Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement including a carriage frame assembly and pull hitch towed by a tractor and secondary frames supported by the carriage frame assembly. The secondary frames support gangs of disk blades for tilling the soil in a travel direction. Bearing hanger assemblies support the gangs of disk blades below the secondary frames through a C shaped resilient element. Stop elements are mounted on the bearing hanger assemblies and to a cross bar to limit deflection of the C shaped elements by abutting some of the secondary frames.

Abstract: A double bladed (opposite) coulter assembly is provided. A second (opposite or mirrored) coulter blade is mounted on the same coulter assembly thereby equalizing the load realized by the equipment and eliminating the draft. The second (opposite or mirrored) coulter blade reduces wear on the coulter assembly and reduces the number of coulters required by one half per equivalent tool bar thereby increasing operational efficiency of the equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller cylinder (1) comprising band rings (6) which are attached to a center axis (17, 17a, 17b). The roller cylinder comprises at least two band ring segments (14, 14a, 14b) consisting of an outer, substantially circular portion (15), an inner portion (16) and a radial portion (18) extending substantially radially between the inner and outer portions, said inner portions of the band ring segments being fixed by means of fastening means, such as screws (19, 20, 19a, 20a, 21a, 19b, 20b, 21b), to the center axis and abut the center axis at least at the attachment points of the fastening means between the inner portion of the band ring segments and the center axis. The invention also relates to a band ring segment included in a roller cylinder provided with band rings.

Abstract: A tillage implement includes a main frame with adjustable toolbar sections thereon which each support respective tillage units thereon for engaging the ground. According to one aspect of the invention, the toolbar sections are angularly adjustable about a pivot head at one end thereof while also being slidable in a longitudinal direction of the toolbar section to maintain alignment of the tillage units. The pivot head is elongate in a direction transverse to the toolbar section to resist moments applied to the toolbar section by the tillage units engaging the ground while the toolbar section remains adjustable. In another aspect of the invention, the tillage units each comprise a trailing arm supporting the respective coulter disks thereon. The trailing arm is pivoted between two side plates fixed to the toolbar section and biased downward by a spring enclosed between the side plates to resist debris catching on the spring.

Abstract: A coulter assembly for an agricultural implement. The coulter assembly includes a support structure and a disc blade rotatably mounted to the support structure. The coulter assembly also includes a spring assembly coupled to the support structure and configured to urge the disc blade into soil. The spring assembly includes a variable rate spring.

Abstract: Systems for mounting a plurality of agricultural tools on a transverse support bar and a method for operating an agricultural implement having a transverse support bar are disclosed. The systems include a lateral positioning structure that can attach to the transverse support bar and a detachable base that can be releasably coupled to the lateral positioning structure.

Abstract: An inductor mountable to a frame member of an implement. The inductor is movable between a working position and a stowed position. In the working position, the soil engaging tool is in engagement with the soil. In the stowed position, the soil engaging tool is out of engagement with the soil.

Abstract: An agricultural furrow opening system having a hybrid single-disk, double-disk opener is disclosed including a swing-arm, a primary disk, and a deflecting disk. The primary disk is coupled to a distal end of the swing-arm and configured to rotate about a first axis. The primary disk is rolled about a direction of travel at a first oblique angle ?P and yawed about a vertical direction at a second oblique angle ?P. The deflecting disk is coupled to the distal end of the swing-arm and configured to rotate about a second axis. The deflecting disk is rolled about the direction of travel at a third oblique angle ?D and yawed about the vertical direction at a fourth oblique angle ?D. The first oblique angle ?P is between the vertical direction and the third oblique angle ?D.

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: An add-on tillage system is adapted to be mounted on an agricultural device to enhance tilling ability. The add-on tillage system includes a tilling unit with a common tool bar having attached thereto a first set of a plurality of tilling tines or coulters adapted to produce deep grooves in a tilled field. Means are provided for adjusting spacing between the tines or coulters, tilling tines or coulters up and down as a group being loaded by spring force, compressed air pistons or hydraulically actuated rams. A first mount is adapted to receive a tongue with hydraulic operations for mounting to a tractor. A second mount is adapted to receive a tongue with hydraulic mount to an agricultural device adapted to be pulled by the tractor. The add-on tillage system tills surface soil for a clean appearance, providing improved rain/irrigation water absorption, eliminating water run-off and erosion.

Abstract: An agricultural implement including a coupling mechanism for coupling to a vehicle and a frame having a tool tube with a top, which is coupled to the coupling mechanism. The frame is adapted to be pulled by the vehicle. The agricultural implement includes a plurality of wheel assemblies coupled to the frame, which support the frame above a surface. The agricultural implement includes a tool tube bracket coupled to the tool tube. The agricultural implement includes a standard having a mounting portion and a tool-receiving portion. The mounting portion is coupled to the tool tube bracket for translational adjustment of a position of the standard relative to the tool tube. The agricultural implement includes a tool coupled to the tool-receiving portion of the standard.

Abstract: A mounting device for a tillage assembly that comprises a resilient element and a horizontal pivot axis, which allows upward and rearward deflection of a tillage blade in response to impact with obstacles. the assembly advantageously allows lateral deflection of at least a support arm of the assembly in response to impact with obstacles, which may be enhanced by providing the assembly with a pivot means having a resilient bushing. The resilient element and/or the resilient bushing may comprise elastomeric materials.

Abstract: A coulter assembly is provided that facilitates continuous adjustment of coulter disk penetration depth. In an exemplary embodiment, the coulter assembly includes a gauge wheel configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of a coulter disk into the soil. A depth adjustment assembly is coupled to the gauge wheel and configured to adjust the penetration depth of the coulter disk by continuously varying the vertical position of the gauge wheel. This configuration may enable the coulter disk to operate at any penetration depth within the gauge wheel range of motion, thereby facilitating deposition of fertilizer within the soil at a suitable depth to enhance crop growth.

Abstract: An apparatus for fracturing a crust on an agricultural field includes a tool bar and a support attached to the tool bar. A plurality of discs are non-rotatably attached to an axle that is rotatably supported by the support. Each of the plurality of discs include a plurality of spaced apart teeth about the perimeter of each disc. The teeth comprise convex surfaces and concave surfaces that converge at distal ends where the plurality of discs rotate about the support such that the convex surfaces penetrate and fracture the crust and that any debris or trash picked up by the teeth is ejected by the angles of the teeth and angles of the support brackets preventing plugging and destruction of the rowed crop.

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: An apparatus for fracturing a crust on an agricultural field includes a tool bar and a support attached to the tool bar. A plurality of discs are non-rotatably attached to an axle that is rotatably supported by the support. Each of the plurality of discs include a plurality of spaced apart teeth about the perimeter of each disc. The teeth comprise convex surfaces and concave surfaces that converge at distal ends where the plurality of discs rotate about the support such that the convex surfaces penetrate and fracture the crust and that any debris or trash picked up by the teeth is ejected by the angles of the teeth and angles of the support brackets preventing plugging and destruction of the rowed crop.

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 ground variation 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 working element of an agricultural machine mounted on a substantially horizontal beam by a linking structure comprising at least one upper arm and at least one lower arm, the working element being subjected on one hand to a depth control force directed toward the ground and on another hand to a ballasting exerted by a ballasting device comprising at least one spring. The ballasting device consists of a handle and at least one rack, the handle comprising at least one rod intended to collaborate with the rack.

Abstract: A disc harrow has a frame and a plurality of earth working discs. Each disc has a central aperture for attachment to a gang shaft. A mount attaches the gang shaft to the underside of the frame and has bearings to permit rotation of the shaft in response to forward movement of the disc harrow. The mount includes a first structural member, a second structural member and a resilient spring connected between the two members. In operation, upon striking of an obstacle by the discs, the gang shaft is permitted to upwardly deflect by the mount to prevent damage to the disc harrow. The second structural member has first and second portions with aligned longitudinal axes. The first and second portions are rotationally connected to permit rotation of the second portion in response to an angular moment applied to the second portion by deflection of the gang shaft.

Abstract: A coulter wheel assembly for mounting to a farm implement having a frame. The assembly includes a vertical shank having a coil spring at substantially its mid-point and upper and lower shank members extending therefrom. The upper shank member is attached to the frame by means of a mounting bracket and the lower shank member is attached to a rotatable hub. A coulter wheel for engagement of the soil is mounted on the hub. The coulter wheel assembly is used, for example, with no-till planting equipment in order to prepare the soil prior to seed introduction. In operation, the coulter wheel rotates along the ground, thereby penetrating the soil, and is permitted to deflect in response to impact with obstructions by means of the coil spring; the coulter wheel then returns to its original path, thereby providing a uniformly prepared soil surface and preventing damage to the coulter wheel assembly or the implement.

Abstract: A disc mounting system includes the attachment of each disc to a disc gang bar via a dedicated leaf spring. Each of the leaf springs, which can be generally U shaped, are attached at a top end to the gang bar and at a lower leg to a disc spindle such that the disc is positioned at least partially alongside the spring lower leg. The mounting system allows the disc to deflect vertically, laterally or torsionally when the disc encounters an obstacle. An optional shield can be attached to the leaf spring to prevent soil and debris thrown out by adjacent discs from entering the spring. A disc scraper blade can also be attached to the shield.

Abstract: A row crop cultivator has a plurality of domed discs suspended in pairs from a suspension system in which the discs are firmly restrained against lateral movement relative to the crop row being cultivated but are free to move vertically to adjust to uneven conditions or obstacles of the ground. A generally cylindrical band is fixed to one side of each disc and has a smaller diameter than the disc diameter defining a cylindrical surface which rides on the surface of the ground and permits the disc to penetrate the soil only to a predetermined depth. The cylindrical surface if of sufficient width that it supports the disc in a floating manner over the ground and a uniform depth of cultivation is achieved, whereby damage to crops from excessive disc penetration is avoided.

Abstract: A liquid fertilizer injection system is provided that includes a single coulter blade mounted on a support arm extending from a bracket which is adapted to be pivotally coupled to an attachment apparatus which attaches the system to a propulsion means. A spray arm is adapted at one end is attached to the support arm and is adjustable in the up and down direction by means of a slot bracket. A second end of the spray arm is attached to a spray nozzle which is adapted to receive a flexible tube. The flexible tube transfers, to the nozzle, liquid fertilizer, under pressure, from a liquid reservoir via a pump. The system further includes a tension spring assembly which provides a down-force, determined by the user, to the coulter assembly, while isolating the system from the propulsion means, thereby preventing lifting of a planter or seeder to which the system is connected off of the ground.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism is disclosed for use in association with a row unit having a furrow forming apparatus as an integral part thereof. A linkage arrangement is provided for mounting the row unit to a tool bar of a tractor or the like thus allowing the furrow forming apparatus to follow the contour of the ground for consistent and efficient furrow formation. The mounting mechanism of the present invention includes a unique pressure applicator that allows for one-handed adjustment of the furrow forming mechanism on each row unit without the use of tools. The present invention is furthermore structured to facilitate adjustment of the pressure applicator along a predetermined path of travel relative to the linkage assembly that mounts the row unit to the tool bar.

Abstract: A seeder comprises a coulter assembly (13) operable to cut stubble/grass in a series of parallel lines in the first stage of forming a plurality of parallel rows of seed beds. The coulter assembly (13) comprises a plurality of coulters (21) and is operable to rotate the coulters (21) in a series of parallel circular paths around a central axis at a rate that is sufficient, relative to the forward direction of the seeder, so that the coulters (21) in each circular path make multiple cuts to the same section of ground surface in each parallel line.

Abstract: A row cleaning attachment for seeding equipment comprising a coulter mounted between and behind two press wheels having a uniform circumference. The press wheels are independently spring biased downwardly into contact with the ground for holding and pulling the crop residue away from the planting line of the planting unit. The coulter has a larger diameter than the press wheels and is located so that the cutting edge of the coulter cuts the residue material as it is being tensioned between the press wheels.

Abstract: A disk harrow assembly comprising a frame with an elongated beam and having an elongated shaft arranged generally parallel to and below the beam with a plurality of laterally spaced disks mounted on the shaft of rotation therewith. At least two laterally spaced bearing standards resiliently connecting the shaft to the beam. Each bearing standard includes a spring whose first extremity is secured to the beam, a curved central portion for positioning a free ended second extremity of the spring in spaced relation beneath the first extremity and a bearing assembly carried toward the free ended extremity of the spring for rotatably supporting the shaft. The bearing assembly is mounted toward the second end of the spring for rocking movement about an axis disposed in an acute angle relative to the horizontal direction of movement of the harrow assembly.

Abstract: An improved disk harrow C-spring with a tapered cross section which reduces the compressive stresses in the inside radius and improves vertical and side-to-side flexibility. The curved portion of the C-spring has a constant cross section at the top and around three-fourths of the bend. At a location on the bend 45 degrees down from the horizontal, the thickness tapers to a location forward of the bearing hanger. The cross section is constant from the end of the taper to the end of the spring. The tapered cross section allows a thicker section to be used on the most highly stressed areas in the upper quadrant of the curved portion of the C-spring. The lower quadrant taper results in uniform stress distribution along the entire C-spring with the maximum compressive stress on the inside radius reduced substantially over a conventional C-spring. In addition, the tapered design provides an increase in both vertical and side-to-side flexibility for improved operation in rocky soil.

Abstract: A flexible strut device for supporting a pair of lifter wheels for a sugar beet harvester includes a mounting bracket secured to the tool bar of the sugar beet harvester. A fixed fulcrum plate is secured to the mounting bracket and is secured to a movable fulcrum plate by connector assemblies. A flexible strut having a pair of lifter wheels journaled thereon is secured to the movable fulcrum plate. The connector assemblies include horizontally disposed compression sleeves which yieldably urge the fixed and movable plate to a normal operating position and permit the movable fulcrum plate, the flexible strut and lifter wheels to be deflected upwardly or downwardly against the bias of the compression sleeves in response to the lifter wheels striking an object, such as a stone or the like.

Abstract: An implement for agricultural field work is primarily useful for preparing a field for no-till planting and comprises a wheel carried frame for carrying a massive fertilizer hopper which has apertures in its bottom portion through which fertilizer flows at a metered rate into feed tubes which carry the fertilizer to furrows formed by double-disc ground openers mounted on the frame. The openers aerate the soil and chop crop residues remaining on the ground surface from the previous crop. Hoes attached to the openers draw a portion of the soil displaced from the furrows back into the furrows after the fertilizer is deposited therein.

Abstract: An edge cutter comprising a cutter member and support means therefore adapted to be moved to cut along a guide such as the edge of a path, comprising:means to support the cutter member on transport means,means to allow the cutter member to move laterally with respect to the direction of movement of the transport means,means to urge the cutter member to move toward the guide, and,means to allow the cutter member to caster to align with the guide.

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: This invention relates to a planter guide attachment designed to hold and align conventional corn, soybean planters, or other units on the upper area of a ridge of soil formed by previous cultivation-ridging processes as known in Ridge-Till farming. The unit provides a mounting shaft having a pair of coned blades mounted thereon to allow the tapered faces of the disc blades to hug the sides of the ridges for proper planter alignment. The shaft blade construction is hingedly attached to a mounting bar which is vertically adjustably attached to a tool bar extending transversely of the rear of a towing vehicle for mounting a plurality of guide units thereon. A knee spring-action mechanism is provided to load the shaft, disc structure to maintain the same in ground contacting position, and allow the same to override obstacles that may be in the ridge, and thereafter return the same into ground-contacting position along the sides of the ridge.

Abstract: A coulter chisel tillage tool includes a mounting apparatus for attaching a disc gang to a rockshaft. A bracket extends radially from the rockshaft and is connected to one end of a spring having its other end positioned in a retainer cup. The retainer cup is attached to one end of a rod which extends longitudinally through the spring and through an aperture formed in the mounting bracket with the other end of the rod rotatably attached to a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly includes a pair of bearing caps which rotatably engage the rockshaft and are positioned between a pair of plates which are maintained together by bolts. One of the bolts also extends through a yoke of a disc gang for rotatably mounting the disc gang for rotation about a generally vertical axis. The spring and bracket assembly permits the disc gang to rotate about the rockshaft when an obstacle is struck during normal operation.

Abstract: A conservation tillage attachment for a seed planting unit that functions to cut and clear away prior crop residue, fracture the soil ahead of the seed trench opener, and form a trench for the deposit of dry or liquid fertilizer offset from and parallel to the later formed seed trench. The attachment includes a single disk blade disposed forward of the seed trench forming unit. The single disk blade is disposed at an angle of approximately 5.degree. from the line defining the direction of travel of the seed planting implement. The attachment includes a selectively adjustable down force structure and a selectively adjustable depth control mechanism.

Abstract: A pull type minimum tillage implement includes a closed rectangular frame having a forward tool bar, intermediate tool bar and rear tool bar. The ground-working tools travel directly over each previous crop row and include a forward coulter mounted on the forward tool bar followed by a subshank and disk hiller mounted on the intermediate tool bar. A mounted planter may be connected to the rear tool bar while a drawn planter is connected under the rear tool bar to the intermediate tool bar. A pair of depth gauge and support wheel assemblies are provided directly over a pair of rows and include spaced apart frame members extending between the three tool bars with a ground wheel pivot arm positioned therebetween and pivotally connected to a bracket mounted on the front tool bar. A hydraulic cylinder pivots the frame about an axis through the forward end of the implement frame tongue thereby raising the rear end of the implement frame carrying with it the ground-working tools.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for fertilizer coulters including a selective locking mechanism whereby, at the option of the operator, the coulter may be permitted to pivot about the coulter supporting shank or be locked in place.

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: A rotary incorporator for one pass incorporation of chemicals or small grains in previously tilled soil. The incorporator includes two rows of aggressive, large diameter spider wheels supported from a toolbar for rotation in the soil about axes offset at an acute angle to the transverse direction. The spider wheels, arranged to balance the forces transmitted to the toolbar, are angled in opposite directions on each half portion of the implement, with the wheels of the trailing row angled in opposite direction to and offset transversely with respect to the forwardly adjacent wheels in the forward row. The innermost wheels of each of the two rows are more widely spaced and smaller in diameter than most of the remaining wheels, and two additional smaller diameter spider wheels are centrally located between the innermost wheels and cooperate therewith to provide good incorporation and a smooth seed bed without hilling or chemical banding.

Abstract: A combination coulter and fertilizer knife apparatus for applying fertilizer to the soil including a frame having a coulter rotatably attached to the frame along a substantially horizontal axis for the purpose of cutting a slot in the soil. A fertilizer knife is attached to the frame rearwardly of the coulter, the front edge of the fertilizer knife being of substantially the same arcuate shape as an adjacent portion of the edge of a circular coulter and slightly spaced from such coulter. A conduit is attached along the rear edge of the fertilizer knife, terminating in an outlet opening adjacent the lower edge of the fertilizer knife and the top thereof leading to a supply of liquid or gaseous fertilizer. Consequently, the combination coulter and fertilizer knife is useful to cut a trench in the ground, and then to permit liquid or anhydrous ammonia fertilizer to be inserted into such trench without having trash or other objects interfere with such operation.

Abstract: An attachment for forming an irrigation furrow in top soil of a crop-growing field comprises a carriage for towing behind a tractor or the like, the carriage having a forward furrow-forming roller and an aligned aft furrow-forming roller and a suspension assembly with individual spring devices for applying resilient downward pressure on the forward and aft rollers. In use, the aft roller breaks up soil clods and the like which may collect behind the forward roller in the formation of the furrow, thereby producing a smooth and regular furrow enhancing the flow of irrigation water therein.

Abstract: A tillage implement for attachment to agricultural soil cultivation machinery. The tillage implement includes a knee having a knee body adapted to be attached to the agricultural machinery. A pivot arm is pivotably attached to the knee body and moves between down and up positions. A tillage blade is rotatably attached to the downward end of the pivot arm and is adapted to roll over and engage the soil being cultivated. A spring is adapted to apply pressure directly to the pivot arm to bias the downward end thereof toward its down position, the knee being adapted to contain and substantially enclose the spring to protect the spring from becoming fouled with foreign matter.

Abstract: A no-till marker for multi-row planters characterized by a soil-engaging disc yieldably supported on the outer or distal end of a marker support arm and oriented so that the concave face of the disc is turned generally toward the direction of implement travel. The disc is rotatable on its principal axis.

Abstract: A seed drill apparatus comprising at least two complementary rotatable seed discs journalled in tandem relation whereby one of the discs is a leading disc and the other of the discs is a trailing disc. The plane of each disc is canted with respect to the direction of travel for the apparatus, with the plane of the leading disc being of an orientation opposed with respect to the orientation of the plane of the trailing disc. The canted position of the seed discs creates a combined plowing and grooving action for the disc as the apparatus moves over the surface of the ground, thus opening and widening an efficient seed receiving groove in the ground regardless of whether or not the ground has been prepared by plowing, or the like.

Abstract: A mulch tiller or similar implement having a rigid frame supporting a plurality of forward trash-sizing gang assemblies and rearward plow tools. Spring brackets rockably support the gang asemblies for independent vertical movement with respect to the frame and maintain a generally constant down pressure of the gangs against the soil. The frame includes diagonal beam structure and a lower subframe assembly for compact shipping, good draft load distribution and underframe clearance. Common depth control, main frame and hitch components are utilized for implements of varying widths to reduce cost.

Abstract: A yielding mount assembly connecting a movable arm to a support. The arm is adapted to be attached to a number of structures including an earthworking tool, a rotary hoe wheel, a belt tightener roller, and a wheel supporting a vehicle. The mount assembly has a first member clamped onto the support with a U-bolt. A second member is pivoted on the first member and connected to the arm. A split ring spring mounted on the first and second members holds the arm in a first position. The arm is movable from the first position to a second position against the biasing force of the split ring spring. Expansion of the split ring spring in response to pivotal movement of the arm decreases the spring torque arm so that the biasing force applied to the arm is maintained substantially constant during movement of the arm.

Abstract: An hydraulic ram is situated between the tillage tool and the frame and is normally fully extended and acts as a rigid link. The ram has a predetermined and adjustable pressure so that if an obstruction is encountered by the tool, it only retracts when the preset pressure is exceeded and then returns to the fully extended position as soon as the obstruction is passed. It can be used on machines such as discers, hoe drills, press drills or any ground working implement which includes tillage tools which are pivoted to the frame and which do not engage the ground by raising and lowering the frame. An adjustable pressure reducing valve is situated in the hydraulic line extending to the ram and senses the pressure downstream of the valve rather than the pressure upstream as is usual.

Abstract: A harrow that includes a frame having a generally laterally extending rigid beam, a shaft located below the beam, a plurality of spaced disks mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith and a pair of spaced bearing standards for resiliently mounting the shaft on the beam with each standard including a first generally C-shaped spring having an upper portion connected to the beam and the lower portion rotatably supporting the shaft for low disk impact loads and a second C-shaped spring nested within the first C-shaped spring but spaced therefrom, the first spring, as an increasing portion of its C-periphery contacts the second spring, providing therewith a graduated, higher spring rate at high disk impact loads.

Abstract: A disc gang section comprising a plurality of rotatable disc blades which are pivotally mounted as a unit to the horizontal upper gang tube of the disc frame so as to travel in an arc toward the rear of the disc implement when one or more of the blades of the disc gang strikes a solid object. Ground pressure of the blades is controlled by a helical coil spring or springs located above the upper gang tube. The helical spring encircles a tension link which extends from a pivot pin which pivotally mounts the disc gang section to the upper gang tube of the disc frame. A spring abutment is rigidly mounted to the upper gang tube so as to divide the spring from the pivot pin and allow the disc gang section to pivot away from the upper gang tube upon hitting an obstruction and properly align the disc blades once the obstruction has been cleared by the blades and the spring biases the blades to the normal working position.

Abstract: A disc mounting system includes the attachment of each disc to a disc gang bar via a dedicated leaf spring. Each of the leaf springs, which can be generally U shaped, are attached at a top end to the gang bar and at a lower leg to a disc spindle such that the disc is positioned at least partially alongside the spring lower leg. The mounting system allows the disc to deflect vertically, laterally or torsionally when the disc encounters an obstacle. An optional shield can be attached to the leaf spring to prevent soil and debris thrown out by adjacent discs from entering the spring. A disc scraper blade can also be attached to the shield.