Abstract: A pneumatically powered seed delivery system for an agricultural planter includes an air lock between a main seed hopper and the forced air delivery system. The air lock accurately meters the seed and isolates the interior of the seed hopper from the forced air delivery system. Seed is delivered to individual planter row units, each including an air horn having a buffer reservoir for storing and feeding seed to the associated seed meter under controlled conditions, and a seed routing conduit for carrying seed not deposited in a given seed meter to the other row units downline.

Abstract: Left and right main hoppers offset laterally from each other on opposite sides of the centerline of a seeding machine provide an operator access area between the hoppers. A third hopper located forwardly of and between the two main hoppers has a capacity less than that of each of the main hoppers for refuge or male seed. The hoppers are sized to maximize productivity. In one embodiment, first and second hoppers communicate with downstream conduit structure, and valve structure selects one or the other of the first and second hoppers for delivery of the material. The valve structure can be operated remotely and can be map based. Alternatively, selectively blockable nozzle structure is located in the first and second hoppers. Easily changeable connector structure facilitates row pattern selection and hose routing.

Abstract: An output monitoring system and method for an air transport material delivery system that directs dry material entrained in pressurized air out of delivery tubes and against an inner surface of deflectors for even distribution. The output monitoring system has a plurality of sensors respectively affixed to the deflectors on the outer side thereof so as not to be directly contacted by the stream of air and dry material impacting the inner side. Each sensor generates a voltage which is indicative of the flowing or clogged condition of its corresponding delivery tube. This status information is dynamically provided to a display unit where it can be readily monitored by the operator of the air transport material delivery system during operation thereof to ensure that the delivery tubes are not blocked or, if a blockage occurs, that operation of the air transport material delivery system is suspended until the blockage is removed.

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 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 pneumatic distributor of granular and/or powdery materials includes a main distribution duct having a first end in the region of which an air-flow is injected into the duct under pressure, and a second end. The main duct includes respective adjacent converging-diverging portions, with reference to the direction of the air-flow, defining a Venturi duct. A dosing device is provided for delivering a metered quantity of material into the main duct in the region of the narrow cross-section of the Venturi duct, for the mixing of the material into the air-flow and the entrainment of the mixture obtained towards the second end. The distributor includes at least one auxiliary duct, bypassing the Venturi duct, in order to connect a section of the main duct disposed upstream of the Venturi duct to a section of the main duct disposed downstream of the Venturi duct.

Abstract: The inductor assembly of the present invention is configured with an agricultural implement to enhance conveyance of product from a storage hopper to a remote location. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive the supply of product from the storage hopper, an inlet tube configured to direct the stream of pressurized air so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air and product, and an outlet tube configured to pass the combined stream of pressurized air and product from the inductor chamber to a distribution system application of the product in an agricultural environment. The improved inductor assembly can further include a selectively extendable outlet tube assembly, a trajectory control assembly coupled to the inlet tube, and an adjustable cover assembly configured to regulate agitation of the product and to purge deposits downstream of the inductor assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interseeding an area of ground having existing vegetation growing thereon are provided. The interseeder apparatus tills a plurality of spaced-apart rows in the ground, deposits seed in the exposed soil of the rows, compacts the seed into the rows, and optionally, sprays at least a portion of the exiting vegetation adjacent the rows with a herbicide so as to reduce competition for the new seedling.

Abstract: The inductor assembly of the present invention is configured with an agricultural implement to enhance conveyance of product from a storage hopper to a remote location. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive the supply of product from the storage hopper, an inlet tube configured to direct the stream of pressurized air so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air and product, and an outlet tube configured to pass the combined stream of pressurized air and product from the inductor chamber to a distribution system application of the product in an agricultural environment. The improved inductor assembly can further include a selectively extendable outlet tube assembly, a trajectory control assembly coupled to the inlet tube, and an adjustable cover assembly configured to regulate agitation of the product and to purge deposits downstream of the inductor assembly.

Abstract: A farm implement for applying a product to a row crop or a row seeded field wherein the implement has a plurality of spaced-apart product dispensers mounted thereon, each of which is individually automatically controlled. The rate of product being dispensing from each of the product dispensers is automatically operated dependent upon the ground speed of the individual product dispensers or dependent on other criteria.

Abstract: The inductor assembly of the present invention is configured with an agricultural implement to enhance conveyance of product from a storage hopper to a remote location. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive the supply of product from the storage hopper, an inlet tube configured to direct the stream of pressurized air so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air and product, and an outlet tube configured to pass the combined stream of pressurized air and product from the inductor chamber to a distribution system application of the product in an agricultural environment. The improved inductor assembly can further include a selectively extendable outlet tube assembly, a trajectory control assembly coupled to the inlet tube, and an adjustable cover assembly configured to regulate agitation of the product and to purge deposits downstream of the inductor assembly.

Abstract: A pneumatic agricultural product delivery system configured to reduce the velocity of agricultural product entering a furrow is disclosed. The system includes at least one product supply chamber, a furrow opening device configured to engage the ground to create a furrow, a plurality of tubes providing an interior passage extending from the product supply chamber to a cyclone rigidly mounted to the tool bar. A pneumatic pressure source is pneumatically coupled to the interior passage to supply pressurized air to the interior passage to move product within the interior passage and a product placement tube extends from an outlet of the cyclone to a location adjacent the furrow opening device.

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 adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid 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 in 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 component.

Abstract: A seeding machine includes at least one seed metering system. Each seed metering system includes a housing, a seed disk and a seed singulator. The seed disk is disposed within the housing. The seed disk includes a rotational axis and a plurality of seed cells angularly spaced at a common radius about the rotational axis. The seed cells define a generally circular travel path. A seed singulator includes a bracket, a first resilient seed deflector and a second resilient seed deflector. The first resilient seed deflector is coupled with the bracket and deflectable relative to the bracket upon engaging a seed in one of the seed cells. The second resilient seed deflector is coupled with the bracket and deflectable relative to the bracket upon engaging a seed in one of the seed cells.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel.

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 adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid 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 in 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 component.

Abstract: An apparatus for discrete distribution of granules, such as seed, fertilizer or the like includes a path forming device having an inlet (6) adapted to be associated with a granules container of an agricultural machine, and an outlet (7) adapted to be associated with a coulter of the agricultural machine. The path (25) is defined by at least one wall extending on either side of and along at least a part of the extension of the path, wherein the path is formed about a substantially vertical axis. Also included is an agricultural machine (10) provided with such an apparatus.

Abstract: The inductor assembly of the present invention is configured with an agricultural implement to enhance conveyance of product from a storage hopper to a remote location. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive the supply of product from the storage hopper, an inlet tube configured to direct the stream of pressurized air so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air and product, and an outlet tube configured to pass the combined stream of pressurized air and product from the inductor chamber to a distribution system application of the product in an agricultural environment. The improved inductor assembly can further include a selectively extendable outlet tube assembly, a trajectory control assembly coupled to the inlet tube, and an adjustable cover assembly configured to regulate agitation of the product and to purge deposits downstream of the inductor assembly.

Abstract: A generally conically-shaped collapsible grain chute removably affixed to the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural planter to provide an effective and efficient apparatus for emptying the bulk seed bin. The chute may include a cinch cord to selectively open and close the chute to control the flow of seed therethrough.

Abstract: A generally conically-shaped collapsible grain chute removably affixed to the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural planter to provide an effective and efficient apparatus for emptying the bulk seed bin. The chute may include a cinch cord to selectively open and close the chute to control the flow of seed therethrough.

Abstract: The inductor assembly of the present invention is configured with an agricultural implement to enhance conveyance of product from a storage hopper to a remote location. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive the supply of product from the storage hopper, an inlet tube configured to direct the stream of pressurized air so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air and product, and an outlet tube configured to pass the combined stream of pressurized air and product from the inductor chamber to a distribution system application of the product in an agricultural environment. The improved inductor assembly can further include a selectively extendable outlet tube assembly, a trajectory control assembly coupled to the inlet tube, and an adjustable cover assembly configured to regulate agitation of the product and to purge deposits downstream of the inductor assembly.

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 adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid 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 in 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 component.

Abstract: A seed planting assembly is provided having a plurality of planting units that are connected to an air moving system for drawing air through an air metering assembly located in each planting unit via a conduit connecting each air metering assembly to an air mover unit. An air blocking system is provided for blocking airflow in the conduit associated with one or more predetermined planting units.

Abstract: A seed planter of the type having a metering unit with a seed chute that drops seeds into a seed tube for planting as manufactured by John Deere is provided with a deflector in the metering unit. The deflector directs the path of the seeds as they fall away from the seed disk so as to free fall along a vertical centerline between the leading and trailing walls of the seed tube and between the opposing sides thereof.

Abstract: A product-on-demand delivery system for an agricultural machine having a main hopper arrangement wherein each outlet nozzle of the main hopper nozzle manifold is connected to plural product hoses that are each in communication with an auxiliary product hopper of an application unit. The nozzle manifold includes an inlet for receiving pressurized air, and an outlet nozzle allowing air with entrained seed or product to exit the main hopper. The outlet nozzle includes a splitter portion, such as a Y-shaped fitting, having a single splitter inlet and two splitter outlets. The single splitter inlet is coupled to a nozzle portion of the outlet nozzle and the two splitter outlets are coupled to two product hoses that are each coupled to a respective application unit. An internal divider wall extends through the nozzle portion and partially through the splitter portion from the splitter inlet to the splitter outlets.

Abstract: A generally conically-shaped collapsible grain chute removably affixed to the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural planter to provide an effective and efficient apparatus for emptying the bulk seed bin. The chute may include a cinch cord to selectively open and close the chute to control the flow of seed therethrough.

Abstract: A self-calibrating metering system for dispensing chemical granules. The system incorporates a flow sensor configured to sense a greater flow rate at the inlet aperture than at the outlet aperture. Further included is an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the flow rate of the meter so as to calibrate the meter according to a known flow rate through a calibrated orifice within the meter. An electromechanical solenoid may be energized by a subcontroller operably coupled to the metering apparatus to allow chemical granules to flow by gravity from the pesticide container that may be disposed above the metering apparatus. The metering apparatus may be disposed on a planter unit designed to deposit granular materials with seed during the planting process. The metering system further includes an in-meter diffuser that receives foreign material and lumps in order to prevent the metering apparatus from becoming clogged.

Abstract: A generally conically-shaped collapsible grain chute removably affixed to the bulk seed distributor of an agricultural planter to provide an effective and efficient apparatus for emptying the bulk seed bin. The chute may include a cinch cord to selectively open and close the chute to control the flow of seed therethrough.

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 adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid 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 in 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 component.

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 adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid 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 in 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 component.

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 adapted for dry land conditions producing minimum solid 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 in 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 component.

Abstract: A liquid fertilizer application system for efficiently dispensing and placing liquid fertilizer within a furrow to minimize germination injury. The liquid fertilizer application system includes a guard with an attached fertilizer tube having an input opening and a discharge opening. The discharge opening of the fertilizer tube is attached in front of the guard used to protect the implement seed tube. The discharge opening of the fertilizer tube forward of the seed tube allows for the application of the fertilizer into the prepared furrow prior to placement of the seed.

Abstract: The inductor assembly of the present invention is configured with an agricultural implement to enhance conveyance of product from a storage hopper to a remote location. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive the supply of product from the storage hopper, an inlet tube configured to direct the stream of pressurized air so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air and product, and an outlet tube configured to pass the combined stream of pressurized air and product from the inductor chamber to a distribution system application of the product in an agricultural environment. The improved inductor assembly can further include a selectively extendable outlet tube assembly, a trajectory control assembly coupled to the inlet tube, and an adjustable cover assembly configured to regulate agitation of the product and to purge deposits downstream of the inductor assembly.

Abstract: A standardized receiver for bulk materials containers such as seeds for the quick and efficient loading of seed into a planter with bulk handling capability. Delivery mechanism associated with the receiver is disposed to accept materials discharged from the container after it has been placed on the planter frame and to transport such materials to the opener rows. A manifold of the mechanism is fitted with output pipe fixtures for the discharge of the seed to individual rows via flexible hose. The inlet of the manifold is on the top surface of the structure and aligned with the slidegate opening of the shipping container. Air pressure is created within the manifold by a fan assembly. Airflow exiting the manifold carries seed through the pipe fittings, into the hoses and on to the planter rows. The receiver mounts to the planter frame above the mechanism. The receiver conforms to the general dimensions of the bottom of a shipping container.

Abstract: A nurse distribution system provides dual capabilities for planting different seed varieties from a single planting mechanism. The air cart carries two tanks in which different seed varieties can be placed. The nurse mechanism selectively distributes seed from one tank to the on-row singulation meters, yet can switch to the seed in the second tank to correspond to different soil conditions encountered by the planting mechanism. The planting mechanism carries a first line from the first tank to the nurse receiver and a parallel second line from the second tank to the same nurse receiver. By keeping the nurse receiver as small as possible, thus having a small seed reservoir, the seed variety selection can be switched from one tank to the other in an effective manner.

Abstract: A pneumatic plug is used to seal off a pneumatic pressure source from a pneumatic pressure seed meter. The pneumatic plug comprises an annular rim defining an annular cavity, a insert portion and a sealing wall. The plug is an integral rubber body. The insert portion is inserted into a pneumatic hose supplying pneumatic pressure to the seed meter. The annular rim defines an annular cavity into which the pneumatic inlet of the seed meter is received. The annular cavity is provided with two inwardly extending sealing ridges that engage the outer sidewalls of the pneumatic inlet. The sealing wall provides a pneumatic seal for the pneumatic hose.

Abstract: A product-on-demand delivery system for agricultural product overcomes the problem of over pressuring near application units in order to achieve sufficient pressure to feed further application units. The invention provides two or more main hoppers, each hopper pressurized to a different level by a fan that charges the air nozzles on the hoppers. The near row application units have product delivery hoses that are coupled to a first hopper. The far row application units have longer product delivery hoses that are coupled to a second hopper. The fan charging the second hopper is configured to pressurize the second hopper to a higher pressure than the pressure of the first hopper. The invention provides separate product-on-demand delivery systems to better control the product flow to the row application units on the machine. A product-on-demand delivery system is also provided that can dispense two different products from two main hoppers operated at different pressures.

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 pneumatic seed on demand delivery system comprises a frame having a main hopper and an individual planting unit. An air pump directs pressurized air to a nozzle located at the base of the main hopper. The seed in the main hopper is taken up by the air stream passing through the nozzle and is directed to an auxiliary hopper located on the planting units. The auxiliary hopper has sidewalls that are provided with an opening into which is inserted a removable screen for venting the interior of the auxiliary hopper. An exterior wall extends outward from the auxiliary hopper to protect the removable screen and is open at the bottom to vent air from the removable screen. The removable screen is trapped in the opening by a removable lid engaging the sidewalls of the auxiliary hopper.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprising a transversely extending main frame and left and right transversely extending wing frames. The main frame and the wing frames are provided with a plurality of planting units. Left and right main seed hoppers are mounted to the main frame. The left and right main seed hoppers are transversely separated from one another by a longitudinally extending gap located along the longitudinal centerline of the seeding machine. A pneumatic seed on demand delivery system automatically directs seed from the left and right main seed hoppers to the planting units. A walkway is positioned in the gap between the left and right main seed hoppers to facilitate operator access to the lids of the main seed hoppers.

Abstract: A control system selectively operates an agitator within a main hopper or bulk tank for a product-on-demand delivery system. A differential pressure switch is used to control operation of the agitator. The differential pressure switch measures the pressure difference between the pressurized air pressure upstream of the tank and tank air pressure to determine when the system is not delivering adequate product to the application units, based on the high air flow rate in the system. When the sensor signals that the system is not delivering adequate product, the system automatically starts the agitator, and conversely when the sensor signals that the system is delivering adequate product, the system automatically stops the agitator.

Abstract: A planting implement is configured with a cleanup system for the removal of product associated with operation of the planting implement. The planting implement generally includes a fluid pressure source in combination with at least one planting unit configured to deposit the product at a controlled rate in an agricultural field. The cleanup system generally includes a product separator with an inlet line and a collection line. The inlet line communicates the vacuum pressure generated by the pressure source to the product separator. The collection line communicates the vacuum pressure at the product separator to a location of the product on the planting implement. The vacuum pressure at the collection line is operable to entrain the product in a combined product and forced air stream that is conveyed by the collection line for removal at the product separator.

Abstract: A pneumatic particulate dispensing system having a hopper for storing particulate material, such as animal feed, fertilizers, pesticides and the like. The hopper is connected to a T-fitting which encloses a velocity tube. An air blowing unit is connected to the T-fitting and the velocity tube through an interchangeable adaptor allowing for a variety of air blowing units to be installed. An adjustable rotary valve extends into the interior of the hopper from the T-fitting allowing for a user to adjust the amount of particulate material to be dispensed adjacent the velocity tube. A discharge tube is connected to the T-fitting downstream of the velocity tube, wherein the discharge tube has a rotating elbow for allowing the user to adjust the dispensing direction. A variety of nozzles can be attached to the end of the discharge tube. A support frame having a hitch insert and cradles is used to support and transport the particulate dispensing system to remote locations.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system provides a priority flow of hydraulic fluid to a variable rate drive system for powering the operation of the metering mechanisms before hydraulic fluid is supplied to a secondary drive mechanism for powering the operation of secondary devices, such as the fan mechanism or the loading auger. The hydraulic drive system includes a priority flow divider valve that diverts a predetermined flow rate to the variable rate drive system. The variable rate drive system includes a drive mechanism arranged in series for a plurality of metering mechanisms. The secondary drive system includes a selector valve that permits a selection between the alternative secondary devices. An alternative embodiment of the hydraulic drive system includes a counter balance valve that operates to provide a priority flow to the variable rate drive system.

Abstract: A nurse distribution system provides dual capabilities for planting different seed varieties from a single planting mechanism. The air cart carries two tanks in which different seed varieties can be placed. The nurse mechanism selectively distributes seed from one tank to the on-row singulation meters, yet can switch to the seed in the second tank to correspond to different soil conditions encountered by the planting mechanism. The planting mechanism carries a first line from the first tank to the nurse receiver and a parallel second line from the second tank to the same nurse receiver. By keeping the nurse receiver as small as possible, thus having a small seed reservoir, the seed variety selection can be switched from one tank to the other in an effective manner.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system provides a priority flow of hydraulic fluid to a variable rate drive system for powering the operation of the metering mechanisms before hydraulic fluid is supplied to a secondary drive mechanism for powering the operation of secondary devices, such as the fan mechanism or the loading auger. The hydraulic drive system includes a priority flow divider valve that diverts a predetermined flow rate to the variable rate drive system. The variable rate drive system includes a drive mechanism arranged in series for a plurality of metering mechanisms. The secondary drive system includes a selector valve that permits a selection between the alternative secondary devices. An alternative embodiment of the hydraulic drive system includes a counter balance valve that operates to provide a priority flow to the variable rate drive system.

Abstract: A particulate distribution system for transporting seed or other particulate from a source into a plurality of metering bins, the system including a manifold duct that begins and ends at the source and an air delivery system mounted to the duct to transport particulate there through and a plurality of particulate flow diverting structures that extend from the manifold into each metering bin, whereby each metering bin is filled in accordance with the flow of air available thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a planting assembly including a mounting member and comprising a hopper including first and second wall members that form first and second hopper external surfaces wherein first and second forces applied perpendicular to the first and second surfaces include at least components along first and second opposing trajectories, respectively, a first elongated bearing member rigidly linked to the mounting member and forming a first bearing surface that applies a first applied force to the first hopper surface wherein the first applied force includes at least a first compressing component along the first trajectory, a second elongated bearing member forming a second bearing surface and having a first end and a retainer linked to the first end of the second bearing member and rigidly linking the second bearing member to the mounting member in any of several different positions relative to the first bearing member so that the second bearing surface applies a second applied force to the second

Abstract: An automatic cleaning device for the seed absorbing needles of a vacuum planter includes a rectangular vacuum rack rotatable sliding with a pair of lateral plate and operated by a first pneumatic pump, a seed planting mechanism having a plurality of aligned thru holes for engaging with a plurality of planting pipes under a plurality of tubular needle of the vacuum rack and a sliding plate operated by a second pneumatic pump disposed with the seed planting mechanism. When the first pneumatic pump provides negative air pressure, the tubular needles regularly and repeatedly pick up the seeds from a seed container and drop the seeds down into the planting pipe. When the first pneumatic pump timely provides positive air pressure to clean the needles, the sliding plate operated by a second pneumatic pump will close the planting pipe to prevent the filth or dirt from the air from contaminating the tubular needles.

Abstract: A nurse distribution system provides dual capabilities for planting different seed varieties from a single planting mechanism. The air cart carries two tanks in which different seed varieties can be placed. The nurse mechanism selectively distributes seed from one tank to the on-row singulation meters, yet can switch to the seed in the second tank to correspond to different soil conditions encountered by the planting mechanism. The planting mechanism carries a first line from the first tank to the nurse receiver and a parallel second line from the second tank to the same nurse receiver. By keeping the nurse receiver as small as possible, thus having a small seed reservoir, the seed variety selection can be switched from one tank to the other in an effective manner.