Abstract: Apparatus for applying liquid-solid dispersions to soil. Valves are provided which permit cleaning. An elongate conduit, with an aperture at one end, and a first valve proximate such aperture may be opened to permit passage of a pig member. An upwardly extending conduit is “T'ed” off the elongate conduit, and connects with a manifold and a plurality of supply tubes to direct the liquid-solid dispersions to the soil at various points along the frame of the applicator. A second valve may be provided on the upwardly extending conduit, which may be closed to prevent initial supply of the liquid-solid dispersion to the apparatus and instead flow to the aperture to prevent plugging during initial operation. The second valve, when closed, further serves as an anti-siphoning valve to prohibit further supply of liquid solid dispersion to the manifold. A method for cleaning such apparatus is further disclosed.

Abstract: A tine for mounting on a rotatable shaft of soil aeration and cultivation equipment, comprising: mounting means at an attachment end of the tine; a tip at a ground-engaging end of the tine opposite the attachment end; leading and trailing convex curvilinear edges disposed opposite each other and converging toward the attachment end and the tip; and bevelled sections on each of the leading and trailing convex curvilinear edges. The unique shape of the tine has been found to create a wider range of soil disturbance than is the case with conventional straight-edge tines, requires less material to manufacture, and penetrates the ground surface more easily than conventional straight-edge tines due to the convex leading edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of a liquid manure to soil, possessing a frame which is adapted when towed over soil to apply such to the soil. A supply conduit, having a distal end and a proximal end is provided. The distal end thereof is adapted to be releasibly coupled and in fluid communication with a flexible supply hose which supplies the liquid-solid solution, such as liquid manure, to the distal end of the conduit. The proximal end of the conduit is in fluid communication with a manifold which thereafter via a plurality of supply tubes supplies such liquid/liquid solid dispersion to the soil. An intermediate portion of the supply conduit is flexible. A boom member at its distal end supports a distal end of the supply conduit. A proximal end of the boom member is pivotably coupled to the frame to allow pivotal movement of the distal end of the boom member in at least a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A hydraulic platform lift, having hydraulic pump means and first and second hydraulic cylinders each having a piston member therein, each operatively coupled to a respective side edge of a platform to permit raising and lowering of the platform. A positive displacement valve is further provided, with the hydraulic platform lift and comprises a pair of juxtaposed cylinder members, each containing a longitudinally-movable piston, such pistons operatively coupled to each other so that movement of one piston causes an equal movement of the other. The positive displacement valve is adapted, when the pump means provides pressurized hydraulic fluid via a respective aperture to a first side of each of the pistons, to cause the pistons to be displaced an equal distance causing an equal egress of hydraulic fluid from the cylinder members via a respective aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of a liquid or liquid-solid dispersion to soil, which is adapted when towed over soil to apply such liquid-solid dispersion to the soil. A supply conduit, having a distal end and a proximal end is provided. The distal end thereof is adapted to be releasibly coupled and in fluid communication with a source of liquid-solid solution, such as liquid manure. The supply conduit is pivotally coupled, via a pivot member, to the frame of the implement to permit the supply conduit to be pivoted in a substantially horizontal plane. The pivot member is coupled at one end thereof to the supply conduit at a location intermediate the distal end and the proximal end of such supply conduit, and is pivotally coupled at an opposite end to the frame of the apparatus. A manifold portion, having a plurality of manifolds thereon, is provided.

Abstract: An outboard tine device for soil-aerating equipment is disclosed comprising a hub having an aperture, a rotatable shaft within the aperture and mounted on the soil-aerating equipment, an outboard tine assembly comprising a plurality of outwardly protruding tines, and a securing member adjacent an outboard side of the outboard tine assembly removably securing the outboard tine assembly to the hub, wherein the securing member and hub are respectively positioned on opposing sides of and adjacent to the outboard tine assembly, wherein the outboard tine assembly, hub and securing member are positioned outboard of the mounting assembly resulting in the outboard tine assembly being cantilevered from the shaft. A dual outboard tine device is also disclosed. The outboard tine device is directed to uniform aerating and enabling easier replacement of damaged tines.

Abstract: A hydraulic platform lift for trucks, having hydraulic and electrical circuitry to provide automated, or automated with manual override, platform levelling capability in the event the truck is tilted. Three embodiments are claimed where levelling may be accomplished in three separate ways; a first embodiment where levelling is accomplished by stopping one side of the platform and allowing the other side to "catch up", a second embodiment where levelling is accomplished by reversing the direction of movement of one side relative to the other to allow rapid levelling, and a third embodiment where the rate of movement of one side is slowed relative to the other, to allow the other side to "catch up" and thereby level the platform.

Abstract: Soil aerating equipment has a frame moveable in an intended direction of travel, and at least a pair of shafts freely rotatably mounted on the frame for rotation about the shaft longitudinal axes. The shafts extending in rearwardly inclined opposite directions on opposite sides of a centre line of the frame extending in the direction of travel. The rearward inclination of the shafts is adjustable to desired angles in the range of from about 90.degree. to about 120.degree. to the direction of travel. Each shaft carries a series of soil-engaging substantially planar tines extending therefrom in vertical planes and positioned to sequentially engage and penetrate the soil with consequent rotation of the shafts when the frame is moved in the direction of travel. Each tine has a central longitudinal axis which extends behind the shaft rotational axis at a distance therefrom in the range from about 0.25 to about 1.