Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible reciprocating linear seedling separating device for a pot seedling transplanter, including a frame, a seedling cup opening and closing device, a linear transmission device, a seedling cup moving device, several seedling cups and a control system. A flexible linear transmission device is fixed on the frame, a seedling cup moving device is fixed on the flexible linear transmission device, and a seedling cup opening and closing device is fixed on the seedling cup moving device. Several seedling cups are fixed on the seedling cup moving device. The control system is respectively electrically connected with a motor of the linear transmission device and a cylinder of the seedling cup opening and closing device. The control system controls the motor to drive flexible linear transmission device to move seedling cup moving device, thereby driving the seedling cups to reach a designated position and receive the pot seedlings.

Abstract: A horticulture apparatus and method for planting, growing, and harvesting plants may include a platform having a width axis and a length axis, a gantry sized to straddle and move across at least one of the platform's width and length axes, and a controller. The gantry may comprise a frame, a motor mounted to the frame, a container bin operatively connected to the frame, and a modular tool operatively connected to the frame. The controller may engage the motor of the gantry to move the gantry across the platform, thereby providing the modular tool with access to different locations on the platform.

Abstract: A horticulture apparatus and method for planting, growing, and harvesting plants may include a platform having a width axis and a length axis, a gantry sized to straddle and move across at least one of the platform's width and length axes, and a controller. The gantry may comprise a frame, a motor mounted to the frame, a container bin operatively connected to the frame, and a modular tool operatively connected to the frame. The controller may engage the motor of the gantry to move the gantry across the platform, thereby providing the modular tool with access to different locations on the platform.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for managing implement weight. In some embodiments, a position sensor is used to determine a position of the wing section and a downforce applied to the wing is modified in order to lower the wing section. In some embodiments, the position sensor indicates the position of a wing wheel assembly of the wing section. In other embodiments, the position sensor indicates the position of a center wheel assembly of a center section of the implement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pot seedling feeding system for a transplanter, including a conveyor unit, a detection sensor, a controller, a seedling separation unit, side plates, and support stands. The conveyor unit includes a step motor, a transmission shaft, a conveyor belt, a tensioning shaft, and bearings. The seedling separation unit includes a seedling separation rod, a reset spring, a guide post, and a support seat. The controller is used to control the step motor which drives the conveyor belt in order to move the pot seedling. When a seedling receiving barrel of the planter rises to a seedling receiving position, the planter is controlled by using a brake cable, the seedling separation rod is then ejected which in turn drives the step motor to carry a pot seedling to move forward. The pot seedling is then dropped in a seedling receiving cup of the planter.

Abstract: A knife assembly mountable to a frame of a seeder comprises a knife shank having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the knife shank adapted to be directly or indirectly attached to the frame; a knife blade removably attached at or near the distal end of the knife shank; and a tube holder having a groove along a portion of its length, the groove designed to slidably receive a corresponding ridge on a flexible drop tube so that when a portion of the bottom of the flexible drop tube is worn, the flexible drop tube can be pulled from the bottom to slide down the groove and the worn portion can be cut off, the tube holder being attached at or near the distal end of the knife shank behind the knife blade so that both the knife blade and the flexible drop tube can be removed individually.

Abstract: There is provided a seedbed holding unit capable of reliably and firmly holding a seedbed with a simple structure, causing no damage to a plant. A seedbed holding unit 160 that holds a seedbed B used in plant cultivation includes a first holding member 170 and a second holding member 180 that are rotatable relative to each other about a predetermined rotation axis A, the first holding member 170 is provided with a first claw part 173 in a fixed state, the second holding member 180 is provided with a second claw part 183 in a fixed state, and the seedbed B is held between the first claw part 173 and the second claw part 183 by rotating the first holding member 170 and the second holding member 180 relative to each other.

Abstract: A device for inserting artificial grass strand parts in the ground comprises at least one drum mounted on a frame for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis. The drum receives a plurality of artificial grass strands unwound from a plurality of spools. The drum comprises a plurality of clamps which hold an artificial grass strand part between a front clamp and a rear clamp, viewed in the direction of rotation, which allow the artificial grass strand parts to rotate with the drum. At least one cutting device cuts the clamped artificial grass strand parts from the rest of the respective artificial grass strands. The drum rotates the series of artificial grass strand parts to below an insertion device which inserts the artificial grass strand parts into the ground.

Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments of a handling apparatus for plant growth substrates and associated methods of use. For example, in one embodiment, an apparatus for separately and automatically dispensing plant growth media includes a media guide and a media guide regulator. The media guide can define a channel through which media is movable. The media regulator can include a media penetrating member that is positionable within the channel at a first location and a media stopping member that is positionable within the channel at a second location spaced-apart from the first location. The media regulator can be operable to reciprocate between a media penetrating position in which the media penetrating member is positioned within the channel to penetrate media and a media stopping position in which the media stopping member is positioned within the channel to restrict media from movement in at least one direction along the channel.

Abstract: An engine speed sensor determines engine speed data of an internal combustion engine for moving a material distribution vehicle. A ground speed sensor measures a ground speed of the material distribution vehicle. A data processor for controlling a dispensation system to distribute an agricultural input or material at a rate based on the measured ground speed and the engine speed data (e.g., sensed engine speed or change in engine speed) to anticipate a change in the ground speed of the material dispensation vehicle such that a lag in the rate of agricultural input delivered is reduced.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for interplanting a primary crop and an energy crop. In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes methods for preparing a plantation site for planting the energy crop. Plantation sites according to the disclosure may include a primary crop planted in a first row and in a second row, the first row being separated by an intermediate row. The intermediate row is divided into a center portion and two side portions (a first side portion and a second side portion). Methods according to embodiments of the disclosure include the steps of lifting a soil and plantation debris mixture from the intermediate area, redepositing a soil component of the soil and plantation debris mixture primarily into the center portion, and redepositing a plantation debris component of the soil and plantation debris mixture primarily into at least one of the two side portions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composite article including at least one seed for planting and a method of forming the composite article. The composite article includes a substrate element and a cover element spaced from the substrate element. An adhesive layer is disposed between the substrate element and the cover element for coupling the substrate element and the cover element to one another. The composite article further includes at least one seed abutting the adhesive layer and disposed between the substrate element and the cover element. The cover element is configured to be separated from the adhesive layer for exposing at least a portion of the seed. The present disclosure also provides a method of forming the composite article and a method of planting the seed.

Abstract: A method of treatment and seeding or planting of seeds and/or plantable material in a substrate with at least one planting position, including in any order: (a) treating the seeds and/or the plantable material with a treatment substance by depositing the treatment substance in or at the planting position with the aid of treatment depositing device; and (b) depositing the seeds and/or the plantable material at the planting position with the aid of a seed and/or plantable material depositing device; (c) displacing the substrate and at least one of the treatment depositing device and the seed and/or plantable material depositing device relative to one another; (d) providing a substrate having at least two plant positions formed independently from the process in advance thereof at a pre-defined distance in the direction of relative displacement; and (e) controlling the treatment depositing device and the seed and/or plantable material depositing device for depositing at least one specimen of the seeds and/or the

Abstract: Transplanter which can avoid skips when planting, which skips may occur when seeds in a tray row fail to grow into seedlings. This is accomplished by picking up an entire row of seedlings from a tray, transferring the seedlings to a mechanism which eliminates gaps between seedlings, and then discharging the seedlings one at time to the ground with a desired spacing between the seedlings. A novel tray indexing mechanism is provided which can index trays of varying sizes. The planting mechanism has an air knife mounted adjacent transfer disks for straightening out the foliage as stems of seedlings before they are received by the planting disks, and the planting and transfer disks may be moved towards and away from each other for seedlings of differing heights.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and method for planting plants are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a vehicle, such as a tractor, and a planting apparatus that is movable across the ground by the vehicle. The vehicle desirably has a guiding system for automatically guiding the vehicle to follow a predetermined planting path as the vehicle moves across the ground. The guiding system can comprise, for example, a global positioning system for determining the instantaneous positions of the vehicle and an automatic steering system for steering the vehicle based on positioning information from global positioning. As the vehicle moves the planting apparatus along the planting path, the planting apparatus plants a row of plants, such as trees or other agricultural products, at spaced apart locations along the planting path.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing grass sprigs from sod and incorporating the grass sprigs into the ground, including a chassis, a sod conveying system mounted on the chassis and configured such that sod may be placed thereon and transported thereby, and a rotary tilling mechanism mounted on the chassis and oriented such that, during operation of the apparatus, the rotary tilling mechanism engages both the sod transported by the sod conveying system and the ground.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and method for planting plants are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a vehicle, such as a tractor, and a planting apparatus that is movable across the ground by the vehicle. The vehicle desirably has a guiding system for automatically guiding the vehicle to follow a predetermined planting path as the vehicle moves across the ground. The guiding system can comprise, for example, a global positioning system for determining the instantaneous positions of the vehicle and an automatic steering system for steering the vehicle based on positioning information from global positioning. As the vehicle moves the planting apparatus along the planting path, the planting apparatus plants a row of plants, such as trees or other agricultural products, at spaced apart locations along the planting path.

Abstract: A sprig planting machine is provided and includes a hopper for holding sprigs. A first conveyor is disposed below the hopper and receives sprigs from the hopper. Sprigs on the first conveyor are conveyed to a discharge point where the sprigs are discharged and fall downwardly onto a second conveyor. The second conveyor conveys the sprigs in a direction generally opposite to the direction of movement of the sprigs on the first conveyor. Prior to being discharged from the second conveyor, at least some of the sprigs are engaged by a counter rotating agitator that agitates and fluffs the sprigs. Eventually sprigs pass underneath the counter rotating agitator and are discharged from a discharge end of the second conveyor onto the underlying ground. As the machine moves over the ground, the sprigs can be planted in a broadcasted manner or the sprigs can be planted in rows.

Abstract: A machine for planting grass sprigs having a superstructure supported on wheels for moving over the earth's surface a sprig storage bin supported by the superstructure, a distributor for moving grass sprigs contained within the storage bin towards an opening in the floor surface, a plurality of paralleled discharge troughs each having a wide upper open end for receiving grass sprigs therein from the sprig storage bin and a reduced width lower opening providing a relatively narrow discharge slot through which grass sprigs are deposited in an in-line pattern on the earth's surface, trenching disc in alignment with each discharge trough for forming a narrow trench in the earth's surface upon which grass sprigs are deposited, and a planting disc in alignment with and rearwardly of each discharge trough for forcing grass sprigs into the narrow trenches.

Abstract: Expandable stinger planting is described in which stinger probes on a boom end mounted frame are positioned for ground penetration on a boom type vehicle. Bottom ends of the probes are shifted between a closed plant receiving, ground penetrating positions; and open positions with bottom ends open to form a plant discharge opening. A receptacle within the probes is open to the plant discharge opening, and receives plants from a magazine. Plants move by a feeder device in the magazine to a release station, where successive plants may be discharged into the plant receiving receptacle. The plant magazine and plant release station are positioned above the plant receiving receptacle such that a plant moved to the release station may drop into the receiving receptacle, to be discharged through the discharge opening. Packers may be provided on the frame to press planting media about the plants.

Abstract: A seed planting system for planting seeds in dirt in the depressions of a flat. The seed planting system includes a plurality of seeding assemblies each having a hopper. The hopper is designed for holding the seeds. Each of the seeding assemblies has dispensing portion. The dispensing portion is coupled to the hopper of an associated one of the seeding assemblies whereby the dispensing portion is designed for dispensing seeds from the hopper of the associated one of the seeding assemblies into the depressions of the flat. A regulating assembly is coupled between the hopper and the dispensing portion of each of the seeding assemblies whereby the regulating assembly is designed for regulating the rate at which the seeds are dispensed from the hopper to the dispensing portion of the associated one of the seeding assemblies.

Abstract: A garlic upright-positioning and planting device has a simple structure by which a garlic clove can be planted while the garlic clove is kept at its upright posture with its blunt root portion directed toward the ground. There is provided a garlic planting device for planting garlic cloves while maintaining an upright state, which comprises at least one guiding hopper for guiding a garlic clove with a root portion directed in a downward direction, and a planter for planting the garlic clove supplied from each of the guiding hoppers.

Abstract: A reforestation and nourishing practice by the use of a lighter-than-air airship system, for dispersing and planting tree saplings, primarily in remote regions which may have been devastated by fire, where access to such regions by personnel and ground equipment is difficult. The airship system comprises an aerodynamically configured structure having a semi-rigid keel or skeleton, where lift is provided by helium, with the keel mounting a liquid management mechanism consisting of a reservoir open to the outside for resupply of liquid or water, a conduit leading to a holding tank, and a piping distribution and nozzle assembly below the airship system to spray or dispense the liquid or water over selected areas to water or nourish the newly planted trees. The mechanism for temporarily storing and eventually dispensing the tree saplings is a rack mounting at least one cylindrical canister containing plural compartments.

Abstract: A carousel-type distribution unit for handling and planting vegetable species, the carousel containing a plurality of conical cups, each whereof is composed of two half-cones which are articulated about substantially horizontal axes, the cups being adapted to contain the vegetable species and to open in order to plant them, the unit further comprises two arms which are fixed to the center of the carousel and are adapted to open two of the cups in order to release the plant species into two respective conveyance channels for guiding into respective internal chambers of respective hollow plowshares, from which the plant species are expelled by respective ejector feet into the furrows of the soil provided by the plowshares and arranged along two mutually staggered adjacent rows.

Abstract: A carousel-type distribution unit for handling and planting vegetable species, the carousel containing a plurality of conical cups, each whereof is composed of two half-cones which are articulated about substantially horizontal axes, the cups being adapted to contain the vegetable species and to open in order to plant them, the unit further comprises two arms which are fixed to the center of the carousel and are adapted to open two of the cups in order to release the plant species into two respective conveyance channels for guiding into respective internal chambers of respective hollow plowshares, from which the plant species are expelled by respective ejector feet into the furrows of the soil provided by the plowshares and arranged along two mutually staggered adjacent rows.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing grass sprigs from bulk sod, evenly distributing the grass sprigs on the ground to be planted, and thereafter planting the grass sprigs. The apparatus comprises a rigid frame member having a driven conveyor assembly, a bulk sod shredding assembly, and a planting assembly. The driven conveyor transports bulk sod to the shredder assembly at a rate proportional to the ground speed of the apparatus, thus providing the proper sprig output rate from the shredder. The shredding assembly utilizes a rotating shaft having a plurality of shredding members extending therefrom for shredding the bulk sod cooperatively with a shredder bar. The planting assembly comprises a sizable chute for guiding the sprigs from the shredder to the ground to be planted without clogging, a plurality of coulters for pressing the sprigs into the ground, and a plurality of press wheels for firming the soil planted subsequent to the coulters.

Abstract: A method and device for improving the efficiency of mechanical transplanting, wherein seedling balls carrying no seedlings or undersize seedlings are automatically removed prior to the planting stage. Several seedling balls are simultaneously extracted from a common cultivation tray and deficient balls are detected and removed. The deficit caused by a removed seedling ball is compensated by momentarily increasing the rate of feeding balls from the tray. No separate replacement seedling supply is required.

Abstract: A seedling with soil selecting and transporting apparatus for a transplanting machine which can steadily and certainly discriminate good seedlings with soil and no good seedlings with soil without causing operation failure by deposition of a clump of earth even if external vibration and/or slight disturbance is caused in transporting attitude of the seedling with soil. The seedling with soil selecting and transporting apparatus for a transplanting machine transports good seedlings having leaf portions grown into a normal length and no good seedlings having leaf portions not grown into a normal length. The apparatus comprises a strip form transporting belt transporting good and no good seedlings with soil in an attitude wherein they are fallen sideways and have concentrically mounted soil depositing portions on one outer side edge portion of the strip form transporting belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for transplanting seedling from a first ray to a second tray. The apparatus includes a frame, a moveable gantry connected to the frame, and a conveyor system. In the preferred embodiment, a first conveyor is used to shuttle seedlings into the operative reaches of the apparatus and a second conveyor shuttles the transplanted seedlings out of the operative reaches of the apparatus. The gantry includes a gripper assembly comprised of a plurality of grippers slidably mounted to a track. A positioning mechanism is employed to move the gantry and associated gripper assembly. The grippers includes an upright support and a pair of pivotally connected spaced apart gripper fingers. The gripper fingers are separated by a plunger mechanism preferably having a beveled surface for ease of insertion between the gripper fingers.

Abstract: A mechanical transplanter device for transplanting seedlings along a path includes a frame, a furrow opening shoe mounted on the frame and engaging the ground for opening a furrow in the ground, and seedling delivery means including a reciprocating stabilizing arm mounted on the frame. The transplanter of the present invention delivers seedlings to the furrow at specific predetermined distance intervals input by the operator into the electronic control system, which utilizes a variable speed electric drive motor that isolates the speed or frequency of the transplanter from variations in ground speed or engine speed of the tractor towing the transplanter along the ground.

Abstract: A seedling planting apparatus wherein a body of the seedling planting apparatus including one planting unit or a plurality of planting units for picking a seedling from each pot provided in a seedling tray to plant them in the field is connected to the rear portion of a traveling vehicle, wherein the body of the seedling planting apparatus is provided at its front portion with an operation platform and the planting unit is arranged such that an empty seedling tray wherein the planting operation has been finished, is withdrawn at the front portion of the body of the seedling planting apparatus. The thus constituted seedling planting apparatus can travel stably and straightly, and in the apparatus, an excessive force is not applied on the connection between the body and the traveling vehicle, and during the turning, little jolt is caused, and at the same time, an operator standing on the platform can effect all operations without getting down from the platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for picking up and delivering a plug of substrate having a plant incorporated therein, wherein the plug is seized at least from the top side by means of a number of needles and is taken from a tray or a like device by at least a vertical movement, and the plug can be delivered by moving the needles out of the plug, with the needles being stuck into the plug substantially vertically such that the plug can thereby be seized, whereupon the needles are moved upward relative to the tray while taking along the plug from the tray, in such a manner that the needles move substantially parallel to each other relative to the plug, and to an apparatus for using such method.

Abstract: A seedling planting apparatus includes a carriage, a seedling supply device, a seedling picker device for picking seedlings from the seedling supply device at a predetermined picking position, and a seedling planting device for receiving the seedling from the seedling picker device at a predetermined delivery position and planting them in a field, the seedling supply device including a frame for supporting a seedling tray formed with multiple cells in which seedlings are grown, a traverse feeding mechanism for moving the frame transversely so that a selected cell is located at the predetermined picking position, and a longitudinal feeding mechanism for logitudinally feeding the seedling tray pitch by pitch when the frame is moved to a right or left terminal position thereof, the seedling picker device including a pair of seedling picker claws for picking the seedling from the cell and delivering it to the seedling planting device, and a seedling picker driving mechanism for moving the seedling picker claws fr

Abstract: This invention is a multi-row full stalk sugar cane planter which utilizes a fully automatic hydraulically driven feed and distribution system to place cane stalks on the field in three or more successive rows including the row directly beneath the planter. A hydraulically driven, continuous chain, feed conveyor moves cane stalks in the semi-vertical position and in multiple columns toward a primary and optional secondary rotating distribution drum system. A pressure compensating proportioning control valve monitors pressure at the primary distribution drum motor and automatically compensates for high pressure spikes by slowing or hesitating the feed of cane stalks to the primary distribution drum. The special valve can be easily adjusted on the fly to compensate for differing field and weather conditions. A series of hydraulic secondary distribution drums are also provided to insure proper planting and placement of the cane stalks in three or more rows.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for manufacturing and protecting containers used in nurseries and horticulture, presenting an upper opening obturated by a cover for protecting the substrate previously filled in said container. Each container is subjected at least to an operation for fixing a sheet on its opening, thus closing it, at least an operation of perforating the sheet at its center, at least an operation of cutting the sheet to disconnect it from the web of sheet, and an operation for trimming the excess sheet by cutting it around the pot. These operations are carried out as the pots advance on a machine. The invention also relates to such a machine and to the containers produced.

Abstract: A computer controlled seedling transfer apparatus includes a pair of free-wheeling conveyors for supporting a commercial grower's seed flat and pot flat. Each conveyor includes an associated indexing mechanism for gripping the respective flat and translating the flat along the conveyor so that certain of the flat recesses are aligned with a transfer station between the flats. A seedling transfer mechanism is supported above the conveyors so that the mechanism can be moved transversely between the seed flat and pot flat. The seedling transfer mechanism includes extendable gripping fingers for gripping a seedling, removing it from the seed flat, transferring it to a specific pot flat recess and replanting the seedling. The indexing mechanisms for the two flats are computer controlled, as is the seedling transfer mechanism, to optimize the seedling transfer operation and to ensure that the pot flat is completely filled with seedlings.

Abstract: Device for automatic positioning of plants is provided with a vertical positioner element conical at the top and cylindrical at the bottom wherein is introduced by known means the plant with its earth ball. The earth ball is located in the cylindrical portion while the plant itself is in the conical portion which is upwardly tapered. An insufflation head is provided with a seal adjusted to the positioner element and permitting the injection of air or a gas when the assembly, including the positioner element and the insufflation head, is above a hole which has been previously made in a receiver element where the planting is to take place. The device facilitates and automates the setting in place of plants of all kinds while preserving their integrity owing to the use of non-mechanical handling means.

Abstract: The transplant head of the transplanter has an upper plate with four pinholes spaced at the corners of a square of a determined width. A lower plate is adjustably spaced beneath the upper plate and has four pinholes located at the corners of a square of a lesser width than the upper plate pinhole spacing. Four transplant pins extend between the upper and lower holes such that when the upper plate is brought closer to the lower plate by a pneumatically activated mechanical linkage, the pins converge within a seedling plug. Additional pins and pinholes provide for transplanting of an array of seedlings. A pneumatic actuator is connected to the lower plate and is adapted to elevate the transplant head with engaged plug. A carriage is driven by a pneumatic actuator to position a growth pot beneath the engaged plug. A computer controller causes the plug to be lowered into the soil of the growth pot after which the mechanical linkage may be activated to space the plates to disengage the pins from the plug.

Abstract: A transplanting machine or equipment for taking seedlings of vegetables or the like from a seedling table 13 and planting them in a field. The machine has a transmission mechanism including a transmission case, a first rotary case (32) driven by a driving device and a second rotary case (33) which rotates reversely to the first rotary case. The rotary cases are linearly extended in a vertical direction while they overlap in contracted form in a longitudinal or horizontal direction. A seedling transplanting tool is carried by the second rotary case. The seedlings are easily removed from a seedling table located at a high position on the machine and transplanted without extending the length of the transplanting equipment in the longitudinal or horizontal direction.

Abstract: A plant seedling handling apparatus is described which comprises a pair of parallel belts, each of which carries a series of grippers. During loading of the storage device each belt is fed from separate storage means via guide spools which create a nip between the belts. At the nip a pair of grippers 31, 34 grip a seedling stem 36. When the movement is reversed the seedling is released as the grippers separate as the belts pass around the guide spools 24 and 25. The seedling can be released direct to a planting device.

Abstract: An apparatus for the gripping of plants located in a container is disclosed. This apparatus comprises a pushing element, which pushes the ball of the plant upwardly from underneath, until the ball is released for a substantial part above the container. Then the ball is gripped by a number of gripping arms, movable in a horizontal direction, which transports the ball including the plant to its destination. To be able to push the ball upwards the container comprises at location of each of the cavities for the balls a guiding channel for the pushing element. This channel has a cross-section of a star-like configuration, the number of points thereof coinciding with the number of points of the pushing element.

Abstract: A machine for cutting large pieces of sod into smaller, generally square blocks suitable for planting, comprising a cutting mechanism for cutting the large pieces of sod into smaller, generally square pieces of sod which are of generally equivalent size and shape, a discharging means for discharging the smaller pieces of sod onto the ground, and a weighted means to plant the sod into the ground.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus has at least two elongated piercing elements which slide in elongated collars or sleeves between open retracted positions and closed gripping positions. The piercing elements define an angle and they move toward the vertex of the defined angle when they move from the open position to the closed position. The orientation of the piercing elements and their path of travel are such that objects are reliably and securely held when the piercing elements are in their closed positions and positively released when the piercing elements are in their open positions. A sensor may be provided with the gripping apparatus to sense the presence or condition of the gripped object. The gripping apparatus is especially useful in grasping the root masses of plants for transplanting purposes.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and an apparatus which utilizes a porous open cell structure in which seeds may germinate and plants root and be provided with appropriate nutrients and water until they are mature enough to be transplanted. At that time the entire porous open cell structure, which is in the form of a flat, may be cut into individual units, each individual unit containing one or more plants centered therein. Thus the separated individual units may then be transplanted into various receptacles including conventional individual plastic flats which are in the condition found in most greenhouses and purchased by individual buyers.

Abstract: A seedling planter utilizes support wheels located on a main frame near the rear of the planter. The support wheels are pivotable relative to the frame, thereby allowing the force exerted by a set of intermediate packing wheels to be varied. The seedling planter was a novel planting assembly which incorporates two primary structural members; a first planting assembly piece or link which is connected to the frame, and a planting arm which is pivotally connected to the first piece. The first piece is movable to vary the height of the pivot axis about which the planting arm rotates. The planting assembly also includes a soil height level detection subsystem to automatically control downward extension of the first planting assembly piece. The planting arm is thus positioned at a desired predetermined height above the soil as it is rotated into the ground to provide consistent planting depth. A cam-operated seedling holder clamps the seedlings along the rear edge of the planting arm.

Abstract: A seedling holding and dispensing mechanism used on planters having a planting arm which is intermittently extended downwardly into the soil. The seedling holder and dispenser is preferably mounted along the trailing edge of the planting arm. The seedling holder includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw is preferably mounted to the trailing edge of the planting arm in a fixed position. The second jaw is mounted for movement relative to the first jaw to allow clamping of the seedlings. The second jaw can be pivotally mounted, such as by using a connecting rod which is pivoted torsionally about a longitudinal axis. A proximate end of the connecting rod is adapted to have a lever arm. The mechanism preferably uses retraction and extension position actuators which automatically open the jaws in both the retracted loading position and the extended discharging position.

Abstract: A potato planter (10) having a horizontally disposed auger housing (23) divided longitudinally into two halves by separator plate (37), said housing being open at the top at the forward end for receiving seed potatoes from seed hopper (11) and open at the bottom at the rearmost end for dropping seed potatoes into a planting furrow. A pair of primary single blade augers (20) disposed for axial rotation within said housing along and adjacent to each side of separator place (37). A pair of secondary filler blade augers (21), each in interfitting parallel axial relationship with a primary auger so as to interfit the filler blade of a secondary auger between the reach of the blade of each primary auger so as to form a plurality of traveling compartments between the unfilled reaches of the blade of the primary augers and the sides of the separator plate for transporting seed potatoes from the forward end of the auger housing to the rearmost opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the planting out of plants wherein the plants to be planted out are fitted into pieces of substrate. Said pieces of substrate are located in compartments formed between blocks fitted onto strips. Usually these strips are located adjacent and each second strip is shifted lengthwise over the length of a block, being equal to the length of a compartment so that a chess-board-pattern develops in plan view. For the planting out, the strips are separated and subsequently supplied to a pushing element which pushes the pieces of substrate including the plants in a transverse direction out of the strip and into bigger containers. To use only a single directional movement the strips are inclined relative to the bigger containers. To compensate for this inclination the pieces of substrate are slightly rotated during the movement.