Abstract: The disclosure relates to devices, systems, and corresponding methods to be used in connection with agricultural planters. More particularly to a vacuum and generator system including a housing, a fan assembly within the housing, a generator, and a hydraulic motor. Some implementations include a voltage regulator or voltage regulation module. The system allow for adjustable fan control without affecting electrical output, integral cooling, and multi-level voltage output from a single generator. Additionally, the system provides greater efficiency in operating an agricultural implement.

Abstract: A planter system for planting seeds and dispensing a fluid includes a seeder assembly including a seed meter configured to dispense a group of seeds through a seed tube, a nozzle assembly configured to dispense the fluid in response to receiving a control signal, and a sensor configured to transmit detection signals upon detection of the first and last seeds passing through the seed tube. The planter system further includes a control system communicatively coupled to the sensor to receive the detection signals from the sensor and identify a trigger time based on the detection time of the first seed, the detection time of the last seed, or a time between the detection times. The control system transmits the control signal to the nozzle assembly based on a number of seeds in the group and the trigger time to apply the fluid on or adjacent the group of seeds.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer (1) with a pump (20), a plurality of nozzles, a valve arrangement (28) associated with the nozzles and a feed conduit (25). The valve arrangement (28) selectively connects the feed conduit (25) to a bypass conduit (26) or to the nozzles. A return conduit (32) branches off from the feed conduit (25). A regulation valve (30) applies a variable degree of throttling to the fluid flowing through the return conduit. A pressure sensor (41) provides a signal for fluid delivered to the valve arrangement. A flow sensor (42) provides a signal representing the flow in the feed conduit (25). A controller (50) is in receipt of the sensor signals, receives instructions from an operator and controls the regulation valve (30) using the instructions from the operator and available measured signals using feedback control loops combined with a feed forward signal.

Abstract: A traveled path marker on a riding vehicle marks a path that the vehicle has traveled with dry particles or liquid from a holder on the vehicle. The marking material flows from a nozzle located near a bottom of the vehicle, or is delivered to a tire which transfers the marking material to the pavement. The path marking alerts following vehicles to an ahead slower moving vehicle or to the paths regularly traveled by slower moving vehicles and encourages similar vehicles to follow those paths. The marked paths also alert pedestrians to shared paths or when crossing bicycle paths.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of applying a liquid to a surface from a wheeled receptacle that is disposed on the surface. The wheeled receptacle, itself, includes a circumferential sidewall, a bottom wall connected to the circumferential sidewall, at least two wheels, a steering handle for guiding the wheeled receptacle on the surface, and a spigot; and the wheeled receptacle contains a liquid. The method includes the steps of: opening the spigot, thereby dispensing a liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle and onto the surface; and guiding the wheeled receptacle across the surface via the steering handle, thereby dispensing the liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle onto a selected area of the surface.

Abstract: A mortar applying machine incorporating housing, having a rotatable drive wheel mounted therein, the drive wheel adhered upon a pivot shaft located within the housing, and the drive wheel being disposed through the bottom of the housing for mortar and engagement with the surface of a row of blocks previously applied in the forming of a building wall. Fixedly mounted to the same shaft are a pair of paddles, formed of blades, which assure the proper shifting and movement of the fluid mortar into position within the housing, for passage out of its lower openings, and onto the transverse lands of the row of blocks as previously applied into the building wall. A diverter is provided within the housing to assure that the fluid mortar flows towards the front of the housing with respect to the direction of its movement when depositing a layer of mortar onto a previously laid row of blocks.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of applying a liquid to a surface from a wheeled receptacle that is disposed on the surface. The wheeled receptacle, itself, includes a circumferential sidewall, a bottom wall connected to the circumferential sidewall, at least two wheels, a steering handle for guiding the wheeled receptacle on the surface, and a spigot; and the wheeled receptacle contains a liquid. The method includes the steps of: opening the spigot, thereby dispensing a liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle and onto the surface; and guiding the wheeled receptacle across the surface via the steering handle, thereby dispensing the liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle onto a selected area of the surface.

Abstract: A pull-behind floor finish applicator wherein a peristaltic pump is employed in conjunction with disposable conduit tubing obviate any clean up of the pump. This applicator is adaptable to receiving bag in the box floor finish, thus reducing cleaning time. The applicator employs a minimum number of disposable parts thus making it economical to produce. A mop is employed to apply floor finish to easily accessible areas in one instance, yet allows the mop to be used independently for application of floor finish to not so easily accessible areas.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of applying a liquid to a surface from a wheeled receptacle which is disposed on the surface. The wheeled receptacle, itself, includes a circumferential sidewall, a bottom wall connected to the circumferential sidewall, at least two wheels, a steering handle for guiding the wheeled receptacle on the surface, and a spigot; and the wheeled receptacle contains a liquid. The method includes the steps of: opening the spigot, thereby dispensing a liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle and onto the surface; and guiding the wheeled receptacle across the surface via the steering handle, thereby dispensing the liquid through the spigot of the wheeled receptacle onto a selected area of the surface.

Abstract: An animal feeder having a distribution mechanism which allows food to be either dropped or scattered in random directions, providing exercise and entertainment for the animal. The feeder includes a food hopper supported by wheels, which when pushed or pulled by the user activate a distribution mechanism which releases food from the hopper at predictable intervals.

Abstract: A road marking machine comprising a spray gun and a combination of two displacement pumps for supplying the marking substance to the spray gun, wherein the combination is driven in proportion with the traveling speed and wherein the pumps, each after starting the positive displacement operation thereof, which starts during the supply operation of the corresponding other displacement pump, pre-compress the marking substance, then stops and continues the pressure stroke when the other displacement pump ends its supply, with hydraulic cylinders for driving the displacement pumps.

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 straight row seed planter wherein a support frame mounts a hopper onto a support beam, with an axle rotatably mounted within the support frame parallel to the support beam, wherein the support beam includes at least one pair of feed cones extending therefrom, with each feed cone having a closure door plate, and each closure door plate arranged for sequential operation by a respective cam member that effects sequential opening of each respective door plate to effect sequential feeding from the respective feed cones. The hopper is arranged for selective securement to the support frame to accommodate various quantities and sizing of seed to be planted.

Abstract: A forage feed out machine, the machine comprising; a cradle with a series of transverse rollers extending across and forming a base for a bale; the cradle being mounted on a chassis and wheels such that it is pivotable backward and forward by hand; at least one of the rollers being ground driven. The width and the height of the cradle is such that a range of different sized bales, preferably round, can be loaded and fed out by the machine. A main roller which feeds out the feed has a ridge along its surface, this ridge providing a means for intermittently feeding out forage material in discrete clumps from the periphery of the bale. The ridge acts as a blade or paddle which removes the feed from the periphery of the bale and also initially raises and moves the bale.

Abstract: This invention discloses an adjustable apparatus for spreading mortar onto bricks or blocks. The apparatus utilizes augers and is readily adjusted to extrude beads of mortar onto the proper portions of bricks/blocks having different widths. A trowel member is provided on the extrusion ports to smooth the beads of mortar. The apparatus includes a lid member that contains water for wetting the mortar. The weight of the lid member containing water also helps urge the mortar out of the hopper through the extrusion ports. Mortar gate plate members to regulate flow of mortar through the extrusion ports are also provided.

Abstract: An agricultural implement such as a grain drill or similar seeding implement includes a plurality of transversely spaced seed meters having fluted feed wheels fixed to and transversely movable with a drive shaft which is controlled by an actuator to vary seeding rate in response to an indication provided by a sensor or sensors associated with one or more of the meters. An electronic controller includes a desired seeding rate input and provides an indication of the actual seeding rate. In one embodiment of the invention, an error signal indicative of the difference between the actual and desired seeding rates is utilized in a closed-loop system to move the shaft to automatically maintain the desired seeding rate. In a wider implement with more than one shaft, a switching circuit is utilized to permit a single control circuit to provide individual section seeding rates and to automatically operate the actuator associated with the given drive shaft in accordance with the error signal.

Abstract: Granular cattle feed is normally dispensed manually using pails, sacks or open trucks, or from hoppers. Such methods are usually labor intensive, time consuming and wasteful of feed. A solution to the problem involves a large cylindrical drum having a diameter similar to a round bale, with a plurality of cleats extending across the cylindrical end of the drum between the circular sides thereof for causing the drum to rotate when in contact with the ground, and a large dispensing opening between an adjacent pair of cleats for dispensing elongated piles of feed at spaced apart locations along the path of travel of the drum. The device can be pivotally mounted on the rear end of a truck for movement between an elevated, transport position and a ground engaging, use position.

Abstract: An amusement device adapted to be mounted to a bicycle or other velocipede designed to promote enjoyment and safty. The amusement device has a fluid reservoir, a pump driven by the velocipede wheel for removing fluid from the reservoir, a conduit for conveying water from the pump to an exit nozzle and a helmet adapted to be worn by the rider of the velocipede to which the nozzle can be attached.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing applicator for crease setting compositions comprises a support 16, a reservoir 12 slidably mounted on the support 16, an applicator nozzle 14 connected to the reservoir 12 to deliver fluid therefrom, and a bearing element 40 movable relative to the support 16 between retracted and advanced positions capable of effecting slidable movement of the reservoir respectively towards and away from the support 16 when so moved. A rotatable member 18 is mounted on the support and is geared to a piston arrangement 32, 34 for urging fluid from the reservoir 12 through the nozzle 14. The nozzle 14, bearing element 40 and the periphery of the rotatable member 18 are aligned on the same side of the applicator. When the applicator is not in use a combination of the pressure within the reservoir 12 and gravity cause the bearing element to move the reservoir into the retracted position thereby relieving the pressure in the reservoir and preventing oozing of crease setting composition from the nozzle 14.

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: Floor treating apparatus, principally for waxing floors includes a drip pan to catch wax from the applicator pad when the applicator head is in a retracted position. A piston pump has an adjustable variable stroke to provide selection of the quantity of wax to be deposited. Slotted connections between the applicator head and the supporting arms provide independent vertical movement of each end of the applicator pad to enable the pad to conform to uneven floors.

Abstract: A device for providing pulsation-free feeding of a liquid medium from a supply container to a consuming device for use in a road-marking machine is disclosed. Two statically-operating reciprocating-piston pumps are arranged between the supply container and the consuming device such that when one pump is on suction stroke, the other is on a feed stroke. The pump flow rate is proportional to the drive speed of the road-marking machine and the feed flow of each pump has zones which overlap the other. The feed sides of the pumps are connected to a change-over means which alternately connects delivery flows from the pumps to the consuming device and also connects the pressure side of the pumps simultaneously to the consuming device and to the supply container, which prevents pressure flow fluctuations as the back-pressure to each pump is the same.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for driving a rotatable seed drum of a seed planter which includes a fan for supplying air under pressure to the drum. The drum drive system includes an alternator which is mechanically driven, preferably from a drive for the planter fan, and which has output terminals connected to a motor mechanically connected to the seed drum. A ground speed signal generator is mechanically connected to a ground-engaging wheel to develop a signal which has an amplitude proportional to ground speed and which is applied through an adjustable resistance to a field winding of the alternator after passing through a control box. A drum speed signal generator arrangement is provided for developing a drum speed signal having an amplitude inversely proportional to the speed of rotation of the seed drum. This signal is also directed to the control box. Preferably, the signal generators include reluctance generator devices.

Abstract: A hydraulic rate control system for maintaining a selected application rate at varying ground speeds. The application rate is selected through an operator control which permits the operator to dial in the spray tip size, the width of the spray pattern per tip and the desired spray rate in gallons per acre, and this application rate can be changed on the go. A ground-driven hydraulic oil pump directs its entire flow through a variable orifice, adjusted through manipulation of the operator control, and the oil pressure acts against a balance valve which maintains the pressure of the chemical to be sprayed equal to the oil pressure at the variable orifice. As the ground speed increases or decreases, the oil pressure and thus the chemical pressure increases or decreases accordingly to maintain the selected application rate.

Abstract: A spreader for distributing particulate material, particularly adapted for use as both a package for particulates and as a disposable spreader, comprises a dispenser, a pair of wheels mounted at opposite ends of the dispenser and a handle for advancing the spreader along a given path as the dispenser rotates. The dispenser has inner and outer chambers, the inner chamber adapted to act as a reservoir for particulate material, the outer chamber adapted to provide a circumferential passageway for particulate material passing from the inner chamber to the exterior of the spreader. A one-way valve arrangement in the passageway restricts particulate flow to the exterior when the dispenser is rotated in one direction but permits flow when rotated in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted liquid spreading device adapted to deliver selected, essentially constant, volumes of liquid per unit area over a range of vehicle speeds. The device operates to adjust the pressure in the liquid distribution system as a function of vehicle speed by comparing the pressure in the distribution system to a pressure proportional to the vehicle speed and utilizing a signal so obtained to control a liquid by-pass valve.

Abstract: An agricultural spreader device for spreading seed and other granular material, the spreader being constituted by modular assemblies which are attachable to a central carrier assembly mountable on an agricultural machine such as a tractor. Each modular assembly includes a cylinder supported by rollers, the amount of material spread being determined by the adjustment of the cylinder speed. The lower opening of a distribution hopper is located in front of the cylinder top.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted spreading apparatus includes a container for the material to be spread, at least one spreading disc rotatable about a vertical axis and a dosing device for conveying material from the container to the spreading disc as the vehicle moves along the ground. The disc and the dosing device are powered from a driving wheel which can be lowered into driving contact with the ground. The driving wheel conveys power to a mechanical power transfer assembly which drives the dosing device and which drives an adjustable speed motor system for the spreading disc.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a main reservoir for water and at least one secondary reservoir for an additive material. Both reservoirs are connected to a mixing chamber which is connected to independent segments of a spray distribution bank via separate pipes. A pump pumps the additive material to the mixing chamber. A driving mechanism responsive to the speed of the vehicle drives the pump as a function of the speed of the vehicle and thereby effects a first regulation of the flow of additive material to the mixing chamber. A valve is interposed between the secondary reservoir and the mixing chamber for effecting a second regulation of the flow of additive material to the mixing chamber as a function of the number of segments of the spray distribution bank in use.

Abstract: This invention relates to lawn spreader markers generally, and more specifically to an intermittent manually controlled marking apparatus which delineates the area covered by the spreader hopper opening and which utilizes foam as the marking material.

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: The invention provides an apparatus for sowing seeds in a liquid suspension in which a peristaltic pump supplies the suspension to the ground at a position behind and above the lower part of a drill coulter.

Abstract: Mobile apparatus for spreading a constant volume of liquid per unit area of surface in spite of variations in speed of travel, has a spreading liquid circuit which includes a pressure regulator for controlling the liquid pressure in response to the pressure in an auxiliary liquid circuit. The pressure in the auxiliary liquid circuit is controlled by a sensing wheel which is carried on a pivotally mounted arm so that the sensing wheel can engage either with a wheel of the vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted or with the ground. The sensing wheel provides a pump for the auxiliary circuit and the flow rate of the pump is controlled by an orifice which can be partially occluded by a cam-like shutter.

Abstract: An application monitoring device to determine and display the volume of liquid or granular material applied per unit area of ground by mobile application equipment is described. The device includes a first measuring means which generates an area electrical pulse signal having a frequency proportional to the rate at which the application equipment covers or traverses a unit of area, and a second measuring means which generates a volume electrical pulse signal having a frequency proportional to the rate of application of the material. A frequency multiplying means operates on the electrical a pulse signal of the first measuring means, and a pulse counting device connected to the output of the frequency multiplying means and the second measuring means accumulates the electrical pulses from the second measuring means for a period of time determined by the frequency multiplying means and corresponding to the time required by said application equipment to cover a unit of area.

Abstract: A device for determining the volume of spraying liquid applied to unit area of ground by spraying equipment. The device includes pulse generators for generating first and second electrical signals respectively representing the rate of supply of liquid and the ground speed of the equipment. A function generating unit receives the two signals and, responding to these signals, produces an output signal representing the product of the ratio between the signals and a predetermined factor. The output signal from the comparator is applied to a meter which provides a visual indication of the output signal, this representing the volume of liquid applied to unit area of the ground. An automatic speed control unit can be coupled to an output from the function generating unit or to the means for generating the second electrical signal. This unit is actuated by an operator when the visual indicator indicates that a predetermined supply of liquid to unit area has been achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer distributor attachment that is adapted to be mounted to a conventional transplanter and powered thereby through a frictional drive system that includes a friction drive wheel associated with said fertilizer distributor attachment and engageable with a furrow closing wheel assembly rotatively mounted to the transplanter and which engages the ground as the transplanter traverses a field during the transplanting operation.

Abstract: A spreader is described, primarily for use in distributing sand and the like on ice and snow-covered sidewalks. The spreader has a frame supported on ground wheels and a sand hopper is provided on the frame. An auger is mounted at a lower end of the hopper in an opening in the hopper to control the flow of sand from the spreader. A driving wheel is operably coupled to the auger, and supported on the hopper for movement between an operative position in which the wheel is in peripheral driving engagement with one of the ground wheels and an inoperative position in which the driving wheel is clear of this ground wheel. In the operative position the auger is driven as the spreader moves along the ground to spread sand and in the inoperative position the driving wheel is disengaged from the ground wheel and the auger is stationary.

Abstract: A lawn spreader includes an elongated generally rectangular hopper supported by a set of wheels and having a bottom member formed by a longitudinally extending aluminum extrusion. The extrusion has upwardly projecting inclined flange portions which are secured to the inclined side walls of the hopper, and the flange portions are integrally connected by a lower portion defining a longitudinally extending guideway. A slide member is supported within the guideway and is also formed from an aluminum extrusion. The slide member includes a longitudinally extending integral rib which projects downwardly and connects directly with the lower end portion of a control lever pivotally supported by a side wall of the hopper. The upper end portion of the lever engages a rotatably adjustable cam for precisely positioning the slide member to regulate accurately the discharge of material from the hopper through a set of spaced apertures within the extrusions.