Patent ID: 8985037
Filing Date: 2015-03-24
Classification: A01C

Abstract:
1. A seed delivery apparatus to deliver seed to a planting surface, comprising: a seed meter configured to entrain and release the seed from a seed disc at a seed release location; a seed conveyor disposed to receive the seed after the seed is released from said seed disc at an upper end of said seed conveyor, said seed conveyor including a belt configured to convey the seed from said upper end to a lower end of said seed conveyor and release the seed with a rearward velocity relative to said seed conveyor; and a first loading wheel disposed adjacent to said seed release location, said loading wheel being driven for rotation, wherein said loading wheel is disposed to urge the seed toward the belt, wherein said belt includes a first flight and a second flight, wherein said belt includes a flight gap between said first flight and said second flight, and wherein said first loading wheel is disposed such that the seed is released from contact with said loading wheel prior to entering said flight gap.