Abstract: A curb former (10) includes a rotatable drive shaft (20), a gutter drum (80), and a curb profiling drum (100). The gutter drum (80) is secured to the drive shaft (20) such that the drive shaft (20) and gutter drum (80) rotate together. The curb profiling drum (100) is detachably secured relative to both the drive shaft (20) and the gutter drum (80). This configuration allows one curb profiling drum (100) to be replaced with another curb profiling drum (100) to change the profile of a curb resulting from a curbing operation using the curb former (10).

Abstract: The applicator embodiments for applying liquid livestock waste in the form of a slurry beneath the soil surface. Some embodiments include a leading swivel-mounted, spring-cushioned, conical-shaped wavy coulter blade angularly offset from the direction of travel which displaces the soil laterally in forming a furrow adapted to receive slurry. The coulter may be trailed by a single or a pair of optionally spring-cushioned rotary closing blade(s) that are to close the furrow containing the deposited liquid. One or more rotary closing blade(s) is optionally spring loaded to follow the soil contour. Some alternative embodiments utilize a rotary covering blade pivot assembly that is positioned lower and more forward, a larger spring for more blade depth, and/or a single or a pair of rotary covering blades for a scooping movement of the soil and results in more soil to cover the deposited liquid.

Abstract: A caster wheel assembly includes a wheel mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis within a wheel carriage such that the wheel rotates about the horizontal axis with respect to the wheel carriage. The wheel carriage is positioned within a retention ring such that the wheel carriage can rotate about the vertical axis with respect to the retention ring. The wheel carriage also has an opening on the bottom surface such that the wheel can make contact with the ground. The horizontal axis about which the wheel rotates is offset from the vertical axis about which the wheel carriage rotates. An outer carriage may be included such that the outer carriage is positioned within the retention ring and the wheel carriage is positioned within the outer carriage. The outer carriage would be able to rotate about the vertical axis with respect to both the retention ring and the wheel carriage.

Abstract: A disc gang for use with an agricultural implement includes a pair of front and a pair of rear disc openers mounted to a carrier boom by a mounting arm that can be independently raised and lowered as desired. The front and rear disc openers are mounted such that the openers can oscillate in response to surface undulations independently of one another. Moreover, the disc openers of each pair are free to oscillate in response to surface contours independently of one another.

Abstract: The nutrient device of the present invention includes a ground having a ground surface. The coulter is mounted for rotation about a coulter axis and the coulter penetrates the ground and makes the ground penetration below the ground surface. A cleaning wheel is mounted for rotation about a cleaning wheel axis, and the cleaning wheel extends upwardly from engaging the coulter to a cleaning wheel point spaced away from the coulter. A conduit is positioned to deliver a nutrient onto the coulter for dispensing the nutrient into the ground penetration. A closing wheel is positioned adjacent the rear of the coulter and the cleaning wheel for closing the ground penetration.

Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus has an arm assembly adapted at a front end thereof for pivotal attachment to a seeder frame. A single disc is rotatably attached to the arm assembly about a disc axis at an angle to the travel. A walking beam is pivotally attached to the arm assembly rearward of the disc about a beam axis transverse to the travel direction. A bias element exerts a force on the arm assembly such that a downward bias force is exerted on the walking beam at the beam axis. A packer wheel is rotatably attached at a rear end of the walking beam, and a gauge wheel is rotatably attached at a front end of the walking beam. The gauge wheel is configured to roll along the ground adjacent to the leading face of the disc, and the packer wheel is configured to roll along the furrow.

Abstract: An assembly for opening and closing a furrow in soil includes a furrow opener with a pair of discs positioned at an angle relative to each other. The discs each have an inner side facing toward each other and an outer side facing away from each other. Each disc also has a leading edge and a trailing edge relative to a travel direction. A furrow closer includes a pair of wheels, each having an inner side facing toward each other and positioned adjacent to a corresponding disc outer side. Each wheel also has a leading edge positioned between a corresponding disc leading edge and disc trailing edge, and a trailing edge positioned rearward of a corresponding disc trailing edge relative to the travel direction.

Abstract: Expandable stinger planting is described in which stinger probes on a boom end mounted frame are positioned for ground penetration on a boom type vehicle. Bottom ends of the probes are shifted between a closed plant receiving, ground penetrating positions; and open positions with bottom ends open to form a plant discharge opening. A receptacle within the probes is open to the plant discharge opening, and receives plants from a magazine. Plants move by a feeder device in the magazine to a release station, where successive plants may be discharged into the plant receiving receptacle. The plant magazine and plant release station are positioned above the plant receiving receptacle such that a plant moved to the release station may drop into the receiving receptacle, to be discharged through the discharge opening. Packers may be provided on the frame to press planting media about the plants.

Abstract: A leveling wheel assembly for a deep tillage ripper tool includes a support bracket fixed to the upper end of the ripper shank and a wheel support arm pivotally connected to the aft end of the bracket. Wheel support structure rotatably mounts a pair of leveling wheels offset several feet behind the ripper point. An adjustable downpressure spring provides an effective moment arm that decreases with spring compression to provide a generally constant downpressure as the wheels move vertically with respect to the shank over a substantial range of ripper depth changes and when large obstacles are encountered. The wheel support structure includes slots for adjusting the spacing of the leveling wheels and the angle of the wheels relative to the forward direction depending on soil conditions.

Abstract: A disc opener for no till or minimum till seeding and/or fertilizing operations, the opener having a frame adapted to move in a forward direction of travel, an opening disc for forming a furrow in soil when moved in the forward direction, the disc being rotatably mounted to the frame and inclined in the direction of travel to provide a leading and a trailing surface, means for dispensing seed and/or fertilizer into the furrow, a soil retaining wheel mounted to the frame and set to run along an undisturbed soil surface behind the trailing edge of the leading surface of the opening disc in substantially the same direction as the direction of travel, such that in use the soil retaining wheel replaces soil from the furrow formed by the opening disc and also controls the depth of the furrow.

Abstract: An opener assembly includes a single opener disk rotatably supported from a drawbar and angled approximately five degrees from the forward direction to define a shadow area behind the trailing surface of the disk. A material placement boot and delivery tube are supported adjacent the trailing surface substantially entirely within the shadow of the disk and have profiles conforming to the furrow profile. The boot and the outlet portion of the tube also lie within the periphery of the disk for protection. The tube has an upper portion with a round cross section which changes to an elliptical cross section towards the outlet to remain within the shadow while retaining high throughput capabilities. First and second wheels are supported on opposite sides of the disk to urge soil downwardly behind the outlet of the delivery tube immediately after the material is deposited.

Abstract: The wheel arms of a planter row unit are mounted to the row unit frame for independent pivotal motion. The ends of a saddle link are received in sockets formed on gauge wheel arms; and a yoke (or ring-shaped link) pivotally mounted to the frame engages a central saddle bearing surface on the saddle link. The wheel arms, saddle link and yoke are constructed and arranged such that when one gauge wheel raises when it encounters an obstruction, the other lowers and the frame raises by about one-half the distance which the first gauge wheel is raised.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seed boot and packer wheel for use with a cultivator particularly of the type for mounting directly on a cultivator shank. The seed boot and packer wheel comprise a seed boot, an attachment means fixing the seed boot to the cultivator shank adjacent a bottom edge of the shank and behind a sweep or other soil opener, a packer wheel, a packer wheel mounting means mounting the packer wheel directly onto the seed boot, and a horizontal spring for biasing the packer wheel downwards.

Abstract: A support for a seed firming wheel of an agricultural planter. The support comprises a frame member, a link pivotally coupled to the frame member and a spring positioned between the link and frame member. The frame member is also provided with a pivot assembly to which the link is pivotally mounted. The seed firming wheel is rotatively mounted to the link. A lockup link is positioned between the frame member and the link for holding the seed firming wheel in a non-working position.

Abstract: A seed drill includes a novel planting assembly combining press wheels for packing angular sides of a furrow and a runner immediately behind and longitudinally aligned with the press wheel. The runner includes an arcuate front edge that is juxtaposed immediately behind the coulter, thereby preventing accumulation of field trash between them. The runner extends rearwardly from beneath the press wheel and is transversely guided on the supporting vehicle frame of the drill to maintain it in longitudinal alignment within an open longitudinal slot cut through the soil and intersecting the base of the packed furrow. Seed is dropped into the open slot prior to being covered with soil. Moist soil can be packed along the sides of the furrow to maintain the furrow in an open condition during seed germination and plant emergence. Highly accurate planting depth control can be achieved, with provision for upward relative movement of the runner as required by encountered field conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is an adjustment mechanism to move the seed firming wheels into its correct side-to-side position. The seed firming wheels are rotatably mounted to a bracket which in turn is mounted to a wheel support member of the planter unit frame. The bracket is provided with two radiused bushings which cooperate with radiused surfaces in the side walls of the wheel support member. The side walls and the wheel support member are provided with fore/aft extending slots through which adjustment bolts pass through the bracket and sidewalls of the wheel support member for clamping the bracket to the wheel support member.

Abstract: A packer is mounted on a tool shank of an agricultural cultivator. It includes a guide tube slideably and rotatably mounted on a rigid seed tube mounted directly on the shank. The guide tube is biased downwardly by a compression spring surrounding the seed tube. Provision is made for adjusting the position of the packer wheel to accommodate different seeding depths and packer pressures.

Abstract: A seed drill includes a novel planting assembly combining press wheels for packing angular sides of a furrow and a runner immediately behind and longitudinally aligned with the press wheel. The runner extends rearwardly from beneath the press wheel at the lower end of an arcuate shank that is transversely guided on the press wheel structure or frame of the drill to maintain it in longitudinal alignment within an open longitudinal slot cut through the soil and intersecting the base of the packed furrow. The shank is guided by a series of rollers within a guide frame pivotally mounted on a supporting frame for motion about a transverse horizontal axis. Highly accurate planting depth control can be achieved, with provision for upward relative movement of the runner as required by encountered field conditions.

Abstract: A seed drill includes a novel planting assembly combining press wheels for packing angular sides of a furrow and a runner immediately behind and longitudinally aligned with the press wheel. The runner extends rearwardly from beneath the press wheel and is transversely guided on the press wheel structure or frame of the drill to maintain it in longitudinal alignment within an open longitudinal slot cut through the soil and intersecting the base of the packed furrow. Seed is dropped into the open slot prior to being covered with soil. Moist soil can be packed along the sides of the furrow to maintain the furrow in an open condition during seed germination and plant emergence. Highly accurate planting depth control can be achieved, with provision for upward relative movement of the runner as required by encountered field conditions.

Abstract: A row cleaning attachment for seeding equipment comprising a coulter mounted between and behind two press wheels having a uniform circumference. The press wheels are independently spring biased downwardly into contact with the ground for holding and pulling the crop residue away from the planting line of the planting unit. The coulter has a larger diameter than the press wheels and is located so that the cutting edge of the coulter cuts the residue material as it is being tensioned between the press wheels.

Abstract: A seed drill includes a novel planting assembly combining press wheels for packing angular sides of a furrow and a runner immediately behind and longitudinally aligned with the press wheel. The runner extends rearwardly from beneath the press wheel and is transversely guided on the press wheel structure to maintain it in longitudinal alignment within an open longitudinal slot cut through the soil and intersecting the base of the packed furrow. Seed is dropped into the open slot prior to being covered with soil. Moist soil can be packed along the sides of the furrow to maintain the furrow in an open condition during seed germination and plant emergence. Highly accurate planting depth control can be achieved, with provision for upward relative movement of the runner as required by encountered field conditions.

Abstract: For multi-row planting a seed planter having furrow-opening discs and associated gauge wheels the independent support arms of which are operatively interconnected by an equalizer arm whereby the combined load carried by the gauge wheels is distributed substantially equally therebetween so as to compensate for ground surface irregularities encountered by the gauge wheels. The distance a planter rises when a gauge wheel rolls over a stone is cut in half thereby reducing shock and minimizing interference with seed metering and dispensing. The equalizer arm may be mounted on adjustable support linkage whereby the gauge wheels may be positioned at different heights for different depth furrows.

Abstract: A planter as heretofore commercially available may be modified to accept a seed trench covering assembly of superior design, also commercially available, by lengthening the frame of the planter to increase the available space between the opener and the rear press wheel and by providing front and rear adapter brackets which enable the superior covering assembly to be coupled at the front to the opener and at the upper rear to the overhead frame. Different configurations of front adapter brackets are provided to accommodate variously shaped opener housings, and different configurations of rear adapter brackets are provided to accommodate variations in frame design.

Abstract: A formed metal guard mountable to a planter framework to prevent clogging or blockage of furrow closure means. In a particular embodiment, a trapezoidal guard plate vertically extends forward of and in centered relation to a pair of V-mounted furrow closure wheels.

Abstract: A press wheel improvement for seed drills in which one or more open recesses are presented through the circular rim of the press wheel to form transverse dams along packed furrow walls. The recesses are bounded by walls that present a projecting tab extended beyond the conical wheel surfaces. A complementary insert can be fastened to each tab when damming of the furrows is not desired or required by field conditions. The tabs cooperate with straw walkers to assist in clearing trash and preventing obstruction of the straw walkers by rocks wedged between them and the conical press wheel walls.

Abstract: A packer wheel for a farm implement is reinforced by a band of angle-section metal welded around the periphery of the wheel with the edges of respective webs of the band engaging outer surfaces of respective half shells of the wheel.

Abstract: The device is mounted on a seeder provided with a hopper, with a seed distributor and with a plowshare or work disk. It comprises two lateral gauge wheels mounted on two bearings borne by two arms pivotably articulated around an axis on the chassis of the seeder. A class 1 lever formed from a rod is extended by two sliding sleeves articulated respectively at its middle around a ball-joint adjustable in position with respect to the chassis and at its two ends around the two other ball-joints fastened to the oscillating support arms. The device is useful in agricultural machines having a plowshare or work disk.

Abstract: Peripheral strengthening of double dished packer wheels used in connection with seeding implements is accomplished by providing a rigid connection for a strong, rigid annulus between the dish-shaped sides of the wheels.

Abstract: A guide and gauge wheel assembly for a tool bar row crop planter has an arm mounted on the tool bar and pair of wheels rotatably mounted on non-linear axles. The axles are selectively mounted on lateral sleeves and upwardly and outwardly inclined sleeves secured to the arm to position the wheels in a toe-out and camber position, or a side-by-side parallel position.

Abstract: An apparatus to be towed that includes a frame supported, rotatably mounted, pair of furrow forming disks that are arranged to substantially contact each other at the approximate point of entry into the soil and diverge apart rearwardly and upwardly, and a frame supported, rotatable gauge wheel located adjacent each disk, with each wheel having a radially inwardly located recessed lip immediately adjacent the disk to trap soil removed from the furrow to form a mound of moist and substantially uncompacted soil along the edge of the furrow.

Abstract: The seed planter press wheel having a resilient tire means that is partially filled with an incompressible liquid so that the resilient tire means stretches upon contacting of the tire means with an earthen seed bed to inhibit the sticking of any caked mud on the outer surface of the resilient tire means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seed planter having furrow forming means in association with a pair of furrow closing wheels each of which is independently mounted relative to the suspension of the other so that each spring biased suspension arm is pivotable to enable each closing wheel to be raised, or lowered, independently of the other wheel in response to ground conditions encountered in the operation of the planter. The closing wheel mounting also includes means for adjustment of each wheel whereby the angle of attack of each wheel may be varied and importantly enable adjustment of the wheel spacing so that the distance between the wheels can be adjusted and enabling the wheels to be set to run straight with the direction of travel of the planter and at any desired seed planting depth.

Abstract: An attachment (10) for use with an agricultural seeder implement is disclosed. The attachment (10) includes a pair of depth gauge wheels (28) which are aligned with respect to the direction of the intended movement (38) of the implement. The wheels (28) are generally parallel to a pair of furrow disks (12) which are aligned and have forward edges (32) thereof converging. The wheels (28) are disposed for horizontal movement forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the disks (12) in order to afford adjustment of lateral spacing (60, 62) between the disks (12) and wheels (28).

Abstract: A compact agricultural planter unit is provided for narrow row crops. The unit includes a pair of double disk furrow openers in combination with adjustable depth gauge wheels. The disks and wheels are carried by frame structure positioned between the wheels and are rotatably mounted on pivots located radially inwardly of the wheel peripheries. Manually adjustable structure for selecting the furrow depth or position of the gauge wheels relative to the disks extends slightly radially outwardly beyond the wheels.

Abstract: A plurality of grain drills are coupled together in end-to-end relation for towing behind a tractor for operation and alternately in an endwise direction for transport. Each drill is supported in field operation by a forward caster wheel and a plurality of side-by-side gangs of press wheels disposed along the rear of the drill. The drills are coupled to the tractor for operation by duplex (or triplex) hitch structure. For endwise transport an endmost drill is provided with a hitch swingable to a transport position for coupling to the tractor. A single transport wheel is mounted on the rear of this drill for movement to a position providing endwise transport. A press wheel gang lock mechanism is arranged for movement to a position locking the gangs against downward movement in response to swinging the endwise hitch to its transport position. This leading drill is thus supported in transport by the front caster wheel, the transport wheel, and the tractor through the endwise hitch.

Abstract: A new apparatus for opening furrows in soil is disclosed. Specifically, this apparatus consists of an opening mechanism, a closing mechanism, an automatic seed planting mechanism, an automatic seedling planting mechanism, a driving means, a towing means, and the salient component parts necessary to make them function.

Abstract: A new apparatus for opening furrows in soil is disclosed. Specifically, this apparatus consists of an opening mechanism, a closing mechanism, an automatic seed planting mechanism, an automatic seedling planting mechanism, a driving means, a towing means, and the salient component parts necessary to make them function.

Abstract: A disc-like device, the peripheral edge of which is formed in a plurality of oppositely turned curved segments is attached to a no-till planter as used in planting seed crops in fields which have not been plowed. The disc-like device is arranged to follow the disc opener of the planter which in turn follows a wavey disc which prepares the soil for the disc opener. The configuration of the disc-like device with its outturned oppositely arranged curved segments forming its peripheral edge closes the shallow trench formed by the disc opener at the time the seeds are inserted therein.

Abstract: A dual packer unit is disclosed that is particularly useful for sod seeding purposes. The apparatus includes an H-shaped mounting bracket consisting of an arcuate leg connected at opposite ends to a pivot arm and a wheel mounting arm. The pivot arm is integrally formed with one end of the arcuate leg at the central portion of the pivot arm, and the wheel mounting arm is integrally formed with the other end of the arcuate leg at the central portion of the wheel mounting arm so that the ends of the pivot arm may be pivotally mounted between a pair of seed tubes, and packer wheels may be mounted for free rotation at the ends of the wheel mounting arms. When so mounted, each packer wheel is received in a furrow immediately following and in line with the seed tube. The packer wheels are gravity biased downwardly toward a cut furrow, and the unit therefore provides sufficient flexibility to follow the contour of the ground and to follow the cut furrow regardless of the depth selected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for planting seeds. A V-shaped seed furrow having a predetermined depth is continuously formed while the soil adjacent each side of the furrow is uniformly firmed or compacted and a smooth surface formed. Seeds are continuously dispensed into the furrow. The walls of the furrow are then compacted about the seed as the furrow edges are collapsed over the seed to leave a comparatively non-compacted layer of soil above the seed. The planter is provided with a pair of furrow forming disks rotating about intersecting axes, a pair of gauge wheels rotatably supported rearwardly of the disk axes, each wheel being in close proximity to the outer surface of its respective disk, a seed dispensing means for delivering seed to the furrow, and a furrow closing device supported rearwardly of and in tracking relation to the gauge wheels.