Aerodynamic and centrifugal seed orientation system for agricultural planter

Abstract

A seed orientation ring assembly (240) is configured to receive randomly oriented seeds (28) from an agricultural row planter and move the seeds through a curved passageway defining a curved seed ride surface (292). Air flow is created by injecting air through air injector nozzles (264) onto the curved seed ride surface and removed by venting the air radially inward through vents (268) from the curved seed ride surface. The seeds are stabilized, aligned, and entrained in the air flow with some combination of air dynamics, centrifugal forces, and path geometry. A seed outlet (244) is configured to vent the seeds into a wedge-shaped furrow, disengage the seeds from the air flow, and wedge the seeds into the furrow before being covered by a closing wheel, thereby planting the aligned seeds into the soil with the seed tips oriented downward and the embryo facing the adjacent row.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is a continuation-to-file of U.S. Patent Application US17 / 387,778, filed July 28, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a seeding device for an agricultural crop planter, and more specifically to a seed orientation system, apparatus and method for placing seeds in soil with a selected growth orientation. Background Technology

[0004] Agriculture is an industry that has been and will continue to be profoundly shaped and influenced by industrialization. Progress has been made at an astonishing pace. Every increase in the speed or reliability of task completion yields substantial returns for farms by enabling the same number of farm workers to cultivate increasingly larger tracts of land in a given time. Because productivity has achieved and will continue to achieve these remarkable increases, the cost of basic food necessities has decreased relative to other components of the general cost of living over the past fifty years. This has brought enormous benefits to society, as providing a safe and stable food supply to a growing population is essential for individual health and well-being, as well as for the stability of governments and nations.

[0005] To expand the cultivated area under their care, farm labor must improve many different needs. These include faster and more efficient seeding or seedling raising, faster and more efficient crop care between sowing and harvesting, and faster and more efficient harvesting. Crucially, sowing and harvesting can have very short and unpredictable windows of opportunity within which farm workers must complete their work. There are far more times when weather conditions disrupt sowing than any farm could hope for. For example, heavy rainfall following a cold late spring with a late frost can cause fields to become partially flooded and too muddy and soft for equipment to access. Farms are forced to wait for the fields to dry, leaving only a few days to sow crops. If this fails, valuable land may be forced to lie fallow, significantly reducing crop yields and farm income. Similarly, germination rates are significantly affected by temperature and humidity, so finding the best weather forecast and sowing all land within the optimal weather window will also significantly impact crop yields.

[0006] Recognizing these needs, modern agricultural equipment manufacturers have strived and successfully produced larger yet still highly reliable machinery that allows farm labor to sow more seeds in less time. Compared to the past when farmers used oxen or other livestock to pull a single plow and then sow seeds by hand, modern machinery can plant multiple rows simultaneously and travels at speeds far exceeding what was previously possible.

[0007] Agricultural row crop planters typically include a seed hopper connected to a seed metering system that delivers seeds into furrows formed by disc-shaped furrow opener blades. Multiple row crop planters are typically mounted parallel to the tool bar attached to a tractor. For example, as of the date of this application, it is common practice to have twenty-four or thirty-six row units attached to a single tractor.

[0008] For such a large component to function effectively, the equipment must be extremely reliable. With twenty-four "clones," the likelihood of failure is twenty-four times that of a single-row planter. When a row crop planter fails, quick and easy repair or replacement of the equipment is also crucial for farm workers, as repair time not only slows down the affected row but also halts planting in all 24 rows. The likelihood of failure and the impact of repair time are even greater when the component is a thirty-six-row planter.

[0009] In typical existing row crop planters, seeds are delivered in bulk from the seed hopper to a metering system. The metering system precisely individualizes the large quantity of seeds and, most preferably, delivers these individualized seeds at highly predictable and repeatable time intervals. Improved metering systems have been developed significantly and have generally proven to be quite reliable. The row crop planter then delivers one seed at a time into the ground, typically into a furrow created by furrow opener blades. The rate at which individual seeds are released from the metering system is preferably adjustable to appropriately control the spacing between seeds based on the speed of the tractor and the row crop planter relative to the ground.

[0010] The standard method for delivering seeds from the seed hopper to the ground is a gravity-feed system, which positions the seed tube inlet below the seed metering system. Individual seeds fall from the seed metering system along the seed tube into furrows formed by furrow opener blades positioned in front of the seed tube. While this standard method of seed delivery is a significant improvement over older technologies, there is still considerable room for improvement in the desired seed placement, seed spacing, and the relative velocity of the seeds upon impact with the ground. A very common problem today is that when seeds land in the furrows, they tend to bounce unpredictably and can roll or tumble in either direction. Some seeds may stick upon landing, while others may roll far away. This problem is particularly challenging as the planter's speed relative to the ground increases, because tumbling or rolling seeds will have greater momentum to carry them further away from their intended target.

[0011] To achieve constant, uniform seed spacing at high sowing speeds, improved seed delivery devices have been designed. Exemplary U.S. patents include: US5,974,988 by Stufflebeam et al.; US6,332,413 by Stufflebeam et al.; US8,336,471 by Gilstring; and US8,789,482 by Garner et al. Typical row units, such as those described by Stufflebeam et al., Gilstring, and Garner et al., deliver seeds to the furrow with more precise control over sowing time and, consequently, seed spacing, even at sowing speeds significantly higher than those commonly used in the prior art. In each of these patents, this is achieved by controlling seed travel and bouncing, although each patent employs different techniques. Stufflebeam et al.'s patent provides a specially shaped, curved feed tube made of a low-friction material. Gilstring provides high-speed air transport via a small-diameter feed tube. Garner et al. use brushes to separate and control seed movement. However, none of these patents attempt to orient the seeds, nor do they provide any method to ensure that the seeds remain oriented in the soil when covered by soil.

[0012] Optimizing seed orientation during sowing, with the seed tip pointing downwards and the coleoptile facing adjacent rows, results in faster and more uniform emergence, increased light cutoff, and accelerated canopy closure, thus reducing weed pressure. When the seed tip points downwards towards the ground, the roots and coleoptile do not waste time and energy wrapping around the seed. Therefore, crops exhibit faster and more uniform emergence and higher plant uniformity.

[0013] Further production advantages arise when the seed plumule is oriented towards the adjacent row (generally perpendicular to the row in which the seed is located). The leaf structure of a maize plant aligns with the plumule / embryo orientation. When the plumule faces the adjacent row, the leaves are oriented between rows, rather than above adjacent plants within the same row. This optimized leaf structure results in greater light interception. Furthermore, the optimized leaf structure provides faster canopy closure, which retains moisture and reduces weed stress.

[0014] Conversely, in random orientation, some plants emerge earlier or later than most crops, and some plants shade neighboring plants. Numerous studies have demonstrated that both of these factors contribute significantly to yield reductions. An exemplary article by Tyler D. Kaufman of Illinois State University, dated September 12, 2013, entitled "The Effects of Planting Techniques on Maize Grain Yield and Silage Production," confirms that optimal seed orientation can increase yields in a given field by 14% to 19%. Clearly, there are significant economic incentives for agricultural row planters that provide such optimal seed orientation.

[0015] Some early pioneers designed devices for the selective orientation of seeds. Exemplary U.S. patents include: Mann's US3,134,346; Reynolds' US3,195,485; and Williams' US3,217,674. Each of these patents discloses a narrow groove through which the seed passes, forcing the flat primary surface of the seed to align with the groove wall. This provides orientation to the flat primary surface but not to the seed tip pointing downwards. Furthermore, the seed size must be predictable, preferably pre-graded as described by Mann. Unfortunately, as Mann also points out, even with graded seeds, missized seeds can appear in a batch. Moreover, even with perfectly graded seeds, these narrow grooves are prone to clogging by other debris during field planting, and cleaning them is both difficult and time-consuming.

[0016] Another method for properly orienting seeds is to use a seed holder. Brink's U.S. Patent 3,636,897 describes a type of holder that uses seeds pre-encapsulated in a disc-shaped seed capsule. The seeds are fed through a gear mechanism that holds and orients the disc, provided they are properly oriented within the disc. As can be appreciated, the mechanism is unaware of the orientation of the seed tip, thus providing orientation to the flat primary surface, as just described by Mann and Reynolds, but failing to orient the seed tip downwards. Lu et al.'s CN101663935 improves upon Brink's patent by providing a uniquely shaped seed holder to establish orientation. However, these seed encapsulation methods result in undesirable costs associated with the formation of the seed capsule, additional volume required for pre-sowing seed storage, and the possibility of premature germination or seed decay due to encapsulation.

[0017] Another very common seed retainer is a tape of indeterminate length that adheres to the seeds. Seed tape spaces the seeds very precisely and evenly, and other substances such as herbicides or fertilizers can also be applied to the tape to aid seed growth and development. This tape has been in production for many years, particularly benefiting amateur gardeners, as it allows gardeners to sow seeds more quickly and accurately with little or no seed waste. An exemplary U.S. patent application showing a large commercial planter using seed tape is US2013 / 0152836 by Deppermann et al.

[0018] Some technicians have recognized that seeds can be oriented when adhered to tape. Exemplary Chinese patent applications include CN103609227 by He et al. and CN104255130 by He et al., both of which were filed by China Agricultural University.

[0019] Unfortunately, similar to seed capsules, seed tape also suffers from the following problems: additional costs associated with the production of seed tape, including extra steps and treatments required if orienting seeds; additional volume required for seed storage before sowing; and the possibility of premature germination or seed decay due to placement on the tape. Furthermore, the adhesion of seeds to the tape is unpredictable and difficult to control adequately; the tape acts as a waste that interferes with seed germination and growth; and it is difficult to reliably insert the tape into the ground and then properly cover it at high speed. As described in CN108207212 filed by Chen et al. of China Agricultural University, the aforementioned CN103609227 and CN104255130 have "the following defects: 1) the seed tape is difficult to manufacture and deploy, and inefficient; 2) the seed reel is bulky and inconvenient to store."

[0020] As an alternative to seed tape, CN108207212 proposes a box containing oriented corn seeds. This box has been designed to simplify manufacturing and seed insertion, and reduce the volume of seed tape. However, using the box still requires moving the seeds from the box to the soil while maintaining orientation, and the patent does not disclose how this is achieved. As mentioned above, enabling seed movement without losing orientation has been an unresolved obstacle in the prior art. Furthermore, even in Mann's earliest patent, the box still faces challenges including: the difficulty of properly handling and storing seeds with incorrect sizes and geometries within the box; a tendency for clogging and jamming during sowing; difficult and time-consuming cleaning; and, as for the box itself, its size is inherently limited and requires frequent replacement during large-scale sowing.

[0021] For scientific testing and laboratory analysis, some technicians apply an iron-containing coating to corn seeds while they are still kernels. Once coated, the corn is separated from the cob. The iron-containing coating can then be used to orient the corn seeds by applying a magnetic field. Exemplary U.S. and foreign patents and published applications include: Cope et al., US7,735,626; Mongan et al., US7,997,415; and Becker et al., US8,286,387. This technology is highly innovative and very useful for various laboratory procedures, but excessive iron in the soil can hinder plant growth, discolor leaves, weaken plants, and ultimately kill them. Continuous application of iron over multiple seasons can also lead to iron accumulation in the soil, further complicating the problem. Therefore, while this technology was developed for laboratory use, no techniques for treating seeds during sowing using this technology have been disclosed.

[0022] Many technicians have applied robotics (typically utilizing computer vision systems) to orient seeds and plants. Exemplary U.S. and foreign patents and published applications include: Denton's US2,935,957; Deppermann et al.'s US8,245,439; Batcheller et al.'s US9,924,629; Koch et al.'s US2019 / 0223372; Koch et al.'s US2019 / 0230846; Koch et al.'s US2019 / 0289778; Koch et al.'s US2019 / 0289779; Bredeweg's US2020 / 0187410; and Leifker et al.'s WO2020 / 247985. Despite advancements in robotics and vision technologies, the combination of seed-orienting robotic systems with vision systems positioned close to the ground remains expensive, difficult to operate at high speeds, and prone to failure in harsh sowing environments. As mentioned above, planting 24 or 36 rows simultaneously increases the likelihood of failure by 24 or 36 times. When only one row-planting machine malfunctions, the entire machine shuts down, halting planting of all rows.

[0023] Similar to the Gilstring described above, and less relevant to this invention, many skilled craftsmen have used air to move seeds for transport through planting equipment. Such planting equipment is sometimes referred to as an air-seeding planter. Exemplary U.S. patents and published applications include: Bramblytt's US2,783,918; Goulter's US3,482,735; Neumeister's US3,790,026; Bauman et al.'s US3,848,552; Bauman et al.'s US3,860,146; Loesch et al.'s US3,881,631; Loesch et al.'s US3,891,120; Davidson's US5,524,559; Barsi et al.'s US5,524,559; and others. US5,601,209; Bassett's US5,603,269; Bardi et al.'s US6,148,748; Wendte's US6,827,029; Kjelsson et al.'s US7,270,064; Memory's US7,509,915; Cruson's US8,757,074; Horsch's US9,591,798; Cruson's US10,412,879; and Rhodes et al.'s US2020 / 0128725. However, the airflow is only used for transport, and none of these patents attempt to orient the seeds, nor do they provide any means to ensure that the seeds remain oriented when in the soil and covered by soil.

[0024] In addition to the Williams patent cited above, other artisans have designed improved furrowing and trenching devices. Exemplary U.S. patents include: US4,798,151 by Rodrigues, Jr. et al.; and US6,178,901 by Anderson.

[0025] Other diverse and less related seed and leaf orienting devices are described in U.S. and foreign patents and published applications, including: Hathaway's US2,618,373; Brown et al.'s US3,623,595; McOmber's US7,814,849; Schaefer et al.'s US9,861,025; Stoller et al.'s US10,785,905; Hou et al.'s CN102893723; Hou et al.'s CN102918963; Chen et al.'s CN107371486; and Duan et al.'s CN107439101. Interestingly, the latter application CN107439101, also filed by China Agricultural University, discusses CN102893723 by Hou et al. and another application CN102918963 by Hou et al., pointing out that the device structure of CN102893723 is complex, the orientation success rate is low, and the maize seeds cannot be manipulated remotely; and that the device of CN102918963 is more complex, and the orientation and spacing of maize seeds are separated, so that when the maize seeds are positioned in a flat orientation (possibly for sowing or other purposes), the original orientation results are easily destroyed, and the root tips of the radicles are no longer aligned in the forward direction.

[0026] Despite a long history of substantial economic incentives, and despite extensive research and development (as evidenced by the fact that Kaufman's paper is over seven years old at the time of writing, several studies cited by Kaufman are over thirty years old, the patents of Mann, Reynolds, and Williams are over fifty years old, and many other patents and publications mentioned above), correct and consistent seed orientation has not been successfully and economically implemented in commercial agricultural row planters. Therefore, there remains a need for a seed orientation system that sows seeds in an economical and efficient manner, with the seed tip pointing downwards and the embryo facing the next row in the furrow.

[0027] Recognizing this need, the inventors have designed a seed orientation system for agricultural planters, first disclosed in WIPO application WO2020 / 227670, which orients seeds during sowing in furrows. The disclosed seed orientation system includes a seed orientation ring configured to receive seeds from a planter row unit designed to deliver seeds into the furrow. Examples of common planters and row units are shown, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, by the patents cited above by Stufflebeam et al., Gilstring, and Garner et al. As shown in these patents, row units are typically mounted on a tool bar, which, along with other identical or similar planting row units, is attached to a tractor or similar traction device. An exemplary row unit may include a seed hopper for storing seeds to be sown. Seeds move from the seed hopper to a seed meter, which singles the seeds at a desired interval for delivery to the ground. Furrow opener blades form furrows or furrows in the soil in front of the seed tube. The furrow wheel controls the depth of the furrow, and the closing wheel then closes the furrow above the seed.

[0028] In typical prior art row units, seeds are delivered to the ground from a seed meter via a seed tube. Instead, as disclosed by the inventors in WO2020 / 227670, a seed orientation ring is inserted between the seed tube and the furrow. The seed orientation ring includes a curved seed path and a pressurized air system for directing airflow into the curved path. The airflow guides the seed on its flat side with the seed tip pointing downwards and propels the seed down the curved path to the seed outlet path. The curved path of the preferred embodiment disclosed in WO2020 / 227670 has a helical shape and includes a seed guide wall and a seed-riding surface, and the pressurized air system of the preferred embodiment includes multiple nozzles to direct the radial component of the airflow along the curved path and discharge it from a series of external vents. Summary of the Invention

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention address the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a seed orientation ring assembly configured to receive randomly oriented seeds from an agricultural row planter and move the seeds through a curved path defining a curved seed-riding surface. An airflow is generated by injecting air via air jet nozzles onto the curved seed-riding surface, and air is removed by discharging air radially inward from the curved seed-riding surface via vents. A combination of aerodynamics, centrifugal force, and path geometry is used to stabilize, align, and entrain the seeds in the airflow. A seed outlet is configured to discharge the seeds into a wedge-shaped furrow, removing them from the airflow and wedging them into the furrow before they are covered by a closing wheel, thereby sowing the aligned seeds into the soil while achieving seed orientation with the tip facing down and the embryo facing the adjacent row.

[0030] In one embodiment, the invention is a seed orientation ring assembly for orienting and delivering oriented seeds. A seed inlet is configured to connect to and receive seeds from an agricultural planter. The seed orientation ring defines a curved seed-riding surface on which the seeds travel and align, the curved seed-riding surface being configured to receive the seeds from the seed inlet. An airflow has at least a parallel component that travels adjacent to and carries the seeds along the curved seed-riding surface. The airflow is configured to guide the seeds with their tips pointing downwards, wherein the seeds contact the curved seed-riding surface on their flat sides, and the airflow is configured to push the seeds downwards along the curved seed path to a seed outlet.

[0031] In another embodiment, the invention is a method of sowing seeds in a oriented position within a seed row in soil using a seed orientation ring assembly with a seed path. Seeds are transferred from a seed hopper to the seed orientation ring assembly and guided onto the seed path. The seeds are pushed through the seed path while being subjected to centrifugal force. An airflow is injected into the seed path and entrains the seeds. The airflow is discharged through at least one vent extending radially inward from the seed path. The seeds are aligned relative to the seed path to an aligned position and remain in the aligned position in response to a pushing step. In the aligned position, the seeds move from the seed path subjected to centrifugal force to a seed outlet path. In the aligned position within the seed outlet path, the centrifugal force is removed from the seeds. The seeds are ejected from the seed outlet path in the aligned position entrained in the airflow and enter the soil with the seed tip pointing downwards and the seed germ transverse to the seed row pointing in the oriented position. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The above and other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1-4 The seed orientation ring assembly is shown in top-side projection, bottom and frontal projection, top and side projection, and cross-sectional view, along with... Figure 1 The section line 4' shown is used for sectioning. Figure 4 Cross-sectional view.

[0034] Figure 5-6 The seed orientation ring assembly is shown in front view and cross-sectional view, respectively, along... Figure 5 The section line 6' shown is used for sectioning. Figure 6 Cross-sectional view.

[0035] Figure 7-9 The seed riding surfaces of the first, second, and third alternative embodiments are shown in a side sectional view.

[0036] Figure 10 Shown in enlarged side sectional view Figure 9 A single seed rides on a surface air jet.

[0037] Figure 11-15 The seed orientation ring assembly is shown in projection, side and front view, top view, bottom view, and sectional view, respectively. Figure 14 The section line 15' shown is used for sectioning. Figure 15 Cross-sectional view.

[0038] While various embodiments are applicable to a variety of modifications and alternatives, their details have been illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that the purpose is not to limit the claimed invention to the specific embodiments described. Rather, the purpose is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter defined by the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1-4 A seed orientation ring assembly 240 designed according to the teachings of the present invention is shown. Air from a central blower / fan is connected via any suitable connector to a central system air feeder 242, at which pressurized air enters the seed orientation ring assembly 240. While air is the preferred choice due to its readily available and inexpensive nature, and the fact that most equipment is equipped with a blower, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, other fluid sources will be provided, which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, will include sources such as compressed or liquefied nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other suitable fluids or fluid mixtures.

[0040] Air enters a central injector core 258 with any suitable geometry, which is used to distribute the air to one or more air injector nozzles 264. For example... Figure 4 As best illustrated, these air jet nozzles 264 each point towards the helical passage 290 and jet air onto the seed-riding surface 292 at unique and distinct locations. The air jet nozzles 264 are arranged in a helical pattern following the curvature of the seed-riding surface 292. The helical passage 290 is defined by grooves or other suitable geometries formed in the ventilated outer coil 260, and as shown, the helical passage 290 comprises three turns. However, embodiments with fewer or more than three turns are conceivable.

[0041] A portion of the pressurized air jet released from each air injector nozzle 264 will follow the spiral path within the spiral path 290, and will also be subjected to centrifugal force when the airflow contacts the spiral path 290. Therefore, this airflow will interact with any seeds 28 traveling along the seed-riding surface 292. The seed-riding surface 292 uses a smooth surface to allow the seeds 28 to slide and maintain stability and orientation, thereby preventing rotation and / or tumbling.

[0042] In the seed orientation ring assembly 240, the upper inner region is open to the atmosphere through vents 268. Therefore, some air traveling along the direction of the spiral passage 290 but located relatively further inside or radially inward within the spiral passage will be stripped and flow out from the vents 268. In some embodiments, this results in the highest-velocity airflow traveling very close to the seed-riding surface 292 within the spiral passage 290. In such embodiments, there is a reduced lift of the seed from the seed-riding surface 292.

[0043] Although the vent 268 shown in the figure only has an open top, in some embodiments, any kind of protective and air-permeable covering or sealing device will be used. For illustrative and non-limiting purposes, such an air-permeable covering device may include a screen, mesh, microporous material and composition, a cap having at least one small gap or covered opening, or any other suitable or equivalent device.

[0044] Seed 28 enters spiral passage 290 through seed inlet 266, where it is subjected to a combination of air force, centrifugal force, and frictional force from the surface it travels on. This combination of forces is designed and configured to orient seeds traveling through, for example, the seed orientation ring assembly 240 disclosed by the inventors in WO2020 / 227670.

[0045] The characteristics of the seed orientation ring assembly 240 can be controlled or modified by the appropriate design and geometry of the injector core 258 and the outer ring 260 to adjust or optimize performance. These characteristics include, but are not limited to: the radius of curvature and number of turns of the spiral seed passage 290; the rate of change of the radius of curvature of the spiral seed passage 290; the degree of lateral banking; the seed speed along the seed riding surface 292; the direction change of the seed riding surface 292 along one or more axes; the range of contact surface area, surface finish, and coefficient of friction; the range and geometry of the nozzle 264 and one or more vents 268; the air pressure supplied to the nozzle 264; and the angle of the injector airflow.

[0046] After being oriented in the seed orientation ring assembly 240, the seeds are then guided to the oriented seed exit path 244 and subsequently sown. The oriented seed exit path 244 is a non-destructive continuation of the spiral passage 290. Ideally, this ensures that the seed 28 traverses from the spiral passage 290 to the oriented seed exit path 244 while the flat portion of the corn seed 28 remains firmly positioned against the exit wall without interfering with the forward orientation of the tip. In the seed orientation ring assembly 240, the curvature of the spiral passage 290 transitions to a radius that gradually increases as it enters and along the oriented seed exit path 244, thereby reducing the centrifugal force applied to the seed 28. The centrifugal force is finally completely removed when the seed leaves the oriented seed exit path 244. The oriented seed exit path 244 travels downwards in a gentle arc through a rapidly increasing pitch, thereby rotating the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the seed 28 so that the seed tip points downwards and toward the furrow.

[0047] After being oriented in the seed orientation ring assembly 240, the seed 28 is then guided to the oriented seed exit path 244 and subsequently into a furrow used to capture or wed the seed to maintain its orientation and / or position. In the seed orientation ring assembly 240, as the seed 28 leaves the oriented seed exit path 244, it will travel a short distance in the air to maintain its stable position. If the seed is pushed into an interference fit within the furrow in the soil, its orientation can be captured and preserved. In addition to maintaining proper seed orientation, wedging the seed to close contact with the moist soil around its two main faces also shortens germination time, makes germination time more consistent across the field, and increases germination rate. A very important benefit of this invention is the improved consistency of germination time. Agronomists have noted that seeds that germinate very slowly can actually become superweeds because they are not killed by herbicides, but if they germinate late, they will not produce any corn and will instead compete with corn-producing plants for sunlight and nutrients. Delayed germination may be caused by air pockets around or against the seed or by incorrect orientation, both of which are addressed by the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] The furrow profile preferably tapers gradually to allow for the capture of seeds of various sizes. The profile will also preferably have an extended bottom to allow for seed wedging or frictional engagement, rather than the seed tip striking the bottom of the furrow and popping out.

[0049] Ideally, a laminar airflow with a velocity greater than that of the seed will continue to carry the seed through the air into the furrow within the directional seed outlet path 244. Within the furrow, the main airflow will be deflected by the soil and will therefore be discharged primarily longitudinally within the furrow. However, the seed will preferably possess sufficient inertia and momentum to separate from the main airflow and subsequently wedge into the furrow.

[0050] One of the serious shortcomings and challenges of existing technologies that at least provide temporary orientation (as described above) is maintaining orientation throughout the entire process of the seed entering the soil and closing in the soil around and above the seed. While it may seem intuitive to extend the seed tube of the prior art downwards into the furrow, the prior art avoids this geometry because if extended in this way, the feed tube with its relatively small orifice required to maintain orientation would easily become clogged. Nevertheless, without a suitable airflow that is substantially equal to or higher than the seed velocity, the seed will become unstable almost immediately. If the airflow velocity drops below the seed velocity, the aerodynamics upon which this invention relies for seed orientation will essentially instantaneously reverse the seed tip orientation. If this occurs abruptly and without stability, as happens when the seed is ejected from the seed tube above the soil in the prior art, the seed will tumble in the air substantially immediately, thus destroying any prior orientation. Even if the airflow velocity leaving the seed tube is approximately equal to the seed velocity, the airflow will decay extremely rapidly due to the air eddies and turbulence generated around the seed tube outlet, undesirably causing the airflow velocity to decrease rapidly and resulting in seed tumbling.

[0051] Unlike prior art seed tubes that must terminate above the furrow, in this invention, the oriented seed outlet path 244 preferably extends all the way into the furrow. As a result, the airflow exiting the oriented seed outlet path 244 carries the seed 28 through a very short travel distance, approximately the depth of the furrow, before the seed separates from the airflow. With this in mind, in some alternative embodiments of the invention, the teachings of the oriented seed outlet path 44 and air entrainment followed by exiting into the furrow to provide a seed orientation device provide seed alignment devices such as, but not limited to, those shown in, the prior art cited above.

[0052] While it is advantageous for the seed exit point of the oriented seed exit path 244 to be close to the sub-furrow, this is not the only benefit and novelty of the geometry and operation of the oriented seed exit path 244. Besides proximity, positioning the seed exit point within the furrow also means that the furrow acts as a containment and guide for the airflow, although not exactly the same, but functionally similar to the containment of airflow within the spiral passage 290 or an air-driven seed tube. Because the airflow is contained within and guided by the furrow, this also helps to maintain the airflow at a higher velocity only when the seed is entrained in it. As the airflow flows through the furrow, it is necessarily deflected towards the closing wheel by the generally vertical sidewalls of the furrow and sub-furrow opener. This means that the direction of the airflow changes from a primarily vertical path through a sharp bend to a more horizontal path. Because the lighter and less massive airflow forms the sharp bend required for the geometry of the furrow, the momentum of the seed causes it to separate from the horizontally redirected airflow. The seed does not form a sharp bend but continues to move vertically downwards deeper into the furrow. Preferably, this separation from the airflow will occur as close to the bottom as possible, or even within the sub-furrow, such that the seed's inertia is sufficient to maintain the seed orientation fully engaged with such a sub-furrow.

[0053] While the oriented seed exit path 244 may be swept backward or angled in some alternative embodiments to impart a horizontal velocity component, the actual horizontal velocity component obtained will vary depending on the actual seed exit velocity and is thus largely controlled by the air availability and pressure of the entire system. Furthermore, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, changing the angle of the oriented seed exit path 244 will also alter the overall seed orientation as the seed weds into the soil. Therefore, the selection of the exit path angle will appropriately consider both the acceptable target seed orientation and the velocity difference between the seed and the ground.

[0054] In some alternative embodiments, the angle of the oriented seed exit path 244 may also be altered to provide finer control over seed orientation. For illustrative and non-limiting purposes, in some alternative embodiments, adjusting the angle of the oriented seed exit path 244 is used to compensate for any action or influence of the closing wheel that may cause seeds already deposited in the soil around the closing seed to rotate about an axis transverse to the row. However, in most embodiments and applications, the furrows are not significantly disturbed during closure, meaning that seed orientation will not change in most cases.

[0055] Various embodiments of the device designed according to the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Embodiments are distinguished by hundreds digits, and various components within each embodiment are designated by units and tens digits. However, many components are similar or analogous between embodiments, so the units and tens digits are retained as much as possible to make it easier to identify the same, similar, or analogous functions between embodiments. Unless otherwise expressed, those skilled in the art will readily recognize the similarities and understand that components with similar units and tens digits in many cases can be substituted from one embodiment to another according to the present teachings, unless such substitution would otherwise disrupt the operation of the embodiment. Therefore, those skilled in the art will readily determine the function and operation of many of the components shown herein without unnecessary additional description.

[0056] Figure 5-6 A seed orientation ring assembly 340 very similar to the seed orientation ring assembly 240 of the first embodiment is shown. In this regard, it can be understood that most components are identical or substantially similar. However, the seed orientation ring assembly 340 of the second alternative embodiment also includes an injector core outer wall 359 that at least partially surrounds the helical passage 390. Figure 6 As shown, the outer wall 359 of the ejector core completely surrounds the helical passage 390, and in this case, the outer wall of the ejector core is preferably air-permeable, comprising, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, one or more inwardly oriented vents, small gaps, microporous materials and compositions, said compositions including but not limited to porous materials, including but not limited to mesh or sieves, sintered metals, porous carbon, porous carbon graphite, porous carbosilicates, open-cell foams of any suitable composition, and other air-permeable materials and compositions; or any other suitable or equivalent device. Therefore, the addition of the outer wall 359 of the ejector core can be used to reduce the need for any dust cover or other protective equipment.

[0057] Figure 7-10 The diagram illustrates large air jets 93, 193, 293 applied to the seed-riding surface 292 in first, second, and third alternative embodiments. The seed-riding surface 292 preferably comprises a low-friction, low-roughness, and / or lubricated surface, thereby reducing any tumbling of the seed. Conversely, a faster airflow would cause the seed to slide before tumbling or rising, thus maintaining its oriented position. While material selection and surface finish can reduce surface friction, in... Figure 7-10In the illustrations, air jets 93, 193, and 293 of the first, second, and third alternative embodiments are applied to the seed-riding surface 292 to achieve similar benefits. The relatively small volume of the air jets 93, 193, and 293 creates a pressure difference that causes air to move to and away from the seed-riding surface 292, thereby reducing friction on the riding surface. Air jet 93 includes a generally cylindrical conduit extending perpendicular to the riding surface 292, although air jet 193 is shown in some alternative embodiments with an option to change the angular orientation of the conduit relative to the riding surface 292.

[0058] Figure 10 Shown in magnified view Figure 9 A single seed-riding surface air jet. As is apparent from the figures, in some embodiments, the seed-riding surface air jet 293 may be provided with additional geometry designed to control airflow and vortices to achieve specific desired effects. As can be seen from the figures, a generally cylindrical air jet duct 298 terminates before the seed-riding surface 292, wherein airflow is delivered through an air vortex and flow-forming orifice 299 having any suitable geometry. For illustrative and non-limiting purposes, in some embodiments, the air vortex and flow-forming orifice 299 is configured to produce vortex-like vortices similar to those produced by the dimples in a golf ball; however, those skilled in the art of nozzles will recognize other geometries to obtain the desired airflow adjacent to the seed-riding surface 292 and the seed 28.

[0059] Figure 11-15 A seed orientation coil assembly 440, including an integrated seed collector 432, is shown as a third embodiment. A system air feed device 442 drives air through an air injector nozzle 464 into a spiral passage 490. In the region adjacent to the system air feed device 442, the spiral passage 490 is completely closed and not ventilated. However, shortly thereafter, a ventilated outer coil 460 is provided with an open internal vent 468, which can be fully open as shown, or in alternative embodiments, it can be covered by an air-permeable surface. Although rotated approximately a single 360 ​​degrees as shown, the ventilated outer coil 460 can rotate at any angle. The relatively small diameter helps to increase the centrifugal force applied to the seed. After the seed passes through the ventilated outer coil 460, the seed then enters and passes through a oriented seed outlet path 444, which functions in the same manner as the oriented seed outlet path 244 described above. The seed orientation ring assembly 440 of the third alternative embodiment shows a combination of a single air jet nozzle 464, greater centrifugal force generation, a shorter total seed path length from the seed collector 432 to the oriented seed outlet path 444, and a single long internal vent 468.

[0060] In some alternative embodiments, the system air feed device 442 is positioned lower along the spiral passage 490, located at... Figure 11-15 The location shown is at the midpoint of the rear end of the oriented seed outlet path 444. In such an embodiment, seeds entering the seed orientation ring assembly 440 will preferably be delivered at an appropriate speed to pass through the seed riding path 492, and, if a seed guide wall is provided, the seeds will gently engage with the seed guide wall, which is similar to and designed according to the teachings of the applicant's published application WO2020 / 227670. It will be understood here that, in some alternative embodiments, such guide walls will be provided to the seed orientation ring assemblies 240, 340, 440. In such an embodiment, the primary component of the riding surface friction preferably originates from the seed riding surface 292, while only the secondary component of the riding surface friction originates from the seed guide wall.

[0061] As already mentioned regarding the seed orientation ring assembly 240, the seed mounting surfaces 292, 392, 492 may be curved, planar, or have other suitable geometries in profile, and the characteristics of the seed orientation ring assemblies 240, 340, 440 can be controlled or modified by appropriate design and geometry of the injector core and outer coil, including but not limited to: the diameter and number of turns of the spiral seed passage; the degree of lateral tilt, which herein is also described as the radial outward tilt angle of the profile of the seed mounting surface 292; the seed velocity along the seed mounting surface; and the contact... The surface area, surface finish, range of friction coefficients (in some embodiments, the friction coefficients include different friction coefficients between the seed-riding surface and the seed guide wall), range and volume of air jets (such as 93, 193, 293) on the seed-riding surface, and pressure and permeability; range and geometry of air jet nozzles (such as air jet nozzles 264, 364, 464) and vents (such as vents 268, 368, 468); air pressure supplied to air jet nozzles 264, 364, 464; and angle of the jet airflow.

[0062] Due to the construction of the seed orientation system 30, even if the seeds cannot be oriented, the preferred embodiment of the invention will continue to sow such unoriented seeds without interfering with the normal operation of the row unit 10. Therefore, the preferred embodiment of the invention has been designed to provide significant benefits in sowing with minimal risk.

[0063] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "an," "an," and "the" are intended to include both the plural and singular forms. It should be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms "comprising" and / or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0064] All references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entirety. In the event of any conflict between definitions herein and those in the incorporated references, the definitions herein shall prevail. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should also be understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant technical field and in the context of this disclosure, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0065] The aerodynamic and centrifugal seed orientation system designed according to the teachings of the present invention is industrially applied in agricultural planters and row units. The seed orientation system delivers seeds with the seed tip pointing downwards and the embryo facing the next row in the furrow. Although the seed type presented and described is maize, the benefits of proper seed orientation also apply to other crop types. Therefore, for a variety of crops where seed orientation is important and can be controlled using the teachings of this invention, the present invention will improve production and yield.

[0066] While the foregoing description details what are considered preferred embodiments of the invention, it is not intended to materially limit the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, alternatives to features and designs that will be apparent to those skilled in the art are considered to be incorporated herein. The scope of the invention is set forth and specifically described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A seed orientation ring assembly (240; 340) for orienting and delivering oriented seeds (28), the seed orientation ring assembly comprising: Seed inlet (266; 366), the seed inlet being configured to connect to and receive seeds from the agricultural planter; An outer ring (260; 360) defines a curved seed-riding surface (292; 392) including a helical portion, on which the seed travels and is aligned, the seed-riding surface being configured to receive the seed from the seed inlet; The outer coil (260; 360) includes a central bore, in which an injector core (258; 358) is disposed. The injector core supports a plurality of air injector nozzles (264; 364) in a helical configuration aligned with the helical portion. These multiple air injector nozzles are configured to inject air onto the seed-riding surface (292; 392) at unique and distinct locations. The injector core (258; 358) has an air inlet and is configured to distribute air from the air inlet to the plurality of air injector nozzles (264; 364) such that, in use, airflow can be directed through the plurality of air injector nozzles (264; 364) to generate an airflow having at least a parallel component that travels adjacent to the seed-riding surface (292; 392) for entraining the seed, guiding the seed tip downward and pushing the seed downward along the curved seed-riding surface to the seed outlet, wherein, in the downward orientation of the seed tip, the seed contacts the curved seed-riding surface; The plurality of air injector nozzles (264; 364) are characterized in that each includes a curved tubular nozzle extending outward from the injector core (258; 358). The outer ring (260; 360) further includes a plurality of vents and a pressurized air source, the plurality of vents extending orthogonally to the curved seed riding surface and terminating near the curved seed riding surface, the pressurized air source being configured to release air into the plurality of vents and from the curved seed riding surface (292; 392) into the airflow, thereby reducing the riding surface friction force experienced by the seed as it crosses the curved seed riding surface.

2. The seed orientation ring assembly (240; 340) according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of vents discharges at least a portion of the airflow radially inward from the curved seed-riding surface (292; 392).

3. The seed orientation ring assembly (240; 340) according to claim 1, wherein, The parallel component of the airflow travels near the curved seed-riding surface (292; 392) at a speed greater than that of the seed (28).

4. The seed orientation ring assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The injector core also includes an air-permeable injector core outer wall that surrounds the curved seed-riding surface defined in the outer coil and thereby defines a helical passage for encapsulating the seed (28).

5. The seed orientation ring assembly (240; 340) according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of vents also includes an air vortex and flow-forming orifice adjacent to the curved seed-riding surface.

6. The seed orientation ring assembly (240; 340) according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of vents also includes a longitudinal axis orthogonal to the curved seed-riding surface.

7. The seed orientation ring assembly (240; 340) according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of vents also includes a longitudinal axis offset relative to a direction orthogonal to the curved seed-riding surface.

8. The seed orientation ring assembly (240; 340) according to claim 1, wherein the seed orientation ring assembly further comprises: Directed seed export path (244; 344), the oriented seed exit path from the seed riding surface (292; 392) Receive the aligned seeds and configure the aligned seeds to be discharged into the air space adjacent to the bottom of the furrow; In use, leave the oriented seed exit path (244); The airflow of 344) enters the air space adjacent to the bottom of the furrow in a direction offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the furrow, causing the airflow to deflect within the furrow, thereby dislodging the aligned seed (28) to deliver the aligned seed oriented with its tip down and main flat surface facing the adjacent row to the bottom of the furrow.

9. The seed orientation ring assembly (240; 340) according to claim 8, wherein, Before the aligned seed is released from the airflow, the airflow entering the air space adjacent to the bottom of the furrow maintains a speed at least equal to the speed of the oriented seed (28).

10. The seed orientation ring assembly (240; 340) according to claim 8, wherein, The oriented seed exit path (244; 344) is configured to discharge the aligned seeds (28) into the air space defined by the furrow.

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