Abstract: A coulter assembly for an agricultural implement. The coulter assembly includes a support structure and a disc blade rotatably mounted to the support structure. The coulter assembly also includes a spring assembly coupled to the support structure and configured to urge the disc blade into soil. The spring assembly includes a variable rate spring.

Abstract: A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar. The drawbar comprises a first portion coupled to the frame and a second portion. A joint comprises a first bracket comprising a protrusion. The protrusion defines a first aperture. The first bracket is coupled to one of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A second bracket defines a channel configured to receive the protrusion. The channel defines a second aperture on a first side of the channel and a third aperture on a second side of the channel. The second bracket is coupled to the other of the second portion of the drawbar and the earth-working tool. A fastener is positioned through the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture. The protrusion is configured to move laterally in the channel.

Abstract: A drawbar apparatus for coupling an earth-working tool to a frame of an agricultural implement. The drawbar apparatus comprises a drawbar. The drawbar is pivotally coupled to the frame. A first bracket comprises a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is pivotally coupled to the drawbar. A second bracket comprises a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is pivotally coupled to the drawbar. A tool support is coupled to the first portion of the first bracket and the first portion of the second bracket. The tool support is configured to fold relative to the drawbar.

Abstract: A kit of components for use in assembling different agricultural implements includes (1) multiple linkages each of which includes a pair of parallel arms mounted for vertical pivoting movement at a first end of the linkage, and adapted to be coupled to a tool-support arm at the second end of the linkage, the multiple linkages having different sizes, (2) multiple coupling elements for coupling said linkages to a toolbar to be attached to a tractor, (3) multiple tool-support arms adapted to be connected to the second ends of the linkages, and (4) multiple tools adapted to be mounted on the tool-support arms.

Abstract: A bushing is provided for mounting a pivot arm that has both a threaded portion as well as one or two smooth cylindrical portions. The threaded portion enables the pivot arm to be a laterally adjusted by rotating the bushing while the smooth portion or portions provide a bearing surface or surfaces for the pivot arm loads. This removes the load from the threads, reducing wear of both the bushing and the pivot arm, thereby reducing maintenance cost.

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

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

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

Abstract: A bushing is provided for mounting a pivot arm that has both a threaded portion as well as one or two smooth cylindrical portions. The threaded portion enables the pivot arm to be a laterally adjusted by rotating the bushing while the smooth portion or portions provide a bearing surface or surfaces for the pivot arm loads. This removes the load from the threads, reducing wear of both the bushing and the pivot arm, thereby reducing maintenance cost.

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

Abstract: A ground opener that is allowed to caster in one direction is associated with a pair of arms connected by a pivot connection that allows one arm to move relative to the other arm. The movable arm is forced against the stationary arm when the ground opener impacts the soil as the ground opener is pulled along a relatively straight travel path. When the ground opener is turned radially from the straight travel path, the movable arm may cast away from the stationary arm. The disc opener is coupled to the movable arm through a central hub and, as such, the trailing edge of the disc opener will move away from the stationary arm as the disc opener is turned. When the disc opener has completed the turn, the torque on the disc opener will lessen thereby allowing the movable arm to move back toward the stationary arm.

Abstract: A furrow opener device includes a disc arranged to open a primary furrow in the ground. A scraper body has a leading scraper edge supported alongside the disc to scrape the disc. A wing member is supported on a bottom portion of the scraper body in proximity to a bottom end of the disc and extends laterally outwardly away from the disc so as to be arranged to open a groove in the primary furrow projecting laterally to one side of the primary furrow, and a tube extends generally downward to an output opening located adjacent the wing member and is arranged for depositing product into the groove. A packer wheel is arranged in a first configuration where depth of disc penetration is gauged by a gauge wheel adjacent to the furrow opener and in a second configuration in which depth is gauged by the packer wheel.

Abstract: A socket assembly including a housing having a bore; an insert member disposed in the bore, the insert member defining a socket; and a cap attached to the housing proximate an inlet of the bore and having an opening to receive a connecting member that extends into the socket.

Abstract: A disc opener system for attachment to an agricultural vehicle for opening a seed trench. The system includes a main arm, a disc opener mounted to the main arm, a gauge wheel mounted about a pivot axis to the main arm, a gauge wheel mounted for rotation on the gauge arm, and a depth adjustment assembly for adjusting and positively locking a position of the gauge wheel relative to disc opener. The depth adjustment assembly includes an adjustment link mounted to the main arm, an adjustment coupling attached to the gauge arm, a handle pivotably attached to the adjustment coupling and a clip attached to the adjustment coupling. The clip locks the handle in a position where it mates the adjustment link and adjustment coupling to fix the position of the gauge wheel relative to the disc opener.

Abstract: The instrumented joint system includes a pivot pin capable of connecting a first part and a moving second part that can pivot with respect to the first part, and a detection assembly for detecting rotation parameters of the second part and which is mounted inside a housing of the pivot pin, the said detection assembly including at least one rolling bearing equipped with an inner ring and with an outer ring, and a sleeve angularly connected to the outer ring. The detection assembly is further provided with a support angularly connected to the pivot pin and on which the inner ring of the bearing is mounted, and with a retaining means for retaining the support axially inside the housing.

Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus includes a parallel link trailing arm having a rear link that is maintained substantially horizontal as the arm moves up and down. Front and rear furrow openers are attached to the rear link. A packer wheel arm is attached to the rear link and extends rearward and downward from the rear link, and a packer wheel is mounted to the packer wheel arm and aligned with one of the furrow openers. A bias device exerts a downward bias force on the trailing arm, furrow openers, and packer wheel. The furrow openers, the packer wheel, and the rear link are maintained in rigid orientation with respect to each other when in a working mode, and a vertical operating position of at least one of the furrow openers with respect to the packer wheel is adjustable to vary a depth of the furrow.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for shearing a soil layer and removing it is provided. An apparatus in accord with the present invention has a frame mounting a shearing blade reciprocally movable substantially vertically into an operational position where the shearing blade will extend below the ground surface to shear the layer of soil above the shearing blade from the soil beneath it. An apparatus will also have a pushing blade mounted for use in pushing sheared soil. In a method in accord with the present invention, apparatus is provided that includes a shearing blade and a pushing blade. Each of the blades is positionable in operational and non-operational positions. The pushing blade is placed in its non-operational position and the shearing blade is placed in the operational position and is used to shear an upper layer of soil to a desired depth to produce a sheared soil layer and to create a new surface layer below the sheared soil layer.

Abstract: A rock and material loading system that is removably attachable to a loader bucket for loading material such as rocks into the loader bucket. The inventive device includes a pair of brackets attached to the upper rear portion of a loader bucket, a pair of lower jaws attached to the brackets, a pair of upper jaws pivotally attached to the lower jaws, an upper shaft securable within the jaws, a pair of side arms pivotally extending from the upper shaft, a lower shaft rotatably attached to the distal ends of the side arms, a plurality of teeth attached to the lower shaft, a pair of leverage arms attached to the lower shaft, and a pair of hydraulic cylinders attached to the upper shaft and to the leverage arms for manipulating the teeth. The user manipulates the hydraulics after engaging an object such as a rock for loading the rock into the conventional loader bucket.

Abstract: A versatile implement system utilizing a single implement structure that is capable of being utilized as a grain planter, row crop planter, tiller or anhydrous applicator. The inventive device includes a conventional implement frame, a bracket, a pair of support arms connected to the bracket, a breakaway structure, a receiving arm having a tubular structure, a syncline shaped brace within the receiving arm, a shank member having a syncline end that is removably insertable into an open end of the receiving arm for mating connection with the brace, and an attachment connected to the shank opposite of the syncline end for performing a specific task. This structure allows a plurality of shank planters, anhydrous applicators, double-disc openers, corn planters or tillage attachments to be utilized upon a single implement frame. Varying row spacing such as 30, 15 and 71/2 inch are achievable by removing specific planter attachments.

Abstract: An agricultural apparatus comprises a main frame with ground wheels supporting the frame for movement across the ground and a plurality of ground engaging openers mounted on the frame for engaging the ground. Each opener includes a depth control wheel mounted on the opener frame member for movement in a direction for varying the height of the depth control wheel on the opener frame member to vary the depth of the opener element in the ground. A common adjustment apparatus for all the depth control wheels comprises an actuator, a common drive linkage mounted on the main frame and driven by the actuator and a plurality of individual adjustment members. A cam plate operable by the adjustment member. The depth control wheel is mounted on an arm on which is pivotally mounted on the opener frame member on a first pivot pin, the arm including a portion thereof for engaging the cam plate.

Abstract: A seed drill particularly adapted for contouring uneven ground and accommodating rocks, especially where depth of furrow and placement of seed against wet soil is critical, as in dry land farming. Each drill in a set of drills is a separate unit which is mounted on a vehicle. Each unit includes a split press wheel with an opener mounted within the wheel. The units can easily be individually mounted or adjusted on the vehicle for spacing and height. The opener has an articulating adjusting arm which allows easy adjustment to all preferred positions.

Abstract: A hydraulic harrow lift including a cultivator assembly, a harrow assembly, and a pair of spaced linear harrow arms fixedly coupled at outboard ends thereof to the harrow assembly. The harrow arms further have inboard ends pivotally coupled to the cultivator. Further provided is a hydraulic harrow lift assembly including a hydraulic arm having a first orientation upon the receipt of a raise signal for raising the harrow assembly and a second orientation upon the receipt of a lower signal for lowering the harrow assembly.

Abstract: An opener assembly for forming a groove in soil in preparation for placement of substances in the soil broadly comprises an upright, elongated shank having a lower end and a lower mounting edge, a lowermost, groove-forming component, and fastening structure for fastening the component to the lower end of the shank. The component includes an upper mounting surface, and is configured to be seated against the lower mounting edge of the shank. The lower edge of the shank includes a pair of angularly disposed edge portions arranged to receive thrust loads in different directions from the component during groove-forming movement of the component through the soil. One of the edge portions lies at least partially in a normally horizontal plane for preventing upward movement of the component relative to the shank while the other of the edge portions lies at least partially in a normally vertical plane for preventing rearward movement of the component relative to the shank.

Abstract: An agricultural planting machine has a pair of adjacent furrow opening disks that form a V-shaped furrow as the machine advances and a pair of ground engaging gauge wheels respectively mounted for rotation adjacent the opposite sides of the opening disks. The gauge wheels are journaled on the lower ends of a pair of arms having their upper ends attached to the planter frame by mechanisms that permit easy lateral adjustment of the arms to optimize the close spacing between the gauge wheels and the opening disks. Each adjusting mechanisms includes an externally threaded bushing mounted on a shaft and engaging an internally threaded bore in the gauge wheel arm so that rotation of the bushing laterally shifts the arm and the gauge wheel mounted thereon. A locking device is operative between the bushing and the shaft to selectively lock the adjusting mechanism in the desired position.

Abstract: A chicane system is provided in a belt filter press in a gravity drainage zone. The gravity drainage zone includes a movable filter belt, an inlet section for receiving a suspension on the filter belt, and an outlet for discharging separated liquid and solid components of the suspension. A support member is mounted over the filter belt and has a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the filter belt movement. A plurality of flow turners depend from the support member and engage the filter belt to prevent clogging of the filter belt by the suspension solid component. Each flow turner includes a plow portion extending into the suspension and engaging the filter belt and a coupling portion fixed to the support member. The opposite ends of the support member are slidably coupled to the retaining walls for floating translatory movement of the support member and flow turners in a vertical direction toward and away from the filter belt during operation.

Abstract: A device for back scraping snow, earth, or other like substances which generally includes a truck having a concave snowplow blade mounted on its front. The blade has shoes provided on its backside, wedge shaped hinged connections mounted on the shoes, and a flat blade mounted pivotably on said wedge brackets. When the flat blade is brought in contact with snow to be scraped and the snowplow blade is moved in a backwardly direction, the snow to be scraped is moved by the flat blade.

Abstract: A power rake having independently pivotal tines mounted on a common member which is displaced relative to a tractor-carried support in an orbital or cyclical manner. Each of the tines has an eccentric portion designed so that the tine moves through the soil on edge during at least part of its travel and has a broad side engaging the soil over part of its travel.

Abstract: A ridge forming attachment for cultivators of a type having a plurality of earth working blades thereon for eliminating weeds between rows of crops growing in the field. The ridge forming attachment includes a bracket adapted to be attached to such cultivator rearwardly of one of the earth working blades thereon. A ridge forming wing structure is provided for moving the soil loosened by the earth working blades which it follows between the rows of crops and pushing such loose dirt to each side to form ridges along the rows of growing crops. The ridge forming structure is narrower at the front thereof and progressively tapers outwardly towards the rear of the space between rows for pushing the soil from such space between the rows outwardly towards the rows of growing crops.

Abstract: A fertilizer knife adapted to be attached to a planter. A housing is adjustably attached to the fertilizer knife and an adjustable mechanism is provided for permitting the knife to be adjusted vertically with respect to the housing, thereby adjusting the effective depth that the fertilizer, in a liquid form, will be released. The fertilizer knife is attached to the housing whereby the fertilizer knife will accurately track in front of the line into which the seeds are being planted, and this pivoting feature will also permit fertilizer knife to be deflected to one side or the other temporarily when rocks or other potentially damaging obstructions are encountered. The fertilizer knife has a leading edge extending from a point in close proximity to a vertical pivotal axis, and tapers downwardly and rearwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A lawn care device is provided which essentially consists of support beams or rotary cutter blades which are mounted onto the vertically disposed drive shaft of conventional lawn motors. The support beams are provided with receiving means, support-like bars, trunnions and the like, for pivotably mounting work tools thereon. The work tools are moved into an operating position by the forces resulting from the rotation of the support beam and are pivoted to a non-operative position when engaging an obstacle.

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.

Abstract: A swivel hitch for chisel plows comprising a pair of vertically spaced flat plates secured at their rearward ends to the transversely extending frame member or tool bar of the chisel plow and having a flat bar pivotally received therebetween. The opposite ends of the flat bar are positioned outwardly of the flat plates and are adapted to be connected to the lower arms of the tractor three-point hitch. The upper arm of the tractor three-point hitch is secured to the existing clevis element secured to the plow frame member or tool bar. A pair of bolts may be extended through the flat plates and the bar for safety purposes during transport.

Abstract: A soil-cultivating implement has soil-working members mounted for rotation about corresponding upwardly extending axes. A soil-working tool, preferably one or more tines, is connected to a support of the soil-working member by at least one quick release fastener. The tool or tine can be a torsioned spring steel strip or a rod that has a spring coil. Each tine can have one or more operative soil-contacting ends that are spaced apart from one another. When the operative ends are located one above the other, the soil-working member can work deep in the soil. The fastener can be a pin that extends horizontal and at right angles to the axis of rotation of the soil-working member so that the operative ends can pivot to some extend about the fastener. The ends of each tool or tine can extend in different directions from one another and tines in pairs can be mounted on the same support.

Abstract: A cultivating machine has one or more working members that are driven to rotate about upwardly extending axes. Each working member is connected to a drive transmission to turn and, spaced apart soil working members mounted for free rotation about respective axes, are moved through the soil. At least two of the soil working members are different from one another and capable of workingthe soil in different ways. One member can be a group of tines that are freely rotatable about an upwardly extending axis and an adjacent member can be a disc that rotates about a horizontal axis. Each member includes a stub shaft that is journalled in a universal mount so that the members can be released and exchanged to meet varying soil conditions. The mount has a pivot connection and a setting device to retain the soil working member at various working angles. Also, the stud shaft is adjustable within a sleeve of the mount.

Abstract: A soil cultivating machine has soil working members that are driven about upwardly extending axes. Each working member has radial arms and a tined cultivating rotor is pivotably connected to the outer end of each arm. Each cultivating rotor is freely rotatable about an upwardly extending axis and an adjustment device can be set to vary the position of the cultivating rotor about the pivot connection to its corresponding arm to change the working positions of the tines. The cultivating rotor can use different tines depending on the condition of the ground being worked.

Abstract: A plurality of plow units are mounted to a main frame of a plow system for rotation about their vertical axes. The plow units are spaced at equal lateral increments and at uniformly increased distances from a pivot connection between the main frame and a traction vehicle. The plow units are ganged together by means of a guide beam; and a power actuator controls the motion of the guide beam in rotating the plow units so that their cut lines take a predetermined position relative to the main frame. As the plow system is then used to plow ground, the main frame swings about its pivot connection to the tractor until the plow units line up with the direction of travel of the tractor, thereby adjusting the spacing between plow units automatically. The rear plow unit is mounted to a tail section which is pivotally mounted to the main frame and includes a rear wheel for supporting the distal end of the main frame and for steering the system as the tractor turns.

Abstract: A clamp shank device designed particularly for attaching a chisel type of plowshare, cultivator blade, or the like to the draft frame of an agricultural implement includes a resiliently-biased clamping arrangement confining a shank member against lateral tipping movement but permitting it to ride up and over obstructions. The shank member is rectangular in cross-section and has a forward, horizontal, attachment portion rigidly held flatwise against the upper face of a rocker plate whose rearward end is beveled downwardly and forwardly to provide an upper pivot edge across the width of the plate. Such pivot edge is received by and extends along the vertex of a forwardly and downwardly facing angle included between the steps of a bottom-stepped rear wall of a supporting frame that is adapted to be attached to and beneath a tool-carrying member of the implement draft frame.

Abstract: A tine mounting and tine both comprise a rotatable soil working member for a harrow designed to resist damage from stones and other debris on or in the soil. The mounting has an upper shaft that defines an axis of rotation and a holder with a bore that extends at an angle to intersect that axis. The fastening portion of a tine extends through the bore and has a threaded end that receives a retaining nut protected by a screening recess in the mounting. The tine has a lower soil working portion that joins the fastening portion adjacent the bottom of the holder and the junction is thickened with a polygonal cross section having recesses in its sides. The soil working portion has an upper part that extends in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the fastening portion and the upper part is connected to a lower part by an integral bend. The lower part extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the soil working member.

Abstract: An adjustable attachment for a backhoe comprises a single tooth pivotally connected to a frame, the tooth being capable of taking a plurality of angularly spaced apart positions on the frame. Tensioning means hold the tooth in a desired position, but also allow the position of the tooth to be changed by the backhoe operator by using the backhoe controls without having to leave the controls.