WO2021155008A1 - Appareil de dosage de graines et procédés de fonctionnement - Google Patents

Appareil de dosage de graines et procédés de fonctionnement Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021155008A1
WO2021155008A1 PCT/US2021/015508 US2021015508W WO2021155008A1 WO 2021155008 A1 WO2021155008 A1 WO 2021155008A1 US 2021015508 W US2021015508 W US 2021015508W WO 2021155008 A1 WO2021155008 A1 WO 2021155008A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
seed
chute
air
spinner
seeds
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2021/015508
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ibrahim FITZGIBBON
Tony MORVANT
Original Assignee
Brooklyn Bridge To Cambodia, Inc.
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
Application filed by Brooklyn Bridge To Cambodia, Inc. filed Critical Brooklyn Bridge To Cambodia, Inc.
Publication of WO2021155008A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021155008A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00—Sowing
    • A01C7/08—Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C7/00—Sowing
    • A01C7/08—Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
    • A01C7/16—Seeders with other distributing devices, e.g. brushes, discs, screws or slides
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
    • A01C19/00—Arrangements for driving working parts of fertilisers or seeders
    • A01C19/04—Arrangements for driving working parts of fertilisers or seeders by a ground-engaging wheel

Definitions

  • the field of the invention relates to an apparatus, and methods of using the apparatus, to control the rate at which seeds are deposited into a field for planting.
  • the apparatus can be used to generally control and provide a seed planting rate and control the dispensing of seeds so that dispensed seeds are approximately evenly spaced in latitudinal and longitudinal directions, between and within the rows in which they are planted.
  • Direct seeding of rice is an alternative method to the conventional transplanting method of rice seeding.
  • Transplanting is a labor intensive process that involves initially planting seeds, for example, by hand in nursery farms, and then replanting crops at an infant stage into larger fields—either by hand or by using a transplanting machine.
  • Direct seeding or “direct sowing” refers to planting seeds directly into the soil of the fields from which the eventual crops will be harvested. Techniques, devices, and systems for direct seeding are disclosed in WO 2020/092576 A1, assigned to the applicant of the instant application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety herein.
  • Known techniques for direct seeding may involve utilizing air propulsion to propel seed from a storage container, into a plurality of hollow members, and into the ground.
  • the plurality of hollow members may be substantially evenly spaced along a frame, such that the planted seeds may be substantially evenly spaced across rows.
  • known techniques propel seed into each of the plurality of hollow members at the same time, resulting in a constant, unmetered, stream of seed being shot within each planted row. Because the stream of seed is unmetered, this technique may be inefficient because more seed is dispensed than necessary, which results in higher costs for the farmer. See, for example, WO 2020/092576 A1.
  • Embodiments of the disclosed apparatuses and methods disclosed herein can advantageously be configured and controlled to provide metered streams of seed, such that seed is propelled through each of the plurality of hollow members sequentially, rather than simultaneously.
  • Embodiments disclosed herein can be used to conserve seed and mitigate the over-dispensing of seed, provide for even spacing of seeds both across planted rows and within a planted row, and enhance the ability to provide for a desired ground penetration of the seed.
  • Embodiments herein can provide a low-cost, simple, and flexible apparatus and method that may be utilized by farmers, such as in less developed and/or developing economies.
  • each hollow member corresponds to a row in which seeds are to be planted.
  • Bursts of 3–5 seeds can generally be provided to each hollow member (and respectively corresponding row in which seeds are to be planted), although different seed bursts can also be utilized (for example, bursts of 6–8 seeds). Because the seed is propelled into each hollow member sequentially rather than simultaneously, the seed may be more effectively spaced within a row of planted seed, thereby reducing the amount of seed that is wasted during planting.
  • the seed metering apparatus may receive an unmetered stream of air and seed from an air propulsion apparatus. Seed may be fed into the air propulsion apparatus from a storage container that is configured to store seeds, such as, for example, rice seeds, corn, mung beans, soy beans, or other types of seeds, grains, or legumes.
  • the unmetered stream of air and seed from the air propulsion apparatus may be propelled into an air spinner chute (“chute”) within the seed metering apparatus that rotates in operation due to the unmetered stream of air and seed flowing through the interior of the chute.
  • the rotation of the chute causes the seed to be deposited within each of the seed inlets sequentially, rather than simultaneously, thereby resulting in a metered (rather than constant) stream of seed to each seed inlet.
  • the seed inlets lead to a respective plurality of hollow members, such as flexible hoses, that deposit the seed into respective rows in the ground as a seed planting apparatus traverses a stretch of land.
  • the seed planting apparatus may include the seed metering apparatus and an attachment that is operationally securable to a farming vehicle.
  • the air propulsion apparatus and storage container may be mounted to the attachment, and the attachment may further include a movable support (such as a wheeled cart or sled) such that the seed planting apparatus is configured to traverse a tract of land.
  • the attachment also includes a frame onto which the plurality of hollow members are secured.
  • the frame may also include a plurality of spades for creating furrows in the ground, and a plurality of rakes to guide soil, dirt, fertilizer, or the like into the furrows created by the spades.
  • the frame may also be selectively raised or lowered by a user by using a lever, and may be selectively locked into place by using a locking mechanism on the frame.
  • the seed metering apparatus includes a top plate, which includes a coupling joint configured to connect the top plate to an air propulsion apparatus.
  • the top plate and coupling joint may be composed of metal (such as iron, steel, stainless steel, or aluminum), or other materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), other plastics, bamboo, wood, or any other suitable rigid and durable material familiar to those of skill in the art.
  • the coupling joint may include a first opening, a second opening, and an internal passageway connecting the first opening and the second opening.
  • the seed metering apparatus may further include a chute that is positioned directly below and in substantial circumferential alignment with the second opening of the coupling joint.
  • the chute may be made from a rigid and durable plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), PVC, or similar polymers or polymeric blends familiar to those of skill in the art.
  • PETG polyethylene terephthalate glycol
  • the chute may include a top circular opening, a bottom circular opening, a curved internal passageway connecting the top circular opening and the bottom circular opening, and a vertical portion distal to the top circular opening that is separate from the curved internal passageway and coupled to a shaft.
  • the seed metering apparatus may further include a circular tray that has a bearing holder that receives a bearing.
  • the bearing holder is positioned approximately in the center of the circular tray.
  • the circular tray may be composed of the same material as the chute, or similar materials.
  • the bearing may receive the shaft of the chute such that the chute is configured to rotate about the center of the circular tray.
  • the air stream generated by an air propulsion apparatus passes through the chute (generally along with seed) and causes the chute to rotate.
  • the chute may rotate when the apparatus is in operation (for example, when the air propulsion apparatus is turned on) and the chute may be stationary when the apparatus is not in operation.
  • the circular tray of the seed metering apparatus includes a plurality of seed inlets. These seed inlets may be approximately circular in shape. Generally, the seed inlets may be of any shape and size that is capable of receiving a seed.
  • the seed inlets may be oval-shaped, square-shaped, or other polygonal forms.
  • the seed inlets may be approximately evenly spaced at a same radial distance from the center of the circular tray in order to facilitate an approximately even distribution of seed within each seed inlet as the chute rotates.
  • the circular tray may contain, for example, twelve evenly spaced seed inlets.
  • the regions of the circular tray between each seed inlet may be slanted in some embodiments in order to funnel seed into each seed inlet as the seed metering apparatus operates.
  • the circular tray may be slanted away and upward relative to the seed inlet such that stray seeds that are not propelled directly from the rotating chute and into a seed inlet may be directed into a seed inlet by the slanted region. Because the slanted regions of the circular tray slant upward relative to each seed inlet, these slanted regions may meet an apex between each of the plurality of seed inlets, such that the regions of the circular tray between each seed inlet are pyramid- shaped.
  • the seed metering apparatus may further include a bottom plate coupled to, and positioned below, the circular tray.
  • the bottom tray may include a plurality of hollow member connections, each of which may protrude away from the bottom plate and be positioned directly underneath each of the respective plurality of seed inlets.
  • the plurality of hollow member connections may have, for example, a cylindrical shape, an oval-shaped cross-section, a square cross-section, or other suitable shapes for receiving seed through the seed inlets.
  • the bottom plate may be made from one or more metals (such as iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or blends or alloys thereof), and/or other materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), other plastics or polymeric blends, bamboo, or wood.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • the chute and circular tray may be contained within a drum, and the drum may be interposed between the top and bottom plate of the seed metering apparatus and fixed in place.
  • the drum may be fixed in place using, for example, a securing mechanism such as nuts and bolts that engage one or more overlapping pairs of fastening holes on the top and bottom plates of the seed metering apparatus.
  • a securing mechanism such as nuts and bolts that engage one or more overlapping pairs of fastening holes on the top and bottom plates of the seed metering apparatus.
  • the drum, top plate, and bottom plate may alternatively be fixed together using, for example, welding, gluing, fusing, or by using interlocking mechanisms located on the various components.
  • the drum may be composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a similar plastic or polymeric blend, one or more metals (such as iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or blends or alloys thereof), or any other suitable rigid and durable material familiar to those of skill in the art, such as wood or bamboo.
  • the drum may be cylindrical in shape, or substantially cylindrical in shape.
  • the seed metering apparatus may also include a plurality of hollow members that may be coupled to each of the plurality of hollow member connections. These hollow members may be hoses that are made of a flexible polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blends, rubber, or other plastics, polymers, or blends thereof.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • hoses may be arranged and fixed to a frame of the seed planting apparatus or attachment that is configured to traverse a tract of land, such that the outlet of each hose is directed toward the land.
  • the seed metering apparatus may propel seed through each of these hoses in a consecutive and metered fashion as the chute rotates, thereby providing a metered stream of seed into each hose which is deposited into the land as the apparatus operates.
  • the plurality of hollow members may also be rigid tubes that are made of one or more metals, wood, bamboo, or a rigid plastic. In these embodiments, the plurality of hollow members may likewise be arranged and fixed to a frame of a seed planting apparatus or attachment such that the outlet of each tube is directed toward the land.
  • the curvature of the curved internal passageway of the chute may be designed in order to optimize the chute’s rotational speed, the velocity of seed within the chute, and the exit velocity of the seed.
  • the top portion of the chute may be substantially vertical, or near vertical, before progressing to a shallower and more horizontal curvature around the middle of the chute. Seed velocity decreases as it passes along the portion of the chute that transitions from vertical or substantially vertical to horizontal or substantially horizontal.
  • the lower portion (or seed exit portion) of the chute may transition to a substantially more vertical orientation to shoot the seed directly down into the seed inlets. If desired, the circumference of the chute can narrow over the length of the lower portion to increase the velocity of the seed as it exits the chute.
  • the chute may have a continuous or substantially continuous curvature along a vertical axis of the chute in a convex manner relative to the first circular opening of the chute, such that the curved internal passageway of the chute is in the shape of a vertical partial helix. This shape permits the chute to rotate in a controlled manner as the stream of air and seed from the air propulsion apparatus impacts the internal faces of the curved internal passageway of the chute.
  • the diameter of the top circular opening of the chute may be greater than the second opening of the coupling joint, which the chute is positioned beneath. This results in a primary air flow from the air propulsion apparatus and into the chute, which propels seed through the chute and causes the chute to rotate.
  • This may also be used to provide a secondary air flow that escapes into the drum from the top and bottom circular openings of the chute.
  • the secondary air flow generally provides a swirling, downward movement of air in the drum that moves seed that may escape from the chute and into the drum towards and into one of the seed inlets on the circular tray.
  • the flow of air escaping from the top circular opening of the chute also reduces the volume of air within the chute relative to the coupling joint, which can facilitate rotational control and rotational speed of the chute.
  • the diameter of the bottom circular opening of the chute can be smaller than the diameter of the top circular opening of the chute.
  • a rotating component of the seed metering apparatus may rotate through mechanical means rather than by air power by using, for example, a metering wheel that is configured to engage with the land when the apparatus is in operation.
  • the metering wheel may be engaged with a chain that is engaged with a first gear on a horizontal shaft, such that the rotation of the metering wheel will cause the horizontal shaft to rotate in the same direction as the metering wheel.
  • the horizontal shaft may be coupled to a second gear, which may in turn engage a third gear on a vertical shaft.
  • the third gear may engage the second gear in a perpendicular or substantially perpendicular fashion, such that the rotation of the horizontal shaft will cause the vertical shaft to rotate in a perpendicular direction relative to the horizontal shaft and metering wheel.
  • the vertical shaft may be coupled to a wheel-powered spinner mechanism.
  • the wheel-powered spinner mechanism may include an opening to couple the wheel-powered spinner mechanism to an air propulsion apparatus, such that the air propulsion apparatus may propel a stream of air and seed into the wheel-powered spinner mechanism during operation.
  • the wheel-powered spinner mechanism may also include one or more seed outlets that are in communication with the opening of the mechanism, such that the wheel-powered spinner mechanism provides one or more passageways for a stream of air and seed to travel through.
  • the wheel-powered spinner mechanism may include four seed outlets, such that each of the four seed outlets begin at the opening of the wheel-powered spinner mechanism and terminate at an evenly spaced radial distance from the center of the wheel-powered spinner mechanism.
  • the seed metering apparatus may further include a circular tray, as described above, that has a plurality of seed inlets. These seed inlets may each be respectively positioned above a hollow member connection on a bottom plate of the seed metering apparatus.
  • a hollow member such as a hose or rigid tube, may be coupled to each of the hollow member connections in these embodiments.
  • the wheel-powered spinner mechanism may provide a metered stream of seed to each of the plurality of hollow members as the apparatus operates by receiving a stream of air and seed from the air propulsion apparatus.
  • the wheel-powered spinner mechanism may rotate as the metering wheel rotates, thereby directing the stream of seed and air into each of the seed inlets in a metered fashion.
  • the technology disclosed herein is directed, in some embodiments, to a seed planting apparatus including an attachment, such as a frame and a movable support, that is optionally securable to a farming vehicle and a seed metering apparatus.
  • the attachment may include the movable support that includes at least one wheel that facilitates the ability of the attachment to traverse a tract of land.
  • the attachment may further include a seed container for storing seeds such as, for example, rice seeds, corn, mung beans, soy beans, or other types of seeds, grains, or legumes.
  • the attachment may further include an air propulsion apparatus that is configured to receive seeds from the seed container and propel an unmetered stream of air and seed into a seed metering apparatus.
  • the seed metering apparatus may be coupled to a plurality of hollow members, such as hoses or rigid tubes, that are attached to the frame, such that an end of the hollow members is directed toward the ground and such that the hollow members will deposit a metered stream of seed into the ground as the seed planting apparatus traverses a tract of land.
  • the frame may further include a plurality of spades, such spades being arranged beneath the openings of each of the plurality of hollow members.
  • the spades may be configured to create furrows in the ground during operation, such that the seeds propelled from each of the plurality of hollow members are deposited into the furrows in the ground created by the spades.
  • the attachment may include a rake set coupled to the frame that is configured to guide soil, dirt, fertilizer or the like into the furrows created by the plurality of spades during operation.
  • the attachment may also be operationally secured to a farming vehicle such as a tractor or cart.
  • the frame may be configured to selectively raise or lower the plurality of spades and hollow members relative to the ground using a lever.
  • a method includes placing seeds in a storage container, traversing a stretch of land with a seed planting apparatus, propelling the seeds from the storage container and into a seed metering apparatus by operating an air propulsion apparatus, and dispensing the seeds through a plurality of hollow members and into the ground in a metered fashion from each of the plurality of hollow members.
  • the seed and air propelled into the seed metering apparatus from the air propulsion apparatus may cause a chute within the seed metering apparatus to rotate about a central axis, thereby propelling the seeds into one of a plurality of seed inlets, through one of a plurality of hollow members, and into the ground in a metered fashion.
  • the method may also encompass adjusting the power of the air propulsion apparatus in order to control the velocity of air and seed within the chute, and may encompass adjusting the rate at which seed is fed from the storage tank into the air propulsion apparatus.
  • the seed flow and air velocity may be adjusted to achieve a desired seed output, or to adjust for terrain, weather, or other planting conditions.
  • the method optionally further includes creating a plurality of furrows in the ground by dragging a plurality of spades across the ground and dispensing the seeds through a plurality of hollow members and into the furrows in a metered fashion.
  • the method optionally further includes guiding soil into the furrows with at least one rake and/or at least one rake set as the seed planting apparatus traverses land.
  • the method includes selectively adjusting a plurality of spades and/or hollow members to a desired raised or lowered position, for example, depending on soil conditions, planting conditions, planting seasons, or seeding technique.
  • the method may also include engaging a locking mechanism to lock the plurality of spades and/or hollow members at the desired raised or lowered position.
  • the method may optionally include disengaging a locking mechanism such that the plurality of spades and/or hollow members is not locked at a selected raised or lowered position but instead raises and lowers in adaptation to the terrain across which the plurality of spades and/or hollow members travels as the seed planting apparatus traverses a stretch of land.
  • the plurality of spades may be in a raised position disengaged from the ground when the soil is wet or flooded, and the plurality of spades may be in a lowered or unlocked position such that the plurality of spades creates furrows in the ground when the soil is substantially dry.
  • the method further includes using rigid hollow dispensing members when operating a seed planting apparatus with the plurality of spades positioned in a raised position such that the plurality of spades does not create furrows in the ground.
  • the method optionally further includes using flexible hoses when operating a seed planting apparatus with the plurality of spades positioned to create furrows in the ground.
  • the method may include traversing a stretch of land with a seed planting apparatus, such that a metering wheel engaged with the land rotates a chain.
  • the chain may be engaged with a gear on a horizontal shaft, such that the rotation of the metering wheel will cause the horizontal shaft to rotate in the same direction as the metering wheel.
  • the horizontal shaft may be further coupled to a gear arranged perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the horizontal shaft, the perpendicularly arranged gear being further coupled to a vertical shaft, such that the rotation of the horizontal shaft will cause the vertical shaft to rotate about the center vertical axis of the vertical shaft.
  • the vertical shaft may be further coupled to a wheel-powered spinner device that is configured to rotate about the center axis of the vertical shaft as the metering wheel rotates, via the connections between the metering wheel and wheel-powered spinner device heretofore described.
  • the wheel-powered spinner device is configured to receive an unmetered stream of seed and air from an air propulsion apparatus.
  • the unmetered stream of seed and air is propelled through the wheel-powered spinner device, out one or more openings of the wheel-powered spinner device, and into one of a plurality of seed inlets on a circular tray arranged below the wheel-powered spinner device.
  • the one or more openings of the wheel-powered spinner device are positioned over one or more seed inlets in a cyclical fashion, thereby creating a metered stream of seed through each seed inlet as the apparatus operates.
  • the technology disclosed herein is also directed to a system for planting seeds in a metered fashion.
  • This system may include a farming vehicle, such as a tractor, cart, sled, car, truck, or other vehicle familiar to those of skill in the art that would be appropriate for the terrain and planting conditions.
  • the system may also include a frame, a storage container, an air propulsion apparatus, and a seed metering apparatus.
  • the frame may attach to an attachment, which may be operationally secured to a farming vehicle.
  • the frame may directly connect to a farming vehicle.
  • the seed metering apparatus may include a plurality of hollow member connections, the hollow member connections being respectively coupled to a plurality of hollow members, such as hoses or rigid tubes. The plurality of hollow members may be evenly arranged along, and coupled to, the frame.
  • the frame may also include a plurality of disc drills positioned near the opening of each of the plurality of hollow members.
  • the frame may also include a rake set with a plurality of rakes.
  • the frame may also include a spring holder, which may include a plurality of springs that attach to the plurality of disc drills so as to permit the disc drills to elastically engage with the ground during operation.
  • FIG.1 shows a side view of an example embodiment of a seed metering apparatus, air propulsion apparatus, and storage container.
  • FIG.2 shows a perspective view of the seed metering apparatus.
  • FIG.3 shows a perspective view of an air spinner chute and a circular tray of the seed metering apparatus.
  • FIG.4 shows an exploded view of the seed metering apparatus.
  • FIG.5 shows a side view of the seed metering apparatus and provides exemplary dimensions of components of the seed metering apparatus.
  • FIG.6 shows a top view of the seed metering apparatus.
  • FIG.7 shows cross-sectional view in FIG.6 along 7-7 and depicts a primary and secondary air flow within the seed metering apparatus.
  • FIG.8 shows a perspective view of an air spinner chute and coupling joint of an embodiment of a seed metering apparatus.
  • FIGS.9a, 9b, and 9c respectively show a top view, front view, and side view of an air spinner chute of an embodiment of a seed metering apparatus.
  • FIG.10 is a block diagram illustrating how seed and air streams are controlled.
  • FIG.11 is a perspective view of an alternative, wheel-powered embodiment.
  • FIGS.12a, 12b, and 12c respectively show a perspective view, side view, and front view of a seed planting apparatus, including an attachment and seed metering apparatus, in an extended configuration according to an example embodiment.
  • FIGS.13a, 13b, and 13c respectively show a perspective view, side view, and front view of a seed planting apparatus, including an attachment and seed metering apparatus, in a retracted configuration according to an example embodiment.
  • FIG.14 shows a system for planting seeds according to an example embodiment.
  • FIG.15 is a graph depicting the effects of seed dispersion rate by air propulsion apparatus settings according to an example embodiment.
  • the technology disclosed herein relates to devices, apparatuses, and systems for planting seeds and methods for operating the same.
  • the technology disclosed herein relates to apparatuses and systems for planting seeds in a metered fashion and methods for operating such apparatuses and systems.
  • the term “metered” is used herein to describe a stream of seed that is provided at repeating intervals of time (for example, a cluster of approximately 5 seeds, every second).
  • an “unmetered” stream is used herein to describe stream of seed that is fed continuously to a known point at a constant rate (for example, a cluster of approximately 3 seeds every tenth of a second, thereby providing 30 seeds per second, continuously).
  • a metered stream in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can generally be used and controlled to provide more space (for example, 15 cm) between a planted seed (or a planted burst of seeds) relative to the closer seed spacing (for example, 5 cm) provided by an unmetered stream.
  • the seed metering apparatuses described herein are capable of converting an unmetered stream of seed (for example, from an air propulsion apparatus conveying seed from a storage container in a single, constant stream) into a metered stream that is provided to each of a plurality of outlets (for example, through each of a plurality of hoses or rigid tubes connected to the seed metering apparatus).
  • the phrases “connected to,” “coupled to,” or similar phrases connoting or describing a connection between one or more components include both direct and indirect connections. For example, two components connected by at least one intermediary component are considered “connected” even when not directly in contact with each other.
  • the technology disclosed herein addresses limitations associated with existing unmetered seed planting devices by providing a seed metering apparatus that is capable of receiving an unmetered stream of air and seed and creating a metered stream of air and seed through each of a plurality of hollow members (such as tubes or hoses) connected to the seed metering apparatus.
  • Embodiments of the seed metering apparatuses in accordance with the present invention are also capable of rotating at controlled, regular intervals while the apparatus is in operation such that seed is fed to each of the plurality of hollow members (corresponding to respective rows of planted seed) at regular intervals. This is advantageous to a user (for example, a farmer) in several respects.
  • First, focusing the stream of air and seed into one hollow member at a time focuses a majority of the air stream into one given hollow member, rather than spreading it out over each of the plurality of hollow members. This allows each seed to be propelled through each hollow member at an increased velocity, as may be desired, to facilitate, for example, deeper penetration of the seed into the ground and more effective planting.
  • the rotation of the seed metering apparatus causes seed to be propelled from only one hollow member at a given time, so as the seed planting apparatus traverses land, seeds can be dispensed with greater spacing between each seed planted in a given row.
  • the ability to tailor and control spacing between seeds and seed clusters reduces the amount of wasted seed and provides efficiencies for the farmer.
  • a farmer can control the metering rate—that is, the time interval between clusters of seeds (or each seed) propelled through a given hollow member—by, for example, using one or more levers on the air propulsion apparatus to adjust the rate that seed is fed into the air propulsion apparatus, or to adjust the motor speed of the air propulsion apparatus (and thus, for example, the velocity and/or volumetric rate of the air stream from the air propulsion apparatus).
  • the apparatus can be adjusted and controlled to accommodate a variety seeding conditions that take into consideration the terrain, climate, crop, and speed at which the seed metering apparatuses may traverse a stretch of land.
  • FIG.1 depicts an embodiment of an air-powered seed metering apparatus 100, air propulsion apparatus 404, and storage container 402.
  • the rotation of air spinner chute (“chute”) 116 and metering of the apparatus is controlled by an air propulsion apparatus 404 that may be coupled to the coupling joint 102 on the top plate 106 of the seed metering apparatus 100.
  • the coupling joint 102 and top plate 106 may be made from one or more metals (such as iron, steel, stainless steel and/or aluminum), or materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), other plastics, bamboo, and wood.
  • the coupling joint 102 includes a first opening 104.
  • the first opening 104 may be circular, but those of skill in the art will appreciate that the first opening 104 may be any shape that is appropriate to engage an air propulsion apparatus.
  • the first opening 104 may have an oval-shaped cross-section, a square-shaped cross-section, or a cross-section of any other polygonal form.
  • the first opening 104 may be coupled to an air propulsion apparatus 404 by a tube, hose, or other suitable structure for conveying a stream of air and seed into the coupling joint 102.
  • the seed metering apparatuses 100, seed planting apparatuses 1300 (FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, 13A, 13B, 13C), and systems 1400 (FIG.14) for planting seeds in a metered fashion, disclosed herein are characterized for their flexibility and adaptability to be used with a variety of commercially available air propulsion apparatuses 404.
  • the air propulsion apparatus 404 may be a conventional air propulsion apparatus utilized by farmers in order to disperse chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides, which may be readily adapted to disperse seeds.
  • the air propulsion apparatus 404 may be a DM-6120, DMC-800-26, MB-580, or MB-5810 model mist blower manufactured by Yamabiko Corporation (Ohme, Tokyo, Japan).
  • These backpack sprayers have, for example, tank capacities ranging from 20.0 L to 26.0 L, engine outputs ranging from 2.4–3.27 kW, and engine displacements of approximately 58.2 cm 3 .
  • backpack sprayers would likewise be suitable for use with the seed metering apparatuses disclosed herein, such as, for example, backpack sprayers manufactured by Motoyama Indonesia (Jakarta, Indonesia).
  • the air propulsion apparatus 404 is designed to be detachable from the seed metering apparatuses 100 disclosed herein such that the air propulsion apparatus 404 may be removed and used for another purpose when the seed metering apparatus 100 is not in use.
  • the storage containers (corresponding to storage container 402) of these backpack sprayers are used as the storage container 402.
  • the storage container 402 may be made of plastic, however it may be made of other materials as well, such as steel and/or aluminum, other polymers (such as PVC), wood, or bamboo.
  • the storage container 402 may be generally cylindrical, square, rectangular, or any other suitable shape for holding seed. In some embodiments, the storage container is configured to hold rice seeds.
  • the storage container 402 may instead be configured to hold corn, mung beans, soy beans, or other types of seeds, grains, or legumes.
  • the air propulsion apparatus 404 may have a lever to control the opening in for example, a conventional flow control valve with an adjustable aperture on a lower portion of the storage container 402 to allow a desired amount of seed pass through.
  • the air propulsion apparatus 404 may also have a separate (and independent) lever to control the power/speed of the engine of the air propulsion apparatus 404 and, thereby, for example, the velocity and/or volumetric rate of the air stream from the air propulsion apparatus 404 into the coupling joint 102.
  • the coupling joint 102 may be an elbow joint, as shown in FIG.1, wherein the coupling joint 102 includes an upper section and a lower section that are joined at an approximately 90° angle.
  • the coupling joint 102 may instead have a curved contour, be substantially straight, or be of any shape appropriate to connect the air propulsion apparatus 404 to the interior of the seed metering apparatus 100.
  • the coupling joint 102 includes a continuous internal passageway that provides a closed path for a stream of air and seed from the air propulsion apparatus 404 to travel without escaping to the environment.
  • the seed metering apparatus 100 may also include a drum 108 that is fixed between the top plate 106 and a bottom plate 110.
  • the bottom plate 110 may be composed of the same material as the top plate 106 and coupling joint 102, and the bottom plate 110 may be composed of any suitable durable and rigid material familiar to those of skill in the art such as, for example, metal (such as iron, steel, stainless steel, or aluminum), or other materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), other plastics, bamboo, or wood.
  • the drum 108 may be hollow and cylindrical in shape, such that it may accommodate the chute 116 (as shown in a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment in FIG.2).
  • the drum 108 may be composed of any suitable rigid and durable material familiar to those of skill in the art such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plexiglass, other plastics, polymers, polymeric blends, metals, wood, or bamboo.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • plexiglass other plastics
  • polymers polymers
  • polymeric blends metals
  • wood wood
  • bamboo bamboo
  • the top plate 106, drum 108, and bottom plate 110 may be fixed together in some embodiments using one or more bolts 112 that engage a pair of fastening holes respectively provided in each of the top plate 106 and bottom plate 110.
  • the top plate 106 and bottom plate 110 may be fixed together with the drum 108 interposed therebetween by using, for example, welds, rivets, sutures, staples, or interlocking mechanisms between any of the aforementioned components.
  • the bottom plate 110 may also include a plurality of hollow member connections 114 protruding downward from the bottom plate 110.
  • Each of the plurality of hollow member connections 114 may be in a hollow cylindrical shape, or another shape configured to engage a plurality of hollow members (such as tubes or hoses).
  • FIG.3 shows a perspective view of an air spinner chute 116 and a circular tray 118 of the seed metering apparatus 100 according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • the chute 116 is housed within the drum 108 in an assembled seed metering apparatus 100, as shown in the exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a seed metering apparatus 100 depicted in FIG.4.
  • the chute 116 has a top circular opening 130, a bottom circular opening 132, and a curved internal passageway 180 (depicted in, for example, FIG.7) joining these two openings such that the chute 116 provides a single and continuous path for air and seed to travel through the interior of the chute.
  • the chute 116 further includes a vertical portion 128 that is distal to the top circular opening 130 and structurally distinct from the curved internal passageway between the top circular opening 130 and bottom circular opening 132.
  • the vertical portion is coupled to a shaft 160 (as shown in, for example, FIG.7) which may be received within a bearing 120 that is contained within a bearing holder 122 approximately in the center of a circular tray 118.
  • the chute 116 permits the chute 116 to rotate about a vertical axis extending vertically from the center of the circular tray 118 when the apparatus is in operation.
  • the chute 116 is designed to be light and has low torque, so the vertical portion 128 may also include a counterbalance 124 in order to regulate the rotation of the chute 116 during operation.
  • the counterbalance 124 may be, for example, an M10 screw attached to the vertical portion 128.
  • the circular tray 118 includes a plurality of seed inlets 126. As shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of seed inlets 126 may be circular in shape although, generally, the seed inlets may be of any size and shape that is appropriate to receive a seed, for example, a rice seed.
  • a region of the circular tray 118 between each of the plurality of seed inlets 126 may be slanted upward relative to each of the plurality of seed inlets 126, so as to funnel seed that is not deposited directly into a seed inlet 126 into one of the seed inlets 126. Additionally, because the regions between each of the seed inlets 126 are slanted upward relative to each of the plurality of seed inlets 126, these slanted regions will meet at an apex approximately at the midpoint between each of the seed inlets 126, resulting in a “pyramid-shaped” region between each of the seed inlets 126.
  • the chute 116 and circular tray 118 may be made of a rigid and durable plastic, such as, for example polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). However, other polymers, copolymers, plastics, blends, and other materials that may be fabricated into the forms herein described would also be suitable. Moreover, the chute 116 and circular tray 118 may optionally be fabricated using conventional 3D printing methods, so the use of PETG may be desirable because of its suitability for 3D printing. [0074] The curvature of the chute 116, as further described herein, is generally characterized as a twisting, helical curve along the vertical axis of the chute.
  • PETG polyethylene terephthalate glycol
  • the curvature is substantially vertical near the top circular opening 130 before becoming shallower, or closer to horizontal, as the chute helically twists. This results in the seeds hitting a portion of the interior surface of the chute 116 as the seeds are propelled into the chute 116. This slows both the seed and air velocity down within the chute 116 as the combined stream of seed and air enters the region of the chute 116 with shallower curvature. This is necessary to give the chute 116 enough time to rotate and to correct fluctuations and inconsistencies in seed flow from the air propulsion apparatus 404, as the seeds that impact the interior surface of the chute 116 become a “reservoir” of slowed- down seed from which a constant portion can be taken.
  • FIG.4 shows an exploded view of a seed metering apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the chute 116 and circular tray 118 are housed within a drum 108.
  • a top plate 106 sits on top of the drum 108 and above the chute 116.
  • a bottom plate 110 sits below the drum 108 and underneath the circular tray 118.
  • the top plate 106 and bottom plate 110 may be fixed together by one or more bolts 112 that engage at least one pair of fastening holes 134 that overlap each other on the top plate 106 and bottom plate 110, respectively.
  • the drum 108 may be fixedly secured between the top plate 106 and bottom plate 110 with the chute 116 and circular tray 118 contained within the drum 108.
  • the coupling joint 102 of the seed metering apparatus 100 may receive an unmetered stream of air and seed from an air propulsion apparatus 404. This unmetered stream of air and seed travels through the coupling joint 102 and into the chute 116, entering through the top circular opening 130.
  • FIG.6 shows a top view of a seed metering apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • the top plate 106 may include one or more fastening holes 134 arranged on an outer circumference of the top plate 106.
  • FIG.7 shows a cross-sectional view of line 7-7 of the seed metering apparatus 100 as shown in FIG.6.
  • the chute 116 is visible as it is accommodated in the drum 108, and the top circular opening of the air spinner 130 is positioned below the second opening of the coupling joint 105.
  • the shaft 160 is positioned in the center of the vertical portion of the chute 116.
  • the shaft 160 is cylindrical in shape so as to allow the chute 116 to rotate about the vertical axis of the shaft 160.
  • the shaft 160 is accommodated within a bearing 120, which is in turn accommodated in a circular bearing holder 122 that is located in the center of the circular tray 118. This configuration allows the air spinner 116 to rotate about the center of the circular tray 118 when the seed metering apparatus 100 is in operation.
  • FIG.7 also depicts a primary air flow 156 and secondary air flow 158 that flow from the air propulsion apparatus 404. Air flows through the first opening of the coupling joint 104, into and through the coupling joint 102, out of the second opening of the coupling joint 105, and into the top circular opening 130 of the chute 116, through the curved internal passageway 180 of the chute 116, and out of the chute 116 through the bottom circular opening 132 of the chute 116. [0080] The primary air flow 156 remains contained within the coupling joint 102 and the curved internal passageway 180 of the chute 116. The primary air flow 156 serves two functions.
  • the primary air flow 156 also causes the chute 116 to rotate as the primary air flow 156 impacts the internal surfaces of the curved internal passageway 180 of the air spinner 116.
  • the secondary air flow 158 at the top circular opening 130 is created because the diameter of the top circular opening 130 of the chute 116 is greater than the diameter of the second opening 105 of the coupling joint 102. This results in some portion of the air flow from the air propulsion apparatus 404 being directed into the interior of the drum 108 rather than into the curved internal passageway 180 of the chute 116. This reduces the volume of air within the chute 116 relative to the coupling joint 102, which can facilitate rotational control and the rotational speed of the chute 116.
  • the secondary air flow 158 into the interior of the drum 108 also provides a constant swirling, downward movement of air in the drum 108 toward the circular tray 118. This is beneficial in ensuring that any seeds that might escape from the chute 116 are moved toward, and eventually fed into, one of the seed inlets 126.
  • FIG.8 shows a perspective view of the chute 116 and the coupling joint 102 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the chute 116 continuously twists relative to a vertical axis 162 of the chute 116.
  • This twisting is in a convex manner relative to the top circular opening 130 of the chute 116, such that if a horizontal plane was defined as extending across the top circular opening 130, the chute 116 would bend away from that horizontal plane as the chute 116 helically twists down along the vertical axis 162. That is, the chute 116 is in the shape of a partial vertical helix. This shape permits the chute to rotate in a controlled manner as the stream of air and seed from the air propulsion apparatus 404 impacts the internal surfaces of the curved internal passageway of the chute 116.
  • FIGS.9A, 9B, and 9C depict a top view, a front view, and a second side view of the chute 116, respectively.
  • FIG.9A which shows a top view of the chute 116
  • the curvature of the chute 116 may be defined by two vectors extending away from the top circular opening 130 and the bottom circular opening 132, respectively.
  • the first vector 166 originates from the center of the top circular opening 130 and extends into the interior of the chute 116 in three dimensional space.
  • the first vector 166 extends horizontally in an x direction (defined as being coplanar with a horizontal plane extending across the top circular opening 130), vertically in a y direction (defined as being coplanar with the vertical axis 162 of the chute 116), and also extends in a z direction that is perpendicular to both the x and y directions.
  • the second vector 168 originates from the center of the bottom circular opening 132 and extends upward into the interior of the chute 116 in three dimensional space.
  • the second vector 168 extends horizontally in an x direction (defined as being coplanar with a horizontal plane extending across the bottom circular opening 132), vertically in a y direction (defined as being coplanar with the vertical axis 162 of the chute 116), and also extends in a z direction that is perpendicular to both the x and y directions.
  • the x-z component of the first vector 166 and the x-z component of the second vector 168 are depicted.
  • FIG.9A also shows a horizontal distance 164 between the center of the top circular opening 130 and the bottom circular opening 132, as viewed from a birds-eye perspective of the chute 116.
  • a first twist angle 170 may be formed by the x-z component of the first vector 166 and the horizontal distance 164.
  • a second twist angle 172 may be formed by the x-z component of the second vector 168 and the horizontal distance 164.
  • the first twist angle 170 may be about 60–65° and the second twist angle 172 may be about 80–85°. This results in a total curvature of approximately 140–150° within the curved internal passageway 180 of the chute 116. Because the second twist angle 172 is greater than the first twist angle 170, the curvature of the chute 116 becomes more exaggerated toward the bottom of the chute 116 relative to the top of the chute 116.
  • FIG.9B shows a front view of the chute 116.
  • the first vector 166 and the second vector 168 extend in the same three-dimensional orientation as depicted in FIG.9A, but in FIG.9B, the x-y components of both the first vector 166 and the second vector 168 are depicted.
  • the x-y component of the first vector 166 forms a declination angle 176 with a horizontal plane extending across the top circular opening 130.
  • the declination angle 176 may be about 70–75°.
  • the x-y component of the second vector 168 forms an inclination angle 174 with a horizontal plane extending across the bottom circular opening 132.
  • the inclination angle 174 may be about 95–100°.
  • the chute 116 Due to the respective curvatures of the declination angle 176 and inclination angle 174, the chute 116 may be nearly vertically oriented (that is, nearly straight up and down), near the top and bottom of the chute 116, respectively.
  • the top portion of the chute 116 is oriented substantially vertically in order to maintain high seed velocity as the seed enters the chute 116, which causes more impacts between the seed and an internal face of the interior of the chute 116, as described in further detail below.
  • the bottom portion of the chute 116 is also oriented substantially vertically in order to increase the velocity of the seeds as they exit the chute 116.
  • the middle portion of the chute 116 may have a shallower curvature in the sense that it “flattens out” and becomes more horizontal between the top and bottom portions of the chute 116.
  • FIG.9B depicts a tangent angle 178, formed by a line drawn tangent to a side of the chute 116 when viewed from the front, and a horizontal plane bisecting the chute 116 as depicted in FIG.9B.
  • the tangent angle 178 may be approximately 35–40°, such that the interior of the chute 116 has a surface oriented at an angle of approximately 35–40° relative to the top circular opening 130.
  • FIG.9B shows that the diameter of the top circular opening 130 may be greater than the diameter of the bottom circular opening 132.
  • the diameter of the top circular opening 130 may be about 70–80 mm and the diameter of the bottom circular opening 132 may be about 45–55 mm.
  • the cross-sectional area of the curved internal passageway 180 of the chute 116 likewise decreases from the top circular opening 130 to the bottom circular opening 132.
  • the relatively larger diameter of the top circular opening 130 and the top portion of the curved internal passageway 180 reduces the air and seed velocity within that section of the chute 116 as the combined air and seed stream enter the chute 116.
  • One reason for this is to increase the ratio of chute rotation to seed output to ensure that the seed travels through the chute 116 such that it is fed in a controlled and metered fashion through each of the plurality of seed inlets 126 as the chute 116 rotates.
  • Another reason for the relatively larger diameter of the top portion of the curved internal passageway 180 is to correct any fluctuations in seed flow from the air propulsion apparatus 404.
  • the curved internal passageway 180 gradually narrows to a smaller cross-sectional diameter toward the bottom circular opening 132, which will generally increase the velocity of the seed near the bottom of the chute 116 due to the decreased cross-sectional area of the curved internal passageway 180. Seeds are propelled to each of the seed inlets 126 on the circular tray 118 and then through each of the plurality of hollow members 406 (for example, hoses or tubes, such as the hoses 406 in FIG.12A) at an increased velocity, resulting, for example, in more effective and/or deeper penetration of seeds into the ground for planting.
  • the plurality of hollow members 406 for example, hoses or tubes, such as the hoses 406 in FIG.12A
  • FIG.9C showing a side view of the chute 116, the same first vector 166 and second vector 168 are depicted, though only the y-z components of the respective vectors are shown in FIG.9C.
  • the y-z component of the second vector 168 forms a z-angle 182 with the horizontal plane extending across the bottom circular opening 132.
  • the z-angle 182 in conjunction with the first twist angle 170 and second twist angle 172 depicted in FIG.9A, defines how the curved internal passageway 180 of the chute 116 twists relative to the vertical axis 162 of the chute 116.
  • the z-angle 182 may be in the range of 35–55°, such as about 45°.
  • the flow of the air and seed pushes the lower section of the chute 116 to the side, inducing a rotation.
  • the z-angle 182 affects spinner rotation speed. Reducing the z-angle 182 results in a greater surface area of the interior of the curved internal passageway 180 being exposed to the air and seed stream, resulting in increased rotational speed of the chute 116. Increasing the z-angle 182 results in greater air and seed velocity within the chute 116 (because less air impacts the internal surfaces of the curved internal passageway 180), but decreases the rotational speed of the chute.
  • the proper z-angle is a product of these countervailing considerations.
  • FIG.10 is a block diagram showing how a combined stream of seed and air may be propelled into seed metering apparatus 100.
  • An air propulsion apparatus 404 may include a seed lever 201 and a power lever 202.
  • the seed lever 201 may control the rate at which seed is fed into the air propulsion apparatus 404 from the storage container 402 by, for example, by adjusting an adjustable aperture on a lower portion of the storage container 402 via a conventional flow control valve.
  • the stream of seed from the storage container 402 into the air propulsion apparatus 404 is the seed feed stream 203.
  • the power lever 202 may control an air stream 204 out of the air propulsion apparatus 404 and into the seed metering apparatus 100 by, for example, adjusting the power/speed of the engine of the air propulsion apparatus 404.
  • a combined and unmetered seed stream 203 and air stream 204 is propelled by the air propulsion apparatus 404 into the seed metering apparatus 100.
  • FIG.11 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a seed metering apparatus according to the invention.
  • the embodiment shown in FIG.11 is a wheel-powered seed metering apparatus 300.
  • the wheel-powered seed metering apparatus 300 may include a metering wheel (not shown) that is configured to engage the land during operation.
  • the metering wheel may engage a chain 309 and the chain 309 may engage a first gear coupled to a horizontal shaft 308.
  • the chain 309 may be configured to rotate the horizontal shaft 308 about a horizontal axis of the horizontal shaft 308 as the metering wheel rotates, such that the horizontal shaft 308 rotates in the same direction as the metering wheel.
  • a second gear of the horizontal shaft 308 may be perpendicularly, or substantially perpendicularly, engaged with a horizontal gear 307 that is coupled to a bottom portion of a vertical shaft 306.
  • the vertical shaft 306 may be coupled to a wheel-powered spinner device 302.
  • the wheel-powered spinner device 302 may include an air blower connection 301 that is configured to couple with an air propulsion apparatus, such as the air propulsion apparatus 404 shown in FIG.1, that provides an unmetered stream of air and seed into the wheel-powered spinner device 302.
  • the air propulsion apparatus 404 may receive seed from a storage container, such as the storage container 402 shown in FIG.1. Further, the wheel-powered spinner device 302 may include one or more openings in communication with the air blower connection 301, such that a continuous internal passageway is formed between the air blower connection 301 and each of the one or more openings.
  • the wheel-powered spinner device 302 may be composed of the same materials described about with respect to the chute 116. That is, the wheel-powered spinner device 302 may be composed of a rigid and durable plastic, such as polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), PVC, or similar polymers or polymeric blends familiar to those of skill in the art.
  • PETG polyethylene terephthalate glycol
  • PVC polyethylene terephthalate glycol
  • the wheel-powered seed metering apparatus 300 may further include a circular tray 303, similar in form and function to the circular tray 118 of the air-powered seed metering apparatus 100 described herein. That is, the circular tray 303 may be composed of a rigid and durable plastic, such as PETG or other suitable polymers or polymeric blends. The circular tray 303 may also include a plurality of seed inlets 311 that may be evenly spaced around the circular tray 303 at an equal radial distance from the center of the circular tray 303.
  • a region of the circular tray 303 between each of the plurality of seed inlets 311 may be slanted upward relative to each of the plurality of seed inlets 311, so as to funnel seed that is not deposited directly into a seed inlet 311 into one of the seed inlets 311. Additionally, because the regions between each of the seed inlet 311 are slanted upward to each of the plurality of seed inlets 311, these slanted regions will meet in at an apex approximately at the midpoint between each of the seed inlets 311, resulting in a “pyramid-shaped” region between each of the seed inlets 311.
  • the seed inlets 311 are similar in form and function to the seed inlets 126 described herein in relation to the air-powered embodiment.
  • the wheel-powered seed metering apparatus 300 may further include a drum 312 composed of PVC or another suitable durable and rigid plastic, or a metal, wood, or bamboo.
  • the drum 312 may also include a plurality of hollow member connections 305 protruding from the bottom of the drum 312, and each of the plurality of hollow member connections 305 may be respectively positioned below each of the plurality of seed inlets 311.
  • Each of the plurality of hollow member connections 305 may be configured to couple with a hollow member (such as a tube or hose).
  • the hollow member connections 305 are similar in form and function to the hollow member connections 114 described above with respect to the air-powered embodiment.
  • Each of the plurality of hollow member connections 305 may be a hollow cylindrical shape, or any other shape suitable to couple with a hollow member (such as a tube or hose).
  • the air blower connection 301 of the wheel-powered spinner device 302 may receive an unmetered stream of air and seed from an air propulsion apparatus, such as the air propulsion apparatus 404 shown in FIG.1.
  • the wheel-powered spinner device 302 may rotate about the center of the circular tray 303 due to the rotation of the metering wheel causing a rotation of the horizontal shaft 308, the horizontal gear 307, and the vertical shaft 306 coupled to the wheel-powered spinner device 302.
  • seeds are propelled through the interior of the wheel-powered spinner device 302.
  • the rotation of the wheel-powered spinner device 302 causes the openings of the wheel-powered spinner device 302 to be positioned over each of the plurality of seed inlets 311 in a cyclical manner and at a regular interval. Thus, seeds are fed into each of the plurality of seed inlets 311 in a metered fashion.
  • the various shafts, chains, gears and other components of the wheel-powered seed metering apparatus 300 described herein may be composed of any suitable material familiar to those of skill in the art.
  • the components may be composed of iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals, PVC or other plastics, wood, or bamboo.
  • FIGS.12A, 12B, 12C and 13A, 13B, 13C show a seed metering apparatus 1300, which includes an attachment 400 that incorporates a seed metering apparatus 100 of the invention.
  • the attachment 400 may be operationally securable to a farming vehicle (not shown), or the attachment 400 may be configured to be conveyed across a tract of land by being carried by a human operator, or by being pulled by an animal such as a horse, ox, donkey, or other animal. Similar attachments are disclosed in WO 2020/092576 A1.
  • the attachment 400 may include a movable support 417, such as, for example, a wheeled cart or sled, which may include one or more wheels 419.
  • the attachment 400 may also include a storage container (not shown) configured to store seeds and an air propulsion apparatus (not shown) connected to the storage container and seed metering apparatus 100.
  • the attachment 400 may include the air propulsion apparatus 404 and storage container 402 shown in FIG.1.
  • the air propulsion apparatus 404 is configured to receive seeds from the storage container 402 and propel a combined, unmetered stream of air and seed into the seed metering apparatus 100.
  • the air propulsion apparatus 404 can be carried by an operator of the attachment 400, for example, by mounting the storage container and air propulsion apparatus 404 on a backpack or other equipment that can be carried by the operator.
  • the air propulsion apparatus 404 and/or storage container can be mounted on a movable support 417—for example, a wheeled cart or sled.
  • a wheeled cart may made from one or more metals (such as iron, steel, stainless steel, or aluminum), and/or one or more materials such as PVC, bamboo, or wood, (or in the case of the wheels, rubber) and may be coated with one or more substances that protect the movable support from rust and/or degradation from ultraviolet (UV) rays.
  • the moveable support 417 may be wheeled (or otherwise moved) by a first user, and a separate part of the attachment 400 may be carried separately by one or more other users.
  • the air propulsion apparatus 404 may be a commercially available “backpack sprayer” or similar air propulsion apparatus, as described above in connection with FIG. 1.
  • An advantage of the invention is that embodiments of the invention, including those disclosed and described herein, may be readily adjusted to utilize a variety of air propulsion apparatuses. For example, it is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art to mechanically adjust the connection between the seed metering apparatuses disclosed herein and commercially available air propulsion apparatuses.
  • the attachment 400 includes a frame 408.
  • the frame 408 may include a plurality of hollow members 406 coupled to the frame 408 such that each of the plurality of hollow members 406 are approximately evenly spaced along the frame 408.
  • the hollow members 406 may be, for example, tubes or flexible hoses (as shown in FIGS.12A, 12B, 12C, 13A, 13B, 13C).
  • the frame 408 may also include a plurality of spades 410 configured to create furrows in the ground.
  • the plurality of spades 410 may be composed of plastic, metals such as steel and/or aluminum, other polymers (such as PVC), wood, or other materials familiar to those of skill in the art.
  • the plurality of spades 410 may each be respectively positioned below the opening of each of the plurality of hoses 406, such that the plurality of spades 410 are arranged to be closer to, and selectively engage with, the ground.
  • the frame 408 may also be configured to permit selectively raising and lowering the plurality of spades 410 and the plurality of hoses 406.
  • the frame 408 includes at least one joint 416 configured to permit selectively raising and lowering the plurality of spades 410 and plurality of hoses 406.
  • the joint 416 may include a hinge. In some embodiments, the joint 416 may include a connection between at least two bars.
  • the attachment 400 further includes a rake set 418 that is arranged parallel to, and in front of, the plurality of spades 410 (that is, the rake set is farther away from the movable support 417 than the plurality of spades 410).
  • the rake set 418 includes a plurality of rakes, and the rake set 418 may be configured to engage the land as the attachment 400 traverses land, so as to guide dirt, soil, fertilizer, or the like into furrows created in the ground by the plurality of spades 410.
  • the seed planting apparatus 1300 may also be operated without a rake set, or the rake set and/or plurality of rakes may be removed to accommodate various circumstances or planting conditions (for example, soil type, climate, weather, crop type, etc.).
  • the rake set 418 and plurality of rakes may be composed of plastic, metals such as steel and/or aluminum, other polymers (such as PVC), wood, or other materials familiar to those of skill in the art.
  • the attachment 400 may also include an attachment mechanism 422 such as a conventional ball mount to secure the attachment 400 to a device to move the attachment 400.
  • the attachment 400 may couple to a farming vehicle such as a tractor, a car, a truck, or similar vehicle, or a cart that may be machine, human, or animal powered, or a harness in communication with an animal.
  • the attachment mechanism 422 may be in any suitable form to provide a secure, but removable, connection between the attachment 400 and the device to move the attachment, such as, for example, a ball and socket clamp, a hitch, a chain, a strap, or a bracket.
  • the frame 408 permits raising and lowering the plurality of hoses 406 and plurality of spades 410 relative to the ground.
  • the frame 408 is configured to be selectively raised or lowered to engage or disengage the plurality of hoses 406 and the plurality of spades 410 with the ground. In an example embodiment, the frame 408 is configured to be selectively raised or lowered to adjust the depth at which the plurality of spades 410 creates furrows in the ground. [0112] In an example embodiment and mode of the technology disclosed herein, an operator may operate the frame 408 to raise or lower the plurality of spades 410 and/or hoses 406 to account for and accommodate, for example, varying soil conditions, the planting season or stage of the planting season, the seeding technique used, and/or the type of seed dispensed from the apparatus.
  • FIGS.12A, 12B, 12C show, respectively, perspective, side, and front views of a seed planting apparatus 1300 that includes an attachment 400 with a frame 408 in a selectively raised, or “extended,” configuration according to embodiments of the invention.
  • the seed metering apparatus 100, storage container 402 (not shown), and the air propulsion apparatus 404 (not shown) are generally included in operation.
  • FIGS.13A, 13B, 13C show, respectively, perspective, side, and front views of the same embodiment of a seed planting apparatus 1300 that includes an attachment 400 shown in FIGS.12A, 12B, 12C, except that the frame 408 is in a selectively lowered, or “retracted,” configuration.
  • the seed metering apparatus 100, storage container 402 (not shown), and the air propulsion apparatus 404 (not shown) are generally included in operation.
  • FIG.14 shows a system 1400 for planting seeds in a metered fashion according to an exemplary embodiment and mode of the technology disclosed herein.
  • System 1400 can include the seed metering apparatus 100, the air propulsion apparatus 404, a frame 1408, and a farming vehicle 498.
  • a farming vehicle 498 may be coupled to a frame 1408 of a seed planting apparatus.
  • the farming vehicle 498 may be used to pull the frame 1408 over a tract of land during operation of the system.
  • the farming vehicle 498 may be a tractor, cart, sled, car, truck, or other vehicle familiar to those of skill in the art that would be appropriate for the terrain and planting conditions.
  • the frame 1408 may be conveyed by an animal, or human operator.
  • the frame 1408 may be connected to a harness and pulled by a horse, ox, donkey, or other animal.
  • the frame 1408 may also be pulled by a human operator when not coupled to a farming vehicle 498.
  • the system 1400 for planting seeds in a metered fashion may include a storage container 402 coupled to an air propulsion apparatus 404, as shown in FIG.14.
  • the air propulsion apparatus 404 may be further coupled to a seed metering apparatus 100, and the seed metering apparatus 100 may be coupled to a plurality of hollow members 406, such as flexible hoses as depicted in FIG.14.
  • the plurality of hollow members 406 may be arranged and coupled to a frame 1408 that is configured to be selectively raised and/or lowered relative to the ground.
  • the frame 1408 may further include a plurality of disc drills 1410 that are configured to create furrows in the ground for depositing seeds into.
  • the frame 1408 may also include a spring holder 1412, which may further include a plurality of springs that attach to the plurality of disc drills 1410 so as to permit the disc drills 1410 to elastically engage with the ground during operation.
  • a spring holder 1412 which may further include a plurality of springs that attach to the plurality of disc drills 1410 so as to permit the disc drills 1410 to elastically engage with the ground during operation.
  • FIG.5 shows a side view of a seed metering apparatus 100.
  • the overall width 138 of the seed metering apparatus 100 may be about 260– 270 mm and the overall height 136 of the seed metering apparatus 100 may be about 260–270 mm.
  • the thickness of the top plate 142 and the thickness of the bottom plate 144 may both be about 3 mm.
  • the height 140 of the drum 108 may be about 140–150 mm, and the length 152 of the bolt 112 may be about 165 mm.
  • the diameter of the first opening 150 of the coupling joint 102 may be about 60 mm.
  • the diameter 146 of each of the plurality of hollow member connections 114 may be about 25–30 mm and each of the plurality of hollow member connections may have a length 154 extending below the bottom plate 110 of about 40 mm.
  • the shaft 160 of the chute 116 may have a diameter 148 of about 10 mm.
  • the rotational speed of the chute 116 is generally determined by an unmetered stream of air (and seed) from the air propulsion apparatus 404. Table 1, below, provides exemplary rotational speeds of the chute 116 according to increasing power settings of the air propulsion apparatus 404.
  • the rate of seed dispersal out of the seed metering apparatus 100 is influenced by the rate of seed being fed into the air propulsion apparatus 404, as well as the power setting of the air propulsion apparatus 404 that propels the unmetered stream of air and seed into the seed metering apparatus 100.
  • An exemplary seed metering apparatus 100 may be capable of dispersing approximately 1.4–11.1 grams of seed per second to each of the plurality of hollow member connections 114, depending on the seed stream and power settings of the air propulsion apparatus 404.
  • FIG.15 graphically displays the result of an experiment conducted using an exemplary air-powered seed metering apparatus 100. Rice seed was used in the experiment.
  • a range of “1 to 10” is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10.
  • the terms “one,” “a,” or “an” as used herein are intended to include “at least one” or “one or more,” unless otherwise indicated.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Soil Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Sowing (AREA)

Abstract

Des systèmes et des procédés de dosage de graines sont utilisés pour fournir un flux dosé de graines, tels que des graines de riz, depuis un récipient de stockage et dans une pluralité d'éléments creux pour permettre l'espacement contrôlé de graines à l'intérieur de rangées de graines plantées dans toute une gamme d'applications agricoles. Un appareil de plantation de graines est positionné sur un cadre mobile qui peut être fixé à un tracteur ou à un véhicule agricole similaire pour permettre l'espacement contrôlé de graines à l'intérieur de rangées de graines plantées dans toute une gamme d'applications agricoles.
PCT/US2021/015508 2020-01-29 2021-01-28 Appareil de dosage de graines et procédés de fonctionnement WO2021155008A1 (fr)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11751501B2 (en) 2019-05-08 2023-09-12 Precision Planting Llc Seed orientation system for agricultural planters

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1348885A (en) * 1918-10-12 1920-08-10 James F Laffoon Proportional distributer
US2610646A (en) * 1950-06-29 1952-09-16 United States Steel Corp Proportioning distributor for mineral pulp or the like
US4141390A (en) * 1977-12-09 1979-02-27 Weyerhaeuser Company Optical electronic seed sowing system
US4480794A (en) * 1982-11-09 1984-11-06 Fuss Albert K Air seeder distributor
US7318557B2 (en) * 2002-04-19 2008-01-15 Agromiljo As Rotary distributor, methods for its use and the use of the distributor

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1348885A (en) * 1918-10-12 1920-08-10 James F Laffoon Proportional distributer
US2610646A (en) * 1950-06-29 1952-09-16 United States Steel Corp Proportioning distributor for mineral pulp or the like
US4141390A (en) * 1977-12-09 1979-02-27 Weyerhaeuser Company Optical electronic seed sowing system
US4480794A (en) * 1982-11-09 1984-11-06 Fuss Albert K Air seeder distributor
US7318557B2 (en) * 2002-04-19 2008-01-15 Agromiljo As Rotary distributor, methods for its use and the use of the distributor

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11751501B2 (en) 2019-05-08 2023-09-12 Precision Planting Llc Seed orientation system for agricultural planters

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