Abstract: The present invention provides a method for classifying fine particles, the method comprising: introducing a fine particle dispersion in which fine particles are dispersed in a liquid medium into an inlet of a microchannel having the inlet and a recovery portion; and delivering the fine particle dispersion, which has been introduced through the inlet, to the recovery portion in laminar flow, wherein delivering the fine particle dispersion includes classifying the fine particles using the difference in sedimentation speed or floatation speed among the fine particles in the fine particle dispersion. The present invention also provides a device used in the method for classifying fine particles.

Abstract: A backfiller and tamper unit (10) is disclosed which is a self contained unit that acts to both backfill and compact soil into a trench for complete restoration. The unit includes a tractor (12) which mounts a vibrator and tamping wheel assembly (14) and a backfill auger assembly (16). The vibrator and tamping wheel assembly (14) is mounted on a mast (50) which is pivotally secured to the tractor for limited arcuate motion from vertical. This permits the mast to be tilted so that the compaction force of the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly is most effectively directed to compact the soil in the trench. The vibrator and tamping wheel assembly is free floating on the mast which isolates the tractor from vibration generated by the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly and provides greater compaction efficiency. Further, the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly can be lifted vertically on the mast by a lift mechanism (62) for storage.

Abstract: A method of continuously applying an additive to soil with a soil treating apparatus as the soil treating apparatus is advanced in a travel direction along a planting path on soil being treated. The method includes the steps of resituating residue in the planting path in a lateral direction transverse to the travel direction away from the planting path, applying an additive to the soil, and moving soil laterally inwardly over the planting path after the additive is applied to the soil. An apparatus is provided for practicing the method.

Abstract: Apparatus for combining light tillage and application of liquid fertilizer in a single implement includes a frame having at least a forward and a rear mounting bar. A plurality of sweep assemblies are mounted to the forward mounting bar. Anhydrous fertilizer applicator knives are mounted to the rear bar and located in strips left untilled by the sweeps. A finishing harrow is also mounted to the rear bar behind the knives to level the soil. Each sweep assembly includes a forward bar or frame element to which a plurality of laterally spaced sweeps are mounted in staggered relation. Mounting members having vertically elongated slots mount the sweep assemblies to the forward bar of the frame while permitting them to be adjusted vertically and independent of the depth of the applicator knives.

Abstract: There is disclosed a farm implement having a frame connectible to a tractor by means of a three-point hitch to permit it to be moved forwardly over the ground level, a first set of chisels supported on the frame in laterally spaced-apart relation, a second set of chisels supported on the frame rearwardly of the first set and laterally intermediate laterally adjacent chisels of the first set, and a lister mounted on each chisel of the second set with its lower edge above the lower edge of the chisel of the second set. In use of the implement, the first set of chisels form longitudinally extending trenches in the ground, and the listers mounted on the chisels of the second set turn the soil toward the trenches in order to build beds thereover.

Abstract: A weeder for row crops has a main frame adapted to be mounted at the rear of a tractor. A pair of upright skid boards, spaced at the front and rearwardly divergent, are adjustably interconnected so that their spacing and angular relationship may be varied, and are mounted on the main frame for lateral movement relative to the main frame. When the weeder is advanced the skid boards travel to both sides of the plants and in the furrow in which they are planted, throwing to both sides the soil and uprooting weeds in the furrow, into which the loose soil falls as the implement passes.

Abstract: A cultivator implement has a row of freely rotatable soil working members connected to a transverse frame beam by brackets. The members each have a stub shaft secured to an inclined web of a corresponding bracket so that the axis of rotation of each member is inclined to the vertical. Pairs of downwardly extending tines on support plates contact the ground and rotate the members. Between adjacent rotatable members, a cultivator tine is deflectably secured to the beam via an integral spring coil assembly. The cultivator tine is located non-centrally between rotary members and each tine is curved so that its lower tip extends forwardly. A soil working roller is positioned to the rear of the rotary members and is vertically adjustable on arms connected to the ends of the beam.

Abstract: An agricultural spraying machine comprising an assembly having at least two moving sections resting on wheels on the soil. This assembly supports at least two spray conduits having spraying nozzles and is attached to a tractor vehicle having a powder feed hopper. According to the inventive concept, the conduits are suspended in the moving section of the assembly and include means to adjust individually the lateral positions of the conduits perpendicular to the direction of movement of the tractor vehicle. Other means likewise provide for the adjustment in height and spacing of the spray nozzles of each conduit.