Abstract: A system for distributing seeds is configured to be transported by an agricultural vehicle along a direction of travel. The system includes a main frame extending along the direction of travel, a first wing frame extending from a first side of the main frame in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, and a second wing frame extending from a second side of the main frame in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. The system further includes at least one row unit arranged on the first side of the main frame and supported by the first wing frame, at least one row unit arranged on the second side of the main frame and supported by the second wing frame, a first seed reservoir arranged on the first side of the main frame, and a second seed reservoir arranged on the second side of the main frame.

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

Abstract: An air velocity indicator and control device is provided for use with pneumatic distribution systems used in air seeders that pneumatically discharge agricultural product to the ground, seedbed, or furrow. The air velocity indicator and control device includes a tubular housing, extending between an inlet and an outlet, and pivotally housing a deflectable plate that actuates in response to encountering an airflow entrained with agricultural product. A magnitude of deflection of the deflectable plate, corresponding to airflow velocity, can be displayed through an indicator assembly. This enables a user to identify velocity variances and differentials within the air seeder and make corrective adjustments. In some implementations, multiple air velocity indicator and control devices are ganged together with deflectable plates that pivot in unison with each other. The relative angle of fixation of the deflectable plates, upon the pivot pin, can be adjusted to permit airflow tuning as needed.

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: 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. Alternatviely, selectively blockable nozzle structure is located in the first and second hoppers. Easily changeable connector structure facilitates row pattern selection and hose routing.

Abstract: A seed planting unit provides a manifold connecting a vacuum to multiple metering disks. The manifold includes valves to sequentially connect the manifold branches to the seed unit so as to moderate the peak air flow necessary to be handled by the vacuum source reducing horsepower drain and cost of the vacuum source itself.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing multiple types of seed, fertilizer or other materials from an agricultural vehicle is disclosed. The system includes first and second sources holding the first and second materials, respectively, a plurality of distribution units, and a nurse distribution mechanism coupled between the sources and the distribution units by which each of the first and second materials from the respective first and second sources can be transmitted to the plurality of distribution units.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing multiple types of seed, fertilizer or other materials from an agricultural vehicle is disclosed. The system includes first and second sources holding the first and second materials, respectively, a plurality of distribution units, and a nurse distribution mechanism coupled between the sources and the distribution units by which each of the first and second materials from the respective first and second sources can be transmitted to the plurality of distribution units.

Abstract: A volumetric metering device for the metered delivery of granular and powdery materials, particularly for machines for distributing such materials. The device comprises a housing formed in one piece of plastic material, a metering member which is supported rotatably in the housing, can be handled individually, and includes a plurality of metering wheels mounted on a shaft and clamped in a group between two flanges, a selective drive-transmission interposed between the wheels and the shaft, a scraper for cleaning the wheels in motion and anchoring the idle wheels, and a feeler device which is held at a distance from the metering member with resilient preloading.

Abstract: A restraint apparatus configured to selectively attach a flexible hose at an outlet structure of a manifold of an air conveyance system is provided. The restraint apparatus includes a restraint member having a flat, planar shape. The restraint member includes a first opening located at a first end and a second opening located at a second end opposite the first end. The first and second ends of the restraint member are configured to be biased toward each other such that the first opening is operable to receive the outlet port therethrough and the second opening is operable to receive the hose therethrough. Upon release of the first and second ends of the restraint member, the first and second ends are operable to exert a bias force against the outlet structure and the hose, respectively, in a manner that resists removal of the hose from the outlet structure.

Abstract: An inductor assembly includes an inlet configured to receive a forced air stream in a path to engage a flow of product so as to generate a combined stream of forced air and product for conveyance to a remote receiver or planting unit for application in an agricultural field. A series of inductor segments each defines a first and a second conduit to communicate the combined stream of forced air and product from the inductor housing to the remote receiver for application in a field. Each first and second conduit includes a bypass opening located to receive a bypass portion of the forced air stream in a manner that enhances the flow of the combined stream of forced air and product to the remote receiver. A vane is located to enhance guidance of the forced air stream in a path toward the mass of product received in the inductor housing.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing multiple types of seed, fertilizer or other materials from an agricultural vehicle is disclosed. The system includes first and second sources holding the first and second materials, respectively, a plurality of distribution units, and a nurse distribution mechanism coupled between the sources and the distribution units by which each of the first and second materials from the respective first and second sources can be transmitted to the plurality of distribution units.

Abstract: A product-on-demand delivery system applies an agricultural product, such as seed, to a field. The system includes a frame that mounts a main hopper, a splitter fitting, a primary product hose, a secondary product hose, a primary application unit and a secondary application unit. The main hopper has an air nozzle wherein an air stream through the air nozzle entrains product within the air stream and delivers the air/product to the primary outlet hose. The splitter fitting has a splitter inlet flow-connected to the primary product hose and two splitter outlets flow-connected to the application units. The secondary application unit is coupled to the primary product supply hose by the secondary product hose connected at an outlet branch. The outlet branch is connected at an angle such that a product flow velocity vector in the primary product supply hose at the outlet branch is at an obtuse angle to a flow velocity vector of product flowing through the outlet branch.

Abstract: A bulk fill system for split row planters that can be easily converted to plant 30? corn or 15? soybeans with the aid of a conversion plug that controls the flow of seed entrenched air to select meters on planter rows. The conversion plug is easily installed and conveniently stored on the individual row units by a holder.

Abstract: A nurse receiver header for an agricultural planting implement is cooperable with a nurse mechanism that conveys 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 seeds for utilization by the associated planting mechanism. The receiver header includes a plurality of legs and a rotatable baffle positioned internally at an uppermost position of at least one leg of the receiver header. The baffle is pivoted by an external lever that is positioned in the same orientation as the baffle to indicate the position of the baffle. The header can be placed in a closed configuration by positioning the baffle across the leg to be blocked. When in an open configuration, the baffle is positioned parallel to the leg and all of the legs of the header are open.

Abstract: An improved collector assembly comprises a generally hollow body mounted below a product supply tank for receiving plural streams of materials metered from the tank. Individual upright passages through the body corresponding in number to the metered streams from the tank receive the gravitating product streams and direct each stream into either or both of an upper loading zone and a lower loading zone in the passage. A diverter valve associated with each upper loading zone can be set to close off the upper loading zone entirely while opening only the lower zone or closing off the lower loading zone while opening only the upper loading zone. Thus, air streams passing transversely through the upper and lower loading zones respectively can be supplied with variable amounts of metered product, depending upon the position of the diverter valve within each passage.

Abstract: An improved collector assembly comprises a generally hollow body mounted below a product supply tank for receiving plural streams of materials metered from the tank. Individual upright passages through the body corresponding in number to the metered streams from the tank receive the gravitating product streams and direct each stream into either or both of an upper loading zone and a lower loading zone in the passage. A diverter valve associated with each upper loading zone can be set to close off the upper loading zone entirely while opening only the lower zone or closing off the lower loading zone while opening only the upper loading zone. Thus, air streams passing transversely through the upper and lower loading zones respectively can be supplied with variable amounts of metered product, depending upon the position of the diverter valve within each passage.

Abstract: An agricultural implement with an elongated bar having a front side nearer in use to a drive vehicle and a rear side. A first plurality of row units are laterally spaced apart along the bar and extend rearwardly thereof connected through parallel linkage to the front side of the elongated bar. A second plurality of row units are laterally spaced apart along the bar and extend rearwardly thereof interleaved with the first plurality of row units and connected through parallel linkage to the rear side of the bar. Parallel linkage for both the first and second plurality of row units is directly mounted to and extends rearwardly of and below the bar to position all row units to the rear of the bar, allowing both field crops or row crops to be planted.

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 eductor assembly is adapted for seed delivery and is designed to reduce or eliminate clogs. The eductor uses a compartment comprising a feed section into which falls seed from a primary storage hopper. A primary pneumatic tube runs through the compartment and continues on to delivery sites such as secondary hoppers which feed the seed to singulators. A secondary pneumatic tube branches from the primary tube and opens into the compartment generally below the primary tube, pressurizing the compartment and creating turbulence sufficient to prevent seed from packing. An eductor tube is mounted within the compartment and has an open, lower end that extends from adjacent the termination of the secondary pneumatic tube so that seed accumulating in the compartment is drawn through the eductor. The eductor tube at its upper end extends into the primary pneumatic tube and has an outlet end positioned so as to form a constriction in the first pneumatic line to create a venturi to draw seed through the eductor tube.

Abstract: A pneumatic coupler for an agricultural seeding machine comprises a hollow tube having an inner portion and an outer portion that are separated by a radially extending flange. The radially extending flange has an inner surface adjoining the inner portion and an outer surface adjoining the outer surface. A flexible and resilient gasket is fitted over the inner portion and adjoins the inner surface of the radially extending flange. The inner portion is further provided with radially extending catches that are located on resilient axially extending tongues formed in the inner portion. When mounted to receiving apertures the catches contact the interior side of the receiving aperture and the flexible and resilient gasket forms an air seal between the exterior surface of the receiving aperture and the inner surface of the radially extending flange.

Abstract: A particulate distribution apparatus for receiving seed or other particulate from a pneumatic source and temporarily storing the seed for subsequent use by a metering device where the particulate is characterized by a particulate size, the apparatus comprising a housing including walls that form a cavity, a hopper inlet linkable to the duct outlet and a hopper outlet linkable to the metering device inlet, at least one of the housing walls forming vent apertures that are generally smaller than the particulate size.

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 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 method and apparatus for use with a planting assembly including a first mounting member having first and second horizontally separated ends, the apparatus comprising first and second rigid support members that extend in the same direction from and substantially perpendicular to the first and second ends of the mounting member and that form first and second support surfaces, respectively, a hopper including first and second lower wall members that together define an upwardly facing cavity and form first and second downward and oppositely facing external surfaces, respectively, the external surfaces sloping downward toward a hopper opening along first and second trajectories, respectively, the hopper positioned on the support members such that the first and second external surfaces are received on the first and second support surfaces, respectively, the first external surface forming a first hopper coupler having an engaging length dimension along the first trajectory and a first locking member having a first

Abstract: A particulate distribution apparatus for receiving seed or other particulate from a pneumatic source and temporarily storing the seed for subsequent use by a metering device where the particulate is characterized by a particulate size, the apparatus comprising a housing including walls that form a cavity, a hopper inlet linkable to the duct outlet and a hopper outlet linkable to the metering device inlet, at least one of the housing walls forming vent apertures that are generally smaller than the particulate size.

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 seeding machine is provided with a frame having a plurality of pneumatic seed meters. An air pump located on the frame supplies air pressure to a pneumatic manifold. The pneumatic manifold in turn is pneumatically coupled to the seed meters by air hoses. Pneumatic orifices are pneumatically positioned between the pneumatic manifold and the portion of the seed meters closest to the air pump.

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 seed cart for an air seeder is provided with pneumatic distribution system having a primary air distribution manifold. The primary air distribution manifold is provided with a top rank of venturis and a bottom rank of venturis for receiving an air stream from a blower which is divided into a top rank air stream and a bottom rank air stream. A selector valve is located above the top rank of venturis immediately below a product meter. The selector valve selectively directs metered product to either the top rank of venturis or the bottom rank of venturis. In a first position the selector valve directs metered product to the top rank of venturis in its second position the selector valve directs metered product to the bottom rank of venturis. Each selector valve is also provided with first and second air valves. In the selector valve's first position, the first air valve is open and directs air tapped from the top rank air stream to the product tank feeding product to the top rank of venturis.

Abstract: An improved conveyor tube and distribution header for air conveyors such as air seeders serves to distribute seed and/or fertilizer products from the aircart to individual delivery tools via pneumatic conveyor tubes. The apparatus is adapted to achieve substantially even distribution of the materials being conveyed to each of the delivery tools. The apparatus includes a conveyor tube for conveying air-entrained material from a first location to a distribution head, which conveyor tube has an interior surface with a plurality of inwardly directed spaced apart projections which are disposed in spaced annular rows extending around the lengthwise axis of the tube for creating controlled turbulence in the flow of material. These projections are arranged in a particular manner to achieve the desired degree of turbulence.

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: The present invention is a planter which embeds planted seeds into the ground and then dispenses liquid in the vicinity of the embedded seeds. The planter includes a flexible arm which drags upon the ground and presses the deposited seeds into the ground and liquid dispensing passage disposed on the flexible arm. The liquid dispensing passage may be integrally with the arm or may be separate from the arm. A flexible hose may be disposed within the passage and connected to a liquid supply tank for communicating the liquid from the supply tank to the embedded seeds. A diverter disposed at the outlet of the liquid supply diverts the liquid flow from flowing directly over the embedded seed. The resulting planted seeds are thereby embedded and substantially free of surrounding air pockets, and provided with adjacent liquid after being embedded to provide proper germination and growth.

Abstract: A seeder and liquid applicator is adapted for mounting on a sweep-type spreader for use in agricultural seeding and fertilizing operations. The spreader includes a shank for mounting it on an implement. A T-head support is bolted to the spreader shank. The T-head support mounts a T-head which is connected to a seed hose. The seed hose is also connected to a seed source on the implement. A liquid tube is connected to a discharge novel mounted on the liquid tube. The feed hose and the liquid tube are secured to the T-head support and to each other. Seeds are discharged horizontally and laterally from the T-head and liquid fertilizer is discharged rearwardly in line with the direction of travel of the spreader.

Abstract: An air seeder is provided with a pneumatic distribution system for delivering product through a plurality of primary tubes arranged in first and second rows. The pneumatic distribution system has a plenum housing having a plurality of outlet ports also arranged in first and second rows, each of said plurality of outlet ports associated with one of the primary tubes. A fan is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the plenum housing. A damper is mounted in the plenum housing upstream from the outlet ports for directing the air flow toward at least one of the first and second rows of primary tubes, and a perforated baffle plate is mounted in the housing between the damper and the outlet ports. The baffle plate has a plurality of openings adapted for governing the airflow into the outlet ports.

Abstract: A scissor-type jack is used to separate the yoke that holds a drill boot. The jack or separator is expanded to bend the yoke outward thereby allowing the drill to disengage from the yoke. A replacement boot or the repaired boot is installed in the yoke and the separator contracted until the boot reengages the yoke. The separator expands and contracts responsive to the rotation of a hexagonal head that can be rotated by a conventional socket using a ratchet.

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: A row crop cultivator is provided with a seed dispensing manifold attached to and spanning the lay shares forming a part of its middleworker assembly. The seed distribution manifold is designed to randomly distribute seeds fed into it from a towed planter assembly that includes a seed hopper, metering means for feeding out seeds from the hopper in accordance with the ground speed of the apparatus and a blower for forcing the seeds through suitable tubes to the seed distribution manifold.

Abstract: The selective creation of tramlines is disclosed where the metered seed normally delivered through the outlet hose (18b) of the row planter unit (20b) corresponding to the desired location of the tramline is diverted by a butterfly valve (26) to one or both of the row planter units (20a, 20c) located adjacent to and on opposite sides of the row planter unit (20b). The butterfly valve (26) includes an inlet conduit (28) which intersects with first and second outlet conduits (30, 32) and a butterfly element (34) which is pivoted by a solenoid actuator (40) against the bias of a spring (36) to selectively block one of the outlet conduits (30, 32).

Abstract: An apparatus for sowing granular material, particularly in combination with a harrow, including a storage hopper (1) which at its outlet is provided with at least one injector (4) operated by a blower (6) and connected with a transport conduit (5) leading to a number of seed shares (15) and provided with a cam or cellular wheel for metering the granular material, the transport conduit (5) being connected with a metering device (2) divided by a perforated plate (11) into a granulate compartment (12) communicating with the conduit (5) and an air compartment (13) from which hoses (14) extend to their respective seed share (15) and which over cam or cellular wheels (10) is in communication with the granulate compartment (12) and through a conduit (16) is connected with the blower (6) in front of the injector (4).

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclcosed for cultivating soil and turf by utilization of pressurized liquid injected into the soil and turf. A roller assembly (33) is provided for applying mechanical pressure to the turf after cultivation. Further, a means for setting a first speed in a transport mode and a second speed in a cultivating mode is provided. The apparatus is designed to be bidirectional to allow the apparatus to be used in both a forward and reverse direction. The flow of the pressurized liquid is controlled to be at intervals of from about 0.010 to 0.065 seconds and at pressures from about 2,300 psi to about 5,500 psi through nozzles having diameters of from about 0.033 to about 0.090 inches. The apparatus (10) utilizes a water hammer effect to effect the flow of pressurized liquid out of the nozzles 55 and has found a relationship in the pressure and pounds per square inch of the cross-sectional area of the bore of the manifold to the accumulated area of the output ports of the nozzles.

Abstract: The selective creation of tramlines is disclosed where the metered seed normlly delivered through the outlet hose (18b) of the row planter unit (20b) corresponding to the desired location of the tramline is diverted by a butterfly valve (26) to one or both of the row planter units (20a, 30c) located adjacent to and on opposite sides of the row planter unit (20b). The butterfly valve (26) includes an inlet conduit (28) which intersects with first and second outlet conduits (30, 32) and a butterfly element (34) which is pivoted by a solenoid actuator (40) against the bias of a spring (36) to selectively block one of the outlet conduits (30, 32).