Sowing system

Abstract

The present application relates to a seed compaction wheel assembly (600) with a resilient suspension for a planting row unit (100), the seed compaction wheel assembly comprising a mounting bracket (610), a torsion shaft (650) and a suspension arm (630). The mounting bracket (610) comprises: a first end (611) configured to be coupled to a frame (110) of the planting row unit (100); and a second end portion (612) coupled to the torsion shaft (650). The suspension arm (630) includes an upper end detachably coupled to the torsion shaft (650) and a lower end rotatably coupled to the compaction wheel. The compaction wheel is supported by a suspension arm (630) in a cantilevered manner suspended from a torsion shaft (650). When the seeds are deposited by the planting row unit, the compaction wheel is operable to press the seeds into the soil within the planting trench. The second end (612) of the mounting bracket (610) may be free-floating. The torsion shaft (650) dampens the movement of the compaction wheel as the row unit (100) travels in the field.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims U.S. application US63 / 375139 filed on September 9, 2022; U.S. application US63 / 375143 filed on September 9, 2022; U.S. application US63 / 385568 filed on November 30, 2022; U.S. application US63 / 434649 filed on December 22, 2022; U.S. application US6 filed on December 22, 2022 3 / 434659; U.S. application US63 / 434667 filed on December 22, 2022; U.S. application US63 / 434671 filed on December 22, 2022; U.S. application US63 / 501172 filed on May 10, 2023; U.S. application US63 / 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 yield is affected by many factors, such as seed placement, soil quality, weather, irrigation, and nutrient application. Seeds are usually sown in grooves formed by the disks or other mechanisms of the planter row unit. The depth of seed placement is important because seeds sown at different depths will emerge at different times, resulting in uneven crop growth. The spacing of seeds can affect yield because plants too close to each other compete for nutrients, while plants too far apart leave wasted 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 commonly 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 batch 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 to 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 ground 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 the method of transferring seed from a seed meter to a seed dispensing tube and accelerating the seed for planting. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present disclosure provides various embodiments of seed delivery systems, each of which is configured to transfer seeds from a rotatable metering disk of a seed meter to a seed dispensing tube and accelerate the seeds, from which the seeds are successively implanted in planting grooves. Some embodiments of the air-operated seed accelerator 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 physically dislocating the seeds from the seed meter.

[0010] The first air-operated seed accelerator is configured to direct an air flow from inside to outside through an air entrainment chamber of a seed capture shield and across a metering disk in a downward direction to capture seeds from seed holes.

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

[0012] Embodiments of mechanically operated seed accelerators include a rotatable accelerator wheel to physically dislocate the seed from the metering disk of the seed meter and distribute the seed to the seed distribution tube. The accelerator wheel can be used in conjunction with an associated seed guide wall of the accelerator that both guides the distributed seed to the seed distribution tube and accelerates the distributed seed. The accelerator wheel can include a plurality of radial fingers that frictionally engage the guide wall 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 seed dispensing 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 may be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following drawings, descriptions and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] While the specification concludes with claims that 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 example ("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, in which like elements are similarly labeled, and in which:

[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.15is 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 cover of a seed accelerator and a seed metering disk of a seed meter showing a seed hole of the seed metering disk entering the seed capture cover;

[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 dashed lines;

[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 cover 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 seed capture cover;

[0044] Fig.28 yes Fig.16A 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 dashed lines;

[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 This is a perspective view of it after 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 the seed channel;

[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 36-37 Mechanical seed accelerator;

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

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

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

[0058] Fig.42is a perspective view of the opener disc with cutouts;

[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 Rear view of the 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 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-furrow opener of a planting row unit;

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

[0073] Fig.57 is a side view of a planting row unit with a seed compacting wheel assembly and an elastic suspension system according to the present disclosure;

[0074] Fig.58This is its first perspective view;

[0075] Fig.59 is its second perspective view;

[0076] Fig.60 This is its left perspective view;

[0077] Fig.61 This is its right side perspective view;

[0078] Fig.62 is its rear view;

[0079] Fig.63 This is its bottom view;

[0080] Fig.64 is an upper left perspective view thereof with portions of both the row unit frame and the gauge wheel removed to reveal the seed compacting wheel assembly;

[0081] Fig.65 For its upper right perspective;

[0082] Fig.66 is a right perspective view of the seed compacting wheel assembly alone;

[0083] Fig.67 is its left perspective view;

[0084] Fig.68 This is its right exploded perspective view;

[0085] Fig.69 This is its left exploded perspective view;

[0086] Fig.70 This is its left side view;

[0087] Fig.71 This is its right side view;

[0088] Fig.72 This is a rear view, where the torsion axis is along Fig.70 A cross section cut along the line appearing in FIG.

[0089] Fig.73 is a perspective view of a portion of a compaction wheel assembly showing internal features of a torsion shaft; and

[0090] Fig.74 is an enlarged detail of the compactor wheel assembly mounting bracket interface with the row unit frame.

[0091] All figures are schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale. For simplicity, parts shown and / or given reference numerals in one figure may be considered to be the same parts that appear in other figures without numerals unless specifically marked with different part numbers and described herein. Reference is made herein to the drawings by number, but reference to multiple figures including those sharing the same number but with different letter suffixes shall be considered to be reference to all of these figures unless otherwise indicated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] All references to other applications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If there is a conflict in a definition in this document and that in an incorporated reference, the definition in this document controls.

[0093] The illustrations presented herein are not actual views of any planter row unit or portion thereof, but are merely idealized representations used to describe exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, elements common between the figures may retain the same reference numerals.

[0094] 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 processing behaviors and structures necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below. Additional conventional behaviors and structures may be used. The drawings accompanying this application are for illustrative purposes only and are therefore not drawn to scale.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 one or more of the structures and devices to operate in a predetermined manner.

[0098] 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.

[0099] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0100] As used herein, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "bottom," "above," "upper," "top," "front," "back," "left," and "right" may be used for convenience of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or features 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.

[0101] In the description of the embodiments disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended only 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 described at the time in question or the orientation shown in the figure. These relative terms are merely for convenience of description and do not require that the device be constructed or operated in a specific orientation.

[0102] 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.

[0103] As used herein, the term "about" used with reference 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).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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 seed for planting; a seed trench opening assembly 120; a seed delivery system 200 that draws seed from the seed hopper and distributes the seed into the planting trenches; and a seed trench closing assembly 146. The row unit 100 shown may also be used with conventional planter row units that each have a single, separate, large-capacity seed hopper 116 that is individually filled with seed (e.g., see Figure 4-11 ).

[0106] Alternatively, Figure 1-3 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 the large center hopper via fill tubes (not shown), which then distributes the seed to all row units. Such center-fill planters are well known in the art and need no further elaboration.

[0107] 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, supports, and other components) that couple together and cooperate to structurally support some or all of the components and devices of row unit 100 and seed delivery system 200 described herein. For this purpose, any suitable type and number of structural members may be provided in any suitable configuration.

[0108] refer to Figure 1-11 Generally, 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 traverses the field in the forward travel direction D (see, for example, Figure 8 ). In other embodiments, the seed groove furrowing assembly described in U.S. application US63 / 262415 filed on October 12, 2021 and U.S. application US63 / 262417 filed on October 12, 2021 can be used. In some embodiments, a disc with a notch can be used as the furrowing disc 122. An example of a disc with a notch is disclosed in U.S. application US63 / 385568 filed on November 30, 2022. Figure 8-11 (Reproduced here as Figure 42-45 ) shows a notched opener disc 62. The notched opener disc 62 has a plurality of notches 63 (63-1 to 63-18). Although the number of notches is shown as 18, the notched opener disc 62 may have any number of notches 63. Between successive notches 63 are teeth 64. As shown, there are 18 teeth 64 (64-1 to 64-18). Optionally, the teeth 64 may have cones 65 (65-1 to 65-18). Although one side of the teeth 64 is shown as having cones 65, both sides of the teeth 64 may have cones 65. When one cone 65 is present, the notched opener disc 62 may be oriented on the row unit 14 so that the cone 65 is disposed on the side of the notched opener disc 62 away from the row unit 14. Although shown as flat, the notched opener disc 62 may be concave. Fig.41 Shows Figure 8 The notched opener disc 62 in the embodiment.

[0109] 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 (e.g., see FIG. 1 ). Figure 25-26 and Fig.55 ). The sub-groove opener 105 is disposed behind the opener disc 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 disc 112 to create an optional sub-groove 104-1 in the soil within and at the bottom of the planting groove 104. This creates 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 the preferred orientation and position of the seeds in the groove. The seed distribution pipe 130 may be arranged and positioned to be 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 follow the sub-groove opener to deposit seeds into the sub-groove via the pipe discharge opening 130-1.

[0110] The mounting bracket 105-3 of the sub-grooving opener 105 may include a fixed portion 105-5 configured to be rigidly coupled to the row unit frame 110 and an adjustable portion 105-4 movably coupled 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 mounting bracket 105-3 may include a pair of slots 105-6 that receive threaded fasteners 105-7 (e.g., see FIG. 105 ) that engage the fixed portion 105-5. Fig.55 ).

[0111] When the notched opener disc 62 is combined with the sub-furrow opener 105, the notched opener disc 62 can create a generally larger outer furrow within which the sub-furrow opener 105 can form smaller sub-furrows without the sub-furrow opener 105 having to do all of the work (which would result in greater wear on the sub-furrow opener 105, particularly when encountering crop residue or rocks / stones that may be present in the field).

[0112] The seed delivery system 200 includes a seed meter 128, a seed dispensing tube 130, and a seed accelerator 300 of the first embodiment, which work together 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 the applicant's International Patent Publication WO / 2012 / 129442 or U.S. Patent Application Publication US2019 / 0230846, or any commercially available vacuum-type seed meter, such as but not limited to the VSet® meter available from Precision Planting LLC, 23333 Townline Rd, Tremont, Ill.

[0113] 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 one or more portions of the frame 110.

[0114] Seeds dispensed from the seed meter 128 by the seed accelerator 300 are directed into and through the seed dispensing tube 130 and into the planting groove 104. 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 US2019 / 0230846, "System, Implements, and Methods for Seed Orientation with Adjustable Singulators During Planting," published on August 1, 2019.

[0115] The discharge opening 130-1 at the bottom end of the seed dispensing tube 130 is positioned between the trenching 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 trenching discs 122. The gauge wheels 134 are rotatably supported by gauge wheel arms 136, which are pivotally fixed to the frame 110 around a pivot pin 138 at one end. An adjustment handle 140 supported by the frame 110 is operably coupled to the gauge wheel arms 136 and is configured to form a gauge wheel adjustment mechanism. The adjustment handle can be moved forward and backward to raise or lower the gauge wheel 134 relative to the frame and the trenching 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 trenching discs 122. Therefore, the depth of the cut produced by the trenching discs 122 is controlled by the gauge wheel adjustment mechanism.

[0116] The seed trench closure assembly 146 includes a pair of offset closure wheels 150 rotatably coupled to the frame 110. The offset closure 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 No. 9,848,524, "Agricultural Seed Trench Closing Systems, Methods, and Apparatus," issued on December 26, 2017.

[0117] Now refer to Figure 3-16 Various aspects and components of the seed delivery system 200 are further described, particularly with reference to Figure 17-23 , which shows more details of the seed delivery system components.

[0118] The seed meter 128 includes a circular housing 127 and an internal seed metering disc 129 that rotates within the seed meter and receives seeds from the hopper 116. The seed metering disc 129 is rotatably mounted on an axle 315 located at the geometric center of the seed metering disc and the seed meter 128, the axle defining an axis of rotation RA1 of the disc. The seed metering disc 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. 22129) is driven by a motor drive, such as a gear motor drive (e.g., vDrive) commercially available from Precision Planting, LLC of Tremont, Illinois, to rotate the seed metering disk 129 at a desired rotational speed. The circumferential peripheral edge 129-1 of the seed metering disk includes driven gear teeth 133 that mesh with mating gear drive teeth of the motor drive to rotate the seed metering disk. Other suitable metering disk drive mechanisms may be used.

[0119] 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 circumferentially around the peripheral area of ​​the disk. The seed holes extend completely through the seed metering disk 129 between and through two opposing major surfaces 129-3, 129-4 of the seed metering disk 129 (see, for example, Fig.23 ). In one embodiment, as shown, the seed holes 129-2 can be slightly radially spaced 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 into which individual seeds are captured from the seeds drawn from the hopper 116 or 116' within the seed meter 128. A vacuum is drawn from the major surface 129-4 of the metering disk 129 across the seed holes 129-2 to attract and retain the seeds in each of the seed holes on the opposing major surface 129-3 of the metering disk 120 by a commercially available vacuum system (not shown) provided for use with a vacuum-type seed meter (such as vDrive® from Precision Planting, LLC of Tremont, Illinois). The seed metering disk 129 may be oriented vertically when in use, and the vacuum may be terminated at one sector of the circular disk (eg, the 3-6 o'clock position) to release seed from the seed holes 129-2.

[0120] As known in the art, the size and spacing of the seed hole 129-2 can be changed and customized according to the specific type of the seed to be planted. As the metering disc 129 rotates, the seed meter 128 will be singulated one by one from the seeds distributed by the hopper 116 or 116 ', and the seeds are distributed to the seed distribution pipe 130 via the seed accelerator 300, as further described herein. Therefore, a variety of interchangeable customized 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 installed in the seed meter 129.

[0121] Any or each of the seed meter 128, the seed accelerator 300, and the seed dispensing tube 130 may be configured to orient the seeds along a preselected orientation relative to the seed dispensing tube 130 by any selected method. In some embodiments, the seed meter 128 may be configured to orient the seeds prior to or as the seeds are delivered to the seed dispensing tube 130 via the seed accelerator 300. For example, the seed meter 128 may include a vision system and a singulator having a feature (e.g., a protrusion) configured to orient the seeds, such as disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Publication US2019 / 0230846, “System, Implements, and Methods for Seed Orientation with Adjustable Singulators During Planting,” published on August 1, 2019. Figure 4 As shown in A-4C. 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 US2020 / 0367425, entitled “Seed Orientation System for Agricultural Planters”, published on November 26, 2020, and in US2022 / 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 those described in the background section above.

[0122] In some embodiments, the seed dispensing tube 130 can be of a generally cylindrical configuration, wherein the tubular body includes 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 a discharge end (seed outlet) at the bottom of the seed dispensing tube, or the seed dispensing tube 130 can have a non-cylindrical geometry.

[0123] 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 orientation 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 fully 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 connect and support the tubes from the row unit frame.

[0124] 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 to provide support as the seed dispensing tube is advanced through the planting groove 104. Fig.26 , Fig.49 , Fig.51 and Figure 55-56 , the seed dispensing tube 130 includes a stabilizing block 520 disposed on the front side of the bottom of the dispensing 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 that 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.

[0125] In order to further stabilize the connection using only a single fastener 523, the stabilizing block 520 may include a forwardly protruding 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 to the rear. As shown in the figure, in one embodiment, the key 521 and the keyway 105-2 can be vertically extended and oriented. In one configuration, the key and keyway can be V-shaped; however, other suitable complementary configurations can be used. In other embodiments, the key and keyway can be omitted, and the seed distribution pipe stabilizing block 520 can be stably fixed to the sub-grooving opener 105 with a pair of threaded fasteners 523 instead. In addition, other devices can also be used to fixedly connect the seed distribution pipe 130 to the sub-grooving opener 105.

[0126] In operation, when the stabilizing block 520 is coupled and keyed to the sub-grooving opener 105 in the manner described above, 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 in the event that the sub-grooving opener blade 105-1 in front of the seed distribution pipe encounters debris in the field when the row unit forms the planting groove 104.

[0127] 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 seed dispensing tube 130, as shown in FIG. Fig.26 and Fig.50 The discharge opening 130-1 of the seed dispensing tube opens downwardly and in one embodiment may include a vertically oriented elongated lateral orifice 130-5 extending a distance upwardly along the seed dispensing 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 (best shown in FIG. Fig.50 Advantageously, the lateral orifice 130-5 helps diffuse excess air traveling downwardly from the interior of the seed dispensing tube 130 into the atmosphere, which reduces the velocity of the air flow 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 closed all the way down to the bottom end defining the downwardly opening discharge opening 130-1 by eliminating the lateral orifice 130-5. Therefore, a variety of variations in the geometry and configuration of the seed dispensing tube are possible to suit the desired application.

[0128] In one embodiment, the seed dispensing tube 130 can have a one-piece, unitary, unibody 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 ). Any suitable method may be used to couple the pipe segments together, such as, but not limited to, welding, adhesives, bolted joints, quick-connect compression joints, etc. The distribution pipe, 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 seed distribution pipe 130 is formed of plastic.

[0129] 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 WO2018013858A1, WO2018013859A1, WO2018013860A2, and WO2018013861A1. In other embodiments, seed orienting devices (such as those described in U.S. Patent Publications US2020 / 0367425A1 and US2022 / 0192079A1) can be used in conjunction with the seed dispensing tube 130 to orient the seeds after being discharged from the seed meter 128 and the seed dispensing tube and before being deposited in the planting grooves.

[0130] The seed meter cover 127 may 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 dispensing tube 130 via the seed accelerator 300 with the assistance of air, while any other seeds or debris that may be located near the desired seeds or near the seed inlet of the seed dispensing tube 130 will be deflected by the seed meter cover 207.

[0131] Air Entrainment Seed Accelerator - Air Flow from Inside to Outside

[0132] Figures 16 to 23A first non-limiting embodiment of a seed accelerator 300 is described in more detail and with 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 the metering disk of the seed meter 128, and discharge the entrained seeds into the seed distribution tube 130 for delivery to the planting groove. The body of the seed accelerator defines an internal passage 300-2, configured to capture seeds via air introduction. The seed accelerator 300 typically includes an air inlet pipe 301, an air discharge pipe 302, and a pipe elbow 303 extending between the air inlet pipe and the air discharge pipe. In one embodiment, the air inlet pipe 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 pipe elbow 303. The funnel shape of decreasing diameter accelerates incoming pressurized air supplied to the air inlet tube from the pressurized air source 304A 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, which defines the discharge point on the metering disk. The air inlet tube 301 is configured to be coupled to an air supply conduit 304, such as to a pressurized air source 304A (such as an air compressor or a pressurized air tank (in Fig.16 The air hose or tube (schematically shown in FIG. 1 )) is shown. The air discharge tube 302 is configured to be coupled to the seed distribution tube 130, as shown.

[0133] The seed accelerator 300 also includes a seed capture hood 305 configured to cover a portion of the seed metering disc 129. The seed capture hood 305 creates a seed capture zone or region through which seeds carried by the metering disc travel as the metering disc rotates and are entrained in the pressurized air flow passing through the seed capture hood. As shown in one embodiment, the seed capture hood can be disposed in a pipe elbow 303 between the air inlet pipe 301 and the air discharge pipe 302.

[0134] 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) comprising 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 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 to be parallel to the main surface 129-3 of the seed metering disk on one side of the seed metering disk. Transverse wall 305-2 is oriented to be parallel to the main 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.

[0135] The seed capture cover 305 defines an inwardly open air entrainment chamber 306 that faces 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 air entrainment 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 air entrainment 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 internal passage 300-2 can have a non-polygonal cross-sectional shape, such as a circle or an ellipse (although the diameters may be different at different portions of each tube).

[0136] 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 air entrainment 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 stream, which are then conveyed to the air discharge 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 as the metering disk rotates for capture by air flowing through the seed capture hood 305.

[0137] 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.

[0138] In one embodiment, the seed accelerator 300 may have a unitary body 300-1, wherein the mounting bracket 310, the air inlet pipe 301, the curved pipe elbow 303, the air discharge pipe 302, and the seed capture cover 305 are formed as an integral, one-piece structural part of the body. The seed accelerator body may be formed of a suitable metallic material or a non-metallic material (e.g., a polymer), manufactured by any suitable method (including casting or molding) depending on the material used.

[0139] The seed accelerator 300 is configured to direct air flow from inside to outside through the air entrainment chamber 306 of the seed capture shield 305 and across the metering disk 129 in a downward direction to capture seeds from the seed holes 129 - 2 .

[0140] In operation, the seed holes 129-2 formed in the seed metering disk 129 rotate as the disk rotates and travel one by one through the seed capture chamber 306 within the seed capture cover 305. As previously described herein, each seed is temporarily retained in its corresponding seed hole 129-2 by a vacuum drawn across the seed hole 129-2 from another major surface 129-4 of the seed metering disk 129 opposite the major surface 129-3 on which the seeds are deposited to travel through the seed accelerator 300.

[0141] Pressurized air enters the interior 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 return air flow path PA, thereby changing direction in the passage and reversing direction almost completely (<180 degrees), and then flows back along the air flow path from the inside to the outside through the metering disk toward the peripheral edge, while crossing 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 flowing from the outside of the peripheral edge 129-1 of the metering disk 129 to the inside, and changing direction from the inside to the outside toward the peripheral edge at a different edge location than the location 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 shield 305 and flows through and generally parallel to the major surface 129-3 of the seed metering disk 129, and the pressurized air flow flows 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 shield one by one as the metering disk 129 rotates. The air entrainment chamber 306 of the seed capture shield 305 is configured to convey the air flow laterally to the annular seed travel path P on the metering disk as the metering disk rotates. The lateral air flow over the seeds interferes with the seating of the seeds in the seed holes 129-2 so as to more effectively entrain the seeds in the air flow. The air flow dislocates 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 conveys the air-entrained seeds through the air outlet port 308 of the seed capture hood into the seed distribution tube 130 connected to the air discharge tube 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 are swept outward and discharged from the disk via the air outlet tube 302 at approximately the same 3 o'clock position (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 travel through the seed capture cover 305 in a manner similar to that described above, each seed on the seed metering disk 129 is successively stripped from the disk and deposited in the planting groove.

[0142] The pressure and flow of air through the seed accelerator 300 can be controlled to achieve pre-selected seed and air speeds. In the case of low ground speeds of the row unit, low air speeds are desired to prevent the seeds from being disturbed in the furrows. In the case of high ground speeds, high seed speeds are desired to successfully capture the seeds in the selected orientation. The seed speed should be sufficiently greater than the ground speed so that the lateral movement of the seeds relative to the ground when placed in the planting groove is negligible.

[0143] Air Entrainment Seed Accelerator - Outside-In Air Flow

[0144] Figure 24-32A 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 disc 129 of the seed metering device 128 and discharge the entrained seeds into the seed dispensing tube 130 for delivery to the planting groove. The body of the seed accelerator defines an internal passage 350-2, thereby being configured to capture seeds via air introduction. The seed accelerator 350 can function substantially similar to the seed accelerator 300 previously described herein and include similar components. However, this embodiment of the seed accelerator 350 is configured and arranged to introduce pressurized air from the outside of the circumferential edge of the seed metering disc into the main surface 129-3 of the seed metering disc 129 according to an air flow path. The air flows through the seed metering disc 129 from one edge to the other in a lateral direction, rather than flowing in a radially outward direction from the inside of the seed metering disc toward the circumferential edge of the seed metering disc 129 as in the seed accelerator 300.

[0145] The seed accelerator 350 generally includes an air inlet tube 351, an air discharge 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 discharge 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 to actively dislocate 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 air inlet tube 301 is configured to be coupled to an air supply conduit 304, such as to a pressurized air source 304A (such as, an air compressor or a pressurized air tank (e.g., see Fig.25 )) of the air hose or tube. The air discharge tube 352 is configured to be coupled to the seed distribution tube 130, as shown.

[0146] Both the air inlet tube 351 and the air discharge tube 352 may be curved in an arcuate manner 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.

[0147] 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 seed accelerator 300 previously described herein. 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 seed capture cover can be disposed in the intermediate pipe section 353 between the air inlet pipe 351 and the air discharge pipe 352, as shown in one embodiment.

[0148] In one embodiment, the seed capture cover 355 can be a three-sided linear structure (e.g., rectangular or square), similar to the seed capture cover 305 previously described herein. Therefore, the seed capture cover 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 cover 355 can be generally U-shaped, as shown; however, other shapes can 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 curved and curved between the end walls. Wall 355-1 is oriented to be parallel to the major surface 129-3 of the seed metering disk 129 on one side of the seed metering disk. Transverse wall 355-2 is oriented to be 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 location proximal to the major surface 129-3 of the metering disk to minimize air escape between the wall and the seed metering disk.

[0149] The seed capture cover 355 defines an inwardly open air entrainment chamber 356 that faces the seed metering disk 129. The air entrainment chamber 356 can be configured similarly to the air entrainment 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 passage 350-2 (e.g., circular) of the air inlet tube 351 and the air outlet tube 352.

[0150] 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 air entrainment 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 air discharge 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 for capture by air flowing through the seed capture hood 355.

[0151] 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 be used.

[0152] 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 air exhaust tube 352 and the seed capture cover 355 are formed as an integral, one-piece structural part of the body. The body of the seed accelerator can be formed of a suitable metallic material or a non-metallic material (e.g., a polymer), manufactured by any suitable method (including casting or molding) depending on the material used.

[0153] Compared to the previously described seed accelerator 300, the present seed accelerator 350 is configured to direct air flow from outside to inside through the air entrainment chamber 356 of the seed capture shield 355 and in a downward direction through the metering disk 129 to capture seeds from the seed holes 129-2.

[0154] 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 travel one by one through the seed capture chamber 356 within the seed capture cover 355. Each seed is temporarily retained in its corresponding seed hole 129-2 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 on which the seeds are deposited to travel through the seed accelerator 350.

[0155] The pressurized air enters the interior passage 350-2 of the seed accelerator 350 from the outer peripheral edge 129-1 of the metering disk 129 at a first edge location via the air inlet tube 351 and flows inwardly along the generally arcuate curved air flow path PA to a second edge location while traversing the seed travel path P at the air entrainment chamber 356 inside the seed capture shield 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, across the metering 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 as the seed holes 129-2 and the seeds in the seed holes travel through the seed capture cover one by one after the seed metering disk 129 rotates, the pressurized air flow crosses the seed holes 129-2 and the seeds in the seed holes. The air entrainment chamber 356 of the seed capture cover 355 is configured to convey the air flow laterally to the annular seed travel path P on the seed metering disk as the seed metering disk rotates, similar to the seed capture cover 305 previously described herein. The air flow causes each seed to be dislocated from its respective seed hole, and the seed is then introduced and entrained into 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 seed metering disk when the vacuum is terminated. The air flow sweeps and conveys the air-entrained seeds through the air outlet port 358 of the seed capture hood and into the seed distribution tube 130 connected to the air discharge 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 they are entrained by the air flow and then swept outward and discharged from the seed metering disk via the air outlet tube 352 at a different approximately 5 o'clock position (see, for example, 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.

[0156] Mechanical Seed Accelerator-Wheel Embodiment

[0157] Figure 33-40 A non-limiting embodiment of a mechanical seed accelerator 400 is shown that is configured to physically dislodge 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 motive force as in previous air-operated seed accelerator embodiments disclosed herein.

[0158] The seed accelerator 400 generally includes a rotatable accelerator wheel 401, a seed channel 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, seed channel, and wheel drive can be supported by a common housing 405 that is configured for mounting 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 via a mechanical coupling linkage 403-1 (such as, in one embodiment, a commercially available belt or chain) (in Fig.35 In other embodiments, the wheel drive system may be a direct drive, wherein the motor shaft is directly coupled to the drive shaft of wheel 401.

[0159] 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 .

[0160] The accelerator wheel 401 includes a plurality of arcuately curved radial fingers 401-2 configured to directly engage and dislocate the 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 terminal free ends 401-3 of the fingers are positioned to travel over and intercept the seed holes 129-2 (e.g., see Fig.40 ). Examples of accelerator wheels that may be used are described in PCT Publications WO2013 / 049198, WO2014 / 018717, and WO2017 / 011675, and are available from SpeedTube™ Systems of Precision Implants, LLC of Tremont, Illinois.

[0161] In one embodiment, at least the drive shaft 401-1 of the accelerator wheel 401 (and its rotation axis RA2) is located inside the seed metering disk 129 (i.e., spaced inwardly relative to the circumferential peripheral edge 129-1 of the seed metering 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 relative to the peripheral edge. From another perspective, the accelerator wheel 401 has a rotation axis RA2 that is located within 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 dislocates the singulated seeds from the seed metering disk 129 and drives the singulated seeds in a radially outward direction toward the peripheral edge 129-1 of the seed metering disk and against the guide wall 402.

[0162] The guide wall 402 cooperates with the accelerator wheel 401 to accelerate the singulated seeds dislocated by the accelerator wheel and distribute the seeds into the seed channel 404. The seed channel 404 is then connected to the seed distribution tube 130 for discharging each seed successively into the planting groove. In one embodiment, as shown in the figure, the seed guide wall 402 can be curved in an arc. 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 portion continuous with the inner surface 404-1 of the seed channel 404, wherein the guide wall 402 and the seed channel 404 are formed as an integral, 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 channel 404 and may be an open structure, while the portion of the guide channel 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 tube 130.

[0163] As the gap between the terminal 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 accelerator wheel 401, the radial finger 401-2 of the accelerator wheel 401 presses the seed against the guide wall 402. In certain embodiments, the finger 401-2 can also be elastically deformed, so as to prevent the crushing of seeds against the guide wall 402, and to increase the friction force on the seeds ejected by the wheel 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 radial gaps to allow the finger to be at least partially nested when deformed and to fold 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 accelerator 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.

[0164] 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 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 to deposit them in the seed grooves. Viewed from another perspective, the acceleration imparted by the accelerator wheel to the existing speed of the seeds rotating with the metering disk in the seed holes 129-2 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 lateral position of the metering disk 129 (e.g., approximately the 3 o'clock position) to preferably dislocate the seeds from the disk of the metering disk before the seeds travel 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 is dislodged from 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 channel 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.

[0165] It is noteworthy that in one embodiment, the curved seed guide wall 402 can be configured in position and arrangement so as to intersect or engage the seed hole 129-2 when the metering disk 129 rotates until the fingers 401-2 of the accelerator wheel 401 strike the singulated seed and dislocate the singulated seed from its seed hole. Thus, the guide wall 402 does not act alone or primarily to physically dislocate the seed from the disk, but rather cooperates with the accelerator wheel to achieve this purpose.

[0166] In operation, the seed holes 129-2 formed in the seed metering disk 129 rotate and travel between the guide wall 402 of the seed accelerator 400 and the accelerator wheel 401. The fingers 401-2 of the wheel cause each seed temporarily retained in its respective seed hole 129-2 to be (successively) dislodged 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 on which 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) to control the capture and supply of the seeds. When the fingers are structurally elastically deformed, they fold inwardly toward the rotation axis RA2 to store potential energy therein, and when the fingers return to the unfolded 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 channel 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 in succession 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.

[0167] 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 type seed accelerator 900 is shown in combination with an accelerator wheel 401 .

[0168] The seed channel 404 and seed distribution tube 130 are illustrated as discrete separate components, but may be formed and combined as an integral part of a single unitary, one-piece structure for similar purposes and benefits as described herein.

[0169] 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 the pressure increases when the speed increases, or the pressure decreases when the speed 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 kph to 3.2 kph (1-2 mph), another pressure for the speed range of 3.2 kph to 4.8 kph (2 to 3 mph), and so on.

[0170] Air deflector flaps and vents

[0171] According to another aspect, the planter row unit 100 can include at least one air deflection baffle 500. The air deflection baffle has a configuration that is operable to block and expel at least a portion of the air that may flow downward along the seed distribution tube 130 from entering the groove. If not interrupted, this downward air flow along the seed distribution tube may enter the seed groove 104 opened by the row unit and interfere with 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.

[0172] refer to Fig.26 and Figure 46-55 In some embodiments, the air deflection baffle 500 may be disposed adjacent to the seed dispensing tube 130 and between its top and bottom ends, and more particularly, may be disposed on the lower portion of the seed dispensing tube 130 located between the gauge wheels 134. In one embodiment, the air deflection baffle 500 may be mounted below the rotation wheel axis WA of the gauge wheel and positioned between the top of the seed groove 104 and the rotation wheel axis WA. Thus, the air deflection baffle 500 may be mounted approximately proximal to the bottom seed discharge opening 130-1 of the seed dispensing tube 130.

[0173] 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, one-piece structure formed of a suitable metallic material or non-metallic material such as plastic. The metal body baffle 500 can preferably be durable to withstand damage caused by rocks, debris, or residual crop clumps that may be ejected from the soil by the furrowing disk 122 of the row unit 100 when the furrow is formed because the baffle is located proximal to the top of the furrow and between the gauge wheels 134.

[0174] 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 away from the seed distribution tube 130 . Figures 46 to 52 An arcuate curved embodiment of the air deflecting baffle 500 is depicted. Fig.53 An alternative acute angle embodiment of a baffle 500' is shown, which includes a flat impact surface 502' that is angled obliquely 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 dispensing tube 130 away from the grooves and seed discharge openings of the seed dispensing tube. Other configurations can be used, including custom composite shapes to direct downwardly flowing air ventilation airflow away from the open seed grooves and the discharge openings of the seed dispensing tube 130 within the grooves.

[0175] 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. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 505 can be flange-shaped, having a flat mounting surface for a 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 rigidly attached to the seed dispensing tube 130 via any suitable rigid coupling method (such as welding, fasteners), or formed as an integral, one-piece structural part of at least a portion of the seed dispensing 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 the end of one of the tube segments 533 at the joint 531 where the air deflection baffle 500 is to be mounted and is located at the end of one of the tube segments 533. 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 .

[0176] 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, in one embodiment, a pair of fasteners can be used. In this case, a corresponding pair of fastening openings 506 are formed through the mounting portion 501 to receive the fasteners. In one embodiment, the fastening openings 506 can be slot-shaped to allow the baffle 500 to be positionally adjusted relative to the seed dispensing tube 130 to form a flat-to-flat sliding interface. The mounting bracket 505 on the seed dispensing 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, fastener threaded holes 509 can be provided. In other embodiments, the fastener holes 509 can be unthreaded, and the air deflection baffle 500 can be removably coupled to the mounting bracket 505 using the nuts 508 shown via fasteners. In other embodiments, other coupling devices can be used to couple the baffle to the mounting bracket.

[0177] In one embodiment, the air deflection baffle 500 can be mounted on the rear side of the seed dispensing tube 130, behind the sub-groove opener 105, and above the discharge opening 130-1 at the bottom end of the seed dispensing tube 130, from which the seeds entrained by the air flow 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 dispensing 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 seeds in the furrow. The rear side of the row unit 100 opens rearwardly between the gauge wheels 136, thereby providing a convenient path to cleanly exhaust the air from the furrow and the seed dispensing tube without causing air flow turbulence in the seed dispensing area at the bottom of the seed dispensing tube 130. In other embodiments, the air deflection baffle 500 can be located on other sides of the seed dispensing tube 130, such as the front side, the lateral side, or at a location partially between the rear side, the front side, and the lateral side.

[0178] In some embodiments, the seed dispensing tube 130 may further include at least one vent 510 configured and operable to discharge and diffuse a portion of the excess pressurized air flowing downward in the tube along with the entrained seeds into the atmosphere. In some embodiments, a plurality of vents 510 are provided (e.g., see Fig.50 ). The one or more vents 510 also help prevent or minimize disruption to desired seed placement in the planting groove by exhausting excess air. When combined with the lateral orifices 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 air flow by reducing the amount of air in the tube. This helps in proper placement and orientation in the planting groove 104 as the seeds are discharged from the tube.

[0179] 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 near and / or below the air deflection baffle 500 on the seed dispensing tube (see, e.g., Fig.26 and Fig.50 ). The vent fluidically connects the interior of the seed dispensing tube 130 to the surrounding atmosphere 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 opening is smaller than the size of the seeds entrained in the pressurized air flow inside the seed dispensing tube 130 to retain the seeds within the seed dispensing tube because the seeds can slidably engage the inner tube wall. In one embodiment, the vent may also be in a spirally twisted configuration to follow and conform to the curved contour of the spiral bottom portion 130-2 of the seed dispensing tube 130 (see, for example, 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 seed distribution tube.

[0180] In one embodiment, Fig.50 As shown, at least one of the vents 510 may be located in the tube wall adjacent to the elongated lateral aperture 130 - 5 formed at the bottom of the seed distribution tube 130 .

[0181] Seed compacting wheel

[0182] According to another aspect of the invention, a seed compacting wheel assembly 600 may be provided to press seeds deposited in the planting furrows by the row unit 100 into the soil at the bottom of the furrows. This helps ensure that the seeds reach a uniform depth in the soil by pressing down seeds that may have fallen in higher parts of the furrows while the row unit moves along the planting row and before the closing wheel 150 recloses the furrows.

[0183] As the row unit 100 forms a planting furrow and traverses the field, the compaction wheel may bounce and move up and down due to the undulations of the planting furrow and simply the rolling motion of the wheel. This creates forces and vibrations and transmits them back to the row unit, which is undesirable because it may adversely affect the structural integrity of the compaction wheel mounting components. In addition, it is also desirable to keep the compaction wheel pressed into constant rolling contact with the soil.

[0184] To address these issues, the present seed compacting wheel assembly 600 includes a spring-loaded suspension system that supports the compacting wheel. The suspension system is provided to ensure that the wheel applies a consistent force as the row unit traverses different terrains (which cause the grooves to undulate). The suspension system can also provide relief when the wheel encounters obstacles such as rocks and crop residues in the field.

[0185] In one embodiment, the suspension system includes a torsion axle 650 that supports the compacting wheel as further described herein. The torsion axle provides limited freedom in the vertical direction (wheel moves up and down). In addition, the torsion axle provides limited freedom in the horizontal direction (side to side), which helps ensure that the wheel remains properly positioned and aligned with the groove even when the row unit travels in a non-linear direction (e.g., around a curve).

[0186] First reference Fig.57 , shows a row unit 100 previously described herein having a seed compacting wheel assembly 600 incorporating a torsion axle 650 suspension system. The seed compacting wheel assembly can be mounted to a portion of a row unit frame 110. The compacting wheel of the seed compacting wheel assembly is positioned between the furrowing disc 120 and the closing wheel 110. In embodiments with a sub-furrow opener 105, the compacting wheel 601 is located behind the sub-furrow opener and the seed dispensing tube 130. In some embodiments, a portion of the compacting wheel can extend below the furrowing disc 120, the closing wheel 110, and the gauge wheel 134 to press down the dispensed seeds in the soil at the bottom of the sub-furrow to a desired preselected implantation depth.

[0187] In addition, overall reference Figure 58 to Figure 74 , the seed compacting wheel assembly generally includes a mounting bracket 610 coupled to the row unit support frame 110, a suspension arm 630 coupled to the mounting bracket, and a compacting wheel 601 rotatably coupled to the suspension arm. These components and arrangements of the seed compacting wheel assembly will now be described in further detail.

[0188] For the sake of clarity, Figures 65 to 74 Details of the seed compacting wheel assembly 600 are shown isolated from the row units.

[0189] The mounting bracket 610 couples the entire seed compacting wheel assembly 600 to the frame 110 of the row unit 110. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket may include an elongated body defining a centerline Cl and including a first end 611 configured to be rigidly coupled to the row unit frame 110 (described below) and an opposing second end 612. In one embodiment, the second end 612 may be "free floating," which is defined herein as not attached to the row unit frame or any other portion of the row unit, such that the mounting bracket 610 forms a cantilever.

[0190] In one embodiment, the first end 611 of the mounting bracket 610 can have an L-shaped configuration including a coupling portion 611-1 and an adjacent vertical portion 611-2. In one embodiment, the vertical portion 611-2 can extend from the first end 611 of the mounting bracket 610 to the second end 612 to provide a vertical surface for mounting the torsion shaft 650 thereon, as further described herein. The coupling portion 611-1 can be horizontal and define at least one pair of fastener holes 613 that receive threaded mounting fasteners 614 for coupling to the support frame 110 of the planting row unit 100 (e.g., see Fig.60 ). In the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, two pairs of closely spaced fastener holes may be provided to provide a degree of mounting adjustment (e.g., front to back) on the support frame 110 of the row unit 100. The row unit frame 110 includes corresponding threaded apertures 615 that receive fasteners 614 to couple the mounting bracket 610 to the row unit frame in a fixed, rigid manner. Notably, in the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, the suspension arm 630 and the compacting wheel 601 are supported by this single point of connection of the seed compacting wheel assembly 600 to the row unit frame.

[0191] In other possible embodiments, the coupling portion 611-1 of the mounting bracket 610 may be oriented vertically rather than horizontally, so that the first end 611 may not have an L-shaped configuration. In such an embodiment, the first end 611 may have a straight and vertical structure. In other embodiments, other possible configurations of the first end 611 of the mounting bracket 610 may be used, depending on the configuration of the portion of the row unit frame 110 to which the seed compacting wheel assembly 600 is to be mounted. Therefore, the present invention is not limited in this regard.

[0192] In other less preferred but acceptable embodiments, the coupling portion 611-1 of the mounting bracket 610 may alternatively be welded to the row unit frame.

[0193] In one embodiment, the suspension system of the compacting wheel assembly 600 is configured to support the compacting wheel 601 and dampen the forces and vibrations caused by contact with the soil, and the suspension system may include a torsion shaft 650, which may be fixedly coupled to a free-floating second end 612 of the mounting bracket 610 in the non-limiting illustrated embodiment. The mounting bracket 610 supports the torsion shaft in a cantilever manner suspended from the row unit frame 110, as shown. Therefore, in this embodiment, the torsion shaft 650 is not directly supported by or coupled to the row unit frame 110. In certain other contemplated embodiments, if additional rigidity is desired and required to support the torsion shaft 650, the second end 612 of the mounting bracket 610 may alternatively be configured to be mounted to the row unit frame 110. However, the cantilever embodiment shown is beneficial because the portion of the row unit frame available for attachment of the mounting bracket is limited in view of the other components of the row unit that need to be supported, such as, but not limited to, the opener disc 120, the closing wheel 110, the gauge wheel 134, the seed dispensing tube 130, and the sub-groove opener 105 (if provided). In addition, the unsupported second end 612 of the mounting bracket 610 provides a degree of flexibility to withstand impact forces transmitted to the torsion shaft 650 if the row unit 100 encounters a hard obstacle embedded in the soil when forming the planting furrow.

[0194] In one embodiment, the torsion shaft 650 may include an outer shell 651, a centrally located inner core member 653, and a plurality of elastically compressible rope elements 654 spaced circumferentially around the inner core member within the outer shell. The outer shell 651 may define a central channel 651-1 extending from one end to the other end. The rope elements and the inner core member are disposed in the central channel. In one embodiment, the outer shell 651 may be cylindrical with a circular cross-sectional shape; however, other shapes of outer shells may be used, including cross-sections with various polygonal cross-sectional shapes (including linear shapes). The outer shell is not limited in this regard.

[0195] In one embodiment, the rope element 654 can be cylindrical and rod-shaped. The housing 651 can define a plurality of semicircular grooves 652 in a configuration that partially receive and retain the rope element in a circumferentially spaced relationship within the housing. As shown, four rope elements 654 can be provided in one embodiment; however, if necessary, multiple rope elements can be used in other embodiments. The rope element can be formed by a suitable elastomeric material, which can be synthetic (e.g., polymer) or natural (e.g., rubber), with elastic properties and memory to provide an elastically deformable element. This allows the rope element 654 to deform and compress when a load is applied to the torsion shaft 650 via the housing 51 by the compacting wheel 601, and the rope element 654 returns to its original state when the load is fully removed.

[0196] In one embodiment, as shown, the inner core member 653 of the torsion shaft 650 can have a rectangular cuboid structure with a square cross-sectional shape. This defines four flat sides 653-1 of the inner core member; each flat side engages with one side of one of the rope elements 654 (see, for example, Figures 68-69 and Figures 72-74 ). The rope element 654 is captured between the inner surface of the inner core member 653 and the outer shell 651 (e.g., the arcuate concave surface defined by the channel 652). Flat portions 660 can be formed between adjacent pairs of semicircular grooves 652 for abutting engagement of the rope element 654 with the flat side 653-1 of the inner core member. This prevents relative rotation of the inner core member relative to the outer shell 650.

[0197] In order to secure the core member 653 and the cord element 654 within the through passage of the outer shell 651 , a pair of end plates 655 may be provided (one at each end of the outer shell).

[0198] In one embodiment, the torsion shaft 650 can be coupled to the free-floating second end 612 of the mounting bracket 610 via a threaded mounting fastener 656. In one non-limiting configuration, the inner core member 653 can have a tubular hollow body that defines a central cavity 653-2 extending from one end to the other. The threaded rod of the fastener 656 can be inserted through the central cavity and through a laterally open fastener aperture 659 formed in the second end 612 of the mounting bracket. The fastener can be secured to the torsion shaft and the mounting bracket using a threaded nut 653 and an optional washer 658.

[0199] In one embodiment, the torque shaft mounting fastener 656 can be a square shoulder countersunk bolt (see, for example, Figures 68-69 ). The end plates 655 of the torsion shaft 650 may each include a square hole 655-1. The square hole of the end plate 655 is adjacent to the bolt head, receiving and engaging the square shoulder 656-1 of the bolt, thereby preventing relative rotation therebetween. A portion of the square shoulder 656-1 of the bolt also enters the central cavity 653-2 of the inner core member 653, also preventing relative rotation between the inner core member and the bolt (see, for example, Fig.72 ).

[0200] The opposite end plate 655 of the torsion shaft adjacent to and abutting the second end 612 of the mounting bracket 610 is rotationally locked on the second end via a mutual locking feature. In one embodiment, the locking feature includes at least one pair of circumferentially spaced rotation locking holes 655-2 formed in the end plate 655 abutting the mounting bracket; each locking hole engages a corresponding rotation locking pin 655-4 provided on the second end 612. The locking pin 655-4 can be connected to the mounting bracket via a pin hole 655-3 in the second end 612 of the mounting bracket. The interlocking of the locking hole and the locking pin prevents relative rotation of the end plate 655 when it abuts against the second end 612 of the mounting bracket 610. The opposite square ends of the inner core member 653 are respectively inserted into the corresponding square holes of one of the end plates 655 (refer to Figures 68-69 ). Thus, the interengaging locking holes 655-2 and locking pins 655-4 prevent the end plate 655 and the inner core member 653 from rotating relative to the mounting bracket 610 and remain stationary, while the outer shell 651 of the torsion shaft 650 can rotate to a limited extent in response to the up and down movement of the compacting wheel 601, as further described herein. Other coupling arrangements and devices may be used in other embodiments.

[0201] exist Figures 68-69 In some embodiments shown, two groups of multiple adjacent locking holes 655-2 can be set at two circumferentially spaced positions. In one embodiment, three locking holes can be set in each group. Multiple locking hole options advantageously provide three preset rotational locking positions for the inner core member 653, which applies a user-selectable preload to the torsion shaft 650. For example, the first hole (e.g., an end hole) in the three locking holes 655-2 associated with the first rotational locking position of the inner core member 653 can provide a light preload. The second hole (e.g., the middle hole) in the three locking holes 655-2 associated with the second rotational locking position of the inner core member 653 can provide a medium preload. And, the third hole (e.g., the other end hole) in the three locking holes 655-2 associated with the third rotational locking position of the inner core member 653 can provide a heavy preload to the torsion shaft. This is conducive to allowing users to select a suitable preload based on the farmland conditions and soil types expected to be encountered when planting seeds.

[0202] The suspension arm 630 may have any elongated body that defines a centerline C2 and includes an upper end 631 coupled to the second end 612 of the mounting bracket via a torsion shaft 650 and a lower end 632 coupled to the compacting wheel 601. The centerline C2 may be disposed at an acute angle to the centerline C1 of the mounting bracket 610 such that the body of the suspension arm 630 is disposed at an angle relative to the body of the mounting bracket (e.g., see Figure 70-71 ).

[0203] In one embodiment, the upper end 631 can be fixedly coupled to the outer shell 651 of the torsion shaft 650. This advantageously allows the torsion shaft to be coupled to the mounting bracket 610 via the threaded fasteners 656 (traveling through the hollow inner core member 653) because any load or force from the compacting wheel 610 applied to the torsion shaft through the suspension arm 630 is transferred to the outer shell 651, rather than to the inner core member of the torsion shaft 650.

[0204] In order to provide the aforementioned coupling device of the suspension arm 630, in one non-limiting embodiment, the upper end 631 of the suspension arm has a bifurcated structure (e.g., a split structure) that is removably clamped around the outer surface of the housing 651 of the torsion shaft 650 to rigidly attach the suspension arm to the torsion shaft. The upper end 631 of the suspension arm defines an expandable and foldable central opening 633, which receives the housing 651 of the torsion shaft 650 therein. The configuration of the central opening is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the housing. In one embodiment, the central opening 633 and the housing 651 of the torsion shaft 650 can both have a circular cross-sectional shape; however, other complementary cross-sectional shapes such as polygons (including straight lines) (e.g., hexagons, squares, etc.) can also be used. The circular cross-sectional shape allows the preset preload position of the compacting wheel to be infinitely configured. This allows the preload setting to be adjusted sequentially, which will compensate for the accumulation of part tolerances.

[0205] The upper end 631 of the suspension arm 630 includes a pair of opposing jaws 631-1 that can move together and apart, which simultaneously contracts or expands the central opening 633 to clampingly engage the torsion shaft 650 (i.e., the housing 651). The slit 634 intersects the central opening 633 and extends from the central opening through the upper end 631 in the length direction of the suspension arm 630 along the centerline C2 of the suspension arm. The slit 634 completes the bifurcated or split structure of the upper end 631 of the suspension arm to provide an expandable and foldable structure.

[0206] A tightenable locking fastener 635 extends through the slit 634 between the pair of jaws 631-1 to allow the jaws to be spread apart or drawn together. In one embodiment, the locking fastener 635 can be a threaded fastener oriented transverse to the centerline C2 and length of the suspension arm 630. In one non-limiting embodiment, the locking fastener can pass through a corresponding fastener hole formed completely through each jaw and locked in place by a threaded nut 636. In other possible embodiments, the threaded nut can be omitted by providing a blind threaded hole in one jaw and a through hole in the other jaw. Either configuration can be used.

[0207] In either of the above configurations, rotating the locking fastener 635 in a first direction loosens and spreads the jaws 631-1 to insert the housing 651 of the torque shaft 650 between the jaws 631-1 into the central opening 633. Conversely, rotating the locking fastener in an opposite second direction draws the jaws together to tighten around the housing of the torque shaft, which is clampedly engaged by the jaws.

[0208] Continue to refer Figures 66 to 74 , the compacting wheel 601 is rotatably coupled to the opposite lower end 632 of the suspension arm 630. In one embodiment, the compacting wheel 601 can be coupled to the suspension arm by a coupling fastener 640 extending through the wheel hub 602 of the compacting wheel. A threaded nut 643 attached to the threaded rod of the fastener 640 on the opposite side of the wheel hub completes the coupling of the compacting wheel to the suspension arm. In one embodiment, the coupling fastener 640 can be a square shoulder countersunk bolt. The lower end 632 of the suspension arm 630 can include a square hole that engages with the square shoulder of the bolt to prevent the bolt from rotating relative to the suspension arm. Other coupling arrangements and devices can be used in other embodiments.

[0209] The compacting wheel 601 can have a circular body that defines a circumferentially extending and outwardly facing tread 605 at its periphery that rolls into contact with the soil in the planting groove 104 to press the seeds dispensed by the seed dispensing tube 130 into the soil. The cross-sectional shape of the tread is designed to match the shape of the groove being formed. If desired, the geometry can be reconfigured according to the specific cross-sectional geometry of the groove so that the seeds are compacted into the soil to a desired depth. In one embodiment, the compacting wheel can be formed from a suitable solid elastomeric material, which can be a synthetic material (e.g., a polymer) or a natural material (e.g., rubber) having elastic properties and memory. However, other wheel materials can also be used. The body of the compacting wheel is connected to a centrally located hub 602, which defines a laterally open mounting hole 606, and the laterally open mounting hole receives a connecting fastener 640 therein to connect the wheel to the suspension arm 630. The compacting wheel 601 also includes a bearing 604 mounted inside the hub, the bearing defining the mounting hole 606 (e.g., see Fig.69 ). In other embodiments, other compacting wheel configurations may be used.

[0210] In operation of the torsion shaft 650, the inner core member 653 and the end plates 655 remain stationary and are securely held in place by mounting fasteners 656 as previously described herein. The outer shell 651 can be moved relative to the inner core member and the end plates about a torsion axis TA ( Fig.66The degree of rotation in either direction is limited by the elastically compressible rope element 654 of the torsion shaft, which acts on the interior of the housing 651 of the torsion shaft. As previously described herein, the torsion shaft 650A provides limited freedom for the compacting wheel 601 in the vertical direction (wheel moves up and down) and the horizontal direction (side to side). Fig.72 As shown, the upper end 631 of the suspension arm 630 is fixedly clamped to the housing 651 of the torsion shaft to transmit the movement and force generated by the compacting wheel 601 in the suspension arm 630 to the housing, thereby activating the torsion shaft suspension system.

[0211] In a neutral state where no load is applied to the torsion shaft 650, the rod-shaped cylindrical rope element 654 remains in an uncompressed state. When a load is applied to the torsion shaft due to the compaction wheel 601 rolling along the soil in the planting groove 104 and vibrating up and down in the process, the outer shell 651 twists and rotates relative to the inner core member 653. The torsion / rotation of the torsion shaft outer shell causes the rope element 654 to deform and compress against the square inner core member 653 in an elastic manner. This not only allows the wheel 601 to have sufficient freedom of movement to maintain force and maintain contact with the center of the groove under various terrain and heading bending conditions, but also can secondary absorb and weaken the load or force applied to the torsion shaft. In the present application, the torsion shaft 650 reduces the size of the load / force transmitted to the mounting bracket 610 to prevent damage to the mounting bracket, such as cracking caused by large instantaneous impact forces generated by encountering hard objects / debris in the soil, or fatigue failure cracking after repeated use for a period of time.

[0212] A method for assembling a compacting wheel assembly with a resilient suspension for a planting row unit can be summarized as including coupling a first end 611 of an elongated mounting bracket 610 to a frame 110 of a planting row unit 100. Next or prior to coupling the mounting bracket to the row unit 100, the method can include coupling a torsion shaft 650 to a second end 612 of the mounting bracket. Under either assembly scheme, the next step can be coupling an upper end 631 of a suspension arm 630 to the torsion shaft 650. This can include first inserting a housing 651 of the torsion shaft through a central opening 633 of the suspension arm and then clampingly engaging a jaw 631-1 of the suspension arm against the housing via tightening fasteners 635. Next or prior to coupling the suspension arm 630 to the torsion shaft 650, the method can include coupling a compacting wheel to a lower end 632 of the suspension arm 630 using fasteners 640.

[0213] Example

[0214] The following are non-limiting examples.

[0215] Example 1 - A seed delivery system comprising: a seed meter, the seed meter including a metering disk configured to hold a plurality of seeds; a seed accelerator, the seed accelerator including an internal passage configured to allow an air flow to flow through, the seed accelerator including 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 rotatable to move seeds through the seed capture cover, the seed capture cover being configured to extract and entrain each seed in the air flow.

[0216] 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.

[0217] Example 3 - The seed delivery system of Example 2, wherein the seed capture shield covers a portion of the metering disk through which the seed holes sequentially travel as the metering disk rotates.

[0218] 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.

[0219] Example 5 - In the seed delivery system of Example 4, the air inlet tube and the air outlet tube are fluidly coupled to an air entrainment chamber configured to deliver an air flow laterally to the annular seed travel path on the metering disk as the metering disk rotates.

[0220] Example 6 - A seed delivery system according to Example 4, wherein the seed accelerator further comprises a sinuous pipe elbow disposed between the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe and configured to cause the air flow to reverse direction in the internal passage.

[0221] Example 7 - A seed delivery system according to Example 4, wherein the air entrainment chamber is disposed in an internal passage of the seed accelerator between the air inlet tube and the air outlet tube.

[0222] Example 8 - A seed delivery system according to Example 4, wherein the air entrainment chamber is a U-shaped structure, wherein the U-shaped structure includes a top opening and a bottom opening that define a seed straight-through channel, and the seeds on the metering disk pass through the straight-through channel when the metering disk rotates.

[0223] 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.

[0224] Example 10 - A seed delivery system according to Example 9, wherein the seed capture shield has a polygonal cross-sectional shape.

[0225] Example 11 - A seed delivery system according to any of Examples 2-4, wherein the seed accelerator is configured to transmit air flow from inside to outside through the air entrainment chamber of the seed capture cover and across the metering disk in a downward direction to extract seeds from the seed holes.

[0226] Example 12 - A seed delivery system according to any of Examples 2-4, wherein the seed accelerator is configured to convey an air flow from outside to inside through an air entrainment chamber of the seed capture cover and across the metering disk in a downward direction to extract seeds from the seed holes.

[0227] Example 13 - A seed delivery system according to Example 12, wherein the internal passage of the seed accelerator is configured so that the air flow flows through the seed accelerator along an arcuate curved path.

[0228] Example 14 - A seed delivery system, the seed delivery system comprising: a seed meter, the seed meter including a rotatable metering disk, the metering disk configured to hold an array of singulated seeds; a seed accelerator, the seed accelerator including an accelerator wheel, the accelerator wheel configured to dislocate the singulated seeds from the metering disk; a seed channel, the seed channel configured to receive seeds dislocated by the accelerator wheel; wherein the accelerator wheel is rotatable to dislocate the seeds from the metering disk in a radially outward direction and accelerate the distribution of the seeds to the seed channel.

[0229] Example 15 - A seed delivery system according to Example 14, wherein the accelerator wheel is rotatable about an axis of rotation that is spaced inwardly from the circular peripheral edge of the metering disk.

[0230] 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 velocity of the metering disk.

[0231] Example 17 - A seed delivery system according to Example 14 or 15, wherein: the seed channel includes an arcuately curved guide wall disposed proximal to the accelerator wheel, the guide wall defining a guide surface facing inward toward the accelerator wheel and leading to an entrance of the seed channel; and the accelerator wheel is operable to press the seed against the guide wall in a radially outward direction and accelerate the seed along the guide wall into the seed channel.

[0232] 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.

[0233] Example 19 - The seed delivery system of Example 17, wherein the accelerator wheel is positioned to dislocate the seed from the metering disc at a lateral position of the metering disc.

[0234] Example 20 - A seed delivery system according to Example 19, wherein the side position is approximately at the 3 o'clock position.

[0235] Example 21 - In the seed delivery system of Example 19 or 20, the accelerator wheel is configured to dislocate the seed from the metering disk in a direction tangential to the metering disk.

[0236] Example 22 - A seed delivery system according to any of Examples 14-16, wherein the rotation axis of the accelerator wheel and the rotation axis of the metering disk are located in the same horizontal reference plane.

[0237] Example 23 - A seed delivery system according to any of Examples 14-22, wherein the accelerator wheel includes a plurality of radial fingers configured to engage the seed on the metering disk.

[0238] Example 24 - A seed delivery system according to Example 23, wherein the fingers are arcuately curved and formed of an elastically deformable material.

[0239] 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.

[0240] Example 26 - A seed delivery system according to Example 16, wherein the seed channel is vertically oriented.

[0241] Example 27 - A method of distributing seeds for planting, the method comprising: forming furrows in the soil with row units; rotating a metering disk that holds an array of singulated seeds; rotating an accelerator wheel; using the accelerator wheel to dislocate the seeds from the metering disk in a radially outward direction; and delivering the seeds to the furrows.

[0242] Example 28 - The method of Example 27, wherein the dislocating step includes the accelerator wheel pressing the seed against an arc-shaped curved guide wall disposed outside the accelerator wheel.

[0243] Example 29 - A method according to Example 28, wherein the accelerator wheel includes a plurality of elastically deformable radial fingers that press the seed against the guide wall and fold back inward to store potential energy in the fingers, and when the fingers return to their unfolded state, the accelerator wheel accelerates the seed via a spring-like action.

[0244] Example 30 - A method according to Example 29, wherein the fingers are arcuately curved and formed of an elastically deformable material having elastic memory.

[0245] Example 31 - The method of Example 28, wherein the rotational 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.

[0246] Example 32 - The method of Example 28, wherein the accelerator wheel is positioned to dislocate the seed from the metering disk at a side position of the metering disk.

[0247] Example 33 - The method of Example 28, wherein the dislodging step includes sequentially transferring the seeds to an accelerator wheel.

[0248] Example 34 - A method according to any of Examples 27-33, wherein the rotation axis of the accelerator wheel and the rotation axis of the metering disk are located in the same horizontal reference plane.

[0249] Example 35 - A method according to Example 34, wherein the rotation axis of the accelerator wheel is located within the circumferential peripheral edge of the metering disk.

[0250] Example 36 - The method of Example 34, wherein the accelerator wheel and the metering disk rotate in the same direction.

[0251] Example 37 - The method of Example 28, wherein the accelerator wheel discharges dislocated seeds into a seed channel that delivers the seeds to the groove.

[0252] Example 38 - A method according to Example 37, wherein the guide wall is formed as an integral part of the seed channel.

[0253] Example 39 - The method of Example 27, wherein seeds are disposed in a circular array of seed holes in a metering disk, the seed holes rotating sequentially past an accelerator wheel.

[0254] Example 40 - The method of Example 39, wherein the accelerator wheel includes a plurality of arcuately curved fingers that intercept the seed holes on one side of the metering disk as the metering disk and the accelerator wheel each rotate.

[0255] Example 41 - The method of Example 40, wherein the accelerator wheel rotates at a faster speed than the metering disk.

[0256] 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, the trench closing assembly being used to close the trench and the sub-trench.

[0257] Example 43 - An agricultural row unit as described in Example 42, wherein the trenching assembly includes a first disk and a second disk.

[0258] Example 44 - An agricultural row unit according to Example 43, wherein at least one of the first disk and the second disk is notched and has teeth between the notches.

[0259] Example 46 - An agricultural row unit as described in any of Examples 42-44, wherein the first disk is flat.

[0260] Example 47 - An agricultural row unit according to any of Examples 43 to 44, wherein the first disk is recessed.

[0261] Example 48 - An agricultural row unit according to any of Examples 43 to 47, wherein the teeth on the first disk are tapered.

[0262] Example 49 - An agricultural row unit according to any of Examples 43 to 48, wherein the second disk is flat.

[0263] Example 50 - An agricultural row unit according to any of Examples 43 to 48, wherein the second disk is recessed.

[0264] Example 51 - An agricultural row unit according to any of Examples 43 to 50, wherein the teeth on the second disk are tapered.

[0265] 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.

[0266] 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.

[0267] 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.

[0268] 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; an air source for providing gas to the seed orientation system to push the 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 air source based on the determined speed.

[0269] Example 56 - A method according to Example 1, wherein the gas pressure increases as the speed increases and the gas pressure decreases as the speed decreases.

[0270] Example 57 - A method according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the gas pressure changes continuously with the speed as the speed changes.

[0271] Example 58 - A method according to Example 1 or Example 2, wherein the speed is divided into multiple sub-ranges and each sub-range has a gas pressure.

[0272] Example 59 - A method according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the gas is air.

[0273] Example 60 - A method according to any one of Examples 55 to 59, wherein the seed delivery system is a directional seed delivery system.

[0274] Example 61 - The method of any of Examples 55 to 60, wherein seed orienting further comprises a seed meter for providing singulated seeds to a seed delivery system.

[0275] 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 compacting wheel assembly with an elastic suspension for a planting row unit, the seed compacting wheel assembly comprising: an elongated mounting bracket including a first end configured to couple to a frame of the plant row unit and a second end; a torsion shaft coupled to the second end; an elongated suspension arm having a lower end and an upper end removably coupled to the torsion shaft; a compacting wheel rotatably coupled to the lower end of the suspension arm; The compacting wheel is supported by the suspension arm in a cantilever manner suspended from the torsion shaft; Wherein, the compacting wheel is operable to press seeds into the soil in the planting groove.

2. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The torsion axle includes an outer shell, a centrally located inner core member, and a plurality of resiliently compressible cord elements spaced circumferentially around the inner core member within the outer shell.

3. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The core member includes a tubular hollow body defining a central lumen extending therethrough from end to end and further includes a mounting fastener inserted through the central lumen that couples the torsion shaft to the second end of the mounting bracket.

4. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The upper end of the suspension arm has a bifurcated structure that is removably clamped around an outer surface of the housing of the torsion shaft to rigidly attach the suspension arm to the torsion shaft.

5. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The upper end of the suspension arm defines an expandable and foldable central opening that receives the housing of the torsion shaft therein, the central opening being configured complementarily to a cross-sectional shape of the housing.

6. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The central opening of the suspension arm and the outer shell of the torsion shaft both have a circular cross-sectional shape.

7. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The upper end of the suspension arm includes an opposing pair of jaws movable together and apart, the jaws defining the central opening, and a tightenable locking fastener extending between the jaws.

8. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to claim 7, wherein: Rotating the locking fastener in a first direction loosens the jaws, while rotating the locking fastener in an opposite second direction tightens the jaws against the housing of the torque shaft.

9. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The locking fastener is a threaded fastener oriented transversely to the length of the suspension arm, the locking fastener extending through a corresponding hole in the jaws.

10. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein: The inner core member of the torsion shaft has a rectangular cuboid configuration, and the outer shell has a cylindrical configuration defining a central passageway retaining the inner core member and the rope element.

11. The seed compacting wheel assembly of claim 10, wherein: The cord element is cylindrical and the housing defines a plurality of semi-circular channels that partially receive and retain the cord element in circumferentially spaced relationship.

12. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein: The mounting fasteners hold the inner core member in a stationary position and the outer shell is partially rotatable to a certain extent in relative directions about the inner core member, which in turn compresses the rope element to dampen the up and down movement of the compacting wheel.

13. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: At least a portion of the compacting wheel is disposed directly below the first end of the mounting bracket.

14. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The second end of the mounting bracket is free floating and not attached to the frame of the row unit such that the torsion shaft is supported by the mounting bracket in a cantilevered manner suspended from the frame of the row unit.

15. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The seed compacting wheel includes a solid disk formed of a resiliently deformable elastomeric material.

16. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein: Upward or downward movement of the compacting wheel in the planting groove resiliently compresses the rope element between the inner core member and the outer shell to dampen forces transmitted from the compacting wheel via the suspension arm to the mounting bracket.

17. The seed compacting wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first end of the mounting bracket has an L-shaped configuration, which includes a horizontal connecting portion, which defines at least one pair of fastener holes, which receive threaded mounting fasteners for connecting to the support frame and adjacent vertical portions of the planting row unit.

18. The seed compacting wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein: The lower end of the suspension arm is connected to the hub of the compacting wheel via a square shoulder countersunk bolt.

19. The seed compacting wheel assembly of claim 1, wherein: The centerline of the suspension arm is disposed at an acute angle to the centerline of the mounting bracket, and the torsion shaft defines an elbow joint connecting the suspension arm and the mounting bracket.

20. The seed compacting wheel assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein: The torsion shaft includes an end plate rotationally locked to the second end of the mounting bracket, the end plate including two groups of multiple locking holes, at least one locking hole in each group being capable of insertably receiving a locking pin fixedly coupled to the second end of the mounting bracket, the locking holes providing a user-adjustable preload of the torsion shaft on the compacting wheel depending on which locking holes in each group are selected to receive the locking pin.

21. A planting row unit comprising a seed compacting wheel assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein: The planting row unit includes: a pair of opening discs configured to form planting grooves in the soil; a pair of gauge wheels configured to adjust the depth of the planting grooves; and a pair of closing wheels configured to close the planting grooves, and the compaction wheel is arranged between the opening discs and located behind the sub-groove opener.

22. A method of assembling a compaction wheel assembly having a resilient suspension for a planting row unit, the method comprising: coupling a first end of an elongated mounting bracket to a frame of the planter row unit; coupling a torsion shaft to the second end of the row unit; coupling an upper end portion of the suspension arm to the torsion shaft; as well as A rotatable compacting wheel is coupled to the lower end of the suspension arm.

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