Great Plains Manufacturing, Incorporated

Roger L Meek

J Michael McClure

Stanley R Clark

Timothy J Ptacek

Michael J Dresher

A stack folding implement has a transverse frame that includes a center section and two opposite wing sections half as wide as the center section. Each of the wing sections is connected in a four bar linkage relationship with the center section so that as the wings are lifted by cylinders coupled with the linkages, the wing sections stay generally level and upright, causing the wing sections to come into stacked relationship with the center section directly above the latter and beside one another. In order to reduce the overall height of the stack-folded machine the linkage for each wing section is connected to the wing adjacent the inner end of the wing so that the wing is supported in a cantilever manner. The main lifting link of the linkage is designed to swing through an arc greater than 90.degree. to permit the wing sections to settle down close to the center section in their final positions of rest. In one embodiment the inner stabilizing link of the linkage for each wing includes a telescoping piston and cylinder assembly and a rocker lever that pivotally connects the anchor end of the cylinder to the center frame section. In a second embodiment the inner stabilizing link comprises a non-extensible, rigid link having a lost-motion pivot coupling with the center frame section.

Low transport height stack fold implement

A low profile folding row marker apparatus is provided for use with an agricultural implement, such as a seed planter or the like. The apparatus includes inboard and outboard arm assemblies that are supported on the implement by a marker mount. The inboard and outboard arm assemblies are connected to the marker mount and to each other for relative pivotal movement about horizontal axes between a generally vertical storage position and a generally horizontal use position. A linkage assembly is connected between the inboard and outboard arm assemblies for controlling relative movement of the outboard arm assembly, and an actuating means is provided between the marker mount and the linkage assembly for moving the inboard and outboard arm assemblies sequentially between the storage and use positions.

Low-profile folding marker for seed planters and the like

A metering drive mechanism is provided for use with a seed depositing implement adapted for movement across the ground. The mechanism includes a gauge wheel, an arm assembly supporting the gauge wheel for rolling engagement with the ground, and a mounting bracket on which the arm assembly pivots. The mechanism restricts upward pivoting movement of the arm assembly beyond a predetermined position, thus establishing the height of the implement. However, downward movement of the arm assembly is allowed in order to permit the gauge wheel to remain in contact with the ground at all times during travel. A spring urges the wheel against the ground with a force that remains constant, even when the predetermined position of the arm assembly relative to the bracket is changed to vary the height of the implement. The mechanism also includes an overriding clutch having a sprocket, a hub received in an opening of the sprocket for rotation relative to the sprocket, and a key supported on the sprocket for pivotal movement between a locking position and an unlocking position. A cylindrical plug of resilient material is supported on the sprocket for biasing the key toward the locking position.

Growing community of inventors

Salina, KS, United States of America

Roger L Meek