Abstract:
An air-powered device that propels seed from a storage container and distributes seeds from a horizontal tube into a series of vertical tubes, and shoots the seeds from those vertical tubes into the ground. The device can be carried by a human user or mounted on a cart having wheels or skis, and towed through a field while being used to plant seed. The different methods of carrying and operating the device enable farmers to utilize the device in different types of terrain and during different condition. The device can be manufactured from common, affordable materials, such as PVC, and offers rural farmers a portable solution for planting their crops that is efficient and low-cost.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention pertains to devices, systems, and methods for planting seeds, as well as to methods of manufacturing such devices and systems. More particularly, the present invention is directed to: a) devices comprising a storage container, an air propulsion apparatus, and a hollow horizontal member and a plurality of hollow vertical members; b) systems comprising a storage container, an air propulsion apparatus, and a hollow horizontal member and a plurality of hollow vertical members; and c) methods of manufacturing or using such devices and systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In rural areas of the developing world, many people remain mired in poverty and dependent upon small subsistence level farms as their only source of food. These subsistence farmers, reliant on their harvests to feed themselves and their families, lack the agricultural equipment needed to increase the productivity of their harvests. The low productivity of these subsistence farms means that farmers are unable to grow any surplus of food that could be sold at the market place, preventing these farmers from earning the income that would allow them to invest in their farms, purchase healthcare and education for their families, and progress out of poverty towards the middle class. 
     Cambodia, one of the poorest countries in Asia, presents a vivid illustration of the plight faced by Third World subsistence farmers. Plagued by decades of conflict, nearly eighty percent of Cambodia&#39;s population lives in rural areas, with many relying on farming as their only source of food and income. Rice is the primary crop of Cambodian farmers. To ensure the optimal spacing of the rice plants and to facilitate weeding and the application of fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticide, rice is grown in rows, which results in greater crop yields for the rice than growing the crop in other patterns. 
     In a traditional Cambodian method for rice-farming, farmers plant rice in one or more smaller plots for a certain period of time, and then transplant the seedlings by hand to the main field for maturation once those seedlings have grown to a sufficient size. In contrast, in more developed countries where farming is more machine-intensive and industrialized, automated equipment capable of mechanically planting and cultivating rice in rows is commonly utilized, replacing the traditional hand-transplantation techniques used by rural farmers in Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries. 
     Unlike the more industrialized farming sectors in other nations, the relative lack of income and resources of many Cambodian farmers means that automated equipment for planting rice crops is largely unavailable to these farmers. This means that these farmers must employ human labor to plant their rice crops using the traditional Cambodian method. This method is very labor intensive, as the traditional method can take up to fifty days for a single farmer to plant a one-hectare field of rice. And recent years have seen a migration of working aged men and women from rural Cambodian farming communities to more urban locales in order to work in garment factories or construction in Cambodia or in other Southeast Asian countries. 
     This migration has reduced the amount of labor available to these Cambodian communities, forcing farmers in Cambodia to either plant fewer fields of rice or use less efficient methods for planting rice (such as spreading rice seeds by hand on dry ground, which results in sub-optimal arrangements of the rice crop and many of the seeds being eaten by animals or failing to sprout). The resulting reduction in crop yields negatively impacts Cambodian farm families, who already struggle to satisfy their nutritional needs (and to meet their needs for adequate healthcare and education). 
     To solve these challenges faced by Cambodian farmers, as well as farmers in other Southeast Asian rice-planting countries, there remains a need for the development and distribution of devices and techniques that would enable these farmers to plant rows of crops while reducing the time, labor, costs, and overall resources needed to plant their crops. Such devices and techniques would allow these farmers to employ their labor more efficiently and waste less seed, water, and fertilizer in the planting process, not only improving crop yields, but also providing an opportunity for these farmers to allocate more of their time elsewhere (for example, obtaining education). These devices and techniques would ultimately aid in raising the income of farmers, helping to lift them and their families out of poverty. 
     While devices for planting rice seeds exist, no known existing designs are sufficient to meet the above-mentioned needs of farmers in Cambodia or other Southeast Asian nations. While sophisticated devices for planting rice seed exist and are used in more industrialized nations, such mechanized devices are too expensive and complex for small-scale farmers. Furthermore, for example, Cambodia&#39;s manufacturing sector is relatively less-developed in comparison with some neighboring countries. Therefore, for a device for planting rice to be truly accessible to Cambodian farmers (or rural farmers in other Southeast Asian countries) at a reasonable cost, that device must be capable of being manufactured locally, using readily available materials and manufacturing processes. 
     Simpler devices, such as broadcast planters that use air power to spray seeds, are inefficient, blowing rice seed in uncontrolled patterns and lacking the concentrated velocity necessary to embed the rice seed into the soil. If not embedded into the soil, the rice remains on top of the soil, and is readily eaten by animals or blown away by wind or washed away by rains. Drum seeders, which are rolled on the ground and drop seed out of holes, also cannot embed the dropped rice seeds into soil, similarly leaving the rice susceptible to being eaten or swept away by wind or rain. Other attempts at developing a suitable device for planting rice seeds suffered from repeated jamming problems, causing these attempts to fail. 
     As discussed above, existing devices and techniques for planting rice seed suffer from deficiencies: failing to effectively plant rice seed in rows without unduly wasting seed, labor, and other resources. As a result, there remains a need for devices and techniques for planting rice seeds that do not suffer from the drawbacks shared by these existing devices and methods. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed, in certain embodiments, to devices for planting seeds, the devices comprising a storage container, an air propulsion apparatus connected to the storage container, a first hollow member, a hollow horizontal member connected to the first hollow member, and a plurality of hollow vertical members connected to a bottom of the hollow horizontal member. In certain embodiments, the storage container contains seeds. In certain further embodiments, the storage container is capable of holding at least 10 kilograms of seeds. In still further embodiments, the storage container is capable of holding at least 20 kilograms of seeds. 
     In certain embodiments, the air propulsion apparatus is connected to the hollow horizontal member via the first hollow member. 
     In certain embodiments, the first hollow member is a hose. 
     In certain embodiments, the air propulsion apparatus is a broadcast planter. In certain further embodiments, the broadcast planter is a gasoline-powered broadcast planter. In other further embodiments, the broadcast planter is an electric-powered broadcast planter. In still further embodiments, the electric-powered broadcast planter comprises a battery. 
     In certain embodiments, the hollow horizontal member comprises a plurality of pipes and flow reducers connected by T-connectors. In certain further embodiments, the device further comprises elbow connectors connected to a first and a second end of the hollow horizontal member, and a flow reducer connected to each of the elbow connectors. In still further embodiments, the plurality of pipes, flow reducers, T-connectors, and elbow connectors are comprised of PVC. 
     In certain embodiments, a diameter of the hollow horizontal member at a center of the hollow horizontal member is greater than both: a) a diameter of the hollow horizontal member at a first end of the hollow horizontal member; and b) a diameter of the hollow horizontal member at a second end of the hollow horizontal member. In certain further embodiments, the diameter of the hollow horizontal member at the first end is equal to the diameter of the hollow horizontal member at the second end. 
     In certain embodiments, a diameter of the hollow horizontal member at a center of the hollow horizontal member is equal to both: a) a diameter of the hollow horizontal member at a first end of the hollow horizontal member; and b) a diameter of the hollow horizontal member at a second end of the hollow horizontal member. 
     In certain embodiments, the first hollow member is connected to the hollow horizontal member by a T-connector at a center of the hollow horizontal member. In certain further embodiments, the first hollow member is connected to the hollow horizontal member at a top of the hollow horizontal member. In certain embodiments, the T-connector comprises a protrusion that divides a perpendicular inlet of the T-connector in half. In certain further embodiments, the protrusion comprises a sheet of material. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of hollow vertical members is connected to the bottom of the hollow horizontal member by either a T-connector or an elbow connector. In certain further embodiments, each of the plurality of hollow vertical members comprises a PVC pipe. 
     In certain embodiments, a diameter of a first end of each of the plurality of hollow vertical members is larger than a diameter of a second end of each of the plurality of hollow vertical members. In certain further embodiments, the diameter of the first end of each of the plurality of hollow vertical members is equal to or lesser than a diameter of a midpoint of each of the plurality of hollow vertical members. In still further embodiments, the first end of each of the plurality of hollow vertical members is located within the T-connector or elbow connector connecting the hollow vertical member to the hollow horizontal member. 
     In certain embodiments, the first end of the at least one of the plurality of hollow vertical members comprises a baffle. In certain further embodiments, the first end of the at least one hollow vertical member comprises a notch. In still further embodiments, a diameter of the first end of the at least one hollow vertical member above the notch is smaller than a diameter of the first end of the at least one hollow vertical member below the notch. In even further embodiments, the hollow horizontal member is engaged with the notch in the first end of the at least one hollow vertical member. 
     In certain embodiments, the second end of each of the plurality of hollow vertical members comprises a nozzle. In further embodiments, the second end of each of the plurality of hollow vertical members further comprises a nozzle cover. In still further embodiments, the nozzle cover comprises a flexible hose. 
     In certain embodiments, the plurality of hollow vertical members comprises between 4 hollow vertical members and 40 hollow vertical members. In certain further embodiments, the plurality of hollow vertical members comprises between 10 hollow vertical members and 30 hollow vertical members. In still further embodiments, the plurality of hollow vertical members comprises between 14 hollow vertical members and 18 hollow vertical members. In other further embodiments, the plurality of vertical members comprises between 22 hollow vertical members and 26 hollow vertical members. 
     In certain embodiments, the plurality of hollow vertical members are evenly spaced along the hollow horizontal member. 
     The present invention is directed, in certain embodiments, to systems for planting seeds, the systems comprising a storage container, an air propulsion apparatus connected to the storage container, a first hollow member, a hollow horizontal member connected to the first hollow member, and a plurality of hollow vertical members connected to a bottom of the hollow horizontal member. 
     In certain embodiments, at least one of the storage container, the air propulsion apparatus, the first hollow member, the hollow horizontal member, and the plurality of hollow vertical members is mounted on a movable support. In certain further embodiments, the movable support comprises a cart. In still further embodiments, the cart comprises wheels or skis. In even further embodiments, the cart is human-powered, animal-powered, or machine-powered. In certain embodiments, the moveable support is covered with a rust-resistant coating. 
     In certain embodiments, at least one of the storage container, the air propulsion apparatus, the first hollow member, the hollow horizontal member, and the plurality of hollow vertical members is carried by a human user. 
     The present invention is directed, in certain embodiments, to methods for planting seeds, the methods comprising the steps of filling a storage container with seeds, emptying the seeds from the storage container into an air propulsion apparatus, and propelling the seeds through the air propulsion apparatus, through a first hollow member, through a horizontal hollow member, through a plurality of vertical hollow members, and into the ground. 
     In certain embodiments, the methods comprise the step of soaking the seeds in water for a period of time and then drying the seeds before filling the storage container with the seeds. 
     In certain embodiments, a first end of at least one of the plurality of vertical hollow members comprises a baffle located inside the hollow horizontal member, and an equal volume of seeds is propelled into each of the plurality of vertical horizontal members. In certain further embodiments, a second end of each of the plurality of vertical hollow members comprises a nozzle, and the velocity of the seeds exiting the nozzle of the vertical hollow member is greater than or equal to the velocity of the seeds entering the first end of the vertical hollow member. 
     In certain embodiments, filling the storage container with seeds comprises filling the storage container with both seeds and fertilizer. In certain further embodiments, the fertilizer mixes with the seeds to create a mixture of seeds and fertilizer, and the mixture empties from the storage container into the air propulsion apparatus, which propels the mixture through the air propulsion apparatus, through the first hollow member, through the horizontal hollow member, and through the plurality of vertical hollow members and into the ground. 
     The present invention is directed, in certain embodiments, to methods of manufacturing devices for planting seeds, the methods comprising the steps of thermal forming a T-connector from PVC, thermal forming a sheet of PVC, inserting the sheet of PVC into the T-connector to form a flow divider, resizing a plurality of PVC pipes, flow reducers, T-connectors, and elbow connectors and gluing the plurality of PVC pipes, flow reducers, T-connectors, and elbow connectors together to form a hollow horizontal member, connecting a storage container to a first hollow member via an air propulsion apparatus, connecting the hollow horizontal member to the first hollow member via the flow divider, thermal die forming a first end of at least one of a plurality of vertical hollow members to form a baffle, thermal die forming a second end of each of the plurality of vertical hollow members to form a nozzle, and inserting the first end of each of the plurality of vertical hollow members into a bottom of the hollow horizontal member. 
     In certain embodiments, the step of resizing the plurality of PVC pipes, flow reducers, T-connectors, and elbow connectors comprises cutting and grinding the plurality of PVC pipes, flow reducers, T-connectors, and elbow connectors. 
     In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise the step of covering the horizontal hollow member and the plurality of vertical hollow members with a UV-resistant coating. 
     In certain embodiments, the methods further comprise the step of enclosing the hollow horizontal member with a PVC pipe with an inner diameter less than or equal to an outer diameter of the hollow horizontal member. In certain further embodiments, enclosing the hollow horizontal member with the PVC pipe comprises cutting a slit in a bottom of the PVC pipe and stretching the PVC pipe to enclose the hollow horizontal member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary device for planting seeds, the device comprising a storage container, an air propulsion apparatus, and a first hollow member, hollow horizontal member, and plurality of hollow vertical members. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the device for planting seeds of  FIG. 1 , the device being mounted on a cart that comprises wheels. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of the device for planting seeds of  FIG. 1 , the device being mounted on a cart that comprises skis. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a perspective view of the hollow horizontal member and plurality of hollow vertical members of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a front view of the hollow horizontal member and plurality of hollow vertical members of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4C  depicts a side view of the hollow horizontal member and plurality of hollow vertical members of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4D  depicts a top view of the hollow horizontal member and plurality of hollow vertical members of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4E  depicts a bottom view of the hollow horizontal member and plurality of hollow vertical members of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts an interior cross-sectional view of the hollow horizontal member and the plurality of hollow vertical members of  FIGS. 4A-4E . 
         FIG. 6A  depicts a perspective view of one of the hollow vertical members depicted in  FIGS. 4A-4E . 
         FIG. 6B  depicts a front view of one of the hollow vertical members depicted in  FIGS. 4A-4E . 
         FIG. 6C  depicts a side view of one of the hollow vertical members depicted in  FIGS. 4A-4E . 
         FIG. 6D  depicts a top view of one of the hollow vertical members depicted in  FIGS. 4A-4E . 
         FIG. 6E  depicts a bottom view of one of the hollow vertical members depicted in  FIGS. 4A-4E . 
         FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of the exemplary hollow vertical member depicted in  FIGS. 6A-6E , the hollow vertical member further comprising a nozzle cover. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of an exemplary device for planting seeds that comprises a frame for mounting and supporting a plurality of hollow vertical members, handles, and a pair of skis mounted to the frame. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to air-powered devices for planting seeds, systems incorporating those air-powered devices, as well as to methods of operating and manufacturing such devices and systems for planting seeds. One embodiment of the invention is a device for planting seeds, comprising a storage container, an air propulsion apparatus, a first hollow member, a hollow horizontal member, and a plurality of hollow vertical members. The storage container is connected to the air propulsion apparatus, which uses air propulsion to propel seeds throughout the hollow members of the device and into the ground to be planted. 
     A second embodiment of the invention is a system for planting seeds. The system incorporates the air-powered device, and at least a portion of the device is mounted on a movable support or carried by a human user. 
     A third embodiment of the invention is a method of planting seeds, comprising filling the storage container with seeds, emptying the seeds from the storage container into the air propulsion apparatus, and using air power from the air propulsion apparatus to propel seeds throughout the hollow members of the device and into the ground to be planted. 
     A fourth embodiment of the invention is a method for manufacturing the air-powered device for planting seeds, comprising thermal forming a flow divider from PVC, resizing and gluing together a plurality of PVC pipes, flow reducers, T-connectors, and elbow connectors to form a hollow horizontal member, thermal die forming a plurality of vertical hollow members, and connecting together the storage container, air propulsion apparatus, hollow horizontal member, and the plurality of vertical hollow members to prepare the air-powered device for planting seeds. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a device  100  for planting seeds, in accordance with the present invention. The device  100  comprises a storage container  102  capable of storing seeds and then releasing those seeds into the device  100  during the planting process. In these embodiments, the storage container  102  holds seeds, fertilizer, or a mixture of both seed and fertilizer. In some embodiments, the storage container  102  contains rice seeds. However, the type of seed stored in the storage container  102  is not limited to rice seeds—the storage container  102  may instead contain (for example) seed for corn, mung beans, soy beans, or other types of grains or legumes. 
     In embodiments, the storage container  102  is comprised of plastic. However, the storage container  102  may be composed of other materials as well: for example, metals such as steel and/or aluminum, other polymers (such as PVC), or even wood. In certain embodiments of the invention, such as the storage container  102  depicted in the device  100  of  FIG. 1 , the storage container  102  is a hopper  102  that is integrated into an air propulsion device  104 , such as a hopper  102  that feeds into a broadcast planter  104 . In other embodiments, however, the storage container  102  may be separate from the air propulsion device. In these various embodiments, the storage container  102  may be a hopper, a tub, a basket, or similar storage containers  102 . The storage container  102  may be cylindrical, square, rectangular, or any other shape suitable for holding seed, fertilizer, and other materials used in the planting process. 
     In embodiments of the present invention, the storage container  102  has sufficient size and strength to be capable of holding at least 10 kilograms of seeds and/or fertilizer. In some of these embodiments of the present invention, the storage container  102  possesses sufficient size and strength to be capable of holding at least 10 kilograms of seeds (and/or fertilizer). Further, in some of these various embodiments, the storage container  102  is of sufficient size and strength to house at least 15, at least 20, at least 25, or at least 30 kilograms of seeds (and/or fertilizer). The storage containers  102  of the present invention will be capable of holding a varying amount of seeds depending upon the dimensions of the storage container  102 , the type of seeds (and their size) placed in the storage container  102 , whether the seeds were enlarged by soaking them overnight in water before planting, and other considerations. 
     As discussed above, the seeds in storage container  102  may have been soaked, and then dried, before the storage container  102  was filled with those seeds. Soaking the seeds enables the seeds to more efficiently embed in the ground and to germinate at a faster rate. If the seeds are not soaked before planting, they may be more susceptible to being blown away in strong winds, or being eaten by animals, before they embed in the ground and germinate. 
     In addition to storage container  102 , the device  100  for planting seeds in a field comprises an air propulsion apparatus  104  connected to the storage container  102 . In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the device  100  for planting seeds in a field comprises an air propulsion apparatus  104 . In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the air propulsion apparatus  104  is a broadcast planter  104  (also known as a broadcast seeder, a seed blower, or a broadcast seed blower). The broadcast planter  104  is an agricultural device commonly used to spread seed, fertilizer, and other substances as well (such as, for example, mulch, lime, salt, or other granular products). Suitable fertilizers for use with broadcast planter  104  include, for example, NPK 18-46-0, NPK 15-15-15, NPK 16-20, or NPK 46. The broadcast planter  104  operates by feeding seeds or fertilizer from a hopper  102  at a controlled rate into an air-powered seed blower, which projects the seeds out of the seed blower by spraying them using air power. In some embodiments of the present invention, the seed blower of the broadcast planter  104  is gasoline- or diesel-powered. However, in other embodiments of the invention, the seed blower of the broadcast planter  104  is electric-powered, and can comprise, for example, a rechargeable battery which may be recharged from electricity from solar power, wind power, or other renewable energy sources. Instead of a broadcast planter  104 , however, the air propulsion apparatus  104  could also comprise, for example, a leaf blower. 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, the device  100  for planting seeds comprises a hollow member  106  connected to the air propulsion apparatus  104 . In these embodiments, the seeds (and/or fertilizer, or mulch, or other granular material) are propelled into (and through) the hollow member  106  by the air propulsion apparatus  104 , and the hollow member  106  serves to connect the seed storage container  102  and air propulsion apparatus  104  to the rest of the device  100  for planting seeds. 
     In certain embodiments, the hollow member  106  attached to the air propulsion apparatus  104  may be a flexible hollow member  106 , such as the hose  106  depicted in  FIG. 1 . In these embodiments, the hollow member  106  may comprise a hose  106  (either a corrugated or non-corrugated hose), composed of (for example) a rubber or a flexible polymer. In other embodiments, however, the hollow member  106  attached to the air propulsion apparatus  104  may be made of a rigid material, such as (for example) PVC pipe, aluminum, steel, or other suitable materials. In these embodiments, the hollow member  106  may be a rigid cylindrical tube, for example, instead of a flexible hose. 
     As shown in the device  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , while one end of flexible hollow member  106  is connected to air propulsion apparatus  104 , the other end of flexible hollow member  106  is connected to a horizontal member  110 , into which the seeds from storage container  102  are propelled from broadcast planter  104  and through flexible hollow member  106  into horizontal member  110 . The device  100  also comprises a plurality of vertical members  120 , which are each attached to a bottom of horizontal member  110 . The seeds propelled into hollow horizontal member  110  are propelled through the hollow horizontal member  110  towards the ends of hollow horizontal member  110  and into the plurality of hollow vertical members  120 , and from the ends of the vertical members  120  into the ground for planting. 
     In various embodiments of the device  100  depicted in  FIG. 1 , the number of vertical members  120  that are attached to hollow horizontal member  110  may vary, based on, for example, the size of hollow horizontal member  110 , and/or the type (and power) of the air propulsion apparatus  104 . In some preferred embodiments, the device  100  comprises an equal number of vertical members  120  on each side of the point where flexible hollow member  106  connects to hollow horizontal member  110 , the distances between each pair of adjacent vertical members  120  are constant and equal, and the device  100  is configured so that an equal amount of seed is propelled through each individual one of the plurality of vertical members  120 . In these embodiments, the device  100  will have an even number of vertical members  120 . An equal amount of seed being propelled through each one of the plurality of vertical members  120  allows a farmer to plant even, equidistantly spaced rows of crops, which each row containing a relatively equal number of plants. In other embodiments, however, the number of vertical members  120  on each side of the point where flexible hollow member  106  connects to hollow horizontal member  110  may be different. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of hollow vertical members  120  can comprise between 4 and 40 hollow vertical members, between 10 and 30 hollow vertical members, between 22 and 26 hollow members, or between 14 and 18 hollow vertical members. 
     The relative amounts of seed propelled through each of the plurality of vertical members  120  can be tested by running the device  100  in an experimental environment, and measuring the amount of seed that is propelled through each of the plurality of vertical members  120  by placing a bag or sock over the end of each of the plurality of vertical members  120 , and then comparing the relative amount of seed that has been collected in each bag or sock. 
     In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the air propulsion apparatus  104  can be carried by a user of the device  100 , for example by mounting the storage container  102  and air propulsion apparatus  104  on a backpack (not shown) or other equipment that can be carried by a user. In these embodiments, one user may carry the storage container  102  and air propulsion apparatus  104  around a field using a backpack or similar equipment, and one or more other users may aid in moving the horizontal member  110  and vertical members  120  around the field during the planting process. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a different embodiment of a system  200  for planting seeds, in which the storage container  102 , air propulsion apparatus  104 , horizontal member  110 , and vertical members  120  are mounted on a moveable support  210 . In this exemplary system  200 , the moveable support  210  is a cart  210  with wheels  220 —however, the moveable support could take other forms as well (for example, a sled). In system  200 , the cart  210  helps bear the weight of the storage container  102 , air propulsion apparatus  104 , horizontal member  110 , and vertical members  120 , and wheels  220  aid a user of system  200  of moving the system  200  around a field to plant seeds using system  200 . The cart  210  and wheels  220  may be made of metals (such as iron, steel, stainless steel, or aluminum), or other materials such as PVC, bamboo, or wood, (or, in the case of the wheels, rubber) and may be coated with one or more substances that protect the cart  210  from rust and/or degradation from ultraviolet (UV) rays (such as rust- and/or UV-resistant paint(s)). In some embodiments, part of the system  200  may be mounted on cart  210  and wheeled (or otherwise moved) by a first user, and a separate part of the system  200  may be carried around the field separately by one or more other users. In other exemplary embodiments, however, the cart  210  may be towed by an animal, or may have a motor or other propulsion device capable of mechanically propelling cart  210  with little or no effort from a user. 
     The wheels  220  of cart  210  are useful in moving system  200  around a field in which the ground is relatively firm. However, if the field is inundated with water or relatively muddy (as rice paddies commonly are), the wheels  220  of cart  210  may become bogged down in mud or water, making it difficult to move system  200  around the field.  FIG. 3  depicts a different exemplary system  300 , featuring a cart  310  with two skis  320  upon which the cart  310  is mounted. The skis  320  are preferred in wetter environments, such as an inundated rice paddy, in which it is easier for the system  300  to slide over the ground of a field instead of using rolling wheels that can become bogged down in the wet ground, such as the wheels  220  of the cart  210  shown in  FIG. 2 . The skis  320  of system  300  may be made of different materials, for example a rigid plastic (such as PVC plastic) or other polymers, a metal (such as steel or aluminum), or composite materials. 
       FIGS. 4A-E  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the “piping” system  400  that comprises both the hollow horizontal member and vertical members of a device for planting seeds. In this exemplary embodiment, the piping system  400  attaches to a flexible hollow member (such as hollow member  106  depicted in  FIG. 1 ) via a T-connector  420 . The T-connector  420  receives seeds from an air propulsion device (not shown), such as a broadcast planter, and distributes the seeds evenly to each side of the T-connector  420  by utilizing a “flow divider” inside the T-connector  420  which splits the flow of seeds. The flow divider (not shown in this view) may be a flat, planar sheet of material, which splits the volume inside the perpendicular inlet of the T-connector  420  in half. The T-connector  420  may be positioned so that the flexible hollow member is attached to the top of the hollow horizontal member, to the side of the hollow horizontal member, or at an angle in-between. 
     In exemplary preferred embodiments, T-connector  420  and the flow divider inside are both comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. The T-connector  420  and the flow divider may be manufactured by thermal forming the T-connector  420  from PVC, thermal forming a sheet of PVC, and then inserting the thermal-formed sheet of PVC into the perpendicular inlet of the T-connector  420  to form a flow divider within that perpendicular inlet. 
     The hollow horizontal member of piping system  400  is comprised of a number of T-connectors  440  and flow reducers  460  that connect segments of pipe  430  to form the hollow horizontal member. The T-connectors  440  connect both the segments of pipe  430  with each other, and also connect the vertical members  410  to the hollow horizontal member. In the exemplary preferred embodiment  400  depicted in  FIGS. 4A-E , the segments of pipe  430  decrease in diameter along the length of hollow horizontal member away from T-connector  420  towards the ends of the hollow horizontal member, because the amount of seed flowing through the segments of pipe  430  decreases at increasing distances from the receiving T-connector  420  as seed is directed into each of vertical members  410 . The flow reducers  460  connect segments of pipe  430  of different diameters, allowing the hollow horizontal member to decrease in diameter so that a diameter of the hollow horizontal member is greater at the T-connector  420  than either of the two ends of the hollow horizontal member, which each comprise elbow connectors  450  which connect the end vertical members  410  to the hollow horizontal member. 
     The segments of pipe  430 , the T-connectors  420  and  440 , and the flow reducers  460  may be comprised of varying materials, such as metals, polymers, or composites. However, in exemplary preferred embodiments of the piping system  400 , the segments of pipe  430 , the T-connectors  420  and  440 , and the flow reducers  460  are all comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. In exemplary embodiments, the segments of pipe  430 , the T-connectors  420  and  440 , and the flow reducers  460  are resized and then connected together to form the horizontal hollow member of system  400 . Resizing includes, for example, cutting, grinding, and using other machining techniques to resize the segments of pipe  430 , the T-connectors  420  and  440 , and the flow reducers  460 . After the segments of pipe  430 , the T-connectors  420  and  440 , and the flow reducers  460  are connected together, they can be glued together to form the hollow horizontal member. 
     While the hollow horizontal member of exemplary embodiment  400  is comprised of a plurality of interconnected segments of pipe  430 , T-connectors  420  and  440 , and flow reducers  460  as described above, in other embodiments of the invention, the hollow horizontal member may comprise a single hollow horizontal component (not shown). In these embodiments, the single hollow horizontal component may be a tube, pipe, or cylinder. In certain embodiments, the single hollow horizontal component has a constant diameter along its length. In other embodiments, the ends of the hollow horizontal component each have a smaller diameter than the center of the hollow horizontal component. 
     In the exemplary embodiment  400  depicted in  FIGS. 4A-E , the piping  400  comprises sixteen vertical members  410 , with eight vertical members  410  evenly spaced along each side of the T-connector  420 . In this exemplary embodiment, an equal amount of seed is directed into each of the eight vertical members  410 . In exemplary piping system  400 , of the vertical members  410  decreases in diameter from the top of the vertical member  410  to the bottom of the vertical member  410 , forming a nozzle  415  at the end of vertical member  410 . The nozzle  415  increases the velocity of seeds being propelled from vertical member  410  (as the cross-sectional area of nozzle  415  is smaller in comparison to the upper part of vertical member  410 ), and also focuses the area in which seeds are propelled from vertical member  410 , allowing seeds to effectively embed into the ground of a field in neat, equidistant rows. In some embodiments, the diameter of the vertical member  410  may remain constant along the majority of the vertical length of vertical member  410 , only decreasing at the portion of vertical member  410  that comprises nozzle  415 . In other embodiments, the diameter of the vertical member  410  may vary along the entire vertical length of vertical member  410 , gradually growing smaller as it gets closer to nozzle  415 . 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, vertical member  410 , like the segments of pipe  430 , the T-connectors  420  and  440 , and the flow reducers  460 , is comprised of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Nozzle  415  can be manufactured by thermal die forming an end of vertical member  410  into nozzle  415 . The vertical members  410  can then be inserted and glued into the perpendicular inlets of T-connectors  440  to connect the vertical members  410  to the piping system  400 . 
     In embodiments, in which vertical members  410 , segments of pipe  430 , the T-connectors  420  and  440 , and flow reducers  460  are comprised of PVC, the PVC piping can be covered or coated with a UV-resistant paint or other coating which helps those PVC pieces resist degradation from ultraviolet radiation, prolonging the life of piping system  400 . 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of exemplary piping system  500 , which illustrates the flow of seed (and/or fertilizer) through system  500 . As seed enters the system  500  at the perpendicular inlet of T-connector  520 , flow divider  510  acts to split the flow of seed in half, directing each half of the seed flow to each side of flow divider  510  and into interior segments of piping  505 . Each of the interior segments of piping  505  is connected to each other and to interior vertical members  530   a  via T-connectors  508 , and the end segments of piping  515  are connected to end vertical members  530   b  via elbow connectors  550 . In this exemplary embodiment  500 , the interior segments of piping  505  have a larger diameter than the end segments of piping  515 . Seed exits the vertical members  530   a  and  530   b  at relatively higher velocity from nozzle  535 , as depicted by flow arrows  538 . 
     As seed is propelled horizontally away from T-connector  520  and flow divider  510 , it is caught by the cup-shaped baffles  545  that are connected to the top of the interior vertical tubes  530   a . Each baffle  545  has a closed top, and is shaped as a cup or closed half-pipe which “catches” and re-directs seed (and/or fertilizer) away from the horizontal flow into interior vertical tubes  530   a , as illustrated by flow arrows  533   a . In preferred embodiments, the baffles  545  are designed so that each interior vertical member  530   a  catches and receives an approximately equivalent amount of seed. Each of the baffles  545  is connected to a respective interior vertical tube  530   a  by connector  540 . 
     As the flow of seed reaches the end piping segments  515 , all of the seed remaining in the flow is directed into end vertical members  530   b , as illustrated by flow arrows  533   b . Thus, there is no need for end vertical members  530   b  to be connected to baffles that catch and redirect only a portion of the seed in the flow. 
     By catching and redirecting approximately equal amounts of seed (and/or fertilizer), the baffles  545  ensure that approximately equal amounts of crops are planted in each row, and help prevent the device from jamming from one or more vertical tubes  530   a  or  530   b  having seed propelled into it at too great a rate. 
     The baffles  545  may be manufactured from different materials, but in exemplary preferred embodiments, the baffles  545  are comprised of PVC plastic. In these embodiments, the baffles  545  are manufactured by thermal die forming, in which the PVC is heated and then formed/folded around a metal or wooden die having the desired cup-like, closed half-pipe shape for the baffle  545 . 
       FIGS. 6A-E  depict an exemplary interior vertical pipe  530   a  having a nozzle  535  for propelling seed (and/or fertilizer) and attached to a baffle  545  via connector  520 . The bottom portion  540  of baffle  545  connects the baffle  545  to connector  520 , allowing the cup-shaped baffle  545  to catch and redirect seed into the vertical member  530   a . As depicted in  FIGS. 6A-E , the baffle  545  may decrease in diameter further away from the bottom portion  540  of baffle  545 , and may comprise a notch that can attach to an edge of the horizontal piping. 
       FIG. 7  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a vertical member  530   a  in which a nozzle cover  710  has been attached to nozzle  535 . In this exemplary embodiment, the nozzle cover  710  comprises a plurality of flexible strands  710   a - c  which aid in planting seeds on ground that is relatively dry and firm. When propelled from the nozzle  535 , the seeds may bounce off of the firm ground, away from nozzle  535 . Nozzle cover  710  helps catch and redirect seeds, helping the seeds to maintain their position in relatively orderly rows in the field. The exemplary embodiment  710  depicted in  FIG. 7  is comprised of strands of flexible rubber hose  710   a - c . However, nozzle covers  710  may take varying forms and be composed of varying materials, including but not limited to a hose, skirt, curtain, or cone that helps direct seed from nozzle  535 . 
     The following Examples are only illustrative. It will be readily seen by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention fulfills the objectives set forth above. After reading the foregoing specification, one of ordinary skill will be able to effect various changes, substitutions of equivalents, and various other embodiments of the invention as broadly disclosed therein. It is therefore intended that the protection granted herein be limited only by the definition contained in the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 
     EXAMPLES 
       FIG. 8  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a device  800  for planting seed. PVC T-connector  420  of device  800  can be attached, via a hose or other connector (not shown) to a broadcast planter or similar device for propelling seed and/or fertilizer. The T-connector  420  is attached to a set of horizontal PVC piping (not shown), which is enclosed by a piece of PVC pipe  810 . The PVC pipe  810  comprises a slit along its length, which allows the PVC pipe  810  to be stretched to enclose and fit snugly around the horizontal PVC piping of device  800 . 
     The exemplary device  800  features  12  vertical members  410 , each comprised of PVC plastic and having a nozzle  415 , and which are spaced equidistantly from each other and connected to the horizontal PVC piping encased within PVC pipe  810 . The vertical members  410  are mounted onto metal frame  840 , to which PVC pipe  810  is also attached. The frame  810  comprises two metal handles  830 , which can be held by users and utilized to maneuver device  800  around a field for planting. 
     Device  800  also features two skis  820 . The skis  820  are comprised of a metal, such as steel or aluminum, or a plastic, such as PVC. The device  800  slides on skis  820  as the users maneuver device  800  around a field, using handles  830 , to plant seeds in neat, equidistant rows from the nozzles  415  of the vertical tubes  410  of device  800 .