Patent ID: 6244201
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: A01C

Abstract:
A seed planter for planting seeds in the ground at desired locations, the seed planter comprising:a frame;a seed hopper attached to the frame, the seed hopper being sized and configured to receive a plurality of seeds; anda planting unit attached to the frame, the planting unit comprising:an endless chain passing around a first sprocket, a second sprocket and a third sprocket, the chain including a pitch line and a plurality of links;a plurality of cups attached to the endless chain, each cup of the plurality of cups including a receiving portion adapted to receive an individual seed, the receiving portion being generally aligned with or inward of the pitch line of the chain;a loading section disposed between the first sprocket and the second sprocket, the loading section allowing seeds from the seed hopper to be loaded into the plurality of cups attached to the endless chain;a singulation section disposed proximate the second sprocket that removes any extra seeds from the plurality of cups;a downward section disposed between the second sprocket and the third sprocket; anda guide mechanism disposed proximate the downward section, the guide mechanism being adapted to guide the movement of the potato seeds in the downward section.