Tree planter system and components thereof

Abstract

Disclosed herein are planting systems, subcomponents thereof, and methods of automated planting. Planting system comprises a magazine assembly and a planter carrier assembly for carrying one or more planter heads. Magazine assembly stores seedling tubes within a magazine and transports seedling tubes to a shooting unit. Seedling tubes move along guide channels of magazine assembly and into alignment with a shooting unit. The shooting unit releases a burst or air to eject seedlings out of seedling tubes and transport seedling though a piping system and to a planter head. Planter heads insert a root system of a seedling below ground surface and tamps down at least a portion of the ground surface surrounding the seedling. The planting system optionally comprises three independently operable planter heads each planter head obtaining seedlings from an independent shooting unit and magazine.

Description

TREE PLANTER SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS THEREOFCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit from United States Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 665,133, filed on June 27, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the seedling planting industry. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a systems, devices, and methods for rapid and automated seedling planting.BACKGROUND

[0003] Seedling planting is an important task in farming and reforestation jobs. Machines designed to automate seedling planting reduce cost associated with manually planting seedlings. Canadian patent no. 2,933,735 (the “735 Patent”) to Van Horlick discloses an automated planter for planting seedlings in obstacle-strewn and / or uneven terrain.

[0004] The planter disclosed in the 735 Patent uses a modified excavator comprising a laterally extendable boom provided at the end of a vertically-moveable arm. Installed on the boom are a plurality of seedling injectors having soil tillage members that break up the soil before injecting a seedling into the ground. The seedling injectors disclosed in the 735 Patent do not enable insertion of seedlings into the ground in a manner that will reliably enable plant growth.

[0005] The 735 Patent discloses the use of vacuum hoses to transport seedlings from a storage bin located at the back of the excavator to seedling injectors located at the front of the excavator. Seedlings stored in the storage bin disclosed in the 735 Patent are susceptible to damage. Moreover, the 735 Patent does not disclose a reliable mechanism or method to transport seedlings from the storage bin to each seedling injector.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for an automated rapid planting system having planting assemblies that plant seedlings into the ground in a manner that results in the root system of the planted seedling to have good contact with the surrounding soil so as to promote plant growth. There also is a need for a seedling storage bin that is capable of safely storing seedlings and seedling transportation assembly capable of transporting seedlings in an automated and reliable manner to a planting assembly.SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure provides a rapid tree planter system and various components thereof, such as magazine assemblies for the tree planter system, magazines for use in the magazineassemblies, shooting units for evacuating seedlings out of seedling tubes, and planter carrier assemblies having planter heads for planting trees into the ground using the rapid tree planter system disclosed herein. As well, methods of inserting a root system of a seedling below a ground surface using a rapid tree planter system of the present disclosure are provided herein.

[0008] The present disclosure recognizes that there are problems in the current existing automated tree seedling planting industry. An advantage of the present disclosure is the provision of devices, systems, and methods having improved characteristics over existing technologies.

[0009] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates a magazine assembly for a tree planter system. The magazine assembly comprises one or more magazines for containing therein a plurality of seedling tubes, each of the magazines having one or more seedling bins. The one or more seedling bins each comprise: a width about equal to or greater than the length of the seedling tubes so as to accommodate the seedling tubes arranged lengthwise about the width of each seedling bin. The magazine assembly further comprises a frame assembly for mounting on a vehicle and for receiving the one or more magazines, the frame assembly comprising: one or more shooting units, each of the shooting units operably connected to an air supply device and comprising a mechanism for aligning seedling tubes lengthwise with an output component of the air supply device on one side and a shooting tube of the tree planting system on the opposite side; and one or more guide channels, each of the guide channels for receiving seedling tubes from one of the seedling bins and delivering the seedling tubes to one of the one or more shooting units.

[0010] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a magazine for use in a magazine assembly for a tree planter system, the magazine comprising one or more seedling bins for containing therein a plurality of seedling tubes. Each of the seedling bins comprises: a width about equal to or greater than the length of the seedling tubes so as to accommodate the seedling tubes arranged lengthwise about the width of each seedling bin, a seedling feed slot for dispensing the seedling tubes from the seedling bin, and a feeding gate assembly engageable with the seeding tubes at or around the seedling feed slot. The feeding gate assembly comprises: an adjustable feed member that is capable of being biased between a seedling tube receiving position and a seedling tube blocker position; and an alignment plate positioned opposite the adjustable feed member and forming a seedling tube channel between the adjustable feed member and the alignment plate, wherein one end of the seedling tube channel is at the seedling feed slot and the opposite end is at the adjustable feed member. When the adjustable feed member is in the seedling tube receiving position it allows the seedling tubes to align and enter the seedling tube channel one at a time. When the adjustable feed member is in the seedling tube blocker position it blocks entry of the seedling tubes into the seedling tube channel.

[0011] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a magazine for use in a magazine assembly for a tree planter system, the magazine comprising one or more seedling bins for containingtherein a string of linked seedling tubes, each of the seedling bins comprising: a width about equal to or greater than the length of the seedling tubes so as to accommodate the seedling tubes arranged lengthwise about the width of each seedling bin, a first rotatable reel connectable to a first end of the string of linked seedling tubes, and a second rotatable reel connectable to a second end of the string of linked seedling tubes.

[0012] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a shooting unit for evacuating a seedling out of a seedling tube. The shooting unit comprises: a shooting unit frame; a lifting mechanism interconnected to the shooting unit frame, for moving the seedling tube vertically between a lower position to an upper position; a shooting tube having an open end positioned for receiving the seedling from the seedling tube when the seedling tube is in the upper position; and an air supply device having an output opening positioned for delivering a supply of air to the upper position from an opposite side of the shooting unit as compared to the open end of the shooting tube. When at the upper position, the lifting mechanism places one open end of the seedling tube in alignment with the output opening and the opposite open end of the seedling tube in alignment with the open end of the shooting tube, such that the supply of air evacuates the seedling from the seedling tube into the shooting tube.

[0013] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a shooting unit for evacuating a seedling out of a seedling tube, the shooting unit comprising: a shooting unit frame, a shooting tube comprising an open end for receiving the seedling from the seedling tube, an air supply tube comprising an open end for delivering an air supply from an air supply device into the seedling tube, wherein, the air supply is capable of evacuating the seedling from the seedling tube into the shooting tube when a first end of the seedling tube is aligned with the open end of the air supply tube and when a second end of the seedling tube is aligned with the open end of the shooting tube.

[0014] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a planter head for a tree planter system. The planter head comprises: a conduit operable between a first position for receiving a seedling into a top end of the conduit and a second position for discharging the seeding out of a bottom end of the conduit; a digger connected to the bottom end of the conduit, the digger operable between a closed configuration for retaining the seedling within the conduit when the conduit is in the first position and an open configuration for inserting a root system of the seedling below a ground surface when the conduit is in the second position; and at least one plate tamper for tamping at least a portion of the ground surface surrounding the root system of the seedling inserted below the ground surface. As the conduit moves from the first position to the second position, the digger in the closed configuration penetrates the ground surface and then transitions to the open configuration to deliver the root system of the seedling below the ground surface.

[0015] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a planter carrier assembly comprising: a central body member configured for connection to a boom or an arm of a carrier vehicle, the central bodymember having a first planter head operationally mounted thereon; a first arm having a proximal and a distal end; and a second arm having a proximal and a distal end. The first arm comprises: a first arm mount member at the proximal end of the first arm that is rotatably mounted to a first side of the central body, a first arm extension member that is rotatably mounted at an opposite side of the first arm mount member from the central body; and a second planter head that is operationally mounted to the first arm extension member at or near the distal end of the first arm. The second arm comprises: a second arm mount member at the proximal end of the second arm that is rotatably mounted to a second side of the central body opposite the first side, a second arm extension member that is rotatably mounted at an opposite side of the second arm mount member from the central body; and a third planter head that is operationally mounted to the second arm extension member at or near the distal end of the second arm. Each of the first extension arm member and the second extension arm member is retractable and extendable between a first length and a second length, the first length placing the second planter head and third planter head closer to the central body and the second length placing the second planter head and third planter head further away from the central body. Furthermore, rotatable mounting of the first arm mount member and the second arm to the central body member provides for rotation about a first axis and rotatable mounting of the first arm mount member and the second arm to the first extension arm and second extension arm provides for rotation about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.

[0016] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of inserting a root system of a seedling below a ground surface using a planter head, the planter head comprising a conduit, a digger located at a bottom end of the conduit, and at least one plate tamper, the method comprising: receiving the seedling through a top end of the conduit and retaining the seedling at the bottom end of the conduit or within an internal space of the digger while the digger is in a closed configuration; lowering the seedling conduit to penetrate a ground surface with the digger in the closed configuration; opening the digger from the closed configuration to an open configuration to allow the seedling to exit the conduit and the root system of the seedling to be inserted into the ground surface; raising the seedling conduit above the ground surface; and tamping at least a portion of the ground surface surrounding the seedling inserted into the ground surface at least once using the least one plate tamper.

[0017] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a tree planter system comprising: a carrier vehicle; a magazine assembly mounted on the carrier vehicle; and a planter carrier assembly connected to a boom or an arm of the carrier vehicle, wherein the conduit of each planter head on the planter carrier assembly is fluidly connected to the shooting unit of the magazine assembly by hollow tubing to permit delivery of the seedling tube from the shooting unit to the planter head.

[0018] Other aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are evident in view of the detailed description provided herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] These and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawing. The appended drawing illustrates one or more embodiments of the present disclosure by way of example only and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary rapid planter system of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a top view of the exemplary rapid planter system of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a front view of the exemplary rapid planter system of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the exemplary rapid planter system of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 5 is another isometric view, from a different angle, of the exemplary rapid planter system of FIG. 1 .

[0025] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an exemplary removable magazine of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7 is another isometric view, from a different angle, of the exemplary removable magazine of FIG. 6.

[0027] FIG. 8 rear section view of an exemplary removable magazine comprising an exemplary feeding gate assembly in a seedling tube blocker position.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a rear view of an exemplary magazine assembly of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a side view of the exemplary magazine assembly of FIG. 9.

[0030] FIG. 11 is a top view of the exemplary magazine assembly of FIG. 9.

[0031] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the exemplary magazine assembly of FIG. 9.

[0032] FIG. 13 is an isometric section view of the exemplary magazine assembly of Fig. 9 in crosssection along line A-A shown in FIG. 11.

[0033] FIG. 14 is a rear section view of the exemplary magazine assembly of FIG. 13, comprising an exemplary feeding gate assembly in a seedling tube receiving position.

[0034] FIG. 15 is a rear section view of an exemplary magazine assembly comprising an exemplary feeding gate assembly in a seedling tube blocker position.

[0035] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of an exemplary feeding gate assembly of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of an exemplary shooting unit of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the exemplary shooting unit of FIG. 17 installed on top of an exemplary magazine assembly of the present disclosure, the vertical lift actuation element of the shooting unit in an elevated position.

[0038] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the exemplary shooting unit of FIG. 17 installed on top of an exemplary magazine assembly of the present disclosure, the vertical lift actuation element of the shooting unit in a lowered position.

[0039] FIG. 20 is a back view of an exemplary planter carrier assembly of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 21 is a top view of the exemplary planter carrier assembly of FIG. 20, with the piping system cross-sectioned along line B-B shown in FIG. 20.

[0041] FIG. 22 is a section view of an exemplary plant header of the present disclosure at seedling receiving position in a planting cycle.

[0042] FIG. 23 is a section view of the exemplary plant header of FIG. 21 at a ground penetrating position in a planting cycle.

[0043] FIG. 24 is a section view of the exemplary plant header of FIG. 21 at a ground tamping position in a planting cycle.

[0044] FIG. 25 is a section view of an exemplary plant header of FIG. 21 at the completion position of a planting cycle.

[0045] FIG. 26 is an isometric view of an exemplary seedling loading system of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 27 is an isometric view of an exemplary seedling loading system of the present disclosure operably connected to an exemplary magazine assembly of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 28 is an isometric view of an exemplary magazine assembly.

[0048] FIG. 29 is a rear section view of the exemplary magazine assembly of FIG. 28.

[0049] FIG. 30 is an isometric view of an exemplary shooting unit operatively connected to the exemplary magazine assembly of FIG. 28.

[0050] FIG. 31 is an isometric view of an exemplary shooting unit of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 32 is a cross-section of the exemplary shooting unit of FIG. 31 with upstream and downstream couplers engaged to opposing ends of a seeding tube.

[0052] FIG. 33 is a cross-section of the exemplary shooting unit of FIG. 31 with upstream and downstream couplers disengaged to opposing ends of a seeding tube.

[0053] FIG. 34 is an isometric view of an exemplary rapid planter system of the present disclosure along with an external trailer.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONDefinitions

[0054] In the present disclosure, all terms referred to in singular form are meant to encompass plural forms of the same. Likewise, all terms referred to in plural form are meant to encompass singular forms of the same. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0055] As used herein, the term “about” refers to an approximately + / -10 % variation from a given value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

[0056] It should be understood that the compositions and methods are described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or "including" various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also "consist essentially of or "consist of the various components and steps. Moreover, the indefinite articles "a" or "an," as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that it introduces.

[0057] For the sake of brevity, only certain ranges are explicitly disclosed herein. However, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, as well as, ranges from any lower limit may be combined with any other lower limit to recite a range not explicitly recited, in the same way, ranges from any upper limit may be combined with any other upper limit to recite a range not explicitly recited. Additionally, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, "from about a to about b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a to b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a-b") disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values even if not explicitly recited. Thus,every point or individual value may serve as its own lower or upper limit combined with any other point or individual value or any other lower or upper limit, to recite a range not explicitly recited.

[0058] Therefore, the present disclosure is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Although individual embodiments are discussed, the disclosure covers all combinations of all those embodiments. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent(s) or other documents that may be referred to herein, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted.

[0059] Many obvious variations of the embodiments set out herein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure. Such obvious variations are within the full intended scope of the appended claims.Rapid Planter System

[0060] Disclosed herein is a rapid planter system 100, components thereof, and methods, that enable automated planting of seedlings 65 in a reliable and efficient manner using a vehicle 102, which may be operated by an operator or may be automated or remote controlled. In an embodiment, the vehicle is operable by a single operator.

[0061] Figures 1 to 5 show various perspectives of an embodiment of a rapid planter system 100 comprising a vehicle 102 carrying various assemblies including: a pipe support assembly 120 containing thereon a piping system 122, a magazine support assembly 130, a magazine assembly 200, a hydraulic system 123, an electrical and control system, and a planter carrier assembly 300. In certain embodiments, the rapid planter system 100 may optionally comprise a seedling loading system 400, which is independent of vehicle 102.

[0062] The various subassemblies used by rapid planter system 100 are discussed in detail below, however, before discussing the details of each subassembly, it is useful to describe how to prepare seedlings 65 for use in rapid planter system 100 as well as the general route which seedlings 65 travel through rapid planter system 100.

[0063] In the exemplary described embodiment, removable magazine 204 is operably connectable to or inserted within magazine frame 202 of magazine assembly 200, located at the back of vehicle 102. Seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 are stored in seedling bins 205 in a removable magazine 204. A feeding gate assembly 230 urges seedling tubes 60 from seedling bin 205 through guide channel 214 and into a shooting unit 250. From the shooting unit 250, one or more bursts of air eject seedling 65 from seedling tube 60 and transports the seedling 65 through piping system 122 to a planter head 320 located on planter carrier assembly 300. Planter head 320, located at the front of vehicle 102, performs a series of steps to insert seedling 65 into ground 70 and tamp down the soil surrounding newly planted seedling 65 to promote plant growth.

[0064] In an alternative exemplary described embodiment, seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 are linked together (for example, by a flexible belt) into a string 62 of seedling tubes 60, said string 62 comprising a first end 64 and a second end 66. In an embodiment of the magazine assembly 200 capable of utilizing the string 62 of seedling tubes 60, the seedling bin 205 comprises a first reel 280, a first idle roller 284, a guide channel 214, a second idle roller 286, and a second reel 282. To prepare this alternative exemplary magazine assembly 200 for operation, the first end 64 of the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 is connected to the first reel 280 of the magazine assembly 200 and wrapped around the first reel 280 several times. The second end 64 of the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 is then threaded around the first idle roller 284, through the guide channel 214, around the second idle roller 286, and then the second end 64 of the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 is connected to the second reel 282 of a seedling bin 205 the magazine assembly 200. In operation, the first reel 280 and second reel 282 rotate to allow a seedling tube 60 linked to the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 to become aligned with the shooting unit 250 which functions to transport a seedling 65 through piping system 122 to a planter head 320 located on planter carrier assembly 300.

[0065] Seedlings 65 are early-stage plants developed through germination of seeds. Seedlings 65 may be bareroot or containerized. A containerized seedling 65 is grown inside of a container filled with soil resulting in the roots of a containerized seedling 65 being surrounded by soil. In contrast, the roots of bareroot seedlings 65 are generally free of soil. The disclosed invention is operable with both containerized and bareroot seedlings 65. However, it may be preferable to use containerized seedlings 65 as bareroot seedlings may require stronger airflow and / or multiple sources of airflow to propagate bareroot seedling 65 through piping system 122 as compared to containerized seedling 65. In an embodiment, seedling 65 is a tree seedling 65.

[0066] To mitigate risk of damage to the seedling 65 and to facilitate predictable transport of seedlings 65 through rapid planter system 100, seedlings 65 are loaded into seedling tubes 60. Seedling 65 may be a small sapling so long as it can fit within a seedling tube 60 used in the rapid planter system 100. Seedling tubes 60 comprise an open top end and open bottom end. As described in greater detail below, seedling tubes 60 comprise a height that is slightly smaller than the width of seedling bin 205. Inembodiments, feeding gate assembly 230 forces one seedling tube 65 at a time from seedling bin 205 into guide channel 214.

[0067] In some embodiments, seedling 65 should fit snugly in seedling tube 60 so that seedling 65 does not readily fall out of seedling tube 60. However, seedling 65 will eventually be evacuated out of seedling tube 60 by a burst of air. Accordingly, seedling 65 should not be packed too tightly in seedling tube 60 such that frictional forces between the seedling 65 and inner walls of the seedling tube 60 make it difficult to evacuate the seedling 65 out of seedling tube 60. In this regard, it may be preferable to use containerized seedlings 65 as the soil surrounding the roots of containerized seedling 65 may assist in accomplishing a snug fit of the seedling 65 within seedling tube 60. In some embodiments, the seedling tube 60 is also the container in which germination and early growth of containerized seedling 65 occurred. When used as the container for sprouting seedlings 65, seedling tube 60 is fitted with a removable bottom. When using bareroot seedlings 65, the size of seedling 65 should be carefully selected to ensure part of the seedling 65, for example the root system of bareroot seedlings 65, exerts radially outward pressure on the inner walls of the seedling tube 60, thereby ensuring a snug fit of seedling 65 within seedling tube 60.

[0068] Seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 are loaded into seedling bin 205 of a removable magazine 204. Seedling tubes 60 act as an encasement protecting seedling 65. Seedling tubes 60 also homogenize the shape of seedlings 65 facilitating predicted and automated handling of seedlings 65 by rapid planter system 100. Seedling tubes 60 and piping system 122 are in some embodiments cylindrical (i.e. having a circular cross section), however, seedling tubes 60 and the pipes and flexible hoses that make up piping system 122 may be other shapes, for example, conduits having an ovular cross section. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the seedling tubes 60 match the cross-sectional shape of the piping system 122, especially the portion of the piping system 122 surrounding shooting unit 250 into which a seedling tube 60 is loaded and where the seedling 65 is evacuated from the seedling tube 60 and into the piping system 122.

[0069] The root system of seedling 65 is positioned near the open bottom end of seedling tube 60 and the young leaves of seedlings 65 are positioned near the open top end of seedling tube 60. As will be appreciated from the description below, in shooting unit 250, a burst of air causes seedling 65 to be evacuated from its seedling tube 60. In particular, in the described exemplary embodiment, a burst of air flows through the open top end of seedling tube 60 through the open bottom end of seedling tube 60, pushing seedling 65 out the bottom end of seedling tube 60 roots first. A pressure differential in piping system 122 causes the ejected seedling 65 to travel through piping system 122 roots first until the seedling 65 reaches a planter head 320 where the seedling 65 drops downwardly into a conduit in a shovel arm 324 with the roots of seedling 65 facing downwardly towards the ground 70. However, in some embodiments, it may not be necessary to transport seedlings 65 via their roots system first through piping system 122. As described in greater detail below, in other embodiments, seedlings 65 are transported via their leaf end first through piping system 122.

[0070] As described in greater detail below, the exemplary described embodiment supports three sets of assemblies that enable seedlings 65 to be transported from the magazine assembly 200 to a planter head 320 and into ground 70. Specifically, the exemplary described embodiment comprises three independently operable planter heads 320, each connected to an independent shooting unit 250 fed by an independent seedling bin 205 within a removable magazine 204. However, the invention disclosed herein is not limited to a rapid planter system 100 with independently operable planter heads 320.

[0071] In the description provided herein, part numbers labelled with a common number should be understood to function in a similar manner. Moreover, since the exemplary described embodiment contains triplicates of many parts, item numbers proceeded by “a”, “b”, and “c” are used to indicate a first, a second, and a third of the same type of component. For example, shooting unit 250a is a first shooting unit 250, shooting unit 250b is a second shooting unit 250, and shooting unit 250c is a third shooting unit.

[0072] The precise manner by which rapid planter system 100 operates will be further appreciated with reference to the drawings and the description below.Vehicle

[0073] Figures 1 to 5 show various perspectives of a vehicle 102 for use in a rapid planter system 100. Vehicle 102 serves as means to transport rapid planter system 100 and as a platform for installation of pipe support assembly 120, magazine support assembly 130, hydraulic system 123, electrical and control system, and planter carrier assembly 300. Vehicle 102 is in some embodiments a retrofitted medium sized excavator, however, other vehicles, such as without limitation a bulldozer or harvester, can also be retrofitted for use as a vehicle 102 in a rapid planter system 100.

[0074] A typical vehicle 102 comprises a cab 104, a movable arm 106, and tracks 112. The cab 104 of vehicle 102 serves as a control station for an operator to control operation of rapid planter system 100. Cab 104 is rotatably mounted on top of tracks 112. Vehicle 102 has a motor (now shown) which powers a drive train (not shown) to enable movement of tracks 112. Arm 106 is attached at a proximal end near the center of vehicle 102 for example, near cab 104. Arm 106 comprises various segments which are rotatable about pivot points. Rotation of arm is enabled by hydraulic cylinders 108, 109, 110.

[0075] Several modifications may be employed to transform a typical excavator into a vehicle 102 for use in a rapid planter system 100. For example, an excavator often carries a bucket (not shown) on the distal end of an arm for manipulating the ground and / or objects on the ground. To convert an excavator into a vehicle 102 for use in a rapid planter system 100, the excavator’s bucket (not shown) is removed and replaced with planter carrier assembly 300.

[0076] The planter carrier assembly 300 carries at least one planter head 320. In some embodiments, planter carrier assembly 300 carries three planter heads 320. Planter carrier assembly 300 and planter heads 320 are described in greater detail below.

[0077] To transform a typical excavator into a vehicle 102 for use in a rapid planter system 100, a pipe support assembly 120 and a magazine support assembly 130 may be installed onto (e.g. fastened) to the excavator. Installing these support structures may require removal of the excavator’s rear panels (not shown).

[0078] In the exemplary described embodiment, pipe support assembly 120 and magazine support assembly 130 are constructed from a rigid framework that can carry the weight of a piping system122 and magazine assembly 200, respectively. In some embodiments, pipe support assembly 120 and magazine support assembly 130 are constructed from a metal framework bolted onto vehicle 102. In an embodiment, magazine support assembly 130 is fastened at the back of the vehicle 102 and pipe support assembly 120 is fastened to the top of vehicle 102. In some embodiments, the magazine support assembly 130 and pipe support assembly 120 form part of the same support assembly. In other embodiments, the body of the vehicle may comprise an integral support assembly to support piping system 122 and magazine assembly 200 eliminating the need to install a separate magazine support assembly 130 and a separate pipe support assembly 120.

[0079] In a further embodiment to transform a typical excavator into a vehicle 102 for use in a rapid planter system 100, it may be appropriate to provide a means to power moving components on the magazine assembly 200 and the planter carrier assembly 300. In the exemplary described embodiment, a hydraulic system 123 comprising various hydraulic cylinders are used to actuate moving components on the magazine assembly 200 and the planter carrier assembly 300. In other embodiments, other means, or a combination of other means, may be used to actuate components on the magazine assembly 200 and the planter carrier assembly 300, for example, pneumatic cylinders or electric motors. The hydraulic system123 also comprises valve blocks to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic cylinders.

[0080] Finally, in a further embodiment to transform a typical excavator into a vehicle 102 for use in a rapid planter system 100, an electrical and control system may be used to power the magazine assembly 200 and planter carrier assembly 300 and control the operation of these assemblies. In the exemplary described embodiment, electrical and control system comprises electric wiring to connect pumps which are used to actuate hydraulic cylinders. The extension and retraction state of the hydraulic cylinders are also monitored by a control system of the excavator which enables the operator of the vehicle 102. To control operations of subcomponents on the magazine assembly 200 and the planter carrier assembly 300, a human-machine interface (HMI) is installed in the interior of cab 104 without affecting the original controls of vehicle 102.

[0081] In other embodiments, the control system may comprise a network interface to transmit data across a network to enable operation of the rapid planter system 100 from a location remote from cab 104. In other embodiments, vehicle 102 is controlled by an off-site remote operator. In yet other embodiment, vehicle 102 is an autonomous vehicle 102.

[0082] In some embodiments, sensors are provided at locations on the magazine assembly 200 and locations on the planter carrier assembly 300 to enable monitoring of mechanical functions from within cab 104 or from a location remote from cab 104.

[0083] In the exemplary described embodiment, a typical excavator is retrofitted to become a rapid planter system 100. In some embodiments, modifications performed to transform an excavator (or another type of vehicle) are reversible so that the excavator may be transformed back to its original state. However, in some embodiments, vehicle 102 is not a retrofitted vehicle but is rather a specifically designed vehicle for use in a rapid planter system 100.Magazine Assembly

[0084] As shown in Figure 1 , 2, 4, and 5, in the exemplary described embodiment, magazine assembly 200 is secured to magazine support assembly 130 located at the back of vehicle 102. Magazine assembly 200 comprises a magazine frame 202 and one or more removable magazines 204.

[0085] Figures 6, 7, and 8 show different perspectives of an exemplary isolated removable magazine 204. In operation of the exemplary embodiment, removable magazine 204 is installed within magazine frame 202. Removable magazine 204 stores seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 for transport of the seedling tubes 60 to shooting unit 250, as described elsewhere herein. As shown in Figures 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, and 15, in an embodiment, shooting unit 250 is secured to the top of magazine frame 202. As described in greater detail below, shooting unit 250 evacuates seedling 65 from its seedling tube 60 and transports seedling 65 through piping system 122 to a planter head 320. In some embodiments, magazine assembly 200 is also capable of collecting the empty seedling tubes 60 from which seedlings 65 have been evacuated by shooting unit 250.

[0086] Figures 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, and 15, show various perspectives of an exemplary magazine assembly 200 isolate from vehicle 104. In the exemplary described embodiment, magazine assembly 200 comprises magazine frame 202 with removable magazine 204. As will be described, in other embodiments, the removable magazine 204 may be integral with magazine assembly (i.e. not removable).

[0087] Seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 are stored in one or more seedling bins 250 within removable magazine 204. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in the exemplary described embodiment removable magazine 204 comprises three seedling bins 205a, 205b, 205c. Furthermore, in a first exemplary described embodiment, each seedling bin 205a, 205b, 205c of removable magazine 204comprises a feeding gate assembly 230 which feeds seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 into a guide channel 214. In other embodiments, feeding gate assembly 230 does not form part of removable magazine204. Instead, for each removable bin 205 in removable magazine 204, there exists a feeding gate assembly 230 forming part of the magazine frame 202.

[0088] In an embodiment, removable magazine 204 can be unloaded and loaded into the magazine frame 202. In the exemplary described embodiments, magazine frame 202 accommodates one removable magazine 204 comprising three seedling bins 205a, 205b, 205c. However, in other embodiments, magazine frame 202 may accommodate a removable magazine 204 with one, two, or more than three seedling bins 205. There are, however, size constraints as to how many seedling bins 205 may fit within a magazine frame 202. In other embodiments, the magazine frame 202 may accommodate multiple removable magazines 204 each with a single seedling bin 205.

[0089] As shown in Figures 12, 13, and 14, in the first exemplary described embodiment, each seedling bin 205a, 205b, and 205c feeds seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 to a dedicated shooting unit 250a, 250b, and 250c which in turn delivers the seedling 65 to a dedicated planter head 320a, 320b, and 320c for planting the seedling 65 into ground 70. In other words, in the first exemplary described embodiment, for each seedling bin 205 there exists a shooting unit 250 and planter head 320 which allows multiple planter heads 320 to operate independently of each other. However, in other embodiments, a single planter head 320 may be fed by a plurality of seedling bins 205 or a plurality of planter heads 320 may be fed by a single seedling bin 205.

[0090] For example, in an embodiment involving a single planter head 320 fed by two seedling bins 205, a single shooting unit 250 is located in a first position aligned on top of a first guide channel 214 and the single shooting unit 250 is fed with seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 from a first seedling bin 205. The rapid planter system 100 detects when seedling tubes 60 in the first seedling bin 205 are exhausted and when this detection is made, rapid planter system 100 moves the single shooting unit 250 along tracks (not show) on top of magazine frame 202 so that single shooting unit 250 is located in a second position aligned on top of a second guide channel 214. In this second position, a second seedling bin 205 feeds seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 into a second guide channel 214 which feeds into the single shooting unit 250. In this manner, a single shooting unit 250 (which feeds a single planter head 320) may be fed by a plurality of seedling bins 205.

[0091] Alternatively, in an embodiment involving two planter heads 320 and a single seedling bin205, a single shooting unit 250 is fed with seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 from the single seedling bin 205. In this embodiment, rapid planter system 100 detects when the single shooting unit 250 has evacuated a seedling 65 from seedling tube 60 into a first planter head 320. When this detection is made, rapid planter system 100 disconnects the shooting tube 270 of shooting unit 250 from piping system 122 thereby disconnecting shooting unit 250 from the portion of piping system 122 which leads to first planterhead 320. Shooting unit 250 then moves along tracks (not shown) on top of magazine frame 202 where shooting tube 270 of shooting unit 250 reconnects at another portion of piping system 122 leading to a second planter head 320. At this new position, shooting unit 250 is loaded with another seedling tube 60 filled with a seedling 65 and ejects the seedling 65 into second shooting unit 250. In this manner, a single shooting unit 250 fed by a single seedling bin 205 may feed two planter heads 320.

[0092] In an alternative embodiment, two shooting units 250 may be installed on top of magazine frame 202 and aligned on aligned with the same guide channel 214. The two shooting units 250 are spaced apart from each other such that when the feeding gate assembly 230 undergoes two strokes, each shooting unit 250 is loaded with a seedling tube 60 filled with a seedling 65. This configuration allows two shooting units 250 to be fed with seedling tubes 60 from a single seedling bin 205.

[0093] A skilled person will appreciate there are numerous other embodiments as to how seedlings 65 are transported from one or more seedling bins 205 to one or more planter heads 320. The examples provided herein are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be apparent that in some embodiments it is not necessary to have a dedicated seedling bin 205 and a dedicated shooting unit 250 for a given planter head 320.

[0094] With reference to Figures 12 and 13, it can be seen that the first exemplary magazine assembly 200 includes magazine frame 202 and installed on the top of magazine frame 202 are three shooting units 250a, 250b, 250c. Each shooting unit 250 is operably aligned with a substantially horizontal portion of guide channel 214 such that seedling tubes 60 traveling along guide channel 214 are capable of moving onto tube support 267 where lifting mechanism 266 lifts seedling tube 60 into a shooting alignment position. Guide channel 214 is a pathway for seedling tubes 60 to traverse from seedling bin 205 to shooting unit 250. In some embodiments, guide channel 214 extends beyond shooting unit to facilitate transportation of empty seedling tubes 60 away from shooting unit 250.

[0095] As shown in Figure 14, in the first exemplary described embodiment of magazine assembly 200, seedling tubes 60 containing seedlings 65 are wrapped around a feed sling 240 within seedling bin 205. Feeding gate assembly 230 is operable between a position that allows seedling tubes 60 to enter into seedling tube channel 237 to a position that blocks entry of seedling tubes 60 into seedling tube channel 237. This is described in greater detail below. Feeding gate assembly 230 is also capable of forcing a seedling tube 60 into feed slot 238, which causes a row of seedlings tubes 60 within guide channel 214 to be forced along the guide channel towards the shooting unit 250. Accordingly, feed slot 238 is a point where seedling tubes 60 exit removable magazine 204 and enter into guide channel 214 and guide channel 214 serves as a pathway to enable seedling tubes to travel from seedling bin 205 within removable magazine 204 to shooting unit 250.

[0096] In an embodiment, guide channel 214 also continues past shooting unit 250 providing a pathway for empty seedling tubes 60 to be directed away from shooting unit 250. In some embodiments, empty seedling tubes 60 may be ejected off magazine assembly 200 onto the surrounding ground. In other embodiments, empty seedling tubes 60 may continue along guide channel 214 until empty seedling tubes 60 are deposited into collection slot 239 where empty seedling tubes 60 fall back into seedling bin 205 of removable magazine 204. In some embodiments of the first exemplary embodiment of magazine assembly 200, a collection sling 242 captures empty seedling tubes 60 that fall into seedling bin 205 of removable magazine 204.

[0097] In the exemplary described embodiments, guide channel 214 comprises two rails, one rail for receiving the top end of seedling tube 60 and the other rail for receiving bottom end of seedling tube 60. In these illustrated embodiments, the middle portion of seedling tube 60 is substantially exposed, allowing operators to manipulate and correct seedling tubes 60 which may become stuck along guide channel 214 during operation.

[0098] Seedling tubes 60 may roll along the substantially horizontal portion of guide channel 214 which runs along the top of magazine frame 202 when vehicle 102 is positioned at an angle, for example when vehicle 102 is positioned on sloped terrain. To prevent unwanted rolling of seedling tubes 60, in some embodiments of magazine assembly 200 tube pusher assemblies 212 are installed on the horizonal portion of guide channel 214 which runs along on top of magazine frame 202. Tube pusher assemblies 212 also assist in keeping the row of seedling tubes 60 tightly against each other while the tubes are pushed along guide channel 214.

[0099] In the first exemplary embodiment of magazine assembly 200, tube pusher assemblies 212 are one-way spring-operated gates which allow seedling tubes 60 to pass through in a forward direction (i.e. from feed slot 238 to collection slot 239) but not in a backward direction.

[0100] With reference to Figure 6, in the first exemplary described embodiment of magazine assembly 200, removable magazine 204 supports three seedling bins 205a, 205b, and 205c. Each seedling bin 205 is enclosed by a front panel 244 and a back panel 245. Back panel 245 is positioned parallel to front panel 244 and spaced apart at a width SW from front panel 244. The front panel 244 of a given seedling bin 205 is closer to the cab 104 of vehicle 102 as compared to the back panel 245 of the same seedling bin 205. As shown in Figure 6, the front panel 244a of seedling bin 205a is the back panel of seedling bin 205c. In the exemplary described embodiment, the top, bottom, and sides of seedling bins 205 are not enclosed panels and are, therefore, accessible by an operator.

[0101] In the first exemplary described embodiment of magazine assembly 200, seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 are loaded into seedling bin 205 of removable magazine 204 with the open top ends of each seedling tube 60 facing the same direction. Specifically, the open top end of each seedlingtube 60 faces back panel 245 and the open bottom end of each seedling tube 60 faces front panel 244 of the respective seedling bin 205 in which the seedling tube 60 is stored.

[0102] As shown in Figure 6, the width SW of seedling bin 205 is defined by the distance between front panel 244 and back panel 245. Width SW of seedling bin 205 is slightly larger than the height of the seedling tubes 60 (i.e. the distance from the top end of seedling tube 60 to the bottom end of seedling tube 60). The carefully dimensioned width SW of seedling bin 205 ensures seedling tubes 60 do not rotate about their vertical axis (defined by an imaginary axis running through the bottom end of seedling tube 60 out the top end of seedling tube 60) relative to the seedling bin 205. In other words, the dimensions of seedling bin 205 ensure the vertical axis of each seedling tube 60 remains parallel with the width SW of seedling bin 205 even under vibrations caused by bumpy driving condition and / or rotational movement of the cab 104 and magazine support assembly 130 relative to tracks 112.

[0103] As shown in Figures 7 and 14, the bottom and sides of front panel 244 and back panel 245 comprise a protruding lip 246 at the edges of the said panels which protrude inwardly into seedling bin 205. In the exemplary described embodiment, the lip 246 at the bottom edge of front panel 244 serves as a resting surface for the bottom outer circumferential edge of seedling tube 60. In a similar vein, the lip 246 at the bottom edge of back panel 244 serves as a resting surface for the top outer circumferential edge of seedling tube 60. Accordingly, lips 246 on front panel 244 and back panel 245 prevent seedling tubes 60 from falling through the open bottom end and open sides of seedling bin 205. Protruding lip 246 is not present on edges of front panel 244 or back panel 244 near feed slot 238 thereby allowing seedling tubes 60 to pass through feed slot 238.

[0104] In the first exemplary described embodiment of magazine assembly 200, seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 are loaded into seedling bin 205 in a two-dimensional stack, meaning the top end of seedling tubes 60 in seedling bin 205 are generally aligned in a first plane and the bottom end of seedling tubes 60 in seedling bin 205 are generally aligned in a second plane, generally parallel to the first plane. After filling the seedling bin 205 (or plurality of seedling bins 205) with seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65, removable magazine 204 is loaded into magazine frame 202. In other embodiments, seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65, are loaded into seedling bins 205 without removing the removable magazine 204 from magazine frame 202. In other embodiments, the removable magazine 204 may not be removable from its frame. In an embodiment, one or more removable pins are insertable through eyelets in removable magazine 204 aligned with eyelets on magazine frame 202 thereby releasably locking removable magazine 204 to magazine frame 202.

[0105] As shown in Figure 14, in the first exemplary described embodiment of magazine assembly 200 (i.e. the embodiment that uses a feed sling 240), in preparation for operation, after removable magazine 204 is installed on magazine frame 202, an operator manually threads feed sling 240 around seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 which are stored in seedling bin 205. To perform this task, an operator pulls feedsling 240 from retractable connection point 206 which unwinds feed sling 240 from a drive assembly powered by a hydraulically operated motor 241. In the exemplary described embodiment, motor 241 is connected to magazine frame 202. The operator then threads feed sling 240 around the bundle of seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 which are stored in seedling bin 205. With reference to Figure 14 which shows a rear sectional view of magazine assembly 200, the operator unwinds feed sling 240 from retractable connection point 206, around the top of the bundle of seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65, then continues to wind feed sling 240 around the right side of the bundle of seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65, then continues to wind feed sling 240 around the bottom of the bundle of seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65, winding the feed sling 240 around alignment plate 236, and then the operator connects the feed sling 240 to fixed connection point 207. Once installed, motor 241 applies tension to feed sling 240 urging seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 towards hydraulicly operated feeding gate assembly 230 (which is at the left of the page in Figure 14). Specifically, as seedling tubes 60 are directed out of seedling bin 205, motor 241 reduced the dispensed length of feed sling 240 by wrapping feed sling 240 around a roller thereby ensuring appropriate tension continues to be applied by feed sling 240 to buddle of seedling tubes 60 that have yet to enter guide channel 214.

[0106] In embodiments comprising a magazine assembly 200 having multiple seedling bins 205, each seedling bin 205 may have its own motor and roller system to wind up a respective feed sling 240 of each seedling bin 205, or alternatively, there may be a single motor and roller responsible for winding up the feed slings 240 of each seedling bin 205.

[0107] The tension applied to the bundle of seedling tubes 60 by feed sling 240 is sufficient to keep bundle of seedling tubes 60 in seedling bin 205 compact but is not so great so as to eliminate the effect of gravity on the seedling tubes 60. For illustrative purposes, the feed sling 240 shown in Figure 13 is not under tension.

[0108] The tension provided by feed sling 240 along with the effect of gravity enables each seedling tube 60 to enter, one by one, into seedling tube channel 237 when the feeding gate assembly 230 is in a position that allows seedling tubes 60 to enter into seedling tube channel 237. As described in greater detail below, feeding gate assembly 230 forces seedling tubes 60 one by one from seedling bin 205 into a corresponding guide channel 214. In this manner, seedling tubes 60 are forced through in a single file continuous row fashion along the guide channel 214. To encourage the flow of seedling tubes 60 up through vertical portions of guide channel 214, in some embodiments, vertical portions of guide channel 214 may comprise several tube pusher assemblies 212 to prevent seedling tubes 60 from sliding down guide channel 214 back into seedling bin 205.

[0109] As described in greater detail below, in operation, the feeding gate assembly 230 cycles between upright position wherein seedling tubes 60 are allowed to enter seedling tube channel 237 and a downward position wherein seedling tubes 60 are pushed into seedling tube channel 237. The feeding gateassembly 230 performs an upstroke when it moves from its downward position to its upright position. Likewise, the feeding gate assembly 230 performs a downstroke when it moves from its upright position to its downward position.

[0110] Each downstroke of the feeding gate assembly 230 causes a seedling tube 60 to be enter into feed slot 238 which pushes the row of seedling tubes 60 that are within guide channel 214 further along guide channel. Thus, a downstroke of the feeding gate assembly 230 has the effect of pushing a seedling tube 60 into vertical alignment with a shooting unit 250, meaning the vertical axis of the seedling tube 60 is aligned with shooting tube 270.

[0111] As shown in Figure 14, vertical lift actuation element 253 forming part of lifting mechanism 266 raises a seedling tube 60 filled with a seedling 65 from an elevation substantially level with the portion of guide channel 214 which surrounds shooting unit 250c to an elevated position (referred to as the “shooting alignment position”) wherein the seedling tube 60 is aligned with shooting tube 270 and fan tube 272 (also referred to as an air supply tube) of shooting unit 250c so that a burst of air may evacuate seedling 65 from its seedling tube 60. This process is discussed in greater detail below. After evacuation of seedling 65 from its seedling tube 60, seedling 65 is transported through piping system 122 to a planter head 320.

[0112] After seedling 65 is evacuated from its seedling tube 60, shooting unit 250 is lowered, thereby aligning the emptied seedling tube 60 with guide channel 214. Feeding gate assembly cycles to perform an upstroke (to allow entry of a different seedling tube 60 into seedling tube channel 237) and then a downstroke to force another seedling tube 60 into feed slot 238. As noted above, the stroke cycle of feeding gate assembly 230 pushes a seedling tube 60 into vertical alignment with a shooting unit 250. Additionally, the stroke cycle pushes an empty seedling tube 60 off of shooting unit 250 and back onto guide channel 214.

[0113] Accordingly, each stroke cycle of the feeding gate assembly 230 pushes empty seedling tubes 60 along the portion of the guide channel 214 that proceeds shooting unit 250 until the empty seeding tubes 60 fall into collection slot 239. In other embodiments, magazine assembly 200 does not contain a collection slot 239 and empty seedling tubes 60 are simply ejected off magazine frame 202.

[0114] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, in the first exemplary described embodiment of magazine assembly 200, each stroke cycle of feeding gate assembly 230 urges empty seedling tubes 60 towards collection slot 239 where the empty seedling tubes 60 fall into the collection sling 242. Accordingly, the seedling tubes 60 circulate from the within feed sling 240 in seedling bin 205, through feed slot 238 (by virtue of a downward stoke of feeding gate assembly 230) and onto guide channel 214, then into shooting unit 250, then back onto the guide channel 214, and into the collection sling 242 in seedling bin 205.

[0115] In the first exemplary described embodiment of magazine assembly 200, after installing removable magazine 204 into magazine frame 202, an operator pulls a first end of collection sling 242 fromretractable connection point 208 and connects the first end of collection sling 242 to fixed connection point 209 thereby providing a sling for catching empty seedling tubes 60.

[0116] As empty seedling tubes 60 are directed into collection slot 239 and back into seedling bin 205, motor 243 increases the dispensed length of collection sling 242 by unwrapping collection sling 242 from around a roller. The unwinding of collection sling 242 ensures collection sling 242 occupies relatively little area in the seedling bin 205 in the beginning of a planting session and as the planting session continues, the area occupied by collection sling 242 within seedling bin 205 increases to accommodate the accumulation of empty seedling tubes 60.

[0117] In the first exemplary described embodiment of magazine assembly 200, both feed sling 240 and collection sling 242 are flat bands having a width of substantially the length of the seedling tubes 60. Moreover, in the first exemplary described embodiment of magazine assembly 200, feed sling 240 and collection sling 242 retract and extend, respectively, a predetermined amount for every downstroke of feeding gate assembly 230. In this manner, consistent tension is applied to bundle of seedling tubes 60 by feed sling 240, and collection sling 242 expands in proportion to the number of empty seedling tubes 60 which enter into collection sling 242. Hydraulically operated motor 243, connected to magazine frame, unwinds collection sling 242 as it becomes filled with empty seedling tubes 60.

[0118] In an alternative embodiment, sensors (not shown), for example force sensors, may be used to detect tension in feed sling 240 and collection sling 242 and cause tension in each sling to be adjusted as needed. In embodiments, a tension release mechanism (not shown) releases tension in collection sling 242 to dispense length of collection sling 242 into seedling bin 205.

[0119] In the first exemplary described embodiment of magazine assembly 200, when the collection sling 242 becomes full of empty seedling tubes 60, the operated disconnects feed sling 240 and collection sling 242 from their respective connection points. The removable magazine 204 can then be removed so that the empty seedling tubes 60 can be removed from the seedling bins 205 and re-loaded with seedling tubes 60 filled with new seedlings 65. The refilled removable magazine 204 is then ready for the next planting session.

[0120] In an alternative embodiment, motor 241 and roller which provide tension to feed sling 240 and motor 243 and roller which provide tension to collection sling 242 are connected to removable magazine 204 instead of magazine frame so that feed sling 240 and collection sling 242 do not need disconnected from their respective connection points and unwound from rollers each time the removable magazine 204 is removed from magazine frame 202.

[0121] In further alternative embodiments, a single motor provides tension to the feed sling 240 and collection sling 242 of a given seedling bin 205 in a removable magazine 204. In a further embodiment, the feed sling 240 and collection sling 242 may comprise a unitary sling.

[0122] As empty seedling tubes 60 build up in collection sling 242, the seedling tubes 60 may stack on each other causing collection slot 239 to become blocked. To help prevent blockage of collection slot 239 by empty seedling tubes 60 in collection sling 242, in an embodiment, back pusher assemblies 213 agitates collection sling 242 to break up any seedling tubes 60 that may be oddly stacked within collection sling 242. Agitation of collection sling 242 by back pusher assemblies 213 helps empty seedling tubes 60 to drop to the lowest point in collection sling 242, thereby aiding in preventing blockage of collection slot 239.

[0123] In the exemplary described embodiment, three back pusher assemblies 213 are mounted to magazine frame 202 and each back pusher assembly 213 agitates one of the three collection slings 242. However, in other embodiments, a single back pusher assembly 213 may agitate multiple collection slings 242. In the exemplary described embodiment, hydraulic cylinders actuate back pusher assemblies 213 on a schedule defined by the operator (for example, every three strokes of the feeding gate assemblies 230). In other embodiments, back pusher assemblies 213 may constantly agitate one or more collection slings 242.

[0124] As shown in Figure 9, installed on a rear portion of the magazine assembly 200 of the exemplary described embodiment is a hydraulic platform assembly 203. Hydraulic platform assembly 203 contains hydraulic valves, gauges, regulators, and an electrical panel to support and control the various hydraulic cylinders and motors of moving components on the magazine assembly 200 which facilitate movement of seedling tubes 60 from a feed sling 240, to a shooting unit 250, and into a collection sling 242.

[0125] A second exemplary described magazine assembly 200 is shown in Figures 28 and 29. This second exemplary embodiment is operable with a string 62 of linked seedling tubes 60 and is operable with a shooting unit 250 that in some embodiments may not have a lifting mechanism 266, but may have a lifting mechanism that includes a ramp 251 (e.g. an inclined portion of the guide channel), a rotating tube sprocket 278, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200 does not use a feed sling 240, a feeding gate assembly 230, tube pusher assemblies 212, or a collection sling 242.

[0126] A flexible linkage member (such as a rubber belt or the like) links together a plurality of seedling tubes 60 into a string 62. A first end 64 of this string 62 of seedling tubes 60 is connected to a first reel 280 of a seedling bin 205 of a magazine 204 (which may or may not be removable from magazine assembly 200) and the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 is then wound around the first reel 280 several times. The second end 64 of the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 is threaded around the first idle roller 284, through the guide channel 214, around the second idle roller 286, and then the second end 64 of the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 is connected to the second reel 282 of the magazine assembly 200.

[0127] The guide channel 214 of the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200 spans across a portion of the top of the magazine 204. The first idle roller 284 is positioned at a location to assist in guiding the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 from the first reel 280 to the guide channel 214. The second idle roller 286 is positioned at a location to assist in guiding the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 from the guide channel 214 to the second reel 282.

[0128] In the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200 (i.e. the ‘sling-less’ embodiment), one or both of the first reel 280 and second reel 282 are operable to rotate in predetermined increments (e.g. by one or more motors) to allow a seedling tube 60 within the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 to come into alignment with a shooting unit 250 situated on top of magazine 204.

[0129] Like the first exemplary described magazine assembly 200 (e.g. shown in Figures 12-15), in the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200 (e.g. shown in Figures 28-29) the shooting unit 250 transports the seedling 65 through piping system 122 to a planter head 320 located on planter carrier assembly 300. However, unlike the first exemplary described magazine assembly 200, the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200 (which utilizes a string 62 of seedling tubes 60) does not use a shooting unit 250 with a lifting mechanism 266. Instead, the rails defining the guide channel 214 of the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200 contain a bent portion to curve above the frame of the magazine assembly 200 (e.g., see Figures 30 and 31). This curved portion of the guide channel 214 further comprises apertures in the rails forming the guide channel 214, said apertures operatively connected to a shooting unit 250. Accordingly, as the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 travels through the guide channel 214, at any given time, the vertical axis of one of the seedling tubes 60 within the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 will be aligned with shooting tube 270 of the shooting unit 250, the fan tube 272 of the shooting unit 250, and the apertures in the rails forming part of the curved portion of the guide channel 214 (i.e. one of the seedling tubes 60 is in the shooting alignment position).

[0130] The second exemplary described magazine assembly 200 contains a removable magazine 204 supporting three seedling bins 205a, 205b, and 205c. However, like the first exemplary described magazine assembly 200 (e.g. shown in Figures 12-15), a dedicated seedling bin 205 and a dedicated shooting unit 250 for a given planter head 320 is not necessary for the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200.

[0131] In the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200, after a seedling 65 is evacuated from its tube, the first reel 280 and second reel 282 rotate causing emptied seedling tubes 60 to spool around the second reel 282 and causing full seedling tubes 60 to unspool from the first reel 280. In embodiments, one or both of the first reel 280 and second reel 282 provide turning resistance to keep tension on the string 62 of seedling tubes 60.

[0132] Given that movement of seedling tubes 60 is along the guide channel 214 by the rotation of the first reel 280 and second reel 282, the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200 does not use a feed sling 240, a feeding gate assembly 230, tube pusher assemblies 212, or a collection sling 242.Feeding Gate Assembly

[0133] As noted above, a feeding gate assembly 230 is not used in the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200 (e.g., shown in Figures 28-29). Accordingly, the following description of feeding gate assembly 230 is applicable to the first exemplary described magazine assembly 200 that makes use of a feed sling 240 (e.g., shown in Figures 12-15).

[0134] With reference to Figures 14 and 15, feeding gate assembly 230 feeds seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 one after another from a seedling bin 205 in removable magazine 204 through feed slot 238 and into guide channel 214. As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 8, in the exemplary described embodiment, the feeding gate assembly 230 is mounted on rails forming part of removable magazine 204.

[0135] In other embodiments, magazine assembly 200 may accommodate multiple removable magazines 204, each removable magazines 204 comprising one or more interconnected feeding gate assemblies 230 for each seedling bin 205. In other embodiments, one or more feeding gate assemblies 230 are interconnected to magazine frame 202.

[0136] Figure 14 shows feeding gate assembly 230 in its upright position wherein seedling tubes 60 are able to enter into seedling tube channel 237. Figure 15 shows feeding gate assembly 230 in its downward position wherein seedling tubes 60 are blocked from entering seedling tube channel 237. Hydraulic cylinder 232 enables feeding gate assembly 230 to perform upstroke and downstroke movements. As previously noted, in performing an upstroke, feeding gate assembly 230 moves from its downward position to its upright position. In performing a downstroke, feeding gate assembly 230 moves from its upright position to its downward position.

[0137] Alignment plate 236 is positioned near the feed slot 238 of a given seedling bin 205. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the exemplary described embodiment comprises an alignment plate 236 having a ramp like geometry. In particular, alignment plate 236 slopes upwardly from the bottom of seedling bin to a height that is just below the height of the adjustable feed member 234 when feeding gate assembly 230 is in its upright position. Alignment plate 236 comprises a steep drop near feeding gate assembly 230 thereby forming a seedling tube channel 237 between alignment plate 236 and feeding gate assembly 230. Seedling tube channel 237 is dimensioned to accept a row of single file seedling tubes 60. For illustrative simplicity, alignment plate 236 is not shown in Figure 13.

[0138] As shown in Figure 8, alignment plate 236 is installed on a bottom portion of seedling bin 205 in removable magazine 204. Each seedling bin 205 comprises an alignment plate 236. In some embodiments, alignment plate 236 is integrally formed in seedling bin 205. In other embodiments, alignment plate 236 forms part of magazine frame.

[0139] With reference to Figures 14 and 15, it can be seen that the interior side of the feeding gate assembly 230 (i.e. the side facing away from guide channel 214 and towards seedling bin 205) features a specialized adjustable feed member 234 comprising a profile 233. As shown in Figure 16, in the exemplary embodiment, springs 235 connects a top edge of adjustable feed member 234 to the body of feeding gate assembly 230. In the upright position, hydraulic cylinder 232 causes spring 235 to become extended which biases adjustable feed member 234 in an open position for allowing seedling tubes 60 to enter into seedling tube channel 237. Moreover, the tension provided by feed sling 240 urges the bundle of seedlings tubes 60 towards feeding gate assembly 230. Accordingly, in operation seedling tubes 60 apply pressure to adjustable feed member 234 when the feeding gate assembly 230 is its upright position. Springs 235 give way to this pressure, further causing adjustable feed member 234 to become biased in a direction away from the bundle of seedling tubes 60 in seedling bin 205. As shown in Figure 14, in this biased position, adjustable feed member 234 separates a single seedling tube 60 from the bundle of seedling tubes 60 and guides the single seedling tube 60 into profile 233 for entry into seedling tube channel 237. Accordingly, each upward upstroke of the feeding gate assembly 230 causes a seedling tube 230 into seedling tube channel 237.

[0140] Partial retraction of hydraulic cylinder 232 retracts springs 235 and places the adjustable feed member 234 in a position which blocks seedling tubes 60 from entering into the seedling tube channel 237. As shown in Figure 15, on full retraction of hydraulic cylinder 232 (i.e. the downward position of the feeding gate assembly 230) adjustable feed member 234 pushes seedling tubes 60 within the seedling tube channel 237 into feed slot 238 and into the guide channel 214 aligned with seedling bin 205.

[0141] Specifically, as feeding gate assembly 230 performs a downstroke to move from its upright position to its downward position, bundle of tubes 60 in feed sling 240 cease exerting pressure on adjustable feed member 234 and hydraulic cylinder 232 decreases the amount of tension applied to springs 235 which cause adjustable feed member 234 to return to its relaxed state, thereby blocking additional seedling tubes 60 from entering into seedling tube channel 237. At the same time, performing a downstroke causes the feeding gate assembly 230 to push a seedling tube 60 into feed slot 238, thereby advancing the seedling tubes 60 located in front the seedling tube 60 inserted into feed slot 238 to advance along guide channel 214. Feeding gate assembly 230 pushed seedling tubes 60 one after the other inside the guide channel 214 until the seedling tubes 60 reach the shooting unit 250 where the seedling 65 are evacuated from their respective seedling tube 60.

[0142] In an embodiment, the feeding gate assembly 230 operates at a consistent rate which is accomplished by the timed actuation of hydraulic cylinder 232 by the control system of the vehicle 102.

[0143] In an embodiment, the timing between actuation of feeding gate assembly 230 and the actuation of shooting unit 250 are synchronized to ensure a continuous supply of seedling tubes 60 to shooting unit 250. In an alternative embodiment, instead of timed operation, or, in combination with timed operations, sensors (not shown) may be used to observe when operations are completed by components of the rapid planter system 100 so that the next operation may begin.Shooting Unit

[0144] Two illustrated exemplary described shooting units 250 are described herein. A first exemplary described shooting unit 250 suitable for use with the first exemplary described magazine assembly 200 is described below first.

[0145] As shown in Figure 17, in an embodiment, a first exemplary described shooting unit 250 comprises a shooting unit steel frame 264, top clamps 252, vertical lift actuation element 253, vertical link brackets 262, pushing / retracting element 256, and two hydraulic cylinders 258, 260. The two hydraulic cylinders 258, 260 are attached to the shooting unit steel frame 264 mounted on the magazine frame 202. As shown in Figure 14, bottom clamp 254 form part of a top surface of vertical lift actuation element 253.

[0146] In the first exemplary described embodiment, top clamps 252 are rigidly mounted on magazine frame 202, above a portion of guide channel 214 which extends across the top of magazine frame 202. Vertical lift actuation elements 253, bottom clamps 254, pushing / retracting element 256, and vertical link brackets 262 form part of a lifting mechanism 266. As shown in Figures 18 and 19, pushing / retracting element 256 are actuated by two hydraulic cylinders 258, 260 to slide up and down, thereby enabling lifting mechanism 266 to move vertically from a lowered position to an elevated position and vice versa.

[0147] In an embodiment, the shooting unit 250 comprises a tube support 267 on which the seedling tube 60 rest before being lifted by the lifting mechanism 266 and after being lowered by the lifting mechanism 266. For example, with reference to Figure 17, in an embodiment, a seedling tube 60 may be delivered from the guide channel 214 onto a tube support 267 of the shooting unit 250. In an embodiment, the bottom clamp 254 of the lifting mechanism 266 is able to pass through one or more openings in the tube support 267. Once the bottom clamp 254 rises above a platform of the tube support 267 on which the seedling tube 60 rests, the seedling tube 60 is lifted off the tube support 267 and placed in shooting alignment (i.e. the shooting alignment position). After the seedling 65 is expelled from the seedling tube 60, vertical lift actuation element 253 and bottom clamp 254 retract downwardly below the tube support 267, thereby resting the empty seedling tube 60 on top of the tube support 267 again, where it can be moved forward back into the guide channel 214, but on the other side of the shooting unit 250 from which it arrived.

[0148] The first exemplary described embodiment comprises two vertical lift actuation elements 253. When the lifting mechanism 266 is in the lowered position, the two vertical lift actuation elements 253 are positioned underneath tube support 267. As lifting mechanism 266 is raised to its elevated position, the two vertical lift actuation elements 253 rise upwardly and lift the seedling tube 60 positioned on the tube support 267 into a shooting alignment position. In the first exemplary described embodiment, one vertical lift actuation element 253 engages the bottom end of seedling tube 60 and the other vertical lift actuation element 253 engages the top end of seedling tube 60. Tube support 267 remains stationary while lifting mechanism 266 moves from its lowered position to its elevated position and vice versa.

[0149] In an embodiment, bottom clamps 254 form part of the top surfaces of vertical lift actuation elements 253, the bottom claims 254 being complementary in shape to the outer surface of the seedling tube 60 to enable a secure engagement with seedling tube 60. In the first exemplary described embodiment, tube support 267 comprises gaps or breaks to allow vertical lift actuation elements 253 to pass through tube support 267 to raise seedling tubes 60 off tube support 267 and lower empty seedling tubes 60 back onto tube support 267.

[0150] In the lowered position, a barrier 268 prevents seedling tubes 60 from rolling along the guide channel 214 past the barrier 268. As feeding gate assembly 230 performs a downstroke stroke, lifting mechanism 266 begins to raise from a lowered position to an elevated position causing barrier 268 to also move upwardly thereby allowing a seedling tube 60 to move from guide channel 214 onto tube support 267. Specifically, as barrier 268 is raised upwardly to no longer prohibit seedling tubes 60 from movement along guide channel, feeding gate assembly 230 continues to perform a downstroke to push seedling tubes 60 into feed slot 238 and into seedling tube channel 237, thereby causing a line of seedling tubes 60 to be forced into guide channel 214. This line of seedling tubes 60 causes a single seedling tube 60 to be pushed onto tube support 267 into a position to be lifted by the lifting mechanism 266.

[0151] When a seedling tube 60 is positioned on tube support 267, the lifting mechanism 266 is further elevated causing vertical lift actuation element 253 to elevate seedling tube 60 into shooting alignment with shooting unit 250. In this elevated position, shooting unit 250 evacuates seedlings 65 from seedling tubes 60 and at least assists with transporting seedlings 65 through piping system 122 to a planter head 320 located at the front of vehicle 102. The seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65 arrive at the shooting unit 250 by travelling through a guide channel 214.

[0152] In the first exemplary described embodiment, piping system 122 comprises a sufficiently airtight pathway of rigid pipe and flexible hose. In particular, rigid pipe forms part of the generally straight portions of piping system 122 while flexible hose forms curved portions of the piping system 122 and portions of the piping system 122 which may bend in operation. In other embodiments piping system 122 comprises only flexible hose. Piping system 122 connects the shooting tube 270 of a shooting unit 250 to a planter head 320.

[0153] When the feeding gate assembly 230 performs a downstroke, a seedling tube 60 will be forced through guide channel 214 and onto tube support 267 where lifting mechanism 266 raises seedling tube 60 into shooting alignment with shooting unit 250. In particular, in the described embodiment, vertical lift actuation elements 253 of lifting mechanism 266 rise upwardly from a lowered position wherein the vertical lift actuation elements 253 are underneath tube support 267 to an elevated position wherein vertical lift actuation elements 253 rise through gaps in tube support 267 to lift seedling tube 60 filled with a seedling 65 into shooting alignment with shooting unit 250. Figure 18 shows shooting unit 250 with lifting mechanism 266 positioned in its lowered position. Figure 19 shows shooting unit 250 with lifting mechanism 266 positioned in its elevated position. Hydraulic cylinders 258 and 260 allow lifting mechanism 266 to move between its lowered position and its elevated position, and vice versa.

[0154] In embodiments without a barrier 268, the shooting unit 250 is in a seedling tube receiving position in its lowered position. In embodiments with a barrier 268, the shooting unit 250 is in a seedling tube receiving position when it its slightly above its lowered position.

[0155] In some embodiments, guide channel 214 comprises two rails to accommodate the top and bottom ends of seedling tubes 60 and the middle portion of guide channel 214 is substantially open. In the exemplary described embodiment, guide channel 214 comprises a break underneath shooting unit 250 which is bridged by tube support 267. The exemplary described tube support 267 comprises gaps to allow two vertical lift actuation elements 253 to pass through tube support 267 thereby allowing each vertical lift actuation element 253 to engage with one end of the seedling tube 60, the lifting action of the two vertical lift actuation elements 253 cooperating to raise the seedling tube 60 into the shooting alignment position.

[0156] In other embodiments, the guide channel 214 may run continuously under shooting unit 250 eliminating the need for a tube support 267 to bridge any gaps in the guide channel 214. In this embodiment, a single vertical lift actuation element 253 rises from a lowered position (underneath the guide channel 214) to an elevated position by passing through the open central area of the guide channel 214. In embodiments using a single vertical lift actuation element 253, the top surface of the single vertical lift actuation element 253 may comprise a bottom clamp 254 that is complementary in shape to the outer surface of the seedling tube 60 and can engage a substantial portion of the central area of the outer surface of the seedling tube 60.

[0157] In the first exemplary described embodiment, bottom clamps 254 and top clamps 252 secure seedling tube 60 in alignment between shooting tube 270 and fan tube 272 when lifting mechanism 266 is at its elevated position. Accordingly, bottom clamps 254 and top clamps 252 secure seedling tube 60 into the shooting alignment position. In some embodiments, bottom clamps 254 and top clamps 252 and complementary in shape to the outer surface of seedling tube 60.

[0158] In the shooting alignment position, the circumferential opening of the bottom end of seedling tube 60 is aligned with the circumferential opening of shooting tube 270 and the circumferential opening of the top end of seedling tube 60 is aligned with the circumferential opening of fan tube 272. In the first exemplary described embodiment, shooting tube 270 is operationally connected to piping system 122.

[0159] Once a seedling tube 60 is secured in its shooting alignment position, a burst of air is released from fan assembly 216 through fan tube 272, into the top end of seedling tube 60, through the bottom end of seedling tube 60, into shooting tube 270, and into piping system 122. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the burst of air causes seedling 65 to be ejected in direction D from its seedling tube 60 into piping system 122 and into a planter head 320. Seedling 65 is transported by its root end first through piping system 122.

[0160] In other embodiments, seedling 65 may be ejected from its leaf end first out of seedling tube 60. In such embodiments, orientation of seedling 65 is rotated to ensure the roots of seedling are planted into ground 70, not the leaf end of seedling 65.

[0161] In some embodiments, after burst of air ejects seedling 65 from seedling tube 60, a bypass valve (not shown) may be actuated so that air flow generated by fan assembly 216 is redirected such that air no longer enters into the shooting unit 250 via fan tube 272 but instead enters bypass tube 124. Bypass tube 124 directs air around shooting unit 250 which enables a stronger flow of air to assist in transporting seedling 65 through piping system 122.

[0162] In the exemplary described embodiments, shooting units 250, fan assemblies 216, shooting tubes 270, and fan tubes 272, and air valve bypass assemblies 210 are installed on top of magazine assembly 200. In other embodiments, these components may be installed on a separate platform located above of magazine assembly 200.

[0163] In the first exemplary described embodiments, fan assemblies 216 are used to generate airflow into piping system 122. However, in other embodiments, an air blower or compressed air is used to facilitate movement of the seedling from shooting unit 250, through piping system 122, and into planter head 320. In a further embodiment, fan assembly 216 is augmented by a pneumatic system and / or air blower system which shoots additional bursts of air along various positions in the piping system 122. For example, compressed air may be shot in two-meter increments along piping system 122 assist in transporting seedling 65 towards planter head 320.

[0164] In a further embodiment, piping system 122 may be constructed from transparent piping and / or transparent flexible hose or portions of transparent piping / flexible hose. Sensors (not shown) monitor the position of seedling 65 within transparent piping system 122 and rapid planter system 100 selectivelyejects air at the nearest upstream position from seedling 65 to assist in propelling seedling 65 along piping system and into planter head 320.

[0165] In the first exemplary described embodiment, after seedling 65 is evacuated from seedling tube 60, lifting mechanism 266 moves downwardly to its lowered position. In doing so, bottom clamps 254 and top clamps 252 disengage from empty seedling tube 60. In the first exemplary described embodiment, when lifting mechanism 266 returns to its lowered position, empty seedling tube 60 is placed back onto tube support 267. In this lowered position, a new downstroke of feeding gate assembly 230 forces another seedling tube 60 into guide channel 214, which pushes a row of seedling tubes 60 along guide channel 214 causing a seedling tube 60 filled with a seedling 65 to displace the recently emptied seedling tube 60 from tube support 267. As shown in Figure 14, as more seedlings 65 are evacuated from seedling tubes 60 and empty seedling tubes 60 accumulate, the empty seedling tubes 60 are pushed along guide channel 214 towards collection slot 239. In some embodiments, removable magazine 204 does not have a collection slot 239 and empty seedling tubes are simply ejected off of magazine assembly 200 onto the ground.

[0166] The timing of the seedling tubes 60 advancing along guide channel 214, the lifting of seedling tubes 60 by lifting mechanism 266, and the blasting of air from fan assemblies 216 are all actuated by hydraulic cylinders timed by an onboard control system installed in the cab 104 of vehicle 102. In alternative embodiments, instead of timed operation, or, in combination with timed operations, sensors (not shown) may be used to observe when operations are completed so that the next operation may begin.

[0167] A second exemplary described shooting unit 250, suitable for operation with the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200, is shown in Figures 30-33. Unlike the first exemplary described shooting unit 250 (e.g., shown in Figures 17-19), the second exemplary described shooting unit 250 does not use a lifting mechanism 266.

[0168] The second exemplary described shooting unit 250 contains a tube positioning device. In the illustrated example, the tube positioning device comprises two tube sprockets 278 connected to a ratchet mechanism. These tube sprockets 278 contain a pitch diameter that can accommodate a portion of outer circumference of a seedling tube 60. In operation, as a string 62 of seedling tubes 60 is pulled through a guide channel 214 (e.g. by rotation of the first reel 280 and second reel 282) the pitch diameter of tube sprockets 278 engage with the outer circumference of a seedling tube 60 and align the vertical axis of that seedling tubes 60 with shooting tube 270 of the shooting unit 250, the fan tube 272 of the shooting unit 250, and the apertures in the rails forming part of the curved portion of the guide channel 214.

[0169] Like the first reel 280 and second reel 282, tube sprockets 278 rotate incrementally to position one seedling tubes 60 at a time into a shooting alignment position.

[0170] The ratchet mechanism associated with tube sprockets 278 locks and prevents the seedling tubes 60 from travelling backwards in the guide channel (i.e. back towards the first reel 280).

[0171] In an embodiment, the amount of incremental rotation and timing of such rotation of the first reel 280 and second reel 282, and tube sprockets 278 are synchronized using the control system of rapid planter system 100.

[0172] Figure 32 shows a seeding tube 60 engaged with the second exemplary described shooting unit 250. As shown in this figure, upstream tube coupler 277 and downstream tube coupler 276 are engaged to opposing ends of a seeding tube 60 that is in a shooting alignment position in the second exemplary described shooting unit 250. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” are relative positions along piping system 122, with an ‘upstream’ position closer to the fan assembly 216.

[0173] In an embodiment, upstream tube coupler 277 and downstream tube coupler 276 are moved simultaneously using two linear actuators. When the upstream tube coupler 277 and downstream tube coupler 276 are engaged to opposing ends of a seeding tube 60, air from a fan assembly 216 enters into fan tube 272, then into seedling tube 60, causing seedling 65 to be ejected from seedling tube 60 into shooting tube 270. In an embodiment, the upstream tube coupler 277 contains a converging-diverging nozzle profile which acts to accelerate the airflow coming from the fan assembly 216 thereby enabling a higher seedling 65 travel velocity.

[0174] The second exemplary described shooting unit 250 may contain a bypass conduit (e.g., bypass hose 274) to selectively direct air around shooting unit 250 and to enable a stronger flow of air to assist in transporting seedling 65 through piping system 122. As shown in Figures 32 and 33, bypass hose 274 may comprise elbow joints for connecting to shooting tube 270 and fan tube 272. For example, bypass hose 274 may be connected to shooting tube 270 and fan tube 272 via lateral openings in the shooting tube 270 and fan tube 272. In an embodiment, when the upstream tube coupler 277 and downstream tube coupler 276 are engaged to opposing ends of a seeding tube 60, valves are engaged to block airflow through bypass hose 274 (e.g., to block lateral openings in the shooting tube 270 and fan tube 272). This will force air through the seedling tube 60. In an embodiment, when the upstream tube coupler 277 and downstream tube coupler 276 are not engaged to opposing ends of a seeding tube 60, valves open to direct airflow through bypass hose 274.

[0175] To further facilitate airflow through the bypass hose 274, when the upstream tube coupler 277 and downstream tube coupler 276 are not engaged to opposing ends of a seeding tube 60, the upstream tube coupler 277 and downstream tube coupler 276 may act as plugs to substantially prevent airflow through the emptied seedling tube 60. For example, as illustrated in Figure 33, a conical plug blocks airflow into the upstream tube coupler 277 when said coupler is in its retracted position. Alternatively, the upstream tube coupler 277 and downstream tube coupler 276 may comprise biasing mechanisms that are biased to substantially prevent airflow when said couplers are in their retracted position (i.e. not engaged to opposing ends of a seeding tube 60) and said biasing mechanisms may be forced open when the upstream and downstream tube couplers 276, 277 are engaged to opposing ends of a seeding tube 60.

[0176] Directing air through bypass hose 274 may allow more efficient airflow through piping system 122 to direct seedling 65 towards planter carrier assembly 300. After a seedling 65 is ejected from a seedling tube 60, first reel 280 and second reel 282 rotate to align a new seedling tube 60 in the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 with the second exemplary shooting unit 250.Planter Carrier Assembly

[0177] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, planter carrier assembly 300 serves as a platform for attaching planter heads 320 to a hydraulicly operated boom arm of vehicle 102. Planter carrier assembly 300 is capable of performing a wide range of motions which are controlled by boom arm of vehicle 102 and integrated hydraulic cylinders of planter carrier assembly 300.

[0178] As shown in Figures 20 and 21 , the planter carrier assembly 300 of exemplary described embodiment comprises three planter heads 320a, 320b, 320c, positioned on a boom arm. The boom arm comprises a central planter body 304, a boom adapter 306, right extension arm 308, left extension arm 309, right and left vertical folding cylinder 310 and 311, right and left horizontal folding cylinders 312 and 313, and right and left telescoping hydraulic cylinders (not shown).

[0179] In the exemplary described embodiment, right and left extension arms 308, 309 are attached to the central planter body 304 along with the boom adapter 306 to create the core of the planter carrier assembly 300. Planter heads 320a and 320c are attached on the outside ends of the left extension arm 309 and right extension arm 308, respectively. Planter head 320b is attached to the center of planter carrier assembly 300. Left and right telescoping hydraulic cylinders (not shown) are mounted inside of the left extension arm 309 and right extension arm 308, respectively, to control the extension range of the two outside planter heads 320a and 320c. This enables the operator to control the distance which seedlings 65 are planted next to each other.

[0180] In the exemplary described embodiment, right vertical folding cylinder 310 is connected to a top surface of right extension arm 308 and to a portion of boom adapter 306 located above right extension arm 308. The connection points of right vertical folding cylinder 310 enable it to retract to partly fold right extension arm 308 in an upward direction. Likewise, left vertical folding cylinder 311 is connected to a top surface of left extension arm 309 and to a portion of boom adapter 306 located above left extension arm 309. The connection points of left vertical folding cylinder 311 enable it to retract to partly fold left extension arm 309 in an upward direction. Additionally, right and left vertical folding cylinders 310 and 311 hold the right and left extension arms 308 and 309 in place, respectively, and counteract forces generated by the hydraulic cylinders of planter heads 320.

[0181] Right and left horizontal folding cylinders 312 and 313 are connected to right and left extension arms 308 and 309, respectively, and enable each arm to fold inwardly towards vehicle 102. Moving extension arms 308 and 309 enables transportation of vehicle 102 through narrow spaces.

[0182] In the even an obstacle blocks the planting area under planter head 320c, the operator can move the right extension arm 308 upwardly using the right vertical folding cylinder 310 or inwardly using the right horizontal folding cylinder 312 to move right extension arm 308 out of the obstacle’s way. The operator can then continue planting using planting heads 320a and 320b. The vertical, horizontal, and telescopic hydraulic cylinders of both extension arms each operate independent of one another, allowing the boom arm of vehicle 102 to be manipulated by the operator in a wide range of motions allowing the operator to match the position of the planter carrier assembly 300 with the contour of the ground 70 during planting. This enables operation in a variety of terrains and slopes.Planter Head

[0183] The planter head 320 plants a seedling 65 into the ground 70 at a precise depth and with a suitable level of soil compaction around the seedling 65 to promote good growth of seedling 65. As best shown in Figures 3, 5, 20, and 21 , in the exemplary described embodiment, a total of three planter heads 320a, 320b, and 320c are rigidly bolted onto the center and two sides of planter carrier assembly 300. In the exemplary described embodiment, the planter heads 320 are removable. Moreover, as noted previously, in the exemplary described embodiment, each planter head 320a, 320b, and 320c operates independently of each one another.

[0184] As shown in Figures 22 to 25, planter head 320 comprises planter head enclosure 322, shovel arm 324, planter beak 326, a two plate tampers 328 and 329, and five hydraulic cylinders (330, 331, 332, 333, and one not shown).

[0185] In the exemplary described embodiment, the planter head enclosure 322 serves as housing for moving components and a platform onto which the remainder of the parts are attached. Shovel arm 324 is a hollow conduit allowing seedling 65 to exit piping system 122 and enter through shovel arm 324 and into planter beak 326 located at the bottom of shovel arm 324. Shovel arm 324 is connected to the planter head enclosure 322 via a pair of hydraulic cylinders 332, 333. Hydraulic cylinders 332, 333 allow shovel arm 324 (including planter beak 326) to move vertically up and down with respect to planter head 320.

[0186] The planter beak 326 is a digging unit that is maneuverable from an open configuration to a closed configuration and vice versa. In certain embodiments, planter beak 326 is removably secured onto the bottom of the shovel arm 324 to allow for easy replacement of planter beak 326 when planter beak 326 becomes worn. Two plate tampers 328, 329 are attached to hydraulic cylinders 330, 331 and are fixed at an angle against the sides of the planter head enclosure 322. Hydraulic cylinders 330, 331 allow plate tampers 328, 329 to move vertically up and down with respect to planter head 320. In the exemplary described embodiment, angled installation of plate tampers 328, 329 and hydraulic cylinders 330, 331 ensures these components are out of the travel path of shovel arm 324 so that shovel arm 324 can moveup and down unimpeded. In other embodiments, angled installation of plate tampers 328, 329 and hydraulic cylinders 330, 331 and can be avoided with a differently shaped of plate tampers 328, 329.

[0187] The shovel arm 324 and planter beak 326 cooperate to plant seedling 65 into ground 70 while the two plate tampers 328, 329 cooperate to compact the soil around a seedling 65 that has been put into ground 70. A typical planting cycle will now be described with reference to Figures 22 to 25.

[0188] As shown in Figure 22, in the beginning of a typical planting cycle, planting head 320 is in a seedling receiving position. In the exemplary described embodiment, seedling 65 is sent from a shooting unit 250 located on top of magazine assembly 200 to a planter head 320 via piping system 122. The seedling 65 arrives at the top of the shovel arm 324 where, by the force of gravity, it drops down and lands in the interior of the planter beak 326. Compressed air may be used to urge seedling 65 down shovel arm 324 and into planter beak 326. The operator of the vehicle 102 then manipulates arm 106 and to set the planter head 320 down on the desired planting location. If the planter head 320 is located on the right or left extension arm (308 or 309), the operator can also engage right or left vertical folding cylinders (310 or 311) as an alternative or in addition to manipulating arm 106 to set planter head 320 down on the desired planting location.

[0189] In other embodiments, seedlings 65 may be transported to planter head 320 through piping system 122 by its leaf end first. In such embodiments, rapid planter system 100 comprises means to rotate seedling 65 to ensure planter head 320 inserts the root system of seedling 65 into ground 70. For example, in an embodiment, a rotatable portion of piping system 122 just above shovel arm 324 may comprise mechanically actuated gates that enclose a seedling 65 within the rotatable portion of piping system 122 (i.e. the gates prevent passage of seedling through rotatable portion of piping system 122). A rotation assembly then rotates the rotatable portion of piping system 122 so that the root system of seedling 65 can drop into the top end of shovel arm 324 after the mechanically actuated gates are opened.

[0190] As shown in Figure 23, in a ground penetrating step of the planting cycle, hydraulic cylinders 332, 333 drive shovel arm 324 and planter beak 326 downwardly causing planter beak 326 to be driven into the ground 70 to a predefined depth. Planter beak 326 comprises two curved blades. The concave portions of the two curved blades face each other forming a planter beak 326 with an open top end for receiving a seedling 65 and a closed bottom end facing ground 70. The two blades of planter beak 326 are movable by a hydraulic cylinder (not shown) causing the bottom end of planter beak 326 to open, allowing seedling 65 to drop down into the portion of ground 70 penetrated by planter beak 326. The exterior geometry of the planter beak 326 cuts into the ground 70 and moves soil out of the way when it the planter beak 326 is opened.

[0191] In the exemplary described embodiment, both blades of planter beak 326 move away from each there when the planter beak 326 is actuated to its open configuration. In other embodiments, only asingle blade of planter beak 326 moves to actuate the planter beak 326 from open to closed configurations and vice versa. In other embodiments, the planter beak 326 may comprise more than two blades, with some or all of the blades movable to actuate the planter beak 326 from open to closed configurations and vice versa.

[0192] As shown in Figure 24, in a tamping step of the planting cycle, shovel arm 324 moves upwards to its original position while keeping the planter beak 326 open to so as not to damage newly planted seedling 65. When shovel arm 324 reaches its original elevated position, the two blades of planter beak 326 are closed, forming a receptacle for the next seedling 65. At this point, hydraulic cylinders 330, 331 move the two plate tampers 328, 329, respectively, downwardly to envelop and compact the soil around the newly planted seedling 65. The geometry of the plate tampers 328, 329 ensures the quality of compaction in a wide variety of soil conditions. Although the exemplary described embodiment makes use of two plate tampers 328, 329, in other embodiments, more than two plate tampers can be used. In certain embodiments, a single plate tamper may be sufficient, especially if the single plate tamper is arc shaped and optionally a major arc shape that enables compaction of soil around a substantial portion around planted seedling 65.

[0193] As shown in Figure 25, in a final step of an exemplary planting cycle, plate tampers 328, 329 retract to their original elevated position, thereby concluding planting of seedling 65. The operator of vehicle 102 can now lift planter head 320 off ground 70 and move the vehicle 102 to the next desired planting location while another seedling 65 is delivered from the magazine assembly 200 to the planter head 320 to repeat the planting cycle.

[0194] In embodiments, a planter head 320 may comprises sensors (e.g., a plurality of cameras) for detecting whether a seedling 65 has been successfully planted.Seedling Loading System

[0195] In an embodiment, the rapid planter system 100 may optionally comprise a seedling loading system 400, which is independent of vehicle 102. Seedling loading system 400 loads empty seedling tubes 60 with seedlings 65 while the empty seedling tubes 60 travel through a portion of guide channel 214 located between feed slot 238 and shooting unit 250.

[0196] As shown in Figure 26, in the exemplary described embodiment, seedling loading system 400 comprises a series of pipes 402, electric fans 404, and seedling loading slots 406. Since the exemplary disclosed embodiment comprises triplicate components to support three independently operable planter heads 320, the exemplary described seedling loading system 400 also comprises three series of pipes 402a, 402b, 402c, three series of electric fans 404a, 404b, and 404c, and three series of seedling loading slots 406a, 406b, 406c.

[0197] Pipe 402 comprises a first end connected to a seedling loading slots 406. Pipe 402 comprises a second end for depositing seedlings 65 into empty seedling tubes 60. In the exemplary described embodiment, the second end of pipe 402a is operably connectable to empty seedling tubes 60 within guide channel 214a, the second end of pipe 402b is operably connectable to empty seedling tubes 60 within guide channel 214b, and the second end of pipe 402c is operably connectable to empty seedling tubes 60 within guide channel 214c.

[0198] The conduit of each pipe 402 is split near the first end thereof, the split portion of each pipe 402 being operably connectable to a source of air. In an embodiment, the source of air is an electric fan 404. When in operation, electric fan 404 directs a burst of air through pipe 402. This burst of air propagates a seedling 65 which has been dropped into seedling loading slot 406 through the body of pipe 402 to the second end of pipe 402 which is operably connected to an empty seedling tube 60 in guide channel 214. The burst of air further causes a seedling 65 to enter into empty seedling tube 60.

[0199] In an embodiment, a portion of pipe 402 is an air stream exhaust 408. In some embodiments, the portion of pipe 402 that is an air stream exhaust 408 is near where the pipe 402 operably connects to an empty seedling tube 60 within a guide channel 214. In the process of loading a seedling 65 into an into an empty seedling tube 60 using seedling loading system 400, air stream exhaust 408 relieves the build up of air pressure within seedling loading system 400 thereby facilitating transportation of the seedling 65 through pipe 402. As shown in Figure 26, in the exemplary described embodiment, air stream exhaust 408 is a perforated portion of pipe 402.

[0200] As shown in Figure 27, seedling loading system 400 is operably connectable to magazine assembly 200 to enable empty seedling tubes 60 to be loaded with seedlings 65. Loose seedlings 65 may be towed by tracked skid behind vehicle 102. During a planting session, operators of rapid planter system 100 may run out of seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65. If this occurs, seedling bin 205 of the first exemplary described removable magazine 204 may be loaded with empty seedling tubes 60 and seedling loading system 400 may be operably connected to magazine assembly 200. Rapid planter system 100 can then return to operation, wherein, feeding gate assembly 230 performs a stroke cycle to inject an empty seedling tube 60 into guide channel 214. To fill empty seedling tubes 60 in guide channel 214 with seedling 65, an operator loads a seedling 65 into seedling loading slot 406 and a burst of air from electric fan 404 injects seedling 65 into empty seedling tube 60.

[0201] After seedling loading system 400 loads empty seedling tubes 60 with a seedling 65, the seedling tube 60 now filled with a seedling 65 continues to travel along guide channel 214 until the seedling tube 60 reaches shooting unit 250, where seedling 65 is evacuated from its seedling tube 65 and into a planter head 320. Seedling loading system 400 may accommodate loading of one, two or more than three seedlings 65.

[0202] In other embodiments using the first exemplary described magazine assembly 200, seedling loading system 400 is used to load empty seedling tubes 60 with a seedling 65 while vehicle 102 remains stationary. In this embodiment, after seedling tubes 60 are filled with seedlings 65, the filled seedling tubes 60 travel through guide channel 214, bypassing the shooting unit 250 without being engaged by the lifting mechanism 266 and are deposited into the collection sling 242 within the seedling bin 205. After collection sling 242 is filled with seedling tubes 60 which are filled with seedlings 65, the operator of rapid planter system 100 can disconnect collection sling 242 from connection points 208, 209 and connect collection sling 242 to connection points 206, 207, effectively converting collection sling 242 to feeding sling 240. The operator can then continue operating rapid planter system 100 to plant additional seedlings 65.

[0203] In alternative embodiments, seedling loading system 400 may enable loading of seedlings 65 directly into piping system 122 thereby bypassing the need for magazine assembly 200 and shooting unit 250. In this alternative embodiment, seedling loading system 400 may be operably connectable to shooting tube 270 of each shooting unit 250 employed by rapid planter system 100.

[0204] Seedling loading system 400 may be used in conjunction with the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200. Additionally, or in the alternative, when the seedlings 65 have been depleted from the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 of the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200, the empty string 62 of seedling tubes 60 is disconnected from first reel 280 and second reel 282 and unspooled from the second reel 282. In an embodiment, the empty string 62 of seedling tubes 60 may be unspooled from the second reel 282 using a motorized reel on an external trailer 500 (in this case, it may be desirable to unspool the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 from the second reel 282 prior to disconnecting the second end 66 of the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 from the second reel 282).

[0205] As shown in Figure 34, external trailer 500 may comprise backup spools containing wound up strings 62 of seedling tubes 60 full of seedlings 65. To load one of these backup spools into magazine assembly 200, a first end 64 of string 62 of seedling tubes 60 full of seedlings 65 is connected to the first reel 280 associated with a seedling bin 205 of a magazine assembly 200. A motor operatively associated with the first reel 280 can then be engaged to rotate the first reel 280 and cause the new string 62 of seedling tubes 60 full of seedlings 65 to be wound around the first reel 280. To complete the loading process, the second end 66 of the string 62 of seedling tubes 60 is then threaded around the first idle roller 284, through the guide channel 214, around the second idle roller 286 and then connected to the second reel 282.

[0206] In an embodiment, an external trailer 500 may be used to load an empty string 62 of seedling tubes 60 while the rapid planter system 100 is planting.

[0207] In embodiment, empty strings 62 of seedling tubes 60 wound up around spools may be reloaded with seedlings 65. For example, external trailer 500 may comprise one or more reloading tracks502 which are similar in design to the guide channel 214 of the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200. One of the ends of the empty string 62 of seedling tubes 60 is guided through the reloading track 502 where electric fans (not shown) may be used to push seedlings 65 into the empty seedling tubes 65 forming part of the empty string 62 of seedling tubes 60.Method of Operating a Rapid Planter System

[0208] With reference to the foregoing disclosure, a method of operating an exemplary rapid planter system 100 will now be described. To begin a planting session, an operator of rapid planter system 100 drives vehicle 102 to the planting location. The operator enters desired planting parameters such as planting depth, tamping pressure, interrow spacing, etc. into the HMI in the cab 104 or into an interface from a remote location.

[0209] Using the first exemplary described magazine assembly 200, the operator of rapid planter system 100 causes the one or more feeding gate assemblies 230 of rapid planter system 100 to perform a series of stroke cycles (downstrokes and upstrokes) to fill the one or more guide channels 214 with seedling tubes 60 filled with seedlings 65. Specifically, feeding gate assemblies 230 cycle to fill the portion of guide channel 214 located between feed slot 238 and shooting unit 250 with seedling tubes. The next downstroke of feeding gate assembly 230 will load shooting unit 250 with a seedling tube 60 filled with seedling 65. Using the second exemplary described magazine assembly 200, the shooting unit 250 is loaded with a seedling tube 60 comprising a seedling 65 by rotation of the first reel 280 and second reel 282 associated with a seedling bin 205 of magazine assembly 200.

[0210] Shooting unit 250 then causes seedling 65 to be transported through piping system 122 to a planter head 320. Specifically, seedling 65 is received into a top end of shovel arm 324 and is retained within planter beak 326 in its closed configuration (see Figure 22).

[0211] Operator of rapid planter system 100 can then lower the planter carrier assembly 300 so that the bottom surface of planter head enclosure 322 of planter heads 320 contacts ground 70. Operator of rapid planter system 100 then initiates a planting cycle for desired planter heads 320 via the HMI in cab 104 or from a remote location.

[0212] When planter head 320 is in the desired planting location, hydraulic cylinders 332 and 333 drive shovel arm 324 downward causing planter beak 326 to penetrate ground 70 (see Figure 23). Planter beak 326 is then actuated to its open configuration which allows seedling 65 to exit shovel arm 324. The root system of seedling 65 is then inserted into ground 70. Hydraulic cylinders 332 and 333 then lift shovel arm 324 upwardly and hydraulic cylinders 330 and 331 cause first plate tamper 328 and second plate tamper 329, respectively, to tamp the ground 70 surrounding the seedling 65 recently inserted into the ground 70 at least once to promote plant growth (see Figure 24).

[0213] After seedling 65 has been planted by planter head 320, the operator of rapid planter system 100 lifts the planter carrier assembly 300 and drives vehicle 102 to the next planting position. On reaching the next planting position, the operator activates the planting cycle again. During planting, the operator can adjust the orientation of the planter carrier assembly 300 to match the contour of the ground 70. In case of any obstacles in the planting path, the operator can choose to move right extension arm 308 and / or left extension arm 309 out of the way and still plant with any remaining planter heads 320 in proximity to ground 70.

Claims

Claims:

1. A magazine assembly for a tree planter system, the magazine assembly comprising: one or more magazines for containing therein a plurality of seedling tubes, each of the magazines having one or more seedling bins and each of the seedling bins comprising a width about equal to or greater than the length of the seedling tubes so as to accommodate the seedling tubes arranged lengthwise about the width of each seedling bin; and a frame assembly for mounting on a vehicle and for receiving the one or more magazines, the frame assembly comprising: one or more shooting units, each of the shooting units operably connected to an air supply device and comprising a mechanism for aligning seedling tubes lengthwise with an output component of the air supply device on one side and a shooting tube of the tree planting system on the opposite side; and one or more guide channels, each of the guide channels for receiving seedling tubes from one of the seedling bins and delivering the seedling tubes to one of the one or more shooting units.

2. The magazine assembly of claim 1 , wherein the one or more magazines are removable magazines.

3. The magazine assembly of claim 1 or 2: wherein each of the one or more seedling bins of the one or more magazines further comprises a seedling feed slot for dispensing the seedling tubes from the seedling bin; wherein the mechanism for aligning the seedling tubes lengthwise with the one or more shooting units is a lifting mechanism; and wherein the magazine assembly further comprises: one or more feed slings, each of the feed slings having a first end and a second end, wherein when in an operational configuration each of the feed slings partially wrap around the seedling tubes within a respective one of the seedling bins in a manner such that reduction in a dispensed length of the feed sling places the seedling tubes under tension and directs the seedling tubes towards and into the seedling feed slot of the seedling bin; and one or more drive assemblies for winding and unwinding the feed sling, at least one of the drive assemblies engageable with the first end and / or the second end of the feed sling to adjust the dispensed length of the feed sling.

4. The magazine assembly of claim 3, further comprising one or more feeding gate assemblies, each of the feeding gate assemblies engagable with the seeding tubes at or around the seedling feed slot and comprising:an adjustable feed member that is capable of being biased between a seedling tube receiving position and a seedling tube blocker position; and an alignment plate positioned opposite the adjustable feed member and forming a seedling tube channel between the adjustable feed member and the alignment plate, wherein one end of the seedling tube channel is at the seedling feed slot and the opposite end is at the adjustable feed member, wherein: when the adjustable feed member is in the seedling tube receiving position it allows the seedling tubes to align and enter the seedling tube channel one at a time; and when the adjustable feed member is in the seedling tube blocker position it blocks entry of the seedling tubes into the seedling tube channel.

5. The magazine assembly of claim 4, wherein the adjustable feed member is spring actuated between the seedling tube receiving position and the seedling tube blocker position, and each of the feeding gate assemblies further comprises a hydraulic actuator assembly and a spring connected at one end to the hydraulic actuator assembly and at an opposite end to the adjustable feed member.

6. The magazine assembly of claim 5, wherein, in operation: extension of the hydraulic actuator assembly extends the spring and places the adjustable feed member in the seedling tube receiving position to allow alignment and entry of a single seedling tube into the seedling tube channel; partial retraction of the hydraulic actuator assembly retracts the spring and places the adjustable feed member in the seedling tube blocker position to block entry of the seedling tubes into the seedling tube channel; and full retraction of the hydraulic actuator assembly places the adjustable feed members into a pusher position that pushes the seedling tubes within the seedling tube channel into the guide channel aligned with the seedling bin.

7. The magazine assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein each of the feeding gate assemblies is fixedly connected to the one or more magazines, and each of the seedling bins of each of the magazine comprises one of the feeding gate assemblies, wherein when each of the magazines are within the magazine assembly the hydraulic actuator assembly of each feeding gate assembly is operationally interconnected to the frame assembly.

8. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the one or more drive assemblies are fixedly connected to the frame assembly.

9. The magazine assembly of claim 8, wherein the one or more drive assemblies comprise a feed sling motor and a feed sling roller, wherein to reduce the dispensed length of the feed sling, the feed sling motor operates to wrap the feed sling around the feed sling roller.

10. The magazine assembly of claim 8 or 9, wherein, in operation, when the magazine is within the magazine assembly, the feed sling of each seedling bin is dispensed at the first end from one of the drive assemblies and fixedly connected at the second end to a feed sling connection point at or near the seedling feed slot of the seedling bin.11 . The magazine assembly of any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the feed sling is a flat band having a width of substantially the length of the seedling tubes.

12. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 3 to 11 , wherein each of the seedling bins comprises a seedling collection slot for receiving an empty seedling tube after a seedling within the seedling tubes has been expelled.

13. The magazine assembly of claim 12, wherein each of the one or more guide channels deliver the empty seedling tubes from one of the shooting units to the seedling collection slot of one of the seedling bins.

14. The magazine assembly of claim 12 or 13, further comprising one or more collection slings, each of the collection slings having a first end and a second end, wherein when in an operational configuration each of the collection slings is within one of the seedling bins and captures the empty seedling tubes as they are delivered to the seedling bin, wherein a dispensed length of the collection sling increases as more of the empty seedling tubes are delivered to the seedling bin.

15. The magazine assembly of claim 14, wherein at least one of the drive assemblies is engagable with the first end and / or the second end of the collection sling to adjust the dispensed length of the collection sling.

16. The magazine assembly of claim 15, wherein the one or more drive assemblies comprise a collection sling motor and a collection sling roller, wherein to reduce the dispensed length of the collection sling, the collection sling motor operates to wrap the collection sling around the collection sling roller.

17. The magazine assembly of claim 15 or 16, wherein the collection sling is released from the one or more drive assemblies to increase the dispensed length of the collection sling by a tension release action upon delivery of the empty seedling tubes to the collection sling.

18. The magazine assembly of claim 15 or 16, wherein the collection sling is released from the one or more drive assemblies to increase the dispensed length of the collection sling by operation of the collection sling motor.

19. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein, in operation, when the magazine is within the magazine assembly, the collection sling of each seedling bin is dispensed at the first end from one of the drive assemblies and connected at the second end to a collection sling connection point at or near the seedling collection slot of the seedling bin.

20. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the collection sling is a flat band having a width of substantially the length of the seedling tubes.21 . The magazine assembly of any one of claims 3 to 20, wherein each of the guide channels has an opening aligned with the seedling feed slot, and the seedling tubes dispensed from the seedling feed slot first travel downward in the guide channel before being forced upwards within the guide channel to the shooting unit.

22. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 3 to 21 , wherein the seedling tubes move in each of the guide channels in a continuous line one next to another.

23. The magazine assembly of claim 22, wherein, in operation, once the continuous line of seedling tubes is formed, each additional seeding tube dispensed into the guide channel forces the most distal seedling tube onto the lifting mechanism of the shooting unit.

24. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the magazine assembly is configured to accommodate a single magazine, and the single magazine comprises two or more of the seedling bins.

25. The magazine assembly of claim24, wherein the single magazine comprises three seedling bins.

26. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the magazine assembly is configured to accommodate two or more magazines, each of the two or more magazines comprising one or more of the seedling bins.

27. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein each shooting unit is fixedly connected to a horizontal member of the frame assembly and each shooting unit is positioned above one of the seedling bins.

28. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the each of the guide channels and each of the shooting units are configured so that the lengthwise orientation of the seedling tubes is substantially the same as the seedling tubes travel from within the seedling bins to the shooting unit.

29. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein each of the guide channels comprise one or more back pusher assemblies to aid in forward movement and / or prevent backward movement of the seedling tubes within the guide channel.

30. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the mechanism comprises a vertical lift actuation element.31 . The magazine assembly of claim 30, wherein the vertical lift actuation element comprises one or more bottom clamps complementary in shape to the outer surface of the seedling tube and positioned on the top of the vertical lift actuation element.

32. The magazine assembly of claim 31 , wherein, in operation, the vertical lift actuation element actuates between a shooting alignment position and a seedling tube receiving position, wherein when: in the seedling tube receiving position, the vertical lift actuation element is positioned below and at a break in the guide channel to receive onto the one or more bottom clamps, one of the seedling tubes, and in the shooting alignment position, the vertical lift actuation element is moved upwards to block passage of seedling tubes along the guide channel and to align the seedling tube resting thereon lengthwise with the output component of the air supply device on one side and the shooting tube of the tree planting system on the opposite side.

33. The magazine assembly of claim 32, wherein, when in the shooting alignment position, the seedling tube thereon contacts one or more top clamps at an opposite side to the bottom clamps to enclose the seedling tube circumferentially by the bottom clamps and the top clamps to securely hold the seedling tube in place, the one or top clamps being on the shooting unit.

34. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the air supply device is a fan or a blower device.

35. The magazine assembly of claim 34, wherein the fan or the blower device is operationally connected to the shooting unit by a fan tube.

36. The magazine assembly of claim 35, wherein the fan tube comprises an air valve bypass assembly.

37. The magazine assembly of claim 36, wherein the air valve bypass assembly comprises an air valve and a bypass tube, wherein in operation when the air valve is closed, air from the fan or the blower device is directed to the bypass tube and when the air valve is open, air from the fan or the blower device is directed to the shooting unit.

38. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 3 to 37, further comprising or connectable to a seedling loading system.

39. The magazine assembly of claim 38, wherein the seedling loading system comprises an air flow generator and one or more pipes, each pipe connected or connectable to the guide channel of one of the seedling bins.

40. The magazine assembly of claim 39, wherein, in operation,- empty seedling tubes within the seedling bin are dispensed through the seedling feed slot into the guide channel to a seedling loading position within the guide channel that is aligned with one end of the pipe of the seedling loading system;- a seedling is loaded into the opposite end of the pipe of the seedling loading system, and the air flow generator either forces the seedling by force of air through the pipe into the empty seedling tube or by vacuum suctions the seedling through the pipe into the empty seedling tube to provide a filled seedling tube; and- the filled seedling tube continues to travel through the guide channel, bypassing the shooting unit without being engaged by the mechanism and is returned to the seedling bin.

41. The magazine assembly of claims 1 or 2, wherein each seedling bin comprises: a first rotatable reel connectable to a first end of a string of linked seedling tubes; and a second rotatable reel connectable to a second end of the string of linked seedling tubes.

42. The magazine assembly of claim 41 , wherein at least one of the one or more seedling bins further comprises: a first idle roller for guiding the string of linked seedling tubes from the first rotatable reel to one of the one or more guide channels; and a second idle roller for guiding the string of linked seedling tubes from one of the one or more guide channels to the second rotatable reel.

43. The magazine assembly of claims 41 or 42, wherein, in operation, rotation of the first and second rotatable reels: unwinds the string of linked seedling tubes from around the first rotatable reel; winds the string of linked seedling tubes around the second rotatable reel; and positions a length of one of the seedling tubes in the string of linked seedling tubes in alignment with one of the one or more shooting units.

44. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 41 to 43, further comprising one or more reel motors for rotating at least one of the first and second rotatable reels.

45. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein, in operation, the first and second rotatable reels apply tension to the string of linked seedling tubes.

46. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein each of the one or more shooting units comprises: an upstream tube coupler operable between a retracted position and an extended position for engaging a first end of a given seedling tube; and a downstream tube coupler operable between a retracted position and an extended position for engaging a second end of the given seedling tube, the upstream tube coupler in closer proximity to the respective air supply device operatively connected to the shooting unit as compared to the downstream tube coupler.

47. The magazine assembly of claim 46, wherein: each of the one or more shooting units further comprises a bypass conduit for directing airflow from a respective air supply device operatively connected to the shooting unit around one of the one or more guide channels; and / or the mechanism for aligning the seedling tubes lengthwise with the one or more shooting units is a lifting mechanism comprising a ramp, an inclined portion of the guide channel, a rotating tube sprocket, or any combination thereof.

48. The magazine assembly of claim 47, wherein, when the upstream and downstream tube couplers are in the respective retracted positions, airflow past the upstream and downstream tube couplers is substantially blocked.

49. A magazine for use in a magazine assembly for a tree planter system, the magazine comprising one or more seedling bins for containing therein a plurality of seedling tubes, each of the seedling bins comprising: a width about equal to or greater than the length of the seedling tubes so as to accommodate the seedling tubes arranged lengthwise about the width of each seedling bin, a seedling feed slot for dispensing the seedling tubes from the seedling bin, a feeding gate assembly, the feeding gate assembly engagable with the seeding tubes at or around the seedling feed slot and comprising: an adjustable feed member that is capable of being biased between a seedling tube receiving position and a seedling tube blocker position; and an alignment plate positioned opposite the adjustable feed member and forming a seedling tube channel between the adjustable feed member and the alignment plate, wherein oneend of the seedling tube channel is at the seedling feed slot and the opposite end is at the adjustable feed member, wherein: when the adjustable feed member is in the seedling tube receiving position it allows the seedling tubes to align and enter the seedling tube channel one at a time; and when the adjustable feed member is in the seedling tube blocker position it blocks entry of the seedling tubes into the seedling tube channel.

50. The magazine of claim 49, which comprises two or more seedling bins.51 . The magazine of claim 49 or 50, which comprises three seedling bins.

52. The magazine of any one of claims 49 to 51 , wherein the alignment plate is a ramp shape and spans the width of the seedling bin.

53. The magazine of any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein the adjustable feed member is spring actuated between the seedling tube receiving position and the seedling tube blocker position, and the feeding gate assembly further comprises a hydraulic actuator assembly and a spring connected at one end to the hydraulic actuator assembly and at an opposite end to the adjustable feed member.

54. The magazine of claim 53, wherein extension of the hydraulic actuator assembly extends the spring and places the adjustable feed member in the seedling tube receiving position to allow alignment and entry of a single seedling tube into the seedling tube channel; partial retraction of the hydraulic actuator assembly retracts the spring and places the adjustable feed member in the seedling tube blocker position to block entry of the seedling tubes into the seedling tube channel; and full retraction of the hydraulic actuator assembly places the adjustable feed member into a pusher position that pushes the seedling tubes into the seedling tube channel and out the seedling feed slot.

55. The magazine of claim 54, wherein the hydraulic actuator assembly of the feeding gate assembly is capable of being operationally interconnected to a frame assembly of the magazine assembly.

56. The magazine of any one of claims 49 to 55, wherein each of the seedling bins further comprise one or both of: a feed sling that partially wraps around the seedling tubes within the seedling bin and places the seedling tubes under tension directing their movement towards and into the seedling feed slot; and a collection sling that captures empty seedling tubes as they are delivered to the seedling bin, wherein a dispensed length of the collection sling increases as more of the empty seedling tubes are delivered to the seedling bin.

57. The magazine of claim 56, further comprising one or more drive assemblies operationally connected to one or both of the feed sling and the collection sling.

58. The magazine of claim 57, wherein a first end of the feed sling is operationally connected to the one or more drive assemblies and a second end is fixedly connected to a feed sling connection point at or near the seedling feed slot.

59. The magazine of claim 58, wherein the one or more drive assemblies comprise a feed sling motor and a feed sling roller, wherein to reduce a dispensed length of the feed sling, the feed sling motor operates to wrap the feed sling around the feed sling roller.

60. The magazine of any one of claims 57 to 59, wherein a first end of the collection sling is operationally connected to the one or more drive assemblies and a second end of the collection sling is fixedly connected to a collection sling connection point at or near a seedling collection slot of the seedling bin.61 . The magazine of claim 60, wherein the one or more drive assemblies comprise a collection sling motor and a collection sling roller, wherein to reduce the dispensed length of the collection sling, the collection sling motor operates to wrap the collection sling around the collection sling roller.

62. The magazine of claim 61 , wherein the collection sling is released from the one or more drive assemblies to increase the dispensed length of the collection sling by a tension release action upon delivery of the empty seedling tubes to the collection sling.

63. The magazine of claim 61 , wherein the collection sling is released from the one or more drive assemblies to increase the dispensed length of the collection sling by operation of the collection sling motor.

64. The magazine of any one of claims 56 to 63, wherein the feed sling and the collection sling are each a flat band having a width of substantially the length of the seedling tubes.

65. A magazine for use in a magazine assembly for a tree planter system, the magazine comprising one or more seedling bins for containing therein a string of linked seedling tubes, each of the seedling bins comprising: a width about equal to or greater than the length of the seedling tubes so as to accommodate the seedling tubes arranged lengthwise about the width of each seedling bin; a first rotatable reel connectable to a first end of the string of linked seedling tubes; and a second rotatable reel connectable to a second end of the string of linked seedling tubes.

66. The magazine of claim 65, wherein each seedling bin further comprises: a first idle roller for guiding the string of linked seedling tubes from the first rotatable reel to a respective guide channel above each seedling bin; and a second idle roller for guiding the string of linked seedling tubes from the respective guide channel to the second rotatable reel.

67. The magazine assembly of claims 65 or 66, wherein, in operation, rotation of the first and second rotatable reels unwinds the string of linked seedling tubes from around the first rotatable reel and winds the string of linked seedling tubes around the second rotatable reel.

68. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 65 to 67, further comprising one or more reel motors for rotating at least one of the first and second rotatable reels.

69. The magazine assembly of any one of claims 65 to 68, wherein, in operation, the first and second rotatable reels apply tension to the string of linked seedling tubes.

70. A shooting unit for evacuating a seedling out of a seedling tube, the shooting unit comprising: a shooting unit frame; a lifting mechanism interconnected to the shooting unit frame, for moving the seedling tube vertically between a lower position to an upper position; a shooting tube having an open end positioned for receiving the seedling from the seedling tube when the seedling tube is in the upper position; an air supply device having an output opening positioned for delivering a supply of air to the upper position from an opposite side of the shooting unit as compared to the open end of the shooting tube, wherein the lifting mechanism, when at the upper position, places one open end of the seedling tube in alignment with the output opening and the opposite open end of the seedling tube in alignment with the open end of the shooting tube, such that the supply of air evacuates the seedling from the seedling tube into the shooting tube.

71. The shooting unit of claim 70, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a vertical lift actuation element.

72. The shooting unit of claim 71 , wherein the vertical lift actuation element comprises one or more bottom clamps complementary in shape to the outer surface of the seedling tube.

73. The shooting unit of claim 72, wherein, when the lifting mechanism is in the upper position, the seedling tube thereon contacts one or more top clamps at an opposite side to the one or more bottom clamps to enclose the seedling tube circumferentially by the bottom clamps and the top clamps and securely hold the seedling tube in place.

74. The shooting unit of any one of claims 70 to 73, wherein the air supply device is a fan, a blower device, or a pneumatic system.

75. The shooting unit of claim 74, wherein the fan, blower device, or pneumatic system is operationally connected to the shooting unit by a fan tube.

76. The shooting unit of claim 75, wherein the fan tube comprises an air valve bypass assembly.

77. The shooting unit of claim 76, wherein the air valve bypass assembly comprises an air valve and a bypass tube, wherein in operation when the air valve is closed, air from the fan is directed to the bypass tube and when the air valve is open, air from the fan is directed to the shooting unit.

78. The shooting unit of any one of claims 70 to 77, wherein, when in operation with a tree planter system, the lift mechanism in the upper position blocks seedling tubes in a guide channel from progressing along the guide channel past the shooting unit.

79. The shooting unit of claim 78, wherein, when in operation with a tree planter system, the lift mechanism in the lower position is below and at a break in the guide channel to receive onto the lift mechanism one of the seedling tubes.

80. A shooting unit for evacuating a seedling out of a seedling tube, the shooting unit comprising: a shooting unit frame; a shooting tube comprising an open end for receiving the seedling from the seedling tube; an air supply tube comprising an open end for delivering an air supply from an air supply device into the seedling tube; wherein, the air supply is capable of evacuating the seedling from the seedling tube into the shooting tube when a first end of the seedling tube is aligned with the open end of the air supply tube and when a second end of the seedling tube is aligned with the open end of the shooting tube.81 . The shooting unit of claim 80 wherein: the open end of the air supply tube comprises an upstream tube coupler operable between a retracted position and an extended position for engaging the first end of the seedling tube; and the open end of the shooting tube comprises a downstream tube coupler operable between a retracted position and an extended position for engaging the second end of the seedling tube.

82. The shooting unit of claim 81 , wherein: the air supply tube further comprises a lateral opening; the shooting tube further comprises a lateral opening; andthe shooting unit further comprises a bypass conduit for directing the air supply from the lateral opening of the air supply tube to the lateral opening of the shooting tube.

83. The shooting unit of claim 82 wherein: when the upstream tube coupler is in the retracted position, airflow through the open end of the air supply tube is substantially blocked; and when the downstream tube coupler is in the retracted position, airflow through the open end of the shooting tube is substantially blocked.

84. The shooting unit of claim 82 or 83, wherein airflow through the lateral opening of the air supply tube is substantially blocked when the upstream tube coupler is in the extended position and airflow through the lateral opening of the shooting tube is substantially blocked when the downstream tube coupler is in the extended position.

85. The shooting unit of any one of claims 80-84 further comprising a positioning device to facilitate alignment of the first end of the seedling tube with the open end of the air supply tube and to facilitate alignment of the second end of the seedling tube with the open end of the shooting tube.

86. The shooting unit of claim 85, wherein the positioning device comprises at least one rotatable sprocket comprising a pitch diameter for accommodating a portion an outer circumference of the seedling tube.

87. A planter head for a tree planter system, the planter head comprising: a conduit operable between a first position for receiving a seedling into a top end of the conduit and a second position for discharging the seeding out of a bottom end of the conduit; a digger connected to the bottom end of the conduit, the digger operable between a closed configuration for retaining the seedling within the conduit when the conduit is in the first position and an open configuration for inserting a root system of the seedling below a ground surface when the conduit is in the second position; at least one plate tamper for tamping at least a portion of the ground surface surrounding the root system of the seedling inserted below the ground surface; wherein as the conduit moves from the first position to the second position, the digger in the closed configuration penetrates the ground surface and then transitions to the open configuration to deliver the root system of the seedling below the ground surface.

88. The planter head of claim 87, wherein the digger is a planter beak having at least one moveable beak, wherein in the closed configuration the at least one moveable beak is closed against one or moreother beaks and in the open configuration the at least one moveable is opened away from the one or more other beaks.

89. The planter head of claim 88, wherein the planter beak comprises two moveable beaks, each of which move away from each other to transition from the closed configuration to the open configuration.

90. The planter head of any one of claims 87 to 89, wherein in the first position an opening at the top end of the conduit is adjacent and aligned with an open end of a shooting tube for receiving the seedling.91 . The planter head of any one of claims 87 to 90, wherein in the second position the opening at the top end of the conduit has moved away from the open end of the shooting tube and the digger at the bottom end has inserted in the ground at a predetermined depth.

92. The planter head of any one of claims 87 to 91 , wherein the at least one plate tamper comprises two opposing plate tampers that tamper the ground surface on opposing sides of the seedling.

93. The planter head of any one of claims 87 to 92, wherein any one or more of movement of the conduit between the first position and the second position, movement of the digger between the closed configuration and the open configuration, and movement of the tampers is by hydraulic actuation.

94. The planter head of any one of claims 87 to 93, further comprising an enclosure for housing within it the conduit, the digger, and the at least one plate tamper.

95. A planter carrier assembly comprising: a central body member configured for connection to a boom or an arm of a carrier vehicle, the central body member having a first planter head operationally mounted thereon; a first arm having a proximal and a distal end, the first arm comprising: a first arm mount member at the proximal end of the first arm that is rotatably mounted to a first side of the central body, a first arm extension member that is rotatably mounted at an opposite side of the first arm mount member from the central body; and a second planter head that is operationally mounted to the first arm extension member at or near the distal end of the first arm a second arm having a proximal and a distal end, the second arm comprising: a second arm mount member at the proximal end of the second arm that is rotatably mounted to a second side of the central body opposite the first side, a second arm extension member that is rotatably mounted at an opposite side of the second arm mount member from the central body; anda third planter head that is operationally mounted to the second arm extension member at or near the distal end of the second arm wherein each of the first extension arm member and the second extension arm member is retractable and extendable between a first length and a second length, the first length placing the second planter head and third planter head closer to the central body and the second length placing the second planter head and third planter head further away from the central body; wherein rotatable mounting of the first arm mount member and the second arm to the central body member provides for rotation about a first axis and rotatable mounting of the first arm mount member and the second arm to the first extension arm and second extension arm provides for rotation about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis; and wherein each of the first planter head, the second planter head, and the third planter head are the planter head as defined in any one of claims 87 to 94.

96. The planter carrier assembly of claim 95, wherein when the digger of each of the first, second, and third planter heads are oriented towards the ground, the first axis is a vertical axis and the second axis is a horizontal axis.

97. The planter carrier assembly of claim 95 or 96, further comprising: a first vertical folding cylinder fixedly connected at opposing ends to the first arm mount member and the first arm extension member to provide rotational movement about the second axis; and a second vertical folding cylinder fixedly connected at opposing ends to the second arm mount member and the second arm extension member to provide rotational movement about the second axis.

98. The planter carrier assembly of claim 97, further comprising: a first horizontal folding cylinder fixedly connected at opposing ends to the first arm mount member and the first side of the central body to provide rotational movement about the first axis; and a second horizontal folding cylinder fixedly connected at opposing ends to the second arm mount member and the second side of the central body to provide rotational movement about the second axis.

99. The planter carrier assembly of any one of claims 95 to 98, wherein each of the first arm extension member and the second arm extension member are a telescoping arm.

100. The planter carrier assembly of any one of claims 95 to 99, wherein the carrier vehicle is an excavator.101 . The planter carrier assembly of claim 100, wherein the central body is for connection to the arm of the excavator.

102. A tree planter system comprising: a carrier vehicle; the magazine assembly of any one of claims 1 to 48 mounted on the carrier vehicle; and the planter carrier assembly of any one of claims 95 to 101 connected to a boom or an arm of the carrier vehicle, wherein the conduit of each planter head on the planter carrier assembly is fluidly connected to the shooting unit of the magazine assembly by hollow tubing to permit delivery of the seedling tube from the shooting unit to the planter head.

103. The tree planter system of claim 102, wherein the carrier vehicle is an excavator.

104. A method of inserting a root system of a seedling below a ground surface using a planter head, the planter head comprising a conduit, a digger located at a bottom end of the conduit, and at least one plate tamper, the method comprising: receiving the seedling through a top end of the conduit and retaining the seedling at the bottom end of the conduit or within an internal space of the digger while the digger is in a closed configuration; lowering the seedling conduit to penetrate a ground surface with the digger in the closed configuration; opening the digger from the closed configuration to an open configuration to allow the seedling to exit the conduit and the root system of the seedling to be inserted into the ground surface; raising the seedling conduit above the ground surface; and tamping at least a portion of the ground surface surrounding the seedling inserted into the ground surface at least once using the least one plate tamper.

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