A method for compensating for wind effects on measured weights includes receiving initialization sensor values from a seed tender. An estimated discharge is generated based on the initialization sensor values. A weight sensor value from the seed tender is received after the initialization sensor values. The weight sensor value is compared to a threshold value corresponding to a value of the estimated discharge at a corresponding time. Based on the comparison, it is determined whether to transmit the weight sensor value or the threshold value to the seed tender controller.

The invention comprises a deflector assembly for use with a spreading disc rotatable around a first axis, the deflector assembly comprising an array of deflector members concentrically disposed relative to the first axis, wherein a stream of particulate material discharged onto the deflector assembly is deflected onto a portion of the spreading disc.

A material spreader is provided. The material spreader includes a hopper for storing material to be a spread which feeds to a rotary spreader assembly. The rotary spreader assembly includes an impeller that rotates about a hub which is secured to an impeller shaft. The impeller includes two or more blades extending radially from the impeller shaft which spin to cause the material to be discharged from the assembly through a chute. The spreader includes a base with a pair of wheels linked via a wheel axle that allows for manual movement. A wheel axle gear set is mounted to the wheel axle such that the wheel axle and wheels mesh with an impeller gear set mounted on the impeller shaft. When the wheels rotate, the movement causes the impeller shaft to rotate and discharges the material through the chute.

An agitation unit for use in a lawn spreader and other dispensing equipment, and oscillating agitation systems therefor comprising such an agitation unit. The agitation unit includes a hub, an arm extending from the hub, and an extension on the arm configured to project downwardly to an extent relative to the arm and the hub to protrude into, but not through, the outlet passageway of the hopper.

A push-pull cable system including a cable assembly, a stabilizing element, and a guide member. The stabilizing element and guide member may maintain alignment of a wire of the cable assembly as it pushes against a mechanism resistive force that is not aligned with the wire itself. As a result, the cable system may be utilized in applications wherein space constraints prevent alignment of the wire with the resistive force vector of the mechanism.

An animal feeder has a hopper body adjustably mounted on a mounting base for directing feed material in a selected direction. The mounting base includes a pair of ground support elements pivotally mounted on a lateral support plate with a pair of pivot bolts, and further including a locking bolt that enables the lateral support plate to be pivotally adjusted with respect to the pair of ground support elements. The hopper body is rotatably mounted on the lateral support plate via a center bolt. A feed dispensing mechanism discharges the feed material through a feed discharge aperture, in a direction that is adjusted via the positioning of the adjustment base.

A system and method of automatically adjusting an amount of agricultural granular material delivered to a field in response to vehicle steering activities. The system includes a sensor that is associated with a steering system of a vehicle configured to apply the material to a field. The sensor is connected to a controller that is configured to determine a deviation value associated with discrete turning activities. The controller is configured to manipulate operation of a first commodity delivery system and a second commodity delivery system such that different amounts of the agricultural material can be delivered to alternate lateral sides of the vehicle in response to turning activities.

A push-pull cable system including a cable assembly, a stabilizing element, and a guide member. The stabilizing element and guide member may maintain alignment of a wire of the cable assembly as it pushes against a mechanism resistive force that is not aligned with the wire itself. As a result, the cable system may be utilized in applications wherein space constraints prevent alignment of the wire with the resistive force vector of the mechanism.

A method of spreading granular fertilizer includes driving a small framed truck over an electronically mapped area that is in need of granular fertilizer. As the small framed truck is driven over the mapped area, a GP S sensor is read to determine the location of the small framed truck on the mapped area. An electronic control determines the application rate of granular fertilizer needed to the left of the truck and the application rate of granular fertilizer needed to the right of the truck in relation to the location of the truck on the mapped area. The method includes dispensing left and right amounts of granular fertilizer from a hopper carried on the truck, with the left and right amounts being separately dispensed at rates determined in the determining step. Apparatus to carry out the method is also disclosed.

A system and methods for monitoring and evaluating the performance of a lawn-care technician. A Technician Performance Module (TPM) is affixed to or embedded in a device or apparatus used by the technician, such as a sprayer or a spreader. The TPM comprises a plurality of sensors (e.g., GPS, gyroscope, accelerometer, compass, pedometer) which collect, store, and/or transmit an assortment of data as described below. The data may be transmitted wirelessly to a control box, which may be located in a nearby vehicle, such as a truck used by the technician at the site of the lawn-care services being provided. The data also may be transmitted wireless to a cellular or wireless gateway for transmission to system servers for storage and analysis.