Single blade sealer for fertilizer applicator

Abstract

A single disc sealer for closing the groove formed by a fertilizer knife is mounted behind the applicator with its cutting edge working immediately adjacent the groove. The work surface has formed in it a raised annular deflection surface spaced inwardly of the periphery of the disc a distance approximately equal to the working depth of the disc. The edge of the disc cuts a ribbon of soil adjacent the furrow, the periphery working surface of the disc displaces the soil laterally toward the groove to close it, and the deflection surface directs the soil down into the furrow rather than lifting the soil as in the case of conventional disc covers, while slightly compacting the soil. The disc mount includes a spring assembly for cushioning the disc and is provided with a plurality of sets of adjusting apertures which provide an adjustable mount for the lower end of the spring assembly for varying disc pressure, and the lower end of the spring assembly may quickly be disassembled from and assembled to one of the plurality of sets of apertures. The spring assembly is mounted off-normal to provide fast recovery following striking of an object by the disc. Slotted brackets allow for adjusting the working angle of the disc and its spacing from the fertilizer furrow.