Abstract: The invention provides a system, device and method for using a rotary actuator, e.g., a stepper motor to actuate a wrap spring clutch. Feedback from a system of sensors and GPS data, including rotational speed, travel speed and direction are provided to improve the reaction accuracy of the clutch. In one embodiment, a plurality of actuator controllers are connected in a configuration wherein one controller is a “master” and the remaining controllers are “slaves” to provide a higher level of machine control.

Abstract: A clutch assembly having a drive shaft operably connected to a first hub or clutch plate. A second hub or clutch plate adjacent to the first clutch plate and operably connected to a second drive shaft. A release ring positioned to selectively release both clutch plates. Positioned to engage the release ring is a pneumatic actuating member that is operably connected to a source of compressed air.

Abstract: A clutch assembly having a drive shaft operably connected to a first hub or clutch plate. A second hub or clutch plate adjacent to the first clutch plate and operably connected to a second drive shaft. A release ring positioned to selectively release both clutch plates. Positioned to engage the release ring is a pneumatic actuating member that is operably connected to a source of compressed air.

Abstract: A seed clutch actuating hydraulic piston & cylinder unit for a seed drill is attached directly to a cam plate on the seed clutch. The clutch actuating piston & cylinder unit is linked to a hydraulic lifting system for the seed drill such that, when a tractor operator operates the hydraulic lift for the seed drill, the clutch actuating piston & cylinder unit is retracted (or extended), with the piston then immediately rotating the seed clutch cam plate, which disengages the seed clutch. The seed clutch thus disengages the seed metering drive shaft so that seed metering is immediately shut off as the seed drill starts to raise. As the operator lowers the seed drill back down to an operating position, the clutch actuating piston and cylinder unit is extended to rotate the seed clutch cam plate back to its original position, which engages the clutch to reconnect operative power to the seed metering shaft.

Abstract: A system for controlling an electromagnetic clutch of an engine for a motor vehicle having a transmission. The system has various sensors such as an engine speed sensor, a vehicle speed sensor for detecting low vehicle speed, an accelerator pedal position sensor for detecting the acceleration of the engine, and a selector lever position sensor. The system has computing means for determining the clutch current at the beginning of the engagement of the electromagnetic clutch. The clutch current is determined such that a large clutch current is supplied at lower engine speed, and a small clutch current is supplied at higher engine speed at the beginning of the engagement of the clutch.

Abstract: An agricultural drill having a plurality of seed dispensing units 6 that are driven through rotary shaft means 8 that extends across the width of the drill and is driven by a drive mechanism 9 at one end, said shaft means 8 comprising two coaxial shafts that each drive the seed dispensing units 6 associated with half the width of the drill and that are connected together by a quick release coupling 25 that couples the shafts together for rotation and can be released to stop rotation of that shaft remote from the drive mechanism 9. The quick release coupling 25 comprises a bayonet type coupling in which a radially projecting pin 28 associated with one shaft 8 engages in an axially and circumferentially extending slot 27 associated with the other shaft 8, said slot 27 being shaped so that it cooperates with the pin 28 and produces a wedge action that urges the two shafts 8 into axial abutting engagement when they are driven.

Abstract: A planter having a frame, a drive train supported from the frame and having a forward end adapted to be connected to a drive and the other end having drive structure rotatably supported on the frame, the frame also having a pair of laterally spaced horizontal flanges, stop structures extending through each flange, funnel structure mounted on said frame, a clutch shaft rotatably supported in the drive structure and having spaced jaws and structure for releasably connecting the clutch shaft in a driving and non-driving position to the drive structure, a hopper assembly having lower flanged surfaces for engaging the frame flanges and stops, a granular dispenser located in the lower portion of said hopper and having a dispenser shaft engageable with the clutch shaft jaws and fastening structure between the frame and hopper for releasably attaching the hopper to the planter.

Abstract: A pull type folding grain drill driven by the gauge wheels including pivoting legs carrying the gauge wheels which drive a clutch shaft through a first chain and sprocket drive, the clutch shaft axis being offset from the pivoting leg axis. A second chain and sprocket drive between the dispensing seed shaft and the clutch shaft including an idler pulley having cam means on the end thereof for disengaging a clutch on the clutch shaft when the pivoting legs are rotated to lift the planter out of the ground in the transport position.