Abstract: An agricultural seeder has furrow opener assemblies spaced along a width of the implement frame. Each furrow opener assembly has an opener arm pivotally attached to the implement frame, and a furrow opener attached to the opener arm. A product delivery system delivers agricultural products to the furrow opener assemblies, and a product control controls the product delivery system such that agricultural products are delivered only to active furrow opener assemblies. A bias force system is operative, when activated in a transport mode, to exert an upward bias force on the active and idle furrow opener assemblies, and operative, when activated in an operating mode, to exert a downward bias force on the active furrow opener assemblies, and to exert substantially no force on the idle furrow opener assemblies.

Abstract: An air seeding system and method includes a manifold mounted across a plurality of row planter units. Electric motors are mounted on the manifold and are operatively connected to the seed meters. A microprocessor or controller adjusts the speed of the motors in response to field data input so as to adjust the rate of seed dispensement to achieve desired plant population. The motor speeds can be adjusted on the fly, without stopping the air seeder. The system senses ground speed, senses the raised and lowered positioned of the row planter units, and senses any blockage of the row planter units. The motors eliminate the need for a ground drive wheel.

Abstract: An air seeder distribution apparatus has seed and fertilizer tanks, and a like plurality of metering devices mounted on each product tank. A manifold set comprises a like plurality of product manifolds and each manifold is separately fed from one metering device on each of the seed and fertilizer tanks. A control selectively starts and stops rotation of the feed roller of each metering device to feed product from either tank, or both tanks to the connected manifold. The weight of each tank can be displayed on a weight indicator. Balancing of the pressure in each supply conduit can be provided. A remote opener exerts downward force on the tank lid to maintain interior pressure.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system that includes a control system configured to receive a first signal to initiate seeding operations, to transition a ground engaging tool toward a working position at a first time after receiving the first signal, and to activate a product delivery system at a second time, different from the first time, after receiving the first signal.

Abstract: An agricultural planter includes a frame and left and right wings pivotally attached to respective ends of the frame, all of which have a plurality of spaced row units. Each wing includes a forward bar pivotally coupled to the frame for forward folding for transport and an aft bar having row units attached thereto. Each aft bar is aligned parallel with and is pivotally coupled to its associated forward bar by at least one pair of first and second non-parallel coupling arms. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the forward bar and to one of the pivoting arms raises the associated aft bar with row units above the soil to a first elevated position to facilitate turning the planter. Further extension of the hydraulic cylinder causes additional elevation, and substantial rotation of the aft bar and row unit combination to provide a low and narrow planter profile for transport and storage.

Abstract: A granular dispenser for a planter having a closure means for sealing the hopper which is operated by a hydraulic cylinder which is connected in parallel with the hydraulic cylinder normally provided on a planter for raising and lowering the planter tool bar so that the closure means is fully closed before the planter begins to raise and remains closed until the planter is fully lowered.

Abstract: An agricultural drill having a plurality of seed dispensing units 6 that are driven through rotary shaft means 8 that extends across the width of the drill and is driven by a drive mechanism 9 at one end, said shaft means 8 comprising two coaxial shafts that each drive the seed dispensing units 6 associated with half the width of the drill and that are connected together by a quick release coupling 25 that couples the shafts together for rotation and can be released to stop rotation of that shaft remote from the drive mechanism 9. The quick release coupling 25 comprises a bayonet type coupling in which a radially projecting pin 28 associated with one shaft 8 engages in an axially and circumferentially extending slot 27 associated with the other shaft 8, said slot 27 being shaped so that it cooperates with the pin 28 and produces a wedge action that urges the two shafts 8 into axial abutting engagement when they are driven.

Abstract: The present device is adapted for use with conventional row planters which have two separate groups of planting devices thereon. The present invention permits each of the planting systems to be separately turned on or off. The planting selector is operated on a gear driven fulcrum bar that is connected at its opposite ends to two levers. Each lever has a fork on one end that engages the clutch mechanism for one of the two planter systems. The gear driven fulcrum bar is driven by an electric motor which is capable of driving the fulcrum bar in a first direction or which is capable of being reversed to drive the fulcrum bar in an opposite direction. The fulcrum bar has three positions. In the middle position, the device will allow the two separate clutches for the two separate planting systems to be engaged so as to activate both planting systems. The two other positions permit one of the planting systems to be deactuated and the other of the planting systems to be activated.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in air seeders, namely agricultural implements which utilize air pressure to move particulate material such as seeds from a feed zone to a dispersal or planting zone. The particulate material is normally fed from a hopper by a driven feed wheel or other similar mechanism. The invention provides a pressure pick-up at the source of air pressure, a conduit connecting the pick-up with a pneumatic actuator and a suitable linkage connecting the actuator with a clutch which is used to transmit drive power to the feed wheel. As long as there is sufficient pressure at the source the actuator will keep the clutch positioned to permit the feed wheel to operate. Should the pressure source fail the actuator will operate the clutch to stop transmitting power to the feed wheel and thus terminate the feeding of material which would otherwise clog the delivery conduits of the seeder.

Abstract: A row unit with a mechanism which provides normal planting via a parallel bar linkage connection to the planter and which can be locked up in a raised, non-planting position when desired. The mechanism includes curved slotted openings in the lower bars of the linkage for frame mounted spacers as the frame pivots about the connection with the upper bars, and locking structure having detents to engage the spacers in the lowered working and raised non-working positions. The mechanism also prevents the release of the locking structure until the row unit weight is lifted therefrom.

Abstract: A pneumatic seed planter utilizing air pressure to dispense the seeds in a central hopper to a plurality of laterally spaced seed planting assemblies. Mounted on the planter is a system for dispensing granular chemicals such as fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides from a separate hopper to the rows planted by the planting assemblies. The system uses air pressure from the planter (rather than a mechanical drive) to convey the granular material out of the separate hopper to the planting assemblies. Air is directed upwardly through an opening in the bottom of the chemical hopper and into a material conveyor tube spaced from the opening. The granular chemical is drawn through the space and into the conveyor tube by the air stream. A plurality of delivery tubes is connected to the conveyor tube for directing the chemical to the respective plurality of planting assemblies.

Abstract: A pull type folding grain drill driven by the gauge wheels including pivoting legs carrying the gauge wheels which drive a clutch shaft through a first chain and sprocket drive, the clutch shaft axis being offset from the pivoting leg axis. A second chain and sprocket drive between the dispensing seed shaft and the clutch shaft including an idler pulley having cam means on the end thereof for disengaging a clutch on the clutch shaft when the pivoting legs are rotated to lift the planter out of the ground in the transport position.