Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.

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 three-point hitch assembly is removeably attachable to a rear interface mount on a utility vehicle. The three-point hitch assembly includes a rock shaft, an actuator, an actuator arm and a float mechanism. The actuator arm is fixed to the actuator at a first end and rotatably coupled to the rock shaft at a second end. The float mechanism includes a float block fixed along the rock shaft and positioned adjacent the actuator arm.

Abstract: A field marker attachable to an outer end of an agricultural implement comprises an arm pivotally attachable to the implement extending perpendicular to the travel direction. A marking device is attached at a distal end of the arm. An extendable hydraulic cylinder is attached to the arm and implement and moves in one direction to a stopped position where the arm is in the operating position. An active hydraulic source supplies hydraulic fluid at an operating pressure such that the cylinder remains at the stopped position until a rearward force on the arm causes the pressure in the cylinder to exceed the operating pressure and the arm moves rearward. Where the marking device scores the field, a wheel can be mounted on the arm such that its axis of rotation is removed from the center of the wheel so that the scoring device moves up and down scoring an intermittent line.

Abstract: Preferably the land levelling device (1) includes a support frame (2) on which is mounted a front, transversely extending, blade (3), a rear, transversely extending, blade (4), and a coupler (5) for, in use, attaching the land levelling device to a towing vehicle (30), the support frame (2) mounting the front and rear blades (3, 4) in substantially parallel spaced apart relationship wherein the front blade (3) has a cutting edge (9) projecting foremost, and a cutting face (10) angled backwardly and upwardly from the cutting edge (9) toward the support frame (2), and wherein the rear blade (4) has a lower edge (13) which lies below, or at least co-planar with, the cutting edge (9) of the front blade (3), the construction and arrangement of the front and rear blades (3, 4) being such that in use mounds or bumps in the ground are sheared off by the front blade (3) and pass over it to be redistributed into hollows in the ground by the rear blade (4).

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided with a forward folding tool bar that is pivotally mounted on the draw bar for rotation about a transverse pivot axis as part of the folding and unfolding of the tool bar. The tool bar is provided with a tower apparatus having a passageway therethrough for alignment with pivot linkages for providing a floating movement of the pivotally mounted wing members with the wing fold actuators forming a rigid link in the pivot linkages. An unfold finger is mounted on the draw bar where the tower mechanism would be positioned upon the rotation of the tool bar into an intermediate transport position such that the unfold finger is positionable within the passageway through the tower apparatus. The unfold finger is spring-biased and incorporates lost movement slots to allow the unfold finger to yield when the passageway is blocked as the tower apparatus is moved over the unfold finger.

Abstract: An improved soil leveling apparatus includes a hitch (202 or 302) for connecting the frame to the loader arms and tilt cylinder(s) of a skid steer loader. The hitch (302) includes a hitch plate (304) that can selectively be made rigid with the frame or can selectively be allowed to pivot fore-and-aft relative to the frame. This allows the operator to select the rigid orientation of the frame when it is desired to have the frame be rigid relative to the loader or to select the floating, pivotal orientation depending upon ground terrain and other factors.

Abstract: An opener for use in varying ground conditions, ranging from no-till to conventional full tillage conditions, includes an adjustable down pressure control and a down pressure spring and tension link assembly which selectively provide a limited free float opener condition or a conventional down pressure spring controlled bias condition. A sleeve slidably received by the opener arm and mounted over the lower portion of the tension link assembly allows the opener to free float in loose soil conditions so that only the weight of the opener provides downward bias when the down pressure control is adjusted to a minimum condition. The opener is free to ride up and down to follow irregularities in the ground surface.

Abstract: An improved soil leveling apparatus includes a hitch (202 or 302) for connecting the frame to the loader arms and tilt cylinder(s) of a skid steer loader. The hitch (302) includes a hitch plate (304) that can selectively be made rigid with the frame or can selectively be allowed to pivot fore-and-aft relative to the frame. This allows the operator to select the rigid orientation of the frame when it is desired to have the frame be rigid relative to the loader or to select the floating, pivotal orientation depending upon ground terrain and other factors.

Abstract: A rake attachment for use on a skid steer, which can be used for multiple lawn and grounds preparation activities, such as grading, filling, leveling and scarifying. The rake attachment of this invention combines several useful attachment functions into a single compact design. The rake attachment includes a support frame that has spaced side support members to define an opening through which a skid steer operator may view the soil being worked.

Abstract: An improved soil leveling apparatus (10) includes a frame (12), connecting hitch means (14), and adjustable lost motion linkage (48) secured to the top connection point (52) of the hitch, and an optional scarifier assembly (16) which is supported on a connector (66) pivoted between the legs (36,40) of the hitch. The scraper member (18) of the frame (12) is of generally inverted J-shaped cross section, and tine subassemblies (90) can be substituted for the teeth (78) on the scarifier assembly (12).

Abstract: A rear mounted grader for vehicles comprises a plate member adapted to be vertically secured to the vehicle frame behind the wheels. A pair of rearwardly extending arms are pivotally mounted on the plate member and are provided with a sliding member securely mounted between the arms. A grader blade is transversally disposed relative to the arms and is secured thereunder at the rear end thereof. A hydraulic piston is pivotally secured at one end to the plate member above the pair of arms and to the sliding member at the opposite end for raising and lowering the blade from a position above the ground to an abutting position with the ground, whereby upon actuation of the piston, the blade is adapted to selectively abut against the ground for grading the ground or be lifted therefrom. The grader is preferably provided with spring blades mounted behind the sliding member between the latter and the pair of arms.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for an agricultural implement, the apparatus includes first and second frame members, with the second frame member pivotally movable relative to the first member about a horizontal axis. To move the second member relative to the first member there is an actuator pivotally attached to the first member and a link pivotally attached to the second member and actuator. The second member has an abutment to engage the link to cause it to pivot with the second through a limited angle, after which the link disengages with the abutment to cause further pivoting of the second member.

Abstract: A folding system for large, agricultural implements which includes special stops, push-off arms, and support stands to avoid putting excessive strain on the hydraulic system or the implement. Special floating links are also provided on each wing section of the agricultural implement which cooperate with the push-off arms and the support stands to limit the strain placed on the folding system. In addition, the floating links allow the unfolded wings of the implement to have much more flexibility over irregular terrain.

Abstract: An improved soil leveling apparatus (10) includes a frame (12), connecting hitch means (14), and adjustable lost motion linkage (48) secured to the top connection point (52) of the hitch, and an optional scarifier assembly (16) which is supported on a connector (66) pivoted between the legs (36, 40) of the hitch. The scraper member (18) of the frame (12) is of generally inverted J-shaped cross section, and tine subassemblies (90) can be substituted for the teeth (78) on the scarifier assembly (12).

Abstract: A field marker for attachment to a sprayer boom has an outer square tube clamped to the end of the spray boom. An inner square tube slides in the outer tube and is connected to it by a pair of coil springs that bias the inner tube downwardly. An hydraulic cylinder joins the inner and outer tubes as well and, when actuated, raises the inner tube against the biasing force of the springs. A marking disk is mounted on the bottom end of the inner tube, preferably with an adjustable mounting to accommodate booms of different heights.

Abstract: An apparatus for picking up rocks, which attaches to an agricultural tractor and functions to pick up rocks located on or partially embedded in the soil of a field, is provided. The three embodiments disclosed all function in a similar manner with one fixed jaw and one movable jaw, with each embodiment containing interlocking tines to close beneath and lift up the rock to be moved.

Abstract: A scarifier suspended beneath the body of an automotive vehicle such that it is vertically movable by means of cylinders. It comprises a suspending frame provided on a main frame vertically movable by means of the cylinders so that it may be freely slidable in the widthwise direction of the vehicle body, a plurality of supporting bars horizontally disposed within the suspending frame so that they may extend in the longitudinal direction of the suspending frame and so that any two adjacent bars may be connected in series to each other by means of a pin, said supporting bars being each connected to a cylinder vertically provided on the suspending frame so that each bar may be inclined in the longitudinal direction, and a multiplicity of claws provided, at prescribed intervals, on the supporting bars by way of pins in such a manner that they extend downwards from the pins and that they are swingable about the pins.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a trash seeder having a seeding tyne and a following press wheel. A hydraulic cylinder applies pressure to both the seeding tyne and the press wheel. The press wheel is pivoted to the frame by a trailing arm and the tyne is pivoted to the trailing arm, the hydraulic cylinder acting on the tyne. Thus the single hydraulic cylinder applies pressure to both tyne and wheel, while allowing the tyne to move upwardly over obstructions without effecting operation of the press wheel.

Abstract: A five section implement uses a pair of folding mechanisms to fold primary and secondary wing sections above a central main section. The folding mechanisms are disposed mainly on the top side of the primary wing sections thereby providing adequate space on the top of the main section for mounting containers for dispensing liquid agricultural chemicals. Each folding mechanism includes a lost motion connection permitting floating of the implement sections, automatic lock-out structure for the lost motion connection which operates during fold-up of the implement and an automatic gravity operated latch which insures a proper sequence of unfolding of the wing sections. Each folding mechanism is operated by a single hydraulic actuator and a transport locking bar disposed alongside each actuator is provided with a slide pad to prevent damage to the actuator and other parts during operation of the associated folding mechanism.

Abstract: Earthmoving vehicles are often provided with a linkage arrangement on one end that is utilized to manipulate a work implement, such as a loader bucket. The linkage typically includes a tilting arrangment for the bucket that incorporates a tilt lever that is mounted to a lift arm that supports the bucket. The mounting between the tilt lever and the lift arm is normally of a complex nature requiring multiple bearing surfaces and lubrication means. Others may have a structure that requires exact positioning between the relative components or a failure will occur due to improper loading. The linkage arrangement of the present invention provides a mounting member that is attached to only one of the tilt levers. It also includes an axial motion limiter that is attached to the other tilt lever. In doing so, a very simple and economical mounting device is provided. The mounting device also allows the tilt levers to rotate with respect to each other so that each of the levers function to bear a portion of the loading.

Abstract: Wings of multiple section farm implements are folded by hydraulic cylinders each having a knee joint between the piston rod and a single arm which swings against a lug on the wing as the rod is actuated to lift the wing. A trunnion-notch arrangement operating in conjunction with a lost motion connection and an anti-jackknife device maintains a rod-arm interlock during a portion of each cycle of swinging of the wing to and from its folded position.

Abstract: A row marker for a planting implement having a floatation slot formed in an extendable marker link arm. The link arm slot is generally longitudinal to the link arm and has a transverse hooked portion at the outer end. Engagement of the end pin of an activating hydraulic cylinder in the hook portion results in a smooth even motion of the marker as it moves from the vertical position to the normal working position. Use of a spring tensioned cable simultaneously provides for full marker arm extension prior to reaching the working position and clear marking through the full range of floatation.

Abstract: A powered landscape rake for fine grading of and for stone and debris removal from a landscape surface is shown according to the teachings of the present invention. The rake of the present invention includes a drum rotatably mounted in a drum frame. The drum frame is mounted to a turntable assembly for allowing the drum frame to pivot about an axis generally perpendicular to the drum frame and which is located generally midway of the drum frame. A frame member is attached to the turntable and extends to a point under the tractor frame in front of the front wheels. The free end of the frame member is mounted for pivoting and swiveling to a frame attachment member. First and second cylinders are further attached to the turntable for positioning the drum frame at any desired angle in a vertical plane to the landscape and allow the drum frame to sway in a horizontal plane about the front frame attachment point.

Abstract: The normally horizontal frame of a wheeled farm implement, such as used for tillage purposes, has a center section at the ends of which are hinged a pair of wing sections that are fully foldable into overlying, substantially parallel relationship to the center section through use of hydraulic cylinder assemblies. At each hinge a pair of links, pivotally connected to corresponding hinge straps, have a common pivotal connection at their upper ends with the piston rod of the cylinder. A pintle-receiving slot, strategically located in the wing section hinge strap not only permits limited rise and fall of the wing section over uneven terrain but causes smooth swinging movements of the wing sections to and from their folded conditions. Entirely eliminated is free falling of the wing sections because of constant control by the hydraulic assemblies made possible by abutment at all times of the spring-loaded pintles against one end of the slots.

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 hinge connection for a wheel supporting, segmented cross shaft of a winged implement permits the wing to be folded to a transport position in any raised or lowered position of the implement. The hinge connection includes a pin carried by a laterally outer end of the main frame segment of the cross shaft which cooperates with a pair of slots in legs extending from the adjacent end of a wing frame segment of the cross shaft.

Abstract: A hitch locking mechanism for an implement or the like having a frame and transport wheels movable between lowered transport positions wherein the frame is raised for transport and raised positions wherein the frame is lowered for an operating mode, and having a hitch bar hinged to the frame, the hitch locking mechanism being interconnected between the transport wheels and the hitch bar and being operative to maintain the hitch bar in fixed relation to the frame when the transport wheels are in their lowered transport positions, and operative to enable hinged movement of the hitch bar relative to the frame when the transport wheels are in their raised positions.

Abstract: A tool bar control mechanism for an agricultural implement or the like having a frame, a pair of generally transverse tool bars mounted on the frame for rotation about their longitudinal axes and carrying ground working tools such as spring teeth for movement therewith, and transport wheels mounted on the frame and movable between lowered transport positions wherein the frame and ground working tools are raised for transport and raised positions wherein the frame and tools are lowered for ground working operation, the tool bar control mechanism including linkage means operatively interconnecting the transport wheels with the tool bars so as to effect predetermined rotation of the tool bars and ground working tools in response to movement of the transport wheels between their lowered and raised positions and positively maintain the tools in set position during ground working operation.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is disclosed which includes a center section and a plurality of wing sections foldable with respect to each other. A plurality of ground-working tools extend downwardly and rearwardly from the sections of the implement at spaced intervals along the lengths thereof. The wing sections are pivotally connected to the center section by a telescoping hinge which prevents the ground-working tools of the respective sections from conflicting with each other when the implement is folded. The telescoping hinge includes a telescoping member, slidably connected to an end of a first associated section and pivotally connected to an end of a second associated section adjacent to the first associated section.

Abstract: A support member for stationary support from a tractor forward of a ground wheel thereof and an elongated front to rear extending mount has its front end supported from the support member for pivotal movement of the mount between a predetermined rearwardly and downwardly inclined operative position with the rear end at an elevation lower than the support member and a raised inoperative position with the rear end elevated above the aforementioned operative position. An elongated inclined ground engaging and levelling member has its upper end oscillatably supported from the rear end of the mount for free oscillation relative to the mount between a first operative ground engaging limit position with the inclined member rearwardly and downwardly inclined and a second limit position with the inclined member similarly forwardly and downwardly inclined.

Abstract: A multiple section fold-up agricultural implement is provided with a folding support (61) for the outboard section (13). When the outboard section (13) is pivoted from its aligned position with the adjacent implement section (12), as shown in FIG. 2, to its folded position as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a long support arm (62) swings from a low silhouette position of FIG. 2 to an extended bracing position wherein the cradle (76) on the end of the support arm (62) abuts the frame member (77) of the outboard section (13) sufficiently far from the folding axis (26) to adequately support outboard section (13), particularly in its inverted position, shown in FIG. 4, wherein excessive forces would otherwise be imposed on the folding mechanism (45) during travel over rough terrain.

Abstract: A farm implement has a number of normally horizontal sections for supporting ground-engaging tools, hingedly interconnected such that the outer sections may be folded upwardly and inwardly to a reduced width for transport and storage. A folding assembly separate from the hinges includes a hydraulic piston and cylinder power unit coupled with a lift link that is pivotally connected to a force-transmitting lever which, in turn, acts against a fulcrum during the folding operation. The fulcrum has the second function of serving as one of a pair of limiting stops in a lost motion arrangement for the lever which permits the foldable section to rise and fall in response to uneven terrain. The lever is supported through a trunnion by a carriage which, during folding, is first tilted by the lever to align the trunnion with slotted trunnion guide tracks and then shifted within a slide box by the power unit acting through the trunnion as the last phase of the folding operation takes place.

Abstract: A multiple section agricultural implement having laterally inner and outer wing sections on laterally opposite sides of a central section for relative folding movement about longitudinal axes by hydraulically powered folding mechanisms. The lost motion connections in the folding mechanisms permit the implement sections to float relative to one another during use of the implement thereby assuring proper position of the tools when traversing uneven ground. The hydraulic jack of the folding mechanism between the outer and inner wing sections includes a clevis which presents a shoulder in abutting relation to an upper, slotted end of a link connected to the outer wing section when the latter is folded to approximately an overhead balanced position.

Abstract: The earthworking implement has a primary frame section and a wing frame section attached to each side of the primary frame section. A folding mechanism is provided for folding each wing frame section to a transport position. The folding mechanism includes a first arm pivotally attached to the primary frame section. A hydraulic cylinder is attached to the primary frame section and to the first arm for pivoting the first arm relative to the primary frame section. A second arm is attached to the first arm and to the wing frame section. The connection between the first arm and the second arm is a lost motion connection. The first arm has a stop which engages the primary frame section and a stop which engages the wing frame section when the wing frame section is in the transport position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a soil aerating device which is adapted for connection to a powered vehicle, which includes a first frame rotatably supporting a drum carrying a plurality of core-forming tines adapted to penetrate the ground or turf to be aerated and remove a plug of soil and/or grass as the drum is rolled over the surface of the ground or turf, and which further includes a second frame having forward and rear portions. The first frame is pivotally connected to the rear portion of the second frame for limited relative pivotal movement between the two frames and the forward portion of the second frame is pivotally connected to the vehicle for pivotal movement of the two frames relative to the vehicle between a raised position wherein the drum and tines are disengaged from the ground or turf and a lowered position wherein the drum is in engagement with the ground or turf.

Abstract: A depth control for grain drills, planters or the like utilizing a press wheel which can be adjusted to control the depth of each individual furrow opener to insure uniform depth of planting across the width of wide machines presently in use.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling, transporting, and unrolling large cylindrical bales of hay, including a frame mountable in the box of a pickup truck or on its own wheels. Hydraulic controls and actuators are provided for pivoting a bale fork about a horizontal axis, and for spreading and drawing together a pair of arms making up the fork to grasp and release the bale axially. A lost motion mechanism is provided to permit the fork to move vertically, as a bale unrolls, although the hydraulically actuated portion of the fork remains motionless.

Abstract: Power operated mechanisms are provided to operate a foldup implement which includes a double-acting hydraulic jack interconnected between a foldup wing section and a main section. The jack has a lost motion connection with the main section permitting the wing section to float up and down about its longitudinal pivot connection to the main section during field operations. An elongated slot of the lost motion connection is so disposed as to minimize any tendency for the end of the jack associated with the slot to move from its position at the laterally outer end of the slot as the wing section is raised to its transport position. To further insure that the end of the jack will not shift from its position at the laterally outer end of the slot as the wing section is raised to a transport position, an abutment member is disposed above a part of the slot so as to abut the end of the jack in the slot should the latter tend to shift laterally inwardly while the wing section is in its raised transport position.

Abstract: A wing folding or lift kit adapted to be easily installed on the central frame members of foldable, multi-sectioned earthworking implements to selectively move pivotally mounted side sections or wings. A centrally mounted floating hydraulic cylinder has linkage arms hinged on the ends thereof, with the outer ends of said arms attached, by lost-motion links, to cross members of the wings. In cylinder-extended position, the wings are free to follow ground contour without "working" the cylinder. Upon contraction of the cylinder, the wings are rotated or folded.

Abstract: A trailing floating mount for agricultural finish tools is connected to the wheeled frame of an implement carriage and includes an elongated, longitudinally oriented finish tool draw bar attached to the carriage by a double-stop bracket which allows the bar freedom to pivot in a vertical plane through an angle sufficient to follow ground contours but limited so that when the implement frame is raised for transport, the draw bar, with the finish tools attached, is also raised but prevented from folding into the implement carriage or tools.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated folding mechanism for ground working implements wherein substantially rectilinear movement of the piston rod of a hydraulic actuator causes one section of the implement to rotate substantially 180.degree. relative to another section thereof. This enables a relatively large implement to be made small and compact for purposes of storage and transport. It further includes members for permitting the several sections to pivot relative to each other when in operating position so that the implement can conform to the contour of the ground and locking structure which prevents such pivotal movement as soon as the folding mechanism becomes operative.