Abstract: A metering member for a seed meter having a with a sidewall formed with an radially outward and axially flared rim portion is provided. A plurality of apertures extend though the rim portion to which seed is adhered. The metering member is oriented at an angle to the vertical such that an upper portion of the metering member extends beyond a lower portion of the metering member. This orientation allows a seed delivery system to extend into the interior of the metering member and cooperate with the overhanging metering member to remove seed therefrom.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a control system configured to receive a first signal to initiate seeding operations, to transition a ground engaging tool toward a working position at a first time after receiving the first signal, and to activate a product delivery system at a second time, different from the first time, after receiving the first signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hopper for a seed metering system that has a series of individualized and independently controlled metering units. The hopper has a plurality of discharge openings that can be selectively opened and closed to expose an opening to a respective one of the plurality of metering units. Each seed metering unit is selectively driven by a common drive member, such as a drive shaft. When a seed metering unit is engaged with the drive member, the unit will meter granular material. On the other hand, when the seed metering unit is not engaged with the drive member, the metering unit will not meter granular material. Hence, the present invention provides a seed metering apparatus that provides effective sectional control.

Abstract: A sectional control apparatus and method prompts the operator of an implement when the implement, or portion thereof, is traversing over land that has already been seeded and/or disturbed. The apparatus includes a GPS or GNSS receiver that communicates with a GPS or GNSS system and a controller that maps movement of the implement so that real-time positional data for the implement can be compared to the movement map. When the position of the implement, or portion thereof, is detected as moving over previously seeded and/or disturbed land, the controller activates an alert mechanism in the operator cab of the implement to notify the operator that sectional control, i.e., shutting down metering of product or raising the tool bar, needs to be implemented.

Abstract: A ground opener assembly mountable to a frame is provided, comprising a guiding member having a track mountable to the frame; a first trailing arm having a front end and a rear end, the front end of the first trailing arm operably associated with the guiding member so that the first trailing arm can travel along the track; a second trailing arm having a front end and a rear end, the front end of the second trailing arm pivotally attached to the frame; a rear link having a proximal end and a distal end, the rear end of the first trailing arm fixedly attached to the proximal end of the rear link and the rear end of the second trailing arm pivotally attached to the proximal end; at least one dispensing implement and a ground compressing member mounted to the rear link; and a bias device operative to exert a downward bias force on the rear link, the at least one ground opening tool and the ground compressing member.

Abstract: A method for growing grapevines in a root inhibiting vessel permanently planted in previously existing solid waste landfill mounds is disclosed. The vessel or container is a porous polymeric bag or fabric sleeve liner closely received in the container. A fabric disc is positioned in the bottom of an excavated hole in the cover layer of a landfill. The fabric liner is needle-punched to create a rough surface capable of trapping the roots of the growing grapevine and direct the roots into the side of the container such that the apical dominance of the root is stopped to restrict growth and promote root branching on the inside of the container to create a fibrous root system within the container.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine having a seed meter with a metering member. The metering member has a sidewall with inner and outer surfaces and apertures extending through the sidewall. The metering member is adapted to adhere seed to the apertures to sequentially move seed to a release position at which the inner surface of the sidewall is facing downward such the seed is hanging beneath the sidewall. A mechanical seed delivery system takes seed from the metering member at the release portion and controls movement, of seed from the seed meter to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine having a seed meter with a metering member that moves seed sequentially along a first path to a release position at which the seed is moving in a first direction and a delivery system adapted to take seed from the metering member at the release position and control movement of the seed from the seed meter to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine. The delivery system, at the release position, moves seed in a second direction along a second path.

Abstract: A product distributing apparatus is described as well as a system and method of automatically calibrating the meter of the apparatus which does not require the operator to leave the operator station of the towing vehicle. One application of such an apparatus and method is in an agricultural air seeder and it is in this context that the apparatus is described.

Abstract: A manipulator is provided for the discharge conveyor of an agricultural seed cart. The manipulator allows the conveyor to be pivoted between a storage and transport position along the top of the cart and adjacent one side of the cart, and a use position extending from the rear of the cart. The manipulator also allows the conveyor to be swung approximately 180° to either side of the cart for discharge of seed to desired locations during use of the conveyor. The manipulator includes multiple actuators for the pivoting and sliding movement of the conveyor.

Abstract: A pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system wherein seed from the auxiliary hopper enters the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter. And a retrofit kit for existing on-demand seed delivery systems, and method of retrofitting such existing pneumatic on-demand seed delivery systems, so as to provide an auxiliary hopper that communicates seed to the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter.

Abstract: A seed feeding apparatus includes a feed assembly with a V-shaped groove with at least one moving wall and a pocket formed by the walls of the groove and a pocket plate configured to substantially conform to the groove. The pocket plate is located such that the moving wall moves upward at the pocket. Seeds are received and form a pile in the pocket. As the moving wall moves, seeds fall from the pile to the bottom of the groove with sides of the seeds bearing against the walls of the groove such that the seeds are aligned in single file along the bottom of the groove and move upward over the upper edge of the groove and then fall out of the groove one at a time at a constant rate into a furrow.

Abstract: A seed sensor system determines the position of the seed relative to the seed tube as the seed passes the sensor. The position of the seed as well as the speed of the planter and the position of the seed tube above the planting furrow are used to calculate trajectory of the seed into the furrow from which the seed spacing is predicated. By sensing the seed in both X and Y directions in the seed tube, the sensor is better able to determine multiple seeds as well providing more precision to the seed population.

Abstract: An opener for depositing fertilizer and seed in a single pass, double-shoot manner includes a rotating disc that cuts a furrow in a planting surface, a fertilizer tube that drops fertilizer into the furrow, and a trailing seed tube assembly, having a cutting edge, that cuts a vertically and horizontally offset trench in the furrow to form a seed bed in the planting surface onto which seed is deposited. The seed trench provides a seed bed that is offset from the bottom of the furrow to provide horizontal and vertical stratification of the seed and fertilizer.

Abstract: A method of distributing at least one product on a ground surface with a drill having two sets of seeding units connected to a distribution system. A desired distribution pattern is selected between a separate pattern, where a first one of the at least one product is distributed through only the first sets of seeding units, and a mixed pattern, where the first product is distributed through both sets of seeding units. A distribution system is provided, defining a communication between the two sets of seeding units and a reservoir of the drill. When the separate pattern is selected, first and second sections of the distribution system are configured such that only the first section is in communication with the first set of seeding units, and the first product is received from the reservoir in the first section for distribution through only the first set of seeding units.

Abstract: Sowing heart for an individual grain sowing machine including a seed disk which can rotate in one direction of rotation R, wherein the seed disk has sowing holes in a defined arrangement; a receiving region for receiving the seed in the sowing holes and a delivery region for delivery of the seed; and cleaning means for cleaning of the sowing holes during operation of the sowing heart between the delivery region and the receiving region. For improved cleaning action of the cleaning means for cleaning each hole, per revolution of the seed disk there being at least two separate cleaning phases which can be easily replaced at the same time. Furthermore, the invention relates to an individual grain sowing machine with a plurality of sowing assemblies with one aforementioned sowing heart at a time and a corresponding cleaning element.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is the use, by burial in the soil, of a composition based on pyrethrum, with the exception of tefluthrin and of bifenthrin, and a method of controlling soil insects using said pyrethrum-based composition.

Abstract: A delivery boot for mounting on a shank of an agricultural implement and carrying a sweep blade. The boot features a channel member having front, rear and side walls defining a channel extending downward from an inlet proximate the top end to an outlet proximate the bottom end, a sweep connection element defined on the channel member at a front side and a shank connection element defined on the channel member at a rear side thereof. A spreader is supported on the channel member proximate the outlet thereof to receive product delivered from the inlet through the channel member and guide said product laterally outward to both sides of the outlet. Arranged to mount in front of the shank and behind the sweep, the boot positions the outlet ahead of the shank to minimize disruption of product placement by earth falling back into the furrow behind the shank.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a seed planting system and method of the present invention are configured to receive a seed sample and split the seed sample into three or more substantially equal divisions for delivery to a seed planting device. In particular, the seed planting system and method of the present invention split the seed sample by first dividing the seed sample into a plurality of subsamples equal to a whole number multiple of the number of desired divisions and then symmetrically recombining the subsamples into the equal divisions. The divisions are then delivered to respective individual row planters of the seed planting device. By dividing the seed sample into a plurality of subsamples and then symmetrically recombining the subsamples, the seed planting system and method of the present invention may generate substantially equal divisions irrespective of the orientation or tilt of the seed planting device.

Abstract: Installation to be applied to self-propelled or tow-type agricultural seeders that comprises a general command central unit (5) fed from an electric power source and controls a corresponding individual control unit (10) that regulates the operation of the electro-pneumatic unit (6) associated to the seed dosing devices within the seeder to perform the pneumatic action. Electro-pneumatic unit may be a motor suction or a motor compressor unit. The invention envisages the association of these units to all the dosing devices in a seeding body of the seeder, to pairs of dosing units in the seeder, or else, on an individual basis, to each seed dosing device of the seeder.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the soil structure of land having a topsoil layer and a subsoil layer beneath the topsoil layer includes providing at least one subsoil tiller blade having a tilling surface and a bottom end, and a channel positioned behind the tilling surface of the subsoil tiller blade for injecting nutrients toward the bottom end of the subsoil tiller blade. The subsoil tiller blade is inserted into the land such that the bottom end extends into the subsoil layer. The subsoil tiller blade is driven through the land such that the tilling surface loosens the subsoil layer while the channel deposits nutrients into the subsoil layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for forming in a single pass operation, a profiled planting mound for growing of a crop from planted seeds or billets by using a pair of spaced tools (37) to displace soil inwardly towards each other. A central bed is formed between the displaced soil onto which billets or seeds may be deposited through a guide or chute (13). Covering discs (78,79) are provided to move soil to cover the billets or seeds and a press wheel assembly (81) is used for pressing the soil in the mound and form the desired profile in the mound.

Abstract: An opener assembly for an agricultural seeder has an opener disc attached to an opener subframe for rotation about an axis. The opener disc is angled to the direction of travel to create a furrow for depositing seeds. A boot is mounted to the opener subframe beside the opener disc for preventing loose soil from falling into the furrow ahead of seed deposited therein. The boot contacts and scrapes the opener disc and creates an enclosure between the boot and the opener disc. A flexible seed bounce flap provides the rear wall of the enclosure. The boot has a lower edge that fits entirely within the furrow created by the opener disc. A seed tube having a lower end extending into the enclosure is mounted to the opener subframe by a bracket independently of the boot. A structure is also provided for limiting downward movement of a firming wheel arm.

Abstract: The combination of a rolling basket tillage implement and a seed distribution implement is disclosed. A height-adjustable mounting system for a rolling basket soil tillage implement is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables such an implement to be raised above the soil as needed to avoid wet conditions.

Abstract: A pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system wherein seed from the auxiliary hopper enters the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter. And a retrofit kit for existing on-demand seed delivery systems, and method of retrofitting such existing pneumatic on-demand seed delivery systems, so as to provide an auxiliary hopper that communicates seed to the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter.

Abstract: A seed drill or seeder of a kind to deposit serial streams of seed each into a disc made trough, trench or the like, characterised by each disc having its bearing mounted to the disc from the inside (i.e. the concave side) and a chute providing member or assembly down which the stream of seeds is to passes, is attached to the bearing from the outside (i.e. the convex side) of the disc.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agricultural implement and a method of making an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement has a primary containment unit and a plurality of sections. At least one dense phase delivery line connects the primary containment unit to each of the sections. A transport control system allows for individual control of the dense phase transport of the granular product from the primary containment unit to each of the plurality of sections via the at least one dense phase delivery line.

Abstract: A dense phase induction system and method includes an induction valve assembly configured and oriented to establish and maintain efficient transfer and induction of granular material. The induction valve assembly includes arcuate geometry to facilitate the flow of granular material from a granular supply to a dense phase distribution system.

Abstract: A fill tube and sensor assembly has a single electronic sensor to detect the level of product in a hopper of an agricultural implement relative to a fill line. The electronic sensor can be positioned at various heights relative to the fill tube to provide variability in the height of the fill line. The sensor provides a full level signal until product is drawn from the fill tube. Once the product is dispensed from the fill tube and into the general interior volume of the hopper, the single sensor provides an empty level signal that can be used to alert an operator of a diminished product supply or control operation of the farm implement.

Abstract: A particulate metering system includes a set of blocking members that can be independently controlled to block or allow the flow of particulate material to a roller assembly that collects the particulate material and releases the material to a series of distribution channels.

Abstract: A sand dispenser for a scarifier wherein the sand dispenser is mounted on the scarifier and comprises: a sand hopper having an outlet at a lower end of the hopper; a gate located below the outlet and moveable between an open position and a closed position for controlling the flow of sand through the hopper and into a distributor, the distributor including a row of distributing lines through which sand is directed to flow and enter grooves in the ground created by blades of the scarifier, wherein each distributing line is aligned with a groove.

Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural planter having a rearwardly curving forward wall, a rearwardly curving rearward wall and opposing sidewalls defining a seed passageway which curves rearwardly from an upper ingress end toward a lower egress end. Wear resistant material is disposed proximate the egress end which provides a point of first contact with the opener disks thereby preventing appreciable wear of the egress end of the seed tube.

Abstract: A method and device for dispensing a predetermined or measured amount of a fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, chemical, or the like material includes a housing with a plurality of chambers in communication with each other. A plurality of valves are provided for opening or restricting the flow between the chambers. One of the chambers includes a measuring chamber, and a second of the chambers includes a storage chamber disposed downstream of the measuring chamber. A dispensing chamber is disposed downstream of the storage chamber. A material discharge valve is operably associated with the dispensing chamber for discharging the material from the housing.

Abstract: A seed tank arrangement is provided with improved access to seed tanks of an agricultural planter and the contents thereof, while simplifying the manufacturing of such tanks. The seed tank has a fill opening formed in the upper surface of the tank for loading and accessing seeds in the interior of the tank. Features of the tank are mirror images about a diagonal plane of the tank, which enables the same tank to be used for both the left and right sides of the planter. This is achieved by rotating the left tank 90 degrees with respect to the right tank. The design provides improved access to the interior of the tanks for filling and servicing the seed.

Abstract: A sectional meter shut-off apparatus for use in preventing material such as seed or fertilizer from reaching a metering device, for the purpose of preventing double seeding or double fertilizing. The sectional meter shut-off apparatus comprises a plurality of gates capable of opening or closing access to a metering roller. The plurality of gates can be controlled through electric actuators, hydraulic cylinders or a shaft. These gates can individually be controlled through an electric switch connected to the cab of the vehicle and operated by the driver, or automatically controlled by a GPS/GNSS system capable of determining which areas of the field have been previously seeded or fertilized. Additionally, an agricultural implement is further provided, comprising a dual material dispensing apparatus, which incorporates a meter shut-off device, and hydraulic rams to raise ground-engaging soil openers when passing over soil that has been previously seeded/fertilized.

Abstract: An seeding apparatus having a distribution manifold with selectively openable outlet ports thereon, to permit or stop delivery of seed or fertilizer to selected soil engaging means on the apparatus. A metering means, responsive to both the number of selected open ports and the speed of the apparatus over the ground, is provided to regulate supply of seed/fertilizer to the distribution manifold. The distribution manifold has a plurality of outlet ports spaced about a periphery of such manifold, each outlet port having a valve means to allow opening and closing of individual outlet ports. Soil engaging means on such apparatus are individually raisable from an lowered operative position to a raised inoperative position, and when moved to such inoperative position, valve means associated with an outlet port for providing seed and/or fertilizer to such soil engaging member are closed to prevent supply to the associated soil engaging member.

Abstract: A direct drive electric seed metering system is provided for use with a row crop planter or seed planter that intakes a volume of multiple seeds from a seed hopper, draws individual seeds from the volume of multiple seeds and discharges them into a seed furrow formed in an agricultural field. The direct drive electric seed metering system includes a meter assembly having a meter housing and a seed plate rotatably mounted concentrically in the housing for singulating the seeds. A direct drive mechanism is mounted to the meter assembly for interfacing and driving the seed plate at an angular velocity which corresponds to the travel velocity of the seed planter. A single seed planter can have multiple direct drive electric seed metering systems, and each of the multiple direct drive electric seed metering systems preferably has its own prime mover to effectuate driving the seed plate.

Abstract: A seeder (10) includes multiple cutting head units (30) pivotally mounted to a jack shaft (24) of a frame (12) and spring biased downwardly by hold downs (80). Each multiple cutting head unit (30) includes multiple roller blades (36) received on an axle (34) rotatably mounted in a carrier (32) and in gearing relation to the jack shaft (24). The roller blades (36) include a series of oppositely formed, circumferentially spaced radially extending indentations (36a) extending from a continuous, smooth periphery at a constant extent from the axle (34). Fingers (46) extending between the roller blades (36) are pivotally mounted to the carrier (32) to adjust the depth of the slits formed by the roller blades (36). Each hose (98) extending from a seed box (96) diverts seed into adjacent slits immediately after the roller blades (36).

Abstract: A furrow opener device includes a disc arranged to open a primary furrow in the ground. A scraper body has a leading scraper edge supported alongside the disc to scrape the disc. A wing member is supported on a bottom portion of the scraper body in proximity to a bottom end of the disc and extends laterally outwardly away from the disc so as to be arranged to open a groove in the primary furrow projecting laterally to one side of the primary furrow, and a tube extends generally downward to an output opening located adjacent the wing member and is arranged for depositing product into the groove. A packer wheel is arranged in a first configuration where depth of disc penetration is gauged by a gauge wheel adjacent to the furrow opener and in a second configuration in which depth is gauged by the packer wheel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus improves the fertility of soil, helps detoxify hazardous chemicals in the soil, and reduces erosion of the soil. The system provides implantation apparatus for injecting or implanting water and earthworm cocoons in the soil. The depth at which cocoons are implanted is selected. The temperature of the ambient air and soil at the implantation depth is selected. A determination is made with respect to whether the soil is too wet for planting. Physical soil conditions are selected. The soil in which cocoons are being implanted is evaluated to determine the selected physical soil conditions, including the presence of chemicals known to be toxic to earthworms. Worm species are selected to improve selected ones of the soil conditions. Cocoons of the selected worm species are encapsulated. The encapsulated cocoons are placed in the implantation apparatus with water. Openings are made in the soil. The implantation apparatus implants water and cocoons in the openings.

Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural planter having a rearwardly curving forward wall, a rearwardly curving rearward wall and opposing sidewalls defining a seed passageway which curves rearwardly from an upper ingress end toward a lower egress end. Wear resistant material is disposed proximate the egress end which provides a point of first contact with the opener disks thereby preventing appreciable wear of the egress end of the seed tube.

Abstract: A seeding and fertilizing apparatus comprises a plurality of seed assemblies each comprising a trailing arm pivotally connected at a front end thereof to the frame and a packer wheel rotatably attached to rear end thereof. A seed furrow opener is attached to the trailing arm ahead of the packer wheel which rolls along the seed furrow created by the opener. A vertical position of the seed furrow opener with respect to the packer wheel is adjustable, and a bias device is operative to exert a downward bias force on the trailing arm. A plurality of fertilizer assemblies each comprises a fertilizer knife mounted to the frame such that a vertical position of the fertilizer knife with respect to the implement frame is adjustable. The seed assemblies and fertilizer assemblies are oriented laterally such that each fertilizer furrow is located between adjacent seed furrows.

Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural planter has a top entrance, a bottom exit, front and rear walls, and sidewalls. A lower seed tube locator fits around the main body of the seed tube as a separate component and provides a lower attachment point for the seed tube. The front wall of the seed tube is free of substantial molded structures that would tend to create a sink or warp the interior surface of the front wall during molding. A sensor is mounted to the seed tube to face an exterior surface of the front wall. Light is transmitted and received by the sensor through the front wall to detect seeds passing through the seed tube. The interior surface of the front wall is smooth, uninterrupted and sink-free to avoid any obstructions that might alter the trajectory of the falling seeds, thereby increasing the seed spacing accuracy of the planter.

Abstract: A seed boot attaches to a tine of an agricultural heavy harrow so as to be particularly suited for seeding in wet soils. Seeding is accomplished by advancing the harrow across the ground in the forward working direction when the ground is still wet. The tines form furrows within which the seed is deposited. The seed boot comprises a tubular body which is supported directly on the tine and which has a lower portion terminating just above the free end of the tine which is near a width of the tine.

Abstract: A gearbox, particularly for transmission systems in devices for metering granular and/or materials in powder form, includes a pair of shafts, that is, a drive-input shaft and a drive-output shaft, respectively. On the output shaft is at least one pair of coaxial freewheels, on each of which an end of a respective linkage carrying a movable fulcrum device is active. The opposite end of each linkage is driven with a reciprocating oscillatory motion about the fulcrum device by way of an eccentric device provided on the drive-input shaft in order to convert the reciprocating oscillatory motion into an intermittent rotary motion of each freewheel and consequently to bring about a rotary motion of the drive-output shaft in a preselected direction of rotation.

Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural planter having a rearwardly curving forward wall, a rearwardly curving rearward wall and opposing side walls defining a seed passageway which curves rearwardly from an upper ingress end toward a lower egress end. An aperture is disposed in the forward wall adapted to receive a seed sensor element. An overlap extends over a portion of the aperture. The tube has an upper portion and a lower portion. The forward wall of the lower portion disposed forwardly of the forward wall of the upper portion, such that an interior surface of the forward wall of the lower portion is disposed forwardly of an interior surface of the forward wall of the upper portion.

Abstract: A seed tube guard assembly for agricultural planters has floating wear plates to improve the wear life of the seed tube guard. The assembly includes a support bracket having an upper end attached to a planter shank assembly and a lower end positioned between a pair of opener disks. A seed tube guide extends rearwardly from the support bracket for receiving a lower end of a seed tube. A pair of dowels are pressed into openings in the support bracket and protrude from the sides thereof. A metal ball is press fit into an opening in the support bracket between the dowels with opposite sides of the metal ball protruding from the respective sides of the support bracket. The floating wear plates are supported by the dowels on the respective sides of the support bracket with the metal ball engaging the wear plates at respective fulcrum points between the dowels.

Abstract: An air seeder has two tanks for holding seed or other particulate matter. Each tank has a metering device at the bottom to meter out the contents of the tanks. A panel is positioned to cover and uncover a hole between the two tanks such that it can direct the contents of one tank into the other and also block off the metering device of the one tank. The panel is connected to a handle that extends outside the tanks so the operator can move the panel without entering the tank.

Abstract: A dual material dispensing assembly mountable to a frame for pulling assembly across the ground. The assembly includes an elongate main member having a first end mountable to the frame and a second end pivotally connected to a packer arm at a pivotable joint. A first dispensing implement for dispensing fertilizer to a first depth in the ground is mounted to the main member between the first and second ends. A second dispensing implement for dispensing seed to a second depth, different than the first depth, is mounted to the packer arm. The pivotable joint is intermediate the first and second dispensing implements. There is also a lock for preventing pivoting of the pivotable joint. A packer wheel is mounted to the packer arm at a second end whereby pivoting of the packer arm with respect to the main member at the pivotable joint acts to vary the first and second depths of the by the same amount.