CN101547595A - Custom planter and method of custom planting - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a planter for planting multiple rows of seeds in which the spacing between rows and the spacing between seeds in a row can be varied includes at least two planting units, each planting unit adapted for planning a row of seeds, the planting units being mounted so that.he spacing between the at least two of the planting units can be changed, and the rate of planting of at least one of the planting units being independently changeable. A method of planting seeds in a field with a multi-row planter having a plurality of planting units each adapted for planting a row of seeds, includes selectively changing ai least one of the spacing between at least two adjacent planting units and the rate of operation of at least one of the planting units during the planting so that at least one of the row spacing or the seed spacing in the rows is not uniform across the planted field.

Description

The planter of customization and the method for custom planting

Background

[0001] disclosure relates to the method for planter and plantation, and relates in particular to the planter in the plot that is used to utilize dissimilar seed plantation customizations and utilize the method in the plot of dissimilar seed plantation customizations.

[0002] modern planter can planted 12 row or more rows simultaneously reliably when planter passes the field.Utilize this planter can plant a large amount of fields apace.Yet, utilize existing planter may be difficult to plant little plot, such as the plantation during seed-test.When hope is planted little plot with dissimilar seeds, for example when the time with different seed variety planting experiments plot, the seed of first kind must be loaded in the accumulator of the independent planter units on the planter, and make planter pass the field to plant first plot.After finishing first plot, must stop planter, thereby can manually from accumulator, remove the seed of first kind, and new seed variety is loaded in the accumulator.All must repeat this process when needing the new seed variety in a plot of plantation at every turn.

[0003] when the planting experiment plot, skilled relatively personnel participate in usually to carry out or supervise and manually change in the complex task of the seed in the planter, to guarantee to have used suitable seed.For widely distributed field test, must dispose the skilled person widely, thereby waste valuable time and increased cost.

General introduction

[0004] embodiment of planter of the present disclosure is as making the plantation of test plot have the different kind period of the day from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m often to carry out, provide and helped to make the plot kind to be implanted with the planter of dissimilar seeds, and when the peasant attempted to make the seed variety of being planted and the local conditional in the field to be complementary, it can become more welcome.Similarly, the embodiment of method of the present disclosure provides and has made the plot kind be implanted with different seeds, for example is used for the purpose tested or for the seed category of being planted and the local conditional in field are complementary.

[0005] the various embodiment of the planter that makes up according to disclosure principle comprise the planter with a plurality of independent planter units.These planter units can be installed on the tensile framework, and this framework can be collected when not using so that move and the storage planter.Planter also comprises the storage system of the seed that is used for storing respectively two or more kinds.Transfer system transmits seed between storage system and planter units.

[0006] comprises according to the various embodiment of the kind method for planting of disclosure principle and prepare predetermined planting plan; The seed that will be used for scheduled plan is loaded into memory cell; The seed that will be used for testing the plot is sent to planter units from storage system; And make planter pass the field so that in the test plot, plant seed.If have another test plot that remains to be planted, then the seed that is used for next test plot can be sent to planter units from storage system according to definite plan.

[0007] provide according to the various embodiment of the planter of disclosure principle change seed fast and automatically in independent planter units, this is convenient to make the plot kind be implanted with dissimilar seeds in same field.The various embodiment of disclosure kind method for planting provide in same field the organized plantation to dissimilar seed plot, reduced the field supervision simultaneously, the skilled person has been freed from manual work with the design of being absorbed in planting plan and other prior task.The various embodiment of this planter and method be convenient to realize from seed distribute, the automation of the whole planting process of the plantation that is loaded into the plot of planter.Disclosure principle is planted the two to the customized production of the little test plot that is used for seed-test and precision agriculture and is all had applicability.Hereinafter will be partly distinct and partly point out these feature and advantage and further feature and advantage.

Brief description

[0008] Fig. 1 is the schematic diagram of the planter that makes up of various embodiment and embodiment according to disclosure principle.

[0009] Fig. 2 is the back elevational view according to the various embodiment of the planter of various other embodiment of disclosure principle and embodiment.

[0010] Fig. 3 is the back perspective view of the various embodiment of the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0011] Fig. 4 is the right side elevation view of the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0012] Fig. 5 is the back elevational view of the storage device on the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0013] Fig. 6 is the back elevational view that is used to unload the mechanism of the storage device on the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0014] Fig. 7 is the back elevational view that is used to unload the mechanism of the storage device on the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0015] Fig. 8 is the perspective view that is used for the mechanism of the storage device on the planter shown in the Stowage Plane 2.

[0016] Fig. 9 is the back elevational view of the planter units on the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0017] Figure 10 is the right side elevation view of the planter units on the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0018] Figure 11 is the left side elevation view of the planter units on the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0019] Figure 12 is the front elevation view in the left side of the planter shown in Fig. 2, and it has shown fold mechanism.

[0020] Figure 13 is the left side elevation view of the anterior part of the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0021] Figure 14 is the top view in the left side of the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0022] Figure 15 is the perspective view of the right-hand member of the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0023] Figure 16 is the side elevation of the valve in the seed transport system on the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0024] Figure 17 is the side elevation of the rotating mechanism on the storage device on the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0025] Figure 18 is the back elevational view of planter, and it has shown the fan blower that is used for the seed transport system on the planter shown in Fig. 2.

[0026] Figure 19 is the schematic diagram that comprises the field in a plurality of plot with different seed varieties.

[0027] Figure 20 is the schematic diagram according to the whole bag of tricks embodiment of the various embodiment of disclosure principle and embodiment.

[0028] Figure 21 is various embodiment and the embodiment according to disclosure principle, comprises a plurality of tests field, and the schematic diagram in the test area of being supplied by central distribution locations.

[0029] Figure 22 is the schematic diagram that resolves into the test area of a plurality of pilot regions, and it has the distribution locations of appointment.

[0030] Figure 23 is according to the left side elevation view of the various embodiment of the implant system of disclosure principle, shows that wherein planter is in its deployment or the ＂ kind is planted the ＂ position.

[0031] Figure 24 is the left side elevation view of the various embodiment of implant system, shows that wherein planter is in its collection or ＂ transportation ＂ position.

[0032] Figure 25 is the back perspective view of the various embodiment of implant system, shows that wherein planter is in its ＂ kind and plants the ＂ position.

[0033] Figure 26 is the back elevational view of hoist roofbolt and balladeur train of the various embodiment of implant system, and it is used for planter is installed in vehicle,

[0034] Figure 27 is the right side elevation view of roofbolt and balladeur train of hoisting.

[0035] Figure 28 is the back perspective view of roofbolt and balladeur train of hoisting.

[0036] Figure 29 is the back elevational view of part of hoist roofbolt and balladeur train and planter of the various embodiment of implant system.

[0037] Figure 30 is the left side elevation view of part of hoist roofbolt and balladeur train and planter of the various embodiment of implant system.

[0038] Figure 31 is according to the back elevational view of the planter of the various embodiment of the implant system of the various embodiment of the disclosure, has wherein removed seeding and has planted the unit.

[0039] Figure 32 is the partial side view according to the amplification of the planter of the various embodiment of the implant system of the various embodiment of the disclosure, and it has shown that seeding plants the installation of unit.

[0040] Figure 32 A is the vertical view according to the planter of the various embodiment of the implant system of the various embodiment of the disclosure, and it has shown that seeding plants the unit and be in its folded state.

[0041] Figure 32 B is the vertical view according to the planter of the various embodiment of the implant system of the various embodiment of the disclosure, and it has shown that seeding plants the unit and be in its extended mode.

[0042] Figure 33 A is the axonometric drawings such as part that the installing rack of unit is planted in seeding that are used for according to various other embodiment of the disclosure.

[0043] Figure 33 B balladeur train of being in the installing rack shown in Figure 33 A to be comprised waits axonometric drawing.

[0044] Figure 33 C is that it has shown retaining mechanism according to the end-view of the part of balladeur train shown in Figure 33 B of the various embodiment of the disclosure.

[0045] Figure 34 is the side elevation that the unit is planted in the seeding of a part that forms the various embodiment of implant system.

[0046] Figure 35 is the perspective view that the unit is planted in the seeding of a part that forms the various embodiment of implant system.

[0047] Figure 36 forms the perspective view of seed counter that the part of unit is planted in seeding.

[0048] Figure 36 A is the end view according to the seed measuring structure of the various embodiment of the disclosure, has wherein removed half of accumulator of seed measuring structure, is enclosed in seed identifier (singulator) system in this accumulator with demonstration.

[0049] Figure 36 B is the rearview of the seed measuring structure shown in Figure 36 A.

[0050] Figure 37 is the plane according to the field of the plantation of some embodiment of disclosure system and method.

[0051] Figure 38 is the plane according to the field of the plantation of some embodiment of disclosure system and method.

[0052] Figure 39 according to the various embodiment of the disclosure, comprise seed storage system and seed transfer system planter units etc. axonometric drawing.

[0053] Figure 40 is that it is shown as and is in bottom-up position according to the axonometric drawing such as grade of the seed rest stand of the seed storage system shown in Figure 39 of the various embodiment of the disclosure.

[0054] Figure 41 is the axonometric drawing that waits according to the seed rest stand shown in Figure 40 of the various embodiment of the disclosure, and it is in the position that the top side makes progress, and has shown the various members of seed rest stand.

[0055] Figure 42 is the partial section of the seed rest stand shown in Figure 41 along line A-A.

[0056] Figure 43 is the axonometric drawing that waits of the protractor that comprised in the seed transfer system according to the planter units shown in Figure 39 of the various embodiment of the disclosure.

[0057] Figure 44 is the sectional view according to the protractor part shown in Figure 43 of the various embodiment of the disclosure.

[0058] Figure 45 is according to the partial bottom view of the protractor shown in the various embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 43.

[0059] Figure 46 is according to one end view in a plurality of indexing mechanisms of the protractor shown in Figure 43 of the various embodiment of the disclosure.

[0060] Figure 47 is the axonometric drawing such as grade according to the fixed pawl assembly of the protractor shown in Figure 43 of the various embodiment of the disclosure.

[0061] Figure 48 is that it can be realized in the seed storage system shown in Figure 39 according to the axonometric drawing such as grade of the multilayer seed rest stand of various other embodiment of the disclosure.

[0062] refers to corresponding parts in corresponding reference number whole some views in the accompanying drawings.

Describe in detail

[0063], in various embodiment of the present disclosure, provides many rows formula planter 20 with reference to Fig. 1.Planter 20 can be pulled, perhaps its can be combined on the tractor and to make it be self-propelled.Planter 20 generally includes the framework 22 with two tensile frameworks 24,26.A plurality of (among Fig. 1 being eight) independent planter units 28 is installed on framework 24 and 26.Planter 20 also comprises seed storage system 30.Seed storage system 30 can be the rotation accumulator of 24 compartments, or (aspect the number and quantity two of seed category) has some other device of enough capacity.

[0064] seed transport system 32 transports the seed from one of them selected compartment of seed storage system 30.As shown in fig. 1, seed transport system 32 is included in a plurality of pipelines 34 that extend between storage system 30 and each the independent planter units.Pneumatic system guiding seed is by pipeline 34.Though the system shown in Fig. 1 has shown being connected in parallel between storage device and independent planter units, but storage device can also be connected in series and is connected on the independent planter with one or more, in this case, can provide valve with control seed flowing between the planter units that is connected in series.Seed transport system 36 is transported to seed in the storage device from independent planter units.As shown in fig. 1, seed transport system 36 comprises a plurality of pipelines 38 that extend between each independent planter units and storage system 30.Though the system shown in Fig. 1 has shown being connected in parallel between independent planter units and the storage system, but independent planter units can also be connected in series and is connected on the storage device with one or more, though the series connection return path generally can not be suitable for seed is transported to storage device equally, the disclosure still comprises it.

[0065], in various other embodiment of the disclosure, can revise planter 20, so that a kind of many rows formula planter 100 to be provided referring now to Fig. 2-18.Planter 100 comprises framework 102, and has laterally the support unit 104 that extends and left side support unit 106 and the right side support unit 108 that can pivot that can pivot.A plurality of (among Fig. 2-18 being six) independent planter units 110 is installed on support unit 104,106 and 108.In various embodiments, wherein four planter units 110 are installed on the support unit 104, and can pivot in the left side support unit 106 and right side can pivot and a planter units 110 respectively be installed on the support unit 108.Planter 100 can be configured to for example be approximately 102 inches or littler so that shrink or fold into make its width that can satisfy Department of Transportation (DOT) (Department ofTransportation) standard and advance on the road of routine usually.Thereby in various embodiments, two planter units in the centre of four planter units 110 on the support unit 104 are hard-wired, and the planter units 110 on left-hand end and right-hand end be mounted to can be towards the middle translation of support unit.Supporting member 106 and 108 is mounted to and can pivots around vertical axis and swing forward.Planter units 110 on the supporting member 106 and 108 can upwards be pivoted to favorite places around the axis of approximate horizontal.

[0066] planter units 110 can be traditional planter units.In other various embodiment, can provide extra planter units to plant up to 12 seedings, for example corn with permission.Also can provide extra planter units 110 to plant the seed of various other types, for example soya seeds.Unit 110 can be suitable for handling more than one type seed, perhaps can change apace to handle the seed of single type.

[0067] planter 100 also comprises the superstructure 112 of supporting seed storage system 114.Planter 100 also comprises and is used for seed is transported to the seed transport system 116 of planter units 110 from seed storage system 114, and the seed transport system 118 that is used for seed is transported to from planter units 110 seed storage system 114.

[0068] as shown in the drawing, seed storage system 114 comprises a plurality of accumulators 120 (in the accompanying drawing being 40).Accumulator 120 is installed on the platform 124 on a plurality of wheels 122 that roll (Figure 17) to rotate around roughly vertical axis.Accumulator 120 rotations are aimed at the buccal funnel 124 of going into of seed transport system 116 to cause specific accumulator 120.Conduit 126 in series extends to each planter 110 from funnel 124.Conduit 126 extends to the valve 128 that is installed on each planter 110.Seed from accumulator 120 passes through conduit 126, is directed to each planter 110 by each valve 128.130 in the pressure fan that is installed on the superstructure 112 is connected to along extending laterally across on the manifold 132 of planter 100.A plurality of pipelines 134 extend to each planter units 110 from manifold 132.For example drive pressure fan 130, thereby produce suction at each planter units 110 places by manifold 132 and pipeline 134 by the hydraulic power (Fig. 5) that provides by hydraulic line 133 or by electrical power.By opening valve 128, the suction that is provided by pressure fan 130 at each planter units 110 places can aspirate seed and arrive in each planter units through conduit 126.Pressure fan 130 also can be applied to normal pressure on the conduit 126 by pipeline 135, and this pipeline extends between the outlet of funnel 124 and pressure fan.

[0069] seed transport system 118 comprises a plurality of conduits 136 that extend to the funnel 138 of accumulator 120 tops from each planter units 110.Second pressure fan 140 that is installed on the superstructure 112 is connected on two pipelines 142 and 144, these two pipelines are connected on the funnel 138 with suction air from funnel, air and seed are pumped to funnel from planter units 110, and turn back in the suitable accumulator 120.Second pressure fan 140 can drive by the mode of hydraulic line 146 with hydraulic pressure.

[0070] planter 100 can on the trailer through towing or be transported on the field of using it.Planter 100 for example is suitable for pulling by the tractor of routine.Yet, it is contemplated that planter is attached in the conventional last road vehicles that this vehicle also can be driven and cross the field.

[0071], supporting member 106 and 108 is pivoted to aim at and planter is ready to so that use with supporting member 104 by rotating to operating position in the planter units on supporting member 106 and 108 110.Planter units 110 on the supporting member 104 is moved to its operating position.Supporting member 104,106 and 108 is locked in operating position.Hydraulic line 133 and hydraulic line 146 are connected to the hydraulic fluid of pressurization and supply with.

[0072] accumulator 120 rotates so that suitable accumulator 120 is aimed at funnel 124.Operation is positioned at the door of selected accumulator 120 bottoms, flow in the funnel 124 to allow seed.Measure the kind period of the day from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m that supplies suitable quantity when, door can be closed.Seed in the funnel is assigned in each planter units 110.Pressure fan 130 with from each planter units suction air, makes it pass pipeline 134 and manifold 132 through operation.Seed is sucked into valve 128 through conduit 126 from funnel 124.Valve 128 is through operating so that seed is loaded in each planter units 110.Air pressure from pressure fan also is passed to funnel 124 places by conduit 135, so that seed flows to planter units 110 by conduit 136.In case loaded independent planter units 110, just operate planter 100, make it to cross the field, each planter units is planted a seeding for 110 kinds.When the kind period of the day from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m of having planted requirement, each planter seed of just having turned.This can be expediently finish by operation pressure fan 140, and it is via pipeline 142 and 144 and from funnel 138 suction airs.This has just aspirated air and seed via conduit 137 from independent planter units 110.Funnel 138 is got back to seeds in the suitable accumulator 120.In case made all seeds turn back to storage system 114, just can make the seed of another kind be transported to planter units 110, and repeat this process until having planted all seed varieties that need from one of them accumulator 120.

[0073] the various embodiment of planter of the present disclosure and method provide and have been convenient in same field the independent different seed of plot plantation.Thereby, schematically shown in Figure 19, can be planted into a plurality of independent plot 202,204,206,208,210,212,214 and 216 by 200 indicated fields substantially.Plot 202-216 can respectively cross monoblock field 200 and extend, make each plot can by to the one or many field, that be convenient to plant complete crossing plant.Each plot all comprises a plurality of rows, for example 12 rows.Under the situation of field test, gather in the purpose of middle row to be used to assess in each plot usually, outside simultaneously row is used as the protective barrier of isolating adjacent plot.

[0074] referring now to Figure 19-22, should understand, can carry out the whole bag of tricks as described herein, and realize suitable many rows formula planter, for example top with reference to the shown and described planter 20 of Fig. 1 or top with reference to the shown and described planter 100 of Fig. 2-18 or following with reference to the shown and described planter 603 of Figure 23-36.

[0075] schematically shown among Figure 20 according to various embodiment and be used for method at the different seed (in this test at seed variety is common) of plantation on the plot in field.This method provides the different seed of plantation on the plot in the field, and it is common in the test of seed variety.The ability of the plot being planted different seeds also is convenient at the local conditional in the field plantation be adjusted, to reach best output.Thereby can select and plant the seed of the specific local soil that is used for the field and other condition, but not in the monoblock field seed of plantation single variety.

[0076] broadly, the method for various embodiment comprises with first seed category and loads many rows formula planter, for example planter 20,100 or 603.Planter crosses field (for example, the field 200 among Figure 19), and in the part in field first seed in a plot of plantation.Afterwards, automatically remove the seed that remains in the planter having planted first plot (for example 202 among Figure 19).Then, automatically second seed is loaded in the planter.Planter is crossed the field once more, plants second plot (for example 204 among Figure 19).All can repeat this process for each seed variety that remains to be planted.This has just produced the field that is similar to the field 200 that comprises a plurality of plot 202-216.

[0077] according to various embodiment, various seed category separate storage are on planter.The step of loading various types of seeds and the various types of seeds of unloading can comprise back and forth for example to transmit seed between storage system 30 (Fig. 1), storage system 114 (Fig. 2) or storage system 1004 (Figure 39) between airborne (on board) storage system.This transmission can be passed through pneumatic or mechanical transmission system, and for example transfer system 32 (Fig. 1) or transfer system 116/118 (Fig. 2) are finished.In the great majority test is used, the plot will comprise complete the passing through of one or many of crossing the field.In certain embodiments, before crossing the passing through of field next time, when planter can be at " running " (on the fly) when turning round at the place, the end of once passing through of crossing the field, change seed, and do not need to stop planter or interrupt plantation to operate.The transmission of seed can manually be begun by the operator, perhaps its can be for example based on the motion of detected planter and/or the position of planter (for example by GPS or pass through local positioning system) and automatically begin.

[0078] some embodiment of disclosure method is particularly suitable for the test plot of at least two kinds of different seeds of plantation in the test field.In Figure 20, schematically shown an example.Generally speaking, as by shown in the label 300, this method comprises the planting plans of preparing at least two the predetermined test plot in the test field.9 this plot have been shown among Figure 20.This test plan can comprise the feature and the quantity of the various types of seeds that will plant.This plan can manually be prepared by the scientist who carries out this test, and perhaps its preparation can be automation.As 302 schematically shown in, can prepare the planter control program to be used to control the operation of planter according to predetermined planting plan, for example control the operation of planter 20,100 or 603.Processor communication on this planter control program and the planter is to be used to carry out the control to the planter operation.When operation planter when crossing the field, carry out the planter control program automatically before each time passed through, removing seed after finishing with suitable seed loading planter units and passing through, thereby according to the planting plan 300 planting experiment fields of being scheduled to.

[0079] the planter assembly of carrying out this method substantially by 304 indicated being used to, for example planter 20,100 or 603 in Fig. 2, have schematically been shown.Planter 304 comprises stored on-board system 306, for example storage system 30,114 or 1004, and be used in storage system 306 and a plurality of independent planter units, as planter units 28, transmit the seed transfer system 308 of seed between 110 or 788 (the following stated), for example seed transfer system 32,116/118 or 1008 (Figure 39).The operation of planter 304 (perhaps the transfer system 308 of planter) at least is under the control of processor 312.

[0080] common, seed is stored on the planter in storage system 306, wherein separately stores for specified various seeds in predetermined planting plan.Before plantation, storage system 306 is mounted with the seed of the appointment with the quantity that is enough to finish predetermined planting plan.Storage system 306 can have the seed memory module of dismountable hopper type, and it can load respectively and be installed on the planter.According to various embodiment, a kind of exemplary dismountable seed storage system is described hereinafter with reference to Figure 39 to Figure 46.These seed memory modules through loading for example can be provided from the center that produces predetermined planting plan and control program.In commission, can be on magnetic, optics or other medium or connect and the control program that provides as data flow by wired (or wireless), and the seed memory module of the preloaded of seed can be dispatched to test site, and is installed on the processor 312 on the planter 304.Perhaps, can be planter 304 and prepare suitable control program, and load suitable seed, and be assigned to test site in the center.

[0081] operation planter 304 carries out one or many and passes through to cross the test field, and after finishing specific the passing through in plot, control program is automatically removed seed from planter units, and seed is sent in the storage system 306, perhaps alternatively be sent to the ash can 307 on the planter 304.Then, the control program seed that will be used for next test plot is sent to planter units from storage device.Operation planter 304 carries out one or many and passes through to cross the test field, has finished the plot until specific passing through.Then, the control program conversion is used for the seed in next plot, and continues this process up to finishing all plot.

[0082] as herein and described, supposes that each plot has all comprised the one or more complete path of crossing the field.Yet complete plot can comprise the part path of crossing the field.For example local conditional in the field plants when seed is based on, and need change a kind period of the day from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m in one or many ground in single path, is exactly this situation.

[0083] method on planting experiment ground is labour-intensive type at present, and need carry out substantial activity in the field by the test monitoring personnel that were subjected to highly education especially.These personnel are responsible for the design experiment program, and have planted suitable seed in guaranteeing in place.Embodiment of the present disclosure has reduced the quantity of carrying out the required labour of test procedure, and especially for the skilled labour's who carries out test procedure quantity.Can produce the test plan that is used to be dispersed in the polylith field on the broad regions in the center.Similarly, also can be used to control planter to carry out the program of scheduled plan in the center position exploitation.At last, can assemble or provide and be used for the seed of executive plan in this locality loading in the center.Thereby, be exactly that certain can operate planter to pass the personnel in test field in required all of local test site.Seed only need be loaded in the storage device on the planter (perhaps it can be arranged to be preloaded in the seed memory module that is installed in simply on the planter) suitably, and uploads control program.Unskilled relatively operator only operates planter to pass the field.

[0084] in certain embodiments, operator only indication mechanism passes through at every turn and when finishes, and system is by changing seed and response automatically when suitable the passing through.In other embodiments, system be motion response or directional response, and automatically change seed based on motion or direction.In other other embodiment, system is that GPS enables, and automatically changes seed in place, and this may locate in the end of path or may not locate in the end of path.In addition, automation planting process fully is feasible, and wherein control system can make planter automatically pass through the field.

[0085] as transmitting substituting of control program and seed, can carry out pre-programmed and preloaded to planter, and be delivered to local contactor, so that in the test field of appointment, operate planter.

[0086] is used in memory cell storage system 30 for example, 114 or 1004 and planter units planter units 28 for example, the connecting gear that transmits seed between 110 and 788 can be any system that transmits seed under the condition of not damaging seed fast and reliably, transfer system 32,116/118 or 1008 for example.This system can be a mechanical system, or utilizes air pressure to transmit the pneumatic system of seed.This transfer system can comprise loading and unloading system separately.Load System can be included in a plurality of pneumatic travel tube of extending concurrently between seed storage system and each planter units.Yet in various embodiments, Load System is included in a plurality of pneumatic travel tube of in series extending between seed storage system and the some or all of planter units.Pneumatic system can comprise at least two branches, for example framework 24 and 26 (Fig. 1) or support unit 104,106 and 108 (Fig. 2), and wherein each branch all in series extends on two planter units at least.Load System also can be used for unloading this system, and perhaps as in certain embodiments, the uninstalling system that separates can be included in a plurality of pneumatic travel tube of extending concurrently between storage system and each planter units.Uninstalling system can alternatively be included in a plurality of pneumatic travel tube of in series extending between storage system and the some or all of planter units.

[0087] in the large-scale experiment in a plurality of tests plot in relating to regional polylith field, this area is divided at least two pilot regions, and is that each zone produces predetermined test plan.Schematically shown in Figure 21, such zone 400 comprises six fields 402,404,406,408,410 and 412.The test plan that is used for each piece field 402-412 after deliberation, and the seed that will enough be used to the test plan of being scheduled to is transported to and is convenient to this regional " loaded " position 414.At least one many rows formula planter is provided in each zone.Depend on the arrangement of position and time, planter separately can be provided, perhaps can in a more than position, use some or all planters.Each planter can comprise a plurality of planter units, for example planter units 28,110 or 783; Be used to store the storage system of at least two types seed, for example storage system 36,114 or 1004; And the transfer system that is used between storage system and planter units, transmitting seed, for example transfer system 32,116/118 or 1008.The plantation in test plot can be finished by the following: (a) make each planter load seed in its corresponding " loaded " position, so that finish some the test plot at least in the test field in its corresponding pilot region; (b) the operation planter makes it cross the test field in its corresponding zone, so as in its pilot region the planting experiment plot, and repeat these steps, all the test plot in finishing the test area.

[0088] at memory location place, based on the printing or the demonstration of the specific part that is used for performed scheduled plan, can be manually or can automatically realize the seed memory module that is loaded into seed in the planter or is loaded into the hopper type that is used for planter.At loading is under the situation of automation, and where system can specify planter operator plantation, and perhaps planter operator can specify next to plant which piece field, and can be automatically the seed of the adequate types of suitable quantity be loaded in the planter.

[0089] as shown in Figure 22, regional classification can be become a plurality of pilot regions 502,504 and 506, it respectively has the center " loaded " position (being respectively 508,510 and 512) of himself, can transport and store seed and other support material of being used to test in this position.

[0090], in various embodiment of the present disclosure, can provide implant system 600 referring now to Figure 23-38.Usually, implant system 600 comprises vehicle 602 and planter 603, and it comprises that the planter units that can be removably mounted on the vehicle 602 hoists and locatees (PULP) assembly 604, and is installed in the planter assembly 606 on the PULP assembly 604.Vehicle 602 has chassis 610, and four wheels 612 is installed on the chassis 610.Driver's cabin 614 is positioned at the front portion on chassis 610, and on the chassis, is positioned with lathe bed 616 in the back of driver's cabin.

[0091] vehicle 602 can be can be from Freightliner Group, the UNIMOG that DaimlerChrysler company obtains, but it can also be to be suitable for carrying any other vehicle that planter 603 passes through the field that remains to be planted seed.Yet in various embodiments, vehicle 602 also is suitable on the way moving, and makes that implant system 600 can be independently in moved between positions, and does not need to transport implant system with special installation.This helps to use implant system 600 in the custom planting in a plurality of different field in the area, and uses implant system in different areas.

[0092] PULP assembly 604 is suitable for being installed in the rear portion of vehicle 602, to be used for that planter assembly 606 is installed in the there.PULP assembly 604 can disposed or the ＂ kind is planted ＂ position (Figure 23 and Figure 25) and contraction or ＂ and transported and sling between the ＂ position (Figure 24) and tilt planter assembly 606.As shown in Figure 26-28, at various embodiment, PULP assembly 604 comprises hoist roofbolt 620 and balladeur train 622 (for example Figure 26), and it can be along the sidepiece 628 of the roofbolt 620 that hoists and 630 by being arranged on two actuators 624 on one of roofbolt 620 both sides that hoist and 626 (for example piston and air cylinder devices) and translation.The roofbolt 620 that hoists has left side 628 and right side 630, and it can be made by the C shape-channel section towards the outside.Top 632 along horizontal expansion, and can be made by the C shape-channel section towards the below between left side 628 and right side 630, at their respective tops place.Intermediate support spare 634 between left side 628 and right side 630, in the middle of their end along horizontal expansion.

[0093] left side installing plate 636 and right side installing plate 638 are installed on the medial surface on left side 628 and right side 630.Installing plate 636 and 638 has substantially the hook incision 640 towards the below, to be used for that the roofbolt 620 that hoists is suspended in the transverse arm (not shown) along horizontal expansion on the vehicle 602.In various embodiments, a plurality of installing holes 644 are also provided, so that the roofbolt 620 that will hoist is fixed on the chassis 610 of vehicle 602.

[0094] basic beam 646 along horizontal expansion, and passes recess in left side installing plate 636 and the right side installing plate 638 below left side 628 and right side 630, protrudes in outside left side 628 and the right side 630.An end of one in each jag supporting actuator 624 and 626 of base beam 646.

[0095] as shown in Figure 28, balladeur train 622 comprises left-hand side part 648 and right side members 650, and it is connected with following lateral support member 654 by last lateral support member 652.The left-hand side part 648 of balladeur train 622 comprises left plate 656 and back plate 658, and it forms L shaped cross section.Similarly, the right side members 650 of balladeur train 622 comprises right plate 660 and back plate 662, and it forms L shaped cross section.The upper lateral parts 652 of balladeur train cover and also are fixed on the plate 658 and 662 of back, and utilize wing bracket 664 and be installed on left plate 656 and the right plate 660.Similarly, the below cross member of balladeur train 654 covers and also is fixed on the plate 658 and 662 of back, and utilizes wing bracket 666 and be installed on left plate 656 and the right plate 660.Mounting blocks 668 and 670 is installed on left plate 656 and the right plate 660, and being used to install the end of actuator 624 and 626, it is extensible and shrink, so that balladeur train 622 is along the sidepiece 628 of the roofbolt 620 that hoists and 630 and translation.

[0096] as described in more detail below, left gudgeon 672 and auris dextra axle 674 are installed on the cross member 654 of balladeur train below, are used for installing pivotly planter assembly 606.Left tray 676 and right carriage 678 are installed on the cross member 652 of balladeur train top, and the end that is used to install actuator 726 and 728 (for example piston and air cylinder device) is so that planter assembly 606 pivots between its plantation and transfer position.

[0097] in various embodiments, several groups of track erasing type cultivators 680 and 682 (seeing Figure 29) are installed in the both sides of balladeur train 622 on the either side, thereby track erasing type cultivator 680 and 682 is moved with balladeur train 622, so as to make planter assembly 606 its ＂ kind plant ＂ and " transportation " translation between the position.Cultivator 680 and 682 directly is positioned at the back of the wheel of vehicle 602 left and right sides, wipes the track that ＂ is formed by wheel with filling or ＂.Cultivator 680 and 682 is installed in the mode that pivots and is installed on the L shaped carriage 684 and 686 on the balladeur train 622.Actuator 688 and 690 (for example piston and air cylinder device) be connected L shaped carriage 684 and 686 and balladeur train 622 between, so that carriage 684 and 686 pivots, and thereby make track erasing type cultivator 660 and 682 above it be independent of planter assembly 606 and plant ＂ (seeing Figure 23) and ＂ in the ＂ kind and transport between ＂ (Figure 24) position and pivot.

[0098] planter assembly 606 comprises by gudgeon 672 and 674 and is pivotably mounted on framework 700 on the balladeur train 622 (see Figure 31,32,32A and 32B).Framework 700 comprises the supporting member 702 of horizontal expansion, and the tool bar 704 of horizontal expansion, and it is in substantially parallel relationship to supporting member 702, but by a plurality of distance pieces 706,708,710,712 and 714 and spaced apart with supporting member 702 backward.In various embodiments, support unit 702 and tool bar 704 can be made by main spar or box-girder, and distance piece 706,708,710,712 and 714 can be made by I-beam.Two arms 716 and 718 extend through supporting member 702 and tool bar 704, protrude in before the supporting member.Arm 716 and 718 front end have bearing 720, and it is pivotably mounted in the gudgeon 672 and 674 on the balladeur train 622. Carriage 722 and 724 is installed on arm 716 and 718, is used to install the end of actuator 726 and 728 (for example piston and air cylinder device).Actuator 726 and 728 relative end are installed in the carriage 676 and 678 on the balladeur train 622.Thereby actuator 726 and 728 operation make framework 700 around gudgeon 672 and 674 and pivot.

[0099] get on the right track 730 and lower railway 732 be installed on the end face and bottom surface of tool bar 704.Track 730 and 732 can be towards the top with towards the C shape-channel section of below.One or more balladeur trains are slidably mounted on track 730 and 732, so that slide along tool bar 704, at Figure 31, have exemplarily shown four balladeur trains 734,736,738 and 740 among 32A and the 32B.As described below, each balladeur train in described one or more balladeur trains (for example balladeur train 734,736,738 and 740) all has the corresponding planter units 788 (the following stated) that is installed on it.As shown in Figure 32, each balladeur train 734,736,738 and 740 comprises upper-part 742 and lower member 744, and it can be a L piece section.Balladeur train 734,736,738 and 740 also are included in first plate 746 and second plate 748 that extends between upper-part 742 and the lower member 744.Slide block 750 and 752 (for example roller or roller and bearing assembly) is installed on upper-part 742 and the lower member 744, and get on the right track 730 and lower railway 732 in slide or roll.Plate 746 and 748 has formed the installed surface that is used for planter units 768, as described in more detail below.By the spacing between the spacing controlled planter units 788 of controlling its corresponding balladeur train 734,728,730 and 732.

[00100] in other various embodiment, a plurality of actuators 762,768,778 and 784, for example piston and air cylinder device can make balladeur train 734,736, and 738 and 740 move along tool bar 704.As shown in Figure 32 A and 32B, carriage 754 is installed on the distance piece 708, is used to support actuator support 766.L shaped plate 758 is installed on the balladeur train 736, is used to support actuator support 760.Actuator 762 (for example piston and air cylinder device) extends between actuator support 756 and 760, is used to make balladeur train 736 to move along tool bar 704.Actuator support 764 is installed on the L-shape plate 758 of balladeur train 736.Actuator support 766 is installed on the top of balladeur train 734.Actuator 768 (for example piston and air cylinder device) extends between actuator support 764 and actuator support 766, is used to make balladeur train 734 to move with respect to balladeur train 736.Similarly, also as shown in Figure 32 A and 32B, carriage 770 is installed on the distance piece 712, is used to support actuator support 772.L shaped plate 774 is installed on the balladeur train 738, is used to support actuator support 776.Actuator 778, for example piston and air cylinder device extend between actuator support 772 and 776, are used to make balladeur train 738 to move along tool bar 704.Actuator support 780 is installed on the L-shape plate 774 on the balladeur train 738.Actuator support 782 is installed on the top of balladeur train 740.Actuator 784 (for example piston and air cylinder device) extends between actuator support 780 and actuator support 782, is used to make balladeur train 740 to move with respect to balladeur train 738.Therefore, each row unit 768 can be automatically along tool bar 704 location, so that any desirable row's spacing is provided.That is to say, describedly one or morely be installed in each balladeur train on the tool bar 704 (for example balladeur train 734,736,738 and 740) can pass through corresponding actuator, for example actuator 762,768, and 778 and 784, and automatically be positioned on any desirable position, thereby be defined in the space that provides between the adjacent ditch dug with a plow row who creates by corresponding planter units 788 along tool bar 704.

[00101] referring now to Figure 33 A, 33B and 33C, in various embodiments, described one or more balladeur trains (for example balladeur train 734,736,733 and 740) can respectively be configured to so that manually move and the location along tool bar 704.As mentioned above, each exemplary balladeur train 734,736,738 and 740 is identical basically, and therefore, for clear and for simplicity, with reference to Figure 33 A, 33B and 33C describe and illustrate single balladeur train, and promptly balladeur train 734.In this embodiment, balladeur train 734 can utilize any suitable ＂ locking ＂ or keep device, for example rubbing device of lock pin, nuts and bolt, clip, wedge spare, the ＂ brake shape ＂ that engages with tool bar 704 in the mode of friction or the like and mechanically remaining on tool bar 704 desired positions.For example, as shown in Figure 33 A, 33B and 33C, in various embodiments, balladeur train 734 comprises slide block 750 and 752, and it allows that balladeur train 734 moves along tool bar 704.In various embodiments, slide block 750 and 752 is roller bearings, its get on the right track accordingly 730 and lower railway 732 in roll so that corresponding planter units 788 positions along tool bar 704.According to various embodiments, in track 730 top edge with predetermined progressive amount machining or form a plurality of recesses 790.

[00102] in addition, alignment pin 792 (for example spring-loaded pin) is installed on the upper-part 742, and extend through upper-part 742, be used to be bonded on one of them required recess 790, so that balladeur train 734 and corresponding planter units 768 are positioned on the desirable position of tool bar 704.Especially, can rise or promote alignment pin 792 so that alignment pin 792 breaks away from specific recess 790.Under the situation that alignment pin 792 breaks away from, balladeur train 734 and corresponding planter units 798 are moved along tool bar 704 by the slide block 750/752 and 730/ lower railway 732 that gets on the right track.In case when balladeur train 734 and corresponding planter units 788 are in along the desirable position of tool bar 704, just can discharge alignment pin 792, make that selling 792 engages in the desirable position along tool bar 704 with one of them recess 790.

[00103] in various embodiments, balladeur train 734 also comprises position retaining mechanism 794, to be used for securely and stably balladeur train 734 and corresponding planter units 788 to be remained on desirable position along tool bar 704.In various embodiments, position retaining mechanism 794 can comprise screw jack 796, promptly, bolt, it is screwed into upper-part 742, and this upper-part 742 has the locking wedge 798 that is fixed on the screw jack far-end, make the locking wedge be positioned to get on the right track 730 and upper-part 742 between.Locking wedge 798 is shaped so that the top section of wedge spare has the bigger width of width than 730 the passage 799 of getting on the right track.In case alignment pin 792 engages with required one of them recess 790, just can tighten up screw jack 796, that is, further be screwed in the upper-part 742, make locking wedge 798 be forced in the passage 799 that gets on the right track, and engage with getting on the right track securely.Therefore, balladeur train 734 and corresponding planter units 788 are securely held on the desirable position of tool bar 704.More particularly, make locking wedge 798 730 engage the play or the inclination of having removed between balladeur train 734 and tool bar 704 securely with getting on the right track, thereby and stably corresponding planter units 788 is remained on the desirable position of tool bar 704.

[00104] referring now to Figure 34 and 35, as mentioned above, each planter units 788 is fixed on balladeur train 734,736, on 738 and 740, so that move along tool bar 704.In various embodiments, each planter units 788 comprises installing plate 800 and the framework 802 that is connected in by parallel connecting rod 804 on the installing plate 800.Parallel connecting rod 804 allows that planter units 788 moves up and down limited degree with respect to tool bar 704.In addition, referring to Figure 36,36A and 36B, in various embodiments, each planter units 788 comprises the seed measuring structure 806 of control individually, it can be operated, so that automatically seed is assigned in the ditch dug with a plow that is produced by corresponding planter units 788.Each seed measuring structure 806 can enter the mouth by seed and 808 obtain to supply with from the seed of seed feed system.In various embodiments, the seed feed system can be an operated system pneumatically, system for example described here, and it comprises the seed transport system 32 on the lathe bed 616 that can be installed in vehicle 602 expediently, 116/118 or 1004 and seed storage system 30,114 or 1008.

[00105] each seed measuring structure 806 comprises seed identifier system 807, and it is enclosed in the accumulator 809 and can operates, and is sent to seed in the accumulator 809 with identification, and with desirable rate-allocation seed.Especially with reference to Figure 36,36A and 36B, each identifier system 807 comprises seed metering plate 810 and identification arm 813.Seed metering plate 810 is driven by accurate transmission system (for example cingulum 812) independently by seed metering plate electromotor 811 (for example step-by-step motor).Seed metering plate 810 is installed on the axle 115 of seed metering plate electromotor 811, and comprise a plurality of isolated reentrant orifices 817, reentrant orifice 817 extends through seed metering plate 810, and be connected in communicatively on the vacuum system (not shown), thereby can provide vacuum at each 817 places, reentrant orifice.

[00106] there is seed to be allocated to be transferred in the accumulator 109, and provides vacuum some reentrant orifice 817 at least.Make 810 rotations of seed metering plate by seed metering plate electromotor 811 then, make reentrant orifice 817 sequentially rotate through being collected in the seed in the accumulator 809.When seed metering plate 810 and reentrant orifice 817 progressively through being collected in the kind period of the day from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m in the accumulator 809, pick up one or more seeds by the vacuum that provides at corresponding 817 places, reentrant orifice, and hold it in each 817 place, reentrant orifice.When seed metering plate 810 continues rotation, carry seed and move towards identification arm 813, herein the one or more seeds that remain on each 817 places, reentrant orifice are carried out identification.That is to say, if a more than seed is carried in corresponding reentrant orifice 817, identification arm 813 will be removed from each reentrant orifice 817 so, remove or push away excessive seed, make single seed still keep, and be carried and pass identification arm 813 by each reentrant orifice 817.In addition, in various embodiments, by from each reentrant orifice 817, removing, remove or push away the seed that surpasses required size, make the single seed of specific dimensions still keep and be carried passing identification arm 813 seed sizes that identification arm controlled is distributed by seed measuring structure 806 by each reentrant orifice 817.

[00107] shown in the best among Figure 36 B, identification arm 813 be installed in identification arm electromotor 824 (for example step-by-step motor) centrifugal shaft or ' off-centre ' axle 822 on.By to the off-centre of axle 822 rotation control, identification arm 813 can be along circumferentially forward and backward, and radially inwardly and outwards move with respect to seed metering plate 810 and reentrant orifice wherein 817.Thereby by control identification arm electromotor 824, the seed that can control being distributed by corresponding planter units 788 carries out identification.After carrying out identification, the seed that is still kept by each reentrant orifice 817 is carried near the distributing point 826 the bottom of accumulator 809 by identification arm 813.At distributing point 826 places, stop offering the vacuum of each reentrant orifice 817, thereby allow from seed metering plate 810 and discharge, that is, fall down corresponding seed, and it is dispensed to ground in the ditch dug with a plow that planter units 788 produces.

[00108] therefore, the seed measuring structure 806 of each planter units 788 comprises the seed metering plate electromotor 811 of the rotary speed of control seed metering plate 810, and the identification arm electromotor 824 of control identification arm 813 location.More particularly, the speed of seed metering plate electromotor 811 Control Allocation seeds, i.e. 824 controls of seed spacing in the ditch dug with a plow, and identification arm electromotor are for the identification of the seed that is distributed by corresponding seed measuring structure 806, i.e. quantity and/or size.Thereby for each corresponding planter units 788, the seed metering plate electromotor 811 of each seed measuring structure 806 and identification arm electromotor 824 are subjected to accurately and independently control.Therefore, when planter 603 passes the field, be i.e. during ＂ running ＂, the seed identification that provides by each corresponding planter units 788 can be provided automatically, accurately and independently and distribute speed.

[00109] once more referring to Figure 34 and Figure 35, each planter units 788 comprises the double plate ditch dug with a plow reclamation of wasteland device 814 with depth survey wheel 816.Position the degree of depth of controlling the plantation ditch dug with a plow by the handle (not shown) that controlling depth meter wheel 816 is opened up wasteland the vertical position of device 814 with respect to ditch dug with a plow.Each planter units 788 also comprises the disk wheel 818 that is used to seal the ditch dug with a plow of wherein having deposited seed.The colter 820 that forward direction is installed is used to cut off remaining crop.

[00110] in operating process, planter system 600 is driven to the field that remains to be planted, and directly enters into the field.In case be in the field, just operate PULP assembly 604, with by operated actuator 624 and 626 so that balladeur train 622 reduces with respect to roofbolt 620, and make planter assembly 606 be switched to its planting location by operated actuator 726 and 728 to make planter assembly 606 be positioned at deployed position.Independent planter units 788 can manually be loaded seed, perhaps can use the seed feed system of automation that seed is delivered to planter units 788, the system that comprises seed transport system 32 and seed storage device 30 shown in described and Fig. 1 above for example; Or the system that comprises seed transport system 116/118 and seed storage system 114 shown in as described above and Fig. 2-18; Or the system that comprises seed transport system 1009 and seed storage system 1004 shown in as described below and Figure 39-45.Also as described here, in various embodiments, the seed feed system can be supplied with seed each independent planter units 788, and can remove seed from each independent planter units 788, thereby can change the seed of being planted expediently in operation process.

[00111] as mentioned above, in various embodiments, by operated actuator 762,768,778 and 764, perhaps in various other embodiment, by manually handling balladeur train alignment pin 792 and screw jack 796 so that balladeur train 734,736,738 and 740 and its corresponding planter units 788 move along tool bar 704, can easily change spacing between the row of planter units 788, and thereby change the row's who is planted spacing.

[00112] even when planter 603 moves, utilize actuator 762,768,778 and 784 embodiment allows that also the spacing of planter units 788 changes, thereby allows with variable spacing and realize row.Therefore, in such an embodiment, planter assembly 606 allows that the user changes the spacing between the whole row, perhaps makes part row have different spacings from adjacent row.

[00113] in addition, as mentioned above, in various embodiments, planter assembly 606 tolerable users change identification, promptly by the seed amount of seed measuring structure distribution and the spacing between the seed among size and the row, allow that adjacent row has different seed spacings, or different seed spacings is arranged among the same row, and/or different seed qualities and quantity (being size and number) are arranged at each planting location.The spacing among spacing between the adjacent row of this selection and/or the row between the adjacent seed and/or the seed quality of plantation and the ability of quantity admit of the plantation of customization, thereby are convenient to plant a plurality of tests plot with spacing and quality between different kinds in the monolithic field.For example, specific seed category can be tested plantation to determine best spacing with various spacings.In producing plantation, also can use planter 603 and planter assembly 606, so that plant seed with the spacing that changes according to local conditional, and this plantation even can be automation, to follow preprogrammed planting plan (for example using GPS or other navigation system), perhaps it can be based on the assessment to local conditional.

[00114] in addition, such as disclosed herein in conjunction with the ability that changes the seed category planted, planter assembly 606 is allowed in same field and is planted various seed with various spacings.Especially, implant system 600 makes the various seeds of tentative plantation become possibility to find best seed and best spacing.Planter assembly 606 also can be used for producing plantation, allows that the user changes seed and/or seed spacing, produces to optimize.In addition, this custom planting can be according to preprogrammed planting plan (for example utilizing GPS or other navigation system), and perhaps it can be based on the assessment to local conditional.

[00115] referring now to Figure 37 and Figure 38, the system and method for various embodiment of the present disclosure all is used in the field 900 and plants seed.Though implant system 600 described here can comprise one or more planter units 788, only for illustrative purposes, in various embodiments, planter 600 has been shown and has been described as comprising four planter units 788.The scope of the present disclosure can comprise planter 600, and it comprises one, two, three, four, five, six or more a plurality of planter units 798, and should not be confined to comprise the embodiment of four planter units 788.Yet,, Figure 37 and Figure 38 are described with reference to the implant system 600 that comprises four planter units 788 for for simplicity.Implant system 600 can be crossed field 900, and plants first group of four row 902 with spacing between first row.Implant system 600 can be crossed field 900 once more then, and plants second group of four row 904 with spacing between second row.Implant system 600 also can be crossed field 900 once more afterwards, plants one group of four part with spacing between the 3rd row and arranges 906A, and change the spacing of planter units 788, and plant one group of four part with the 4th spacing and arrange 906B.Thereby, can in the monolithic field, test the growth of the seed of a plurality of different spacings.In addition, in various embodiments, when implant system 600 moved, the seed of the first kind of being planted by planter 603 and planter assembly 606 can be changed into dissimilar seeds, shown in location 908.That is to say, in various embodiments, can in operation process, change seed category, and need not stop the motion that planter assembly 606 is crossed field 900.This just allows under various spacings two or more seed categories is compared.

[00116] as shown in Figure 38, the system and method for various embodiment of the present disclosure is used in the field 910 and plants seed.For example, implant system 600 can be crossed field 910, and plants first group of four row 912 with spacing between first row.Implant system 600 can be crossed field 910 once more then, simultaneously with spacing between second row with arrange between interior first kind spacing and plant one group of four part and arrange 914A.In the spacing that can change planter units 788 midway of crossing field 910 and the operation rate of seed measuring structure 806, thus with between the 3rd row between spacing and second kind spacing plant one group of four part and arrange 914B, thereby form location 916.Implant system 600 can be crossed field 910 for the third time then, and can change the spacing of planter units 788 and the operation rate of seed measuring structure 806 once more, arranges 918A to plant one group of four part, thereby forms location 920.Can change the spacing of planter units 788 and the operation rate of seed measuring structure 806 then once more, arrange 918B, form location 922 so that plant one group of four part.Each location in field 910 can further be separated into sub-location, and it has the dissimilar seed of being planted in each sub-location, thereby under the spacing dissimilar seeds is compared between can and planting in spacing between different rows.

[00117] density of plant species population can change according to specific crops or kind in the field.For example, remain to be planted in the seed density in the field, comprise spacing between seed density in the given row that is planted in the field and the row's in the field row, may depend on many factors, for example the size of seed and shape, such as the feature behind the seed sprouting of local conditionals such as the position in field and soil types and plant species.Therefore, method of the present disclosure allows that the plantation in field customizes population based on seed category and local conditional, can change spacing between row's density and row in this field plantation.

[00118] therefore, in various embodiments, method of the present disclosure provides in the field seed has been planted in the plot with spacing between variable row.This method comprises seed is loaded in the many rows formula planter with the planter units that can independently move, and crosses the field, so that in the part in field seed is planted in the first seed plot.Change spacing between the row of the planter units on many rows formula planter by moving at least one planter units then, and cross the field, so as in the second portion in this field the plantation second seed plot.In various embodiments, automatically change spacing between the row of planter units.

[00119] in other embodiments, disclosure method provides in the plot with variable row's density and has planted seed.In such an embodiment, the planter units of many rows formula planter is a drive, thereby can automatically improve or reduce the plantation speed of at least one planter units at (promptly when planter cross the field or turn round when crossing follow-up the passing through in field when planter) between planting season, so that correspondingly improve or reduce the density of the seed among at least one row who is planted in the plot.

[00120] the various embodiment of implant system of the present disclosure and method are useful especially in the test plot (being generally used for assessing different seed varieties) of plantation seed.Specifically, the embodiment of disclosure implant system and method allows at local conditional customization test plot, with the feature of assessment by the plant species of specific seed category and specific planting conditions institute ploughing and weeding.This feature can be used for determining the plantation parameter at the best of specific seed category, soil types, zone, weather etc., these parameters can be used to open up seed market by seeds company, and be used for determining the plantation decision-making by the farmer, using the field resource effectively, thereby increase crop yield to greatest extent.For example, the test plot of planting according to method of the present disclosure can be used for collecting with at the population of specific hybrid and soil types or position and the data that output is associated, thereby the farmer can determine the population of the best of distinguishing by hybrid and position based on input cost.

[00121] but importantly to note the design experiment plot, with more different seed categories or determine the best plantation parameter at the mixing of the seed category of specific seed type or a certain position.Therefore, those of skill in the art can prepare planting plan to determine the best plantation parameter (comprising spacing between row's density and row) at the specific seed type, perhaps are used at the more different seed category in test field.Similarly, planter of the present disclosure and method will be allowed the plantation of carrying out commercial field, and wherein the farmer can automatically change spacing and/or row's density between row according to specific seed category (being the mixing of crops, kind or kind), local soil condition, geography or the like.

[00122] referring now to Figure 39, in various embodiments, each planter units 788 comprises seed storage system 1004 and is used for seed is sent to from seed storage system 1004 seed transport system 1008 of corresponding seed measuring structure 806.Though will be described as seed storage system 1004 and seed transport system 1008 to realize here with planter units 788, but should understand, by slight change being attached to corresponding planter units and/or seed storage system 1004 and seed transport system 1008, seed storage system 1004 described here and seed transport system 1008 can be with various other planter units, for example planter units 28 and 110 realizes that this is readily appreciated that for the personnel that have rational technique in this area.

[00123] common, the seed storage system comprises the one or more seed rest stands 1012 that keep a plurality of seed receptacle 1016 (being shown among Figure 41 and Figure 42).Seed receptacle 1016 can be any seed storage device that is suitable for remaining in the seed rest stand 1012, for example bottle, pipe, cup or the like.But each seed receptacle 1016 preloadeds, i.e. the desirable seed category of prefill, the seed that promptly has desirable type, proterties, quality, kind, size, feature, hereditary form etc.Thereby, but remain on different seed categories of each container 1016 preloadeds in the seed rest stand 1012, perhaps can make the identical seed category of container 1016 preloadeds in groups, but and the different seed category of other group container 1016 preloadeds.Generally speaking, seed transport system 1008 comprises the protractor 1020 in the generally horizontal plane that is installed in seed measuring structure 806 tops.Seed transport system 1008 also comprises the transfer canal 1028 on funnel 1024 that is installed in protractor 1020 bottoms and the seed inlet 808 that funnel 1024 bottoms is connected to seed measuring structure 806.

[00124] in operating usually, seed storage unit 1004 engages with seed transfer system 1008, for example, keep the seed rest stand 1012 of the seed receptacle 1016 of one or more preloadeds to engage with protractor 1020, and protractor 1020 is controlled, so that selectively seed is discharged into the funnel 1024 from one or more desirable seed receptacle 1016.By gravity or be forced to air, d/d seed enters into transfer canal 1028 through funnel, and this is in inlet 608 places by gravity or be forced to air seed is sent in the seed measuring structure 806.As mentioned above seed is carried out identification then, and distribute with desirable speed.Therefore, when planter assembly 606 was crossed the field, each planter units 788 can be controlled independently by each corresponding seed measuring structure 806 and distribute and by the type and the speed of 788 kinds of seeds of planting of corresponding planter units.More particularly, when planter assembly 606 was crossed the field, each planter units 788 can be controlled independently and change independently or change is distributed by each corresponding seed measuring structure 806 and by the type and the spacing of 788 kinds of seeds of planting of corresponding planter units.

[00125] referring now to Figure 40,41 and 42, in various embodiments, each seed rest stand 1012 comprises top board 1032, intermediate plate 1036 and base plate 1040, it respectively has a plurality of holes of aiming at one heart 1044.Hole 1044 sizes that each group is aimed at one heart are set to and are suitable for keeping a corresponding seed receptacle in a plurality of seed receptacle 1016.That is to say that the hole 1044 that each group is aimed at one heart is basic equating, and forms so that hold and keep a corresponding seed receptacle in the seed receptacle 1044 on size and dimension.More particularly, but the seed of equal preloaded requirement of each container in a plurality of seed receptacle 1016 and type, and be loaded in the seed rest stand 1012, that is, remain in corresponding one group of hole of aiming at one heart 1044.Each seed rest stand 1012 also comprises cover plate 1048, and it is connected on the base plate 1040, makes cover plate 1048 cover at least a portion in each hole 1044 in the base plate 1040, thereby prevents that each seed receptacle 1016 from slipping over the hole 1044 in the base plate 1040 fully.Thereby each seed receptacle 1016 remains in 1044 groups in the corresponding hole of aiming at one heart by the bottom on the cover plate 1048 of being shelved on of each seed receptacle.

[00126] each seed rest stand 1012 also comprises the seed receptacle retainer panel 1052 that is connected to slidably on the top board 1032.Retainer panel 1052 comprises a plurality of holes 1056, and it equates with the quantity and spacing in hole 1044 in the top board 1032 on quantity and spacing.In addition, retainer panel hole 1056 forms to have and roof hole 1044 essentially identical shapes, but has smaller sectional area.That is to say that retainer panel hole 1056 is identical with roof hole 1044 shapes but be slightly less than roof hole.Retainer panel 1052 can ' open ' position and ' close ' slide between the position or move, at open position, each roof hole 1044 can reach, so that insert corresponding seed receptacle 1010, in the closed position, retainer panel 1052 covers top board 1032, and retainer panel hole 1056 is aimed at roof hole 1044.When retainer panel 1052 is in the closed position, turning or reversing seed rest stand 1012, make base plate 1040 be higher than top board 1032 physically, and the hole 1044 that comes off and aim at one heart of any seed receptacle in retainer panel 1052 hole 1044 that will prevent to aim at one heart.More particularly, as described below, when retainer panel 1052 is in the closed position, turning seed rest stand 1012, thereby allow seed in the corresponding seed receptacle 1016 by retainer panel hole 1056 seed receptacle 1016 that comes off, but seed receptacle 1016 will remain in the hole of aiming at one heart 1044.

[00127] each seed rest stand 1012 also comprises gate panel 1060, and it can be slidably inserted between seed receptacle retainer panel 1052 and the top board 1032.Gate panel 1060 is solid panels, makes when being positioned between retainer panel 1052 and the top board 1032, if when seed rest stand 1012 being placed on the orientation of reversing, and the seed seed receptacle 1016 that can not come off.As described below, the operating period in corresponding planter units 768, remove gate panel 1060, controllably distribute seed in each seed receptacle to allow by seed measuring structure.

[00128] referring now to Figure 43,44 and 45, in various embodiments, protractor 1020 comprises base platform 1064, it has one or more seed rest stand holding devices 1068 mounted thereto.Seed rest stand holding device 1068 can be to be applicable to any device that one or more seed rest stands 1012 is removably remained on desirable position on the base platform 1064.For example, in various embodiments, seed rest stand holding device 1068 can be the spring clip on a pair of opposite side that is installed in base platform 1064, and it is biased removably to keep seed rest stand 1012.That is to say that spring clip can be subjected to the biasing opposite effect power of apply and spring clip, to allow corresponding seed rest stand 1012 is positioned on the base platform 1064.Can discharge this active force afterwards, make spring clip engage, so that seed rest stand 1012 is firmly remained on the base platform 1064, as shown in Figure 39 with the top board 1032 of corresponding seed rest stand 1012.In other exemplary embodiment, seed rest stand holding device can be spring-loaded pin, threaded fastener, buckle-type securing member, clamped-in style securing member or the like.In addition, in various embodiments, base platform 1064 can comprise one or more index pins 1072 that the index hole 1074 (Figure 41) in the top board 1032 with seed rest stand 1012 is complementary.

[00129] base platform 1064 comprises longitudinally along the part of base platform 1064 and a plurality of holes 1076 of being arranged to be listed as.In various embodiments, base platform hole 1076 equates with the quantity and spacing in hole 1044 in the top board 1032 on quantity and spacing.Therefore, base platform hole 1076 will be aimed at concentrically aligned outside seed rest stand hole 1044 substantially concentricly.And more particularly, if seed rest stand 1012 is turned into bottom-up, and it is located rightly and remain on the base platform 1064, then base platform hole 1076 will be aimed at the seed receptacle 1016 in remaining on seed rest stand hole 1044.Protractor 1020 comprises that also a plurality of seeds distribute control levers 1080, and it is slidably mounted on the bottom of base platform 1064 by being connected guiding piece 1084 on the base platform 1064.Each control lever 1080 has T section substantially, and it has the ratchet blade 1080B of entablature 1080A and band recess.The quantity of control lever 1080 equates with the columns in base platform hole 1076.Specifically, control lever 1080 is installed in the bottom of base platform 1064 with longitudinal sliding, makes that each control lever 1060 and the respective column in corresponding base platform hole 1076 are conllinear.More particularly, as described below, each control lever 1080 can be independently, controllably move along the length of base platform 1084 two-wayly, so that cover and expose each base platform hole 1076 in 1076 row of corresponding corresponding hole.

[00130] in addition with reference to Figure 46, in various embodiments, in order independently, controllably to make each control lever 1080 two-way moving, protractor 1020 comprises a plurality of indexing mechanisms 1084 and is installed in the recoil mechanism 1088 of the bottom of base platform 1064.More particularly, protractor 1020 comprises separately and independently is used for the indexing mechanism 1084 of each control lever 1080.For example, if protractor 1020 comprises eight row base platform holes 1076, protractor 1020 also will comprise eight control levers 1080 and eight indexing mechanisms 1084 so.Each indexing mechanism 1084 can be operated, so that corresponding in the control lever 1080 moves on first direction progressively along the length of base platform 1064, so that sequentially expose or open each base platform hole 1076 in 1076 row of corresponding hole.That is to say, each indexing mechanism 1094 can be operated, move so that control corresponding bar 1080 is progressive, make the entablature 1080A of control corresponding bar 1080 sequentially leave each 1076 belows, base platform hole in 1076 row of corresponding hole, thereby controllably expose or open hole 1079.Recoiling mechanism 1088 can operate, so that each control lever 1080 is along the length of base platform 1064 and move upward in the second party opposite with first direction, thereby each control lever 1080 is back to ' original ' position, in this home position, the entablature 1080A of each control lever 1080 covers or closes all the base platform holes 1076 in 1076 row of corresponding hole.Shown in the best among Figure 44 and Figure 46, each control lever ratchet blade 1080B comprises the recess 1092 of a plurality of band angles that form along corresponding ratchet blade 1080B base.Each recess 1092 comprises the leading edge 1092A and the hook-shaped or block trailing edge 1092B of inclination.

[00131] referring to Figure 46, each indexing mechanism 1084 comprises the fixed pawl 1096 of biasing and is connected in the slip ratchet 1100 of the biasing on the slip ratchet actuator 1104.Utilize any suitable bias unit, for example torsion spring, sheet spring, extension spring, the aerodynamic force that applies or hydraulic coupling or the like can make fixed pawl 1096 and slip ratchet 1100 be setovered.Though protractor 1020 comprises a plurality of indexing mechanisms 1084, promptly each control lever 1080 has an indexing mechanism, and each indexing mechanism 1084 is essentially identical on form and function.Thereby, for simple and clear for the purpose of, will only describe here and in Figure 46, show single indexing mechanism 1084.Indexing mechanism 1084 is installed on the base platform 1020, makes fixed pawl 1096, slip ratchet 1100 and actuator 1104 be positioned to the recess 1092 of contiguous control corresponding bar ratchet blade 1080B.Fixed pawl 1096 and slip ratchet 1100 comprise that respectively size is fit to be engaged in the rod pin 1108 and 1112 in the recess 1092.In addition, fixed pawl 1096 and slip ratchet 1100 respectively are biased and pivot around axle 1116 and 1120 respectively, thereby apply active force consistently, to push corresponding rod pin 1108 and 1112, it are contacted with control lever ratchet blade 1080B.More particularly, as described below, when the operation indexing mechanism, fixed pawl 1096 and slip ratchet 1100 respectively are biased, and make corresponding rod pin 1108 and 1112 engage with recess 1092 forcibly.

[00132] slip ratchet actuator 1104 controlled are so that slip ratchet 1100 moves back and forth on X and Y direction along slip pawl track 1124 two-wayly.Therefore, in operating process, actuator 1104 can stretch on directions X, and slip ratchet 1100 is moved on directions X.When slip ratchet 1100 is mobile on directions X, along ' trailing edge the 1092A of movable recess ' 1092 (being the rod pin 1112 current recesses that engage 1092) and the ratchet rod pin 1112 that promotes to slide.When the trailing edge 1092A along ' activity ' recess promotes rod pin 1112, active force is applied to slide on the ratchet 1100, it is opposite with bias force on the slip ratchet 1100 or oppositely, thereby slip ratchet 1100 is pivoted around axle 1120.When actuator 1104 reached its stroke terminal, slip ratchet 1100 contacted with slip ratchet release 1128 (for example bolt or pin), and it forces slip ratchet 1100 further around axle 1120 and bias force pivot on the contrary mutually.More particularly, make slip ratchet rod pin 1112 break away from control lever ratchet blade 1080B with contacting of slip ratchet release 1128.In addition, structure indexing mechanism 1084, and calibration actuator 1104 make the stroke of actuator 1104 passing through the distance more bigger than the distance D between the recess 1092 on the directions X.Therefore, actuator 1104 is extended on directions X fully will make slip ratchet 1100 disengagings ' activities ' recess 1092, and slip ratchet rod pin is located and crossing on the directions X ' the trailing edge 1092B of follow-up ' recess 1092 (being next recess 1092 on the control lever ratchet blade 1080B).

[00133] when actuator 1104 moves back and forth on the Y direction, slip ratchet release 1128 breaks away from slip ratchets 1100, and the bias force of slip ratchet 1100 forces slip ratchet rod pin 1112 and ' follow-up ' recess 1092 (it becomes ' activity ' recess 1092 afterwards) to come in contact.Along with actuator 1104 continues to move on the Y direction, slip ratchet rod pin 1112 engages with the trailing edge of ' activity ' recess 1092, thereby makes The whole control bar mobile (as shown in Figure 44) on the Y direction.Thereby the in check reciprocating motion of actuator 1104 is operated slip ratchet 1100 in the ratchet mode, so that control lever 1080 is moved on the Y direction, each progressive motion equals distance D.

[00134] in addition, when slip ratchet 1120 makes control lever 1080 on the Y direction when mobile, the leading edge 1092A of ' locking ' recess 1092 (promptly wherein the fixed pawl rod pin 1108 present recesses that engage) moves along fixed pawl rod pin 1108.The bias force of fixed pawl 1096 makes fixed pawl rod pin 1108 and ' locking ' recess 1092 leading edges keep contacting, and has made control lever 1080 move progressive distance D until actuator 1104 and slip ratchet 1100.Therefore, when actuator 1104 reaches its stroke terminal on the Y direction, fixed pawl rod pin 1108 crossing on the directions X ' locking ' the leading edge 1092A of recess and ' graft union of the trailing edge of follow-up ' recess 1092 (being next recess 1092 on the control lever ratchet blade 1080B).The bias force of fixed pawl 1096 will force fixed pawl rod pin 1108 to enter into ' follow-up ' recess 1092 afterwards, and this recess becomes ' locks ' recess 1092 afterwards.As mentioned above, when actuator 1104 makes slip ratchet 1100 on directions X when mobile, fixed pawl 1096 prevents control lever 1080 because slip ratchet rod pin 1112 moves along the leading edge 1092A of ' activity ' recess 1092 in the frictional force on the directions X on directions X.Thereby, be bonded on ' lock at fixed pawl 1096 ' condition in the recess 1092 under, control lever 1080 can only move on the Y direction.

[00135] referring now to Figure 44 and 46, Figure 44 is the sectional view of the part of protractor 1020, and it has shown three row base platform holes 1076 and the part that is in three control corresponding bars 1080 at different lengthwise position places along protractor base platform 1064.Specifically, Figure 46 has shown each control lever 1080, and it is moved on the diverse location independently by the indexing mechanisms 1084 of above-mentioned corresponding three independent controls, thereby exposes or opened each different base platform hole 1076.It should be noted that each control lever 1080 shown in Figure 44 is located such that the hole 1076 that respectively is listed as in the hole 1076 approximately exposes half.This mainly is for illustrational purpose, and clearly to show, according to various embodiment, the indexing mechanism 1084 by corresponding independent control can make with each corresponding each control lever 1080 in row hole locatees independently.Under normal operation, each control lever 1080 will be between recess 1092 displacement D progressively, make each corresponding base platform hole 1076 or open fully or close fully.Thereby shown in exemplarily, between the moving period of control lever 1080, hole 1076 will mostly just be semi-open or semi-closed.

[00136] referring now to Figure 44 and Figure 45, as mentioned above, recoiling mechanism 1088 can operate, so that each control lever 1080 moves on the Y direction along the length of base platform 1064, thereby each control lever 1080 is returned ' original ' position, in this position, the entablature 1080A of each control lever 1080 closes or covers all the base platform holes 1076 in 1076 row of corresponding hole.In various embodiments, recoil mechanism 1086 and comprise a plurality of tensioning/recoil (T/R) reels 1132 of recoiling on the mechanism shaft 1136 that are installed in, axle 1136 is installed on the base platform 1064 rotatably.More particularly, each T/R reel 1132 is installed on the axle 1036, makes each T/R reel 1132 to have slight counter-force to the rotation on the first direction, for example the frictional resistance to rotating with the first direction rotation on axle 1036.Yet, when axle when the second party opposite with first direction rotates up, T/R reel 1132 will link or be combined on the axle 1036, for example be strapped on the axle 1036 in the mode of limited slip by friction.In addition, in various embodiments, axle 1036 is installed on the base platform 1064, thereby can lock or prevent that axle 1036 from rotating up in first party, makes axle 1036 to rotate up in second party.

[00137] each T/R reel 1132 is connected on corresponding one of them control lever 1080 by lead 1140, and lead 1140 can be wrapped on the corresponding T/R reel, so that control corresponding bar 1080 moves to the home position.Figure 45 has shown that each control lever 1080 is in the home position.Lead 1140 can be the lead that is suitable for being wrapped in any kind on the corresponding T/R reel 1132, for example wire rod, hawser, cord, silk thread, nylon wire or the like.As mentioned above, recoil mechanism 1088 and be configured such that T/R reel 1132 has slight phase despining on first direction.More particularly, when by corresponding indexing mechanism 1084 corresponding control lever 1080 being advanced on the Y direction as mentioned above, each T/R reel 1132 will rotate up in first party by corresponding lead 1140.The phase despining of T/R reel 1132 on first direction will keep lead 1140 tensionings.The tensioning of lead 1140 keep each control lever 1080 ' locking ' recess 1092 and ' activity ' recess 1092 engages with corresponding fixed pawl rod pin 1108 and slip ratchet rod pin 1112 securely.Therefore, when each control lever 1080 progressive advancing when opening corresponding base platform hole 1076 on the Y direction, each control lever 1080 is firmly held in each appointed positions by the tension force in the corresponding lead 1140.

[00138] as mentioned above, when axle 1036 when second party rotates up, T/R reel 1132 will link in the mode of limited slip or be combined in the axle 1036 on.For example, each T/R reel 1132 can utilize clutch-type device, system or mechanism and be installed on the axle 1036 in the mode that rubs, perhaps utilize biasing recoiling device, system or mechanism, be installed on the axle 1033 as recoiling device, system or the mechanism of spring biasing.Therefore, axle 1036 can rotate up in second party, so that control lever 1080 is mobile on directions X, and makes control lever 1080 return the home position.Axle 1036 can utilize any suitable rotary device and rotate up in second party.For example, axle 1036 can rotate up in second party by hand or by automatic device, for example is installed in the electromotor on the axle 1036 or the handheld tool of automation, for example can removably be connected in the handheld tool by battery performance on the axle 1036.

[00139] referring now to Figure 43,45 and 47, in various embodiments, each fixed pawl 1096 is installed on the fixed pawl axle 1144 of the fixed pawl assembly 1148 that is installed on the base platform 1064.Fixed pawl assembly 1148 also comprises the declutcher control lever 1152 that firmly is connected on the fixed pawl axle 1144.As mentioned above, each fixed pawl 1096 be biased and securely with control corresponding bar 1080 ' locking ' recess 1092 engages, move on directions X to prevent control lever 1080.Thereby control lever 1080 can not move and be back to the home position on directions X, breaks away from corresponding ' locking ' recess 1092 until each fixed pawl 1096.Therefore, in various embodiments, fixed pawl 1096 is installed on the fixed pawl axle 1144, making pivots or rotate declutcher control lever 1152 will make each fixed pawl 1096 rotations and leave control corresponding bar 1080, and make each fixed pawl 1096 break away from corresponding ' locking ' recess 1092 basically simultaneously.It is contemplated that, can make declutcher control lever 1152 rotations, manual and/or automaticly to separate fixed pawl 1096.

[00140] therefore, in various embodiments, in order to make each control lever 1080 return or move to the home position, make fixed pawl 1096 disengaging ' lockings ' recess 1092 by pivot declutcher control lever 1152, and mechanism 1068 is recoiled in operation, lead 1140 is recoiled on corresponding T/R reel 1132, thereby control lever 1060 is pulled to the home position.

[00141], the overall operation of seed storage system 1004 and seed transport system 1008 will be described now referring now to Figure 39-47.One or more seed rest stands 1012 are mounted with the seed receptacle 1016 of having loaded selected seed.That is to say that one or more seed receptacle 1016 preloadeds or prepackage are filled with various types of selected seeds, and be inserted in some specific holes of aiming at one heart 1044.Specifically, in various embodiments, the hole 1044 that each group is aimed at one heart is endowed the certain location sign, and it has indicated the position of hole 1044 in seed rest stand 1012 of aiming at one heart of each respective sets.For example, the hole 1044 aimed at one heart of each group can be plotted in the specific X-Y rectangular coordinates in the seed rest stand.The seed receptacle 1016 of each preloaded can be placed on then in the one group of specific hole aimed at one heart 1044 with certain location sign (for example X-Y coordinate), thereby distribute seed with specific order.More particularly, the seed receptacle 1016 of preloaded is loaded in the seed rest stand 1012, make seed rest stand 1012 is being installed on the base platform 1064, control lever 1080 is in after the home position, the seed receptacle that is mounted with the specific seed type that need at first distribute will be loaded onto in one group of specific hole of aiming at one heart 1044, as described below.The hole 1044 that this specific group is aimed at one heart is positioned in the seed rest stand 1012 in logic, move single distance D to allow that corresponding one of them controller bar 1080 is progressive from the home position, to open station location marker (for example X-Y coordinate) the corresponding base platform hole 1076 with desirable seed receptacle.

[00142], bottle holder panel 1052 just is installed, even it is connected on the seed rest stand top board 1032 slidably in case all desirable seed receptacle 1016 are loaded into desirable position in the seed rest stand 1012 by strategy.Next, gate panel 1060 is installed between retainer panel 1052 and seed rest stand top board 1032, is promptly made it to slide.Have the seed receptacle 1016 that is loaded into one heart the preloaded in the hole of aiming at 1044 in logic and have bottle holder panel 1052 and the seed rest stand 1012 of mounted gate panel 1060 will be called as ' packaged ' seed rest stand 1012 here.Utilize therein among the various embodiment of a more than planter units 788 (for example the planter assembly 606), can prepare a plurality of packaged seed rest stands 1012.Seed rest stand 1012 can be at the scene, for example packs near the area that remains to be planted seed or its.Perhaps, seed rest stand 1012 can be not at the scene, for example packs away from the zone of the position that remains to be planted seed, is transported to the zone that remains to be planted seed afterwards.

[00143] in the position that remains to be planted seed, the desirable packaged seed rest stand 1012 that will be used for each planter units 788 is turned into bottom-up, and is placed on the protractor base platform 1064 of corresponding planter units 788.Bottom-up when directed when being in, can prevent that by gate panel 1060 seed in the seed receptacle 1016 from coming off out or be removed from seed receptacle 1016.As mentioned above, in various embodiments, base platform index pin 1072 can engage with seed rest stand index hole 1074, and seed rest stand holding device 1068 engages with seed rest stand top board 1032, so that packaged seed rest stand is remained on the desirable position and orientation on the base platform 1064.When packaged seed rest stand 1012 is placed, directed and when remaining on the corresponding protractor base platform 1064, the hole 1076 of each base platform 1064 is aimed at one heart with retainer panel hole 1056 substantially, and thereby aims at one heart with the seed receptacle of corresponding seed rest stand 1012.

[00144] as mentioned above, if each control lever 1080 of protractor base platform 1064 is not in the home position, then operate fixed pawl assembly 1148, so that fixed pawl 1096 breaks away from, and operation recoil mechanism 1088, so that all control levers 1080 are back to the home position.This can be in that packaged seed rest stand 1012 carries out before or after being installed on the corresponding base platform 1064 with each.Therefore, when control lever 1080 turned back to the home position, all base platform holes 1076 of each protractor 1020 were all closed.Can remove the gate panel 1060 of each packaged seed rest stand 1012 afterwards, thereby prevent that by control corresponding bar 1080 seed in each seed receptacle 1016 from coming off out or be removed from seed receptacle 1016.

[00145] now still with reference to Figure 39-47, in various embodiments, each planter units 788 can comprise computer based controller 1156, it can comprise various computer based members, for example one or more electronic data storage device structures that are used to store such as data, algorithm, program, question blank, spreadsheet, database or the like, and can operate to carry out the processor of various algorithms and program.Data storage device can be to be suitable for storing for example any removable outside, inside or the peripheral data storage device of data, algorithm, program, question blank, spreadsheet, database or the like.In various embodiments, each controller 1156 is autonomous also can operating, with function and the operation of controlling corresponding planter units 783 independent and autonomously.In other various embodiment, each controller 1156 can for example link on the master controller (not shown) in wireless or hard wired mode in the mode of communication.In such an embodiment, master controller can be communicated by letter with corresponding controller 1156, so that control the function and the operation of each planter units 768 independently.For simple and clear for the purpose of, below will be described as the operation of the planter units 788 of carrying out seed storage and transfer system 1004 and 1009 to control by autonomous controller 1156.

[00146] as mentioned above, in various embodiments, planter 603 provides with planter assembly 606 and helps plants different seed categories to independent plot in same field.In case the seed rest stand is installed on the corresponding protractor base platform 1020, just can locatees planter assembly 606 to cross the field, for example the field shown in Figure 37 900.Each controller 1156 can be ordered one of them specific indexing mechanism 1084 then, the progressive distance D so that control corresponding bar 1080 advances on the Y direction.When selected control lever 1060 advances on the Y direction progressively, the most close base platform hole 1076 of recoiling mechanism 1088 will be opened by the control lever 1080 that advances in 1076 row of corresponding hole, promptly expose, so that from corresponding seed receptacle 1016, discharge seed.Corresponding seed receptacle 1016 will remain in the seed rest stand 1012 by bottle holder panel 1052, because the diameter in the hole 1056 in the retainer panel 1052 is slightly less than the diameter of seed receptacle 1016.The seed that discharges falls into protractor funnel 1024, and by gravity or be forced to air and the seed that discharges is flow in the transfer canal 1028 through funnel, in transfer canal 1028, in inlet 808 places by gravity or be forced to air and in the seed measuring structure 806 that seed is sent to.As mentioned above, identification seed and seed is assigned to by the disc type ditch dug with a plow of corresponding planter units 788 with desirable speed is opened up wasteland in the ditch dug with a plow that device 814 produced afterwards.

[00147] in order to control the operation of each protractor 1020, promptly control the indexing mechanism 1084 of each protractor 1020, each controller 1156 is carried out plantation algorithm or program.Each corresponding plantation algorithm or program can be carried out, so as from corresponding seed rest stand 1012 according to distributing seed with the corresponding order of specific logic arrangement of seed receptacle 1016 in corresponding seed rest stand 1012.That is to say, as mentioned above, based on be included in the corresponding seed receptacle 1016 specific seed category and with seed receptacle 1016 by logic arrangement in seed rest stand 1012.Seed receptacle 1016 is also distributed and is planted the order of specific seed category and be placed in the seed rest stand 1012 by planter units 788 according to remaining.Carry out plantation algorithm or program by each controller 1156 then, controlling the operation of each corresponding indexing mechanism 1084 independently, so as based on seed receptacle 1016 in seed rest stand 1012 logic arrangement and according to preplaning or pre-configured order is distributed seed from corresponding seed rest stand 1012.

[00148] thereby, when planter assembly 606 was crossed the field, each planter units 788 can be controlled independently by each corresponding seed measuring structure 806 and distribute and by the type and the speed of 788 kinds of seeds of planting of corresponding planter units.More particularly, when planter assembly 606 was crossed the field, each planter units 788 can be controlled independently and change independently or change is distributed by each corresponding seed measuring structure 806 and by the type and the spacing of 768 kinds of seeds of planting of corresponding planter units.

[00149] in various embodiments, seed measuring structure 806 can comprise the ash can 1160 (Figure 39) that is used to collect discarded seed.Each seed receptacle 1016 can be loaded than the required more substantial seed of grain weight of seed demand that satisfies specific plantation planning.That is to say that each seed receptacle 1016 will comprise the more seed of seed that will distribute and plant than specific plantation algorithm or program.Therefore, in various embodiments, after distributing according to specific plantation planning and having planted specific seed category, seed measuring structure 806 will be extracted into any seed that remains in the accumulator 809 in the ash can 1160.Thereby, prepare accumulator 809 afterwards, so that from seed storage system 1004 and induction system 1008, accept follow-up dissimilar seed group, and seed category is mixed.

[00150] referring to Figure 39 and Figure 48, in various embodiments, seed storage system 1004 can comprise multilayer (ML) seed storage support, for example the exemplary multilayer seed storage support 1164 shown in Figure 48.ML seed rest stand 1164 can comprise the form of piling up with reversing and the one or more seed rest stands 1012 (Figure 40) that are linked together.That is to say that ML seed rest stand 1164 can comprise a pair of seed rest stand 1012, above they are stacked on each other, and with the reversing orientation be linked together, make the base plate 1040 of seed rest stand be linked together.In such an embodiment, ML seed rest stand 1164 will be according to being installed on the protractor base platform 1020 about seed rest stand 1012 described identical modes with top.Each seed rest stand 1012 in ML seed rest stand 1164 comprises as mentioned above the seed receptacle 1016 by logic arrangement.The planter units 788 that comprises seed transport system 1008 and the seed storage system 1004 that combines ML seed rest stand 1164 is according to operating about the identical mode of the described cardinal principle of embodiment that has realized individual layer seed rest stand 1012 with top.Yet, in the embodiment that has realized ML seed rest stand 1164.After 1156 pairs of distribution, identification and plantations from the seed of first rest stand of seed rest stand 1012 of controller are controlled, the operator will make ML seed rest stand 1164 break away from base platform 1064, upset ML seed rest stand 1164, be about to 1164 reversings of ML seed rest stand, and the second seed rest stand 1012 is engaged with base platform 1064.Controller 1156 is controlled distribution, identification and plantation from the seed of the second seed rest stand 1012 of ML seed rest stand 1164 according to above-mentioned identical mode afterwards.Thereby, utilize ML seed rest stand 1164 in single plantation operation, to plant more substantial seed plot.

[00151] being described in of this paper only is exemplary in nature, and therefore, the variant intention that does not break away from the main idea of described content is in the scope of this instruction.Do not think that this variant has broken away from the spirit and scope of this instruction.

Claims (32)

1. planter that is used in the many seedings of field plantation, described planter comprises at least two planter units, each planter units is configured to and operationally is used to plant a seeding, described planter units is mounted to the spacing between feasible at least two of can automatically change in the described planter units, thereby can be in the spacing between the row who automatically changes the seed of being planted on the described field of being planted.

2. planter according to claim 1 is characterized in that, the plantation speed of at least one planter units in the described planter units can change independently.

3. planter according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, also comprise tool bar, and, wherein, described at least two planter units are slidably mounted on the described tool bar, make spacing between each planter units can change described at least two planter units and the adjacent planter units.

4. planter according to claim 3, it is characterized in that, comprise that also the planter units that can be detachably connected on the vehicle hoists and locatees (PULP) assembly, and, wherein, described tool bar is pivotally mounted on the balladeur train of described PULP removably, to be used for axial rotation.

5. planter according to claim 4 is characterized in that, described balladeur train movably is installed on the roofbolt that hoists of described PULP, to be used for along the sidepiece of the described roofbolt that hoists and translation vertically.

6. planter according to claim 3, it is characterized in that, also comprise at least one planter units actuator automatically mobile that is used for making described planter units of installing slidably with respect to described tool bar, and at least one planter units actuator automatically mobile with respect to another planter units in the described planter units of installing slidably that is used for making described planter units of installing slidably.

7. planter according to claim 3, it is characterized in that, also comprise between the planter units that acts in described tool bar and the described planter units of installing slidably being used for automatically moving the actuator of described planter units, and act on actuator between two planter units in the described planter units of installing slidably with respect to described tool bar.

8. planter according to claim 3, it is characterized in that, each described planter units comprises balladeur train, and it movably is installed on the described tool bar, is used to make described planter units along described tool bar and translation, to change the spacing between the adjacent planter units, and wherein, each balladeur train comprises alignment pin, it is configured to and operationally in order to engaging described tool bar, so that corresponding described planter units is remained on desirable position along described tool bar.

9. planter according to claim 8, it is characterized in that, each balladeur train also comprises the position retaining mechanism, and it is configured to and operationally in order to described balladeur train and corresponding described planter units are fixed on the described desirable position along described tool bar.

10. planter according to claim 1 is characterized in that each planter units includes seed measuring structure, and it is configured to and operationally in order to control spacing between the seed number of being planted by corresponding described planter units and row independently.

11. planter according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, each planter units comprises seed storage system and seed transport system, described seed storage system is used to keep a plurality of seed group of keeping apart independently with seed group, and described seed transport system is configured to and operationally in order to controllably to select according to desirable order and to discharge described seed group from described seed storage system.

12. planter that is used in the many seedings of field plantation, described planter comprises at least two planter units, each planter units is configured to and operationally is used to plant a seeding, described planter units is mounted to the spacing between feasible at least two of can change in the described planter units, and can change the plantation speed of at least one planter units in the described planter units independently, thereby can on the described field of being planted, change row's spacing of the seed of being planted and the seed spacing among the row.

13. planter according to claim 12, it is characterized in that, also comprise tool bar, and, wherein, described at least two planter units are slidably mounted on the described tool bar, make spacing between each planter units can change described at least two planter units and the adjacent planter units.

14. planter according to claim 13, it is characterized in that, comprise that also the planter units that can be detachably connected on the vehicle hoists and locatees (PULP) assembly, described tool bar is pivotally mounted on the balladeur train of described PULP removably, to be used for axial rotation, and described balladeur train movably is installed on the roofbolt that hoists of described PULP, to be used for along the sidepiece of the described roofbolt that hoists and translation vertically.

15. planter according to claim 13 is characterized in that, also comprises a plurality of actuators that are used for moving slidably along described tool bar described planter units.

16. planter according to claim 13, it is characterized in that, each planter units comprises balladeur train, it movably is installed on the described tool bar, with be used to make described planter units along described tool bar translation to change the spacing between the adjacent planter units, and wherein, each balladeur train comprises:

Alignment pin, it is configured to and operationally in order to engaging described tool bar, so that corresponding described planter units is remained on desirable position along described tool bar; With

The position retaining mechanism, it is configured to and operationally in order to described balladeur train and corresponding described planter units are fixed on the described desirable position along described tool bar.

17. planter according to claim 12 is characterized in that, each planter units comprises seed measuring structure, and it is configured to and operationally in order to control spacing between the seed number of being planted by corresponding described planter units and row independently.

18. a utilization comprises that the many rows formula planter of a plurality of planter units that is configured to separately and operationally is used for planting a seeding is in the method for field plantation seed, described method be included between planting season the spacing that changes selectively between at least two adjacent planter units and at least one planter units in the described planter units the speed that seed is dispensed to ground at least one of them so that on the described field of being planted, change seed spacing among row's spacing and the described row at least one of them.

19. method according to claim 18 is characterized in that, at least two in the described planter units is operated so that distribute seed according to speed different from each other, thereby make seed spacing difference among the corresponding described row.

20. method according to claim 17, it is characterized in that, also be included in the type that changes the seed that distributes by at least one planter units in the independent described planter units between planting season, thereby make described field kind be implanted with at least two kinds of dissimilar seeds.

21. method according to claim 20, it is characterized in that, change described seed, and the described seed that changes described spacing between the described planter units and described planter units with coordinated mode distributes speed, thereby make the described field of being planted comprise at least two locations of dissimilar seeds, each location comprises the sub-location of one of them at least with the different seed spacings among different row's spacings and the described row.

22. according to claim 20 kind of method for planting is characterized in that, the type that changes the described seed that distributes comprises:

A plurality of seed group that will be used for each planter units remain on the seed storage system of each corresponding planter units, thereby based on the seed category of each seed group and described seed is kept apart independently; With

Utilize the corresponding seed transport system of each corresponding planter units controllably to select and discharge described seed group from described seed storage system with desirable order.

23. according to claim 18 kind of method for planting, it is characterized in that, described planter units is controlled independently, and described method comprises that also the described seed that improves or reduce at least one planter units distributes speed, so that correspondingly improve or reduce the density that is planted in the seed among at least one row.

24. according to claim 23 kind of method for planting, it is characterized in that, also comprise independently at least two planter units of control along the moving of the tool bar of described planter, so that change each planter units of described at least two planter units and the spacing between the adjacent planter units selectively.

25. according to claim 24 kind of method for planting is characterized in that, also comprises:

Planter units is hoisted and locate (PULP) assembly to be detachably connected on the vehicle, described PULP comprises and movably being installed on the roofbolt that hoists so that along the sidepiece of the described roofbolt that hoists and the vertical balladeur train of translation; And

Described tool bar is pivotally mounted on the balladeur train of described PULP removably, makes described tool bar and corresponding planter units can rotate vertically and translation vertically.

26. according to claim 24 kind of method for planting is characterized in that, the described spacing that changes between at least two planter units comprises selectively:

Make described planter units move to desirable position along described tool bar;

The alignment pin of each corresponding planter units is engaged, so that corresponding planter units is remained on described desirable position with described tool bar; And

The position retaining mechanism of each corresponding described planter units is engaged, so that corresponding planter units is fixed on the described desirable position of described tool bar with described tool bar.

27. according to claim 18 kind of method for planting, it is characterized in that, change the described speed that seed is dispensed to ground selectively and comprise and control the speed that the seed amount that seed measuring structure distributed and each seed measuring structure by each corresponding planter units distribute described seed independently.

28. a method that makes the field kind be implanted with a plurality of plot with dissimilar seeds, described method comprises:

First seed category is loaded in the many rows formula planter with the planter units that can move independently, and utilizes described many rows formula planter on described field, at least once to pass through, so that plant described first seed category at least one plot; And

Second seed category is loaded in described many rows formula planter, and on described field, at least once passes through, so that plant described second seed category at least one plot;

Wherein, before at least once passing through on the described field, make at least one planter units motion, so that automatically change spacing between the row of described planter units.

29. according to claim 28 kind of method for planting, it is characterized in that, the described planter units of described many rows formula planter is controlled independently, and described method also includes selectively to change by at least one planter units seed is dispensed to the speed on ground, so that correspondingly improve or reduce the density of the seed among at least one row who is planted in a plot.

30. according to claim 29 kind of method for planting, it is characterized in that, change the described speed that seed is dispensed to ground selectively and comprise: control the speed that the seed amount that seed measuring structure distributed and each seed measuring structure by each corresponding planter units distribute described seed independently.

31. according to claim 28 kind of method for planting is characterized in that, loads described first seed category and described second seed category comprises:

A plurality of seed group that will be used for each planter units remain on the seed storage system of each corresponding planter units, thereby based on the seed category of each seed group and described seed is kept apart independently; And

The corresponding seed transport system of utilizing each corresponding planter units with required order controllably to selecting from the described seed group of described seed storage system and discharging.

32. a planter units that is used for automatically planting in the field seed, described planter units comprises:

The seed indexing system, described seed indexing system comprises:

The seed storage system, it has the one or more seed rest stands that keep a plurality of seed receptacle, each seed receptacle prepackage is loaded with specific seed category, make one or more specific seed categories that are loaded with the seed category of institute's preloaded in other seed receptacle that is different from described seed receptacle of pre-installing in the described seed receptacle, each seed rest stand comprises:

A plurality of seed receptacle holding plates, it has the hole of aiming at one heart that is used to keep described seed receptacle;

Seed receptacle retainer panel, it is connected on the corresponding described seed rest stand slidably, so that described seed receptacle is remained in the described hole of aiming at one heart; With

The gate panel, it can be slidably inserted between described seed receptacle retainer panel and corresponding described seed rest stand, thereby described seed is remained in the described seed receptacle; With

Seed transport system, it comprises protractor, described protractor is configured to and operationally in order to removably keeping described one or more seed rest stand, and controlled to be to discharge selectively from the seed in one or more desirable seed receptacle, and described protractor comprises:

Base platform, it has longitudinally along described base platform and by a plurality of holes that row are provided with, make described base platform hole can with aim at by the described seed rest stand hole of aiming at one heart of the described seed rest stand that described base platform kept substantially concentricly; With

A plurality of seeds distribute control lever, it is installed on the described base platform slidably, each control lever can be controlled independently, so that along the length of described base platform and bidirectional-movement, thereby expose described base platform hole with desirable order, make described protractor discharge described seed receptacle selectively.

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