Abstract: A system is provided for delivering particulate material from a material storage hopper to a remote discharge station on a wheeled frame structure of an agricultural implement. The system includes a material dispensing mechanism, a connector, and an elongated material conveying tube. The dispensing mechanism is adapted to receive material from the hopper and dispense the material through an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit is directed at an angle relative to the discharge station. The conveying tube delivers material from the dispensing mechanism to the discharge station. The connector interconnects the outlet conduit to one end of the tube and has a passageway therethrough to allow material to pass from the outlet conduit to the tube. The connector is configured to direct the axis of the tube generally closer to the discharge station relative to the axis of the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism is disclosed for use in association with a row unit having a furrow forming apparatus as an integral part thereof. A linkage arrangement is provided for mounting the row unit to a tool bar of a tractor or the like thus allowing the furrow forming apparatus to follow the contour of the ground for consistent and efficient furrow formation. The mounting mechanism of the present invention includes a unique pressure applicator that allows for one-handed adjustment of the furrow forming mechanism on each row unit without the use of tools. The present invention is furthermore structured to facilitate adjustment of the pressure applicator along a predetermined path of travel relative to the linkage assembly that mounts the row unit to the tool bar.

Abstract: A system for delivering particulate material from a common hopper to row units mounted on each of first and second pivotally interconnected frame sections of an agricultural implement. The delivery system includes a first series of conduits for directing particulate material from the hopper to the row units mounted on the first frame section of the implement and a second series of conduits. Each conduit in the second series of conduits includes a first tube leading from the hopper, a second tube leading from a particular row unit on the second frame section of the implement, and a split manifold coupling for connecting free ends of the tubes in the second series of conduits thereby defining enclosed passages leading from the hopper to each row unit on the second frame section of the implement which is adapted to receive material from the hopper.

Abstract: A bander assembly for effecting a substantially even distribution of granular or particulate matter across a relatively wide band. The bander assembly includes a housing defining a throat section and a distributor section. The throat section has a series of baffles arranged toward one end thereof for agitating the granular material as it flows therepast. A series of deflectors are arranged in the distributor section for deflecting the granular material into a wide band having a substantially even or equal distribution thereacross. The present invention also relates to a method for effecting a substantially even or equal distribution of granular material from a bander assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable down pressure mechanism is disclosed for use in association with a furrow forming apparatus of a seed planter. A parallel linkage arrangement is provided for mounting the apparatus on a tool bar of a tractor or the like, whereby the apparatus can follow the contour of the ground for efficient and consistent furrow formation. The down pressure mechanism comprises one or more springs operatively extending between upper and lower links of the parallel linkage. An upper support member for the springs is configured for convenient adjustable positioning along the upper links, whereby the pressure exerted by the springs on the furrow forming apparatus can be readily varied.

Abstract: A novel center pivot hitch assembly mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism of the present invention is preferably carried by a wheeled tool bar and a wheeled agricultural implement. The wheeled agricultural implement or cart is typically moved along a path by a tractor. The mechanism of the present invention pivotally connects the wheeled tool bar to the backside of the cart. The mechanism of the present invention comprises a center pivot hitch assembly and a stabilization assembly. The center pivot hitch assembly selectively allows the wheeled tool bar to pivot transversely and vertically in relation to the path along which the wheeled agricultural implement is being moved. The stabilization assembly includes hydraulic fluid actuator means for selectively maintaining tool bar disposition relative to the agricultural implement backside, when the wheeled tool bar is oriented substantially parallel to the backside of the wheeled agricultural implement.

Abstract: A row unit with a mechanism which provides normal planting via a parallel bar linkage connection to the planter and which can be locked up in a raised, non-planting position when desired. The mechanism includes curved slotted openings in the lower bars of the linkage for frame mounted spacers as the frame pivots about the connection with the upper bars, and locking structure having detents to engage the spacers in the lowered working and raised non-working positions. The mechanism also prevents the release of the locking structure until the row unit weight is lifted therefrom.