Abstract: An apparatus for combining planting implements enables an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. The apparatus is rigidly affixed to a conventional cultivating implement and comprises a support frame, a pair of brackets, and a connection bar. In combination, the support frame, pair of brackets, and connection bar provide a three-point connection whereby a conventional broadcasting implement may be attached thereto, thus enabling an operator of a tractor to use both a conventional cultivating implement and a conventional broadcasting implement simultaneously. In operation, at least a portion of the conventional cultivating implement is disposed behind the conventional broadcasting implement when the conventional broadcasting implement is attached to the support frame, thereby allowing simultaneous cultivation and broadcasting of constituents.

Abstract: One embodiment describes a self-aligning head bracket for a seed planting implement. The self-aligning head bracket includes a securing element that secures the head bracket to a hollow support frame of the seed planting implement and to support a row unit; and a vacuum port fixedly coupled to the securing element. The vacuum port interfaces with an opening in the hollow support frame to establish at least a portion of a pneumatic path between an interior of the hollow support frame and the row unit and to facilitate alignment of the row unit on the hollow support frame.

Abstract: A device for calibrating the product dispensed by a distributor (5) of granular materials comprises a calibration aperture (9) formed in a through-conduit (8) for the granular material between the distributor (5) of the seed and a device (4) for transporting the material, and a gate (10) associated with the calibration aperture (9) and movable between a calibration position, in which the aperture (9) is open and the material from the distributor (5) is conducted via the aperture (9), and a distribution position, in which the aperture (9) is closed and the material is conducted therebeyond along the through-conduit (8), wherein a motorized actuator (11) is connected to the gate (10) so as to make the gate (10) movable between those positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a monitor of the hose connection of a pneumatic product-on-demand delivery system in an agricultural machine. This can be done in several ways. One way is to sense the product flow in the product hose and how long it is running. If the product is constantly running through the hose, that indicates a disconnection. A second way is to sense air pressure in the product hose to determine if it is still operating under pressure. If disconnected, the air pressure will drop indicating a disconnection. A third way is to sense a current through the connection to determine if it is on or off. All of these methods produce a signal that can be fed back to a monitor at the operator station and give the operator an alert if a disconnected hose is detected.

Abstract: A granular material spreader for a mower or other apparatus, including a support column, having a support plate attached to it's bottom, for supporting the spreader thereon, the spreader being mounted to the shaft of the motor which when energized, turns the spreader for usage. A bracket attaching to the support column supports the hopper, into which granular material may be deposited, the bottom of the hopper includes a series of apertures, and a control plate pivotally mounted to the underside of the hopper bottom, and which when pivoted, provides for a full or partial opening of the flow apertures in the hopper bottom, or their closure, as when granular material dispensing and spreading is curtailed. A pivot lever mounts onto a plate, further supported by the support column, the lever is pivoted through energization of the solenoid, to initiate the dispensing, or not, of the granular material.

Abstract: An air seeder is provided having at least one container with a trough in the bottom floor. Preferably, the floor is formed with a v-shaped configuration converging at a metering mechanism. An auger is rotatably mounted in the trough to move particulate material to the metering mechanism located at a distal end of the container. The auger is powered by a motor mounted on the distal end of the auger opposite the metering mechanism. A remote fan mechanism is provided to deliver a supply of air to the metering mechanism through a pair of conveying tubes. Optionally, a sensor is provided to control the operation of the auger so that the auger only operates when it is needed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cultivator mounted to roll about a horizontal axis transverse to the direction of travel of the machine in combination with a hopper. The cultivator and hopper are mounted on a frame which is adapted to be connected to a three-point hitch of a tractor. The cultivator is connected to the frame under and behind the hopper and by a pivotal shaft which interconnects bearings confined fore and aft by U-profiles. The cutivator is thus tiltable within limits relative to the frame and hopper and is also turnable within limits so that the cultivator turns with the tractor. It also provides support for the hopper. A centrifugal air pump is mounted on the hopper which, via a pair of venturi-type devices, draw in granular material, such as seed, from the hopper for distributing same on the soil, the hopper having a pair of metering devices which meter granular material received by the venturi-devices.

Abstract: A combination implement for agricultural cultivation has a main frame liftably connectable with a pulling or dragging machine and supporting a cultivating device, and an auxiliary frame carrying a crumbler roller which supports the combination implement during cultivation and is adjustable relative to the main frame, wherein a supporting member is provided between the main frame and the auxiliary frame and has a play so that the main frame with the cultivating device arranged thereon can be upwardly deflected relative to the auxiliary frame or the crumbler roller during the cultivation.

Abstract: A rotary harrow or cultivator has a frame that supports a plurality of soil working members arranged in a row that extends transverse to the direction of travel. The frame includes two linked portions and one portion is connected to a rear support roller that regulates the working depth of the implement. A dispensing mechanism, including a plurality of delivery members, is mounted on the implement and the delivery members are carried on a common support that extends transverse to the direction of travel. The common support is interconnected to the roller so that material is dropped as the roller levels the worked soil.

Abstract: A soil working machine has an elongated frame portion that supports a row of soil working tools that extends transverse to the direction of travel. The machine is partly supported by rear wheels that are located adjacent the lateral sides of the machine and arms connect the wheels to an upper part of the machine. A delivery mechanism, including an elongated hopper is mounted on the implement and delivery tubes extend from the hopper to the ground, between the wheels and the soil working tools. The hopper is positioned above the frame portion and a rotatable member in the hopper is drivenly connected to the wheels.

Abstract: A tillage machine includes a main frame that supports rotary soil working tined members and various additional tools that can be detachably fastened to the main frame in combination with the rotary tined members to landscape in one pass. For primary use, a ripper assembly is detachably fastened at the front of the frame in advance of the rotary soil working members. A pulverizer-support roller is detachably fastened to the frame in a trailing position and a leveler bar supported between the roller and the rotary members to prevent ridging. A seed box with delivery system can be mounted on the roller frame and driven by a transmission connected to the roller axle. A packer roller is detachably pivoted to the frame to leave the ground in a finished condition.

Abstract: A cultivating implement or rotary harrow has two groups of soil working members mounted on upwardly extending shafts that extend transverse to the direction of operative travel. The groups of soil working members are adjustably linked to an elongated frame of the harrow and the front of the longer side of the frame has a coupling member for connection to the rear of a prime mover for soil working operation. One of the shorter sides has a second coupling member that can be coupled to the prime mover during transport. Pairs of ground wheels at the front and rear of the frame are employed to support the harrow both in operative and in transport positions. Each group of soil working members has a supporting rear roller and arms that extend from the front of the frame over the roller to support a tool bar to which seed drills, for instance, can be connected.

Abstract: A cultivator has a beamed frame with a coupling member that can be attached to the lower points of a lift device on a tractor. The cultivator has an assembly of blades mounted on a horizontal shaft which is driven via a forward transmission connected to the p.t.o. of the tractor. A power driven roller is turned by a rear transmission that is interconnected to the forward transmission by a telescopic shaft. The roller is mounted on a supporting structure including overhead beams that extend forwardly to a pivot connection on top of the coupling member. The roller is vertically displaceable and mounted on pivoted arms of the structure. Hydraulic assemblies can raise and/or lower the roller relative to ground wheels on the structure, for transport. A delivery mechanism including a hopper with a connectable feeder drive is supported on the structure in front of the roller. The roller can be driven to aid the forward travel of the implement.