Abstract:
A plow and method of fabricating a plow is disclosed. The plow includes an elongated frame. One or more shear assemblies are affixed to the frame in a spaced relationship along a length of the frame, wherein each of the one or more shear assemblies includes a shearing blade disposed at a distal end of the shear assembly and configured to operate below the surface of the soil to sever the roots of planted vegetation as the plow is pulled through a field. One or more cylinder assemblies are rotatably affixed to the frame and positioned parallel to the one or more shear assemblies and configured to rotate as the plow is pulled through a field. The one or more cylinder assemblies include a plurality of radially extending cylinder blades configured to mulch the soil and press the severed vegetation into the soil.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/730,311, entitled “Single Pass Plow,” filed on Oct. 26, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to plows for preparing the ground for planting crops.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Many different types of equipment and methods have been used to prepare agricultural ground for planting. Typically, after a crop has been harvested, the agricultural ground must be prepared for planting the next crop. Several methods for preparing the agricultural ground have been widely used. The first is a no-tillage system, wherein no work is done to the ground prior to planting a crop after a previous crop has been harvested. No tillage systems, however, generally do not adequately prepare the agricultural ground for planting the next crop, which leads to lower crop yields.  
         [0004]     Another method for preparing agricultural ground is a multi-pass system. In a typical multi-pass system, the vegetation left from the previous crop is typically cut and removed during a first pass over the agricultural ground by a tractor pulling a cutting device. Then, a second pass is typically made in which a tractor must pull a ground breaking device over the agricultural ground. Then, a third pass is typically made in which a tractor must pull a plow across the agricultural ground that reforms planting rows prior to planting the next crop. Therefore, at a minimum, a multi-pass system typically requires at least three passes by a tractor over the agricultural ground in order to adequately prepare the agricultural ground for the next crop. Accordingly, multi-pass systems are time consuming and expensive because a tremendous amount of effort and fuel is needed to perform the multiple passes over the agricultural ground. Additionally, the profits available from a crop are reduced due to the need to make multiple passes over the agricultural ground.  
         [0005]     Therefore, there exist a need in the art for an improved system and device for preparing agricultural ground for planting a crop.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     Disclosed is a plow and method of fabricating a plow. The plow includes an elongated frame with one or more shear assemblies affixed to the frame in a spaced relationship along a length of the frame. Each of the one or more shear assemblies includes a shearing blade disposed at a distal end of the shear assembly and configured to operate below the surface of the soil to sever the roots of planted vegetation as the plow is pulled through a field. The vertical position of the shearing blade may be adjustable. One or more cylinder assemblies are rotatably affixed to the frame and positioned parallel to the one or more shear assemblies and configured to rotate as the plow is pulled through a field. The one or more cylinder assemblies include a plurality of radially extending cylinder blades configured to mulch the soil and press the severed vegetation into the soil. The one or more cylinder assemblies may further include a first and second cylinder support arm extending from the frame, and a cylinder body rotatably attached to the first and second cylinder support arms. One or more gauge wheels may be configured in a spaced relationship along the cylinder body to control the vertical position of the plow as the plow is being pulled through a field. One or more coulters may additionally be mounted to the cylinder body and configured in a spaced relationship along the cylinder assembly.  
         [0007]     According to an aspect of the present invention, one or more support arms extend from the frame, wherein each of the one or more support arms is configured to hold one or more ground working implements. The one or more ground working implements are laterally adjustable along the length of at least one of the one or more support arms. The one or more ground working implements are also vertically adjustable in their attachment to at least one of the one or more support arms. One of the ground working implements may be a rowing device configured to reposition soil on top of the severed vegetation and form a seedbed. Another one of the ground working implements may be a chisel assembly configured to break the ground between two adjacent rows of planted vegetation. A hitch may also be affixed to the frame and configured to allow the plow to be lifted and transported by a prime mover. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)  
       [0008]     Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:  
         [0009]      FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of a single pass plow according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view of a single pass plow according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a single pass plow according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a single pass plow according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of a single pass plow according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a front plan view of a single pass plow according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a rear plan view of a single pass plow according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a first cross-sectional view of a single pass plow taken along lines A-A′ of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is a second cross-sectional view of a single pass plow taken along lines B-B′ of  FIG.3 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 9A  is a top plan view of a shear assembly of a single pass plow according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 9B  is a first plan side view of a shear assembly of a single pass plow according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 9C  is a first perspective view of a shear assembly of a single pass plow according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 9D  is a second side plan view of a shear assembly of a single pass plow according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 9E  is a second perspective view of a shear assembly of a single pass plow according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is a partially exploded perspective view of a cylinder assembly of a single pass plow according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a chisel assembly that may be used in conjunction with a single pass plow according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a buster assembly that may be used in conjunction with a single pass plow according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 13A  is a front perspective view of a bracket that may be used to removably affix attachments to a support arm of a single pass plow according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 13B  is a rear perspective view of a bracket that may be used to removably affix attachments to a support arm of a single pass plow according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 14A  is a top plan view of a hipper that may be used in conjunction with a single pass plow according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of a hipper that may be used in conjunction with a single pass plow according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0030]     The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.  
         [0031]      FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of a single pass plow  100  according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The single pass plow  100  may include a tool bar  105 , a hitch  110 , one or more shear assemblies  115 , a cylinder assembly  120 , and one or more support arms  125 . Additionally, a chisel assembly  130  and/or a rowing device  135  may be attached to each of the support arms  125 .  
         [0032]     The tool bar  105  of the single pass plow  100  may function as a frame and other components of the single pass plow  100  may be connected or mounted to the tool bar  105 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , the tool bar  105  may include a first cross bar  140  and a second cross bar  145 . The two cross bars  140 ,  145  may be connected to one another by one or more braces  150 . The cross bars  140 ,  145  may be permanently affixed or connected to the braces  150  such as, for example, by welding the cross bars  140 ,  145  to the one or more braces  150 . Alternatively, the cross bars  140 ,  145  may be removably connected to the one or more braces  150  via any suitable connecting device such as, for example, bolts, screws, pegs, or pins. The cross bars  140 ,  145  and the one or more braces  150  may be constructed out of tubular steel or any other suitable materials including, but not limited to, iron, plastic, aluminum, synthetic fibers, polymers, steel or other metal alloys, solid steel, other metals, ceramics or a combination of materials.  
         [0033]     It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the tool bar  105  may include any number of cross bars and braces to connect the cross bars. Additionally, it will be understood that the cross bars and braces may be individual components that are connected together to form the tool bar  105 , or alternatively, the tool bar  105  may be a formed of a single or unitary component.  
         [0034]     In the exemplary embodiments of the single pass plow  100 , the one or more shear assemblies  115  may be connected to the first cross bar  140  and the cylinder assembly  120  may be connected to the second cross bar  145 . The separation between the first cross bar  140  and the second cross bar  145  and, accordingly, the length of the one or more braces  150  may be determined by the size of the one or more shear assemblies  115 , the size of the cylinder assembly  120 , and/or the desired separation between the one or more shear assemblies  115  and the cylinder assembly  120 , as explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 10 . It will, however, be understood that many different lengths may be used for the one or more braces  150  to allow for various separations between the first cross bar  140  and the second cross bar  145 . Additionally, it will be understood that adjustable braces or multi-section braces may be utilized in accordance with the present invention to allow the separation between the first and second cross bars  140 ,  145  to be varied.  
         [0035]     The length of the first cross bar  140  and the second cross bar  145  may be determined at least in part by the intended number of agricultural crop rows that are to be worked by the single pass plow  100 . The single pass plow  100  depicted in  FIG. 1A  is a six row embodiment of the single pass plow  100 . The cross bars  140 ,  145  of the tool bar  105  may be sized accordingly to support enough shear assemblies  115  to work six agricultural rows and a cylinder assembly  120  that has a sufficient length for working six agricultural rows, as explained in greater detail below. However, it will be understood that many different lengths for the first and second crossbars  140 ,  145  may be utilized for a plow in accordance with the present invention. Additionally, the lengths of the first and second crossbars  140 ,  145  do not necessarily have to be the same, as shown in  FIG. 1A  where the second cross bar  145  is longer than the first cross bar  140 . It will also be understood that the lengths of the cross bars  140 ,  145  may be adjustable or that a cross bar  140 ,  145  may be formed of more than one section, allowing various cross bar lengths to be achieved.  
         [0036]     A hitch  110  may be connected to or incorporated into the tool bar  105  of the single pass plow  100 . The hitch  110  may allow the single pass plow  100  to be pulled by a prime mover such as, for example, a tractor. The hitch  110  may be any type of hitch suitable for allowing the single pass plow  100  to be pulled by a prime mover such as, for example, a standard three point hitch as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. It will also be understood that the single pass plow  100  of the present invention may be pushed and/or integrated into a vehicle rather than being configured to be pulled by a prime mover. For a standard three point hitch, three attaching points  155 ,  160 ,  165  may be included in the hitch  110 . A central attaching point  155  may be adapted to connect to a movable center arm or top link of a tractor. The central attaching point  155  may be positioned between two outer hitching points  160 ,  165  and may further be vertically positioned above the two outer hitching points  160 ,  165 . The two outer hitching points  160 ,  165  may be adapted to each connect to an outer arm or hitch lifting arm of a tractor. The hitch lifting arms may further be controlled by the hydraulic system of the tractor and used to lift, lower, or tilt the one pass plow  100  as it is being pulled by the tractor.  
         [0037]     Each of the attaching points  155 ,  160 ,  165  of the hitch  110  may include one or more sets of attachment holes  170 . The one or more sets of attachment holes  170  may be used to connect an arm of a prime mover to the hitch  110  such as, for example, a center arm or lifting arm of a tractor. The one or more sets of attachment holes  170  may be vertically spaced along an attaching point  155 ,  160 ,  165  to allow the arm of the prime mover to be connected at various vertical positions of the attaching point  155 ,  160 ,  165 . A connection hole located on the arm of the prime mover may be situated between a set of attachment holes  170  and connected to the hitch  110  by inserting a peg, post, bolt, or other suitable device through both the arm and a corresponding set of attachment holes  170 . The peg, post, bolt, or other suitable device may then be secured in place with a locking mechanism such as, for example, a pin or a nut. Although only two sets of attachment holes  170  are shown in  FIG. 1A  for each attaching point  155 ,  160 ,  165 , it will be understood that any number of sets of attachment holes  170  may be situated on each attaching point  155 ,  160 ,  165 . Additionally, the sets of attachment holes  170  may be vertically or horizontally spaced along each attaching point  155 ,  160 ,  165 .  
         [0038]     As shown in  FIG. 1A , one or more support arms  125  may also be connected to the tool bar  105 . Ground working implements in addition to the one or more shears  115  and the cylinder assembly  120  may be attached or connected to the one or more support arms  125 .  FIG. 1A  shows a chisel assembly  130  and a rowing device  135  connected to each support arm  125 ; however, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that many other types of ground working implements may be connected to one or more of the support arms  125  including, but not limited to, disk harrows, moldboard plows, chisel plows, subsoilers, bedders, ridgers, cultivators, harrows, rotary hoes, seadbed conditioners, roller harrows, packers, rotary tillers, Burrowers, and basket rollers. It will also be understood that ground working implements may be connected directly to the tool bar  105  in addition to and/or as an alternative to connecting ground working implements to the one or more extension arms  125 .  
         [0039]     The one or more support arms  125  may be permanently or removably connected to the second cross bar  145  of the tool bar  105  and may further extend rearwardly from the second cross bar  145 . The one or more support arms  125  may be removably connected to the second cross bar  145  by any suitable means such as, for example, bolts, screws, pins, welds, or any combination of attachment means. By removably connecting the support arms  125  to the second cross bar  145 , the support arms  125  may be laterally adjustable along the length of the second cross bar  145 .  
         [0040]     Each of the one or more support arms  125  may extend rearwardly from the tool bar  105  of the single pass plow  100 . Additionally, at least a portion of each support arm  125  may angle downwardly from the tool bar  105 , as explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . By angling a portion of each support arm  125  downwardly from the tool bar  105 , ground working implements may be connected to each support arm  125  at a lower vertical position than the vertical position of the tool bar  105 . Accordingly, the length required for any shanks incorporated into or connecting to the ground working implements may be less than the length that would be required if the support arms  125  did not include an angled portion. Utilizing shorter shafts in conjunction with the ground working implements may provide greater strength and leverage to the shafts and the ground working implements. For example, if a chisel assembly  130  is connected to a support arm  125  that contains an angled portion, the length of a chisel shaft that connects a chisel to the support arm  125  may be reduced. The shorter chisel shaft may then provide greater strength and leverage to the chisel assembly  130  as the single pass plow  100  is pulled through agricultural ground.  
         [0041]     It will be understood that, in addition to the second cross bar  145  of the tool bar  105 , one or more additional cross bars or braces may extend between two or more of the support arms  125 . For example, a cross bar may extend between all of the support arms  125  at their distal ends relative to the tool bar  105 . It will also be understood that ground working implements may be connected or attached to the one or more additional cross bars or braces. Additionally, the one or more support arms  125  may be constructed out of tubular steel or out of any other suitable materials including, but not limited to, iron, plastic, aluminum, synthetic fibers, polymers, steel or other metal alloys, solid steel, other metals, ceramics or a combination of materials.  
         [0042]      FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view of a single pass plow  100  according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Similar to  FIG. 1A , a six row embodiment of a single pass plow  100  is shown in  FIG. 1B .  
         [0043]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a single pass plow  200  according to a second illustrative embodiment of the present invention. A ten row embodiment of a single pass plow  200  is shown in  FIG. 2 . According to an aspect of the present invention, the single pass plow  200  may include one or more lateral sections, and each of the one or more lateral sections may be utilized to work different rows of agricultural land while the single pass plow  200  is pulled through a field. Three lateral sections  201 ,  202 ,  203  are shown in  FIG. 2 ; however, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that the single pass plow  200  may include any number of lateral sections. The three lateral sections  205 ,  210 ,  215  may each include a separate tool bar  205  or, alternatively, one or more of the three lateral sections  201 ,  202 ,  203  may share a tool bar  205 . Additionally, it will be understood that each of the one or more lateral sections of the single pass plow  200  may include separate ground working implements. For example, each of the three lateral sections  201 ,  202 ,  203  shown in  FIG. 2  may include a separate cylinder assembly  220 .  
         [0044]     Also shown in  FIG. 2 , one or more outside sections  201 ,  202  of the single pass plow  200  may be situated in a forward position relative to a central section  203  of the single pass plow  200 . The central section  203  of the single pass plow  200  may include a hitch  210 , one or more shear assemblies  215 , a cylinder assembly  220 , and one or more support arms  225  to which additional ground working implements may be attached. Each of the outside sections  201 ,  202  of the single pass plow  200  may include one or more shear assemblies  215 , a cylinder assembly  220 , and one or more support arms  225  to which additional ground working implements may be attached. The central section  203  may be utilized to work six rows of crops and each of the outside sections  201 ,  202  may be utilized to work two rows of crops; however, it will be understood that any number of rows of crops may be worked by each of the sections  201 ,  202 ,  203  of the single pass plow. For example, in a twelve row embodiment of the single pass plow  200 , the central section  203  may be utilized to work four rows of crops and each of the outside sections  201 ,  202  may be utilized to work four rows of crops.  
         [0045]     The outside sections  201 ,  202  of the single pass plow  200  may be situated in a forward position relative to the central section  200  to assist in the lifting of the single pass plow  200  by a prime mover. The center of mass of the single pass plow  200  may be altered by positioning the outside sections  201 ,  202  in a forward position relative to the central section  203  and, consequently, the weight at the hitch  210  of the single pass plow  200  may be reduced. As a result, the power needed to lift the single pass plow  200  may be reduced, thereby aiding a prime mover such as, for example, a tractor, in lifting and transporting the single pass plow  200 .  
         [0046]     It will be understood that additional features may be incorporated into the single pass plow  200  to assist a prime mover in transporting the single pass plow  200 . For example, one or more of the outside sections  201 ,  202  of the single pass plow  200  may be connected to the central section  203  by one or more hinges  204 , thereby allowing one or more of the outside sections  201 ,  202  to be hinged into an upward or vertical position. For wider embodiments of the single pass plow  200  such as, for example, a twelve row or a fourteen row embodiment of the single pass plow  200 , hinging one or more of the outside sections  201 ,  202  into an upward position may reduce the overall width of the single pass plow  200 . Accordingly, the single pass plow  200  may be more easily transported in certain situations such as, for example, when transporting the single pass plow  200  down a road in order to reach agricultural land.  
         [0047]     Another feature that may be incorporated into or utilized in conjunction with the single pass plow  200  to assist in transporting the single plow  200  is a lift assist assembly, as will be understood by those of skill in the art. The lift assist assembly may include one or more hydraulically operated rubber gauge wheels that may assist in lifting the single pass plow  200  when it is transported. It will also be understood that any number of wheels may be incorporated into the single pass plow  200  to assist in transporting the single pass plow  200 . For example, wheels may be attached to wheel supports or wheel mounts that extend downwardly from the tool bar  205  of the single pass plow  200 , and the wheels may support all of or a portion of the weight of the single pass plow  200  when it is being transported to or from agricultural ground. Additionally, the wheel supports may be removably attached or hingably attached to the tool bar  205 , thereby allowing the wheel supports and attached wheels to be removed or hinged into an upward position when the plow is being pulled across agricultural land by a prime mover.  
         [0048]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a single pass plow  100  according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Similarly,  FIG. 4  is a bottom view of a single pass plow  100  according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. A six row embodiment of the single pass plow  100  is illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 . As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the one or more support arms  125  may be laterally positioned in the spaces to the side of and/or between the one or more shear assemblies  115 . In operation, as the single pass plow  100  is pulled across agriculture land, the one or more shear assemblies  115  may operate on the rows of crops, as explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 7-9 . The blades of the cylinder assembly  120  may also operate on the rows of crops, as explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 7, 8 , and  10 . Additionally, the one or more support arms  125  may be positioned between the rows of crops, and the ground working implements attached to the one or more support arms  125  may operate on or work the ground between the rows of crops, as explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 7, 8 ,  11 ,  12 , and  14 .  
         [0049]     It will be understood that the single pass plow  100  may be utilized to work agricultural land according to many different row spacings. For example, the single pass plow  100  may be utilized to work agricultural land that contains row to row spacings of approximately ten to approximately fifty inches. According to a particularly beneficial embodiment of the present invention, the single pass plow  100  may be utilized to work agricultural land with a row to row spacing of approximately thirty-six to forty inches. It will be understood that the row to row spacing of agricultural land may be measured from the center of one row of crops to the center of an adjacent row of crops. The seed bed area or the width of the seed bed of each row of crops may vary depending on the type of crop planted. The seed bed area of many types of agricultural crops such as, for example, corn, cotton and soy beans, may be approximately eighteen inches or less; however, it will be understood that in some situations, the seed bed area may exceed approximately eighteen inches.  
         [0050]     As explained in greater detail below, each of the one or more shear assemblies  115  of the single pass plow  100  may operate within the seed bed area of a row of crops or within the area immediately surrounding the seed bed area of a row of crops. Similarly, the blades  1025  ( FIG. 10 ) of the cylinder assembly  120  may operate within the seed bed area of a row of crops or within the area immediately surrounding the seed bed area of a row of crops. The one or more support arms  125  of the single pass plow  100  may be laterally positioned between the seed bed areas of two adjacent rows of crops, and the ground working implements attached to or connected to the one or more support arms  125  may operate on the agricultural ground situated between the seed bed areas of two adjacent rows of crops. It will, however, be understood that the ground working implements attached to or connected to the one or more support arms  125  may be intended to operate within the seed bed area of a row of crops or, alternatively, may incidentally operate within the seed bed area of a row of crops.  
         [0051]     Also shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the one or more shear assemblies  115  of the single pass plow  100  may be configured so that the cutting edge  930  of the blade portion  910  ( FIGS. 9A-9E ) of each shear assembly  115  is angled toward the hitch  110  of the single pass plow  100 . Accordingly, the one or more shear assemblies  115  situated on either side of the hitch  110  may form a mirror image of one another. As explained in greater detail below, such a configuration of the one or more shear assemblies  115  may assist in preventing the one or more shear assemblies  115  from contacting or interfering with the hitch  110  of the single pass plow  100 . It will, however, be understood by those of skill in the art that the cutting edge  930  of the blade portion  910  of each of the one or more shear assemblies  115  may be configured so that it is angled toward the hitch  110  or away from the hitch  110  of the single pass plow  100 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 5  is a front view of a single pass plow  100  according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Similarly,  FIG. 6  is a rear view of a single pass plow  100  according to a first illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Both  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  illustrate a six row embodiment of the single pass plow  100 .  
         [0053]      FIGS. 7-8  are cross-sectional views of the single pass plow  100  of  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the single pass plow  100  of  FIG. 3  taken along axis A-A′ and  FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the single pass plow  100  of  FIG. 3  taken along axis B-B′. As shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , the one or more shear assemblies  115  of the single pass plow  100  may be positioned immediately in front of the cylinder assembly  120  of the single pass plow  100 . The one or more support arms  125  of the single pass plow  100  may extend rearwardly from the tool bar  105 . The one or more shear assemblies  115  and the cylinder assembly  120  may extend from the tool bar  105  in the same direction and in a parallel relationship with respect to the tool bar  105 . Also shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , one or more of the support arms  125  may include a downwardly angled portion  705  and an attachment portion  710 . The attachment portion  710  may be a horizontal section of the support arm  125  to which ground working implements may attach. The one or more ground working implements may extend from the tool bar  105  in the same direction as the one or more shear assemblies  115  and the cylinder assembly  120  in a parallel relationship with respect to the tool bar  105 . The downwardly angled portion  705  of the support arm  125  may operate to lower the vertical position of the attachment portion  710  relative to the vertical position of the tool bar  105 . Accordingly, ground working implements may be connected to the attachment portion  710  of a support arm  125  at a lower vertical position than the vertical position of the tool bar  105 , thereby decreasing the length required for any shanks incorporated into or connecting to the ground working implements. Utilizing shorter shafts in conjunction with the ground working implements may provide greater strength and leverage to the shafts and the ground working implements. It will be understood that many different downward angles  715  may be utilized for the downwardly angled portion  705  of the support arm  125  such as, for example, a downward angle  715  of approximately 25 to approximately 40 degrees. According to an aspect of the present invention, the downward angle  715  may be approximately 38 degrees. It will also be understood that the diameter of the cylinder assembly  120  may limit the downward angle  715  of the downwardly angled portion  705  as it may be advantageous for the support arm  125  to not make contact with the cylinder assembly  120 .  
         [0054]     While the single pass plow  100  is being pulled through agricultural land, the one or more shear assemblies  115  may first operate on the agricultural land, followed by the cylinder assembly  120  and then the ground working implements attached to the one or more support arms  125 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , a chisel assembly  130  and a buster assembly  135  may be attached to each of the one or more support arms  125 . The operation of each of these components of the single pass plow  100  is described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 9-14 .  
         [0055]      FIGS. 9A-9E  depict various views of a shear assembly  115  of a single pass plow  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 9A  is a top view of a shear assembly  115 ;  FIG. 9B  is a side view of a shear assembly  115 ; and  FIG. 9C  is a perspective view of a shear assembly  115 . As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C , the shear assembly  115  may include a shear support  905 , a blade assembly  910 , a stalk manager assembly  915 , a shear assembly mount  920 , and a shear shank  925 .  
         [0056]     The shear support  905  may extend downwardly from the tool bar  105  of the single pass plow  100 . The shear assembly mount  920  may be removably attached to, fixedly attached to, or incorporated into the shear support  905 , and the shear assembly mount  920  may be used to removably attach the shear assembly  115  to the tool bar  105  of the single pass plow  100 . By removably attaching the shear assembly  115  to the tool bar  105 , the shear assembly  115  may be laterally moved along the length of the first cross bar  140  of the tool bar  105 . It will, however, be understood that the shear assembly  115  may be fixedly attached to the tool bar  105 . A connection or attachment between the shear assembly mount  920  and the tool bar  105  may be made by any suitable means such as, for example, bolts, screws, pins, and/or welds.  
         [0057]     The shear shank  925  may be removably or fixedly connected to or attached to the distal end of the shear support  905 . According to an aspect of the present invention, the shear shank  925  may be removably attached to the shear support  905  and may further be vertically adjustable with respect to the shear support arm  905 . The shear shank  925  may be connected to the shear support  905  by any suitable means such as, for example, bolts, screws, or pins. For example, the shear shank  925  may include one or more attachment holes  926  positioned in a vertical line along the shear shank  925 . Bolts or screws may be inserted through both a portion of the one or more attachment holes  926  and the shear support  905 , thereby forming a connection between the shear support  905  and the shear shank  925 . In order to adjust the vertical position of the shear shank  925  with respect to the shear support  905 , the shear shank  925  may be connected to the shear support  905  by utilizing a different portion of the one or more attachment holes  926 . By adjusting the vertical position of the shear shank  925  with respect to the shear support  905 , the vertical position of the blade assembly  910  of the shear assembly  115  may be adjusted. It will, however, be understood that the vertical position of the blade assembly  910  may be adjusted by other means including, but not limited to, a telescopic shear support  905 , a telescopic shear shank  925 , or a telescopic connection between the shear support  905  and the shear shank  925 . According to an aspect of the present invention, the vertical position of the blade assembly  910  may be configured such that the blade assembly  910  operates at a subsurface depth of approximately one to eight inches, although it will be understood that the blade assembly  910  may be configured to operate at any vertical height either above or below the surface.  
         [0058]     The shear shank  925  may include a foot portion  927  at its distal end. The blade assembly  910  may be connected to or attached to the foot portion  927  of the shear shank  925  by any suitable means such as, for example, bolts screws, pins, or welding. The angle at which the foot portion  927  joins the remainder of the shear shank  925  may be determined by the various angles associated with the blade assembly  930 , as described in greater detail below. The shear shank  925  may also include a shank angle  928  as it extends downwardly from the shear support  905 . The shank angle  928  may cause the shear shank  925  to extend away from the shear support  905  in a lateral direction, thereby contributing to the ability of the blade assembly  910  to operate on agricultural crops without the shear support  905  becoming entangled with the crops. For example, while the blade assembly  910  is operating beneath a row of crops, the shear support  925  may be positioned to the side of the row of crops or to the side of the main stalks of the plants within the row of crops. It will be understood that many different shank angles  928  may be utilized by the present invention such as, for example, a shank angle  928  that is within the range of approximately 10 degrees to approximately 45 degrees. According to an aspect of the present invention, the shank angle  928  may be approximately 24.5 degrees. It will also be understood that the shank angles  928  of the various shear shanks  925  may vary according to the row to row spacing of the crops situated on the agricultural land.  
         [0059]     Additionally, the blade assembly  910  may include a cutting edge  930  that is configured to cut through the ground and the root zone of the crops that are situated within a row of agricultural land. The cutting edge  930  of the blade assembly  910  may cut a subsurface swath or section through the row of crops. Additionally, it will be understood that the cutting edge  930  may not be configured to turn the soil through which it operates; however, it is possible that the cutting edge  930  and the blade assembly  910  may turn a portion of the soil through which it operates.  
         [0060]     The subsurface section that is cut by the cutting edge  930  may have a wide variety of lateral cutting widths such as, for example, a lateral width of approximately eighteen inches. The lateral cutting width may be the width of the subsurface swath or section that it is cut by the cutting edge  930  as it travels through agricultural ground. An eighteen inch lateral cutting width may be utilized to help ensure that the cutting edge  930  cuts through a majority or all of the root system of the crops that are planted in a particular row. For many agricultural crops such as, for example, corn, soy beans, and cotton, the lateral width of the seed bed of the crops does not exceed approximately eighteen inches. Accordingly, a majority or all of the root system of the crops may be cut or severed if the cutting edge  930  has a lateral cutting width of approximately eighteen inches. For taproot crops such as, for example, cotton, the cutting edge  930  may sever the taproot as the single pass plow  100  is pulled through agricultural land.  
         [0061]     It will be understood that the various components of the shear assembly  115  may be constructed of steel or any other suitable material such as, for example, iron, plastic, aluminum, synthetic fibers, polymers, steel or other metal alloys, solid steel, other metals, ceramics or a combination of materials. It will also be understood that as components of the shear assembly  115  make contact with agricultural ground, the components of the shear assembly  115  may experience wear. For example, the shear shank  925  may experience wear as when the shear assembly  115  is pulled through agricultural ground. In order to minimize the wear on the shear shank  925 , a shin  935  may be permanently or removably attached to the front of the shear shank  925 . The shin  935  may be attached to the shear shank  925  by any suitable means such as, for example, bolts, screws, pins, or welds. As shown in  FIGS. 9B-9E , the shin  935  may have a triangular solid shape; however, it will be understood that the shin  935  may have many different shapes such as, for example, a rectangular solid shape, or a semicircular solid shape. As the shear assembly  115  is pulled through agricultural ground, the shin  935  may protect the shear shank  925  and minimize wear on the shear shank  925 . Additionally, the shin  935  may assist the shear assembly  115  in cutting through the soil of the agricultural ground and may additionally assist in cutting vegetation or other materials situated within the soil. For example, if the shin  925  has a triangular solid shape, one of the points of the triangle may face the front of the single pass plow  100  and that point may assist the shear assembly  115  in cutting through the soil and any vegetation or other materials situation within the soil.  
         [0062]     The blade assembly  910  and foot portion  927  of the shear shank  925  may contact or be affixed to the shear shank  925  at any angle. According to an aspect of the present invention, the blade assembly  910  may be angled such that the cutting edge  930  of the blade assembly  910  is diagonal to the front of the single pass plow  100 , allowing cut, sliced or severed material to slide off of the blade assembly  910 . As shown in  FIG. 9A , the blade assembly  910  may include or incorporate a swept back angle  940  that defines an angle in the horizontal plane at which the blade assembly  910  contacts the root zone of the crops and other material situated in an agricultural row. By providing a swept back angle  940 , cut material may slide off of the cutting edge  930  and the blade assembly  910 , thereby assisting in the prevention of materials accumulating on the cutting edge  930  and the blade assembly  910 . The swept back angle  910  may also assist in the cutting of roots and other materials. As the shear assembly  115  passes through a row of crops, the forward momentum of the single pass plow  100  will cause any material contacted by the cutting edge  930  to travel down the length of the cutting edge  930 , thereby assisting in the severing or cutting of that material.  
         [0063]     Due to the swept back angle  940  of the blade assembly  910 , in order to cut a subsurface swath having a lateral cutting width of approximately 18 inches, the length of the cutting edge  930  of the blade assembly  910  may be greater than approximately 18 inches. It will be understood that the greater the swept back angle  940 , the easier it will be for the blade assembly  910  to slide or move through the soil and the rows of crops planted therein and the easier it will be for a prime mover to pull the single pass plow  100  over the agricultural land. In other words, as the angle of the swept back angle  940  increases, a prime mover will have to expend less energy or horsepower to pull the single pass plow  100 . However, the greater the swept back angle  940 , the greater the length of the cutting edge  930  required to have a lateral cutting width of approximately 18 inches. It will also be understood that the swept back angle  940  may be any angle between approximately zero and approximately ninety degrees such as, for example, an angle that is in the range of approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the swept back angle  940  may be approximately 45 degrees. Accordingly, the length of the cutting edge  930  may be approximately 22 inches in order to have a lateral cutting width of approximately 18 inches. It will be understood that the length of the cutting edge  930  and the value of the swept back angle  940  may be virtually any length and angle respectively, as desired by a user of the single pass plow  100 . Additionally, it will be understood that the value of the swept back angle  940  may be adjustable or fixed for a given shear assembly  115 .  
         [0064]     The blade assembly  910  of the shear assembly  115  may also contact the ground or terrain at an angle in the vertical direction, referred to herein as the blade lift angle  945 .  FIG. 9D  is a side view of the shear assembly  115  of  FIG. 9A  viewed along a first axis  947 . The blade lift angle  945  of the blade assembly  910  is shown in  FIG. 9D . The blade lift angle  945  may assist in providing plow suction to the shear assembly  115 . In other words, the blade lift angle  945  may function to pull the shear assembly  115  downward into the ground or terrain while the single pass plow  100  is being pulled through agricultural land. The shear assembly  115  may be pulled downward into the ground up to the limits of the one or more gauge wheels  1010  of the cylinder assembly  120 , as explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 10 . The blade life angle  945  may further assist in lifting cut vegetation and other materials from the terrain as that material may be pulled upward as it makes contact with the blade assembly  910 .  
         [0065]     Many different angles may be utilized for the blade lift angle  945  such as, for example, angles that are less than approximately 45 degrees. According to an aspect of the present invention, the blade lift angle  945  may be any angle within the range of approximately 10 degrees to approximately 20 degrees. It will be understood that, as the value of the blade lift angle  945  increases, the power required to pull the single pass plow  100  through agricultural land may increase. Additionally, the plow suction created by the blade assembly  910  may increase as the blade lift angle  945  increases. Conversely, as the value of the blade life angle  945  decreases, the power required to pull the single pass plow through agricultural land may decrease. Additionally, the plow suction created by the blade assembly  910  may decrease as the blade lift angle  945  decreases. It will be understood that the value of the blade lift angle  945  may be adjustable or fixed for a given shear assembly  115 .  
         [0066]     The cutting edge  930  of the blade assembly  910  may also be angled along its length, which will be referred to herein as the cutting edge angle  950 .  FIG. 9E  is a perspective view of the shear assembly  115  of  FIG. 9A  viewed along a second axis  952 . The cutting edge angle  950  is illustrated in  FIG. 9E . The cutting edge  930  may include both a leading point  953  and a trailing point  954 . The leading point  953  of the cutting edge  930  may be the first portion of the cutting edge  930  that makes contact with the terrain when the single pass plow  100  is being pulled through agricultural ground, and the trailing point  954  of the cutting edge may be the last portion of the cutting edge  930  to make contact with the terrain when the single pass plow  100  is being pulled through agricultural ground. Additionally, the trailing point  954  of the cutting edge  930  may be situated at the distal end of the cutting edge  930  relative to the leading point  953 . The cutting edge angle  950  may be a vertical angle formed along the length of the cutting edge  930  that results in the leading point  953  making contact with the terrain prior to the trailing point  954 .  
         [0067]     Similar to the blade lift angle  945 , the cutting edge angle  950  may assist in creating downward plow suction, thereby pulling the shear assembly  115  downward into the ground or terrain while the single pass plow  100  is being pulled through agricultural land. The shear assembly  115  may be pulled downward into the ground up to the limits of the one or more gauge wheels  1010  of the cylinder assembly  120 , as explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 10 . The cutting edge angle  950  may further assist in lifting cut vegetation and other materials from the terrain as that material may be pulled upward as it makes contact with the blade assembly  910 .  
         [0068]     Many different angles may be utilized for the cutting edge angle  950  such as, for example, angles that are less than approximately 45 degrees. According to an aspect of the present invention, the cutting edge angle  950  may be any angle within the range of approximately 5 degrees to approximately 30 degrees. It will be understood that, as the value of the cutting edge angle  950  increases, the power required to pull the single pass plow  100  through agricultural land may increase. Additionally, the plow suction created by the blade assembly  910  may increase as the cutting edge angle  950  increases. Conversely, as the value of the cutting edge angle  950  decreases, the power required to pull the single pass plow through agricultural land may decrease. Additionally, the plow suction created by the blade assembly  910  may decrease as the cutting edge angle  950  decreases. It will be understood that the value of the cutting edge angle  950  may be adjustable or fixed for a given shear assembly  115 .  
         [0069]     The stalk manager assembly  915  or deflector assembly is also shown in  FIG. 9 . The stalk manager assembly  915  may assist in guiding the stalks of crops through the single pass plow  100 . The stalk manager assembly  915  may include a stalk manager support  955  and a deflector  960 . The stalk manager support  955  may be a horizontal arm or beam that is fixedly or removably attached to the shear support  905  by any suitable means such as, for example, by bolts, screws, pins, or welds. It will also be understood that the stalk manager support  915  may be vertically adjustable along the length of the shear support  955 , as described above with reference to the shear shank  925 . The deflector  960  may extend downwardly from any point along the length of the stalk manager support  955  such as, for example, at the distal end of the stalk manager support  955 . The deflector  960  may be fixedly or removably attached to the stalk manager support  955  by any suitable means such as, for example, by bolts, screws, pins, or welds. Additionally, the deflector  960  may be laterally adjustable along the length of the stalk manager support  955 . The length of the deflector  960  may be determined in part by the depth at which the blade assembly  930  is being pulled through the terrain or the depth at which the single pass plow  100  is plowing. To assist in preventing the deflector  960  from wearing, it may be desirable to prevent the deflector  960  from contacting the ground. Accordingly, the length of the deflector  960  may be any suitable length with minimal contact between the deflector  960  and the ground. The deflector  960  may also be connected to the stalk manager support  955  at a wide variety of deflector angles  970  such as, for example, at an angle of approximately zero to approximately twenty degrees with respect to the side of the shear support  905 . The deflector angle  970  may assist in guiding any stalks or other vegetation of the crops towards the blade assembly  910 . In addition, the face of the deflector  960  may be slightly opened towards the crops at the deflector and the blade assembly  910  at the deflector angle  970 , as shown in  FIG. 9A , thereby assisting in guiding stalks and vegetation into the blade assembly  910 .  
         [0070]     In operation the stalk manager assembly  915  may contact stalks and other vegetation and assist in guiding it into the blade assembly  910 . As stalks and vegetation contact the stalk manager assembly  915 , the stalks and vegetation may be held in an upright position and/or pushed forward by the stalk manager assembly  915  as the single pass plow  100  is pulled through a field, thereby allowing the stalks and vegetation to be more easily cut by the blade assembly  110 . Additionally, for some types of crops such as, for example, corn, the stalk manager assembly  915  may assist in lifting stalks and other vegetation as the stalks and other vegetation make contact with the top of the stalk manager support  915 .  
         [0071]     In addition to guiding stalks and vegetation into the blade assembly  910 , the stalk manager assembly  915  may also assist in guiding stalks and vegetation into the cylinder assembly  120 , which will be described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 10 . It will be understood that many different types of stalk manager assemblies may be used in accordance with the present invention in addition to or as an alternative to the stalk manager assembly  915  described above. For example, a U-shaped collector or a plant lifter may be utilized as a stalk manager assembly in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0072]     With general reference back to  FIGS. 7-8 , a cylinder assembly  120  may be attached to the tool bar  105  in a position behind the one or more shear assemblies  115 .  FIG. 10  is a partially exploded perspective view of a cylinder assembly  120  that may be utilized in conjunction with a single pass plow  100 , according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The cylinder assembly  120  may include a cylinder body  1005 , one or more gauge wheels  1010 , one or more coulters  1015 , one or more coulter retainers  1020 , one or more blade assemblies  1025 , and one or more shafts  1030 . A six row cylinder assembly  120  is depicted in  FIG. 10 ; however, it will be understood that a cylinder assembly  120  may be configured to operate on any number of rows of crops. Additionally, it will be understood that the single pass plow  100  may include one or more cylinder assemblies  120 . The cylinder assembly  120  may be configured to rotate as the single pass plow is pulled through a section of agricultural ground. The cylinder assembly  120  may rotate through the motion of the single pass plow  100  or, alternatively, the cylinder assembly  120  may be rotated by a motor.  
         [0073]     The cylinder body  1005  may be a circular pipe that extends through substantially the entire length of the cylinder assembly  120 . The cylinder body  1005  may be a hollow steel pipe; however, it will be understood that a solid steel pipe or a hollow or solid pipe made out of another material such as, for example, aluminum, other metals, plastic, synthetic fibers, polymers, ceramics, or any combination of materials may be utilized for the cylinder body  1005 . It will also be understood that the cylinder body  1005  need not be circular, but can take any shape such as for example, a hexagonal or octagonal pipe. For purposes of the present disclosure, the cylinder body  1005  is described as a hollow steel pipe because the hollow steel pipe may provide at least partial strength and support for the remainder of the cylinder assembly  120  while still maintaining a relatively light weight. Additionally, the cylinder body  1005  is described as a circular pipe because a circular pipe may easily be rotated as the single pass plow  100  is pulled over agricultural land while causing fewer vibrations than pipes of other shapes.  
         [0074]     The cylinder assembly  120  may additionally include one or more gauge wheels  1010 . Each of the one or more gauge wheels  1010  may be laterally positioned in a spaced relationship along the cylinder body  1005  in the space or area between two adjacent rows of crops. Each of the one or more gauge wheels  1010  may be fixedly or removably attached to the circumference of the cylinder body  1005  or, alternatively, the one or more gauge wheels  1010  may not be attached to the circumference of the cylinder body  1005 . Additionally, the one or more gauge wheels  1010  may operate to support or carry the weight of the single pass plow  100  as the single pass plow  100  is pulled through agricultural land. The one or more gauge wheels  1010  may be constructed of steel or any other suitable material such as, for example, rubber, aluminum, other metals, synthetic fibers, polymers, ceramics, or a combination of materials. Additionally, it will be understood that the one or more gauge wheels  1010  may be substantially or completely round wheels; however, it will be understood that other shapes of gauge wheels  1010  may be used in accordance with the present invention such as, for example, hexagonal or octagonal wheels.  
         [0075]     It will also be understood that the many different values may be utilized for the diameter of the one or more gauge wheels  1010  such as, for example, a diameter in the range of approximately 20 inches to approximately 35 inches. According to an aspect of the present invention, the diameter of the one or more gauge wheels  1010  may be approximately 28 inches.  
         [0076]     The cylinder assembly  120  may additionally include one or more coulters  1015  that operate to cut any vegetation that is situated at or near the top of the soil through which the one or more coulters  1015  are pulled. Each of the one or more coulters  1015  may be laterally positioned in a spaced relationship along the cylinder body  1005  such that they operate in the area between two adjacent rows of crops of a section of agricultural land. Additionally, each of the one or more coulters  1015  may be laterally positioned adjacent to one side of the one or more gauge wheels  1010 . Each of the one or more coulters  1015  may additionally be fixedly or removably attached or connected to the circumference of the cylinder body  1005  and/or to an adjacent gauge wheel  1010 . The one or more coulters  1015  may be constructed of steel or any other suitable material such as, for example, aluminum, other metals, synthetic fibers, polymers, ceramics, or a combination of materials. Additionally, it will be understood that the one or more coulters  1015  may be substantially or completely round around an outer edge; however, it will be understood that other shapes of coulters  1015  may be used in accordance with the present invention such as, for example, hexagonal or octagonal wheels.  
         [0077]     Each of the one or more coulters  1015  may include one or more parts. As shown in  FIG. 10 , each of the one or more coulters  1015  may include a first coulter half  1017  and a second coulter half  1019 ; however, it will be understood that each of the one or more coulters  1015  may include more or less than two parts. By providing two halves  1017 ,  1019 , each of the coulters  1015  may be easily attached or connected to the cylinder body  1005  and/or a gauge wheel  1010 .  
         [0078]     It will also be understood that each of the one or more coulters  1015  may be laterally positioned at or substantially near the center between two rows of crops. While the single pass plow  100  is being pulled over agricultural land, the one or more coulters  1015  may stabilize the single pass plow  100  and assist in preventing lateral movement of the single pass plow  100 . In other words, the one or more coulters  1015  may assist in keeping the single pass plow  100  in a straight line as it is being pulled across agricultural land. The one or more coulters  1015  may also assist in cutting any vegetation or other debris that are present between the one or more rows of crops, thereby assisting in the prevention of accumulation of the vegetation and other debris on the chisel assembly  130  and/or the rowing device  135 , as will be explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 11-12 .  
         [0079]     The diameter of the one or more coulters  1015  may be greater than the diameter of the one or more gauge wheels  1010 . Providing a greater diameter for the one or more coulters  1015  may assist in the lateral stabilization of the single pass plow  100 . It will be understood that many different diameters may be utilized for the one or more coulters  1015  such as for example, a diameter that is approximately two to eight inches greater than the diameter of the one or more gauge wheels  1010 . According to an aspect of the present invention, the diameter of the one or more coulters  1015  may be approximately six inches greater than the diameter of the one or more gauge wheels  1010 . Accordingly, if the one or more gauge wheels  1010  have a diameter of approximately 28 inches, the one or more coulters  1015  may have a diameter of approximately 34 inches. Additionally, the one or more coulters  1015  may extend into the soil and cut or sever any encountered vegetation as the single pass plow  100  is pulled through a field. If the diameter of the one or more coulters  1015  is approximately six inches greater than the diameter of the one or more gauge wheels  1010 , then the one or more coulters  1015  may extend approximately three inches into the soil and cut or sever any encountered vegetation.  
         [0080]     The cylinder assembly  120  may also include one or more coulter retainers  1020 . Each of the one or more coulter retainers  1020  may be laterally positioned adjacent to a coulter  1015 . The one or more coulter retainers  1020  may operate to assist in securing and strengthening the coulter  1015  that it is adjacent to. Each of the one or more coulter retainers  1020  may additionally be fixedly or removably attached or connected to the circumference of the cylinder body  1005  and/or to an adjacent coulter  1015 . The one or more coulter retainers  1020  may be constructed of steel or any other suitable material such as, for example, aluminum, other metals, synthetic fibers, polymers, ceramics, or a combination of materials. Additionally, it will be understood that the one or more coulter retainers  1020  may be substantially or completely round along an outer edge; however, it will be understood that other shapes of coulter retainers  1020  may be used in accordance with the present invention such as, for example, hexagonal or octagonal wheels.  
         [0081]     Each of the one or more coulter retainers  1020  may include one or more parts. As shown in  FIG. 10 , each of the one or more coulter retainers  1020  may include a first coulter retainer half  1022  and a second coulter retainer half  1024 ; however, it will be understood that each of the one or more coulter retainers  1020  may include more or less than two parts. By providing two halves  1022 ,  1024 , each of the coulter retainers  1020  may be easily attached or connected to the cylinder body  1005  and/or a coulter  1015 . Additionally, the two halves  1022 ,  1024  of a coulter retainer  1020  may be phase shifted from the two halves  1017 ,  1019  of an adjacent coulter  1015 , thereby providing greater strength to both the coulter  1015  and the coulter retainer  1020 . A wide range of phase shifts may be utilized in accordance with the present invention when a coulter retainer  1020  is laterally positioned adjacent to a coulter  1015  such as, for example, a 180 degree phase shift.  
         [0082]     The cylinder assembly  120  may additionally include one or more blade assemblies  1025 . The one or more blade assemblies  1025  may be laterally positioned along the cylinder body  1005  such that a blade assembly  1025  is present between each set of adjacent gauge wheels  1010 . Additionally, the center of each blade assembly  1025  may be longitudinally aligned with a corresponding shear assembly  115  positioned in front of the blade assembly  1025 , such that the blade assembly  1025  is operable to roll across a row of crops.  
         [0083]     Each of the one or more blade assemblies  1025  may include one or more radially extending blades  1035 . Each of the one or more blades  1035  may be fixedly or removably connected or attached to a blade mount  1040  by any suitable means such as, for example, bolts, screws, pins, welds, or any combination of attachment means. According to an aspect of the present invention, each of the one or more blades  1035  may be removably attached to a blade mount  1040 , thereby allowing for replacement of each individual blade as desired by a user of the single pass plow  100 . The blade mounts  1040  may further be fixedly or removably attached to the cylinder body  1005  by any suitable means such as, for example, bolts, screws, pins, welds, or any combination of attachment means. It will be understood that the lateral widths of the one or more blades  1035  and the one or more blade mounts  1040  along the length of the cylinder body  1005  may be any positive lateral width such as, for example, approximately eighteen inches. By providing one or more blades  1035  and one or more blade mounts  1040  that are approximately eighteen inches wide, each blade assembly  1025  may be operable to work on a row of crops with a seedbed width of approximately eighteen inches or less.  
         [0084]     For each of the one or more blade assemblies  1025 , the one or more blades  1035  and the one or more blade mounts  1040  may be spaced along the circumference of the cylinder body  1005 . The spacing between each set of blades  1035  and blade mounts  1040  may be determined at least in part by the number of blades  1035  that are included in each blade assembly  1025 . According to an aspect of the present invention, the one or more blades  1035  may be spaced along the circumference of the cylinder body  1005  such that the distance between each set of adjacent blades  1035  is substantially the same. Additionally, any number of blades  1035  may be incorporated into each blade assembly  1025  such as, for example, six blades, eight blades, or ten blades. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, four to twenty blades  1035  may be incorporated into each blade assembly  1025 .  
         [0085]     In operation, as each of the one or more blade assemblies  1025  is pulled or rolled across a row of crops, the blades  1035  may serve to mash vegetation, stalks, and other debris into the ground. The blades  1035  may also assist in aerating, breaking, and/or mulching the ground. By mashing vegetation, stalks, and other debris into the ground, the blades  1035  may assist in the positioning of the vegetation, stalks, and other debris into future seedbeds, thereby encouraging the later decomposition of the vegetation, stalks, and other debris, as will be explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 12 and 14 . As the number of blades  1035  utilized in a blade assembly  1025  increases, the amount of aeration, ground breaking, and/or mulching performed by the blade assembly  1025  may increase; however, as the number of blades  1035  increases, it may become easier for soil and other materials to become compacted between two adjacent blades  1035 , thereby clogging the blade assembly  1025  and interfering with its intended operation.  
         [0086]     It will be understood that each of the one or more blades  1035  may take a variety of shapes such as, for example, a rectangular, square, or triangular shape. Each of the one or more blades  1035  may additionally include a cutting edge  1045  at its distal end that may assist in mulching vegetation, stalks, and other debris. The cutting edge  1045  may also function to assist in preventing the cylinder assembly  120  and the single pass plow  100  from being lifted as the cylinder assembly  120  rolls through a field, because the cutting edge  1045  may penetrate the soil as the cylinder assembly  120  is rolled through a field. The cutting edge  1045  may also take a variety of shapes and the shape of the cutting edge  1045  need not be the same as the shape of a blade  1035 . For example a blade  1035  may have a rectangular shape and the cutting edge  1045  may have a triangular or arcuate shape.  
         [0087]     It will also be understood that many different values may be utilized for the distance that each blade  1035  extends away from the circumference of the cylinder body  1005 . For example, the distance that each blade  1035  extends away from the circumference of the cylinder body  1005 , or the length of the blade, may be approximately six to nine inches. There are several considerations that may be taken into account when choosing an appropriate length for a blade  1035 . First, it may be advantageous that the blade  1035  does not make contact with the shear assembly  115  positioned in front of the cylinder assembly  120 . Additionally, to assist in preventing wear on the blade  1035 , it may be beneficial that the blade  1035  does not extend more than approximately one or two inches beyond the diameter of a gauge wheel  1010 . For example, setting the length of the blade  1035  to approximately one inch beyond the diameter of a gauge wheel  1010  may also assist in preventing the compaction of soil as the cylinder assembly  120  is rolled across a field. It will be understood that as the length of the blade  1035  gets smaller, less lift will be provided to the cylinder assembly  120  and the single pass plow  100  by the blade  1035 ; however, the vibration(s) that occurs as the cylinder assembly  120  rolls through a field may be increased.  
         [0088]     The cylinder assembly  120  may additionally include one or more shafts  1030 . Each of the one or more shafts  1030  may be utilized to connect the cylinder assembly  120  to one or more cylinder support arms  175  ( FIG. 1A ) that may be lateral positioned at each end of the cylinder assembly  120 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , a shaft  1030  may be laterally positioned at each end of the cylinder assembly  120  and the shafts  1030  may partially extend into the cylinder body  1005 . It will, however, be understood that it is possible to use a single shaft  1030  that extends all the way through the cylinder body  1005 .  
         [0089]     A cylinder support arm  175 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B , may be connected to a shaft  1030  at each end of the cylinder assembly  120 . At one end of a cylinder support arm  175 , the cylinder support arm  175  may be fixedly or removably attached or connected to the tool bar  105  of the single pass plow  100  by any suitable form of attachment such as, for example, bolts, screws, pins, welds, or a combination of attachments. It will also be understood that the cylinder support arm  175  may be laterally adjustable along the length of the tool bar  105 . At its distal end, the bearing assembly  175  may be connected to a shaft  1030 . A shaft  1030  may extend into the cylinder support arm  175  and through one or more bearings that are attached to the cylinder support arm  175  at its distal end. Accordingly, the cylinder assembly  120  may be attached or connected to the one or more bearing assemblies  175  in such a manner that the cylinder assembly  120  is free to rotate.  
         [0090]     With reference back to  FIGS. 7-8 , it may be advantageous to minimize the distance between a shear assembly  115  and a corresponding blade assembly  1025  of the cylinder assembly  120 . As explained in greater detail below, minimizing this distance may contribute to vegetation, stalks, soil, and other debris being worked more easily by the single pass plow  100  because the motion of the vegetation, stalks, soil, and other debris may be constant and maintained as the single pass plow  100  is pulled through a field. Additionally, minimizing the distance between a shear assembly  115  and a corresponding blade assembly  1025  may assist in concentrating a greater portion of weight of the single pass plow  100  towards the front of the single pass plow  100 , thereby making it easier for the single pass plow  100  to be lifted by a prime mover. Many different distances may exist between a shear assembly  115  and a corresponding blade assembly  1025  such as, for example, a within the range of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 3 inches. According to an aspect of the present invention, the distance between a shear assembly  115  and a corresponding blade assembly  1025  may be approximately one inch or less.  
         [0091]     It will also be understood that the positions at which one or more blades  1035  of adjacent blade assemblies  1025  are connected or attached to the diameter of the cylinder body  1005  may be phase shifted from one another. The cross section of the cylinder assembly  120  depicted in  FIG. 8  depicts a blade assembly  1025  that is adjacent to the blade assembly  1025  depicted in  FIG. 7 . When comparing  FIGS. 7 and 8 , it may be observed that the positions at which the one or more blades  1035  attach to the blade assembly  1025  of  FIG. 7  may be phase shifted from the positions at which the one or more blades  1035  attach to the adjacent blade assembly  1025  of  FIG. 8 . It will be understood that many different alignments of the one or more blades  1035  may be utilized in accordance with the present invention. For example, the one or more blades  1035  of a blade assembly  1025  may be positioned in the center points along the circumference of the cylinder body  1005  between the one or more blades  1035  of an adjacent blade assembly  1025 . By phase shifting or positioning the one or more blades  1035  of a blade assembly  1025  in a different configuration than that of an adjacent blade assembly  1025 , the lift generated by the cylinder assembly  120  may be minimized. Additionally, less vibration(s) may occur as the cylinder assembly  120  is rolled across a field, thereby assisting in the stabilization of the single pass plow  100 .  
         [0092]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 7-8 , one or more ground working implements may be connected to each of the one or more support arms  125  that extend rearwardly from the tool bar  105 . As shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , a chisel assembly  130  and a rowing device  135  may be attached or connected to a support arm  125 .  
         [0093]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a chisel assembly  135  that may be used in conjunction with a single pass plow  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The chisel assembly  135  may include a standard chisel plow as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the chisel assembly  135  may include a chisel shank  1105 , a chisel blade  1110 , and a trip shank  1115 . The chisel shank  1105  may be fixedly or removably attached to a support arm  125  of the single pass plow  100  by any suitable means such as bolts, screws, pins, welds, or the bracket described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 13A and 13B . At its distal end, the chisel shank  1105  may be fixedly or removably connected to the chisel blade  1110 . It will further be understood that the chisel shank  1105  may be connected to the chisel blade  1110  via the trip shank  1115 . The chisel assembly  130  may be laterally and/or vertically adjustable with respect to the support arm  125  to which it is attached, as will be explained in greater detail below.  
         [0094]     As the single pass plow  100  is pulled through a field, the chisel assembly  130  may operate between two adjacent rows of crops. A chisel assembly  130  may be positioned behind one of the coulters  1015  of the cylinder assembly  120 . The chisel blade  1110  may operate below the surface of the soil and may break the ground prior to a rowing device  135  operating on the ground. Additionally, the chisel blade  1110  may assist in aerating and loosening the soil between two adjacent rows of crops.  
         [0095]     It will be understood that the chisel blade  1110  may be configured to operate at many different soil depths such as, for example, at a depth between approximately eight inches and approximately twelve inches. If the chisel blade  1110  contacts an object or substance that it cannot plow through, the trip shank  1115  may trip, causing the chisel blade  1110  to hinge rearwardly. Once the trip shank  1115  has been tripped, the chisel blade  1110  may no longer operate to break the ground, as will be understood by those of skill in the art. The various components of the chisel assembly  130  may be constructed of steel or any other suitable material such as, for example, iron, other metals, synthetic fibers, polymers, ceramics, or a combination of materials.  
         [0096]     Many different types of rowing devices  135  may be utilized in conjunction with the present invention. As shown in the illustrative embodiments of the present invention in  FIGS. 1-8 , a buster assembly  135  may be used as a rowing device  135 .  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a buster assembly  135  that may be utilized in conjunction with a single pass plow  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The buster assembly  135  may be a standard buster assembly as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the buster assembly  135  may include a buster shank  1205 , a buster blade  1210  and a trip shank  1215 . The buster shank  1205  may be fixedly or removably attached to a support arm  125  of the single pass plow  100  by any suitable means such as bolts, screws, pins, welds, or the bracket described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 13 . At its distal end, the buster shank  1205  may be fixedly or removably connected to the buster blade  1210 . It will further be understood that the buster shank  1205  may be connected to the buster blade  1210  via the trip shank  1215 . The buster assembly  135  may be laterally and/or vertically adjustable with respect to the support arm  125  to which it is attached, as will be explained in greater detail below.  
         [0097]     As the single pass plow  100  is pulled through a field, the buster assembly  135  may operate between two adjacent rows of crops. A buster assembly  135  may be positioned behind one of the coulters  1015  of the cylinder assembly  120 . The buster blade  1210  may operate below and/or at the surface of the soil and may push the soil into furrows to make rows for planting crops. Additionally, the buster blade  1210  may assist in aerating and loosening the soil between two adjacent rows of crops.  
         [0098]     Many different values for the lateral width of the buster blade  1210  may be utilized in accordance with the present invention such as, for example, lateral widths in the range of approximately seven inches to approximately twenty-two inches. It will be understood that the buster blade  1210  may be configured to operate at many different soil depths such as, for example, at a depth between approximately eight inches and approximately twelve inches. If the buster blade  1210  contacts an object or substance that it cannot plow through, the trip shank  1215  may trip, causing the buster blade  1210  to hinge rearwardly. Once the trip shank  1215  has been tripped, the buster blade  1210  may no longer operate to push the soil into furrows, as will be understood by those of skill in the art. The various components of the buster assembly  135  may be constructed of steel or any other suitable material such as, for example, iron, other metals, synthetic fibers, polymers, ceramics, or a combination of materials.  
         [0099]     According to an aspect of the present invention, the chisel assembly  130 , the buster assembly  135 , and other ground working implements may be removably attached to a support arm  125  of the single pass plow  100 . The various ground working implements may be laterally adjustable along the length of the support arm  125  and/or vertically adjustable. A wide variety of features may be utilized in accordance with the present invention to allow the various ground working implements to be laterally and/or vertically adjustable such as, for example, providing a plurality of adjustment holes along the lengths of both the support arm  125  and the shank of a ground working implement. Bolts or pins may then be inserted through one or more of these adjustment holes as desired to adjust the lateral and vertical position of the ground working implement. Additionally, the support arm  125  and/or the shank of a ground working implement may be telescopic, thereby allowing the lateral and vertical position of the ground working implement to be adjusted. According to an aspect of the present invention, the various ground working implements may be connected to a support arm  125  with an adjustable bracket that allows a ground working implement to be laterally and/or vertically adjusted.  
         [0100]      FIG. 13A  is a front perspective view of a bracket  1120  that may be used to removably affix attachments to a support arm  125  of a single pass plow  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Similarly,  FIG. 13B  is a rear perspective view of a bracket  1120  that may be used to removably affix attachments to a support arm  125  of a single pass plow  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The back of the bracket  1120  may be positioned adjacent to the shaft of a ground working implement such as, for example, the chisel shaft  1105  of  FIG. 11 . The operation of the bracket  1105  will be described herein with reference to the chisel shaft  1105  of the chisel assembly  130 ; however, it will be understood that the bracket  1120  may be used in conjunction with a wide variety of other ground working implements. The back of the bracket may include two extensions  1305  that are configured to extend outwardly from the bracket  1120  and along the sides of the chisel shaft  1105 . A bracket plate  1122  may then be placed on the opposite side of the chisel shaft  1105  from the bracket  1120 , and the chisel shaft  1105  may be surrounded by the bracket plate  1122  and the back of the bracket  1120 . The front of the bracket  1120  may then be positioned next to a support arm  125  of the single pass plow  100 . The front of the bracket  1120  may include one or more extensions  1310  that extend outwardly from the bracket  1120  and along the peripheral edges of the support arm  125 . Two U-bolts  1125  may then be positioned on the opposite side of the support arm  125  from the bracket  1120  and the bracket plate  1122 . The U-bolts  1125  may extend around the three sides of the support arm  125  not adjacent to the bracket  1120 , and the U-bolts  1125  may be inserted into the bracket plate  1122 , thereby securing the chisel shaft  1105  to the support arm  125 . It will be understood that the bracket  1120 , bracket plate  1122 , and U-bolts  1125  may be used to secure the chisel shaft  1105  to a support arm  125  at any vertical position along the length of the chisel shaft  1105  and at any lateral position along the length of the support arm  125 . Accordingly, the chisel assembly  130  may be vertically and/or laterally adjustable in its connection to the support arm  125 . It will also be understood that, although the bracket  1120 , bracket plate  1122 , and U-bolts  1125  are shown and described herein as being capable of securing a chisel shaft  1105  to a rectangular-shaped support arm  125 , the bracket  1120 , bracket plate  1122 , and U-bolts  1125  could easily be designed to secure a chisel shaft  1105  to a support arm  125  with a different shape such as, for example, a circular support arm  125 .  
         [0101]     It will be understood that many different types of ground working implements may be attached to the one or more support arms  125  of the single pass plow  100 . An example of another type of ground working implement is a hipper assembly which, similar to the buster assembly  135 , may be utilized to form furrows or rows in the soil.  FIG. 14A  is a top view of a hipper assembly  1400  that may be used in conjunction with a single pass plow  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 14B  is a perspective view of a hipper assembly  100  that may be used in conjunction with a single pass plow  100  according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The hipper assembly  1400  may be a standard hipper assembly as will be understood by those of skill in the art. The hipper assembly  1400  may include a hipper mount  1405 , a first hipper blade assembly  1410 , a second hipper blade assembly  1415 , and a hipper attachment plate  1420 . The hipper mount  1405  may include two downward extensions. The first hipper blade assembly  1410  may connect or attach to one of the downward extensions and the second hipper blade assembly  1415  may connect or attach to the other downward extension. Each of the hipper blade assemblies  1410 ,  1415  may be vertically adjustable in its connection to the hipper mount  1405 . For example, a telescopic connection may be formed between each of the hipper blade assemblies  1410 ,  1415  and the hipper mount  1405 . Each set of hipper blade assemblies  1410 ,  1415  may include one or more angled disk blades that are configured to form soil into rows as the hipper assembly  1400  is pulled through a field. In operation, the first hipper blade assembly  1410  may throw dirt in one direction and the second hipper blade assembly  1415  may throw dirt in the opposite direction. The hipper assembly  1400  may be pulled through the area between two adjacent rows in agriculture land, thereby causing the rows to be reformed by the hipper assembly  1400 . The hipper attachment plate  1420  may be connected to the top of the hipper mount  1405  and may be utilized to connect or attach the hipper assembly  1405  to either a support arm  125  or directly to the tool bar  105  of the single pass plow  100 .  
         [0102]     Other types of ground working implements that may be attached to the one or more support arms  125  of the single pass plow  100  may include, but are not limited to, disk harrows, moldboard plows, chisel plows, subsoilers, bedders, ridgers, cultivators, harrows, rotary hoes, seadbed conditioners, roller harrows, packers, rotary tillers, furrowers, and basket rollers. It will also be understood that ground working implements may also be attached or connected to the tool bar  105  of the single pass plow  100 . For example, a seeder may be connected to the tool bar  105  of the single pass plow.  
         [0103]     In operation, as the single pass plow  100  may be transported to a field by a prime mover. As the single pass plow  100  is then pulled through the field, the one or more shear assemblies  115  may be pulled through the rows of crops. The cutting edges  930  of the one or more shear assemblies  115  may operate below the soil and may cut any encountered stalks, roots, or vegetation. For many agricultural crops, an eighteen inch cutting width may sever the entire root mass. For tap root crops, the cutting edges  930  may sever the tap roots of the crops. The cut vegetation may then encounter the one or more blade assemblies  1025  of the cylinder assembly  120 . The one or more blade assemblies  1025  may operate to mash the cut vegetation into the soil. Any vegetation that has fallen between the rows of crops may be cut by the one or more coulters  1015  of the cylinder assembly  120 . The soil may also be aerated by the cylinder assembly  120 . If one or more rowing devices  135  are utilized, then the one or more rowing devices  135  may form furrows out of the soil. The furrows may cover up the cut vegetation, thereby aiding in the decomposition of the vegetation. If one or more chisel assemblies  130  are utilized, then the one or more chisel assemblies  130  may loosen the ground before the one rowing devices  135  form furrows out of the soil. The single pass plow  100  of the present invention may be pulled through a field after a crop has been harvested. In a single pass, the single pass plow  100  may sever the root masses or tap roots of any planted crops, position the vegetation into rows, break the soil, aerate the soil, and form a seed bed for subsequent planting by position soil on top of the vegetation. After the single pass plow  100  has been pulled through the field, the field should be properly prepared for the planting of a subsequent crop.  
         [0104]     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.