Abstract: A system to provide ballast weight and to secure accessories on a vehicle load bed includes a plurality of hollow planks placed on the load bed adjacent to each other with end edges of the planks substantially aligned with each other and with side edges of the planks adjacent to each other such that top surfaces of the planks form a substantially flat load surface. At least one plank includes a filling orifice with a removable cap to allow filling with ballast. Recesses at corners of the planks are configured to form a substantially horizontally oriented lobe on each corner of the planks, and adjacent planks are connected at right and left ends thereof by a clip extending into the corresponding recesses of the adjacent planks, and fastened to the lobes on the adjacent planks. At least one clip is fastened to the load bed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a seeding apparatus including sensing a ground force acting on a furrow opener of the seeding apparatus and providing a ground force sensor signal in dependence upon the ground force acting on the furrow opener. The method further includes providing an actuator to apply a bias force to a packer wheel of the seeding apparatus. The method also includes providing a control device operative to receive the ground force sensor signal and an input from an operator and to adjust the bias force that the actuator applies to the packer wheel in dependence on at least one of the ground force sensor signal and the input from the operator.

Abstract: A method for controlling a seeding apparatus including sensing a ground force acting on a furrow opener of the seeding apparatus and providing a ground force sensor signal in dependence upon the ground force acting on the furrow opener. The method further includes providing an actuator to apply a bias force to a packer wheel of the seeding apparatus. The method also includes providing a control device operative to receive the ground force sensor signal and an input from an operator and to adjust the bias force that the actuator applies to the packer wheel in dependence on at least one of the ground force sensor signal and the input from the operator.

Abstract: A seeding apparatus having a furrow opener attached to a first trailing arm, sensor for sensing the amount of ground force to which the furrow opener is being subjected, a second trailing arm, a packing wheel in secure engagement with the second trailing arm and adapted to pack a seeded furrow, an actuator and a control device in communication with the actuator and in communication with the sensor for applying a variable bias force to the packing wheel.

Abstract: A system to provide ballast weight and to secure accessories on a vehicle load bed includes a plurality of hollow planks placed on the load bed adjacent to each other with end edges of the planks substantially aligned with each other and with side edges of the planks adjacent to each other such that top surfaces of the planks form a substantially flat load surface. At least one plank includes a filling orifice with a removable cap to allow filling with ballast. Recesses at corners of the planks are configured to form a substantially horizontally oriented lobe on each corner of the planks, and adjacent planks are connected at right and left ends thereof by a clip extending into the corresponding recesses of the adjacent planks, and fastened to the lobes on the adjacent planks. At least one clip is fastened to the load bed.

Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus has an arm assembly adapted at a front end thereof for pivotal attachment to a seeder frame. A single disc is rotatably attached to the arm assembly about a disc axis at an angle to the travel. A walking beam is pivotally attached to the arm assembly rearward of the disc about a beam axis transverse to the travel direction. A bias element exerts a force on the arm assembly such that a downward bias force is exerted on the walking beam at the beam axis. A packer wheel is rotatably attached at a rear end of the walking beam, and a gauge wheel is rotatably attached at a front end of the walking beam. The gauge wheel is configured to roll along the ground adjacent to the leading face of the disc, and the packer wheel is configured to roll along the furrow.

Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus has an arm assembly adapted at a front end thereof for pivotal attachment to a seeder frame. A single disc is rotatably attached to the arm assembly about a disc axis at an angle to the travel. A walking beam is pivotally attached to the arm assembly rearward of the disc about a beam axis transverse to the travel direction. A bias element exerts a force on the arm assembly such that a downward bias force is exerted on the walking beam at the beam axis. A packer wheel is rotatably attached at a rear end of the walking beam, and a gauge wheel is rotatably attached at a front end of the walking beam. The gauge wheel is configured to roll along the ground adjacent to the leading face of the disc, and the packer wheel is configured to roll along the furrow.

Abstract: A trailing arm furrow opener apparatus includes a furrow opener bracket attached to the rear link of a parallel link assembly such that the furrow opener bracket and furrow opener attached thereto is maintained in a constant fore and aft angular orientation as the assembly moves up and down. A pucker wheel arm is fixed to one of the upper and lower parallel arm members of the parallel link assembly, and extends rearward from the rear link, and a packer wheel is mounted to the packer wheel arm. A bias device exerts a downward force on the assembly. The presentation angle of the furrow opener with respect to the ground is maintained constant while the assembly moves up and down.

Abstract: A single acting hydraulic cylinder apparatus includes a mechanism operated by a single acting hydraulic cylinder, the mechanism including a hollow member. A breathing chamber is provided by sealing at least a portion of the hollow member such that outside air is prevented from entering the breathing chamber. A pressurized port of the hydraulic cylinder is adapted for connection to a pressurized hydraulic fluid source, and an un-pressurized breathing port of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the breathing chamber such that air can flow between the breathing port and the breathing chamber.

Abstract: An agricultural implement apparatus comprises a center section, inner foldable wings, outer foldable wings, and foldable wing extensions oriented substantially horizontally when in the field position. When in the transport position, the center section is horizontal, the inner wings extend vertically from ends of the center section, the outer wings extend downward and inward from upper ends of the inner wings such that lower ends of the outer wings are adjacent to each other, and the wing extensions extend downward and outward from the lower ends of the outer wings toward corresponding ends of the center section. A wing locking and folding apparatus includes an over-centering locking mechanism, and maintains an implement wing extension in alignment with an implement wing when in a field position, and folds the wing extension upward to a transport position.

Abstract: A seeding apparatus adapted for being drawn across the ground of an agricultural field by a tractor, comprising at least one frame adapted for engagement with the tractor, at least one seeding unit comprising, a first trailing arm having a proximal end and a distal end, means for securely engaging the proximal end of the first trailing arm with the frame, a furrow opener, means for securely engaging the furrow opener with the first trailing arm proximate the distal end of the first trailing arm, means for sensing the amount of ground force to which the furrow opener is being subjected, means for placing seed in the opened furrow, a second trailing arm having a proximal end and a distal end, means for securely and pivotally engaging the proximal end of the second trailing arm with the frame, a packing wheel in secure engagement with the second trailing arm proximate the distal end of the second trailing arm and adapted to pack the seeded furrow, means for variably biasing the packing wheel toward the ground in

Abstract: A method for seeding flax seeds and canola seeds includes: with a plurality of side banding furrow openers, depositing seeds into a corresponding plurality of seed furrows; with each side banding furrow opener, depositing phosphate fertilizer in a corresponding side band in proximity to the seeds in the seed furrows; with a plurality of mid-row banding furrow openers, depositing nitrogen fertilizer, and optionally sulfur fertilizer, in fertilizer furrows where each fertilizer furrow is located substantially midway between adjacent seed furrows. An apparatus for practicing the method is provided as well.

Abstract: A trailing arm furrow opener apparatus includes a furrow opener bracket attached to the rear link of a parallel link assembly such that the furrow opener bracket and furrow opener attached thereto is maintained in a constant fore and aft angular orientation as the assembly moves up and down. A pucker wheel arm is fixed to one of the upper and lower parallel arm members of the parallel link assembly, and extends rearward from the rear link, and a packer wheel is mounted to the packer wheel arm. A bias device exerts a downward force on the assembly. The presentation angle of the furrow opener with respect to the ground is maintained constant while the assembly moves up and down.

Abstract: A method for seeding flax seeds and canola seeds includes: with a plurality of side banding furrow openers, depositing seeds into a corresponding plurality of seed furrows; with each side banding furrow opener, depositing phosphate fertilizer in a corresponding side band in proximity to the seeds in the seed furrows; with a plurality of mid-row banding furrow openers, depositing nitrogen fertilizer, and optionally sulfur fertilizer, in fertilizer furrows where each fertilizer furrow is located substantially midway between adjacent seed furrows. An apparatus for practicing the method is provided as well.

Abstract: An agricultural ground working apparatus includes a mounting bracket adapted for attachment to an implement frame. A shank is pivotally attached to the mounting bracket about a shank pivot axis and extends downward from the mounting bracket to a lower end thereof adapted for engaging the ground. Right and left disc arms are pivotally attached at upper portions thereof to the mounting bracket such that the disc arms pivot about arm pivot axes independent of the shank. The disc arms extend rearward and downward from the mounting bracket on each side of the shank, and right and left discs are rotatably attached to lower portions of the corresponding right and left disc arms.

Abstract: An agricultural commodity cart loading conveyor apparatus comprises a conveyor mounted to an agricultural commodity cart. A hopper is pivotally attached to the lower end of the conveyor tube and a hopper conveyor section is mounted along a bottom of the hopper. The hopper pivots from an extended position to a folded position. In the extended position the hopper is oriented at an angle to the conveyor tube such that the hopper extends along the ground when the conveyor is in the operating position, and is connected to the lower end of the conveyor tube such that the hopper conveyor section conveys material entering the hopper into the lower end of the conveyor tube for conveyance up the conveyor tube. A lock is operative to lock the hopper and conveyor together when the hopper is in the extended position. Hydraulic cylinders can be provided to facilitate use with larger conveyors.

Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus includes a parallel link trailing arm having a rear link that is maintained substantially horizontal as the arm moves up and down. Front and rear furrow openers are attached to the rear link. A packer wheel arm is attached to the rear link and extends rearward and downward from the rear link, and a packer wheel is mounted to the packer wheel arm and aligned with one of the furrow openers. A bias device exerts a downward bias force on the trailing arm, furrow openers, and packer wheel. The furrow openers, the packer wheel, and the rear link are maintained in rigid orientation with respect to each other when in a working mode, and a vertical operating position of at least one of the furrow openers with respect to the packer wheel is adjustable to vary a depth of the furrow.

Abstract: A method for drying a surface comprises supporting a fabric cover above the surface, and holding side edges of the fabric cover against the surface such that an air channel is formed between the fabric cover and the surface. The air channel has an inlet end and a discharge end, and a pressurized warm air stream having a relative humidity less than an ambient relative humidity is directed into the inlet end of the air channel such that the warm air stream moves through the air channel to the discharge end and out to the atmosphere. An apparatus for practicing the invention provides a plenum along the inlet end with plenum outlets to discharge the warm air stream, and cover supports extending out from the plenum to support the cover above the surface. A fabric tube plenum and cover supports provide versatility and portability.

Abstract: A seeding and fertilizing apparatus comprises a plurality of seed assemblies each comprising a trailing arm pivotally connected at a front end thereof to the frame and a packer wheel rotatably attached to rear end thereof. A seed knife is attached to the trailing arm ahead of the packer wheel which rolls along the seed furrow created by the knife. A vertical position of the knife with respect to the packer wheel is adjustable, and a bias device is operative to exert a downward bias force on the trailing arm. A plurality of fertilizer assemblies each comprises a fertilizer disc rotatably mounted to the frame such that a vertical position of the disc with respect to the implement frame is adjustable. The seed assemblies and fertilizer assemblies are oriented laterally such that each fertilizer furrow is located between adjacent seed furrows.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the growth of algae and like organisms in plastic water tanks exposed to sunlight comprises providing an outer tank surface operative to reflect off a substantial portion of sunlight that hits the tank off the outer tank surface; and providing an opaque inner tank layer operative to substantially prevent sunlight passing through the outer tank surface from entering an interior of the tank. A two layer tank is provided comprising a light colored outer layer and a dark sun-blocking inner layer, and is conveniently made by a rotational molding process.