Patent ID: 6604475
Filing Date: 2003-08-12
Classification: A01C

Abstract:
In a seeder including a mobile frame and at least one opener coupled with the frame in a manner that permits the opener to move up and down and fore and aft relative to the frame during seeding operations as changes in ground contour are encountered, the improvement comprising:a drive member on the frame rotatable about a first axis; a driven member on the opener rotatable about a second axis, the distance between said first and second axes changing as the opener experiences said relative movement; a seed metering device on the opener, said metering device including a metering wheel that dispenses seeds as it rotates, said metering wheel being operably coupled with said driven member; an endless flexible drive element looped around said drive member and the driven member for transferring driving power from the drive member to the metering wheel, said drive element having a first stretch moving generally from the driven member to the drive member and a second stretch moving generally from the drive member to the driven member; and guide structure engaging said first stretch in a manner that keeps the length of the first stretch substantially constant during said relative movement of the opener despite said changing distance between said axes.