Abstract: A system for controlling the depth of at least one closing wheel in an agricultural row unit for planting seeds in a furrow. The row unit includes a firming device that passes the seeds into the soil at the bottom of the furrow, and at least one closing wheel that is pressed into a side of the furrow to close the furrow over the seeds. A control system senses the depth of the closing wheels in the furrow relative to the depth of the firming device, and adjusts the downward pressure on the closing wheel, based on changes in the sensed depth of the closing wheel, to compensate for changes in the hardness of the soil. The up and down movement of the firming device can be adjusted independently of the movement of the closing wheel.

Abstract: A slurry distributor comprises a slurry delivery pipe (B) to which, in use, the slurry is supplied, the slurry delivery pipe having a longitudinally extending slot (E). There is an injector rotor (A) within which the slurry delivery pipe (B) is disposed, a plurality of tines (C) and a plurality of outlet ports (D) on the injector rotor (A). The tines (C) are adapted for cutting into the soil upon movement of the injector rotor (A) over the soil surface and the arrangement is such that, as the outlet ports (D) of the injector rotor (A) pass the slot (E) during rotation of the injector rotor (A) relative to the slurry delivery pipe (B), the slurry will pass through the slot (E) into the outlet ports (D).

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus and methods for injecting viscous fertilizer, such as dewatered biosolids, below the surface of the soil. The invention also pertains to apparatus and methods for creating a continuous flow of viscous material and for dividing a flow of viscous material.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus and methods for injecting viscous fertilizer, such as dewatered biosolids, below the surface of the soil. The invention also pertains to apparatus and methods for creating a continuous flow of viscous material and for dividing a flow of viscous material.

Abstract: A material dispensing device delivers material directly into the ground. According to one embodiment of the material dispensing device, the device comprises an elongated hollow shaft, a receptacle, a helical flange and on or more openings formed in the shaft or helical flanges. The receptacle is disposed adjacent one end of the shaft for holding material. The receptacle is communicatively open to the shaft such that the material or a liquid-material mixture dissolved from at least a portion of the material can flow from the receptacle into the shaft. The helical flange is secured to the shaft. The shaft and helical flange are configured such that rotation of the shaft and flange causes the material dispensing device to be driven into the ground. The one or more openings formed in the shaft or helical flange disperse the material or the liquid-material mixture into the ground.

Abstract: A liquid manure distribution system where the manure is directed to an interior conduit within a distribution assembly or an outer rotating cylindrical member with tines attached thereto, creating crevice-like openings in the earth or a field and an internal timing member provides a slot for distribution of liquid manure at timed intervals when the slot is in positional alignment with the fluid passage openings as they are positioned downwardly adjacent to the formed crevice-like opening within the field.

Abstract: The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels. Fluid is pumped to a fluid port in a hub having a fluid port in fluid communication with the disc valve fluid channel. As the tines of the fluid distribution disc penetrate the field surface, fluid is channeled through the disc valve into the fluid distribution disc channels and the tines.

Abstract: The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of an arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels.

Abstract: The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels. Fluid is pumped to a fluid port in a hub having a fluid port in fluid communication with the disc valve fluid channel. As the tines of the fluid distribution disc penetrate the field surface, fluid is channeled through the disc valve into the fluid distribution disc channels and the tines.

Abstract: The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of an arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels.

Abstract: The apparatus is propelled or towed in a longitudinal direction over a field and the apparatus components engage the field surface to inject fluid beneath the field surface. Generally, the apparatus is a frame and at least one series of fluid distribution discs rotationally coupled at end portions of arm assemblies pivotally suspended from the frame. The fluid distribution discs include a plurality of fluid distribution channels that radiate from the fluid distribution disc origin to conically shaped tines connected at the perimeter of the fluid distribution disc. The fluid distribution channels are aligned with similar channels within a bushing securable to the fluid distribution disc radial portion. A stationary plate or disc valve has a disc valve fluid channel in a disc valve radial surface, which is in contact with the rotating bushing radial surface resulting in a periodic alignment between the disc valve fluid channel and each of the bushing channels.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention is configured to deposit a fluid, such as a hydrophilic polymer solution, into existing sod. The apparatus includes a frame, a cylindrical housing, spikes protruding perpendicularly away from the housing, two rotating hubs, a tank, tubing connecting the tank to the rotating hubs, tubing connecting the rotating hubs to the spikes, and a pump for pumping fluid from the tank to the rotating hubs where the fluid is forced into the spikes and ultimately into the earth. The apparatus is also configured such that the fluid is only expelled from the spikes while the spikes are in the earth.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention is configured to deposit a fluid, such as a hydrophilic polymer solution, into existing sod. The apparatus includes a frame, a cylindrical housing, spikes protruding perpendicularly away from the housing, two rotating hubs, a tank, tubing connecting the tank to the rotating hubs, tubing connecting the rotating hubs to the spikes, and a pump for pumping fluid from the tank to the rotating hubs where the fluid is forced into the spikes and ultimately into the earth. The apparatus is also configured such that the fluid is only expelled from the spikes while the spikes are in the earth.

Abstract: An irrigation and aeration device includes a drum having a plurality of probes for penetrating the ground and injecting water into the soil. The probes are made from stainless steel spring pins having an elongated slot and an open outer end. The drum includes a plurality of compartments for receiving water from a supply and a valve assembly for selectively dispensing the water to the compartments. The valve assembly can be actuated by a foot contacting the ground, a valve actuated by rotation of the drum, or a solenoid actuated valve.

Abstract: An attachment for a roto-tiller adapted to aerate and fertilize ground in preparation for seeding and planting which comprises a pair of rotatable cylinders adapted to replace the conventional tiller tines and to attach to the rotatable shaft driven by the roto-tiller unit; a plurality of spaced aerating spike members distributed uniformly around each of the cylinders; a plurality of ports or openings in each of the cylinders, the openings likewise being uniformly distributed about the external periphery of the cylinders; spring-loaded dispenser plugs positioned in the openings to be activated by each contact with the ground as the unit moves and the cylinders rotate; and dispensing valves located within the ports of the cylinders to dispense liquid fertilizer from inside the cylinders.

Abstract: A process for killing soil pathogens to improve agricultural production includes the steps of treating a field with a soil conditioning agent to reduce the clods in the soil to microaggregates. Hot water is applied to the treated soil at varying depths to kill soil borne organisms. Beneficial organisms are then applied to the sterilized soil to repopulate the soil with these beneficial organisms.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for improving the friability of soil. The process involves the upward blasting of compressed gas through nozzles, caused to penetrate the surface of the soil. The apparatus employs a hollow drum mounted upon a framework in manner to rotate about a horizontal axis. The drum has a cylindrical wall which holds a multitude of nozzles, each nozzle having a plurality of upwardly directed apertures. When the nozzles are in a vertically downward position penetrating the soil, a short duration pulse of air is passed through the nozzles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for introducing a fluid beneath the surface of the ground to ensure maximum utilization of such fluid especially in the growing of plants. The device comprises a rotating wheel assembly pivotally mounted by a shank to a tool-bar or implement through a side torque resistant mounting. The resistance to pivoting is controlled by a tension spring between the pivotable shank and the tool-bar mounting. Clamped to the lower end of the shank is an axle shaft upon which is mounted for rotation the wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a hub assembly formed of two identical hub portions and a hub sleeve which mounts injector spokes. The two hub portions have spokes which are integral with a circular rim which supports the injector spokes. The fluid is fed at low pressure into one end of the axle shaft through a flexible conduit.

Abstract: An improved seal for a fertilizer injector, such as that shown in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,836, providing a rotating sealing carrier which prevents scoring by the constant rubbing of the plate carrying the injectors. The improved seal also provides that the sealing bushing is pressed against the plate by liquid pressure from the liquid fertilizer.

Abstract: An implement for injecting a fluid like material below the surface of the ground having a hub portion and a plurality of hollow spokes extending radially outward therefrom. The hub portion is formed of a housing having an open center in which a sleeve bearing is secured and an axle position in the bearing to permit rotational movement of the housing with respect to the axle with the axle and the bearing having a clearance of no greater than 0.0030 inches.