Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: An air seed meter which dispenses individual seeds supplied by a seed hopper into a furrow at a controlled rate as the meter and others like it are advanced over the ground has a generally cylindrical housing containing a rotatable seed disk. As the seed disk is rotated past a mass of seeds on one side thereof, a plurality of seed cells formed by recesses in the surface of the seed disk at one or more circumferential rows of holes adjacent the outer periphery of the seed disk mechanically accelerate and eventually capture therein individual seeds from the seed mass. The individual seeds are held within the cells by a pressure differential created by a vacuum source coupled to the inside of the housing on the opposite side of the seed disk until the cells reach a discharge area. At the discharge area, the effects of the vacuum are cut off so as to release the individual seeds from the cells for discharge through a chute at the bottom of the housing to a seed furrow below.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both values so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: In a seed meter in which a pressure differential is utilized in conjunction with a rotating seed disk having a circumferential row of seed cells therein to pick up individual seeds from a seed mass and deliver the seeds to a seed discharge area, the seed cells are uniquely configured for use with seeds such as sunflower seeds which are of relatively long and slender configuration and of relatively low mass. Each seed cell includes a teardrop shaped recess in the side surface of the disk having an aperture extending through the disk from the bottom thereof to communicate the pressure differential to a seed held within the recess. The seed cell includes a projection extending outwardly from the side surface of the disk and having a surface generally continuous with the back wall of the seed cell so as to aid in picking up and retaining a seed within the recess in addition to providing agitation of the seed mass prior to pickup of the seed.

Abstract: A material metering device having a discrete flow rate adjustment and indicator mechanism. The indicator includes an actuator knob which is rotated to adjust the flow rate of material from the meter. The actuator knob is also operably connected to a follower wheel which is rotated by movement of the actuator knob. Indicia on both the actuator knob and follower wheel are simultaneously registerable with a reference point, such as a viewing window, and the reading of the indicia at the reference point indicates the flow rate of material from the meter.