Abstract: A wind turbine apparatus including: a blade portion; a generator having a stator having a plurality of coils and a rotor having a plurality of magnets, the rotor being connected to the blade portion such that rotation of the blade portion and rotor generates a current within the coils.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to agricultural tillage equipment and, more specifically, to a vertical tillage sweep providing low surface disturbance. The sweep comprises a wing structure with a downward and generally vertical fin, and having specific wear coating placed on the various wear surfaces.

Abstract: An implement for working of the ground or soil and applying seed, fertilizer or other materials into the ground which comprises a blade assembly mountable to an upright tool shank such as to allow at least limited pivotal movement of the blade assembly about a generally vertical axis, the blade assembly comprising blades which extend transversely relative to the shank and which are preferably in a V-shaped configuration, and one or more feed tubes which extend longitudinally of the blade or blades on the rear side thereof for supplying seed, fertilizer or other materials into the ground during the ground or soil working process.

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 residue clearing apparatus for a shank of an agricultural implement includes a spoked wheel adapted for attachment to the implement such that the spoked wheel rotates about a wheel axis oriented substantially horizontal and perpendicular to an operating travel direction of the implement and forward of the shank. A drive is operative to rotate the spoked wheel. The spoked wheel is oriented such that ends of spokes of the spoked wheel pass above the ground forward of the shank, and such that the ends of the spokes of the spoked wheel pass adjacent to a front face of the shank. The spokes may be resiliently or pivotally mounted to the wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand tool or power tool device for cultivating the ground and soil, such as a hoe or hoeing tool, scraper, or the like, essentially comprising a working tool that is releasably or permanently mounted at the front end of a handle or the like which optionally has one or more specific holding zones or grips. The working tool is essentially composed of a bent integral or welded multipart metal strip to form a U-shaped lower section (6), at least part of which is used for cutting, and a shaped upper section to be mounted at the front end (3?) of the handle (3). The strip section extends between the legs of the U-shaped section (6), forms the core of the U, and has a serrated profile including teeth on the opposite longitudinal edges thereof, said teeth being preferably staggered. The device (1) is characterized in that said strip section is sharp at the two opposite longitudinal edges thereof.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter intended to mechanically separate vegetation, such as control of e.g. control weeds and/or other undesired crops or vegetation from desired crops or vegetation on a land surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a silt fence installer of unique design wherein the frame is angular rather than longitudinal and the fabric chute assembly is oriented parallel with the angular frame. This arrangement results in an installer with a generally perpendicular trailing edge, a fabric chute assembly with a closed leading edge and no need for hinged relationship between the sidewalls, and simple fabric threading with a single directional turn of the fabric. Further, the angular frame results in a shorter installer able to be more responsive to turns. In addition, the invention includes a sliding offset hitch wherein a silt fence installer may be adjusted laterally by hand due to strategic placement of rollers.

Abstract: A gooseneck frame is attached to the forward ends of a pair of lift arms which extend forwardly from a vehicle such as a skid steer vehicle with the forward end of the gooseneck frame being secured to the forward end of a silt fence installing machine so that the silt fence installing machine is pulled through the ground in advance of the vehicle. An improved coulter disk includes a cylindrical hub which limits the downward movement of the coulter disc with respect to the ground.

Abstract: An assembly for installation of a silt fence. The assembly comprises a cutting member, a silt fence guide, and a spool of silt fence material. The cutting member may be a plow blade, a trenching assembly, or another cutting means. A vibrator may be utilized to enhance the effectiveness of a plow blade. The silt fence guide may be a grab wheel adapted to place the silt fence material into an opened trench or other means. The spool of silt fence material is preferably adjustable to change a position at which the silt fence material contacts the silt fence guide. Preferably, a roller or similar means is used to compact the soil proximate installed fence. Alternatively, a second cutting member and a second silt fence guide may be utilized to cut another trench. A second spool of silt fence material allows simultaneous installation of two fences. The assembly may be adapted to cut a curved path behind a work vehicle traveling in a generally straight direction.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter (1) intended to mechanically separate vegetation (4), such as control of e.g. control weeds (2) and/or other undesired crops or vegetation from desired crops or vegetation (19) on a land surface (3).

Abstract: A machine to install the lower edge of silt fence fabric in a seam in the soil includes a frame with a plow member attached. The frame can be mounted to the three point hitch of a tractor so that the machine can be raised, lowered, and tilted while being supported by the tractor. Silt fence fabric from a roll carried on a rod on the machine is fed into a chute formed by two parallel plates of the plow member. The fabric is drawn out the front of the plow member and drawn along the side of the plow member by friction with the soil through which the plow member is drawn.

Abstract: A machine to install the lower edge of silt fence fabric in a seam in the soil includes a frame with a plow member attached. The frame can be mounted to the three point hitch of a tractor so that the machine can be raised, lowered, and tilted while being supported by the tractor. Silt fence fabric from a roll carried on a rod on the machine is fed into a chute formed by two parallel plates of the plow member. The fabric is drawn out the front of the plow member and drawn along the side of the plow member by friction with the soil through which the plow member is drawn.

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 tine for mounting on an agricultural soil-working implement includes a mounting portion at the upper end of the tine for mounting the tine in cantilever manner on a frame portion of the implement. A shank portion projects downwardly from the mounting portion to a lower end. A tine point is mounted on the lower end of the shank portion. The tine point comprises a cutting blade extending generally in a vertical plane and has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge is adapted to cut a slit in the ground during forward travel of the implement. The cutting blade has first and second laterally projecting wing formations formed on the trailing edge. The first wing formation extends to a first side of the cutting blade and is operative to widen the slit formed by the leading edge. The second wing formation extends to a second opposite side of the cutting blade and is secured to the shank portion.

Abstract: A row cultivator (10) includes a row following system (12) coupled to a toolbar (13) employing frame members (17) and (18) constrained to remain parallel by a cross member (21). Coulter wheels (30) and (31) secured to the frame members (17) and (18) are non-steerable and tool bar drift may be corrected. A tool (40) employs a leading blade (44) and a pair of diverging cutting blades (47) and (48) trailing behind the leading blade (44). A sheer release assembly employs a longitudinally extending bolt (70) centrally disposed and holding a shank (61) to a tool bar (65) so that when a tool on the shank (61) strikes an underground obstacle the bolt (70) is sheared longitudinally.

Abstract: A root grubber tool for brush which is attached to the boom of an excavator, such as, a track excavator or backhoe. The tool includes a framework which has a pair of side members which support, at the lower end thereof, a cutting blade with its leading edge swept inward and downward to accommodate centering the cutting blade on the roots and providing a deeper cut at the center than at the edges. The framework includes mounting arms to secure the tool onto the boom for working the tool. The framework may include a cross support for assisting in gathering smaller brush. Also, the lower edges of the side members are bevelled to aid in the cutting operation. The tool may be maneuvered to depths of 18 to 24 inches to grub out the roots of the brush and secure it between the boom and the tool for displacement from the right-of-way.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grubber tine of a tubular cross-section which, as compared to known grubber tines, give reduced weight and larger flexure and vibrations when moved through the soil, which gives reduced tractive power. The grubber tine is adapted to escape obstacles within the soil in that the grubber tine is pivotally suspended on a shaft. Bosses are attached to the grubber tine through friction forces between the bosses and the grubber tine at a preferably conical contact face, achieved in that the bosses are pressed into holes in the wall of the grubber tine. In the working position, the grubber tine rests against a shaft and is kept in place by means of a safety bolt adapted to be stretched off upon the occurrence of overload. The safety bolt may be combined with a resilient member, such that the grubber tine to a certain degree may yield upon load and then return to working position.

Abstract: A manual tool for cutting and removing weeds and grass (11) from gardens and landscaping beds, having a cutting blade (9) and rake (1) attached to the rear and front respectively of a chassis (5) mounted on an axle (4) and wheels (3a, 3b) with a handle (6) angularly attached to the rear of the chassis (5). The cutting blade (9) is preferably concave shaped with a front concave cutting edge (13). When the tool is pushed forward by the handle (6) the concave cutting blade (9) pulls and cuts weeds and grass (11) below the surface of the ground (7). The cut weeds are then removed by pulling backward on the handle (6) which drags tines (2) on the rake (1) over the ground (7) to gather and remove the weeds (11). Optionally, the rake (1) is removeably attachable so that the tool can be used only for cutting weeds (11) as desired.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blade plough suitable for use on undulating ground. The blade plough has a floating blade which is able to pivot irrespective of the drawbar attachment to the tractor. A spring mechanism is provided to bias the blade in an operative attitude and thereby compensate for varying soil conditions. The blade also comprises an improved cutting edge having a hard laminate on its underside. Blade extension members are provided for varying the operating width of the blade.

Abstract: A plow having a forwardly facing V-notched digger blade, lifting wings, side arms, frame members, ears for attaching a hitch and breakable attachment of the hitch to the tow vehicle is provided. In use the plow cuts or digs out subterranean plant roots, and lifts soil for aeration.

Abstract: A beach combing apparatus is set forth wherein a plurality of spaced runners have secured therebetween an elongate blade member formed with a forwardly positioned beveled planar blade formed with a spaced parallel rear overfolded edge to provide strength and integrity to said blade. A plurality of spaced parallel upstanding brackets integrally formed to said blade to secure an elongate "U" shaped handle is mounted between the brackets at terminal end portions integrally formed to said handle at an obtuse angle thereto whereupon said handle is oriented relative to said blade member at an angle of approximately 30 to 45 degrees in a first position and pivotal parallel to said blade member in a second position to effect the cutting and trimming of various growth to be found growing on a beach surface.

Abstract: A method of and rake for removal of aquatic plants; the method has the steps of pulling a rake over an underwater bottom, engaging aquatic plants with flexible, resilient teeth and a flexible, resilient filament strung between the teeth, pulling the plant out of the bottom with the filament and distributing stress among the teeth through the filament when the rake snags an immovable obstruction; the rake has a cross bar, a plurality of elongate flexible and resilient teeth attached to the bar, and a flexible and resilient high tensile strength filament strung to and between all of the teeth. The filament pulls out plants and distributes stress among the teeth. An improved rake tooth has structure for holding a transverse filament adjacent a tip of the tooth.

Abstract: An improved bean cutting knife is described which includes a replaceable cutting blade. The knife support includes a recessed area along its working edge. The cutting blade fits into the recessed area and is detachably secured with threaded fasteners, for example. When the cutting blade becomes worn it can be removed and then replaced with a new cutting blade.

Abstract: An improved fertilizer system for use in conjunction with a sweep blade comprises a pipe and a structural channel. The pipe carries liquid fertilizer along each blade and is protected along the blade by the channel. The channel is bolted or otherwise attached to the blade to form a box section in which the pipe is run so that the blade, pipe and channel are rigidly joined. Apertures are drilled through the channel and radially into the pipe at appropriate intervals along the blade to provide a suitable distribution of fertilizer into the soil as the sweep blade moves through the soil.

Abstract: The problem of having dirt and debris stick to the shank of a subsoil plow is solved by providing a non-stick cover body that attaches to a lower portion of the shank and is sized and configured and of a material to which dirt and debris will not adhere. Fasteners in the form of staples insert into holes in laterally spaced tail edge portions is provided. The body is made of a sheet of ultra high molecular weight-polyethylene that is sized, and then bent around a mandril, heated, then cooled and machined as required to be generally complementary with the shape of the lower portion of the shank to which the body is fastened.

Abstract: Agricultural tilling implements are described. In some embodiments the implements are adapted for deep tilling of soil between growing row crops, in which embodiments a horizontal shield member is detachably secured to a depending shank. The front edge of the shield is sloped upwardly. The shield prvents soil from being thrown upwardly and onto the top of growing row crops during tilling between the rows. The shield also guides loosened soil around the base of growing crops in the rows. In another embodiment the implement includes downwardly depending plate members beneath the shield to urge soil outwardly from the shank to the row crops to form a hill in each row without covering the crops. In another embodiment a V-shaped ditcher is disposed beneath the shield for forming a trench or ditch between adjacent rows of crops. In yet another embodiment a novel tilling sweep is described.

Abstract: A cultivating implement include a soil working tool having an elongate substantially planar blade. The blade extends sidewardly and downwardly at an acute angle to the vertical so that its plane is substantially parallel to the direction of movement through the soil and so that soil is lifted without inversion over the blade during passage through the soil. A movable extension is mounted to the blade trailing edge and is adjustable between first and second rigid positions to adjust the lifting action on the soil and thus adapt it to a wide variety of soil types and moisture conditions. At the lower end of the blade is a shoe member with an upwardly and rearwardly inclined upper surface at a leading end thereof, and an upright and rearwardly extending side surface substantially parallel to the direction of travel to provide a bearing surface for resisting lateral forces on the tool due to lifting action of the blade. The shoe member imparts lateral stability and factilitates penetration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shank assembly for a soil undercutter, which is similar to an extremely wide cultivator shovel which travels underneath the ground and cuts the roots from weeds and plants without substantially disturbing the surface of the ground. The shank assembly position can be adjusted by changing the length of a link which holds the shank assembly in position. As shown the link includes a spring trip with a near center type toggle trip release that prevents "floating" and will hold the blade in position until an obstacle is encountered. The shank and spring mounting rod are pivotally mounted with respect to a common pivot, and when the blade encounters an obstruction the toggle linkage releases permitting the shank to pivot rearwardly and upwardly, while the toggle linkage compresses the spring. The trip will automatically reset after the blade clears the obstruction.

Abstract: A cultivating machine has soil working members that are driven to rotate about corresponding upwardly extending shafts. Each member includes a generally horizontal support and a tine or tine-shaped portion at each outer end thereof. The lower straight part of each tine has a chisel that is detachably secured thereto so that a leading edge of the chisel, considering the direction of rotation of the soil working member, is positioned to cut the ground. The chisel can be in the form of a knife or blade or a polygonal member with more than one side being a cutting edge. Also, the chisel can be mounted to extend at an angle to enter the ground. A fastening portion of the chisel can be sleeve-shaped and fitted on the lower active tine part.