Abstract: In one aspect, a method for automatically actuating wing assemblies an agricultural implement associated with a work vehicle may include monitoring, with one or more computing devices, a first wing movement parameter associated with folding or unfolding a wing assembly of the agricultural implement during the performance of a wing movement operation. The method may also include determining, with the one or more computing devices, whether the first wing movement parameter satisfies a first condition associated with a first predetermined threshold value defined for the wing movement operation. The method may include, automatically initiating, with the one or more computing devices, movement of the work vehicle relative to a surface on which the work vehicle is supported to assist the folding or unfolding of the wing assembly during the performance of the wing movement operation when it is determined that the first wing movement parameter satisfies the first condition.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a chassis; a frame carried by the chassis; and a shank pivotably mounted to the frame which is pivotable about a pivot axis to switch between an operating position and a folding position, the shank pivoting at least 70° about the pivot axis to switch between the operating position and the folding position.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for shifting weight between a tractor and toolbar and between sections of the toolbar, for controlling operative height of a toolbar and sections of a toolbar and for folding a toolbar between a work position and a transport position. A ground engaging wheel and an actuator are coupled to the toolbar. In one embodiment, a fluid control system is responsive to a command signal to modify the actuator pressure such that the actuator pressure corresponds to a desired pressure.

Abstract: Representative implementations of devices and techniques provide a tool bar comprising a structure having a plurality of sections arranged in geometric forms. The geometric forms may change shape to keep a tool that is attached to the structure in a desired position while the tool bar is being used on uneven terrain, such as on a hillside or while the tool bar is rotated or pivoted at an angle with respect to the direction of travel. Changing the shape of the geometric forms can also result in rotating the tool attached to the structure with respect to the tool bar.

Abstract: A modular autonomous agricultural vehicle includes a drive module having a frame, a ground-engaging element rotatably coupled to the frame, a power source, and a drive motor receiving power from the power source and coupled to the ground-engaging element for rotating the ground engaging element. At least one toolbar module is detachably coupled to the frame for coupling the drive module to an agricultural implement or another modular toolbar segment. The modular toolbar preferably includes multiple toolbar modules coupled to each other in series to form the modular toolbar.

Abstract: A stack-fold implement having a central bulk fill hopper assembly is provided. The bulk fill hopper assembly is mounted to the center frame section of the stack-fold implement and does not affect the narrowness of the stack-fold implement when it's in a stacked, transport position. The hopper assembly includes a pair of bulk fill hoppers or tanks supported by cradle that is in turn supported by a pair of wheels. The cradle is removably coupled to the center frame section by a plurality of rigid frame members. A retractable ladder may be stowed beneath the hopper assembly.

Abstract: A drawn agricultural machine comprising a carrier frame for carrying processing members, the carrier frame supportable on the ground, at least during transport, by means of a wheel set comprising at least a wheel, a coupling frame for coupling the agricultural machine 1 to the three-point suspension of a tractor, the coupling frame comprising two lower coupling points and an upper coupling point and the coupling frame being rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation relative to the carrier frame. The machine also comprises a drawing element for exerting a force on the coupling frame, wherein the coupling frame, the carrier frame and the drawing element are interconnected in such a manner that a downward force component is exerted on the lower coupling points when the drawing element exerts a force on the coupling frame.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a frame assembly. Moreover, the agricultural implement includes a multiple wheel assemblies coupled to the frame assembly. Additionally, the agricultural implement includes a cross-tube coupled to wheel assemblies and positioned between the wheel assemblies. The agricultural implement includes a rear hitch assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The rear hitch assembly is also configured to be coupled to an auxiliary implement. Furthermore, the cross-tube is positioned vertically above the rear hitch assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method using GNSS for dynamically adjusting side-to-side positioning of a farm implement along a geographical path.

Abstract: A towable soil pulverizer having a longitudinal center section, and foldable wings mounted by hinges on opposite sides of the center section to fold upwardly or downwardly about substantially longitudinal hinge axes. The wings and center section have ground working rollers. Each hinge has a spaced ball joint and guide roller in roller slot. A wing float axis for each wing extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal hinge axis in a transverse direction, each wing also being pivotal about the float axis. The hinge design with the float axis prevents weight transfer between the center section and wing sections when the pulverizer operates over uneven soil, to provide uniform soil conditioning over the width of the pulverizer. The center section rollers are positioned ahead of (or behind or co-linear with) the wing rollers. Components of the ball joint and roller guide in slot are fixedly and non-rotationally attached to the center section.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a tool bar and a tool frame rotatably coupled to the tool bar. The agricultural implement also includes multiple row units coupled to the tool frame, and a frame actuator extending between the tool bar and the tool frame. The frame actuator is configured to rotate the tool frame between a lowered position that places each row unit in contact with soil and a transport position that raises each row unit above the soil. The frame actuator is also configured to transfer weight from the tool bar to the tool frame while the tool frame is in the lowered position. Each row unit includes a ground engaging tool configured to selectively engage and disengage the soil while the tool frame is in the lowered position.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides systems and methods for adjusting tension in a harrowing chain. The system includes a tension adjustment assembly, and the tension adjustment assembly includes a slider assembly. A first end of the slider assembly is coupled to a first end of the harrowing chain, and the slider assembly is configured to slide horizontally. The tension adjustment assembly also includes a compression plate that is configured to apply a compression force to a first spring, which is configured to apply a spring force to the slider assembly. A height adjustment assembly is also coupled to the slider assembly. The height adjustment assembly is configured to vertically adjust the first end of the harrowing chain.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a hitch boom to which a pair of wing booms is pivotably connected. The wing booms are designed to fold forward from an extended position to a transport position. The wing booms are supported above a surface by wheels that provide the aforementioned support when the wing booms are in an extended position as well as the transport position. Maintaining surface contact of the wheels in both positions reduces the load placed on the hitch to which the hitch boom is coupled as well as the hitch boom itself. Multi-link draft links are connected between the hitch boom and the wing booms to provide support for the wing booms when the wing booms are in the extended position. The relative length of the draft links dictates how far the hitch telescopes when the wing booms are folded to the stowed or transport position.

Abstract: A tillage apparatus including a frame having tillers, land wheels supporting the frame, and press wheels on the frame is disclosed. In one form, the frame has a forward section and a rearward section supporting the press wheels. The rearward section can pivot radially with respect to the direction of movement of the forward section. In another form, the frame includes a linkage assembly connected to the rearward section. An inner wheel support gang having press wheels is attached to a pivoting mounting bracket of the linkage assembly such that the inner wheel support gang can pivot vertically. In another form, the apparatus includes a weight transfer device including a linkage connecting a boom and the forward section. A biasing means pivotally connected to the forward section and to the linkage distributes weight from the boom to the forward section to the rearward section and to the press wheels.

Abstract: An agricultural implement has a working position extending laterally behind a towing tractor and a transport position in which it is towed endwise behind the tractor. The implement has ground wheels that support the implement in both working and transport positions. These are rotatably mounted on the implement frame and are coupled to the hitch pole and the instrument by a steering linkage so that as the hitch pole moves between its working and transport positions, the wheels are steered between their respective working and transport positions.

Abstract: The invention discloses a differential connecting rod and draft cable for an agricultural tillage device. The invention consists of a differential connecting rod which is positioned parallel to the center frame. The center frame is connected to the inner wing frame by a universal joint. The universal joint has a spherical bearing and a pivot. The pivot is positioned in a slot. The differential control rod positions the pivot in the slot. An ‘L’-shaped linkage and a spring assembly pivotally support the rod.

Abstract: A hydraulic hitch for connecting two planters or drills in tandem for planting or in line for transport. The hitch utilizes an overhead beam and stabilizer bar interconnecting the lead and trailing drills to control and guide the drills from one position to the other. This overhead beam is combined with a unique folding tongue and floating tongue tube that are hydraulically operated to allow the operator to conduct the operations from the tractor cab after manually removing safety lock pins.

Abstract: The zone tillage coulters on a drilling or planting implement are maintained at an essentially constant running depth by control apparatus that includes a programmed microprocessor-based controller and a hydraulic operating system that receives commands from the controller based upon inputs received from various sensors. One such sensor comprises a ground wheel which rides along the ground and swings up or down as changes in the terrain are encountered, such motions thus imparting voltage inputs to the controller which compares such inputs with previously selected data inputted by the operator. If the comparison results in a sufficiently large difference between the operator-selected data and the actual data coming from the sensor, the controller will cause a tongue cylinder to be actuated in the appropriate direction to buckle the tongue about a horizontal axis and thus either raise or lower the tongue and coulter gangs fastened thereto.

Abstract: An agricultural implement designed for distributing anhydrous ammonia by laterally spaced applicator knives includes an elongated wagon hitch frame which has a forward end pivotally mounted to a forward section of the implement frame and a rear end which carries a drawbar and hitch clevis for a trailing wagon carrying a tank of anhydrous ammonia. As the implement is raised, the rear end of the wagon hitch frame drops away from the implement frame so that the height of the wagon hitch above the ground remains substantially constant and the implement hitch section and wagon tongue remain in line. The break-away coupler for the main hose from the anhydrous tank to the implement is provided with a swing arm to facilitate disconnection of the main hose even when the anhydrous wagon is sharply angled. In the case of a larger implement, having right and left pivoting wings, the frames of the wing sections are strengthened with efficient use of upper and lower laterally spaced channel stiffeners.

Abstract: An agricultural implement designed for distributing anhydrous ammonia by laterally spaced applicator knives includes an elongated wagon hitch frame which has a forward end pivotally mounted to a forward section of the implement frame and a rear end which carries a drawbar and hitch clevis for a trailing wagon carrying a tank of anhydrous ammonia. As the implement is raised, the rear end of the wagon hitch frame drops away from the implement frame so that the height of the wagon hitch above the ground remains substantially constant and the implement hitch section and wagon tongue remain in line. The break-away coupler for the main hose from the anhydrous tank to the implement is provided with a swing arm to facilitate disconnection of the main hose even when the anhydrous wagon is sharply angled. In the case of a larger implement, having right and left pivoting wings, the frames of the wing sections are strengthened with efficient use of upper and lower laterally spaced channel stiffeners.

Abstract: A disc harrow implement having a wheel supported frame to carry the gang discs for transport over-the-road operating mechanism in the frame to selectively extend the wheels and to retract the wheels during ground discing, a shiftable bar to support a fluid pressure motor connected to the wheels, and a transport link that cooperates with the shiftable bar and the wheel supports to allow the implement to be converted between transport configuration and ground discing configuration.

Abstract: A large tillage implement provided with hinging wing sections is adapted for end towing rather than wing-up folding transport. The hitch which is normally centered at the front of the machine may be swung into a folded condition parallel with the longitudinal axis of the frame and overlying the front portion thereof to project the hitch coupling to the vehicle outwardly beyond the end of the frame. A front row of tillage shanks can be selectively raised or lowered as desired while leaving the rear row of shanks at their normal elevations for ground working, and a special frame design enables the rear ground wheels of the frame to be position in close fore-and-aft proximity to the rear tillage shanks to provide more uniform depth of penetration of the shanks as rises and falls in the ground terrain are encountered.

Abstract: A guide and control device for an agricultural machine subjected in operation to a high lateral thrust in relation to its direction of traction, such as a disk-type stubble-plough includes a guide and control system having at the front, a set of freely oscillating twin wheels the orientation of which for a change from a road-travel position to a soil-working position is controlled from a bar for coupling to a tractor. A carrying wheel is arranged in a central part of the frame, and at the rear thereof are arranged freely oscillating twin carrying wheels and furrow wheels controllable simultaneously from their road-travel position to their working position, and vice versa. The multiplicity of carrying wheels guarantees that sufficient grip with the soil is maintained permanently, thus preventing any lateral slip of the machine during passage over a movable obstacle, this also being assisted by the automatic orientation of the twin wheels by means of their freely oscillating mounting.

Abstract: A weed puller apparatus is arranged for securement about a foot of an individual utilizing forward and rear spine plates to adjust the apparatus relative to the foot or shoe of the individual. A forward bifurcated plate enables securement about an associated weed for removal of the weed.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a mechanism for adjusting the level, tine working depth, and tine working angle of a framework supporting a multiplicity of cultivator tines. The framework is cantilevered from and behind a boom drawn on wheels, and includes a pair of rock shafts that are:1) rotated together to adjust the working depth of the tines,2) rotated relative to one another to adjust the level of the working depth of the tines; the working angle of the tine is adjusted by mechanical rotation of frame tubes forming part of the framework and on which the tines are directly mounted.The invention disclosed also includes a novel hydraulic circuit for powered rotation of the transverse frame tubes and of the boom between a working position when the tines are engaged with the ground and a transport position when the tines are clear of the ground and the framework carried in a position facilitating transport.

Abstract: A combination tillage and incorporating implement having widely spaced sweeps in several rows at the forward portion of the main frame with tow trailing rows of angled spider wheels supported in pairs, for ground contour following ability and ease and flexibility of manufacture, by rockable arms extending rearwardly from the frame. Spray nozzles or the like, positioned rearwardly of the sweeps and forwardly of the spider wheels, apply material to the soil loosened and leveled by the sweeps to eliminate banding and uneven application otherwise causded by sweeps parting the soil or by material being deposited on rough ground surfaces. The rotational axes of the wheels of each row are parallel and angled with respect to the transverse direction with the rear row of wheels being angled in the opposite direction to that of the leading row to provide aggressive mixing and smooth uninterrupted soil flow across the width of the implement.

Abstract: An auxiliary support for permitting longitudinal travel of transversely elongated agricultural implements comprises a pivoted lifting frame adapted to extend outwardly and downwardly to elevationally raise the implement framework at one side. The outer end of the lifting frame is provided with a wheel aligned in the desired longitudinal direction of travel. An adjustable and removable saddle has an extension that overlies the implement frame to permit interposition of a conventional jack to raise and lower the implement framework as required. The elevated implement framework is held in a travel position by chains extending between the outer end of the lifting frame and brackets attached to the implement framework. A foldable hitch frame can be provided at one side of the implement framework to facilitate towing of the implement in a direction perpendicular to its normal direction of field movement.

Abstract: A normally rigid planar framework for mounting a large number of ground working tools is made resilient to accommodate the torsional forces exerted on the rigid structural members of the framework as it passes over uneven ground and the tools are subjected to varying forces as they move through the ground. Resilience of the framework is achieved by having the structural members which are normally rigidly fastened together, fastened together instead by resilient fastening which permits torsional flexing between the rigid members so fastened. Additionally, rigid structural members of the framework which normally are pivotally connected to permit movement only around the pin axis of the pivotal connection, are resiliently pivotally connected so that slight rotation of the structural members can occur around the other two axes which intersect the pin axis of the respective pivotal connections at mutual right angles.

Abstract: A ridge tillage attachment includes springs associated with a linkage which guides a tool and wheel support beam for vertical movement, the springs being mounted within the linkage envelop to provide a compact arrangement and being operative to apply required forces to to a tool and wheels carried by the beam, while facilitating disassembly of the attachment when desired. The attachment also includes a structure which securely connects wheel axles to the support beam with a clamping action while being adjustable to provide a large range of relative positional values.

Abstract: A wide agricultural implement is provided with a pivoted swing hitch permitting endwise transport of the implement when supported on transport wheels which are raised and lowered by power means. A latch holding the hitch in its field working position is automatically released when the transport wheels are lowered to support the implement for endwise transport. The implement frame is made up of two subframes pivotally interconnected by the rock shaft on which the transport wheels are mounted and one of the latch parts is mounted on the rock shaft.

Abstract: A reversible one-way disk plow is described which includes a frame with transport wheels and an arcuate track secured to the frame. An elongated disk plow is pivotably supported under the frame, and a plurality of gauge wheels are carried by the frame. The plow can be selectively pivoted between first and second positions relative to the longtiudinal centerline of the frame. Hydraulic cylinders are used to pivot the disk plow, raise and lower the transport wheels, and raise and lower the gauge wheels.

Abstract: A leveling linkage is provided on a planter unit of a planter implement. Each planter unit includes a leveling spring for supporting a back end of the plant unit in its raised, transport position. The leveling linkage is connected to a mounting bracket and a draft frame of the planter unit, which move relative to each other when the implement is raised and lowered. The leveling linkage extends the leveling spring when the implement is in its transport position and retracts the leveling spring when the implement is in its work position.

Abstract: An improved row crop cultivator for use in minimum tillage applications is described. A plurality of ganged cultivating units are mounted on a tool bar adapted to be towed behind a tractor vehicle. Each cultivating unit comprises a frame which is supported on a pair of spaced-apart gauge wheels. Also mounted on the frame for rotation within the gap between the gauge wheels is a disk-shaped coulter blade which is configured to cut through crop residue and weed debris as the material being cut is held against the ground surface by the gauge wheels. This arrangement tends to prevent improper cutting known as "hair-pinning". Trailing directly behind the coulter blade is a middleworker comprising a narrow width shank depending from the frame and having a weld point on its lower leading edge and wing-like share blades flaring rearwardly and outwardly at a predetermined angle from the lower end of the shank.

Abstract: A row crop cultivator particularly adapted for ridge-hill and minimum tillage farming conditions. The cultivator carries a number of tools including spaced hilling disks, a coulter wheel and a sweep for effectively pitching soil and cutting crop residues and weeds between the planted rows. A gauge wheel assembly is provided for controlling the depth of penetration of the tools into the soil. The gauge wheel assembly includes a pair of elongated arms pivotally connected between a pair of parallel plates on the cultivator frame. Series of vertically spaced adjustment holes are formed in the plates and a pin member is selectively insertable in any aligned pair of holes to limit pivotal movement of the gauge wheel arms the elevation of the gauge wheel relative to the frame. The gauge wheel adjustments are easily made by hand in the field without the use of tools.

Abstract: A hoe-opener assembly having a "float" feature is disclosed. The present invention ties operation of several hoe openers to a common framework so that uniform depth control can be maintained. The hoe-opener assembly of the present invention is drawn behind an agricultural implement having a tool bar, and comprises a vertically movable framework. A frame lift-and-lower arrangement is provided for adjusting the spacing of the framework relative to the ground. The hoe-opener assembly includes a plurality of spring-biased hoe openers, each pivotally carried for limited pivotal movement by the framework at spaced intervals along the length thereof. A biasing-spring arrangement in operative association with each hoe-opener is provided whereby each hoe opener is substantially fixed against independent movement, relative to the framework.

Abstract: An hydraulic circuit includes a master cylinder and at least one slave cylinder connected in series circuit. An auxiliary discharge conduit with a solenoid-actuated valve is provided to selectively permit the master cylinder to extend its full useful range after the slave cylinders are fully extended. Under normal operation the valve is closed so that the cylinders may extend together. When the slave cylinders reach full extension, the main control valve is kicked out of its detent and the system locks up in that position. If the operator wants the master cylinder to extend further to a second limit position, he opens the solenoid-actuated valve and again operates the main control valve to extend the master cylinder. The system insures that the main control valve will be released from the detent position when the slave cylinder is fully extended at the first limit position of the master cylinder.

Abstract: A ridge tillage attachment for conventional row-crop planters for use in minimum tillage planting on row ridges is disclosed. This ridge tillage attachment includes a tool portion and a linkage portion. The linkage portion has a parallelogram linkage support system and is attached to the planter. The tool portion is detachable from the linkage portion and is in the form of a tool support beam with guide wheels, cutting discs and sweep plates mounted thereto. The linkage portion of the unit is designed so that it can remain attached to the planter after the tool portion has been detached. An adjustable compression spring down-pressure system acts directly above the tillage implements to apply maximum down pressure. The guide wheels can be adjusted relative to the tool support beam by a height adjustment structure located directly above the wheels. The cutter discs are slightly offset to prevent plugging between them and to facilitate penetration of the soil.

Abstract: Press wheel gangs are pivotally connected to an implement frame by an upright pivot bracket which permits each gang to rock about both a fore-and-aft extending axis and an axis transverse to the forward direction. A pivot at the lower end of the bracket and above the forward central portion of the gang permits the gang to rock about the fore-and-aft axis to move over small obstacles and uneven terrain. The entire gang can rock upwardly about the transverse axis over larger obstacles or extremely rough terrain to eliminate extreme stressing of the gang press wheels and to assure uniform soil-firming characteristics. A compression spring assembly connected between the frame and the upper end of the bracket yieldingly biases the gang into soil-firming relationship with the ground.

Abstract: A ground working implement is disclosed, having a multiplicity of ground working tools mounted on a set of rigid bars which are maintained in substantially parallel relative position by pairs of rigid links flexibly fastened to the pairs of the rigid bars, with hydraulic cylinders attached diagonally between rigid links to control the elevation above ground of the rigid bars which are supported on normally parallel wheel axles mounted below and in front of the individual rigid bars. Operation of the hydraulic cylinders enables variation in the ground penetration of tools mounted on and beneath the rigid bars as the implement is drawn over the ground.

Abstract: A hinge-wing drawbar device is disclosed wherein an internal and an external wing drawbar are secured to one another such that vertical movement of the external drawbar is permitted with respect to the internal drawbar. A support wheel is positioned between the internal and external drawbars with the axis of the support wheel being aligned with the axis of the end support wheel of the external wing drawbar.

Abstract: A cultivator particularly well adapted for use in vineyards and orchards because of its ability to cultivate the ground between successive plants in the same row includes a main frame that is continuously laterally expandable under control of the operator to accommodate variations in the spacing between rows; outriggers that flank the main frame and that contract laterally when collision with an object in their path becomes imminent; a spot sprayer mounted on each outrigger and activated by the lateral contraction and expansion of the outrigger to direct a spray of herbicide or other chemicals at the base of each plant but no where else; and a cultivator shank assembly that is castered-mounted to the outrigger or to the main frame so as to pivot to assume the direction of motion of the outrigger or main frame to which it is mounted.

Abstract: A modular drill frame construction which can assume configurations for standard seeding-drive fertilizer application, and with a modular section added, used for side banding of fertilizer, that is, depositing fertilizer between the normal rows of seed, and by merely changing a tool bar become a row crop planting with side banding option. The modular frame constructions are easily inserted, and the various components are easily removed and replaced for the particular configuration that the farmer wishes to use.

Abstract: A compaction and support apparatus for packing the ground immediately after tillage includes a frame and a wheel support gang movably mounted adjacent a rearward end of the frame. A plurality of tillers are supported in spaced relation from the frame, and a plurality of compaction and support wheels are rotatably mounted on the wheel support gang. Adjacent wheels are staggered longitudinally to track spaced apart substantially parallel paths on the ground. The path of each wheel is aligned behind one of the tillers mounted on the frame and the wheel is mounted on the wheel support gang so that the wheel substantially follows the contour of the ground while supporting the frame for transport and operation. The frame height is adjustable relative to the wheel support gang for controlling the extent of tiller penetration into the ground.

Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the depth of operation of a ground working tool on an agricultural apparatus comprises a strap which extends across a plurality of separate frame sections of the apparatus and incorporates a chain coupling which passes around a pulley wheel having an axis of rotation which is horizontal and transverse to the movement of the strap to communicate horizontal movement of the strap to vertical movement of a thrust bar. The thrust bar acts upon the axle of ground wheels so as to adjust the position of the ground wheels relative to the frame section. The ground working tool supported by the frame section is therefore adjusted relative to the ground to increase or decrease the depth of operation on the ground. The ground working tool can comprise an air seed boot and the frame of the apparatus can comprise a plurality of separate sections pivotally connected together to accommodate variations in the terrain.

Abstract: A tandem implement hitch apparatus including a longitudinally extending frame bridging over a first implement and having depending leg portions forming wheel supports and a tongue for connection to a towing vehicle. An elongated implement drawbar is pivotally mounted on the hitch frame and includes depending leg portions at opposite longitudinal ends thereof for connection to at least two spaced apart implements which may be towed by the hitch apparatus in left or right echelon working formations or an in-line tandem transport formation. The implement drawbar is positioned by a hydraulic cylinder actuator connected to the drawbar and the hitch frame.

Abstract: A transporter for a pair of transversely elongated agricultural implements (20, 21) having first, mutually remote ends and second ends in abuting apposition, the implements including forward support wheels (36) and arrays (44, 45, 46) of pivotally mounted rearward packer wheels.

Abstract: An agricultural tool cart having structure for towing a three-point hitch seed planter behind minimum tillage tools for tilling and planting in one pass through a field, the cart being equipped with hydraulic operated wheels for transport of both minimum tillage tools and seed planter.

Abstract: A multi-section agricultural implement comprising a plurality of side-by-side separate sections each comprising a main carriage frame independently supported by ground engaging wheels and an implement supporting sub-frame supported by the main frame, an adjacent sub-frame being connected solely through universal joint connection means, and a towing frame connected to some of the sub-frames and being arranged to be hitched to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-segment farm implement flexible tool bar or frame is provided with a hydraulic system including a rotary flow divider for raising and lowering each segment of the sectional frame in synchronous movement with the other sections. A mechanical linkage associated with a ground wheel positioning cylinder also activates the hydraulic fluid control system limiting the downward movement of the implement mounted to the sectional frame on its supporting gear.

Abstract: A plurality of ground working sections such as cultivator sections, are flexibly connected together and operatively connected to a hitch pole assembly. Each section is supported upon a pair of castor wheels mounted on a fore and aft beam pivotally connected to the front and rear of the frame members. The sweeps or cultivators move in an arc via hydraulic or mechanically operated rock shafts and the depth control is by means of controlling the pivotal movement of the fore and aft beams. This also permits the penetration angle of the sweep or cultivator to be preset and maintained. For transport, the draw pole is raised and the implement is towed by one end thereof with the castor wheels automatically aligning with the direction of travel thus eliminating folding or raising of sections and permitting practically any length of cultivator or ground working implements to be assembled.