Abstract: A mortar applying device (10) includes a motor (12) and hopper (14) mounted on a wheeled (18 and 50) frame (32). The wheels (18) can be driven at variable speeds using the throttle of the engine (12) to accommodate faster and slower rates of block laying. At the forward end of the frame (32) is an arm (34) and wheel (36) assembly which senses the end of the wall under construction and which activates motor cut off switch (44). The hopper (14) is lined with a low coefficient of friction, low adhesion material (70) to prevent mortar from clinging inside the hopper (14). The discharge element (66) located under the open bottom (64) of the hopper (14) includes an angled guide (72) which directs mortar out two exit ports (74 and 76). The height of the ribbons of mortar exiting under gates (80 and 82) is controllable and is smoothed over by a bevelled edge (88).

Abstract: A seeding device to dispense seed suspended in a gel or other carrier medium in either a continuous stream or discrete pulses. A coulter opens a furrow of earth to the proper depth and seed carried in a gel or other suspension medium is delivered in a pulsed or continuous stream into the furrow which is then covered with earth by a trailing coverer. An auger delivers the seed in suspension and the speed of the auger is controlled to vary the volume of seed and gel or other suspension medium delivered. Circumferentially spaced cam lobes on a drive wheel control the frequency and therefore the row spacing of the seed suspension medium distributed in the pulse delivery mode.

Abstract: A self cleaning sprocket for a roller chain comprising a circular disc having a plurality of outwardly extending teeth and between which are formed roller receiving pockets. At the base of each pocket extending radially inwardly therefrom are foreign material receiving niches which receive foreign material driven from the pocket by the engaging roller of the roller chain. The niches are U-shaped and extend from curved portions of the pocket which form the working faces of the sprocket. The sprocket and chain drive associated therewith is particularly well suited for use with an agricultural machine, such as a planter, which is used in a dirty and trashy environment.

Abstract: A foldable drill implement has a supply hopper mounted on a center frame section and a rearwardly mounted broadcast hopper extending onto wing frame sections. Various augers connect the supply hopper to the broadcast hopper and maintain a level of fill in the broadcast hopper. Folding of the wing section relative to the center frame section utilizes swing plates and spacer plates to dampen oscillation of the wing sections. Controls regulate flow of material by sensing accumulated excess material and deactuating the augers. A differential assembly is provided for sensing torque pressure due to an accumulation of material in transverse broadcast augers to regulate flow.

Abstract: In a manual sowing apparatus a cell wheel 132 is provided which is drivable by a wheel disk 116 directly or via a reduction gear and which conveys the grain seeds from a receiving chamber via pockets disposed in the wheel to a discharge station. A plurality of cell wheels are associated with each apparatus and can be fixed via a bayonet coupling on a support drum 72. Cell wheels which are not in use can be accommodated in a receiver 104. A resilient scraper is disposed at the discharge end of the receiving chamber and prevents jamming of the cell wheel by scraping off grains when they are too large or when there are too many in a pocket, while grains projecting a slight extent can pass beneath the scraper.

Abstract: A seeding device to dispense seed suspended in a gel or other carrier medium in either a continuous stream or discrete pulses. A coulter opens a furrow of earth to the proper depth and seed carried in a gel or other suspension medium is delivered in a pulsed or continuous stream into the furrow which is then covered with earth by a trailing coverer. An auger delivers the seed in suspension and the speed of the auger is controlled to vary the volume of seed and gel or other suspension medium delivered. Circumferentially spaced cam lobes on a drive wheel control the frequency and therefore the row spacing of the seed suspension medium distributed in the pulse delivery mode.

Abstract: A planter population reduction drive system includes a third shaft adapted to be added onto a planter implement transmission unit having existing first and second shafts. The individual planter units are driven by the second shaft which is connected by a series of adjustable wheels to the first shaft for a selected population rate. The new third shaft is driven by the ground wheels and includes primary and secondary belt drive connections to the first shaft. A normally engaged wrap spring clutch on the third shaft normally provides for the transmission of torque from the third shaft to the first shaft but when the wrap spring clutch is disengaged, torque is transmitted through a secondary drive wheel which is mounted on the third shaft by an over running clutch.

Abstract: A planter population reduction drive system includes a third shaft adapted to be added onto a planter implement transmission unit having existing first and second shafts. The individual planter units are driven by the second shaft which is connected by a series of adjustable sprockets to the first shaft for a selected population rate. The new third shaft is driven by the ground wheels and includes primary and secondary chain drive connections to the first shaft. A normally engaged wrap spring clutch on the third shaft normally provides for the transmission of torque from the third shaft to the first shaft but when the wrap spring clutch is disengaged, torque is transmitted through a secondary drive sprocket which is mounted on the third shaft by an over running clutch.

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: 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: An electrically adjusted and mechanically driven variable speed pulley transmission provides immediate and accurate changes to the seed dispensing rate of a planter. The variable speed pulley transmission is driven by a ground-engaging wheel and adjusted in response to electrically monitored variations between desired and actual seed plant densities. Adjustment to the sheaves of the transmission pulley is effected by an electric motor and tension springs which interconnect the movable pulley sheaves apply pressure to the sides of the pulley belt to assure torque transmission at low RPM's.