WO2017179074A1

WO2017179074A1 - Fertilizer/seeds placement machine

Info

Publication number: WO2017179074A1
Application number: PCT/IN2017/050138
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ayush NIGAM; Arpit DHUPAR; Swapnil KUMAR; Santosh Kumar; Vidur VIJ
Original assignee: Nigam Ayush
Priority date: 2016-04-12
Filing date: 2017-04-12
Publication date: 2017-10-19

Abstract

A self-propelled agricultural machine with one or more wheels, a first delivery system, a second delivery system and a powertrain is disclosed. Each of the first and second delivery systems comprises a first metering mechanism, a second metering mechanism and a multi-pronged fork. The first and second metering mechanisms are mounted on a first and second shaft respectively and are configured to collect a predetermined amount of an object. The first and second metering mechanisms work in synchronization or independently. The multi-pronged fork comprises a first and second prong coupled to the first and second metering mechanism respectively and a stem coupled to the first and second prong at one end. The stem is operatively coupled to a furrow in which the object is to be placed at its other end. The powertrain provides a primary and an auxiliary output which in turn propel the agricultural machine.

Description

FERTILIZER/SEEDS PLACEMENT MACHINE

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] This invention relates to an agricultural machine, more specifically, the present disclosure relates to a fertilizers/seeds placement agricultural machine. BACKGROUND

[002] From time immemorial, practices/machines to increase yield of crops have been devised. For example, in the context of rice production, machines/techniques to plant urea, a source of nitrogen (which is critical for rice output), in the fields have been used. The various methods for disposing fertilizers on the agricultural fields are known; however, they offer disadvantages such as slow and non-uniform application, erosion risk etc.

[003] Alternately, to place seeds in the soil, depending upon the type of seeds, either seeds may be manually sprinkled on the soil or placed in the agricultural field through an agricultural device. To place seeds in the agricultural field, the soil is first ploughed to create furrows and thereafter, seeds are placed. [004] Various agricultural devices have been devised for placing seeds or fertilizers in the agricultural field. However, the conventional agricultural devices as well as techniques may suffer from the limitations of accuracy, slow pace of plantation due to manual effort and/or difficulty in operating in tough paddy field conditions with shallow depth of standing water.

SUMMARY [005] The agricultural machine of the instant invention is a self-propelled agricultural machine with one or more wheels, a first delivery system, a second delivery system and a powertrain. Each of the first delivery system and the second delivery system comprises a first metering mechanism, a second metering mechanism and a multi-pronged fork.

[006] The first metering mechanism is mounted on a first shaft and is configured to collect a predetermined amount of an object. The second metering mechanism is mounted on a second shaft and works in synchronization or independently of the first metering mechanism. The second metering mechanism is configured to collect a predetermined amount of the object. The multi- pronged fork comprises a first prong which is coupled to the first metering mechanism, a second prong coupled to the second metering mechanism and a stem coupled to the first prong and the second prong at one end. The stem is operatively coupled to a furrow in which the object is to be placed at its other end.

[007] The first delivery system and the second delivery system are operatively coupled to each other via the first shaft and the second shaft;

[008] The powertrain provides a primary output and an auxiliary output. The primary output drives the one or more wheels and the auxiliary output is operatively coupled to the first metering mechanism and the second metering mechanism. Thus, the powertrain propels the agricultural machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[009] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture of an agricultural machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. la shows an alternate embodiment of the agricultural machine of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0012] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the delivery system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2a shows an alternate embodiment of the delivery system of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 shows a furrow opener with an opener sleeve of the delivery system of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 3a is a flowchart of synchronized working of the delivery system, furrow opener and furrow closer of FIG. 3a in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0016] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary architecture of a powertrain of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 4a shows an enlarged view of an auxiliary output of the powertrain of FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

[0019] Wherever possible, same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural and vice-versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims.

[0020] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0021] The present disclosure provides a self-propelled agricultural machine for placement of an object which overcomes the hurdles of conventional agricu ltural devices. The object may be seeds and/or fertilizers. The seeds which may be placed by the agricultural machine include without limitation seeds of varied sizes while fertilizers include all types of fertilizers. Alternately, the seeds and/or fertilizers may be in prilled, granular or briquette form. In an embodiment, the agricultu ral machine facilitates placement of seeds and fertilizers simultaneously from a delivery mechanism like a multi-pronged fork or individual delivery pipes. Optionally, the agricultural machine facilitates placement of seeds and/or fertilizers in multiple rows at the same time. The agricultu ral machine may also be employed for simultaneous placement of different types of fertilizers. The agricultural machine of the present invention is a self-propelled machine in which propulsion is controlled by a powertrain.

[0022] Now referring specifically to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary architecture of an agricultural machine 10 to be used for placement of various seeds and/or fertilizers in an agricultural field . In an embodiment, the agricultural machine 10 includes at least one rear wheel 100, at least one delivery system 102, at least two lugged wheels 104, a powertrain 106, a chassis 108, a front end 110a, a rear end 110b, a furrow opener 112 and a furrow closer 114.

[0023] The agricultural machine 10 is a compact structure which has a structural body 108 (or chassis) constructed of any du rable metallic material such as iron, aluminum, or the like. The structural body 108 supports various parts of the machine 10 and also holds them in place. The agricultural machine includes a front end 110a and a rear end 110b. The rear end 110b may support at least one rear wheel 100 of the agricultural machine 10. For example, as depicted in FIG 1, the agricultural machine 10 includes one rear wheel 102 in the rear end. The rear wheel 100 may be any wheel known in the art, for example, standard alloy wheel, split rim wheel etc. The rear wheel 100 may be of any predetermined size. For example, the rear wheel 100 of the agricultural machine 10 is 4-5 inches wide.

[0024] in an embodiment, the rear wheel 100 is placed behind the delivery system 102. The rear wheel 100 may be powered or non-powered. The function of the rear wheel 100 may include providing a support to the agricultural machine 10. The agricultural machine 10 may also include additional wheels for using it on roads.

[0025] The delivery system 102 of the agricultural machine 10 is disposed between the front end 110a and rear end 110b of the agricultural machine 10. The delivery system 102 is used to place various seeds and/or fertilizers into an agricultural field in a predetermined amount. The delivery system 10 may include at least two types of metering mechanisms which operate to deliver a predetermined amount of fertilizer and/or seeds via a multi-pronged fork. Alternately, each metering mechanism has its own delivery pipe via which it dispenses a predetermined amount of fertilizer and/or seeds. An exemplary depiction of the delivery system 102 is shown in FIG. 2. [0026] The two types of metering mechanisms may work synchronously or asynchronously with respect to each other as further elaborated in FIG. 2, Each type of metering mechanism may be mounted on its respective shaft. The delivery system 102 may include at least one multi-pronged fork via which the seeds and/or fertilizers from the said metering mechanisms are placed into the agricultural field, [0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the agricultural machine 10 includes a plurality of delivery systems 102 along the width of the agricultural machine 10. An exemplary embodiment with a first delivery system and second delivery system 102a, 102b is depicted in FIG. la. In such case, the first delivery system and second delivery system 102a, 102b dispense seeds and/or fertilizers simultaneously or as per predefined sequence. Further, the first delivery system and second delivery system 102a, 102b dispense seeds and/or fertilizers in two rows of the agricultural field. Though two delivery systems (first and second delivery systems 102a, 102b) are illustrated, the number of delivery systems 102 can be increased as required.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, each delivery system 102 operates along with a respective furrow opener 112 and furrow closer 114. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, each delivery system 102 operates along with a respective furrow opener 112, however the furrow closer 114 is common for all delivery systems 102.

[0029] The furrow openers 112 are utilized for opening one or more furrows in the agricultural field. The furrow opener 112 may be of any type known in the art such as shovel type, shoe type, disc type etc. The furrow opener 112 may be of any predefined shape known in the art, for example, wedge, triangular, arrow shaped etc. which aids to cut open the agricultural field. The furrow opener 112 may be constructed of any plastic or metallic materia! known in the art such as metal, polymer etc. in one embodiment, the plastic materials include, but are not limited to, a Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), an Acryionstriie-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), etc. In other embodiment, the metallic materials include, but are not limited to copper, aluminum, iron, etc,

[0030] The agricultural machine 10 includes at least one furrow closer 114 for closing one or more furrows on the agricultural field. The primary purpose of the furrow closer 114 is to close/cover the linear trench formed by the furrow opener. The furrow closer 114 may be of any type known in the art such as shovel type, shoe type, disc type etc. The furrow closer 114 may be of any predefined shape known in the art, for example, wedge, triangular, arrow shaped, straight plank or rectangular sheet etc, which aids to cover the furrow. The furrow closer 114 may be constructed of any plastic or metallic material or wood known in the art. in one embodiment, the plastic materials include, but are not limited to, a Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), an Acrylonitriie-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), etc. In other embodiment, the metallic materials include, but are not limited to copper, aluminum, iron, etc.

[0031] The furrow closer 114 may be of a predetermined shape and dimensions. The furrow closer 114 may be of same or different shape as that of furrow opener 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the furrow closer 114 is similar in shape to the furrow opener 114 but of higher width and coverage. In an embodiment of the present invention, furrow closer 114 has a direction that is longitudinally inverted as compared to the furrow opener 112,

[0032] The agricultural machine 10 is provided with at least two lugged wheels 104 mounted on a common shaft. The lugged wheels 104 may be of any specified diameter. The characteristics (number, type, and angle) of the lugs contained in the lugged wheels 104 may vary depending upon the application of the lugged wheels 104. [0033] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the agricultural machine 10 has two lugged wheels 104 mounted on two separate shafts coming out of the differential onto each lugged wheel 104. The lugged wheels 104 may be provided with bigger lugs having steep angle to facilitate traction of the agricultural machine 10. The lugged wheels 104 may act as effective implements in the agricultural machine 10 to meet the challenges encountered in wet field. [0034] The powertrain 106 may be included for driving and aiding in operation of the agricultural machine 10 for placing the seeds and/or fertilizers. I n an exemplary embodiment, the powertrain 106 includes a diesel engine connected to a gearbox and a clutch. The powertrain 106 may also include at least one output shaft for transmitting power to the one or more outputs of the agricultural machine 10. An exemplary architecture of the powertrain 106 is represented in detail in FIG. 4.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view of the delivery system of FIG. 1. The delivery system 102 may include without limitation at least two metering mechanisms, first metering mechanism 202a and second metering mechanism 202b, and a mu lti-pronged fork 204. Though the Figure depicts the delivery system with two metering mechanisms 202a and 202b, it is possible that the delivery system may include further metering mechanisms, each of which would be coupled to the multi- pronged fork 204.

[0036] The first metering mechanism 202a and second metering mechanism 202b may be fastened with the chassis of the agricu ltural machine 10 with the help of any fastening method known in the art, for example, plummer blocks. In an exemplary embodiment, each metering mechanism 202a, 202b is removably fastened with the agricultural machine 10 with two plu mmer blocks (not shown). I n an embodiment, the first metering mechanism 202a and second metering mechanism 202b are mounted on first and second shafts respectively. The first and second shafts are coupled to each other via a chain and sprocket arrangement. Though a chain and sprocket arrangement is considered for operating the two metering mechanisms, it should be noted that other arrangements that can be used to operate the two metering mechanisms as per the teachings of the present disclosure are within the scope of the present invention.

[0037] The first metering mechanism 202a and second metering mechanism 202b are installed to pick a predetermined amount of seeds and/or fertilizers from respective reservoirs and dispense the predetermined amount of seeds and/or fertilizers to a multi-pronged fork 204 or respective delivery pipes (not shown). The first metering mechanism 202a and second mechanism 202b may operate synchronously with each other due to the chain and sprocket arrangement that operates the said metering mechanisms. The first metering mechanism 202a and second metering mechanism 202b are driven by the powertrain 106 (explained in detail in FIG. 4a). For example, the first metering mechanism 202a may dispense seeds first while the second metering mechanism 202b may dispense fertilizer after a predefined time from the dispensing of the seeds. In an alternate embodiment, the first metering mechanism 202a and the second metering mechanism 202b may dispense seeds and fertilizers simultaneously. The speed of movement of the first metering mechanism 202a and second metering mechanism 202b may be controlled by a fixed or variable gear ratio or other speed adjustment means like a gear shifter, etc.

[0038] The multi-pronged fork 204 may lie in between furrow opener 112 and furrow closer 114. In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-pronged fork 204 lies closer to the furrow opener 206 than furrow closer 208.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the multi-pronged fork 204 is a Y-shaped hollow pipe in which three components i.e prong a (al, a2), prong b (bl, b2) and stem c are included. In an embodiment, the Y-shaped hollow pipe has uniform or non-uniform dimensions. The multi- pronged fork 204 may be directly or indirectly coupled to the first metering mechanism 202a and second metering mechanism 202b. The prong a receives seeds and/or fertilizers from the first metering mechanism 202a and passes on the same to the stem c. The prong a may further include al and a2. The angle between al and a2 may range between 90-180°. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle between al and a2 is 135°. Further, the angle between a2 and stem c may range from any angle between 90-180°. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle between stem c and a2 is 135°.

[0040] The prong b receives seeds and/or fertilizers from the second metering mechanism 202b and passes on the same to stem c The prong b may further include bl and b2. The angle between bl and b2 may range from any angle between 90-180°. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle between bl and b2 is 135°. Furthermore, the angle between b2 and stem c may range from any angle between 90-180°. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle between stem c and b2 is 135°.

[0041] The stem c receives seeds and/or fertilizers from the metering mechanisms 202a and 202b and delivers it to the furrow. As depicted, the stem c receives seeds and/or fertilizers from the first metering mechanism 202a and second metering mechanism 202b via prong a and prong b respectively and delivers it to the furrow in the agricultural field. In various embodiments, the outlet of the stem towards the ground may be single or multiple. [0042] The diameter of prongs a, b and stem c which constitute the multi-pronged fork 204 may be same or different. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the diameters of prong b and stem c are same while the diameter of prong a is less than prong b and stem c.

[0043] The material utilized to construct the mu lti-pronged fork 204 may be any plastic or metallic materia l known in the art. I n one embodiment, the plastic materials include, but are not limited to, a Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), an Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), etc. I n other embodiment, the metallic materials include, but are not limited to copper, aluminum, iron, etc.

[0044] The mechanical fastening mechanisms involved to consolidate the delivery system 102 may include any mechanical fastening methods, such as, but not limited to, a welding process, a riveting process, a threading process, etc.

[0045] In an exemplary depiction (FIG. 2a) of FIG. 2, the first metering mechanism 202a is a fluted roller mechanism. The first metering mechanism 202a picks a predetermined amount of seeds and/or fertilizers from a first reservoir to be discharged to the multi-pronged fork204 via prong a.

[0046] The second metering mechanism 202b of FIG. 2a is a briquette mechanism. The briquette mechanism may include components such as a fun nel, a metering disc, a second reservoir etc. as known in the art. The briquettes may be made of without limitation, prilled or granular fertilizer, multi-fertilizer briquettes or seed briquettes. In an exemplary embodiment, the briquettes are transferred to the furrow through the multi-pronged fork 204.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates the furrow opener 112 of FIG. 1. As depicted, two furrow openers 112 are present in order to make a shallow linear trench in the agricultural field along the direction of motion of the agricultural machine 10.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, each furrow opener 112 is held by a common sleeve 302. The sleeve 302 may be constructed of any plastic or metallic material known in the art. In one embodiment, the plastic materials include, but are not limited to, a Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), an Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), etc. In other embodiment, the metallic materials include, but are not limited to copper, aluminum, iron, etc.

[0049] The sleeve 302 may be of a predetermined length or may have a provision of height adjustment. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the height of the furrow opener 112 may be adjusted through various mechanisms known in the art such as fulcrum based mechanism, rail/slider based mechanism etc. Alternatively, the furrow opener 112 may be provided with holes 304 at different distances as depicted so as adjust the depth of the furrow to be created.

[0050] In an embodiment, the two furrow openers 112 are mounted on a horizontal common mounting rod 308. The mounting rod 308 is in turn connected to the sleeve 302 via a connecting rod 306.

[0051] The furrow closers 114 of the agricultural machine 10 may possess structurally similar mounting structures (sleeve, mounting rod and connecting rod) as described above for furrow openers 112. Each furrow opener 112 and a furrow closer 114 operate in conjunction with each other. The furrow opener 112 and furrow closer 114 may also be mounted on a single mounting rod.

[0052] FIG. 3a shows an exemplary embodiment of the working of delivery system 102 having the first metering mechanism as a fluted roller mechanism while the second metering mechanism as a briquette placement mechanism. The working is initiated at step 30 where the one or more furrow openers create one or more furrows on the ground. The characteristics of a furrow depend upon the type of the furrow opener and include the depth of a furrow, shape of a furrow, etc.

[0053] At step 32a, the fluted roller mechanism meters/ measures a predetermined amount of prilled fertilizer and/or seeds and dispenses it to the multi-pronged fork via prong a. At step 32b, the briquette placement mechanism measures a predetermined amount of fertilizer and/or seeds in the form of briquettes and dispenses it to the multi-pronged fork via prong b. The steps 32a and 32b may occur simultaneously or at different times depending upon the gear ratio of the chain and sprocket arrangement.

[0054] At step 34, the predetermined fertilizers and/or seeds by the fluted roller mechanism and/or briquette placement mechanism are delivered to the furrow through multi-pronged fork. In an embodiment, only prilled fertilizers and/or seeds are delivered to the furrow. In another embodiment, only briquettes are delivered to the furrow. In yet another embodiment, briquettes as well as prilled fertilizers and/or seeds are delivered to the furrow at a given time.

[0055] At step 36, post-delivery, the furrow closer becomes operational and covers the furrow. [0056] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the powertrain 106. The components of the powertrain 106 may include without limitation, an engine 402, a gearbox 404, a clutch 406 and at least two outputs 408a and 408b. The components of powertrain 106 may be seated on the agricultural machine enclosed in a common enclosure or individual enclosures. The powertrain 106 propels the agricultural machine via its two outputs 408a and 408b.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the engine 402 incorporated in the powertrain 106 is a diesel engine of 10 hp to power the agricultural machine. The engine 402 may be coupled to the gearbox 404 and clutch 406. In an exemplary embodiment, the engine 402 is coupled to an integrated gearbox-clutch assembly. Alternately, the engine 402 may be directly coupled to a gear reduction means such as a chain and sprocket arrangement, a belt and pulley arrangement, etc.

[0058] The gearbox 404 may be independently associated to the engine 402 or may be integrated with clutch 406. The gearbox 404 may include one or more gears for reduction of speed. In an embodiment, two gearboxes 404 may be provided in order to achieve gear reduction. [0059] In an embodiment, the gearbox 404 includes a differential for allowing the two lugged wheels 104 to run at different speeds and hence helping in turning the machine. Alternately, the differential is placed outside the gearbox 404 and coupled to one of the outputs of the gearbox 404.

[0060] The clutch 406 may be placed after or before the gearbox 404. Though the clutch 406 is illustrated to be integrated with the gearbox in the figure, it is possible that the clutch 406 is placed outside the gearbox 404.

[0061] The gearbox 404 may include at least one output shaft (or driveshaft) for delivering the power to the recipient components like wheels, and metering mechanism 202a and 202b. The primary output 408a powers the wheels (lugged wheels 104 and/or rear wheels 100) while the auxiliary output 408b powers the metering mechanisms of the agricultural machine.

[0062] In an embodiment, the lugged wheels 104 are powered by the powertrain 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the lugged wheels 104 are mounted on the axle(s) and the axle directly comes out of the gearbox 404. In another embodiment, the lugged wheels 104 may be connected with an output shaft of the gearbox 404 via a chain sprocket arrangement. The lugged wheels 104 may also be connected with an output shaft via a belt and pulley arrangement. I n an alternate embodiment, the axles are connected to the differential, which are run by the gearbox 404.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the output shaft of the gearbox 404 powers the second metering mechanism 202b. The second metering mechanism 202b may be coupled to the output shaft of the gearbox 404 through any arrangement known in the art such as a chain sprocket arrangement, a belt and pu lley arrangement, etc. The second metering mechanism 202b may then drive the first metering mechanism 202a through any arrangement known in the art such as a chain sprocket arrangement, a belt and pulley arrangement, etc. . In an embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary output 408b has a sprocket which drives the shaft containing the second metering mechanism 202b using a chain drive which further drives the shaft on which the first metering mechanism 202a is mounted .

[0064] FIG. 4a illustrates the enlarged view of the auxiliary output 408b. The auxiliary output 408b includes a first chain sprocket assembly 410 and a second chain sprocket assembly 412. In an exemplary embodiment, the first chain sprocket assembly 410 connects the sprockets 410a, 410b placed on the output shaft and the first shaft of the first metering mechanism 202a respectively with a fixed or variable gear ratio. In another embodiment, the second sprocket assembly 412 connects the sprockets 412a, 412b placed on the shaft of first shaft metering mechanism 202a and the second shaft of second metering mechanism 202b respectively with a fixed or variable gear ratio. In an embodiment of the present invention, the relation of delivery between first and second metering mechanisms 202a, 202b is altered by changing the speed ratio of the sprockets of the second chain sprocket assembly 412.

[0065] The said association between the first and second chain sprocket assemblies 410, 412 drives the delivery system 102 of the agricultural machine 10 in a synchronized manner.

[0066] It may be noted that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed limiting. For instance, instead of the chain and sprocket arrangement, a belt and pulley arrangement may be used in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosu re. Similarly, the metering mechanisms may operate consecutively or simultaneously in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

A self-propelled agricultural machine comprising:

• one or more wheels;

• a first delivery system and a second delivery system, each of the first delivery system and the second delivery system comprising: o a first metering mechanism mounted on a first shaft, the first metering mechanism configured to collect a predetermined amount of an object; o a second metering mechanism mounted on a second shaft and working in synchronization or independently of the first metering mechanism, the second metering mechanism configured to collect a predetermined amount of the object; and o a mu lti-pronged fork comprising:

^■ a first prong coupled to the first metering mechanism;

^■ a second prong coupled to the second metering mechanism; and

^■ a stem cou pled to the first prong and the second prong at one end, the stem operatively coupled to a furrow in which the object is to be placed at its other end; wherein the first delivery system and the second delivery system are operatively coupled to each other via the first shaft and the second shaft; and

• a powertrain providing a primary output and an auxiliary output, the primary output drives the one or more wheels, the auxiliary output is operatively coupled to the first metering mechanism and the second metering mechanism, the powertrain thus propelling the agricultural machine.

The agricultural machine of claim 1 wherein the machine comprises at least one of:

• a furrow opener for creating the furrow; and/or

• a furrow closer for closing the furrow post placement of the object.

The agricu ltural machine of claim 1 wherein the first metering mechanism and the second metering mechanism are coupled via one of a common chain and sprocket arrangement or respective chain and sprocket arrangements.

The agricu ltural machine of claim 1 wherein the first metering mechanism and the second metering mechanism are one of same or different type.

The agricultural machine of claim 1 wherein the stem of the mu lti-pronged fork includes one of single or multiple outlets.

The agricultural machine of claim 1 wherein the stem comprises a height adjustment mechanism.

The agricultural machine of claim 1 wherein the powertrain comprises an assembly of an engine and one or more of a gearbox, a belt and pu lley arrangement or a chain and sprocket arrangement.

A delivery system of an agricultural machine, the delivery system comprising:

• a first metering mechanism configured to collect a predetermined amou nt of an object;

• a second metering mechanism working in synchronization or independently of the first metering mechanism, the second metering mechanism configured to collect a predetermined amount of the object;

• a multi-pronged fork comprising: o a first prong coupled to the first metering mechanism; o a second prong coupled to the second metering mechanism; and o a stem coupled to the first prong and the second prong at one end, the stem operatively coupled to a furrow in which the object is to be placed at its other end; and

• a powertrain providing an auxiliary output, the auxiliary output is operatively coupled to the first metering mechanism and the second metering mechanism, thus driving the delivery system.

9. The delivery system of claim 8 wherein the first metering mechanism and the second metering mechanism are coupled via one of a common chain and sprocket arrangement or respective chain and sprocket arrangements.

10. The delivery system of claim 8 wherein the first metering mechanism and the second metering mechanism are one of same or different type.

11. The delivery system of claim 8 wherein the stem of the multi-pronged fork includes one of single or multiple outlets.

12. The delivery system of claim 8 wherein the stem comprises a height adjustment mechanism.

13. The delivery system of claim 8 wherein the powertrain comprises an assembly of an engine and one or more of a gearbox, a belt and pulley arrangement or a chain and sprocket arrangement.

14. A self-propelled agricultural machine comprising:

• one or more wheels;

• a first delivery system and a second delivery system, each of the first delivery system and the second delivery system comprising: o a first metering mechanism mou nted on a first shaft, the first metering mechanism configured to collect a predetermined amount of an object; o a second metering mechanism mounted on a second shaft and working in synchronization or independently of the first metering mechanism, the second metering mechanism configured to collect a predetermined amount of the object; o a first delivery pipe coupled to the first metering mechanism at one end, the first delivery pipe operatively coupled to a furrow in which the object is to be placed at its other end; and o a second delivery pipe coupled to the second metering mechanism at one end, the second delivery pipe operatively coupled to the fu rrow in which the object is to be placed at its other end; wherein the first delivery system and the second delivery system are operatively cou pled to each other via the first shaft and the second shaft; and

15. The agricultural machine of claim 14 wherein the machine comprises at least one of:

• a furrow opener for creating the fu rrow; and/or

• a furrow closer for closing the furrow post placement of the object.

16. The agricultural machine of claim 14 wherein the powertrain comprises an assembly of an engine and one or more of a gearbox, a belt and pu lley arrangement or a chain and sprocket arrangement.

17. The agricultural machine of claim 14 wherein the first metering mechanism and the second metering mechanism are coupled via one of a common chain and sprocket arrangement or respective chain and sprocket arrangements.

18. The agricultural machine of claim 14 wherein the first metering mechanism and the second metering mechanism are one of same or different type.

19. The agricultural machine of claim 14 wherein the first delivery pipe and/or the second delivery pipe comprises a height adjustment mechanism.

20. A delivery system of an agricultural machine, the delivery system comprising:

• a first metering mechanism configu red to collect a predetermined amount of an object;

• a second metering mechanism working in synchronization or independently of the first metering mechanism, the second metering mechanism configured to collect a predetermined amou nt of the object; · a first delivery pipe coupled to the first metering mechanism at one end, the first delivery pipe operatively coupled to a fu rrow in which the object is to be placed at its other end; • a second delivery pipe coupled to the second metering mechanism at one end, the second delivery pipe operatively coupled to the furrow in which the object is to be placed at its other end; and

21. The delivery system of claim 20 wherein the first metering mechanism and the second metering mechanism are coupled via one of a common chain and sprocket arrangement or respective chain and sprocket arrangements.

22. The delivery system of claim 20 wherein the first metering mechanism and the second metering mechanism are one of same or different type.

23. The delivery system of claim 20 wherein the first delivery pipe and/or the second delivery pipe comprises a height adjustment mechanism.

24. The delivery system of claim 20 wherein the powertrain comprises an assembly of an engine and one or more of a gearbox, a belt and pulley arrangement or a chain and sprocket arrangement.