Seed meter assembly and metering member for small grains

A seed meter assembly includes a motor, a seed reservoir, and a metering member having a seed side facing the seed reservoir and a non-seed side. The motor is configured to drive the metering member in a rotational direction moving from upstream towards downstream. The metering member includes a plurality of apertures for picking up seeds from the seed reservoir under the influence of a pressure differential. A cell diverges from an aperture of the plurality of apertures towards the seed side to define a surface recessed therefrom. The cell is configured to receive one of the seeds and is elongated between a first end defining a furthest extent of the cell in an upstream direction and a second end defining a furthest extent of the cell in a downstream direction. The aperture of the plurality of apertures is disposed closer to the second end than to the first end.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a seeding machine for metering seeds to be planted, such as a row crop planter for agricultural applications. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a seed meter assembly having a metering member, such as a seed disk, for singulating small grains such as wheat, barley, rice, oats, etc.

SUMMARY

The disclosure provides a seed meter assembly including a metering member configured for improving the speed with which the metering member can pick up certain small grains such as wheat and other similarly shaped seeds (barley, rice, oats, etc.). Growers often plant wheat at relatively high rates such as a 1,000,000 seeds per acre compared with lower rates of 200,000 seeds per acre for soybeans or 36,000 seeds per acre for corn. The speed at which the metering member can adhere seeds as it passes through a seed pool depends at least in part on the direction of rotation of the metering member relative to the geometry of the metering member, which may include apertures and cells of a certain shape surrounding each aperture. This speed can be expressed as surface-feet-per-second (SFPS), i.e., the number of linear feet that a location on the rotating metering member travels in one second. There are a number of variables that contribute to increasing this effective SFPS, such as distance between apertures, the number of rows of apertures (each of which contributes individually to the effective, or overall, SFPS), the number of apertures in each row, sources of agitation in the seed pool, and the geometry of the metering member in the vicinity of the apertures (e.g., cell shape).

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a seed meter assembly including a motor, a seed reservoir configured to support seeds, and a metering member having a seed side facing the seed reservoir and a non-seed side opposite the seed side. The motor is configured to drive the metering member in a rotational direction moving from upstream towards downstream. The metering member includes a plurality of apertures extending from the seed side to the non-seed side for picking up seeds from the seed reservoir under the influence of a pressure differential, and a cell diverging from an aperture of the plurality of apertures towards the seed side to define a surface recessed therefrom, the cell configured to receive one of the seeds, the cell being elongated between a first end defining a furthest extent of the cell in an upstream direction and a second end defining a furthest extent of the cell in a downstream direction. The aperture of the plurality of apertures is disposed closer to the second end than to the first end.

In another aspect, the cell has a semi-circular outline combined with a semi-oval or semi-elliptical outline.

In another aspect, the semi-circular outline is disposed generally around a first half of the aperture and the semi-oval or semi-elliptical outline is disposed generally around a second half of the aperture.

In another aspect, the surface curvedly extends from the first end to the aperture and curvedly extends from the aperture to the second end.

In another aspect, the surface includes a steeper recessing slope adjacent the first and second ends than adjacent the aperture.

In another aspect, the seed metering includes at least one brush disposed adjacent the seed side of the metering member and configured to sweep across the cell from the second end to the first end as the metering member rotates.

In another aspect, the at least one brush includes a brush disposed proximate an upper boundary of the seed reservoir.

In another aspect, the at least one brush includes a brush disposed above the seed reservoir configured to return excess seeds to the seed reservoir by agitation and gravity.

In another aspect, the metering member is operable to transport at least 70 seeds per second from the seed pool to a delivery conduit extending from the metering member towards the ground.

In another aspect, the metering member is operable to transport 200 or more seeds per second from the seed pool to a delivery conduit extending from the metering member towards the ground.

In another aspect, the metering member is operable to transport 590 to 670 seeds per second from the seed pool to a delivery conduit extending from the metering member towards the ground.

In another aspect, the metering member is operable to transport 610 to 650 seeds per second from the seed pool to a delivery conduit extending from the metering member towards the ground.

In another aspect, the plurality of apertures includes a plurality of rows of apertures.

In another aspect, the cell is shaped to receive wheat.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a seed metering member rotatable about an axis in a rotational direction moving from upstream towards downstream. The seed metering member includes a seed side configured to face a seed reservoir and a non-seed side opposite the seed side, a plurality of apertures for picking up seeds under the influence of a pressure differential, and a plurality of cells, each cell diverging from one aperture of the plurality of apertures towards the seed side to define a surface recessed from the seed side. Each cell is configured to receive one of the seeds, each cell further being elongated between a first end defining a furthest extent of the cell in an upstream direction and a second end defining a furthest extent of the cell in a downstream direction. The one aperture is disposed closer to the second end than to the first end. Each cell includes a recessed surface curvedly extending from the first end to the one aperture and curvedly extending from the one aperture to the second end.

In another aspect, the cell has a semi-circular outline combined with a semi-oval or semi-elliptical outline, wherein the semi-circular outline is disposed generally around a first half of the aperture and the semi-oval or semi-elliptical outline is disposed generally around a second half of the aperture.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a seed meter assembly including a motor, a seed reservoir configured to support seeds, and a metering member having a seed side facing the seed reservoir and a non-seed side opposite the seed side. The motor is configured to drive the metering member in a rotational direction. The metering member includes a plurality of rows of apertures for picking up seeds from the seed reservoir under the influence of a pressure differential. The seed meter assembly also includes a kickout wheel assembly disposed on the non-seed side of the metering member for clearing the plurality of rows of apertures. The kickout wheel assembly includes a plurality of kickout wheels independently journaled for rotation, each kickout wheel of the plurality of kickout wheels having projections configured to mesh with a respective one row of the plurality of rows of apertures and to rotate at different speeds as the metering member rotates.

In another aspect, each kickout wheel of the plurality of kickout wheels has a different diameter and a different number of projections.

In another aspect, the number of apertures in each row of the plurality of rows of apertures is different, and wherein the number of projections on each kickout wheel of the plurality of kickout wheels is different.

In another aspect, the number of apertures in each row of the plurality of rows of apertures increases as the plurality of rows extends radially outwards on the metering member, and wherein the number of projections on each kickout wheel of the plurality of kickout wheels increases as the kickout wheels extend radially outwards with respect to the metering member.

Any of the above referenced aspects of the disclosure can be combined with any one or more of the above referenced aspects of the disclosure.

In addition, other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-2illustrate a seeding machine10, such as a row crop planter pulled by a vehicle100, such as a tractor (FIG. 2). The seeding machine10has a frame12on which are mounted a plurality of individual row units14. Seed sources, such as storage tanks13a-13c, hold seed that may be delivered, e.g., pneumatically, to a mini-hopper on each row unit14or directly to each row unit14. The storage tanks13a-13cmay be coupled to the row units14by way of conduits20, such as hoses, and a pressurized delivery apparatus (not shown). Each storage tank13a-13ccan be used to contain the same variety of seeds, or a different variety of seeds. For example, a first storage tank13amay contain a first variety of seeds, a second storage tank13bmay contain a second variety of seeds, and a third storage tank13cmay contain a third variety of seeds. In other implementations, the storage tanks13a-13cmay contain the same variety of seeds, and need only employ a single storage tank. In other implementations, one, two, four, or more storage tanks may be employed. The varieties of seed may include small seeds or grains, such as wheat, barley, rice, oats, etc., or other small seeds or grains of a similar size. In other implementations, larger seeds of a similar shape may be employed.

Each row unit14has a frame18to which the components of the row unit14are mounted. For example, the frame18may carry furrow opening disks21for forming a furrow15with an open channel in the soil beneath the seeding machine10into which seed is deposited, as well as closing wheels (not shown) to close the furrow over the deposited seed in the furrow15.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, a seed meter assembly16having a housing17and a seed metering member24is coupled to each row unit frame18. The seed metering assembly16is coupled to one or more of the storage tanks13a-13cby way of the conduits20. The metering member24takes seeds from a seed reservoir28supporting a seed pool22(FIG. 4) and sequentially discharges single seeds S (metered seeds) for delivery one at a time (e.g., singulates and meters the seeds). The metering member24employs a negative air pressure differential (i.e., a vacuum), as will be described in greater detail herein, to adhere seeds to the metering member24, which can be in the form of a disk (as illustrated), or more generally a plate, a bowl, an internal drum meter, an external drum meter, etc., having apertures26that extend therethrough. The apertures26are generally arranged circumferentially about a meter axis A, substantially in a circle, proximate an outer edge of the metering member24. The apertures26are arranged in a plurality of rows30a-30darranged concentrically about the meter axis A. In the illustrated implementation, the plurality of rows includes a first row30a, a second row30b, a third row30c, and a fourth row30d. However, in other implementations, the plurality of rows30a-30dmay include only one row, only two rows, only three rows, five rows, or more rows. Preferably, the metering member24includes at least four rows30a-30din order to sufficiently increase the effective SFPS. In the illustrated implementation, each row of the plurality of rows30a-30dincludes a different number of apertures26. For example, the number of apertures26in each row30a-30dincreases as the rows increase in radial distance from the meter axis A. The apertures26are arranged close together in each row30a-30din order to increase the effective SFPS. In other implementations, the rows30a-30dof apertures26may be arranged coaxially on a drum-style metering member.

The metering member24may be driven to rotate by a motor32(illustrated schematically inFIG. 6), such as an electric motor. The motor32may include any other suitable drive mechanism, such as a transverse hex shaft driven by a ground wheel or electric or hydraulic motor and coupled to individual meters by chains or drive cables, etc. The motor32drives the metering member24to rotate in a rotational direction34, as illustrated by the arrow inFIGS. 3-11. The rotational direction34is defined by the shortest rotational distance from a top36of the metering member24, opposite the seed reservoir28, towards the delivery conduit52, which will be described in greater detail below. In the illustrated implementation, the metering member24is driven counterclockwise when viewing a non-seed side38(FIG. 3) and clockwise when viewing a seed side40(FIG. 5). The motor32rotates the metering member24at a speed that corresponds with transport of 30 or more seeds per second to the furrow15(e.g., 30 to 700 seeds per second), which may be referred to herein as a singulation rate of the seed meter assembly16, or of the metering member24. More specifically, the singulation rate may be 70 or more seeds per second, and even more specifically may be 200 or more seeds per second. Even more specifically, the singulation rate is 200 to 700 seeds per second. For example, the singulation rate may be 300 to 700 seeds per second, 400 to 700 seeds per second, 500 to 700 seeds per second, or 600 to 700 seeds per second. Even more specifically, the singulation rate may be 590 to 670 seeds per second. Even more specifically still, the singulation rate may be 610 to 650 seeds per second. These singulation rates are higher than typical singulation rates of metering members designed for other types of seed, such as corn, beans, and soy. Both speed of the metering member and the number of apertures in the metering member contribute to the singulation rate, with higher speeds and higher number of apertures promoting higher singulation rates.

With reference toFIGS. 4-5, the seed reservoir28containing the seed pool22is disposed on the seed side40of the metering member24at a lower portion thereof, and is connected to one or more of the storage tanks13a-13cto receive seeds therefrom by way of the conduits20. Thus, the seed side40faces the seed reservoir28. A pressure differential is applied across the metering member24from the seed side40of the metering member24to the non-seed side38(FIG. 3) of the metering member24, through the apertures26. The pressure differential may be applied by a pump (not shown), as is understood in the art. In the illustrated implementation, a negative pressure, or vacuum applied on the non-seed side40provides a suction force that adheres a seed S to the seed side40of the metering member24at the apertures26. The pressure differential is applied in a vacuum zone42defined by a vacuum-seal housing44illustrated inFIG. 3across a portion of the metering member24, and thus across some, but not all of the apertures26. The vacuum zone42is defined by the vacuum-seal housing44that engages the non-seed side38of the metering member24. In the illustrated implementations, the pressure differential draws seeds into adherence with the seed side40of the metering member24. In order to release a seed S, one seed at a time (e.g., to meter, or singulate, the seeds), the vacuum is terminated at a desired release position in an area referred to herein as a vacuum cutoff46. The vacuum cutoff46is a region disposed immediately adjacent the vacuum-seal housing44in a circumferential direction with respect to the meter axis A and is not under the influence of the pressure differential. Mechanical assistance, such as a kickout wheel assembly48(as will be described in greater detail), is utilized to clear (e.g., to push) the seed off the metering member24. The kickout wheel assembly48described herein may be disposed outside of the vacuum zone42, e.g., in a non-vacuum zone50. In yet other implementations, other types of metering members24for metering/singulating the seeds may be employed. In further implementations, rather than applying a vacuum to the non-seed side38of the metering member24, a positive pressure may be applied to the seed side40to adhere the seeds S to the metering member24. It should be understood that positive and negative are relative terms. As such, the terms “positive pressure” and “negative pressure” are meant to describe relative pressures of a pressure differential. For example, a positive pressure is one that is higher than its surroundings (e.g., higher than atmospheric pressure or than another pressure in the seeding machine10), and a negative pressure is one that is lower than its surroundings (e.g., lower than atmospheric pressure or than another pressure in the seeding machine10).

With reference toFIGS. 3-4, a delivery conduit52, or tube, is disposed in the non-vacuum zone50for receiving singulated, metered seeds S from the metering member24. The delivery conduit52may be configured to direct singulated, metered seeds S from the metering member24to the furrow15by gravity. In other implementations, the delivery conduit52may be operatively coupled to a source of air pressure, such as a pump (not shown), for directing the singulated, metered seeds S to the furrow15by pressure differential.

With reference toFIGS. 4-7, a bracket54disposed on the seed side40of the metering member24fixedly supports a plurality of brushes56a-56dextending into engagement with the seed side40of the metering member24. The bracket54is mounted fixedly, e.g., proximate the metering axis A, such that the metering member24rotates relative to the bracket54and the bracket54remains stationary. The bracket54may include a hub58concentric with the metering axis A, which may include a bearing or a bearing surface, about which the metering member24rotates. The bracket54includes one or more feet60a-60cthat brace the bracket54against the seed side40of the movable metering member24. In the illustrated implementation, the bracket54includes a first foot60aand a second foot60bin engagement with the metering member24, e.g., by respective bearing surfaces, though other quantities of feet may be employed in other implementations. The bracket54is spring-loaded into engagement with the metering member24by way of a biasing member62on the seed side. The biasing member62is fixedly mounted to the housing17at a mounting point64, e.g., by a fastener, such that the biasing member62is placed in compression between the housing17and the bracket54. The biasing member62is formed as a plate, e.g., from a sheet of material such as metal or other suitable material, and includes a plurality of arms66a-66cextending away from the mounting point64, e.g., in radial directions. In the illustrated implementation, the biasing member62includes a first arm66a, a second arm66b, and a third arm66c, but may include a single arm, two arms, or more than three arms in other implementations. The first arm66ais coupled to the bracket54proximate the hub58, and the second and third arms66b,66care coupled to the bracket54at different locations about the hub58. The plurality of arms66a-66care mounted in flexion by the compression arrangement described above. Thus, the bracket54and the plurality of brushes56a-56dcarried by the bracket54are spring-loaded into engagement with the seed side40of the metering member24by the biasing member62.

In the illustrated implementation, the plurality of brushes56a-56dincludes a first brush56a, a second brush56b, a third brush56c, and a fourth brush56d. The plurality of brushes56a-56deach extends across all of the rows30a-30dof apertures26. The first brush56ais disposed at, or defines, a top of the seed pool22proximate an upper boundary68of the seed reservoir28. The fourth brush56dis disposed adjacent the delivery conduit52. The second and third brushes56b,56care disposed between the first and fourth brushes56a,56dand above the seed pool22(i.e., above the seed reservoir28) with respect to a gravitational direction (vertical in all drawings). Each of the brushes56a-56dincludes a brush member70(FIG. 7), such as a plurality of bristles, extending from a brush base72, the brush member70extending into engagement with the seed side40of the metering member24. In other implementations, each brush member70may also or alternatively include a single brush block, such as a foam block, or other block of flexible material, extending from the brush base72and into engagement with the seed side40of the metering member24. In yet other implementations, each brush member70may include a wiper, such as a rubber wiper, or other suitable material. Thus, the brush member70may be formed from a flexible material. Other suitable types of brush members70may be employed.

With reference toFIGS. 6-9, each aperture26is fluidly coupled to, and surrounded by, a cell74diverging therefrom toward the seed side40to define a surface90(FIGS. 8-9) recessed from the seed side with the aperture26through the recessed surface90. Thus, the cells74are recessed from the seed side40of the metering member24towards the non-seed side38. At least one of the apertures26is surrounded by the cell74diverging therefrom, and in the illustrated implementation all of the apertures26are surrounded by a respective one of the cells74. In the illustrated implementation, each cell74is substantially identical in shape and size to the next, such that the shape and size of only one of the cells74need be described. With particular reference to the orthogonal view of the cell74inFIG. 9, the cell74includes an elongated shape, elongated in the rotational direction34of the metering member24. The elongated shape of the cell74extends between a first end76and a second end78, the first end76being disposed upstream of the respective aperture26relative to the rotational direction34, and the second end78being disposed downstream of the aperture26relative to the rotational direction34. The first end76defines a furthest extent of the cell74in the upstream direction, and the second end78defines a furthest extent of the cell74in the downstream direction. The first end76is narrower than the second end78such that the shape of the cell74is tapered from the second end78towards the first end76. In other words, the shape of the cell74is tapered in a direction opposite the rotational direction34of the metering member24(i.e., the upstream direction). Thus, the wider portion of the cell74(i.e., the second end78) leads in the rotational direction34. Furthermore, the aperture26is disposed closer to the second end78than to the first end76of the cell74. Thus, the aperture26also leads in the rotational direction34.

A leading portion80of the cell74proximate the second end78of the cell74may have a generally semi-circular recessed shape extending partially (e.g., about halfway or 180 degrees) around the aperture26, while a trailing portion82of the cell74proximate the first end76of the cell74may have a generally tapered and/or elongated (e.g., generally semi-oval or semi-elliptical) recessed shape extending partially around (e.g., around the other half of) the aperture26. More specifically, the cell74has an outline84defined by an intersection of the cell74with the seed side40of the metering member24. The outline84, or edge of the recessed cell74intersecting the seed side40, generally includes the shape of a semi-circle86combined with a semi-oval or semi-ellipse88. The terms “generally” and “about” should be understood herein to mean approximately or nearly. The semi-circle86extends about halfway around the aperture26and the semi-oval or semi-ellipse88extends, in an elongated fashion with respect to the rotational direction34, about halfway around the aperture26opposite the semi-circle86. The cell74recesses away from the seed side40of the metering member24towards the non-seed side38of the metering member24in a bowl-like, or parabolic-like, shape as can be seen in the cross-section ofFIG. 7. The bowl-like, or parabolic-like, shape is concave and has a slope (as can be seen in the cross-section ofFIG. 7) that decreases in magnitude from the seed side40toward the non-seed side38and is zero (i.e., has a vertex) at its intersection with the aperture26. In other words, the slope of the recessed surface90is steeper adjacent the seed side40than adjacent the aperture26. Also apparent in the cross-section ofFIG. 7is the asymmetry of the cell shape discussed above, i.e., the bowl-like, or parabolic-like, shape is more elongated in the trailing portion82of the cell74than in the leading portion80of the cell74. The cell74is deep (i.e., recessed) enough to cause seeds S to be scooped toward the aperture26at the vertex of each cell74but shallow enough that if there is more than one seed S attracted to each cell74, the excess seeds are likely able to be perturbed away, e.g., by the brushes56a-56d.

As illustrated in the cross section ofFIG. 7, which is taken through the aperture26generally in a longitudinal direction E of elongation of the cell74(i.e., generally the rotational direction34of the metering member24), the cell74includes the recessed surface90that is curved rather than flat. As shown, a trailing portion90aof the recessed surface90curvedly extends in cross section from the first end76to the one of the plurality of apertures26and a leading portion90bof the recessed surface90curvedly extends in cross section from the one of the plurality of apertures26to the second end78. In a cross section (not shown) taken through the aperture26perpendicular to the cross-section shown inFIG. 7(i.e., perpendicular to the rotational direction34, or in a radial direction F with respect to the metering axis A), the recessed surface90is also entirely curved rather than flat or partially flat (as is illustrated by the shading inFIGS. 8-9).

As such, the cell74and aperture26are configured with respect to the rotational direction34to have a backsweeping geometry, i.e., for encouraging the seed S to lay down in the cell74as illustrated inFIG. 7with a first portion of the seed S adhered to the aperture26by the pressure differential and received in the leading portion80proximate the second end78of the cell74, and with a second portion of the seed S laid down and received in the elongated, tapered trailing portion82of the cell74proximate the first end76. This “scoop” cell shape increases the number of seeds S that are brought close to each aperture26as it passes quickly through the seed pool22(as opposed to tear-drop-shaped cells having flat recessed surfaces employed, for example, with soybeans). The brushes56a-56dsingulate the seeds S by removing seeds in excess of one per cell74and encourage one seed S per cell74to lie down in the cell74as described herein. Given the rotational direction34of the metering member24, the brushes56a-56dsweep each cell74from the leading portion80, including the wider second end78, towards the trailing portion82, including the narrower first end76. The trailing portion82is longer in the rotational direction34than the leading portion80.

FIGS. 10-11illustrate the kickout wheel assembly48, which is disposed on the non-seed side40of the metering member24. The kickout wheel assembly48includes a plurality of kickout wheels92a-92dcorresponding to the number of rows of apertures26. As such, the illustrated implementation includes four rows of apertures26and four kickout wheels92a-92dincluding a first kickout wheel92a, a second kickout wheel92b, a third kickout wheel92c, and a fourth kickout wheel92d. Each kickout wheel92a-92dincludes an annular hub94and a plurality of projections96extending radially from the hub94. The hub94may include a bearing, such as a ball bearing, a needle bearing, a bushing, or any other suitable bearing. The projections96each include a shoulder98and a tip102, the tip102projecting from the shoulder98in a radial direction with respect to the annular hub94(i.e., with respect to a bearing axis B which will be described in greater detail). In other implementations, the plurality of projections96may have different shapes and configurations. Each projection96is configured to extend at least partially into the respective aperture26. In some implementations the projection96may extend through the respective aperture26. The projections96encourage clearing seed remnants out of the apertures26after, or concurrently with, the transfer of seeds S from the metering member24to the delivery conduit52so the metering member24is clear for the next revolution. More specifically, the shoulders98mesh with the metering member24to drive the respective kickout wheel92a-92d, wherein the tips102clear the apertures26.

Each wheel of the plurality of kickout wheels92a-92dincludes a different diameter D and a different number of projections96. Specifically, the diameter D1-D4 of the kickout wheels92a-92dincreases from the first to the fourth kickout wheel92a-92das the kickout wheels extend radially away from the metering axis A. Similarly, the number of projections96increases from the first to the fourth kickout wheel92a-92das the kickout wheels extend radially away from the metering axis A. This configuration allows the plurality of kickout wheels92a-92dto be arranged coaxially about the bearing axis B for independent rotation thereabout while each kickout wheel92a-92dengages the respective row30a-30d, each having a different number of apertures26. That is, each kickout wheel92a-92dis independently journaled from the next about the common bearing axis B such that each kickout wheel92a-92dcan rotate at a different speed (e.g., revolutions per minute) to mesh with its respective row of apertures30a-30d.

The plurality of kickout wheels92a-92dare journaled on an axle104defining the bearing axis B. The axle104is configured as an elongated pin or rod extending along the bearing axis B from a pivotably mounted yoke106. The yoke106is pivotably mounted about a yoke axis C and biased by a biasing member108such that the kickout wheels92a-92dare biased into engagement with the non-seed side38of the metering member24. The biasing member108is disposed between the yoke106and the housing17and engages the yoke106and the housing17. The biasing member108engages the yoke106on a side of the yoke axis C on which the axle104is disposed so as to bias the axle104towards the metering member24. In the illustrated implementation, the biasing member108includes a spring, such as a coil spring. However, in other implementations, the biasing member108may include other suitable forms, such as a torsion spring, a leaf spring, an elastic member, etc.

In operation, the metering member24rotates about the metering axis A at a relatively high speed through the seed pool22as the rows30a-30dof apertures26pick up seeds S from the seed pool by virtue of the pressure differential. The brushes56a-56dsingulate the seeds S as the metering member24rotates and are disposed above the seed pool22, causing excess seeds (in excess of one per aperture26) to fall back down into the seed pool22. The shape of the cells74facilitates scooping of seeds S from the seed pool22and facilitates adherence of one seed S per aperture26in cooperation with the plurality of brushes56a-56d. Employing the plurality of rows30a-30dof apertures26increases the rate of seeds (seeds per second) that are delivered to the furrow15relative to metering member24diameter. Employing a different number of apertures26in each of the plurality of rows30a-30dallows for more apertures26to be disposed on a single metering member24(compared with metering members that employ the same number of apertures in each row), which may be referred to as improved aperture density. In order to clear rows30a-30dof apertures26having different numbers of apertures26, the kickout wheel assembly48includes independently journaled kickout wheels92a-92deach independently rotatable and having a different number of projections96.

Thus, the disclosure provides, among other things, a seed meter assembly16having a multi-row metering member24for small seed applications in which a high rate of seed output is desired. The plurality or rows30a-30d, aperture26density, cell74geometry, plurality of brushes56a-56d, and kickout wheel assembly48facilitate operation at high speeds and the high rate of seed output. Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.