US825601A - Seed-planter. - Google Patents

Description

No. 825,601. PATBNTED JULY 10', 1906. W. F. JACOBS.

SEED PLANTER.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 25, 1905.

6 SHEE'TSSHEET 1.

-N 1% NJ %//Ic/////Q 4 PATENTED JULY 10 w. P. JACOBS. SEED PLANTER. APBLIQATION FILED MAY'25, 1905.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 2 No. 825,601. PATENTED JULY 10, 1906. W. P. JACOBS.

SEED PLAN'TER.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 25, 1905.

. 6 SHEETSSHEET ,3

No. 825,601. v PATENTED JULY 10, 1906. w. P. JACOBS.

SEED PLANTBR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 25, 1905.

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Hung No. 825,601. PATENTED JULY 10, 1906. W. F. JACOBS SEED PLANTER.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 25, 1905.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 5,

, I w f f n/ PATENTED JULY 10, W. P. JACOBS. SEED PLANTER. APPLICATION FILED MAY 25, 1906.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

UNITE STATES r grnnr onion \l'lLLlAM F. JACOBS, OF OTTAWA, ILLINOIS.

SEED-PLANTER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July '10, 1906.

Application filed May 25,1905. Serial No. 262,212.

clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters oi' rel'erence marked thereon, which form a part of this specification. I

This invention relates to improvements in corn-planters, and it embraces, first, an improved mechanism for dropping or discharging the her ls or seeds from the seed box or hopper; secoiidly. an improved mechanism used in check-row. planters for successively directing'the groups ol" kernels discharged by the seed-dropping mechanism to the prepared furrow in the ground, and, thirdly. an improved mechanism for operating the seed discharging and directing mechanism so constructed as to permit the planter to be readily converted from a check-row planter to a drillplanter, and vice versa.

The seed-discharging mechanism embraces an annular plate rotatively mounted in the bottom of the seed box or hopper and provided with aplurality of seed-receiving cells to which the seeds are delivered by gravity and by which said seeds are carried to a dis charge-opening in the bottom of the seed-' box, said discharge-opening leading to the seed-tube, by which the seeds are directed in their passage to the ground. The seed-plate constitutes the bottom of an annular channel formed in the bottom of the seedbox and by which the seeds are directed to the seedcells.

My improvements in this feature of the device embody a simplified construction of the seedboX-bottom and the parts which cooperate with the seedp.late to effect the delivery of the seed therefrom and include also an improved seed -'discharge mechanism which is so constructed as to be readily adapted to seeds or kernels of varying sizes, while maintaining'the proper relation of the side walls of the seed-channel to the cells of the seedp late.v The parts are also so devised as to permit and Facilitate the interchangeable use of accumulative-drop seed -plates and edge-drop seed-plates either for drilling or for check-row planting.

My improvements relating to the means for conveying the seed through the seed-tube to the ground embrace a novel construction and arrangement of upper and lower valves in the seed-tube adapted for use in checkrow planting and the operating mechanism therefor, said parts being so arranged that the upper valve temporarily retards a charge or group of kernels delivered from theseedbox to the upper end of the tube and subsevalve after a group previously received in the lower valve has been discharged into the furrow prepared in the ground by the usual runner or furrow-opener, whereby the several groups of seed are separately dropped from the upper to the lower valve and finally dropped immediately from the lower valve to the ground.

My improvements relating to the third feature of the invention relate to improved mechanism for effecting the intermittent rotation of the seed-plate in unison with the operation of the valve of the seed-tube in check-row planting and for readily converting the planter from a check-row to a drillplanter. Said last-mentioned improvements embody a shaft which is rotated from the seed-plates when the planter is used as a drill-planter and cooperates with a clutch mechanism which is actuated by the checkrow mechanism when the planter is operated as a check-row planter, these parts being so arranged that theshaft is intermittently rotated by its driving mechanism at each operation of the check-row mechanism to effect the turning of the seed-plate to the extent required for delivering from the seedbox the number of seeds or kernels needed for planting in a single hill.

inafter set forth, and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a partial plan view of a corn-planter embodying my improvements, showing one of the coveringwheels, one seedboX and its associated checkrow mechanism, and the means for converting the planter from adrill-planter to a checkrow planter. Fig. 2 is a vertical section of l the machine, illustrating one of the covenwheels and one seedbox and runner. Fig. 3 is a'detail showing the mechanism for converting the machine from a checlerow planter to a drilling-planter. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view illustrating .incross-section the seedcover-wheels and continuously operates the The invention consists in the matters here- 5 quently delivers said group to the lowerdropping mechanism or discharge devices in the bottom of the box, the seed-tube and its valves and their operating mechanism, and also the furrow-opener or runner. Fig. 5 is a detail vertical section of the seedbox, showing in section the seed-discharge mechanism. Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view of the seedboxbottom and the discharge mechanism. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a curved fillingpiece whose function it is to. regulate the Width of thechannel leading to the seed-ring cells. Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the spider-like bottom plate of the seedbox. Fig.

' 9 is a bottom plan view of one form of seedring. Fig. 10 is a bottom plan view of dismembered parts of the bottom of the seedbox, showing the position of the curved filling-piece illustrated in Fig. 7. Fig. 10 is a fragmentary side elevation of the seedbox, showing the connection between the upper and lower members of the seedbox-bottom frame members. view of the gear for operating the seed-plate. Fig. 11 is aside elevation of the gear Fig. 12 is a bottom plan view of a portion ofthe bottom of the seedbox, illustrating another form of seed-ring and the gear for driving the same. Fig. 13 is a bottom plan view of the form of seed-plate illustrated in Fig; 12. Fig. 14 illustrates another form-of curved fillingpiece similar to that s'hown.in Fig. 7. 15 is a vertical section similar to Fig. 5, illustrating the form of seed-plate and filling piece shown in Fi s. 13 and 14. Fig-16 is a Fig. 17 is an enlarged detail View oithe clutch tion a rin encircling said parts.

20, 21, an 22 ared'etails of the clutch mechvertical section ta 'en on line 16 16 of Fig.- 1.

and clutch-tripping mechanism which operates to intermittently rotate the shaft that drives the seed-plates for check-row planting. Fig. 18.;is a face View of one of the clutch members and a cam operating to separate the clutch members and showing in, sec- Figs. 19-,

anism shown in Fig. 17. i

As shown in the drawings, A, Figs; 1 and 2, designates one of the coverwheels of the -planter,-B the shaft or axle on which the cover-wheels are mountedfand C C the side members of the'rear or main frame. l I

D D designate-the transverse members of the runner and seedbox-supporting frame joined at their ends by cross-pieces d. The

side framesC-of the main frame are pivotally connected with the front runner-frame member D by oint connections c, Figs.. 1, 2, and 3.

E designates one of the runners or furrowopeners, of which there are two; and E the rear shank of said runner, the upper end of which consists. of, an irregular-sha ed casting E, to which the members of t e runnerframe are directly attached andupon which is supportedthe associated seedbox F. runner-frame also supports' ontside-the seedbox the usual check-row attaohments,' ems Fig. 11 is a bottom plan- Fig.

operates the seed-tube valves and also aotu 7o ates the clutch whichcontrols the rotation of the seed-plate-driving shaft I.

Referring now to the seed-discharging mechanism located at the bottom of the seed box F, said parts are made as follows: The

bottom of said seedbox consists principally of upper and lower rigidly-connected parts, the upper part comprising a centrally-located convex-shaped cap-plate F and a stu'rounding ring F to which the sheet-metalseedbox is directly attached and joined to said central plate F by arch shaped connecting-pieces F, and the lower part comprising a spider-like frame F"*, Fig. 8, embracing a ring f and radiating upwardly and inwardly directed arms f, joined at the" center of said .part to form a hub f. Said parts are secured rigidly to gether by means of a bolt f which extends centrally through the cap-plate-and said hubw 4 The spider-shaped lower member of said boto tom is provided with radially-directed lugs f Figs. 2 and 8, which bear against. -si-mi larly-located lugs)" of the ring on the upper or bottom member, as shown in Figs.. 1 and 10*.

Jdesignates a rotary seed-plate, shown in the drawings as made in'the form of a flat ring, Figs. 1, 4, 5, and 9. It is rotatively mounted between the upper and lower members'of the bottom of the seedbox and issupported on the fiat ring f of the lower spiderlike member of the bottom. Said seed-plate is provided on its inner margin with a plu rality of seed pockets or cells 7', which receive the seed from an overlying mass and carry them during the rotative movement of the ring to and deposit them into a dischargeopening F of said lower member of the bot-- tom, Figs. 4 and 8, to the throat e of the seed-.

tube E formed in the standard E of the runner E, Fig.4. In ordertogive proper depth to said seed-cells, they are formed partly in depending flanges 7 which extend around the outer and end walls of said cells j. I These'd "plate J is rotated by means 'ofa gear-wheel K, Figs. 5 and 11, which is'located in the 1 space inclosed by the annular seed-plate and is interlocked with the seed-plate by means of lugs K on the geanwheel engaging notches j on the inner margin of the seed-plate. The teeth K on the lower side of the gear-Wheel engage a gear-pinion i, fixedon a rotative shaft I, whereby said gear-Wheel is rotated. Said gear-wheel is made fiat and of ring shape and rests at its inner untoothed margin on an annular supporting surface formed on the upper face of-horizontal oifset'partsfidnterv medjatethje radial arms f of the spider-like lower member of the seedbox-bott-o'm, as-

more clearly shown in Figs. 4 and Said arms!" of said frame are formed to provide charged from the seedbox is disposed of in an annular channel or groove f, which receives the teeth of the gear-wheel. Said gearavheel is provided at itsollter margin with an upwardly-extendingannular flange l..-. which, as shown, tits telescopically outside of a downwardly-directed annular flange f 7 of the cap-plate F and also fits closely against the inner margin of the seed-plate. Said llange constitutes, therefore, the inner walls of the seed cells or pockets, as more clearly shown in Fig. 1, and is shown as extending slightly above the level of the seed plate. The flange Ir is preferably serrated or roughened on its outer face, so as to consti tute an agitating-ring by which the kernels are constantly shifted or agitated, and thereby caused tofall properly into the seed-cells. The annular u pwardly-opening channel before referred to, through which the seed-kernels are guided to the seed-cells, is formed between said flanges of the cap-ring and gear on the one side andthe downwardly and inwardly inclined ring F on the other side. The seeds in the seedbox by gravity descend to the channel and fall indiscriminately there in-and are confined by the walls of said channel in position to enter thesaid cells. It will thus be seen that the seed-plate and connected driving-gear are rotatively mounted be tween the upper and lower permanentlyiixed members of the bottom of the seedbox and that free rotation of the seed-plate isassured by reason of the contacting of said upper and lower members at their central and circumferential parts, thereby avoiding clamping of the rotative parts between said upper and lower members of the bottom.

L and M designate the usual cut-off and ejecting devices located over that part of the seed-channel adjacent to the discharge-opening F of the seed-plate. Said devices operate in the usual manner and are inclosed by a housing N removably secured to the cap-plate F. Inasmuch as these features of the construction are well known and constitute no part of the present invention, they need not be herein described.

My improved seed-discharging mechanism is adapted to both edge-drop and accumulative-drop seed-plates. By the former is meant plates having cells of such width as to receive but one kernel, and that upon its edge, and by the latter is meant a plate having larger seed-cells adapted to receive at once two -or more kernels and discharge them at one time. Said plates are designed to be used interchangeably, and either maybe used when drilling and in check-row planting. When the edge-drop plates are used for check-row planting, they are intermittently rotated, the kernels are discharged one by one intothe throat of the seed-tube during the. periods of intermittent rotation, and the plates are arrested until the group last disthe seed-tube, the valves of the seed-tube controlling the dropping of the groups of hernels through said tube. The alternate action of the seed-rings and seed-tube valves is thus cont nued so long as the check-row planting continues. The extent of rotation given to the edge-dropping seed-plates each time it is turned depends upon the, number of seed-cells therein and the speed at which they are rotated. Usually the plates are turned through one-fourth of a rotation at each operation, and the number of kernels de posited during each operation will equal onefourth of the number of cells in the plates. Vhen drilling with the edge-drop plates, the plates are rotated continuously and av single kernel is dropped througl'i the seed-tn be each time a seed-cell passes thereover, the valves of the seed-tube being at this time. open. When check-row planting with accuimilative seed-plates, the operation is the same as with the edge-drop plates, except that the groups of seeds of the required number are delivered to the seed-tube at once. In the use of the latter plate while drilling all the kernels in each group are dropped at one time and drop drop freely through the seed-tube, the seedtube valves being open. in this case the kernels in each group will not always be deposited In the-furrow closely together, but will be to some extent strung along the. furrow.

To insure the proper entrance of the kernels to the seed-cells, provision is made for changing the width of the annular channel to correspond with variations in width of the seed-cells of dillerent plates. The construction of the seed-discharging mechanism is such that the larger seed-cells extend farther outward from the inner margin of the. seedplates than the smaller cells, the inner walls of the cells being lixed. For this purpose the ring part F" of the upper member of the bottom of the box is provided witha separate removable curved filling-piece F (Shown separately in Fig 7 and assembled with the other parts in Figs. 4 and 5.) Said fillingpiece is interposed between the principal part of the ring proper, F, and the seed-Mate J and constitutes the outer wall of theliower part of the seed-channel throughout the principal part of said channel, as shown in Fig. 10, extending from one end to the other of the housing LT, inclosing the ejecting and cut-elf devices. Said filling-piece is held in place by means of coacting lugsf and f on the parts F F, respectively. It will be understood that a filling-piece it of a given width will accompany each plate having a given or corresponding width of seed-cells. When used the filling-piece F are preferably inclined so as to uptilt the kernels and effect their edgewise entrance vto the seed-cells. When used with accumulative-dropseed plates the inner With edge-drop seed-plates, the inner sides of v sides of the filling-pieces may be made vertii herein shown, the arm Ht cal, as shown in Fig' 15.

The accumulative-drop seed-ring is shown in Fig. 13 and is designated by the reference letter J, it being provided, asherein shown, with four seed-cells 7' Thefcurved fillingpiece F, associated with the seed-plate J, is shown separately in Fig. 14 and assembled in the mechanism in Fig. 15. In the latter figure the filling-piece F is shown as being made narrower than the piece shown in Fig.

' 7 in order to enlarge the seed-channel and as having a vertical inner margin. The other parts of thedevice shown in Figs. 12 to 15-, inclusive, are identical with the parts shown in Figs. 6 to 11, inclusive, and need not be further described.

In order'that the cells may be brought into proper relation to or alinement with the discharge-orifice of the dropping mechanism when the parts are assembled, the seed-rings are provided on theirperipheries with notches 7' adapted to be engaged by a finger or lug i on the gear-wheel'i, that gives rotary motion to the seed-plate, Figs. 5, 9, 13, and 15. When the cells of the seed-plate are thus once properly alined, the alinement is maintained by reason of the gear connection described.

The parts are so arranged that the seedplates and curved filling-pieces may be readily removed and replaced.- Said parts are carried' by. the upper and lower stationary members of the bottom of the seedbox, and

said seedbox is hinged to the frame E? of the runner by means of a hinged lug f at one side and locked in place by means of a lug f 14 at its other side, adapted for engagement by a suitable latch f WVith this construction when the seedbox is swung forwardly on its hinge, which maybe done when the seedbox v '=fork-arriis of the chec -row rock shaft is reis filled with corn, the bottom of the box and the dropping mechanism is exposed so as to be readily accessible for removal and replacement of the parts thereof.

Referring now to the valves for controlling the discharge of the seed through the seedtube E and the manner of their operation, the same are made as follows: The passage of the seed-kernels through the seed-tube is controlled by a pair of valvesan upper check, or retarding valve 0, normally extending aeross the throat of the seed-tube, and a lower-dropvalve P, which, as herein shown, has the form of a tube that is normally held oiitof line with the adjacent part of the seed-tube and into engagement with a suitable seat, but 1 se aoi check-row Inechanism'before mentioned. ls

clamped to therockthe lower part of the runner-standard, Fig. 4, whereby the valve is closed. The valve is. opened by swinging it rearwardl'y in line with. the seed-tube. (Shown in said Fig. 4.) Said lowervalve is connected also with the L- shaped stud H of the rock-shaft H by means of a connecting link or bar P, said link being connected without lost motion at both ends with said. stud and with a stud 2 at the lower inner side of the valve P. T e valve P is provided on its upper inner side with a lip P, which when the valve is in its closed position lies against the wall of the seed-tube and serves to prevent the grain from escaping or leaking between the upper end of the valve and the seed-tube when the valve is partially open. Said seed-tube valves are operated to open during the backward rocking of the rock-shaft H, which is occasioned by the en gage'nient ofv a button on the check-wire with the forked arm 9 of the check-row mechanism. The valves areclosed during the reverse movement'of the rock-shaft under the influence of a spring Q, Figs. 1 and. 16, which is attached at one end to a depending arm Q, rigidly affixed to the rock-shaft H in-any suitable manner'and-fixed at its other end to 'an armor hook Q that is adjustably fastened to the rear member D of the runnerframe, as shown in Fig. 1. With this mechanism thevalves are uickly closedwhen the leased from the buttons or knots of the check-wire. T I

In the usual operation of the machine for check-row planting and during the interval between the droppidg operation of the valve one group of kernels is supported on 'or retarded by the upper valve, while another groupie contained in the lower valve. When the rock-shaft H is rocked rearwardly, the valveP rlpens immediately,-due tothe direct ismade part of a dropping-valve P has curved, engages a curved seat 2 formed on'.

IIO

connection thereof with the stud H- of' said 7 rock-shaft, while the opening movement of the valveTOis retarded, due, first, to the loose connection of the arm Q2 of the operating-1ever of 'said'valve with the stud, and, further, to the fact that-the opening edgeof said valve sets a distance into the wall of the throat of the seed-tube. valve are therefore discharged before the upp'eiyval've has'opcned sufficiently to permit the upper group of kernels to drop ofi the said upper valve. The closing movement -of the valves is so rapid under the. action of the of the spring Q as to fully close the lower valve be- The kernels in the lower .made as follows:

5 at its front end with a stud R affixed in any spring G returns. the valves and their operby the check-row mechanism to drop a group be dropped into the furrow and another transdropping mechanism to the furrow.

shaft H.

R holds the said valves open.

fore the upper group ofker'nels reaches the lower valve, whereby during a single operation of the valves one charge of kernels will ferred from the upper to the lower valve. In this manner, therefore, there is collected in each one-quarter or other partial movement of the seed-ring a group of kernels on the upper valve, which is subsequently deposited in the lower valve to be thereafter directed to the furrow opened by the runner E.

When the planter is to be used as a. drillplanter, both valves are thrown into their open positions, so that the kernels pass directly from the discharge-opening of the The mechanism for thus holding the valves open is shown more clearly in Figs. 1 to 3 and is R designates a foot-lever, which is pivoted between its ends to a' bracket 7', affixed to a transverse bar R, extending between and attached at its ends to the frame-bars c. To the lower end of said foot-lever is pivoted a link R which latter has pivotal connection suitable manner to and rising from the rock Hinged to said foot-lever above its sup 'iorting-bracket 1 is a pawl R having an offset or tooth adapted when the u per end of the footle'ver is swung forward y to engage the adjacent bar R and hold the lever in its forward position. When said foot-lever is thus swung forwardly, it acts on the rockshaft H in the same direction as does the cheek-row mechanism to open the upper and lower valves of the seed-tube, and the pawl Said pawl is provided with a tailpiece riby which it may be released from the bar R, whereupon the ating mechanism to a normal position.

The seedplates are rotatively driven from the cover-wheels through the medium of the shaft I, as before stated, and during the drilling operation of the planter said seedplates are continuously driven. During the check-row operation of the planter the shaft 1- a11d'seed-plate are intermittently rotated. To this end a clutch device is interposed bx tween the shaft I and its driving mechanism, and said clutch device is controlled by the check-row mechanism, including the rockshaft H, in such manner that the shaft 1 and seed-plates are rotated during such part of the rotative movement of the seedpla tes as required to deposit the required number of kernels on the upper valve of the seed-tube, after which the clutch is tripped by a part on said rock-shaft H to arrest the seed-plates and the shaft 1. Subsequently the shaft H is rocked of kernels from the lower valve, and the same rocking movement of the shaft H operates to release the clutch and effect a further rol shaft B and a sprocket-wheel T on the shaft I,

constituting part of the clutch device. Two or more sprocket-wheels S of different sizes may be employed for operating the seedplates at different speeds. The sprocketwheel T is attached to or made a part of a sleeve t, Figs 17 and 19, provided on its ends with ratchet-shaped clutch-teeth t, which are adapted to engage like-shaped teeth t on a sleeve T, that is fixed rigidly to the shaft I. The sleeve 25 and sprocket wheel T slide endwise on the shaft I and are forced toward the sleeve T to bring the clutch-teeth t t normally into engagement by means of a spiral spring T surrounding the shaft l and interposed bctween the sprocket-wheel and a col lar t adjustably fixed to said shaft. Surrounding the sleeve t is a sleeve T, which is provided with ratchet or cam teeth t, that engage a second set of cam-teeth 75'', formed on the sleeve T, radiallyoutside of the clutchteeth t. As herein shown, the cam-teeth encircle the clutch-teeth; but a less number of such cam-teeth may be provided, if desired. The cam-teeth t t on the sleeve T T are deeper than the clutch-teeth t i and both sets of teeth are adapted for engagement throughout their depth. The cam-teeth are inclined in the same manner as are the clutchteeth, and when, therefore, the ring T and ring T are rotated in opposite directions the cam-teeth act to force the sleeve T away from the sleeve T, and thereby separate the clutch teeth or members i t and disconnect the shaft i. from its driving-power. By reason of the greater depth of the cam-teeth relatively to the clutch-teeth said clutchteeth are entirely separated in the usual operation of the device before the cam-teeth become disengaged, so that the set of rotative cam-teeth on the endwise-movable sleeve T does not become angularly displaced to an extent to release the opposing normally engaging cam-teeth of the two cam members. As before stated, the shaft I in the organization shown rotates once for each intermittent rotary movement of the seed-plates, and the clutch members are separated to effect the too radial arm T, which rotates in a path normally occupied by a contact-piece U, carried by the outer end of a fork-arm or bracket which is aflixed to and rises from said rockrotation, and that when the forked lever g of I the rock-shaft H is again tripped shaft I arrested, as before,

' valve of the seed-tube,

shaft H. Said contact-piece U stands in the path of said arm T} during the inoperative period of the check; row mechanism, the spring T holding the parts in this position. After a complete rotation of the shaft I and said clutch device as the mechanism shown 18 organized the arm T strikes the contact U and arrests further rotation of the arm and sleeve T to which it is attached or on which it is formed. hen said parts are thus'*ar-.

rested ,the continued rotation of the sprocketpinion T and the sleeve i, as well as the sleeve T, acts by reason of the coacting inclined cam and clutch-teeth to thrust'the sleeves T and t and the s procketwheel T endwise of the shaft 'I'against the action of the. spring T until the clutch-teeth t z are disengaged from each other, thereby stopping further rotation of the shaft 1, not-withstanding the continued to force the clutch elements into engagement and eflect rotation of the shaft 1 until the arm T again engages the contact-piece U,

whereupon the c utch is disengaged andthe It will thus be seen that the shaft 1 and seed-plates are rotated the required extent or distance to eject or discharge adetermined number of seeds or kernels from the seedbox upon the upper said valve being at this time in a closed rested at the termination of such exte nt of checkr,ow wire the rock-shaft H is rocked backwardly and acts both to release the'arm T of. the clutch device and to operate the valves of the seed-tube to drop a grou ofgkernels,

' course be understood that the turning rnhvemerit to deposit the-required number of seeds upon the upper valve of the seed-tube will ocas i before described. It vial of cur in a ss time than will be required for the plantert pass from one check or cross row to another, this being effected by properly gearing the operatingnparts. The 0 'eration effected by the rec 'ng of the sha t H to drop the seeds through the seed-tube and release the clutch-tripping mechanism is ver quickly effected by reason of the action of t e spring position, and will be arby the to obstruct the seed-tube before the plate has the cam-teeth t t. When the clutch device is rotating, the ribs t t occupy the positions shown in Fig. 18 at the ends of the recesses, and when the arms T and its sleeve T are arrested by engagement with the contact-piece U- the ribs t and t are brought together by the relative rotation of the parts during the separation of the clutch-teeth and prevents such extent of movement as will separate the cam-teeth.

It is to be understood that the structural details of the parts described may be varied without departure from the spirit of my inventiorr, and the invention is not limited to the illustrated details except as hereinafter made the subjectof specific claims.

I claim as my invention 1. In a lante, a seed-dro in mechan- P 1 PP g ism comp risingfin combination with a seedbox-bottom having an annular feed channel, means forivarying the width of said channel comprising a removable outer sidewall sec tion for the channel adapted for use interchangeably with other like sections of-vrrying widths.

2. In a planter, a seed-dropping inechan ism comprlsing, in combination with a seed-.-

box-bottom having an annular feed-channel, said bottom being designed to interchange ably receive seed-plates having seed-cells of var ing widths, means for varying the width of t e feed-channel radially outwardly from the inner wall of the channel to adapt the width of the channel to seed-plates of differ ent widths. f

.3; Ina planter, a seed-dropping mechanism, comprising, in combination with the. seedboX-bottom providedwith anupwardlyopening, annular channel, a removable, rotative seedplate having cells which receive seed from said channel and designed for interchangeable use with plates having seedcells of different widths, and a removable outer side-wall section for said ch annel de-' signed for interchangeable use with like sections of different widths.

4. In a planter, a seed-droppingmechanism, comprising, in combination with the s'eedb'ox-bottom formed with an u wardlyo ening, annular channel, a reinova leseedp ate constituting the bottom of said channel and provided at its Inner marwin with a Q, so that the upper valves will be in position plurality of seed-cells, and designed for interchan eable, use with other plates having seed-cells of different Widths, and a removable outer side-wall section for said channel designed for interchangeable use with like sections of diii'erent widths.

5. In a planter, a seed-dropping mechanism, comprising, in combination with the SBBdbOX-bOltOlIl having therein an annular channel, a removable, 'rotative, annular seed plate, having seed-cells formed on its inner margin, and receiving seeds from said channel and adapted for interchangeable use with other seed -plates having different-width seed-cells, an. annular partconstituting the inner walls of seed-cells of different plates adapted interchangeably to said seedbox-bottom, and means for varying the distance of the enter from the inner wall of said channel to correspond with the varying widths of cells in different seed-plates.

. t). In a planter, a seed-dropping mechanism, comprising, in combination with the seedbox-bottom formed to constitute an upwardly-opening, annular channel, a rotative, annular seed-plate constituting the bottom of said channel and having seed-cells formed in its inner margin, said plate bcing removable and adapted to be used interchangeably with plates having seed-cells of different widths, an annular part constituting the inner walls of the seed-cells, and a removable curved wall section constituting part of the outer-wall of said channel and adapted to be used interchangeably with like sections of difierent widths to vary the width ofthe saidchannel.

7. In a planter, a seed-dropping mechanism comprising, in combination with a seedbox-bott-m provided with an upwardlyopening, annular channel, a rotative, annular seed-plate constituting the bottom of said channel and having seed-cells formed in its inner margin, a rotating gear-ring interlocked with said seed-plate and provided with a vertical flange which fits within the seed-plate and constitutes the inner sides of said channel and the seed-cells.

8. In a planter, a seed-dropping mechanism comprising, in combination -with the seedbox-bottom formed with" an annular, upwardly-opening channel, a rotative, annular seed-plate constituting the bottom of said channel and provided at its inner margin with seed-cells, and a rotative gear-ring interlocked with saidplate and provided with an annular flange which fits within the seedplate and constitutes the inner sides of said channel and the seed-cells, said flange beingserrated on its upper margin to constitute an agitating-ring.

9. In a planter, a seed-drop'pmgimechanism comprising, 1n combination with the.

seedbox-bottom formed with an upwardlyopemng, annular channel, a remove le, rotative seed-plate constituting the bottom of said channel and provided at its inner mar-- gin with seed-cells, a rotative gear-ring located within and interlocked with the seedplate and provided with an annular flange constituting the inner sides of said channel and cells, and a removable curved wall section constituting the outer side ofsaid channel and adapted to be used interchangeably with like sections of different widths to vary .the width of the channel.

10. In a planter, a seed-dropping mcchanism including a rotative seed-plate having *the form of a flat, annular ring provided on its inner margin with a plurality of seed-cells, said cells being inclosed at one side by flanges to increase the depth of the cells.

11. In a planter, a seed-dropping mechanism including a rotative, annular seed-plate provided on its inner margin with seedcells, combined with a gear-ring located within and interlocked with the seed-plate and provided with an annular flange constituting the inner sides of said seedcells.

12. In a planter, Q-seed-dropping mechanism including a rotative, annular seed-plate provided on its inner margin with seed-cells. combined with a gear-ring located within and interlocked with the seed-plateand pro vided with an annular fiangej constituting the inner sides of said seed-cells, the upper margin of saidllange being roughened or serrated to constitute an agitating-ring.

13. In a planter, a seedboxbottom including an annular, rotative seed-plate procells, combined with a gear-ring removably? interlocked with said plate and provided on its margin adjacent to said cells with seedagitating teeth or notches and at its inner margin with a downwardly-facing bearingsurface. 14. In a planter, aseed-drop ing mechanism including a rotative, annu ar flat seedplate provided on its inner margin with seedwithin and interlocked to the seed-plate and provided with an-annular flange constituting theinner sides of said seed cells, the seed-cells being surrounded at one side 'of the ring by the upper margin of said gear-flange extending above the level of the seed-plate;

15. In a planter, a seed-dropping mechanism including an annular seed-plate provided on its inner margin with seed-cells and on its 1 2o outer margin with equidistant notches, combined with a gear-pinion for driving said. seed-plate and a radial arm rotating with the gear-pinion, adapted to engage one of the notches during each rotation of said arm,

1-6, In a planter, a seed-dropping mechanism including an annular seed-plate provided A, on-its inner margin with seed-cells and on its I outer margin with equidistant notches, coml bined with a gear-wheel located within and 1 0 vided at its inner margin with a pluralityor' 100 cells, combined with -'a gear-ring located flanges to increase the depths thereof, and 11 5 i i its inner margin with a plurality of-seed-cells jbottom member near the outer margin of the on the outer dia l arm rotating notches of the seed-pl ate once during each rotation of said pinio and interlocked with nected centrally annular seed-plate provided on its inner ,plate being interposed between upper ing bearingsurfaces and connected centhe seed-plate, a rotative said gear-wheel, and erawith said gear-pn'non and adapted "for engagement with the .marginal interlocked." pinion for dri- 17. Ina-planter, a seed-dropping mechanism comprising, in combination with the seedbox-bottom consisting of upper and lower members fixed to each other at their centers, an annular, rotativeseed-plate provided on and havingrotative bearing on saidlower latter, a rotative gear-ring located within said seed-ringand havmg rotative bearing .on the lower member of the bottom radially inside of the bearing for the seed-plate. 18. In a' planter, a seed-dropping mechanism comprising, in combination with the seedbox bottom consisting of upper and lower fixed members, the upper member comprising an outer ring and a central arched or cap plate, and the lower member being provided with. inner and outer upward-1y facing bearingsurfaces and eon- With the upper member, an

margin with a plurality of' seed-ccllgsaid and lower members and having bearing bearing-surface of the lower member, anda gear-ring located radially within and interlocked to the seed-plate and having rotative bearing .on the inner upwardly-facing bearing-surface of the lower member.

19. In a planter, a seed dropping mechanism .comprislng, in combination with the seedboX-bottom consisting of upper and .lower fixed members, the upper member] comprising an outer ring and a central arched or cap plate, and the lower member being provided with inner and outer upnardlyfaw trally with the uppermember, an annular seed-plate provided on its inner margin with a plurality of seed-cells, said plate being interposed between said upper and lower members and having bearing on the outer bearing-surface of the lo wer member, and a gearring located within and interlocked to the 1 seed plate and having rotative hearing on the inner upwardly-facing bearing-surface of the lower mom her, and provided with a marginal vertical flange which constitutes the inner sides of said cells.

20. In a planter, a soerl-dMppingmechanism comprising, in combination with a seed- 1 box consisting of upper and lower members,- i

. the upper member comprising an outer ring and a central arched or "cap plate, and the l bottom member being attached centrally.

I planter and provided thereof to the said central portion of the upper-member and provided with inwardly and outwardly upwardly-facing bearing-surfaces, an annular seed-plate interposed between the ring part of the upper member and the outer upwardly-facing bearingsurtace of the low or member and provided on its inner margin with aplurality of seed-cells, a gear-ring rotating on the inner upwardly-facing bear ing-surface of the lower member and provided with an annular flange constituting the inner sides of said cells, said latter flange overlapping the central part of the upper member. I 4 I 2] In a planter, the combination with the seedbox and the dropping mechanism there of, of a seed-tube receiving from said dropping mechanism, a retarding-valve at theupper end of said seed-tube, a dropping valve at the lower end of the seed-tube comprising a tube-section pivoted at its upper end to the lower end of the seed-tube and adapted to swin into and out of alinement with said seed-tube, said tubesection coopcrating at its lower end with a stationary seat, when out of alinemcnt with the seed tube, to close said droppingwalve and in communication in all positions thereof with said seedtube, and means for actuating said valves, constructed to first open the dropvalve, and thereafter the retarding-valve, and means whereby the drop-valve is closed before the charge of grain released from the retarding-valve falls to the level of the drop valve.

22. In a planter, thecombination with the seedbox and the dropping mechanism thereof, of dropping mechanism, a retarding-valve at the upper end of said seed-tube, a droppingvalve at the lower end of the seed-tubeembracing a tube-section pivoted at its upper end to the lower end of the seed-tube, and a stationary seat with which the lower end of said tube-section cooperates, a rock-shaft operated by the check-row mechanism of the with an arm, a link connecting said arm with the tube-section of the lower drop-valve without lost motion, and a lever connecting the retarding-valve with said shaft by means permitting lost motion.

In a planter, the combination with the secdbox and the dropping mechanism thereof, of a seed-tube receiving seed from said mg said upper and lower valves open for r'zof of the tube, a rockdrilling, comprising a foot-lever pivoted to my invention I afiix my signature, in presthe planter-frame, a link connectin said leence of two Witnesses, this 16th day of May, ver with an arm on said rock-she t,. and i A. D. 1905. r latch or detent pivoted to said foot-lever and WILLIAM F. JACOBS. 5 adapted to engage a stationary stop, onthe Witnesses:

frame. 13. S. JORDAN, I

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as L. E. PORTER.

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