Abstract: An external shutoff element for a multiple row pneumatic seed planter having a transverse frame, a plurality of seed planting elements thereon, a hollow rotary seed selector drum with a plurality of spaced apart rows of seed retaining perforations which correspond to the planting elements, an airblower forcing air outwardly from within the drum thereby suspending individual seeds in a depression associated with each perforation so long as the perforation is not blocked, a discharge portion for dislodging the seeds from the perforations and delivering them to the respective planting elements, the improvement comprising a shutoff element movably mounted on the frame above the discharge portion for selectively engaging the outside of the drum to cover a group of rows of perforations so that the usual radial pneumatic bias generated by the airblower ceases to hold the seeds in the covered rows of perforations and they fall before the discharge portion can deliver them for planting.

Abstract: A system for determining probe tip alignment for a probe card having a plurality of probes downwardly extending in a defined region of the probe card. Each probe has a tip assigned to a precise X, Y position in a plane spaced from the probe card. The assigned X, Y position is dictated by the topology of the integrated circuit chip for which the probe card was designed. A first memory stores the assigned X, Y position for each of the tips, a second memory stores the measured location of the plane that each of the tips is found in, and a sensor measures the actual X, Y position of an individual probe tip. The sensor is moved to the measured plane at the assigned X, Y position for each tip and obtaining, for each tip, a meausred X, Y position.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flex tine soil mulcher comprised of a plurality of spaced parallel elongated support arms which extend in a lateral direction with respect to the travel of the device over a cultivated field. A plurality of elongated spaced soil-engaging tines are secured to each of the support arms and extend downwardly therefrom. An upstanding bracket arm is secured to each of the support arms with the bracket arms being in longitudinal alignment. First and second parallel connecting arms are pivotally secured to the bracket arms whereby the attitude of the tines with respect to a vertical plane can be adjusted by longitudinally moving one of the connecting arms with respect to the other. A stop means interconnects the connecting arms to prevent longitudinal movement of one connecting arm with respect to the other in first longitudinal direction, but permits free longitudinal movement between the connecting arms in an opposite longitudinal direction.