Abstract: A seed drill having a frame, to which at least one seeding coulter and a fertiliser coulter arranged upstream of the seeding coulter in a working direction are connected. The seeding coulter and the fertiliser coulter are each assigned depth control.

Abstract: A seeding apparatus has a frame and a plurality of furrow openers spaced laterally along the implement frame. A like plurality of singulating meters is provided, each mounted on the frame close to a corresponding furrow opener, and seed tubes are configured to receive singulated seeds from a corresponding singulating meter and deposit the seeds in the furrow created by the corresponding furrow opener. A pressurized air stream conveys seeds through each seed tube and a seed supply supplies seeds to each singulating meter. A meter control operates each singulating meter to provide a variable seeding rate that is independent of the seeding rates of the other singulating meters. A seed catching member follows each furrow opener and catches the seeds exiting the seed tubes to maintain a consistent seed spacing in the furrow.

Abstract: A soil cutting head for a mount of an agricultural implement includes a head having a leading extremity for cutting into soil ahead of the mount, and a fertilizer tube extending through the head to a discharge end for discharging a stream of fertilizer into the soil from the head.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided having a tongue, a central toolbar extending from the tongue, and first and second wings extending generally outwardly from the central toolbar. The implement may include a central hopper system to provide the material to individual row units along the central toolbar and wings, or may include individual hoppers located at each of the row units along the toolbars. A weight distribution system is used with the implement to update and adjust the amount of down force applied at the outer toolbars or wings, and the individual row units. The distribution system includes an intelligent control connected to sensors and cylinders. Therefore, the intelligent control receives information from the sensors and adjusts the cylinders accordingly to provide the appropriate amount of down force and to adjust the down force on a real time basis, and can be a closed loop or open loop system.

Abstract: An agricultural seeder implement includes a seed boot connected directly to an opener having a leading extremity and a trailing extremity. The seed boot and the opener form a channel and an outlet. The channel extends forwardly from an inlet of the seed boot proximate to the trailing extremity of the opener to the outlet behind the leading extremity of the opener. The opener is for being pulled for cutting a furrow in the ground by the leading extremity ahead of the outlet, and the channel is for guiding a stream of air-driven seed forwardly therethrough from the inlet and into the furrow through the outlet directed downwardly in the furrow.

Abstract: An adjustable row cleaner includes a row cleaner assembly that functions to clear material from the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner includes, in one embodiment, a connector that is in mechanical communication with both a row cleaner frame, to which row cleaner wheels may be pivotally mounted, and a first end of a translator member. The translator member may pivot with respect to the row unit frame and/or row unit sub-frame about a translator member pivot. The position of a translator member second end may be manipulated, thereby adjusting the maximum depth to which the row cleaner wheels penetrate the ground surface. The adjustable row cleaner may be powered or manually adjusted, and the position of the row cleaner wheels may be monitored and automatically adjusted via a control system.

Abstract: A seed tube guard for agricultural planters is cast from a high-chrome cast-iron alloy or manufactured from other wear-resistant material. The seed tube guard has right and left wear surfaces for engaging inner surfaces of a pair of opener discs. A fluid delivery channel is integrated within the body of the seed tube guard with an exit in the bottom surface for delivering fluid into a seed furrow ahead of a seed tube.

Abstract: A soil opener comprises a tip attached to or integral with a body. The tip includes furrowing prow for cutting a furrow in the soil surface, a protrusion on the underside of the tip for cutting a trench within the furrow, and a seed distributor for depositing seeds within the furrow in laterally displaced seed rows. The body includes a seed passage for directing a seed stream to the seed distributor, a primary fertilizer passage for depositing a primary fertilizer stream, and a secondary fertilizer passage for depositing a secondary fertilizer. As the soil opener is moved across the soil surface, the body opener deposits primary fertilizer in the vicinity of the seed rows, and secondary fertilizer between the seed rows in a trench slightly below the surface of the seeds.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying an active substance to the root zone of a plurality of plants, the applicator assembly comprising: a subsoil applicator having a cutting element for generating an incision in the ground, an injector associated with the cutting element to allow the active substance to be injected into the incision; and a positioning device adapted to allow the position of the cutting element to change position such that an incision is generated in some material in the root zone while the cutting element moves over other material in the root zone.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.

Abstract: A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus and methods for injecting viscous fertilizer, such as dewatered biosolids, below the surface of the soil. The invention also pertains to apparatus and methods for creating a continuous flow of viscous material and for dividing a flow of viscous material.

Abstract: A knife opener includes a pair of flared blades designed to cut spaced, but paired furrows. The knife opener is particularly well-suited for use in no-till or minimum-till agricultural operations primarily in conjunction with seed and/or fertilizer placement adjacent a soil cut-line generally in the direction of travel. In addition to being angled away from the main body of the knife, one of the blades is angled forward and the other blade is angled rearward. Seed and/or fertilizer dispensing receivers may be associated with each of the blades.

Abstract: A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.

Abstract: An opener for mounting on a shank of an agricultural implement features a central body to be mounted on the shank, furrowing portions carried on the central body to form a seed bed as the central body is pulled through ground on the shank in a forward working direction, a seed delivery passage operable to deliver seed onto the seed bed from a seed outlet on a first side of the central body, and a fertilizer delivery passage operable to deliver fertilizer onto the seed bed from a second side of the central body. In use, the opener delivers the seed and the fertilizer onto the same seed bed on opposite sides of the central body. A rubber cover seals closed an upper end of the central body to prevent moisture from anhydrous ammonia tubes from dripping into the body, and is adaptable to accommodate seed tubes of different diameters.

Abstract: A tillage shank assembly has one or more substance delivery tubes supported along the back edge of the generally upright shank of the assembly. A pair of side plates on opposite sides of the shank have rear margins that project rearwardly beyond the rear edge of the shank to define a protective gap within which the tubes are disposed. Laterally extending projections on the tubes are received within selected ones of a vertical series of holes in the side plates, depending upon the desired depth for the tubes. By temporarily removing a bolt that attaches the tops of the side plates to the shank, the side plates may be separated sufficiently to permit the projections of the tubes to be withdrawn from their current holes and reinserted into other holes to change their vertical locations. Replacing the bolt and tightening it down returns the side plates to their working positions.

Abstract: A planting unit for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface and a trailing seed boot, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface. The disc has a mounting frame for mounting the disc to a linkage assembly that is, in turn, coupled to a toolbar mount. The seed boot is also attached to the mounting frame. This common attachment provides a relatively short and compact device without sacrificing fertilizer and seed stratification.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus and methods for injecting viscous fertilizer, such as dewatered biosolids, below the surface of the soil. The invention also pertains to apparatus and methods for creating a continuous flow of viscous material and for dividing a flow of viscous material.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the placement of seeds deposited by a seed placement device in a furrow. The apparatus comprise a guide member connected to the seed placement device adjacent an exit of the seeds from the placement device adapted to urge seeds discharged from the exit toward a sidewall of the furrow. The guide member of the present invention acts to stop seeds from bouncing off the sidewalls of the furrow and into the centre of the furrow. The guide member organizes the seeds to create one or more seed rows where the seeds are optimally positioned and prevents seeds from ending up in the middle of the furrow. If a fertilizer row is present below the seed furrow, this prevents damage to the seeds by preventing them from being too close to the fertilizer. The guide member also stops the seeds from being swept back into the central region of the furrow with the loose soil that flows back into this area after the knife implement has passed.

Abstract: The present planter unit, and planter implements using the present planter unit, include first and second discs and first and second pathways. The first and second discs may be generally planar and in a non-overlapping relation. As the planter unit is towed through a field, the first disc creates a first trench in the seedbed and the first pathway deposits a first material in the first trench. Subsequently, the second disc creates a second trench which is continuous with the first trench and partially fills the first trench. A second material is deposited in the second trench by the second pathway.

Abstract: A knife opener includes a pair of flared blades designed to cut spaced, but paired furrows. The knife opener is particularly well-suited for use in no-till or minimum-till agricultural operations primarily in conjunction with seed and/or fertilizer placement adjacent a soil cut-line generally in the direction of travel. In addition to being angled away from the main body of the knife, one of the blades is angled forward and the other blade is angled rearward. Seed and/or fertilizer dispensing receivers may be associated with each of the blades.

Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural planter having a rearwardly curving forward wall, a rearwardly curving rearward wall and opposing sidewalls defining a seed passageway which curves rearwardly from an upper ingress end toward a lower egress end. Wear resistant material is disposed proximate the egress end which provides a point of first contact with the opener disks thereby preventing appreciable wear of the egress end of the seed tube.

Abstract: A disc furrow opener and method for single pass placement of seed and fertilizer in agricultural planting uses a scraper to both scrape the disc and form a seed shelf in the furrow formed thereby and delivers seed onto the seed shelf and fertilizer into a bottom portion of the open furrow formed by the disc below the seed shelf. Placement of seed and fertilizer is achievable in a single pass over the area to be seeded without need for a second opening implement rearward of the disc and without being limited to the use of liquid fertilizer.

Abstract: A seeding apparatus having a distribution manifold with selectively openable outlet ports thereon, to permit or stop delivery of seed or fertilizer to soil A meter device, responsive to both the number of selected open ports and the speed of the apparatus over the ground, is provided to regulate supply of seed/fertilizer to a distribution manifold. The distribution manifold has a plurality of outlet ports spaced about a periphery of such manifold, each outlet port having a valve to allow opening and closing of individual outlet ports. Soil engaging members on such apparatus are individually raisable from an lowered operative position to a raised inoperative position, and when moved to such inoperative position, valve associated with an outlet port for providing seed and/or fertilizer to such soil engaging member is closed to prevent supply to the associated soil engaging member.

Abstract: A system and method to reduce vertical acceleration experienced by a seed meter of a planter row unit during planting operations, the planter row unit having a row unit frame including a hopper support from which the seed meter is operably supported. The system includes a support system operably vertically supporting the hopper support vertically movably independent of the row unit frame.

Abstract: A furrow opener device includes a disc arranged to open a primary furrow in the ground. A scraper body has a leading scraper edge supported alongside the disc to scrape the disc. A wing member is supported on a bottom portion of the scraper body in proximity to a bottom end of the disc and extends laterally outwardly away from the disc so as to be arranged to open a groove in the primary furrow projecting laterally to one side of the primary furrow, and a tube extends generally downward to an output opening located adjacent the wing member and is arranged for depositing product into the groove.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount.

Abstract: A double shoot seed and fertilizer placement unit has a leading shank that cuts a fertilizer trench in the soil, a seed shovel immediately behind but above the lower extremity of the shank to cut one or more seed shelves in the soil above and outboard of the fertilizer trench, a boot behind the shovel that places seeds on the shelf and then drops fertilizer into the fertilizer trench between and below the seeds, and a fertilizer guide member that rides in the fertilizer trench below the fertilizer outlet to maintain the integrity of the trench in preparation for the fertilizer and helps guide the fertilizer down to the bottom of the trench as it emanates from the boot.

Abstract: A furrow opener device includes a disc arranged to open a primary furrow in the ground. A scraper body has a leading scraper edge supported alongside the disc to scrape the disc. A wing member is supported on a bottom portion of the scraper body in proximity to a bottom end of the disc and extends laterally outwardly away from the disc so as to be arranged to open a groove in the primary furrow projecting laterally to one side of the primary furrow, and a tube extends generally downward to an output opening located adjacent the wing member and is arranged for depositing product into the groove.

Abstract: A ground working apparatus for dispensing an agricultural additive to the soil is provided. The apparatus is mounted to a tool bar that is operable to be towed across an agricultural field. The apparatus includes a coulter blade in combination with a knife element, and a conduit attached thereto operable to dispense the agricultural additive in the soil. The knife element and the coulter blade characterize a gap therebetween. The gap is defined by a forward edge of the knife element having a radius of curvature that is less than a radius of curvature of the coulter blade. The conduit in interchangeably attached by at least one conduit mount plate at the knife element.

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 ground working apparatus for dispensing an agricultural additive to the soil is provided. The apparatus is mounted to a tool bar that is operable to be towed across an agricultural field. The apparatus includes a coulter blade in combination with a knife element, and a conduit attached thereto operable to dispense the agricultural additive in the soil. The knife element and the coulter blade characterize a gap therebetween. The gap is defined by a forward edge of the knife element having a radius of curvature that is less than a radius of curvature of the coulter blade. The conduit in interchangeably attached by at least one conduit mount plate at the knife element.

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: Disc openers (14) for use with an air seeder (10), are configured for seeding and fertilizing a field (G). The opener (14b) broadly includes a drawbar assembly (16), a disc assembly (18) including a coulter disc (20) and a gauge wheel (22), a seed boot (24), a fertilizer injector wing (26), a firming wheel assembly (28), and a closing wheel assembly (30). The fertilizer injector wing (26) is configured for fixed attachment to the seed boot (24) and broadly includes a body (48), including an angled outboard portion (56), a toxic fertilizer injector (50), and a non-toxic fertilizer injector (52). The opener (14b) with the fertilizer injector wing (26) is configured to place the seed row (S) and the dedicated fertilizer band (DB) at an optimum geometric positional alignment relative to the seed row (S), in a single, low soil disturbing planting pass without disrupting the seed bed (BS).

Abstract: A planting assembly including a frame, a furrow opening mechanism, a seed tube for directing a seed into a furrow, a liquid source, a liquid delivery conduit having a delivery end, and a furrow closing mechanism. An adapter is configured for mounting to the seed tube, and a spray arm including a proximal end is configured for mounting to the adapter. The spray arm includes a central portion and a distal end, the central portion extends rearward such that the distal end is disposed above the furrow. The liquid delivery conduit is in fluid communication with the liquid source and the delivery end is adjacent to the distal end.

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 furrow opener for attachment to a cultivator shank has a delivery tube located in front of the shank and close to the shank to facilitate trash flow around the shank. The product delivered can fall directly behind the furrow making device without negotiating an upward curve. A second delivery tube can be mounted behind the shank, and an economical manufacture of the opener is provided.

Abstract: A sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering device includes an opening blade having first and second sides extending between a leading edge and an aft edge. The opening blade has an upper surface and a lower surface extending between upper and lower edges respectively of the first and second sides of the blade. First and second wings are mounted to the first and second sides respectively in generally oppositely disposed relation so as to be cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The first and second wings extend between first and second forward wing edges and first and second aft-opening wing apertures. Seed, fertilizer or water are dispensed through the wing apertures. Oppositely disposed, rigid canards for subsurface soil agitation are mounted to the first and second sides, so as to extend cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The canards may be mounted between the leading edge of the blade and the first and second forward wing edges.

Abstract: A sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering device includes an opening blade having first and second sides extending between a leading edge and an aft edge. The opening blade has an upper surface and a lower surface extending between upper and lower edges respectively of the first and second sides of the blade. First and second wings are mounted to the first and second sides respectively in generally oppositely disposed relation so as to be cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The first and second wings extend between first and second forward wing edges and first and second aft-opening wing apertures. Seed, fertilizer or water are dispensed through the wing apertures. Oppositely disposed, rigid canards for subsurface soil agitation are mounted to the first and second sides, so as to extend cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The canards may be mounted between the leading edge of the blade and the first and second forward wing edges.

Abstract: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and liquid dispensing passage disposed on the flexible arm. The liquid dispensing passage may be integrally with the arm or may be separate from the arm. A flexible hose may be disposed within the passage and connected to a liquid supply tank for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seeds. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.

Abstract: A sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering device includes an opening blade. The opening blade has first and second sides extending between a leading edge and an aft edge on the blade. The first and second sides are generally symmetrical to each other. The opening blade is mountable to a material feeder so as to be generally vertically disposed when mounted thereon for partial submerging into soil to a first submerged depth during forward translation advancing the leading edge through the soil. First and second wings are mounted to the first and second sides respectively in generally oppositely disposed relation so as to be cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The first and second wings have first and second aft-opening wing apertures. First and second conduits cooperate with the first and second aft opening wing apertures for seed, fertilizer or fluid flow, as fed therethrough from the material feeder during the forward translation.

Abstract: A fertilizer applicator assembly for use with a chisel plow includes a diverter shoe located in the root zone of the crop, above the tillage point of the plow. The diverter shoe closes the furrow formed by the plow shank and forms a lateral pocket in the soil for distributing a band of particulate fertilizer behind and to the side of the shank.

Abstract: A compression system for a dual material delivery assembly is described. The assembly includes a furrowing element for producing a furrow in the ground as it is towed across the ground. A fertilizer tube and a seed tube are provided for depositing fertilizer and seed at respective location in the ground. A packer wheel follows the tubes for packing earth on top of the seed. A biasing element provides a force on the furrowing element and the packer wheel. A control linkage mounts between the packer wheel and the furrowing element for controlling a distribution of the force between the furrowing element and the packer wheel.

Abstract: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and liquid dispensing passage disposed on the flexible arm. The liquid dispensing passage may be integrally with the arm or may be separate from the arm. A flexible hose may be disposed within the passage and connected to a liquid supply tank for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seeds. A diverter disposed at the outlet of the liquid supply diverts the liquid flow from flowing directly over the embedded seed. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with adjacent liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.

Abstract: A combination seed and fertilizer opener having separate placement includes a first angled flat disk with a gauge wheel arrangement providing an initial furrow for a first material such as fertilizer. A second opener disk, smaller than the first and concave rather than flat, includes an edge that projects forwardly along the trailing side of the first disk to a forwardmost edge location adjacent the hub of the first disk. The hub of the concave disk is very closely adjacent the trailing edge of the large disk. A tube and boot assembly terminates within the concavity of the second disk near the rear periphery of the first disk. The concave disk forms a seed furrow to receive seed or second material from the tube and boot assembly. The front of the concave disk runs in undisturbed soil but is sufficiently close to the fertilizer furrow to press and cover the fertilizer. The second disk concavity also prevents excessive soil throw.

Abstract: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and liquid dispensing passage disposed on the flexible arm. The liquid dispensing passage may be integrally with the arm or may be separate from the arm. A flexible hose may be disposed within the passage and connected to a liquid supply tank for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seeds. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.

Abstract: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and a rigid tube which is attached to the flexible arm. A flexible hose extends from a liquid supply tank and is telescopingly received within the rigid conduit for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seed. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.

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.