Abstract: In one embodiment, an agricultural implement system includes a product tank configured to carry a product during farming operations. The product tank includes a quick fill port system. The quick fill port system includes a first wall defining a first opening leading to an inside of the product tank. The quick fill port system further includes a first cover member disposed on the first opening and configured to at least partially cover and to uncover the first opening, wherein the first opening comprises a first size larger than a diameter of a product dispenser configured to be inserted into the first opening.

Abstract: A pneumatic seed delivery system is provided for use with planter for row-crop planting an agricultural field in which the pneumatic seed delivery system may use high pressure air to accelerate seeds that are singulated from a seed meter to match ground speed when planting. The pneumatic seed delivery system includes an air accelerator arranged downstream of a release location of the seed meter. The air accelerator may define a pneumatic device such as an air conveyor or air amplifier that merges a primary airflow with a controllable supplemental airflow to provide a correspondingly controllable combined airflow that carries and accelerates the singulated seeds so that the seeds can be released with a rearward horizontal seed velocity component that approximates a forward ground speed of the planter to reduce seed tumble.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes row units. The row units each include an air pressure device configured to generate a pressure differential for retaining a commodity against a metering element to singulate and meter a commodity. The air pressure device includes an exhaust structure with a passage configured to direct an exhaust substance to the ground as the row unit travels.

Abstract: A unique seed disk for use in a vacuum type agricultural planter is particularly suited for planting of canola seed. Seed apertures extend through the disk in the thickness direction from the vacuum-side face thereof to the opposing seed-side face thereof, and are each circular in cross-sectional shape. Each apertures features a cylindrical end portion opening through the vacuum-side face of the disk body, a first frustoconical portion whose wider end communicates with the cylindrical end portion, an intermediate cylindrical portion communicating with the narrower end of the first frustoconical portion, and a second frustoconical portion having a narrower end that communicates with the intermediate cylindrical portion and an opposing wider end that opens through the seed-side face of the disk body. A preferred embodiment features ninety seed apertures in the disk, and an accompanying twelve prong knockout wheel for dislodging debris individually from the seed apertures.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus has a manifold body, and ports defined through walls thereof, with a delivery conduit connected to each port. A port valve is configured to connect and disconnect the delivery conduit to the interior of the manifold body. A supply conduit delivers a product air stream with agricultural products entrained therein to the interior of the manifold body. The supply conduit extends vertically up from the manifold to a curved elbow and then extends horizontally from the elbow. An exhaust orifice is defined in the inner radius of the elbow. When an exhaust valve is open, a selected flow of pressurized air flows from the supply conduit through the exhaust orifice. The port valve and exhaust valve are controlled such that when the port valve closes, the exhaust valve opens. The exhaust air can be directed into the delivery conduits to clear product therefrom.

Abstract: A control system for a seeder implement with a plurality of row units grouped into one or more sections, is provided. The control system includes an intelligent control, a plurality of down force sensors electrically connected to the intelligent control, each of the one or more sections having at least one down force sensor associated therewith. The system further includes a plurality of down force actuators electrically connected to the intelligent control, each of the row units associated with at least one of the plurality of down force actuators. The intelligent control is configured to determine whether each of the one or more sections is in a plant zone or a no plant zone and to control down force applied by the plurality of down force actuators differently when one or more of the plurality of sections is in a no plant zone.

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: A tillage shank assembly has one or more substance delivery tubes supported along the back edge of the generally upright shank of the assembly. A pair of side plates on opposite sides of the shank have rear margins that project rearwardly beyond the rear edge of the shank to define a protective gap within which the tubes are disposed. Laterally extending projections on the tubes are received within selected ones of a vertical series of holes in the side plates, depending upon the desired depth for the tubes. By temporarily removing a bolt that attaches the tops of the side plates to the shank, the side plates may be separated sufficiently to permit the projections of the tubes to be withdrawn from their current holes and reinserted into other holes to change their vertical locations. Replacing the bolt and tightening it down returns the side plates to their working positions.

Abstract: A planting assembly including a frame, a furrow opening mechanism, a seed tube for directing a seed into a furrow, a liquid source, a liquid delivery conduit having a delivery end, and a furrow closing mechanism. An adapter is configured for mounting to the seed tube, and a spray arm including a proximal end is configured for mounting to the adapter. The spray arm includes a central portion and a distal end, the central portion extends rearward such that the distal end is disposed above the furrow. The liquid delivery conduit is in fluid communication with the liquid source and the delivery end is adjacent to the distal end.

Abstract: A planting assembly and liquid application device for same having a furrow opening mechanism, a frame including a seed guide, a seed tube for directing seeds into a furrow, a liquid source, a liquid delivery conduit having a delivery end, and a furrow closing mechanism. The planting assembly also including a spray arm including a proximal end, a central portion, and a distal end, the proximal end being mounted to the seed tube, the seed guide, or the frame, and the central portion extending rearward such that the distal end is disposed above the furrow, and wherein the liquid delivery conduit is in fluid communication with the liquid source and the delivery end is adjacent to the distal end.

Abstract: A guide structure is provided for guiding the flow of particulate matter from a source to a distribution manifold. The guide structure includes a generally tubular elbow defining a flow path for the particulate matter. First and second veins are positioned within the elbow so as to lie in the flow path in the particulate matter. A flow tube is positioned between the output of the elbow and the distribution manifold. A forcing cone is positioned within the flow tube adjacent the output thereof to reduce the inner diameter of the flow tube and to increase the velocity of the flow of particulate matter therethrough.

Abstract: A multi-function draft implement for opening, seeding, and fertilizing is disclosed. The implement provides a vertical knife opener for creating a vertical trench in the ground, a horizontal sweep for opening a horizontal swath in the ground and creating a seed-supporting shelf. The seed-supporting shelf thus created allows the seeds to be deposited on the shelf on either side of the vertical trench. Fertilizer can be placed in the vertical trench and the ground is replaced over the shelf-supported seed and fertilizer. In one embodiment, the vertical knife is biased with respect to the horizontal sweep and depth-controlling ground-engaging wheels are provided for controlling the depth of the planting sweep. In another embodiment, the vertical knife and the horizontal sweep are in adjustable fixed relation.

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 metering device for seed having a housing (7), a rotary metering member (27) that is rotatably mounted on a shaft 32 in open slots (25, 26) in a pair of side walls (8, 9) of the housing with the axis of rotation of the shaft extending transversely to the side walls. The rotary metering member and shaft are removable from the housing through the slots in a direction extending laterally of the axis of rotation and a closure member (36) is provided which is pivotally connected to the housing so as to extend across and close the ends of the slots (25, 26), thus retaining the rotary metering member (27) in position. Removal of the rotary metering member is therefore simply achieved by releasing the closure member pivotting it away from the housing and withdrawing the metering member and shaft laterally through the now open ends of the slots.

Abstract: A hygroscopic-fertilizer-pellet applicator of the type having a fan blowing air through small tubes to propel the pellets to tube outlets for underground placement. The tendency of the hygroscopic fertilizer to absorb moisture, and to clog the small tubes, is relieved herein by heating the air which then dries the fertilizer. The source of heat is to have the fan pulling ambient air through a heat exchange, which latter is heated by hydraulic fluid flowing through it from a hydraulic motor operating the fan. The compression of the air by the fan further heats the air.

Abstract: A field type granular fertilizer applicator includes a mixing unit for putting the fertilizer into the air carrier medium stream for conveying it to a plurality of applicator knives. The mixing unit includes a passageway between the inlet and the outlet which has a 180.degree. curve with an alternate path that returns to the inlet thereby providing a 360.degree. turn. The granular material is fed into the mixer unit at the approximate radius of curvature center for the curved passageway. The centrifugal movement of the air produces a vacuum at the radius of curvature center allowing for gentle acceleration of the granular material.

Abstract: A foldable drill implement has a supply hopper mounted on a center frame section and a rearwardly mounted broadcast hopper extending onto wing frame sections. Various augers connect the supply hopper to the broadcast hopper and maintain a level of fill in the broadcast hopper. Folding of the wing section relative to the center frame section utilizes swing plates and spacer plates to dampen oscillation of the wing sections. Controls regulate flow of material by sensing accumulated excess material and deactuating the augers. A differential assembly is provided for sensing torque pressure due to an accumulation of material in transverse broadcast augers to regulate flow.

Abstract: A seed dispensing mechanism for a precision row crop planter employs a pressure differential to cause seeds to be held to a series of seed apertures in a rotary disc. The disc is of stainless steel of very thin gauge whereby the disc deforms under the pressure differential to provide a degree of self sealing. The apertures in the disc are formed by chemical etching. A singulator mechanism for removing excess seeds from the apertures comprises singulator members on opposite sides of the row of apertures and presenting a curved profile to the seeds and defining a throat of which the width can be adjusted by a single knob through a high ratio adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A selector device for a distributor of a so-called "single-seed" seed drill. It comprises a transportation member, a surface of which moves continuously between a seed hopper and a transportation device with, in that surface, orifices communicating with a vacuum source for maintaining by suction the seeds against that surface. A groove formed on the distributor surface extends over the suction orifice, the axis of the groove being perpendicular to the path of travel of the suction orifice, with a deflector the limit of the action range of which is clear from the path of travel of the axis of the suction orifices by about the radius of a seed.

Abstract: A seeding device to dispense seed suspended in a gel or other carrier medium in either a continuous stream or discrete pulses. A coulter opens a furrow of earth to the proper depth and seed carried in a gel or other suspension medium is delivered in a pulsed or continuous stream into the furrow which is then covered with earth by a trailing coverer. An auger delivers the seed in suspension and the speed of the auger is controlled to vary the volume of seed and gel or other suspension medium delivered. Circumferentially spaced cam lobes on a drive wheel control the frequency and therefore the row spacing of the seed suspension medium distributed in the pulse delivery mode.

Abstract: A seed planter is provided with a stationary, funnel-shaped bin whose lower-end extension is constructed as a pair of electromagnetically, pneumatically, or mechanically pivoted brackets, defining a duct smaller than the grain when the brackets are closed. Other seeds are blown out of the funnel while one is retained until deposited upon briefly opening the brackets.

Abstract: In a seed meter in which a seed disk having a circular outer edge is rotatably mounted on a hub within a generally cylindrical housing, an elongated cleanout and seed sealing member mounted within the housing adjacent a substantial portion of the circumference of the outer edge of the seed disk forms a generally uniform space or gap with the outer edge of the seed disk which is large enough to pass most seed chips, broken seeds, dirt and other debris therethrough but small enough to prevent seeds contained within the housing and adjacent the seed disk from escaping therethrough. The cleanout and seed sealing member has a sloped surface adjacent the outer edge of the seed disk which provides the space or gap with a size that increases with increasing distance from the axis of rotation of the seed disk to facilitate the escape of debris.

Abstract: A section of tube with a series of inwardly directed projections is placed in the main conduit of a pneumatic applicator, upstream of the primary distribution head. The inner projections in the tube serve to center the direction of the blown granular material into the primary distributor head. The projections are arranged in annular rows with the projections of each row being offset from those of an adjacent row.

Abstract: A clearing blade, as an attachment for a garden tractor or the like, is constructed as a double-walled construction thereby forming a box-like spreading funnel (5) between the wall members so that simultaneously with or after clearing snow, salt or other granular material may be spread by the same implement used for the clearing. Due to the rigid box-structure of the blade a sufficient strength is obtained even by materials of lesser strength than expensive, fracture resistant steels. Hence, such materials of lesser strength, e.g., synthetic materials, may be used for manufacturing the present blade by an injection molding or die-casting method.

Abstract: A funnel-shaped device is provided with one or two segments serving as brackets to enlarge the bottom opening of the funnel which, when closed, is smaller than the smallest piece of grain to be deposited; a centrally disposed air tube blows air axially toward the bottom opening to cause a single piece of grain to be aerodynamically held on the opening while the remainder of the grains hover at a higher level. A slide element such as a fork or the like can be removably disposed at an intermediate level, possibly to serve for opening a single-bracket element. This permits a lower hovering level and a correspondingly increasing cycle time and depositing rate.

Abstract: An attachment for seed drills whereby a fraction of seed flow can be selectively diverted from an existing flow path to a secondary flow path and in which the diverted percentage of the seed flow can be delivered to a planting depth different from that set at the level of an existing planting shoe. Two levels of seed can be planted simultaneously. A valve mechanism is also provided to selectively guide seed flow either completely through the primary, existing discharge tube and shoe, or to be divided with a selected percentage flowing through the existing discharge tube and the remainder being directed through the secondary or auxiliary tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding granular material into a gas stream, for example seed or fertilizer into multiple airstreams of an agricultural vehicle, includes a receptacle for granular material, a duct for a gas stream, and a pair of resiliently compressible surfaces which contact or almost contact to define a nip between them. The surfaces may be provided by contrarotatable rollers and are disposed so that granular material may pass from one side of the nip through a port into the duct, and are moveable into the nip from the other side. The apparatus further includes metering means defining a controllable outlet from the receptacle and positioned with respect to the nip for feeding granular material into the nip from said other side at an adjustable controlled rate. Also disclosed is a distributor for gas-entrained granular material which includes a conical, part-conical or inverted conical surface in a diverging housing.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide a novel doffer in combination with a chain and slat conveyor which will remove excess billets from the slats with minimal damage to the eyes on the cane billets.The cane billet planter 10 includes a billet hopper 16, and a billet metering mechanism 18. The planter 10 may also have a furrow opening assembly 20 and a fertilizer distributor 22, if desired. The billet metering mechanism 18 includes a billet delivery assembly 84 and an endless chain and slat conveyor 86. The upper shaft 88 of the conveyor 86 has a plurality of sprockets 92. Projections 134, 136 and 138 extend outwardly from the upper shaft 88 between adjacent sprockets 92. The surface of the arcuate member 140 of each projection 134, 136 and 138 engages excess billets on each conveyor slat 102 and gently knocks excess billets off the slat. The excess billets fall from the conveyor slat 102 and onto the return sheet 226.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved seed sower unit and an improved seed supply hopper for the head. Opposed vacuum disc-type sower units are mounted in a frame. A seed hopper is mounted on a separate subframe. The hopper subframe has mounting notches which rest on stub pins projecting from the main frame. A latch mechanism holds the seed hopper subframe in place during operation. By opening the latch, the subframe with the seed hopper can be lifted vertically from between the sower discs to permit ready access for cleaning or repair. The seed hopper portion has a sloping bottom member adapted to fit between the sower discs to form a seed trough. This sloping member has a gate so that seed can be easily drained from the system into a container without loss. An optional second gate enables the seed hopper to be isolated from the seed trough. By making the seed hopper vertically removable, the sower units may be located in close proximity to each other, thus enabling similarly close crop row spacing.

Abstract: A planting machine wherein its planter wheel and a packer wheel trailing the same respectively have peripheral velocities greater and less than the speed of advance of the machine. Shoes on the former open the ground and deposit a seed therein on relative rearward movement, with feet on the packer wheel covering deposited seeds on forward movement thereof relative to the ground. The drives for the planter and packer wheels are interconnected to minimize the overall power requirement. Seeds are dispensed from a hopper to a position adjacent the axle of the planter wheel and spirally nested delivery tubes gravitationally deliver the dispensed seeds to the planter shoes in an arrangement such that a seed is delivered to a shoe only after a predetermined advance of the seed has occurred subsequent to its having been dispensed.

Abstract: A precision sower is described which has the capability of sowing seeds in single in rows parallel to the direction of travel of the sower and in parallel rows normal to the direction of travel. The sower cimprises a hollow rotatable drum provided with series radial holes, each series being in the same plane, and an internal source of vacuum. Pins positively displace seeds from the holes at a predetermined point in the rotation of the drum. The pins are actuated by a cam surface during normal rotation of the drum. The sower can be used in association with rollers, coulters and other implements to assist in the sowing operation.

Abstract: A seed planter of the type primarily intended for use in automatically depositing seeds into seedling flats. The seed planter basically comprises a support frame including a conveyor for moving the seedling flats containing a growing medium therealong. Operatively mounted on the support frame in communicating relation to the seedling trays are an automatic dibbler for preparing the growing medium to receive the seeds and a seed delivery station for automatically depositing seeds into the dibbled flat. Operation of the seed planter is entirely automatic, and its operating cycle as well as the structural elements of the dibbler and the seed delivery system may be modified to accomplish automatic planting of flats of various sizes and configurations, and to accomodate seeds of different sizes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seeding machine of the pneumatic ejection type. The seeding machine includes an apertured distributor disk 2 which rotates past a suction chamber 3 terminating in an end wall 4, and an ejector venturi 1 is juxtaposed to the side of disk 2 opposite to chamber 3, neck 7 of said venturi being located in line with the end of said chamber and having an inlet port 8 which straddles the path of travel 5 of the suction apertures in disk 2. The machine has an application to the sowing of light seeds such as vegetable seeds.

Abstract: An undercutter seed planter in the form of an elongated tubular seed delivery member adapted to be pulled beneath the soil behind the blade of an undercutter plow. An air metering system supplies seeds to the seed delivery member and such seeds are released at preselected intervals beneath the soil surface from a discharge opening at the member's trailing end. The trailing end portion of the member is formed to create a V-shaped channel to receive the discharged seeds, and a gage wheel assembly connected to the member's trailing end rides upon the surface of the soil and maintains the seed discharge opening at a predetermined distance beneath that surface. A two-way hinge connects the leading end of the seed delivery member to the undercutter plow to permit vertical and horizontal movement of the member's trailing end with respect to the plow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic transport device particularly for seed drills. The device comprises an inlet tube 10 into which the seeds are introduced one by one, an annular passage 13 of convergent form for air under pressure at the periphery of the end of the inlet tube 10 and a cylindrical passage 14 whose end is connected to the pneumatic transport tube 17 and, according to the invention and downstream and at a small distance from the neck of the annular passage 13 of convergent form, at least one opening 18 communicating between the cylindrical passage 14 and the atmosphere. The invention is applicable particularly to a seed drill comprising a central distributor which feeds a large number of ploughshares.

Abstract: A planter is moved through a field to place two rows of four plants on the top of a planting bed between adjacent irrigation furrows. Plants ready for transplant are disposed in trays within polymerized cast soil plugs. Each plug is disposed within the tray in a hole. Each tray has rows and columns of plant receiving holes extending through each tray. The planter carrying the plugs moves in increments and sets the planter mechanism in a stationary position over the top of the planting bed prior to plug planting. The tray carrying the transplants is registered horizontally and vertically to a plug receiving cylinder by respective cams and a supporting chain. Upon registry, polymer plugs containing sprouted plants therein are ejected, typically eight at a time, by ejecting fingers penetrating the plant receiving holes. Ejection occurs with the plants horizontally disposed into receiving concavities defined within a rotating cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously metering seeds onto a seedbed and simultaneously pressing the seeds into the soil. The seed planting apparatus includes a drum adapted to be moved in rolling contact across the seedbed, and which transports seeds on its peripheral wall from a hopper to the seedbed. The seeds are retained against apertures in the peripheral wall by means of a vacuum transmitted to the apertures through manifolds within the drum that are interconnected with a vacuum pump by means of individual hoses. A cam interrupts the vacuum by compressing the hoses when the seed-bearing apertures contact the seedbed, thereby releasing the seeds and pressing them into the soil. The seeds are preferably placed on the seedbed in a uniformly spaced array predetermined by the uniform alignment and spacing of the apertures on the wall of the drum.

Abstract: A mobile grass seed planter having mounted thereon a frontal line of spaced water nozzles, and behind each nozzle, in a second or back row, is a row of outlets through which seed is directed under air pressure. In operation, as the planter is moved over the earth, a plurality of parallel narrow grooves are cut into the earth by the pressurized water, and the seed is then blown into the grooves. The liquid and airblown seeds are supplied to the planter via hoses from pressurized sources, typically mounted on a truck, tractor, or trailer.

Abstract: Seeds are punch planted by an apparatus comprising a disk equipped with a plurality of punches rotatably mounted on a frame. The punch disk is eccentrically driven to insure that the punches are perpendicular to the soil surface at all times. A seed disk is rotatably mounted on the frame and communicates with a seed hopper to singulate seeds to the punches.

Abstract: A seeding device which comprises an attachment that can be placed onto existing tillage implements such as field cultivators and utilizes an air distribution system which permits the transfer of a metered amount of seed into individual air carrying lines, wherein each of said lines deposits seeds immediately behind each shovel or furrow opener on the tillage implement to provide an accurate, and large scale seeding device.

Abstract: A tractor towed seedling transplanter includes a main frame with a pair of canted rear wheels, a rearwardly facing operator's seat and a tray for storing a supply of seedlings to be transplanted. A power take-off from the wheels operates a rotary metering turret supporting a plurality of clam shell type hopper cups which receive individual seedling plants and are opened in proper timed relation by an adjustable cam to deposit individual plants in a vertically disposed feed tube having a lower end positioned above a furrow opened in the soil by a plow positioned forwardly of the canted rear wheels. Adjustment of the cam means permits an accurate release of the seedling plants from the clam shell hopper cups to properly discharge the seedlings into the feed tube for discharge into the furrow which is closed over the root clumps of the seedlings by the canted rear wheels.

Abstract: A seedling planter consisting of a portable frame on which is mounted a horizontally rotatable, vertically movable index plate carrying a vertically movable, normally lowered scraper blade, a telescopic seedling drop tube, an auger, an auger hydraulic motor and a gear box coupling the motor to the auger. A carousel tray containing seedlings is rotatably mounted on the frame over the index plate, being rotatable stepwise by a pawl on the end of the piston rod of a retraction-extension hydraulic cylinder mounted on the frame.

Abstract: A cane dipper-planter where the pre-cut cane setts are conveyed from a supply hopper to a rotary drum which contains the treatment liquid and a series of lifting members around its internal wall which lift the treated setts out of the liquid and discharges them via an outlet chute to the furrow for planting.

Abstract: A sugar cane planter has a series of cane carrier elements which are moved through a supply of randomly oriented cane billets to select billets and deliver them to a soil furrow. The cane carrier elements move in a circular path and are maintained horizontal throughout said movement by attitude control means thereby providing sufficient time for reliable pick-up, doffing of excess billets, and billet alignment. A supply of billets to the selection mechanism is maintained from a trailed cane bin having a cane elevator. Fungicide is sprayed on the billets carried by the elevator.

Abstract: This invention consists of a tractor drawn planter which automatically deposits equally spaced sprout bearing plugs of specially prepared nutrient soil, into the ground. It is made of a rectangular framework having two rear wheels upon which it rides and a flexible hitch for attachment to the tractor. A tank equipped with an agitator, a plug size measuring device, and a discharge tube, contains the plug mixture. The discharge tube is provided inside with doors which allow the passage of the plugs at predetermined equal intervals. These doors are controlled by a spring-loaded solenoid which is, in turn, controlled by electrical make-and-break contact points powered by the tractor battery. A floating shoe digs a furrow into which the plugs are dropped, and two spring-loaded converging wheels in the rear of the frame cover and tamp down the seeded furrow.

Abstract: A hopper for mechanical seed planters comprises an upper and a lower reservoir shaped for retaining seed therein, and a valve mounted between the reservoirs to selectively permit the seed to flow under gravitational forces from the upper to the lower reservoir. The lower reservoir is rotatably mounted in the hopper, and is rotated in synchronization with the planting speed of the planter. The bottom of the lower reservoir has at least one metering aperture therethrough, and a circularly shaped groove which is concentric with the lower reservoir's axis of rotation, and extends through the metering aperture. An arm is pivotally connected with the upper reservoir, and includes a tip portion which tracks in the circular groove. A stationary base plate is disposed directly below the reservoir bottom, and includes a discharge aperture which is circumferentially aligned with the metering aperture.

Abstract: A device for discharging particulate material, such as agricultural seed at a uniform rate comprises a hopper having a rectangular slot in the base, a driven roller having a compressible surface which contacts one side of the slot and a transparent glass metering plate attached to the hopper and which bears against the roller to provide a nip therebetween and to control the rate of flow of the material from the hopper while allowing visual examination of the flow of particulate materials between the roller and metering plate. The device may be conveniently attached to an agricultural drilling machine and the roller driven by a mechanism associated with the ground wheels of the machine. Collecting cups are provided for directing the seed from beneath the roller into the seed drills. Seed is discharged into the drills at a constant rate and no adjustment is necessary for use with seeds of different sizes.

Abstract: A device for planting of agricultural seeds extremely rapidly and particularly adaptable to airborne planting including a tank-like device for holding seeds and for containing compressed air. Various types of devices are provided to align the seeds and insert them into a movable nozzle from which the compressed air shoots the seed into the ground.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting granular material such as nematicide in soil comprises a frame carrying a plurality of tines for opening vertical slits in the soil when dragged through the soil by movement of the frame. Each tine has a conduit for delivering granular material to the rear of the tine, and each tine also has an outlet means connected to the conduit of the tine. Each outlet means has one or more outlet openings for directing the granular material rearwardly of the tine. Each outlet means is shaped for guiding granular material in a flow path or flow paths leading from the conduit to the one or a group of outlet openings for directing the granular material rearwardly predominantly in a vertically dispersed distribution.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically planting billets of sugar cane as produced by a chopper-type sugar cane harvester, comprises a hopper for billets, an elevator to convey billets upwards and out of the hopper, and a billet delivery chute to receive the billets from the elevator and deliver them to a furrow in the ground. The elevator has at least two series of staggered slats which meter the billets. The delivery chute has a funnel-shaped upper portion and a trough-shaped downwardly and rearwardly-sloping lower portion, which guide and channel the billets in an endwise flow towards the furrow. The lower end of the chute is positioned close to or in contact with the ground so that billets can engage the ground before they leave the chute whereby billets can build up at the lower end of the chute and be discharged into the furrow at a rate corresponding to the forward speed of the planter.