Subsoilers Patents (Class 172/699)
  • Patent number: 4548276
    Abstract: A cultivating implement is intended to loosen the soil without significant distrubance of the soil surface. The implement has a frame and at least one soil working tool mounted on the frame.The tool includes a blade with a lower inclined portion and an upper upright portion which portions are interconnected by an intermediate portion.The inclined portion is moved edgewise through the ground and lies at an acute angle to the vertical to lift soil lying above the inclined portion. The intermediate portion is located in use at or below ground level.The intermediate portion may comprise a bend or the blade may be curved over the intermediate and inclined portions.The blade may be preceded by a disc arranged to cut a slot in the ground to be entered by the blade. The disc is rotatable about a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: Howard Machinery Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Barry A. Linger
  • Patent number: 4506739
    Abstract: An implement and procedure for reconditioning and aerating turf is disclosed. The implement comprises a frame, a narrow plow member having a concave leading edge with a forward tip depending from the frame, and a pair of narrow blades declining at an angle from the frame and loosely engaging opposite sides of the plow member adjacent its tip. The blades are mounted in a particular manner and are provided with specially-shaped edges designed to provide the desired groove cutting action as the implement is pulled forwardly through the turf. The implement functions to cut and lift slivers of soil and sod and to deposit the same along a groove cut in the turf. Preferably, a series of parallel grooves are formed in the turf in a single pass, the widths and depths being determined by the nature and severity of the reconditioning or aerating problem being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Inventor: Thomas C. Mascaro
  • Patent number: 4475602
    Abstract: An earth engaging instrumentality is equipped with wedge-like surfaces for displacement of earthen material. Rollers are rearwardly offset from the leading edge of the instrumentality and have chordal segments projecting outwardly beyond the diverging surfaces of the instrumentality to displace earthen material and hence facilitate penetration of same. An open, roller receiving area of the instrumentality is shown as being of a non-uniform width to receive upper and lower rollers of different widths which rollers may be of different peripheral configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Inventor: Norman G. Gerstner
  • Patent number: 4466491
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for moving objects which may be partially buried. The apparatus comprises a hook-like element which may be attached to the side of a vehicle, such as a bulldozer. The hook-like element is pivotally attached so that its orientation is adjustable.A method of moving objects is disclosed where a hook-like element extending from the side of a vehicle engages the objects to be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Inventor: Douglass G. Tower
  • Patent number: 4463509
    Abstract: A vibratory plow assembly which eliminates the need for elastic torque cushioning elements. The plow assembly includes a vertically extending support frame and a vertically extending shaker frame having an elongated plow blade attached thereto with an oscillating mechanism supported on the shaker frame for reciprocating the shaker frame and plow blade. The support and shaker frames are interconnected adjacent their upper ends by conventional connecting links. The lower ends of the support and shaker frames are interconnected by a generally planar, horizontally disposed, spring plate member which is fixedly attached to the support frame at one end and is secured to the bottom of the shaker frame at its opposite end. The spring plate member withstands the loading imposed upon it by the shaker frame and plow blade while being flexible to deflect vertically thereby permitting the vibratory motion from the oscillating mechanism to be transmitted to the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: J.I. Case Company
    Inventor: Emil T. Leonard
  • Patent number: 4457085
    Abstract: An excavating device having a plurality of gouging members protruding downwardly from the bottom of an excavating bucket, and extending therefrom in the direction toward the bucket's scooping edge, the members being staggered at varying distances from the edge and bucket sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Assignee: Wain-Roy, Inc.
    Inventor: Carroll H. Arnold
  • Patent number: 4454921
    Abstract: A replaceable blade adapted to be secured in a shank supported in a cable laying plow. The blade has an elongated leading edge and has an elongated trailing spline to be fitted in a slot in the shank. The spline and leading edge of the blade are spaced transversely to the elongated direction. There are extensions at the end of the spline and end of the slot. The elongated portion of the spline is secured to the shank on the plow by split sleeves through respective bores in the shank and spline. The extension on the spline which extends above the blade and is received by the extension in the slot is secured by an additional sleeve to provide additional support of the blade in the shank against forces that would tend to create moments and cause rotation about the elongated portion of the spline in the elongated portion of the shank slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Inventor: Harold R. Schlicker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4418760
    Abstract: A subsoil cultivating tool is sickel-shaped and planar with front and rear edges configured the same to facilitate manufacture. A plurality of such tools can be stamped or punched from a single sheet or plate and waste is minimized. The tool has an upper fastening portion that is mounted on an implement frame via an inclined support connected to a frame beam. The support is channeled and the fastening portion held between the two limbs to rest on the web. At the front of the limbs, a pivot connects the front of the fastening portion and at the rear, a shear bolt on support tags bears on the upper edge of the tool. A row of tools with respective supports can be mounted on the frame with a spraying device, a roller and seed drills trailing in that order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4355589
    Abstract: A fertilizer applicator knife assembly which includes a shank having a leading edge and a trailing edge, an earth cutting wear insert mounted on the leading edge of the blade shank, an elongated fertilizer tube secured at spaced intervals to the trailing edge of the shank and including an end secured to the shank near one end thereof and on the opposite side of the shank from the wear insert, and a tube protective spacer inserted between the tube and shank adjacent the end of the tube secured to the shank, and receiving the tube in a slot formed therein extending parallel to the axis of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1982
    Assignee: Adams Hard-Facing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Halsey J. Wetmore
  • Patent number: 4321970
    Abstract: Ripper apparatus of the type wherein a ripper blade is releasably fixed in place through a shank pocket slot of a pivotal tool bar, wherein a replaceable wear plate forms the front side of the shank pocket to reduce wear of the shank pocket. The tool bar may be provided in several forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Inventor: James L. Thigpen
  • Patent number: 4316508
    Abstract: The improved automatic ripper reset mechanism of the present invention includes a punch fixedly disposed on the distal free end of a ripper blade head for downward arcuate motion in response to the ripper blade striking an obstruction, a die having a matching contour surface, an incrementally fed shear bar disposed opposite the punch for fixed engagement between the punch and the die when the reset apparatus is in ripping functional position, and to be sheared off when the reset mechanism is sprung, a reset mechanism frame supporting a spring loaded push block means for incrementally advancing the shear bar, brake means for preventing expulsion of the shear bar from the frame by the push block means when the reset mechanism is in sprung position, and torque storage means for receiving torque during the springing of the reset mechanism by means of striking an obstruction and for retransmitting the stored torque to reset the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Assignee: Beatrice Foods Co.
    Inventor: Carroll J. Whitfield
  • Patent number: 4313504
    Abstract: A ripper assembly (10) includes at least two ripper members (16,18) mounted in tandem relationship and adapted for connection to a vehicle (14). A linkage assembly (20) interconnects the ripper members. A hydraulic cylinder (44) is operable to raise and lower the linkage assembly (20) so that the leading ripper member (16) penetrates the ground first and thereafter the trailing ripper member (18) penetrates the ground, vertically below the leading ripper member. The ripper assembly insures efficient ground penetration and a self-cleaning function in comparison with conventional rippers of the multiple-tooth type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Robert L. Fischer
  • Patent number: 4312408
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting the shank of a ground tool to a clamping plate carried on the tool bar of a soil tilling farm implement. The mounting assembly has a mounting member for attachment to the clamping plate, a first pivotal connection of the tool shank with the mounting member, and a variable pressure unit associated with the tool shank and the mounting member for applying a variably decreasing pressure on the ground tool during movement thereof from an operating position to an inoperative position. The pressure applied by the variable pressure unit, in a first moved position therefor, acts to initially hold the ground tool in the operating position, and in a second moved position being rendered ineffective to return the ground tool to the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Inventor: Elmer K. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4293238
    Abstract: A ditchless drainlayer comprising a frame mounting a cutter-type working element for laying drainpipes. It is provided with a hydraulic cylinder for changing its angular position and a transmitter of its angular position with an amplifier-converter. Also, a device for controlling the height of the working element made as a support connected to said working element, swivels around the horizontal transverse axis and is provided with a cylinder for turning said support. The swivelling support is connected by its turning cylinder and by an additional amplifier-converter with a transmitter of the height of the working element installed on said element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Inventors: Eduard N. Kuzin, Vladimir F. Korelin, Mikhail L. Fainzilber, Jury P. Egorov, Igor V. Erofeenko, Nikolai V. Karev, Jury S. Kozlov, Viktor B. Kudish, Valery K. Kolbasov, Meri I. Bobchenok
  • Patent number: 4279085
    Abstract: An excavating device having a plurality of gouging members protruding downwardly from the bottom of an excavating bucket, and extending therefrom in the direction toward the bucket's scooping edge, the members being staggered at varying distances from the edge and bucket sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1981
    Assignee: Wain-Roy, Inc.
    Inventor: Carroll H. Arnold
  • Patent number: 4269274
    Abstract: A detachable, self-sharpening digging shoe for deep tillage shanks is shaped, sized and disposed in a manner to provide the proper angle of attack and to minimize resistance to its movement through the soil such that the movement is not only smooth but incapable of creating that kind of soil turbulence which normally results in substantial wear on critical areas of the shoe and the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Acra Plant, Inc.
    Inventors: Forrest E. Robertson, Donald E. Williams
  • Patent number: 4262751
    Abstract: In an agricultural implement for use in ground breaking procedures including a frame adapted to be moved over the underlying terrain in a given direction, at least one ground breaking tool, a pivot connecting the tool to the frame for pivotal movement thereon about a generally horizontal axis generally transverse to the direction of movement between a forwarding ground breaking position and a rearward inoperative position and releasable means interconnecting the tool and the frame for normally holding the tool in the forward position and for releasing the tool for movement to the rearward position upon the tools encountering resistance sufficient to damage the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: Royal Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard S. Grear
  • Patent number: 4249614
    Abstract: An implement has subsoil tines interconnected to a beam of the frame. At least one of the tines has an upper fastening portion pivoted to a beam of the frame. An overload device also interconnects the fastening portion to the beam so that upon overload on the tine, the device can trip and release the tine for pivotal movement, out of operative position to avoid damage. The device is a hydraulic circuit in which a piston in a cylinder holds the tine in place. A relief valve in the circuit allows escape of fluid from one side of the piston to a reservoir so that the piston and cylinder can move relative to each other upon overload. A spring, either within the cylinder or otherwise associated with the piston, biases the tine to return in operative position. A part of the circuit has a further valve that permits fluid return. The relief valve is held by a spring and screw knob to vary overload pressure of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4241525
    Abstract: A set of ripping teeth secured to a bulldozer blade in either a deployed or undeployed position. The teeth project from a pair of integrally formed support frames with the upper edge of each frame terminating in respective tubular mounting sleeves. Mounting pin project from the outer ends of the mounting sleeves, and a mounting shaft extends between the inner ends of the mounting sleeves. The mounting pins and the mounting shaft are fixedly received by the mounting sleeves, and they are slidably received by spaced apart hangers which are releasably secured to the blade through blade mounted brackets. In its deployed position, the frames extend downwardly along the front of the blade with the teeth projecting beyond the lower edge thereof. As the bulldozer moves forwardly with the blade lowered, the teeth perform a ripping function in the same manner as teeth which are rigidly secured to the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1980
    Inventor: Donald B. Mann
  • Patent number: 4240509
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting the shank of a ground tool to a clamping plate carried on the tool bar of a soil tilling farm implement. The mounting assembly has a mounting member attachable to the clamping plate, a link member pivotally connecting the mounting member and the tool shank, a yieldable pressure unit for applying pressure on the link member to oppose initial movement of the tool out of an operating position and releasable coacting latch members for normally maintaining the tool in a ground engaging operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1980
    Inventor: Elmer K. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4219947
    Abstract: A plow apparatus for laying cable, pipe, tile and the like underground having a blade with an upwardly extending shank portion for support. A blade holder connects the shank to a plow-pulling crawler tractor and the holder has an opening therein to receive the shank. An arm is pivotally mounted on the blade holder on one end of the arm to press the shank against an interior surface of the holder in the opening. A blade dog pivotally mounted on the holder is also provided to lock the shank in the holder at a selected height by means of recesses formed on the rear surface of the shank at various heights. One of the recesses is engaged by the blade dog in the locked position. The invention permits one machine operator to quickly and easily adjust the cutting depth of the blade without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Assignee: Eddy Oxford Enterprises Limited
    Inventor: Anthony Paladino
  • Patent number: 4204578
    Abstract: A ground-engaging implement assembly for installation on a vehicle includes a U-shaped frame having a bight portion extending around one end of the vehicle and a pair of spaced leg portions extending along and connected to the respective sides of the vehicle. Each of the leg portions of the frame has a mounting face thereon and an implement such as a ripper mechanism is connected to each mounting face for penetrating material at the opposite sides of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1980
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Robert N. Stedman
  • Patent number: 4204348
    Abstract: A ripper tool having a generally inverted "Y" shaped arrangement for use with earth-working equipment such as backhoes, excavator buckets, tractors, etc. The tool comprises a straight shank including means for sturdy attachment to the earth-working equipment and two teeth angled out from said shank towards the ground, the angle between said teeth being from about 38.degree. to 62.degree.. This bifurcated angled arrangement has been found to be both more effective and longer wearing than single tooth rippers or rippers using two or more parallel teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1980
    Inventor: Phillip E. C. Lydie
  • Patent number: 4201142
    Abstract: A point for welded removable attachment to a mild steel blade shank and tube to constitute an ammonia applicator blade, such point being cast of high chrome iron to be extremely wear resistant. The point tapers forwardly in width and its generally horizontal bottom slopes downwardly in its forward portion so that outwardly projecting lips along its lower edges not only laterally open and break up soil for swifter ammonia absorption but also tend to pull the blade down into the soil. The point has a V-shaped opening for accommodating the blade shank to which it is butt welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1980
    Assignee: Ausherman Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Lee K. Stump
  • Patent number: 4197918
    Abstract: A subterranean plow blade for mounting onto a tractor in a clamping fashion for fast and easy mounting and removal. A blade holder is affixed to a tractor, and clamp pieces are pivotly mounted on the holder with one piece thereof engaging the blade and the other pieces forcing the first one piece tightly against the blade for holding same. The holding pieces are adjustably interrelated to accommodate variations in piece and blade sizes. The blade is arranged with a leading edge which penetrates the ground and has its intermediate portion sharpened while the portion above and below that intermediate sharpened portion is blunt or unsharpened, all for maximum functioning in moving through the ground. Also, the blade has notches on its leading and trailing edges for the ready mounting with the blade holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1980
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: James S. Flippin
  • Patent number: 4194573
    Abstract: An agricultural subsoil implement is described having a V-shaped tool bar with a plurality of subsoiler tools affixed thereto at desired intervals for projecting forward and downward through the topsoil into the subsoil. Each tool has a leading edge that extends along a parabolic curve to provide a positive downward draft without substantially increasing the pull required to draw the tools through the soil. The implement has two independent wheel assemblies mounted on the tool bar intermediate the apex and the outer ends. Each wheel assembly has a standard that exists upward to receive a hydraulic jack. The hydraulic jacks are operatively connected by a flow divider to uniformly apply equal amounts of fluid to each jack. A wheel strut extends forward and downward from the tool bar to axles that carry dual pneumatic tires. The wheel assemblies are aligned with corresponding subsoiler tools with the struts directly over the tool shank so that the shank tip may be raised between the tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1980
    Assignee: R & R Agri-Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gale F. Rettkowski
  • Patent number: 4181180
    Abstract: A soil cultivating machine has a front row of subsoil penetrating tools and a second soil working member or row of members that work the top soil. The tools can be strip-shaped tines, at least some of which have plate-shaped elements pivoted to their lower ends. The elements or tines are connected to an eccentric mechanism that periodically raises and lowers the elements as the machine is operated. The second soil working member can be a row of tined rotors or an elongated further working member that extends transverse to the direction of travel and works the top soil from a direction that is different from the direction of movement of the strip-shaped tines. Intermixing the worked top soil and the subsoil is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4149600
    Abstract: A cultivating machine has subsoil tines and corresponding plate-shaped elements are pivoted to the lower portions of the tines. A driving mechanism, including at least one eccentric is connected to one or more of the elements or tines and the elements are caused to pivot up and down at their working depths to only partially raise the subsoil. The driving mechanism can also be connected to a further soil working member with soil engaging bars positioned to oscillate and work the topsoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1979
    Inventor: Cornelis van der Lely
  • Patent number: 4141301
    Abstract: An improved fertilizer knife includes a main knife-shaped blade which is inclined in a forward direction and which has a fertilizer discharge tube along its trailing edge for discharge of liquid fertilizer into the soil. A pair of wings attached to the main blade extend transversely. The wings lie in a plane generally parallel to the soil surface. The wings are swept back and include optional tip members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Assignee: M & W Gear Company
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Coldren
  • Patent number: 4119157
    Abstract: A control mechanism for adjusting the angle and lateral position of a plow blade, which is particularly useful for laying cable, pipe and the like underground. The disclosed control mechanism includes a fixed frame, which is supported on a suitable vehicle and a slide frame, which supports the plow blade. The slide frame is slideably supported on a horizontal rail of the fixed frame. A piston or other power means is connected to the fixed and slide frames to adjust the lateral position of the supported plow blade. The disclosed plow includes a support frame which is pivotally mounted on a vertical pivot on a slide frame and the control mechanism includes means to angularly adjust the blade on the pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Schuck, John M. Baylor
  • Patent number: 4117890
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting for a subterranean tool such as one for penetrating the ground and for laying cable or the like. The tool is mounted on a tractor which moves over the ground and forms a cut in the ground, and mounting members support the tool from the tractor in various angled positions depending upon the desired angle for presenting the tool cutting edge in the ground. Mounting members between the tractor and the tool are adjustable for adjusting the ground cutting angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1978
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: Stephen Anthony Youngers
  • Patent number: 4106568
    Abstract: A plow for chiselling the earth at substantial depths, including a framework having a plurality of arcuate chisel blades mounted thereon. A towing tongue is pivotally connected to the forward side of the framework, and a hydraulic piston and cylinder system is connected between the towing tongue and the framework for pivoting the framework between a position of coplanar alignment with the towing tongue, and positions in which the framework is angulated with respect to the plane of the towing tongue. Gauge wheels are pivotally mounted on the framework for selective elevation in relation to the blades, and a hydraulic system is provided for selectively elevating and lowering the gauge wheels by pivotation on the framework. The hydraudlic system for the gauge wheels includes a transversely extending tubular control member mounted on the framework for the plow forwardly of the gauge wheels. Each gauge wheel is connected with the control member by a turnbuckle subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Inventor: Ted L. Cline
  • Patent number: 4103443
    Abstract: Drainage machine apparatus having a structure and a working equipment comprising a ground-engaging tooth mounted on a support and a system of arms connecting the support to the structure. The system of arms comprises first, second and third arms forming with the support a quadrilateral with the articulation of the first arm to the support, to the second arm and to the structure, the second arm to the third arm and the third arm to the support by inter-articulated fourth and fifth arms. The fourth arm is articulated to the third arm, the fifth arm to the structure and by a hydraulic jack coupled to the third and fourth arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Inventor: Gilles Pelsy
  • Patent number: 4102403
    Abstract: A crawler tractor is connected to a cable, pipe and line laying machine with a hitch assembly. The hitch assembly has a transverse drawbar secured to forwardly directed side members. The side members being pivotally mounted to the side frames of the tractor are raised and lowered with a pair of double acting hydraulic cylinders. The machine has a frame attached to the drawbar. An annular resilient and flexible member pivotally mounts a body on the frame. An attitude control cylinder connected to the frame and body adjusts the angular position of the body and a plow standard connected to the body. Plow standard is connected to the body with link and connecting members. On forward movement of the tractor, the plow standard is moved through the soil to form a slit trench for the cable, pipe or line. The connecting members are mounted on a crank shaft rotated by a hydraulic motor to provide the standard with an orbital movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1978
    Assignee: Vibra-King, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Steinberg
  • Patent number: 4102402
    Abstract: An implement having an elongated tool extendable into the subsoil to break up the hardpan and open the subsoil for moisture and tap roots of plants. The tool has orbital motion generated with power driven eccentric structures coupled to the tool. Power is applied to the eccentric structure with a gear box driven with a hydraulic motor. Flywheels are connected to the eccentric structures and the gear box drive shafts. Links connected to the tool and a frame carry a rolling coulter disc operable to cut a slit in the soil ahead of the tool. A hinge assembly having elastic members mounts the frame on a carriage. In one form, the carriage is pivotally mounted on a draft beam of a moldboard plow and biased to an earthworking position by a hydraulic cylinder. In a second form, the carriage is a plate which forms a part of a hitch assembly for connecting the implement to a three-point hitch of a draft tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1978
    Assignee: Vibra-King, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Steinberg
  • Patent number: 4085530
    Abstract: This invention consists of a device which is attached to the pavement ripper of a back-hoe machine in order to convert the ripper into a combined ripper and trench digger so that the ripping of the pavement and the subsequent digging of the trench is accomplished in a single operation. The device consists of a heavy steel plate which terminates into a sharp digging edge at one end thereof. This plate is bent to conform with the ripper edge of a standard back-hoe ripper, upon which it rests, and is held in position at one end by fitting into an undercut part of the ripper and by two spaced side walls attached to the underside of the upper plate. At this end it is also pinned or bolted to the ripper. At the digging end, this plate is provided with a wedge-shaped pocket in which is located the horn end of the ripper to provide additional attachment of the device to the ripper. The width of the upper plate determines the width of the trench to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1978
    Inventor: Ronald L. Landry
  • Patent number: 4081035
    Abstract: A tractor with ripper attachment having a combined tool bar and counterweight container. The tractor is commonly weighted with its mass toward the front thereof, and there is a ripper assembly attached to the rear of the tractor and having a hollow tool bar which receives counterweights, and the ripper tools are attached exteriorly of the tool bar and the entire assembly is free to move up and down on the rear of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1978
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: Victor Ross Bowen
  • Patent number: 4079789
    Abstract: An earth-working tool has mounting means at one end for attachment of the tool to the frame of an agricultural implement, a tool blade down the forward edge of the tool and attachment means at the other end of the tool for securing a tool point. The mounting means is so arranged that the tool may be attached to the frame in such a manner that the tool blade will form a rearward angle, from the top end to the other end, in relation to a line normal to the direction of forward movement which the tool will take during use, with the result that soil tilled by the tool point will be prevented from rising to the surface by the action of the rearwardly directed tool blade. Ideally the tool may be mounted so that the tool blade will be forwardly directed, either by reversing the tool or by providing alternative mounting holes for mounting the tool to an agricultural implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1978
    Inventors: George M. Byrd, Graham J. Byrd
  • Patent number: 4070064
    Abstract: A cooling system for cooling the cutting edge of an impact type ripper tip includes a source of liquid coolant under pressure and conduit means for supplying the coolant to a spray head mounted below and behind the ripper tip in a position to distribute liquid coolant to the lower surface of the tip behind the cutting edge. The spray head is detachably mounted directly behind the ripper tip and projects downward beyond the lower surface of the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Delwin E. Cobb, Nathan Gutman, Richard E. Livesay
  • Patent number: 4057112
    Abstract: A subsoil plow having a plurality of forwardly facing C-shaped plow teeth arranged on a rigid frame in a generally V-shaped array. Each plow tooth has an upper portion, a curved shank portion, and a bottom tip and is mounted on the frame by a so-called pivot bolt located directly above the tip of the tooth and by a shear bolt spaced from the pivot bolt, the shear bolt being adapted to fail in shear upon application of a predetermined load to the plow tooth, such as may be occasioned upon the tooth striking an underground object as the plow is pulled through the field, so as to release the tooth and to permit it to swing upwardly and rearwardly about the pivot bolt without the tip of the tooth digging deeper into the ground.Also disclosed is a hitch which enables the plow to readily be coupled to a tractor equipped either with a category 2 or 3N or a category 3 three point hitch with or without an automatic coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1977
    Assignee: Grain Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Quentin Taylor
  • Patent number: 4040491
    Abstract: A linkage assembly supports a moldboard plow. A cam member having a seat engaging a roller is pivotally connected to the linkage assembly. A spring assembly is pivotally connected between the cam member and the linkage assembly to urge the plow in a normal plowing position. When the plow bottom encounters an object the cam seat disengages the roller and the plow rises quickly. After the obstruction is passed, the plow resets. During reset, the roller rides on a cam surface which controls the force of the spring urging the plow to reset. The locus of the plow tip when it initially strikes an object is more rearward than upward to give the unit better ability to respond at higher ground speeds. The tip of the plow is inclined downwardly during reset to facilitate rapid re-entry to proper plowing depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1977
    Assignee: DMI, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Dietrich
  • Patent number: 4033271
    Abstract: A knife for applying substances such as fertilizer in solid, liquid or gaseous form cuts a slice in the subsoil with its leading, rearwardly inclined cutting edge and simultaneously firms up and maintains the lower portions of the sides of the slice in readiness for receiving the substance in a pocket formed by a recess at the lowermost rear of the knife in conjunction with the firmed up portions. The slice taken by the slender knife is of such narrowness and the movement of the knife through the subsoil is of such a streamlined nature that the cohesive integrity and inherent resiliency of the subsoil is not destroyed, promoting self-closure of the slice behind the knife, thus greatly reducing the escape of the substance where it is a gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1977
    Assignee: Acra-Plant, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Williams, Forrest E. Robertson
  • Patent number: 4031964
    Abstract: An automatic control system for a ripper used on a construction equipment in which a load detector is provided on the ripper for detecting load acting on the ripper shank and lift cylinders are actuated to automatically raise the shank when overload is applied to the shank during ripping operation. The ripper is also provided with a depth detector for detecting upper and lower limit positions of the shank and the vertical movement of the shank can be limited between the upper and lower limits. When no overload is applied, the shank is maintained at the lower limit position to rip the ground at a predetermined penetration depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1977
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Takahashi, Tomoharu Sano
  • Patent number: 4013129
    Abstract: Attachment for a tractor to do ripping, having parallelogram linkages which support a ripper shank assembly for movement between a raised-carry position and a lowered-rip position. The linkages each have an extensible side consisting of an hydraulic cylinder which allows the shank assembly to be pitched about a transverse horizontal beam axis when located in either of the just mentioned positions or any positions therebetween. A further hydraulic cylinder is connected on one end thereof to a mounting tower by a removable pin for attachment to the tractor and on the other end thereof to a clevis pivot in coaxial alignment with the horizontal beam pitch axis. This further hydraulic cylinder functions as a depth actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1977
    Assignee: International Harvester Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 3973632
    Abstract: A scarifier or ripper attachment for a tractor or like vehicle, comprising a support structure carrying a pivoted arm on the free end of which is a pivoted tool-carrying frame. The elevation of the arm is controlled by an hydraulic elevation actuator and the inclination of the tool with respect to the arm is controlled by an hydraulic attitude control actuator. The hydraulic circuit of the two actuators includes an auxiliary distributor having three positions in one of which the two actuators are connected in series so that one retracts when the other extends, and in the other two of which one or the other actuator is isolated so that the other can be controlled independently. The relative diameters of the two actuators are such that in the first position of the auxiliary distributor the tool is held in a fixed orientation in relation to the ground as the arm is turned through its full angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1976
    Assignee: Gimac S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Torazzi
  • Patent number: 3959901
    Abstract: The invention is concerned with a unitary high strength earth working tooth useful with excavator buckets, scrapers, rippers and the like. The tooth is integrally formed and includes a proximal end for attachment to an earth working machine and a distal end for penetrating soil. The proximal end includes a generally isosceles trapezoidal upper portion, a generally isosceles trapezoidal lower portion, and a pair of generally isosceles trapezoidal sides, each side extending from an edge of said upper portion to an edge to said lower portion, a closure interconnecting the shorter bases of said upper portion, said lower portion and said two sides, and a pair of aligned holes, one through each of said sides generally on the bisecting axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Gene Ralph Klett
  • Patent number: 3960220
    Abstract: This invention relates to a subsoil plow which includes a supporting frame having front and rear sides. A plurality of plow elements are mounted on the frame for pivotable movement on a horizontal axis in a direction fore and aft of the frame. The plow elements are transversely spaced on the frame. Latching means are provided for releasably holding each plow element generally upright in plowing position. Each plow element is spring urged to plowing position whereby forward movement of the plow through the soil may be accompanied by a vibratory pivotal motion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1976
    Inventor: Veikko A. Laitala
  • Patent number: 3955626
    Abstract: A multi-row vineyard cultivator for cultivating a plurality of generally parallel rows of grape vines simultaneously having a wheeled framework adapted to travel over the rows with first and second outriggers mounted on the framework extending from the framework in a direction generally perpendicular to the line of travel so that they overlie a row on each side of the framework. A downwardly depending post is provided on each of the outriggers. Cultivator assemblies are mounted on each of the posts which are adequate for one row. A hydraulic actuator is provided for moving the post and the cultivator assemblies carried thereby longitudinally along the outrigger associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1976
    Inventor: Clyde L. Taylor
  • Patent number: RE31164
    Abstract: A cooling system for cooling the cutting edge of an impact type ripper tip includes a source of liquid coolant under pressure and conduit means for supplying the coolant to a spray head mounted below and behind the ripper tip in a position to distribute liquid coolant to the lower surface of the tip behind the cutting edge. The spray head is detachably mounted directly behind the ripper tip and projects downward beyond the lower surface of the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1983
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Delwin E. Cobb, Nathan Gutman, Richard E. Livesay