Patent Description:
Coulters are presently used ahead of no-till implements-such as a planter---to fracture a narrow band of soil to prepare the soil to receive the no-till implement. <CIT>shows coulters and one way of how they are used to till and open the soil.

A disc can be a flat coulter that is deformed to a convex shape on one side and concave shape on the other side so it will throw soil in one direction as it moves forwardly through the ground. Discs are most often used with a plurality of them side by side in "gangs" or rows as shown in <CIT>.

Further, <CIT>details that because of differences in soil types and differences among crops grown, there is a need for coulters and discs that can be easily adjusted in shape at the time of manufacture to conform to the conditions anticipated in the field. One such condition is difficult soil types with excess rocks and residue which results in an inconsistent cut made by the coulter or a soil type or crop type in which throwing is disfavored. As such, there is a need in the art for a coulter which provides a consistent cut and reduces throwing.

<CIT> discloses a wavy disc blade including a first side, a second side, a central portion having at least one opening, and a wavy portion adjacent to, extending radially from and circumferentially about the central portion. The wavy portion includes a plurality of waves extending from the central portion to an edge portion, the waves forming a plurality of crests and valleys between the central portion and the edge portion. The wavy disc blade also includes a plurality of teeth formed along the edge portion. At least one of a first beveled portion may be formed on the first side at and along the edge portion and a second beveled portion may be formed on the second side at and along the edge portion.

<CIT> discloses a disc for an agricultural implement comprising an annular, outside a predetermined centre diameter defined, soil-cultivating portion, a central, inside a predetermined centre diameter defined, dish-shaped portion, with a boss-receiving, inner side and between these portions an existing, annular connection portion with fastening screw holes. The connection portion is a truncated conical portion, the inner mantle surface of which is mainly straight or double-bowed with the convex side facing said inner side and a line through the opening plane in the hole opening of each fastening screw hole on said inner side forms an angle α with a plane that is perpendicular to the centre line of the disc, wherein the angle α is <NUM>°-<NUM>°.

<CIT> discloses a reversible disc harrow for detachable attachment to a tractor and comprising the combination of an implement frame, means for detachably connecting said implement frame to the tractor, a pair of disc gangs adapted to be reversed between an outthrow and an inthrow position, hinge means disposed between said implement frame and each said gang providing bodily tilt of the latter about a generally horizontal axis spaced below said implement frame and also providing swivel movement of each said gang from an outthrow to an inthrow position about a generally upright axis offset rearwardly from the rotational axis of the individual discs in said gang, a first positive locking means for maintaining each said gang in a selected condition of tilt with said gang in its outthrow as well as its inthrow position, and a second positive locking means for maintaining each said gang in a selected condition of angling adjustment with said gang in outthrow as well as in inthrow position, said second positive locking means including a pair of reversible angling connections.

<CIT> discloses an agricultural tillage blade having a central opening is adapted to be disposed on a shaft for rotation to cut trash and penetrate into the soil. The blade has an outer periphery substantially in the shape of a sine curve formed about a circle. The outer periphery of the blade is sharpened to more easily penetrate the soil and cut trash.

<CIT> discloses an independent plough coulter arm assembly, which comprises a notch harrow blade, a plough coulter arm, a hub unit, V-shaped plates and a rubber suspension; the hub unit is arranged at the central hole of the notch harrow blade; one end of the plough coulter arm is fixedly connected with a shaft of the hub unit, and the other end of the plow coulter arm is provided with a V-shaped opening; the two V-shaped plates are connected into a whole in the opposite direction of the V-shaped opening, one of the V-shaped plates is embedded and welded on the V-shaped opening of theplough coulter arm, a machine square pipe penetrates through the space between the two V-shaped plates, and the rubber is suspended is filled in the gap between the machine square pipe and the two V-shaped plates. According to the structure design, each coulter head works independently, and the depth of cultivated land is adjusted through the buffering action when the coulter head cultivates on the ground with different heights, so that the maintenance in the use process is achieved, and the time is effectively saved; the independent plough coulter arm has higher strength and impact resistance, can provide a perfect working state even under the worst environment, and improves the tillage effect and efficiency.

A ground engaging agricultural tillage blade according to the subject-matter of claim <NUM> is provided. Further embodiments are disclosed according to the subject-matter of the dependent claims. The disclosure also relates to an apparatus for an agricultural implement blade. The blade is a disc or coulter that is generally circular with an outer periphery. A plurality of step plane notches are disposed in the outer periphery of the disc, each of the plurality of step plane notches tapering from a predetermined thickness on a radial inside to a thinner generally sharped edge at the radially outermost part thereof. In one embodiment of the disclosure, each step plane notch has a uniformly deep and sharpened edge so as to provide consistent penetration and residue sizing of the ground with a reduced amount of soil throwing. The disc can be generally curved, a flat coulter, or a disc that is convex on one side and concave on the other side.

In a first aspect, according to the subject-matter of claim <NUM>, the present disclosure provides a ground engaging agricultural tillage blade comprising: a disc having a central opening adapted to be attached to an implement for rotation about an axis of rotation; the disc having an outer periphery; and characterized by further comprising: a plurality of step plane notches in the disc from a location substantially at the outer periphery to the central opening; wherein each of the plurality of step plane notches comprises a depth and a width, wherein the depth is <NUM>% or less than the width, and wherein the step plane notches are of uniform depth.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a ground engaging agricultural tillage blade apparatus characterized by comprising: a ground engaging agricultural tillage blade according to the first aspect; and a hub being attached to the disc around the central opening.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a ground engaging agricultural tillage blade apparatus characterized by comprising: at least two ground engaging agricultural tillage blades according to the first aspect; and wherein a spacer spool is disposed on a shaft between the discs of the at least two ground engaging agricultural tillage blades, the spacer spool extending radially outwardly from the center opening of each disc.

The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the apparatus described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:.

For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. Certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that mechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, front, back, end and sides are referenced according to the views presented. It should be understood, however, that the terms are used only for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination of objects may change without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

As stated above, the agricultural blade apparatus comprises an agricultural blade <NUM>. Each blade <NUM> may be of any diameter and thickness and may be constructed out of any suitable material. In preferred embodiment, the blade <NUM> is of a diameter that is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches). In a still further preferred embodiment, the blade <NUM> is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) in thickness. However, the agricultural blade may be of any diameter and thickness without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In a still further embodiment, the blade <NUM> is constructed out of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal, steel, hard plastics, and the like. Each blade <NUM> further comprises an outer periphery <NUM>.

As stated above, the agricultural blade apparatus comprises an agricultural blade <NUM>. In an embodiment of the agricultural blade apparatus, the agricultural blade <NUM> is a disc <NUM>, which may be convex on one side and concave on the other side. Each disc <NUM> may be of any diameter and thickness and may be constructed out of any suitable material. In preferred embodiment, the disc <NUM> is of a diameter that is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches). In a still further preferred embodiment, the disc <NUM> is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) in thickness. However, the disc may be of any diameter and thickness without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In a still further embodiment, the disc <NUM> is constructed out of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal, steel, hard plastics, and the like. Each disc <NUM> further comprises an outer periphery <NUM>.

As stated above, the agricultural blade apparatus comprises an agricultural blade <NUM>. In an embodiment of the agricultural blade apparatus, the agricultural blade <NUM> is a coulter <NUM>, which is substantially flat. Each coulter <NUM> may be of any diameter and thickness and may be constructed out of any suitable material. In a preferred embodiment, the coulter <NUM> is of a diameter that is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches). In a still further preferred embodiment, the coulter <NUM> is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches to <NUM> inches) in thickness. In a still further embodiment, the coulter <NUM> is constructed out of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal, steel, hard plastics, and the like. Each coulter <NUM> further comprises an outer periphery <NUM>.

As stated above, the agricultural blade apparatus comprises an agricultural blade <NUM>. In an embodiment of the agricultural blade apparatus, the agricultural blade <NUM> further comprises a step plane notch <NUM>, and preferably a plurality of step plane notches <NUM> disposed in the outer periphery <NUM> of the agricultural blade <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, the agricultural blade comprises at least five step plane notches <NUM>. The angle of opening of each notch <NUM> disposed in the outer periphery <NUM> is preferably <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, or any angle which is suitable for reduction of throwing and promotion of consistent cuts. It is to be understood that the notches <NUM> can be of other shapes and sizes. It is preferable that each notch <NUM> be the same shape to promote uniform wear. Further, it is preferable that the plurality of notches <NUM> are equally spaced in the outer periphery <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, spacing should be provided such that each third of the agricultural blade <NUM> contains at least one notch, preferably at least one and half notches, and preferably at least two notches.

Additionally, as stated above, the agricultural blade apparatus comprises an agricultural blade <NUM> wherein the agricultural blade <NUM> comprises a step plane notch <NUM>, and preferably a plurality of step plane notches <NUM> disposed in the outer periphery <NUM> of the agricultural blade <NUM>. In one arrangement, as one example, the agricultural blade <NUM> comprises a plurality of step plane notches <NUM> wherein every other step plane notch <NUM> is sharpened on the opposite side. In another arrangement, the agricultural blade <NUM> comprises a plurality of step plane notches <NUM> wherein every step plane notch <NUM> is sharpened on both sides. In yet another arrangement, the agricultural blade <NUM> comprises a plurality of step plane notches <NUM> wherein every step plane notch <NUM> is sharpened on the same side. Any variation of sharpening the step plane notches <NUM> including, but not limited to, every step plane notch <NUM> being sharpened alike or each step plane notch <NUM> being sharpened in its own unique manner (i.e., being sharpened on one side, being sharpened on both sides, etc.) may be utilized by the agricultural blade apparatus without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the step plane notches <NUM> remain sharp longer than other blades.

Furthermore, the agricultural blade <NUM> comprises a plurality of step plane notches <NUM> which may be uniform in depth <NUM> and sharpness so that any forces applied to the outer periphery <NUM> will be transmitted evenly so as to avoid inconsistency in the cut made by the blade <NUM>, whether it is a disc or a coulter. In another embodiment, the agricultural blade <NUM> comprises a plurality of step plane notches <NUM> that may vary in depth <NUM> and sharpness. In one embodiment, the agricultural blade <NUM> comprises a plurality of step plane notches <NUM> wherein each step plane notch <NUM> comprises a depth <NUM> which is <NUM>% or less of the width <NUM> of the notch <NUM>. In one embodiment, as one example, the agricultural blade <NUM> comprises a plurality of step plane notches <NUM> of varying depths, but each step plane notch <NUM> comprises a depth <NUM> which is <NUM>% or less of the width <NUM> of the respective notch <NUM>.

Each of the agricultural blades <NUM> is provided with a central opening <NUM> which receives the shaft <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, each of the agricultural blades <NUM> is provided with a central opening <NUM> which receives the axle <NUM>. The central opening <NUM> may be of any suitable size, shape, and design, so as to accommodate receipt of the shaft <NUM>. Similarly, the shaft <NUM> and axle <NUM> may be of any suitable size, shape, and design.

Each of the agricultural blades <NUM> is provided with a hub <NUM> which facilitates receipt of the shaft <NUM> or axle <NUM>. The hub may be of any suitable size, shape, and design.

Spacer spool <NUM> is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and is configured to be positioned between adjacent agricultural blades <NUM> to facilitate proper spacing of the cuts made by the agricultural implement in the soil. Each of the spacer spools <NUM> comprises a center section and opposite end portions. A shaft opening extends through each of the spacer spools <NUM>. The end portion can be provided with an annular rim or peripheral portion which is slightly convex so as to be complimentary to the inside curvature of the adjacent disc blade <NUM> or substantially flat so as to be complimentary to the adjacent coulter blade <NUM>. The opposite end portion is also provided with an annular rim or peripheral portion which is slightly concave so as to be complimentary to the outside curvature of the adjacent disc blade <NUM> or substantially flat so as to be complimentary to the adjacent coulter blade <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, one end portion may be slightly smaller in diameter than the opposite end portion since it has been found through experience that the agricultural blades <NUM> suffer less breakage if spools of different diameters are positioned on opposite sides thereof.

Threaded fastener <NUM> is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and is configured to tighten against the surface of the hub <NUM> while also pulling the agricultural blade <NUM> into firm engagement with the hub <NUM>. The use of a threaded fastener <NUM> ensures that a seal is formed with the hub <NUM> and the agricultural blade <NUM>.

In the arrangement shown, as one example, the threaded fastener <NUM> is a generally cylindrical elongated member having a first threaded end and a head. First threaded end and head are in coaxial alignment with one another. That is, the center axis of rotation of the first threaded end and head are in alignment with one another, despite the fact that the diameters or shapes or features of the first threaded end and the head may differ. First threaded end and head may have the same diameter or different diameters.

Also shown in this example is a head positioned in the end of the threaded fastener <NUM>. Head is any feature or device that allows for the threaded fastener <NUM> to be grasped and rotation to be imparted on the threaded fastener <NUM>. In the arrangement shown, as one example, head is generally cylindrical in shape and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the first threaded end. This head includes a plurality of flat surfaces on opposing sides of the head. These flat surfaces allow for a wrench or other tool to grasp the head and impart torque there on. This can be useful during the installation process. It is hereby contemplated for use that head can take on any other form, such as a hex-head member, a square head member, a recessed hexagonal socket, a recessed square socket, a recessed flat head feature that receives a flat head screw driver, a recessed Philips head feature that receives a Phillips head screw driver, a slot, a pair of crossed slots, or any other feature that can be used to impart rotation. In this arrangement, when the first threaded end is inserted within the hub <NUM>, the head extend outward from the hub <NUM> thereby facilitating easy access to the head. In this arrangement, once the first threaded end is inserted into the hub <NUM>, a tool grasps the head thereby imparting rotation on threaded fastener <NUM> or preventing rotation of the threaded fastener <NUM>.

Also shown in this example is a nut <NUM> positioned in the end of the threaded fastener <NUM> opposite the head and in coaxial alignment with the head. The nut <NUM> is any feature or device that allows for the threaded fastener <NUM> to be grasped and rotation to be imparted on the threaded fastener <NUM> and remain in firm engagement with the hub <NUM> and agricultural blade <NUM>. In the arrangement shown, as one example, the nut <NUM> is generally cylindrical in shape and has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the first threaded end. The nut <NUM> includes a plurality of flat surfaces on opposing sides of the nut <NUM>. These flat surfaces allow for a wrench or other tool to grasp the nut <NUM> and impart torque there on. This can be useful during the installation process. It is hereby contemplated for use that nut <NUM> can take on any other form, such as a hex-head member, a square head member, or any other feature that can be used to impart rotation. In this arrangement, when the first threaded end is inserted within the hub <NUM> and the nut <NUM>, wherein the nut extend outward from the agricultural blade <NUM> thereby facilitating easy access to the nut <NUM>. In this arrangement, once the first threaded end is inserted into the nut <NUM>, a tool grasps the nut <NUM> thereby imparting rotation on nut <NUM> or preventing rotation of the threaded fastener <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, an agricultural blade <NUM> has a plurality of step plane notches <NUM> disposed in the outer periphery <NUM> of the disc <NUM> or coulter <NUM>. The cross section shown in <FIG> shows a cross section of the disc <NUM> and step plane notches <NUM>.

An important distinction between the agricultural blade <NUM> and prior art agricultural blades is that the step plane notches <NUM> are uniform in depth and sharpness so that any forces applied to the outer periphery <NUM>, will be transmitted evenly so as to avoid inconsistency in the cut made by the blade, whether it is a disc or a coulter. In a preferred embodiment, the disc <NUM> or coulter <NUM> is connected to a mounting apparatus such as hub <NUM> (<FIG>) on bent axle <NUM> or a spacer spool <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) that separate and hold in place the discs <NUM> along a shaft <NUM> which provides rotation about an axis of rotation. In an embodiment, the axis of rotation is substantially horizontal. The disc gang <NUM> shown in <FIG> or the coulter gang <NUM> shown in <FIG> could have a non-circular center opening with a complementary shaped shaft in the non-circular center opening so that the shaft and discs or coulters all rotate together as a unit. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a spacer spool <NUM> is disposed on a shaft <NUM> between two of the discs <NUM> or between two of the coulters <NUM> and the spacer spool <NUM> extends radially outwardly by a distance.

Additionally, as described above, <FIG> is a perspective view of a concave/convex disc made in accordance with the disclosure. However, in another embodiment, the side shown of the disc in <FIG> may be concave without departing from the disclosure. Furthermore, as described above, <FIG> is a perspective view of a concave/convex disc. However, in another embodiment, the side shown of the disc in <FIG> may be convex without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

<FIG> shows that the hub <NUM> is preferably attached to the disc <NUM> around a central opening <NUM> by placing threaded fasteners <NUM>, such as bolts, through substantially aligned holes <NUM> in the hub <NUM>, through substantially aligned holes <NUM> extending through the disc <NUM> or coulter <NUM> to make sure that the hub <NUM> is securely fastened to the disc <NUM>. Nuts <NUM> are threadably attached to the ends of the threaded fasteners <NUM> to hold the hub <NUM> to the disc <NUM>. <FIG> show that the hub <NUM> conforms to the surface of the disc <NUM>. The hub <NUM> shown in <FIG> is preferably of the same configuration as that shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, the central opening is adapted to be attached to an agricultural implement, such as a disc harrow, disc seeder, or planter.

A second embodiment of the disclosure, shown by example only, is a coulter <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The only difference between the coulter <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> and the disc <NUM> of <FIG> is that the coulter <NUM> is primarily flat, whereas the disc <NUM> may be convex on one side and concave on the other side.

Claim 1:
A ground engaging agricultural tillage blade (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a disc (<NUM>) having a central opening (<NUM>) adapted to be attached to an implement for rotation about an axis of rotation;
the disc having an outer periphery (<NUM>); and
characterized by further comprising:
a plurality of step plane notches (<NUM>) in the disc from a location substantially at the outer periphery to the central opening;
wherein each of the plurality of step plane notches comprises a depth (<NUM>) and a width (<NUM>),
wherein the depth is <NUM>% or less than the width, and
wherein the step plane notches are of uniform depth.