Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
SYSTEM FOR CONNECTING IMPLEMENT TO MOBILE
MACHINERY
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATD APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of priority of International PCT
Application
Number PCT/USI7/26373 filed April 6, 2017.
BACKGROUND
Mobile machinery such as agricultural tractors, bulldozers, track tractors,
skip
loaders, all-terrain vehicles and earth grading tractors, generally referred
to as a "tractor,"
typically are provided with a suitable power plant, a source of fluid under
pressure and or
a source of electric current. The fluid pressure source includes suitable
valve control
means. The tractors typically include an implement mounting system known as a
three-
point hitch. The three-point hitch includes a pair of opposed spaced apart
lateral bottom-
link arms located at the rear of the tractor body or frame rotatably connected
to the tractor
with ball joints which are affixed to the frame or body of the tractor at a
selected distance
of typically 12 to 30 inches above the ground and extend on each side of a
center draw
bar. The free distal ends of the arms typically include a ball rotatable in a
socket with an
axial hole extending therethrough.
A third arm, called a top-link arm, is also rotatably connected with a ball
joint to
the tractor frame at a point about 30 to 60 inches above ground and centered
above the
bottom-link arms. The free distal end of the top-link arm is fitted with a
rotatable ball
with an axial hole extending therethrough for connecting to a center point on
an
implement in alignment with studs. Free ends of the two bottom-link arms and
the top-
link arm provide three-points of attachment to implements and therefore is
referred to as
a three-point hitch. The length of top-link arm is generally adjustable by
means of a built
in turn-buckle assembly. This provides for manual leveling of the attached
implement.
The top-link arm turn buckle assembly can be replaced with a hydraulic
cylinder for
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quick controlled manual or automated adjustments of the length of the top-link
arm
resulting in adjustments of the attached three-point implement.
The bottom-link arms are connected to a lift-link arm to provide a means for
lifting
such as a suitable power lift mechanism, for example one or more hydraulic
cylinders.
This provides the capability to raise and lower the two bottom-link arms and
thus the
implement which is connected to the three-point hitch. Because the free ends
of all three
arms are connected to the tractor with ball joint type connections, all three
arms may
freely pivot to the left and the right any time the three-point hitch has the
implement
raised off the ground. On older tractors, an additional bar called a
stabilizer arm is
provided, if desired, and is connected to one of the first two bottom-link
arms and to a
fixed point on the tractor. On newer tractors, two stabilizer arms are
provided, one for
each bottom-link arm and they are also connected to a fixed point on the
tractor. The
stabilizer arms allow the bottom-link arms to still be raised and lowered by
hydraulic
means, but the implement is held stable with reference to the horizontal
plane, and cannot
swing to and fro as before.
The attached implement can include a transversely extending tool bar or frame
member having laterally spaced apart studs extending from the front tractor-
facing side of
the implement for removable attachment to the sockets held within the distal
ends of the
bottom-link arms. In addition to the bottom-link arm attachment hardware means
is an
upper attachment hardware means for the attachment of the top-link arm.
A three-point hitch is standard equipment on most agricultural and earth
grading
tractors. The use of a three-point hitch provides lifting, lowering and
tilting mechanisms
to attached agricultural implements, such as agricultural implements. The
tractor three-
point hitch allows the attached tool or implement to be raised and lowered,
tilted
horizontally and tilted vertically, all such movements and adjustments
provided by
hydraulically activated cylinders or manual crank screw devices. Front three-
point
hitches, while available, are less common than rear three-point hitches on
agricultural
tractors.
The three-point hitch provides for a quick attachment of various implements
needed on a tractor. In addition, when the implement is in the raised or
lowered position,
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lateral movement of the three-point bottom-link arms is freely available. To
limit lateral
movement of the implement in the raised or lowered position, the user can add
a
stabilizer arm comprising a longitudinal member having a selected adjustable
length
attachable to a swing arm attachment point on the tractor body or frame with
the
opposing end attaching to the same implement stud as the adjacent swing arm to
limit
lateral movement of the bottom-link arms. Many tractor brands are now factory
supplied
with three-point hitch bottom-link stabilizer arms. Controlled lateral
movement of an
attached implement is not provided with a three-point hitch.
Earth-moving equipment in the construction and farming field has rapidly
changed
for the better in recent years with the introduction of Global Positioning
Systems (GPS)
and laser guidance systems. Current GPS guidance systems for earth-moving and
agricultural tractors generally are designed to auto-steer the tractor. Much
of the
guidance involves steering the tractor in a straight line to form a straight
road or straight
row of crops. Since most agricultural and earth grading tractors are steered
by the front
end of the tractor, the rear end mounted three-point hitch attached implement
may not
align in a straight line with the front steered end of the tractor. This
misalignment would
normally occur while the tractor is turning 180 degrees around at the end of
the crop row
and then joining onto the next crop row in the other direction. This
misalignment would
also occur while the tractor is in the middle of the crop field and the
tractor veered
slightly off line of the crop straight line forcing the tractor operator to
correct the steering
of the tractor. This steering correction of the tractor can also shift the
rear end of the
tractor in the opposite direction of the steering correction causing the rear
three-point
connected implement to also veer off course of the straight crop row and
possibly damage
the crops while cultivating the field or misalign the crops while planting.
Lasers have
come into play in the earth-moving and agricultural field mostly by
controlling grade
leveling implements on the tractor in an up and down motion for achieving a
level or
sloped grade.
Conventional laterally moving implement toolbars pivot on four parallel
supporting arms extending out from the front of the supporting frame. Short
sized
supporting arms provide limited lateral movement of the toolbar section of the
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implement. The short lateral movement is exacerbated by the positioning of the
tool
mounting bar being too close to the frame structure that mounts to the tractor
three-point
hitch. Mounting brackets further decrease the tool mounting bar clearance to
the frame
structure. Pivoting-support-arms pivot in either direction limiting the length
of the
lateral movement to much less than the length of the pivoting-support-arms.
The weight
that these pivoting-support-arms can support on the toolbar with heavy
implements is
dependent on the strength of the pivot arms and their pivot joints. The pivot
joints need
to sustain a tremendous weight load when handling a heavy implement as they
pivot side
to side. This weight load is compounded and increased if the pivoting-support-
arms are
increased in length.
Two-point hitch configurations present a different set of limitations for use
of
lateral connection devices. The three-point hitch invention differs from a two-
point hitch
in the mounting ability by utilizing the advantage of the top-link arm
attachment to the
tractor frame, the improved locations for the sleeves that provide the sliding
housings, a
more versatile and stable two tier stacked movable implement attachment
section
compared to the one movable toolbar and a more stable and functional two or
more tiered
stacked movable implement attachment section compared to the one movable
implement
attachment section.
Several patents teach methods of steering and controlling tractor mounted
implement attachment systems to two-point and three-point hitch systems. U.S.
Patent
3,208,535 by Fischer teaches an automatic steering system for implements; U.S.
Patent
7,530,405 by Kollath et al. teaches a quick coupler mechanism, U.S. Patent
4,019,753 by
Kestel teaches an adjustable three-point tractor hitch; U.S. Patent 4,463,811
by Winter
teaches an implement with a laterally movable frame structure with limited
lateral
movement; and U.S. Patent 5,931,234 by Trowbridge teaches a retractable three-
point
hitch mounted, vertically and laterally adjustable toolbar. U.S. Patent
4,930,581 by
Fleischer teaches a guidance control device for agricultural implements using
a hydraulic
cylinder to pivot the implement frame and implement to the left or to the
right to correct
lateral position with respect to the tractor and the previously processed
rows. U.S. Patent
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3,208,535 by Fischer teaches an automatic steering device and a plant stem
sensor.
Existing systems for pulling or pushing implements suffer from a significant
disadvantage, particularly that the implement can go off course, particularly
during turns.
This can result in destroyed crops, inadequate application or over application
of
chemicals used for crops, unplowed soil, and other deleterious effects. These
problems
can occur even when the mobile machinery, such as a tractor, is on course.
Therefore, there is a need for a system that can allow an implement to be
pushed or
pulled that helps maintain the implement on track, even when the mobile
machinery used
for pulling or pushing the implement is off track.
SUMMARY
A system according to the present invention that satisfies this need includes
a
connecting apparatus suitable for connecting an implement to a three-point
hitch of
mobile machinery, such as a tractor. The connecting apparatus comprises a
first
framework disposed in a first plane and comprising at least two parallel,
vertically
spaced-apart, laterally extending rails. Three attachments are supported by
the first
framework for attachment to the three-point hitch. The slidable second
framework is
generally in the plane of the first framework and is mounted on the rails to
slide laterally
along the rails. At least two connectors, and typically three connectors, are
supported by
the slidable second framework for connecting the slidable second framework to
an
implement that can be pulled or pushed by the mobile machinery. At least one
driver,
and for a robust apparatus, two drivers, are connected to the first framework
and
connected to the second framework for driving the slidable framework laterally
back and
forth along the rails.
In use of the apparatus, the position of the implement relative to the mobile
machinery is changed by the action of the driver, the driver laterally moving
the second
framework.
Typically, the first framework comprises an upper cross beam and a lower cross
beam, each cross beam substantially parallel to the rails. In a preferred
version the first
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framework comprises at least two rails, at least two vertically extending
studs, the upper
cross beam, and the lower cross beam. The upper cross beam can support one of
the
attachments and the lower cross beam can support two of the attachments,
typically in a
triangular configuration.
The driver can be at least one hydraulic cylinder or at least one electric
linear
actuator.
When a cylinder is used as part of the driver, the cylinder can be provided
with a stop for
limiting lateral movement of the second framework. The driver can be manually
or
automatically controlled. The manual control can be a lever or the like. Also
a switch
can be provided for switching between manual and automatic control
Preferably there is a guidance system for automatically controlling the driver
to
position the slidable second framework in a predetermined pathway. The
guidance
system can comprise a GPS receiver, an underground (buried) or above ground
guidance
wire, or a position signal receiver for receiving a laser signal. The guidance
system can
comprise at least one GPS positioning receiver mounted on the second framework
for
receiving signals from the satellites or ground mounted base relay station to
determine
the position of the slidable second framework, and a controller for receiving
position
signals from the position signal receiver, the controller adapted to control
the driver to
position the slidable second framework in the predetermined pathway. The GPS
guidance system utilizes data input into a data input monitor to set the
predetermined
coordinates of the mobile machinery and the connecting apparatus. GPS guidance
can
control the mobile machinery steering in addition to the connecting apparatus
position.
GPS positioning of the connecting apparatus in conjunction with GPS steering
of the
mobile machinery is an advantage over GPS steering of the mobile machinery
alone
while attempting to guide an attached implement along a predetermined pathway.
In a
guidance wire application, the guidance system can comprise at least one
sensor mounted
on the second framework for receiving signals from the guidance wire. The
apparatus can
comprise a position signal receiver supported by the slidable second framework
for
determining the position of the slidable second framework, and a controller
for receiving
position signals from the position signal receiver, the controller adapted to
control the
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driver to position the slidable second framework in the predetermined pathway.
The
guidance system can comprise at least one laser position receiver for
receiving a laser
signal from a rotating vertical laser transmitter, and a controller for
processing position
signals from the position signal receiver, the controller adapted to control
the driver to
position the slidable second framework in the predetermined pathway. In a
laser
guidance application, generally there is no need for data entry into a data
entry monitor.
The position of the laser receiver on the connecting apparatus can position
the connecting
apparatus and steer the tractor if tractor steering is preferred.
The second framework can comprise at least one sleeve for sliding on at least
one
rail, and typically multiple sleeves for sliding on multiple rails.
To power the driver, the apparatus can include a power receptacle for
receiving
power from the mobile machinery, which can be electric power or hydraulic
fluid power.
For implements that have more than three places for connection, there can be
more
than three connectors, such as four or more connectors.
To assist an operator of the mobile machinery, the apparatus can include a
light
fixture and at least one camera.
In a preferred version of the invention, for robustness, the first framework
comprises four rails, and the second framework comprises four lateral
substantially
parallel sleeves connected at their ends by end posts, each sleeve slidable on
one of the
rails.
It is preferred that there be positioning indicia on the upper cross beam of
the first
framework for positioning the second framework relative to the first
framework. This
same type of positioning indicia can be used on the lower cross beam of the
first
framework. Also, there can be positioning indicia on one or more of the
sleeves for
adjusting the position of any connector supported by the sleeve.
Preferably the apparatus includes a sensor for sensing the position of the
second
framework relative to the first framework. This can be combined with an alert
generator
that generates an alert, such as a sound or flashing light, when the sensor
senses that the
second framework slides beyond a predetermined position.
Preferably the apparatus includes a plumb gauge and a level gauge for
correctly
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adjusting the attitude and positioning of the implement relative to the
apparatus.
Preferably at least one connector is laterally adjustable on the second
framework.
Also preferably at least one connector is vertically adjustable on the second
framework.
Additionally, the apparatus can include a connection guidance system for
connecting the apparatus to the implement, the connection guidance system
comprising a
sensor on at least one, and preferably at least two, connectors for sensing
the position of
the implement. With the connection guidance system, the system can include a
method
for connecting the apparatus to the implement, where the implement has hitches
for
connector with the connectors. The method comprises placing the implement and
apparatus approximate to each other, determine the alignment of the connectors
and the
hitches, and adjusting the alignment by sliding the second framework relative
to the first
framework.
The invention also includes a system where the mobile machinery, the apparatus
described above, and an implement are connected together, with the apparatus
attached to
the mobile machinery via the three-point hitch on the mobile machinery, and
the
implement attached to the slidable second framework with at least two
connectors.
The system can also include a pair of support stands for supporting the
apparatus
when the apparatus is otherwise not well supported, such as not being attached
to all three
points of a three point hitch, each stand comprising pins for engaging
corresponding
holes in the vertical studs of the first framework. Clips can be used for
holding the pins
in their engagement position
Multiple connection apparatus of the present invention can be daisy chained
together such as having a central apparatus attached to the mobile machinery,
and having
an additional pair of the apparatus, each one of the pair pivotally and
removably attached
to the sides of the central apparatus. Each of the pair can be modified from
the central
apparatus such as for the driver location and driver connection between the
first and
second framework. Each of the outer pair is typically designed to carry
lighter duty
implements than the central apparatus.
A system according the present invention comprises:
a) mobile machinery having a three-point hitch;
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b) the connection apparatus attached to the mobile machinery with the three
attachments;
and
c) an implement attached to the slidable second framework with at least two
connectors.
In a method of using the system there are the following steps:
a) placing the implement and apparatus proximate to each other;
b) determining the alignment of the connectors and the hitches; and
c) adjusting the alignment by sliding the second framework relative to the
first
framework.
In a method for changing the position of an implement pulled or pushed by with
mobile
machinery, the mobile machinery having a three-point hitch, there are the
steps of:
a. a) attaching the connection apparatus to the three-point hitch
of the
mobile machinery with
the three attachments;
b) attaching the implement to the slidable second framework with the
connectors; and
c) changing the lateral position of the implement relative to the mobile
machinery with the driver.
According to the invention, a method of attaching an implement to mobile
machinery
comprises the steps of:
a) attaching the connecting apparatus to the mobile machinery with the
attachments;
b) aligning the connectors of the slidable second framework with the
implement by moving
the second framework relative to the first framework; and
c) connecting the connectors to the implement.
DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to
the
following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which
like
numerals refer to like parts throughout the views wherein:
FIG. I a is a side elevation view schematically showing a prior art tractor
with a Carry-All
implement mounted to the front and rear three-point hitches of a tractor.
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FIG. lb is a side elevation view schematically showing the tractor of Fig. la
with an
apparatus according to the present invention mounted to the front and rear
three-point
hitches of a tractor with a Carry-All implement mounted to the present
invention at both
locations.
FIG. Ic is a close-up side view showing the rear portion of the tractor of
Fig. lb with
guidance features schematically shown.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a prior art Carry-All implement and the
three points
of attachment to the implement.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a prior art three-point hitch arrangement
with its
various parts attached.
FIGS. 4a and 4b are flow charts depicting relationship between components of
the
present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first version of connecting apparatus
according to the
present invention, showing the mobile machinery-facing side.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first version of connecting apparatus
according to the
present invention including added attachments for automatic and manual
controls of a
single driver.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mobile machinery-facing side of the
apparatus of FIG.
6, with a double hydraulic cylinder mounting configuration, and an added top
bar for
additional accessories invention including added attachments for automatic and
manual
controls using laser or GPS equipment.
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the implement-facing side of the apparatus of
Fig. 7
showing attachment brackets to mount an implement, and accessories mounted on
a top
bar.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the implement-facing side of a connecting
apparatus
similar to that of Fig. 8, showing a four frame member traversing channel
mounting
configuration for the bottom-link connections to the implement.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the implement-facing side of an apparatus
similar to that
of Fig. 9, with a two frame member channel mounting configuration for the
bottom-link
connections to the implement, with level and plumb gauges;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the implement-facing side of a connecting
apparatus
similar to that of Fig. 10, showing a four-point implement attachment
configuration
utilizing a four-member traversing channel mounting configuration for bottom-
link and
top-link connections to the implement.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the implement-facing side of a connecting
apparatus
similar to that of Fig. 11, showing a four-point implement attachment
configuration
utilizing a two frame member channel mounting configuration for the top-links,
bottom-
link mounting arms and quick-hitch attachments for the bottom-link connections
to the
implement and a double top bar configuration.
FIGS. 13 -16 are perspective views of the implementing-facing side of similar
apparatus,
wherein the apparatus is a lighter version of the version of Figs. 5 and 6,
wherein the FIG.
13 apparatus has with a sliding frame comprising four horizontal frame members
wherein
two of the horizontal frame members are sliding frame members, three-point
hitch
connection to the implement, and bottom-link quick hitch attachments; FIG. 14
shows
lower two connection points of a three-point hitch implement in the bar and
distal ball
socket style with a standard length bar; FIG. 15 shows lower two connection
points of a
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four-point hitch implement in the bar and distal ball socket style with an
extended length
bar; and FIG. 16 shows three-point connection points supported by a single-
frame
member wrap-around bracket.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a second version of a connecting
apparatus
according to the present invention in a more compact-design as compared to the
previously disclosed upright-design.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the apparatus of Figure 17 with a stand
attaching
to the outer vertical rigid frame support studs for removably supporting the
connection
apparatus of the present invention in a stored position;
FIG. 19 is a close-up perspective view of the implement-facing side of the
sliding-frame
bottom-link quick-hitch style connection point in a bolt-on channel
configuration with a
triple wrap-around bracket clamp and indicia.
FIG. 19a shows the same apparatus of FIG. 19 using welds instead of clamp
attachment
support bases in place of triple wrap around bracket clamp.
FIG. 20 is a close-up perspective view of an apparatus similar to that of FIG.
19 showing
distal ball socket style connectors for connection to an implement.
FIG. 21 is a close-up perspective view of the implement-facing side of the
sliding frame
top-link arm connection points in a bolt on channel configuration that connect
to an
implement, indicia markings on the sliding frame.
FIG. 22 is a close-up perspective view of an upper-mounted top-bar camera and
lights
carriage attachment to a top-bar with single-wrap around bracket clamps.
FIG. 23 is a close-up perspective view of the bar and distal ball socket style
connection
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point of lower connection points of a three-point implement and a slip on
quick-hitch
style connection device as it would slip over and secure to the bar and distal
ball socket
style connection point as described in U.S. Patent 7,059,419.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a Carry-All implement with a four-point hitch
connection point configuration.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an implement that comprises a fifth
connection point in
the center of the top-link bar of a Carry-All implement useful with a three-
point or a four-
point implement connection.
FIGS. 26 and 27 are side elevation views of a first framework suitable for use
with the
apparatus of FIGS. 7 and 8.
FIGS. 28 and 29 are side plan views of a second slidable framework suitable
for use with
the apparatus of FIGS. 7 and 8.
FIGS. 30 and 31 are side view of a slidable framework, with bearings, suitable
for use
with the apparatus of FIG. 7 and 8.
FIGS. 32, 34, 35, and 36 are side views of sleeves of the second framework and
FIG. 33
is a close-up of weld seams of the sleeves.
FIG. 37 is a perspective view of needle bearing cages mounted to the interior
of a
slidably-mounted horizontal frame member, showing 50% of the needle bearings
normally installed in the frame member for clarity of viewing.
FIG. 37a is a perspective view of sliding plates mounted to the interior of a
slidably-
mounted horizontal frame member.
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FIG. 37b is a perspective view of ball bearing cages mounted to the interior
of a slidably-
mounted horizontal frame member.
FIG. 37c is a perspective view of needle bearing cages mounted to the interior
of a
slidably-mounted horizontal frame member.
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the mobile machinery facing side of an
apparatus similar
to that of Fig. 5, differing in having a rigidly-mounted frame two bottom-link
attachments in a single plate and stud configuration that attach to a mobile
machinery
bottom-link arms of a three-point hitch.
FIGS. 39a and 39b are perspective views of a third and fourth versions,
respectively, of
connecting apparatus according to the present invention, similar to that of
FIG. 5
differing, in the cross-sectional configuration of the rails and sleeves.
FIG. 39c is a perspective view of the implement side of a system for
connecting multiple
implements to a three-point hitch of mobile machinery.
DESCRIPTION
REFERENCE NUMERALS
For the convenience of the reader, the following is a list of reference
numbers used in this
description.
38 Tractor
40 First connecting apparatus
41 Second connecting apparatus, (compact-design)
42 Third connecting apparatus, (square horizontal frame members)
43 Fourth connecting apparatus, (round horizontal frame members)
45 Rigidly-mounted base frame, also referred to a first framework
46 Slidably-mounted frame, also referred to as second framework
47 Upper cross beam of first framework
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48-51 Rails of first framework
52 Lower cross beam of first framework
53 Outer stud of first framework
54 Inner stud of first framework
55 Inner stud of first framework
56 Outer stud of first framework
57 Sliding-frame horizontal frame sleeve, upper
58 Sliding-frame horizontal frame sleeve, upper
59 Sliding-frame horizontal frame sleeve, lower
60 Sliding-frame horizontal frame sleeve, lower
61 Sliding-frame vertical frame post, outer
62 Sliding-frame vertical frame post, inner
63 Sliding-frame vertical frame post, inner
64 Sliding-frame vertical frame post, outer
66 Rigid-frame top-link attachment, tractor facing side
68 Rigid-frame bottom-link attachments, tractor facing side, double plate
and pin
69 Rigid-frame bottom-link attachments, tractor facing side, single plate
and stud
70 Rigid-frame alignment mark (edge), also referred to as positioning
indicia
72 Rigid-frame alignment mark (center), also referred to as positioning
indicia
73 Weld connection
74 Grease fitting
75 Connection support base
76 Single wrap-around bracket clamp
78 Double wrap-around bracket clamp
79 Triple wrap-around bracket clamp
80 Driver, hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly, double action, or
electric actuator
81 Hydraulic Pump (Normally tractor mounted)
82 Hydraulic cylinder housing
83 Hydraulic cylinder piston arm
84 Hydraulic fluid line from hydraulic control valve to hydraulic power
supply
85 Hydraulic fluid line from hydraulic cylinder to hydraulic control valve
86 Hydraulic fluid line from hydraulic cylinder to hydraulic flow divider
87 Hydraulic fluid line from hydraulic flow divider to hydraulic control
valve
87a Hydraulic fluid line from manual hydraulic control valve to hydraulic
valve
selector switch
87b Hydraulic fluid line from automatic hydraulic control valve to
hydraulic valve
selector switch
87c Hydraulic fluid line from hydraulic valve selector switch to the
hydraulic pump
88 Hydraulic fluid flow divider
89 Hydraulic cylinder attachment bracket to piston arm
90 Hydraulic cylinder attachment bracket to cylinder housing
92a Hydraulic cylinder brace to rigid-frame
(centered on a plane between 48 and 49)
92b Hydraulic cylinder brace to rigid-frame
(centered on a plane between 49 and 50)
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92c Hydraulic cylinder brace to rigid-frame
(centered on a plane between 50 and 51)
94a Hydraulic cylinder brace to sliding-frame,
(centered on a plane between 57 and 58)
94b Hydraulic cylinder brace to sliding-frame,
(centered on a plane between 58 and 59)
94c Hydraulic cylinder brace to sliding-frame,
(centered on a plane between 59 and 60)
98 Pathway for a power take off ("PTO") driveline from the tractor to the
implement
100a Top-bar first bar (lower)
100b Top-bar second bar (upper)
100c Top-bar plate (upper)
101 Top-bar mounting legs
102 Top-bar mounting leg pre-drilled hole
103 Top-bar mounting leg bolt
104 Top-bar camera and lights carriage
105 Top-bar mounting legs extension
106 Top-bar single-wrap around bracket
108 Laser receiver mounting bracket
110 Laser receiver
110a Laser receiver left alignment indicator
110b Laser receiver center alignment indicator
110c Laser receiver right alignment indicator
110d Laser receiver signal line
110e GPS antenna and receiver module
110f UPS module wire to controller
111 Wide laser receiver
111a Wide laser receive left alignment indicator
111b Wide laser receiver center alignment indicator
111c Wide laser receiver-right alignment indicator
112 Top-bar camera housing
113 Top-bar camera data transfer wire
114 Top-bar camera rear
116 Top-bar camera down
117 Top-bar camera monitor
118 Top-bar LED light fixture
119 Top-link channel back spacer
120 Top-link channel side spacer
121 Top-link bracket spacer
122 Adjustable mounting channel
126 Adjustable mounting channel mounting hole
128 Channel mounting bolt and nut
130 Sliding-frame Top-link hook and stop bar
131 Sliding-frame Top-link hook and stop bar forward extending connector
132 Sliding-frame Bottom-link mounting arm and ball socket
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133 Sliding-frame Bottom-link mounting arm and ball socket, bolt-on
134 Sliding-frame Bottom-link mounting arm ball socket and rotatable ball
with axial
hole
135 Sliding-frame Bottom-link quick-hitch slip-on housing, U.S. Patent
7,059,419
136 Sliding-frame Bottom-link quick-hitch hook and stop bar
137 Sliding-frame Bottom-link mounting arm and ball socket extended length
138 Sliding-frame Bottom-link quick-hitch bolt-on housing with hook and
latch
139 Sliding-frame Bottom-link quick-hitch latch and lever with grab shape
140 Bottom-bar
141 Guidance wire
142 Bottom-bar mounting legs
143 Signal generator for guidance wire
144 Bottom-bar sensor or camera
144a Bottom-bar sensor or camera signal wire
145 Gauge mounting plate
146 Viewable gauge level measurement
147 Viewable gauge plumb measurement
148 Auto-sensor gauge level measurement
149 Auto-sensor gauge plumb measurement
150 Driver controller
150a Driver controller output signal
150b Data entry monitor
150c Data wire
151 Position sensor, sliding frame mounted
151a Position sensor bar, first frame mounted
151b Position sensor signal, sliding frame mounted
151c Position sensor bar signal, first frame mounted
152 Position sensor bar attachment brackets, first frame mounted
152a Position sensor bar electrical wires, first frame mounted
152b Position sensor electrical wires, sliding frame mounted
153 Auto-steer controller
153a Auto-steer controller signal
153b Auto-steer device
153c Auto-steer controller on-off switch
153d Auto-steer operator's visual screen
153e Auto-steer operator's visual screen signal
154 Implement position sensor or camera
155 Four-point implement connection in a double-link top-link configuration
156 Sliding-frame horizontal support member diamond (upper)
158 Sliding-frame horizontal support member diamond (lower)
160 Sliding-frame horizontal support member square (upper)
162 Sliding-frame horizontal support member square (lower)
164 Stand mounting holes in frame member
165 Stand
166 Stand center member
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168 Stand support member
169 Stand base member
170 Stand to rigid-frame mounting stud
171 Stand to rigid-frame mounting stud clip
172 Rigid-frame horizontal member / upper / forward positioned
174 Rigid-frame horizontal member / lower / forward positioned
176 Rigid-frame vertical stud, outer, forward positioned
178 Rigid-frame vertical stud, outer, forward positioned
180 Rigid-frame vertical stud, outer, shortened
182 Rigid-frame vertical stud, inner, shortened
184 Rigid-frame vertical stud, inner, shortened
186 Rigid-frame vertical stud, outer, shortened
188 Rigid-frame brace to forward mount horizontal frame member
190 Indicia Markings, also referred to as positioning indicia
192 Implement top-link attachments for four point design
194 Implement top-link attachments for four-point or three-point design
195 Implement bottom-link flanges for pin'
196 Rigid-frame vertical member narrow design
196a Rigid-frame vertical segment between horizontal frame members 47 and 48
196b Rigid-frame vertical segment between horizontal frame members 48 and 49
196c Rigid-frame vertical segment between horizontal frame members 49 and 50
196d Rigid-frame vertical segment between horizontal frame members 50 and 51
196e Rigid-frame vertical segment between horizontal frame members 51and 52
198 Rigid-frame vertical member wide design
200 Sliding-frame vertical member narrow design (no bearing clearance)
200a Sliding-frame vertical segment between horizontal frame member 57 and 58
200b Sliding-frame vertical segment between horizontal frame member 58 and 59
200c Sliding-frame vertical segment between horizontal frame member 59 and 60
201 Sliding-frame vertical member wide design (no bearing clearance)
202 Sliding-frame vertical member narrow design (with bearing clearance)
202a Sliding-frame vertical segment between horizontal frame member 57 and 58
202b Sliding-frame vertical segment between horizontal frame member 58 and 59
202c Sliding-frame vertical segment between horizontal frame member 59 and 60
203 Sliding-frame vertical member wide design (with bearing clearance)
204 Rigid-frame horizontal frame member rail
205 Sliding-frame horizontal sleeve sized for minimal clearance
206 Sliding-frame horizontal sleeve sized for sliding plate or bearing
clearance
208 Rigid-frame horizontal member weld seam
210 Sliding-frame horizontal member weld seam
212 Rigid-frame horizontal member notch
214 Sliding plates ninety degree V style with perforations
216 Roller cage double raceway ninety degree V style with needle bearings
218 Roller cage double raceway ninety degree V style with ball bearings
220 Bearing cap collar
221 Wing section frames
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222 Bearing cage edge
224 Attachment hardware for pivoting action hydraulic cylinder on wing
section frame
226 Attachment hardware for pivoting action hydraulic cylinder on center
section
frame
228 Hydraulic cylinder, dual action providing wing frame pivoting action
230 Piano hinge
234 Manual hydraulic control valve, dual action, dual valve with levers,
tractor
mounted
236 Manual hydraulic control valve, dual action, single valve with lever,
tractor
mounted
238 Automatic hydraulic control valve, dual action, controlling the driver
240 Hydraulic option valve switch (between automatic and manual)
242 Hydraulic power receptacle, dual quick connect couplers
244 Electric power receptacle
246 Manual electric switch for driver control
248 Automatic electric switch for driver control
250 Electric option switch to switch between manual and automatic
300 Implement, Carry-All
310 Implement top-link connecting pin
312 Implement top-link attachment brackets
314 Implement bottom-link attachment brackets or mounting studs
316 Bottom-link arms connection points to tractor
318 Bottom-link arms
320 Bottom-link arms connection to implement
322 Top-link arm connection to tractor
324 Top-link arm
326 Top-link arm connection to implement
328 Lift-link arms connection to tractor lift arms
330 Lift-link arms
332 Lift-link arms connection to bottom-link arms
334 Stabilizer arms connection to tractor
336 Stabilizer arms
338 Stabilizer arms connection to bottom-link arm
340 Top-link attachment bracket mounted on tractor
FIG. la shows the positions of a front and rear three-point hitch as they are
combined
with a tractor 38 in the prior art. This side view shows a Carry-All implement
300
mounted to the front and rear three-point hitches of a tractor 38. Shown are
the three
points of attachment of a three-point hitch to the Carry-All implement 300
using two
bottom-link attachment arms 318 and a top-link attachment arm 324. Two bottom
link
attachment arms 318 (see FIG. 2) are generally positioned on the same
horizontal plane
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unless an application of use requires otherwise. Lift link arms 330 are
visible on the front
three-point hitch while not being visible on the rear three-point hitch being
hidden by the
larger rear tires. In many farming and excavating instances a rear three-point
hitch is
used by itself without a front three-point hitch being attached to the tractor
38. Using a
combined front and rear three-point hitch can increase the efficiency of the
farming or
excavation application if used properly.
FIG. lb shows schematically a system according to the present invention
comprising a
first connecting apparatus 40 attached to the front and rear three-point
hitches of a tractor
in addition with the Carry-All implement 300 mounted to the first connecting
apparatus
40 at front and rear locations. The connection apparatus 40 mounts first to
the three-point
hitch of the tractor and the Carry-All implement 300 next mounts to the
connection
apparatus 40.
FIG. 1 c shows a close-up side view showing a tractor with the connection
apparatus 40
mounted to the rear three-point hitch of a tractor with the prior art Carry-
All implement
300 mounted to the connection apparatus showing top-link arm 324 attaching to
the rigid-
frame top-link attachment 66, and the bottom link arms 318 attaching to the
rigid-frame
bottom-link connection points 68 of the connection apparatus 40. Sliding frame
bottom-
link quick hitch hook and stop bar 136 attaches the lower portion of the Carry-
All
implement 300 to the sliding-frame 46 and sliding-frame top-link hook and stop
bar 130
attaches the upper portion of the Carry-All implement 300 to the sliding-frame
46. The
sliding frame can be guided with a system using a buried guidance wire 141
utilizing a
signal generator 143 to activate the guidance wire 141.
FIG. 2 shows the prior art implement 300, that includes a top attachment
receiver 312
which usually comprises a pair of spaced apart aligned projections or flanges
centrally
disposed and having a hole there through for receiving a distal end 326 of the
top-link
arm 324 which is releasably held thereto by a pin or bolt 310. The distal end
326 can
comprise a socket. The opposing end 322 of the top-link arm 324 also comprises
a distal
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ball socket for attachment to the tractor top-link attachment location with
similar spaced
apart projections and retaining pin or bolt. The implement 300 typically
includes a
transversely extending tool bar or frame member having laterally spaced apart
studs 314
extending from the tractor-facing side of the implement frame for removable
attachment
to the bottom-link arm 320 sockets held within the distal ends of the bottom-
link arms
318. In the alternative, laterally spaced apart studs 314 are replaced with
two flanges
with axial centered holes 195 (see FIG. 24) with a pin therein for connection
to the
bottom-link arms 318. The distal end 326 of the top-link arm 324 and distal
ends 320 of
the two bottom-link arms 318 contain within sockets having rotatable balls
including
apertures extending there-through for insertion of pins for connecting these
three ends to
fixed points on the implement. The top-link arm 324 includes a turn-buckle
assembly
with threaded rods and a threaded hollow cylinder which can be rotated to
lengthen or
shorten the overall length of the top-link arm 324.
FIGS. 3 shows prior art lift-link arms 330 connect at lift-link arms
connection to bottom-
link arms 332 that cause the bottom-link arms 318 to rotate upward and
downward
pivoting the proximate ends of the bottom-link arms on a spindle and raising
the distal
end of the bottom-link arms 320 and the implement attached thereto. The top-
link arm
324, in turn, causes the upright portion of the carry-all implement 300 to
maintain general
uprightness or verticality. Consequently, the horizontal portion of the
implement remains
generally horizontal throughout the upward and downward motion of the carry-
all
implement 300 (see FIG. 2). Because the bottom-link arms 318 points of
attachment to
the tractor under-carriage location 316 are also ball and socket arrangements,
the
implement is free to move laterally a fixed distance providing "play" for with
respect to
the tractor. In some situations, this freedom of movement is desirable, and in
other
situations, undesirable. As in
the case of this present invention, the freedom of
movement situation is undesirable, additional stabilizer arms are connected,
one to each
of the bottom-link arms. One end of the stabilizer arms connected
approximately half
way down the length of each bottom-link arm 338, the other end is connected to
a fixed
point on the tractor under-carriage location 334 which is coaxial with the two
bottom-link
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arm connections to the tractor under carriage at location 316. This allows
full up and
down movement of the implement but removes any random lateral motion of the
implement. The stabilizer arms 336 may be a turn-buckle assembly with threaded
rods
and a threaded hollow cylinder which can be rotated to lengthen or shorten the
overall
length of the stabilizer arm. In the alternative, the stabilizer arms may be a
rigid arm with
an adjustable threaded screw device located at the bottom-link arm location
338. Another
alternative to the above stated stabilizer arms is one or two stabilizer arms
connected to a
rigid point on the tractor and the other end connected crossways to one or
both of the
bottom-link connection pins 314 (see FIG. 2) to the implement.
Bottom-link arms 318 support the weight of the implement. Lift-link arms 330
attach
between the bottom-link arms 318 and the tractor hydraulic actuated lift arms
at
connection point 328. The adjustable top-link arm 324 attaches to the tractor
mounted
top-link bracket 340 with a removable pin or bolt thru the top-link arm distal
end 322,
which can have a mounted rotatable ball, while the opposed distal end 326 of
the top-link
arm has a rotatable ball and attaches to a top-link attachment plate 312 on
the implement
as shown in FIG. 2. A Power Take-Off shaft (PTO) (not shown) can be disposed
centered on the rear of the tractor through the PTO pathway98 in a plane
between the
height of the top-link attachment plates 340 on the tractor and the bottom-
link
attachments 316 to the tractor.
FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the tractor-facing side of the laterally adjustable
three-point hitch
implement attachment, of a first version of the invention, comprising a
rigidly-mounted
base frame 45 (also referred to as a first framework), and a slidably-mounted
frame 46
(also referred to as a second framework). The rigidly-mounted base frame 45 is
configured for connection to the bottom-link arms 318 and top-link arm 324 of
mobile
machinery, such as the tractor 38 (see FIG. 1). Connections from the tractor
to the
rigidly-mounted base frame 45 occur at the top link attachment 66 and at the
two bottom-
link attachment 68. The rigidly-mounted base frame 45, also referred to as the
first
frame, has at least two parallel, vertically spaced apart, laterally extending
rails. In the
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version shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the first frame 45 comprises four tiered
horizontal
longitudinal frame member rails 48, 49, 50, 51, which can be solid or hollow
and any
suitable shape in cross-section, rigidly connected at the ends to at least two
vertical
support members, also referred to as studs, and capable of being removably
secured to the
three-point hitch of the tractor. Preferably in the design of the rigidly-
mounted base
frame there are at least two upper and two lower horizontal frame members
providing an
opening of sufficient size between the upper and lower horizontal frame
members to
accommodate a Power Take Off "PTO" driveline if required for the attached
implement.
The PTO opening arraignment is shown in FIG. 7 using a double driver
configuration
allowing for the space needed for the PTO driveline to connect to an
implement. FIGS. 5
and FIGS. 6 show three upper and three lower horizontal frame members for the
rigidly-
mounted base frame showing the rigidly-mounted base frame with six horizontal
longitudinal aligned frame members, wherein frame member 47 (also referred to
as upper
cross beam), 48 and 49 are in an upper position and frame members 50, 51, 52
(member
52 is also referred to as lower cross beam), are in a lower positions, and
four vertical
frame members. Frame members 53 and 54, also referred to as studs, are
positioned to
one side of the rigidly-mounted base frame and frame members 55 and 56 are
positioned
to the opposing side of the rigidly-mounted base frame. Members 53, 54, 55,
and 56 are
also referred to as studs. Members 48, 49, 50, and 51 are also referred to as
rails. The
laterally adjustable three-point hitch implement attachment apparatus 40 has
square
shaped horizontal sliding-frame members 57,58,59,60 (also referred to as
sleeves) and
square shaped horizontal rigid-frame members 47,48,49,50,51,52 oriented in a
diamond
shape with all sides placed at forty-five degree angles as compared to a
horizontal plane.
By square shaped this is with regard to a vertical cross section and
preferably they are
oriented with a corner facing upwardly.
The slidable-mounted frame 46 comprises at least two horizontal longitudinally
aligned
hollow frame member tubes securely and sturdily connected at the ends with at
least two
vertical frame members forming a generally rectangular sturdy frame that is
transversely
and slidably-mounted on at least two horizontal longitudinal frame members,
bars or rails
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of the rigidly-mounted base frame 45 enabling the slidable-mounted frame 46 to
travel
transversely, also referred to as laterally, across from one side to the other
side of the
rigidly-mounted base frame 45. FIG. 5 shows two upper and two lower horizontal
hollow frame members for the slidably-mounted frame, wherein frame members 57
and
58 are in the upper positions and frame members 59 and 60 are in the lower
positions.
They slide on the rails of the base frame 45. Shown in FIG. 5 are four
vertical frame
members, two vertical frame members 61 and 62 are positioned to one side and
frame
members 63 and 64 are positioned to the opposing side. Frame members 61-64 are
also
referred to as posts. Four hollow horizontal slidable-mounted frame members as
opposed
to two hollow horizontal slidable-mounted frame members can provide a greater
load
carrying capacity of the connecting apparatus.
The upper horizontal rigidly-mounted base frame members 48 and 49 pass thru
the upper
slidable-mounted frame members 57 and 58. The lower horizontal rigidly-mounted
base
frame members 50 and 51 pass thru the lower slidable-mounted frame members 59
and
60. The slidable-mounted frame 46 is free to laterally move with respect to
the rigidly-
mounted base frame 45. All six rigidly-mounted base frame members and all four
slidable-mounted frame members are typically vertically coplanar. While FIG. 5
and
subsequent figures show a frame made from longitudinal members having a
rectangular
or square cross-section, it is contemplated that longitudinal members may be
formed
having a cylindrical cross-sectional area such as pipes or solid rods (see
FIG. 39b). FIG.
and subsequent figures show the square frame members turned in a diagonal
horizontal
position representing a diamond shape, the connecting apparatus would also
work in a
similar fashion with the frame members turned in the square position with the
bottom and
top of the frame members situated in a horizontal squared position (see Fig
39a) as
opposed to a forty-five degree diamond slanted position when compared to a
horizontal
plane.
As depicted in subsequent drawings, (see FIG. 13, 14, 15, 16) a lighter more
economical
version of the connecting apparatus 40 as depicted in FIG. 5 can be configured
with only
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CA 3018862 2018-09-27
two hollow horizontal frame members included in the slidably-mounted frame 46
and
only four horizontal frame members included in the rigidly-mounted base frame
45. (see
FIGS. 13, 14, 15, 16) In addition to the connecting apparatus as depicted in
FIG. 5, a
larger stronger version of the connecting apparatus can be configured by
increasing the
number of horizontal frame members included in the slidably-mounted frame to
six or
more (not shown) and increasing number of horizontal frame members in the
rigidly-
mounted frame to eight or more. (not shown) Also in addition to adding
horizontal and
vertical frame members to gain more strength and weight carrying capacity of
the
connecting apparatus, using a stronger or greater diameter and thickness of
the metal used
in all of the frame members will achieve a greater weigh carrying and working
capacity.
For great weight carrying and working capacity of the connecting apparatus,
all of the
rigidly-mounted base frame horizontal frame members can be constructed of
solid steel
bars.
FIG. 6 shows a single location of top-link attachment plate 66 and two
locations of
bottom-link attachment plates 68 located on the rigidly-mounted frame 45,
which are for
attachment to the tractor top-link and bottom-link points, respectively, of
the three-point
hitch. Four horizontal sliding-frame members or sleeves are shown. Pushing or
pulling
means such as a hydraulic actuator and cylinder, electric actuator and
cylinder, pneumatic
actuator and cylinder, other positioning devices, chain, cable, belt or
combinations
thereof are provided for moving the slidable-mounted frame 46 laterally and
parallel to
the rigidly-mounted frame 45.
For example, a single hydraulic driver 80 is mounted for the lateral
adjustments of the
sliding-frame 46. The hydraulic driver 80 provides lateral movement of the
slidably-
mounted frame 46 across the rigidly-mounted base frame 45. The slidably-
mounted
frame 46 is free to slide laterally with respect to the base frame 45. The
left-right
movement and position of slidably-mounted frame 46 is changed by at least one
hydraulic driver 80 comprising a housing 82 and a piston 83, or optionally
more than one
driver, such as two hydraulic drivers 80 (see FIG. 7). Typically, the driver
has an internal
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
stop for limiting the lateral movement of the slidably-mounted frame 46. The
hydraulic
driver is connected between the rigidly-mounted base frame 45 and the slidably-
mounted
frame 46. The cylinder housing 82 of the hydraulic driver 80 is removably
attached at
one end to a bracket 90 with a pin and clip and the bracket 90 is connected to
bracket 92b
which is connected to the rigidly-mounted base frame 45 at vertical frame
member 56.
The piston 83 of the hydraulic driver 80 is removably attached to a bracket 89
with a pin
and clip and the bracket 89 is connected to a bracket 94b which is connected
to the
slidably-mounted frame 46 at the vertical frame member 61. In this
configuration, when
the piston 83 of the hydraulic driver 80 moves out of the housing 82, the
slidably-
mounted frame 46 is caused to slide away from the bracket 90 of the rigidly-
mounted
base frame 45. When the piston 83 of the hydraulic driver 80 moves back into
housing
82, the slidably-mounted frame 46 is caused to move closer to the bracket 90
of the
rigidly-mounted base frame 45. The hydraulic cylinder housing 82 has two
hydraulic
flexible lines 85 attached which in turn can be attached to a tractor manual
hydraulic
control valve 236 and the automated hydraulic control valve 238. The driver 80
can be
operated manually or automatically.
The single hydraulic cylinder 80 is mounted in a centered location between the
top
and bottom of the sliding-frame 46 for lateral adjustment of the sliding-frame
46. The
single hydraulic cylinder centered design can be used when a Power Take Off
"PTO"
driveline is not required for the implement that is attached to the connection
apparatus as
this centered single hydraulic cylinder position would obstruct the pathway 98
of a PTO
driveline (see FIG. 7) as it is connected between the tractor PTO shaft and
the implement
to be attached to the connection apparatus.
. The driver typically has static loading capacity, meaning that when the
driver stops and
reaches a predetermined adjustment point, the driver essentially locks in
place and can
support a load that is either pulling or pushing on the driver. Typically, in
an agricultural
tractor application, the tractor hydraulic system control valves and hydraulic
cylinders are
valved for a static loading capacity. Typical electric linear actuators that
are screw or
gear driven generally have a static loading capacity or an electro-mechanical
brake added
to provide improved static loading capacity.
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Preferably hydraulic drivers are used as compared to electric, sprocket and
chain
drives, pneumatic drive, and electro-magnetic drives. Hydraulic actuators are
rugged and
suited for high-force applications. They can produce forces 25 times greater
than
pneumatic cylinders of equal size. They also operate in pressures of up to
4,000 psi.
Electric motor actuator drives are weak and usually expensive compared to
hydraulic cylinder movement applications. Electrical actuators can be used,
because they
have fewer component parts and can provide precision-control positioning. An
example
of the range of accuracy is +1- 0.0003 in. and a repeatability of less than
0.00004 in. Their
setups are scalable for any purpose or force requirement, and are quiet,
smooth, and
repeatable. The initial unit cost of an electrical actuator is higher than
that of pneumatic
and hydraulic actuators.
Sprocket and chain drives can be used, but they have slack between the parts
causing less precise movement when compared to a hydraulic cylinder
positioning
system.
Pneumatic cylinder drives can be used but they have limited position control
Electro-magnetic actuators such as linear motor actuators, although possible
in this
application, generally do not possess sufficient force capacity for linear
movement.
Linear motor actuators do have the advantage of being able to be sealed very
easily
against moisture and corrosion allowing for a long service life. As technology
advances,
electro-magnetic actuators may be a preferred choice in many applications.
Mechanical
actuator means only of controlling the driver may be useful in a limited
number of
applications using mobile machinery.
Manual operational control of the hydraulic or electric driver can be
preferred in
some applications while using the connecting apparatus. A switch switching
between
manual and automatic control of the driver can be provided along with a manual
control
valve or switch. One instance when manual control of the driver may be
utilized is when
then mobile machine operator is attaching or removing implements from the
connecting
apparatus. The manually operated valve or switch would provide manual lateral
positioning of the connecting apparatus slidable frame for hookup of an
implement.
Another instance where manual operation of the driver may be utilized is when
the
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CA 3018862 2018-09-27
mobile machine operator has no automatic guidance system setup for use or the
mobile
machine operator simply prefers the manual operation of the driver in certain
applications.
Also shown in Fig. 6 is the rear face of the double wrap-around bracket clamps
78, which
are used for the opposing implement side connection.
Attachment plates 66 are mounted on the tractor facing side of the rigidly-
mounted base
frame 45 top horizontal frame member 47 for connection of the top-link arm 324
(see
FIG. lc) to the tractor top-link attachment brackets 340 (see FIG. 3). Two
attachment
plates 68 are mounted on the tractor facing side of the rigidly-mounted base
frame 45
bottom horizontal frame member 52 for hookup of the tractor bottom-link arms
318 (see
FIG. 3) to the connecting apparatus. Top-link attachment plates 66 includes
two vertical
parallel plates or flanges defining a bracket with coaxial aligned thorough
holes
projecting outward or upward from the surface of the rigidly-mounted base
frame top
horizontal member 47 which provides for connecting a top-link arm 324 (see
FIG. 1 b) to
the tractor. Bottom-link attachment plates 68 include two vertical parallel
plates or
flanges defining a bracket with coaxial aligned thorough holes projecting
outward or
outward and upward from the surface of the rigidly-mounted base frame bottom
horizontal member 52 which provides for connecting the two bottom-link arms
318 (see
FIG. 3) of the tractor to the rigidly-mounted base frame 45.
At least four grease fittings 74 for each horizontal frame member of the
slidable-mounted
frame 46 are provided to lubricate the sliding action of the slidable-mounted
frame 46
upon the rigidly mounted frame 45. Optimally, sixteen or more grease fittings
are
provided for each horizontal frame member of the slidably-mounted frame 46 for
complete coverage of lubricant between the two frames. Grease fittings 74 are
shown
mounted on the slidable-mounted frame 46 screwed into threaded holes or
fittings on all
sliding horizontal frame members of the sliding-frame 46.
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Shown in Fig. 6 are viewable rigid-frame alignment marks 70, also referred to
as
positioning indicia, located on the upper rigid-frame horizontal frame member
47
marking the edge of the sliding-frame when the sliding-frame is centered on
the rigid
frame, the rigid-frame alignment marks 70 located on the lower rigid-frame
horizontal
frame member 52 marking the edge of the sliding-frame when the sliding-frame
is
centered on the rigid frame. A rigid-frame alignment mark 72, also referred to
as
positioning indicia, is located on the lower rigid-frame horizontal frame
member 52 for
marking the center of the sliding-frame when the sliding-frame is centered on
the rigid-
frame. This allows centering of the slidable frame. For the upper rigid-frame
horizontal
frame member 47, the rigid-frame top-link attachment plates 66 serves as a
center mark.
The hydraulic cylinder 80 length and rigidly-mounted frame section 45 width
can be
altered depending on the length of lateral movement required of the sliding-
frame section
46.
FIG. 6 shows the hydraulic lines 85 connected between the hydraulic driver 80
and both
the manual hydraulic control valve 236 and the automatic hydraulic control
valve 238.
FIG. 7 show hydraulic lines 87 connected between a hydraulic flow divider 88
and both
the manual hydraulic control valve 236 and the automatic hydraulic control
valve 238.
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show hydraulic lines 87a connected between the manual
hydraulic
control valve 236 and a hydraulic valve selector switch 240. Hydraulic lines
87b are
connected between the automatic hydraulic control valve 238 and the hydraulic
valve
selector switch 240. Hydraulic lines 87c are connected between the hydraulic
valve
selector switch 240 and the hydraulic pump 81. Hydraulic power receptacle 242
comprising dual quick connect couplers serve as the hydraulic power receptacle
and
connect and disconnect means for the hydraulic lines when attaching or
removing the
first connecting apparatus 40 from the tractor three-point hitch.
With reference to Fig. 7, a laser receiver and a GPS antenna and receiver
module 110e is
also shown mounted on the top bar 100a. A choice can be made as to which
receiver and
controller is used depending on the application. Both receivers normally are
not used at
29
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
the same time. A GPS controller can be required to be matched to the GPS
antenna and
receiver module 110e; likewise, a laser controller can be required to be
matched to the
laser receiver 110. Each receiver receives a signal from a transmitter and
then relays a
signal that can be digital or analog or other to the controller 150 through
signal wire 110d
or 110f. A data entry monitor 150b can be provided if required to enter data
to the
controller such as in the case of the GPS controller. Data wire 150c is
connected from
the data entry monitor 150b to the controller 150. (see Figs. 6 and 7) The
controller 150
sends a signal 150a to the automatic hydraulic control valve 238. (see Figs. 6
and 7) In
the instance where an electric actuator is used for the driver 80, FIG. 4b
shows the
configuration of the electrical components for the operation of the driver 80.
FIG. 7 shows a double hydraulic cylinder providing lateral movement of the
slidably-
mounted frame 46 across the rigidly-mounted base frame 45. The double
hydraulic
cylinder design can be used when a Power Take Off ("PTO") driveline is
required for the
implement that is attached to the connection apparatus, as this double
hydraulic cylinder
design normally does not obstruct the pathway of a PTO driveline as it is
connected
between the tractor PTO shaft and the implement to be attached to the
connection
apparatus. In addition, heavy loads that may be mounted on the connection
apparatus can
benefit from the double hydraulic cylinder design by spreading out the push-
pull force of
the hydraulic cylinders to two locations of the sliding-frame 46 instead of
one location.
The slidably-mounted frame 46 is free to slide laterally with respect to the
base frame 45.
The left-right movement and position of slidably-mounted frame 46 is
controlled by two
hydraulic drivers 80. Each hydraulic driver is connected between the rigidly-
mounted
base frame 45 and the second slidably-mounted frame 46. The housing 82 (see
Fig. 6) of
the top hydraulic cylinder 80 is connected at one end to the bracket 90 which
is connected
to brackets 92a which are connected to the rigidly-mounted base frame 45 at
vertical
frame member 56. The piston 83 of the bottom hydraulic driver 80 is connected
at one
end to the bracket 89 which is connected to bracket 94a which is connected to
the
slidably-mounted frame 46 at vertical frame member 61. The housing 82 (see
Fig. 6) of
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
the bottom hydraulic driver 80 is connected at one end to the bracket 90 which
is
connected to bracket 92c which is connected to the rigidly-mounted base frame
45 at
vertical frame member 56. The piston 83 of the top hydraulic driver 80 is
connected at
one end to the bracket 89 which is connected to bracket 94c which is connected
to the
slidably-mounted frame 46 at vertical frame member 61. In this double
hydraulic driver
configuration, when the pistons 83 of the hydraulic drivers 80 moves out of
hydraulic
housing, the slidably-mounted frame 46 is caused to slide away from the
bracket 90 of
the base frame 45. When the pistons 83 of the hydraulic driver 80 moves back
into the
housings 82, slidably-mounted frame 46 is caused to move closer to brackets 90
of the
base frame 45. In the double hydraulic cylinder configuration, the hydraulic
fluid flow
divider 88 is utilized to provide even distribution of hydraulic fluid to each
hydraulic
driver 80, causing both hydraulic drivers 80 to be synchronized with each
other while
moving in parallel to provide the lateral movement of the slidably-mounted
frame 46
with respect to the rigidly-mounted base frame 45. Hydraulic lines 86 are
disposed
between each hydraulic cylinder 80 and the hydraulic fluid flow divider 88 for
even fluid
distribution to the hydraulic cylinders 80 while hydraulic lines 87 are
disposed between
the hydraulic fluid flow divider 88 and the hydraulic control valve normally
equipped on
a tractor carrying the connecting apparatus. The double hydraulic cylinder
configuration
can be helpful in moving the slidably-mounted frame 46 when the implement to
be
carried by the connecting apparatus is of the larger and heavier nature.
With reference to Figs. 7 and 8, a top-bar first bar 100a is rigidly attached
to the slidably-
mounted frame section 46 with attachment legs 101. The top-bar first bar 100a
supports
(i) a laterally adjustably positioned laser receiver 110 or a GPS antenna and
receiver
module 110e provided with an adjustable holding bracket 108 for supporting a
GPS or a
laser guidance system, (ii) an LED light fixture 118, and (iii) mounted camera
housing
112 comprising two cameras 114 and 116 focused rearwardly and downwardly,
respectively, being mounted on a slidable bar 104 for lateral adjustment. The
separate
viewing cameras 114 and 116 are enclosed in the camera housing 112. Top-bar
100a has
a top-bar plate 100c for the mounting of the GPS antenna and receiver module
110e with
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dual antennas (see FIG. 11). The slidably-mounted frame 46 horizontal frame
members
and the top-bar first bar 100a have indicia markings, also referred to as
positioning
indicia, laid down in inches or millimeters thereon, to provide useful
adjustment marks.
Laser receiver 110 has a left alignment indicator 110a, center alignment
indicator 110b
and a right alignment indicator 110c. The top-bar first bar 100a extends
laterally beyond
the slidable frame 46 as is needed. A position-sensor 151 is attached to the-
top-bar
mounting leg 101. A position-sensor bar 151a is attached to the rigid-frame
horizontal
frame member 47 with position-sensor bar attachment brackets 152, with
position sensor
electrical wires 152a extending from position sensor bar 151a.
With reference to Figure 7, optionally the position signal receiver 110 or
110e, such as a
GPS or laser signal receiver, supported by the slidable second framework, can
determine
the position of slidable second framework, and can provide a position signal
through
signal wires 110d or 110f to the controller 150. The controller 150 is adapted
to control
the driver 80 for keeping the implement on track via the controller output
signal 150a to
the automated hydraulic valve that controls the driver 80. A suitable
programmed
controller 150 that can provide output signals can be obtained from by Trimble
of
Sunnyvale, California for either the laser or GPS system.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the implement-facing side of the connecting
apparatus 40.
The slidably-mounted frame 46 provides connection means for most three-point
hitch
implements in the agricultural and earth excavating fields, such as bed
shapers, seed
planters, plant transplanters, cultivators, weeders, sprayers, rippers, box
scrapers and the
like. The slidably-mounted frame 46 is fitted with two double-frame member
wrap
around bracket clamps 78, which are mounted to the slidably-mounted horizontal
frame
sleeves 59 and 60. Sliding-frame bottom-link mounting aims 132 attach to two
double
wrap-around bracket clamps 78 which protrude out towards the implement to be
attached.
Sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch slip-on housing 135, as described in
U.S. Patent
7,059,419, attach and secure over the sliding-frame bottom-link mounting arms
132. (see
FIG. 23) The bottom-link attachment points are normally spaced between 20 and
36
32
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
inches apart in a centered location on the slidably-mounted frame 46 and
located near the
horizontal plane of sliding-frame member 60. The slidably-mounted frame 46 is
also
fitted with a top-link quick hitch attachment point attached to the double
wrap-around
bracket clamp 78 which is mounted to slidably-mounted horizontal frame members
57
and 58. The top-link quick hitch attachment point is normally horizontally
centered
between left and right on the slidably-mounted frame 46 and adjustably located
near or
between the horizontal planes of sliding-frame members 57 and 58. The two
sliding-
frame bottom-link attachment hooks 136 and latching mechanism 139 combined
with the
sliding-frame top-link hook 130 provides for quick and easy attachment of a
three-point
hitch implement such as the carry-all 300 (see FIG. 2) and serve as
connectors.
The rigid-frame alignment marks 70 are located on the top rigid-frame
horizontal frame
member 47 marking the edge of the sliding-frame when the sliding-frame is
centered on
the rigid frame. The rigid-frame alignment mark 72 located on the top rigid-
frame
horizontal frame member 47 marks the center of the sliding-frame when the
sliding-frame
is centered on the rigid frame. Rigid-frame alignment marks 70 located on the
bottom
rigid-frame horizontal frame member 52 (See Fig. 6) mark the edge of the
sliding-frame
when the sliding-frame is centered on the rigid frame. The rigid-frame
alignment mark
72 located on the bottom rigid-frame horizontal frame member 52 (See Fig. 6)
marks the
center of the sliding-frame when the sliding-frame is centered on the rigid
frame.
With reference to FIGS. 14 and 23, there is shown the sliding-frame bottom-
link
mounting arms 132 and rotatable ball joints 134 that are normally located on
the end of a
tractors bottom-link arms 318. (see FIG. 1c) Serving as the bottom connector
on the
sliding frame is a quick-hitch slip on housing 135 as described in U.S. Patent
7,059,419.
Connector 135 securely mounts over the sliding-frame bottom-link mounting arms
132.
The sliding-frame bottom-link quick hitch slip on housing 135 and latching
mechanism
139 allow for a quick hookup and release of the implement from the tractor
bottom-link
arms. Direct hookup of sliding-frame bottom-link mounting arms 132 (see FIG.
14) to
the implement is a more cumbersome hookup procedure as compared to the quick
hitch
33
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
style of implement hookup, although this direct sliding-frame bottom-link
mounting arm
132 hookup may provide a more secure and tighter fit to the implement in very
precise
method of use applications. The quick hitch slip on housing 135, U.S. Patent
7,059,419
includes a hook means 136 open at the top and a manually or spring operated
latch 139 as
shown in a close up view (see FIG. 23). This close-up view shows the slip on
housing
slips over the sliding-frame bottom¨link mounting arm 132 and is then held in
place by a
pin which enters the slip on housing 135 and then extends through the
rotatable socket
and ball with axial hole of arm 132. Additional securing and adjustment screws
are
located around the slip on housing 135 for fine adjustments and a tight level
fit.
With reference to Fig. 8, the top-link quick hitch attachment comprises a top-
link channel
back spacer 119 to vertically align the top-link quick hitch attachment points
with the
sliding-frame bottom-link quick hitch attachment points 136. An additional top-
link
bracket spacer 121 is attached between the double wrap around bracket clamp 78
and the
top-link channel back spacer 119 to provide access to the double wrap-around
bracket
clamp 78 mounting bolts. Attached to the top-link channel back spacer 119 is
an
adjustable mounting channel 122. Bolted into the adjustable mounting channel
122 is a
sliding-frame top-link hook and stop bar 130 top-link channel side spacers 120
inserted
and bolted through. The sliding-frame top-link hook 130 generally is deeper
and longer
than the sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch hook and stop bar 136, the
sliding-frame
top-link hook 130 does not generally perform lifting functions of the attached
implements, the sliding-frame top-link hook 130 hooks under and then up to
catch the
top-link hookup connection on the implement 312 (see FIG. 2) and holds the
implement
in place and allows the adjustment of tilting forward and backwards performed
by the
tractor mounted top-link arm 324. (see FIG. lc) Top-link arm 324 is mounted to
the
tractor at location 340 (see FIG. 3) and to the connecting apparatus, and in
many
applications can be a double action hydraulic cylinder performing tilting
adjustments for
the attached implement.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the implement facing side of the connecting
apparatus,
34
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
showing the sliding-frame bottom-link housing 138 attached to the adjustable
mounting
channel 122 which traverses the four horizontal frame members 57, 58, 59, 60
of the
sliding-frame 46. The adjustable mounting channel 122 attaches to two double
wrap-
around bracket clamps 78 of the sliding-frame 46. The adjustable mounting
channel 122
in this configuration can provide additional bottom-link higher or lower
adjustments and
added strength to the sliding-frame 46 while allowing space for an implement
PTO
driveline to pass through the connecting apparatus from the implement being
carried to
the tractor PTO shaft. A sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch bolt-on housing
138 can
be provided in place of the sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch slip-on
housing 135,
U.S. Patent 7,059,419. The sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch bolt-on
housing 138
can be a more stable attachment for the bottom-link connection point to the
implement of
the connecting apparatus as compared to the sliding-frame bottom-link quick-
hitch slip-
on housing 135. In the alternative for connecting an implement to the
connecting
apparatus, the sliding-frame bottom-link mounting arm and ball socket, bolt-on
133, as
shown in FIG. 20, can be used in place of the sliding-frame bottom-link quick-
hitch bolt-
on housing 138 to provide a more stable attachment of the implement to the
connecting
apparatus. The position-sensor 151 sliding-frame mounted is attached to a top-
bar
mounting leg 101.
The position-sensor bar 151a is rigid¨frame mounted, and is attached to the
top rigid-
frame horizontal frame member 47 with position-sensor bar attachment brackets
152.
Position sensor electrical wires 152b and the position sensor bar electrical
wires 152a
extend from both position sensor 151 and position sensor bar 151a to provide
the
conductors for the position sensor signal 151b and the position sensor bar
signal 151c.
Optionally a wireless connection can be used. The position sensor 151 and the
position
sensor bar 151a can send a visual screen signal 153e for an operator's
viewable
positioning screen 153d for the tractor operator to view the position of the
slidable-frame
46 position as related to the rigid-frame 45 position while looking forward
and away from
the rear three point hitch mounted connecting apparatus. This allows the
tractor operator
to reposition the rigid-frame 45 by repositioning the tractor using the
tractors steering if
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
the tractor is diverging from the prescribed path. Auto-steering of the
tractor can also be
utilized by configuring the position sensor 151 and the position sensor bar
151a with an
automated auto-steer controller 153 utilizing an auto-steer controller signal
153a sent to
the auto-steer device 153b to control the steering of the tractor. The auto-
steer controller
can be equipped with an auto-steer controller on-off switch 153c to allow the
tractor
operator to manually steer the tractor when necessary.
In the instance the auto-steer function is utilized, and in the instance the
tractor is to be
steered in a straight line only by the auto-steer function, mounting the
connecting
apparatus on the rear three-point hitch of a front wheel steered tractor is
sufficient to keep
the tractor in a straight line. In the instance a front wheel steered tractor
is required to
auto-steer in a path that is not a straight line such as turns, the connecting
apparatus 40
can be mounted on the front of the of the tractor for precise steering along a
predetermined path. In this instance the present apparatus 40 can be mounted
on the front
three-point hitch of the tractor and another apparatus 40 can be mounted on
the rear
three-point hitch of the tractor depending on the application and implements
being used.
In the alternative to mounting the apparatus 40 on the front of a front wheel
steered
tractor in a situation where the predetermined path follows turns and the
apparatus 40 is
required to be mounted on the rear three-point hitch of the tractor, a
separate auto steer
device can be mounted on the front of the tractor to achieve sufficient auto-
steering
results in a predetermined path following turns.
Optionally for mobile machinery equipped with an auto-steering system 153 and
153b,
such as those provided by Trimble of Sunnyvale, California, the position
sensor 151
sensing the position of the second framework relative to the first framework,
can use the
auto-steer system for automatically adjusting the position of the mobile
machinery based
on the sensed position of the second framework relative to the first
framework. Current
auto-steering devices work by either controlling the hydraulic fluid of the
mobile
machinery hydraulic steering system or controlling the mechanical steering
wheel of the
mobile machinery.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the implement facing side of the connecting
apparatus
36
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
40, showing the adjustable mounting channel 122 attached to the double wrap
around
bracket clamp 78 comprising a two horizontal frame member channel mounting
configuration of the sliding-frame for the bottom-link connections to the
implement.
This configuration expands the pathway 98 for a PTO driveline as compared to
FIG. 9.
Grease fittings, also referred to as great joints 74, are shown. Two viewable
gauges level
measurement 146 are secured to a gauge mounting plate 145 mounted on the top
and at
each end of the rigid-frame top horizontal frame member 47, and situated to be
viewed
from the rear of the tractor such as from the tractor seat area allowing the
tractor operator
to view and adjust the connecting apparatus accordingly. Two viewable gauges
plumb
measurement 147 are mounted on the side, near the top of each rigid-frame
vertical frame
member 53 and 56. One auto-sensor gauge level measurement 148 is mounted on
one of
the gauge mounting plates 145 situated on the rigid-frame horizontal frame
member 47.
One auto-sensor gauge plumb measurement 149 is mounted on the side, near the
top of
rigid-frame vertical frame member 53. The auto-sensor devices can automate the
level
and plumb positions of the connecting apparatus utilizing the tractor
installed hydraulic
positioning of the tractors three-point hitch. This automated leveling and
plumbing of the
connecting apparatus requires the tractor three-point hitch to accommodate
controlled
hydraulic cylinders at the top-link arm 324 and on at least one of the bottom-
link arms
318.
A bottom-bar 140 is mounted on the bottom of the slidable-mounted frame 46 and
below
the sliding-frame bottom-link 138, and below a double wrap-around bracket
clamp 78
being securely fastened to the slidable-mounted frame 46 with bottom-bar
mounting legs
142. Bottom-bar sensor or cameras 144 are securely mounted to the underside of
the
bottom-bar 140, in the case of sensors, for the detection of electronic
signals transmitted
from an underground buried cable in which the slidable-mounted frame 46
adjusts
laterally to follow the path of the signal transmitted from the underground
buried cable.
In the case of cameras, recognition computer software can be used to detect
the position
of crops or other items like line markers or shapes to adjust the slidably-
mounted frame
46 in position. Bottom-bar signal wire 144a can transmit the signal to
controller 150
37
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
(see FIG. 6) utilizing the same configuration of controller and related
equipment as
shown in FIG. 6. Bottom-bar 140 is extendable horizontally past the ends of
the rigidly-
mounted frame 45 to accommodate a particular purpose and also be repositioned
if
needed on a higher plane on the slidable-mounted frame 46.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the implement facing side of the connecting
apparatus,
showing a four-point implement connection design in a double-link top-link
configuration 155 of the sliding-frame 46 as it connects to a four-point
bracketed
implement. Two sliding-frame bottom-link quick hitch attachments with bolt-on
housings 138 and two sliding-frame top-link hook and stop bar 130 (See Fig.
12)
attachments are shown. The sliding-frame 46 bottom-link quick-hitch bolt-on
housings
138 are attached to the adjustable mounting channel 122 which traverses four
horizontal
frame members 57, 58, 59, 60 of the sliding-frame 46. The adjustable mounting
channel
122 mounts to two double wrap-around bracket clamps 78 of the sliding-frame 46
and the
two sliding-frame top-link hook and stop bar 130 connections are mounted on
the same
adjustable mounting channel 122 aligned vertically and at or near the
horizontal plane of
the sliding-frame horizontal frame members 57 and 58. A camera monitor 117 and
camera data transfer wire 113 can be mounted near the mobile machinery
operator for
viewing the two cameras output data. A top bar plate 100c houses two GPS
antennae and
a GPS receiver module as one unit referred to as a GPS antenna and receiver
module
110e.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the implement facing side of the connecting
apparatus,
with a four-point implement connection design in the double-link top-link
configuration
155 of the sliding-frame 46 as it connects to a four-point bracketed
implement. Two
sliding-frame bottom-link quick hitch attachments with slip-on housings 135
attach to
sliding-frame bottom-link mounting arms 132 which are attached to double wrap-
around
brackets clamps 78, shown are two sliding-frame top-link hook and stop bar 130
attachments to complete the four-point implement attachment configuration.
Rigid-
mounted frame section vertical frame members 53 and 56 have stand mounting
holes
38
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
164. A double top-bar second bar 100b is mounted above top-bar first bar 100a
using
top-bar mounting leg extensions 105. This configuration provides a flexible
laser
receiver adjustment range. There is provided a wide laser receiver111 with
wide laser
receiver left alignment indicator 111a, wide laser receiver center alignment
indicator
111b, and wide laser receiver right alignment indicator 111c.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the implement facing side of the connecting
apparatus,
showing a version of the connecting apparatus with the sliding frame
comprising four
horizontal frame members wherein two of the horizontal frame members are
sliding
members 57 and 60 and the remaining two horizontal frame members are support
members 156 and 158 in a diamond position to accommodate the double wrap-
around
bracket clamps 78. In the case of a slightly reduced weight load on the
connecting
apparatus, four horizontal sliding-frame members may not be needed.
Consequently, two
horizontal sliding-frame members which slide on the rigidly-mounted base frame
45
horizontal members are provided, while two additional sliding-frame horizontal
members
do not contact the rigidly-mounted base frame and thus are utilized as support
members
only. Stand mounting holes 164 are positioned between the upper and lowers
rigid-
mounted base frame members. Implement positioning sensors or cameras 154 are
mounted to the implement facing side bottom-links and the implement facing
side top
link. Implement positioning sensors or cameras 154 can be utilized and wired
to
controller 150 (see FIG. 6) for assisting in the connection of the implements
to the
connecting apparatus by adjusting the position of the sliding-frame to align
the first
connection apparatus 40 implement facing side bottom and top links with the
implement
bottom and top link attachment pins or hardware.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the connecting apparatus of Figure 13,
showing
the two sliding-mounted frame bottom-link connections as sliding-frame bottom-
link
mounting arm and ball sockets 132 without the bottom-link quick-hitch slip-on
housing.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the connecting apparatus of Figure 14,
showing
39
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
the two sliding-frame bottom-link connections as bottom-link mounting arm and
ball
sockets extended length 137 without the sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch
slip-on
housings 135 attached thereon. Shown is a four-point implement connection
design in
the double-link top-link configuration 155. Sliding-frame bottom-link mounting
arm and
ball sockets extended length 137 may be required for a recessed implement
mount at the
bottom-link connection on an implement.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the connecting apparatus of Figure 13 with
the
implement-facing side showing the double wrap-around brackets clamps 78
replaced with
single wrap-around bracket clamps 76 and shows adjustable mounting channel 122
when
there is a reduced weight load on the connecting apparatus. Two sliding-frame
horizontal frame members 160 and 162 used as support members are mounted in a
square position, sliding-frame horizontal support member square 160 for the
upper
member and sliding-frame horizontal support member square 162 for the lower
member.
A single hydraulic cylinder configuration is shown with the hydraulic cylinder
brace 94c
to sliding-frame attached to slidably-mounted frame vertical member 64 and
hydraulic
cylinder brace 92c to rigid-frame attached between rigidly-mounted base frame
vertical
members 53 and 54. Hydraulic cylinder attachment bracket to piston arm 83 is
attached
between the hydraulic cylinder piston arm and the hydraulic cylinder brace 94c
to
sliding-frame. This lower situated hydraulic cylinder configuration allows the
use of a
PTO driveline utilizing the pathway for a PTO driveline 98from the tractor to
the
implement.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an alternative design of a second
connecting
apparatus 41 in a more compact-design as compared to the previously disclosed
upright-
design 40 wherein the top and bottom rigidly-mounted horizontal frame members
47 and
52 as depicted in FIG. 5 are moved forward and level with the adjoining
rigidly-mounted
horizontal frame members 48 and 51. The new forwardly mounted rigidly-mounted
frame members are numbered 172 for the top member and 174 for the bottom
member
for the purpose of this compact-design 41 as shown in in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18.
Rigid-
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
frame top-link attachment 66 is attached to rigidly-mounted frame member 172
and two
rigid-frame member bottom-link attachments 68 are connected to rigidly-mounted
frame
member 174. The compact-design 41 of the connecting apparatus has shortened
rigid-
frame vertical studs 180, 182, 184, 186 with two forward mounted rigid-frame
vertical
members 176 and 178. Four rigid-frame braces 188 between forward mounted
horizontal
frame member 172 and rigid-mounted frame member 48 are shown. Two of the four
rigid-frame braces 188 between forward mounted horizontal frame member 174 and
rigid-mounted frame member 51 are shown. Rigid-frame braces 188 can be
installed on
these two members to mirror the frame braces for the top forward horizontal
rigid-frame
bar 172. The compact-design 41 of the connecting apparatus provides a lower
elevation
plane of the implement facing side sliding-frame bottom-link connections 136
and the
sliding-frame top-link 130 connection as compared to the upright-design 40 of
the
connecting apparatus. The compact-design 41 disposes the rigidly-mounted frame
top-
link attachment 66 on or near the same horizontal plane as the sliding-frame
top-link
connection 130 and also disposes the rigidly-mounted frame bottom-link
attachment 68
on or near the same horizontal plane as the sliding-frame bottom-link
connection 136,
allowing for the attachment of lower elevated implement bottom-link connection
points
314 and top-link connections 312 when compared to the upright-design 40 of the
connecting apparatus. The compact-design 41 can be utilized on smaller
tractors with
lighter weighted implements to be carried and used.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the connecting apparatus of Figure 17
with a stand
165 attached to the outer vertical rigid frame support members through holes
164 for
removably supporting the connecting apparatus 41 in a stored position. The
stand 165 is
designed for attachment and use for both the upright-design 40 and the compact-
design
41 of the connecting apparatus. Stand to rigid-frame mounting stud 170 is
rigidly
attached to stand center member 166 in at least two locations and inserts into
hole 164 of
the rigidly-mounted frame 45, followed by the attachment of the stand to rigid-
frame
mounting stud clip 171 for a secure removable connection. Stand center member
166 is
supported by stand support members 168 and a stand base member 169 provided
for a
41
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
sturdy standing frame. The stand 165 holds and supports the rigidly-mounted
frame
section 45 along with the slidably-mounted frame section 46 off of the ground
for stable
storage.
FIG. 19 is a close-up perspective view of the implement-facing side of the
sliding-frame
bottom-link quick-hitch style connection point in a bolt-on configuration to
the adjustable
mounting channel 122. Instead of a sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch slip-
on
housing 135 (see Fig. 8), a sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch bolt-on
connector is
used, the connector comprising a housing 138 with latch and lever 139, mounted
to the
adjustable mounting channel 122. The connector includes a hook and stop bar
136.
Channel mounting bolt and nut 128 attaches the sliding-frame quick-hitch bolt-
on
housing 138 with the bolt passing through both sides of the adjustable
mounting channel
122 through holes 126 and through the sliding-frame quick-hitch bolt-on
housing 138.
Adjustable mounting channel 122 is attached to triple wrap-around bracket
clamp 79 for
added weight carrying capacity, utilizing six sliding-frame horizontal frame
brackets.
Lower three sliding-frame horizontal frame brackets support the sliding-frame
bottom-
links 138. Sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch bolt-on housing 138 with hook
and latch
139 is a complete assembly, including a sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch
hook and
stop bar 136 and sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch latch & lever with grab
shape
139. Indicia markings 190 are provided on two sliding-frame horizontal frame
members
59 and 60.
FIG. 19a shows attachment support bases 75 in place of triple wrap around
bracket
clamps 79. Attachment support bases 75 are attached to the sliding frame
horizontal
frame members in a manner such as welding them in place with weld connections
73
shown on one section of the bracket to be duplicated on the remaining sections
of the
bracket where the bracket intersects the horizontal frame members of the
sliding frame 46
.Attachment support bases 75 can replace the triple wrap around bracket clamps
79 and
also can replace double wrap around bracket clamps 78 (see FIG. 10) and single
wrap
around bracket clamps 76 (see FIG. 16). Currently many of the agricultural
implement
42
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
bottom link and top link positions are being standardized to simplify quick
hitch hookup
arrangements as built into many quick hitch adapters which mount on the
tractors three-
point hitches. This standardization eliminates the need to adjust the bottom
link and top
link positions on an apparatus such as the connecting apparatus 40. In the
above stated
case of standardization, attachment support bases 75 would be appropriate to
mount to
the connecting apparatus and attached in a fixedly attachment such as metal
welding.
FIG. 20 is a close-up perspective view of the implement-facing side of the
sliding-frame
bottom-link mounting arm and ball socket style 132 connection point in a bolt-
on
configuration to the adjustable mounting channel 122. Sliding-frame bottom-
link
mounting arm and ball socket with bolt-on housing 133 is mounted to the
adjustable
mounting channel 122. Channel mounting bolt and nut 128 attaches sliding-frame
bottom-link mounting arm and ball socket with bolt-on housing 133 with the
bolt passing
through both sides of the adjustable mounting channel 122 through holes 126
and through
the sliding-frame bottom-link mounting arm and ball socket with bolt-on
housing 133.
Adjustable mounting channel 122 is attached to double wrap-around bracket
clamp 78.
Indicia marks 190 are shown on two sliding-frame horizontal frame members 59
and 60.
FIG. 21 shows a connector 131 that extends further towards the implement than
the
connector 130. Connector 131 comprises a sliding frame top-link hook and stop
bar in a
bolt-on configuration to the adjustable mounting channel 122. The connector
131 has the
top-link channel side spacers 120 on each side. Channel mounting bolt and nut
128 the
connector 131 with the bolt passing through both sides of the adjustable
mounting
channel 122 through holes 126 and through the connector 131 and passing thru
the top-
link channel side spacers 120. Adjustable mounting channel 122 is attached to
double
wrap-around bracket clamp 78. Indicia marks 190 are shown on two sliding-frame
horizontal frame members 57 and 58. Top-bar mounting legs 101 are shown with
the
top-bar mounting leg bolt 103 passing through the top-bar mounting leg pre-
drilled hole
102 and attaching to two of the sliding-frame vertical frame members.
43
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
FIG. 22 is a close-up perspective view of the upper-mounted top-bar camera and
lights
carriage 104 attachment to the top-bar with single-wrap around brackets 106,
also
showing top-bar inscribed indicia marks 190.
FIG. 23 is a close-up perspective view of the bar and distal ball socket style
132
connection point of the lower connection points of a three-point implement and
a quick-
hitch style connection device 135as described in U.S. Patent 7,059,419, as it
can slip over
and secure to the bar and distal ball socket style connection point 133. Fig.
23 shows the
sliding-frame mounting arm ball socket and rotatable ball with axial hole 134
as the
rotatable ball slips over quick-hitch slip-on housing 135 and connects via
round pin and
held in place with a cotter pin. Sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch latch
and lever with
grab shape 139 combined with sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch hook and
stop bar
136 receives a mounting stud 314 (see FIG. 2) from an implement bottom-link
connection. Sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch latch 139 rotates downward
and then
back into the upward position after the implement mounting stud 314 (see FIG.
2) is
engaged in the sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch hook and stop bar 136 for
a secure
holding connection of the implement and the sliding-frame bottom-link quick-
hitch hook
and stop bar 136. Sliding-frame bottom-link quick-hitch hook and stop bar 136
allows for
a stopping point when positioning the bottom-links of the connecting apparatus
sliding-
frame 46 to the implement bottom-links connection point or mounting stud 314.
(see FIG.
2)
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an Carry-All implement 300 with a four-point
hitch
connection point configuration comprising two bottom-link connection points
195 and
two top-link connection points 192. Although four-point connections of
implements to
agricultural or excavating tractors are not commonly in use, using the
connecting
apparatus to carry a four-point attached implement can have a positive effect
on the
stability of the implement as the implement is attached and carried by the
sliding frame of
the connecting apparatus. The connecting apparatus being attached to the
agricultural or
excavation tractor in a three-point attachment configuration preserves the
three-point
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CA 3018862 2018-09-27
mounting advantages of the four-point attached implement. The four-point
implement
attachment to the connecting apparatus creates a secure attachment to the
connecting
apparatus wherein the implement is a rigidly mounted extension of the three
point
attached connecting apparatus.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of Figure 24 that comprises a fifth connection
point in the
center of the top-link bar of the Carry-All implement 300. This three top-link
bracket
setup allows for a four-point or a three-point implement attachment to the
connecting
apparatus wherein the implement top-link attachments for four-point or three-
point
design 194 is utilized as a convenient application for the user of the
implement as the
implement in use is able to hookup to a three-point or four-point connection.
During a
four-point implement connection hookup, the center top-link bracket connection
is not
utilized. During a three-point implement connection hookup, the two outer top-
link
bracket connections are not utilized.
FIG. 26 is a side view of the rigid-frame 45 of the connecting apparatus in a
narrow style.
Shown are five segments that comprise the rigid-frame vertical frame member
196 in
addition to the six rigid-frame horizontal frame members 47, 48, 49, 50, 51,
52. (see FIG.
5) First from the top to the bottom of the rigid-frame vertical frame member
196 is
horizontal frame 47, vertical frame segment 196a, horizontal frame 48,
vertical frame
segment 196b, horizontal frame 49, vertical frame segment 196c, horizontal
frame 50,
vertical frame segment 196d, horizontal frame 51, vertical frame segment 196e,
horizontal frame 52. Each vertical frame segment is securely attached with
welding or
other means such as fasteners to the adjoining horizontal frame member and
each
adjoining vertical frame segment edge to form a linear, straight and sturdy
rigid-frame
vertical frame member 196.
FIG. 27 is a side view of the rigid-frame 45 of the connecting apparatus in a
wide style.
Shown is a continuous single piece of metal with apertures cut out of the
rigid-frame
vertical member wide design 198 to allow for the six horizontal rigid-frame
members 47,
48, 49, 50, 51, 52 (see FIG. 5) to pass into and through to the other side of
the vertical
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
frame member 198. Each horizontal rigid-frame member is securely attached with
welding or other means such as fasteners to the rigid-frame vertical member
wide design
198 to form a linear, straight and sturdy rigid-frame vertical member wide
design 198.
FIG. 28 is a side view of the sliding-frame of the connecting apparatus in a
narrow style
with no bearings or sliding plates between the sliding-frame 46 and rigid-
frame 45.
Shown are three segments that comprise the sliding-frame vertical frame member
200 in
addition to the four sliding-frame horizontal frame members 57, 58, 59, 60.
(see FIG. 5)
First from the top to the bottom of the sliding-frame vertical frame member
200 is
sliding-frame horizontal frame member 57, vertical frame segment 200a, sliding-
frame
horizontal frame member 58, vertical frame segment 200b, sliding-frame
horizontal
frame member 59, vertical frame segment 200c, and sliding-frame horizontal
frame
member 60. Each vertical frame segment is securely attached with welding or
other
means to the adjoining horizontal frame member and each adjoining vertical
frame
segment edge to form a linear, straight and sturdy sliding-frame vertical
frame member
200.
FIG. 29 is a side view of the sliding-frame of the connecting apparatus in a
wide style
with no bearings or sliding plates between the sliding-frame 46 and rigid-
frame 45.
Shown is a continuous single piece of metal with apertures cut out of the
sliding-frame
vertical member wide design 201 to allow for the sliding-frame horizontal
members 57,
58, 59, and 60 to pass into and through to the other side of the sliding-frame
vertical
member wide design 201. Each sliding-frame horizontal member is securely
attached
with welding or other means to the sliding-frame vertical member wide design
201 to
form a linear, straight and sturdy sliding-frame vertical member wide design
201.
FIG. 30 is a side view of the sliding-frame 46 of the connecting apparatus in
a narrow
style with bearings or sliding plates between the sliding-frame 46 and rigid-
frame 45.
Shown are three segments that comprise the sliding-frame vertical frame member
202 in
addition to the sliding-frame four horizontal frame members 57, 58, 59, 60.
First from the
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CA 3018862 2018-09-27
top to the bottom of the rigid-frame vertical frame member 202 is horizontal
frame 57,
vertical frame segment 202a, horizontal frame 58, vertical frame segment 202b,
horizontal frame 59, vertical frame segment 202c, and horizontal frame 60.
Each vertical
frame segment is securely attached with welding or other means such as
fasteners to the
adjoining horizontal frame member and each adjoining vertical frame segment
edge to
form a linear, straight and sturdy sliding-frame vertical frame member 202.
The sliding-
frame horizontal members 57, 58, 59, 60 are sized to accommodate bearing cages
or
sliding plates 216 between the exterior of the rigid-frame members and the
interior of the
hollow sliding-frame members. (see FIG. 34, 35, 36)
FIG. 31 shows a side view of the sliding-frame of the connecting apparatus in
a wide
style with bearings or sliding plates between the sliding and rigid frames.
Shown is a
continuous single piece of metal with apertures cut out of the sliding-frame
vertical
member wide design 203 to allow for the horizontal sliding-frame members 57,
58, 59,
60 to pass into and through to the other side of the sliding-frame vertical
member wide
design 203. Each horizontal rigid-frame member is securely attached with
welding or
other means such as fasteners to the sliding-frame vertical member wide design
203 to
form a linear, straight and sturdy sliding-frame vertical member wide design
203. The
sliding-frame horizontal members 57, 58, 59, 60 are sized to accommodate
bearing cages
or sliding plates 216 between the exterior of the rigid-frame members and the
interior of
the hollow sliding-frame members. (see FIG. 34, 35, 36)
FIG. 32 is a close up side view of the sliding-frame horizontal member sized
for minimal
clearance 205 slidably-attached to and surrounding the rigid-frame horizontal
member
204 with no bearings or sliding plates between the above mentioned sliding-
frame and
rigid-frame members. Shown is the weld seam 210 on the sliding-frame
horizontal
member sized for minimal clearance 205 and the weld seam 208 on the rigid-
frame
horizontal member 204. Grease fittings 74 are shown and inserted into a
threaded hole in
to the sliding-frame horizontal member sized for minimal clearance 205. This
minimal
clearance configuration of the sliding-frame and rigid-frame preferably uses a
lubricant
such as petroleum or synthetic grease to assist the sliding-frame in moving
along the
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CA 3018862 2018-09-27
rigid-frame as needed. In this design with no bearings or sliding plates
installed, the
clearance between the outside of the rigid-frame horizontal frame member and
the inside
of the hollow sliding-frame horizontal frame member is approximately 1/16 inch
to 1/8
inch around each of the four sides.
FIG. 33 is a blown up side view of the sliding-frame horizontal member sized
for
minimal clearance 205 weld seam 210 and rigid-frame horizontal member 204
metal
weld seam 208. Shown is a rigid-frame horizontal member notch 212 to allow the
sliding-frame horizontal member weld seam 210 to avoid contact with the rigid-
frame
horizontal member 204. Rigid-frame horizontal member notch 212 may need to be
custom ground out of the metal horizontal frame member as this notch 212
normally does
not exist as the steel is supplied from a steel distributor.
FIG. 34 is a close up side view of the sliding-frame horizontal member sized
for sliding
plate or bearing clearance 206 slidably-attached to and surrounding the rigid-
frame
horizontal member 204 with sliding plates ninety degree V style with
perforations 214
between the above mentioned sliding-frame member 206 and rigid-frame member
204.
Shown is the weld seam 210 on the sliding-frame horizontal member sized for
sliding
plate or bearing clearance 206 and the weld seam 208 on the rigid-frame
horizontal
member 204. Grease joints 74 are shown and inserted into a threaded hole in to
the
sliding-frame horizontal member sized for sliding plate or bearing clearance
206.
Bearing cap collar 220 fixedly attaches to sliding-frame member 206 securing
sliding
plates ninety degree V style with perforations 214 in position. Shown are
sliding plates
ninety degree V style with perforations 214 providing a configuration for
sturdy slidable
support between the sliding frame member and the rigid frame member. In this
design
with sliding plates installed, the clearance between the outside of the rigid-
frame
horizontal frame member 204 and the inside of the hollow sliding-frame
horizontal frame
member 206 is approximately 1/4 inch around each of the four sides.
FIG. 35 is a close up side view of the sliding-frame horizontal member sized
for sliding
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plate or bearing clearance 206 slidably-attached to and surrounding the rigid-
frame
horizontal member 204 with a roller cage double raceway ninety degree V style
with
needle bearings 216 between the sliding and rigid frames. Shown is the weld
seam 210
on the sliding-frame horizontal member sized for sliding plate or bearing
clearance 206
and the weld seam 208 on the rigid-frame horizontal member 204. Grease joints
74 are
shown and inserted into a threaded hole in to the sliding-frame horizontal
member sized
for sliding plate or bearing clearance 206, bearing cap collar 220 fixedly
attaches to
sliding-frame member 206 securing roller cage double raceway ninety degree V
style
with needle bearings 216 in position. Shown are the roller cage double raceway
ninety
degree V style with needle bearings 216 forming a ninety degree configuration
for sturdy
slidable support between the sliding frame member 206 and the rigid frame
member 204.
In this design with bearing cages 216 installed, the clearance between the
outside of the
rigid-frame horizontal frame member 204 and the inside of the hollow sliding-
frame
horizontal frame member 206 is approximately 1/4 inch around each of the four
sides.
FIG. 36 is a close up side view of the sliding-frame horizontal member sized
for sliding
plate or bearing clearance 206 slidably-attached to and surrounding the rigid-
frame
horizontal member 204 with a roller cage double raceway ninety degree V style
with ball
bearings 218 between the sliding and rigid frames. Shown is the weld seam 210
on the
sliding-frame horizontal member sized for sliding plate or bearing clearance
206 and the
weld seam 208 on the rigid-frame horizontal member 204. Grease joints 74 are
shown
and inserted into a threaded hole in to the sliding-frame horizontal member
sized for
sliding plate or bearing clearance 206, bearing cap collar 220 fixedly
attaches to sliding-
frame member 206 securing roller cage double raceway ninety degree V style
with ball
bearings 218 in position. Shown are the roller cage double raceway ninety
degree V style
with ball bearings 218 forming a ninety degree configuration for sturdy
slidable support
between the sliding frame member 206 and the rigid frame member 204. In this
design
with bearing cages 216 installed, the clearance between the outside of the
rigid-frame
horizontal frame member 204 and the inside of the hollow sliding-frame
horizontal frame
member 206 is approximately 1/4 inch around each of the four sides.
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CA 3018862 2018-09-27
FIG. 37 and FIG. 37c show needle bearing cages 216 mounted to the interior of
sliding-
frame horizontal frame sleeves 57,58,59,60 (see FIG. 5). The bottom 50% of the
needle
bearing cages 216 are normally installed in the sliding-frame horizontal frame
sleeves
57,58,59,60. The top and the side tops of the sliding-frame horizontal frame
sleeves
57,58,59,60 are shown without needle bearing cages 216 installed as to view
the bottom
portion of the sliding-frame horizontal frame sleeves 57,58,59,60 as the
needle bearing
cages 216 are installed. A rigid-frame horizontal frame rails 48,49,50,51 (see
FIG. 5)
slide inside of the bearing cages 216 as they are installed in the sliding-
frame horizontal
frame sleeves 57,58,59,60. The bearing cages 216 length can be measured and
installed
half way in from each side of the end of the sliding-frame horizontal frame
member
57,58,59,60. The bearing cages 216 butt to each other in a tight position in
the center of
the sliding frame member showing the bearing cage edges 222, and also butt
tightly
against the bearing cap collars 220 attached to each end of the sliding-frame
horizontal
frame sleeves 57,58,59,60. Fitting the bearing cages 216 in each side of the
sliding-frame
horizontal frame sleeves 57,58,59,60 and measuring, cutting and installing the
bearing
cages 216 in half way across the sliding-frame horizontal frame sleeves
57,58,59,60
allows the connecting apparatus bearing cages 216 to be replaced without
disassembling
the rigid mounted frame section 45 from the slidably-mounted frame section 46.
The
slidably-mounted frame section 46 moves all the way to one side of the rigid
mounted
frame section 45 to remove the bearing cages 216 from the opposing side of the
sliding-
frame horizontal frame sleeves 57,58,59,60 consequently, installing the
bearing cages
216 in the same manner.
FIG. 37a is a perspective view of sliding plates 214 mounted to the interior
of sliding-
frame horizontal frame member 57,58,59,60 (see FIG. 5). All four sides of the
sliding
plates 214 are normally installed in the sliding-frame horizontal frame member
57,58,59,60.
FIG. 37b is a perspective view of ball bearing cages and bearings 218 mounted
to the
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CA 3018862 2018-09-27
interior of sliding-frame horizontal frame member 57,58,59,60 (see FIG. 5).
All four
sides of the ball bearing cages 218 are normally installed in the sliding-
frame horizontal
frame member 57,58,59,60.
FIG. 37c shows a bearing cap collar 220 that holds the needle bearings cages
216 in
place. The bearing cap collar 220 fits snug around the rigid-frame horizontal
frame
member 48,49,50,51 (see FIG. 5). The inside diameter of the bearing cap collar
220 is
smaller in diameter than the sliding-frame horizontal frame member 57,58,59,60
inside
diameter to prevent the needle bearings cages 216 from slipping out of the
sliding-frame
horizontal frame member 57,58,59,60. The bearing cap collar 220 is fixedly
attached to
the sliding-frame horizontal frame member 57,58,59,60 and moves in harmony
with said
frame member. The thickness of the bearing cap collar 220 is approximately the
combined thickness of the needle bearing cages 218 and the thickness of one of
the
sliding-frame horizontal frame member 57,58,59,60. The bearing cap also can be
used
with the versions of Figs. 37a and b.
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the tractor facing side of the connecting
apparatus 40
showing the rigidly-mounted frame 45 two bottom-link attachments 69 in a
single
vertical plate and stud configuration that would attach to the tractor bottom-
link arms 318
(see FIG. 1c).
FIG. 39a is a perspective view of a third connecting apparatus 42 comprising
the sliding-
frame horizontal frame members and rigid-frame horizontal frame members in a
square
shape and installed in a square position with horizontal and vertical as
compared to a
horizontal plane. Top-link attachment 66 shown with brackets matching to the
square
horizontal frame member 47 and bottom-link attachments 69 shown with brackets
matching to the square horizontal frame member 52.
FIG. 39b is a perspective view of a fourth connecting apparatus 43 comprising
the
sliding-frame horizontal frame members and rigid-frame horizontal frame
members in a
51
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
round shape. Top-link attachment 66 shown with brackets matching to the round
horizontal frame member 47 and bottom-link attachments 69 shown with brackets
matching to the round horizontal frame member 52.
FIG. 39c shows independently controlled wing sections 221 that attach to the
left and
right side edges of the rigidly-mounted base frame 45 of the connecting
apparatus 40.
The wing sections 221 comprise their own rigidly-mounted base frame 45 and
their own
slidably-mounted frame 46. All three slidably-mounted frames 46 move
independently
of each other. The wing sections 221 can be utilized for carrying lighter duty
implements
such as weeders, sprayers, cutters and the like. The wing sections 221 attach
to the three-
point attached first connecting apparatus 40 using a hinge. A piano style
hinge 230 can
be a suitable preferred attachment device to utilize for the attachment and
pivoting action
of the wing section 221 as connected to the three-point attached first
connecting
apparatus 40 left and right side edges. Attachment hardware 224 and 226 allows
for a
push pull means such as a hydraulic cylinder 228 to be mounted on the first
connecting
apparatus 40 and on each wing section 221 at the joining corners at the top
and bottom of
the three rigidly mounted frame sections 45. Each wing section 221 pivoting
action can
be controlled separately apart from the opposing wing section allowing for
individual
control of the wing sections. Two hydraulic cylinders 228 for each wing
section 221 can
work in tandem using a hydraulic fluid flow divider 232 between the hydraulic
cylinders
228 and the tractor mounted hydraulic control valve 234. For control of the
slidably
mounted frames 46 on each wing sections 221, the wing section driver 80 can
attach
directly between the rigidly mounted first frame 45 and the slidably mounted
frame 46
using the attachment bracket 89 to the driver 80 piston arm and the attachment
bracket 90
to the driver 80 cylinder housing. The mounted position of the driver 80 on
the wing
section differs from the mounting position of the driver 80 on the first
connecting
apparatus 40. This difference is the result of the offset positioning of the
wing section
221 slidably-mounted frame 46 as mounted on the rigidly mounted first frame
45.
Shown are hydraulic fluid lines 84 from the hydraulic control valve 234
leading to a
52
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
hydraulic power pump 81, and showing the hydraulic fluid lines 86 from the
hydraulic
cylinder 228 to the hydraulic flow divider 88 and showing the hydraulic fluid
lines 87
from the hydraulic flow divider 88 to the hydraulic control valve 234.'
For hydraulic or electrically powered devices for driving the second framework
of each
wing section 221, such as a hydraulic or electrically powered cylinder, or for
locally
pumped fluid, a power receptacle can be provided on the first framework 45 of
the first
connecting apparatus 40, or alternatively on the mobile machinery. The power
receptacle
can receive hydraulic fluid or electrical power such as DC or AC power. For
hydraulic or
electrically powered devices for driving the second framework of the first
connecting
apparatus 40, such as a hydraulic or electrically powered cylinder, or for
locally pumped
fluid, a power receptacle can be provided on the mobile machinery. The power
receptacle can receive power such as hydraulic fluid or DC or AC power.
Each wing section 221 slidably-mounted frame 46 is mounted in an offset
position on the
wing section rigidly-mounted base frame 45 to allow for the implements
attached to the
wing section 221 to extend past the outer edge of the wing section 221,
thereby allowing
for the implements attached to the first connecting apparatus 40 to extend
partially across
and into the horizontal plane of the wing section 221. This allows for a
cultivating or
other farm work path of approximately sixty feet in width when utilizing three
independently moving twenty feet wide implements. The outer wing section 221
sliding
frames 46 move independently of each other and independently of the first
connecting
apparatus 40 sliding frame 46. This independent motion of the sliding frames
allows for
a farmer to till, bed-shape and plant crop sections of the farmland in twenty-
foot wide
sections using the first connecting apparatus 40 with attached implements and
then mount
the lighter weight wing sections 221 to the first connecting apparatus 40 for
the use of
lighter weight implements that can traverse two additional twenty-feet wide
crop sections
for less strenuous implement activities such as weeding, spraying and
harvesting. The
independent motion of the wing section 221 sliding frames 46 allows the wing
section
221 sliding frame 46 to follow their own particular section of the crop rows
as that
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CA 3018862 2018-09-27
particular section of crop rows was planted by a guidance system independently
of the
other crop row sections in the sixty-foot total area covered, variances
between the twenty-
foot sections of crops rows throughout the farm occur. Conversely, if a sixty-
foot
continuous implement is attached to the first connecting apparatus 40 sliding-
frame 46
with no independently controlled wing sections attached and traversing three
twenty foot
sections of crop rows and the twenty-foot sections of crop rows as shaped and
planted
independently of each other as many farmers practice currently, the sixty-foot
continuous
implement may not align properly with all of the planted crop rows resulting
in damaged
crops in a farming procedure such as weeding.
Functionality of the related parts of the connecting apparatus:
The receiver110 or 110e provides the present position of the slidable-frame 46
to a GPS
controller or laser beam fixedly located in the field. The GPS controller or
laser beam
contains the coordinates describing the desired field position of the
implement attached to
the slidable-frame 46 at any one time. If the slidable-frame 46 and the
implement being
carried are out of position, the GPS signal or laser beams signal, after being
received by
the receiver-110 or 110e, directs the driver controller 150 to position the
driver 80 to keep
the implement which is attached to the connecting apparatus on the prescribed
path using
the hydraulic controls on the tractor the apparatus 40. The piston of the
hydraulic
cylinder 80 moves the slidable-frame 46 laterally to the desired position as
the tractor
moves along.
A GPS controller is typically a microprocessor that receives GPS signals,
compare the
received signal to preprogrammed desired coordinates, and outputs a signal
based on the
difference, if any, between the desired coordinates and the received position.
Such GPS
controllers are conventionally used for controlling tractor steering. A
conventional GPS
guided steering system for tractors is available from Trimble of Sunnyvale,
California.
One popular GPS guidance system currently being used in the agricultural
industry is
called Real-Time Kinematic (RTK). RTK systems when combined with earth mounted
base stations using radio or cellular signals relayed to the roving mobile
machinery
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CA 3018862 2018-09-27
within a prescribed radius location can achieve horizontal accuracy of < 4
centimeters in
most conditions. Laser guidance and wire signal guidance are also viable
guidance
system technologies available for the control of the present invention
apparatuses. A
laser guidance system normally uses a vertical spinning laser transmitter to
be received
by the laser receiver mounted on the apparatus top bar 100a or 100b. The laser
receiver
110 then transmits a signal to the controller 150 which then controls the
driver 80 and the
position of the sliding frame 46 of the controlled apparatus 40. A wire signal
guidance
system involves multiple sensors mounted on a bottom bar for a buried wire and
on the
top bar for overhead wires. The bottom bar 140 sensor mounted system normally
is
utilized in open field agriculture while the top bar100b mounted sensors
system normally
is utilized in greenhouse agricultural applications.
The lateral position of the sliding frame with respect to the center line of
the base frame
and forward movement of the tractor can be adjusted by causing the pistons of
the
hydraulic cylinder 32 to extend or retract.
The control of the hydraulic cylinder 80 can be implemented in manual mode by
the
driver, a second individual, or automatically in automatic mode by a
controller including
sensors monitoring the position of the three-point hitch attached implement
with respect
to a known desired position for the implement.
A system according to this invention comprises the mobile machinery such as a
tractor
having a three-point hitch, the connecting apparatus attached to the mobile
machinery with
the three attachments; and an implement attached to the slidable second
framework with at
least three connectors. To connect the apparatus to the implement, the
implement and
apparatus are placed proximate to each other; the alignment of the connectors
and the
hitches are determined, and the alignment is adjusted by sliding the second
framework
relative to the first framework.
After attachment of the implement to the connecting apparatus is completed,
during use
of the system, the position of the implement relative to the mobile machinery
is adjusted
by the mobile machinery operator in manual mode or by the signal receiver 110
or 110e
and the driver controller 150 in automatic mode, changing the position of the
second
framework to keep the implement on track.
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
The driver 80 can be powered hydraulically or electrically. FIG. 4a is a flow
chart
depicting a hydraulic driver and related components suitable for use with the
present
invention. It utilizes mobile machinery hydraulic pump 81, which is normally
used for
controlling the three-point hitch link arms 318 and 324 (see FIG. 3) and
utilizes a fluid
reservoir. A guidance signal is received by the receiver 110 or 110e which is
connected
to the driver controller 150. The antenna (not shown) is optionally provided
to enhance
the reception of the guidance signal to the GPS receiver 110e, but not
requires for a laser
receiver 110.. The driver controller 150 transmits a signal to the automatic
double action
hydraulic valve 238 to control the driver 80. If the hydraulic valve option
switch 240 is
in the automatic position, the automatic double action hydraulic valve 238
controls the
driver 80. If the hydraulic valve option switch 240 is in the manual position,
the
automatic double action hydraulic valve 238 does not receive hydraulic fluid
and is not
operational, and thus the manual double action hydraulic valve 236 controls
the driver at
the tractor operator's initiation. Hydraulic power receptacles 242 provide
connect and
disconnect locations for the hydraulic lines leading from the hydraulic fluid
valves to the
driver 80 for connection and removal of the apparatus from the three point
hitch of the
mobile machinery.
Electrical power from the mobile machinery battery is used for powering the
drive
controller 150 and signal receiver 110 or 110e.
FIG. 4b is a flow chart depicting an electric driver and related components of
the present
invention apparatuses. As in the hydraulic version, a guidance signal is
received by the
receiver 110 or 110e which then transmits the signal to the driver controller
150. The
driver controller 150 sends a signal to an automatic electric switch 248 to
control the
driver 80. If an electric option switch 250 is in the automatic position, the
automatic
electric switch 248 controls the driver 80. If the electric option switch 250
is in the
manual position, the automatic electric switch 248 does not receive electric
current and is
not operational, therefore allowing the manual electric switch 246 to control
the driver at
the tractor operator's initiation. Electric power receptacles 244 provide
connect and
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CA 3018862 2018-09-27
disconnect locations for the electrical conductors leading from the electric
switches to the
driver 80 for the connection and removal of the present invention apparatuses
from the
three point hitch of the tractor.
A typical method of using the invention for agricultural comprises:
I. Choose a guidance system:
a. Manual or automatic
b. If manual, choose single tractor operator or double tractor operator.
(Double
operator - first operator
steering the tractor and the second operator manually controlling the
apparatus
driver 80)
c. If automatic, choose GPS guided, laser guided, guidance wire guided or
other.
d. If automatic is chosen, the guidance system must be set up and installed.
II. Row and raised bed crops utilizing the guided system with all steps for
any or all of
the following:
a. Precision tilling or preparing the soil for planting.
b. Precision position spraying of herbicides and/or insecticides prior to
planting if
required.
c. Precision laying or dropping fertilizer if required.
d. Precision position installing drip tape if required.
e. Precision position installing of mulch or plastic culture if required.
f. Precision position planting of seeds or transplanting seedlings.
g. Precision position spraying of herbicides and/or insecticides after
planting if
required.
h. Precision position weeding with soil cultivation or weed cutting when
required.
i. Precision position harvesting.
The invention can also be used for earth excavating and grading.
Among the advantages of the invention with a guided system are:
a) The horizontal adjustments of the present invention provide an accurate
system
of obtaining the
desired path of excavation and soil preparation as compared to utilizing an
automated steering device of the mobile machinery as the only form of
implement path guidance.
b) Utilizing mobile machinery steering guidance combined with mobile
machinery implement guidance creates a more accurate system of obtaining the
desired path of excavation and soil preparation as compared to utilizing an
automated steering device of the mobile machinery as the only form of
implement path guidance.
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CA 3018862 2018-09-27
EXAMPLE OF CONSTRUCTION OF MATERIALS
The following are exemplary materials that can be used for the claimed
invention.
Rigid-frame horizontal frame members
- ASTM A500 Grade B cold formed welded carbon steel structural square tubing,
or;
- ASTM A500 Grade B cold formed welded carbon steel structural round tubing,
or;
- Solid square steel bars, or;
- Solid round steel bars
Rigid-frame vertical frame members
- ASTM A500 Grade B cold formed welded carbon steel structural rectangular
tubing, or;
- Solid steel plate
Sliding-frame horizontal frame members
- ASTM A500 Grade B cold formed welded carbon steel structural square tubing,
or;
- ASTM A500 Grade B cold formed welded carbon steel structural round tubing,
or;
Sliding-frame vertical frame members
- ASTM A500 Grade B cold formed welded carbon steel structural rectangular
tubing, or;
- Solid steel plate
The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of
understanding and
no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modification
will become
obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be
made without
departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims.
For
example, the invention has been principally described using a tractor as the
mobile
machinery. However the invention can be used with other machinery such as
truck,
plow, or excavating machinery. In addition, although the invention has been
described
principally with regard to hydraulic cylinders, electric cylinders can be
used. Instead of a
sleeve for the second framework to slide along the rails, the rails can be
provided with a
bracket, track, or other structure which can be engaged by the second
framework such as
a projection on lateral cross members. Accordingly, this invention is not
intended to be
limited by the specific exemplification presented herein above. Rather, what
is intended
58
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
to be covered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
59
CA 3018862 2018-09-27
