Sowing system

Abstract

A seed delivery system includes: a seed meter supported by a row unit frame and including a metering panel configured to hold a plurality of seeds; a seed accelerator configured to flow a pressurized airflow therethrough, the accelerator including an air entrainment chamber configured to extract seed from the metering panel and entrain seed in the airflow; a seed distribution tube, the seed distribution tube comprising a top end receiving the seed entrained gas flow from the seed accelerator and a bottom end defining a discharge opening for distributing the seed into the planting trench; and an air deflecting baffle disposed adjacent to the distribution tube between the top end and the bottom end, the air deflecting baffle configured to block at least a portion of the air flowing downward along the distribution tube from entering the planting trench. A baffle may be mounted to the tube. One or more vents vent excess air in the tube to the atmosphere.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims U.S. Application No. 63 / 375,139 filed on September 9, 2022; U.S. Application No. 63 / 375,143 filed on September 9, 2022; U.S. Application No. 63 / 385,568 filed on November 30, 2022; U.S. Application No. 63 / 434,649 filed on December 22, 2022; U.S. Application No. .63 / 434659; U.S. application No.63 / 434667 filed on December 22, 2022; U.S. application No.63 / 434671 filed on December 22, 2022; U.S. application No.63 / 501172 filed on May 10, 2023; U.S. application No.63 / 504352 filed on May 25, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to seed delivery systems for use in conjunction with growing crops. Background Art

[0004] Crop yields are affected by a variety of factors, such as seed placement, soil quality, weather, irrigation, and nutrient application. Seeds are typically sown in grooves formed by the disks or other mechanisms of the planter row unit. Seed placement depth is important because seeds sown at different depths will emerge at different times, resulting in uneven crop growth. The spacing of seeds affects yield because plants too close together will compete for nutrients, while plants too far apart will waste space between them.

[0005] Agricultural row crop planters typically include a seed hopper connected to a seed metering system that delivers seed into the furrows formed by the disc opener blades. Multiple such row crop planters are typically mounted in parallel along a tool bar that is attached to a power vehicle (e.g., a tractor) that traverses the farm field. For example, four, sixteen, twenty-four, thirty-six, or even forty-eight row units are typically attached to a single tractor.

[0006] In a typical prior art row crop planter, seeds are delivered in batches from a seed hopper to a metering system. The metering system singulates the batches of seeds and most preferably provides these singulated seeds at very predictable and repeatable time intervals. The row crop planter then delivers the seeds one at a time into the ground, typically into the furrows cut by the opener blades.

[0007] A common prior art method of delivering seed from a seed hopper to the land is a gravity drop system that positions a seed dispensing tube inlet below a seed metering system. The singulated seeds fall from the metering system down the seed dispensing tube and into the furrows prepared by the opener blades disposed in front of the seed dispensing tube.

[0008] It would be desirable to improve methods for transferring and accelerating seed from a seed meter to a seed dispensing tube for planting. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present disclosure provides various embodiments of seed delivery systems, each of which is configured to transfer and accelerate seeds dispensed from a rotatable metering disk of a seed meter to a seed dispensing tube from which the seeds are sequentially implanted in planting grooves. Some embodiments of the air-operated seed accelerators described herein are configured and designed to capture and dispense seeds from a seed meter by entraining the seeds in a pressurized air stream. Another embodiment of the mechanically-operated seed accelerator described herein is configured and designed to mechanically dispense seeds from a seed meter via physical removal from the seed meter.

[0010] The first air operated seed accelerator is configured to deliver airflow through the air entrainment chamber of the seed capture shield from the inside out and in a downward direction through the metering disk to capture seeds from the seed holes.

[0011] The second air operated seed accelerator is configured to deliver airflow through the air entrainment chamber of the seed capture shield from outside to inside and in a downward direction through the metering disk to capture seeds from the seed holes.

[0012] Embodiments of mechanically operated seed accelerators include a rotatable accelerator wheel to physically remove seed from a metering disk of a seed meter and distribute the seed to a seed distribution tube. The accelerator wheel can be used in conjunction with an associated seed guide wall of the accelerator that guides and accelerates the distributed seed to the seed distribution tube. The wheel can include a plurality of radial fingers that frictionally engage the seed and press the seed against the guide wall for controlled distribution of the seed.

[0013] The metering disk of the seed meter may be configured to singulate seeds received from a seed hopper and provide the seeds to a seed dispensing tube in a preselected orientation.

[0014] The seed dispensing tube can have a generally cylindrical interior, and in some embodiments, at least a portion of the tube can include a helical seed orienting surface that engages and manipulates the seed to provide a predetermined seed orientation for planting in the planting furrow.

[0015] Other technical features will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, description and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim what are regarded as embodiments of the present disclosure, various features and advantages may be more readily ascertained from the following description of exemplary ("exemplary") embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein features of the exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like elements are similarly labeled, and wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a crop planter row unit including a seed delivery system according to the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 2 is an enlarged detail of it, with one of the guide wheels removed;

[0019] Figure 3 is a side view of a row unit;

[0020] Figure 4 is a top perspective view of a portion of a row unit having a seed delivery system according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 5 For its bottom perspective;

[0022] Figure 6 For its rear view;

[0023] Figure 7 is its front view;

[0024] Figure 8 is a left side view thereof relative to the direction of travel of the row unit;

[0025] Fig. 9 This is its right side view;

[0026] Fig.10 This is its top view;

[0027] Fig.11 This is its bottom view;

[0028] Fig.12 is a rear perspective view thereof, wherein the seed hopper has been removed;

[0029] Fig.13 is a front perspective view thereof, wherein the seed hopper has been removed;

[0030] Fig.14 is its first exploded perspective view;

[0031] Fig.15 is its second exploded perspective view;

[0032] Fig.16 is a perspective view of a portion of a row unit having a first embodiment of an air-operated seed accelerator according to the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 A magnified detail of the seed accelerator in Figure 1;

[0034] Fig.18 It is shown Fig.17 An enlarged detail view of a portion of a seed capture shield of a seed accelerator and a seed metering disk of a seed meter showing seed holes of the disk entering the capture shield;

[0035] Fig.19 yes Fig.16 A first perspective view of an air operated seed accelerator;

[0036] Fig. 20 is its second perspective view;

[0037] Fig.21 This is its third perspective view;

[0038] Fig. 22 is a side view of a seed meter with a seed metering disk and a seed dispensing tube, wherein a first embodiment of a seed accelerator is shown in phantom;

[0039] Fig.23 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a metering disk showing Fig. 22 A first embodiment of a seed accelerator in;

[0040] Fig.24 is a perspective view of a portion of a row unit having a second embodiment of an air-operated seed accelerator according to the present disclosure;

[0041] Fig.25 This is its exploded perspective view;

[0042] Fig.26 yes Fig.25 , which shows a sub-groove opener common to all embodiments of the row unit disclosed herein;

[0043] Fig. 27 It is shown Fig.24 An enlarged detail view of a portion of a seed capture hood and a seed metering disk of a seed meter of a second embodiment of a seed accelerator in FIG. 1 showing a seed hole of the seed metering disk entering the capture hood;

[0044] Fig.28 yes Fig.16 A first perspective view of an air operated seed accelerator;

[0045] Fig.29 is its second perspective view;

[0046] Fig.30 This is its third perspective view;

[0047] Fig.31 is a side view of a seed meter with a seed metering disk and a seed dispensing tube, wherein a second embodiment of a seed accelerator is shown in phantom;

[0048] Fig.32 It is shown Fig.31 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of a metering disk of a second embodiment of a seed accelerator in FIG.

[0049] Fig.33 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a row unit having an embodiment of a wheeled mechanical seed accelerator according to the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig.34 is a perspective view of its assembly;

[0051] Fig.35 It is shown Fig.34 An enlarged detail view of a portion of a seed metering disk of a mechanical seed accelerator and seed meter in FIG. 1 showing the accelerator wheel and guide walls of a seed chute;

[0052] Fig.36 yes Fig.35 A first perspective view of a mechanical seed accelerator;

[0053] Fig.37 is its second perspective view;

[0054] Fig.38 is a side view of a seed meter having a seed metering disk, wherein the Figure 36-Figure 37 Mechanical seed accelerator;

[0055] Fig.39 is a side view thereof, which shows in solid lines Fig.38 A cross-sectional view of a mechanical seed accelerator relative to a metering disk;

[0056] Fig.40 yes Fig.39 , which shows an accelerator wheel with a guide wall of a seed guiding surface of a seed chute;

[0057] Fig.41 Has a slotted opener disc Figure 8 Side view of

[0058] Fig.42 is a perspective view of a notched opener disc;

[0059] Fig.43 yes Fig.42 A side view of a notched opener disc;

[0060] Fig.44 yes Fig.42 A front view of a notched opener disc;

[0061] Fig.45 yes Fig.42 a rear view of a notched opener disc;

[0062] Fig.46 is a rear perspective view of a seed distribution tube including an optional air deflection baffle;

[0063] Fig.47 yes Fig.46 A magnified image of

[0064] Fig.48 is a front perspective view of an air deflection baffle;

[0065] Fig.49 yes Fig.48 A magnified image of

[0066] Fig.50 is an enlarged side perspective view of the bottom end of a seed distribution tube with an air deflecting baffle;

[0067] Fig.51 This is its enlarged rear perspective view;

[0068] Fig.52 is a side view of a first embodiment of an air deflection baffle;

[0069] Fig.53 is a side view of a second embodiment of an air deflection baffle;

[0070] Fig.54 is a side view of a planter row unit showing the position of an air deflection baffle relative to the row unit components;

[0071] Fig.55 is an enlarged perspective view of a bottom portion of a seed distribution tube showing a stabilizing block thereon that couples with an optional sub-grooving opener of a planting row unit; and

[0072] Fig.56 This is its exploded perspective view.

[0073] All drawings are schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. For the sake of brevity, components shown and / or given reference numerals in one figure may be considered to be the same components that appear in other figures without numerical designations unless specifically labeled with different part numbers and described herein. Reference herein to a figure by number (but where the figure includes multiple figures sharing the same number but with different letter suffixes) shall be considered to be a reference to all of these figures unless otherwise indicated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] All references to other applications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If there is a conflict between a definition in this document and a referenced definition, the definition in this document controls.

[0075] The illustrations presented herein are not actual views of any planter row unit or portion thereof, but are merely idealized representations used to describe example embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, common elements between the figures may retain the same numerical designations.

[0076] The following description provides the specific details of the embodiments. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without adopting many of these specific details. In fact, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with conventional techniques used in industry. In addition, the description provided below does not include all elements forming a complete structure or assembly. Only those process actions and structures required for understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below. Additional conventional behaviors and structures may be used. The accompanying drawings of the present application are for illustrative purposes only and are therefore not drawn to scale.

[0077] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterized by," and their grammatical equivalents are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, but also encompass the more restrictive terms "consisting of," and "consisting essentially of," and their grammatical equivalents.

[0078] As used herein, the term "may" with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that it is contemplated for use in practicing an embodiment of the present disclosure and the term is used in preference to the more restrictive term "is" so as to avoid any suggestion that other compatible materials, structures, features, and methods that may be used in combination therewith should or must be excluded.

[0079] As used herein, the term "configured to" refers to the size, shape, material composition, orientation and arrangement, and other physical characteristics of one or more of at least one structure and at least one device that facilitates the one or more of the structures and devices to function in a predetermined manner.

[0080] As used herein, the singular forms following “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0081] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0082] As used herein, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "bottom," "above," "upper," "top," "front," "back," "left," "right," etc. may be used for convenience of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) shown in the figures. Unless otherwise specified, spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of material in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0083] In the description of the embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely for convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "up", "down", "top", and "bottom" and their derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "downward", "upward", etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the orientation shown in the figure being discussed or described at the time. These relative terms are merely for convenience of description and do not require that the device be constructed or operated in a specific orientation.

[0084] Terms such as "attach," "attach," "connect," "couple," "interconnect," and the like refer to relationships whereby structures are fixed or attached to each other either directly or indirectly through intermediate structures, as well as removable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0085] As used herein, the term "about" used with respect to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (eg, it includes the degree of error associated with measurement or manufacturing tolerances for the given parameter).

[0086] Throughout use, range is shorthand for describing each value within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the end point of the range.

[0087] Figures 1 to 3An embodiment of an agricultural planter row unit 100 is shown. The row unit 100 has a support frame 110 pivotally connected to a tool bar 112 by a movable linkage arm assembly 114 so that each row unit 100 is capable of vertical movement independently of the tool bar 112 and the other row units 100 as the row unit traverses an agricultural field. The frame 110 operably supports: one or more seed hoppers 116 of any suitable type and configuration that hold seeds to be planted; a seed trench opening assembly 120; a seed delivery system 200 that draws seed from the hopper and distributes the seed into planting slots; and a seed trench closure assembly 146. The row unit 100 shown may also be used with conventional planter row units, each of which has a single, separate, large-capacity seed hopper 116 that is individually filled with seed (e.g., see Figure 4-Figure 11 ).

[0088] Alternatively, Figure 1-Figure 3 The row units in the can be used with a center-fill planter, in which case the large capacity hopper 116 described earlier herein can be replaced with one or more small hoppers 116' mounted to each row unit as shown. The small hoppers are fluidly coupled to a large central hopper via fill tubes (not shown), which then distributes seed to all row units. Such center-fill planters are well known in the art and need no further elaboration.

[0089] It is noted that support frame 110 is used to collectively refer to a combination of various structural members (e.g., beams, angles, straps, brackets, rods, brackets, and other components) that couple together and cooperate to structurally support some or all of the components and devices of row units 100 and seed delivery systems 200 described herein. For this purpose, any suitable type and number of structural members may be provided and in any suitable configuration.

[0090] Refer to appropriately Figure 1-Figure 11 The seed furrow opening assembly 120 includes a pair of opening discs 122 rotatably supported by the frame 110. The opening discs 122 are arranged to diverge outwardly and rearwardly so as to open a V-shaped seed furrow or groove 104 in the soil 102 when the planter passes through the field in the forward travel direction D (see, for example, Figure 8). In other embodiments, the seed groove opening assembly described in U.S. Serial No. 63 / 262,415 filed on October 12, 2021 may be used, and U.S. Serial No. 63 / 262,417 filed on October 12, 2021 may be used. In some embodiments, a notched disc may be used as the opening disc 122. An example of a notched disc is disclosed in U.S. Application No. 63 / 385,568 filed on November 30, 2022. Figure 8-Figure 11 (Reproduced here as Figure 42-45 ) shows a slotted opener disk 62. The slotted opener disk 62 has a plurality of slots 63 (63-1 to 63-18). Although the number of slots is shown as 18, the slotted opener disk 62 can have any number of slots 63. Between consecutive slots 63 are teeth 64. As shown, there are 18 teeth 64 (64-1 to 64-18). Optionally, the teeth 64 can have cones 65 (65-1 to 65-18). Although the teeth 64 are shown with cones 65 on one side, the teeth 64 can have cones 65 on both sides. When one cone 65 is present, the slotted opener disk 62 can be oriented on the row unit 14 so that the cone 65 is disposed on the side of the slotted opener disk 62 away from the row unit 14. Although shown as flat, the slotted opener disk 62 can be concave. Fig.41 Shows Figure 8 The slotted opener disc 62 in the embodiment.

[0091] In some embodiments, a sub-groove opener 105 may be optionally included. The sub-groove opener 105 is coupled to the row unit 100, such as to an available portion of the frame 110 (see, for example, FIG. 1 ). Figure 25-26 and Fig.55 ). The sub-groove opener 105 is disposed behind the opener disk assembly 60 in the groove opened by the seed groove opener assembly 120. The sub-groove opener 105 may optionally include a blade 105-1 that extends below the opener disk 112 to form an optional sub-groove 104-1 in the soil at the bottom and inside the planting groove 104. This forms a smaller V-shaped compact groove profile within the larger outer groove 104, so that the seeds deposited in the sub-groove are restricted from moving laterally or forward / backward in the soil to maintain their preferred orientation and position in the groove. The seed distribution pipe 130 may be arranged and positioned to deposit seeds into the sub-groove via a pipe discharge opening 130-1 located at the bottom behind the sub-groove opener 105 relative to the direction of travel D of the row unit 100 through the farmland and following the sub-groove opener.

[0092] The mounting bracket 105-3 of the sub-grooving opener 105 may include a fixed portion 105-5 configured for rigid connection with the row unit frame 110 and an adjustable portion 105-4 movably connected to the fixed portion. This allows the depth of the sub-grooves formed at the bottom of the planting groove 104 to be adjusted. To provide adjustability, the adjustable portion 105-4 of the bracket 105-3 may include a pair of slots 105-6 that receive threaded fasteners 105-7 (e.g., see FIG. 1 ) that engage with the fixed portion 105-5. Fig.55 ).

[0093] When the slotted opener disc 62 is combined with the sub-furrow opener 105, the slotted opener disc 62 can form a general and larger outer furrow, and the sub-furrow opener 105 can form smaller sub-furrows in the outer furrow without the sub-furrow opener 105 having to perform all the work, which would result in more severe wear on the sub-furrow opener 105, especially when encountering crop residues or rocks / stones that may be in the farmland.

[0094] The seed delivery system 200 includes a first embodiment of a seed meter 128, a seed dispensing tube 130, and a seed accelerator 300 that cooperate to deliver seeds from a seed hopper 116 or 116' to the soil at a preselected rate. The seeds are conveyed from the hopper and transferred to the seed meter 128, which is configured to singulate the supplied seeds. In one embodiment, the seed meter 128 can be a vacuum-type meter, such as the vacuum-type meter disclosed in International Patent Publication No. WO / 2012 / 129442 or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0230846 of the applicant, or any commercially available vacuum-type seed meter, such as, but not limited to, the VSet available from Precision Planting LLC, 23333 Townline Rd, Tremont, Illinois. ® Meter.

[0095] In operation, the seed meter 128 deposits supplied seed, preferably via the seed accelerator 300, into the seed dispensing tube 130, which in turn delivers the seed to the planting furrow 104. The seed dispensing tube 130 may be removably mounted to a portion or portions of the frame 110.

[0096] Seeds dispensed from the seed meter 128 by the seed accelerator 300 are directed into the seed dispensing tube 130 and into the planting groove 104 through the seed dispensing tube 130. The seed meter 128 can be configured to receive seeds from the seed hopper 116 or 116' and orient the seeds relative to the seed dispensing tube 130 in a preselected orientation by any selected method, such as the method shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0230846, published on August 1, 2019, entitled "Systems, Implements, and Methods for Seed Orientation with Adjustable Singulators During Planting".

[0097] The discharge opening 130-1 at the bottom end of the seed dispensing tube 130 is positioned between the furrowing discs 122 to deliver seeds from the seed meter 128 into the open seed groove 104. The depth of the seed groove 104 is controlled by a pair of gauge wheels 134 positioned near the furrowing discs 122. The gauge wheels 134 are rotatably supported by gauge wheel arms 136, one end of which is pivotally fixed to the frame 110 around a pivot pin 138. An adjustment handle 140 supported by the frame 110 is operably coupled to the arm 136 and is configured to form a gauge wheel adjustment mechanism. The handle can be moved forward and backward to raise or lower the gauge wheel 134 relative to the frame and furrowing discs 122. This allows the depth of the seed groove 104 to be adjusted and set by limiting the upward travel of the gauge wheel arms 136 (and therefore the gauge wheel 134) relative to the furrowing discs 122. Therefore, the cutting depth produced by the trenching disc 122 is controlled by the depth-gauging wheel adjustment mechanism.

[0098] The seed trench closure assembly 146 includes a pair of offset closing wheels 150 rotatably coupled to the frame 110. The wheels 150 are arranged at an angle relative to each other to "close" the seed trench 104 by pushing the walls of the open seed trench back together over the deposited seeds 106 as the row unit 100 passes by. The seed trench closure assembly 146 in some embodiments can be of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent 9,848,524, entitled "Agricultural Seed Trench Closing Systems, Methods, and Apparatus," issued on December 26, 2017.

[0099] Now refer to Figure 3-Figure 16 Various aspects and components of the seed delivery system 200 are further described, particularly with reference to Figure 17-Figure 23 , which shows more details of the seed delivery system components.

[0100] The seed meter 128 includes a circular housing 127 and an internal seed metering disk 129 that rotates within the seed meter and receives seeds from the hopper 116. The disk 129 is rotatably mounted on an axle 315 located at the geometric center of the disk and the seed meter 128, the axle defining an axis of rotation RA1 of the disk. The disk 129 rotates in a rotation direction R as indicated by the rotation arrow shown (e.g., Fig. 22 A compatible motor driver 135 (in Fig. 22 1 ), such as a gear motor drive (such as vDrive) commercially available from Precision Planting, LLC of Tremont, Illinois, rotates the metering disk 129 at a desired speed. The circumferential peripheral edge 129-1 of the metering disk includes driven gear teeth 133 that mesh with mating gear drive teeth of the motor drive to rotate the metering disk. Other suitable metering disk drive mechanisms may also be used.

[0101] The metering disk of the seed metering disk 129 includes a circular array of seed holes 129-2, each of which is configured to hold a seed. The seed holes 129-2 are spaced apart along the perimeter around the perimeter area of ​​the disk. The seed holes extend completely between and through the two opposing major surfaces 129-3, 129-4 of the metering disk 129 (see, for example, FIG. Fig.23 ). In one embodiment, as shown, the holes 129-2 can be spaced radially slightly inward from the circumferential edge 129-1 of the disk 129. When the metering disk rotates in the rotational direction R, the seed holes 129-2 define an annular seed travel path P for the seeds. The seed holes 129-2 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction and define pockets in which individual seeds of the seed within the seed meter 128 drawn from the hopper 116 or 116' are captured. The seeds are attracted and held in each seed hole on the opposing major surface 129-3 of the metering disk 120 by drawing a vacuum from the major surface 129-4 of the metering disk 129 above the seed holes 129-2 by a commercially available vacuum system (not shown) provided, which is compatible with a vacuum-type seed meter (e.g., vDrive from Precision Planting, LLC of Tremont, Illinois). ® The seed metering disk 129 can be oriented vertically when in use, and the vacuum can be terminated at one sector of the circular disk (eg, 3 to 6 o'clock position) to release the seed from the seed hole 129-2.

[0102] As known in the art, the size and spacing of the seed holes 129-2 can be varied and customized according to the specific type of seed to be planted. As the metering disc 129 rotates, the seed meter 128 singulates the seeds distributed from the hopper 116 or 116' and delivers one seed to the seed distribution pipe 130 at a time via the seed accelerator 300, as further described herein. Therefore, a variety of interchangeable custom metering discs 129 are provided, which can be selected according to the specific type of the seed planted. For this purpose, the metering disc is removably mounted in the seed meter 129.

[0103] Any or each of the seed meter 128, the seed accelerator 300, and the seed dispensing tube 130 can be configured to orient the seed along a preselected orientation relative to the seed dispensing tube 130 by any selected method. In some embodiments, the seed meter 128 can be configured to orient the seed prior to or as the seed is delivered to the seed dispensing tube 130 via the seed accelerator 300. For example, the seed meter 128 can include a vision system and a single rower having features (e.g., lobes) configured to orient the seed, such as disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0230846, published on August 1, 2019, and entitled “Systems, Implements, and Methods for Seed Orientation with Adjustable Singulators During Planting”. Figure 4 A- Figure 4 C. In some embodiments, a separate seed orientation system is provided near the inlet of the seed dispensing tube 130, in the middle of the seed dispensing tube 130, or near the outlet of the seed dispensing tube 130. Suitable exemplary seed orientation devices and systems are shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0367425, entitled “Seed Orientation System for Agricultural Planters,” published on November 26, 2020, and in 2022 / 0192079, entitled “Aerodynamic and Centrifugal Seed Orientation System for Agricultural Planters,” published on June 23, 2022. In alternative embodiments, other types of seed orientation systems are used, including but not limited to the systems described in the background section above.

[0104] In some embodiments, the seed dispensing tube 130 can be of a generally cylindrical configuration, including a tubular body with a generally cylindrical interior. In other embodiments, the seed dispensing tube 130 can have another shape, such as but not limited to a tapered body that tapers downward toward the discharge end (seed outlet) at the bottom of the seed dispensing tube, or the seed dispensing tube 130 can have a non-cylindrical geometry.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, at least a portion of the seed dispensing tube 130 may have a helical configuration defining a curved and twisted helical seed orienting surface 130-3 that engages and manipulates the seed to provide a predetermined seed orientation for planting in a planting furrow (see, e.g., Fig. 22 and Figure 25-26 ). Fig. 22 A seed dispensing tube 130 is shown that combines a plain tubular upper portion coupled to the air outlet tube 302 of the seed accelerator 300 and a lower spiral portion that includes an inner spiral seed orientation surface 130-3. The upper portion of the dispensing tube 130 may include mounting protrusions 130-8 (see, e.g., Fig.48 ), which is configured to couple to and support tubes from the row unit frame.

[0106] In embodiments including the optional sub-groove opener 105, the bottom end of the seed dispensing tube 130 may be removably coupled to the sub-groove opener for providing support as the tube is advanced through the planting groove 104. Fig.26 , Fig.49 , Fig.51 and Figure 55-Figure 56 , the distribution tube 130 includes a stabilizing block 520 disposed at the front side of the bottom of the distribution tube 130, near the discharge opening 130-1. In one embodiment, the stabilizing block 520 can be removably coupled to the adjustable portion 105-4 of the sub-grooving opener 105 via a threaded fastener 523, which is inserted through a fastener hole 522 in the stabilizing block and a mating rearwardly opening threaded fastener hole 524 in the adjustable portion (e.g., see Fig.56 ). Other threaded connections may also be used.

[0107] In order to further stabilize the connection using only a single fastener 523, the stabilizing block 520 may include a forwardly projecting key 521, which is received in a keyway 105-2 formed at the rear end of the sub-grooving opener mounting bracket 105-3 and opened backward. In one embodiment, the key 521 and the keyway 105-2 may be vertically elongated and oriented, as shown. In one configuration, the key and keyway may be V-shaped; however, other suitable complementary configurations may also be used. In other embodiments, the key and keyway may be omitted, and a pair of threaded fasteners 523 may be used instead to stably fix the stabilizing block 520 of the seed dispensing tube to the sub-grooving opener 105. In addition, the seed dispensing tube 130 may also be fixedly coupled to the sub-grooving opener 105 by other means.

[0108] In operation, when the stabilizing block 520 is coupled in the above manner and keyed to the sub-groove opener 105, the horizontal and vertical movement of the distribution pipe 130 is inhibited via the rigid coupling therebetween. This protects the bottom end of the seed distribution pipe 130 from damage if the sub-groove opener blade 105-1 in front of the pipe encounters debris in the field when the row unit forms the planting groove 104.

[0109] Figure 25-26 The lower spiral portion of the seed dispensing tube 130 is shown, comprising a twisted, fully enclosed top portion 130-4 and a partially open spiral bottom portion 130-2, both of which include an inner spiral seed orientation surface 130-3. A bottom discharge opening 130-1 is defined at the bottom end of the partially open spiral bottom portion 130-2 of the tube 130, as shown in FIG. Fig.26 and Fig.50 The discharge opening 130-1 of the seed dispensing tube is open downwardly and may, in one embodiment, include a vertically oriented oblong lateral orifice 130-5 extending a distance upwardly along the tube 130 from its open bottom terminal end. In one embodiment, the lateral orifice 130-5 may be formed laterally outwardly on the right or left side of the seed dispensing tube 130 (at Fig.50 1). Advantageously, the lateral orifices 130-5 help disperse excess air traveling downward within the seed dispensing tube 130 into the atmosphere, which reduces the velocity of the airflow carrying the seeds to promote proper implantation and orientation of the seeds in the planting grooves. However, in other possible embodiments, the seed dispensing tube 130 can be completely enclosed all the way down to the bottom end defining the downwardly opening discharge opening 130-1 by eliminating the lateral orifices 130-5. Thus, the geometry and configuration of the seed dispensing tube can be varied in many ways to suit the desired application.

[0110] In one embodiment, the seed dispensing tube 130 can have a one-piece, unitary body structure including a straight portion and a spiral portion as shown. In the embodiment shown, the seed dispensing tube has a segmented body structure including a plurality of tube segments 533 coupled together at joints 531 (e.g., see Fig.50 ). The segments may be coupled together using any suitable method, such as, but not limited to, welding, adhesives, bolted joints, quick-connect type compression joints, etc. The distribution tube, whether a one-piece structure or a segmented structure, may be formed of any suitable metal or non-metal material. In one non-limiting embodiment, the distribution tube 130 is formed of plastic.

[0111] In other embodiments, the seed dispensing tube 130 can be configured as a seed orienting tube in which the seeds ride / slide along the inner surface of the seed orienting tube and the air flowing through the seeds orients the seeds into a desired orientation for delivery to the planting grooves. Examples of orientation systems include PCT Publications Nos. WO2018013858A1, WO2018013859A1, WO2018013860A2, and WO2018013861A1. In other embodiments, a seed orienting device (such as the devices described in U.S. Patent Publications Nos. US2020 / 0367425A1 and US2022 / 0192079A1) can be used in conjunction with the seed dispensing tube 130 to orient the seeds before being deposited in the planting grooves after being discharged from the seed meter 128 and the seed dispensing tube.

[0112] The seed meter cover 127 can have a complementary configuration of curvature that approximates the curvature of the seed travel path P within the seed meter 128. The seed meter cover 127 allows seeds that fall directly from the desired singulated seed point within the seed meter 128 to enter the seed distribution tube 130 via the seed accelerator 300 with air assistance, while any other seeds or debris that may be located near the desired seeds or the seed entry into the seed distribution tube 130 will be deflected by the seed meter cover 207.

[0113] Air Entrainment Seed Accelerator - Airflow from the Inside Out

[0114] Figures 16 to 23A first non-limiting embodiment of a seed accelerator 300 is described in more detail and emphasis. The seed accelerator 300 includes a curved and generally tubular body 300-1 configured to operate via air entrainment to strip and capture singulated seeds from a metering disk of a seed meter 128, and discharge the entrained seeds into a seed distribution tube 130 for delivery to a planting groove. The seed accelerator body defines an internal passage 300-2, configured to capture seeds via air introduction. The seed accelerator 300 generally includes an air inlet tube 301, an exhaust tube 302, and a recurvant bend 303 extending between the air inlet tube and the exhaust tube. In one embodiment, the air inlet tube 301 can be funnel-shaped, as shown in the figure, having a truncated cone configuration, wherein the inlet portion is larger than the discharge portion adjacent to the tube bend 303. The funnel shape of gradually decreasing diameter accelerates the incoming pressurized air supplied to the air inlet tube from the pressurized air source 304A so as to actively dislodge and strip the seed from each seed hole 129-2 of the seed metering disk 129 as the seed metering disk 129 rotates through the seed accelerator 300, which defines the discharge point on the metering disk. The inlet tube 301 is configured to be coupled to an air supply conduit 304, such as a pressurized air source 304A (e.g., an air compressor or a pressurized air tank (in Fig.16 The exhaust pipe 302 is configured to be coupled to the seed distribution pipe 130, as shown.

[0115] The seed accelerator 300 also includes a seed capture cover 305 configured to cover a portion of the seed metering disk 129. The seed capture cover 305 creates a seed capture zone or area through which seeds carried by the metering disk pass as the metering disk rotates and are entrained in the pressurized air flow passing through the seed capture cover. As shown in one embodiment, the seed capture cover can be disposed in the pipe bend 303 between the air inlet pipe 301 and the exhaust pipe 302.

[0116] The seed capture cover 305 has a non-circular shape, and more particularly can have a polygonal shape in certain preferred but non-limiting embodiments. In the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, in one embodiment, the seed capture cover 305 can be a three-sided linear structure (e.g., rectangular or square) including a pair of opposing end walls 305-1 and a transverse wall 305-2 connected to the opposing walls. In one embodiment, the seed capture cover 305 can be generally U-shaped, as shown; however, other shapes can also be used. Walls 305-1 and 305-2 are orthogonally arranged walls. Walls 305-1 and 305-2 can each be flat, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. However, in other embodiments, the transverse wall 305-2 can be curved and arched in an arc between the end walls. Wall 305-1 is oriented parallel to the major surface 129-3 of one side of the seed metering disk 129. The transverse wall 305-2 is oriented parallel to the major surface 129-3 of the metering disk 129. The linear inner edge of the wall 305-1 is disposed proximal to the major surface 129-3 of the metering disk to minimize the escape of air between the wall and the disk.

[0117] The seed capture cover 305 defines an air entrainment chamber 306 that is open inwardly toward the seed metering disk 129. The air entrainment chamber 306 defines a portion of the internal passage 300-2 of the seed accelerator 300 through which pressurized air is introduced and flows. The chamber 306 can have a different cross-sectional shape than the internal passage 300-2 of the air inlet tube 301 and the air outlet tube 302. The chamber 306 can have a polygonal (e.g., linear or other) cross-sectional shape, as shown in the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, while the air inlet tube 301 and the air outlet tube 302 that form other portions of the passage 300-2 can have a non-polygonal cross-sectional shape, such as a circular or elliptical shape (although the diameters may be different at different portions of the tube).

[0118] One end wall 305-1 on the upstream side of the seed capture hood 305 includes an air inlet port 307 for introducing pressurized air into the chamber 306. The other wall opposite the end wall 305-1 includes an air outlet port 308 for allowing air to exit the seed capture hood with seeds entrained in the air flow, which are then conveyed to the exhaust duct 302 of the seed accelerator 300. The seed capture hood 305 also includes a top opening 305-3 and an opposing bottom opening 305-4, each of which is in communication with the air entrainment chamber 306 of the seed capture hood. These openings define a through passage 305-5 through which the seed holes 129-2 on the metering disk 129 and the seeds at least partially disposed therein pass when the metering disk rotates for capture by air flowing through the seed capture hood 305.

[0119] The seed accelerator 300 may include one or more mounting brackets 310 configured to be removably fixedly coupled to any suitable available support surface of the row unit, such as, but not limited to, a portion of the support frame 110 to which the seed meter 128 is mounted and / or the meter cover 127. In one embodiment, threaded fasteners may be used to mount the seed accelerator to the support surface. Other mechanical fasteners or clamps may also be used.

[0120] In one embodiment, the seed accelerator 300 may have a unitary body 300-1, wherein the mounting bracket 310, the air inlet tube 301, the return tube bend 303, the exhaust tube 302, and the seed capture cover 305 are formed as an integral structural part of the body. The seed accelerator body may be formed of a suitable metallic material or non-metallic material (e.g., a polymer), which is manufactured by any suitable method (including casting or molding) depending on the material used.

[0121] The seed accelerator 300 is configured to deliver airflow through the air entrainment chamber 306 of the seed capture shield 305 from the inside out and in a downward direction through the metering disk 129 to capture seeds from the seed holes 129 - 2 .

[0122] In operation, the seed holes 129-2 formed in the seed metering disk 129 rotate as the disk rotates and pass one by one through the seed capture chamber 306 in the seed capture cover 305. As previously described, each seed is temporarily held in the seed hole 129-2 by the vacuum drawn from the other major surface 129-4 of the seed metering disk 129, which is opposite the major surface 129-3 on which the seeds are deposited, to pass through the seed accelerator 300.

[0123] The pressurized air enters the internal passage 300-2 of the seed accelerator 300 from the outside of the peripheral edge 129-1 of the metering disk 129 through the air inlet tube 301 and flows along the reversed air flow path PA, thereby changing direction in the passage and reversing direction almost completely (<180 degrees), and then passes through the metering disk from the inside to the outside along the air flow path toward the peripheral edge, while intersecting the seed travel path P at the air entrainment chamber 306 within the seed capture cover 305 (see, for example, Fig. 22). Thus, the air flow path PA through the internal passage 350-2 is summarized as from the outside to the inside of the peripheral edge 129-1 of the metering disk 129, and changes direction from the inside to the outside toward the peripheral edge at an edge position different from the position where the air is introduced via the inlet tube 301. The pressurized air flow is introduced into the air entrainment chamber 306 via the air inlet port 307 in the seed capture cover 305 and flows through and is generally parallel to the main surface 129-3 of the seed metering disk 129, and passes through the seed holes 129-2 and the seeds therein as the seed holes 129-2 and the seeds therein successively pass through the seed capture cover one by one after the metering disk 129 rotates. The air entrainment chamber 306 of the seed capture cover 305 is configured to convey airflow in a cross-section with the annular seed travel path P on the metering disk when the metering disk rotates. The cross-flow above the seeds disrupts the seating of the seeds in the seed holes 129-2 so that the seeds are more effectively entrained in the airflow. The air flow displaces each seed from its respective seed hole, and the seed is drawn into and entrained in the air flow flowing through the seed capture hood. The air flow sweeps and transports the air-entrained seeds through the air outlet port 308 of the seed capture hood into the seed distribution tube 130 connected to the exhaust pipe 302 of the seed accelerator. The seeds can enter the seed capture hood 305 from the metering disk 129 at approximately the 3 o'clock position (where they are entrained in the air flow), and then be swept outward and discharged from the disk at approximately the same 3 o'clock position through the air outlet pipe 302 (see, for example, Fig. 22 ). The seeds are discharged one by one from the bottom end of the seed dispensing tube 130 and deposited in the planting groove. Therefore, when the seeds pass through the seed capture cover 305 in a manner similar to the above, each seed on the seed metering disk 129 will be successively stripped from the disk and deposited in the planting groove.

[0124] The air pressure and flow through the seed accelerator 300 can be controlled to achieve preselected seed and air speeds. When the ground speed of the row unit is low, a lower air speed is required to prevent the seed from being disturbed in the furrow. At higher ground speeds, a higher seed speed is required to successfully capture the seed in the selected orientation. The seed speed should be sufficiently greater than the ground speed so that the lateral movement of the seed relative to the ground when it is secured in the planting furrow is negligible.

[0125] Air Entrainment Seed Accelerator - Outside-In Airflow

[0126] Figure 24-Figure 32A second non-limiting embodiment of a seed accelerator 350 is shown, comprising a curved and generally tubular body 350-1 configured to operate via air entrainment to strip singulated seeds from the metering disk 129 of the seed meter 128 and discharge the entrained seeds into the seed dispensing tube 130 for delivery to the planting groove. The seed accelerator body defines an internal passage 350-2, configured to capture seeds via air introduction. The seed accelerator 350 can function generally similar to the seed accelerator 300 described previously herein and include similar components. However, the present seed accelerator 350 embodiment is configured and arranged to introduce pressurized air from the outside of the circumferential edge of the disk in an air flow path through the major surface 129-3 of the seed metering disk 129. The air flows through the disk 129 in a lateral direction from one edge to the other, rather than in a radially outward direction from the inside of the disk toward the circumferential edge of the disk 129 as in the seed accelerator 300.

[0127] The seed accelerator 350 generally includes an air inlet tube 351, an exhaust tube 352, and an intermediate tube section 353 extending therebetween. In one embodiment, the air inlet tube 351 can be funnel-shaped, as shown, having a generally frustoconical configuration, wherein the inlet portion is larger than the exhaust portion adjacent to the tube section 353. The gradually decreasing diameter funnel shape accelerates incoming pressurized air supplied to the air inlet tube from a pressurized air source so as to actively dislodge and strip the seeds from each seed hole 129-2 of the seed metering disk 129 as the seed metering disk 129 rotates through the seed accelerator 300. The inlet tube 301 is configured to be coupled to an air supply conduit 304, such as an air hose or tube (e.g., see FIG. 1 ) coupled to a pressurized air source 304A (e.g., an air compressor or a pressurized air tank). Fig.25 ). The discharge tube 352 is configured to be coupled to the seed distribution tube 130, as shown.

[0128] Both the air inlet tube 351 and the exhaust tube 352 may be arcuately curved in one configuration as shown in the illustrated embodiment.Other configurations of tubes may be employed to deliver pressurized air across the surface of the metering disk 129 in a lateral direction.

[0129] The seed accelerator 350 also includes a seed capture cover 355 configured to cover a portion of the seed metering disk 129. The seed capture cover 355 functions similarly to the seed capture cover 305 of the aforementioned seed accelerator 300. Thus, the seed capture cover 355 creates a seed capture zone or area through which seeds carried by the metering disk pass as the metering disk rotates. The capture cover can be disposed in the intermediate pipe section 353 between the air inlet pipe 351 and the exhaust pipe 352, as shown in one embodiment.

[0130] In one embodiment, the seed capture shield 355 can be a three-sided linear structure (e.g., rectangular or square), similar to the seed capture shield 305 previously described herein. Therefore, the seed capture shield 355 similarly includes a pair of opposing end walls 355-1 and a transverse wall 355-2 connected to the opposing end walls. Walls 355-1 and 355-2 are orthogonally arranged walls. In one embodiment, the seed capture shield 355 can be generally U-shaped, as shown; however, other shapes can also be used. Walls 355-1 and 355-2 can each be flat, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. However, in other embodiments, the transverse wall 355-2 can be arcuately curved and arched between the end walls. Wall 355-1 is oriented parallel to the major surface 129-3 of one side of the seed metering disk 129. The transverse wall 355-2 is oriented parallel to the major surface 129-3 of the metering disk 129. The linear inner edge of the wall 355-1 is disposed at a position near the major surface 129-3 of the metering disk to minimize air escape between the wall and the disk.

[0131] The seed capture shield 355 defines an inwardly open air entrainment chamber 356 facing the seed metering disk 129. The chamber 356 can be configured similarly to the chamber 306 of the seed accelerator 300 previously described herein. Thus, the present air entrainment chamber 356 can have a different cross-sectional shape (e.g., linear) than the internal passageway 350-2 (e.g., annular) of the air inlet tube 352 and the outlet tube 352.

[0132] One end wall 355-1 on the upstream side of the seed capture hood 355 includes an air inlet port 357 for introducing pressurized air into the chamber 356. The other opposing end wall 355-1 includes an air outlet port 358 for allowing air to exit the seed capture hood with seeds entrained in the air flow and then discharged into the exhaust pipe 352 of the seed accelerator 350. The seed capture hood 355 also includes a top opening 355-3 and an opposing bottom opening 355-4, each of which is in communication with the air entrainment chamber 356 of the seed capture hood. These openings define a through passage 355-5 through which the seed holes 129-2 on the seed disk 129 and the seeds at least partially disposed therein pass as the metering disk rotates so as to be captured by the air flowing through the seed capture hood 355.

[0133] The seed accelerator 350 may include one or more mounting brackets 360 configured to be removably fixedly coupled to any suitable available support surface of the row unit, such as, but not limited to, a portion of the support frame 110 to which the seed meter 128 is mounted and / or the meter cover 127. In one embodiment, threaded fasteners may be used to mount the seed accelerator to the support surface. Other mechanical fasteners or clamps may also be used.

[0134] In one embodiment, the seed accelerator 350 can have a unitary body 300-1, wherein the mounting bracket 360, the air inlet tube 351, the intermediate tube section 353, the exhaust tube 352, and the seed capture cover 355 are formed as an integral single structural part of the body. The seed accelerator body can be formed of a suitable metallic material or non-metallic material (e.g., a polymer), which is manufactured by any suitable method (including casting or molding) depending on the material used.

[0135] Compared to the previously described seed accelerator 300, the present seed accelerator 350 is configured to deliver airflow from the outside inward and in a downward direction through the metering disk 129 through the air entrainment chamber 356 of the seed capture shield 355 to capture seeds from the seed holes 129-2.

[0136] In operation, as the seed metering disk 129 rotates in the rotational direction R, the seed holes 129-2 formed in the seed metering disk 129 rotate and pass one by one through the seed capture chamber 356 within the seed capture cover 355. Each seed is temporarily held in its respective seed hole 129-2 by drawing a vacuum on the respective seed hole 129-2 from the other major surface 129-4 of the seed metering disk 129, which is opposite the major surface 129-3 on which the seed is deposited, so as to pass through the seed accelerator 350.

[0137] The pressurized air enters the internal passage 350-2 of the seed accelerator 350 from the outer peripheral edge 129-1 of the metering disk 129 at a first edge position through the air inlet tube 351 and flows inwardly along the arcuate curved air flow path PA to a second edge position, while intersecting the seed travel path P at the air entrainment chamber 356 inside the seed capture cover 355 (see, e.g. Fig.31). Thus, the air flow path PA through the internal passage 350-2 is summarized as from the outside of the peripheral edge 129-1 of the metering disk 129 to the inside, through the disk, and then from the inside of the peripheral edge to the outside. The pressurized air flow is introduced into the air entrainment chamber 356 via the air inlet port 307 in the seed capture cover 355 and flows through the major surface 129-3 of the seed metering disk 129 and is generally parallel to the major surface, and passes through the seed holes 129-2 and the seeds therein as the seed holes 129-2 and the seeds therein successively pass through the seed capture cover after the metering disk 129 rotates. The air entrainment chamber 356 of the seed capture cover 355 is configured to convey air flow intersecting with the annular seed travel path P on the metering disk as the metering disk rotates, similar to the seed capture cover 305 previously described. The air flow causes each seed to be removed from its respective seed hole, and the seed is then introduced and entrained in the air flow. In other embodiments, other mechanisms may be used alone or in combination to remove seeds. In one embodiment, a mechanical sweeping or scooping action such as in FR2414288 may be used. In another embodiment, the seeds may just fall off the disk when the vacuum is terminated. The airflow sweeps and conveys the air-entrained seeds through the seed capture hood air outlet port 358 and into the seed distribution tube 130 connected to the exhaust tube 352 of the seed accelerator. The seeds may enter the seed capture hood 355 at approximately the 3 o'clock position on the metering disk 129 (where the seeds are entrained by the airflow), and then be swept outward and discharged from the disk via the air outlet tube 352 at a different approximately 5 o'clock position (see, for example, FIG. 1 ). Fig.31 ). The seeds are discharged one by one from the bottom end of the seed distribution pipe 130 and deposited in the planting groove.

[0138] Mechanical Seed Accelerator-Wheel Embodiment

[0139] Figure 33-Figure 40 A non-limiting embodiment of a mechanical seed accelerator 400 is shown that is configured to physically move singulated seeds from a metering disk 129 of a seed meter 128 and discharge the seeds into a seed dispensing tube 130, rather than using pressurized air as a motive force as in previous air-operated seed accelerator embodiments disclosed herein.

[0140] The seed accelerator 400 generally includes a rotatable accelerator wheel 401, a seed chute 404 including a seed guide wall 402, and a motor wheel drive 403 coupled to the wheel and operable to rotate the wheel. The wheel, chute, and wheel drive can be supported by a common housing 405 that is configured to be mounted to a portion of a seed meter and / or a row unit frame. The wheel 401 is mounted about its central hub to a drive shaft 401-1 that is coupled to the wheel drive 403, such as by a mechanical coupling linkage 304-1 (e.g., a commercially available belt or chain in one embodiment) ( Fig.35 In other embodiments, the wheel drive system may be a direct drive, where the motor shaft is directly coupled to the drive shaft of wheel 401.

[0141] The drive shaft 401-1 of the accelerator wheel 401 defines a rotation axis RA2 of the wheel, which in some embodiments can be parallel to the rotation axis RA1 of the metering disk 129 of the seed meter 128. The rotation axes RA1 and RA2 can be coplanar and lie in the same horizontal reference plane passing through and including the rotation axes (e.g., see Fig.39 ). The rotation speed (RPM - revolutions per minute) of the accelerator wheel 401 may be greater than the rotation speed of the metering disk 129 .

[0142] The accelerator wheel 401 includes a plurality of arcuately curved radial fingers 401-2 configured to directly engage and displace singulated seeds from the seed holes. In other embodiments, the fingers may be straight. Thus, as the metering disk 129 rotates following the rotation of the accelerator wheel 401, the free ends 401-3 of the fingers are positioned to pass over and intercept the seed holes 129-2 (see, for example, FIG. Fig.40 ). Examples of accelerator wheels that can be used are described in PCT Publication Nos. WO2013 / 049198, WO2014 / 018717, and WO2017 / 011675, and are available from SpeedTube™ Systems of Precision Implantation, LLC of Tremont, Illinois.

[0143] In one embodiment, at least the drive shaft 401-1 of the accelerator wheel 401 (and concomitantly its axis of rotation RA2) is located inside the seed metering disk 129 (i.e., spaced inwardly from the circumferential peripheral edge 129-1 of the disk). In the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, both the drive shaft 401-1 and the finger 401-2 (i.e., the entire wheel) of the accelerator wheel 401 can be located inside the peripheral edge 129-1 of the seed metering disk 129 and spaced inwardly from the peripheral edge. From another perspective, the accelerator wheel 401 has an axis of rotation RA2 that is located inside the seed travel path P on the metering disk, while the guide wall 402 is located outside the seed path P. In any of the above embodiments, the accelerator wheel 401 moves the singulated seeds out of the metering disk 129 and drives the singulated seeds in an outward radial direction toward the peripheral edge 129-1 of the disk and against the guide wall 402.

[0144] The guide wall 402 cooperates with the accelerator wheel 401 to accelerate the singulated seeds removed by the wheel and distribute the seeds into the seed chute 404. The seed chute 404 is in turn connected to the seed distribution tube 130 for discharging each seed successively into the planting groove. In one embodiment, the seed guide wall 402 can be arcuately curved, as shown in the figure. The guide wall 402 defines an inwardly facing guide surface 402-1 facing the accelerator wheel 401. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide surface 402-1 can be formed as a continuous portion with the inner surface 404-1 of the seed chute 404, wherein the guide wall 402 and the seed chute 404 are formed as an integral part of the same single integral structure (for example, see Fig.36 ). The guide wall 402 forms a protrusion extending upward from the inlet 410 of the guide chute 404 and can be an open structure, while the portion of the guide chute 404 between its top inlet and bottom outlet is completely closed as shown in the figure to guide the seeds into the adjacent and connected seed distribution pipe 130.

[0145] As the gap between the free end of the radial finger 401-2 of the accelerator wheel 401 and the guide surface 401-1 gradually narrows along the rotation direction RW of the wheel 401, the radial finger 401-2 of the accelerator wheel 401 presses the seed against the wall 402. In certain embodiments, the finger 401-2 can also be elastically deformed so as to prevent the crushing of the seed against the guide wall 402 while increasing the friction of the seed ejected when the wheel rotates. For this purpose, any suitable elastomeric material or other similar materials with elastic memory can be used to construct the finger. The bent finger is separated by a radial gap to allow the finger to be at least partially nested when deformed and to collapse inwardly by pressing the seed against the guide wall 402. The finger rebounds to its original undeformed state by elastic memory to accelerate the seed to disengage from the wheel 401 and the guide wall 402 and eject the seed. The elastically deformable fingers 401-2 also allow the accelerator wheel 401 to accommodate seeds of different sizes / diameters to accommodate different types of plants to be grown. However, in other embodiments, the fingers may have a rigid construction when more appropriate.

[0146] In one embodiment, the accelerator wheel 401 can rotate in the same rotation direction RW as the rotation direction R of the metering disk 129 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Fig.40 129-2 rotates clockwise as shown). Thus, the accelerator wheel 401 advantageously works in conjunction with the existing rotational speed of the metering disk 129 to further impart additional acceleration to the seeds, causing them to be deposited in the seed grooves. Viewed from another perspective, the acceleration imparted by the accelerator wheel to the existing speed of the seeds in the seed holes 129-2 rotating with the metering disk is added to the rotational speed of the metering disk. To optimize the acceleration of the seeds, the accelerator wheel 401 is located at a side position of the metering disk 129 (e.g., approximately the 3 o'clock position) so as to preferably cause the seeds to be removed from the metering disk before the seeds pass under the disk. In some embodiments, the rotational axis RA2 of the accelerator wheel 401 can be located in the same horizontal reference plane as the rotational axis RA1 of the metering disk (e.g., see Fig.39 ). The seed moves out of its seed hole 129-2 in a direction substantially tangential to and downwardly from the peripheral edge 129-1 of the disk into the seed chute 404. The additional acceleration boost imparted to the seed by the accelerator wheel is particularly useful when at least a portion or all of the seed dispensing tube 130 includes a helical seed orientation surface that increases sliding friction on the seed, thereby slowing the seed.

[0147] It is noteworthy that in one embodiment, the curved seed guide wall 402 can be configured in position and arrangement so as not to intersect or engage with the seed hole 129-2 as the metering disk 129 rotates until the fingers 401-2 of the accelerator wheel 401 strike the singulated seed and displace the singulated seed from its seed hole. Thus, the guide wall 402 does not act alone or primarily to physically displace the seed from the disk, but rather cooperates with the accelerator wheel to achieve this purpose.

[0148] In operation, the seed holes 129-2 formed in the seed metering disk 129 rotate and pass between the guide wall 402 and the accelerator wheel 401 of the seed accelerator 400. The fingers 401-2 of the wheel cause each seed temporarily held in the respective seed hole 129-2 to be removed (successively) by drawing a vacuum on the seed hole 129-2 from another major surface 129-4 of the seed metering disk 129 opposite the major surface 129-3, where the seed is deposited in the seed meter 128. The accelerator wheel 401 drives the seed radially outward from the metering disk 129 (see, for example, Figure 39-40 ). The fingers 401-2 squeeze and press each seed against the seed guide wall 402 (i.e., the inner guide surface 402-1) for controlled capture and supply of seeds. When the structure of the fingers is elastically deformed, they collapse inwardly toward the rotation axis RA2 to store potential energy therein, and when the fingers return to the uncollapsed state, the accelerator wheel accelerates the seeds by a spring-like action. The seeds slidably engage the guide surface 402-1 of the seed guide wall as the accelerator wheel rotates and move downward in the vertical direction into the seed chute 404 and then fall into the seed distribution tube 130 to be implanted in the planting grooves formed by the row units in the farmland. The accelerator wheel 401 advantageously supplies seeds in a controlled manner successively at preselected time intervals as the wheel rotates so as to provide appropriate seed spacing in the grooves. The seed spacing can be adjusted by selecting the appropriate rotation speed of the metering disk 129 and the accelerator wheel.

[0149] In some embodiments, accelerator wheel 401 may be used in conjunction with air entrainment seed accelerator 300 or 350 to deliver seed from metering disk 129 into the accelerator for delivery to seed dispensing tube 130 for planting. Fig.33 and Fig.34 An air entrainment seed accelerator 900 is shown in combination with an accelerator wheel 401 .

[0150] The seed chute 404 and seed distribution tube 130 are illustrated as separate individual components, but may be formed and combined as part of a unitary, integrated structure for similar purposes and benefits as described herein.

[0151] In another embodiment, the pressurized air source 304 can be operated to change the pressure based on the travel speed. The pressure can be directly matched to the implement speed, so that when the speed increases, the pressure increases, or when the speed decreases, the pressure decreases. This can be a continuous change, or it can be a step change so that there are pressures for sub-ranges of speeds. For example, there can be one pressure for the speed range of 1.6 to 3.2 kilometers per hour (1 to 2 miles per hour), another pressure for the speed range of 3.2 to 4.8 kilometers per hour (2 to 3 miles per hour), and so on.

[0152] Air deflector flaps and vents

[0153] According to another aspect, the planter row unit 100 can include at least one air deflection baffle 500. The air deflection baffle has an operable configuration to block and exhaust at least a portion of the air from entering the groove, which can flow downward along the seed distribution tube 130. If not interrupted, the downward air flow along the seed distribution tube may enter the seed groove 104 reclaimed by the row unit and disrupt the proper deposition and implantation of seeds in the groove. The air source is a fan, impeller or compressor that provides a pressurized air flow into the seed distribution tube 130, such as via the air inlet tube 301.

[0154] refer to Fig.26 and Figure 46-Figure 55 In some embodiments, the air deflection baffle 500 can be disposed adjacent to the seed dispensing tube 30 between its top and bottom ends, and more particularly, can be disposed on the lower portion of the seed dispensing tube 130 between the depth gauge wheels 134. In one embodiment, the baffle 500 can be mounted below the rotational wheel axis WA of the depth gauge wheel and positioned between the top of the seed groove 104 and the wheel axis WA. Thus, the air deflection baffle 500 can be mounted approximately near the bottom seed discharge opening 130-1 of the seed dispensing tube 130.

[0155] In one embodiment, the air deflection baffle 500 includes: a mounting portion 501 that can be coupled to the seed dispensing tube 130 or the row unit support frame 110; and an air deflection portion 502 that is configured to direct air descending along the outer surface of the seed dispensing tube outwardly away from the open seed groove 104. The mounting portion 501 can be integrally formed with the air deflection portion 502 so that the air deflection baffle comprises a unitary, unitary structure formed of a suitable metallic material or non-metallic material (e.g., plastic). A metal-bodied baffle 500 may be preferred for durability to withstand damage from rocks, debris, or clumps of residual crop matter that may be dislodged from the soil by the row unit 100 trenching disc 122 as the trench is formed because the baffle is located near the top of the trench between the depth gauge wheels 134.

[0156] The air deflecting portion 502 of the air deflecting baffle includes a curved air impingement surface 503 that is oriented transversely to the seed distribution tube 130 and projects outwardly from the seed distribution tube 130 . Figures 46 to 52 An arcuately curved embodiment of an air deflecting baffle 500 is depicted. Fig.53 An alternative acutely angled embodiment of a baffle 500' is shown, including a flat impact surface 502' obliquely angled to the flat surface of the mounting portion 501' of the baffle. Either configuration of the baffle can form a curved air impact surface 503 for deflecting air descending along the outer surface of the seed distribution tube 130 away from the grooves and seed discharge openings of the tube. Other configurations can be used, including compound shapes that are tailored to direct downwardly flowing airflow away from the open seed grooves and the discharge openings of the seed distribution tube 130 within the grooves.

[0157] In the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, the air deflection baffle 500 can be removably coupled to the seed dispensing tube 130 via a mounting bracket 505 fixedly attached to the seed dispensing tube 130. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 505 can be flange-shaped, presenting a flat mounting surface to the mating flat mounting portion 501 of the air deflection baffle 500, thereby creating a flat-to-flat interface therebetween. The mounting bracket 505 can be securely attached to the tube 130 via any suitable rigid coupling method (e.g., welding, fasteners), or formed as an integral structural part of at least a portion of the tube. In the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, the seed dispensing tube 130 has a segmented construction as previously described herein. In this design, the mounting bracket 505 is integrally formed with and located on the end of one of the tube segments 533 at a joint 531 (to which the air deflection baffle 500 will be mounted). In one embodiment, the air deflection baffle 500 may be mounted to a lower spiral portion of the seed distribution tube 130 that defines the inner spiral seed orienting surface 130 - 3 .

[0158] In one embodiment, the mounting portion 501 of the air deflection baffle 500 can be coupled to the mounting bracket 505 via one or more threaded fasteners 507. As shown, a pair of fasteners can be used in one embodiment. In this case, a corresponding pair of fastening openings 506 are formed by the mounting portion 501 to receive the fasteners. In one embodiment, the openings 506 can be slot-shaped to allow adjustment of the position of the baffle 500 relative to the seed distribution tube 130, thereby forming a flat-to-flat sliding interface. The mounting bracket 505 on the distribution tube includes a pair of mating circular fastener holes 509 to receive or pass the threaded rod of the fastener 507 therein. In one embodiment, a threaded fastener hole 509 can be provided. In other embodiments, the fastener hole 509 can be unthreaded, and the nut 508 shown can be used to removably couple the air deflection baffle 500 to the mounting bracket 505 via the fastener. In other embodiments, other coupling devices can be used to couple the baffle to the mounting bracket.

[0159] In one embodiment, the air deflection baffle 500 can be mounted on the rear side of the seed distribution tube 130, behind the sub-groove opener 105, and above the discharge opening 130-1 at the bottom end of the seed distribution tube 130, from which the seeds entrained by the airflow are deposited in the sub-grooves at the bottom of the planting furrow or furrow 104. This directs the air to descend rearwardly along the seed distribution tube 130 in a rearward direction away from the row unit and the planting furrow so as not to interfere with the implantation and orientation of the furrow seeds in the furrow. The rear side of the row unit 100 opens rearwardly between the depth gauge wheels 136, thereby providing a convenient path to cleanly exhaust the air from the furrow and the seed distribution tube without causing air flow turbulence in the seed distribution area at the bottom of the seed distribution tube 130. In other embodiments, the air deflection baffle 500 can be located on other sides of the seed distribution tube 130, such as the front side, either side surface, or partially located between the rear side, the front side, and the side surface.

[0160] In some embodiments, the seed dispensing tube 130 may further include at least one vent 510 configured and operable to discharge and disperse into the atmosphere a portion of the excess pressurized air flowing downwardly in the tube and entraining the seeds. In some embodiments, a plurality of vents 510 are provided (e.g., see Fig.50 ). The vent(s) 510 also help prevent or minimize disturbance of desired seed placement in the planting furrow by exhausting excess air. When combined with the lateral apertures 130-5 in the tube spiral bottom portion 130-2 described previously in some embodiments herein, the vents 510 advantageously further reduce the velocity of the seed-carrying airflow by reducing the volume of air within the tube. This facilitates proper placement and orientation of the seeds in the planting furrow 104 as they are exhausted from the tube.

[0161] In one embodiment, the vents 510 may be located in and through the spiral bottom portion 130-2 of the seed dispensing tube 130, and more particularly, in certain embodiments, at least some of the vents are located on the tube near and / or below the air deflection baffle 500 (see, e.g., Fig.26 and Fig.50 ). The vent connects the interior of the seed dispensing tube 130 to the surrounding atmospheric fluid to exhaust pressurized air outwardly, as shown by directional air flow arrows 510-1. In one embodiment, the vent 510 may include an elongated slot that is laterally open and has a length greater than the width. The width dimension of the vent is smaller than the size of the seeds entrained in the pressurized air flow within the seed dispensing tube 130 to retain the seeds within the tube because the seeds can slidably engage the inner tube wall. In one embodiment, the vent opening can also be configured to be helically twisted to follow and conform to the curved contour of the spiral bottom portion 130-2 of the tube 130 (for example, see Fig.50 ). In other embodiments, at least one or all of the vents may be located in any portion of the seed distribution tube 130, such as an upper portion, in addition to or in lieu of the lower portion of the tube.

[0162] In one embodiment, at least one of the ventilation openings 510 may be located in the tube wall adjacent to the oblong lateral opening 130-5 formed at the bottom of the seed distribution tube 130, such as Fig.50 shown.

[0163] Example

[0164] The following are non-limiting examples.

[0165] Example 1 - A seed delivery system, the seed delivery system comprising: a seed meter, the seed meter comprising a metering disk configured to hold a plurality of seeds; a seed accelerator, the seed accelerator comprising an internal passage configured to allow air flow to flow through, the seed accelerator comprising a seed capture cover, the seed capture cover defining an air entrainment chamber open inwardly, the air entrainment chamber facing the metering disk and forming a portion of the internal passage; and a seed distribution tube connected to the seed accelerator; wherein the metering disk is capable of rotating to move the seeds through the seed capture cover, the seed capture cover being configured to extract each of the seeds and entrain each of the seeds in the air flow.

[0166] Example 2 - The seed delivery system of Example 1, wherein the metering disk includes a circular array of seed holes, each of the seed holes being configured to hold a singulated seed.

[0167] Example 3 - The seed delivery system of Example 2, wherein the seed capture cover covers a portion of the metering disk through which the seed holes pass sequentially, one after the other, as the metering disk rotates.

[0168] Example 4 - The seed delivery system of Example 2, wherein the seed accelerator includes an air inlet tube connectable to a pressurized air source and an air outlet tube connected to the seed distribution tube.

[0169] Example 5 - According to the seed delivery system of Example 4, the air inlet tube and the outlet tube are fluidly connected to the air entrainment chamber, and the air entrainment chamber is configured to convey airflow intersecting the annular seed travel path on the metering disk as the metering disk rotates.

[0170] Example 6 - A seed delivery system according to Example 4, wherein the seed accelerator further includes a return pipe bend disposed between the air inlet pipe and the outlet pipe and configured such that the airflow reverses direction in the internal passageway.

[0171] Example 7 - A seed delivery system according to Example 4, wherein the air entrainment chamber is disposed in the internal passage of the seed accelerator between the air inlet tube and the outlet tube.

[0172] Example 8 - A seed delivery system according to Example 4, wherein the air entrainment chamber is a U-shaped structure, the U-shaped structure includes a top opening and a bottom opening, the top opening and the bottom opening define a seed through-channel, and the seeds on the metering disk pass through the through-channel when the metering disk rotates.

[0173] Example 9 - A seed delivery system according to Example 4, wherein the seed capture cover includes: a first end wall, the first end wall including an air inlet port connected to the air inlet pipe; a second end wall, the second end wall including an air outlet port connected to the air outlet pipe; and a transverse wall, the transverse wall extending vertically between the first end wall and the second end wall.

[0174] Example 10 - The seed delivery system of Example 9, wherein the seed capture shield has a polygonal cross-sectional shape.

[0175] Example 11 - A seed delivery system according to any of Examples 2 to 4, wherein the seed accelerator is configured to transmit airflow through the air entrainment chamber of the seed capture cover from the inside to the outside and in a downward direction through the metering disk to extract the seeds from the seed holes.

[0176] Example 12 - A seed delivery system according to any of Examples 2 to 4, wherein the seed accelerator is configured to convey an airflow through the air entrainment chamber of the seed capture cover from the outside to the inside and in a downward direction through the metering disk to extract the seeds from the seed holes.

[0177] Example 13 - A seed delivery system according to Example 12, wherein the internal passage of the seed accelerator is configured so that the airflow flows through the seed accelerator along an arcuate curved path.

[0178] Example 14 - A seed delivery system, comprising: a seed meter, the seed meter comprising a rotatable metering disk, the rotatable metering disk being configured to hold an array of singulated seeds; a seed accelerator, the seed accelerator comprising an accelerator wheel, the accelerator wheel being configured to move the singulated seeds out of the metering disk; and a seed chute, the seed chute being configured to receive the seeds moved out by the accelerator wheel; wherein the accelerator wheel is capable of rotating to move the seeds out of the metering disk in a radially outward direction and accelerate the distribution of the seeds into the seed chute.

[0179] Example 15 - A seed delivery system according to Example 14, wherein the accelerator wheel is rotatable about an axis of rotation spaced inwardly from a circular peripheral edge of the metering disk.

[0180] Example 16 - A seed delivery system according to Example 14 or 15, wherein the accelerator wheel rotates in the same rotational direction as the metering disk, so that the acceleration imparted to the seed velocity by the accelerator wheel is added to the rotational speed of the metering disk.

[0181] Example 17 - A seed delivery system according to Example 14 or 15, wherein: the seed chute includes an arcuate curved guide wall arranged proximal to the accelerator wheel, the guide wall defining a guide surface facing inward toward the accelerator wheel and leading to the entrance of the seed chute; and the accelerator wheel is capable of being operated to press the seeds against the guide wall in a radially outward direction and accelerate the seeds along the guide wall into the seed chute.

[0182] Example 18 - A seed delivery system according to Example 17, wherein the rotation axis of the accelerator wheel is located within the seed travel path on the metering disk and the guide wall is located outside the seed travel path on the metering disk.

[0183] Example 19 - The seed delivery system of Example 17, wherein the accelerator wheel is positioned to move the seed off the metering disc at a side position of the metering disc.

[0184] Example 20 - A seed delivery system according to Example 19, wherein the side position is approximately at the 3 o'clock position.

[0185] Example 21 - In the seed delivery system of Example 19 or 20, the accelerator wheel is configured to move the seeds out of the metering disk in a direction tangential to the metering disk.

[0186] Example 22 - The seed delivery system of any of Examples 14 to 16, wherein the rotational axis of the accelerator wheel and the rotational axis of the metering disk are located in the same horizontal reference plane.

[0187] Example 23 - The seed delivery system of any of Examples 14 to 22, wherein the accelerator wheel includes a plurality of radial fingers configured to engage the seed on the metering disk.

[0188] Example 24 - A seed delivery system according to Example 23, wherein the fingers are arcuately curved and formed from an elastically deformable material.

[0189] Example 25 - A seed delivery system according to Example 17, wherein the guide wall has an open structure that does not enclose the accelerator wheel and is disposed on an outwardly facing side of the accelerator wheel.

[0190] Example 26 - A seed delivery system according to Example 16, wherein the seed chute is vertically oriented.

[0191] Example 27 - A method of distributing seeds for planting, the method comprising: forming grooves in soil with row units; rotating a metering disk that holds an array of singulated seeds; rotating an accelerator wheel; using the accelerator wheel to move the seeds out of the metering disk in a radially outward direction; and delivering the seeds to the grooves.

[0192] Example 28 - The method of Example 27, wherein the removing step includes the accelerator wheel pressing the seeds against an arcuate curved guide wall disposed outside the accelerator wheel.

[0193] Example 29 - A method according to Example 28, wherein the accelerator wheel includes a plurality of elastically deformable radial fingers, which press the seeds against the guide wall and then collapse inward to store potential energy therein, and when the fingers return to their uncollapsed state, the accelerator wheel accelerates the seeds via a spring-like action.

[0194] Example 30 - A method according to Example 29, wherein the fingers are curved in an arcuate shape and are formed of an elastically deformable material having elastic memory.

[0195] Example 31 - The method of Example 28, wherein the rotational axis of the accelerator wheel is located within a seed travel path on the metering disk and the guide wall is located outside of the seed travel path on the metering disk.

[0196] Example 32 - The method of Example 28, wherein the accelerator wheel is positioned to move seeds out of the metering disk at a side position of the metering disk.

[0197] Example 33 - The method of Example 28, wherein the removing step includes continuously transferring the seeds to the accelerator wheel.

[0198] Example 34 - A method according to any of Examples 27 to 33, wherein the rotation axis of the accelerator wheel and the rotation axis of the metering disk are located in the same horizontal reference plane.

[0199] Example 35 - A method according to Example 34, wherein the rotational axis of the accelerator wheel is located within the circumferential peripheral edge of the metering disk.

[0200] Example 36 - The method of Example 34, wherein the accelerator wheel and the metering disk rotate in the same direction.

[0201] Example 37 - The method of Example 28, wherein the accelerator wheel discharges displaced seeds into the seed chute, which delivers the seeds to the groove.

[0202] Example 38 - A method according to Example 37, wherein the guide wall is formed as an integral part of the seed chute.

[0203] Example 39 - The method of Example 27, wherein the seeds are arranged in a circular array of seed holes in the metering disk, and the metering disk rotates successively past the accelerator wheel.

[0204] Example 40 - The method of Example 39, wherein the accelerator wheel includes a plurality of arcuately curved fingers that intercept the seed holes at a side of the metering disk as the metering disk and the accelerator wheel each rotate.

[0205] Example 41 - The method of Example 40, wherein the accelerator wheel rotates at a faster speed than the metering disk.

[0206] Example 42 - An agricultural row unit, comprising: a frame; a trench opening assembly, the trench opening assembly being configured to open a trench in a soil surface when the trench opening assembly moves in a forward direction of travel; a sub-trench opener, the sub-trench opener being disposed in the trench to open a sub-trench; a seed conduit, the seed conduit being configured to deposit seeds into the sub-trench; and a trench closing assembly for closing the trench and the sub-trench.

[0207] Example 43 - An agricultural row unit as described in Example 42, wherein the trenching assembly includes a first plate and a second plate.

[0208] Example 44 - An agricultural row unit according to Example 43, wherein at least one of the first disk and the second disk has slots and has teeth between the slots.

[0209] Example 46 - An agricultural row unit according to any of Examples 42 to 44, wherein the first disk is flat.

[0210] Example 47 - An agricultural row unit according to any of Examples 43 to 44, wherein the first disk is recessed.

[0211] Example 48 - An agricultural row unit according to any of Examples 43 to 47, wherein the teeth on the first disk are tapered.

[0212] Example 49 - An agricultural row unit according to any of Examples 43 to 48, wherein the second disk is flat.

[0213] Example 50 - An agricultural row unit according to any of Examples 43 to 48, wherein the second disk is concave.

[0214] Example 51 - An agricultural row unit according to any of Examples 43 to 50, wherein the teeth on the second disk are tapered.

[0215] Example 52 - The agricultural row unit of any of Examples 42 to 51 further comprising a seed meter connected to the frame and in fluid communication with the seed conduit.

[0216] Example 53 - An agricultural row unit according to any of Examples 42 to 52, wherein the seed conduit is a seed orienting conduit configured to orient the seed as it travels along the seed orienting conduit.

[0217] Example 54 - An agricultural row unit according to any of Examples 42 to 53, wherein the sub-groove opener further includes a blade extending downwardly from the sub-groove opener.

[0218] Example 55 - A method of operating an implement having a seed orientation system, wherein the seed orientation system comprises: a frame; a trench opening assembly configured to open a trench in a soil surface as the trench opening assembly moves in a forward direction of travel; a seed delivery system for delivering seeds to the trench; a gas source for providing gas to the seed orientation system to propel seeds through the seed orientation system; and a trench closing assembly for closing the trench, the method comprising: determining a speed of the implement; and setting a gas pressure of the gas source based on the determined speed.

[0219] Example 56 - A method according to Example 1, wherein the air pressure increases as the speed increases and the air pressure decreases as the speed decreases.

[0220] Example 57 - A method according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein when the speed changes, the air pressure changes continuously with the speed.

[0221] Example 58 - The method of example 1 or example 2, wherein the speed is divided into a plurality of sub-ranges and there is one air pressure for each sub-range.

[0222] Example 59 - A method according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the gas is air.

[0223] Example 60 - A method according to any one of Examples 55 to 59, wherein the seed delivery system is a directional seed delivery system.

[0224] Example 61 - The method of any of Examples 55 to 60, wherein the seed orienting further comprises a seed meter for providing singulated seeds to the seed delivery system.

[0225] Example 101 - A seed delivery system comprising: a seed meter supported by a row unit frame and including a metering disk configured to hold a plurality of seeds; a seed accelerator configured to flow a pressurized air flow therethrough, the seed accelerator including an air entrainment chamber configured to extract seeds from the metering disk and entrain the seeds in the air flow; a seed distribution tube comprising a top end for receiving the air flow of entrained seeds from the seed accelerator and a bottom end defining a discharge opening for distributing the seeds into a planting groove; an air deflection baffle disposed adjacent the seed distribution tube between the top end and the bottom end, the air deflection baffle being configured to block at least a portion of the air flowing downward along the seed distribution tube from entering the groove.

[0226] Example 102 - A seed delivery system as described in claim 101, wherein the air deflection baffle is disposed adjacent the discharge opening at the bottom end of the seed dispensing tube.

[0227] Example 103 - A seed delivery system as described in claim 102, wherein the air deflection baffle is mounted to and supported by the seed distribution tube.

[0228] Example 104 - A seed delivery system according to any one of claims 101-103, wherein the air deflection baffle comprises: a mounting portion connected to the seed dispensing tube; and an air deflection portion configured to direct air descending along the outer surface of the seed dispensing tube away from the groove.

[0229] Example 105 - A seed delivery system as described in claim 104, wherein the mounting portion of the air deflection baffle is removably coupled to the seed dispensing tube via a mounting bracket attached to the seed dispensing tube.

[0230] Example 106 - A seed delivery system according to claim 105, wherein the mounting bracket is integrally formed with a portion of the seed dispensing tube.

[0231] Example 107 - A seed delivery system according to claim 105 or 106, wherein the air deflection baffle is removably coupled to the mounting bracket via at least one threaded fastener.

[0232] Example 108 - A seed delivery system according to claim 107, wherein the mounting portion of the air deflection baffle includes a slot for each threaded fastener provided, the slot or slots being operable to allow adjustment of the position of the air deflection baffle relative to the seed distribution tube.

[0233] Example 109 - A seed delivery system according to any of claims 104-108, wherein the air deflection portion of the air deflection baffle has an angled or curved air impact surface that is oriented laterally relative to the seed distribution tube.

[0234] Example 110 -A seed delivery system as described in any of claims 103-108, wherein the air deflection baffle is coupled to a spiral portion of the seed dispensing tube.

[0235] Example 111 - A seed delivery system according to any of claims 101-110, wherein the metering disk is capable of rotating to move the seeds through the air entrainment chamber, the air entrainment chamber being configured to extract each of the seeds and entrain each of the seeds in the airflow.

[0236] Example 112 - A seed delivery system according to any of claims 101-111, wherein the seed dispensing tube includes at least one vent configured and operable to discharge a portion of pressurized air flowing within the seed dispensing tube to the atmosphere.

[0237] Example 113 - A seed delivery system as described in claim 112, wherein the at least one vent is disposed on the seed distribution tube below the air deflection baffle.

[0238] Example 114 - A seed delivery system according to claim 113, wherein the at least one vent comprises an elongated slot formed laterally through a wall of the tube.

[0239] Example 115 - A seed delivery system as described in claim 114, wherein the width of the narrow slot is smaller than the size of seeds to be conveyed through the seed distribution tube.

[0240] Example 116 - A seed delivery system according to any of claims 112-115, wherein the vent is formed in the bottom of the spiral of the seed dispensing tube and is located near the discharge opening.

[0241] Example 117 - A seed delivery system according to claim 16, wherein the vent has a spiral configuration that follows the contour of the spiral bottom portion of the seed dispensing tube.

[0242] Example 118 - A seed delivery system according to any of claims 112-116, wherein the seed dispensing tube includes an oblong lateral orifice formed adjacent to the discharge opening, and the vent is formed adjacent to the lateral orifice in the seed dispensing tube.

[0243] Example 119 - A seed delivery system according to any one of claims 105-110, wherein the seed distribution pipe has a segmented structure formed by multiple pipe segments connected together at joints, and the mounting bracket is integrally formed on the end of one of the pipe segments at one of the joints.

[0244] Example 120 - The seed delivery system of claim 101 further comprising a sub-groove opener mounted to the row unit frame, the bottom end of the seed distribution tube being removably coupled to the sub-groove opener.

[0245] The above description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments of the apparatus and the general principles and features of the systems and methods described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments of the apparatus, systems, and methods described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A seed delivery system, comprising: a seed meter supported by the row unit frame and comprising a metering tray configured to hold a plurality of seeds; a seed accelerator configured to flow a pressurized air stream therethrough, the seed accelerator comprising an air entrainment chamber configured to extract seeds from the metering disk and entrain the seeds in the air stream; a seed dispensing tube including a top end for receiving the seed-entrained airflow from the seed accelerator and a bottom end defining a discharge opening for dispensing the seed into a planting groove; An air deflection baffle is disposed adjacent the seed distribution tube between the top end and the bottom end, the air deflection baffle being configured to block at least a portion of air flowing downwardly along the seed distribution tube from entering the groove.

2. The seed delivery system according to claim 1, wherein: The air deflecting baffle is disposed adjacent the discharge opening at the bottom end of the seed distribution tube.

3. The seed delivery system according to claim 2, wherein: The air deflection baffle is mounted to and supported by the seed distribution tube.

4. The seed delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The air deflection baffle includes a mounting portion coupled to the seed distribution tube and an air deflection portion configured to direct air descending along an exterior surface of the seed distribution tube away from the groove.

5. The seed delivery system according to claim 4, wherein: The mounting portion of the air deflection baffle is removably coupled to the seed distribution tube via a mounting bracket attached to the seed distribution tube.

6. The seed delivery system according to claim 5, wherein: The mounting bracket is integrally formed with a portion of the seed distribution tube.

7. The seed delivery system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The air deflection baffle is removably coupled to the mounting bracket via at least one threaded fastener.

8. The seed delivery system of claim 7, wherein: The mounting portion of the air deflector baffle includes a slot for each threaded fastener provided, the slot or slots being operable to allow adjustment of the position of the air deflector baffle relative to the seed distribution tube.

9. The seed delivery system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein: The air deflection portion of the air deflection baffle has an angled or curved air impact surface oriented transversely relative to the seed distribution tube.

10. The seed delivery system according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein: The air deflection baffle is coupled to the spiral portion of the seed distribution tube.

11. The seed delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The metering disk is rotatable to move the seeds through the air entrainment chamber, which is configured to extract each of the seeds and entrain them in an air flow.

12. The seed delivery system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The seed distribution tube includes at least one vent configured and operable to exhaust a portion of pressurized air flowing within the seed distribution tube to atmosphere.

13. The seed delivery system of claim 12, wherein: The at least one vent is disposed on the seed distribution tube below the air deflecting baffle.

14. The seed delivery system of claim 13, wherein: The at least one vent comprises an elongated slot formed laterally through a wall of the tube.

15. The seed delivery system of claim 14, wherein: The width of the slot is smaller than the size of the seeds to be conveyed through the seed distribution tube.

16. The seed delivery system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein: The vent is formed in the spiral bottom portion of the seed distribution tube and is located adjacent the discharge opening.

17. The seed delivery system of claim 16, wherein: The vent has a spiral configuration that follows the contour of the spiral bottom portion of the seed distribution tube.

18. The seed delivery system according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein: The seed distribution tube includes an oblong lateral aperture formed adjacent the discharge opening, and the vent is formed adjacent the lateral aperture in the seed distribution tube.

19. The seed delivery system according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein: The seed distributing pipe has a segmented structure formed of a plurality of pipe segments coupled together at joints, and the mounting bracket is integrally formed on an end of one of the pipe segments at one of the joints.

20. The seed delivery system of claim 1, further comprising a sub-groove opener mounted to the row unit frame, the bottom end of the seed distribution tube being removably coupled to the sub-groove opener.

Images