Abstract: A conveyor with a plurality of article supporting stations has a reciprocatable shuttle mechanism equipped with dogs which engage and advance articles one station on each advance stroke of the shuttle. All dogs are set in article engaging position at the end of each return stroke of the shuttle. A series of accumulating stations extends from the unloading toward the loading end of the conveyor, and accumulating mechanism actuatable independently of the shuttle is operable to reset the dogs of each of these stations to non-engaging position in response to the presence of articles. A control system normally operates the conveyor on a simple cycle of successive advance and return strokes of the shuttle until, with articles detected at the last two stations, the accumulating mechanism is cycled prior to a shuttle advance stroke.

Abstract: A seed planter is provided for depositing seeds in the ground. The planter includes an elongate body having a handle at one end and a discharge passage at the other end. A hood opens and closes a discharge opening at the end of the passage and is connected to an actuating lever near the handle by linkages. A magazine is located between the handle and the discharge passage for holding seeds and supplying seeds to the passage as the actuating lever is manipulated. The magazine has a spring-loaded cover for closing off seed receptacles of the magazine and a cover latch is mounted on the handles for holding the cover open during loading of the receptacles.

Abstract: In a power driven roller conveyor having a plurality of rollers each connected to a shaft and a plurality of driven sprockets one of which is rotatably mounted on each of the shafts, a torque-responsive coupling is interposed between a driving member connected to each sprocket and a driven member connected to each shaft so that the rotation of any roller will be interrupted if the resistance to rotation exceeds a desired value, thereby permitting articles on the conveyor to be stopped and accumulated without undue scuffing and wear on the articles or on the rollers. The coupling consists of a wobble plate which is connected to the driven member for oscillating movement about a center coincident with the axis of the shaft and which has a surface disposed transversely to the axis of the shaft and facing the driving member. The wobble plate is spring urged toward the driving member.