Planter and method for planting multiple types of seed in a single planting passage

Description

/ 35 “PLANTER AND METHOD FOR PLANTING MULTIPLE TYPES OF SEED IN A SINGLE PLANTING PASS” Field of Invention

[001] The invention relates generally to planters or seeders and, in particular, to planters and seeders for planting multiple types or varieties of seed. Background of the Invention

[002] Modern agricultural practices strive to increase yields from agricultural fields. The technological advantages of planters allow for better agronomic characteristics at planting time, such as providing more precise seed depth, improved uniformity of seed depth across the planter, and improved precision of seed spacing between rows. However, a single field may have inconsistencies in yield performance between different areas of the field. This is due to the fact that a field may have a wide variety of soil types and management types or zones, such as irrigated and non-irrigated zones in different areas. Seed companies are developing multiple varieties of each of their seed product types to optimize yield in these different areas.Different seed varieties offer enhanced performance characteristics for different soil types and management practices. Efforts have been made to plant multiple varieties of a particular seed product type in different areas of fields with different soil types or management zones. These efforts include planters that have different bulk-fill hoppers and require a reservoir for each seed meter to be completely cleaned or planted before a different seed variety can be dispensed to the seed meters. Some planters allow planting of two varieties and include units for... Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 57 / 97 / 35 auxiliary planting rows or two separate and distinct seed meters in each planting row unit. Description of the Invention

[003] The present invention is directed to seeding systems and inter-row crop planting systems that allow seeding or planting of multiple seed types, which may include planting at variable rates, in a single planting pass. The system may allow multiple seed types to be distributed through a multi-compartment seed distribution system that stores the multiple seed types in an agricultural implement for a seed distribution system of the agricultural implement. The seed distribution system of the agricultural implement is controlled to release seeds of the multiple types to the seed distribution system for release in multiple areas of an agricultural field.

[004] According to one aspect of the invention, a planting system is provided to allow planting multiple types or varieties of seeds in a single planting pass with a planter without requiring auxiliary planting row units, multiple seed meters in each planting row unit, or emptying or planting a first type or variety of seed before switching to a second type or variety of seed. The invention allows substantially instantaneous seed variety switching in a bulk-fill planter with a bulk storage system for storing at least one of the seed types or varieties in a central bulk-fill hopper(s) that avoids substantial periods of time of mixed seed variety planting during the transition between planting a first type or variety of seed and planting a second type or variety of seed.

[005] According to one aspect of the invention, a method is Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 58 / 97 / 35, provides for planting multiple seed types or varieties at varying rates in a single planting pass during row crop planting in an agricultural field. The method may include programming a control system of at least one tractor and planter to identify multiple variety types or zones of an agricultural field defined at least in part by characteristics related to at least one soil type and management type. This may include loading a seed type or variety prescription map, along with the appropriate planter population and settings, into the agricultural field in the control system. Seeds of multiple varieties may be distributed from multiple compartments of a planter bulk storage system to a planter seed metering system.The planter's seed metering system can be controlled to release seeds of multiple varieties to multiple areas of the field that correspond to the multiple types or zones of varieties in the field. This allows the use of a prescription map to determine which seed varieties should be planted and where.

[006] The control system may include a tractor controller that has a GPS (global positioning system) module to automatically locate or guide the tractor. The tractor controller may automatically guide the tractor and control the release of seeds of multiple varieties to match the seed variety prescription map.

[007] The control system can be configured to adjust a setting of at least one seed meter of the seed measurement system. This may include automatically adjusting at least one of the seed disc rotation speeds to adjust seed population, adjusting a seed aligner setting, adjusting vacuum level, adjusting deflector position, and adjusting seed level grouping. These Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 59 / 97 / 35 automatic adjustments can provide changes in seed meter performance to match different needs of a particular type or variety zones of the agricultural field, as represented by the prescription map.

[008] The planter may include multiple planting row units, and the seed metering system may include a seed meter arranged in each of the multiple planting row units. The seed meters of the multiple planting row units receive seeds of different varieties to simultaneously plant seeds of different varieties from the respective different planting row units when the planter expands through multiple types or variety zones of the agricultural field. This provides planting of individual varieties on a per-row basis. The control system may be configured to selectively distribute seeds of multiple varieties from the multiple compartments of the bulk storage system to the seed meters of the multiple planting row units to control the planting of an individual seed variety on a per-row basis.

[009] The control system can be configured to individually adjust the rotational speed of the seed disc in each seed meter to vary the seed population on a per-row basis.

[010] According to another aspect of the invention, the seeds of a first variety can be distributed from a first compartment of a bulk storage system of the planter to a seed meter of the planter. The seeds of the first variety are aligned in the seed meter to individually release the seeds of the first variety from the planter to a first type or variety zone of the agricultural field. The first type or variety zone of the agricultural field is defined by an area of ​​the agricultural field that has a first characteristic related to Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 60 / 97 / 35 at least one of the soil type and management type. Seeds of a second variety are distributed from a second compartment of the planter's bulk storage system to the planter's seed meter. The seeds of the second variety are aligned in the seed meter to individually release the seeds of the second variety from the planter to a second type or variety zone of the agricultural field. The second type or variety zone of the agricultural field is defined by an area of ​​the agricultural field that has a second characteristic related to at least one of the soil type and management type.The release of seeds from the first variety of seed meter to the release of seeds from the second variety of seed meter is switched during a period of time while the planter moves from the first variety type or zone to the second variety type or zone. This allows for automatic switching between planting a first variety and a second variety of seed based on the location, speed, and orientation of the tractor and planter.

[011] The seed meter may include a seed tube or other seed transport system that directs the distribution of seeds released from the seed meter toward the field. Seeds of the first and second seed varieties are released from the seed meter and distributed through the seed tube to the first and second type or variety zones of the field, respectively. This allows planting multiple seed varieties at separate times through a single seed tube, which provides consistent cross-seed placement within a trench without requiring extra seed meters, extra planting row units, or sharp tractor turns to compensate for cross-seed placement spacing in an assumption row while changing the seed varieties that are Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 61 / 97 / 35 planted.

[012] According to another aspect of the invention, a seed metering system of a planter is loaded by distributing seeds of multiple varieties from multiple compartments of a bulk storage system to respective multiple compartments of a row storage system. Seeds of a first type or variety are distributed from a first of one of the compartments of the row storage system to the seed metering system. The seeds of the first variety are released from the seed metering system to a first type or variety zone of the agricultural field defined by an area of ​​the agricultural field that has a first characteristic related to at least one of the soil type and management type. Seeds of a second variety are distributed from a second of one of the compartments of the row storage system to the seed metering system.The seeds of the second type or variety are released from the seed measurement system for a second type or variety zone of the agricultural field defined by an area of ​​the agricultural field that has a second characteristic related to at least one of the soil type and management type.

[013] The seed metering system(s) can release seeds of the first and second varieties simultaneously from the first and second planting row units of the planter to control planting of an individual seed variety on a row-by-row basis. Each of the first and second planting row units has a seed meter to individually align and release seeds into the field. Each of the multiple compartments of the row storage system can be loaded independently of the others from among the multiple compartments of the row storage system, such as by Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 62 / 97 / 35 by means of distinct independent loading events based on a detected fill value of the respective compartment. The seed metering system loading can automatically maintain each of the multiple compartments of the row storage system in a full condition. This allows the row storage system, such as row hoppers, to be automatically kept fully loaded.

[014] According to another aspect of the invention, a seed level in each of the multiple compartments of a row storage system, which may be compartments separated in a partition of a single mini-hopper or separate and distinct compartments, is detected in each of the multiple rows of the planter.

[015] Multiple compartments hold seeds of multiple varieties, where each compartment holds seeds of a different variety than the other compartments. An assessment is made to determine if any of the detected seed levels are below a predetermined minimum seed level. A seed level in a compartment detected as being below the predetermined minimum seed level defines a compartment as low-level. The seeds are released from a compartment into a bulk storage system that stores the same seed variety that was in the low-level compartment.

[016] A quantity of seeds released from the bulk storage system compartment may correspond to a quantity of seeds needed to fill the low-level compartment to a completely full level based on the detected seed level. This can be done by means of a measuring roller, for example, a calibrated measuring device, in each of the bulk storage system compartments. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 63 / 97 / 35 in bulk and this allows distributing only as many seeds as necessary from the bulk storage system to the row storage system.

[017] According to another aspect of the invention, during loading, a first seed gate is actuated to selectively direct seed from the bulk storage system to the row storage system of one of the planter rows. This allows a single conduit, such as a primary conduit or main frame conduit, to be used to selectively direct one of multiple seed varieties to different planting row units, relative to the row storage system(s). A second seed gate is actuated to selectively direct seeds into one of the compartments of the row storage system. This allows seed gates to be used to selectively direct seeds into appropriate compartments.

[018] According to another aspect of the invention, a first position of at least one of a tractor and a tractor-towed planter for planting a crop within an agricultural field is determined in relation to a first type or zone of variety predetermined to receive the seed of a first variety based on a characteristic of the first type or zone of variety of the agricultural field. The seeds of the first variety are distributed from a first compartment of a bulk storage system of the planter to a seed metering system. The seeds of the first variety are aligned in the seed metering system to individually release the seeds of the first variety from the planter when the planter is in the first type or zone of variety of the agricultural field.A second position of at least one of the tractor and the planter is determined in relation to a second type or zone of predetermined variety to receive seed of a second type or. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 64 / 97 / 35 variety based on a characteristic of the second type or zone of variety of the agricultural field.

[019] Based at least in part on the determination of the second position, the distribution of seeds of the first variety from the first compartment of the bulk storage system is interrupted and the release of seeds of the first variety from row storage to the planting row unit reservoir is interrupted. The seeds of the second variety are distributed from a second compartment of a planter's bulk storage system to the seed metering system. The seeds of the second variety are fed into and pooled within the planting row unit reservoirs and are eventually aligned in the seed meters of the seed metering system to individually release the seeds of the second variety from the planter when the planter is in the second type or variety zone of the agricultural field.This allows for a quick switch between the first and second seed varieties, minimizing the planting of mixed seed varieties by ensuring that the seed metering system is nearly empty of seeds of the first variety before seeds of the second variety are fed into the seed metering system.

[020] According to another aspect of the invention, a planter is provided for planting multiple seed varieties in a single planting pass during inter-row cropping in an agricultural field. The planter includes a frame that supports multiple planting row units. The frame also supports a seed metering system for aligning seeds for individual release of the planting row units in the agricultural field and a bulk storage system that has multiple compartments for storing seeds. The compartments of the bulk storage system can be set within a tank(s) ofPetition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 65 / 97 / 35 Partitioned bulk filling(s) supported by the frame or compartments may be defined by individual bulk filling tanks with separate seed types or varieties in each. A row storage system selectively receives seeds from the bulk storage system in the planting row units. The row storage system includes multiple compartments connected to a reservoir of the planting row unit. The compartments of the row storage system may be defined within a mini-hopper that receives seeds from the bulk storage system, optionally, at least one row bulk tank or other separate and distinct compartments in the planting row unit.A loading system selectively distributes seeds from the bulk storage system to the row storage system based on the position of at least one of the planter and a tractor towing the planter in relation to multiple predetermined variety types or zones of an agricultural field. The multiple variety types or zones are defined at least in part by characteristics related to at least one of the soil type and the type of agricultural field management.

[021] According to another aspect of the invention, the measuring rollers are arranged between the compartments of the row storage system and the reservoir of the planting row unit to selectively release seeds from respective compartments of the row storage system into the reservoir of the planting row unit. The seed measuring system includes a seed meter in each of the planting row units that receives seeds from the reservoir of the planting row unit. At least one sensor may be arranged in each of the compartments of the row storage system to detect a seed level in each of the compartments of the system. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, pp. 66 / 97 / 35 row storage. At least one sensor may be arranged in the reservoir of the row planting unit of the row storage system. A first seed gate system may be arranged to selectively direct seed from the bulk storage system to the row storage system of one of the row planting units of the planter. A second seed gate system is arranged to selectively direct seeds into one of the compartments of the row storage system.

[022] Other aspects, objectives, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description that follows and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are provided by way of illustration and not limitation. Many alterations and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from its spirit, and the invention includes all such modifications. Brief Description of the Drawings

[023] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, where similar reference numbers represent similar parts throughout the invention. Figure 1 is a simplified schematic representation of a planting system for planting multiple seed varieties; Figure 2 is a simplified schematic representation of a loading system for the planting system in Figure 1, showing one step in loading a row seed storage system; Figure 3 is a simplified schematic representation of a loading system for the planting system in Figure 1, showing another step in loading a row seed storage system; Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, pp. 67 / 97 / 35 Figure 4 is a simplified schematic representation of a loading system for the planting system in Figure 1, showing another step in loading a row seed storage system; Figure 5 is a simplified schematic representation of a control system for the planting system in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method for loading the row seed storage system; Figure 7 is another simplified schematic representation of a planting system for planting multiple seed varieties; Figure 8 is another simplified schematic representation of a planting system for planting multiple seed varieties; Figure 9 is another simplified schematic representation of a planting system for planting multiple seed varieties; Figure 10 is another simplified schematic representation of a planting system for planting multiple seed varieties; Figure 11 is another simplified schematic representation of a planting system for planting multiple seed varieties; Figure 12 is another simplified schematic representation of a planting system for planting multiple seed varieties; Figure 13 is another simplified schematic representation of a planting system for planting multiple seed varieties; Figure 14 is another simplified schematic representation of a planting system for planting multiple seed varieties; Figure 15 shows a graph illustrating the variations of Figures 7 to 14. Figure 16 is another simplified schematic representation of a planting system for planting multiple seed varieties; and Figure 17 is an example of a variety prescription map. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, pp. 68 / 97 / 35 of seed for use with the planting system. Description of Embodiments of the Invention

[024] Now, with reference to the drawings and, specifically, to Figure 1, a planting system 5 for planting multiple seed types or varieties and for automatically switching between types or varieties during planting in a single row planting pass in an agricultural field is schematically shown. The system 5 includes an agricultural implement, shown herein as a planter 7, which may be one of the EARLY RISER® series planters available from Case IH and is typically pulled by a traction device such as a tractor 9. A frame 11 of the planter 7 supports multiple planting row units 13 which are substantially identical. Each planting row unit 13 includes several support, measuring and soil preparation components.This may include a substructure that is connected to the planter frame 11 by means of a parallel linkage system and plow opening and closing mechanisms towards the front and rear ends of the planting row unit 13. The opening and closing mechanisms may include opening discs and closing discs, respectively, or other soil preparation tools to open and close a plow. Each planting row unit 13 may include a regulating wheel configured to adjust the plow depth by limiting the soil penetration of the plow opening mechanism while creating the plow, and a pressing wheel may be arranged to roll over the open plow to close the plow and to further firm the soil over the seed to promote favorable seed-to-soil contact.Although system 5 is shown as being incorporated into a planter 7 as the agricultural implement, it is understood that in other embodiments the agricultural implement is a seeder that may include an air carriage, such as a PRECISION air carriage. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, p. 69 / 97 / 35 AIR® is available alongside Case IH and an air drill, such as the ATX700 air drill available alongside Case IH, with various aspects of the 5 system that are incorporated into the seeder.

[025] Still referring to Figure 1, in this embodiment, the seed 17 is retained in bulk storage in a bulk storage system 19. The bulk storage system 19 has at least one bulk filling hopper 21, shown herein as having two central bulk filling hoppers 21 supported by the planter frame 11, distant from the planting row units 13. The bulk storage system 19 has multiple compartments 23, shown herein as spaces within each of the hoppers 21 that are separated by a wall or divider partitions 25. In another embodiment, the compartments 23 are defined by the separate and distinct containers themselves, such as the hoppers 21.The bulk storage system 19 can be configured to provide at least some row bulk storage, which may include some or all of the compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 as manually filled row storage compartments, as explained in greater detail elsewhere in this document.The different compartments 23 can hold seeds 17 of a different plant type or a common plant type but different varieties or types 17a, 17b, 17c for planting in multiple different variety types or zones of an agricultural field defined, at least in part, by characteristics related to at least one of the soil type and management type, or other characteristics such as high / low soil areas, weed issues, insect issues, fungal issues, protection zones in organic fields that are planted close to non-organic fields, or others, such as those represented as zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3, VZ4 in the PM prescription map of Figure 17. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, pp. 70 / 97 / 35 Although these different seed varieties or types 17a, 17b, 17c are shown, it is understood that other numbers of seed varieties may be stored in and planted by the planter 7 based on, for example, the number of compartments 23 in the bulk storage system 19 for a particular planter 7. Although seed 17 may be described elsewhere in this document as different types 17a, 17b, 17c, it is understood that the description of different seed types includes different varieties. In other words, the different types 17a, 17b, 17c of seed 17 include not only different varieties of the same plant species but also different seed products. Different seed products may include seeds of different species, coated and uncoated seeds, such as insecticide-coated and non-insecticide-coated seeds.Different seed products may also include protection in a seed bag and non-protection in a seed bag, plant parasite-resistant seed and non-plant parasite-resistant seed, such as cyst nematode-resistant seed and non-cyst nematode-resistant seed, herbicide-tolerant seed and non-herbicide-tolerant seed, or other different products. Different seed products may additionally include seeds of different crops, such as corn and soybeans, oats and barley, different cover crops, such as field radishes and rye, or various other combinations thereof or other combinations.

[026] Still referring to Figure 1, based on which type or variety zone of an agricultural field is being planted at a particular time, seeds of different types 17a, 17b, 17c are selectively released from the bulk storage system 19 to the container in a row storage system 27 by means of an airflow system 28 (Figure 2), now referring to Figure 2, the airflow system 28 provides pneumatic power for the use of various components of Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 71 / 97 / 35 planter 7 and is used to transport seeds 17 through the planter 7 to the planting row units 13 to be dispensed into the seed plows formed by the plow opening mechanism. The airflow system 28 includes a positive air pressure source and may include a vacuum source to establish positive pressures and vacuum and corresponding airflows. The positive air pressure source and vacuum sources may be known pumps, fans, exhausters and / or other known airflow system components.The airflow system 28 may include a seed conveying airflow system 28a that provides an airflow via fan F that drags the seeds 17 to move the seeds 17 from the bulk storage system 19 to the planting row units 13 and a seed meter airflow system 28b that provides negative and / or positive pressure for the operation of seed meters in the planting row units 13, as explained in greater detail elsewhere in this document. Each of the seed conveying system and seed meter airflow system 28a, 28b includes positive air pressure source(s) and / or vacuum source(s), depending on the particular configuration(s) of the pneumatic system(s) that are incorporated.Now, with reference to Figure 3, the row storage system 27 locally stores relatively small quantities of seeds 17 in each of the multiple planting row units 13 to feed a seed metering system 29 which can be configured to simultaneously plant different types 17a, 17b, 17c from the different planting row units 13 or otherwise switch seed types 17a, 17b, 17c that are planted, as explained in greater detail elsewhere in this document. The different seed types 17a, 17b, 17c selectively sent from the bulk storage system are stored in multiple compartments 31 of the row storage system 27. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 72 / 97 / 35 each planting row unit 13. The compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 may be defined within a ventilated mini-hopper 33 that receives seeds from the bulk storage system 19, optionally, at least in a row bulk tank or in other separate and distinct compartments of the planting row unit 13.

[027] Still referring to Figure 3, the compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 selectively feed seed types 17a, 17b, 17c to a seed meter 35 of the seed metering system 29. Each seed meter 35 can be a purely mechanical type seed meter 35 or a pneumatic seed meter 35. Now, referring to Figure 2, the seed meter 35 includes an internal seed disc 36 that is rotated to move at least one surface of the seed disc through a seed cluster within the seed meter 35 to collect and align seeds using seed partitions or tabs from the internal seed cluster and transport the individual seeds through the seed meter 35 for individual release out of the seed meter 35 through a seed tube towards a seed plow in the agricultural field.Pneumatic seed meters 35 of the negative pressure type are additionally operably connected via a vacuum inlet to the airflow system 28b of the seed meter 35 (Figure 2) to provide a vacuum airflow within a vacuum chamber that establishes a negative or positive pressure within the seed meter 35 opposite the seed cluster, allowing the seeds to be retained relative to the seed disc, as within the seed partitions, by the vacuum pressure. Pneumatic seed meters 35 of the positive pressure type are operably connected via a pressurized air inlet to the airflow system 28b of the seed meter 35 (Figure 2) to provide... Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 73 / 97 / 35 a positive airflow and a corresponding positive pressure on the seed side of the seed disc within the seed meter 35, through which the seeds of the seed cluster are pushed and retained in relation to the seed disc, as within seed partitions by positive pressure. The seed meter 35 includes a housing that defines a cavity in which a seed aligner that is adjustable, such as remotely adjustable, and configured to inhibit more than one seed from being discharged from the seed meter 35 per seed discharge event and a seed disc 36 (Figures 2 to 4) are disposed, and a deflector that is adjustable, such as remotely adjustable, and configured to control the depth of seed in the mediation that is exposed to the seed disc 36.The rotation of the seed disc includes rotational speed in the adjustable housing cavity, which can be remotely adjustable by controlling a seed disc drive system. The seed disc drive system may include, for example, various electric or hydraulic motors, drive shafts, chains and belts, clutches, pin or hole drive systems, and / or other arrangements, such as a directly driven arrangement in which a motor directly drives the seed disc at its central hub or periphery. Seed meters 35 are operably connected to a control system to adjust the rotational speed of the seed disc 36 to adjust seed population, seed aligner setting, vacuum level, deflector position, and / or seed depth within the seed meter hopper 35, as explained in greater detail elsewhere in this document.

[028] Now, with reference to Figures 2 to 4, system 5 is shown configured to distribute four types of seed 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d which can be selectively distributed from the bulk storage system 19 to the planting row units 13 by means of a system of Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 74 / 97 / 35 loading 37 which includes the seed transport airflow system 28a. The loading system 37 ensures that each seed meter 35 can be selectively dispensed with controlled quantities of seed of different types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d based on the different type or variety zones of the agricultural field. The loading system 37 includes rollers, such as calibrated ring rollers 39, 41 at the outlets of compartments 23, 31 of the bulk and row storage systems 19, 27, respectively. Rollers 39, 41 are driven by electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motors to control the release of known or calibrated quantities of seed types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d from their respective compartments 23, 31.Rollers 39 are rotated in controlled amounts to control the release of seed types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d out of compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 and into a primary or main frame seed conduit or seed line shown as primary seed feed line(s) 43 to be selectively directed into secondary seed conduits or planting row unit shown as secondary seed feed line(s) 45.Rollers 41 are rotated in controlled amounts to control the release of seed types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d out of compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 into a reservoir of the planting row unit 47 which has a hopper 47a that connects to a seed inlet of the seed meter 35 to distribute seed into a seed chamber 47b which holds the seed as a seed cluster within an interior cavity of the entire seed meter 35. It is understood that instead of by means of rollers 39, 41, the controlled downstream release of seeds 17 from the bulk and row storage systems 19, 27 may instead be provided by actuating other valve mechanisms or measuring devices such as augers or sliding or pivoting gates. The outputs of. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 75 / 97 / 35 compartments 23 in the bulk storage system 19 may be operably connected to a seed receiving induction system or volume metering box(es) that controls the release of seeds 17 in the seed feed line(s) 43 connected to such induction system or volume metering box(es). The outlets of compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 may have sliding or pivoting doors to control the release of seeds 17 in the seed meters 35.

[029] With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the loading system 37 includes a diversion system 48 (Figure 2) disposed within the seed transport airflow system 28a to selectively control seed transport through the planter 7. This may include selectively defining flow paths for the seed 17 through the planter 7 based on the location of the planter 7 relative to the multiple VZ1, VZ2, VZ3, VZ4 type zones of the crop field or other performance characteristics of the planter 7 at a given time.The diversion system 48 may include a first seed gate system 49 (Figure 2) and a second seed gate system 51 (Figure 2) that are arranged within the main frame and seed conduits of the planting row unit or primary and secondary seed feed lines 43, 45 to selectively define the passages within the loading system 37 to ensure that seed types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d are directed from the compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 into the appropriate compartments 31 of the row storage system 27. The first seed gate system 49 includes multiple seed gates 53 that are independently moved by respective actuators to direct the seed 17 into one of the seed conduits or secondary seed feed lines 45 of one of the row units. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 76 / 97 / 35 planting 13. The second seed gate system 51 includes multiple compartment gates or seed gates 55 that are moved independently by respective actuators to direct the seed 17 into one of the compartments 31 of the row storage system 27.

[030] Still referring to Figures 2 to 4, a control system 57 includes several sensors to determine the performance conditions of various systems and components within the planter 7, allowing its control. These include seed level sensors 59 in the compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 configured to determine a quantity of seeds of different types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d in the compartments 31. The seed level sensors 61 in the planting row unit reservoir 47 are configured to determine a quantity of seed(s) of different types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d in the compartments 31 and in the planting row unit reservoir 47, whereby signals from the seed level sensors 61 correspond to a quantity of seed in the seed cluster of the seed chamber 47b of the seed meter 35.It is understood that seed level sensors 59, 61 may instead be a single sensor to indicate low level rather than the current level. Other sensors include those arranged within seed meters 35 to allow adjustments to control the performance of seed meters 35 based on size or other characteristics of different types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, including seed aligner controller, vacuum, deflector, seed disc rotation speed and seed depth within a reservoir inside the seed meter.

[031] Now, with reference to Figures 2 and 5, a planter controller 63 and a tractor controller 65 of the control system 57 are Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 77 / 97 / 35 communicate operably with each other, for example, by means of an ISOBUS connection, to coordinate the controls of planter 7 and tractor 9 (Figure 1) based on the type or variety zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3 of the agricultural field, which may correspond to a seed type or variety prescription map PM as shown in Figure 17. In Figure 2, planter controller 63 is shown including a controller 67 and a power supply 69. The controller 67 of planter controller 63 may include an industrial computer or, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC), along with corresponding software and adequate memory to store such software and hardware that includes interconnecting conductors for power and signal transmission to control the electronic, electromechanical and hydraulic components of planter 7.Tractor controller 65 is configured to control tractor 9 operations, such as steering, speed, braking, steering, and other tractor 9 operations. In Figure 2, tractor controller 65 is shown including a controller 71 and a power supply 73. Tractor controller 65 is configured to control tractor 9 functions by controlling the various GPS steering, transmission, engine mechanism, hydraulic, and / or other tractor 7 systems. Like the planter controller 63 controller 67, tractor controller 71 may include an industrial computer or, for example, a programmable logic controller, along with corresponding software and adequate memory to store such software and hardware, including interconnecting conductors to power and transmit signals to control electronic, electromechanical, and hydraulic components of tractor 9.A tractor interface system 75 is operably connected to the tractor controller 65 and includes a monitor and various input devices to allow an operator to view situations and control various tractor operations 9 from inside the tractor cab 9. The tractor interface system 75 can be a... Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 78 / 97 / 35 MulitiControl Armrest™ console available for use with Maxxum™ series tractors available from Case IH.

[032] Now referring to Figure 5, during the use of system 5, the control system 57 can determine the planter's position, speed, orientation, and / or other motion characteristics by monitoring the tractor's position and motion through the tractor controller 65. The tractor controller 65 evaluates an input signal of the speed from a tractor speed sensor 77 along with a GPS signal or tractor GPS data 79 in relation to the PM prescription map (Figure 17). Now referring to Figure 2, using such evaluations, the control system 57 determines which planting row units 13 should plant which type(s) of seed(s) 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d and when, and also determines a loading strategy for the compartments 31 of the row storage system 27, to achieve such multi-seed type planting.To facilitate the determination of the loading strategy, the control system 57 queries seed levels of seed types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d and / or other operational characteristics in each planting row unit 13. This can be done by evaluating signals from seed level sensors 59 of the mini-hopper compartment or row compartment 31 and seed level sensors 61 at the bottom of the hopper 47a of the planting row unit reservoir 47. Again, referring to Figure 5, the planter controller 63 evaluates the signals from the seed level sensors 59, 61 and communicates with the tractor controller 65 to determine a loading strategy and control strategy for the seed meters 35 (Figure 2).The planter controller 63 commands the selective distribution of the respective seed types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d to identified target compartment(s) 31 (Figure 2) of the row storage system 27 to achieve planting of the multiple seed type according to the PM prescription map (Figure 17). Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 79 / 97 / 35 control system 57 can do this by using planter controller 63 to control the central bulk filling ring roller motors 39a, planting row unit seed gate actuators 53a, mini-hopper compartment seed gate actuators 55a and mini-hopper roller motors 41a to control the rotation or other actuation movement of rollers 39, row gates 53, compartment seed gate 5 and rollers 39 (Figure 2), respectively. Referring to Figure 5, the planter controller 63 controls the deflector actuator 81, aligner actuator 83, drive motor 36a and vacuum control mechanism or motor 85 to control the actuation, rotation or other motion or performance characteristics of the deflector, aligner, seed disc rotation speed 36 (Figure 2) and vacuum pressure of the seed meter(s) 35.

[033] To use system 5, an operator first displays the seed type or variety prescription map PM (Figure 17) on the tractor interface system 75 computer display or monitor, which would typically be inside the tractor cab. The PM prescription map displays which seed types 17a, 17b, 17c should be planted and which correspond to variety types VZ1, VZ2, VZ3. The operator enters which seed types 17a, 17b, 17c are stored in compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 via the tractor interface system 75. The PM prescription map may also contain the seed population that should be planted for each type or types 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d. The seed population may also be varied within the field based on soil type, organic matter, etc. The seed size may also be entered into the tractor interface system 75.This information may also be available in the database that is built from the desktop computer software when the PM prescription map is created. Knowing the seed size will... Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page. 80 / 97 / 35 allow the control system 57 to control the seed meter settings 35, such as vacuum, seed level grouping, deflector, and aligner to ensure proper measurement of individual seeds 17. The preferred settings for the seed meter 35 could also be preset by the operator and based on historical data or data provided by the seed manufacturer 17 or planter 7. Adjusting the seed meter 35 to obtain the preferred settings can be done by adjusting the vacuum setting for each meter 35, controlled manually or automatically from inside the tractor cab via the tractor interface system 75. Similarly, the seed aligner and deflector can be controlled manually or automatically via the control system 57 for each planting row unit 13, which may include performing the actual physical adjustment(s) for the aligner and / or deflector.In one embodiment, an electric solenoid or stepper motor attached to the aligner and / or deflector is controllable to perform such adjustments.

[034] Now referring again to Figures 2 to 4, when system 5 is first started, control system 57 determines the seed level in each of the compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 based on a signal(s) from the seed level sensors 59 in the compartments 31. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 87 of loading the row storage system 27 by filling the compartments 31 with seed types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d from the bulk storage system 19.

[035] Furthermore, with reference to Figure 6 and additional reference to Figures 2 to 4, as shown in block 89, the control system 57 queries the seed level sensors 59 of the compartments 31 of the row storage system 27, which can be done sequentially. As an initial step, as shown in block 91, the control system 57 queries the seed level sensors 59 in Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page. 81 / 97 / 35 compartment 31A of row 1. If it is empty or below a certain level, the control system 57 sends a signal to the planter controller 63 which powers the motor (not shown) that rotates the roller 39 at the outlet of compartment 23 located on a base of the bulk filling hopper 21 of the bulk storage system 19. Rotating the roller 39 dispenses seed 17 of seed type 17a into the main frame seed conduit or primary seed feed line 43. Since the volume of seed in compartment 31 is known, the roller 39 for compartment 23 of the bulk storage system 19 is calibrated to measure only the exact amount of seed that is required to fill compartment 31a of the row storage system 27 of the particular planting row unit 13 for the row that is filled with a variety of seeds at that particular time.Seed 17 is transported along the primary seed feed line(s) 43 by means of airflow produced by fan F. As depicted in block 93, a row gate 53 is activated to direct seed 17 towards one of the planting row units 13. For example, when seed 17 arrives at a junction between the primary seed feed line(s) 43 and the secondary seed feed line(s) 45 to the planting row unit Row 1 13 (Figure 2), gate 53 of the first gate system 49 at that junction is activated and directs the airflow and seed 17 through the seed conduit of the planting row unit or secondary seed feed line 45 towards the compartments 31 of the row storage system 27.Furthermore, as depicted in block 93, when seed 17 arrives at the junction between the secondary seed feed line(s) 45 and the compartments 31 of the row storage system 27, a first seed compartment gate 55 of the second seed gate system 51 is opened by the control system 57 to direct the flow of seed 17 and air into the interior. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 82 / 97 / 35 of the associated compartment 31, in this case, compartment 31a, to store seed type 17a. Seed 17 falls into compartment 31a and air is allowed to escape through a perforated lid (not shown) covering the mini-hopper(s) 33. After seed 17 is distributed to mini-hopper 33 of row 1 and seed level sensor 59 for compartment 31a of row 1 has confirmed that the appropriate quantity of seed 17 has been distributed, seed level sensor 59 for the compartment holding seed type 17a in row 2 is queried.Optionally, a time delay would occur to trigger the query for row 2 if seed 17 is required in that compartment; the seed is distributed to compartment 31a in the “Row 2” planting row unit 13 by actuating seed gates 53, 55 to direct seed 17 into compartment 31a in the Row 2 planting row unit 13. The actuated positions of seed gates 53, 55 to achieve this are shown in Figure 3. As represented in blocks 95, 97, this sequence is repeated for all rows of the planter 7 until the compartments 31 of type 17a in the mini-hoppers 33 have been completely filled or the seed level sensors 59 indicate that they are already full for all rows. As shown in blocks 99 and 101, since compartments 31 of type 17a are full, the sequence is repeated for type 17b in all planting row units 13.Figure 4 shows the end of the sequence for row 2 and shows type 17d being distributed from bulk storage system 19 to compartment 31d of mini-hopper 33 in row 2. As represented in block 103, since compartments 31d of type 17d have been completely filled by all rows, the complete sequence begins by querying seed level sensors 59 for compartment 31a of type 17a in row 1. The entire sequence or process 87 is repeated from planting. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 83 / 97 / 35 continue. The loading process does not necessarily need to be executed in the order previously described. The control system 57 can control the loading process to achieve prioritized filling of row hoppers by immediate need / most immediate lower level based on sensor measurement or PM prescription map (Figure 17). In this way, the filling level in the multiple compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 can be maintained by a prioritized loading during which an order to fill the multiple compartments 31 is executed according to an immediate need based on at least one of a detected lower level of seeds 17 within the multiple compartments 31 and a location of the agricultural implement according to the PM prescription map of the agricultural field.For example, since the seed level sensors 59 in the mini-hoppers 33 can detect the seed level, the algorithm to determine which seed type(s) 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d should be dispensed and to which row could be determined by, for example, which compartment 31 has the lowest seed level 17. An additional algorithm could use the seed type or variety prescription map PM (Figure 17) and anticipate to visualize which type 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d will be predominantly planted, and adjust the refilling sequence accordingly. When the entire loading process 87 is completed, the tractor interface system display 75 can signal to the operator that planting can begin.

[036] Again referring to Figure 5 and further referring to Figure 2, by means of the tractor GPS 79 communicating with the tractor controller 65, the control system 57 is able to determine which seed types 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d should be planted by each of the planting row units 13 of the planter based on the PM prescription map (Figure 1) and, thus, in zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3, VZ4. By Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 84 / 97 / 35 example, if type 17a is to be planted in row 1, the control system 57 activates an electric motor (not shown) which is connected to and rotates roller 41 at the outlet of compartment 31a which stores type 17a in row 1 (Figure 2). Seed 17 is dispensed inside the planting row unit reservoir 47 which directs the seed towards the seed disc 36. The control system 57 can command the rotation of rollers 41 so that a predetermined batch size is released, such as approximately 50 seeds measured out at the outlet of compartment 31a at a time. When the seed level sensors 61 at the bottom of the hopper 47a of the planting row unit reservoir 47 determine that more seed 17 is required, the control system 57 determines whether row 1 is still required to plant seed type 17a.If so, the motor for roller 41 from the output of compartment 31a, which stores seed type 17a, is activated again, and more seeds of type 17a are dispensed into the planting row unit reservoir 47. If the PM prescription map indicates that seed type 17b is required, the motor for roller 41 and compartment 31b is activated, and seed of type 17b is dispensed into the planting row unit reservoir 47. This process continues as long as the planting operation continues. The same process is used for all rows in planter 7. There is no requirement that all rows must be planted with the same type(s) 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d. In one embodiment, each planting row unit 13 could plant a different type 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d in different rows at the same time, and any individual row could switch from one variety to another as requested by the PM seed variety prescription map.It is understood that one or more of the zones VZ1, VZ2, VZ3, VZ4 may require a predetermined mixture of two or more of the seed types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d, through which the control system 57 controls the release of seeds 17 from the bulk and / or row storage systems 19, 27 to create a. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 85 / 97 / 35 intentional mixing based on the desired predetermined mixing ratio. Mixing can be done at the loading stage. In this way, seed types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d of a zone-required mixture can be simultaneously or otherwise distributed from respective compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 into a single compartment 31 of the row storage system 27, so that compartment(s) 31 store(s) the mixture in the row storage system 27. Mixing can also be done at the metering feed stage. In this way, mixing occurs while filling the seed cluster(s).This can be done by releasing seeds of multiple types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d from multiple compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 to provide a seed cluster that has a mixture of the different seed types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d within seed meter(s) 35. Regardless of whether the mixture occurs in relation to bulk storage or row storage, the seed metering systems 19, 27, 29, the control system 57 control the release of seeds 17 to provide various mixtures required by zone, such as a mixture of 25% seed type 17a and 25% seed type 17c and 50% seed type 17d by controlled mixture while feeding the seed cluster or upstream.

[037] In an embodiment in which different seed populations for seed types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d are known for the variety zones, the control system 57 controls the seed meters 35 to achieve the target seed populations. This can be done by manually or automatically adjusting at least one of a seed disc rotation speed to adjust the seed population, a seed aligner setting, vacuum level, deflector position, and / or seed depth within the seed meter reservoir. The adjustments Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, pp. 86 / 97 / 35 corresponding items may also be made to accommodate different seed types, sizes or shapes, or varieties, of seed types 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d.

[038] Figures 7 to 14 show variations of system 5 from Figures 1 to 4. The variations are labeled with configuration numbers and schematically show combinations of different numbers of compartments 31 of the row storage system 27, different numbers of seed conduits or feed lines, and corresponding arrangements of the rows and seed compartments. Figure 15 provides a graph with summary information of the variations of the entire system 5, such as those shown in Figures 7 to 14. Figure 7 and cell 105 of Figure 15 show an individual row for each variety for each row, with a single compartment 31 of the row storage system 27 in each planting row unit 13.This is shown in Figure 7 as a primary seed feed line 43 from each of the compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 connecting to a single secondary seed feed line 45 which is connected to a single compartment 31 of the row storage system 27. Figure 8 and cell 107 of Figure 15 show a single line for each of the multiple variety feed rows, with a single compartment 31 of the row storage system 27 in each planting row unit 13.This is shown in Figure 7 as a primary seed feed line 43 from each of the compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 connecting to separate secondary seed feed lines 45 connecting to a single compartment 31 of the row storage system 27, wherein each primary seed feed line 43 extends past the respective secondary seed feed line 45 to the subsequent planting row units 13. Figure 9. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, pp. 87 / 97 / 35 and cell 109 of Figure 15 show a single line for each row feeding all varieties, with a single compartment 31 of the row storage system 27 in each planting row unit 13. This is shown in Figure 7 as a single primary seed feed line 43 connected to all compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 and terminating in a single compartment 31 of the row storage system 27. Figure 10 and cell 111 of Figure 15 show a single line feeding all varieties for all rows, with a single compartment 31 of the row storage system 27 in each planting row unit 13.This is shown in Figure 7 as a single primary seed feed line 43 connected to all compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19, connected to a single compartment 31 of the row storage system 27, and extending past the respective single compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 to the subsequent planting row units 13. Figure 11 and cell 113 of Figure 15 show an individual line for each variety for each row, with multiple compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 in each planting row unit 13. This is shown in Figure 11 as a primary seed feed line 43 from each of the compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 connected to the respective compartment 31 of the row storage system 27.Figure 12 and cell 115 of Figure 15 show a single line for each of the multiple variety feed rows, with multiple compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 in each planting row unit 13. This is shown in Figure 12 as a primary seed feed line 43 from each of the compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 that connect to separate secondary seed feed lines 45 that connect. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, pp. 88 / 97 / 35 to the respective compartments 31 of the row storage system 27, where each primary seed feed line 43 extends past the respective secondary seed feed line 45 to the subsequent planting row units 13. Figure 13 and cell 117 of Figure 15 show a single line for each row feeding all varieties, with multiple compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 in each planting row unit 13. This is shown in Figure 13 as a single primary seed feed line 43 connected to all compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19 and terminating at the planting row unit 13 while connecting to each of the compartments 31 of the row storage system 27.Figure 14 and cell 119 of Figure 15 show a single line feeding all varieties to all rows, with multiple compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 in each planting row unit 13. This is shown in Figure 14 as a single primary seed feed line 43 connected to all compartments 23 of the bulk storage system 19, connected to each of the compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 and extending past the respective single compartments 31 of the row storage system 27 to the subsequent planting row units 13.Now, referring to Figure 15, cells 105, 107, 109, 111, 113, 115, 117, 119 represent a planter 7 (Figure 1) with a single seed meter 35 in each planting row unit 13, while cells 121, 123, 125, 127 of Figure 15 represent a planter 7 with multiple seed meters 35 in each planting row unit 13, such as double-row planters. Regardless of the particular configuration of planter 7, it is understood that variations of the system 5 represented in Figures 7 to 14 may include the loading system 37 (Figure 2) or its components, such as intersections. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, pages 89 / 97 / 35 of various planter components to achieve selective loading.

[039] In an embodiment in which row-by-row variety control is not required and / or in which 100% transfer within a relatively short distance is not required, compartments 31 and rollers 41 of minihoppers 33 may be eliminated.

[040] In one embodiment, the system 5 is incorporated into a non-volume filling planter 7 fitted with row-mounted seed hoppers provided that each row hopper is partitioned and has gravity feed capability into the seed meter hoppers. This embodiment does not require a central bulk filling hopper(s) 21 or loading system 37, but may instead include a partitioned row hopper or multiple row hoppers as the compartments 31 for gravity feed into the planting row unit hopper 47 or internal seed meter hopper 35.

[041] Now referring to Figure 16, in this embodiment, system 5 includes a combination of central bulk-filling hopper(s) 21 of a bulk storage system 19 that feeds a mini-hopper 33a as a compartment 31 in each planting row unit 13, with seed type 17b stored in bulk remotely to the planting row unit 13. Seed types 17a, 17c are stored in bulk in the row itself, in a partitioned row hopper 129 of the row storage system 27 or multiple row hoppers in each planting row unit 13. The loading system 37 is arranged to selectively distribute the seeds of the various types 17a, 17b, 17c to the seed meter 35, as by means of rollers 41 (Figure 1) arranged between compartments 23, 31 of the row hopper 129 and mini-hopper and seed meter 35. The mini-hopper 33a would be fed from Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, pp. 90 / 97 / 35 bulk filling hopper(s) 21 of the bulk storage system 19 as previously explained. The row hopper 129 could be used to hold the seed varieties 17 that would be less frequently used in its compartments 23. The mini-hopper 33a fed from the bulk filling hopper(s) 21 could be used for the seed 17 that will be planted in a larger part of the field. This configuration eliminates partitions and separate compartments 23 of the centrally located, distant bulk filling hopper(s) 21 and can reduce the number of seed conduits or feed lines, gates and rollers, when compared to the previously described loading system 37.

[042] Many alterations and modifications could be made to the invention without departing from its spirit. Various components and features of system 5, for example, components or features of the seed storage system(s), loading system(s) and seed measuring system(s) can be incorporated alone or in different combinations in a planter or seeder. The scope of these alterations will become more apparent from the appended claims. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, pp. 91 / 97

Claims

1 / 5 Claims 1. A planter for planting multiple types of seed in a single planting pass, during row crop planting in an agricultural field, comprising: a frame (11) supporting multiple planting row units (13); a bulk storage system (19) for separately storing seeds (17) of multiple types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) in the planter (7); a row storage system (27) that selectively receives seeds (17) from the bulk storage system (19) and separately stores the seeds (17) of multiple types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) of seed in the planting row units (13);the planter being characterized by additionally comprising a flow path at least partially interconnecting the bulk storage system (19) and the row storage system (27) for selectively loading one of the multiple types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) of seeds (17) from the bulk storage system (19) towards the row storage system (27); and a diverter communicating with the flow path for selectively diverting a selected type of the multiple types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) of seeds (17) in the flow path to a corresponding compartment among the multiple compartments (31) in the planting row unit (13) for storage;and a seed meter (35) in each of the multiple planting row units (13) that selectively receives seeds (17) of the multiple types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) of the row storage system (27) and that releases the seeds (17) for planting in an agricultural field. Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page 92 / 97 2 / 5; 2. PLANTER, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a row planting unit reservoir (47) in each row planting unit (13) arranged to direct seeds (17) to an interior space of the seed meter (35), and wherein each of the multiple compartments (31) has an outlet facing the inlet of the row planting unit reservoir (47) and arranged so that all elements of the multiple compartments (31) of the row storage system (27) are fed into the inlet of the row planting unit reservoir (47).

3. SEED DRILL, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one seed level sensor (59) in each of the multiple compartments (31) of the row storage system (27) for determining a quantity of seeds (17) in each of the multiple compartments (31) of the row storage system (27).

4. PLANTER, according to claim 3, characterized in that in each of the multiple planting row units (13), the multiple compartments (31) of the row storage system (27) are set in a single mini-hopper (33).

5. PLANTER, according to claim 4, characterized in that each mini-hopper (33) has an inlet end disposed beyond the seed meter (35) and an outlet end disposed closer to the seed meter (35), and wherein the diverter includes a gate system (49, 51) disposed between the inlet end of the mini-hopper (33) and the bulk storage system (19), with the gate system (49, 51) configured to selectively direct seeds (17) from the bulk storage system (19) into one of the multiple compartments (31) of the row storage system (27). Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, pp. 93 / 97 3 / 5 6. PLANTER, according to claim 5, characterized in that the gate system (49, 51) includes at least one movable gate (53) to define flow paths to different compartments of the multiple compartments (31) of the row storage system (27) to direct the seeds (17) of different types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) to the respective compartments (31) of the multiple compartments of the row storage system (27).

7. PLANTER, according to claim 5, characterized in that the gate system (49, 51) includes multiple gates (53) arranged at the inlet end of the mini-hopper (33), and in that the multiple gates (53) are actuatable to selectively restrict or permit the flow of seeds (17) of multiple types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) into the respective compartments of the multiple compartments (31) of the row storage system (27).

8. PLANTER, according to claim 7, characterized in that each of the multiple doors (53) is actuatable to restrict flow in the respective compartment (31) of the row storage system (27) by covering an opening at the inlet end of the mini-hopper (33) to block a flow path in the respective compartment (31) of the row storage system (27), and to allow flow in the respective compartment (31) of the row storage system (27) by uncovering the opening at the inlet end of the mini-hopper (33) to define a flow path in the respective compartment (31) of the row storage system (27).

9. PLANTER, according to claim 7, characterized in that each of the multiple ports (53) is actuatable within a seed feed tube to selectively define a flow path from the seed feed tube to the interior of the multiple compartments (31) of the row storage system (27).

10. PLANTER, according to claim 5, characterized in that the mini-hopper (33) is configured to selectively release seeds (17) from multiple compartments (31) through multiple openings defined at the outlet end of the mini-hopper (33).

11. PLANTER, according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises multiple rollers (41) respectively arranged in the multiple openings defined at the outlet end of the mini-hopper (33), wherein the multiple rollers (41) are rotatable to distribute measured quantities of seed (17) from the multiple compartments (31) of the row storage system (27).

12. PLANTER, according to claim 11, characterized in that each of the multiple rollers (41) distributes seeds (17) into a common opening of the planting row unit reservoir (47).

13. PLANTER, according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises at least one seed level sensor (59) disposed in the planting row unit reservoir (47) for determining a quantity of seeds (17) in the planting row unit reservoir (47).

14. METHOD FOR PLANTING MULTIPLE TYPES OF SEED IN A SINGLE PLANTING PASS, during the planting of an agricultural field with an agricultural implement, wherein the method is characterized by the fact that it comprises: storing seeds (17) of multiple types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) in multiple compartments (23) of a bulk storage system (19); selectively transporting the multiple types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) of seeds (17) through a common flow path towards the row storage system (27), the storage system in Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, page.95 / 97 5 / 5 row (27) including multiple compartments (31); divert each of the multiple types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) of seeds (17) to a compartment (31) selected from among the multiple compartments in the row storage system (27); store the seeds (17) of multiple types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) in multiple compartments (31) of a row storage system (27) in planting row units (13) of the agricultural implement; and selectively distribute the seeds (17) of different types from the multiple types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) at different times from the multiple compartments (31) of the row storage system (27) to a seed measuring system (29) to release the seeds (17) from the agricultural implement for planting in an agricultural field.

15. METHOD, according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises selectively rotating a roller (41) in the row storage system (27) to distribute the seeds (17) from the row storage system (27) to the seed measuring system (29).

16. METHOD, according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises: storing the first type of seeds of multiple types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) in a first bulk storage compartment (23) that is distant from the row storage system (27) and that transports the seeds (17) of the first type from the first bulk storage compartment to the row storage system (27); and storing a second type of seeds of multiple types (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) in a second bulk storage compartment in the row storage system (27). Petition 870200115008, dated 10 / 09 / 2020, pp. 96 / 97

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