Abstract: The present invention relates to a knife for and a method of zero till or minimum till seeding and fertilizing. The knife is particularly adpated for dray land conditions producing minimum soil disturbance and very shallow operation. The knife has a high penetration angle preferably of 45 degrees which permits the blade to enter high trash surface cover with little tendency to plug due to trash accumulation. The blade has a forward angle of attack, the lower cutting edge advancing before the upper cutting edge, serving to make a clean cut in the soil surface without accumulating trash. Seed and/or fertilizer conduits are attached to or incorporated in the trailing face of the blade on which the outlets may be spaced for controlled placement of the materials. By the method a furrow is cut having a substantial transverse component in an operation with a substantial forward components.

Abstract: A subsoil applicator has an upright shank provided with a leading soil-slicing edge and a pair of opposite sides. At the bottom of the shank, a pair of soil lifting wings are provided, presenting a pair of outermost wing edges that diverge rearwardly from the lowermost and forwardmost point of the shank to the rear extremity of the applicator. The wings are generally relatively thin and flat except for a thickened portion across their rear extremity making an upright, rearwardly facing rear wall. A pair of laterally spaced discharge outlets are located in the rear wall and communicate with an internal tubular passage within the shank for delivering substance down into the soil behind the wall as the applicator advances through the soil. The discharge outlets are located in undercut portions of the rear wall, while top, upwardly facing surfaces of the thickened portion are convexly curved to improve soil flow and provide extra protection against premature wear for the internal substance passageways.

Abstract: A trailer incorporator for towing behind a slurry wagon for incorporating slurry into soil on farms comprising a manifold for distributing the slurry to a plurality of injectors mounted on the trailer, a plurality of coulters on the trailer and adjustments to position the injectors, coulter and wheels on the trailer and for tilting the trailer fore and aft. The trailer has one connection point to the slurry wagon to allow a pivotable connection for ease of making turns with the trailer when the coulters and plows are engaging the soil. The trailer removes weight from the slurry wagon allowing for a wider distribution of slurry by a wider trailer, and removing weight from the slurry wagon reducing soil compaction and allowing for more slurry to be put in the slurry wagon without overloading it. The trailer therefore allows for more efficient operations.

Abstract: A fertilizer knife for use in applying anhydrous ammonia comprising a leading edge having a flat face. A projecting shoe attached to the leading edge that is flat to minimize packing of soil against furrow sidewalls. A fertilizer delivery tube disposed on a back edge of the knife having a bend portion adjacent the bottom surface of the projecting shoe leading to a fertilizer release hole under the bottom surface of the knife.

Abstract: An automatic spring-reset shank for agricultural use has a high retaining force and an improved trip clearance. The field use position of the shank is defined by a saddle in the mount weldment. The raised position of the shank is defined by the upper edge of a slot in a vertical guide plate for the shank assembly, located in the mounting weldment. The shank assembly pivots about a location which is below and forward of the transverse frame member or toolbar to which it is mounted. The action line of the spring is located at an angle of approximately 65° above the horizontal, and it is inclined rearwardly and upwardly, never crossing the horizontal axis (i.e., center) of the main pivot.

Abstract: A method of applying anhydrous ammonia to soil is disclosed as including the step of pressurizing anhydrous ammonia received from a source. The pressurized anhydrous ammonia is conducted to a plurality of terminal outlets, wherein each of the outlets is configured to maintain a back pressure and preferably a liquid state of the anhydrous ammonia. The anhydrous ammonia is discharged from the plurality of terminal outlets to thereby contact the soil.

Abstract: A fluid assisted wedging and compacting device for the installation of underground cable that includes a blade with a cutting edge, two cutting faces a toe, a shoe, a cable feed tube, a pair of deflectors, a pair of grooves and a plurality of high pressure water jet nozzles. The blade is designed so that the deflectors and grooves are positioned in a vertical orientation on the lower half of the cutting faces of the blade. During use, the deflectors on the cutting faces deflect soil creating a soil free zone preventing blockage of the nozzles and allowing the water pressure from the nozzles to effectively aid the blade in cutting through the soil.

Abstract: An in-line sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering system includes a blade (10) mountable into a header member (112) of a parallelogram linkage (110). A pair of parallel rigid drag arms (116, 118) extend between the header member (112) and a hanger member (114) and are pinned at their respective ends so that rotation of the header member relative to the hanger member on the parallel arms maintains a general horizontal orientation of the header member thereby supporting the blade (10) downwardly in a constant orientation. The hanger member is mountable to a supporting frame (182). A selective actuator such as a hydraulic actuator (138) or selectively controllable spring assembly (147) allows selective control of a downward force urging the blade into the soil.

Abstract: Provided is an underdrain excavation apparatus by which, while an underdrain is excavated in the ground, a hydrophobic material and/or a water-holding material (functional material) can be filled in the underdrain executed in a smooth and reliable manner. In the underdrain excavation apparatus, a soil cutting shank 11 which is vertically held and a bullet-like underdrain borer 12 which is provided on a lower end of the soil cutting shank 11 are pulled in a horizontal direction by a bulldozer 14 to excavate an underdrain 22 in a ground 21, and a functional material supplied via a functional material transport line 13 provided in the soil cutting shank 11 and in the underdrain borer 12 is filled in the underdrain. A gas flow generator generating a gas flow by jetting a high-pressure gas supplied from a high-pressure gas generator into a tubular body is connected with the functional material transport line 13.

Abstract: A knife applicator is provided for a tillage implement to apply liquid fertilizer into the ground. The knife applicator is formed as a base member with a point member welded to the forward edge thereof to create a furrow when moved through the ground. A fertilizer tube is positioned rearwardly of the base member to deliver liquid fertilizer into the opened furrow. The point member is formed in a rounded tip that presents a smooth rounded surface that fractures and lifts the soil effectively to create the opened furrow. A raised member on the point member assists in the lifting of soil from the furrow being opened while creating only a minimal disturbance to the surface of the ground. A wedge member having a lowered operative edge seals the opened furrow to prevent the liquid fertilizer from escaping into the air.

Abstract: A method of applying liquid anhydrous ammonia to soil is disclosed as including the step of pressurizing anhydrous ammonia received from a source. The pressurized anhydrous ammonia is conducted to a plurality of terminal outlets, wherein each of the outlets is configured to maintain a back pressure and thereby the liquid state of the anhydrous ammonia. The anhydrous ammonia is discharged from the plurality of terminal outlets to thereby contact the soil.

Abstract: A method of applying anhydrous ammonia to soil is disclosed as including the step of pressurizing anhydrous ammonia received from a source. The pressurized anhydrous ammonia is conducted to a plurality of terminal outlets, wherein each of the outlets is configured to maintain a back pressure and preferably a liquid state of the anhydrous ammonia. The anhydrous ammonia is discharged from the plurality of terminal outlets to thereby contact the soil.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electronic component includes bonding an electronic component via a bump to electrically and mechanically connect the electronic component to a base member and bonding a cap member to the base member in such a manner that the cap member covers the electronic component element. High temperature aging is performed after bonding the electronic component to the base member via the bump.

Abstract: An anhydrous ammonia injection apparatus is disclosed for injecting anhydrous ammonia into the soil. The apparatus includes a tank adapted to contain liquid anhydrous ammonia and a conduit extending between the tank and a pump. The pump is configured to variably increase the pressure of the anhydrous ammonia within the conduit. The apparatus also includes a restrictive orifice in fluid-flow communication with the conduit downstream from the pump. In addition, the apparatus includes a terminal outlet connected in fluid-flow communication with the conduit for discharging the anhydrous ammonia from the apparatus. The restrictive orifice cooperates with the pump to maintain a pressure within the conduit therebetween that is greater than the vapor pressure of the anhydrous ammonia.

Abstract: A method of applying liquid anhydrous ammonia to soil is disclosed as including the step of pressurizing anhydrous ammonia received from a source. The pressurized anhydrous ammonia is conducted to a plurality of terminal outlets, wherein each of the outlets is configured to maintain a back pressure and thereby the liquid state of the anhydrous ammonia. The anhydrous ammonia is discharged from the plurality of terminal outlets to thereby contact the soil.

Abstract: A tractor that can pull a wide variety of equipment such as that for tilling, seeding and fertilizing of field crops. The equipment can also include reservoirs for containing large quantities of seeds and fertilizers such as liquid manure. As tilling and fertilizing progresses these materials as dispensed changing the weight distribution on the tractor. The change can be compensated for during use by sensing weight and adjusting the position of the machine connecting structure in response thereto, such as a fifth wheel of the tractor, in real-time, to generally equalize weight distribution.

Abstract: A sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering device includes an opening blade having first and second sides extending between a leading edge and an aft edge. The opening blade has an upper surface and a lower surface extending between upper and lower edges respectively of the first and second sides of the blade. First and second wings are mounted to the first and second sides respectively in generally oppositely disposed relation so as to be cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The first and second wings extend between first and second forward wing edges and first and second aft-opening wing apertures. Seed, fertilizer or water are dispensed through the wing apertures. Oppositely disposed, rigid canards for subsurface soil agitation are mounted to the first and second sides, so as to extend cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The canards may be mounted between the leading edge of the blade and the first and second forward wing edges.

Abstract: A shank-mounted opener assembly connected to a seed distribution system is provided for both till and no-till operations. The opener assembly includes a spike member that is supported on the shank, a firming point, a seed sensor connected to the seed supply, a seed boot, a seed locking mechanism, and a multi media delivery tube assembly. The seed boot encloses the seed sensor and includes a pair of lateral side walls. The seed boot protects the seed sensor from moving soil and debris. The seed locking mechanism pushes the seed into the soil and forms a shallow layer of soil over the seed dispensed through the seed sensor. If desired, assistive media can be dispensed into the furrow at the same time as seeding. The assistive media are dispensed through the multi-media delivery tube assembly. The assistive media are not dispensed to the furrow until after the seed locking mechanism covers the seed with a shallow layer of soil.

Abstract: A turf injector includes a plurality of slitting knives followed by a plurality of nozzles for injecting chemicals into the ground. Each slitting knife is reversible to bring one of two longitudinally extending cutting edges into use, thereby extending the life of the knife. In addition, each slitting knife has dual sets of mounting holes received on a set of fixed mounting pins to further adjust the vertical position of each knife on the frame. This allows for wear of the cutting edge of the blade and further extends the life of the blade. The hole and pin mounting system desirably mounts each knife with its cutting edge held at a 15.degree. angle of inclination relative to the horizontal to minimize disruption of the turf and the length of the knife.

Abstract: A tool bar for placement of a band of fertilizer in soil has a vertical knife with a horizontal blade thereon to create an inverted T-shaped slot in the soil. A band of fertilizer is placed in the bottom of the slot through a tube on the knife. A first coulter fills the slot with soil and compacts the soil above the band. A second coulter forms a mound of soil over the compacted soil and creates an elongated furrow in the soil above and laterally removed from the band. The method of placement of a band of fertilizer in soil sequentially moves the soil and creates the band as accomplished by the foregoing structure.

Abstract: An applicator for injecting anhydrous ammonia into the soil. The applicator includes a pulling vehicle and a tool bar which are releasably coupled to one another. The pulling vehicle carries a large anhydrous ammonia storage tank and is preferably provided with a pump to move anhydrous ammonia from the storage tank to the tool bar. Additionally, the pulling vehicle is provided with a plurality of large tires to reduce compaction to the soil. Because of the capacity of the anhydrous ammonia tank and the size of the pulling vehicle, anhydrous ammonia can be injected in to the soil at a very rapid rate.

Abstract: A seed tine assembly for mounting on a frame component of a seed drilling implement and comprising a tine having an upper end mounted on the frame component, and a lower soil-engaging end; a seed share mounted on the tine at the lower end; a tine point mounted on the lower end of the tine; a supply tube mounted on the share and having an upper end receiving an air-driven supply of seed and a lower end which distributes seed into the furrow formed by the share; in which the lower end of the tine is angled, as seen in side view, having a base leg detachably secured to the share, and an upright leg to which the tine point is detachably secured; and in which the share comprises a share plate which is generally triangular, as seen in plan, and a distributor plate is mounted on the share plate and has a socket arranged to receive the lower end of the supply tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ remediation of contaminated soil or sludge having a trenching tool and an injection system for applying remediation agent to the contaminated material during in situ communication. The remediation agent is injected into the contaminated material by the injection system preferably having a plurality of injection nozzles positioned along the length of the trenching tool. The treated material is backfilled or deposited directly into the trench excavated by trenching tool thereby obviating the need for off-site disposal. The constituent remediation agents in the remediation agent may be adjusted to adapt to varying site conditions and contaminants. The remediation agent may also be heated to accomplish volatile stripping of the contaminated material or to activate microbial agents in a low temperature environment.

Abstract: A tool bar for placement of a band of fertilizer in soil has a vertical knife with a horizontal blade thereon to create an inverted T-shaped slot in the soil. A band of fertilizer is placed in the bottom of the slot through a tube on the knife. A first coulter fills the slot with soil and compacts the soil above the band. A second coulter forms a mound of soil over the compacted soil and creates an elongated furrow in the soil above and laterally removed from the band. The method of placement of a band of fertilizer in soil sequentially moves the soil and creates the band as accomplished by the foregoing structure.

Abstract: This invention is a device for injecting chemicals into the soil, comprising two embodiments. In both embodiments a disc cuts the soil, making way for a brace with a knife that cuts away the soil further. A nozzle connected to a tube, which draws chemical from a reservoir, sprays the chemical directly into the soil. A belt, which encircles two drums, keeps the vegetation on the soil. In one embodiment the discs are on the drums. In the second embodiment the disc is separate from the drums.

Abstract: A cultivator-injector machine for sub-surface application of fluid to a field which machine includes a chassis carrying one or more tines, each tine having one or more fluid delivery pipe(s) mounted extending longitudinally down a rearward, in use, face thereof, each delivery pipe having a closed lower end and one or more lateral apertures therein, the chassis further carrying one or more free-turning cutting discs, each mounted closely in front of and substantially aligned with a respective tine along the axis of ploughing motion of the machine.

Abstract: An anhydrous ammonia knife including a shank attached to an implement tool bar, a knife segment attached to the forward edge of the shank, and an ammonia delivery tube disposed between the forward edge of the shank and the leading edge of the knife segment. The knife selectively penetrates the soil to a predetermined depth and the tube discharge end is disposed in fluid communication with the soil. Ammonia is discharged into the soil at a position immediately behind the leading edge of the knife segment as the furrow is first opened. This positioning minimizes the amount of ammonia vapor lost to the atmosphere since the ammonia is quickly entrapped in the soil.

Abstract: A self-sharpening pyramidal shaped insert of a refractory hard metal for use as a leading penetrating element of a soil opener member of an agricultural tool. The insert includes a boss member of a generally frustoconical shape including a circular bottom and outwardly curved side surface extending upwardly from the circular bottom and terminating in a flange, and a penetrating tip having four nonparallel triangular sides, each triangular side having a common leg with a bordering triangular side and a third leg contiguous the flange. The triangular sides converge to a common vertex. The insert inhibits wear of the agricultural tool and contributes to proper soil flow as the agricultural tool cuts a slice in the soil.

Abstract: A liquid manure dispensing apparatus including a distribution head for breaking down larger clumps of liquid manure and uniformly distributing it to earth working members having an integral delivery chute. The distribution head comprises an impeller journaled for rotation in a chamber for preventing blockage by reducing the size of larger clumps of liquid manure between distal ends of integral vanes and the chamber wall. Each unitary earth working member includes an integral shank and liquid manure delivery chute, and it is designed such that the delivery chute forms a portion of the shank and to form a wedge shape. The delivery chute dispenses liquid manure behind the shank in a created furrow, wherein an outlet port of the chute opens downwardly and rearwardly to minimize blockage. The wedge shape of the chute prevents soil from collapsing into the furrow as liquid manure is dispensed to minimize soil blocking the outlet of the chute.

Abstract: An attachment to an existing sweep of a seeding device is provided for additional dispensing of fertilizer. A protection tooth on the leading face of the attachment can be placed at a desired depth of its lower, free end to selectively adjust the level at which the fertilizer is deposited.

Abstract: A fertilizer applicator employs a rotating, trash-cutting coulter and a knife located immediately behind the coulter with the leading arcuate edge of the knife and the rearward arcuate periphery of the coulter in intimately spaced relation to one another. As the coulter wears, the knife may be adjusted upwardly and forwardly along a slightly arcuate path of travel while simultaneously rocked slightly forwardly so as to maximize the length of the front knife edge that is close to the coulter while maintaining a substantially constant depth relationship between the knife and the coulter.

Abstract: A deep banding knife of the type comprising a bar of metal twisted so that an edge of the bar faces forwardly to define a cutting leading edge and including a material supply duct running down behind the bar for depositing material such as fertilizer into the furrow cut by the knife is modified by the addition of a transverse rod extending through the bar so as to be supported thereby. The rod is of a relatively short extent so that it is supported wholly by and independent of adjacent banding knives. The rod can be attached by a screw threaded coupling arrangement in which one cantilever part of the rod is threaded into a hole in the knife with a second part of the rod screwed onto a male portion extending from the first rod through the knife.

Abstract: Sweep tillage tools (10, 10') according to the preferred teachings of the present invention are disclosed including generally flat, horizontal sweep blades (18) generally located behind the implement shank (12) and above the point (28) of the spike (16, 16'). Specifically, the front corners of the sweep blades (18) between their front cutting edges (36) and inside edges (40) are integrally connected to the side edges (34) of a central portion (32, 32'). Gussets (20) are provided having a first side (48) integrally connected generally perpendicular to the inside edges (40) of the sweep blades (18) and having a second side (50) integrally connected to the side edges (34) of the central portion (32, 32') to provide catilever mounting of the sweep blades (18) and to provide support for soil passing over the spike (16, 16') and the sweep blades (18) at their intersection.

Abstract: A one pass seedbed preparation device having two fluted coulter assemblies per seedbed. The coulter assemblies are attachable to existing seed planting apparatus at their bias spring housings and are offset to provide self-cleaning action. Fertilizer delivery is then provided to an area surrounding the seedbed raised by the coulter wheels. The fertilizer may be delivered by a knife-blade cultivator, an injector or a rolling-disc drive.

Abstract: A parallel linkage arrangement for supporting a coulter disc and liquid fertilizer applicator on an agricultural tool bar such that the coulter disc and the fertilizer applicator maintain the same relative relationship to the ground regardless of vertical travel of the coulter disc or the applicator.

Abstract: A no-till drill mounts a seed distribution assembly on the upper portion of the back side of a chisel blade that cuts a furrow in the soil being planted. The seed distribution assembly includes a horizontal seed distribution plate having an upturned lip at its rear edge and side walls which extend upwardly from each of its sides. The side walls are joined to the blade at one of their ends and their other ends are separated from the upturned lip of the seed distribution plate. Thus, seed which is deposited onto the seed distribution plate from a seed supply tube falls off of the rear portion of the plate between the ends of the side walls and the upturned lip. The seed distribution assembly is wider than the blade and is positioned to extend partially into the furrow made by the blade and widen the upper portion of the furrow.

Abstract: A sweep-spike combination tillage tool (10) according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is disclosed including generally flat, horizontal sweep blades (18) located behind a spike (16) and above the point (28) of the spike (16). Specifically, the front corners of the sweep blades (18) between their front cutting edges (36) and inside edges (40) are integrally connected to the side edges (34) of the spike (16). Gussets (20) are provided having a first side (48) integrally connected generally perpendicular to the inside edges (40) of the sweep blades (18) and having a second side (50) integrally connected generally tangentially to the side edges (34) of the spike (16) to provide cantilever mounting of the sweep blades (18) and to provide support for soil passing over the spike (16) and the sweep blades (18) at their interconnection.

Abstract: A one pass seedbed preparation device having two fluted coulter assemblies per seedbed. The coulter assemblies are attachable to existing seed planting apparatus at their bias spring housings and are offset to provide self-cleaning action. Fertilizer delivery is then provided to an area surrounding the seedbed raised by the coulter wheels. The fertilizer may be delivered by a knife-blade cultivator, an injector or a rolling-disc drive.