Abstract: A product on demand delivery system directs product from a main hopper to an application unit. An air pump directs pressurized air to a plurality of air supply hoses. The air supply hoses are coupled to air inlets located on the nozzle assembly of the main hopper. Opposite the air inlets are corresponding product outlets for receiving the air streams and product entrained in the air stream. The product outlets are coupled to product supply hoses that are in turn coupled to auxiliary hoppers located on the application units. The air inlet is downwardly angled relative to the bottom and the product outlet is upwardly angled relative to the bottom. Peaked baffles are located above corresponding air inlet and outlets so that product puddles form beneath the baffles. Gaps are formed between adjacent baffles so that product from the main hopper can flow into the product puddles.

Abstract: A particulate distribution system for transporting seed or other particulate from a source into a plurality of metering bins, the system including a forced air source, a converter for splitting air form the source into separate flows in converter outlet lines, venturis for receiving the air flows and entraining particulate from a main hopper therein and a manifold delivery system that directs the entrained particulates to mini-hoppers and that opens at an outlet end back into the main hopper.

Abstract: A product on demand delivery system directs product from a main hopper to an application unit. An air pump directs pressurized air to a plurality of air supply hoses. The air supply hoses are coupled to air inlets located on the nozzle assembly of the main hopper. Opposite the air inlets are corresponding product outlets for receiving the air streams and product entrained in the air stream. The product outlets are coupled to product supply hoses that are in turn coupled to auxiliary hoppers located on the application units. The corresponding air inlets and product outlets have baffles extending above the air inlet and outlets. Gaps are formed between adjacent baffles. An agitator assembly having radially extending fingers is located above the baffles. The radially extending fingers extend into the gaps formed by the adjacent baffles.

Abstract: A pressure control system is configured to precisely tune positive air pressure or vacuum to pneumatic seed meters that are located along a pneumatic metering manifold. The system includes pressure control valves pneumatically located at plural seed meters that adjust the air pressure or vacuum at the seed meters. The system can utilize feedback pressure signals from pressure sensors at each meter to equalize positive air pressure or vacuum at the seed meters to ensure consistent row-to-row seed populations.

Abstract: A system for maintaining an appropriate air flow in an air stream in an air seeder. A fan provides an air stream to carry agricultural materials for distribution across a width of a seeding implement. A tank contains a granular agricultural material and a metering device dispenses the material into the air stream. The system is calibrated such that a known weight of material is dispensed for each revolution of the metering device whereby the rotational speed of the metering device multiplied by the known weight per revolution results in a known per minute rate of agricultural material being dispensed into the air stream. A microprocessor is programmed to derive an appropriate fan speed for the per minute rate of agricultural material being dispensed and send a signal to a fan control to adjust the speed of the fan to correspond to the appropriate fan speed.

Abstract: A seeding machine having a main seed hopper is in communication with a planting unit by a flexible tube. The planting unit has a horizontal working position and a vertical transport position. The main hopper supplies seed by gravity to the planting unit through the flexible tube. The planting unit is provided with a vacuum seed meter. The seed meter has a seed disc with a vacuum side and a working seed puddle side. An isolator brush, arranged in a chordal manner on the seed puddle side of the seed disc, defines the discharge area of the seed meter. A first brush intersecting the isolator brush extends downwardly and radially inward along the seed disc. The first brush, together with the isolator brush, defines boundaries of a transport seed puddle when the planting unit is pivoted into its vertical transport position. A second brush extends downwardly and radially inward along the seed disc.

Abstract: A seeding machine having a main seed hopper is in communication with a planting unit by a flexible tube. The planting unit has a horizontal working position and a vertical transport position. The main hopper supplies seed by gravity to the planting unit through the flexible tube. The planting unit comprises a unit hopper and a seed meter. Seed is metered by the seed meter before being discharged to a seed tube and eventually a planting furrow. Seed from the flexible tube passes through the unit hopper to the seed meter. The unit hopper is provided with a baffle. Seed passing through the unit hopper to the seed meter passes beneath the concave surface of the baffle. As the planting unit is pivoted from its horizontal working position to its vertical transport position seed from the seed meter flows over the top of the baffle and is held in the unit hopper.

Abstract: A seeder airflow control system for accurately placing seeds in a furrow at approximately zero velocity with respect to the ground surface. The seeder airflow control system includes a first tube connected to a seed singulator, a second tube having a plurality of openings movably positioned about the first tube, and an actuator connected between the first tube and the second tube for adjusting the relative position of the tubes with respect to one another. The second tube is fluidly connected to a seed delivery tube that has a lower segment that is positionable adjacent and parallel to the bottom of a furrow to deliver the seed at a velocity of approximately zero with respect to the ground surface. When the tubes are extended away from one another, an increased number of the openings within the second tube are exposed thereby decreasing the air pressure and velocity through the delivery tube.

Abstract: A seeder airflow control system for accurately placing seeds in a furrow at approximately zero velocity with respect to the ground surface. The seeder airflow control system includes a first tube connected to a seed singulator, a second tube having a plurality of openings movably positioned about the first tube, and an actuator connected between the first tube and the second tube for adjusting the relative position of the tubes with respect to one another. The second tube is fluidly connected to a seed delivery tube that has a lower segment that is positionable adjacent and parallel to the bottom of a furrow to deliver the seed at a velocity of approximately zero with respect to the ground surface. When the tubes are extended away from one another, an increased number of the openings within the second tube are exposed thereby decreasing the air pressure and velocity through the delivery tube.

Abstract: A seed metering system includes a first metering member having a first bearing surface and a second metering member having a plurality of seed engaging surfaces adapted to engage seeds and a second bearing surface positioned against the first bearing surface. The second metering member moves relative to the first metering member. At least one depression extends into the second bearing surface opposite the first bearing surface.

Abstract: A device for planting seeds in the ground having an inlet orifice via which an airstream transporting seeds arrives, an outlet orifice via which the seeds are planted in the ground and a separating device. The separating device includes a grating which lies substantially in the continuation of the airstream and seed inlet orifice so that a maximum of the air escapes through this grating and the seeds are held back.

Abstract: A pneumatic agricultural particulate material delivery system for delivering agricultural particulate material to a growing medium is disclosed. The delivery system includes a particulate material supply chamber, a furrow opening device configured to create a furrow in the growing medium, a plurality of tubes providing an interior passage extending from the particulate material supply chamber to an outlet proximate the furrow opening device and a pneumatic pressure source pneumatically coupled to the interior passage to supply pressurized air to the interior passage to move material within the interior passage. The plurality of tubes includes an end-most material delivery tube providing the outlet. The end-most material delivery tube includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough in communication with the interior passage. In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of openings are louvered so as to extend at a downward angle towards the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for planting seeds in the ground, comprising an inlet orifice via which an airstream transporting seeds arrives, an outlet orifice via which said seeds are planted in the ground and a device for separating said seeds from the airstream that transports them.

Abstract: A distributor of horticultural seeds for a sowing agricultural implement, comprising a casing (10) and a disc (20) rotatably mounted inside the casing (10), dividing the latter into a seed chamber (CS) and in a suction chamber (CA) maintained in fluid communication with a suction device and selectively and adjustably connectable with the atmosphere, said disc (20) having at least two rows of holes (21, 22), each comprising a selector (50, 60) having a leading edge extension (51, 61), which is selectively displaced, in order to interfere, upon rotation of the disc (20), with the path of a predetermined part of the seeds which are pneumatically carried in each hole of the respective row of holes (21, 22), so that each hole enters the discharge chamber (CD) carrying a desired number of seeds, the discharge chamber (CD) being opened to discharge channels (15, 16) arranged in such a way as to receive the seeds released from a respective row of holes (21, 22), when they enter the discharge chamber (CD) and to direc

Abstract: A diverter is provided for use on an air seeder having fertilizer and seed conduits for conducting respective particulate material fertilizer and seed therethrough. The diverter includes a pair of tubes and coupling means for mounting the tubes in series with the respective fertilizer and seed conduits. A diverter tube is coupled between the pair of tubes for diverting a portion of the fertilizer from the fertilizer conduit into the seed conduit. A starter fertilizer is thus deposited with the seed while a remaining portion of the fertilizer is deposited spaced therefrom. The diverter can be installed in the conduits of an existing air seeder with minimal cost or tooling requirements.

Abstract: A nurse inductor mechanism for an agricultural seeding implement converts an air seeder meter box into a nurse inductor box to convey seed particles to the singulator of a planting mechanism. The nurse inductor mechanism is detachably mounted on the meter box of the air seeder to receive a supply of seed particles therefrom. The nurse induction mechanism intercepts the normal air flow for the metering mechanism to divert the stream of air into engagement with a pile of seed particles and induce the entrainment of the seed particles for conveyance thereof to the remote planting mechanism. A partition wall divides the nurse induction mechanism into a seed side and an air side. The seed side receives the supply of seed particles from the hopper and allows the seed to pass through a passageway into the air side for engagement by the stream of air.

Abstract: A primer system for agricultural product distribution machines, such as an agricultural air seeder, a precision planter, a sprayer, or the like, includes a tank or a bin for holding the product, a distribution system for conveying and distributing the product from the tank and a driving mechanism for driving the product from the tank into the distribution system at a certain rate. The driving mechanism can run automatically or can be selectively operated, based on commands received from a microcontroller. The microcontroller may receive signals from a user interface and from sensing equipment, such as a ground speed detector, a pressure sensor, a flow metre, or the like. In a regular mode of operation, the controller runs the driving mechanism automatically at a rate calculated based on the signals received from the above mentioned systems. Most agricultural machines have the automated mode of operation of the driving mechanism, conditioned by the ground speed of the tractor being higher than a minimum speed.

Abstract: A nurse inductor mechanism for an agricultural seeding implement converts an air seeder meter box into a nurse inductor box to convey seed particles to the singulator of a planting mechanism. The nurse inductor mechanism is detachably mounted on the meter box of the air seeder to receive a supply of seed particles therefrom. The nurse induction mechanism intercepts the normal air flow for the metering mechanism to divert the stream of air into engagement with a pile of seed particles and induce the entrainment of the seed particles for conveyance thereof to the remote planting mechanism. A partition wall divides the nurse induction mechanism into a seed side and an air side. The seed side receives the supply of seed particles from the hopper and allows the seed to pass through a passageway into the air side for engagement by the stream of air.

Abstract: A nurse receiver header for an agricultural planting implement is cooperable with a nurse mechanism that conveys a stream of seeds entrained in an air stream from a central hopper. A receiver is positioned at the planting mechanism to receive the seeds entrained in the air stream and accumulate a supply of the seeds for utilization by the associated planting mechanism. The receiver header may include a vent for dissipating the air stream when receiving the seeds for distribution to the receiver. The vent is provided with a hood to keep contaminants from entering the vent and passing into the planting mechanism. The receiver header is positioned so that an appropriate supply of seeds for the planting mechanism fills the tube between the receiver header and the receiver including the vent, resulting in a decreased volume of discharged air for the air stream and a diminished ability for the nurse mechanism to convey seeds. The receiver header can be configured to service multiple receivers.

Abstract: A nurse adapter mechanism for an agricultural seeding implement converts an air seeder meter box into a nurse inductor box to convey seed particles to the singulator of a planting mechanism. The nurse adapter mechanism is detachably mounted on the meter box of the air seeder to receive a supply of seed particles therefrom and utilizes the normal air flow for the metering mechanism to effect a nursing of seed particles to a planting mechanism. The nurse adapter mechanism diverts the stream of air into engagement with a pile of seed particles and induce the entrainment of the seed particles for conveyance thereof to the remote planting mechanism. A partition wall divides the nurse induction mechanism into a seed side and an air side. The seed side receives the supply of seed particles from the hopper and allows the seed to pass through a passageway into the air side for engagement by the stream of air.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cultivator mounted to roll about a horizontal axis transverse to the direction of travel of the machine in combination with a hopper. The cultivator and hopper are mounted on a frame which is adapted to be connected to a three-point hitch of a tractor. The cultivator is connected to the frame under and behind the hopper and by a pivotal shaft which interconnects bearings confined fore and aft by U-profiles. The cutivator is thus tiltable within limits relative to the frame and hopper and is also turnable within limits so that the cultivator turns with the tractor. It also provides support for the hopper. A centrifugal air pump is mounted on the hopper which, via a pair of venturi-type devices, draw in granular material, such as seed, from the hopper for distributing same on the soil, the hopper having a pair of metering devices which meter granular material received by the venturi-devices.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit having a boost pump in series with a primary (tractor) hydraulic source provides additional fluid power to operate an aircart fan in an air seeding system for which a tractor hydraulic system does not have enough fluid power capacity. The boost pump raises the pressure of the flow delivered to the fan motor up from that pressure delivered from the tractor to a higher pressure. Tractor pressure is supplied to the boost pump inlet, the boost pump is driven by ground engaging wheels of the aircart, and the resulting flow to the aircart fan motor is increased in pressure by the boost pump.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for an aircart having a fan cooperable with an air seeder system to distribute material to the ground utilizes two or more fluid power sources combined in parallel. Total fluid capacity is increased so that one source may have reserve capacity for serving other loads. Flow controls for the system are set so that one source maintains at least a minimum flow to a load when the flow provided by the other source diminishes. Specifically, an aircart fan is operated by fluid power combined from a tractor source and a ground driven pump source with controls being provided to control the fin speed and proportions of flow from each source. The ground driven source (boost pump) boosts available fluid power volume to meet demands of the aircart fan. The boost pump is located near the aircart fan and connected with short lines to minimize power loss in the lines.

Abstract: A regulator for a nurse inductor mechanism on an agricultural seeding implement controls the rate of entrainment of seeds into the stream of air directed into the nurse inductor mechanism. The regulator includes a pivoted gate mounted at the discharge opening of the seed reservoir of the nurse induction unit to control the flow of seed particles into a pile for engagement with the stream of air directed thereto. An actuation lever, positioned externally of the nurse inductor housing so as to not interfere with the sealed relationship between the divider walls of the distribution apparatus and the housing, is selectively manipulable to move the pivoted gate between closed and opened positions. Once the pivoted gate is moved into the closed position, the flow of seed particles into the distribution apparatus is halted, but the fall flow of air can still move through the distribution apparatus and seed distribution tubes to effect a clean-out of the nurse induction unit.

Abstract: An in-line seed treating unit is provided for an air seeding implement to coat seeds carried by a flow of air through a product distribution line before being planted into the ground. The in-line seed treating unit includes a cylindrical housing having input and outlet ends located at opposing axial ends of the cylindrical housing to provide a generally linear overall flow path for the seed entrained air flow through the product distribution line. A baffle formed as a spiral flighting with an open center portion is disposed within the cylindrical housing to induce the air flow and entrained seeds in a spiral flow path along the housing axis and, thereby pushing the entrained seeds outwardly toward the inner wall of the housing. The seed treatment material is injected through an injection port located a distance less than one flighting pitch of the baffle from the beginning of the flighting so that the seed treatment material is dispersed within the air flow to coat the entrained seeds.

Abstract: An air seeder singulation system for evenly dispensing seed amongst a plurality of rows. The inventive device includes a vacuum drum rotably mounted within a pressurized housing, a supply tube is connected to the housing and to a manifold to provide pressurized and seed to the housing, a vacuum seed connected to the vacuum drum along the vacuum drum's rotational axis whereby the vacuum tube is connected to a vacuum source, a vacuum channel within an outer periphery of the vacuum drum, a band member containing a plurality of apertures at a specified distance apart, and a seed tube extending into the housing with an engaging end near the band member for plucking the seeds attached to the band member. The seeds are then dispensed through the seed tube into a furrow created by a conventional disk opener. A plurality of the inventions are to be aligned with one another with the respective vacuum tubes interconnected.

Abstract: A seed planter distribution system for transporting seeds from a source into a plurality of seed metering bins, the system including a manifold duct and a plurality of seed 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: A meter roller is provided with a blank section for enabling an air seeder to achieve a substantially uniform seed rate throughout the width of the tillage. The fluted meter roller has a series of ridges spaced around its periphery, between which are located product receiving valleys. The blank section conforms to the fluted cross-section of the meter roller by projecting into the product receiving valleys of the meter roller. When a series of meter rollers is driven by a common shaft, the output of an individual meter roller may be modified by adjusting the number or size of blank sections attached to the meter roller.

Abstract: A tank pressurization system is provided for delivering pressurized air from a pneumatic distribution system to a product tank in an air seeder. The tank pressurization system has a meter housing which has an air inlet in fluid communication with the pneumatic distribution system and an air outlet in fluid communication with the product tank. The meter housing has an air passage connecting the air inlet to the air outlet, providing fluid communication between the pneumatic distribution system and the product tank. A meter is rotatably mounted in the meter housing. Also, a tank pressurization system has a venturi port in a primary distribution manifold of the pneumatic distribution system, the venturi port having a standard airstream and a venturi for encouraging product from the product tank to enter the pneumatic distribution system at the venturi.

Abstract: A supply tank for the individual openers of an air seeder includes two separate tank elements each formed from two separate tanks. Each opener has two supply ducts, one from each tank element. Each tank has a dispensing roller across its bottom metering material into the separate supply ducts. The two tanks of each element feed into a common tube within a closed enclosure dispensing into a feed end of a respective pipe for a respective one of the openers. The pipes within the enclosure are monitored by a camera system so that the operator can see the dispensing of the material on a monitor screen. The tanks are covered by a sealed lid which pivots about a vertical post at one edge. An air supply pressurizes the tanks and a heater selectively heats the air to one of the tanks selected for supplying fertilizer.

Abstract: A meter roller is provided with a blank section for enabling an air seeder to achieve a substantially uniform seed rate throughout the width of the tillage. The fluted meter roller has a series of ridges spaced around its periphery, between which are located product receiving valleys. The blank section conforms to the fluted cross-section of the meter roller by projecting into the product receiving valleys of the meter roller. When a series of meter rollers is driven by a common shaft, the output of an individual meter roller may be modified by adjusting the number or size of blank sections attached to the meter roller.

Abstract: A pneumatic seed delivery system is provided, including a bin with a plenum at the bottom separated from the bin by a membrane to permit the upward flow of air from the plenum into the bin, and a tube extending through a side wall of the bin to provide fluid communication from an outer surface of the bin to an inner surface of the bin. One end of the tube is disposed inside the bin and adjacent to the screen, and a second open end of the first seed distribution tube is disposed outside the bin. In this manner, seed in the bin can be propelled up the tube by forcing air into the plenum, passing the air through the membrane and through seed located between the membrane and the first open end of the tube. This seed will then move up the tube and be carried to a remote location for use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic lift mechanism for a manifold in a pneumatic delivery system of an agricultural air cart for seed and fertilizer delivery. The unitary manifold is composed of a plurality of pneumatic passages and mixing valves for conducting metered product from to delivery tubes in a delivery tool. The lift mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder for rotating a pivotal support rod and pivotal linkages connected to the manifold to lower and disengage the manifold from the meters and to position it to one side of the cart in a service position exposing the under carriage for access. A guide is provided to cooperate with the cylinder and pivotal linkages to guide substantially vertical movement of the manifold for disengaging and engaging the meters for sealing contact. The lift mechanism further includes a lock for maintaining the manifold in sealing contact in an operational position under tension once the actuating cylinder is depressurized.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprises: an air compressor for generating a positive air pressure; a soil hardness sensor for measuring soil hardness so as to produce a control signal to adjust the positive air pressure generated by the compressor; an air pressure adjuster for adjusting the positive air pressure generated by the air compressor in accordance with the control signal produced by the soil hardness sensor; a negative air pressure generator for generating a negative air pressure by making use of air under the positive air pressure; a change-over valve for effecting a change-over operation between the positive air pressure and the negative air pressure, so as to selectively supply the positive air pressure or the negative air pressure; a seed adsorber for catching a seed by virtue of the negative air pressure; a first air cylinder adapted to extend or contract by the positive air pressure, to cause a certain reciprocating movement of the seed adsorber; a second air cylinder adapted to extend or contract by the

Abstract: A particulate matter or seed dispensing system for an agricultural implement having a mobile frame with a plurality of row units mounted to the frame. The seed dispensing system includes an upright storage hopper that is adapted to be carried by the frame and has the capacity for holding a large quantity of particulate matter such as seed. A bin is adapted to be carried on each row unit for holding a quantity of particulate matter or seed. Notably, each bin holds substantially less than the quantity of particulate matter adapted to be held in the storage hopper. A metering unit is adapted to be arranged on each row unit proximate a furrow opener of the row unit. The metering unit is arranged in material receiving relation relative to a respective bin on each row unit. The dispensing system of the present invention further includes an apparatus for delivering particulate matter from the hopper individually to each bin as a function of the quantity of particulate matter or seed material in the bins.

Abstract: A system is provided for delivering particulate material from a material storage hopper to a remote discharge station on a wheeled frame structure of an agricultural implement. The system includes a material dispensing mechanism, a connector, and an elongated material conveying tube. The dispensing mechanism is adapted to receive material from the hopper and dispense the material through an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit is directed at an angle relative to the discharge station. The conveying tube delivers material from the dispensing mechanism to the discharge station. The connector interconnects the outlet conduit to one end of the tube and has a passageway therethrough to allow material to pass from the outlet conduit to the tube. The connector is configured to direct the axis of the tube generally closer to the discharge station relative to the axis of the outlet conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading a tray full of seedlings and transporting them one at a time to another location for further handling, e.g., for planting. The apparatus is arranged to be towed behind a prime mover, and all operations are powered by the movement of the apparatus on wheels and/or by compressed air generated on the prime mover.

Abstract: The present invention lies in a three hopper bin air seeder. The contents of the central hopper bin are capable of being emptied into the rear hopper bin or the front hopper bin, or when central hopper bin ports are closed, the contents of the central hopper bin can be directed into a primary conveyance duct. The invention also employs a pair of blower fans and three pressurized ducts. By using flexible and moveable couplings, the contents of any two or three hopper bins can be combined into a single particulate stream. Similarly, three separate streams of material such as seed, fertilizer or granular herbicide can be directed to various soil working tools on a cultivator, or other seeding device.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a grain drill with grain includes a grain hopper and a manifold assembly. The hopper includes an open upper portion and a lower portion, and a conveying conduit communicates with an outlet in the lower portion of the hopper such that grain exits the outlet into the conduit. An air blower device is positioned at an end of the conveying conduit and forces pressurized air through the conduit and beneath the hopper outlet. The air in the conveying conduit entrains grain exiting the outlet and carries the grain along the conduit to the manifold assembly mounted on the planting apparatus. The grain and air pass into a manifold tube having a delivery slot and air exhaust apertures, with the grain passing through the slot into the grain drill and the air exiting through the exhaust apertures. The hopper, blower device and conduit may be formed as a stand alone unit which, during filling, is connected to the manifold assembly that is secured to the grain drill.

Abstract: A system for delivering particulate material from a common hopper to row units mounted on each of first and second pivotally interconnected frame sections of an agricultural implement. The delivery system includes a first series of conduits for directing particulate material from the hopper to the row units mounted on the first frame section of the implement and a second series of conduits. Each conduit in the second series of conduits includes a first tube leading from the hopper, a second tube leading from a particular row unit on the second frame section of the implement, and a split manifold coupling for connecting free ends of the tubes in the second series of conduits thereby defining enclosed passages leading from the hopper to each row unit on the second frame section of the implement which is adapted to receive material from the hopper.

Abstract: Air drill apparatus for towing behind a tractor and for placing seed or other particulate material in the ground includes wheeled implement mounting bars adapted to be towed behind the tractor, a plurality of air drill assemblies mounted to the implement mounting bars, and a wheeled towed container for the seed or other particulate material to be placed in the ground, the container including a pump for creating a positive air pressure to drive seed or other particulate material therefrom to the air drill assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention is an air separation tube for an agricultural planter. The air separation tube comprises a hollow tube having an inlet and outlet that is mounted to the side wall of a mini-hopper. The tube is provided with a downwardly curving bend having a screen through which air is allowed to pass. The screen prevents the seed carried by the air stream from leaving the tube. The outlet of the tube is located above the seed puddle of the seed meter which is coupled to the mini-hopper.

Abstract: A seed distribution system is provided for planters and drills wherein the distribution system includes a central hopper for supplying a plurality of seed metering units. A plurality of seed distribution units are mounted on a lower portion of the central hopper and each seed distribution unit includes a central tubular member defining an air column for entraining seeds to be distributed from the central hopper. A plurality of discharge outlets open into the air column for receiving seeds therefrom and for conveying the seeds through distribution tubes to metering unit bins associated with each of the seed metering units. In addition, each of the seed metering unit bins is provided with apparatus for adjusting the level of seed accumulated within the bin.

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements relating to injection of water-absorbent polymers, including a blend containing fine granules, using one or more air-blown, plowblade applicators. The process creates a "blanket" of moisture-retaining particles for the plant roots. A further aspect of the invention includes drawing a plowblade through the soil at an appropriate shallow angle and speed to establish a wave in the soil, together with the use of a deflector and control over the air pressure, all of which maximizes diffusion and distribution of the injected particles.

Abstract: Device for automatic positioning of plants is provided with a vertical positioner element conical at the top and cylindrical at the bottom wherein is introduced by known means the plant with its earth ball. The earth ball is located in the cylindrical portion while the plant itself is in the conical portion which is upwardly tapered. An insufflation head is provided with a seal adjusted to the positioner element and permitting the injection of air or a gas when the assembly, including the positioner element and the insufflation head, is above a hole which has been previously made in a receiver element where the planting is to take place. The device facilitates and automates the setting in place of plants of all kinds while preserving their integrity owing to the use of non-mechanical handling means.

Abstract: A granular materials applicator is disclosed in which controlled metering rolls rotating at a preselected angular velocity provides volumetric displacement of the granular material irrespective of varying operating conditions.

Abstract: A mobile seed planter includes a plurality of planting assemblies with each of the assemblies being selectively activatable for planting seeds and including structure defining a seed cavity for receiving seeds to be planted. A discharging structure in communication with the seed cavities receives seeds therefrom for discharging seeds onto the ground. A control assembly, operably coupling the planting assemblies, includes structure for selectively activating one of the planting assemblies and for preventing activation of the other of the planting assemblies thereby limiting the discharging of seeds onto the ground to only one of the planting assemblies at a time.

Abstract: A seed distribution system includes an upright main hopper for containing a mass of seeds. The input end of a seed tube projects into the lower portion of the hopper near the bottom of the seed mass. The input end of the seed tube is located within the output end of an air supply tube and terminates inwardly of the supply tube. The seeds in the main hopper are pneumatically captured by creating a generally dome-shaped area in the seeds adjacent the input end and sweeping seeds from the area into the input end. The captured seeds are propelled through the seed tube to a secondary hopper adjacent a seed metering device. To provide automatic level control, the delivery end of the seed tube is supported within the secondary hopper so that, as the seed level rises in the hopper, air flow and thus seed delivery rate will decrease.

Abstract: A transplanting apparatus for transplanting plants from free draining matrix trays in which each plant containing cell of each matrix tray is provided with a drainage hole at the bottom of a cell. The transplanting apparatus has a matrix tray rotary supply device, an expulsion/indexing device, a plant catching device, and a planter device. The matrix tray rotary supply device vertically holds and supplies matrix trays to the expulsion/indexing device, and rotates to supply a new matrix tray. The explusion/indexing device moves a supply matrix tray in a row by row movement and expulses one row of plants after the other. The plant catching device catches the expulsed plants and aligns the expulsed plants root end down, and the planter device plants the expulsed aligned plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for sowing seed, particularly seed for reforestation, intermittently or continuously in a precise and controlled manner. The inventive apparatus includes at least one seed-magazine and at least one seed-dispensing aperture. In order to utilize the germination potential of the seed in to the cultivated soil in which the seed is sown, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the apparatus will include at least one seed-carrier provided with means for receiving discrete seeds from the seed-magazine. The apparatus includes force-transmission means by means of which the seed-carrier is moved between a seed-receiving position and at least one seed-dispensing position, in which the seed-carrier communicated with the seed-dispensing aperture and in which seed carried by the seed-carrier is caused to fall down through the seed-dispensing aperture.