Abstract: A seeding machine, such as a row crop planter, is described which is adapted to switch between two or more seed varieties as the machine traverses a field. The control system uses a programmed quantity of seed representing a number of seeds in the seed meter that need to be substantially consumed once the flow of a first seed variety is stopped before introducing a second seed variety to minimize seed mixing. The seed quantity can be determined by a calibration process or published from the manufacturer or third parties. The seed quantity can also be part of a seeding prescription that includes assignment of where each seed variety is to be planted in a field. The seed quantity and the distance traveled to empty the meter can be used to optimize the planting operation including the machine direction which can also be part of the prescription.

Abstract: A method to precisely meter and dispense two or more crop inputs with a common metering disc is presented to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials.

Abstract: A method to precisely meter and dispense two or more crop inputs with a common metering disc is presented to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials.

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 sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering device includes an opening blade having first and second sides extending between a leading edge and an aft edge. The opening blade has an upper surface and a lower surface extending between upper and lower edges respectively of the first and second sides of the blade. First and second wings are mounted to the first and second sides respectively in generally oppositely disposed relation so as to be cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The first and second wings extend between first and second forward wing edges and first and second aft-opening wing apertures. Seed, fertilizer or water are dispensed through the wing apertures. Oppositely disposed, rigid canards for subsurface soil agitation are mounted to the first and second sides, so as to extend cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The canards may be mounted between the leading edge of the blade and the first and second forward wing edges.

Abstract: A sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering device includes an opening blade having first and second sides extending between a leading edge and an aft edge. The opening blade has an upper surface and a lower surface extending between upper and lower edges respectively of the first and second sides of the blade. First and second wings are mounted to the first and second sides respectively in generally oppositely disposed relation so as to be cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The first and second wings extend between first and second forward wing edges and first and second aft-opening wing apertures. Seed, fertilizer or water are dispensed through the wing apertures. Oppositely disposed, rigid canards for subsurface soil agitation are mounted to the first and second sides, so as to extend cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The canards may be mounted between the leading edge of the blade and the first and second forward wing edges.

Abstract: A sub-surface seeding, fertilizing and watering device includes an opening blade. The opening blade has first and second sides extending between a leading edge and an aft edge on the blade. The first and second sides are generally symmetrical to each other. The opening blade is mountable to a material feeder so as to be generally vertically disposed when mounted thereon for partial submerging into soil to a first submerged depth during forward translation advancing the leading edge through the soil. First and second wings are mounted to the first and second sides respectively in generally oppositely disposed relation so as to be cantilevered outwardly therefrom. The first and second wings have first and second aft-opening wing apertures. First and second conduits cooperate with the first and second aft opening wing apertures for seed, fertilizer or fluid flow, as fed therethrough from the material feeder during the forward translation.

Abstract: A new mobile planting apparatus has first and second ranks of powered row units and first and second power devices connected respectively to and providing driving horsepower to such ranks. Suitable power devices include mechanical, electrical and hydraulic types with the latter being preferred. Each power device includes a control mechanism permitting the driving horsepower provided to the respective ranks to be independently controlled. That is, each power device may be independently operated or disabled and the power devices may run at different speeds and horsepowers. A new method for planting seeds enables a grower using two ranks of row units to plant seeds up to the boundary of a field while yet avoiding seeding beyond or short of the boundary with either row unit. The method also involves planting two different types of seeds.

Abstract: A tube alignment bracket for mounting on or shaped integrally with the seed distribution tube of a seed planter to align multiple planter insecticide tubes in close proximity to, and in a vertical plane with, the discharge opening of the seed distribution tube and insure that liquid insecticide or fungicide dispensed through the insecticide tubes are deposited in a furrow in close proximity to seeds expelled from the seed distribution tube. In a preferred embodiment the tube alignment bracket is characterized by an elongated, I beam-shaped leg plate strengthened by a pair of braces, one end of which leg plate extends from a bracket plate which is slotted and is strapped to or formed integrally with the seed distribution tube. The leg plate is fitted with at least one pair of openings or a slot to receive and position the insecticide tubes in close, fixed proximity with respect to the discharge opening of the seed distribution tube.

Abstract: A tube alignment spacer bracket for mounting on a tube alignment bracket which is, in turn, mounted on or shaped integrally with the seed distribution tube of a seed planter, to align the planter insecticide tube or tubes in close proximity to, and in a vertical plane with, the discharge opening of the seed distribution tube and insure that liquid insecticide or fungicide dispensed through the insecticide tube or tubes is deposited in a furrow in close proximity to seeds expelled from the seed distribution tube. In a preferred embodiment the tube alignment spacer bracket is characterized by a Z-shaped bracket having a pair of slots, one of which receives one end of a tube alignment bracket fitted with a tube mount and the opposite slot of which receives one or more tube fittings, to which are attached one or more insecticide tubes.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing seed and fertilizer in the ground comprises, a sectional frame, a seed supply and a fertilizer supply mounted on the frame, a multiplicity of unique fluid controlled seed row assemblies pivotally mounted on the frame to receive seed and fertilizer from their supplies, a fluid pressure source, a first control means for controlling fluid flowing from the source to the seed row assemblies, an identical second control means for controlling fluid flowing from the source to fluid controlled pivotal sections of the sectioned frame.

Abstract: A tube alignment bracket for mounting on or shaped integrally with the seed distribution tube of a seed planter to align the planter insecticide tube in close proximity to, and in a vertical plane with, the discharge opening of the seed distribution tube and insure that insecticide or fungicide dispensed through the insecticide tube is deposited in a furrow in close proximity to seeds expelled from the seed distribution tube. In a preferred embodiment the tube alignment bracket is characterized by a shaped plastic bracket plate having one end fitted with a tube mount and strengthened by a T-brace, the opposite end of which bracket plate is strapped to or formed integrally with the seed distribution tube. The tube mount is oriented to receive and position the insecticide tube in close, fixed proximity with respect to the discharge opening of the seed distribution tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for laying seeds includes a towable frame from which one or more blades are supported for cutting a slot in the ground surface below, a seed and fertiliser chute feeds seed into the cut ground surface via a channel formed between the frame and blade(s) and tines which make a horizontal branch cut from the slot. A scraper device continually cleans the blade(s).

Abstract: An attachment to an existing sweep of a seeding device is provided for additional dispensing of fertilizer. A protection tooth on the leading face of the attachment can be placed at a desired depth of its lower, free end to selectively adjust the level at which the fertilizer is deposited.

Abstract: A furrow opener and press wheel for an agricultural implement to place fertilizer and seed at different depths in soil has replaceable abrasive resistant plastic side plates and a press plate to avoid soil build up and plugging of fertilizer discharge openings. The lateral distance between the side plates is adjustable so that seeding width can be changed. A seed divider attached to the furrow opener separates the seed into lateral rows on opposite sides of a band of fertilizer placed in the soil below the press plate.

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: Soil-treating materials are placed in the soil in a desired relation to the seed by placement apparatus that preferably follows the seed-depositing mechanism on a planter and deposits the material a selected distance to one side and below the deposited seed. The apparatus includes a disc assembly including a generally vertical disc and an upright mounting shaft together with a feed tube affixed to the mounting shaft. A mounting bracket that mounts to the planter frame slidably receives the mounting shaft and provide for vertical and angular adjustment of the disc assembly and its ready removal from or attachment to the planter.

Abstract: A furrow opening point 40 is described for attachment directly to the seed boot of a hoe type seed drill between the split packer wheels. The furrow opening point 40 has an elongated body 50 that extends from an upper fertilizer receiving portion 56 to a bottom edge 54 of the soil engaging portion 52. The soil engaging portion has an upper section 61 and a lower section 62 for forming a two-tier furrow. A liquid fertilizer passageway 90 extends downward through the elongated body to the bottom edge 54 for dispensing liquid fertilizer at the base of the furrow. A dry granular fertilizer passageway 96 extends downward through the elongated body to a bottom surface 84 for dispensing dry granular fertilizer down a vertical channel formed along the trailing face 80 to the base of the furrow. A leveling section 100 forward of the seed opening 30 levels and firms the soil in the upper portion of the two-tier furrow to form a good seed bed.

Abstract: A shank for use in a hoe-type drill designed primarily for minimum till or no-till farm operations has a sealing arrangement for permitting the application of anhydrous gas or other gaseous fertilizers in a deep application, and, at the same time, seeding and applying longer lasting fertilizer, such as granular or liquid fertilizers at different depths. The problems with applying gaseous type fertilizers at the same time other operations are occurring have been substantial because of unwanted escape of the gas prior to the closing of the furrow in a multiple operation; freezing up of the seed and granular fertilizer outlets as the gas evaporates; as well as permitting dry top soil to fall into the furrow to result in a dry seed bed, particularly in semi-arid farming regions where no-till farming is carried out.

Abstract: A seed drill for outputting seed material and fertilizer, having a frame that supports itself on the soil via runners, at least one supply container unit for seed material and fertilizer, and cultivator, chisel or hoe shares arranged in rows one behind the other and movable in a vertical plane, the materials being conveyed to said shares in adjustable amounts via tubular lines and under gravity for placing into the soil. The shares are guided separately from one another by a depth guidance mechanism for their depth of penetration into the soil.

Abstract: A fertilizer knife adapted to be attached to a planter. A housing is adjustably attached to the fertilizer knife and an adjustable mechanism is provided for permitting the knife to be adjusted vertically with respect to the housing, thereby adjusting the effective depth that the fertilizer, in a liquid form, will be released. The fertilizer knife is attached to the housing whereby the fertilizer knife will accurately track in front of the line into which the seeds are being planted, and this pivoting feature will also permit fertilizer knife to be deflected to one side or the other temporarily when rocks or other potentially damaging obstructions are encountered. The fertilizer knife has a leading edge extending from a point in close proximity to a vertical pivotal axis, and tapers downwardly and rearwardly therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to agricultural implements for planting. Increased efficiency of planting in general and incorporating fertilizer in particular in no-till situations is achieved by frame, disk and knife assemblies (14, 15, 16) mounting a disk (44) immediately ahead of a knife (68) and depth-controlled by a spring (63).

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: 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 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 machine (FIG. 1) for dispensing seed and fertilizers, which is equipped with two hoppers one for the seed, and the other for the fertilizer. The materials flowing from outlet apertures of the hoppers while the machine is in operation are introduced into the soil in controlled amounts through proportioning means, chutes and tubes which discharge into hoes. The proportioning means have a plurality of feed wheels disposed on shafts and are driven by a ground-dependent power source.

Abstract: An apparatus for planting seed is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a wheel hub having an annular cam. A ground engaging seed box is spaced apart and rotatable around the cam. A plurality of seed holders are carried by the seed box and are slidable around the cam. Each seed holder extends within the seed box to obtain a seed and is urged out of the seed box to penetrate the ground and deposit the seed in the ground as the seed box rotates around the cam.

Abstract: A lawn combine is provided which has a frame including a plurality of rotatable wheels supporting and coupled to the frame and a drive-actuated rotatable aerator movably mounted on the frame for movement between a lower operative position, in which it is disposed for engagement with a lawn surface and an upper raised, inoperative position, in which it is disposed for non-engagement with the lawn surface. Drive-actuated feeding devices are mounted on the frame for feeding materials in prescribed dosages to the lawn surface in an area generally beneath the frame and a drive assembly is mounted on the frame for propelling at least one of the wheels of the frame and for actuating the aerator and the feeding devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing discrete objects, such as seeds from a liquid, comprises a suspension container for containing seeds in suspension in the liquid, and a capture element defining a capture orifice allowing exit of liquid from the container and adapted to capture a number of the seeds against the orifice by providing a pressure difference across the orifice. Relative movement is produced between the capture orifice and the objects in suspension in the liquid in such a manner as to have the capture orifice, after capture of seeds, situated in a region free from seeds suspended in liquid, and a flow of liquid is produced past the capture orifice such as to sweep away excess seeds attracted to the capture orifice by the pressure difference. A system is provided for moving a seed, usually a single seed, from the capture orifice at a required region for dispensing the seed.

Abstract: A fertilizer distributor adapted to be combined with a tree seedling planter which gives the operator complete control of spacings by a foot pedal mechanism that allows him to dump the desired amount of fertilizer along the bases of seedlings being planted.

Abstract: A packer wheel assembly is disclosed that is particularly useful for sod seeding purposes. The apparatus includes a mounting bracket having a pair of spaced arms with a packer wheel being rotatably mounted between the center portion of each of the arms. A packer pivot rod is connected between the arms at the front portion of each so that the arms pivot about a horizontal axis. A packer stop is also provided at the front of the arms rearwardly of the pivot, and an adjustable spray shield is attached to the rear of the bracket. This assembly provides the needed flexibility to follow the contour of the ground and allow the assembly to be adjusted to various cutter wheel depths with the packer wheel having a capability to follow the furrow for all selected cutter wheel depths.

Abstract: A chisel plow and a cold flow shoe for dispensing ammonia fertilizer into an earthen field are disclosed. The shoe includes a vapor tube for receiving ammonia vapor, and a liquid tube for receiving ammonia liquid from sources which can be mounted upon the plow. The vapor tube defines an orifice for dispensing the received ammonia vapor in a rearward direction into a trench formed by the plow chisel. The liquid tube defines a liquid dispenser orifice located immediately above and to the rear of the vapor dispensing orifice. Liquid ammonia is thus dispensed atop the previously dispensed ammonia vapor as the plow chisel moves through the ground and forms the trench. As earth collapses atop the dispensed ammonia, the ammonia is retained in positions located immediately adjacent growing crop plants, or adjacent those locations where plants will be grown. Effective, efficient ammonia fertilization is thus provided.