Plural Disks With Individual Mount Or Axis Patents (Class 172/574)
  • Patent number: 11317553
    Abstract: A tilling machine includes a frame having a jump arm frame unit and a plurality of jump arm assemblies supported along a length of the jump arm frame unit such that a lateral gap is defined between each adjacent pair of jump arm assemblies of the plurality of jump arm assemblies. Additionally, the tilling machine includes a plurality of jump arm spacers, with each jump arm spacer being provided in operative association with a clamp unit of a respective jump arm assembly of the plurality of jump arm assemblies to maintain the lateral gap between each adjacent pair of jump arm assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: David Larsen
  • Patent number: 11317552
    Abstract: A jump arm apparatus for a tilling machine includes a jump arm frame unit having a triangular transverse cross-section and a plurality of jump arms assemblies coupled to the jump arm frame unit. Each jump arm unit includes a jump arm having first and second ends, with the first end coupled to be coupled to the jump arm frame unit via a clamp unit and the second end configured to be coupled to a tilling disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: David Larsen
  • Patent number: 10842070
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for seed or grain drill planters which allows for the adjustment of the camber and/or toe of individual coulters on the planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Flo-Rite, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Peter
  • Patent number: 9775274
    Abstract: An agricultural implement has a ground opening and closing assembly that readily allows for adjustment of a pair of closing disks into different, discreet or infinitely variable, home positions that vary in height, disk spacing and fore/aft dimension. In one form, a pair of disk mounts have a pair of mounting receptacles for each support arm. Each support arm is configured to be inserted into one of the receptacles to set the height and fore/aft position of the associated closing disk. Mounting openings can be formed in the disk mounts and the support arms, and a simple pin mechanism received in aligned mounting openings can effect manual disk adjustment without tools. The disk mounts and the support arms can have multiple mounting openings spaced apart differently from the ground opening member to vary the spacing between the closing disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David L. Steinlage, Robert T. Casper, Mark D. Beeck, Daniel P. Bruns
  • Publication number: 20140305670
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Publication number: 20140262363
    Abstract: A tillage apparatus includes a wheeled frame configured with a plurality of concave blades arranged in a plurality of longitudinally extending columns and transversely extending rows. The rows are longitudinally spaced apart by a progressively increasing distance. The blades of each column are transversely tilted alternately to the left and right. The blades of each column are transversely offset from one another to create a swath of tilled ground along the width of the column. In operation, soil is thrown left and right between successive blades of a column to till the soil across the width of the column and leave a substantially level soil surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Geof J. Gray, Jacobus A. Rozendaal, John Mark Averink, Simon Goveia
  • Publication number: 20140102736
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Charles Laake, JR., Martin Scott Ternes, David Mathew Ternes
  • Publication number: 20140027134
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Publication number: 20130299205
    Abstract: A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael George Kovach, Tracey Duane Meiners, Dean Alan Knobloch, Gaylen James Kromminga, Gregory S. Smart
  • Publication number: 20130299204
    Abstract: The invention refers to a soil cultivation implement with two tool rows of hollow discs of a first hollow discs row and of a second hollow discs row. One hollow disc in the first hollow discs row is positioned slightly offset to the rear. In the second hollow discs row there is a hollow disc in a position offset to the front. In order to prevent lateral pull with a soil cultivation implement of this type the hollow discs rows were positioned relatively symmetrically and were offset where the hollow discs point towards each other with their convex sides or with their concave sides. This offset has the effect of optimising the soil flow and prevents components colliding with each other. This ensures even cultivation over the whole working width of the implement, including in the area of greater working depths with hollow discs that have a larger diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Lemken GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Georg Achten
  • Publication number: 20130264081
    Abstract: The invention refers to a soil cultivation implement with two successively and obliquely positioned frame parts, on which hollow discs on separately rotating bearings are positioned in parallel. Hollow discs of one frame part point in the direction of working with the concave sides obliquely to the front and the outside. Hollow discs of the other frame part point in the direction of working with the concave sides obliquely to the front and the centre. The chords of the concave sides of the hollow discs are positioned to form an obtuse angle with the surface of the soil. The respective two hollow discs in the middle section that point towards each other with their concave sides or their convex sides are constructed so that in each case one of these hollow discs has a smaller diameter and is positioned in the direction of working offset towards the adjacent hollow discs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: LEMKEN GMBH & CO., KG
    Inventors: Georg Achten, Johannes Terboven
  • Publication number: 20130220653
    Abstract: A seeder implement (125) includes a fork (146) having a first spindle support arm (150) that supports a first spindle (164) and a second spindle support arm (152) that supports a second spindle (168). A first disk (160) is supported on the first spindle (164), wherein the first spindle (164) is oriented in a first orientation and at a first acute angle relative to a lateral line. The first disk (160) is oriented at a second acute angle relative to the ground surface. A second disk (166) is supported on the second spindle (168), wherein the second spindle (168) is oriented in a second orientation and at a third acute angle relative to the lateral line. The second disk (166) is oriented at a fourth acute angle relative to the ground surface. The first disk (160) is longitudinally offset ahead of the second disk (166), and there are no structural components between the first and second disks (160, 166) other than the first and second spindles (164, 168).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: AGCO-AMITY JV, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Breker, Jake Gust, Darryl Justesen, Jack Oberlander
  • Patent number: 8505473
    Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing device such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Howard D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20120241182
    Abstract: The invention refers to an agricultural machine (101; 201; 301) comprising two mainly parallel, in the direction of travel cross-running disc implement rows (102a, 102c; 202a, 202b; 304a, 304b), wherein the orientation of the disc implements (102b, 102d; 203a, 203b; 302a, 302b) contained in the mentioned disc implement rows is arranged so that the fore row (102a; 202a; 304a) has disc implements that are mounted on a frame beam (110; 211; 303) and that are angled outwards backwards towards the sides of the machine and in a dividing line mainly parallel to the direction of travel of the machine form a first point of change (208a, 304c), and the rear row (102c, 202b; 304b) has disc implements (102d; 203b; 302b) that are mounted on a frame beam (110; 211; 303 ) and that are angled inwards backwards from the sides of the machine and in the dividing line form a second point of change (208b, 304a), wherein the fore row is adapted to throw soil from the first point of change outwards towards the sides of the machine
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: VADERSTAD-VERKEN AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventor: Crister Stark
  • Publication number: 20120103642
    Abstract: The invention refers to a disc (8) for an agricultural implement (1) comprising an annular, outside a predetermined centre diameter (D) defined, soil-cultivating portion (44), a central, inside a predetermined centre diameter (d) defined, dish-shaped portion (43), with a boss-receiving, inner side and between these portions an existing, annular connection portion (45) with fastening screw holes (46). The connection portion (45) is a truncated conical portion, the inner mantle surface of which is mainly straight or double-bowed with the convex side facing said inner side and a line through the opening plane in the hole opening of each fastening screw hole on said inner side forms an angle ? with a plane that is perpendicular to the centre line of the disc, wherein the angle ? is 5°-10°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: VADERSTAD-VERKEN AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventor: Crister Stark
  • Patent number: 8047301
    Abstract: A disc gang for use with an agricultural implement includes a pair of front and a pair of rear disc openers mounted to a carrier boom by a mounting arm that can be independently raised and lowered as desired. The front and rear disc openers are mounted such that the openers can oscillate in response to surface undulations independently of one another. Moreover, the disc openers of each pair are free to oscillate in response to surface contours independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Terrance A. Friggstad, Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor
  • Patent number: 7832345
    Abstract: An apparatus that cleanly severs and clears crop debris from a planting row or closes a furrow while causing minimal disturbance to the soil. The residue coulter apparatus comprises a pair of flat discs each having a plurality of back swept teeth extending about their periphery. The teeth include a beveled cutting edge on the outer edge of the teeth adapted to sever residue from the field or close a furrow. The discs are oriented substantially vertical to the ground. Two discs are used in combination to clear a pathway for planting seed or for closing a furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Yetter Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Patrick Whalen, Stephen E. Cerven, Derek A. Litchfield
  • Publication number: 20100282480
    Abstract: A seeder implement (125) includes a fork (146) having a first spindle support arm (150) that supports a first spindle (164) and a second spindle support arm (152) that supports a second spindle (168). A first disk (160) is supported on the first spindle (164), wherein the first spindle (164) is oriented in a first orientation and at a first acute angle relative to a lateral line. The first disk (160) is oriented at a second acute angle relative to the ground surface. A second disk (166) is supported on the second spindle (168), wherein the second spindle (168) is oriented in a second orientation and at a third acute angle relative to the lateral line. The second disk (166) is oriented at a fourth acute angle relative to the ground surface. The first disk (160) is longitudinally offset ahead of the second disk (166), and there are no structural components between the first and second disks (160, 166) other than the first and second spindles (164, 168).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: AMITY TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene Breker, Jake Gust, Darryl Justesen, Jack Oberlander
  • Publication number: 20100096149
    Abstract: A disc gang for use with an agricultural implement includes a pair of front and a pair of rear disc openers mounted to a carrier boom by a mounting arm that can be independently raised and lowered as desired. The front and rear disc openers are mounted such that the openers can oscillate in response to surface undulations independently of one another. Moreover, the disc openers of each pair are free to oscillate in response to surface contours independently of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Terrance A. Friggstad, Robin B. Schilling, Matthew S. Naylor
  • Patent number: 7669536
    Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing apparatus such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Howard D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20090272552
    Abstract: An apparatus for loosening compacted topsoil is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame, a plurality of ground-engaging wheels, and at least one disk assembly to cut and loosen a crust formed on an upper layer of the topsoil, wherein the wheels and the at least one disk assembly are adjustable to control a depth of penetration of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Stephen Kaple
  • Publication number: 20080302282
    Abstract: An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing means such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Howard D. Martin
  • Patent number: 7240627
    Abstract: A residue coulter apparatus that cleanly severs and clears crop debris from a planting row, causing minimal disturbance to the soil. The residue coulter apparatus comprises a pair of flat discs each having a plurality of back swept shark type teeth extending about their periphery. The teeth include a double beveled cutting edge on the outer edge of the teeth adapted to sever residue from the field. The clearing discs are oriented substantially vertical to the ground. Two clearing discs are used in combination to clear a pathway for planting seed. The clearing discs are angled toward each other so that the leading edges of the clearing discs are pointed in a toe-in orientation. The present design effectively removes crop debris without over discharge and causes minimal soil disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Yetter Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Patrick Whalen, Stephen E. Cerven, Derek A. Litchfield
  • Patent number: 7216596
    Abstract: An agricultural plough (1) including a longitudinally extending support member (2) having a forward portion to be attached to a vehicle to thereby enable the apparatus (1) to be towed by the vehicle; a generally “n” shaped frame (500) fixed to the support member (2) and including a pair of ends (505, 510) located on opposite longitudinal sides and spaced normal to the support member (2); a pair of axles (13, 14) attached to and extending laterally from the ends and providing a pair of laterally extending rotational axes, the axes being located on opposite sides of the member (2) and in a plane extending transversely normal to the member (2) and at an acute angle longitudinally so as to extend rearwardly down, the axes each being inclined by an acute angle of 6 to 12 degrees to a plane extending normal to the member (2) to diverge rearwardly; a plough disc (18, 20) supported on each axle to rotate about the rotational axes, with the discs (18, 20) and axles being configured so that the discs (18, 20) converge
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Ceekay Innovations Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Christopher Anthony Jones
  • Patent number: 7104206
    Abstract: An agricultural plough has a longitudinally extending support member having a forward portion to be attached to a vehicle to thereby enable the apparatus to be towed by the vehicle. A pair of axles extend laterally from opposite longitudinal sides of the support member and provide a pair of laterally extending rotational axes. The axes are on opposite sides of the support member at acute angles longitudinally so as to extend rearwardly, the acute angles being 8 to 10 degrees to a plane extending normal to the support member to diverge rearwardly. Plough discs are supported on the axles to rotate about the rotational axes, with the discs and axles being configured so that the discs converge rearwardly and downward. The discs are displaced rearwardly from the forward portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher Anthony Jones
  • Patent number: 6913085
    Abstract: A double disk C-spring standard assembly utilizes bearings mounted to a simple carrier plate. The plate is connected to the lower end of a single C-spring oriented in the fore-and-aft direction. Bearing assembly mounting holes in the plate define the necessary gang angles. Compact disk blade hub assemblies facilitate side-by-side mounting of the center bearing assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jarrod Ray Ruckle
  • Patent number: 6330922
    Abstract: A bedding plow suited for forestry planting operations includes a plow frame that is attached to a tractor or other tow vehicle. The frame holds a pair of trailing disk assemblies that are arranged along opposite longitudinal sides of the bed being plowed. A center-cut disk assembly is mounted pivotably to the frame between and forwardly of the trailing disk assemblies. A resilient biasing assembly such as a hydraulic or pneumatic relief mechanism interconnects an arm of the center-cut disk assembly and the frame. The resilient biasing device urges the center-cut disk assembly to engage the ground under normal circumstances and permits the disk assembly to retract upwardly and ride over obstructions that are encountered while the plow cultivates the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas P. King
  • Patent number: 6279666
    Abstract: A debris clearing apparatus for use in agricultural operations. It includes a pair of rotatable concave disks arranged in a generally V-shaped orientation to spread debris encountered during forward movement. The disks have a plurality of relatively deep backswept notches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: A.I.L., Inc.
    Inventors: Lee F. Nikkel, Eugene H. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6213035
    Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus for attachment to an agricultural implement for depositing agricultural material such as seed and fertilizer in the soil. The apparatus comprises a flat disc rotatably attached to the apparatus such its axis of rotation is perpendicular to the direction of travel; a concave disc rotatably attached to the apparatus such that firstly the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the direction of travel, secondly the rear edge of the concave disc is behind the rear edge of the flat disc, thirdly the concave side of the concave disc is facing the flat disc and the outer rim of the concave disc is in close proximity to or touching the side of the flat disc; and means to introduce the agricultural material into the open area between the concave side of the concave disc and the side of the flat disc. The furrow opener requires less power to pull than present openers and penetrates un-tilled soil. A swivel mount and packer are provided for the furrow opener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Fred Harrison
  • Patent number: 6158523
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Sunflower Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Allan S. Gengler, Bradley A. Heidrick, Jeffrey S. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5957217
    Abstract: The present invention provides a shankless strip tillage tool for no-till preparation of surface soil for the planting of seeds. The strip tillage apparatus has a frame for mounting the apparatus to a tool bar mounted on a draft vehicle. The frame has a pivotally mounted tandem walking beam with a pair of angled coulters rotably mounted on the walking beam for displacing soil. The angled coulters displace soil as they are pulled through the soil by the draft vehicle and urges the soil toward the center of the strip to accomplish the no-till preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Darrel W Gunnink
  • Patent number: 5785129
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Russell J. Keller, Steven D. Keller
  • Patent number: 5752454
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved agricultural seeding; especially useful in no-till direct seeding. In the illustrated embodiment an inclined furrow is cut with a rotating disk that is inclined with respect to the vertical and the horizontal; the furrow has a raised lip, and straw and the like stalks are cleaved during the cutting. Seed is inserted by known means, and then a packer wheel, preferentially inclined in vertical and horizontal directions opposite to those the disk is inclined, runs across the lip and closes the furrow. Advantages include substantially reduced energy required for the furrow cutting, less weight required on the furrowing disk, more even seeding depth, less hairpinning, less soil disturbance, and less weed seed burial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Hugh Barton
  • Patent number: 5628373
    Abstract: An implement having a frame adapted to be transported in earth traversing movement along a predetermined path of travel; a first earth working tool mounted on the frame disposed for engagement with the earth during such earth traversing movement and operable to move earth laterally of the path of travel; a second earth working tool mounted on the frame forwardly of the first earth working tool relative to the path of travel disposed for engagement with the earth during the earth traversing movement and operable to move earth laterally of the path of travel; and a third earth working tool mounted on the frame rearwardly of the first earth working tool relative to the path of travel and disposed for engagement with the earth during such earth traversing movement and operable to move earth laterally of the path of travel and wherein the directions of movement of the earth laterally of the path of travel by the first, second and third earth working tools is such as to work the earth substantially evenly and to re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Bernard O. Domries
  • Patent number: 5622228
    Abstract: A tool forms and shapes raised beds efficiently by forming and shaping a mound between the tractor tires and forming half mounds to the left and right of the tractor on one pass. The tool includes forward and rear disks mounted at different angles, so that one disk throws dirt to one side and the other disk throws dirt to the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas M. Baker
  • Patent number: 5613566
    Abstract: A multiple rig row crop cultivator with first and second concave disks supported for operation at two different depths from adjacent rigs to provide two-step sizing of residue. The first disk, located ahead of the second disk, operates at a first depth in the soil to slice out the upper portions of roots and direct plant residue to the row middle. The second disk cuts to a depth approximately twice that of the first disk to further cut out root sections and move the root sections and other plant debris to the opposite row middle. After the disks move stalks and roots to the row middles, sweeps with ridging/bedding wings move the mixture of soil, stalks, and roots to the top of the bed to cover the groove made by the disks and preserve the original plant bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Philip D. Cox, Warren L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5609114
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved agricultural seeding; especially useful in no-till direct seeding. In the illustrated embodiment an inclined furrow is cut with a rotating disk that is inclined with respect to the vertical and the horizontal; the furrow has a raised lip, and straw and the like stalks are cleaved during the cutting. Seed is inserted by known means, and then a packer wheel, preferentially inclined in vertical and horizontal directions opposite to those the disk is inclined, runs across the lip and closes the furrow. Advantages include substantially reduced energy required for the furrow cutting, less weight required on the furrowing disk, more even seeding depth, less hairpinning, less soil disturbance, and less weed seed burial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Hugh Barton
  • Patent number: 5497836
    Abstract: A row cleaner comprising a pair of ground engageable finger wheels which are angled with respect to each other so they converge forwardly toward the center of their normal path of travel. Each of the finger wheels includes a central disc-shaped portion having a plurality of spaced-apart, elongated fingers extending from the circumference thereof. The longitudinal axis of each of the fingers is disposed at an angle with respect to a radius extending from the center of the disc-shaped portion to the outer end of the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Jerry L. Groff
  • Patent number: 5482120
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for pulling plant stalks from the ground without severing the stalk at the point of engagement. The pulling action is accomplished with pairs of disks configured to engage the other near each's circumference. An upward pulling action is created by the disks because the disks initially come together, pinching the stalks therebetween, at a lower most position. As the disks roll in response to their traversing movement across the ground and the cleat's engagement with the ground, the pinch point between the disks and the stalk revolves upward producing a pulling action upon the stalk. The advantageous pulling action of the invention is accomplished in part by the novel orientation of the disks, one to the other, and the angles of engagement between the disks, the stalks and the ground during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Drew Lloyd
  • Patent number: 5462124
    Abstract: A pair of coulter units arranged in a staggered relationship, each coulter unit having an upstanding shank of a height to place the shanks below a tool bar, a single, relatively flat plate disposed on a diagonal to support both shanks, and a single upstanding support member secured to the plate for mounting on the tool bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ray Rawson
  • Patent number: 5458203
    Abstract: A device for working the ground comprising a frame and a plurality of discs is disclosed. Each disc is rotatably mounted on a shaft which is provided on one end of a pivotable standing shaft. In order to prevent jamming of the discs by earth thrown up by adjacent discs, each standing shaft is placed on the concave side of its associated disc. The shafts are inclined relative to the ground with this inclination being adjustable. The spacing between adjacent discs is adjustable as is the orientation of the discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Evers Research B.V.
    Inventor: Johann Evers
  • Patent number: 5437336
    Abstract: A soilbed having a topsoil stratum and a subsurface hardpan stratum is fractured by a subsoiling tine to form a trench-like path which extends in depth at least partially into the hardpan stratum. One or more pairs of rotatable blades are operated thereafter which lift up, invert, and mound nutrient-rich topsoil from the topsoil stratum on either side of the trench-like path into the trench-like path. The mounded topsoil provides an unusually hospitable environment for plant growth, especially for the root systems of plants. Additional features, such as blade attachments, coulter disks, and a bulldozer blade may be provided to enable efficient operation with consistently beneficial results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Darrell C. Symonds
  • Patent number: 5259460
    Abstract: A device for working the ground comprising a frame and a plurality of discs. Each disc is rotatably mounted on a shaft which is provided on the free end of a pivotable standing shaft. In order to prevent jamming of the discs by earth thrown up by adjacent discs, each standing shaft is placed on the concave side of its associated disc. The shafts are inclined relative to the ground, thus providing an improved working of the ground. The spacing between adjacent discs is adjustable as is the orientation of the discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Evers Research B.V.
    Inventor: Johann Evers
  • Patent number: 5152349
    Abstract: A primary tillage apparatus includes a plurality of primary tillage tools and a coulter assembly for each primary tillage tool including first and second coulters positioned directly forward of the primary tillage tool, the coulters being mounted to diverge in a v-shape relative to the direction of travel such that the separation between the edges of the coulters increases in a rearward direction, and concave working surfaces of the coulters face outwardly away from one another, the weight of the implement frame and the action of the primary tillage tools causing the coulters to penetrate the soil ahead of the tillage tool and to press into any residue encountered, the cutting edges of the coulters gripping the residue and drawing the residue outwardly in opposite directions, tearing the residue in two and clearing the residue to the sides and out of the path of the primary tillage tool located rearwardly of the coulter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Thomas V. Roden
  • Patent number: 5080178
    Abstract: A primary tillage implement having a plurality of chisel plows mounted in lateral spacing on a forward bar, also has a plurality of disc levelers mounted on a rear bar. Each disc leveler assembly is laterally spaced from and centered between the paths of adjacent, leading chisel plow shanks and includes a pair of discs angled outwardly to move some of the soil from the ridge formed by adjacent chisel plows to the furrow formed by an associated chisel plow. The discs of a pair are staggered and spaced laterally apart to leave a narrow band of loose soil in the ridge between the discs which falls into the shallow grooves formed by the discs after they pass. Soil is thus laterally displaced from the ridge to adjacent grooves to level the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: DMI, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Dietrich, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4928774
    Abstract: An adjustment means for a cultivator disc which provides lateral, vertical and angular adjustment means. A plurality of discs are mounted in parallel on a gang frame, and may be individually adjusted in the field to exact, predetermined positions established by a positive positioning means, and then firmly held in place by a clamping means. In the presently preferred embodiment, the individual support shafts of each cultivator disc are supported by the angle adjustment brackets, which are supported by the lateral adjustment brackets, which are slidably supported in predetermined fixed positions in lateral housings attached to the main towing bar of the cultivator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Landoll Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis E. Bell
  • Patent number: 4896443
    Abstract: A ditch forming apparatus includes a pair of discs rotationally mounted in a back-to-back arrangement to a support frame with their respective convex surfaces in facing relation and their concave surfaces directed outwardly. The discs are oriented in an angled manner relative to the direction of displacement of the support frame such that the leading edges of the discs overlap along the displacement direction, with one disc positioned aft of and lower, or deeper in the soil, than the other disc to compensate for the increased drag imposed on the forward disc in providing straight tracking for the apparatus through the soil. Drag compensation may also be provided by orienting the aft disc at a greater angle relative to the direction of displacement of the apparatus than the forward disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Inventors: Paul Klingler, Kenneth Klingler, David Klingler
  • Patent number: 4883127
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Claude Chevrier
  • Patent number: 4867247
    Abstract: A bedding plow providing a plurality of disks as plowing members each independently supported by a rearwardly located bearing supported by a trailing arm, which is supported, in turn, by a pivotal connection perpendicular to a fore to aft alignment of the plow. There is further disclosed for each independently supported disk, a gas-filled shock absorber and the top of the plow has a planar horizontal surface intended to allow the plow to slide without damage if it is caused to be overturned while in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: David W. Heckendorf
  • Patent number: RE38974
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Allan S. Gengler, Bradley A. Heidrick, Jeffrey S. Hughes