Automatic control for ripper tool

In a tractor mounted ripper tool having a power operated tool positioning mount, a control device therefor comprising,

• a. first and second depth control circuits, each having separate but dependent depth selector means,
• b. a depth sensor means formed for detecting the vertical displacement of the ripper tool,
• c. first and second pitch control circuits, each having separate pitch selector means,
• d. a pitch sensor means formed for detecting the angular displacement of the ripper tool,
• e. a first control means serially connected with said first depth control circuit and with said first pitch control circuit,
• f. a second control means serially connected with said second depth control circuit and with said second pitch control circuit,
• g. said first and second control means formed for controlling the power operated positioning tool mount wherein said first control circuit will be operational when said tool mount is descending such to change the pitch of the ripper tool to a first preselected pitch at a first preselected depth and said second control means will be operational when said tool mount is ascending such to change the pitch of the ripper tool to a second preselected pitch at a second preselected depth.

A tractor mounted ripper tool having,

• a. an articulated tool mount for supporting and positioning the ripper tool relative to the tractor,
• b. a depth positioning fluid operated cylinder operatively connected to said tool mount and formed for changing the vertical displacement of the ripper tool,
• c. a pitch positioning fluid operated cylinder operatively connected to said tool mount and formed for changing the angular displacement of the ripper tool,
• d. a fluid power circuit for selectively applying fluid power to the said fluid positioning cylinders and having,
• i. a source of fluid power,
• ii. first and second fluid conduits and a fluid control valve formed for selectively directing fluid power to either said first fluid conduit or said second fluid conduit,
• iii. a diverter valve formed for selectively communicating the first and second conduits to the operative ports of either the depth positioning cylinder or the ports of the pitch positioning cylinder, and
• e. control means connected with said diverter valve for positioning said diverter valve and including depth sensor means responsive to the vertical displacement of the ripper tool, said control means operative in response to said depth sensor means to position the diverter valve to direct fluid to the pitch positioning cylinder at a specified vertical displacement.