Implement frame mounted variable rate singulating meters

Abstract

A seeding apparatus has a frame and a plurality of furrow openers spaced laterally along the implement frame. A like plurality of singulating meters is provided, each mounted on the frame close to a corresponding furrow opener, and seed tubes are configured to receive singulated seeds from a corresponding singulating meter and deposit the seeds in the furrow created by the corresponding furrow opener. A pressurized air stream conveys seeds through each seed tube and a seed supply supplies seeds to each singulating meter. A meter control operates each singulating meter to provide a variable seeding rate that is independent of the seeding rates of the other singulating meters. A seed catching member follows each furrow opener and catches the seeds exiting the seed tubes to maintain a consistent seed spacing in the furrow.

Description

[0001]This disclosure relates to the field of agricultural implements and in particular, an air seeder with a singulating meter for each furrow opener, where the singulating meters are mounted on the implement frame that carries the furrow opener assemblies.BACKGROUND[0002]When seeding crops such as corn it is desirable to plant the corn seeds in a furrow at a pre-determined constant distance from each other. To achieve this constant spacing singulating meters have been developed which dispense seeds one at a time from a hopper full of seeds to a furrow opener. The dispensing rate is correlated to speed of travel over the field such that seeds land in the furrow at a constant spacing distance from each other. In a conventional corn planter, a plurality of row units is attached to a tool bar and each row unit plants one row of seeds. Each row unit has a seed hopper and a singulating meter dispensing seeds one at a time through a seed tube to a furrow made by a furrow opener mounted o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a new seeding apparatus for planting seeds in a consistent and efficient way. By mounting the seeds on the implement frame rather than on the furrow opener assemblies, the seeding consistency is improved. Each furrow opener has its own separate singuling meter, allowing for variable seeding rates and individual control. A seed catching member helps to push the seeds into the soil at the desired location. The apparatus is designed to minimize movement of the seed tube to maintain optimal seed positioning. Overall, this new system results in better seeding efficiency and consistency.

Problems solved by technology

Where the singulating meters are mounted on the row units, on rough ground such as typically encountered in no-till operations, the singulating meters experience considerable sudden movement.

The small wheels on the row units respond sharply to bumps on the field surface with the result that the singulating meters are jarred quite severely.

Seeds often get dislodged from the seed pockets of the singulating meters resulting in a significant number of misses in the seed row where no seed is present, and the jarring also results in much increased contact of the seeds with tube walls, and so uneven seed spacing in the furrow.

Images