Abstract: A soil apparatus (e.g., seed firmer) having a locking system is described herein. In one embodiment, the soil apparatus includes a lower base portion for engaging in soil of an agricultural field, an upper base portion, and a neck portion having protrusions to insert into the lower base portion of a base and then lock when a region of the upper base portion is inserted into the lower base portion and this region of the upper base portion presses the protrusions to lock the neck portion to the upper base portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a swing pipe system for manure applications. In one embodiment the swing pipe system includes a main pipe configured to receive manure from a swivel, a support member at a first end of the main pipe configured to support the first end of the main pipe, and a tool bar configured to support a second end of the main pipe, the second end of the main pipe being pivotally supported to allow the main pipe to pivot about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.

Abstract: A root crop harvester apparatus includes a transverse frame, supported to move above ground in a harvesting direction and oriented generally perpendicular to the harvesting direction. A plurality of pairs of generally upright, spaced apart puller wheels are connected to the transverse frame in a trailing orientation, having a substantially common rotational axis, and configured to contact the ground, each pair having a pinch point therebetween. The transverse frame is pivotal about an axis that is substantially aligned with the substantially common rotational axis, whereby rotation of the transverse frame collectively rotates all of the pairs of puller wheels about the common rotational axis and thereby adjusts a location of all of the pinch points with respect to the harvesting direction.

Abstract: A tablet cassette is conveniently available for irregularly shaped or halved tablets as with regularly shaped tablets. The tablet cassette includes a fall prevention mechanism configured to prevent extra tablets from falling down into an outlet port. The fall prevention mechanism has a round belt disposed upwardly of the outlet port and at a position higher than partition portions. The fall prevention mechanism is configured to prevent extra tablets from falling such that the extra tablets locating on or above or protruding from one of the tablet receiving portions, which comes closest to the outlet port by rotation of the rotor, are pushed toward the rotor by a repulsive force generated by deformation of the round belt as caused when the extra tablets abut on the round belt.

Abstract: A seeding follower isolation device may include a forming bar connection portion, a seeding follower support portion, and an extension portion. The forming bar connection portion may be configured for secured attachment to a forming bar in a leading position relative to a seed tube of a planting unit. The seeding follower support portion may be configured to adjustably and removably support a seeding follower in an aft position relative to a seed tube. The extension portion may extend between the forming bar connection portion and the seeding follower support portion. The seeding follower isolation device does not contact a seed tube so that a seeding follower joined to the seeding follower isolation device is isolated from the seed tube.

Abstract: The present application relates to a power supply module which is operable in a switch mode and in a linear mode. The power supply module includes a detector for detecting the presence of an inductor at an output node of the power supply module If an inductor is detected, the detector outputs a signal indicating the presence of the inductor, and the power supply module selects the switch mode as its operating mode. If no inductor is detected, the detector outputs a signal indicative of the absence of an inductor and the power supply module selects its linear mode as its operating mode.

Abstract: The movement along the ground in seed and fertilizer distribution systems of seeder and fertilizer machines is improved by a load transfer device comprising a deformable parallelogram-shaped structure attached to the machine tool holder bar at one end and to the distribution system at the other end, and a transfer rack that articulates in one of the parallelogram vertexes acting as a rocker arm. The rocker arm is connected at one end to the parallelogram and at the other end to at least one spring through a lever arm that extends downwardly and divergently, generating a crossing angle between the parallelogram lower un upper sides, creating a torque that varies not only for the spring tension by also for the ratio of the effective lengths of the involved lever arms.

Abstract: A commodity tank for use with an air seeding implement includes a series of panels arranged to form an enclosure defining a volume configured to hold a supply of commodity. At least one or more of the panels has a warping-reducing bend formed therein. The commodity tank further has a series of tubular members with each tubular member located between adjacent and perpendicular panels to define a respective corner of the enclosure.

Abstract: An agricultural row unit having a support frame, a structural support housing coupled to the support frame, and a swing arm having a leading end pivotably coupled to the structural support housing. An agricultural tool is coupled to a trailing end of the swing arm, and a hydraulic actuator is mounted to and fully enclosed within the structural support housing. The hydraulic actuator adjustably urges the agricultural tool downwardly toward a soil surface such that vertical pivoting movement is permitted in response to terrain changes in the soil surface.

Abstract: A cultivation air seeder has an ornamental facing around three sides of its large, metallic bulk seed hopper to enhance the appearance of the hopper and provide environmental protection for sensitive mechanical, electronic and hydraulic components. A front section of one facing panel on each side of the machine is hinged about a generally upright axis to allow the panel section to be opened and closed like a door for operator access to the components behind it. The facing can be stylishly molded from a synthetic resinous material or other non-metallic substance to facilitate manufacture and is disposed to conceal unsightly weld lines and other imperfections on the exterior surface of the hopper.

Abstract: A planting system for planting multiple seed varieties. The planting system includes a planter having a plurality of tanks and a plurality of row units. A plurality of seed meters are included in of the plurality of the row units. A seed transport belt is disposed below the plurality of seed meters to transport seed from each of the plurality of seed meters into a seed tube. Each of the plurality of seed meters is engaged and disengaged by a clutch, and the seed transport belt is disposed below the plurality of seed meters in an angled orientation.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for use with a row planter unit. The apparatus includes an elongated and laterally extending bar operatively secured to a row planter unit for pulling same in a forward direction of travel. The apparatus includes a frame carried by the elongated and laterally extending bar and a support arm pivotally mounted thereon. At least one rotatable trash wheel is carried on the support arm. The row planter unit is pivotally supported on the frame rearwardly of the trash wheel in the direction of travel. Articulated members operatively connect the support arm to the row planter unit for applying a pull force to the rear of the support arm for controlling the depth of penetration of the trash wheel into the ground. The articulated members may comprise various alternatives including a link chain, a pair of links pivoted to one another in an offset relationship, or a link and a turnbuckle arrangement.

Abstract: An agricultural row-clearing unit for use with an agricultural row unit attached to a towing frame hitched to a tractor comprises an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a support element having a leading end pivotally connected to the attachment frame for vertical pivoting movement relative to the attachment frame, at least one agricultural tool mounted on the trailing end of the support element, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the attachment frame and the support element for pivoting the support element around the pivotal connection to the attachment frame.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.

Abstract: A down pressure adjustment mechanism for a planter provides a self-contained spring cartridge holding a preloaded compression spring that may be moved between a limited number of mounting points to provide for convenient and significant changes in down pressure without the need for specialized tools or the like.

Abstract: A flexible bag for receiving flowable material is suspended, as from a gantry, and is tethered transversely and yet has substantially free movement along three sides for complete filling. The length of the tethers may be selected to prevent complete collapse of the bag when empty, and tubular perforated members having an “H” configuration within the bag may be provided for this purpose. Auxiliary structures provide for cooling of materials provided to the bag, their diffusion on inlet to the bag, their recirculation in the bag, and their removal from the bag. Accessories for use with wet gas provide for separation of inlet liquid and drainage of condensate within the bag.

Abstract: A seeding machine comprising a transversely extending main frame and left and right transversely extending wing frames. The main frame and the wing frames are provided with a plurality of planting units. Left and right main seed hoppers are mounted to the main frame. The left and right main seed hoppers are transversely separated from one another by a longitudinally extending gap located along the longitudinal centerline of the seeding machine. A pneumatic seed on demand delivery system automatically directs seed from the left and right main seed hoppers to the planting units. A walkway is positioned in the gap between the left and right main seed hoppers to facilitate operator access to the lids of the main seed hoppers.

Abstract: An air seeder is provided having at least one container with a trough in the bottom floor. Preferably, the floor is formed with a v-shaped configuration converging at a metering mechanism. An auger is rotatably mounted in the trough to move particulate material to the metering mechanism located at a distal end of the container. The auger is powered by a motor mounted on the distal end of the auger opposite the metering mechanism. A remote fan mechanism is provided to deliver a supply of air to the metering mechanism through a pair of conveying tubes. Optionally, a sensor is provided to control the operation of the auger so that the auger only operates when it is needed.

Abstract: An air seeder is provided having at least one container with a trough in the bottom floor. Preferably, the floor is formed with a v-shaped configuration converging at a metering mechanism. An auger is rotatably mounted in the trough to move particulate material to the metering mechanism located at a distal end of the container. The auger is powered by a motor mounted on the distal end of the auger opposite the metering mechanism. A remote fan mechanism is provided to deliver a supply of air to the metering mechanism through a pair of conveying tubes. Optionally, a sensor is provided to control the operation of the auger so that the auger only operates when it is needed.

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 seeding machine is provided with banks of individual seed hoppers for directing seed to auxiliary seed hoppers located on individual planting units. The individual seed hoppers of each bank are provided with adjoining walls. The adjoining walls have notches so that seed in one individual seed hopper can flow into an adjoining individual seed hopper. A portion of the planting units can be disabled by placing them in a non-working position. The individual seed hoppers supplying seed to the disabled planting units are provided with removable baffles. Each removable baffle is provided with a downwardly extending leg that cooperates with the notches to prevent seed in an active individual hopper from entering an inactive individual hopper.

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 seeding machine is provided with banks of individual seed hoppers for directing seed to auxiliary seed hoppers located on individual planting units. The individual seed hoppers of each bank are provided with adjoining walls. The adjoining walls have notches so that seed in one individual seed hopper can flow into an adjoining individual seed hopper. A portion of the planting units can be disabled by placing them in a non-working position. The individual seed hoppers supplying seed to the disabled planting units are provided with removable baffles. Each removable baffle is provided with a downwardly extending leg that cooperates with the notches to prevent seed in an active individual hopper from entering an inactive individual hopper.

Abstract: A seeding machine has a common, bulk seed container that supplies a number of independent openers, each of which is provided with its own separate metering device. Each metering device is gravity-fed through a telescoping supply tube connected between the top of the metering device and the bottom of the seed container. Each metering device has a relative narrow metering wheel rotatable about a transverse horizontal axis that is provided with one or more rows of seed pockets on its outermost peripheral edge. As the wheel rotates upwardly through a pool of incoming seeds that have collected generally above the wheel in a seed chamber inside the metering device, the pockets become filled by gravity with seeds and then successively discharged at the bottom of the downsweep side of the wheel.

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 full truss tool bar is disclosed comprising an elongated main tool bar section having right and left tool bar wing sections positioned at the right and left ends of the main tool bar section. An elongated main truss member is positioned above the main tool bar section and is secured thereto. Right and left truss members are positioned above the right and left tool bar wing sections and are secured thereto. The main truss member is pivotally connected to the right and left truss members, about horizontal axes. In a modified version of the device, auxiliary tool bar sections are positioned outwardly of the right and left tool bar wing sections and have truss sections positioned thereabove and secured thereto. The trusses on the auxiliary tool bar sections are pivotally connected, about vertical axes, to the outer ends of the right and left tool bar wing sections.

Abstract: An agricultural planter comprises a frame with a plurality of wheels and adapted to be towed by a tractor. The planter has a plurality of row planting units mounted on the frame and carrying planting implements, and the planting units are vertically movable relative to the frame. A soil-hardness sensing unit carried on the frame produces a signal representing the hardness of the soil. A controllable biasing device is connected to the planting units for adjusting the force applied to the soil by the planting units, in response to the signal representing the hardness of the soil.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a signal indicative of the hardness of soil. The apparatus has a frame to be moved relative to soil on which a hardness analysis is to be conducted and a sensing element mounted to the frame so that the sensing element engages soil relative to which the frame is moved and structure associated therewith generates a) a first signal as the sensing element encounters soil of a first hardness and b) a second signal as the sensing element encounters soil of a second hardness.

Abstract: Cultivating apparatus for leveling, cultivating, and resowing lawns or fields. The cultivating apparatus includes: a row of ripping tines arrayed across the front of the apparatus, which are arranged to freely pivot forward and upward in use, to release clogged soil or other material by reversing, when necessary. A levelling plate is provided immediately behind the tines. An adjustment system is provided for an elongated horizontal rack of cultivating discs, by which the rack may be raised and lowered accurately and evenly at both ends, so as to maintain a correct, horizontal orientation. A corresponding adjustment system on an array of outlets from an elongated seedbox allows all the outlets to be opened or closed equally.

Abstract: A multi-row seed planter has a seed hopper for each row and may also have a herbicide and/or insecticide hopper for each row. The hoppers have generally rectangular top openings the rims of which are tubular in cross-section and referred to as "perimeter tubes". The closure lids for the hoppers slide on and off from the hopper openings. When each lid reaches its fully closed position it snaps into place and cooperating formations on the lid and perimeter tube retain it in its fully closed position against agitation and vibration during planter travel.

Abstract: A clutch arrangement for a particulate chemical meter for use in a planter includes an axially and rotationally moveable shaft having a coupler on a first end and a knob on a second end thereof. The clutch shaft is inserted through and coupled to a chain-driven sprocket and sprocket sleeve combination. A coiled spring disposed about the shaft urges the shaft toward and in engagement with a dispensing rotor of the chemical meter for dispensing an insecticide or herbicide. Rotation of the knob in a first direction causes a roll pin inserted through the shaft of the clutch to ride up a cam surface disposed on an end of the sprocket sleeve for axially displacing the clutch shaft and disconnecting it from the rotor. Further rotational displacement of the knob positions the shaft roll pin in a notch also disposed on the end of the sprocket sleeve for maintaining the clutch disengaged.

Abstract: A planter having a frame, a drive train supported from the frame and having a forward end adapted to be connected to a drive and the other end having drive structure rotatably supported on the frame, the frame also having a pair of laterally spaced horizontal flanges, stop structures extending through each flange, funnel structure mounted on said frame, a clutch shaft rotatably supported in the drive structure and having spaced jaws and structure for releasably connecting the clutch shaft in a driving and non-driving position to the drive structure, a hopper assembly having lower flanged surfaces for engaging the frame flanges and stops, a granular dispenser located in the lower portion of said hopper and having a dispenser shaft engageable with the clutch shaft jaws and fastening structure between the frame and hopper for releasably attaching the hopper to the planter.

Abstract: A rotary harrow has a transverse frame, including an elongated hollow beam, and rotatable soil working tined members are mounted on upwardly extending shafts journalled in the beam. A supporting elongated roller has arms that adjustably connect to the frame and the roller also extends transverse to the direction of travel, at the rear of the beam. Vertical plate supports on the top of the beam extend upwardly and rearwardly and a tool bar is interconnected to the rearmost extremities of the supports so that seed drills, etc. can be secured in place to the rear of the soil working members. The tool bar also extends transverse and across the width of the frame.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a trailer-like multi-sectioned frame is mounted on supporting spaced-apart wheels adjustable intermittently of the height of the frame and having mounted on the various sections of the frame, functional elements including a forward rotatable cutting blade for cutting upper earth soil, a following sub-soil cutting blade aligned to follow in the upper earth cut formed by the forward cutting blade and being formable of a sub-soil groove beneath the slot, a soil-fill-in tine rotatable wheel having laterally curved and directed tine ends extending a breadth wider than the slot such that are trailed along the slot the tine ends cave-in soil to fill the sub-soil groove, a seed-bed-preparing tine wheel mounted to trail in the slot behind the soil-fill-in tine rotatable wheel, and a seed planter of conventional nature mounted to trail the seed-bed-preparing tine wheel to plant within prepared soil along the slot, the tine elements of the seed-bed-preparing tine wheel being c

Abstract: A rotary harrow has soil-working members that are protected and, to some extent, supported from the ground by an elongated transverse beam that is pivoted to the front of the frame. The beam is spring biased to an operative location adjacent the soil-working member connections and vertically adjustable with respect to those members. The beam is rounded off at its lower surfaces to level the ground and ride along the ground. If debris becomes lodged between the beam and soil-working members, the beam can pivot forwardly against spring opposition to release the debris. The pivot axis for the beam is substantially directly above the beam itself.

Abstract: An agricultural row-clearing unit for use with an agricultural row unit attached to a towing frame hitched to a tractor comprises an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a support element having a leading end pivotally connected to the attachment frame for vertical pivoting movement relative to the attachment frame, at least one agricultural tool mounted on the trailing end of the support element, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the attachment frame and the support element for pivoting the support element around the pivotal connection to the attachment frame.