US20150305229A1 - Seed meter - Google Patents

Seed meter Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20150305229A1
US20150305229A1 US14/793,360 US201514793360A US2015305229A1 US 20150305229 A1 US20150305229 A1 US 20150305229A1 US 201514793360 A US201514793360 A US 201514793360A US 2015305229 A1 US2015305229 A1 US 2015305229A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
seed
disc
thrust
fixed
movable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/793,360
Inventor
Derek Sauder
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Precision Planting LLC
Original Assignee
Precision Planting LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=46880051&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=US20150305229(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Precision Planting LLC filed Critical Precision Planting LLC
Priority to US14/793,360 priority Critical patent/US20150305229A1/en
Publication of US20150305229A1 publication Critical patent/US20150305229A1/en
Priority to US15/653,500 priority patent/US10542664B2/en
Priority to US15/653,496 priority patent/US20170311535A1/en
Priority to US16/694,471 priority patent/US20200296881A1/en
Priority to US18/055,571 priority patent/US20230085347A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00Sowing
    • A01C7/04Single-grain seeders with or without suction devices
    • A01C7/042Single-grain seeders with or without suction devices using pneumatic means
    • A01C7/044Pneumatic seed wheels
    • A01C7/0443Seed singulators
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00Sowing
    • A01C7/04Single-grain seeders with or without suction devices
    • A01C7/042Single-grain seeders with or without suction devices using pneumatic means
    • A01C7/044Pneumatic seed wheels
    • A01C7/046Pneumatic seed wheels with perforated seeding discs
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00Sowing
    • A01C7/04Single-grain seeders with or without suction devices
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00Sowing
    • A01C7/04Single-grain seeders with or without suction devices
    • A01C7/042Single-grain seeders with or without suction devices using pneumatic means
    • A01C7/044Pneumatic seed wheels
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00Sowing
    • A01C7/04Single-grain seeders with or without suction devices
    • A01C7/042Single-grain seeders with or without suction devices using pneumatic means
    • A01C7/044Pneumatic seed wheels
    • A01C7/0445Seed ejectors
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00Sowing
    • A01C7/08Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
    • A01C7/081Seeders depositing seeds in rows using pneumatic means
    • A01C7/084Pneumatic distribution heads for seeders
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00Sowing
    • A01C7/08Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
    • A01C7/10Devices for adjusting the seed-box ; Regulation of machines for depositing quantities at intervals
    • A01C7/102Regulating or controlling the seed rate
    • A01C7/105Seed sensors
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00Sowing
    • A01C7/08Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
    • A01C7/12Seeders with feeding wheels
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00Sowing
    • A01C7/08Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
    • A01C7/12Seeders with feeding wheels
    • A01C7/123Housings for feed rollers or wheels
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00Sowing
    • A01C7/08Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
    • A01C7/12Seeders with feeding wheels
    • A01C7/127Cell rollers, wheels, discs or belts
    • A01C7/128Cell discs
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01CPLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00Sowing
    • A01C7/08Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
    • A01C7/16Seeders with other distributing devices, e.g. brushes, discs, screws or slides

Definitions

  • FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of a single row unit of a conventional row crop planter.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 4 is another partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 5 is a partial side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 6 is another partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 7 is another partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 8 is another side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 9 is another side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 10 is a partial side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 11 is a partial side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seed singulator and an embodiment of an axial spring.
  • FIG. 12B is another perspective view of an embodiment of a seed singulator and an embodiment of an axial spring.
  • FIG. 12C is another perspective view of an embodiment of a seed singulator and an embodiment of an axial spring.
  • FIG. 12D is another perspective view of an embodiment of a seed singulator and an embodiment of an axial spring.
  • FIG. 13A is another perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 13B is another partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 13C is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a seed disc, vacuum seal and an embodiment of an ejector wheel assembly.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a vacuum cover, a vacuum seal, and an embodiment of an ejector wheel assembly.
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a vacuum cover and vacuum seal.
  • FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an ejector wheel assembly.
  • FIG. 17B is a side elevation view of an embodiment of an ejector wheel assembly.
  • FIG. 18A is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a seed disc and another embodiment of an ejector wheel assembly.
  • FIG. 18B is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed disc and an embodiment of an ejector wheel assembly.
  • FIG. 18C is a side elevation view of an embodiment of an ejector wheel.
  • FIG. 18D is a top view of an embodiment of an ejector wheel.
  • FIG. 19A is a partial side elevation view of an embodiment of seed disc.
  • FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of a seed disc along the section X-X of FIG. 19A .
  • FIG. 19C is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed disc.
  • FIG. 20A is a partial side elevation view of another embodiment of a seed disc.
  • FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of a seed disc along the section Y-Y of FIG. 20A .
  • FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view of a seed disc along the section Z-Z of FIG. 20B .
  • FIG. 20D is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seed disc.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a single row unit 10 of a conventional row crop planter.
  • the row units 10 are mounted in spaced relation along the length of a transverse toolbar 12 by a parallel linkage 14 which permits each row unit 10 to move vertically independently of the toolbar and the other spaced row units in order to accommodate changes in terrain or upon the row unit encountering a rock or other obstruction as the planter is drawn through the field.
  • Each row unit 10 includes a frame 16 which operably supports a seed hopper 18 , a furrow opening assembly 20 , a seed meter 100 , a seed tube 46 and a furrow closing assembly 50 .
  • the furrow opening assembly 20 comprises a pair of furrow opening discs 22 which are rotatably mounted on shafts 26 secured to a shank 30 comprising a part of the row unit frame 16 .
  • the furrow opening assembly 20 further comprises a pair of gauge wheels 32 rotatably supported by gauge wheel arms 35 also secured to the frame 16 .
  • the rotating furrow opening discs 22 cut a V-shaped furrow 40 through the soil surface 36 .
  • the egress end of the seed tube 46 is disposed between the rearwardly diverging furrow opening discs 22 .
  • the seed hopper 18 communicates a constant supply of seeds 42 to the seed meter 100 .
  • the seed meter 100 meters or dispenses individual or “singulated” seeds 42 at regularly spaced intervals into the seed tube 46 .
  • the seed tube 46 directs the seeds downwardly and rearwardly between the diverging furrow opening discs 22 before depositing the seeds into the V-shaped furrow 40 .
  • the seeds are then covered with soil by the furrow closing assembly 50 .
  • a seed sensor 60 detects the passage of seeds through the seed tube 46 as is known in the art.
  • the seed meter 100 includes a housing comprised of a vacuum cover 110 and a seed housing 105 . As described further herein, the seed meter 100 functions by selecting one seed at a time from seeds communicated into the seed housing 105 and dispensing each seed through the seed exit 180 .
  • a vacuum inlet 115 is coupled to the vacuum cover 110 . Vacuum hoses or tubes (not shown) connect the vacuum inlet 115 to a vacuum source (not shown) such as a vacuum impeller.
  • the seed housing 105 includes pivots 113 ( FIG. 3 ) and tabs 103 ( FIG. 2 ). When assembled, the tabs 103 extend through holes in the vacuum cover 110 such that retaining springs 108 may be biased against pivots 113 and tabs 103 to retain the seed housing 105 in position against the vacuum cover 110 .
  • the seed meter 100 is shown with the vacuum cover 110 and other components removed for clarity.
  • a shaft 183 is rotatably coupled to bearings 184 . Bearings 184 are held in place by the vacuum cover 110 .
  • a drive plate 186 is coupled to and rotates with the shaft 183 .
  • Drive plate 186 is releasably coupled to a seed disc 120 .
  • Seed disc 120 includes apertures 122 and preferably includes drive teeth 121 . In operation, the seed disc 120 may be rotated by a driven gear (not shown) coupled to drive teeth 121 (as described further herein) or by a driven shaft (not shown) coupled to an adapter 185 ( FIG. 2 ) mounted to the shaft 183 .
  • FIG. 4 the interior of the seed housing 105 is shown with the seed disc 120 , drive shaft 183 and drive plate 186 removed.
  • a brush 112 is mounted to seed housing 105 such that its bristles contact the seed-side surface of the seed disc 120 .
  • a singulator 130 is mounted to the seed housing 105 (as described further herein) which cooperates with the seed disc 120 to singulate the seeds before they are dispensed through the seed exit 180 .
  • the singulator preferably includes multiple singulator surfaces in contact with a seed side surface 140 of the seed disc 120 .
  • seeds are communicated into the seed meter 100 beneath a baffle 160 mounted to the seed housing 105 .
  • a seed pool area 150 ( FIG. 5 ) is disposed horizontally adjacent to the seed disc 120 near a bottom end of the seed housing 105 for collection of seeds communicated into the seed meter.
  • baffle 160 may be adjusted along guides 164 and 166 .
  • the baffle 160 is mounted to the seed housing 105 by rivet 162 , which extends outside the seed housing 105 (as best seen in FIGS. 9 and 13C ) and may be moved vertically by the operator along a notched slot 117 without disassembling the housing.
  • Each notch in slot 117 is sized to hold the rivet 162 in place such that the operator can select the height of baffle 160 by pushing the rivet up and down.
  • visual indicators e.g., numbers 1 through 4
  • the singulator 130 is releasably mounted to the seed housing 105 so as to bias the singulator against the seed disc 120 while allowing the singulator to “float” both axially and longitudinally with respect to the axis of rotation of the seed disc.
  • the singulator is releasably coupled to an axial spring 137 by attachment ears 139 .
  • the axial spring 137 is preferably made of a material (e.g., spring steel) which is elastically deformable.
  • the axial spring 137 is mounted to bosses 142 .
  • the bosses 142 are sized such that the singulator 130 is biased against the face of the seed disc 120 when the seed disc is in its normal position.
  • the tension in axial spring 137 increases, allowing the singulator to remain in contact with the seed disc without interfering with the rotation of the seed disc.
  • the tension in axial spring 137 decreases such that the singulator remains in contact with the seed disc.
  • Radial spring 111 is mounted to the seed housing 105 such that in operation, the radial spring biases the singulator radially against the seed disc 120 when the seed disc is in its normal position.
  • the singulator 130 is illustrated in detail attached to the axial spring 137 .
  • the singulator 130 includes base 133 , arms 136 , upper lobe plate 134 and lower lobe plate 132 .
  • the upper lobe plate 134 includes three singulation lobes, while the lower lobe plate 132 includes two singulation lobes.
  • attachment ears 139 grasp the base 133 .
  • the attachment ears 139 extend past and away from the base 133 and are easily manipulated and deflected. It should be appreciated that other configurations of the singulator 130 could be used to achieve the objectives described herein.
  • the singulator 130 is easily replaceable with another singulator with a different lobe configuration for different seeds or if it is necessary to replace the singular due to wear on the singulator lobes.
  • the singulator 130 is removable by pulling it away from the axial spring 137 with sufficient force that the attachment ears 139 deflect away from each other sufficiently to release the base 133 .
  • the attachment ears 139 may also be deflected away from each other with one hand while pulling the singulator 130 away from the axial spring 137 with the other.
  • the singulator 130 may be replaced by pressing the base 133 of the singulator between the attachment ears 139 with sufficient force to cause the attachment ears to deflect away from each other to allow the base of the singulator to pass between them.
  • the base 133 may be pushed between the ears causing them to deflect away from one another before returning to the normal position in which the base of the singulator is again secured between the ears.
  • the singulator 130 may be easily removed and replaced by hand without the use of tools and without removing or changing the location of axial spring 137 , which remains in the correct location to bias the singulator 130 against the seed disc 120 while allowing the singulator 130 to “float” with deflections or deformations of the seed disc.
  • the seed meter 100 is illustrated with the seed housing 105 and other components removed so that the singulator 130 may be seen in its preferred location biased against the seed-side surface 140 of the seed disc 120 .
  • the seed-side surface 140 is preferably normal to the axis of rotation of the seed disc 120 .
  • the seed-side surface 140 is also preferably substantially flat with the exception of cavities 128 , described in more detail later. For clarity, only the upper and lower lobe plates 132 and 134 are shown in FIG. 11 .
  • the seed disc 120 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 129 such that the seed apertures 122 travel along a seed aperture path. A portion of the seed aperture path is adjacent to the seed pool area 150 .
  • each seed aperture is placed in fluid communication with the vacuum source such that one or more seeds 42 become entrained over apertures 122 .
  • the lobes of the lobe plates bump, rotate and position the seeds so that only one seed is firmly entrained over the aperture while the other seeds drop back into the seed pool 150 , thereby leaving one seed per aperture.
  • the apertures 122 rotate past the 3 o'clock position as viewed in FIG. 11 , the apertures 122 are no longer in communication with the vacuum source resulting in the seeds being released from the apertures and falling into the seed exit 180 .
  • the vacuum cover 110 includes a continuous mounting groove into which a vacuum seal 190 is press fit.
  • the vacuum seal 190 is pressed against the vacuum-side of the seed disc 120 and the interior of the vacuum seal is in communication with the vacuum inlet 115 ( FIG. 1 ) such that as the apertures 122 rotate past the perimeter of the vacuum seal 190 toward its interior they are placed in fluid communication with the vacuum source.
  • a seed ejector assembly 170 is preferably mounted to the vacuum cover 110 .
  • the seed ejector assembly 170 includes a shaft 174 , a mounting clip 172 , a lever arm 175 and an ejector wheel 176 having plungers 177 .
  • the ejector wheel 176 is rotatably coupled to the lever arm 175 .
  • the lever arm is rotatably coupled to the shaft 174 .
  • the shaft is rotatably received within the mounting clip 172 .
  • the mounting clip 172 is attached to a mounting port 179 , which is preferably formed integrally with the vacuum cover 110 .
  • the ejector wheel 176 rotates and the plungers 177 enter each seed aperture 122 , knocking out any seeds, partial seeds or debris in the seed apertures from the back side or vacuum-side of the seed disc 120 .
  • a spring 171 is preferably disposed between the lever arm 175 and the vacuum cover 110 .
  • the spring 171 has a first end held in place at a first end by a knob 173 on the lever arm 175 and has a second end held in place by cavity 192 in the vacuum cover 110 . It should be appreciated that the spring 171 biases the ejector wheel 176 against the disc and allows the seed ejector assembly 170 to “float” with deflections or deformations of the seed disc 120 .
  • the mounting clip 172 may be easily removed from and reattached to the mounting port 179 without the use of tools.
  • the mounting port 179 includes apertures 196 and a tab 195 .
  • Mounting clip 172 includes rigid hooks 197 and resilient hook 198 .
  • the user first inserts rigid hooks 197 into apertures 196 , then preferably presses mounting clip 172 against vacuum cover 110 such that resilient hook 198 deflects around tab 195 and returns to a relaxed state secured around tab 195 .
  • the mounting clip 172 also preferably deflects to allow resilient hook 198 to deflect around the tab 195 .
  • the mounting clip 172 is secured against mounting port 179 until the user removes the mounting clip by bending the mounting clip to release the resilient hook 198 from tab 195 and then moving the rigid hooks 197 free of the apertures 196 .
  • a modified seed ejector assembly 270 is illustrated in cooperation with a modified seed disc 220 .
  • the seed disc 220 includes an array 224 of apertures 222 .
  • the seed disc 220 further includes an array 234 of guide cavities 232 .
  • the guide cavity array 234 is preferably substantially concentric with the seed aperture array 224 .
  • the seed ejector assembly 270 includes a lever arm 275 .
  • the lever arm 275 is preferably pivotally biased toward the seed disc 220 as described herein with respect to the lever arm 175 .
  • the seed ejector assembly 270 also includes an ejector wheel 276 pivotally mounted to the lever arm 275 and a guide wheel 286 pivotally mounted to the lever arm 275 .
  • the ejector wheel 276 and the guide wheel 286 are preferably pivotally mounted to the lever arm by a retaining pin 272 extending through central apertures in the ejector wheel and guide wheel.
  • the retaining pin 272 preferably allows the ejector wheel 276 and the guide wheel to translate slightly toward and away from the lever arm 275 such that the ejector wheel and guide wheel are allowed to translate radially toward and away from the center of the seed disc 220 .
  • the ejector wheel 276 includes radially arranged plungers 278 and the guide wheel 286 includes radially arranged guide teeth 288 .
  • the seed ejector assembly preferably includes more guide teeth 288 than plungers 278 , and preferably includes three guide teeth per plunger.
  • the ejector wheel 276 is preferably fixed to the guide wheel 286 such that the ejector wheel is constrained to rotate synchronously with the guide wheel.
  • Each plunger 278 is preferably aligned with one of the guide teeth 288 .
  • the upper and lower plungers 278 are aligned with upper and lower guide teeth along a plane A 1 and the left and right plungers 278 are aligned with left and right guide teeth along a plane A 2 .
  • the plungers 278 include tips 277 .
  • the apertures 222 are tapered to small openings 223 ( FIG. 18A ).
  • the tips 277 are preferably sized to fit within the small openings 223 . It should be appreciated that in such embodiments, more precise alignment of the ejector wheel 276 with respect to the seed disc 220 is necessary in order to knock seeds or debris from the small openings 223 without interference between the ejector wheel and seed disc.
  • the guide teeth 288 sequentially engage the guide cavities 232 .
  • the plungers 278 sequentially engage the seed apertures 222 .
  • the guide cavity array 234 is aligned with the seed aperture array 224 such that each seed aperture 222 is aligned with a guide cavity 232 along a plane (e.g., plane A 3 ) intersecting the center of the seed disc 220 .
  • plane A 3 a plane intersecting the center of the seed disc 220 .
  • the guide teeth 232 likewise retain the ejector wheel 286 at the proper radial distance from the center of the seed disc 220 such that the ejector wheel can successfully engage each seed aperture 222 .
  • the seed disc 120 preferably includes seed disc cavities 128 disposed near the radial edge of the seed disc.
  • the cavities 128 are preferably disposed to pass adjacent to the seed pool area 150 .
  • Each cavity 128 is preferably disposed forward of an adjacent seed aperture 122 along the direction of travel of the seed aperture path.
  • the cavities 128 are preferably disposed between each pair of seed apertures 122 .
  • Seed apertures 122 are preferably substantially normal to the surface 140 of the seed disc 120 ; i.e., a central axis of each seed aperture 122 is preferably substantially normal to the surface 140 of the seed disc 120 .
  • Raised surfaces 123 with respect to the bottom of the associated cavity 128 are preferably disposed between each aperture 122 and the adjacent cavity 128 .
  • the upper surface of the raised surfaces 123 are preferably co-planar with the surface 140 of the seed disc 120 .
  • Each cavity 128 preferably comprises an agitation cavity sized to agitate the seeds in the seed pool area 150 .
  • the cavities 128 are preferably sized to allow significant movement of seeds 42 into and out of the cavities as each cavity moves adjacent to the seed pool 150 .
  • the outer perimeter of the cavity 128 is preferably larger than the outer perimeter of the adjacent seed aperture 122 .
  • the area of an intersection between the surface 140 of the seed disc 120 and each cavity 128 is preferably greater than the area of an intersection between the surface 140 and each seed aperture 122 .
  • each seed aperture is sized to allow limited movement of seeds 42 into the seed aperture.
  • the cavities 128 are preferably wider than the average size of seeds 42 to be planted using the seed disc 120 .
  • the depth D ( FIG. 19B ) of the cavities 128 is preferably greater than 0 . 05 inches.
  • each cavity 128 preferably has an inner sidewall 242 and an outer sidewall 240 located at distances Ri, Ro respectively from the center C (i.e., the central or rotational axis) of the disc.
  • the difference between the radii Ro and Ri is preferably greater than the diameter of the seed apertures 122 .
  • the radius Ro is preferably larger than the distance between the seed aperture and the center of the seed disc 120 .
  • the radius Ro is preferably larger than the radius Ra between a distal end of said seed aperture 122 and the center of the disc 120 .
  • seed disc 120 rotates through the seed pool area 150 located to the side of the seed disc (as best illustrated in FIG. 11 ), seeds move in and out of the cavities 128 such that the seed pool is stirred or agitated. This agitation improves the successful loading of seeds on the seed apertures 122 , particularly at relatively high planting speeds which correspond to faster seed disc rotation speeds.
  • Each cavity 128 preferably includes a sidewall 124 oriented to face the seed pool area 150 as the cavity rotates into the seed pool area.
  • the sidewall 124 is preferably substantially vertical ( FIG. 19B ), i.e., substantially normal to the surface 140 of the seed disc 120 .
  • the sidewall 124 is preferably curved, and preferably is semicircular. In operation, the sidewalls 124 sequentially enter the seed pool area 150 and push the seeds such that the seed pool is stirred and agitated.
  • the cavities 128 preferably include a bevel 126 oriented to face away from the seed pool as the disc 120 rotates into the seed pool area 150 .
  • An angle A ( FIG. 19B ) between bevel 126 and the surface 140 of the seed disc 120 is preferably between 15 and 35 degrees with respect to the surface of the disc.
  • seeds when seeds are released from the disc (at approximately the 3 o'clock position on the view of FIG. 11 ), seeds occasionally fall toward the disc and into the cavity 128 located below the seed aperture 122 . In such instances, the seed bounces or slides against the bevel 126 , smoothly transitioning the seed back out of the cavity 128 and increasing consistency between seed fall times.
  • a seed disc 120 is disclosed herein including series of seed apertures 122 and cavities 128 having the same radial distance from the center of the seed disc, other embodiments include rows of seed cavities
  • each cavity 328 preferably includes vertical sidewalls 324 and bevels 326 .
  • Each cavity 328 preferably includes a beveled inner sidewall 342 and a beveled outer sidewall 340 .
  • the beveled sidewalls 342 , 340 reduce the interior volume of the cavity 328 and allow seeds to smoothly transition out of the cavity 328 while the seeds are being agitated in the seed pool area 150 .
  • each beveled sidewall 342 , 340 discourages entrapment of seeds in the cavities 328 , particularly smaller seed varieties.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Sowing (AREA)
  • Pretreatment Of Seeds And Plants (AREA)

Abstract

A seed meter for an agricultural planter in which the seed disc is rotatably mounted within a seed meter housing. As the seed disc rotates, the apertures in the disc rotate along a seed aperture path through a horizontally adjacent seed pool area. The seed disc includes cavities disposed along the seed aperture path to agitate the seeds in the seed pool area. A singulator having multiple co-planar singulator surfaces is biased against the seed side surface of the seed disc.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/006,569 filed Sep. 20, 2013 which is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2012/030192 filed Mar. 22, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/466,047, filed Mar. 22, 2011.
  • BACKGROUND
  • In recent years, growers of corn and other crops have come to recognize the importance of planting individual seeds at the appropriate spacing due to increased seed and crop input prices, but also because they have the ability to monitor the economic impact of skips, doubles or misplaced seeds using modern planter monitors. For these reasons modern seed meters have been developed that include features which improve the singulation of seeds. However, each added feature increases the amount of time that the grower must spend replacing wear parts or making other adjustments prior to or during planting operations. Due to weather and other factors, the available time to plant corn and other crops is often extremely limited, with each planter required to cover hundreds of acres while limited in speed due to reduced seed meter performance at higher planting speeds.
  • Thus, there is a need for a seed meter having improved singulation and seed spacing capability at higher speeds and which is also easily repairable and modifiable.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of a single row unit of a conventional row crop planter.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 4 is another partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 5 is a partial side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 6 is another partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 7 is another partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 8 is another side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 9 is another side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 10 is a partial side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 11 is a partial side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seed singulator and an embodiment of an axial spring.
  • FIG. 12B is another perspective view of an embodiment of a seed singulator and an embodiment of an axial spring.
  • FIG. 12C is another perspective view of an embodiment of a seed singulator and an embodiment of an axial spring.
  • FIG. 12D is another perspective view of an embodiment of a seed singulator and an embodiment of an axial spring.
  • FIG. 13A is another perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 13B is another partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 13C is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed meter.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a seed disc, vacuum seal and an embodiment of an ejector wheel assembly.
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a vacuum cover, a vacuum seal, and an embodiment of an ejector wheel assembly.
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a vacuum cover and vacuum seal.
  • FIG. 17A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an ejector wheel assembly.
  • FIG. 17B is a side elevation view of an embodiment of an ejector wheel assembly.
  • FIG. 18A is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a seed disc and another embodiment of an ejector wheel assembly.
  • FIG. 18B is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a seed disc and an embodiment of an ejector wheel assembly.
  • FIG. 18C is a side elevation view of an embodiment of an ejector wheel.
  • FIG. 18D is a top view of an embodiment of an ejector wheel.
  • FIG. 19A is a partial side elevation view of an embodiment of seed disc.
  • FIG. 19B is a cross-sectional view of a seed disc along the section X-X of FIG. 19A.
  • FIG. 19C is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a seed disc.
  • FIG. 20A is a partial side elevation view of another embodiment of a seed disc.
  • FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view of a seed disc along the section Y-Y of FIG. 20A.
  • FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view of a seed disc along the section Z-Z of FIG. 20B.
  • FIG. 20D is a perspective view of an embodiment of a seed disc.
  • DESCRIPTION
  • Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a single row unit 10 of a conventional row crop planter. As is well known in the art, the row units 10 are mounted in spaced relation along the length of a transverse toolbar 12 by a parallel linkage 14 which permits each row unit 10 to move vertically independently of the toolbar and the other spaced row units in order to accommodate changes in terrain or upon the row unit encountering a rock or other obstruction as the planter is drawn through the field. Each row unit 10 includes a frame 16 which operably supports a seed hopper 18, a furrow opening assembly 20, a seed meter 100, a seed tube 46 and a furrow closing assembly 50.
  • The furrow opening assembly 20 comprises a pair of furrow opening discs 22 which are rotatably mounted on shafts 26 secured to a shank 30 comprising a part of the row unit frame 16. The furrow opening assembly 20 further comprises a pair of gauge wheels 32 rotatably supported by gauge wheel arms 35 also secured to the frame 16. As the planter is drawn through the field, the rotating furrow opening discs 22 cut a V-shaped furrow 40 through the soil surface 36. The egress end of the seed tube 46 is disposed between the rearwardly diverging furrow opening discs 22.
  • In operation, as the planter is drawn through the field along the direction of travel as indicated by the arrow 38, the seed hopper 18 communicates a constant supply of seeds 42 to the seed meter 100. The seed meter 100 meters or dispenses individual or “singulated” seeds 42 at regularly spaced intervals into the seed tube 46. The seed tube 46 directs the seeds downwardly and rearwardly between the diverging furrow opening discs 22 before depositing the seeds into the V-shaped furrow 40. The seeds are then covered with soil by the furrow closing assembly 50. A seed sensor 60 detects the passage of seeds through the seed tube 46 as is known in the art.
  • Novel Seed Meter Embodiments
  • Embodiments of a novel seed meter 100 are illustrated in FIGS. 2-20. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the seed meter 100 includes a housing comprised of a vacuum cover 110 and a seed housing 105. As described further herein, the seed meter 100 functions by selecting one seed at a time from seeds communicated into the seed housing 105 and dispensing each seed through the seed exit 180. A vacuum inlet 115 is coupled to the vacuum cover 110. Vacuum hoses or tubes (not shown) connect the vacuum inlet 115 to a vacuum source (not shown) such as a vacuum impeller.
  • The seed housing 105 includes pivots 113 (FIG. 3) and tabs 103 (FIG. 2). When assembled, the tabs 103 extend through holes in the vacuum cover 110 such that retaining springs 108 may be biased against pivots 113 and tabs 103 to retain the seed housing 105 in position against the vacuum cover 110.
  • Referring to FIG. 3, the seed meter 100 is shown with the vacuum cover 110 and other components removed for clarity. A shaft 183 is rotatably coupled to bearings 184. Bearings 184 are held in place by the vacuum cover 110. A drive plate 186 is coupled to and rotates with the shaft 183. Drive plate 186 is releasably coupled to a seed disc 120. Seed disc 120 includes apertures 122 and preferably includes drive teeth 121. In operation, the seed disc 120 may be rotated by a driven gear (not shown) coupled to drive teeth 121 (as described further herein) or by a driven shaft (not shown) coupled to an adapter 185 (FIG. 2) mounted to the shaft 183.
  • Turning to FIG. 4, the interior of the seed housing 105 is shown with the seed disc 120, drive shaft 183 and drive plate 186 removed. A brush 112 is mounted to seed housing 105 such that its bristles contact the seed-side surface of the seed disc 120. A singulator 130 is mounted to the seed housing 105 (as described further herein) which cooperates with the seed disc 120 to singulate the seeds before they are dispensed through the seed exit 180. The singulator preferably includes multiple singulator surfaces in contact with a seed side surface 140 of the seed disc 120.
  • Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 13A-C, seeds are communicated into the seed meter 100 beneath a baffle 160 mounted to the seed housing 105. A seed pool area 150 (FIG. 5) is disposed horizontally adjacent to the seed disc 120 near a bottom end of the seed housing 105 for collection of seeds communicated into the seed meter.
  • The height of baffle 160 may be adjusted along guides 164 and 166. The baffle 160 is mounted to the seed housing 105 by rivet 162, which extends outside the seed housing 105 (as best seen in FIGS. 9 and 13C) and may be moved vertically by the operator along a notched slot 117 without disassembling the housing. Each notch in slot 117 is sized to hold the rivet 162 in place such that the operator can select the height of baffle 160 by pushing the rivet up and down. As illustrated, visual indicators (e.g., numbers 1 through 4) are preferably located adjacent to the notches for positioning the rivet 162 at corresponding heights of the baffle 160 for ease of reference.
  • Removable Floating Singulator Embodiments
  • Referring to FIGS. 6-8, the singulator 130 is releasably mounted to the seed housing 105 so as to bias the singulator against the seed disc 120 while allowing the singulator to “float” both axially and longitudinally with respect to the axis of rotation of the seed disc. The singulator is releasably coupled to an axial spring 137 by attachment ears 139. The axial spring 137 is preferably made of a material (e.g., spring steel) which is elastically deformable. The axial spring 137 is mounted to bosses 142. The bosses 142 are sized such that the singulator 130 is biased against the face of the seed disc 120 when the seed disc is in its normal position. Thus, when the seed disc 120 is deflected axially away from the vacuum cover 110, the tension in axial spring 137 increases, allowing the singulator to remain in contact with the seed disc without interfering with the rotation of the seed disc. Likewise, when the seed disc is deflected axially toward the vacuum cover 110, the tension in axial spring 137 decreases such that the singulator remains in contact with the seed disc.
  • Radial spring 111 is mounted to the seed housing 105 such that in operation, the radial spring biases the singulator radially against the seed disc 120 when the seed disc is in its normal position.
  • Referring to FIGS. 12A-D, the singulator 130 is illustrated in detail attached to the axial spring 137. The singulator 130 includes base 133, arms 136, upper lobe plate 134 and lower lobe plate 132. The upper lobe plate 134 includes three singulation lobes, while the lower lobe plate 132 includes two singulation lobes. In operation, attachment ears 139 grasp the base 133. When the axial spring 137 is attached to the singulator 130, the attachment ears 139 extend past and away from the base 133 and are easily manipulated and deflected. It should be appreciated that other configurations of the singulator 130 could be used to achieve the objectives described herein.
  • It should be appreciated that the singulator 130 is easily replaceable with another singulator with a different lobe configuration for different seeds or if it is necessary to replace the singular due to wear on the singulator lobes. The singulator 130 is removable by pulling it away from the axial spring 137 with sufficient force that the attachment ears 139 deflect away from each other sufficiently to release the base 133. The attachment ears 139 may also be deflected away from each other with one hand while pulling the singulator 130 away from the axial spring 137 with the other. Likewise, the singulator 130 may be replaced by pressing the base 133 of the singulator between the attachment ears 139 with sufficient force to cause the attachment ears to deflect away from each other to allow the base of the singulator to pass between them. To replace the singulator, the base 133 may be pushed between the ears causing them to deflect away from one another before returning to the normal position in which the base of the singulator is again secured between the ears. In this way the singulator 130 may be easily removed and replaced by hand without the use of tools and without removing or changing the location of axial spring 137, which remains in the correct location to bias the singulator 130 against the seed disc 120 while allowing the singulator 130 to “float” with deflections or deformations of the seed disc.
  • Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the seed meter 100 is illustrated with the seed housing 105 and other components removed so that the singulator 130 may be seen in its preferred location biased against the seed-side surface 140 of the seed disc 120. The seed-side surface 140 is preferably normal to the axis of rotation of the seed disc 120. The seed-side surface 140 is also preferably substantially flat with the exception of cavities 128, described in more detail later. For clarity, only the upper and lower lobe plates 132 and 134 are shown in FIG. 11. In operation, the seed disc 120 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 129 such that the seed apertures 122 travel along a seed aperture path. A portion of the seed aperture path is adjacent to the seed pool area 150. As the seed apertures 122 turn past the seed pool area 150 at the bottom of the seed housing 105, a vacuum side of each seed aperture is placed in fluid communication with the vacuum source such that one or more seeds 42 become entrained over apertures 122. As the seed-bearing apertures rotate between the upper and lower lobe plates 132,134, the lobes of the lobe plates bump, rotate and position the seeds so that only one seed is firmly entrained over the aperture while the other seeds drop back into the seed pool 150, thereby leaving one seed per aperture. After the apertures 122 rotate past the 3 o'clock position as viewed in FIG. 11, the apertures 122 are no longer in communication with the vacuum source resulting in the seeds being released from the apertures and falling into the seed exit 180.
  • Referring to FIGS. 14-16, the vacuum cover 110 includes a continuous mounting groove into which a vacuum seal 190 is press fit. In operation, the vacuum seal 190 is pressed against the vacuum-side of the seed disc 120 and the interior of the vacuum seal is in communication with the vacuum inlet 115 (FIG. 1) such that as the apertures 122 rotate past the perimeter of the vacuum seal 190 toward its interior they are placed in fluid communication with the vacuum source.
  • Removable Seed Ejector Assemblies
  • It has been found that seeds or partial seeds may become lodged in the seed apertures 122 and remain there even after the apertures 122 pass outside of the vacuum seal 190 where no vacuum is imposed. This is undesirable because when the apertures re-enter the seed reservoir an additional seed may not be entrained in an aperture holding a seed or partial seed. Thus, referring again to FIGS. 14-16, a seed ejector assembly 170 is preferably mounted to the vacuum cover 110. The seed ejector assembly 170 includes a shaft 174, a mounting clip 172, a lever arm 175 and an ejector wheel 176 having plungers 177. The ejector wheel 176 is rotatably coupled to the lever arm 175. The lever arm is rotatably coupled to the shaft 174. The shaft is rotatably received within the mounting clip 172. As best seen in FIG. 15, the mounting clip 172 is attached to a mounting port 179, which is preferably formed integrally with the vacuum cover 110. As best seen in FIG. 14, as the seed disc 120 rotates, the ejector wheel 176 rotates and the plungers 177 enter each seed aperture 122, knocking out any seeds, partial seeds or debris in the seed apertures from the back side or vacuum-side of the seed disc 120.
  • As best illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, a spring 171 is preferably disposed between the lever arm 175 and the vacuum cover 110. The spring 171 has a first end held in place at a first end by a knob 173 on the lever arm 175 and has a second end held in place by cavity 192 in the vacuum cover 110. It should be appreciated that the spring 171 biases the ejector wheel 176 against the disc and allows the seed ejector assembly 170 to “float” with deflections or deformations of the seed disc 120.
  • It should be appreciated that the user may wish to remove the seed ejector assembly 170 or replace it due to wear on the ejector wheel 176, to install a differently configured seed ejector assembly, or for other reasons. As illustrated in FIGS. 16, 17A and 17B, the mounting clip 172 may be easily removed from and reattached to the mounting port 179 without the use of tools. The mounting port 179 includes apertures 196 and a tab 195. Mounting clip 172 includes rigid hooks 197 and resilient hook 198. During installation, the user first inserts rigid hooks 197 into apertures 196, then preferably presses mounting clip 172 against vacuum cover 110 such that resilient hook 198 deflects around tab 195 and returns to a relaxed state secured around tab 195. It should be appreciated that in addition to deflection of resilient hook 198 with respect to mounting clip 172, the mounting clip 172 also preferably deflects to allow resilient hook 198 to deflect around the tab 195. After attachment, the mounting clip 172 is secured against mounting port 179 until the user removes the mounting clip by bending the mounting clip to release the resilient hook 198 from tab 195 and then moving the rigid hooks 197 free of the apertures 196.
  • Alternative Ejector Wheel and Disc Embodiments
  • Turning to FIGS. 18A-18D, a modified seed ejector assembly 270 is illustrated in cooperation with a modified seed disc 220. The seed disc 220 includes an array 224 of apertures 222. The seed disc 220 further includes an array 234 of guide cavities 232. The guide cavity array 234 is preferably substantially concentric with the seed aperture array 224.
  • The seed ejector assembly 270 includes a lever arm 275. The lever arm 275 is preferably pivotally biased toward the seed disc 220 as described herein with respect to the lever arm 175. As best illustrated in FIG. 18B, the seed ejector assembly 270 also includes an ejector wheel 276 pivotally mounted to the lever arm 275 and a guide wheel 286 pivotally mounted to the lever arm 275. Continuing to refer to FIG. 18B, the ejector wheel 276 and the guide wheel 286 are preferably pivotally mounted to the lever arm by a retaining pin 272 extending through central apertures in the ejector wheel and guide wheel. The retaining pin 272 preferably allows the ejector wheel 276 and the guide wheel to translate slightly toward and away from the lever arm 275 such that the ejector wheel and guide wheel are allowed to translate radially toward and away from the center of the seed disc 220. As best illustrated in FIGS. 18C and 18D, the ejector wheel 276 includes radially arranged plungers 278 and the guide wheel 286 includes radially arranged guide teeth 288. The seed ejector assembly preferably includes more guide teeth 288 than plungers 278, and preferably includes three guide teeth per plunger. The ejector wheel 276 is preferably fixed to the guide wheel 286 such that the ejector wheel is constrained to rotate synchronously with the guide wheel. Each plunger 278 is preferably aligned with one of the guide teeth 288. For example, as shown in FIG. 18D, the upper and lower plungers 278 are aligned with upper and lower guide teeth along a plane A1 and the left and right plungers 278 are aligned with left and right guide teeth along a plane A2.
  • In some embodiments of the ejector wheel 276, the plungers 278 include tips 277. In some embodiments of the seed disc 220, the apertures 222 are tapered to small openings 223 (FIG. 18A). The tips 277 are preferably sized to fit within the small openings 223. It should be appreciated that in such embodiments, more precise alignment of the ejector wheel 276 with respect to the seed disc 220 is necessary in order to knock seeds or debris from the small openings 223 without interference between the ejector wheel and seed disc.
  • In operation, as the disc rotates, the guide teeth 288 sequentially engage the guide cavities 232. The plungers 278 sequentially engage the seed apertures 222. Referring to FIG. 18A, the guide cavity array 234 is aligned with the seed aperture array 224 such that each seed aperture 222 is aligned with a guide cavity 232 along a plane (e.g., plane A3) intersecting the center of the seed disc 220. It should be appreciated that guide teeth 288 engage guide cavities 232 when the plungers 278 are not engaging the seed apertures 222, thus moving the ejector wheel 286 to the proper angular position to successfully engage each seed aperture. Additionally, it should be appreciated that as the ejector wheel translates with respect to the retaining pin 272, the guide teeth 232 likewise retain the ejector wheel 286 at the proper radial distance from the center of the seed disc 220 such that the ejector wheel can successfully engage each seed aperture 222.
  • Seed Disc Cavities
  • Referring to FIGS. 19A-19C, the seed disc 120 preferably includes seed disc cavities 128 disposed near the radial edge of the seed disc. The cavities 128 are preferably disposed to pass adjacent to the seed pool area 150. Each cavity 128 is preferably disposed forward of an adjacent seed aperture 122 along the direction of travel of the seed aperture path. The cavities 128 are preferably disposed between each pair of seed apertures 122. Seed apertures 122 are preferably substantially normal to the surface 140 of the seed disc 120; i.e., a central axis of each seed aperture 122 is preferably substantially normal to the surface 140 of the seed disc 120. Raised surfaces 123 with respect to the bottom of the associated cavity 128 are preferably disposed between each aperture 122 and the adjacent cavity 128. The upper surface of the raised surfaces 123 are preferably co-planar with the surface 140 of the seed disc 120.
  • Each cavity 128 preferably comprises an agitation cavity sized to agitate the seeds in the seed pool area 150. Thus the cavities 128 are preferably sized to allow significant movement of seeds 42 into and out of the cavities as each cavity moves adjacent to the seed pool 150. The outer perimeter of the cavity 128 is preferably larger than the outer perimeter of the adjacent seed aperture 122. The area of an intersection between the surface 140 of the seed disc 120 and each cavity 128 is preferably greater than the area of an intersection between the surface 140 and each seed aperture 122. It should be appreciated that each seed aperture is sized to allow limited movement of seeds 42 into the seed aperture. Moreover, the cavities 128 are preferably wider than the average size of seeds 42 to be planted using the seed disc 120. Moreover, the depth D (FIG. 19B) of the cavities 128 is preferably greater than 0.05 inches.
  • Referring to FIG. 10 in combination with FIG. 19, each cavity 128 preferably has an inner sidewall 242 and an outer sidewall 240 located at distances Ri, Ro respectively from the center C (i.e., the central or rotational axis) of the disc. The difference between the radii Ro and Ri is preferably greater than the diameter of the seed apertures 122. The radius Ro is preferably larger than the distance between the seed aperture and the center of the seed disc 120. The radius Ro is preferably larger than the radius Ra between a distal end of said seed aperture 122 and the center of the disc 120.
  • In operation, as the seed disc 120 rotates through the seed pool area 150 located to the side of the seed disc (as best illustrated in FIG. 11), seeds move in and out of the cavities 128 such that the seed pool is stirred or agitated. This agitation improves the successful loading of seeds on the seed apertures 122, particularly at relatively high planting speeds which correspond to faster seed disc rotation speeds.
  • Each cavity 128 preferably includes a sidewall 124 oriented to face the seed pool area 150 as the cavity rotates into the seed pool area. The sidewall 124 is preferably substantially vertical (FIG. 19B), i.e., substantially normal to the surface 140 of the seed disc 120. As viewed along the rotational axis of the seed disc (FIG. 19A), the sidewall 124 is preferably curved, and preferably is semicircular. In operation, the sidewalls 124 sequentially enter the seed pool area 150 and push the seeds such that the seed pool is stirred and agitated.
  • The cavities 128 preferably include a bevel 126 oriented to face away from the seed pool as the disc 120 rotates into the seed pool area 150. An angle A (FIG. 19B) between bevel 126 and the surface 140 of the seed disc 120 is preferably between 15 and 35 degrees with respect to the surface of the disc. In operation, when seeds are released from the disc (at approximately the 3 o'clock position on the view of FIG. 11), seeds occasionally fall toward the disc and into the cavity 128 located below the seed aperture 122. In such instances, the seed bounces or slides against the bevel 126, smoothly transitioning the seed back out of the cavity 128 and increasing consistency between seed fall times.
  • Although a seed disc 120 is disclosed herein including series of seed apertures 122 and cavities 128 having the same radial distance from the center of the seed disc, other embodiments include rows of seed cavities
  • Referring to FIGS. 20A-20D, an alternative seed disc 320 is illustrated having cavities 328 disposed between seed apertures 322. Each cavity 328 preferably includes vertical sidewalls 324 and bevels 326. Each cavity 328 preferably includes a beveled inner sidewall 342 and a beveled outer sidewall 340. The beveled sidewalls 342, 340 reduce the interior volume of the cavity 328 and allow seeds to smoothly transition out of the cavity 328 while the seeds are being agitated in the seed pool area 150. Thus each beveled sidewall 342, 340 discourages entrapment of seeds in the cavities 328, particularly smaller seed varieties.
  • Although the various improvements described herein are illustrated with respect to a vacuum-type seed meter, they would be equally applicable to other seed singulating meters, including positive-air meters such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,979 to Deckler, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
  • The foregoing description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiment of the apparatus, and the general principles and features of the system and methods described herein will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Thus, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, system and methods described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (32)

1. A seed distribution element for precision pneumatic seed drills, comprising:
a sowing disc which is rotated by a motor-driven transmission drive shaft at controlled speed;
a housing with a fixed portion and a portion which is movable relative to the fixed portion and can be closed against the fixed portion;
a seed collection chamber being defined in the fixed portion;
a pneumatic suction chamber being defined in the movable portion;
the sowing disc being interposed between the fixed and movable portions and having opposed surfaces delimiting the chambers;
the sowing disc having at least one ring of selector holes extending between the opposed surfaces; and
a seal which is arranged on the movable portion and is capable of sliding contact with the facing surface of the disc when the fixed and movable portions are closed against one another;
wherein a pressure differential is provided between the opposed surfaces in the region of a circumferential segment of the ring of holes;
wherein the seed distribution element further comprises a thrust-bearing element of the sowing disc, which thrust-bearing element is supported rotatably in the movable portion in order to withstand at least some of the axial load produced by the disc on the seal.
2. The seed distribution element according to claim 1, wherein the thrust-bearing element is rotated with the disc when the fixed and movable portions are closed against one another.
3. The seed distribution element according to claim 1, wherein the thrust-bearing element comprises a thrust-bearing plate which can bear on that surface of the sowing disc which faces the seal, in a zone radially inside of the ring of holes.
4. The seed distribution element according to claim 3, wherein the thrust-bearing element comprises a drive element which is fixed for rotation with the plate and can be coupled with the drive shaft of the disc when the fixed and movable portions are closed against one another.
5. The seed distribution element according to claim 4, wherein the drive element is self-centring relative to the drive shaft.
6. The seed distribution element according to claim 4, wherein the drive element comprises a coupling member which rotates jointly with the thrust-bearing plate but has radial and/or circumferential clearance so as to be self-centred during rotational coupling with the drive shaft of the disc.
7. The seed distribution element according to claim 1, wherein the movable portion is hinged to the fixed portion.
8. A sowing element for precision seed drills comprising a frame on which a seed distribution element according to claim 1 is mounted.
9. A seed drill comprising a supporting structure on which a plurality of sowing elements according to claim 8 are mounted.
10. A kit for the retrofitting of seed distribution elements of precision pneumatic seed drills wherein the distribution elements are of the type including:
a sowing disc which is rotated by a motor-driven transmission drive shaft at controlled speed;
a housing with a fixed portion and a portion which is movable relative to the fixed portion and can be closed against the fixed portion;
a seed collection chamber being defined in the fixed portion;
a pneumatic suction chamber being defined in the movable portion;
the sowing disc being interposed between the fixed and movable portions and having opposed surfaces delimiting the chambers;
the sowing disc having at least one ring of selector holes extending between the opposed surfaces; and
a seal which is arranged on the movable portion and is capable of sliding contact with the facing surface of the disc when the portions are closed against one another;
wherein a pressure differential is provided between the opposed surfaces in the region of a circumferential segment of the ring of holes;
wherein the kit comprises the movable portion pre-assembled with a thrust-bearing element of the sowing disc, which thrust-bearing element is supported rotatably in the movable portion in order to withstand at least some of the axial load produced by the disc on the seal.
11. The kit according to claim 10 wherein the movable portion and the thrust-bearing element comprise at least one feature according to claim 2.
12. The kit according to claim 10 wherein the movable portion and the thrust-bearing element comprise at least one feature according to claim 3.
13. The kit according to claim 10 wherein the movable portion and the thrust-bearing element comprise at least one feature according to claim 4.
14. The kit according to claim 10 wherein the movable portion and the thrust-bearing element comprise at least one feature according to claim 5.
15. The kit according to claim 10 wherein the movable portion and the thrust-bearing element comprise at least one feature according to claim 6.
16. The kit according to claim 10 wherein the movable portion and the thrust-bearing element comprise at least one feature according to claim 7.
17. A seed meter for an agricultural planter, said seed meter comprising:
a seed disc which is rotated by a motor-driven shaft at controlled speed;
a meter housing with a fixed portion and a portion which is movable relative to the fixed portion and can be closed against the fixed portion;
a seed pool area being defined in the fixed portion;
a vacuum area defined in the movable portion;
the seed disc being interposed between the fixed and movable portions and having opposed surfaces delimiting the seed pool area from the vacuum area;
the seed disc having at least one ring of seed apertures extending between the opposed surfaces; and
a seal which is arranged on the movable portion and is capable of sliding contact with the facing surface of the disc when the fixed and movable portions are closed against one another
wherein a pressure differential is provided between the opposed surfaces in the region of a circumferential segment of the ring of seed apertures;
wherein the seed meter further comprises a thrust-bearing element of the seed disc, which thrust-bearing element is supported rotatably in the movable portion in order to withstand at least some of the axial load produced by the disc on the seal.
18. The seed meter according to claim 17, wherein the thrust-bearing element is rotated with the disc when the fixed and movable portions are closed against one another.
19. The seed meter according to claim 17, wherein the thrust-bearing element comprises a thrust-bearing plate which can bear on that surface of the seed disc which faces the seal, in a zone radially inside of the ring of seed apertures.
20. The seed meter according to claim 19, wherein the thrust-bearing element comprises a drive element which is fixed for rotation with the plate and can be coupled with the shaft of the disc when the fixed and movable portions are closed against one another.
21. The seed meter according to claim 20, wherein the drive element is centered relative to the shaft.
22. The seed meter according to claim 20, wherein the drive element comprises a coupling member which rotates jointly with the thrust-bearing plate.
23. The seed meter according to claim 17, wherein the movable portion is mechanically coupled to the fixed portion.
24. An agricultural planter comprising a frame on which a seed meter according to claim 17 is mounted.
25. An agricultural planter including a supporting structure on which a plurality of seed meters according to claim 24 are mounted.
26. An assembly for a seed meter of an agricultural planter wherein the seed meter is of the type including:
a seed disc which is rotated by a motor-driven shaft at controlled speed;
a meter housing with a fixed portion and a portion which is movable relative to the fixed portion and can be closed against the fixed portion;
a seed pool area being defined in the fixed portion;
a vacuum area defined in the movable portion;
the seed disc being interposed between the fixed and movable portions and having opposed surfaces delimiting the seed pool area from the vacuum area;
the seed disc having at least one ring of seed apertures extending between the opposed surfaces; and
a seal which is arranged on the movable portion and is capable of sliding contact with the facing surface of the disc when the fixed and movable portions are closed against one another;
wherein a pressure differential is provided between the opposed surfaces in the region of a circumferential segment of the ring of seed apertures;
wherein the assembly comprises, in said movable portion, a thrust-bearing element of the seed disc, which thrust-bearing element is supported rotatably in the movable portion in order to withstand at least some of the axial load produced by the disc on the seal.
27. The assembly according to claim 26 wherein the thrust-bearing element is rotated with the disc when the fixed and movable portions are closed against one another.
28. The assembly according to claim 26 wherein the thrust-bearing element comprises a thrust-bearing plate which can bear on that surface of the seed disc which faces the seal, in a zone radially inside of the ring of seed apertures.
29. The assembly according to claim 26 wherein the thrust-bearing element comprises a drive element which is fixed for rotation with the plate and can be coupled with the shaft of the disc when the fixed and movable portions are closed against one another.
30. The assembly according to claim 29 wherein the drive element is centered relative to the shaft.
31. The assembly according to claim 29 wherein the drive element comprises a coupling member which rotates jointly with the thrust-bearing plate.
32. The assembly according to claim 26 wherein the movable portion is mechanically coupled to the fixed portion.
US14/793,360 2011-03-22 2015-07-07 Seed meter Abandoned US20150305229A1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/793,360 US20150305229A1 (en) 2011-03-22 2015-07-07 Seed meter
US15/653,500 US10542664B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2017-07-18 Seed disc having an ejector wheel and a guide wheel
US15/653,496 US20170311535A1 (en) 2011-03-22 2017-07-18 Seed meter
US16/694,471 US20200296881A1 (en) 2011-03-22 2019-11-25 Seed meter
US18/055,571 US20230085347A1 (en) 2011-03-22 2022-11-15 Seed meter

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161466047P 2011-03-22 2011-03-22
PCT/US2012/030192 WO2012129442A2 (en) 2011-03-22 2012-03-22 Seed meter
US201314006569A 2013-09-20 2013-09-20
US14/793,360 US20150305229A1 (en) 2011-03-22 2015-07-07 Seed meter

Related Parent Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/006,569 Continuation US9351440B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2012-03-22 Seed meter disc having agitation cavities
PCT/US2012/030192 Continuation WO2012129442A2 (en) 2011-03-22 2012-03-22 Seed meter

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/653,496 Continuation US20170311535A1 (en) 2011-03-22 2017-07-18 Seed meter
US15/653,500 Continuation US10542664B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2017-07-18 Seed disc having an ejector wheel and a guide wheel

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20150305229A1 true US20150305229A1 (en) 2015-10-29

Family

ID=46880051

Family Applications (9)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/006,569 Active 2032-10-24 US9351440B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2012-03-22 Seed meter disc having agitation cavities
US13/804,630 Active 2033-02-07 US9265191B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2013-03-14 Seed disc with seed aperture path having interspersed agitation cavities
US14/793,360 Abandoned US20150305229A1 (en) 2011-03-22 2015-07-07 Seed meter
US15/000,191 Active 2032-06-27 US10299425B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2016-01-19 Seed meter
US15/653,500 Active US10542664B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2017-07-18 Seed disc having an ejector wheel and a guide wheel
US15/653,496 Abandoned US20170311535A1 (en) 2011-03-22 2017-07-18 Seed meter
US16/388,587 Active 2032-07-10 US10863665B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2019-04-18 Seed meter with floating singulator
US16/694,471 Abandoned US20200296881A1 (en) 2011-03-22 2019-11-25 Seed meter
US18/055,571 Pending US20230085347A1 (en) 2011-03-22 2022-11-15 Seed meter

Family Applications Before (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/006,569 Active 2032-10-24 US9351440B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2012-03-22 Seed meter disc having agitation cavities
US13/804,630 Active 2033-02-07 US9265191B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2013-03-14 Seed disc with seed aperture path having interspersed agitation cavities

Family Applications After (6)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US15/000,191 Active 2032-06-27 US10299425B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2016-01-19 Seed meter
US15/653,500 Active US10542664B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2017-07-18 Seed disc having an ejector wheel and a guide wheel
US15/653,496 Abandoned US20170311535A1 (en) 2011-03-22 2017-07-18 Seed meter
US16/388,587 Active 2032-07-10 US10863665B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2019-04-18 Seed meter with floating singulator
US16/694,471 Abandoned US20200296881A1 (en) 2011-03-22 2019-11-25 Seed meter
US18/055,571 Pending US20230085347A1 (en) 2011-03-22 2022-11-15 Seed meter

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (9) US9351440B2 (en)
EP (2) EP2688384B1 (en)
AU (3) AU2012230803C1 (en)
BR (1) BR112013024248B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2830627C (en)
ES (1) ES2632418T3 (en)
HU (1) HUE033852T2 (en)
LT (2) LT3235360T (en)
UA (1) UA113732C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2012129442A2 (en)
ZA (1) ZA201307061B (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170156256A1 (en) * 2013-09-30 2017-06-08 Precision Planting Llc Seed meter unloading systems, methods, and apparatus
US10820481B2 (en) 2016-04-20 2020-11-03 Jose Roberto Do Amaral Assy Seed selector assemblies for pneumatic meters
US20210195830A1 (en) * 2019-12-27 2021-07-01 Jose Roberto DO AMARAL ASSY Agricultural pneumatic meters
US11730077B2 (en) 2011-06-03 2023-08-22 Precision Planting Llc Agricultural toolbar apparatus, systems and methods
US11877530B2 (en) 2019-10-01 2024-01-23 Ag Leader Technology Agricultural vacuum and electrical generator devices, systems, and methods

Families Citing this family (120)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8671856B2 (en) 2009-02-02 2014-03-18 Deere & Company Planting unit for a seeding machine having blocking member to control hand-off of seed from a seed meter to a seed delivery system
US8850995B2 (en) 2009-02-02 2014-10-07 Deere & Company Seeding machine with seed delivery system
US9351440B2 (en) * 2011-03-22 2016-05-31 Precision Planting Llc Seed meter disc having agitation cavities
FR2991132B1 (en) * 2012-05-31 2014-05-23 Kuhn Sa DISPENSING HOUSING FOR MONOGRAINE PLANTER WITH OPEN GROOVES AND SEEDER USING SUCH HOUSING
LT2876993T (en) 2012-07-25 2017-11-10 Precision Planting Llc System and method for multi-row agricultural implement control and monitoring
US9282692B2 (en) 2012-10-23 2016-03-15 Kinze Manufacturing, Inc. Air seed meter with internal drive
UA118660C2 (en) 2012-10-24 2019-02-25 Пресіжн Плентінг Елелсі Agricultural row unit systems, methods, and apparatus
CA2889032C (en) 2012-10-24 2021-05-18 Precision Planting Llc Agricultural seed trench closing systems, methods, and apparatus
CA2888970C (en) 2012-10-24 2020-12-08 Precision Planting Llc Agricultural trench depth sensing systems, methods, and apparatus
CA3094907C (en) 2012-10-24 2022-05-17 Precision Planting Llc Seed firmer
CA2895853C (en) 2012-12-21 2021-01-05 Precision Planting Llc Agricultural input selection systems, methods and apparatus
BR122019016691B1 (en) 2013-01-21 2020-04-28 Prec Planting Llc system for selecting an agricultural entry
EP3375273B1 (en) 2013-03-14 2019-11-27 Precision Planting LLC Systems for agricultural implement trench depth control and soil monitoring
CA2912403C (en) 2013-05-17 2021-07-20 Precision Planting Llc System for soil moisture monitoring
RU2657464C2 (en) 2013-06-21 2018-06-14 ПРЕСИЖН ПЛЭНТИНГ ЭлЭлСи Crop input variety selection systems, methods and apparatus
EP3384749B1 (en) 2013-08-30 2021-05-05 Precision Planting LLC Seed delivery apparatus
US9767521B2 (en) 2013-08-30 2017-09-19 The Climate Corporation Agricultural spatial data processing systems and methods
USD734780S1 (en) * 2014-01-31 2015-07-21 Deere & Company Seed sensor
US10785905B2 (en) 2014-05-08 2020-09-29 Precision Planting Llc Liquid application apparatus comprising a seed firmer
PL2974583T3 (en) * 2014-07-17 2018-04-30 Kverneland As Single seed meter and single grain seeder
US9883625B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2018-02-06 Precision Planting Llc Crop input variety selection systems
US10517205B2 (en) 2014-11-07 2019-12-31 Deere & Company Seed meter assembly for a seeding machine
US9795078B2 (en) 2014-11-07 2017-10-24 Deere & Company Row unit for a seeding machine with dual seed meters
US9648800B2 (en) 2014-11-07 2017-05-16 Deere & Company Row unit for a seeding machine with dual seed meters
US9883624B2 (en) 2014-11-07 2018-02-06 Deere & Company Row unit for a seeding machine with dual seed meters
US9801328B2 (en) 2014-11-07 2017-10-31 Deere & Company Row unit for a seeding machine with dual seed meters
BR112017009485B1 (en) * 2014-11-12 2021-06-22 Precision Planting Llc SEED METER
BR112017015591B1 (en) 2015-01-22 2021-08-03 Monsanto Technology Llc SEED METER, SEED PLANTATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING SEEDS FROM A PLURALITY OF SEED SETS
DE102015101253A1 (en) * 2015-01-28 2016-07-28 Horsch Maschinen Gmbh Dosing device of an agricultural machine
US9980429B2 (en) 2015-03-06 2018-05-29 Precision Planting Llc Liquid applicator attachment for a seed planter
US10561059B2 (en) 2015-06-15 2020-02-18 Precision Planting Llc Systems, methods, and apparatus for agricultural liquid application
LT3319412T (en) 2015-07-10 2020-11-10 Precision Planting Llc Seed variety selection apparatus
AR105863A1 (en) 2015-08-31 2017-11-15 Prec Planting Llc SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPLIANCES FOR CONTROL AND MONITORING OF MULTI-HILL AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS
MX2018006232A (en) 2015-11-19 2018-11-09 Prec Planting Llc Planting trench closing systems, methods, and apparatus.
US11895943B2 (en) 2015-11-19 2024-02-13 Precision Planting Llc Planting trench closing systems, methods, and apparatus
UA123321C2 (en) 2016-02-19 2021-03-17 Пресіжн Плентінг Елелсі Agricultural trench depth systems, methods, and apparatus
US10104830B2 (en) * 2016-05-06 2018-10-23 Cote Ag Technologies, Llc Row planter assembly
WO2018013860A2 (en) 2016-07-14 2018-01-18 Precision Planting Llc Systems, implements, and methods for passive seed orientation within agricultural fields
WO2018013861A1 (en) 2016-07-14 2018-01-18 Precision Planting Llc Systems, implements, and methods for seed orientation within agricultural fields using a seed firmer
CN109688793B (en) 2016-07-14 2023-01-17 精密种植有限责任公司 System, implement and method for seed orientation with adjustable singulator during sowing
EP3484263B1 (en) 2016-07-14 2021-06-02 Precision Planting LLC System for seed orientation within agricultural fields
CA3204728A1 (en) 2016-07-22 2018-01-25 Precision Planting Llc Agricultural trench depth sensing systems, methods, and apparatus
NL2017359B1 (en) * 2016-08-24 2018-03-06 Movacolor B V Dosing unit for dosing singulated particles or granules to a blending recipe and method therefor
CN106688395A (en) * 2016-11-04 2017-05-24 山东富邦农业机械装备有限公司 Sunflower hill planter
RU2753242C2 (en) * 2016-11-16 2021-08-12 Пресижн Плэнтинг Ллк Seed delivery device
AU2017382800B2 (en) 2016-12-19 2022-08-04 Climate Llc Systems, methods and apparatus for soil and seed monitoring
USD816725S1 (en) * 2017-01-18 2018-05-01 Cnh Industrial America Llc Removable air screen for an agricultural meter housing
US10368478B2 (en) 2017-06-14 2019-08-06 Cnh Industrial America Llc Multiple variety seed meter with segmented sump arrangement and seed switching arrangement
USD847868S1 (en) 2017-07-28 2019-05-07 Kinze Manufacturing, Inc. Seed disk with integrated hub
RU2746807C1 (en) * 2017-09-29 2021-04-21 Кинз Мэньюфэкчуринг, Инк. Seed drill with high speed seed feeder
CN111386031A (en) 2017-10-02 2020-07-07 精密种植有限责任公司 System and apparatus for soil and seed monitoring
US10743460B2 (en) 2017-10-03 2020-08-18 Ag Leader Technology Controlled air pulse metering apparatus for an agricultural planter and related systems and methods
CN111556707A (en) * 2017-11-10 2020-08-18 马斯奇奥盖斯帕多股份有限公司 Seed distribution device for precision seeding machine and precision seeding machine comprising same
US11277961B2 (en) 2018-02-09 2022-03-22 Ag Leader Technology Seed spacing device for an agricultural planter and related systems and methods
AU2019228086B2 (en) 2018-03-01 2024-03-28 Precision Planting Llc Agricultural trench depth systems, and apparatus
US10827670B2 (en) 2018-06-01 2020-11-10 Deere & Company Seed meter singulator
US10791668B2 (en) 2018-06-01 2020-10-06 Deere & Company Seed meter disk
AR115511A1 (en) 2018-06-07 2021-01-27 Prec Planting Llc APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS
EP4223096A3 (en) 2018-08-24 2023-10-18 Precision Planting LLC Agricultural trench sensing systems, methods, and apparatus
CA3120142A1 (en) 2018-09-07 2020-03-12 Precision Planting Llc Reversible seed trench appurtenance assembly
BR112021004397B1 (en) * 2018-09-12 2023-02-07 Máquinas Agrícolas Jacto S.a GEAR SYSTEM APPLIED IN THE VACUUM SEED DOSER AND CONDUCTOR
CN109463081A (en) * 2018-12-18 2019-03-15 安徽农业大学 One kind amount of broadcasting is adjustable aspiration disc type hill-drop feed run
US11523554B2 (en) 2019-01-25 2022-12-13 Ag Leader Technology Dual seed meter and related systems and methods
CA3127044C (en) * 2019-04-23 2023-09-26 Bourgault Industries Ltd. Singulating meter
US11297761B2 (en) 2019-05-10 2022-04-12 Deere & Company Seed meter assembly and metering member for small grains
CN110024529A (en) * 2019-05-22 2019-07-19 新疆农业大学 Hole tray simple grain precise hole sowing pen
CN110192458B (en) * 2019-05-28 2024-04-30 青岛农业大学 Shaft needle hole type American ginseng pneumatic precision planter
BR112022000074A2 (en) * 2019-07-04 2022-04-26 Jose Roberto Do Amaral Assy Pneumatic seed dispenser
DE102019121879A1 (en) * 2019-08-14 2021-02-18 Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer Gmbh & Co. Kg Precision seeder with separating device
US11785881B2 (en) 2019-08-19 2023-10-17 Ag Leader Technology Adjustable seed meter and related systems and methods
CN110583177B (en) * 2019-09-26 2024-05-28 安徽农业大学 Double-impeller seed guiding device of internal suction type hill-drop seed metering device and use method thereof
WO2021064513A1 (en) 2019-10-03 2021-04-08 Precision Planting Llc Agricultural trench depth systems, methods, and apparatus
CN110637583A (en) * 2019-10-30 2020-01-03 景泰县森有农业科技有限公司 Hydraulic farmland fertilizer spreading device
CN110972637A (en) * 2019-11-22 2020-04-10 武汉市农业科学院 Similar-ball type small-particle-size vegetable seed seeding device
US11516958B2 (en) 2019-12-24 2022-12-06 Cnh Industrial America Llc Particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit
US11490558B2 (en) 2019-12-24 2022-11-08 Cnh Industrial America Llc Particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit
US11553639B2 (en) 2019-12-24 2023-01-17 Cnh Industrial America Llc Particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit
US11582899B2 (en) 2019-12-24 2023-02-21 Cnh Industrial America Llc Particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit
US11523556B2 (en) 2019-12-24 2022-12-13 Cnh Industrial America Llc Particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit
US11564344B2 (en) 2019-12-24 2023-01-31 Cnh Industrial America Llc Particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit
US11596095B2 (en) 2019-12-24 2023-03-07 Cnh Industrial America Llc Particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit
US11483963B2 (en) 2019-12-24 2022-11-01 Cnh Industrial America Llc Particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit
US11553638B2 (en) 2019-12-24 2023-01-17 Cnh Industrial America Llc Particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit
US11523555B2 (en) 2019-12-24 2022-12-13 Cnh Industrial America Llc Particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit
US11589500B2 (en) 2019-12-24 2023-02-28 Cnh Industrial America Llc Particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit
US11564346B2 (en) 2019-12-24 2023-01-31 Cnh Industrial America Llc Particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit
BR112022010253A2 (en) 2020-01-09 2022-09-06 Kinze Mfg Inc SUPPORT FOR AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT
US12029153B2 (en) * 2020-03-30 2024-07-09 Deere & Company Seed meter disk and methods of using the same
WO2021205267A1 (en) 2020-04-06 2021-10-14 Precision Planting Llc Row cleaner with wheel
US11134605B1 (en) * 2020-05-10 2021-10-05 Adolph Pirani Corporation Dual seed meter for planting crops and improving crop yields
EP4152914A1 (en) 2020-05-19 2023-03-29 Precision Planting LLC Reversible seed trench appurtenance assembly
CN111788907A (en) * 2020-05-22 2020-10-20 中国农业大学 Missing seeding detection and automatic reseeding system used in corn precision seeding process
CN111869377B (en) * 2020-07-15 2024-04-26 石河子大学 Duplex side-charging precision seed metering device
CN112492931A (en) * 2020-10-30 2021-03-16 江苏省农垦农业发展股份有限公司 Hole-sowing seed-metering device
DE102020131964A1 (en) 2020-12-02 2022-06-02 Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer SE & Co. KG Agricultural separation device for separating granular material
SE546357C2 (en) * 2021-01-25 2024-10-15 Vaederstad Holding Ab SINGULATING DEVICE FOR AGRICULTURAL TOOLS AND METHOD FOR SINGULATING GRANULAR MATERIAL
AU2022223735A1 (en) 2021-02-17 2023-07-13 Precision Planting Llc Multiple networks monitor
WO2022175801A1 (en) 2021-02-17 2022-08-25 Precision Planting Llc Data transfer
CA3210056A1 (en) 2021-02-17 2022-08-25 Precision Planting Llc Mix calculator
US20240155963A1 (en) 2021-05-10 2024-05-16 Precision Planting Llc Integrated Communication and Lighting System
CA3213508A1 (en) 2021-06-07 2022-12-15 Precision Planting Llc Systems and methods for providing field views including enhanced agricultural maps having a data layer and image data
GB202108558D0 (en) 2021-06-16 2021-07-28 Prec Planting Llc Systems and methods for providing field views including enhanced agricultural maps having a data layer and image data
EP4415516A1 (en) 2021-10-11 2024-08-21 Precision Planting LLC Seed accelerator
CA3227689A1 (en) 2021-10-11 2023-04-20 Precision Planting Llc Seed accelerator
CA3232447A1 (en) 2021-10-12 2023-04-20 Precision Planting Llc Seed boot
WO2023062500A1 (en) 2021-10-12 2023-04-20 Precision Planting Llc Wedge
GB202114710D0 (en) 2021-10-14 2021-12-01 Prec Planting Llc Seed accelerator
GB202114711D0 (en) 2021-10-14 2021-12-01 Prec Planting Llc Seed accelerator
GB202114712D0 (en) 2021-10-14 2021-12-01 Prec Planting Llc Seed accelerator
GB202115117D0 (en) 2021-10-21 2021-12-08 Prec Planting Llc Seed boot
GB202115356D0 (en) 2021-10-26 2021-12-08 Prec Planting Llc Seed meter with seed retaining structure
WO2023102622A1 (en) * 2021-12-08 2023-06-15 Humbero Noer Miguel Mechanism for interrupting the flow of seeds in vacuum seed-metering devices
CN114503812B (en) * 2022-01-24 2023-10-13 江西农业大学 Diameter and depth adjustable hole type rice seed sowing device sowing wheel
WO2023214220A1 (en) 2022-05-02 2023-11-09 Precision Planting Llc Systems and methods for vision-based plant detection and scouting application technology
CN114946339B (en) * 2022-06-17 2023-04-07 滁州学院 Precision seed taking device capable of quickly replacing seed taking plate
WO2024052799A1 (en) 2022-09-09 2024-03-14 Precision Planting Llc Seeding system
WO2024105475A1 (en) 2022-11-15 2024-05-23 Precision Planting Llc A row unit
WO2024150051A1 (en) 2023-01-13 2024-07-18 Precision Planting Llc Row cleaner
GB202400397D0 (en) 2024-01-11 2024-02-28 Prec Planting Llc Seeding system
GB202405584D0 (en) 2024-04-19 2024-06-05 Prec Planting Llc System and method for selecting and displaying on a display device of a first machine data from a second machine

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2704524A (en) * 1955-03-22 mcintyre
US2986305A (en) * 1958-02-17 1961-05-30 Koerper Engineering Associates Small seed planter
US7497769B2 (en) * 2003-12-12 2009-03-03 Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha Coin hopper
US20130019788A1 (en) * 2010-11-12 2013-01-24 Enrico Bragatto Seed distribution element for precision seed drills, seed drill including said element
US20130192504A1 (en) * 2011-03-22 2013-08-01 Precision Planting Llc Seed Meter

Family Cites Families (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1585445A (en) * 1968-07-24 1970-01-23
AT311705B (en) * 1970-12-29 1973-11-26 Becker Karl Masch Device for separating elements from a set of approximately uniform elements
US3990606A (en) * 1972-08-28 1976-11-09 H. Fahse & Co. Single seed drilling machine
DE2701982C3 (en) * 1977-01-19 1979-09-27 H. Faehse & Co, 5160 Dueren Separation element for pneumatic precision air seeders
US4450979A (en) 1980-08-15 1984-05-29 White Farm Equipment Company Seed metering means
FR2488769B1 (en) * 1980-08-21 1985-06-21 Nodet Gougis SINGLE SEED DISPENSER WITH VACUUM
FR2524762B1 (en) * 1982-04-09 1986-04-25 Sogefina Gestion Financ Armori SELECTOR DEVICE FOR A "MONOGRAINE" SEED DISPENSER
DE3238435C1 (en) * 1982-10-16 1984-04-26 H. Fähse & Co, 5160 Düren Separating element for pneumatic single grain sow machines
US5170909A (en) * 1983-10-31 1992-12-15 Deere & Company Vacuum seed meter
US4664290A (en) * 1985-02-25 1987-05-12 Deere & Company Method and apparatus for precise positioning of a seed disk in a seed meter
DE3541991A1 (en) * 1985-11-28 1987-06-04 Kleine Franz Maschf Pneumatic seed-spacing drill
DE3604628A1 (en) * 1986-02-14 1987-08-20 Amazonen Werke Dreyer H PNEUMATIC SINGLE GRAIN MACHINE
FR2630288B1 (en) 1988-04-22 1990-08-24 Ribouleau Ateliers DISPENSER FOR SINGLE-SEED DRILL
DE3829434A1 (en) * 1988-08-31 1990-03-01 Amazonen Werke Dreyer H PNEUMATIC SINGLE GRAIN MACHINE
IT1253373B (en) * 1991-10-07 1995-08-08 Matermacc PNEUMATIC SEEDER OF PERFECTED PRECISION.
US5848571A (en) * 1996-08-20 1998-12-15 Case Corporation Seed singulator assembly for a seed metering mechanism
US6109193A (en) 1995-12-29 2000-08-29 Case Corporation Seed planter apparatus and method
US5839378A (en) 1996-08-20 1998-11-24 Case Corporation Agitator assembly for a seed metering mechanism
BR9903060A (en) * 1999-04-23 2001-03-20 Justino De Moraes Irmaos S A Vegetable seed distributor for a sowing implement
US6634522B2 (en) * 2000-09-15 2003-10-21 Don Hak & Son, Inc. Universal seed metering disc
US6352042B1 (en) 2000-10-10 2002-03-05 Deere & Company Internal seed knockout assembly
US6626120B2 (en) 2000-12-06 2003-09-30 Jim Bogner Precision air planter for plot planting
US6516733B1 (en) * 2001-12-21 2003-02-11 Precision Planting, Inc. Vacuum seed meter and dispensing apparatus
US6932236B2 (en) * 2002-03-28 2005-08-23 Dale A. Ven Huizen Method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of a John Deere vacuum planter
US6752095B1 (en) * 2003-01-10 2004-06-22 Deere & Company Seed metering system for use in a seeding machine
US7093548B2 (en) * 2003-12-29 2006-08-22 Kinze Manufacturing, Inc. Air seed meter
US20050150442A1 (en) * 2004-01-14 2005-07-14 Enrique Friesen Seed meter
ES2595038T3 (en) * 2005-08-19 2016-12-27 Precision Planting Llc Seed separator
US7448334B2 (en) 2005-11-14 2008-11-11 Deere & Company Flat type seed meter disk with axially offset surface
US7404366B2 (en) 2005-12-02 2008-07-29 Deere & Company Flat type seed meter disk with protruded pick up orifices
DE102006002766A1 (en) 2006-01-20 2007-07-26 Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer Gmbh & Co. Kg Stripping device for taking off surplus seeds pulls seeds from sowing holes fitted in a circular separating unit like a drum, a belt or a disk and affected by a difference of pressure
US7228807B1 (en) 2006-03-29 2007-06-12 Venhuizen Dale Device for improving the spacing between seeds planted by a John Deere vacuum planter
US7617785B2 (en) * 2007-06-27 2009-11-17 Cnh America Llc Direct drive electric seed metering system
BRPI0704990B1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2016-03-15 Semeato S A Indústria E Comércio puller for use in pneumatic distributor applied to general agricultural machinery and implements
US8925762B2 (en) * 2008-07-02 2015-01-06 Monsanto Technology Llc High speed counter
CN201332583Y (en) * 2008-09-26 2009-10-28 河北农哈哈机械集团有限公司 Seed scraping device of air-suction type precision seeder
US20100224110A1 (en) * 2009-03-06 2010-09-09 Nathan A Mariman Seed Meter And Seed Disk With Peripheral Edge Seed Pick-Up
DE102009043881A1 (en) * 2009-08-27 2011-03-03 Amazonen-Werke H. Dreyer Gmbh & Co. Kg Pneumatic single sowing machine, has output line whose end is formed with junction opening of output line, and brush-type ejecting elements assigned to sealing elements that protrude in perforation unit of perforated drum
FR2991132B1 (en) * 2012-05-31 2014-05-23 Kuhn Sa DISPENSING HOUSING FOR MONOGRAINE PLANTER WITH OPEN GROOVES AND SEEDER USING SUCH HOUSING
US9282692B2 (en) * 2012-10-23 2016-03-15 Kinze Manufacturing, Inc. Air seed meter with internal drive
DE102013100113B4 (en) * 2013-01-08 2016-05-12 Kverneland As Scraper, scraping device, saw heart
DE102013100118B3 (en) * 2013-01-08 2014-06-18 Kverneland As Scraper, Säherz and seeder
US9986680B2 (en) * 2015-03-02 2018-06-05 Deere & Company Mounting arrangement of a doubles eliminator in a seed meter
US9675002B2 (en) * 2015-06-22 2017-06-13 Cnh Industrial America Llc Seed meter system with singulator control
CN109688793B (en) * 2016-07-14 2023-01-17 精密种植有限责任公司 System, implement and method for seed orientation with adjustable singulator during sowing
US10750663B2 (en) * 2018-06-01 2020-08-25 Deere & Company Methods and devices for limiting rain ingress

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2704524A (en) * 1955-03-22 mcintyre
US2986305A (en) * 1958-02-17 1961-05-30 Koerper Engineering Associates Small seed planter
US7497769B2 (en) * 2003-12-12 2009-03-03 Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha Coin hopper
US20130019788A1 (en) * 2010-11-12 2013-01-24 Enrico Bragatto Seed distribution element for precision seed drills, seed drill including said element
US20130192504A1 (en) * 2011-03-22 2013-08-01 Precision Planting Llc Seed Meter

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11730077B2 (en) 2011-06-03 2023-08-22 Precision Planting Llc Agricultural toolbar apparatus, systems and methods
US20170156256A1 (en) * 2013-09-30 2017-06-08 Precision Planting Llc Seed meter unloading systems, methods, and apparatus
US9961825B2 (en) * 2013-09-30 2018-05-08 Precision Planting Llc Seed meter unloading systems, methods, and apparatus
US10820481B2 (en) 2016-04-20 2020-11-03 Jose Roberto Do Amaral Assy Seed selector assemblies for pneumatic meters
US11877530B2 (en) 2019-10-01 2024-01-23 Ag Leader Technology Agricultural vacuum and electrical generator devices, systems, and methods
US20210195830A1 (en) * 2019-12-27 2021-07-01 Jose Roberto DO AMARAL ASSY Agricultural pneumatic meters
US11980121B2 (en) * 2019-12-27 2024-05-14 Do Amaral Assy, Jose Roberto Agricultural pneumatic meters

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR112013024248A2 (en) 2016-12-27
AU2012230803A1 (en) 2013-10-10
EP2688384A2 (en) 2014-01-29
US10863665B2 (en) 2020-12-15
US10542664B2 (en) 2020-01-28
US20170311535A1 (en) 2017-11-02
WO2012129442A3 (en) 2013-04-25
US20200296881A1 (en) 2020-09-24
EP3235360B1 (en) 2019-09-25
EP2688384B1 (en) 2017-06-07
CA2830627C (en) 2019-05-14
EP2688384A4 (en) 2014-08-13
AU2019264584A1 (en) 2019-12-05
EP3235360A1 (en) 2017-10-25
CA2830627A1 (en) 2012-09-27
AU2017203083B2 (en) 2019-08-15
US20190239419A1 (en) 2019-08-08
LT3235360T (en) 2019-11-11
US10299425B2 (en) 2019-05-28
ZA201307061B (en) 2014-05-28
HUE033852T2 (en) 2018-01-29
AU2017203083A1 (en) 2017-06-01
AU2019264584B2 (en) 2021-01-21
US20160128272A1 (en) 2016-05-12
US9265191B2 (en) 2016-02-23
LT2688384T (en) 2017-11-10
BR112013024248B1 (en) 2020-11-10
US9351440B2 (en) 2016-05-31
WO2012129442A2 (en) 2012-09-27
ES2632418T3 (en) 2017-09-13
US20170311536A1 (en) 2017-11-02
US20140007801A1 (en) 2014-01-09
AU2012230803B2 (en) 2017-02-09
AU2012230803C1 (en) 2017-06-22
UA113732C2 (en) 2017-03-10
US20130192504A1 (en) 2013-08-01
US20230085347A1 (en) 2023-03-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20200296881A1 (en) Seed meter
US6308645B1 (en) Seeding machine with bulk seed supply container and independent, opener-mounted metering devices
US11716925B2 (en) Air seed meter with adjustable singulator
US7334532B2 (en) Vacuum seed meter and retrofit kit for celled-disk vacuum meters
US6269758B1 (en) Seed selection mechanism
US20070039528A1 (en) Seed belt for an agricultural planter
CN105123047A (en) Quantitative seeder
CN108337971B (en) Automatic sorting device for two-line planting of sugarcane
CN204859991U (en) Quantitative seeder
US11980121B2 (en) Agricultural pneumatic meters
CN116349458A (en) Precision planter based on PLC control

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION