Method and apparatus for real-time adjustment of the size and drainage tile capacity of drainage tile spools and for utilizing the same

Abstract

A drainage tile stringer system which includes a spool which has an automated hat, which translates along the stinger or shaft of the spool so that the vertical size of the spool is adjustable to accommodate differences in coils of drainage tiles. The system is automated so that a single controller can be utilized to perform all of the hydraulic functions required to load a coil onto the drainage tile stringer system and to adjust the vertical spool dimension.

Claims

1. A method of adjusting a spool size for a coil of drainage tile on a drainage tile stringing implement attachment comprising the steps of: a. providing a coil of an elongated drainage tile, said coil having a first height characteristic; b. providing a spool shaft oriented in a first direction and said coil being disposed about said spool shaft; c. providing a first spool end drainage tile retaining member, coupled to said spool shaft; d. providing a second spool end drainage tile retaining member; e. providing a spool shaft receiving member coupled to said second spool end drainage tile retaining member; f. providing a reaching support arm coupled to said second spool end drainage tile retaining member; g. providing an upstanding frame member bottom portion; h. providing an upstanding frame member top portion, which is operatively coupled between said upstanding frame member bottom portion and reaching support arm; i. translating said one of said upstanding frame member bottom portion and upstanding frame member top portion with respect to the other of said upstanding frame member bottom portion and upstanding frame member top portion and in a second direction, which is substantially parallel with said first direction; j. triggering a stopping of said step of translating when contact between said coil and said second spool end drainage tile retaining member occurs; k. unspooling a portion of said coil of an elongated drainage tile until a gap forms between said coil and said second spool end drainage tile retaining member; and l. resuming the step of translating and thereby adding a downward pressure on a portion said coil which remains between said first spool end drainage tile retaining member and said second spool end drainage tile retaining member to close said gap.

2. A system for stringing drainage tile comprising: a. a coil of drainage tile; having a first height characteristic; b. an adjustable spool with an adjustable height characteristic, the adjustable spool including: i. a spool shaft oriented in a first direction and said coil being disposed about said spool shaft; ii. a first spool end drainage tile retaining member, coupled to said spool shaft; iii. a second spool end drainage tile retaining member; and iv. a spool shaft receiving member coupled to said second spool end drainage tile retaining member, said spool shaft receiving member including a spool shaft receiving member side portion which has a length characteristic which defines a range of said adjustable height characteristic; c. a reaching support arm coupled to said second spool end drainage tile retaining member; d. an upstanding frame member bottom portion; e. an upstanding frame member top portion, which is operatively coupled between said upstanding frame member bottom portion and reaching support arm; f. means for applying a downward pressure on said coil of drainage tile by translating said one of said upstanding frame member bottom portion and upstanding frame member top portion with respect to the other and in a second direction which is substantially parallel with said first direction; and g. said means for applying a downward pressure further configured for continuing to translate and thereby applying a downward pressure on a portion of said coil of drainage tile, which remains between said first spool end drainage tile retaining member and said second spool end drainage tile retaining member, after a portion of said coil of drainage tile has been removed.

3. A drainage tile stringing implement comprising: a. a substantially upright member; b. an adjustable spool with an adjustable height characteristic, the spool including: i. a first spool end drainage tile retaining member sized and configured to retain a coil of agricultural drainage tile; ii. a spool shaft, having a shaft longitudinal axis, coupled to said first spool end drainage tile retaining member; iii. a detachable second spool end drainage tile retaining member, sized and configured to retain agricultural drainage tile; and iv. a spool shaft receiving member coupled to said detachable second spool end drainage tile retaining member; which is sized and configured to translate, along said spool shaft longitudinal axis, and over a top portion of said spool shaft and along an intermediate substantially cylindrical portion of said spool shaft; and v. said spool shaft receiving member including a spool shaft receiving member side portion which has a length characteristic which defines a range of said adjustable height characteristic; c. said spool shaft pivotally coupled to said substantially upright member, so that said shaft longitudinal axis can pivot from a substantially vertical direction to a substantially horizontal direction; d. a powered pivoting actuator coupled so as to lift said spool shaft and change said shaft longitudinal axis from said substantially horizontal direction to said substantially vertical direction; and e. a linear actuator configured to continue to move said spool shaft receiving member along said shaft longitudinal axis, beyond a point where said detachable second spool end drainage tile retaining member first contacts said coil of agricultural drainage tile, to increase pressure on a remaining portion of said coil of agricultural drainage tile, after a portion of said agricultural drainage tile has been removed from between said first spool end drainage tile retaining member and said second spool end drainage tile retaining member.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said step of translating is powered, at least in part, by a hydraulic pump.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein said step of triggering is performed manually by a human operator.

6. The method of claim 4 wherein said step of triggering is performed automatically without human interaction.

7. A system for stringing drainage tile comprising: a. a coil of drainage tile; having a first height characteristic; b. a spool shaft oriented in a first direction and said coil being disposed about said spool shaft; c. a first spool end drainage tile retaining member, coupled to said spool shaft; d. a second spool end drainage tile retaining member; e. a spool shaft receiving member coupled to said second spool end drainage tile retaining member; f. a reaching support arm coupled to said second spool end drainage tile retaining member; g. an upstanding frame member bottom portion; h. an upstanding frame member top portion, which is operatively coupled between said upstanding frame member bottom portion and reaching support arm; i. means for applying a downward pressure on said coil of drainage tile by translating said one of said upstanding frame member bottom portion and upstanding frame member top portion with respect to the other and in a second direction which is substantially parallel with said first direction; and j. said means for applying a downward pressure further configured for continuing to translate and thereby applying a downward pressure on a portion of said coil of drainage tile, which remains between said first spool end drainage tile retaining member and said second spool end drainage tile retaining member, after a portion of said coil of drainage tile has been removed.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said means for applying a downward pressure comprises a hydraulic cylinder and a means for hydraulic flow control.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein said means for hydraulic flow control is a push button control.

10. The system of claim 8 wherein said means for hydraulic flow control is automated so as to not require a driver of a vehicle to exit the vehicle.

11. A drainage tile stringing implement comprising: a. a substantially upright member; b. first spool end drainage tile retaining member sized and configured to retain a coil of agricultural drainage tile; c. a spool shaft, having a shaft longitudinal axis, coupled to said first spool end drainage tile retaining member; d. said spool shaft pivotally coupled to said substantially upright member, so that said shaft longitudinal axis can pivot from a substantially vertical direction to a substantially horizontal direction; e. a powered pivoting actuator coupled so as to lift said spool shaft and change said shaft longitudinal axis from said substantially horizontal direction to said substantially vertical direction; f. a detachable second spool end drainage tile retaining member, sized and configured to retain agricultural drainage tile; g. a spool shaft receiving member coupled to said detachable second spool end drainage tile retaining member; which is sized and configured to translate, along said shaft longitudinal axis, and over a top portion of said spool shaft and along an intermediate substantially cylindrical portion of said spool shaft; and h. a linear actuator configured to continue to move said spool shaft receiving member along said shaft longitudinal axis, beyond a point where said detachable second spool end drainage tile retaining member first contacts said coil of agricultural drainage tile, to increase pressure on a remaining portion of said coil of agricultural drainage tile, after a portion of said agricultural drainage tile has been removed from between said first spool end drainage tile retaining member and said second spool end drainage tile retaining member.

12. The implement of claim 11 wherein said linear actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

13. The implement of claim 12 wherein said powered pivoting actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

14. The implement of claim 12 wherein said spool shaft is indirectly pivotally coupled to said upright member through a shaft supporting pivot arm.

15. The system of claim 14 further comprising a means for automating sequencing of fluid flows through several predetermined fluid flow paths.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention may be more fully understood by reading the following description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the appended drawing wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is an elevation view of the drainage tile stringing implement attachment 100 of the present invention, shown in an empty and mostly vertical compact configuration.

(3) FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the drainage tile stringing implement attachment 100 of FIG. 1 in an empty and less vertically compact configuration.

(4) FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the drainage tile stringing implement attachment 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a coil engaging configuration.

(5) FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the drainage tile stringing implement attachment 100 of FIGS. 1-3, in a loaded and upright configuration.

(6) FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the drainage tile stringing implement attachment 100 of FIGS. 1-4, in a loaded, upright and capped configuration.

(7) FIG. 6 is an alternate view of the system shown in FIGS. 1-5 with alternate numbering and additional numbering relating to the hydraulic portions of the present invention which are also shown in FIGS. 7-11.

(8) FIG. 7 is a hydraulic circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 8 is a hydraulic flow diagram which corresponds to the system configuration shown in FIG. 2, wherein the arrows represent the direction of fluid flow.

(10) FIG. 9 is a hydraulic flow diagram which corresponds to the system configuration shown in FIG. 3, wherein the arrows represent the direction of fluid flow.

(11) FIG. 10 is a hydraulic flow diagram which corresponds to the system configuration shown in FIG. 4, wherein the arrows represent the direction of fluid flow.

(12) FIG. 11 is a hydraulic flow diagram which corresponds to the system configuration shown in FIG. 5, wherein the arrows represent the direction of fluid flow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(13) Although described with particular reference to three point hitch implement, the system and method for tile stringing can be implemented in with many different types of devices, the particular implement shown here is merely an example of the many other implements that could utilize the present invention. The materials and construction techniques used in the fabrication of the present invention are common and well known in the art of agricultural implements. A person skilled in the art of design and fabrication of agricultural implements would readily understand how to make and use this invention after reading this application and viewing the drawings.

(14) Now referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals refer to like matters throughout, and more particularly referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a drainage tile stringing implement attachment 100 of the present invention, it is not shown attached to any type of vehicle but this embodiment may be attached to a three point hitch trailer of the type commonly pulled by tractors. However, drainage tile stringing implement attachment 100 could be attached to a regular automotive trailer, a truck, a UTV, an ATV, a cart, or the like. Drainage tile stringing implement attachment 100 is shown having a spool shaft 111, a first spool end drainage tile retaining member 112 and a second spool end drainage tile retaining member 113, where the spool shaft 111 extends between the first spool end drainage tile retaining member 112 and the second spool end drainage tile retaining member 113. These items may be, but need not be, similar to items 11, 12 and 13, respectively, in the above referenced published US Patent Application. Spool shaft 111 is shown in a generally upright position and having a shaft longitudinal axis which is shown as being temporarily substantially vertical. First spool end drainage tile retaining member 112 coupled to and disposed about spool shaft 111 and is preferably capable of being pivoted so that the spool shaft 111 is in a substantially horizontal orientation. (FIG. 3). Second spool end drainage tile retaining member 113 is coupled to spool shaft receiving member 114, which is coupled to reaching support arm 120, which is coupled to upstanding frame member top portion 152, which is coupled to upstanding frame member bottom portion 150. Upstanding frame member bottom portion 150 having a bottom portion longitudinal axis and upstanding frame member top portion 152 having a top portion longitudinal axis which is substantially parallel with said bottom portion longitudinal axis. Upstanding frame member bottom portion 150 and upstanding frame member top portion 152 are configured in a nested telescoping arrangement, however other non-nested configurations are contemplated as well. Said bottom portion longitudinal axis is shown as being substantially vertical, but variations of this are also contemplated. Upstanding frame member top portion 152 is coupled to a powered telescoping actuator second portion 122, which is coupled to powered telescoping actuator first portion 121, which in combination may be a hydraulic cylinder or other powered linear actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder or an electric or mechanical linear actuator or suitable substitute. When hydraulic pressure is applied to powered telescoping actuator second portion 122, it moves and forces upstanding frame member top portion 152 to telescope to an expanded configuration, such as is shown in FIG. 2. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a spool shaft receiving member side portion 1413 with a spool shaft receiving member first interior member 1411 and a spool shaft receiving member second interior member 1415. Spool shaft 111 is shown having a spool shaft top portion 1111 which is disposed between spool shaft receiving member second interior member 1415 and spool shaft receiving member first interior member 1411. Said spool shaft 111 having a substantially cylindrical intermediate portion disposed between said spool shaft top portion 1111 and a point of connection between first spool end drainage tile retaining member 112 and spool shaft 111.

(15) Now referring to FIG. 2, there is shown view of the drainage tile stringing implement attachment 100 of the present invention with upstanding frame member top portion 152 being powered into an extended configuration with respect to upstanding frame member bottom portion 150. This results in the second spool end drainage tile retaining member 113 and spool shaft receiving member 114 being elevated above spool shaft top portion 1111. This cap raising step is done before the next step which is shown in FIG. 3.

(16) Now referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a coil engaging configuration where the spool shaft 111 is shown in a substantially horizontal configuration for insertion in a central opening of a coil of an agricultural drainage tile. First spool end drainage tile retaining member 112 is shown coupled to shaft supporting pivot arm 140 which is forced into a pivoted position by application of hydraulic pressure to powered pivoting actuator second portion 142, or the like, which is coupled to powered pivoting actuator first portion 141, or the like, which is coupled to a structural portion of drainage tile stringing implement attachment 100. This construction and function of the items described in these paragraphs may be, but need not be, similar to items performing similar functions in the above referenced US published patent application.

(17) Now referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a configuration of the drainage tile stringing implement attachment 100 which has been retracted into an uncapped and loaded configuration. Note that the powered pivoting actuator second portion 142 and powered pivoting actuator first portion 141 are omitted from this figure, but it should be understood that they were used in combination with each other to tip the coil of drainage tile into the shown orientation.

(18) Now referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a configuration of the drainage tile stringing implement attachment 100 where the second spool end drainage tile retaining member 113 has been lowered by manipulation of powered telescoping actuator second portion 122 and powered telescoping actuator first portion 121 so that second spool end drainage tile retaining member 113 contacts the top portion of a coil of drainage tile disposed about spool shaft 111. It should be noted that spool shaft top portion 1111 is shown below spool shaft receiving member second interior member 1415, which is between spool shaft receiving member first interior member 1411 and spool shaft top portion 1111. This configuration shows that the second spool end drainage tile retaining member 113 is being prohibited from going down to the most compact configuration of FIG. 1 by the presence of the coil of drainage tile. As drainage tile is removed from the coil (depending on how it was wound and how the wound coil was oriented with respect to the spool shaft 111), a cap may appear between the second spool end drainage tile retaining member 113 and the top of the coil. In one embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic pressure on powered telescoping actuator second portion 122 can be changed and upstanding frame member top portion 152 may be retracted into upstanding frame member bottom portion 150 and the gap could be reduced or eliminated. The spool shaft receiving member side portion 1413 in some embodiments might be longer so as to permit an extended range of penetration or variable depth of penetration of the spool shaft 111 into spool shaft receiving member 114. This ability to change the vertical height of the spool which is formed when second spool end drainage tile retaining member 113 is moved toward first spool end drainage tile retaining member 112 allows for a size characteristic of the spool to be adjustable and to thereby facilitate secure retention and use of partial coils of drainage tile and allows for reducing the space which might permit unwanted movement of the drainage tile within the drainage tile stringing implement attachment 100. The control of the precise location of the second spool end drainage tile retaining member 113, with respect to the spool shaft 111 could be left to the judgement of a human operator or vehicle drivers.

(19) Now referring to FIG. 6, there is shown an alternate view of the system shown in the position as shown in FIG. 1 with alternate numbering and additional numbering relating to the hydraulic portions of the present invention, which are also shown in FIGS. 7-11. More specifically, powered telescoping actuator first portion 121 and powered telescoping actuator second portion 122 are collectively labelled as hat lift cylinder 3 in FIG. 6. Similarly, powered pivoting actuator first portion 141 and powered pivoting actuator second portion 142 are collectively labeled as table lift cylinder 4 in FIG. 6. Note the table lift cylinder is not shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, but it should be understood that it would be present in an actual working embodiment of the present invention.

(20) Now referring to FIG. 7, there is a close up view of the hydraulic circuit of the present invention which includes a hydraulic pump 1, which could be powered by an Option A dc power unit, or an Option B tractor hydraulics or suitable substitutes. A hydraulic flow control push button control 2 (which could be disposed within reach of the driver of a vehicle and could be either electrical for Option A or a Tractor Valve if Option B). The Hat Lift Cylinder 3 and the Table Lift Cylinder 4 are also shown. Also shown is Sequencing Valve 5 with associated connections to button 2 and cylinders 3 and 4.

(21) Now referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a hydraulic flow diagram which corresponds to the system configuration shown in FIG. 2, wherein the arrows represent the direction of fluid flow.

(22) Now referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a hydraulic flow diagram which corresponds to the system configuration shown in FIG. 3, wherein the arrows represent the direction of fluid flow.

(23) Now referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a hydraulic flow diagram which corresponds to the system configuration shown in FIG. 4, wherein the arrows represent the direction of fluid flow.

(24) Now referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a hydraulic flow diagram which corresponds to the system configuration shown in FIG. 5, wherein the arrows represent the direction of fluid flow.

(25) In operation, and now referring to FIGS. 1-5 and 8-11, the system of the present invention could function as follows: the system starts from a transport configuration with the spool empty and the second spool end drainage tile retaining member 113 seated as far down as possible (FIG. 1). Next the second spool end drainage tile retaining member 113 is raised up to allow for pivoting of the spool shaft 111 (FIGS. 2 and 8). Next the spool shaft 111 is pivoted to allow mating with a coil of drainage tile (FIGS. 3 and 9). Next the spool shaft 111 is pivoted upright (FIGS. 4 and 10). And lastly, the second spool end drainage tile retaining member 113 is lowered into close proximity of the top portion of the coil of drainage tile (FIGS. 5 and 11). From the tractor or truck seat, the operator while viewing the implement, manipulates the push button or lever to cycle the loading system. The cycle is stopped (at FIG. 3) to maneuver the spool shaft into the fresh coil. After the spool shaft and coil are fully engaged, the button or lever is actuated to continue the loading cycle. At the end of the loading cycle, the operator can stop the capping process when 113 contacts the coil or then may continue lowering, thereby adding the desired down pressure or completely seats the cap, whichever comes first.

(26) It should be understood that while this invention could have benefits of automated operation, many of the benefits of the invention could still be enjoyed with simple separate manual hydraulic controls for each hydraulic cylinder. Our automated sequencing not only simplifies the cycling process, it also protects the implement's components. Our system will not allow the table to pivot while the spool shaft (111) is engaged with 113 or allow the coil or 111 to contact the 113 while loading.

(27) In the above description, it should be understood that the claimed means for translating might include only a linear actuator and some simple control mechanism. This could be a single hydraulic cylinder with a manual hydraulic controller, together with the required hoses, fluid, connections, and sources of hydraulic power. Alternatively, this means for translating could be electric and could be many different types of linear actuators, including, but not limited to, an electric motor and a treaded or toothed elongated member together with a simple switch, or suitable substitutes. Of course, the means for translating could include the system as shown in FIGS. 6-11.

(28) It should be understood that when the terms vertical and horizontal are used to describe the present invention, it is not intended that these terms be interpreted to make them incorrect if the present invention is on a vehicle which is on uneven ground or inclined. The terms are meant to encompass such variations.

(29) It is thought that the method and apparatus of the present invention will be understood from the foregoing description and that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construct steps and arrangement of the parts and steps thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of their material advantages. The form herein described is merely a preferred exemplary embodiment thereof.