Patent ID: 8544395
Filing Date: 2013-10-01
Classification: A01C

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for applying slurry fertilizer in a furrow beneath the surface of soil comprising: a mounting frame; a curvilinear main shank having an upper forward portion including a first end mounted to said mounting frame for rotation about a horizontal axis, said main shank further having a lower aft portion extending downwardly and rearwardly from said upper forward portion and including a second opposed end disposed adjacent the surface of said soil, wherein said lower aft portion is laterally offset from said upper forward portion relative to a direction of travel of said apparatus; a spring mounted to said mounting frame at one end and to said main shank at a second location to cushion said main shank; a sweep shank attached to the offset lower aft portion of said main shank and aligned with the upper forward portion of said main shank and having a width no greater than approximately one-half inch in a direction of travel of said apparatus, said sweep shank having a forward tip casting disposed below the surface of the soil and including a lower leading tip portion and an upper sharp leading edge portion aligned generally vertically and extending upwardly and aft of said lower leading tip portion for forming a vertical slot in the soil; a sweep disposed on said sweep shank and in said vertical slot in the soil and having left and right lateral wings extending in a substantially horizontal plane for forming left and right lateral fissures extending outwardly from opposed sides of a lower portion of said slot, wherein said wings are swept back at an angle of at least 55° and are angled upwardly at an angle up to approximately 12° in proceeding from front to rear; and a slurry delivery tube pivotally attached to and disposed aft of said sweep shank for delivery of slurry into the formed furrow, said slurry flowing into said lateral fissures.