Patent Description:
In cereal farming, multi-year weeds need to be controlled. Weeds can be a serious problem as they consume space and energy from the intentionally grown crops. Excessive weeds will reduce the crop yield, thereby affecting profitability of the farm. Perennial weeds are flowering weeds that can produce by both seeds and by the spread of energy-storing vegetative parts, such as the roots or tubers. This means that even a small root can reproduce an entire plant. Elymus repens, often called quack grass, is a perennial weed which frequently causes problems as it is able to spread both through roots stems and seeds, making it a persistent weed. Furthermore, elymus repens survive throughout the winter months, therefore it can cause significant problems for farmers if it is not controlled.

Elymus repens is in the same plant family as most cereals, therefore it is hard to control during the cereal growing season with herbicides. Chemical herbicides are often used outside of cereal growth season, most typically chemical herbicides comprising glyphosate. It is common to use chemical herbicides in the spring or after the harvest. If used in spring, the chemicals are normally delivered to the field before seeding or directly after seeding but before the cereal plants have developed leaves. When used post-harvest, glyphosate is applied when the weed is in good growth with high plant circulation, thereby ensuring the whole plant including the roots dies properly.

In organic farming, glyphosate is not used. It is desirable to reduce the use of glyphosate in conventional farming. However, farmers often resort to using glyphosate as they also want to minimise soil disturbance and to reduce energy consumption, for example energy consumed in the form of fossil fuels to power the tractor pulling the tillage equipment through the soil. Stricter regulation on the use of glyphosate in agriculture is being discussed in many countries, therefore it is highly desirable to find sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to using glyphosate, particularly in cereal agriculture.

Alternatively, or in addition to using chemical herbicides, tillage is often used to reduce the pressure on crops created by weeds. Tillage is the manipulation or preparation of soil by mechanical agitation in various forms. For example, tillage generally covers digging, stirring, overturning or other mixing of the soil to prepare the soil for use in agriculture. Historically, manual hand tools including shovels, hoes, rakes etc. were used to prepare the soil for agriculture. As technology has advanced, tillage machines are now much larger and are typically pulled by a vehicle, most typically a tractor. Tillage may be performed before and after the cereal growth to kill and/or disturb the plants and thereby control weed populations.

It is known that cutting the roots of the Elymus Repens with tillage quickly after harvest is an effective way to reduce the Elymus Repens ability to store energy in the roots.

Tillage with inversion ploughing can bury the weeds deep into the soil and thereby increase the amount of time for the weeds to reach back to the surface and develop new green leaves. In this technique, the roots are not fully killed, and are instead only set back. Therefore, over many years other methods of controlling these weeds may be required. Furthermore, inversion ploughing moves a significant amount of soil, therefore the process is energy intensive and time consuming.

Tillage using chisel plows, cultivators, spring harrows and disc harrows may be used to combat weeds such as elymus repens. Similarly to inversion ploughing, use of chisel plows, cultivators, spring harrows and disc harrows is energy intensive and time consuming. Energy and time inputs can significantly affect the economics of running a cereal farm.

Shares refers to the part of the tillage equipment which penetrates and interacts with the soil to disturb it. Cultivators stir and pulverise the soil. Harrows disturb the surface of the soil. Cultivators or harrows with shares similar to a duck foot or a wing shape need a certain cultivating depth to avoid build-up of organic matter on the shares and also to avoid pushing the straw/stubble/soil instead of cutting or disturbing it. Operating cultivators or harrows at shallow depths when there are large amounts of straw and stubble from the harvest is problematic. Often, the cultivators or harrows become blocked as straw and stubble builds-up on the cutting edge or on the tines. Cultivators and harrows are normally made with the tines separated on multiple rows with large inline separation to avoid blocking and ensure material flow through the machine. They are therefore often long, heavy and expensive.

Increasing cultivating depth has significant drawbacks. Firstly, more pulling power is required to pull the shares through deeper soil. The process therefore consumes more energy when the shares are located deeper in the soil. The process is also more time consuming per worked area when compared with shallower tillage. In terms of weed killing performance, deep tillage using cultivators with duck foot or wing shaped shares can result in an upper part of the weed having enough roots with soil contact to survive and re-establish growth faster. If rain falls after cultivating, there is an increased risk that the weeds will re-establish because the roots are mixed in the top soil.

Disc cultivators, also called disc harrows, penetrate into the soil and can move the soil horizontally if set at an appropriate angle. The disc cultivators cut the weed roots by the downward cut of discs into the soil and by the horizontal travel of the edge due to disc angle. There are some limitations of using disc cultivators for managing weed populations. Firstly, to ensure a full cut of the roots the tillage depth needs to be relatively deep, or the machine will need dense discs to achieve full cutting. In both cases there will be a high draft requirement and high energy consumption. Secondly, using a disc cultivator will result in the mixing of the cut roots with soil, burying some of the roots which may lead to re-establishment of the weed, especially after rain.

Rotary harrows are typically connected to the tractor or vehicle pulling the rotary harrow in a manner such that power can be taken from the vehicle to drive the rotary harrow. This arrangement is referred to in the industry as power take off (PTO). Rotary harrows provide an intensive mixing of the top soil and also cut the weeds into smaller pieces. Although this method has a good effect on the control of weeds, there are significant drawbacks in terms of energy consumption and the intense disturbance of soil-life.

Special machines have been developed to try to address the problems with commercially available equipment for controlling weed populations. For example, a cultivator with a following rotary harrow has been developed, but still has the drawback of high energy consumption and low capacity. Some equipment is designed to lift the roots up in the air and leave the roots on the top of the soil. This method is most suitable for niche applications, because although the result is promising and effective, the energy consumption is high and there is still an issue of low capacity.

The more the soil is disturbed, the greater the impact on microbiological life in the soil and the greater the risk of erosion of the soil which may impact the ability to grow crops.

There is therefore a need for a machine for combatting weeds, particularly in cereal fields, which is energy efficient, which does not have a great impact on microbiological life in the soil, and which can operate when there are significant plant residues present in the soil.

There is also a need for a machine for terminating cover crops. Cover crops are plants that are used primarily to slow erosion and improve soil quality. Additionally, cover crops can improve water availability, supress weeds, improve biodiversity and control pests. When it is desired to use the soil for other crops, the cover crops must be terminated. There is therefore a need for a machine which can terminate the cover crops with the same benefits as described above for weeds.

US patent document <CIT> discloses an agricultural undercut implement including a frame carrying ground-engaging rolling means, a cutting disk arrangement to cut parallel slits in the ground soil, and an undercut assembly having upright cutting edges each aligned to follow a slit, and a transverse blade with a horizontal cutting edge disposed to undercut the ground soil between slits, as the frame rolls over the ground, such as when towed behind a tractor. The transverse blade is configured to sever the strip of ground soil undercut by the cutting edge, and then move the undercut soil strip up and over the blade before replacing it intact on the ground.

Belgian patent document <CIT> discloses a verge cutting device designed to be installed on a tractor to cut a road verge. The device is provided with a rotary cutting disk to cut the grass on the road verge, and a scraper blade behind the cutting disk to remove the cut grass from the road verge. There is a rotary shaft above the scraper blade fitted with a series of radial arms to deviate the cut grass from the scraper blade to the transporters that remove the cut grass from the road verge. The arms are telescopic which avoids damage to the outside ends of the arms and/or blockage of the shaft if grass or stones are trapped between the arm and the scraper blade.

Japanese patent document <CIT> discloses a work method for loosening the ground of arable land by means of loosening coulters which are rigid or which are moved on curved tracks. The loosening of the ground and the tilling of the uppermost soil layer are carried out either in one operation by coulters arranged in two rows and staggered in the direction of travel and by the tines of the cutters or in that, in a first operation, individual field strips are preloosened only with the coulters arranged at wide lateral distances from one another on the frame. Thereafter, the ground thus loosened and tilled on its surface is levelled and recompacted by a third working implement which is coupled to the two working implements and which has a packer roller or tilling roller.

United States patent document <CIT> relates to plows which till subsurface soil only, leaving the topsoil and stubble substantially intact, with the stubble and trash adequately anchored. The plows are especially useful in dry land farming, in which sub-soil is effectively cultivated with a minimum of surface tilling whereby a major portion of the surface turf is maintained substantially intact.

United States patent document <CIT> discloses a combination cutting blade/raking device where the blade portion slices weeds off under the soil, thereby effectively killing the plant, and a raking portion collects the uprooted weeds. The blade and rake also flatten the surface of the soil. The raking section of the invention can be lifted independently of the cutting blade. The cutting blade is reversible so a user of the invention can cut twice as much area before having to remove the blade for sharpening. The blade is slightly curved in cross section, allowing for a smoother cutting path through the soil.

United States patent document <CIT> relates to an agricultural implement for weeding or otherwise cultivating rolling, rough and uneven ground.

United States patent document <CIT> relates to a root plow. United States patent document <CIT> relates to a weed extractor. United States patent document <CIT> relates to a tap root cutter. United States patent document <CIT> relates to a weeding machine.

Patent document <CIT> discloses a machine wherein in the direction of movement of the machine there is an initial row of cutting wheels arranged diagonally to the direction of movement with an essentially horizontal axis, in front of which there is arranged a cylindrical roller, with the help of which weeds and other remnants of a previous harvest such as stalks, stubble and the like can be crushed. Following this is another row of tearing out implements with knives, which preferably run with the points in advance sharpened, which serve to tear out and to loosen up the soil without replowing the latter in the process. This is connected with plowshare blades which carry out a partial replowing of the loosened soil. An additional diagonal row of rotating implements with an essentially horizontal axis fulfills the function of a harrow and serves to effect final plowing and to break up the soil in small pieces. The cutting wheels and the rotary implements have their axis inclined orthogonally to the direction of movement of the machine whereas the tearing out implements are laid out in the direction of movement.

Patent document <CIT> discloses a combination type soil tilling unit and root crushing device thereof.

Patent document <CIT> discloses a verge cutting device designed to be installed on a tractor to cut a road verge. The device is provided with a rotary cutting disk to cut the grass on the road verge, and a scraper blade behind the cutting disk to remove the cut grass from the road verge. There is a rotary shaft above the scraper blade fitted with a series of radial arms to deviate the cut grass from the scraper blade to the transporters that remove the cut grass from the road verge. The arms are telescopic which avoids damage to the outside ends of the arms and/or blockage of the shaft if grass or stones are trapped between the arm and the scraper blade.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a tillage machine for cutting roots of plants or weeds, comprising: at least one share comprising a cutting edge for cutting roots; and at least one guiding means comprising a rotor and at least one soil engaging protrusion; wherein the cutting edge is arranged parallel with the axis of rotation of the rotor; the share is configured to be located in soil in use, and the tillage machine is configured such that the at least one guiding means is located above the at least one share in use, such that in use the guiding means guides soil and plant material over the share such that the share does not become blocked characterised in that the rotor is located vertically above the cutting edge; and the rotor is configured to allow the soil engaging protrusion to rotate and wherein the soil engaging protrusion is configured to rotate in use and engage the soil and plant material and guide the soil and plant material over the share in use.

The tillage machine may further comprise a shank configured to hold the share in a substantially horizonal position in use.

The rotor may be an elongate shaft. The at least one soil engaging protrusion may be a tine.

The at least one tine may have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may be connected to the rotor with a biassing means configured to bias the tine radially outward of the rotor.

The biassing means may be configured to allow movement of the tine when a sufficient force is applied to the tine.

The at least one tine may have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may be connected to the rotor and the tine may comprise a spring feature configured to allow movement of the distal end when a sufficient force is applied to the distal end.

The at least one tine may comprise a longitudinal axis, wherein the spring feature is a bend in the longitudinal axis of the at least one tine.

The at least one soil engaging protrusion may comprise a plurality of soil engaging protrusions.

Each of the plurality of soil engaging protrusions may be a tine connected to the rotor at a proximal end with a biassing means configured to bias the tine radially outward of the rotor and to allow movement of the tine when a sufficient force is applied to the tine.

The tillage machine may further comprise a main frame, an adjustable subframe and at least one wheel, wherein the main frame is for connecting the tillage machine to a vehicle in use; the adjustable subframe is connected to the main frame and to the at least one wheel; and the at least one wheel is configured to travel across the surface of the soil in use and support at least some of the weight of the tillage machine in use; wherein the adjustable subframe is configured to allow adjustment of the working depth of the at least one share in use by raising or lowering the wheel with respect to the share.

The adjustable subframe may be configured to raise or lower the wheel with respect to the share by means of an adjustable connection between the main frame and the at least one wheel.

The adjustable connection may be a hydraulic cylinder.

The subframe may comprise a telescopic leg and the adjustable connection may comprise a manually adjustable knob for telescoping the telescopic leg.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a tillage system for cutting plants or weeds, the system comprising: a tractor; and a tillage machine according to the first aspect of the invention; wherein the tillage machine is connected to the tractor such that the tillage machine can be pulled by the tractor in use to cut plants or weeds in soil.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cutting roots of plants or weeds in a strip of soil, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tillage machine according to the first aspect of the invention; locating the share within the soil; locating the guiding means above the soil surface such that it can guide soil over the share in use; and advancing the tillage machine through the soil to cut the roots of plants or weeds in the soil.

The suitability of the invention for shallow operations ensures that the cut weeds will have a high ratio of leaves over roots, ensuring that the top part of the plant die as there is a high likelihood the leaves will dry out. The disconnected roots will need to use a lot of their energy to grow back to the soil surface. Additionally, using the invention, all the root stems may be cut over the complete working width. The invention has a very low energy consumption, therefore providing a high capacity at a low cost. Additionally, the low energy consumption enables a higher forward speed or a larger working width for the same tractor size. Use of the tillage machine can be combined with inversion ploughing because the tillage machine does not affect the deeper layers of the soil when it is used. Furthermore, the tillage machine is suitable for use in organic farming, conversation agriculture or conventional agriculture. The tillage machine may allow for the reduction or elimination of the use of Glyphosate with limited increase in energy consumption for weed control. The tillage machine causes minimal soil disturbance.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:.

For clarity reasons, some elements may in some of the figures be without reference numerals. A person skilled in the art will understand that the figures are just principal drawings. The relative proportions of individual elements may also be distorted.

<FIG> shows a series of plants 0a, 0b, 0c comprising roots 0d within soil <NUM>. To kill or set back the plants 0a, 0b, 0c, a cut is made through the soil <NUM> along a cutting plane at a shallow depth d, as can be seen in <FIG>. It is desirable to cut the roots 0d at a shallow depth as this leaves minimal soil on the portion of the roots 0d still attached to the plants 0a, 0b, 0c. A large amount of soil attached to a large portion of the roots 0d after cutting may lead to the plants 0a, 0b, 0c regrowing, particularly if there is rainfall after the cutting.

<FIG> shows a principal sketch of a bed of soil <NUM> and a tillage machine <NUM>. The tillage machine <NUM> comprises a substantially horizontal share <NUM> for engagement and agitation of the soil <NUM>. The share <NUM> is arranged to cut the top layer of the soil <NUM> and thereby cut the roots of weeds under the top of the soil <NUM>. To ensure the share <NUM> does not become clogged with plant residues, a rotor <NUM> is provided over the share <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> is preferably located directly above the share <NUM>. However, in some alternative examples, the rotor <NUM> may be forward or rear of directly above the share <NUM>. The rotor <NUM> is arranged with tines <NUM> to guide the soil <NUM>, organic matter and/or plant residues as they pass over the share <NUM>. In use, the rotor <NUM> rotates in the driving direction of the machine <NUM>. That is to say, in the example shown in <FIG>, the machine <NUM> moves in the direction A and the rotor <NUM> rotates in the direction B. The tines <NUM> in the presently described example are steel bars each connected to the rotor <NUM> at a proximal end <NUM> with a spring (not shown), such that each tine <NUM> can move with respect to the rotor <NUM> to pass over rocks or other obstructions in the soil. Each tine <NUM> has a distal end <NUM> which may engage the soil <NUM>. The tines <NUM> are configured such that they do not penetrate deeply into the soil <NUM>. Preferably, the tines <NUM> are arranged to not contact the soil <NUM> in normal use, except when a quantity of soil <NUM> or plant material builds up on the share <NUM>. It will be understood however that the user of the machine may lower the share <NUM> into the soil <NUM> to allow a deeper depth of cut. In such a case, the tines <NUM> may penetrate into the soil <NUM> slightly in normal use. However, the purpose of the tines <NUM> is not to penetrate and agitate the soil <NUM> to provide mixing of the soil <NUM>. Instead, the tines <NUM> are for guiding excess soil <NUM> and plant material over the shares <NUM> to avoid blockage or clogging at the shares <NUM>. Preferably, the rotor <NUM> is arranged to rotate with a speed such that the distal ends <NUM> pass over or slightly engage the soil <NUM> at a speed equal to the speed at which the machine <NUM> is progressed forwards in the direction A. In some other examples, the rotor <NUM> and tines <NUM> may be configured such that the distal ends <NUM> pass over or engage the soil <NUM> at a speed greater than the speed the machine <NUM> is progressed forwards in the direction A. In this connection, the speed of the distal ends <NUM> passing over or engaging the soil <NUM> may in some examples be between <NUM> and <NUM> times the speed at which the machine <NUM> is progressed forwards in the direction A. In some examples the speed of the distal ends <NUM> passing over or engaging the soil <NUM> may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> times the speed at which the machine <NUM> is progressed forwards in the direction A.

Referring still to <FIG>, it can be seen that the share <NUM> comprises a cutting edge <NUM> which is arranged parallel with the axis of rotation of the rotor <NUM>. This ensures that the tines <NUM> and cutting edge <NUM> work together to cut the weeds and tend to align the weeds with the cutting edge <NUM> for cutting, rather than allow the weeds to be pushed laterally by the share <NUM> thereby avoiding being cut.

The rotor <NUM> may be provided with power from the PTO from the tractor or other vehicle pulling the machine <NUM>. In this connection, the rotor <NUM> is driven directly from the PTO. In some other examples, supporting wheels and a power transmission arrangement may be provided, as will be shown later.

The share <NUM> is held in a shank <NUM> which is connected to the tractor or other vehicle, as will be explained in more detail later. The shank <NUM> is provided with a spring (not shown), such that the shank <NUM> can move to allow rocks, boulders or other obstructions in the soil to pass over the shank <NUM> without causing blockage or problems at the shank <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an alternative tillage machine <NUM>' being pulled behind a tractor <NUM>'. The tillage machine <NUM>' comprises a main frame <NUM>' for attaching the tillage machine <NUM>' to the tractor <NUM>'. In alternative examples the tillage machine <NUM>' may be connected to a tow hitch or another connection point on a tractor <NUM>' or another vehicle. The tillage machine <NUM>' further comprises a subframe <NUM>' which is arranged in an adjustable manner such that the working depth of the machine <NUM>' can be adjusted, as will be explained in more detail later.

Similar reference numerals with the addition of prime (') indicate similar features to the tillage machine <NUM> of <FIG>. Similarly to the tillage machine <NUM> of <FIG>, the tillage machine <NUM>' comprises a substantially horizontal share <NUM>' for engagement and agitation of the soil <NUM>'. The share <NUM>' is arranged to cut the top layer of the soil <NUM>' and thereby cut the roots of weeds under the top of the soil <NUM>'. To ensure the share <NUM>' does not become clogged with plant residues, a rotor <NUM>' is provided over the share <NUM>'. The rotor <NUM>' is arranged with tines <NUM>' to break up and agitate the soil and plant residues as they pass over the share <NUM>'. In use, the rotor <NUM>' rotates in the driving direction of the machine <NUM>'. That is to say, in the example shown in <FIG>, the machine <NUM>' moves in the direction A' and the rotor <NUM>' rotates in the direction B'. As in the previously described example, the tines <NUM>' are steel bars each connected to the rotor <NUM>' at a proximal end <NUM>' with a spring (not shown), such that each tine <NUM>' can move with respect to the rotor <NUM>' to allow rocks or other obstructions in the soil pass between share and rotor. Each tine <NUM>' has a distal end <NUM>' which passes over or engages the soil. Preferably, the rotor <NUM>' is arranged to rotate with a speed such that the distal ends <NUM>' engage the soil at a speed equal to, or between <NUM> and <NUM> times, the speed at which the machine <NUM>' is progressed forwards in the direction A'. The share <NUM>' comprises a cutting edge <NUM>' which is arranged parallel with the axis of rotation of the rotor <NUM>'.

Still referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that the rotor <NUM>' in this example is provided with power from a PTO <NUM>' from the tractor <NUM>' pulling the machine <NUM>'. In this connection, the rotor <NUM>' is driven from the PTO <NUM>' via a belt <NUM>'. It will be understood that other configurations may be provided to transfer power from a PTO shaft to the rotor <NUM>'. For example, the belt <NUM>' may be replaced by a chain. Other standard components may also be required such as an angular gearbox. In the interest of brevity, standard components required to provide driving of the rotor <NUM>' from the PTO <NUM>' are not described herein. Alternatively to the described PTO <NUM>' arrangement, in some examples the rotor <NUM>' may be driven by connection to a wheel <NUM>' or wheels of the machine <NUM>'. A single wheel <NUM>' or multiple wheels also allows the weight of the machine <NUM>' to be shared between the tractor <NUM>' at the front of the machine <NUM>' and the wheels <NUM>' at the rear of the machine <NUM>'. In a preferred example, there is provided two wheels <NUM>'. Using at least two wheels <NUM>' allows for depth precision to be controlled.

The share <NUM>' is held in a shank <NUM>' which is connected to the tractor <NUM>'. In the presently described example, the share <NUM>' is secured into the shank <NUM>' by a plurality of screws (not shown). The shank <NUM>' is provided with a stone release mechanism <NUM>' connecting the shank <NUM>' to the frame <NUM>', such that the shank <NUM>' can move to allow the machine <NUM>' to pass over large rocks, boulders or other obstructions in the soil without breaking the machine <NUM>'. In the presently described example, the stone release mechanism <NUM>' is in the form of a spring arrangement. The stone release mechanism <NUM>' is configured to allow the shank <NUM>' to move when excessive force is applied to the share <NUM>' for example when the share <NUM>' hits fixed rocks in the soil. In other examples the stone release mechanism <NUM>' may be provided in the form of a hydraulics arrangement, multiple springs, break-bolts or a combination of such components or other mechanical components. Although only one shank <NUM>' is visible in the view shown in <FIG>, it will be understood that a row of shanks <NUM>' and shares <NUM>' is provided. The shanks <NUM>' are arranged in a spaced configuration such that there is a separation between each adjacent shank <NUM>' of between <NUM> and <NUM>. This separation is provided to minimise organic matter build up on the front of the shanks <NUM>', thereby reducing the risk of clogging of the machine <NUM>'.

Still referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that the axis of rotation of the rotor <NUM>' is parallel with the cutting edge <NUM>' of the share <NUM>'. The axis of rotation of the rotor <NUM>' and the cutting edge <NUM>' of the share <NUM>' are both arranged to be perpendicular to the direction A in which the tillage machine <NUM>' travels in use. Furthermore, it can be seen in <FIG> that the rotor <NUM>' is vertically aligned with the share <NUM>'.

The rotor <NUM>' and tines <NUM>' are configured to mitigate the risk of clogging of the share <NUM>'. In this regard, the rotor <NUM>' and tines <NUM>' are arranged to help organic matter and soil pass over the share <NUM>'. In contrast to previously discussed rotary harrows, the rotor <NUM>' and tines <NUM>' in the presently described examples is not intended to provide intensive crushing or to cut the weeds into smaller pieces. Instead, the rotor <NUM>' and tines <NUM>' are configured to provide low intensity crushing, agitation or manipulation of the soil with limited acceleration of the soil. This provides a tillage machine <NUM>' which has very low energy consumption.

Still referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that the wheels <NUM>' are supported by the subframe <NUM>' which is arranged in an adjustable manner relative to the main frame <NUM>' such that the working depth of the machine <NUM>' can be adjusted. In this connection, the subframe <NUM>' comprises an adjustable connection to the main frame <NUM>'. In the presently described example, the adjustable connection is in the form of a hydraulic cylinder <NUM>'. The hydraulic cylinder <NUM>' can be adjusted to adjust the working depth of the machine <NUM>'. The appropriate configuration of linkages between the adjustable connection and the share <NUM>' such that adjustment of the adjustable connection causes lifting or lowering of the share <NUM>' may be realised in a myriad of ways, which are not described in detail here in the interest of brevity.

In the presently described example, the wheel <NUM>' is located at the rear of the machine <NUM>', behind the shank <NUM>' and the share <NUM>'. In other examples the wheel <NUM>' or wheels <NUM>' may be provided in front of the shank <NUM>' and the share <NUM>'.

Still referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that the rotor <NUM>' is arranged with a gap between the rotor <NUM>' and the main frame <NUM>' and subframe <NUM>'. The rotor <NUM>' is arranged to move vertically if required when the tines <NUM>' pass over larger rocks. As previously explained, the tines <NUM>' are arranged to move such that the rotor <NUM>' and tines <NUM>' can pass over rocks. If larger rocks are encountered, they may become jammed between the share and the rotor <NUM>'. To avoid this, the rotor <NUM>' is arranged to be able to move vertically if a large enough force is applied to the rotor <NUM>' (either directly or via the tines <NUM>') from a trapped rock for example. The configuration of the rotor <NUM>' to move vertically when required may be realised in a myriad of ways. For example, the rotor <NUM>' may be configured to move vertically by means of a vertically disposed spring, such that vertical force applied to the rotor <NUM>' from a rock for example, will cause temporary deformation of the spring. Once the machine <NUM>' has passed the rock, the rotor <NUM>' may return to its normal operating position. The rotor <NUM>' may also be lifted vertically if for example the rotor <NUM>' is passing ridges or hill-tops in a field.

The rotor <NUM>' may be arranged such that the operating height of the rotor <NUM>' can be adjusted. This may be desirable if for example the share <NUM>' is lowered deeper into the soil, and it is desirable to maintain the rotor <NUM>' and tines <NUM>' from penetrating too deeply into the soil by adjusting the operating position of the rotor <NUM>' upwards. It may be desirable to do this such that the energy consumption of the machine <NUM>' is not greatly increased. The rotor <NUM>' may be configured to be adjustable in height in a plurality of different ways. For example, the machine <NUM>' may be provided with multiple slots within which the rotor <NUM>' may be mountable within. In such an arrangement, to adjust the height, the rotor <NUM>' may be removed from its present slot and inserted into a slot at a higher or lower position. In some examples, the rotor <NUM>' may be provided with an electro-mechanical configuration whereby the height of the rotor <NUM>' can be easily adjusted without removing the rotor <NUM>' and replacing it at a different height.

Referring now to <FIG>, the tillage machine <NUM>' shown in <FIG> is shown in use. It can be seen that the share <NUM>' cuts only at a shallow depth in the soil <NUM>'. Furthermore, it can be seen that the tines <NUM>' are configured not to penetrate the soil <NUM>' deeply, which would increase energy consumption of the machine <NUM>'.

Referring now to <FIG>, where an alternative example of a tillage machine <NUM>" is shown. Similar reference numerals with the addition of prime (") indicate similar features to the tillage machine <NUM> of <FIG> and the tillage machine <NUM>' of <FIG>. The tillage machine <NUM>" comprises a share <NUM>" arranged to cut the top layer of the soil and thereby cut the roots of weeds under the top of the soil. A rotor <NUM>" with tines <NUM>" is provided to break up and guide the soil and plant residues as they pass over the share <NUM>". The rotor <NUM>" again rotates in the driving direction of the machine <NUM>". The tines <NUM>" are steel bars each connected to the rotor <NUM>" at a proximal end <NUM>" with a spring (not shown), such that each tine <NUM>" can move with respect to the rotor <NUM>" to pass over rocks or other obstructions in the soil. The rotor <NUM>" is arranged to rotate with a speed such that the distal ends <NUM>" engage the soil at a speed equal to, or between <NUM> and <NUM> times, the speed at which the machine <NUM>" is progressed forwards. The share <NUM>" comprises a cutting edge <NUM>" which is arranged parallel with the axis of rotation of the rotor <NUM>".

The rotor <NUM>" in this example is not provided with power from a PTO from the tractor <NUM>" pulling the machine <NUM>". It can be seen in <FIG> that the machine <NUM>" is connected to the tractor <NUM>" by a mechanical linkage with no PTO. In this connection, the rotor <NUM>" is driven from the rotation of the wheel <NUM>" via a belt <NUM>". The belt <NUM>" is connected to the driving wheel <NUM>" at a point with a larger diameter than the point the belt is connected to at the rotor <NUM>". The difference in diameter affects the speed of rotation of the rotor <NUM>" relative to the wheel <NUM>". As previously explained, it is desirable to maintain the speed of the rotor <NUM>" such that the distal ends of the tines pass over or contact the soil at between <NUM> and <NUM> times the speed that the machine <NUM>" progresses at. It will be understood that the relative diameters may be adjusted to adjust the speed of the rotor <NUM>" relative to the wheel <NUM>".

The share <NUM>" is held in a shank <NUM>" which is connected to the tractor <NUM>". As in the previously described examples, the shank <NUM>" is provided with a stone release mechanism <NUM>" connecting the shank <NUM>" to the frame <NUM>", such that the shank <NUM>" can move to allow rocks, boulders or other obstructions in the soil to pass over the shank <NUM>" without causing blockage or problems at the shank <NUM>". Although only one shank <NUM>" is visible in the view shown in <FIG>, it can be seen in an alternative view shown in <FIG> that there is a plurality of shanks <NUM>" and shares <NUM>" provided across the width of the machine <NUM>". Furthermore, it can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG> that the rotor <NUM>" is vertically aligned with the shares <NUM>".

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, it can be seen that the wheels <NUM>" are supported by subframes <NUM>" which are arranged in an adjustable manner relative to the main frame <NUM>" such that the working depth of the machine <NUM>" can be adjusted. In this connection, the subframes <NUM>" comprise an adjustable connection to the main frame <NUM>". In the presently described example, the adjustable connection is in the form of a manually adjustable telescopic legs which can be adjusted by rotation of a knob <NUM>" located at the top of the telescopic legs. The telescopic legs can be adjusted to adjust the working depth of the machine <NUM>". In the presently described example, the wheels <NUM>" are located at the front of the machine <NUM>", in front of the shanks <NUM>" and the shares <NUM>". In other examples the wheel <NUM>" or wheels <NUM>" may be provided at the rear of the machine <NUM>".

Referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that the rotor <NUM>" is arranged with a gap between the rotor <NUM>" and the main frame <NUM>". The rotor <NUM>" is arranged to move vertically if required when the tines <NUM>" pass over larger rocks. As previously discussed, the configuration of the rotor <NUM>" to move vertically when required may be realised in a myriad of ways. In the presently described example, the rotor <NUM>" is arranged in a hinged configuration with respect to the wheels <NUM>". The hinged configuration also provides a bias such that the rotor <NUM>" is biased towards the soil when in use either by the rotor weight or other means. However, if the rotor <NUM>" encounters a large rock, the upwards force on the rotor <NUM>" may be sufficient to overcome the bias, and the rotor <NUM>" may be allowed to move upwards by means of the hinged connection to the wheels <NUM>". In this way, the rotor <NUM>" can pass over large or problematic rocks by lifting upwards when required. The rotor <NUM>" may also be lifted vertically if for example the rotor <NUM>" is passing ridges or hill-tops in a field.

Referring now to <FIG>, another alternative example of a tillage machine 100ʺʺ is provided. The tillage machine 100ʺʺ is foldable to allow for easy transportation and storage. Similar reference numerals indicate similar features to the previous examples. The tillage machine 100ʺʺ comprises main components of: a main frame 3ʺʺ, a subframe 4ʺʺ, wheels 150ʺʺ, stone release mechanism 113ʺʺ, a rotor 120ʺʺ, tines <NUM>"", shanks 112ʺʺ and shares 110ʺʺ comprising a cutting edge 111ʺʺ.

The rotor 120ʺʺ is arranged with a gap between the rotor 120ʺʺ and the main frame 3ʺʺ. The rotor 120ʺʺ is arranged to move vertically if required when the tines 130ʺʺ pass over larger rocks. The rotor 120ʺʺ is arranged with a spring connection 121ʺʺ such that the rotor 120ʺʺ is biased downwards in normal use. If the rotor 120ʺʺ encounters a large rock, the upwards force on the rotor 120ʺʺ may be sufficient to overcome the downwards bias provided by the spring connection 121ʺʺ, and the rotor 120ʺʺ may be allowed to move upwards. In this way, the rotor 120ʺʺ can pass over large or problematic rocks by lifting upwards when required. The rotor 120ʺʺ may also be lifted vertically if for example the rotor <NUM>" is passing ridges or hill-tops in a field.

Still referring to <FIG>, although particularly to <FIG>, the machine 100ʺʺ comprises first 160ʺʺ and second 161ʺʺ hydraulic cylinders and first and second hinges <NUM>"", <NUM>"". The first and second hinges <NUM>"", 171ʺʺ are arranged to allow first and second portions 180ʺʺ, 181ʺʺ of the main frame 3ʺʺ to rotate substantially at the mid point of the main frame 3ʺʺ. The first and second hydraulic cylinders 160ʺʺ, 161ʺʺ are configured to allow first and second portions 180ʺʺ, 181ʺʺ of the main frame 3ʺʺ to follow the ground in use and the first and second portions to be supported on the side wheels <NUM>"'. If the first portion 180ʺʺ encounters a raised portion of land (not shown) which is not present under the second portion 181ʺʺ, the first portion 180ʺʺ will be raised by the side wheel <NUM>‴ and the first portion will rotate around the first hinge <NUM>"". Once the first portion 180ʺʺ is brought back onto land which is level with the second portion 181ʺʺ the first hinge 170ʺʺ will allow the first portion 180ʺʺ to rotate back to the original position as the side wheel <NUM>‴ is following the land. Similarly, if the first portion 180ʺʺ encounters a lowered portion of land (not shown) which is not present under the second portion 181ʺʺ, the first portion 180ʺʺ will be lowered by the lowering of the side wheel <NUM>‴ and will rotate around the first hinge 170ʺʺ. Once the first portion 180ʺʺ is brought back onto land which is level with the second portion 181ʺʺ the first hinge 170ʺʺ will allow the first portion 180ʺʺ to rotate back to the original position. In this way, this arrangement allows the machine 100ʺʺ to follow the contours of the land.

Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, the hydraulic cylinders <NUM>"", 161ʺʺ can be used to fold and lock the first and second portions <NUM>"", 181ʺʺ in a folded position for transport or storage.

In any of the above-mentioned examples the shares <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ may comprise simple hardened steel. Typical non-limiting suitable dimensions of the shares <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ may be around <NUM> by <NUM> by <NUM>. It will be understood that these dimensions are exemplary only, and the exact configuration and scale of the machine <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 100ʺʺ in which the share <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ is used will affect the chosen dimensions of the share <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ. Additionally, shares <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ of other dimensions may be used depending on the soil type, presence of rocks etc. in the specific application in which the tillage machine <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>"" will be used. In this connection, in any of the above-mentioned examples, the shanks <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 112ʺʺ may be configured such that the shares <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ are easily removeable and replaceable. This allows the shares <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ to be replaced when they are worn or damaged, and also allows the shares <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ to be easily replaced with a more appropriate share <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ for a particular field or soil type.

Similarly, in any of the above-mentioned examples, the shanks <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 112ʺʺ may be releasably attached to the main frame <NUM>', <NUM>", 3ʺʺ such that the shanks <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 112ʺʺ can be easily replaced when they become damaged.

In all of the above-mentioned examples, the shares <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ are provided with a downward angle to assist the machine <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 100ʺʺ in engaging the soil.

In any of the above-mentioned examples, the rotor <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 120ʺʺ may be arranged to be vertically higher than the cutting edge of the corresponding share <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>"" in use. Preferably, the rotor <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>"" may be vertically above the cutting edge of the corresponding share <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ. Alternatively, the rotor <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 120ʺʺ may be vertically higher than the cutting edge of the corresponding share <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ and within <NUM> forward or rearward of the cutting edge of the corresponding share <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ.

In some of the above-mentioned examples, the rotor <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 120ʺʺ is positioned such that the tines <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 130ʺʺ do not normally contact the soil until there is a potentially problematic build up of soil. In some examples, the tines <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 130ʺʺ may touch or penetrate the soil a minimal amount. In other examples, the tines <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 130ʺʺ may at their lowest point in their rotation, be offset from the soil such that there is a gap between the tines <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 130ʺʺ and the soil. In these examples, the tines <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 130ʺʺ only come into contact with the soil when the soil or plant material builds up and it is required that such soil or plant material is guided over the shares <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 110ʺʺ and/or disturbed and/or agitated.

In any of the above-mentioned examples, the tines <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", 130ʺʺ may be replaced by alternative tines <NUM>‴ʺ now described with reference to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the alternative tine <NUM>‴ʺ may be substantially L-shaped with a proximal end <NUM>‴ʺ and a distal end <NUM>‴ʺ. The proximal end <NUM>‴ʺ being attached to a rotor <NUM>‴ʺ in use. Attachment of the tine <NUM>‴ʺ in the presently described example is by a nut and bolt configuration, however it will be understood that a myriad of suitable attachment means may be used. Still referring to <FIG>, it can be seen that the tine <NUM>‴ʺ comprises a kinked portion <NUM>‴ʺ. The kinked portion <NUM>‴ʺ provides a larger spring property to the tine <NUM>‴ʺ, in that it allows the tine <NUM>‴ʺ to deflect and return to its original position. As previously discussed, the tine <NUM>‴ʺ having a spring property, or alternatively being attached with a spring, allows the tine <NUM>‴ʺ to pass over rocks and obstacles in the soil. <FIG> shows the path of motion of the distal end <NUM>‴ʺ of the tine <NUM>‴ʺ as the rotor <NUM>‴ʺ rotates the tine <NUM>‴ʺ in use.

As previously discussed with reference to previous examples, the rotor <NUM>‴ʺ may have a plurality of tines <NUM>‴ʺ attached thereto. In the example shown in <FIG>, the rotor <NUM>‴ʺ has four tines <NUM>‴ʺ over the rotor circumference attached thereto.

Claim 1:
A tillage machine (<NUM>') for cutting roots of plants or weeds, comprising:
at least one share (<NUM>') comprising a cutting edge (<NUM>') for cutting roots; and
at least one guiding means comprising a rotor (<NUM>') and at least one soil engaging protrusion (<NUM>');
wherein the cutting edge (<NUM>') is arranged parallel with the axis of rotation of the rotor (<NUM>');
the share (<NUM>') is configured to be located in soil in use, and
the tillage machine (<NUM>') is configured such that the at least one guiding means is located above the at least one share (<NUM>') in use, such that in use the guiding means guides soil and plant material over the share (<NUM>') such that the share (<NUM>') does not become blocked, wherein
the rotor (<NUM>') is located vertically above the cutting edge (<NUM>'); and the rotor (<NUM>') is configured to allow the soil engaging protrusion (<NUM>') to rotate and wherein the soil engaging protrusion (<NUM>') is configured to rotate in use and engage the soil and plant material and guide the soil and plant material over the share (<NUM>') in use.