Abstract: A system or method for dispensing seeds and chemical granules, in which chemical granules are dispensed through a granule tube into a seed dispensing tube, where the granule tube is connected to the seed dispensing tube at a location above a lower opening of the seed dispensing tube, and where the lower opening of the seed dispensing tube is covered with a brush. A seed is dispensed through the seed dispensing tube. The brush holds chemical granules within the seed dispensing tube such that chemical granules accumulate within the seed dispensing tube, and the brush allows a seed and accumulated chemical granules to pass through the lower opening when the seed is dispensed via the seed dispensing tube.

Abstract: A system or method for dispensing seeds and chemical granules, in which chemical granules are dispensed through a granule tube into a seed dispensing tube, where the granule tube is connected to the seed dispensing tube at a location above a lower opening of the seed dispensing tube, and where the lower opening of the seed dispensing tube is covered with a brush. A seed is dispensed through the seed dispensing tube. The brush holds chemical granules within the seed dispensing tube such that chemical granules accumulate within the seed dispensing tube, and the brush allows a seed and accumulated chemical granules to pass through the lower opening when the seed is dispensed via the seed dispensing tube.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the selective metering of seed intended essentially for sowing and/or reseeding soils and of additives intended essentially for improving and/or treating the soils; said device comprising essentially:

Abstract: A dual material dispensing assembly mountable to a frame for pulling assembly across the ground. The assembly includes an elongate main member having a first end mountable to the frame and a second end pivotally connected to a packer arm at a pivotable joint. A first dispensing implement for dispensing fertilizer to a first depth in the ground is mounted to the main member between the first and second ends. A second dispensing implement for dispensing seed to a second depth, different than the first depth, is mounted to the packer arm. The pivotable joint is intermediate the first and second dispensing implements. There is also a lock for preventing pivoting of the pivotable joint. A packer wheel is mounted to the packer arm at a second end whereby pivoting of the packer arm with respect to the main member at the pivotable joint acts to vary the first and second depths of the by the same amount.

Abstract: A seeding apparatus may include a control unit to meter a predetermined amount of seed at desired intervals of time, distance, or the like. For instance, in one embodiment a tractor-towable seeder may include a trailing wheel, a sensor which detects the radial or circumferential travel of the wheel, and a control unit which receives the sensor input and triggers the release of seeds at the desired intervals. The control unit may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to a programmable logic controller or a low-voltage relay and distribution system. Suitable sensors may be selected based on the desired metering apparatus and control device.

Abstract: An improved seed belt housing to reduce seed skip and method for same. The seed belt housing having a modified back panel with an area of impact absorbing material disposed at least in the area where the seed normally hits the back panel of the seed belt housing after being discharged by the seed meter. The impact absorbing material having the properties to dampen, absorb, or reduce the amount of bounce or ricochet otherwise experienced by the seed after hitting the back panel of the seed belt housing.

Abstract: A seed receiving tray is removeably mounted on a frame of a planting unit for receiving seed from a seed meter as it is cleared. The seed tray comprises a bowl portion for receiving the seed, a cross bar receiving portion for engaging a frame cross bar, and a hook for engaging a recess formed in the frame. The bowl portion has a first end wall that is provided with the cross bar receiving portion and a vertical support receiving portion. The bowl portion has a second end wall having the hook.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a planting assembly including a mounting member and comprising a hopper including first and second wall members that form first and second hopper external surfaces wherein first and second forces applied perpendicular to the first and second surfaces include at least components along first and second opposing trajectories, respectively, a first elongated bearing member rigidly linked to the mounting member and forming a first bearing surface that applies a first applied force to the first hopper surface wherein the first applied force includes at least a first compressing component along the first trajectory, a second elongated bearing member forming a second bearing surface and having a first end and a retainer linked to the first end of the second bearing member and rigidly linking the second bearing member to the mounting member in any of several different positions relative to the first bearing member so that the second bearing surface applies a second applied force to the second

Abstract: An improved seed belt housing to reduce seed skip and method for same. The seed belt housing having a modified back panel with an area of impact absorbing material disposed at least in the area where the seed normally hits the back panel of the seed belt housing after being discharged by the seed meter. The impact absorbing material having the properties to dampen, absorb, or reduce the amount of bounce or ricochet otherwise experienced by the seed after hitting the back panel of the seed belt housing.

Abstract: A seeding machine having a main seed hopper is in communication with a planting unit by a flexible tube. The planting unit has a horizontal working position and a vertical transport position. The main hopper supplies seed by gravity to the planting unit through the flexible tube. The planting unit is provided with a vacuum seed meter. The seed meter has a seed disc with a vacuum side and a working seed puddle side. An isolator brush, arranged in a chordal manner on the seed puddle side of the seed disc, defines the discharge area of the seed meter. A first brush intersecting the isolator brush extends downwardly and radially inward along the seed disc. The first brush, together with the isolator brush, defines boundaries of a transport seed puddle when the planting unit is pivoted into its vertical transport position. A second brush extends downwardly and radially inward along the seed disc.

Abstract: A seeding machine having a main seed hopper is in communication with a planting unit by a flexible tube. The planting unit has a horizontal working position and a vertical transport position. The main hopper supplies seed by gravity to the planting unit through the flexible tube. The planting unit comprises a unit hopper and a seed meter. Seed is metered by the seed meter before being discharged to a seed tube and eventually a planting furrow. Seed from the flexible tube passes through the unit hopper to the seed meter. The unit hopper is provided with a baffle. Seed passing through the unit hopper to the seed meter passes beneath the concave surface of the baffle. As the planting unit is pivoted from its horizontal working position to its vertical transport position seed from the seed meter flows over the top of the baffle and is held in the unit hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for varying the rate of seed population by planters or drills, comprising first and second squeeze jack variable speed pulleys, and a belt running around the pulleys; a cog mounted on the first pulley and a cog mounted on the second pulley, and a drive chain running around the cog mounted on the first pulley and a row unit chain running around the cog mounted on the second pulley; and apparatus to vary selectively the speed of the row unit chain at any given speed of the drive chain and at any slope of the apparatus above or below level ground.

Abstract: A cultivating and seeding machine is provided with a seeding unit and a tillage device and/or a land roller. The seeding unit is provided with a seeding actuator, the tillage device is provided with a tillage actuator and the land roller is provided with a land roller actuator. The seeding actuator regulates the sowing depth of the seeding unit, whereas the tillage and land roller actuators regulates the downward pressure of these two implements, respectively. A controller having a memory loaded with information for adjusting the working implements, controls the various actuators in response to these data records.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting drive motion to the members working in dispensing devices and seed and fertilizer dosing devices, equipped to vary the speed of such drive motions according to the operative needs present in each dosing, comprising, in combination, at least one velocity sensor arranged correspondingly with one of the machine supporting wheels, which sensor is integrated to an electronic circuit including the Intelligent Central Unit consisting of a microprocessor having its own software which commands the movements generated by a plurality of Propelling Units, integrated to the same circuit and arranged, individually, correspondingly with each dispenser and dosing device of the machine, coupled to at least one of the members belonging to said dosing devices and dispensers involved in the drive movement and action of each of them. Liquid and/or granular fertilizer or seed can be dispensed.

Abstract: A unique quick change system constitutes the present invention. The invention comprises a two-piece seed boot holder and spreader for use with air seeding devices used in agriculture. The seed boot holder is adapted to bolt onto the shank of an ordinary cultivator behind a seeding opener. The spreader portion of the seed boot matingly engages the holder and is secured by an easily removable pin. Depending upon the desired spread of the seed and fertilizer and the size of the trench created by the seeding opener, various spreader attachments can be used. Thus, the invention allows the farmer to quickly change the spread of seed and/or fertilizer to match his quick change seeding opener without effort and no reconstruction.

Abstract: An opener assembly includes a single opener disk rotatably supported from a drawbar and angled approximately five degrees from the forward direction to define a shadow area behind the trailing surface of the disk. A material placement boot and delivery tube are supported adjacent the trailing surface substantially entirely within the shadow of the disk and have profiles conforming to the furrow profile. The boot and the outlet portion of the tube also lie within the periphery of the disk for protection. The tube has an upper portion with a round cross section which changes to an elliptical cross section towards the outlet to remain within the shadow while retaining high throughput capabilities. First and second wheels are supported on opposite sides of the disk to urge soil downwardly behind the outlet of the delivery tube immediately after the material is deposited.

Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural implement having a seed metering mechanism for uniformly dispensing seeds. The seed tube defined an enclosed curved seed pathway extending between opposite ends of the tube. To promote control over the seeds passing through the tube, the tube has a smooth but decreasing cross-sectional configuration between the ingress and egress ends of the tube. The tube generally includes a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of side walls. The front wall is generally separated into an upper and lower portion. An opening in the front wall, which is provided to receive a monitoring device, is associated with the lower front wall portion. In addition, the lower front wall portion is stepped forward relative to the upper front wall portion. The enclosed seed pathway further includes a narrowed front edge extending in an upward direction from the egress end of the tube along some section of the front wall.

Abstract: A nurse receiver header for an agricultural planting implement is cooperable with a nurse mechanism that conveys a stream of seeds entrained in an air stream from a central hopper. A receiver is positioned at the planting mechanism to receive the seeds entrained in the air stream and accumulate a supply of the seeds for utilization by the associated planting mechanism. The receiver header may include a vent for dissipating the air stream when receiving the seeds for distribution to the receiver. The vent is provided with a hood to keep contaminants from entering the vent and passing into the planting mechanism. The receiver header is positioned so that an appropriate supply of seeds for the planting mechanism fills the tube between the receiver header and the receiver including the vent, resulting in a decreased volume of discharged air for the air stream and a diminished ability for the nurse mechanism to convey seeds. The receiver header can be configured to service multiple receivers.

Abstract: A nurse adapter mechanism for an agricultural seeding implement converts an air seeder meter box into a nurse inductor box to convey seed particles to the singulator of a planting mechanism. The nurse adapter mechanism is detachably mounted on the meter box of the air seeder to receive a supply of seed particles therefrom and utilizes the normal air flow for the metering mechanism to effect a nursing of seed particles to a planting mechanism. The nurse adapter mechanism diverts the stream of air into engagement with a pile of seed particles and induce the entrainment of the seed particles for conveyance thereof to the remote planting mechanism. A partition wall divides the nurse induction mechanism into a seed side and an air side. The seed side receives the supply of seed particles from the hopper and allows the seed to pass through a passageway into the air side for engagement by the stream of air.

Abstract: A seeding implement grain box is provided with a single piece molded plastic insert at the bottom of the box that forms an array of funnel sections having open lower ends that align with the openings in the grain box bottom wall. The funnel sections have sloping walls between each bottom wall opening to cover the flat portions of the bottom wall between the openings, thereby allowing the seed grain to completely empty from the grain box.

Abstract: A debris shield is provided for use with a single furrow planter unit of a multi-row planter. The planter unit comprises a generally horizontally disposed frame including a pair of horizontally spaced-apart frame members which define an opening therebetween. The debris shield of this invention is secured to the frame between the frame members and extends therebetween for preventing debris from passing upwardly past the debris shield.

Abstract: A furrow opener of an air seed planter is equipped with a seed boot and seed positioner for planting one or more rows of seeds in soil. The seed boot has walls providing a passage for directing seeds into a furrow. The seed positioner attached to the seed boot channels seeds in one or more rows of seeds and covers the seeds with a substantially uniform layer of soil. The forward ground speed of the air seed planter and the velocity of the seeds carried by the flowing air reduce seed bounce due to the reverse drop of the seed boot.

Abstract: A control system for agricultural implements such as planters, conventional or air drills is disclosed herein. The implement includes a frame with one or more sections. Each section supports a plurality of row units configured to apply a product at variable rates to rows in a field. The products can include seeds, fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. In one configuration, the control system monitors the rates at which the product is applied to the rows. This configuration of the control system includes sensors configured to sense the rates at which product is applied, and a control module configured to monitor the sensed rates and generate a multiplexed output signal representative thereof. The output signal is used, for example, by a cab-mounted display or recording device. The control system, however, can be reconfigured to both monitor and control the application rates by installing a second control module on the frame.

Abstract: Sensor plugs are used to fill in sensor apertures formed in the front and rear walls of seed tubes used on row crop planters. The size of the plug and the depth of the plug is dictated by the diameter of the sensor aperture and the thickness of the walls of the seed tube. The interior surface of the plug is designed to follow the inside surface of the seed tube. The outside of the plug is provided with a cap assembly that is larger than the sensor aperture. This cap assembly has an inside surface that bears against the outside surface of the seed tube. A holding assembly comprising either a resilient C-clamp or plastic tie band are used to hold the cap assemblies against the seed tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seed boot and packer wheel for use with a cultivator particularly of the type for mounting directly on a cultivator shank. The seed boot and packer wheel comprise a seed boot, an attachment means fixing the seed boot to the cultivator shank adjacent a bottom edge of the shank and behind a sweep or other soil opener, a packer wheel, a packer wheel mounting means mounting the packer wheel directly onto the seed boot, and a horizontal spring for biasing the packer wheel downwards.

Abstract: A new mobile planting apparatus has first and second ranks of powered row units and first and second power devices connected respectively to and providing driving horsepower to such ranks. Suitable power devices include mechanical, electrical and hydraulic types with the latter being preferred. Each power device includes a control mechanism permitting the driving horsepower provided to the respective ranks to be independently controlled. That is, each power device may be independently operated or disabled and the power devices may run at different speeds and horsepowers. A new method for planting seeds enables a grower using two ranks of row units to plant seeds up to the boundary of a field while yet avoiding seeding beyond or short of the boundary with either row unit. The method also involves planting two different types of seeds.

Abstract: A planting unit utilizing a single disk opener supported for rotation about a horizontal axis offset at a small angle from the transverse direction for opening a furrow. A seed tube assembly is located adjacent the rearward facing side of the disk and includes a runner extending forwardly of the lower portion of the seed tube for holding loose soil out of the furrow in advance of seed or other material deposited therein, the runner being located in the shadow of the disk so as not to significantly contact or disturb the side of the furrow. The opener is mounted on an arm which is pivotable about a relatively low point so as to be oriented at a relatively flat angle with respect to the ground and to maintain the general orientation of the opener as it moves through the soil throughout the range of pivotal movement of the arm. The planting unit can include one or more pivotable press wheels which can be mounted for pivotal movement about the same axis as a pivotable gauge wheel adjusting arm.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises: an air compressor for generating a positive air pressure; a soil hardness sensor for measuring soil hardness so as to produce a control signal to adjust the positive air pressure generated by the compressor; an air pressure adjuster for adjusting the positive air pressure generated by the air compressor in accordance with the control signal produced by the soil hardness sensor; a negative air pressure generator for generating a negative air pressure by making use of air under the positive air pressure; a change-over valve for effecting a change-over operation between the positive air pressure and the negative air pressure, so as to selectively supply the positive air pressure or the negative air pressure; a seed adsorber for catching a seed by virtue of the negative air pressure; a first air cylinder adapted to extend or contract by the positive air pressure, to cause a certain reciprocating movement of the seed adsorber; a second air cylinder adapted to extend or contract by the

Abstract: A seed boot for use with a furrow forming disk of a grain drill for depositing seed within a furrow. The seed boot includes a housing having an inner side, an outer side and a furrow firming edge. The furrow firming edge extends between a lower edge of the inner side and a lower edge of the outer side. The furrow firming edge includes an opening positioned below an axis of the disk and in communication with an internal seed delivery tube that extends the length of the housing. At least one side wear insert is attached to the lower edge of the outer side of the seed boot to prevent side and down force wear of the seed boot.

Abstract: The present invention is a seed tube guide for maintaining the seed tube in the center of the seed planting furrow between the double disc openers. The seed tube guide comprises a unitary member having left and right forwardly extending mounting plates for engaging a seed tube guard. Each of the mounting plates has a notch for receiving the transversely extending ridge of the seed tube guard. Extending rearwardly are left and right guide members for gripping the seed tube and centering it in the seed planting furrow.

Abstract: A tube alignment bracket for mounting on or shaped integrally with the seed distribution tube of a seed planter to align multiple planter insecticide tubes in close proximity to, and in a vertical plane with, the discharge opening of the seed distribution tube and insure that liquid insecticide or fungicide dispensed through the insecticide tubes are deposited in a furrow in close proximity to seeds expelled from the seed distribution tube. In a preferred embodiment the tube alignment bracket is characterized by an elongated, I beam-shaped leg plate strengthened by a pair of braces, one end of which leg plate extends from a bracket plate which is slotted and is strapped to or formed integrally with the seed distribution tube. The leg plate is fitted with at least one pair of openings or a slot to receive and position the insecticide tubes in close, fixed proximity with respect to the discharge opening of the seed distribution tube.

Abstract: A planting unit utilizing a single disk opener supported for rotation about a horizontal axis offset at a small angle from the transverse direction for opening a furrow. A seed tube assembly is located adjacent the rearward facing side of the disk and includes a runner extending forwardly of the lower portion of the seed tube for holding loose soil out of the furrow in advance of seed or other material deposited therein, the runner being located in the shadow of the disk so as not to significantly contact or disturb the side of the furrow. The opener is mounted on an arm which is pivotable about a relatively low point so as to be oriented at a relatively flat angle with respect to the ground and to maintain the general orientation of the opener as it moves through the soil throughout the range of pivotal movement of the arm. The planting unit can include one or more pivotable press wheels which can be mounted for pivotal movement about the same axis as a pivotable gauge wheel adjusting arm.

Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine is provided with a steel seed tube for directing seed downwardly into a planting furrow and a plastic seed supply tube for directing metered seed into the seed tube. The seed tube has a normal portion for directing seed into the planting furrow and an enlarged portion for receiving the seed supply tube. The enlarged portion is provided with inwardly projecting tangs for gripping and trapping the seed supply tube in the enlarged portion of the seed tube.

Abstract: A straight row seed planter wherein a support frame mounts a hopper onto a support beam, with an axle rotatably mounted within the support frame parallel to the support beam, wherein the support beam includes at least one pair of feed cones extending therefrom, with each feed cone having a closure door plate, and each closure door plate arranged for sequential operation by a respective cam member that effects sequential opening of each respective door plate to effect sequential feeding from the respective feed cones. The hopper is arranged for selective securement to the support frame to accommodate various quantities and sizing of seed to be planted.

Abstract: A tine device for a soil conditioning aeration machine capable of replacing a tine with another in a simple motion. The tine is mounted onto a driving portion through a coupler having an internal member. The internal member has a body portion capable of being inserted into the tine and the coupler retains the inserted tine through movable steel balls. The steel balls are freed by pushing an outer cylinder of the coupler against the force of a coiled spring so that the tine may be removed/mounted in a simple motion.

Abstract: This invention is a soil backfilling device mounted on a vehicle used for producing a plurality of aeration holes in a single operation. A control is provided for metering the backfill media into a plurality of metering tubes and a second control is used for selectively disbursing the backfill from the metering tubes into the aeration holes. The backfilling device is shown in conjunction with one type of multiple aeration hole forming machine but, of course, it could be used in conjunction with other machines accomplishing the same results.

Abstract: A seed planter for planting of large or irregular seeds. A housing is mounted on a frame. The frame carries ground working equipment for opening, planting and closing a seed slot. The housing includes interior walls and partitions that divide it into a seed box and a collector. The collector leads to a seed drop opening to deliver seeds for planting in the open seed slot. The seed box has a single seed bin or can be divided into multiple seed bins. A gathering chain is associated with each seed bin. Each gathering chain has one or more seed cups. The gathering chain is positioned to move the seed cups through an inlet opening in each seed bin, up through the seed bin where the seed cup can pick a seed, and out of the seed bin to drop the seed into the collector. The seed cups can be relatively spaced on the gathering chain, and with respect to cup on the other gathering chains, to regulate the spacing between seeds being deposited. Seeds of different species can be located in the various seed bins.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for planting cuttings one by one, which includes a propelled or towed frame supported by rotatable support wheels, a feeding apparatus for cuttings to be planted and intended for bringing the cuttings into contact with a driving device vertically displaceable in a planting tube. The feeding apparatus is designed for receiving, one by one, cuttings which have been cut in advance to a length suitable for planting of full shoots or such portions thereof the length of which exceeds the length of a cutting intended for planting. The planting tube and at least one portion of the feeding apparatus are movable relative to each other. Cutting apparatus is provided in connection with the feeding apparatus for cutting off a fed, full shoot or a portion thereof during relative movement, whereupon a cutting cut off to a suitable length by the relative movement, during the final phase thereof, is brought to a position in the path of movement of driving apparatus.

Abstract: A tube alignment bracket for mounting on or shaped integrally with the seed distribution tube of a seed planter to align the planter insecticide tube in close proximity to, and in a vertical plane with, the discharge opening of the seed distribution tube and insure that insecticide or fungicide dispensed through the insecticide tube is deposited in a furrow in close proximity to seeds expelled from the seed distribution tube. In a preferred embodiment the tube alignment bracket is characterized by a shaped plastic bracket plate having one end fitted with a tube mount and strengthened by a T-brace, the opposite end of which bracket plate is strapped to or formed integrally with the seed distribution tube. The tube mount is oriented to receive and position the insecticide tube in close, fixed proximity with respect to the discharge opening of the seed distribution tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for laying seeds includes a towable frame from which one or more blades are supported for cutting a slot in the ground surface below, a seed and fertiliser chute feeds seed into the cut ground surface via a channel formed between the frame and blade(s) and tines which make a horizontal branch cut from the slot. A scraper device continually cleans the blade(s).

Abstract: The present invention consists of a new distribution device for use with conventional seeding meters. The system consists of a seed meter for dispensing a predetermined amount of seed and the distributor of this invention disposed below the dispenser. The invention is of a plate having an intricate geometrical configuration positioned below the volume or weight seed distributor to insure that the seeds are contained for controlled fall toward the ground and a portion shaped to provide even distribution of the seed whether or not the seeds are distributed by the center or either side of the present seed distribution system.

Abstract: A granular dispenser for a planter having a closure means for sealing the hopper which is operated by a hydraulic cylinder which is connected in parallel with the hydraulic cylinder normally provided on a planter for raising and lowering the planter tool bar so that the closure means is fully closed before the planter begins to raise and remains closed until the planter is fully lowered.

Abstract: The process serves for the loosening of soil in the subsoil and topsoil areas and for introduction of fertilizers as well as subsoil loosening and/or for soil cultivation as well as the introduction of other additives with the use of digging tools 2, 2', and 2" by which the soil is broken up. In this case, the digging edge of digging tool 2, 2', and 2" is guided in an elliptical motion and this motion is superimposed by a straight motion, i.e., the driving motion. A cycloid is therefore produced for the digging edge. The longer axis of the ellipse in this case is directed from the soil surface into the soil in this manner and exhibits an angle to the travel direction. The additive, such as, for example, fertilizers, can be blown into the fissure forming behind tool 2.

Abstract: A mobile seed planter includes a plurality of planting assemblies with each of the assemblies being selectively activatable for planting seeds and including structure defining a seed cavity for receiving seeds to be planted. A discharging structure in communication with the seed cavities receives seeds therefrom for discharging seeds onto the ground. A control assembly, operably coupling the planting assemblies, includes structure for selectively activating one of the planting assemblies and for preventing activation of the other of the planting assemblies thereby limiting the discharging of seeds onto the ground to only one of the planting assemblies at a time.

Abstract: A flexible seed boot extension fabricated from an ultra-high molecular polyethylene sheet and releasably held in position by a slot and retaining lug so that seed bounce and soil coverage variations are reduced while desired seed flow from the boot to the furrow is unrestricted. The length of the extension is sufficient to prevent seed from bouncing out of the furrow and yet short enough that normal press wheel operation remains unimpeded. The extension, which is constantly in contact with the soil, and is flexible and smooth to easily ride over objects and resist breakage soil build-up.

Abstract: A clutching mechanism for a seed meter incorporates a spring wrapped clutch for selectively disengaging a seed meter on a seed drill in order to tramline fields for agricultural purposes. A common shaft rotates and dispenses seeds from a series of seed meters on the drill. The spring wrapped clutch of the present invention allows for disengagement of singular meters from the rotational actuation of the common shaft. The seed metering clutch incorporates a rotatable drum which dispenses the seed as it is turned. The drum is attached to a driven element which is further attached to a spring. The spring compressibly holds a driving element attached to the rotatable shaft. Seals on the clutch prevent intrusion of foreign matter such as soil into the interior clutch. A selective engagement of the spring causes a decompression on the driving element and consequently, stops the rotation of the seed drum within the seed meter.

Abstract: A clutching mechanism for a seed meter incorporates a spring wrapped clutch for selectively disengaging a seed meter on a seed drill in order to tramline fields for agricultural purposes. A common shaft rotates and dispenses seeds from a series of seed meters on the drill. The spring wrapped clutch of the present invention allows for disengagement of singular meters from the rotational actuation of the common shaft. The seed metering incorporates a rotatable drum which dispenses the seed as it is turned. The drum is attached to a driven element which is further attached to a spring. The spring compressibly holds a driving element attached to the rotation shaft. A selective engagement of the spring causes a decompression on the driving element and consequently, stops the rotation of the seed drum within the seed meter.

Abstract: An implement for agricultural field work is primarily useful for preparing a field for no-till planting and comprises a wheel carried frame for carrying a massive fertilizer hopper which has apertures in its bottom portion through which fertilizer flows at a metered rate into feed tubes which carry the fertilizer to furrows formed by double-disc ground openers mounted on the frame. The openers aerate the soil and chop crop residues remaining on the ground surface from the previous crop. Hoes attached to the openers draw a portion of the soil displaced from the furrows back into the furrows after the fertilizer is deposited therein.

Abstract: In the case of a method for sowing separate seeds in a furrow made by a ploughshare, the separate seeds run in a guide-device, are trapped in the vicinity of the ploughshare, are stored intermediately for a short time and are then released into the furrow. Upon being trapped, the individual seeds are stored intermediately spot-wise in relation to an axis corresponding to the direction of release and under a centering action. The individual seeds are accelerated, by a brief fluid-pulse in the direction of release, from the stationary intermediate storage position and are released into the furrow.