Abstract: A grain flow measuring system for a flow rate of grain moving along a generally vertical grain flow path. The weight of grain conveyed along the flow path is measured when the grain impinges baffle elements, thereby generating a force corresponding to the grain weight. The force is transmitted to one or more load cells.

Abstract: The continuous batch seed coating system of this invention includes a coating unit, liquid and dry treatment metering systems, a seed metering system, and a PLC controller. The coating unit includes a substantially unitary bowl, which is rotated to cyclically rotate seed being treated. The bowl is rotated within an enclosure, then evacuated after being treated. A peristaltic pump and a hopper-auger unit provide liquid and dry seed treatment formulations to the coating unit. The automated seed metering system pre-weighs seed to be conveyed into the coating unit. The PLC controller controls the retention time in the coating unit, the amounts and timing of seed treatment formulations, conveys seed to the coating unit, and optionally sounds alarms when one of the treatment formulations is not available or when seed is not present in the seed metering system.

Abstract: The invention accelerates the growth of all types of plants, i.e. tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, tobacco, horticultural crops, and others, and increases plant health. The invention is designed to increase the rate of seedling growth in the soil or in the greenhouse; and produce seeds having a coating imparting resistance to disease, thereby decreasing the time required to produce transplants in seedling greenhouses prior to transplanting into agricultural fields; and develop “disease-suppressive” transplant plugs, which are protected for a time from multiple diseases through combined mechanisms of stimulated plant defense and increased activity of indigenous antagonistic microorganisms on plant roots. Compositions and methods of use are provided.

Abstract: A grain flow measuring system for a flow rate of grain moving along a grain flow path. The grain flow measuring system includes a frame, a load cell, a flow conditioning portion, and a flow measuring portion. The frame is mounted with respect to the grain flow path. The load cell is mounted to the frame. The flow conditioning portion is attached to the frame. The flow conditioning portion has a first baffle located along the grain flow path. The flow measuring portion has a second baffle and a third baffle that are located in series along the grain flow path. The second baffle and the third baffle deflect grain moving along the grain flow path and thereby causes the flow measuring portion to engage the load cell.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a grain grader has an improved cleaning system utilizing cascades of rollers swingably engaged with a grading cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, a multiple axle roller assembly for dislodging clogged grain in the apertures is suspended from above the cylinder with multiple the rollers swingable in a downward arc to engage the cylinder. Such roller assembly may include a lifting mechanism to raise and lower the assembly for selective engagement with the rotating trammel and to facilitate removal and insertion of cylinders. The roller assembly has a plurality of stages to effectively provide unclogging action without gaps across the entire width of the trammel.