Abstract: A field planting system for planting seeds of at least two plant genotypes in a field includes a multi-variety planter operable to plant the seeds of the at least two plant genotypes in the field. The field planting system also includes a controller in operable communication with the multi-variety planter. The controller is configured to receive georeferenced field information for the field and plant information for the at least two plant genotypes, and generate a planting map for the field based on the georeferenced field information and the plant information, the planting map including a planting pattern for interplanting the seeds of the at least two plant genotypes. The controller is further configured to monitor a location of the multi-variety planter in the field, and control the multi-variety planter to plant the seeds of the at least two plant genotypes in the field according to the planting map.

Abstract: A seed planting unit of an agricultural implement may include a wheel support arm having an upper portion and a lower portion. A wheel may be rotatably supported by the lower portion of the wheel support arm, the wheel configured to contact the soil surface to define a penetration depth setting for a ground engaging tool relative to the soil surface. A depth stop member may be provided in operative association with one of the support structure or the wheel support arm. A depth adjustment member may be selectively movable relative to the other of the support structure or the wheel support arm to vary a relative position between the depth adjustment member and the depth stop member. The depth stop member may selectively abut one of the plurality of steps when the wheel is contacting the soil surface to set the penetration depth setting for the ground engaging tool.

Abstract: A seed meter assembly for a seeding machine. The seed meter assembly has a metering member mounted for rotation about a meter axis and driven to rotate in a direction of travel, the metering member having an inner surface configured to receive seeds and an outer surface and apertures passing through the metering member between the inner surface and the outer surface at a radial distance from the meter axis. The seed meter assembly also has a loader including at least one loader surface movable into and out of a position in which the loader surface is disposed at the radial distance adjacent one of the apertures.

Abstract: A switching device (8) for control devices is provided, in which a recess (14) in an element (13) driven by an emergency drive (11) is designed with at least one inclined surface (17, 18) such that a blocking element (15) engaging in the recess (14) can be disengaged from the latter when the emergency drive (11) is actuated.

Abstract: A method including adjusting a changeable component of a seed planting machine when switching from a first variety of seed to a second variety of seed during planting, wherein the adjusting is based on a location of the planting machine.

Abstract: A folding implement that facilitates planting operations and optimization of irrigation and drainage with efficient preparation, configuration, and planting of seed beds. A centrally located fixed drum roller supports a pair of hinged outboard drum roller wings that for maximum implement width are deployed in alignment with the main section during operation. The wings are hydraulically folded into a compact upright position for legal transport over public roads. The implement is constructed so as to provide strength and durability comparable to single-section furrow rollers. The wings include double sets of crumbler baskets for the preparation of seed beds, where the crumbler baskets are moved along with the folding wings.

Abstract: An agricultural device includes a number of row units that each includes a seed furrow opener that creates a furrow in the soil for seed placement. Each row unit is mounted to a toolbar of the device by a four-bar linkage which allows each row unit to move vertically to adjust to the contour of the soil independently of the other row units on the same toolbar. The four-bar linkages include one or more springs which work to transfer weight from the toolbar to the row unit. An actuator varies the tension in the spring thereby adjusting the down or up force applied to the row unit.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a vertical floating row cleaner may include a mounting bracket configured to engage a row unit frame, which mounting bracket may have a receiver engaged therewith. An extension member may have first and second ends, with one end configured as an adjustor interface and the opposite end configured to pivotally engage at least one row cleaner wheel. An adjustor may engage the extension member at the adjustor interface such that the adjustor prevents the extension member from moving with respect to the receiver past a certain point in at least one direction.

Abstract: A method of seed planting in a “serpentine” pattern called the wave planter is demonstrated. It consists of a manner of placing the seeds that essentially results in equally spaced rows of seeds placed in a serpentine-like layout or wave instead of a straight row. The preferred method creates a wave pattern equidistant from the next, yet creates a substantial increase over the density of straight row planting devices and drills (e.g. parallel, essentially straight rows). The use of the wave pattern provide concrete and substantial benefits to the business and economics of farming through labor, energy, and maintenance savings over current planting methods which results in a new farming business method. The method may be accomplished by several devices. Some of the devices include an oscillating draw bar planter; oscillating tongue planter; elliptical row opener; steerable undercarriage for the planter and castor row openers under undercarriage.

Abstract: A bushing is provided for mounting a pivot arm that has both a threaded portion as well as one or two smooth cylindrical portions. The threaded portion enables the pivot arm to be a laterally adjusted by rotating the bushing while the smooth portion or portions provide a bearing surface or surfaces for the pivot arm loads. This removes the load from the threads, reducing wear of both the bushing and the pivot arm, thereby reducing maintenance cost.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, and a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit. The agricultural implement system also includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the down force cylinder and the depth control cylinder. The valve assembly is configured to automatically adjust the downward force by varying fluid pressure within the down force cylinder based on fluid pressure within the depth control cylinder.

Abstract: A bushing is provided for mounting a pivot arm that has both a threaded portion as well as one or two smooth cylindrical portions. The threaded portion enables the pivot arm to be a laterally adjusted by rotating the bushing while the smooth portion or portions provide a bearing surface or surfaces for the pivot arm loads. This removes the load from the threads, reducing wear of both the bushing and the pivot arm, thereby reducing maintenance cost.

Abstract: A seed spacing monitoring system is used In an agricultural seeder for planting seeds. The agricultural seeder has a furrow opener, a seed meter for metering seed to be dispensed in the furrow, and a furrow closer to cover the seed in the furrow. The seed spacing monitoring system includes a detector supported to detect seeds in the furrow prior to the seeds being covered. The detector provides a plurality of seed presence signals, with each seed presence signal being indicative of a respective seed present in the furrow. A speed sensor is associated with the seeder and provides a speed signal indicating a ground speed of the seeder. An electrical processor receives the plurality of seed presence signals and the speed signal. The electrical processor determines a seed spacing, dependent upon the seed presence signals and the speed signal.

Abstract: A disc hub assembly includes a shouldered spindle that is secured to a disc opener frame and to which a depth adjustment arm and a gauge wheel arm are connected. The disc hub, to which a ground opener disc is mounted, is disposed on the spindle in a manner that allows the disc to rotate around the spindle. A gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm. When the depth adjustment arm is rotated between depth setting positions the gauge wheel arm is also rotated. As the gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm, rotation of the gauge wheel arm causes rotation of the gauge wheel. The depth adjustment arm is spring biased into engagement with an arc of notches on the disc opener frame. The notches define a range of positions at which the depth adjustment arm may be positioned.

Abstract: A disc hub assembly includes a shouldered spindle that is secured to a disc opener frame and to which a depth adjustment arm and a gauge wheel arm are connected. The disc hub, to which a ground opener disc is mounted, is disposed on the spindle in a manner that allows the disc to rotate around the spindle. A gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm. When the depth adjustment arm is rotated between depth setting positions the gauge wheel arm is also rotated. As the gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm, rotation of the gauge wheel arm causes rotation of the gauge wheel. The depth adjustment arm is spring biased into engagement with an arc of notches on the disc opener frame. The notches define a range of positions at which the depth adjustment arm may be positioned.

Abstract: A slice seeder apparatus includes a frame supported on wheels, and ground-engaging blades housed in the frame. At least one of the wheels can be moved between a raised position and a lowered position with respect to the frame. The apparatus also includes a hoist for moving the at least one wheel between the raised position where the blades are engaged in the ground, and the lowered position where the blades are clear from the ground. Additionally, the apparatus includes an engine housed in the frame and operatively connected to power at least the blades and the hoist; and at least one switch for actuating the hoist to move between the raised position and the lowered position.

Abstract: A disc hub assembly includes a shouldered spindle that is secured to a disc opener frame and to which a depth adjustment arm and a gauge wheel arm are connected. The disc hub, to which a ground opener disc is mounted, is disposed on the spindle in a manner that allows the disc to rotate around the spindle. A gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm. When the depth adjustment arm is rotated between depth setting positions the gauge wheel arm is also rotated. As the gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm, rotation of the gauge wheel arm causes rotation of the gauge wheel. The depth adjustment arm is spring biased into engagement with an arc of notches on the disc opener frame. The notches define a range of positions at which the depth adjustment arm may be positioned.

Abstract: A disc hub assembly includes a shouldered spindle that is secured to a disc opener frame and to which a depth adjustment arm and a gauge wheel arm are connected. The disc hub, to which a ground opener disc is mounted, is disposed on the spindle in a manner that allows the disc to rotate around the spindle. A gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm. When the depth adjustment arm is rotated between depth setting positions the gauge wheel arm is also rotated. As the gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm, rotation of the gauge wheel arm causes rotation of the gauge wheel. The depth adjustment arm is spring biased into engagement with an arc of notches on the disc opener frame. The notches define a range of positions at which the depth adjustment arm may be positioned.

Abstract: A seeding apparatus having a furrow opener attached to a first trailing arm, sensor for sensing the amount of ground force to which the furrow opener is being subjected, a second trailing arm, a packing wheel in secure engagement with the second trailing arm and adapted to pack a seeded furrow, an actuator and a control device in communication with the actuator and in communication with the sensor for applying a variable bias force to the packing wheel.

Abstract: A planter for planting multiple rows of seeds in which the spacing between rows and the spacing between seeds in a row can be varied includes at least two planting units, each planting unit adapted for planting a row of seeds, the planting units being mounted so that the spacing between the at least two of the planting units can be changed, and the rate of planting of at least one of the planting units being independently changeable. A method of planting seeds in a field with a multi-row planter having a plurality of planting units each adapted for planting a row of seeds, includes selectively changing at least one of the spacing between at least two adjacent planting units and the rate of operation of at least one of the planting units during the planting so that at least one of the row spacing or the seed spacing in the rows is not uniform across the planted field.

Abstract: The invention refers to an implement regulating device at an agricultural machine comprising at least one group of implements (4) arranged across the driving direction, thereafter cross-wise arranged support members (15) and at least one each group of implements and support members controllable and adjustable power device (23) whereby implements (4) and support members (15) comprising each group are journalled in bearings at one end of at least one carrying arm (13) and that said power device (23) is adapted to rotate a cross-running main beam (19), whereby the main beam is connected with the carrying arm (13) via a spring member (18) and is rotatably suspended in relation to the frame (Ia) of the machine (1), whereby activation of said power device is adapted to influence the carrying arm between a position for maximum sowing depth and a transport position.

Abstract: An agricultural machine apt for crop interseeding, of the type that is self-propelled, comprising a unit with a drawing drive unit and a draw unit, both operatively linked to each other. The drawing drive unit comprises a land vehicle including an elevated chassis disposed at a substantial height for passing over tall mature crops such as corn, wheat, sunflowers and other similar crops, without causing any damage. The drawn unit comprises a structure mounted on a metal frame of a single hopper housing seeds and/or fertilizers with its corresponding dosage dispensers and mechanically actuated drop chutes.

Abstract: A system and method to reduce vertical acceleration experienced by a seed meter of a planter row unit during planting operations, the planter row unit having a row unit frame including a hopper support from which the seed meter is operably supported. The system includes a support system operably vertically supporting the hopper support vertically movably independent of the row unit frame.

Abstract: A disc opener system for attachment to an agricultural vehicle for opening a seed trench. The system includes a main arm, a disc opener mounted to the main arm, a gauge wheel mounted about a pivot axis to the main arm, a gauge wheel mounted for rotation on the gauge arm, and a depth adjustment assembly for adjusting and positively locking a position of the gauge wheel relative to disc opener. The depth adjustment assembly includes an adjustment link mounted to the main arm, an adjustment coupling attached to the gauge arm, a handle pivotably attached to the adjustment coupling and a clip attached to the adjustment coupling. The clip locks the handle in a position where it mates the adjustment link and adjustment coupling to fix the position of the gauge wheel relative to the disc opener.

Abstract: A seeding apparatus adapted for being drawn across the ground of an agricultural field by a tractor, comprising at least one frame adapted for engagement with the tractor, at least one seeding unit comprising, a first trailing arm having a proximal end and a distal end, means for securely engaging the proximal end of the first trailing arm with the frame, a furrow opener, means for securely engaging the furrow opener with the first trailing arm proximate the distal end of the first trailing arm, means for sensing the amount of ground force to which the furrow opener is being subjected, means for placing seed in the opened furrow, a second trailing arm having a proximal end and a distal end, means for securely and pivotally engaging the proximal end of the second trailing arm with the frame, a packing wheel in secure engagement with the second trailing arm proximate the distal end of the second trailing arm and adapted to pack the seeded furrow, means for variably biasing the packing wheel toward the ground in

Abstract: An agricultural machine apt for crop interseeding, of the type that is self-propelled, comprising a unit with a drawing drive unit and a draw unit, both operatively linked to each other. The drawing drive unit comprises a land vehicle including an elevated chassis disposed at a substantial height for passing over tall mature crops such as corn, wheat, sunflowers and other similar crops, without causing any damage. The drawn unit comprises a structure mounted on a metal frame of a single hopper housing seeds and/or fertilizers with its corresponding dosage dispensers and mechanically actuated drop chutes.

Abstract: A ground engaging apparatus (10) has a support plate (50) pivotally attached to a frame (100); a pair of arms (30, 40) interconnecting the support plate (50) and a shank support (60), which supports a shank (70) and ground follower (90) and first and second biasing rams or springs (200, 300), to maintain the ground follower (90); against the ground (91) but allow controlled break out of a ground opening, or tillage, tool (81) if an obstruction is engaged.

Abstract: A seed planter has at least one rock shaft carrying a rank of planter assemblies. Each planter assembly includes a torsion joint assembly connected to the rock shaft, a planting equipment linkage connected to the torsion joint, a planting equipment yoke connected to the linkage and planting tools or equipment connected to the yoke. The planting equipment linkage is a modified parallelogram linkage that keeps the planting equipment in consistent alignment over the ground even as the seed planter traverses irregular terrain. The seed planter includes a stop mechanism that limits the amount of permissible rotation of the torsion joint on the rock shaft. A stop plate is attached to the torsion joint housing for rotation with it relative to the rock shaft. An edge of the stop plate faces the rock shaft and has a jaw opening defined by upper and lower jaws that at least partially encompasses the rock shaft.

Abstract: A planter for planting multiple rows of seeds in which the spacing between rows and the spacing between seeds in a row can be varied includes at least two planting units, each planting unit adapted for planting a row of seeds, the planting units being mounted so that the spacing between the at least two of the planting units can be changed, and the rate of planting of at least one of the planting units being independently changeable. A method of planting seeds in a field with a multi-row planter having a plurality of planting units each adapted for planting a row of seeds, includes selectively changing at least one of the spacing between at least two adjacent planting units and the rate of operation of at least one of the planting units during the planting so that at least one of the row spacing or the seed spacing in the rows is not uniform across the planted field.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a pivoting assembly, a working assembly, and a tow bar assembly. The working assembly includes a front gang of coulters and a rear gang of coulters. The pivoting assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is adjusted between an extended orientation, a retracted orientation, a floating orientation, and a level orientation. The extended orientation places a greater portion of the weight of the working assembly on the rear gang of coulters. The retracted orientation places a greater portion of the weight of the working assembly on the front gang of coulters. The level orientation locks the hydraulic cylinder so that an equal portion of the weight of the working assembly is placed on the rear and the front gang of coulters. The floating orientation allows the front and the rear gang of coulters to follow the terrain of the land being conditioned.

Abstract: A no-till seed planter includes a wheel mounted frame having at least one rock shaft carrying a rank of seed planting assemblies connected to the rock shaft by torque arms. A torsion joint connects each torque arm to the rock shaft and permits resilient rotation of the torque arm on the rock shaft. A stop block assembly on the rock shaft limits the amount of permissible rotation of the torsion joint on the rock shaft in order to avoid damage to the torsion joint and dislocation of the torsion joint. The torque arm is a composite structure of a main member connected to the torsion joint at one end and to a planter assembly at the other. In one embodiment leaf members are connected to the torsion joint and extend alongside the main member to an intermediate location on it. The leaf members buffer side-to-side deflection of the main member. The planter assembly includes a furrowing disk and a depth gauge tire spaced from the disk.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for use with farm implements or other equipment utilizes a series of alternating teeth and notches arranged in an arcuate pattern about an axis of adjusting movement on a movable member and a pair of arcuately spaced latching bars on a stationary member of the mechanism. The bars are individually shiftable into and out of engagement with the teeth and notches and are spaced apart such a distance that when either of the bars is in registration with a notch, the other bar is in registration with a tooth. Springs yieldably bias the bars toward the teeth and notches so that the bar aligned with a notch will snap down into the notch while the other bar resides in a standby position abutting the outer end of its tooth.

Abstract: A mounting system for securing planting units in planting machines, each unit including at least a portion removably secured to a carrier beam, the system allowing to quickly and simply change the distance between working units in order to adapt the machine to a better use thereof the beam having at least one slot extending along the beam and receiving a bolt connected to a curved plate bearing against a rear face of the beam, and to the beam, the bolt passing through the slot of the beam.

Abstract: There is provided an inter-plant arm assembly for selectively mounting a predetermined number of additional planter units to a multi-row planter having a plurality of existing planter units. The inter-plant arm facilitates quick and efficient varying of row widths to plant different crops. The inter-plant arm includes a front arm that attaches to the planter adjacent an existing planter unit and extends at a predetermined angle of incline and a rear arm that carries at least one additional planter unit. A coupling between the front and rear arms allows for quick attachment and detachment of any desired additional planter units. The coupling defines a receiver that accepts an end portion of the rear arm and includes a pin and lock to selectively secure that end portion of the rear arm in the receiver.

Abstract: A seed drill particularly adapted for contouring uneven ground and accommodating rocks, especially where depth of furrow and placement of seed against wet soil is critical, as in dry land farming. Each drill in a set of drills is a separate unit which is mounted on a vehicle. Each unit includes a split press wheel with an opener mounted within the wheel. The units can easily be individually mounted or adjusted on the vehicle for spacing and height. The opener has an articulating adjusting arm which allows easy adjustment to all preferred positions.

Abstract: A ground closer kit for attachment to a seeding/fertilizing apparatus includes a support frame having a first end, a second end, and a bottom edge. The first end is adapted for pivotally mounting the support frame to a ground opener. A ground closer plate is secured to the bottom edge of the support frame at the second end. A rod is pivotally mounted to the second end of the support frame. A receptacle is provided for attachment to a seed/fertilizer delivery tube. The rod is securable within the receptacle at one of a plurality of attachment positions along the length of the rod.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism is disclosed for use in association with a row unit having a furrow forming apparatus as an integral part thereof. A linkage arrangement is provided for mounting the row unit to a tool bar of a tractor or the like thus allowing the furrow forming apparatus to follow the contour of the ground for consistent and efficient furrow formation. The mounting mechanism of the present invention includes a unique pressure applicator that allows for one-handed adjustment of the furrow forming mechanism on each row unit without the use of tools. The present invention is furthermore structured to facilitate adjustment of the pressure applicator along a predetermined path of travel relative to the linkage assembly that mounts the row unit to the tool bar.

Abstract: A direct drill seeding unit comprising a coulter wheel (5), a pair of depth control wheels (7) and a splitter (9) where the main components of the seeding unit are pivoted on an elongate arm (1) which is connected to a common or main frame (3). The pivotal movement of the unit allows a gang of the seeding units to follow undulating land in a very faithful manner. Furthermore the splitter (9) is capable of variable height and angle relative to the ground level according to the vertical position of the elongate arm such that as the arm moves up the splitter shall automatically compensate by lowering in order to maintain contact with the soil. The adjustment of the splitter is effected by the trapezoid configuration of the 4 pivoting points and the "L" shaped common linkages (4).

Abstract: An agricultural planting machine has a pair of adjacent furrow opening disks that form a V-shaped furrow as the machine advances and a pair of ground engaging gauge wheels respectively mounted for rotation adjacent the opposite sides of the opening disks. The gauge wheels are journaled on the lower ends of a pair of arms having their upper ends attached to the planter frame by mechanisms that permit easy lateral adjustment of the arms to optimize the close spacing between the gauge wheels and the opening disks. Each adjusting mechanisms includes an externally threaded bushing mounted on a shaft and engaging an internally threaded bore in the gauge wheel arm so that rotation of the bushing laterally shifts the arm and the gauge wheel mounted thereon. A locking device is operative between the bushing and the shaft to selectively lock the adjusting mechanism in the desired position.

Abstract: A dual dispensing device to be attached to the frame of an apparatus for seed and fertilizer placement in the ground comprising an elongate body member to be pivotally connected to the frame of the apparatus, a first dispenser for fertilizer is pivotally connected to the elongate body member, the first dispenser includes a first knife to make a first furrow in the ground and a first tube to carry fertilizer to be deposited in the first furrow. A fluid biasing element is pivotally connected to the first knife and to the frame to control the pivoting of the first knife. A second dispenser for seed is fixed to the elongate body member to the rear of the first dispenser, the second dispenser includes a second knife to make a second furrow in the ground and a second tube to carry seed to be deposited in the second furrow. Prior to the seed entering the seed tube the seed passes through a seed and air deceleration and air removal chamber.

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: An adjustable down pressure mechanism is disclosed for use in association with a furrow forming apparatus of a seed planter. A parallel linkage arrangement is provided for mounting the apparatus on a tool bar of a tractor or the like, whereby the apparatus can follow the contour of the ground for efficient and consistent furrow formation. The down pressure mechanism comprises one or more springs operatively extending between upper and lower links of the parallel linkage. An upper support member for the springs is configured for convenient adjustable positioning along the upper links, whereby the pressure exerted by the springs on the furrow forming apparatus can be readily varied.

Abstract: An agricultural planter for metering seeds for row crops includes a main frame in the form of a sled with transport wheels which can be selectively raised and lowered for transporting the planter and a tool bar for mounting a plurality of implements. A planter unit for the planter machine includes a main frame having a pair of vertically extending shanks for connecting to the tool bar, a mounting bracket for a seed shoe, and a bracket for a press wheel, a vacuum operated seed dispensing device with the vacuum provided by a vacuum fan mounted on the sled and powered by hydraulic motor with fluid from the main hydraulic system of the tractor. A jack shaft mounted transverse to the sled for powering the implements is driven by a ground wheel including a frame having a pair of reversible tool bar shanks and a drive transmission including a countershaft providing the pivotal support for the frame of the ground wheel.

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: Mechanism for dispensing seed or fertilizer for agricultural row crop implements such as seed drills and precision planters. A resilient rotatable roller cooperates with a flat vertical glass dispensing plate to dispense seed or fertilizer from a hopper through a nip between the plate and the roller. A slightly raised narrow slow rate band on the roller cooperates sealingly with a pair of removable confinement flanges so that small seeds such as kale can be confined to the slow rate band and dispensed much more slowly than if the whole width of the roller were used.

Abstract: A mechanism for dispensing seed or fertilizer, etc., for agricultural row crop implements such as seed drills and precision planters, comprises a resilient rotatable roller which cooperates with a flat vertical glass dispensing plate to dispense seed or fertilizer from a hopper through a nip between the plate and the roller. The roller is of unfoamed polyurethane formed with a honeycomb of axially extending recesses defining a relatively thin outer deflection band of the roller. The recesses give the roller the uniform and high degree of flexibility needed to accommodate a wide range of seed sizes while retaining the durability, consistency of physical characteristics and suitability for precision moulding, of unfoamed polyurethane.

Abstract: A transmission and drive assembly for a planter that can be transversely positioned on and selectively clamped on the planter frame at desired locations out of interfering relationship with the planting units. The transmission is at the end of the frame outside of the outermost planter unit but may be easily repositioned on the frame as is necessary. A ground wheel assembly is secured to so as to optionally extend to the front or rear of the frame. It may also be adjusted transversely to accommodate adjustments in the row spacings. The dual assembly includes a countershaft journaled on both the transmission and the wheel assembly bracket and driven by the ground wheel through ratchet assemblies. The transmission is also securable to the frame to extend either to the front or the rear thereof. A crossover drive assembly is provided for transferring drive from the front to the rear of the frame when the transmission is mounted to extend to the front of the frame.

Abstract: A cottonseed planter for planting cottonseed along a selected side of a raised bed is disclosed. The planter is adapted for two-way operation through the field and includes a tool bar frame having ground engaging means. Multiple seeders are supported on the frame and at least one of the seeders is tiltable in both directions from vertical for seeding operations. Shaping blades are pivotally mounted on the frame intermediate the seeders and precede the seeders in operation. A control rod is operatively connected to the seeders and the blades so that upon reaching the end of a seed bed row, the operator can change the position of the seeders and blades and continue seeding on the same side of the seed bed in the reverse direction of operation through the field. In the preferred embodiment, the seeders are a press wheel type and at least one seeder is disengaged in each direction of operation.

Abstract: An attachment for a device for planting parallel rows of seeds from a single seed box is disclosed whereby selected rows can be planted or skipped as selected by the user. A frame has a linear equally spaced array of a plurality of inlet nipples, and a slide bar having a plurality of outlet nipples in register with the inlet nipples can be displaced by the distance of separation between nipples to place a different set of inlet and outlet nipples in register. Planting with the slide bar alternatingly displaced causes a row to be alternately planted and skipped to provide desired seed spacing.

Abstract: A potato seed platner in which seeds are loaded into cups on an endless conveyor from a hopper of a seed receptacle. The conveyor is driven on upper and lower sprockets and arranged on the receptacle with the cups in two parallel rows in staggered constant relationship and moving upwardly through the hopper for seed loading. The cups pass around the upper sprocket, invert and enter a contoured tube thereat and descend in an attached dicharge tube to a furrow. The cup bottoms are inclined transversely and support the seeds in their descent against the wall of the discharge tube. At the bottom the seeds are discharged from the planter and guided by the transversely inclined cup bottoms are deposited one by one alternately from one row and then the other in the furrow with precision heretofore unachieved. The planter further comprises a wheeled frame and one or more, attached, laterally extending, flexible frames upon which the receptacle is supported.