Abstract: A method of applying a selected first combination of application rates of each of a plurality of crop inputs on a first zone in a field and applying a selected second combination of application rates of each of the crop inputs on a second zone in the field. The method comprises towing a seeding implement through the first zone in the field with metering devices adjusted to apply the first combination of application rates; visually judging when the seeding implement crosses a first boundary from the first zone to the second zone; and, by performing a single action, adjusting the metering devices to apply the second combination of application rates on the second zone.

Abstract: A self-unloading container apparatus comprises a container mounted on a vehicle. An upright auger tube has its bottom end in the container and top end outside the container. An intermediate auger tube is pivotally attached at one end to the upright auger tube so as to pivot about a pivot axis on a pivot plane and at the other end to a lateral auger tube at a fixed oblique angle. A universal joint connects the intermediate flighting shaft to the upright flighting shaft with the center of the joint on the pivot plane and axis. A constant velocity universal joint connects the intermediate flighting shaft to the lateral flighting shaft with a center thereof located at the intersection of axes of the intermediate and lateral auger tubes. The lateral auger tube pivots from a transport position aligned with the travel direction, to an operating position transverse to the travel direction.

Abstract: A system for maintaining an appropriate air flow in an air stream in an air seeder. A fan provides an air stream to carry agricultural materials for distribution across a width of a seeding implement. A tank contains a granular agricultural material and a metering device dispenses the material into the air stream. The system is calibrated such that a known weight of material is dispensed for each revolution of the metering device whereby the rotational speed of the metering device multiplied by the known weight per revolution results in a known per minute rate of agricultural material being dispensed into the air stream. A microprocessor is programmed to derive an appropriate fan speed for the per minute rate of agricultural material being dispensed and send a signal to a fan control to adjust the speed of the fan to correspond to the appropriate fan speed.

Abstract: A method of applying a selected first combination of application rates of each of a plurality of crop inputs on a first zone in a field and applying a selected second combination of application rates of each of the crop inputs on a second zone in the field. The method comprises towing a seeding implement through the first zone in the field with metering devices adjusted to apply the first combination of application rates; visually judging when the seeding implement crosses a first boundary from the first zone to the second zone; and, by performing a single action, adjusting the metering devices to apply the second combination of application rates on the second zone.

Abstract: A liquid application unit for use on air seeders is provided which is cost-effective, has low maintenance and is highly reliable. This unit permits farmers to apply liquid substances, i.e. seed treatment substances to particulate material, namely seeds, just prior to the seed being inserted into the soil. The system uses an auger having two different pitches of flighting and/or different diameter flighting such that the volume available in between pitches of the flighting on the portion of the auger outboard of the orifice is greater than the volume available between the pitches inboard of the orifice. Chemicals are applied downstream of a sump area where the auger has either a larger pitch or larger diameter such that the volume available to the seed in the downstream area of the sump is greater. This will allow for better mixing action and minimize any effects on metering accuracy caused by build-up of chemicals on the flighting.