Abstract: A cruise control system for work machines. The system comprises one or more levers for controlling the velocity of the work machine and one or more magnet assemblies. The magnet assemblies comprise means of overcoming the neutral bias of a control lever so that the velocity of the work machine may be maintained without manual input from the operator. The magnets may act directly upon a control lever or a surface adjacent a control lever. Additional controls may be employed to set a maximum cruising speed for the work machine when cruise control is engaged.

Abstract: A folding agricultural implement including a plurality of tilling sections and a hinge system. The tilling sections include first and second tilling sections, with the second tilling section being pivotally coupled to the first tilling section about a first pivot axis. The hinge is system coupled to both tilling sections. The hinge system includes a link, an actuator, at least one wheel and a ramp system. The link is pivotally coupled to the first tilling section about a second pivot axis. The actuator has a pivoting connection on each end with one pivoting connection being coupled to the second tilling section and the other pivoting connection is coupled to the link, with the actuator having a range of travel. The wheel is rotationally coupled to the link. The ramp system is configured for the wheel to traverse thereover for a portion of the range of travel of the actuator.

Abstract: A folding agricultural implement including a center frame section, a plurality of wing sections and first and second hinge systems. The plurality of wing sections are positioned on opposite lateral sides of the center frame section, and include an inner wing section, a middle wing section and an outer wing section, each outer wing section being configured to fold laterally inward and over a respective middle wing section. Each middle wing section is configured to fold laterally inward and over a respective inner wing section. The first hinge system is coupled to both the outer wing section and the middle wing section. The first hinge system having a first pivot axis. The second hinge system is coupled to the middle wing section and the inner wing section, and has a second pivot axis that is vertically higher than the first pivot axis when the implement is in an unfolded state.

Abstract: An agricultural device includes a number of row units that each includes a seed furrow opener that creates a furrow in the soil for seed placement. Each row unit is mounted to a toolbar of the device by means of a four-bar linkage which allows each row unit to move vertically to adjust to the contour of the soil independently of the other row units on the same toolbar. The four-bar linkages include one or more springs which work to transfer weight from the toolbar to the row unit. An actuator varies the tension in the spring thereby adjusting the down or up force applied to the row unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a work position and a transport position.

Abstract: A vehicle attached rake for grooming a granular surface includes a center section and two pivotal wing sections that carry rubber trowel members having a serrated lower edge that forms a plurality of downwardly extending teeth. The tips of the teeth are located on a large diameter, upwardly facing curve to better groom upwardly curved side walls in a golf course bunker. When the rake is attached to a ZRT vehicle, the wing section on the inside of a zero radius turn is automatically lifted up off the granular surface by a flexible tether that becomes taut. Another embodiment of the rake includes a rigid plate behind a rubber trowel member with a lower portion of the trowel member folding forwardly during reverse motion of the vehicle such that the plate engages the granular surface to act as a bulldozer blade.

Abstract: An electric adjusting apparatus for a row cleaner has a pair of upright posts connected by a pair of parallel linkages, an electric motor with a lead screw and a motor controller. One of the posts mounts on a fertilizing and/or planting apparatus and the row cleaner mounts on the other post. The electric motor moves the parallel linkages to move the row cleaner up and down without tilting. The motor controller controls the electric motor and displays the depth of the row cleaner.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the field of agricultural machinery and relates to implements generally used in combination with a multi-row soil trench closing mechanism. Specifically, the disclosure relates to row treating units adapted to be attached to and following a multi-row planter and incorporating a combination of tools that includes a seed trench closing wheel assembly and a firming/packing wheel assembly. The deployment of and down force exerted by the packing wheel is independently adjustable and controlled using pneumatic air bag operators and the soil penetration of the trench closing wheels is limited.

Abstract: A ripper assembly includes a ripper frame, which has at least one slot disposed in each of two opposing sidewalls. The ripper frame accommodates a ripper shank in a channel within the ripper frame. A pin is provided to pass through the at least one slot and through a through-way in the ripper shank to constrain the ripper shank within the ripper frame. At least one pressure source supplies pressure to the ripper shank to engage the ripper shank in a position.

Abstract: A dynamic supplemental downforce control system for a planter row unit. The system includes closed-loop feedback circuit that cooperates with a downforce actuator to dynamically control fluid flow to the downforce actuator to maintain balance between the actual gauge wheel downforce and a desired gauge wheel downforce during planting operations.

Abstract: Each wing of a rear folding implement has a wing frame supported on rear wheels for movement along the ground, and a forewing frame and wheel pivotally attached to the wing frame. A center ball joint pivotally connects right and left inner wings and a center wheel assembly supports the center ball joint. The wings extend laterally and the forewing frames are in a lowered position supported on their wheels when in the operating position. To move the wings into a transport position, the implement is towed forward and the wings pivot about the center ball joint to trail rearward and the forewing frames are moved upward to narrow the implement for transport. An air seeder cart hitch is rearward of and near the center ball joint in the operating position, and when the wings trail rearward the cart hitch is near rear ends of the trailing wings.

Abstract: A carriage assembly for a ground engaging implement is provided. The carriage assembly includes a carriage, a ground engaging implement, and a cylinder. The ground engaging implement is pivotally connected to the carriage. The ground engaging implement has a longitudinal face. The cylinder is connected to the carriage and includes a cylinder housing, a compressible medium, and a rod. The compressible medium is contained within the cylinder housing. The rod extends outward from the cylinder housing. The rod has a piston portion at one end and an engagement surface at another end. The engagement surface is positioned at a contactable distance from the longitudinal face of the ground engaging implement.

Abstract: A folding agricultural tool carrier for supporting tillage, seeding, fertilizer or other ground engaging tools. On each side of a carrier frame a boom support frame is hinged for pivoting about a fore-and-aft axis, and a wing frame or boom is pivotally connected to the boom support frame forwardly of the aft end of the carrier frame and adjacent wheel structure supporting the carrier. A rear fold cylinder pivots the boom forwardly from an extended position to a flat-fold position alongside the boom support frame, and a torque resisting and fatigue reducing diagonal brace flat-folds between boom and the support frame. Frame cylinders pivot the support frame and folded boom and brace into a narrow transport position over the carrier frame. A wheel accommodation space is defined between support frame hinges to facilitate tread adjustments.

Abstract: A mount for carrying a plurality of field-conditioning implements selected from trash whipping implements, rolling baskets and coulters for connection to a planter or other multi-row implement is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.

Abstract: The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.

Abstract: A ripper assembly includes a linkage assembly and an actuator. The linkage assembly has a mounting section, a frame member with a frame axis, a carriage member and a connecting member. The actuator is movable along an actuator axis between a retracted position and an extended position. The linkage assembly is movable between a ground engaging position at which the actuator is at the retracted position and a raised position at which the actuator is at the extended position. An angle between the frame axis and the actuator axis is between approximately 40 degrees and 65 degrees when the linkage assembly is in the ground engaging position.

Abstract: A ripper assembly includes a linkage assembly and an actuator. The linkage assembly has a mounting section, a frame member with a frame axis, a carriage member and a connecting member. The actuator is movable along an actuator axis between a retracted position and an extended position. The linkage assembly is movable between a ground engaging position at which the actuator is at the retracted position and a raised position at which the actuator is at the extended position. An angle between the frame axis and the actuator axis is between approximately 40 degrees and 65 degrees when the linkage assembly is in the ground engaging position.

Abstract: The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.

Abstract: A wing locking assembly for an agricultural implement is provided. One agricultural implement includes a first frame section having a mounted bracket and a second frame section pivotally coupled to the first frame section. A cam is mounted to the second frame section. The implement includes an actuating cylinder having a first end pivotally coupled to the second frame section, and a second end disposed within a slot of the bracket. The implement also includes a locking mechanism rotatably coupled to the bracket. The locking mechanism includes a first end configured to engage the second end of the actuating cylinder, and a second end configured to abut the cam. The locking mechanism is configured to drive the second end of the actuating cylinder into a desired position within the slot upon contact between the cam and the second end of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A ripper assembly includes a ripper frame, which has at least one slot disposed in each of two opposing sidewalls. The ripper frame accommodates a ripper shank in a channel within the ripper frame. A pin is provided to pass through the at least one slot and through a through-way in the ripper shank to constrain the ripper shank within the ripper frame. At least one pressure source supplies pressure to the ripper shank to engage the ripper shank in a position.

Abstract: An upper link for a utility vehicle, in particular for an agricultural tractor having a hydraulic cylinder (34) for adjusting the upper link (32) and at least one fluid tank (36), to which the hydraulic cylinder (34) can be coupled, so that in a coupled condition, hydraulic fluid limited to a pre-determined volume can be exchanged between the hydraulic cylinder (34) and the fluid tank (36), and so that a piston (40) of the hydraulic cylinder (34) can move in floating fashion by a distance (ls) corresponding to the pre-determined volume in the hydraulic cylinder (34). The present invention further includes a front-end as well as to a back-end three-point hitch of a utility vehicle with two pivotally connected lower links and an upper link with such a fluid tank.

Abstract: A biasing apparatus attaches to an agricultural implement comprising an implement frame mounted on front and rear wheels for travel in an operating travel direction, and a floating hitch assembly pivotally attached to the implement frame. The apparatus includes a tether attached to a rearward frame member of the implement frame, and attached to the floating hitch assembly forward of the hitch pivot axis such that the tether extends under a forward frame member of the implement frame and under the hitch pivot axis. A bias element exerts a main bias force on the tether to put the tether in tension drawing the floating hitch assembly toward the rearward frame member such that a downward bias force is exerted on the floating hitch assembly and a downward bias force is exerted on the rear frame member, and such that an upward bias force is exerted at the hitch pivot axis.

Abstract: Describes a snow and debris removal system containing both lift and rotational actuators. The actuators allow for both up and down and rotational movement relative to the implement mounting device the removal system is attached to. The rotational movement is provided by a rotation actuator fixed to a frame which applies force to a cable via a worm. The cable is mounted to an implement causing the implement to rotate about a pivot point attached to the frame. Rotational forces incurred on the implement go from the cable to the nut to the worm which does not back-drive thereby, avoiding damage to the motor actuator. Up and down movement is provided by an actuator that is mounted to the frame of the debris removal system which drives a rack which is attached to a fixed point on the implement mounting device.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly features a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a ground engaging tool, and an adjustable packer wheel assembly. The design provides improved seeding accuracy by providing a variable distance between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention allow for adjustment of the distance between the ground engaging tool and wheel elements.

Abstract: A method of operating a motion-control system is provided. The motion-control system may include an actuator and a moveable component driven by the actuator. The method may include providing input that indicates a target value of a parameter of the motion of at least one of the actuator and the moveable component with an operator-input device that is mechanically decoupled from the moveable component. The method may also include controlling the operation of the actuator at least in part with a control signal, including generating the control signal at least in part by determining a control gain based at least in part on a control error between the target value of the parameter and an actual value of the parameter. Generating the control signal may also include multiplying the control gain by the control error or a value derived from the control error.

Abstract: A precision hoe opener assembly is provided with improved accuracy of seeding as well as improved control over the opener and packer wheel assemblies. The opener assembly includes a hydraulically-driven parallel linkage assembly, a lost motion linkage, a hoe opener, and a packer wheel. The design provides improved seeding accuracy, by adjusting assembly components to and compensating for changes in terrain elevation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an upper link (32) for a utility vehicle, in particular for an agricultural tractor. The upper link (32) has a hydraulic cylinder (34) for adjusting the upper link (32). Furthermore at least one fluid tank (36), to which the hydraulic cylinder (34) can be coupled, is provided so that in the coupled condition hydraulic fluid limited to a pre-determined volume can be exchanged between the hydraulic cylinder (34) and the fluid tank (36) and so that a piston (40) of the hydraulic cylinder (34) can move in floating fashion by a distance (ls) corresponding to the pre-determined volume in the hydraulic cylinder (34). Furthermore the present invention relates to a front-end as well as to a back-end three-point hitch of a utility vehicle with two pivotally connected lower links and an upper link with such a fluid tank.

Abstract: The transversely extending frame of a machine has a number of hingedly interconnected frame sections that may be raised and lowered by lift cylinders to convert the machine between a wide-spread working position and a folded-up transport position. Two lift cylinders for raising and lowering inner wing frame sections relative to the central main frame section are anchored at their inner ends to a hydraulically operated holding cylinder that effectively adjusts the positions of the anchor points of the lift cylinder in a lateral sense. Thus, when the holding cylinder is fully contracted, the inner wing frame sections may be lowered by their lift cylinders until the lift cylinders are fully extended, but the outer ends of the inner wing frame sections remain tilted upwardly to a certain extent. Thus, outer wing frame sections connected to the outer ends of the inner wing frame sections also remain slightly lifted off the ground until fully unfolded from the inner wing frame sections.

Abstract: An improved landscape rake including a rotatably operable rake mechanism for performing a raking function, a bucket for receiving material raked by the rake mechanism, and a fluid actuator connected to the rake mechanism operable for moving the rake mechanism relative to the bucket, the fluid actuator having a first port adapted for connection to a source of pressurized fluid for receiving the pressurized fluid therefrom for moving the rake mechanism to a position proximal to the bucket and a second port adapted for connection via a fluid path to a fluid receiver for discharging fluid thereto, the improvement including a fluid control system for the fluid actuator including a second fluid path connecting the first port of the fluid actuator with the first named fluid path and a valve disposed in the second fluid path operable for allowing fluid flow therethrough from the first port to the first named fluid path while preventing fluid flow from the first named fluid path to the first port to allow the rake mec

Abstract: A connection circuit for connecting a first and an active hydraulic circuit. The first circuit is a fan or motor on an air cart which uses a fixed amount of volume. The active circuit is for applying a down pressure on a pulled, ground--working implement. The connection circuit also has a valve for switching the flow to the active circuit from the first circuit to the tractor hydraulics. In an alternative embodiment, there is an orifice and check valve or pressure relief valve for preventing the active circuit from withdrawing an excess amount of hydraulic flow from the first circuit.

Abstract: In a plow assembly, each plow bottom is supported by an arm mounted pivotally on a beam for movement of the plow bottom between outwardly extending and inwardly retracted positions. The beam and each arm are operatively interconnected by an extensible fluid pressure piston-cylinder unit supplied at one end with fluid under pressure, whereby the plow bottom is urged toward said outwardly extending position. The opposite end of the piston-cylinder unit communicates with a sealed chamber containing air or other compressible gas to prevent entrance into the cylinder of air laden with dust and other debris. In a two-way plow assembly, the arms of each opposed pair are interconnected by the fluid pressure piston-cylinder unit, and abutment means interengages each arm and the beam to limit the degree of outward extension of the plow bottoms.