Abstract: A seed meter is provided having a doubles eliminator mounted to a common spindle with a rotating seed singulating element. The doubles eliminator is axially biased against the seed face of the singulating element to axially position the doubles eliminator relative to the singulating element.

Abstract: An electric adjusting apparatus for a row cleaner has a pair of upright posts connected by a pair of parallel linkages, an electric motor with a lead screw and a motor controller. One of the posts mounts on a fertilizing and/or planting apparatus and the row cleaner mounts on the other post. The electric motor moves the parallel linkages to move the row cleaner up and down without tilting. The motor controller controls the electric motor and displays the depth of the row cleaner.

Abstract: A ground opener unit for a seeding or planting unit includes an accessory mount attachable to an implement frame and a disc rotatably mounted to the accessory mount for forming a furrow in the ground. A scraper assembly includes a scraper plate defining a scraper edge for contacting and scraping a surface of the disc. The scraper plate is mounted to the arm by a pivot pin whose length defines a pivot axis about which the scraper plate may pivot in response to deflection of the disc. A spring is generally held in compression to bias the scraper plate against the disc.

Abstract: A horticulture apparatus for preparing and seeding a strip of farmland with a tractor includes a front frame fixed with the tractor and including a horizontal tine support bar for holding a plurality of downwardly-projecting tines. The front frame includes a middle frame pivot mount and pivot angle adjustment mechanism. A middle frame is fixed with the middle frame pivot mount and is adapted to be raised or lowered. A longitudinal support bar is fixed with a drill planter roller assembly that includes two drill planter roller frames each supporting at least one adjustable drill planter roller. A U-shaped back frame has two forward arms each pivotally fixed with the middle frame and including a rear drill planter roller. A seed distributing mechanism for fixing with the tractor includes a hopper having an open top end and a bottom end that includes a seed distribution opening and a seed spreader.

Abstract: A soil cultivating and seeding apparatus includes an apparatus frame, a seed opening formation assembly adapted for attachment to the apparatus frame and a seed dispensing hopper adapted for attachment to the apparatus frame.

Abstract: Agricultural devices, row unit adjustment systems, and methods of adjusting a depth of a furrow are provided. In some aspects, an agricultural device is adapted to plant seeds and includes a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame and adapted to cut a furrow including a depth, a sensor adapted to sense a characteristic associated with planting seeds and generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic, and a processing unit receiving the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. The depth of the furrow is adjustable based on the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. Such characteristic may be a characteristic of the soil, a force applied to the agricultural device, or a position of a portion of the agricultural device.

Abstract: This planting device has a rotary excavator head instead of a plow to make a furrow The excavator uses a various number of teeth to cut the soil and two flat plates and centrifugal force to distribute the soil evenly around the hole to be excavated for planting. The cutting action of the teeth breaks up the soil into a very fine media. The two flat plates use centrifugal force to distribute it evenly around the hole. The rotary excavator can be of several different sizes (8-24 inches) on the hand operated models and up to 36 inches on the three point hitch tractor mounted models. The hand operated model has long handles and wheels to counter act the rotating torque generated by the power head and excavator.

Abstract: A tillage coulter unit (22, 122) adapted for use with a farm implement (10) is provided which permits high speed tillage operations (e.g., field fertilization using liquid fertilizer such as ammonia, or seeding) without undue soil disruption or fertilizer vaporization. The coulter unit (22, 122) includes an upright, rotatable coulter blade (26, 130) with a gauge assembly (28, 132) operable to limit the depth of the coulter blade into soil and to minimize soil disruption. The gauge assembly (28, 132) preferably includes a pair of elongated, shiftable belt or chain loops (74, 212, 214) positioned in straddling relationship and astride the blade (26, 130). The loops (74, 212, 214) present lower runs (96, 212a, 214a) which substantially contact the soil as the unit (22, 122) traverses a field.

Abstract: A tillage coulter unit (22) adapted for use with a farmimplement (10) is provided which permits highspeed tillage operations (e.g., field fertilization using liquid fertilizer such as ammonia, or seeding) without undue soil disruption or fertilizer vaporization. The coulter unit (22) includes an upright, rotatable coulter blade (26) with a gauge assembly (28) operable to limit the depth of the coulter blade into soil and to minimize soil disruption. The gauge assembly (28) preferably includes a pair of elongated, shiftable belt or chain loops (74) positioned in straddling relationship and astride the blade (26). The loops (74) present lower runs (96) which substantially contact the soil as the unit (22) traverses a field.

Abstract: An agricultural cart including a product metering system comprising an auger assembly extending generally along an axis non-parallel to a horizontal plane and non-perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and a holding chamber disposed at an upstream end of the auger assembly and configured to reduce pulsations within a flow of agricultural product from the auger assembly. The agricultural cart also includes an air source coupled to the product metering system and configured to transfer the agricultural product to an agricultural implement via an airflow.

Abstract: A single arm row cleaner unit mountable to a grain drill opener arm includes a row cleaner arm and a mounting saddle. The mounting saddle is generally configured for attachment to a main arm of a furrow forming assembly. A row cleaner arm may be pivotally attached to the mounting saddle about a mandrel, and a row cleaner wheel may be pivotally mounted to the row cleaner arm. A biasing member may be positioned adjacent the mandrel to engage the row cleaner arm and a biasing member retainer, which may be affixed to the mounting saddle. A deflector may be positioned adjacent the row cleaner wheel and biased there against. A connector and lever arm may be used to communicate forces from a closing wheel arm to the row cleaner wheel for adequate clearance of the row cleaner wheel during transport of the grain drill.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying an active substance to the root zone of a plurality of plants, the applicator assembly comprising: a subsoil applicator having a cutting element for generating an incision in the ground, an injector associated with the cutting element to allow the active substance to be injected into the incision; and a positioning device adapted to allow the position of the cutting element to change position such that an incision is generated in some material in the root zone while the cutting element moves over other material in the root zone.

Abstract: The present planter unit, and planter implements using the present planter unit, include first and second discs and first and second pathways. The first and second discs may be generally planar and in a non-overlapping relation. As the planter unit is towed through a field, the first disc creates a first trench in the seedbed and the first pathway deposits a first material in the first trench. Subsequently, the second disc creates a second trench which is continuous with the first trench and partially fills the first trench. A second material is deposited in the second trench by the second pathway.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing soil for the placement therein of at least one of seed and fertilizer. A frame is provided with there being first structure on the frame for penetrating the soil to create an opening for at least one of seed and fertilizer as the frame is advanced in a travel direction. A second structure is provided on the frame at least partially downstream of the first structure for at least one of a) stripping soil clods from the first structure and b) loosening soil downstream of the first structure.

Abstract: The present disc opener assembly for a seed planter is for a single disc opener arrangement and is embodied in several embodiments. FIGS. 1 and 1a illustrate two embodiments of the present disc opener assembly the specifics of each will be described below. Referring now to FIGS. 1, 1a and 2, there is illustrated a disc opener assembly (10) mounted on a tool bar (7) connected to a work vehicle (5) for opening a seed trench (8) in the ground upon which the vehicle (5) moves. A main arm (12) is attached to the tool bar (7) with a disc (14) mounted for rotation on the main arm (12). A depth adjustment mechanism (40) is used to adjust the depth of the disc (14) in the seed trench (8) with a seed placement device (70) positioned in the seed trench (8) for depositing a seed (71) in the seed trench (8). The seed trench (8) having been opened by the disc (14) as the work vehicle (5) moves across the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seed sowing apparatus which includes a substantially flat circular disc (1) mounted on a frame so as to be rotatable about horizontal axis (2) while partly embedded in soil (3) and drawn in a forward direction substantially parallel to the soil surface and substantially perpendicular to a disc axle. The apparatus also includes at least one blade (10) having a leading edge (11) defined by the intersection of two opposite side surfaces and a means (41, 45) for mounting said blades on said apparatus so that said leading edge (11) is held close to or in intimate contact with said disc (1), wherein said at least one blade's leading edge (11) is inclined in a plane of said blade such that an angle of the leading edge (11) with respect to an arc (A, B, C) of the disc surface passing beneath the leading edge (11) is zero or positive over the entire length of the leading edge (11).

Abstract: A suspension for a row cleaner associated with a furrow opener in a seeding machine includes a lifting mechanism to lift the row cleaner when the furrow opener is lifted. The lifting mechanism includes a bell crank having an input crank arm coupled to the furrow opener by a fist linkage to rotate the bell crank when the furrow opener is lifted. An output crank arm of the bell crank is coupled to the row cleaner by a second linkage to lift the row cleaner when the bell crank shaft is rotated by lifting of the furrow opener. The second linkage is flexible, such as a rope, to enable the row cleaner to lift to avoid obstacles without back driving the bell crank to also lift the furrow opener. The flexible second linkage also enables the row cleaner to be equipped with a lock to retain the row cleaner in a raised position for use of the seeding machine in conditions not requiring a row cleaner.

Abstract: An apparatus for sowing seeds in a plurality of identical furrows is described. The seed sowing apparatus comprises a scraper, seed tubes, a packer and a cylindrical drum with a plurality of ground engaging flanges attached around its periphery. All of the components of the seed sowing apparatus are mounted in a frame arranged for ground transportation. In operation, the cylindrical drum rolls over the ground so that the flanges engage the ground and then release, thereby generating furrows. The seed tubes deposit seeds into the furrows before the scraper directs soil into the furrows, thereby enclosing the seeds. Lastly, the packer compresses the soil enclosing the seeds, thereby promoting synchronous germination of the crop.

Abstract: A shallow-toothed clearing disk pivotally supported from the upper end of the opener drawbar assembly. A four bar linkage is connected to the forward end of the drawbar by a bracket which includes at least one link and corresponding pivot structure located above the drawbar to increase trash clearance and reduce trash build-up. The shallow rounded gullets between pointed teeth provide good disk depth control and trash penetration while reducing soil penetration and soil disturbance. The gullets also hold and prevent sliding of trash away from the clearing influence of the angled disk. The disk effectively clears trash to the side of the opener opposite the gauge wheel to assure optimum depth gauging for the opener. The gear-type structure is capable of operating over a wide range of down pressures and loads while breaking any existing crust in the cleared path with little soil disturbance.

Abstract: A pair of angled disks supported by a four bar linkage from the upper end of the opener drawbar assembly clears trash from a narrow area in front of the opener. The four bar linkage has a virtual center located on or close to the center of the opener disk for good cleaning wheel tracking and for permitting the clearing disks to be spaced closely to the opener disk without interference between the disks. The clearing disks can rock vertically to follow ground contour and prevent excessive digging and soil movement. Shallow teeth on the disks also reduce soil penetration and soil disturbance.

Abstract: A seed drill includes a novel planting assembly combining press wheels for packing angular sides of a furrow and a runner immediately behind and longitudinally aligned with the press wheel. The runner includes an arcuate front edge that is juxtaposed immediately behind the coulter, thereby preventing accumulation of field trash between them. The runner extends rearwardly from beneath the press wheel and is transversely guided on the supporting vehicle frame of the drill to maintain it in longitudinal alignment within an open longitudinal slot cut through the soil and intersecting the base of the packed furrow. Seed is dropped into the open slot prior to being covered with soil. Moist soil can be packed along the sides of the furrow to maintain the furrow in an open condition during seed germination and plant emergence. Highly accurate planting depth control can be achieved, with provision for upward relative movement of the runner as required by encountered field conditions.

Abstract: Combined farm machine performing all of the seeding operations in one pass, comprising: a frame with a three-point attachment for the connection to the tractor and a hydraulic pump; several soil rippers; a roller for the macro- and microtillage of soil; a mechanical hopper seeder with rotating devices, from which several tubular seeding members project; several spring harrows and a levelling blade or door, which machine also includes a ploughing roller for the differentiated tillage of the soil, having several annular ribbings projecting in the same number as the seeding members and aligned therewith, the ploughing roller being rotated by motor.

Abstract: A disc-type opener and seeder useful in direct seeding during zero-till operations includes index/presser wheels to prevent hairpinning of trash etc. A soil retainer wheel cooperates with the disc to close the furrow cut by the disc and to cover the seeds placed therein. All of the above wheels are adjustably mounted to a main frame together with a spring-biased furrow finishing wheel. Improved seed supply means designed to reduce seed bounce are provided. Multiple units are mounted to a tool bar. Minor modifications permit the opener/seeder to be installed on the shank of a chisel plow air seeder.

Abstract: The zone tiller attachment employs a pair of spoked tillage wheels that converge downwardly and forwardly toward one another in leading relationship to the planter and in such an orientation that their heavy, thick, blunt spokes mutually intersect and overlap one another along the lower front extremity and bottom portion of the tiller. The crossed spokes penetrate into the soil to pulverize, cultivate, and substantially disturb the soil particles in place with a churning action while also displacing surface residue to opposite sides of the path of travel, thus producing a relatively narrow band of thoroughly tilled soil having a depth extending down to or below the seed planting level such that the trailing opener can perform its trench opening and seed placement functions in the optimum manner.

Abstract: A seed drill includes a novel planting assembly combining press wheels for packing angular sides of a furrow and a runner immediately behind and longitudinally aligned with the press wheel. The runner extends rearwardly from beneath the press wheel at the lower end of an arcuate shank that is transversely guided on the press wheel structure or frame of the drill to maintain it in longitudinal alignment within an open longitudinal slot cut through the soil and intersecting the base of the packed furrow. The shank is guided by a series of rollers within a guide frame pivotally mounted on a supporting frame for motion about a transverse horizontal axis. Highly accurate planting depth control can be achieved, with provision for upward relative movement of the runner as required by encountered field conditions.

Abstract: A planter includes a pair of toothed wheels which sweep mulch away from the path followed by furrow opening discs. The sweeper wheels are carried on the trailing end of a parallel bar linkage attached to a tool bar by which the planter is pulled. As a result of the parallel bar linkage, the sweeper wheels may float upwardly and downwardly independently of the planter frame in order to conform to uneven ground. A spring acts on the parallel bar linkage and may be adjusted either to press the wheels downwardly into the ground if the mulch is hard and dense or to urge the wheels upwardly and relieve some of the weight of the wheels from the ground if the mulch is loose and the underlying soil is relatively fine.

Abstract: A seeder comprises a coulter assembly (13) operable to cut stubble/grass in a series of parallel lines in the first stage of forming a plurality of parallel rows of seed beds. The coulter assembly (13) comprises a plurality of coulters (21) and is operable to rotate the coulters (21) in a series of parallel circular paths around a central axis at a rate that is sufficient, relative to the forward direction of the seeder, so that the coulters (21) in each circular path make multiple cuts to the same section of ground surface in each parallel line.

Abstract: A planter includes a pair of toothed wheels which sweep mulch away from the path followed by furrow opening discs. The sweeper wheels are carried on the trailing end of a parallel bar linkage attached to a tool bar by which the planter is pulled. As a result of the parallel bar linkage, the sweeper wheels may float upwardly and downwardly independently of the planter frame in order to conform to uneven ground and achieve more effective removal of the mulch without significantly disturbing the soil. The forward location of the sweeper wheels enables a coulter to be mounted on the planter frame and slice vertically into the ground ahead of the furrow opening discs.

Abstract: Apparatus for laying seeds includes a towable frame from which one or more blades are supported for cutting a slot in the ground surface below, a seed and fertiliser chute feeds seed into the cut ground surface via a channel formed between the frame and blade(s) and tines which make a horizontal branch cut from the slot. A scraper device continually cleans the blade(s).

Abstract: The ridge preparation tool is adapted to be attached to a seed planter directly ahead of the trench-forming structure of the planter so as to skim off the crest of the ridge for the production of a clean, relatively narrow strip of prepared soil in which the trench-forming structure can operate effectively. The free-wheeling skimming disc of the tool is held at an oblique angle to the centerline of the planter and may be adjusted to increase or decrease the extent of side throw of the skimmed off materials by selectively raising or lowering an outwardly bent mounting arm that holds disc at its oblique angle. Raising or lowering the angled mounting arm causes the disc to cock inwardly or outwardly while maintaining the same oblique angle. The throw-adjusted disc can be returned to the same skimming depth by appropriate manipulation of a vertical adjustment unit associated with the tool.

Abstract: An agricultural seed planter comprising a frame adapted to be mounted to any conventionally drawn tool bar; a shaft attached to the frame and angled relative to the direction of travel and having mounted thereupon a soil cutting wheel designed as a multi-tined spider; sweepers attached to the frame and positioned to the side and parallel to the plane of rotation of the soil cutting wheel; a vertically adjustable ski shaped surface contacting member adjacent to the soil cutting wheel adapted so as to regulate the depth of soil cut; a seed dispensing apparatus positioned to deposit seed generally behind the soil cutting wheel and a suitable seed covering device, the sweepers comprise rigid formations attached at their forward facing ends to the frame of the planter and extend rearwards, on either side of an in close proximity to the multi-tined spider wheels such that, when in motion, any accumulated debris is swept from the tines of the spider.