Abstract: A rate measuring device comprises a beam with a plurality of graduated scales and a cup on one end thereof. While a material dispensing machine is moved a certain distance, the material normally applied to the ground is collected in a container and subsequently transferred to the cup. Next, a fulcrum is placed beneath the beam in a position to exclusively carry and horizontally balance the beam. The operator then reads the graduated scale at a location vertically above the fulcrum, the scales being calibrated in terms of pounds per acre or kilograms per hectare. Consequently, the farmer can directly read his application rate of materials dispensed per acre or hectare, while, in actuality, the machine has been driven only a short distance. In one embodiment, the fulcrum is attached to a handle portion which contains a reel adapted to hold a measuring tape or string used to mark the distance the machine must travel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new hitch or drawbar assembly for use with agricultural implements towed in a train of implements behind a tractor or the like. The assembly includes a drawbar that is shorter than normal and is pivotally connected to a primary unit, such as a cultivator, for adjustable pivoting action about a horizontal axis. The drawbar is connectable to a towing or intermediate unit on or closely adjacent to the axis of the ground-engaging wheels of the intermediate unit. That connection point is also on or closely adjacent to a reaction line drawn between the connection point of the intermediate unit and the ground-engaging area of implements carried by the primary unit.

Abstract: Seed metering and particle dispensing wheels and to a mechanism for mounting such wheels or other rotative elements to a shaft are disclosed. The wheel has a C-shaped major part with a central opening for receiving the shaft, the free edges of the major part defining a slot extending from the opening to the wheel periphery. A minor part is receivable in the slot to complete the wheel. The minor part at its inner end, and the shaft, are provided with cooperating surfaces which, when engaged, provide a drive connection between the shaft and the wheel. To remove a wheel from the shaft the minor part is withdrawn from the slot and the major part moved transversely of the shaft so that the shaft passes through the empty slot. Replacement or additional wheels can be assembled to the shaft using the reverse procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in air seeders, namely agricultural implements which utilize air pressure to move particulate material such as seeds from a feed zone to a dispersal or planting zone. The particulate material is normally fed from a hopper by a driven feed wheel or other similar mechanism. The invention provides a pressure pick-up at the source of air pressure, a conduit connecting the pick-up with a pneumatic actuator and a suitable linkage connecting the actuator with a clutch which is used to transmit drive power to the feed wheel. As long as there is sufficient pressure at the source the actuator will keep the clutch positioned to permit the feed wheel to operate. Should the pressure source fail the actuator will operate the clutch to stop transmitting power to the feed wheel and thus terminate the feeding of material which would otherwise clog the delivery conduits of the seeder.