Abstract: An automated programmable processor-controlled system and related methods for packaging an agricultural sample such as soil for testing for various chemical properties such as plant available nutrients. The packaging system includes a sample packaging apparatus processes raw bulk sample material collected in the agricultural field to be expediently and conveniently containerized for processing and analysis. The apparatus may include a grinder, compactor, container magazine, and rotatable carousel which carries a sample container between various processing stations. Bulk sample material is reduced in particle size by the grinder which is then transferred to the compactor. An actuated plunger fills and compacts the sample material into the sample container. A decapper automatically both removes and replaces the container cap before and after filling respectfully. An RFID device reads the container ID tag and writes the GPS sample collection location to the tag.

Abstract: An agricultural sample packaging apparatus, comprising a grinder configured to receive and grind an agricultural sample material; a compactor comprising a feed tube configured to receive ground sample material from the grinder and a plunger linearly movable into and out of the feed tube; a rotatable carousel configured to removably hold a sample container, the carousel operable to receive and rotate the sample container beneath the feed tube; a sample container magazine configured to hold a plurality of sample containers, the container magazine including a container feed mechanism configured to rotate horizontally positioned sample containers to a vertical position for insertion into the rotatable carousel.

Abstract: Gathering chains for row crop harvester heads which improve yield by minimizing the loss of kernels that may prematurely break loose and be lost to the ground. The gathering chains include continuous loops with a plurality bristle blocks removable attached to the continuous loops. Each of the plurality of bristle blocks include bristles extending laterally therefrom, whereby the bristles form a substantially continuous lateral conveying surface effectively closing an area above and across the width of the slot defined by the stripper plates. The bristles may include fine bristle filaments and coarser bristle filaments that are shorter than the fine bristle filaments.

Abstract: A delivery assembly for a crop input delivery system. The delivery system includes a boom adapted to be supported at a proximal end from a mobile vehicle, the mobile vehicle holding a supply of the crop input, the boom supporting a conduit having a proximal end in fluid communication with the supply of crop input. The delivery system further includes a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is supported on a distal end of the boom and is coupled to the conduit. The second coupler is in fluid communication with a storage tank disposed on the implement, the second coupler configured to fluidly couple with the first coupler. A clamping assembly releasably couples the first and second couplers in fluid engagement.

Abstract: Gathering chains for row crop harvester heads which improve yield by minimizing the loss of kernels that may prematurely break loose and be lost to the ground. The gathering chains include continuous loops with a plurality of lateral extension segments which provide a substantially continuous conveying surface extending substantially across the width of the slot defining the path of travel of the row crop entering the row unit.

Abstract: Gathering chains for row crop harvester heads which improve yield by minimizing the loss of kernels that may prematurely break loose and be lost to the ground. The gathering chains include continuous loops with a plurality bristle blocks removable attached to the continuous loops. Each of the plurality of bristle blocks include bristles extending laterally therefrom, whereby the bristles form a substantially continuous lateral conveying surface effectively closing an area above and across the width of the slot defined by the stripper plates. The bristles may include fine bristle filaments and coarser bristle filaments that are shorter than the fine bristle filaments.

Abstract: A delivery assembly for a crop input delivery system. The delivery system includes a boom adapted to be supported at a proximal end from a mobile vehicle, the mobile vehicle holding a supply of the crop input, the boom supporting a conduit having a proximal end in fluid communication with the supply of crop input. The delivery system further includes a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler is supported on a distal end of the boom and is coupled to the conduit. The second coupler is in fluid communication with a storage tank disposed on the implement, the second coupler configured to fluidly couple with the first coupler. A clamping assembly releasably couples the first and second couplers in fluid engagement.

Abstract: Gathering chains for row crop harvester heads which improve yield by minimizing the loss of kernels that may prematurely break loose and be lost to the ground. The gathering chains include continuous loops with a plurality of lateral extension segments which provide a substantially continuous conveying surface extending substantially across the width of the slot defining the path of travel of the row crop entering the row unit.