Abstract: In one aspect, a row unit for use on an agricultural implement may include a furrow-forming tool coupled to a frame. The furrow-forming tool may be configured to form a furrow in soil present within the field as the row unit is moved across the field. The row unit may also include a first dispensing device configured to dispense a first agricultural product into the furrow. Furthermore, the row unit may include a cultivator coupled to the frame and positioned aft of the furrow-forming tool relative to a direction of travel of the row unit. The cultivator may, in turn, be configured to agitate a lateral swath of the soil. Additionally, the row unit may include a second dispensing device positioned aft of the first dispensing device relative to the direction of travel, with the second dispensing device configured to dispense a second agricultural product into the field.

Abstract: An in-line sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering system includes a blade mountable into a header of a parallelogram linkage. A pair of parallel rigid drag arms extend between the header and a hanger assembly and are pinned at their respective ends so that rotation of the header relative to the hanger assembly on the parallel arms maintains a general horizontal orientation of the header thereby supporting the blade downwardly in a constant orientation. The hanger assembly is mountable to a supporting frame. A selective actuator allows selective control of a downward force urging the blade into the soil. An in-line counter wheel is mounted ahead of and in-line with the blade so as to be substantially co-planar therewith. The trailing edge of the counter-wheel is adjacent to the leading edge of the blade.

Abstract: A dispenser or applicator for dry insecticide includes a container having a removable cover; the cover is attached to a lower end of an elongate handle having a hand grip at its top A partition inside the container is the floor of the insecticide container, with a skirt extending below the partition; insecticide is dispensed through apertures in the container floor. These apertures are normally closed by a spring-biased stopper disk having tapered fingers which protrude through the apertures; the stopper disk is moved to an open position by inertia when the container is struck against the ground, unblocking the apertures and allowing a measure of insecticide to escape before the stopper disk rebounds to its closed position. Walls of the so container housing extend below the apertures to form a skirt which prevents scattering or dispersal of the powder.

Abstract: A tool for depositing seed uniformly along a prepared furrow. The tool uses the rolling motion of a ground engaging wheel to drive a seed pickup and delivery mechanism. A pickup wheel which is coupled to the ground engaging wheel contacts the seeds via a slot in the seed container. A suction force created by an oscillating bellow is channeled to a pickup aperture in the circumference of the pickup wheel. Picked seed is carried by the pickup wheel to a guiding duct to be released and delivered to the soil. The tool also includes an electronic monitor that produces a short audible beep for every deposited seed.

Abstract: A vacuum-tight wafer carrier. The wafers are supported at each side by a slightly sloping shelf, so that minimal contact (line contact) is made between the wafer surface and the surface of the shelf. This reduces generation of particulates by abrasion of the surface of the wafer. The door of the vacuum carrier contains elastic elements to press the wafers lightly against the back of the carrier box. Thus, when the door of the box is closed, the wafers are restrained from rattling around, which further reduces the internal generation of particulates.