GB1141227A - Seed dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

1,141,227. Seed dispenser. L. J. LOESCH and C. E. LOESCH. 6 Dec., 1967 [7 Dec., 1966; 20 Nov., 1967], No. 55420/67. Heading AID. A seed dispenser for attachment to a planter has a housing 22 in which is rotatably mounted a seed carrier 24 having rows of apertures 29 at regular intervals round its periphery and two flat annular end plates 25, 26, the contact between end plate 26 and the stationary wall structure 31 being made airtight by a sealing ring 33. An air pressure differential is achieved between the interior and exterior of the carrier by means of the fan 41, said pressure differential causing seeds fed through a supply spout 39 to the bottom of the drum to become seated on the apertures 29 as they rotate beneath the seeds and then up again. A second air pressure differential is maintained between the interior 30 of the drum 24 and spaces 43 by means of perforated plate 49 which allows air to enter the annular conduit 46. A current of air through aperture 42 into the space 30 is thus created which causes all excess seeds to be swept away from the recessed opening. Release of the seeds from their positions is achieved by release pins 54 supported on mounting arms 55 on shafts 56. Each shaft is attached to an operating arm 62 which rests on a cam 64. Rotation of the arm over the cam edge 65 causes the inward movement of the release pin and consequent release of the seeds which fall into the corresponding tube 37a and thus to the discharge tube 15.