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.

Abstract: A field planting system for use in conjunction with large span and wheel tower irrigation apparatus to place seed in a field across a number of rows simultaneously. Seed is suspended uniformly in a gel solution and injected into a stream of carrier water. The seeds, suspended in water, travel in piping separate from irrigation piping to a manifold suspended from the overhead span section. Each manifold distributes seed and carrier water to a plurality of drop tubes. A tube valve located in each drop tube is closed to permit the manifold to be charged with seeds and water under pressure. Once the manifold is charged, the tube valves open simultaneously and the water and seed discharges from the manifold through drop tubes to a planting shoe. The planting shoe includes a forward nozzle to emit a high pressure stream of water to excavate a small trench or furrow into which the seed is dispensed.

Abstract: In the case of a method for sowing separate seeds in a furrow made by a ploughshare, the separate seeds run in a guide-device, are trapped in the vicinity of the ploughshare, are stored intermediately for a short time and are then released into the furrow. Upon being trapped, the individual seeds are stored intermediately spot-wise in relation to an axis corresponding to the direction of release and under a centering action. The individual seeds are accelerated, by a brief fluid-pulse in the direction of release, from the stationary intermediate storage position and are released into the furrow.

Abstract: A quick pneumatic coupling particularly well adapted for use in a folding agricultural planter comprises a rigid plastic funnel mounted to the end of a first conduit and a flexible and resilient rubber flange member mounted to a second conduit. The inner surface of the funnel forms a sealing surface which is contacted by the flange when it is inserted into the funnel. The coupling can be automatically coupled and decoupled by pivotally inserting and withdrawing the flanged member into and out of the receiving funnel.