In-crop weed clipping implement
AssigneeF. P. Bourgault Tillage Tools Ltd.
InventorJoseph Bourgault
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An implement for clipping weeds in a field, where the weeds are standing taller than the crop. The implement comprises a plurality of rotatable blades on a frame, with variable height adjustment means to elevate the frame and position the blades above the crop but at a level sufficient to clip the upper portions of the weeds, The blades are powered by PTO-driven shaft segments, the segments connected by U-joints, wherein the implement further comprises alignment means for aligning the U-joints so that the frame can be folded for transport without damaging the shafts or U-joints.
Claims31
An agricultural implement for clipping weeds in a field containing a crop, the crop having an average crop height, the implement comprising:
- a frame;
- a plurality of rotatable blades mounted on the frame for clipping the weeds;
- drive means for rotating the plurality of rotatable blades;
- and
- a plurality of wheels connected to the frame by variable height adjustment means, the wheels for use in moving the implement in the field;
- the variable height adjustment means configured to selectively raise or lower the frame relative to the plurality of wheels to position the plurality of rotatable blades at a height sufficient to clip the weeds above the average crop height.
14-29. (canceled)
A method for weed control in a standing crop, the method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a movable frame comprising:
- a plurality of cutting members configured for clipping weeds;
- and
- a plurality of ground-engaging wheels having an adjustable distance from the frame;
- b. determining an average crop height level and an average weed height level for the standing crop;
- c. where the average weed height level is greater than the average crop height level, adjusting the distance between the wheels and the frame such that the cutting members are at a height between the average crop height level and the average weed height level;
- d. actuating the cutting members;
- and
- e. moving the frame through the standing crop, allowing the cutting members to cut off tops of the weeds.
A method for in-crop weed clipping comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a movable frame comprising:
- a plurality of cutting members;
- and
- a plurality of ground-engaging wheels having an adjustable distance from the frame;
- b. determining an average crop height level and an average weed height level for a field containing both a crop and weeds;
- c. where the average weed height level is greater than the average crop height level, adjusting the distance between the wheels and the frame such that the cutting members are at a height between the average crop height level and the average weed height level;
- d. actuating the cutting members;
- and
- e. moving the frame through the field, allowing the cutting members to cut off tops of the weeds.
46-51. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.