GB599501A - Improvements in or relating to potato and like planting machines - Google Patents

Abstract

599,501. Potato-planting. machines, PACKMAN, P. J. March 5, 1945, No. 5495. [Class 6 (i)] A planting machine for potatoes and like seeds comprises in combination a plurality of self - contained potato - receiving receptacles driven to travel in the machine from an upper receiving position to a lower discharging position where the potatoes are placed directly by the receptacles on to the ground, the receptacles during travel being grouped close together at the receiving position and spaced apart in the discharge position. Means are provided to retain the potatoes in the receptacles during travel. In the form shown, an endless chain 22 has, at spaced intervals, a series of radiating arms 26, each carrying at their outer ends a potato-receiving receptacle 27, the delivery run of the chain being driven in the reverse direction to the machine and at such speed that the potato has little or no motion relatively to the ground at the time of discharge. As shown, an operator 30 places potatoes in the receptacles from trays 28, a curved shield 32, to which is fixed a clearing-plough 16, preventing the potatoes falling out as they pass downwards. The lower lap of the chain 22 is inclined rearwardly to clear the potatoes as they are dropped. The receptacles may be raised from the ground by a lever 33 connected to links 25 pivoting on the wheel axle 20. Covering ploughs 17 are provided which can be raised clear of the ground if necessary. A plurality of chains may be mounted in a carriage to form a multi-row planter.