Patent ID: 6564729
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: A01C

Abstract:
A vacuum seed metering assembly comprising:a frame adapted for being moved over a ground surface; a rotatable drum assembly coupled to said frame, said rotatable drum assembly having a perimeter wall, said perimeter wall having a plurality of apertures; rotational drive means for rotating said rotating drum assembly, said rotational drive means being coupled to said frame; a seed hopper positioned adjacent said rotatable drum assembly such that said seed hopper is adapted for holding a plurality of seeds adjacent to said perimeter wall; an interior wall assembly positioned in said rotating drum assembly, said interior wall assembly being coupled to said frame such that said perimeter wall rotates with respect to said interior wall assembly, said interior wall assembly sealingly engaging an interior surface of said rotating drum assembly whereby said interior wall assembly defines a first chamber and a second chamber within said rotating drum assembly; a vacuum assembly operationally coupled to said rotating drum assembly and in environmental communication with said first chamber whereby individual seeds in said seed hopper are held against said perimeter wall by suction through said apertures when said apertures are adjacent to said first chamber; and a distribution assembly positioned adjacent to said rotating drum assembly and adjacent to said second chamber whereby the seeds held against the perimeter wall are released into said distribution assembly when said apertures are adjacent to said second chamber.