Abstract:
A planting machine for planting of seedlings into soil in a regular and uniform sequence, comprising a frame, at least one plant delivering unit comprising a means for conveying seedlings from a point of manual insertion to a point of placement in sequence in soil, each unit further comprising a means to open a furrow in soil, maintain opened furrow for delivery of seedling, and close opened furrow after delivery of seedling, said delivering unit having a rotatable drum, the structure of which defines compartments around its outermost surface for conveying seedlings from point of manual insertion to point of release, said drum compartments being outwardly open for reception of manually inserted seedlings and for release of seedlings to next delivery stage, further including; an upright conduit means, being open at its upper and lower ends and of sufficient size and located in proximity of, and exposed to, rotatable drum for acceptance of seedlings released from drum, such conduit means guiding seedling from point of release to point of delivery to furrow opening means.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/459,807, filed Apr. 2, 2003, which is herewith incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
     FIELD  
       [0002]     This invention relates in one embodiment to planting machines which are able to travel over the area of soil to be planted, open a furrow in the soil and continuously drop plants into the furrow. The furrow can then be immediately closed by the machine. An embodiment of this invention relates to the planting of plants which have developed in a nursery from seeds to a size which can be handled and can live in a farm field environment. Such plants are commonly referred to as “seedlings”. In devices such as mechanical tobacco and pine tree planting machines, the seedlings are typically manually inserted into mechanical hands which place them in an opened furrow. In devices such as manual planting machines, the operator typically places the seedlings directly in the opened furrow by hand. In either type of known device, the furrow can typically be closed by the machine.  
         [0003]     At the present time, many seedling plants, such as onions are planted by persons who manually place each plant in an indentation in the soil, then close, or tamp the plant secure in the indentation with a pressing motion of the hand. The soil indentations are often created by a cylindrical drum, provided with spikes placed in rows, and projecting radially from the drum. Such a drum can be axially mounted for free rotation and towed along the plant bed behind a farm tractor, forming the indentations as it rolls. Planting personnel walk or crawl along the area to be planted, carrying a supply of plants in one hand, placing and covering plants with the other.  
         [0004]     Because of physical proximity of the furrows required for optimum plant density per acre, the size and shape of the planting mechanisms, and the space required on the planter for operating personnel, existing mechanical seedling planters are sometimes restricted to one operator per row of plants. Each operator on such known devices will, by hand, select and remove plant seedlings from a storage bin and place one plant seedling at a time in a delivery mechanism, which will deposit it in the previously opened furrow.  
         [0005]     Since tobacco and tree seedling plants are comparatively large, and spacing along the row is large relative to the size of the plant, planting mechanism and operators, these systems are adequate to produce acceptable levels of production. However, in other applications, such as onion planting, where plants are tiny and spacing is approximately four inches along the row, they have not proved to be usable.  
         [0006]     Other known systems use plant seedlings which have been grown in individual cups or multi-compartment trays. The uniformity of this type of holder for the plant makes an easy job for the machine to select and handle an individual plant seedling. Disadvantages of this system are the high cost of the special growing and handling equipment required, the complex mechanism required to coordinate the position of the plant tray with relation to the planting mechanism as well as the volume of storage space required on the planting machine to hold an adequate supply of plants carried in these containers. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0008]      FIG. 1A  is a side view of one embodiment and also shows a farm tractor.  
         [0009]      FIG. 1B  is a side view of one embodiment and also shows a farm  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a main frame.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of a main frame.  
         [0012]      FIG. 2B  is a sectional view of a main frame.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2C  is a front view of a main frame.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a partial cross section of elements of a planting mechanism.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4A  is a top view of a planter drum.  
         [0016]      FIG. 4B  is a side view of a planter drum.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4C  is a front view of a planter drum.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a top cross-sectional view of a planter drum drive line.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a planter drum counter rotation drive.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6A  is a partial sectional view of a planter drum counter rotation drive.  
         [0021]      FIG. 6B  is a partial sectional view of a planter drum counter rotation drive.  
         [0022]      FIG. 6C  is a partial sectional view of a planter drum counter rotation drive.  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a traction wheel travel stop.  
         [0024]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of a fender support post and keyhole cut-out.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7B  is a front view of a traction wheel travel stop.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a floating skid assembly.  
         [0027]      FIG. 8A  is a bottom view of a floating skid assembly.  
         [0028]      FIG. 8B  is a top view of a floating skid assembly.  
         [0029]      FIG. 8C  is a rear view of a floating skid assembly.  
         [0030]      FIG. 8D  is a cut-away view of an area of the floating skid frame of the skid belly.  
         [0031]      FIG. 8D  is a view of a planter plow.  
         [0032]      FIG. 9  is a view of a of plant chute.  
         [0033]      FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view of a of plant chute.  
         [0034]      FIG. 10  is a side of an air nozzle.  
         [0035]      FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view of an air nozzle.  
         [0036]      FIG. 10  is a view of an air nozzle with air hose.  
         [0037]      FIG. 11  is an air compressor drive line.  
         [0038]      FIG. 11A  is a side view of part of an air compressor drive line.  
         [0039]      FIG. 12  is an air supply circuit. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0040]     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated. It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description Of The Invention”, relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.  
         [0041]     In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.  
         [0042]     Referring to the drawings, an embodiment of the present invention, directed to a method and apparatus for manufacturing an aluminum MMC (Metal Matrix Composite) disk rotor, is now explained in detail.  
         [0043]     Various embodiments of the invention can accomplish some or all of the following objects. An embodiment of this invention includes, for example, a planting machine which utilizes more than one operator per row of plants. Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which will dispense seedling plants in a regular, uniformly spaced pattern, providing a desirable optimum growing space for each plant. Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which will dispense seedling plants at a large number of plants per unit of travel, maintaining desirable close plant spacing. Another embodiment includes a planting machine which will dispense seedling plants at a high rate of plants per unit of time, maintaining a desirable high rate of production. Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which will carry a supply of seedling plants in sufficient quantities to allow for optimum utilization of the planting machine in fields where rows are of great length and require many plants to fill. Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which will be easily carried by the three point hitch system of a standard farm tractor and obtain all required operating power from the tractor. Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which will shape the soil of the plant bed for optimum plant growth and production. Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which will allow for easy adjustment of plant spacing along the row, to accommodate variations in mature plant size and growing practice. Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which will plant at a higher rate of production when compared to existing planting methods. Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which does not require special preparation of the seedlings, individual holding containers and large volume storage areas on the planting machine. Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine which will allow use of seedling plants packaged in bundles and packed in industry standard crates as is common practice in current manual planting operations. Another embodiment includes, for example, a planting machine in which the seedling dispensing mechanism will be driven by a traction wheel impelled by contact with the ground surface as the unit is moved over it. Those of skill in the art may recognize other and further objects, advantages, and embodiments of the invention from a consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings. It is the applicants intent that such variations are encompassed within the scope of this disclosure and the claims below.  
         [0044]      FIG. 1A  illustrates planting machine  1  attached by three-point hitch frame  31  to a conventional farm tractor. Tractor power take off (PTO) shaft  54  connects planting machine air compressor drive to tractor PTO output shaft. Operators sit on seats  35  facing the planter console  2  from opposite sides. Four operators on opposite sides of console (eight operators total) are each positioned in front of, and in close proximity to a plant collecting and dispensing device, which in the case of one embodiment, is an axially mounted rotatable planter drum  3 . A traction wheel  41  is shown in this embodiment operably connected to rotatable planter drum  3 .  FIG. 1A  illustrates planting machine in planting position, with machine level and in contact with ground area to be planted.  FIG. 1B  illustrates planting machine in raised, travel position with all elements of machine clear of ground.  
         [0045]      FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2B , and  FIG. 2C  illustrate planter mainframe as constructed in one embodiment. The mainframe comprises several welded steel elements, among them three-point hitch frame  31  and main frame rails  30 . Main frame rails  30  are connected to each other by cross members  32  and  36 , and the pan structure  25  shown in  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2B , and  FIG. 2C . Cross-member  32  in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 2A , and  FIG. 2B  is an elongated tube which extends beyond frame rails  30 , to provide a mount structure for attachments associated with planting process, such as, for example, sweep plows and chemical spray equipment. Cross member  36  serves in the pictured embodiment as mounting structure for skid downforce spring  24  pictured in  FIG. 3 . Pan structure  25  is a sheet steel weldment comprising a ski shaped center section and two opposing side panels. Center section of pan structure  25  supports air compressor pump mount  33 , both depicted in  FIG. 2B . Other frame elements depicted in this embodiment include floorboards and plant storage area  84 , running boards  85 , and operator seats  35 , fender  27  and support post  28 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 3  illustrates an arrangement of planting machine elements in one exemplary embodiment. Mechanism for planting one row of plants comprises in this embodiment opposing pairs of planter drums  114 , chute  22 , floating skid  86  with plant guide  112 , furrow opening plow blade  108 , furrow widening plow wedge  109 , and furrow closing fins  91 . Console  2  is securely attached to frame rails  30  in one embodiment by welding or other suitable means. Floating skid  86  in one embodiment is pivotally mounted on frame cross member  26  and forced against the earth by skid downforce spring  24 , acting between frame cross member  36  and floating skid arch  45 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 4A , and  FIG. 4B  illustrate planter drum  114  mechanism in one embodiment. Planter drum mechanism comprises a two-part cylindrical drum  115 , spoked web  116 , hub  117 , plant carrier flights  122 , together with air nozzle mount  118 , air nozzle  71 , and air supply hose  58 . Air nozzle mount  118  is rotatably mounted on drum shaft  5 , 13  so that angle of air nozzle  71  relative to a level position is adjustable through range of travel of clamp plate  123 , and is secured in place to frame bar  119  by lock bolt  120 . Two parts of cylinder drum  115  are separated by a narrow circumferential slot  121 . Slot  121  is provided for passage of air from nozzle  71  to plant carrier flights  122 , and in the preferred embodiment, divides cylindrical drum  115  into two parts, longer part being approximately three-fourths of total length, shorter part being approximately one forth of total length. Two parts of cylindrical drum  115  are connected by multiple plant carrier flights  122 , flights being secured to both cylinder parts by welding, bolting or other suitable means. Planter drum mechanism  114  is mounted on rotatable shaft  5 ,  13  and secured from rotation relative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means.  
         [0048]      FIG. 5  illustrates drive line from traction wheel  41  to drum shaft  13  in one embodiment. Traction wheel  41  is removably mounted on axle  43  which is, in turn rotatably mounted in bearings  64 . Bearings  64  are opposedly mounted on sides of traction wheel arm  50 . Traction wheel arm  50  is, in turn pivotally mounted to mainframe rail  30  by mount  29 , bearings  74  and axle  45 . Bearings  74  are opposedly mounted on sides of arm  50 . Axle  45  is mounted within hollow tubular body of mount  29  and secured and positioned by bolt  69  or other suitable means. Thus, traction arm  50 , together with all components attached thereto, is mounted for rotation about axle  45  with said axle securely attached to mainframe rail  30 .  
         [0049]     Further with reference to an embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , sprocket  42  is attached to axle  43  and secured from rotation relative to axle by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means. Other components including sprocket  39  and sprocket  40  and the planter drum wheel  14  are rotatably linked to sprocket  40  by drive chain  65 . Sprocket  39  and sprocket  40  are mounted for rotation on axle  45 , supported by shoulder sleeve bearing  67  and washer  75 . Sprocket  39  and sprocket  40  are connected and prevented from rotation, one relative to the other, by drive pin  76  or other suitable means. Sprocket  39 , sprocket  40 , shoulder sleeve bearing  67  and washer  75  are retained on axle  45  by ring collar  66  which is secured in position by setscrew or other suitable means.  
         [0050]     Further with reference to an embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , bearings  16  are securely mounted to table shelf frame  19  and support opposite ends of jackshaft  15 . Sprocket  38  is mounted on jackshaft  15  and secured from rotation relative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means. Sprocket  38  is rotatably linked to sprocket  39  by chain  37 . Sprocket  17  is mounted on shaft  15  and secured from rotation relative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means. Sprocket  17  is rotatably linked to sprocket  20  by chain  18 . Sprocket  20  and planter drum  114  are mounted on shaft  13  and secured from rotation relative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means. Bearing  21  is securely mounted to table shelf frame  19  and supports one end of shaft  13 . Thus, traction wheel  41  is, through axle  43 , sprocket  42 , chain  65 , sprocket  40 , drive pin  76 , sprocket  39 , chain  37 , sprocket  38 , jackshaft  15 , sprocket  17 , chain  18 , sprocket  20 , and shaft  13 , linked for rotation to planter drum  114 . Number of teeth in sprockets  42 ,  40 ,  39  and  38  determine final ratio of rotation between traction wheel  41  and drum  114 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 6A ,  FIG. 6B , and  FIG. 6C  illustrate system used in one embodiment to obtain required opposite directions of drum rotation. Many methods exist that could obtain the same result, and the invention is not limited to system employed in the pictured embodiment.  
         [0052]     Partial section AA in  FIG. 6A  further illustrates elements also shown in  FIG. 5  which rotatably link traction wheel  41  to jackshaft  15 .  
         [0053]     Partial section BB in  FIG. 6B  further illustrates rotation reversing system. In the embodiment depicted, sprocket  14 , together with sprocket  17  and sprocket  38 , is mounted on jackshaft  15  and secured from rotation relative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means. Idler sprocket  12  is mounted for free rotation on shaft  13  and supported on shaft by bushing  11 . Sprocket  23  is mounted on shaft  5  and secured from rotation relative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means. Chain  10  is routed over sprocket  23  and idler sprocket  12 , and under sprocket  14 . Sprocket  23  and sprocket  14  in the illustrated embodiment have the same number of teeth.  
         [0054]     Partial section CC in  FIG. 6B  further illustrates rotational linkage between jackshaft  15  and drum shaft  13 . In the embodiment depicted, sprocket  17  is mounted on jackshaft  15  and secured from rotation relative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means. Sprocket  20  is mounted on drum shaft  13  and secured from rotation relative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means. Sprockets  17  and  20  have the same number of teeth and are linked for rotation by chain  18 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 7A , and  FIG. 7B  illustrate in one embodiment traction wheel arm  50 , which is pivotally mounted to mainframe rail  30  by mount  29 , bearings  74  and axle  45 . In the embodiment depicted, link chain  46  is securely attached to arm  50  by welding or other suitable means. Fender support post  28  is provided with keyhole cutout  81 , cutout being of a diameter sufficiently large to allow easy passage of chain through it. Cutout is provided with connected slot of correct width and length to accept and retain single link of chain  46 .  
         [0056]      FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 8A ,  FIG. 8B ,  FIG. 8C ,  FIG. 8D , and  FIG. 8E  illustrate in one embodiment a mechanism used to open a furrow in the earth to be planted, and to close the furrow thus opened and containing seedling plants. Floating skid frame  86 , in the depicted embodiment, is constructed of welded metal or other suitable material and comprises an elongated body with tube  87  at forward end and arch  95  at trailing end. Tube  87  is provided for pivitable mounting to planter frame member. Skid belly  88  is constructed of abrasion resisting material and is attached to skid frame  86  through capture by retaining angle cross member  90  and mounting bolts  89 , or other suitable means. Furrow closing fins  91  are constructed of abrasion resisting material and are adjustably and opposidly mounted to the bottom surface of skid belly  88 . Furrow closing fin  91  is mounted for rotation about bolt  92 , being secured in its adjusted position by bolt  94 . Slot  93  in skid belly  88  is located concentric with center of bolt  92  and allows required range of angular adjustment for furrow closing fin  91 .  FIG. 8D  is a cut-away view of the area of floating skid frame which exposes bolts  92  and  94 .  
         [0057]     Further with reference to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 8A ,  FIG. 8B ,  FIG. 8C ,  FIG. 8D , and  FIG. 8E , plant guide  112  is of a funnel shape and is adjustably mounted on skid frame  86  and retained in position by bolts  113 . Plant guides  112  are, in the preferred embodiment, asymmetrical in construction, being offset away from the centerline of the machine for improved travel of the seedling plant into the open furrow.  
         [0058]     Further with reference to the embodiment depicted  FIG. 8E  illustrates planter plow which, in the preferred embodiment, is constructed of abrasion resisting material and comprises blade  108 , and wedge,  109 . Wedge shape is attached to blade by welding or other suitable means. Blade is provided with holes  110  for adjustable mounting in skid frame  86 , and is retained in position by bolts  111 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 9  and  FIG. 9A  illustrate in one embodiment chute  22 , which in the depicted embodiment comprises an elongated, tapered hollow channel shell of rectangular cross section. In the depicted embodiment, a lengthwise portion of channel at broad end of taper comprises four joined sides, with remaining length of channel comprising three sides only. Air nozzle  55  is securely mounted on shortened fourth side  9  by welding, clamping or other acceptable means, with lengthwise axis of nozzle aligned with elongated axis of channel and with nozzle exit end directed toward narrow end of taper.  
         [0060]      FIG. 10  and  FIG. 10B  illustrate in one embodiment construction of air nozzle  55  and air nozzle  71 . In the embodiment depicted, sprag type push-on threaded hose fitting  128  of size matching hose  58  is threaded into one end of standard pipe coupling  130 . Similar fitting  129 , with matching thread size, is threaded into opposite end of coupling. Push-on sprag of fitting  129  which serves as flow-restricting nozzle. In the embodiment shown, push-on barb is sized for {fraction (1/8)} inch hose, giving an exit orifice diameter of approximately 0.05 inches.  
         [0061]      FIG. 11  and  FIG. 11A  illustrates in one embodiment drive line from tractor PTO shaft  80 , to planter air compressor pump  47 , as employed in the depicted embodiment. Universal joints  79  and shaft  54  is a common agricultural driveshaft assembly as commonly used on pieces of PTO driven farm machinery. Jackshaft  51  is retained and supported by bearings  63 , located near opposite ends of the shaft. Bearings  63  are removably mounted to plate  34 , which is a component of planter frame.  
         [0062]     Further with reference to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 11A , driveshaft assembly is mounted on one end of jackshaft  51  and secured from rotation relative to shaft by keyway and setscrew or other acceptable means. Pulley  48  is mounted on end of jackshaft  51  opposite driveshaft assembly end. Pulley  52  is securely attached to pump flywheel  53  by bolts, welding or other suitable means. Pulley  48 , belt  49  and pulley  52  comprise a means to transmit rotational power from jackshaft  51  to air compressor pump  47  at a desired speed of rotation relative to tractor PTO speed.  
         [0063]      FIG. 12  illustrates planter air supply system as employed in the depicted embodiment. Tractor PTO driven air compressor pump  47  is connected by air hose  56  to check valve  62 . Compressor pump  47  is provided with an unloading valve  61 , which suspends pumping function when air pressure in storage tank  58  reaches a preset level. This action reduces heat buildup in compressor pump and provides for more efficient pump operation than would releasing excess high pressure air to the atmosphere. Check valve  62  is connected to air supply storage tank  59  by hose  56 . Hose  56  in each instance is rubber push-on hose, connected to attached components by threaded sprag type fittings, or other suitable means. Air supply storage tank  59  is provided with air pressure safety release valve  82 , and drain valve  83 . Air supply storage tank  59  is connected to filter regulator set  57  by hose  56 . Filter regulator set  57  is a standard commercial unit, of common use in industry. Using a standard tee fitting, hose  56  is divided at point “X” into two equal branches, “A” and “B”. Branch “A” supplies air to 4 planter drum and chute nozzles shown, while branch “B” supplies air to an additional set of 4 planter drum and chute nozzles of same design and construction as those shown. Hose  56  is divided at a point past point “X” into 4 branch hoses  58 , each branch further divided to supply air to one drum nozzle  71 , and one chute nozzle  56 .  
         [0064]     It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the air hose  56  can be any known or hereafter developed means for providing a blast of air or similar gas or liquid to facilitate planting of seedlings. Pneumatic or hydraulic devices of other kinds to produce jets of air or liquid can also be used for such a purpose and are considered within the scope of the invention.  
         [0065]     With reference to the operation of one embodiment of the invention,  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  illustrate one embodiment of the planting machine  1  attached by three point hitch  31  to a standard farm tractor. Tractor power take off (PTO) shaft  54  connects planting machine air compressor drive to tractor PTO output shaft. Operators sit on seats  35  facing the planter console  2  from opposite sides. Four operators on two opposite sides of the console (eight operators total) are each positioned in front of, and in close proximity to a plant collecting and dispensing device, which in the case of the preferred embodiment, is an axially mounted rotatable planter drum  3 .  FIG. 1A  illustrates planting machine in planting position, with machine level and in contact with ground area to be planted. For travel outside the planting operation, turning around at the end of a planting row and other non-planting operations, a tractor towing the depicted embodiment can use three point hitch  31  to raise planting machine clear of the planting surface as shown in  FIG. 1B .  
         [0066]     Further with reference to the operation of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the planting machine  1  opens one or more furrows in soil to be planted, deposits seedling plants at regular spaced intervals, and closes opened furrow, securing planted seedling in a virtual upright position at correct planted depth for proper growth.  
         [0067]     When the planting machine is lowered into correct position for contact with ground area to be planted as illustrated in  FIG. 3  for one embodiment, skid  86 , which comprises plow blade  108  and wedge  109  will be level with, and in solid contact with the soil area to be planted. As tractor moves planting machine over ground area to be planted, plow blade  108  opens furrow to the correct depth as determined by position of plow in skid frame  86 . Furrow is widened to accept seedling plant by wedge  109 .  
         [0068]     Further with reference to the operation of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , each operator, positioned in front of a rotating planting drum  114 , is furnished a supply of seedling plants stored in easy reach on the planting console  2 . In the depicted embodiment, planting drum  114  is mounted inside console  2 , with a small sector exposed to operator. As planting drum  114  rotates, empty flights  122  are exposed to operator, each flight rising from the console and moving away from the operator&#39;s position. Operator manually drops seedling plants into spaces between moving flights  122 , with root end of plant positioned toward slot  121  end of planter drum.  
         [0069]     Seedling plants in one embodiment are carried in planter drum to a position, as seen in  FIG. 4 , near air nozzle  71 . Air nozzle  71  provides a constant blast of air directed through slot  121 , and into space between flights  122 . As seedling plant passes past air blast of nozzle  71  it is blown off flight  122  and is free to fall down chute  22 . Root end of seedling plant is heavier and more dense than leaf end, causing plant to fall root end down as it is ejected from planter drum  114 ,  
         [0070]     Further with reference to the operation of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , seedling plants are of inconsistent weight, density and shape among various species, crops, and growing areas, hence effect of air blast from nozzle  71  varies with different plant characteristics. To compensate for differences in effect of air blast, angular position of nozzle mount  118  with relation to position of plant to be ejected from drum can be adjusted for earlier or later ejection of plant from planter drum. Adjusted position is maintained by clamp plate  123  which is secured to frame bar  119  by lock bolt  120 .  
         [0071]     Although plants in the embodiment depicted will typically drop from planter flights without application of air blast, radial position of release point may be inconsistent and may vary greatly from plant to plant within the same plant group. With required spacing of 4 inches and travel speed of one foot per second, a slight variation in plant release point between to plants can cause great variation in plant spacing. Precise angular positioning of nozzle relative to plant to be ejected causes plant to be released to fall free at the same instant and position from one plant to the next.  
         [0072]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment opposing planter drums which dispense plants into the same furrow are set up with flights one-half space out of time with relation to air nozzle  71 . As one planting drum passes into nozzle air blast in the depicted embodiment, its opposing planter drum is positioned for one-half flight space delay to reach nozzle blast. This alternating ejection of plants from opposing planter drums results in even spacing of plants along planted row.  
         [0073]     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment the planting machine is provided with a plant chute  22  for each pair of opposing planter drums, with opposing drums alternately ejecting plants into the same chute. In applications where plant density along the planted row is less, only one planter drum, utilizing the same features and elements set forth here, may be required to meet planting rate needs. Chute  22  is provided with full length sides on three surfaces and a shortened side on one surface. In cases where plants will occasionally clump together during travel from ejection from planter drum to position in open furrow, open side of chute will allow plant clump to fall free from chute without congesting chute and disrupting planting operation. In order to maintain travel path of a plant away from open side of chute and to accelerate plant toward furrow, an air nozzle  55 , is positioned on shortened side of chute  9 , with its air flow directed toward furrow. Nozzle  55  air flow forces falling plant to move toward opposite of chute. Air flow from nozzle  55  is not adequate to force a clump of plants to opposite wall, so clump will fall free and out of open side of chute. Free falling seedling plants fall at varying rates depending on plant characteristics of weight and aerodynamic drag of the leafy end of plant, a leafy, light weight, plant falling more slowly than a relatively heavy plant with few leaves. When propelled by air flow of nozzle  55 , plants tend to travel at a more uniform rate, with light, leafy plants being accelerated by air flow to a greater degree than relatively heavy plants with few leaves. This equalization of travel speeds results in a more uniform spacing of plants along planted row.  
         [0074]     With reference to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 8 , in one embodiment plants move from chute  22  to plant guide  112 , which directs plant into open furrow. In order for plant to be captured by soil in proper, erect position, furrow must close around plant at correct instant. Plant guide  112  is adjustably mounted on skid frame  86  for positioning at various depths relative to the open furrow. Closing of the open furrow on plant is controlled by depth of plant guide  112  relative to open furrow. As plant guide  112  is lowered into furrow closing of furrow is delayed by interposing side walls of plant guide. As position of plant guide  112  is raised relative to furrow, less area of side walls is interposed between plant and closing furrow. Adjustability of planting guide  112  depth allows planter to compensate for various soil conditions, with guide being raised for dense, stiff soils and lowered for sandy, soft soils.  
         [0075]     As shown in an embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3 , Skid  86  is pivotally mounted on frame cross member  26 , a round rod of correct diameter to allow free rotation of tube  87 . Spring  24  applies downward force on arch  95  and hence to skid  86 . Skid belly  88  slides along soil of planting area, and due to downward force of spring  24  and pivotal mounting on cross member  26 , maintains constant contact as soil level rises or falls with relation to planting machine.  
         [0076]     As shown in an embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , skid  86  is provided with opposedly mounted furrow closing fins  91 . It is the purpose of fins  91  to further compact the soil as it captures plant and return soil displaced by plow blade  108  and wedge  109  to the furrow. Fins  91  project downward into soil and converge relative to each other at trailing ends. As skid moves along furrow, converging arrangement of fins  92  scrapes displaced soil back into furrow and together with smoothing and compacting action of skid belly  88 , further compacts soil around plants.  
         [0077]     Planter drum  114  is driven in rotation by a series of chain linkages from traction wheel  41 . Traction wheel  41  together with arm  50  is pivotably mounted on axle  45  with sufficient unrestricted travel to allow full contact of wheel with ground when planter is lowered into planting position. Traction wheel  41  together with arm  50  is attached to planter frame rail  30  by mount  29 . Weight of Traction wheel  41 , arm  50 , and attached components such as chain drive, generates sufficient downward force to drive traction wheel in rotation as planter is moved over the area to be planted. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , traction wheel is limited in downward travel by chain  46 . Downward travel limit is set by adjusting length of chain between arm  50  and keyhole  81 . Chain is adjusted for required up and down movement of traction wheel  41  during planting process and sufficient ground clearance while in a raised position, as shown for one embodiment in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0078]     Spacing of plants along row in one embodiment is determined by relation of distance traveled by traction wheel  41  and number of flights  122  moving past air nozzle  71 . By way of example, in one embodiment the distance traveled in one rotation of traction wheel is 60 inches, the drive ratio between traction wheel and planter drum is 1:1, and the number of flights on drum is  20 . In this example, 20 plants would be planted in 60 inches of travel, giving a plant spacing of 3 inches. By changing number of teeth on one or more drive sprockets in drive chain from traction wheel  41  to jackshaft  15 , any desired ratio, and hence any plant spacing along the row, may be obtained.  
         [0079]      FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 6A ,  FIG. 6B , and  FIG. 6C  illustrate in one embodiment a system used in the preferred embodiment to obtain required opposite directions of drum rotation. Many methods exist that could obtain the same result, and the invention is not limited to system employed in the preferred embodiment.  
         [0080]      FIG. 6A , illustrates in one embodiment elements also shown in  FIG. 5  which rotatably link traction wheel  41  to jackshaft  15 . All changes in drive ratio to alter spacing of plants along planted row must be undertaken between sprockets  42  and  40 , and between sprockets  39  and  38 .  
         [0081]     Partial section  FIG. 6B  illustrates in one embodiment rotation reversing system. In the depicted embodiment, sprocket  14 , together with sprocket  17  and sprocket  38 , is mounted on jackshaft  15 . Idler sprocket  12  is free to rotate on shaft  13 . Sprocket  23  is rigidly mounted on shaft  5 . Chain  10  is routed over sprocket  23  and idler sprocket  12 , and under sprocket  14 . Sprocket  23  and sprocket  14  have the same number of teeth. As jackshaft  15  is driven in a counter-clockwise rotation, sprocket  23  and hence shaft  5  will be driven in a clockwise rotation. To maintain coordinated rotation between opposing planter drums, sprockets  23  and  14  must have the same number of teeth.  
         [0082]     Partial section  FIG. 6C  illustrates in one embodiment rotational linkage between jackshaft  15  and drum shaft  13 . Sprocket  17  is rigidly mounted on jackshaft  15 . Sprocket  20  is rigidly mounted on drum shaft  13 . Sprockets  17  and  20  are linked for rotation by chain  18 . To maintain coordinated rotation between opposing planter drums, sprockets  17  and  20  must have the same number of teeth.  
         [0083]     Planter is provided in one embodiment with pressure air system as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . In the embodiment depicted, air compressor pump  47  provides supply of compressed air to operate drum nozzles  71  and chute nozzles  55 . Air compressor pump is provided with unloading valve  61 , which relieves pressure pumping load and circulates free air through the pump for cooling. Unloading valve  61  is operated when pressure in air tank  59  reaches a pre-set value. In one embodiment pump is active 75% of time and in non-pumping cooling mode 25%. Check valve  62  holds tank pressure when unloading valve operates, and relieves start-up load on pump when tank is at high pressure. Filter regulator set  57  is common commercial unit as found in industry. Filter guards against clogged nozzles and regulator reduces pressure from 100-125 p.s.i. air tank  59  pressure to 30-40 p.s.i. nozzle working pressure. Air system branches in one embodiment at point “X” on  FIG. 12  to furnish air to similar set of planter drum and chute nozzles as those shown. Tank is provided with safety relief valve  82  which operates in case unloading valve fails and tank pressure reaches unsafe levels. A water drain valve  83 , is installed at low point of air tank.  
         [0084]     Air compressor pump in one embodiment is driven by carrying tractor&#39;s PTO output. Drive in one embodiment is illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Depending on tractor&#39;s PTO speed, either 550 or 1000 r.p.m, the size of pulleys  48  and  52  are selected in one embodiment to provide a pump operating speed of 1200 to 1500 r.p.m. with tractor engine at planting travel speed.  
         [0085]     From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.