Abstract:
A minimum tillage planting/renovation system configured to facilitate an enhanced seedbed in a variety of soil conditions, while maintaining nominal surface disturbance. The present invention may further be configured to provide intercrop planting, renovating, and/or fertilizing. The system of the present invention contemplates a planter/fertilizer wherein there is provided a ripping point configured to penetrate a predetermined depth into the soil or sod, the ripping point designed to facilitate a splitting and lifting of the soil, forming a seed bed void, while cutting any organic ground cover, which might comprise, for example, sod, widening the ground cover, and lifting same to a prominent head, wherein first and second coulters, situated above and about the ripping point, are configured to independently engage and cut first and second sides of the lifted ground cover, trash and the like, respectively, then cutting the lifted ground cover, etc., as the coulters rotate, the coulters cooperatively grinding at least a portion of the lifted ground cover, forming tilth, and redepositing the tilth into the seedbed void, providing an enhanced seedbed region with nominal surface disturbance, and a clean furrow.

Description:
STATEMENT OF CONTINUING APPLICATION 
     The present invention is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/169,496, filed Oct. 9, 1998, issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,955 on Jan. 4, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/014,248, filed Mar. 28, 1996, listing as the inventor Sam A. Tarver, III, entitled “No Till Heel Mole Plow”, and U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 08/829,439, filed Mar. 28, 1996, issued Oct. 13, 1998 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,855 entitled “Enhanced Minimum Tillage Planter/Renovator System”. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a cultivation equipment and methods, and in particular to a minimum tillage planting/renovation system configured to facilitate an enhanced seedbed in a variety of soil conditions, while maintaining nominal surface disturbance. The present invention may further be configured to provide intercrop planting, renovating, and/or fertilizing. 
     The system of the present invention contemplates a planter/fertilizer wherein there is provided a ripping point configured to penetrate a predetermined depth into the soil or sod, the ripping point designed to facilitate a splitting and lifting of the soil, forming a seed bed void, while cutting any organic ground cover, which might comprise, for example, sod, widening the ground cover, and lifting same to a prominent head, wherein first and second coulters, situated above and about said ripping point, are configured to independently engage and cut first and second sides of the lifted ground cover, trash and the like, respectively, then cutting the lifted ground cover, etc., as the coulters rotate, the coulters cooperatively grinding at least a portion of said lifted ground cover, forming tilth, and redepositing the tilth into the seedbed void, providing an enhanced seedbed region with nominal surface disturbance, and a clean furrow. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The general concept of minimum tillage planter/renovators is not new, and many patents have issued over the years for various attempts at providing an enhanced seedbed, without the necessity of disturbing the ground surface, which might comprise, for example, sod or the like. 
     However, when conventional minimum tillage planters are utilized with soft or spongy ground, the furrow and seedbed is formed, only to have it shrink , with the furrow providing little open area on the ground cover for sunlight and passage of the seedlings therethrough. 
     Therefore, there exists a need for a minimum tillage planter/renovator system which is able to displace the ground cover during planting, while uplifting, displacing, and grinding the displaced soil and ground cover so that it allows the formation of a wider, finer, less dense seedbed with finer tilth, and does not shrink back to form a narrow furrow, while minimizing disturbance of the ground cover. 
     While none of the below cited patents are believed to teach the concepts embodied in the present invention, the following patents were deemed at least generally pertinent to the teachings minimum tillage planting or the like: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Patent Number 
                 Inventor(s) 
                 Date of Issue 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 5413056 
                 Freed et al 
                 05/09/1995 
               
               
                   
                 5375542 
                 Schaffer 
                 12/27/1994 
               
               
                   
                 5279236 
                 Truax 
                 01/18/1994 
               
               
                   
                 5255617 
                 Williams 
                 10/26/1993 
               
               
                   
                 4779684 
                 Schultz 
                 10/25/1988 
               
               
                   
                 4729435 
                 Urich 
                 03/08/1968 
               
               
                   
                 4537261 
                 Hatzell 
                 08/27/1985 
               
               
                   
                 4336844 
                 Heibig et al 
                 01/29/1982 
               
               
                   
                 4331204 
                 White 
                 05/25/1982 
               
               
                   
                 4245706 
                 Dietrich, Sr. 
                 01/20/1981 
               
               
                   
                 4127073 
                 Blair 
                 11/28/1978 
               
               
                   
                 4057112 
                 Taylor 
                 11/08/1977 
               
               
                   
                 3960220 
                 Laitala 
                 06/01/1976 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,684 illustrates a scouring plow (31) situated at a generally forty-five degree arrangement relative to the shank, although there are obvious differences between this patent and the searched for invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,255,617 illustrates a scalloped coulter situated at some oblique angle relative to the planter, which coulter is also adjustable via the support member (56). 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,236 teaches a seed planter wherein there is provided forward of the drill a plurality of trash discs comprising angled coulters, and is provided for general information. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,542 teaches a seed covering system utilizing a side mounted, angled coulter. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,435 teaches a subsoil tilling implement wherein there is provided a coulter (30) is provided in front of the “ripper member” (22), the system further including a vertically adjustable wheel (24) adjacent to the ripper for varying the depth of the cut. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,960,220 teaches a subsoil plow which is spring supported, providing a vibratory pivotal oscillation during forward motion. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,057,112 teaches a “Subsoil Plow”, wherein there is provided a plurality of plow teeth having situated there before a coulter (27). The plow teeth are supported via shear bolt and are configured to pivot upon engaging an obstacle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,127,073 teaches a “Subsoil Tillage Tooth” wherein there is provided a shank having a tip having a generally horizontal edge, and a cusp (54) in the medial area of the shank, as well as a winged trailing member (30), providing cutting blades for severing roots, “and to create a broken soil cap and moisture retaining blanket”. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,245,706 teaches the utilization of shank like members having a top including wing-like work surfaces situated at the generally frontal, tip portion of the shank. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,204 teaches a “Tillage Implement” wherein there is provided, as shown in FIG. 3, a shank member having a generally horizontal leading edge (78), and first and second opposing wing-like cutting members (82). 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,336,844 issued 1982, teaches a chisel having a generally horizontal leading edge, the shank having mounted thereupon a lister (41), configured to form an enhanced bed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,056 teaches a no-till planter utilizing angled coulters, although the configuration is noticeably different from the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,054 as relating to a coulter (13) situated adjacent to the shank, for “smoothing” the soil. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,707,132, 3,854,429, and Austrian 27361, for mole plow-like members rearwardly disposed of the shank. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,638,748 and 4,592,294 relating scouring plow-like members disposed to the rear of the shank. 
     Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,122,111 contemplating a curved surfaced coulter to provide an off-axis cut relative to the boot. Further included area soil spreaders (83, 81) adjacent to the boot, and a soil packer (89) following the boot. 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a prior art planter, wherein there is provided a frame  1  having a front  2  and a rear  3 , the front of the frame having situated there below a leading slicing coulter  4 , the rear of the frame having situated below a ripping point  5  which generally would be in alignment with the coulter  4 , and a mole plow  6  following the coulter. The system may be motivated  7  utilizing a tractor, via a three point hitch, which may be associated with the front  2  of the frame. 
     A general problem with this prior art arrangement is that the leading slicing coulter requires far too much weight to penetrate hard ground, providing an inefficient and sometimes difficult means of establishing a leading slice. Further, in soft or spongy soil conditions, the coulter may not cut trash in its path, instead burying the trash beneath the coulter, and into the path of the ripping point  5  and/or into the seedbed  8 , disturbing the renovation/planting process. 
     In addition, in root bound and/or wet conditions sod, mostly roots, (since the roots have displaced the normal amount of soil) is springy or spongy, and will move out horizontally and not be cut away and ground up by the grinding action of the ripping point and rear mole plows. The consequence of this is that the sod/roots move back into near condition leaving a too narrow seed bed and furrow to allow sufficient plants and especially sufficient sunlight into the formed furrow for emerging plants&#39; survival. To simply widen the point and mole plows to make the furrow wider causes the sod to explode outward and roll over giving ragged, uncontrollable, unacceptable furrows/seed beds and damages sod strip (or any ground cover) in between rows. 
     Thus, while the above contemplates various configurations of “no-till” planters and the like, none appear to teach or suggest a minimum tillage planter/renovator system which is able to displace the ground cover during planting, providing an open furrow without unduly disturbing the ground cover. 
     GENERAL SUMMARY DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION 
     Unlike the prior art, the present invention contemplates a minimum tillage planter/renovator system which provides an enhanced seed bed and clean furrow, with nominal ground cover disturbance, in a variety of soil conditions. Thus, the invention provides a minimum tillage planter/renovator which provides superior performance over the prior art, while remaining cost-competitive to purchase and relatively inexpensive to operate, with relatively low maintenance. 
     The system of the present invention contemplates a planter/fertilizer which does not require the leading slicing coulter as shown in most prior art minimum tillage planters, thereby providing a lighter implement. The present system further contemplates a unique ripping point design, which is configured to penetrate a predetermined depth into the soil or sod, the ripping point designed to facilitate a splitting and lifting of any organic ground cover, which might comprise, for example, sod, widening the ground cover, forming a seedbed void, and lifting the displaced soil and ground cover to a prominent head, wherein first and second coulters (which may be rippled, scalloped, or otherwise), situated above and about said ripping point, are configured to independently engage and cut first and second sides of the lifted ground cover, respectively, then cut and grind the lifted ground cover, etc., as the coulters rotate, the coulters cooperatively grinding at least a portion of said lifted ground cover, forming tilth, and redepositing the tilth into the seedbed void, providing an enhanced seedbed region with nominal surface disturbance, and a clean furrow. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a minimum tillage planter/renovator system which is able to displace the ground cover during planting, and provide a clean, open furrow over the seedbed, while minimizing ground cover disturbance. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a minimum tillage system which is effective in hard pack as well as soft, spongy conditions, providing an enhanced seed bed and furrow, minimizing surface disturbance, while providing intercrop planting, renovating, and/or fertilizing. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide an enhanced seed bed, which is wider than conventional minimum tillage planter seed beds, but without the surface disturbance found with conventional minimum tillage implements. 
     Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lighter, more compact minimum tillage planter/renovator, which works equally well in a variety of soil conditions, while providing an enhanced seed bed, a wide, clean furrow, and nominal ground cover disturbance. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are given like reference numerals, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary prior art minimum tillage planter. 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary furrow and seed bed formed by the present invention even in soft, spongy soil, which provides a significantly wider furrow and seed bed, with finer tilth, as compared to a conventional minimum tillage seedbed. 
     FIG. 3A is a side view of a minimum tillage planter/renovator of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3B is a front view of the minimum tillage planter/renovator of FIG.  3 A. 
     FIG. 3C is a top view of the minimum tillage planter/renovator of FIG.  3 A. 
     FIG. 4 is a side, partially cut-way view of the minimum tillage planter/renovator of FIG. 3A, illustrating the forming of the furrow/seedbed, and associated cutting/chopping of ground cover in the vicinity of the furrow. 
     FIG. 5A is a side, isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the minimum tillage planter/renovator of the system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5B is an illustrative drawing indicating the general positions of the first and second coulters relative to the foot shank and ground level of the invention of FIG.  5 A. 
     FIG. 5C is an upper, frontal view of the first and second rippled coulters as pivotally retained by a support member and frame. 
     FIG. 5D is a rear, isometric view of the planter/renovator of FIG. 5A, indicating the position of the first coulter and support member relative to the foot shank, frame, and rear planter arrangement. 
     FIG. 5E is a side view of the planter/renovator of FIG. 5A, indicating the position of the first and second coulters relative to the foot shank, frame, and rear planter arrangement. 
     FIG. 5F is a side, isometric view of the invention of  5 A, illustrating an implement having multiple sets of foot shanks and corresponding coulters in operation. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C of the drawings, the first embodiment of the present invention teaches a minimum tillage planter/renovator which dispenses with the necessity of a leading slicing coulter ( 4  in FIG.  1 ), providing an enhanced seedbed with a lighter implement. 
     As shown, the minimum tillage planter/renovator  10  comprises a frame  11  having a first, frontal end  12  and a second, rear end  13 . Shown atop the frame is a standard, three point hitch  14 , which may be utilized by a tractor or other implement to motivate the present system. 
     Continuing with the drawings, emanating from the frame  11  near the first end  12  in general vertical fashion is a front vertical support member  15 , configured to support first  16  and second  17  coulter discs about said vertical support member, via axle  18  in angled relationship, as will be further discussed infra. As shown, the outer diameter  19  of the coulter discs  16 ,  17  may be scalloped  20 . 
     Situated behind and aligned with the front vertical support member  15  is rear vertical support member  21 , supporting a foot shank  21 ′ which curves about ninety degrees along an arc along a frontal face  24  which has an upper end situated generally above ground line  35 , the frontal face, forming a spreading area which tapers from a wide upper portion  25  to a medial portion  28 , to a ripping point  22  which has a point somewhat perpendicular in relation to the frontal support member. 
     The curved arc forming the frontal face  24  of the foot shank (which arc may vary, and may even be linear, depending upon the operating criteria) forms a lifting edge  23  for lifting soil during the operation of the system, which will be further described if. 
     The present embodiment of the foot shank has a frontal face  24  which is divided into first  26  and second  27  faces to enhance cutting and dividing of the soil to form the furrow and seedbed. 
     Continuing with FIGS. 3A-3C, the first  16  and second  17  discs are supported via axle  18  at an angle  33  along a line  34  which is situated about forty-five degrees relative to the rear edge  15 ′ of the front vertical support member  15  (or the horizontal, as exemplified in the ground line  35 ), wherein the first and second discs are angled relative to one another  32  at about between 4 and 25 degrees, in the practice embodiment, generally about 6 or 7 degrees, bringing the first and second discs outer diameter  19  (which outer diameter is in the exemplary embodiment 13″) close together  29  (which could comprise a spacing of about, for example, ⅛″ to ½″) at the first end  34 ″ of line  34 , and at their widest spaced point  30  at the second end  34 ′ of line  34 , an exemplary spacing of about, for example, 4 to 5 inches; further, at 7 degrees, the outer diameter of the exemplary embodiment of the discs at the tip of the foot shank  47  is spaced at just, for example, ⅜″, with the discs spaced at about  3 ″ apart above the tip of the foot shank  47 . The first end  34 ″ of line  34  corresponds generally with, slightly above, or slightly below the anticipated ground line  35  of the system when in use, so that the discs may communicate with the ground cover initially at their closest point relative to one another, together forming a splitting and cutting, leading edge  31  with the lowest portion  42  of the discs under the ground line  35  found generally below the front vertical support member  15 . 
     Situated generally below the second end  13  of the frame  11  is a planter component  37  which may include, for example, first and second seed/fertilizer conduits  40 ,  41 , configured to place seed/fertilizer in a furrow formed by the system, in the vicinity of, for example, first  38  and second  39  mole plows, respectively. The mole plows may be staggered to provided seed/fertilizer at varying levels in the furrow; for example, the first  38  mole plow may emanate from the planter component along a line  36  corresponding with the approximate midpoint of foot shank  21 ′, while the second  39  mole plow may emanate from the planter component at about the ground line  35 , with the mole plows themselves comprising plow members situated at generally about a forty five degree angle relative to the horizontal, and configured as is generally practiced in the art. 
     In the present, first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the two coulters are  13 ″ in diameter with scalloped cutting edges, as earlier indicated, although other diameter coulters may be employed in different scale systems and/or different operating conditions, with similar positive results. The 13″ diameter has a needed radius proportioned to the size and the arc of the point for the scale of the exemplary embodiment, and may vary depending upon soil conditions and performance criteria. The center or axle of the coulters is placed vertically (directly) over a point 1-⅞″ back from the leading edge of the exemplary ripping point of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which comprises is publicly available from Tarver Sales Corp of Folsom, LA as part number TD 99, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     In use, referring to FIG. 4, the ripping point penetrates the ground such that the front vertical support member  15  is situated in a generally vertical position, and the ripping point  22  forms a generally horizontal leading edge about, for example, 4-6½″, or, for example, about 5½″ approximately below ground line  35 . The ripping point breaks apart the sod and ground as it is spread by the lifting edge  23  and tapered spreading area  24  of the foot shank  21 ′. In addition, the breaking apart and lifting action precedes (out front) the ripping point  22  by a distance, under some soil conditions, of several inches, starting its lifting, heaving, and parting action of the soil, providing an upward thrust  43 . 
     The upward thrust  43  caused by the ripping point, lifting edge, and spreading area of foot shank  21 ′ raises the sod/soil and all the trash laying on top of the surface up into the leading edge  31  formed by first  16  and second  17  disc coulters, causing it to be sliced. The slicing action caused by this configuration eliminates the need for the leading slicing coulter ( 4  in FIG. 1) known in the past and the carrying of all the weight necessary for penetration. The slicing action of the trash, roots and hard soil (material) obtained here between the ripping point and dual coulters is positive even in wet, sandy, soft, sod conditions. The old leading coulter would bury trash down into the soil under those conditions without cutting it. This caused blockage of the ripping point and necessitated cleaning by hand. 
     The dual slicing coulters of the present invention, on the other hand, provides a leading edge slicing, spreading, and grinding action via the rotation of the scalloped edges of the discs, at first cutting the ground cover at the leading edge, then spreading and grinding the split ground cover, with the movement  44  of the system, as the foot shank and ripping point lifts the soil and ground cover, while forming the furrow. 
     The ripping point of the present embodiment of the present invention penetrates about 5½″ into the ground, lifts the soil and ground cover to be engaged by the disc coulters, further lifts and splits the soil, forming a furrow, and the ripping point arcs up and widens out rather harshly creating a blunt, prominent head. 
     In the present embodiment of the invention, the angle of the “V” shape forming the upper lifting end of the foot shank is continued out only approximately 65% of its widening travel before the degree of the angle is abruptly reduced as the head continues to widen to its total width. 
     Further, the exemplary embodiment of the coulters are each angled out from a vertical line through their axle  18  (FIG. 3C) at about, for example, seven degrees (with the 13″ exemplary coulter) creating a spacing between themselves of approximately 1½″ at the lowest point  42 , and approximately 3″ apart at the top. 
     Continuing with FIG. 4, the sod and trash is forced up and cut in short lengths by the rotating scalloped edges of the disc coulters. (The sod is heaving up from ground surface level by the forward eruption created ahead of ripping point), cut again in short lengths at the lowest point of the coulters, and again where the coulters edges are closest to the foot shank at  47 . This multiple cutting is caused by the increasing distance between the coulter blades as they travel to the rear and receive the broken and heaving soil from directly beneath them. As the ground cover passes by the ripping point head, a shearing action occurs. 
     Additionally, the upper lifting end of the foot shank is stopping the flow of fine cut up materials, causing the material positioned between the coulters to roll, thereby causing more cutting, as the scallops in the coulters and a holding area cavity is formed in an area between the coulters placed in their dual angled directions, and the wide head at the top of the foot shank  21 ′. The coulter scallops recut the trash and soil as it rolls around in the area above the foot shank, between the coulters, thereby providing grinding means for chopping and grinding ground cover engaging the leading edge of said coulter arrangement, the ground material filtering out through the scallops, and is returned to the furrow as a fine tilth from all of the repeated cutting actions, providing a redeposit means for filling the furrow with tilth, the non-ground trash being displaced from the furrow area by the scalloped coulters, all creating: 
     1.A perfect seedbed 
     2.A positive cut of even spongy, wet soft sod that leaves the desired spacing (generally about 1½″) approximate opening in the furrow at the surface that will not close back up, because the material was forced into a controlled cutting/slicing action and not allowed to spring out beyond the cutting and grinding action of the ripping point and mole plows. 
     Thereby providing a low tillage planting system wherein there is: 
     1. Less weight required. 
     2. A positive forced cutting of trash and more mulching grinding of trash and soil into a better seedbed tilth. 
     3. The furrow opening width cannot close back up preventing sunlight entrance, etc. 
     4. It is possible for a much more compact designed planter. 
     NEW, PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION 
     A new, preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed in FIGS. 5A-5F, particularly FIG. 5E, comprising a frame  111  having a first, frontal end  112  and a second, rear end  113 . The unit may be motivated via a standard, three point hitch, which may be utilized by a tractor or other implement to motivate the present system, as shown in the discussion of the first embodiment of the invention. 
     Continuing with the drawings, emanating from the frame  111  in the vicinity of the first end  112  in angled fashion pivotal support member  115 , configured to support first  116  and second  117  coulter discs about said support member, via respective axles  118  in angled relationship, as will be further discussed infra. As shown, the outer diameter  119  of the coulter discs  116 ,  117  may be rippled  120 , as better illustrated in FIG.  5 C. This rippled outer diameter has been found to provide enhanced grinding and processing action of the organic matter and soil displaced by the footshank, when compared to the scalloped coulters illustrated in the first embodiment of the invention, supra. 
     Continuing with FIG. 5E, situated generally behind and generally aligned with the support member  115  is rear support member  121 , supporting a foot shank  121 ′ which curves about ninety degrees from a ripping point  122  to along an arc along a frontal face  124  which has an upper end situated generally above the ground line when in use, the foot shank having a configuration and operation corresponding with the disclosure in the first embodiment of the invention, supra. 
     Continuing with FIGS. 5A,  5 B,  5 C and  5 E, the first  116  and second  117  coulters are supported via first and second axles  118 ,  118 ′, respectively, such that the first coulter  116  is situated slightly forward of and generally below the second coulter  117 , and each coulter is situated at an angle of about 4 degrees relative to the horizontal, although the working angle of such an arrangement can vary between an operative range of about 0-8+ degrees (depending upon soil conditions, operative criteria, etc), said first and second coulters further each angled relative to the vertical at an angle of about seven degrees relative to the vertical, although the operative range of angles for such coulters, it is anticipated, can run between 0 to 25+degrees, again depending upon the conditions; in the practice embodiment, 6 or 7 degrees is generally optimal, the discs may be angled  133  relative to the vertical V and line  134  so as to bring the first and second discs outer diameter  119  (which outer diameter is in the exemplary embodiment, for example, about 13 ″ close together (which could comprise a spacing of about, for example, ⅛″ to 1″+, depending upon the size, soil conditions, etc) at the first end  134 ″ of line  134 , and at their widest spaced point at the second end  134 ′ of line  134 , an exemplary spacing of about, for example, 4 to 5 inches. 
     The first end  134 ″ of line  134  may correspond generally with, slightly above, or slightly below the anticipated ground line of the system when in use, so that the discs may communicate with the ground cover initially at their closest point relative to one another, together forming a splitting and cutting, leading edge  131  (FIG. 5F) with the lowest portion  142  of the discs under the ground line  135  found generally below the front support member  115 . 
     In the present, first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the two coulters are 13″ in diameter with rippled cutting edges, as earlier indicated, although other diameter coulters may be employed in different scale systems and/or different operating conditions, with similar positive results. The  13 ″ diameter has a needed radius proportioned to the size and the arc of the point for the scale of the exemplary embodiment, and may vary depending upon soil conditions and performance criteria. The is publicly available and may comprise, for example, part number TD99 available from Tarver Sales Corp of Folsom, LA, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Continuing with FIG. 5E, the front support  115  is pivotally attached to the frame to allow it to manually pivot P forward to allow for the user to remove rocks or the like if they may become lodged between a coulter and the ripping point. The forward motion of the frame drives the front support back to the operative position, and urges same to remain in operative position during operations. 
     In use, the present, preferred embodiment operates as the first embodiment supra, except that the staggered spacing of the first and second coulters above, the rippled outer diameter of the coulters (versus the old scallop design), and the pivot of the coulters, which is distinguishable from the first embodiment, all facilitate a more efficient, more consistent operation over the first embodiment and all known previous designs, and prior art systems. 
     The invention embodiments herein described are done so in detail for exemplary purposes only, and may be subject to many different variations in design, structure, Application and operation methodology. Thus, the detailed disclosures therein should be interpreted in an illustrative, exemplary manner, and not in a limited sense.