axis and to the second axis, respectively. The pitch of transverse repeat of the pattern element of the roller and the pitch of transverse repeat of the pattern element of the wheel are equal to the nearest 10%. The pattern elements define ribs the height of which on the roller and the height of which on the wheel are equal to the nearest 90%.

Abstract: A soil-conditioning disc and variable disc assembly system is presented wherein each disc has a series of radially extending geometrically shaped protrusions with intermittent cutting edges and consolidation surfaces, all circumscribing a central hub portion. The disc can be used individually or in multiplicity in a variety of configurations as appropriate for the soil conditions and soil-conditioning task at hand. When the soil-conditioning disc is rolled across the soil surface, a series of consolidated perforations and/or geometric-shaped hollows and restricting channels (depending on the particular disc configuration utilized) are created in the soil. This soil-conditioning disc and assembly simultaneously cuts and incorporates organic material into the soil to increase soil oxygenation for improved soil health, to create depressional water storage, to enhance soil permeability, to reduce evaporation, and to improve surface water distribution by reducing runoff.

Abstract: A soil conditioning device having a series of peripheral ridge members having a leading and trailing prow shaped surface circumscribing a disc, wheel or drum. Optionally the prow shaped peripheral ridge members are joined by sub-ridge members forming a single ridge of varying heights circumscribing the disc, wheel or drum. The invention is also of a method for creating a permeable soil surface using the apparatus herein.

Abstract: A soil conditioning device having a series of peripheral ridge members having a leading and trailing prow shaped surface circumscribing a disc, wheel or drum and a method of use. Optionally the prow shaped peripheral ridge members are joined by sub-ridge members forming a single ridge of varying heights circumscribing the disc, wheel or drum.

Abstract: A utility vehicle or other device for excavating soil or the like includes a utility mechanism, such as, e.g., a trencher, an auger or the like, with a motor-driven utility drum. In preferred embodiments, the motor is contained substantially entirely inside the drum. Preferably, the drive shaft is operatively connected to the drum to rotate the drum at a connection location that is displaced inward from ends of the drum. In some embodiments, the drive shaft is also preferably operatively connected to a second utility mechanism, such as, e.g., a trencher chain. In some embodiments, a planetary transmission is also located inside the drum.

Abstract: A one-pass field tillage implement and method which maintains a uniform soil density throughout the crop root zone for greater root development, improved plant health and greater yields by eliminating tillage of the soil at seed planting depths. The implement includes a wheeled frame operably supporting at least three longitudinally spaced tillage tool assemblies which first chops crop surface residue, then aggressively lifts and redistributes the chopped surface crop residue and breaks up the soil surface crust, and then levels the soil so that the soil surface is substantially smooth and ready for planting, all in a single-pass without tilling the soil at seed planting depths.

Abstract: A soil conditioner implement designed for operation in cooperation with a supporting skid steer vehicle, the skid steer vehicle being moveable over the soil to be conditioned and having a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure for transmission to the soil conditioner implement for powering thereof and having a skid steer control system for providing a plurality of commands to the soil conditioner implement, the soil conditioner implement includes a drum member having a rotatable drum, the drum being selectively contactable with the soil to be conditioned. A bolster member is operably coupled to the drum member for supporting in part the drum member, the bolster member being shiftable between a soil engaging disposition and a flipped-up disposition, the bolster member being borne on the drum member when in the flipped-up disposition. A method of conditioning soil is further included.

Abstract: A cultivator apparatus includes a frame, a tube supported on the frame, and a plurality of cultivator rings loosely placed over the axis of said tube. The cultivator rings each include a tubular base including cylindrical interior and exterior circumferential surfaces, and a planer, ring-shaped blade presenting a circular interior circumferential edge and an opposed exterior circumferential edge. The interior edge of each blade is of a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the exterior surface of the respective base, and each blade is welded to the exterior surface of the respective base along the interior edge. A method of constructing the rings is also provided.

Abstract: An elongate cultivating tool adapted to be supported at each end so as to be able in use to rotate about a longitudinal axis. The cultivating tool comprises an elongate cylindrical support which may be a helical coil spring, a plurality of cultivating elements on a peripheral cylindrical surface of the cylindrical support, each cultivating element linking up with four other like cultivating elements on the peripheral cylindrical surface and one and preferably two tines extending from each cultivating element. There may be two banks of cultivating elements on the tool to give a greater number of tines on the tool. The axle to support the cylindrical support for rotation may be telescopic to provide tension to maintain the position of the cultivating elements. The cultivating elements are formed from metal rod and in one form comprise a U-shaped body with each leg of the U-shaped body including a bend out of the plane of the body with each portion beyond the bend comprising a tine.

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 suspension unit in agricultural rollers, for elastically connecting the frame of the roller to a roller set including a shaft and a plurality of roller rings. An outer axially extending housing (4) is connected to the frame (2) of the roller (1) with the aid of an attachment (3). An inner mounting (5) carries the end of the roller set shaft. On either side of the inner mounting (5) there are axialy arranged horizontal abutments (6), of elastic material, e.g. rubber, connecting the housing (4) to the mounting (5). Through openings (7, 8) are formed at the upper side (7) and under side (8) of the inner mounting. There is thus obtained low stiffness vertically, and the inner mounting (5) is allowed large movement vertically, whereby the roller set is given great adaptability to ground irregularities. By having large stiffness in the horizontal direction, the roller set is only allowed small movement in the travelling direction of the roller.

Abstract: A soil compacting roller comprises a cylinder rotatably mounted between the lower ends of substantially vertical limbs of two side supports. The cylinder is surrounded by a plurality of larger diameter rings which extend in relatively spaced apart, side-by-side relationship along the length of the cylinder. The roller also includes an internal tubular or rod supporting member spaced above the cylinder so that the rings are rotatable about that member and the cylinder entirely independently of one another. Guide members extend between the successively neighboring rings to keep them in position axially of the cylinder and to assist in dislodging adhering mud from the interiors and exteriors of the rings. The guide members can be in the form of pivotally mounted strips, spring steel rods, annular flanges carried at regular intervals along the cylinder, pairs of lugs carried by the supporting member or rotatably mounted circumferentially toothed discs which extend between the successive rings.

Abstract: The invention concerns an impact compactor comprising a noncircular roller, draft arms positioned on both sides of the roller, axle means supported about the draft arms and on which the roller is mounted for rotation, a draw bar pivotally connected to the draft arms for towing the roller, and a gear and pinion linkage between the roller and the draft arms. Outer gears may be fast with each side of the roller. Each draft arm may support a stub shaft on which a pinion is mounted to mesh with the outer gear and to co-operate with a ratchet mounted on the draft arm. A buffering device can be provided between the draft arms and the draw bar.

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 method for planting seeds in a pattern comprising longitudinal and transverse rows of seed planting sites, in which the transverse rows cross the longitudinal rows, the improvement comprising: planting the seeds with a seed-to-seed spacing of 1 to 31/2 inches along both the longitudinal and transverse rows, preferably in an approximately square, equidistant pattern. The equidistant spacing, in contrast with row-type spacing where plants are spaced relatively far apart in one direction and close together in the other direction, provides a significant improvement in the growth of the plants, and particularly encourages "stooling" or multiple sprouting of cereal grains and grasses.

Abstract: A slit trenching and cable laying device includes: a frame held above the ground by a support, preferably adjustable to various levels above the ground, a plow for digging a slit trench and laying a cable or line therein, the plow being mounted so as to be relatively movable with respect to the frame, a mechanism for imparting a digging motion to the plow, preferably, adjustable to impart a variable motion and being adapted to be driven by a vehicle towing the device, and another mechanism for imparting a motion to the plow for reducing surface contact and resultant drag between the plow and the sides of the trench, preferably adjustable for varying the magnitude of the motion as conditions warrant.