Abstract: A soil-working device for the agricultural preparation of earth, in particular for the planar cutting of earth, including a main body and cutting elements arranged on the latter, the main body having a carrier face and a sliding face, cutting elements being arranged on the carrier face, and earth being able to slide off over the sliding face. To avoid smearing over a soil when working same, the sliding face adjoins the carrier face at an angle so that the distance of the sliding face from the earth increases away from the carrier face.

Abstract: A the installation plow connected to a mechanical arm of a vehicle to install a tile below a ground surface, the tile installation plow including a main body to be inserted at least partially within the ground surface, a boot removably disposed on at least a portion of an inner surface of the main body to direct the tile along a portion of the main body under the ground surface, and a tile cart connected to the vehicle to hold the tile thereon.

Abstract: A tillage point configured to produce a uniform subsurface soil profile. The tillage point includes a main body having a leading edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. Wing sections extend laterally from the main body.

Abstract: A ripper assembly for a machine includes a primary carriage, a secondary carriage pivotally coupled to the primary carriage. The primary carriage is formed from a winged support structure having a pair of opposing sides and a pair of pivot arms welded onto corresponding opposing sides of the winged support structure. The secondary carriage includes a mid-portion and a pair of intermediary portions welded to ends of the mid-portion to form a single ripper mounting assembly. Additionally, or optionally, the secondary carriage could include a pair of end portions that could be welded onto distal ends of the intermediary portions for forming the ripper assembly to a multiple ripper mounting configuration.

Abstract: A rock claw for attaching to a corner of a demolition hammer, the rock claw including a first wall having a first inner side surface, a second wall having a second inner side surface joined to the first inner side surface along a first intersection, and a third wall having a third inner side surface. The third inner side surface is joined to the first inner side surface along a second intersection and the third inner side surface is joined to the second inner side surface along a third intersection.

Abstract: Insecticidal apparatus and methods are provided for controlling or managing insect pests and ectoparasites. An apparatus for administering an insecticidal compound to a subject can include a material for absorbing an insecticidal compound and an insecticidal compound. An insecticidal apparatus can include an attachment element for attaching the apparatus to a desired location. Insect pests or ectoparasites can be controlled or managed on subjects or animals coming into contact with or in proximity to an insecticidal apparatus as disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wear protection cap for a bit holder arrangement, having at least two panel segments, located at an angle to one another, for covering surface regions of the bit holder arrangement, the panel segments being integrally joined to one another and the wear protection cap being configured as a cast metal part or as a forged metal part. With a wear protection cap of this kind, the service life of a bit holder arrangement can be substantially improved and machine stoppage time can be decreased.

Abstract: An adapter bushing is supported on a furrowing opener of an agricultural implement. The adapter bushing includes a bushing body received by interference fit within a transverse opening in a shank body of the furrowing opener. A cooperating aperture is formed in the bushing body so as to be arranged for alignment with a corresponding pin receiving aperture of a replacement tip body of the furrowing opening such that a retainer pin is arranged to be received simultaneously within the cooperating aperture of the adapter bushing and the pin receiving aperture of the tip body.

Abstract: A ripper tip includes a front end, a rear end, and a mounting cavity extending into the rear end. The ripper tip further includes an upper surface extending between the front end and the rear end, wherein a portion of the upper surface at the rear end of the ripper tip includes an upwardly projecting ridge having ridge sides and a ridge top that extend rearwardly on the ripper tip.

Abstract: A ripper shank protector including a first side, a second side, and a center face extending between the first side and the second side. The shank protector further includes a first protector mount in the first side, and a second protector mount in the first side, the second protector mount including an open-ended slot that allows sliding the slot onto a mounting projection extending from a ripper shank.

Abstract: A ripper shoe for a plough vehicle, the ripper shoe comprising a nose portion connected to a series of teeth; a trailing portion located behind the nose portion; the trailing portion having an trailing upper section and a trailing lower section; and an attachment portion to at least attach the trailing portion to a sword of the plough vehicle; wherein the width of the upper section is greater than width of the lower section.

Abstract: A ripper shank assembly including a ripper shank and a ripper tip mounted to a front end of the ripper shank. The ripper tip includes an upper surface with a first ridge extending upward from the upper surface. The ripper shank assembly further includes a ripper shank protector mounted to a front edge of the ripper shank rearward of the ripper tip, the ripper shank protector including a second ridge on a center face of the ripper shank protector, wherein a portion of the second ridge adjacent a front end of the ripper shank protector has a height greater than a height of the first ridge.

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 work vehicle, such as a motor grader, comprises a frame, a ripper, a tie bar attached to the frame, and a four-bar linkage attached to and disposed between the ripper and the tie bar for transferring a load between the ripper and the frame via the four-bar linkage and the tie bar. The four-bar linkage and the tie bar are co-planar with respect to a plane within which the four-bar linkage is movable relative to the frame. A toolbar for the ripper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A work vehicle, such as a motor grader, comprises a frame, a ripper, a tie bar attached to the frame, and a four-bar linkage attached to and disposed between the ripper and the tie bar for transferring a load between the ripper and the frame via the four-bar linkage and the tie bar. The four-bar linkage and the tie bar are co-planar with respect to a plane within which the four-bar linkage is movable relative to the frame. A toolbar for the ripper is also disclosed.

Abstract: A substantial reduction in traction force demand can be achieved for agricultural tools with modified surface topography comprising dimples arranged in a parallelogram (hexagonal) pattern, the morphological unit of which is an equilateral triangle.

Abstract: A universal sweep plow configured to mate securely and be attached to a seed boot. The universal sweep plow includes sweep plow attachment formed from a single unit of metal and an anchor. The attachment includes a central portion configured to mate with a seed boot and right and left central portion openings configured to align with an anchor hole in the seed boot. The right and left wing portions extend outward and rearward from the central portion. The anchor is configured to attach the sweep plow to the seed boot by passing through the right and left central portion openings and the anchor hole in the seed boot.

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 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: An apparatus for the cultivation of soil and the planting of seeds is described comprising a frame (8); a first row of deep loosening tines (4) carried by the frame and spaced apart across at least a major part of the width of the frame (8); and a second row of drill coulters (5) carried by the frame (8) and spaced apart across at least a major part of the width of the frame, —wherein a deep loosening tine (4) of the first row is aligned with at least one pair of drill counters (5) of the second row, in such a manner that each coulter (5) of the pair is laterally offset either side of the deep loosening tine (4). A method for the cultivation of soil and the planting of seeds using such an apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the soil structure of land having a topsoil layer and a subsoil layer beneath the topsoil layer includes providing at least one subsoil tiller blade having a tilling surface and a bottom end, and a channel positioned behind the tilling surface of the subsoil tiller blade for injecting nutrients toward the bottom end of the subsoil tiller blade. The subsoil tiller blade is inserted into the land such that the bottom end extends into the subsoil layer. The subsoil tiller blade is driven through the land such that the tilling surface loosens the subsoil layer while the channel deposits nutrients into the subsoil layer.

Abstract: A digging point assembly for use in earthworking which comprises a main body which includes a socket member defining a hollow socket for engagement with a leading tip of a tyne and first and second replaceable wear parts which are mounted to the main body to protect the leading end and top of the socket member which are normally exposed to wear in movement through soil, the first wear part being maintained in an operative position at the leading end of the socket by the tyne and cooperating with the second wear part to maintain the second wear part in operative position protecting the top of the socket member. The digging point assembly may also include a third replaceable wear part at the leading end of the body part which is held in position by cooperation with the first replaceable wear part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing a shank onto a ripper assembly of a tractor or crawler. A rotating shank installer (RSI) is welded onto a front face of a ripper assembly of a tractor, e.g., on the outside surface of a pocket beam. A portion of the RSI is allowed to rotate with respect to the pocket beam. With the shank in a substantially horizontal position with respect to the ground, the shank is secured between two plates of the RSI using pins wherein the plates can rotate with respect to the pocket beam. The shank is locked in place by two pins placed through the plates and the shank's weight is unbalanced with respect to the RSI. The ripper assembly is elevated causing the shank to rotate within the RSI to a substantially vertical position. The crawler is moved forward while lowering the ripper assembly in order to rip a groove into the ground with the bottom portion of the shank where the shank lowers into the ground.

Abstract: A ripper boot to cleave through hard ground. A carrier portion is connected to a shank of a vehicle. A tooth portion is integral or removably engaged with the carrier portion including a longitudinal axis and a socket at a working end. The socket extends partially into the working end including a base and one or more side walls extending forwardly of the base. The side walls extend parallel with or at a slight angle relative to the longitudinal axis. A high tensile tip includes a shaft and a conical head to extend out of the tooth portion to form a first point of contact between the tooth portion and the ground. The shaft includes a corresponding number of walls to that of the socket. The shaft of the high tensile tip is locked inside the tooth portion socket by press fitting.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a framework configured to be towed behind a vehicle, and a plurality of shanks mounted to the framework and configured to engage the soil. A tillage point is mounted on each shank. Each shank tillage point includes a body having a top surface and a nose extending from the top surface. The tillage point also includes two wings each disposed on a lateral side of the body and extending laterally outward. In certain embodiments, a slope of the nose relative to a horizontal plane of movement of the tillage point through soil is greater than a slope of the top surface of the body. In further embodiments, the wings are configured to engage the soil at a shallower depth than the nose, and/or a tip of each wing is configured to engage the soil at a greater depth than a respective wing root. In yet further embodiments, the tillage point includes a boss positioned forward of openings configured to receive a fastener for coupling the tillage point to a shank.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a tillage point includes a body having a top surface and a nose extending from the top surface. The tillage point also includes two wings each disposed on a lateral side of the body and extending laterally outward. In certain embodiments, a slope of the nose relative to a horizontal plane of movement of the tillage point through soil is greater than a slope of the top surface of the body. In further embodiments, the wings are configured to engage the soil at a shallower depth than the nose, and/or a tip of each wing is configured to engage the soil at a greater depth than a respective wing root. In yet further embodiments, the tillage point includes a boss positioned forward of openings configured to receive a fastener for coupling the tillage point to a shank.

Abstract: A control system for a machine having a power source, a traction device, and a ripping tool is disclosed. The control system may have a slip sensor configured to generate at least one signal indicative of machine slippage, and at least one actuator operable to position the ripping tool. The control system may also have a controller in communication with the slip sensor, the at least one actuator, and the power source. The controller may be configured to receive at least one operator input indicative of an acceptable slip value, and determine actual machine slippage based on the at least one signal. The controller may also be configured to directly and separately regulate a speed of the machine and a position of the ripping tool during an excavation process based on the acceptable slip value and actual machine slippage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing a shank onto a ripper assembly of a tractor or crawler. A rotating shank installer (RSI) is welded onto a front face of a ripper assembly of a tractor, e.g., on the outside surface of a pocket beam. A portion of the RSI is allowed to rotate with respect to the pocket beam. With the shank in a substantially horizontal position with respect to the ground, the shank is secured between two plates of the RSI using pins wherein the plates can rotate with respect to the pocket beam. The shank is locked in place by two pins placed through the plates and the shank's weight is unbalanced with respect to the RSI. The ripper assembly is elevated causing the shank to rotate within the RSI to a substantially vertical position. The crawler is moved forward while lowering the ripper assembly in order to rip a groove into the ground with the bottom portion of the shank where the shank lowers into the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing a shank onto a ripper assembly of a tractor or crawler. A rotating shank installer (RSI) is welded onto a front face of a ripper assembly of a tractor, e.g., on the outside surface of a pocket beam. A portion of the RSI is allowed to rotate with respect to the pocket beam. With the shank in a substantially horizontal position with respect to the ground, the shank is secured between two plates of the RSI using pins wherein the plates can rotate with respect to the pocket beam. The shank is locked in place by two pins placed through the plates and the shank's weight is unbalanced with respect to the RSI. The ripper assembly is elevated causing the shank to rotate within the RSI to a substantially vertical position. The crawler is moved forward while lowering the ripper assembly in order to rip a groove into the ground with the bottom portion of the shank where the shank lowers into the ground.

Abstract: A soil cultivation device drivable in a displacement direction relative to the soil and designed to break up sub-soil. The device has a chassis or frame, a row of support arms and a drive unit, respective cutting tool pivot units pivotally hinged on the support arms to pivot relative to the arms about a second pivoting axis, permitting a cutting tool fixed on the cutting tool pivot units to pierce the soil and the cutting tool pivot units to be pivoted in relation to the support arms. In addition, the device has at least one gear mechanism, which transmits the relative displacement of the cutting tool pivot unit and the support arm, which at least occurs when the cutting tool has pierced the soil and the soil cultivation device is traveling onwards in the displacement direction, to at least one unit not displaced up and down with the support arm.

Abstract: Ripper boots of the type adapted to be mounted to a bulldozer tyne for use in cleaving through hard ground. The ripper boot includes a replaceable ripping tooth which is secured within the boot by interference fit so that during use, it does not rotate. The replaceable ripping tooth may be angled upwardly with respect to the carrier so that the angle of attack of the ripping tooth is raised so that it is almost parallel with the ground.

Abstract: A shank having an upper portion and a lower portion with a smaller footprint than the upper portion is designed to be received by a receiver of a tool adapter or boot that is used to couple a tool to the shank. The shank and the adapter have leading edges that are generally equal in which the width so that the leading edge presented at the ground engaging level is not increased by the mounting of the adapter to the shank. The adapter is also configured to interchangeably couple various agricultural tools to the shank, such as sweeps, spikes, and plows.

Abstract: A knife assembly includes a unique finned point with angled soil-engaging surfaces defining several fracture areas and preventing slabbing to avoid excessive soil disturbance and knife wear. The knife has an extended length between the point and upper mounting brackets to facilitate operation of the point over a substantial range of depths, and the mounting brackets operate above ground level even at maximum point depth operation.

Abstract: A ripper assembly is arranged in that one end of an arm is pivotally attached to a vehicle body while a beam comprised with shanks is pivotally attached to the other end of the arm, and in that a tilt cylinder and a lift cylinder are respectively interposed between the vehicle body and the beam at a position upward of the arm. One end side of the lift cylinder is pivotally attached, on a vehicle body side, at a position upward of a vehicle body-sided pivotally supporting portion of the tilt cylinder. The other end side of the lift cylinder is pivotally attached, on a beam side, at a position downward of a beam-sided pivotally supporting portion of the tilt cylinder.

Abstract: A toploading ripper loop for attachment to the tool frame of a tractor has a low silhouette, elongated, v-shaped moldboard with a support arm attached at each end of the moldboard. Each support arm is formed in the shape of an upside down “J” or hook and is defined by a first elongated portion which attaches to the moldboard, a u-shaped transition portion that transitions into a second downward extending portion that terminates in a downward facing end. The downwardly facing end is disposed to engage the slot of the tool frame carried by the tractor. A support crossbeam extends between the arms, at the apex of the transition portion and above the downward facing ends, to define an enlarged choke.

Abstract: A plow apparatus which can be attached to the legs of a wheelbarrow adjacent a bottom surface thereof. Such plow apparatus includes a mounting member formed from a predetermined material. A first plurality of apertures are formed through such mounting member and a second plurality of apertures are formed through such legs of such wheelbarrow which are axially aligned with the first plurality apertures. A plow is attached to such mounting member for entering and moving earth. A securing device is engageable with each of such mounting member and such legs for securing the mounting member having the plow device attached thereto to such wheelbarrow.

Abstract: An improved cultivator and blade attachment particularly suited for use with smaller ground plots and provides the advantages of an improved tiller blade design, which can be used laterally as well as horizontally to minimize blade migration.

Abstract: An improved power drill cultivator blade attachment for use with smaller plots and provides the advantages of an improved tiller blade design, which can be used laterally as well as horizontally to minimize migration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knife for and a method of zero till or minimum till seeding and fertilizing. The knife is particularly adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid disturbance and very shallow operation. The knife has a high penetration angle preferably of 45 degrees which permits the blade to enter high trash surface cover with little tendency to plug due to trash accumulation. The blade has a forward angle of attack, the lower cutting edge advancing before the upper cutting edge, serving to make a clean cut in the soil surface without accumulating trash. Seed and/or fertilizer conduits are attached to or incorporated in the trailing face of the blade in which the outlets may be spaced for controlled placement of the materials. By the method a furrow is cut having a substantial transverse component in an operation with a substantial forward component.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for forming a furrow in a soil, is described and which includes a rotatable shank; a resilient, movement limiting member disposed in force transmitting relation relative to the rotatable shank; and a pair of wheels mounted for earth engaging movement, and respectively positioned on the opposite sides of the rotatable shank, and wherein the pair of wheels are positioned substantially laterally outwardly and rearwardly of an intended direction of movement of the shank.

Abstract: A subsoil applicator has an upright shank provided with a leading soil-slicing edge and a pair of opposite sides. At the bottom of the shank, a pair of soil lifting wings are provided, presenting a pair of outermost wing edges that diverge rearwardly from the lowermost and forwardmost point of the shank to the rear extremity of the applicator. The wings are generally relatively thin and flat except for a thickened portion across their rear extremity making an upright, rearwardly facing rear wall. A pair of laterally spaced discharge outlets are located in the rear wall and communicate with an internal tubular passage within the shank for delivering substance down into the soil behind the wall as the applicator advances through the soil. The discharge outlets are located in undercut portions of the rear wall, while top, upwardly facing surfaces of the thickened portion are convexly curved to improve soil flow and provide extra protection against premature wear for the internal substance passageways.

Abstract: A frame, with attached blade, for distributing fertilizer under soil surface.

Abstract: An implement for preparing seed beds and lawns, and for grading tracks and show rings, includes a main frame upon which scarifying teeth are mounted to penetrate and scarify the soil, tines which work the soil and prepare the final grade, and a blade for grading soil. The frame is supported on wheels, and attached to a tractor by a three-point hitch. Accordingly, the depth of penetration of the scarifying teeth and the angle at which the tines work the soil, may be adjusted by pivoting the implement about the axis defined by the axles of the wheels by using the tractor hydraulic system. Since this degree of adjustment is limited, the wheels are mounted to the frame by an adaptor plate including multiple openings, any of which the axle of a wheel to thereby adjust the height of the frame relative to the ground to accommodate both loose or hard soil.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device which is useful in removing trees, stumps, and the like from various landscapes. A device according to the invention may be attached to existing earthmoving equipment, preferably in the place of a conventional bucket used on a track driven or tractor mounted backhoe attachment or other functional portion of a hydraulic excavator that is adapted to receive a bucket. A device according to the present invention may be caused to be operated beneath the surface of the ground, as in cases where it is desired to remove root masses and whole trees, such as mesquite and other species. In an alternate embodiment, a device according to the invention is useful above-ground for grasping small cedar trees and the like by grasping sabres affixed to the device. Methods for the use of such devices are provided.

Abstract: A planting tool for depositing seed and/or fertilizer within a furrow including a soil opener and a seed boot attached to the soil opener. The seed boot includes a synclinal shape housing and at least one furrow forming wing that protrudes below the body of the seed boot. Each wing of the seed boot has at least one wear resistant leading insert positioned in front of and in juxtaposition to at least one wear resistant trailing insert that are each secured to at least a portion of the lower forward surface of the wing and that are each in juxtaposition to a portion of a furrow forming edge of the wing. The wear resistant leading insert and the wear resistant trailing insert have cobalt concentrations of from about 15 to 22 weight percent, and from about 8 to 14 weight percent, respectively.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement employing a series of apparatus to perform one-pass primary tillage is disclosed. A cutting disk is the first apparatus that works the field. These disks cut the residue laterally (across the machine) and mix the majority of the residue throughout the disk tillage profile. Additional conditioning occurs by knocking residue/stalks over into a prone position with large cast spools between each disk for quicker decay. Next, chisel plow units work the soil to fracture and loosen the soil, providing proper soil aggregate size and air pore space relationship throughout the shank tillage profile. The last apparatus to work the field is a set of leveling disks, or a combination of leveling disks and a rotary reel/drag harrow. The function of these will provide is to reduce clod size and leave the soil level and smooth enough to allow one-pass secondary tillage in the spring.

Abstract: A ripper assembly having attachment shanks and a sliding pad through which the attachment shanks extend. The pad has an upwardly curved leading edge. each shank has a boot for receiving a ripper shank. Additional boots extend through the pad and have boots for receiving ripper shanks.

Abstract: A fluid assisted wedging and compacting device for the installation of underground cable that includes a blade with a cutting edge, two cutting faces a toe, a shoe, a cable feed tube, a pair of deflectors, a pair of grooves and a plurality of high pressure water jet nozzles. The blade is designed so that the deflectors and grooves are positioned in a vertical orientation on the lower half of the cutting faces of the blade. During use, the deflectors on the cutting faces deflect soil creating a soil free zone preventing blockage of the nozzles and allowing the water pressure from the nozzles to effectively aid the blade in cutting through the soil.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically measuring soil pH at a relatively large number of places in a field, and automatically creating a soil pH map by simultaneously measuring the position of the apparatus and storing the pH data in association with the location from which the corresponding soil sample was taken. The apparatus includes a wheeled chassis, a shank for exposing soil at a controlled depth, a sampling tray for collecting soil, a probe for measuring the pH of the soil, a water supply for cleaning the probe between measurements, a devise for measuring the location of the apparatus, and a computer for controlling the measurement cycle and recording the data.

Abstract: A rock claw for attaching to a corner of a demolition hammer, the rock claw including a first wall having a first inner side surface, a second wall having a second inner side surface joined to the first inner side surface along a first intersection, and a third wall having a third inner side surface. The third inner side surface is joined to the first inner side surface along a second intersection and the third inner side surface is joined to the second inner side surface along a third intersection.