Closed granular chemical handling system

A granular chemical applicator comprising:

• application means for applying a granular chemical;
• a metering valve operatively associated with the application means for controlling the flow of chemical to the application means;
• a package for holding a chemical to be delivered to the metering valve;
• a dispensing valve mounted to the package for controlling the flow of chemical from the package;
• a receiving valve operatively associated with the metering valve for receiving chemical from the package through the dispensing valve and directing it to the metering valve, whereby when the dispensing valve is coupled to the receiving valve, both the dispensing valve and receiving valve are automatically opened, and when the dispensing valve is uncoupled from the receiving valve, both the dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically closed, the receiving valve comprises a stationary valve disc and a sliding sleeve having a valve seat which contacts the disc, the receiving valve is opened by sliding the sliding sleeve away from the valve disc when the dispensing valve is coupled to the receiving valve, the stationary valve disc is mounted to a tower that projects upwardly from the application means, the tower being located inside the sliding sleeve and defining passages through which a chemical can flow, when the dispensing valve is uncoupled from the receiving valve the slidable sleeve rises up the tower towards the stationary disc establishing a new fill level in the hopper and providing additional room in the hopper for granular chemical located in the closed conduit formed between the valves;
• a sequencing means for opening the receiving valve first when the receiving valve is coupled to the dispensing valve and closing the receiving valve last when the dispensing valve is uncoupled from the receiving valve.