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 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 disc planter (10) for applying fertilizers and seeds to soil, and incorporating previously applied chemicals therein, the disc planter (10) having a frame (12) with a longitudinal forward direction of travel, and a plurality of rotatable tools mounted in series to the frame, the plurality of rotatable tools including a fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), a seed furrow opening disc (18), a soil throw controlling wheel (20), a soil closing wheel (22) and a soil disturbing star wheel (24), wherein the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are alternately oppositely inclined to one another in the forward direction of travel, the fertilizer furrow opening disc (16), seed furrow opening disc (18), soil throw controlling wheel (20), soil closing wheel (22) and soil disturbing star wheel (24) are longitudinally spaced and alternately laterally offset from one another in the forward direction of travel, the soil throw controlling wheel (20) is closel

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: 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 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 ground opener that is allowed to caster in one direction is associated with a pair of arms connected by a pivot connection that allows one arm to move relative to the other arm. The movable arm is forced against the stationary arm when the ground opener impacts the soil as the ground opener is pulled along a relatively straight travel path. When the ground opener is turned radially from the straight travel path, the movable arm may cast away from the stationary arm. The disc opener is coupled to the movable arm through a central hub and, as such, the trailing edge of the disc opener will move away from the stationary arm as the disc opener is turned. When the disc opener has completed the turn, the torque on the disc opener will lessen thereby allowing the movable arm to move back toward the stationary arm.

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 seed boot having a modular or replaceable opener removably fastened to the seed boot. The opener is configured in any of several embodiments for discharging a fluent material such as seed in different ways, including narrow single row, wide single row, and double row. A second fluent material such as fertilizer may be dispensed in an additional discharge stream in different embodiments. In some embodiments, two fluent materials may be mixed within the seed boot and dispensed together.

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 method for seeding flax seeds and canola seeds includes: with a plurality of side banding furrow openers, depositing seeds into a corresponding plurality of seed furrows; with each side banding furrow opener, depositing phosphate fertilizer in a corresponding side band in proximity to the seeds in the seed furrows; with a plurality of mid-row banding furrow openers, depositing nitrogen fertilizer, and optionally sulfur fertilizer, in fertilizer furrows where each fertilizer furrow is located substantially midway between adjacent seed furrows. An apparatus for practicing the method is provided as well.

Abstract: A method for seeding flax seeds and canola seeds includes: with a plurality of side banding furrow openers, depositing seeds into a corresponding plurality of seed furrows; with each side banding furrow opener, depositing phosphate fertilizer in a corresponding side band in proximity to the seeds in the seed furrows; with a plurality of mid-row banding furrow openers, depositing nitrogen fertilizer, and optionally sulfur fertilizer, in fertilizer furrows where each fertilizer furrow is located substantially midway between adjacent seed furrows. An apparatus for practicing the method is provided as well.

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 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 coulter disc (20), a seed boot (24), and a fertilizer injector wing (26). 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). In alternative wings (300 and 400), the sufficiently safe geometric positioning is accomplished by the force of delivery of the fertilizers (N and P) coupled with an offset angle (OA) defined between a fertilizer injection axis (AF) and a seed outlet axis (AO).

Abstract: A seed boot having a modular or replaceable opener removably fastened to the seed boot. The opener is configured in any of several embodiments for discharging a fluent material such as seed in different ways, including narrow single row, wide single row, and double row. A second fluent material such as fertilizer may be dispensed in an additional discharge stream in different embodiments. In some embodiments, two fluent materials may be mixed within the seed boot and dispensed together.

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 seeding tool for depositing seeds and fertilizer within a furrow including a knife opener having a liquid wing projecting from the side thereof for providing and maintaining spacing between the seeds and fertilizer. Preferably, the liquid wing is a tungsten carbide insert secured to the side of the knife opener, and has a wing shaped structure which is shaped and sized to space the fertilizer apart from the seeds, to protect the end of the tube from which fertilizer is dispensed, and to present a small leading surface which displaces the soil easily and presents minimal resistance. Preferably, the largest, side surface of the liquid wing insert is inclined toward the side of the knife opener from a widest lower, rear member adjacent the end of the fertilizer tube to a narrower top, front member near a leading end of the knife opener.

Abstract: A liquid distribution apparatus for use with a planter, drill or other farming implement having a seed tube that deposits seeds in a furrow. The liquid distribution apparatus includes a supply channel in fluid connection with a hose supplying a liquid to the furrow. The liquid distribution apparatus also includes a distribution channel that is oriented to distribute the liquid onto one or both sidewalls of the furrow. The apparatus may be used alone or along with an extension for reducing seed bounce.

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: 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 shank-mounted opener assembly connected to a seed distribution system is provided for both till and no-till operations. The opener assembly includes a spike member that is supported on the shank, a firming point, a seed sensor connected to the seed supply, a seed boot, a seed locking mechanism, and a multi media delivery tube assembly. The seed boot encloses the seed sensor and includes a pair of lateral side walls. The seed boot protects the seed sensor from moving soil and debris. The seed locking mechanism pushes the seed into the soil and forms a shallow layer of soil over the seed dispensed through the seed sensor. If desired, assistive media can be dispensed into the furrow at the same time as seeding. The assistive media are dispensed through the multi-media delivery tube assembly. The assistive media are not dispensed to the furrow until after the seed locking mechanism covers the seed with a shallow layer of soil.

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: An apparatus for simultaneously seeding and fertilizing agricultural crops is described which includes a seeding blade having opposed sides, a knife-like leading edge, a trailing edge and a bottom edge. A seed conduit is disposed along the trailing edge of the seeding blade and has an outlet adjacent the bottom edge. A fertilizer blade depends from one of the opposed sides of the seeding blade adjacent the bottom edge. The fertilizer blade is angled downwardly and outwardly from the seeding blade at an angle of between 10 and 40 degrees. The fertilizer blade has a knife-like leading edge, a trailing edge and a bottom edge. The trailing edge of the fertilizer blade is disposed beside and behind the trailing edge of the seeding blade. A fertilizer conduit is disposed along the trailing edge of the fertilizer blade and has an outlet adjacent the bottom edge.

Abstract: An air seeder boot includes a rigid pipe connected to the seed tube of the seeder and mounted to the back side of the cultivator shank by a bracket fixed to the front of the pipe. The pipe has an obtuse bend bringing the seed outlet to a position at approximately the same level as the top edges of the seep and between the sweep wings. The pipe usually has a crease along the back, up to the outlet, to divert seed into two rows in the most soil under the sweep wings. The open pipe of the boot provides reliable seed delivery without blockages.

Abstract: A furrow opener and press wheel for an agricultural implement to place fertilizer and seed at different depths in soil has replaceable abrasive resistant plastic side plates and a press plate to avoid soil build up and plugging of fertilizer discharge openings. The lateral distance between the side plates is adjustable so that seeding width can be changed. A seed divider attached to the furrow opener separates the seed into lateral rows on opposite sides of a band of fertilizer placed in the soil below the press plate.