Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing edible food articles having three dimensional shapes from raw ingredients such as moist dough involve shaping preforms in an upside-down orientation over inverted cup-shaped molds. Shaping of the preforms is assisted by gravitational forces and directional forced airflow into relatively complicated three dimensional shapes with simplified equipment and manufacturing steps.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing edible food articles having three dimensional shapes from raw ingredients such as moist dough involve shaping preforms in an upside-down orientation over inverted cup-shaped molds. Shaping of the preforms is assisted by gravitational forces and directional forced airflow into relatively complicated three dimensional shapes with simplified equipment and manufacturing steps.

Abstract: A planting machine for delivering liquid pesticides to the soil mixing zone preceding the furrow closing mechanism to effectively distribute liquid pesticide throughout soil covering seed in a furrow. The planting machine has a furrow opening mechanism, seed dispensing means, and furrow closing mechanism and includes a seed positioning means mounted on the seed dispensing means for effectively locating seeds in the furrow. Also, the planting machine includes means for liquid pesticide spray delivery mounted thereon so as to direct a spray towards the furrow closing mechanism and into the soil mixing zone being created by the furrow closing mechanism. The means for spray delivery can be mounted on the conventional seed positioning means as well as independently mounted on the planting machine.

Abstract: A system for dispensing multiple types of seed as a planting apparatus (planter or drill) travels throughout an agricultural field is disclosed herein. The planting apparatus is typically an implement having row units for applying seed to the field as the implement is pulled by a vehicle (tractor). The system includes multiple seed bins configured to store multiple types of seed (e.g., multiple crops or varieties). Multiple bins can be formed within a seed hopper by a removable dividing wall. A switch assembly selectively discharges seed from one seed bin in response to control signals generated in a manual or an automatic mode. The control signals are generated using an operator input device in manual mode, and using location signals and a prescription type map in automatic mode. Discharged seed is received by a distribution assembly for delivery to the row units.