Patent Publication Number: US-9883624-B2

Title: Row unit for a seeding machine with dual seed meters

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/077,030 filed on Nov. 7, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a row unit for a seeding machine, such as a row crop planter for agricultural applications. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a row unit having a seed meter and a seed delivery mechanism. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the disclosure provides a row unit for a seeding machine. The row unit includes a seed meter for selectively moving individual seeds from two different seed pools, such as of a first variety of seeds and a second variety of seeds, a seed delivery mechanism for discharging the individual seeds from the seeding machine, and a seed loader disposed between the seed meter and the seed delivery mechanism for directing the individual seeds from the seed meter to the seed delivery mechanism. In some aspects, the seed loader is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. In other aspects, the seed loader includes a shroud and a pneumatic pressure source coupled to the shroud. The seed meter may include a first seed meter and a second seed meter, the first seed meter moving the first variety of seeds and the second seed meter moving the second variety of seeds. The seed meter, the seed delivery mechanism, and the seed loader may be mounted to a row unit frame. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides a row unit for a seeding machine. The row unit includes a seed meter assembly having first and second reservoirs for holding a first pool of seeds and a second pool of seeds, respectively. The seed meter assembly is operable to selectively transport seeds from the first pool and seeds from the second pool. The row unit also has a conveyor with a conduit for receiving seeds and configured to discharge the seeds from the seeding machine, and a seed loader disposed between the seed meter assembly and the conveyor for directing the seeds from the seed meter assembly to the conveyor. 
     In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a row unit for a seeding machine. The row unit includes a first seed meter having a first metering member for moving seeds sequentially from a first seed pool, and a second seed meter having a second metering member for moving seeds sequentially from a second seed pool. The row unit also includes a seed loader in communication with the first and second seed meters, the seed loader configured to selectively receive seeds from one or both of the first and second seed meters. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides a seed loader for transferring a seed in a seeding machine. The seed loader includes a housing having a first meter opening, a second meter opening, and a delivery opening spaced about an axis. The seed loader also includes a hub portion configured to rotate within the housing about the axis, and a sweeper extending from the hub portion. The sweeper includes a paddle extending generally away from the hub portion and configured to move from at least one of the first or second meter opening toward the delivery opening. 
     Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a seeding machine. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of a seed loader for the seeding machine of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 3-5  are perspective views of one construction of the seed loader of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIGS. 6-11  are various views of the seed loader of  FIGS. 3-5  disposed in the seeding machine. 
         FIGS. 12-16  are various views of another construction of the seed loader of  FIG. 2  disposed in the seeding machine. 
         FIGS. 17-22  are various views of yet another construction of the seed loader of  FIG. 2  disposed in the seeding machine. 
         FIGS. 23-27  are various views of a pneumatic seed loader disposed in the seeding machine. 
         FIGS. 28-32  are various views of another pneumatic seed loader disposed in the seeding machine. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a seeding machine  10 , such as a row crop planter. The seeding machine  10  has a frame  12  on which are mounted a plurality of individual row units  14 . Seed sources, such as storage tanks  13   a - 13   c , hold seed that is delivered, e.g., pneumatically, to a mini-hopper (not shown) on each row unit  14 . The storage tanks  13   a - 13   c  may be coupled to the mini-hoppers by way of conduits  20 , such as hoses, and a pressurized delivery apparatus (not shown). Each storage tank  13   a - 13   c  can be used to contain the same variety of seeds, or a different variety of seeds. For example, a first storage tank  13   a  may contain a first variety of seeds, a second storage tank  13   b  may contain a second variety of seeds, and a third storage tank  13   c  may contain a third variety of seeds. The varieties are typically within the same crop (such as corn, soy, etc.), with each variety having different traits which allows a more optimal variety to be planted at a given location in a field. The traits may include tolerances of seed to disease, draught, moisture, pests, and other seed characteristics, etc. It may also be possible for the different varieties to include plant type, such as corn, soy, etc. For example, the first storage tank  13   a  may contain corn, the second storage tank  13   b  may contain soy, and the third storage tank  13   c  may contain a more moisture tolerant variety of corn or soy. Thus, each row unit  14  can be coupled to several conduits  20  such that each row unit  14  is coupled to each storage tank  13   a - 13   c  to receive the first, second, and third varieties of seed. In other constructions, the storage tanks  13   a - 13   c  may contain the same variety of seed. 
     Each row unit  14  has a frame  18  to which the components of the row unit  14  are mounted. For example, the frame  18  may carry furrow opening disks for forming an open furrow  15  in the soil beneath the seeding machine  10  into which seed is deposited, and closing and packing wheels to close the furrow  15  over the deposited seed and to firm the soil in the closed furrow  15 . 
     In general, and with reference also to  FIG. 2  for context, a seed meter assembly  16  having two seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  is coupled to each row unit frame  18 . The seed meter assembly  16  may have one, two, three or more seed meters coupled to each row unit frame  18 . The illustrated seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  are substantially the same, with like parts labeled with the same or similar reference numerals herein. In other constructions, the seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  may be different (for example, two different types of seed meters may be used). Each seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  takes seeds from a seed pool and sequentially discharges single seeds for delivery one at a time (e.g., meters, or singulates, the seeds). As one example, each seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  may use an air pressure differential, (i.e., vacuum and/or positive pressure), to adhere seeds to a metering member  24 , which can be in the form of a disk, a bowl, or more generally a plate, having apertures  26  that extend therethrough. The apertures  26  are generally arranged circumferentially about a meter axis A 1 , A 2  (respectively), substantially in a circle, proximate an outer edge of the metering member  24 . The metering member  24  may be driven by a motor  30 , such as an electric motor (see  FIG. 11 , for example). In other constructions, other types of motors, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, etc. may be used as well as various types of mechanical drives. 
     A seed reservoir  28  containing a seed pool is positioned on one side of each metering member  24  at a lower portion thereof, and is connected to one or more of the storage tanks  13   a - 13   c  to receive seeds therefrom by way of the conduits  20 . A pressure differential is applied across the metering member  24 , which rotates about the meter axis A 1  or A 2  through the seed pool such that individual seeds S 1 , S 2  ( FIG. 2 ) from the respective seed pool are adhered or attracted by virtue of the pressure differential to the passing apertures  26 . In order to release a seed, one seed at a time (e.g., to meter, or singulate, the seeds), the pressure differential is terminated at a desired release position, though in other embodiments the differential is maintained and mechanical assistance is utilized to knock, pull, or push the seed off the metering member  24 , interfere with the aperture to disrupt the pressure differential, or otherwise release the seed. In yet other constructions, other types of metering members for metering/singulating the seeds may be employed. 
     A seed delivery mechanism  32  is also coupled to each row unit frame  18 . The seed delivery mechanism  32  receives metered seeds from each seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  and delivers the seeds to the furrow  15  in the soil. The seed delivery mechanism  32 , or conveyor, may include a conduit such as a belt  34 , which receives the metered seeds from each seed meter  22   a ,  22   b , conveys the metered seeds toward the ground, and expels the metered seeds in the furrow  15 . The belt  34  is driven through one or more pulleys (not shown) rotating about an axis D ( FIG. 2 ) by a motor, such as an electric motor, or by any hydraulic or pneumatic drive as well as various types of mechanical drives. The belt  34  can be in the form of a brush belt  34  with bristles for trapping, holding, and releasing the metered seeds whereby the seed movement between the seed meter and the furrow is controlled. In other constructions, the seed delivery mechanism  32  may include other types of belts, such as a foam belt, a conveyor belt, a flighted belt, a pocketed belt, a belt with resilient fingers, etc. In yet other constructions, the seed delivery mechanism  32  can include other types of mechanisms suitable for receiving seeds from each seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  and conveying the seeds to the furrow  15 . For example, the seed delivery mechanism  32  may include other conduits such as one or more tubes to direct seeds from each seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  to the furrow  15 . 
     Two or more seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  are coupled to each row unit frame  18 . The first seed meter  22   a  is in communication with one seed source (e.g., one of the storage tanks  13   a - 13   c ), and the second seed meter  22   b  is in communication with another seed source (e.g., another one of the storage tanks  13   a - 13   c ), and so on. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  may be arranged generally in parallel such that the respective meter axes A 1 , A 2  are substantially coaxial. In other constructions, such as illustrated in the constructions of  FIGS. 8-11, 12-15 and 16-21 , the first and second meters  22   a ,  22   b  may be arranged such that the respective meter axes A 1 , A 2  are generally parallel but offset by a certain distance. In other similar constructions, the first and second meters  22   a ,  22   b  may be tilted with respect to each other such that the meter axes A 1 , A 2  intersect with a small included angle. In yet other constructions, the seed meter assembly  16  may include a single seed meter configured to selectively meter seeds from two or more different seed sources, or alternatively, three or more seed meters may be coupled to each row unit frame  18  and in communication with one or more of the storage tanks  13   a - 13   c.    
     A seed loader  36  is disposed between the first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b .  FIGS. 3-11  illustrate a first construction of the seed loader  36  as a single-wheel loader,  FIGS. 12-16  illustrate a second construction of the seed loader  136  also as a single-wheel loader, and  FIGS. 17-22  illustrate a third construction of the seed loader  236  as a dual-wheel loader. Generally, the seed loader  36 ,  136 ,  236  is positioned for selectively receiving metered seeds from one (or both) of the first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  and transferring metered seeds to the seed delivery mechanism  32 . In other constructions, the seed loader  36 ,  136 ,  236  may be disposed adjacent a single seed meter and used to transfer metered seeds from the single seed meter ( 22   a  or  22   b ) to the seed delivery mechanism  32 . 
     The seed loader  36 ,  136 ,  236  is a rotating seed loader mounted for rotation about a loader axis B disposed generally perpendicular to at least one or both of the meter axes A 1 , A 2 . In some constructions, e.g., the first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  are tilted with respect to one another, the loader axis B may be disposed transverse to the meter axes A 1 , A 2  but not necessarily perpendicular. 
     As illustrated schematically in  FIG. 2 , the seed loader  36 ,  136 ,  236  includes receptacles  38  for receiving a seed from the seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  at a pickup location  40 . The receptacles  38  are configured to rotate about the loader axis B to transfer the seed in a circumferential path from the pickup location  40  to a drop off location  42  at the seed delivery mechanism  32 . 
     It should be understood that  FIG. 2  is merely schematic, and that the number, spacing, and structure of the receptacles  38  and the loader  36 ,  136 ,  236  may vary between constructions. In one construction, four receptacles  38  are employed, and the receptacles  38  are spaced about 90 degrees apart about the loader axis B. However, the receptacles  38  may be spaced unevenly about the loader axis B in other constructions. Furthermore, one, two, three, five, or more receptacles  38  may be employed in other constructions and may be spaced evenly or unevenly about the loader axis B. The constructions of the seed loader  36 ,  136 ,  236  illustrated herein have three receptacles  38 . 
       FIGS. 3-11  and  FIGS. 12-16  illustrate two constructions of a single-wheel seed loader  36 ,  136 . The seed loader  36 ,  136  includes a shaft  44 ,  144 , a hub portion  46 ,  146 , a housing  48 ,  148 , and a sweeper  49 ,  149 . Like features of the seed loader  36  and the seed loader  136  need not be described separately herein and are labeled with the same or similar reference numerals plus  100 . The hub portion  46 ,  146  is coupled to the shaft  44 ,  144  for rotation therewith about the loader axis B and includes a sweeper  49 ,  149  extending therefrom for sweeping a seed from the seed meters  22   a ,  22   b . The shaft  44 ,  144  hub portion  46 ,  146  and sweeper  49 ,  149  rotate with respect to the frame  18 . In the illustrated construction, the sweeper  49 ,  149  comprises paddles  50 ,  150  extending radially from the hub portion  46 ,  146  for sweeping a seed from the respective seed meter  22   a ,  22   b . Three paddles  50 ,  150  define three receptacles  38 ,  138  ( FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 14 ) for receiving seeds, each receptacle  38 ,  138  being defined as the space or compartment within the housing  48 ,  148  between successive paddles  50 ,  150  and the hub portion  46 ,  146  in which the seed is received and moved from the pickup location  40  to the drop off location  42 . The paddles  50 ,  150  are spaced approximately evenly about the loader axis B by angular distances of about 120 degrees, but it is to be understood that fewer or more paddles  50 ,  150  may be employed to define fewer or more receptacles  38 ,  138 , and that the paddles may be spaced evenly or unevenly. 
     Each paddle  50 ,  150  is coupled to the hub portion  46 ,  146  in a cantilevered fashion by way of an arm  41 ,  141 , which allows radial and/or circumferential flexion capability. Each paddle  50 ,  150  extends from the arm  41 ,  141  and may be radial or oblique with respect to the axis B. In the illustrated constructions, each arm  41 ,  141  includes a first portion  43 ,  143  extending generally radially from the hub and a second portion  45 ,  145  extending generally circumferentially from the first portion  43 ,  143  leaving a first gap  47 ,  147  between the hub portion  46 ,  146  and the second portion  45 ,  145  in a radial direction and a second gap  59 ,  159  between the paddle  50 ,  150  and the adjacent arm  41 ,  141  in a circumferential direction. The paddle  50 ,  150  extends generally radially from the second portion  45 ,  145 . As such, the provision of the first and second gaps  47 ,  147 ,  59 ,  159  allows room for flexion of each arm  41 ,  141  and of each paddle  50 ,  150  in radial and circumferential directions, for example in response to engagement of the paddles  50 ,  150  with the belt  34  of the seed delivery mechanism  32  (which will be described in greater detail below) or in response to engagement of the paddles  50 ,  150  with other components, such as the seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  and with the seeds themselves. The first gap  47 ,  147  may be filled with an elastic material, such as foam or resin, to inhibit seeds from being trapped in the seed loader  36 ,  136 . 
     With reference to the construction of  FIGS. 12-15 , the first portion  143  is forked including two extensions each connecting to the second portion  145  at opposite ends such that each sweeper  149  is substantially symmetrical about a radial axis E ( FIG. 15 ). The symmetrical construction of each sweeper  149  allows each paddle  150  to flex and react to forces the same way when the seed loader  136  is rotating counterclockwise and clockwise. 
     Rather than paddles  50 ,  150 , the sweeper  49 ,  149  may also include other mechanisms for sweeping the seed, such as brushes, bristles, foam, resilient fingers, etc. Some sweeper mechanisms, such as a brush wheel and a foam wheel, may be continuous about the loader axis B, and may effectively define as many receptacles  38 ,  138  as locations at which a seed may be received. 
     The housing  48 ,  148  includes a first meter opening  52 ,  152  disposed adjacent the first seed meter  22   a , a second meter opening  54 ,  154  disposed adjacent the second seed meter  22   b , and a delivery opening  56 ,  156 , or outlet, disposed adjacent and in communication with the seed delivery mechanism  32 . The first meter opening  52 ,  152  and the second meter opening  54 ,  154  correspond with the pickup locations  40 . Inserts  51 ,  53  ( FIG. 5 ) and  151 ,  153  ( FIGS. 13-14 ) made from spring steel or other low-wearing material are disposed proximate each meter opening  52 ,  54 , respectively. The inserts  51 ,  53 ,  151 ,  153  may also be referred to herein as ramps. 
     With reference to the construction of  FIGS. 3-11 , and as shown specifically in  FIGS. 3-5 , each insert  51 ,  53  can be retained in place over/across/at/proximate each opening  52 ,  54  in any manner desired (e.g., bent-over ends that mate with features of the housing  48 , snap-fit, fastened, etc.), and can have an aperture  55 ,  57  (respectively) shaped and sized to permit seed to pass. The inserts  51 ,  53  inhibit wear on the seed loader  36  and may be replaceable as needed. In some constructions, the openings  52 ,  54  may be sized and shaped to permit certain varieties of seed (e.g., significantly different sizes of seed) to pass and may be interchanged depending on the variety of seed being used. 
     With reference to the construction of  FIGS. 12-15 , and with particular reference to  FIGS. 13-14 , each insert  151 ,  153  is received in a recessed groove  125  in the respective metering member  24 . The recessed groove  125  is recessed from a surface of the metering member  24 , such as a seed surface  60  in communication with the seed pool and to which metered seeds are attracted. The recessed groove  125  is substantially arcuate with respect to the respective metering axis A 1 , A 2  and, more specifically, may be substantially circular. As the seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  rotate in frictional engagement with the inserts  151 ,  153 , the inserts  151 ,  153  are recessed in the circular recessed groove  125  and remain stationary with respect to the frame  18 . When other types of metering members are employed, it should understood that the groove  125  may have other corresponding shapes and configurations. The inserts  151 ,  153  each have a respective ramp surface  161 ,  163  inclined from the first meter opening  152  and the second meter opening  154 , respectively, to the delivery opening  156 , that guide the seed through the seed loader  136  from the first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  to the seed delivery mechanism  32 . Specifically, the ramp surfaces  161 ,  163  may be arcuate with respect to the loader axis B for cooperating with the sweeper  149  to guide seeds. The ramp surfaces  161 ,  163  are flush with or recessed from the respective surface of the metering member  24  so as to facilitate a smooth, uninhibited path for each seed to travel from the first and second meter openings  152 ,  154  to the delivery opening  156 . The inserts  151 ,  153  may engage the seed delivery mechanism  32 , e.g., the conduit  34 , to reduce gaps that could trap seeds unintentionally. 
     Returning to the seed loaders  36 ,  136 , the sweeper  49 ,  149  may or may not contact the metering member(s)  24  and may engage the seed while the seed is still adhered to the metering member(s)  24  by vacuum, after the vacuum is released, broken, disrupted, etc., or after the seed is otherwise released from the metering member(s)  24 . Any one or more of the housing  48 ,  148  the paddles  50 ,  150  the inserts  51 ,  53  and  151 ,  153 , etc. may contact the metering member(s)  24  while sweeping a seed from the metering member(s)  24 , or may receive the seed without contacting the metering member(s)  24 , or may engage the metering member  24  of one of the seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  and not the other of the seed meters  22   a ,  22   b . For example, the paddles  50 ,  150  may engage the metering member(s)  24  to sweep a seed that is adhered to the metering member(s)  24  by pressure differential. As such, the paddles  50 ,  150  may break the seed away from adherence with the metering member(s)  24  by contact with the seed and metering member(s)  24 . In other constructions, the paddles  50 ,  150  may break the seed away from adherence with the metering member(s)  24  by contact with the seed without contacting the metering member(s)  24 . In yet other constructions, a gap may be disposed between the sweeper  49 ,  149  and the metering member(s)  24  such that the sweeper  49 ,  149  receives a seed after the seed is released from the metering member(s)  24  without engaging the metering member(s)  24 . 
     With reference to the construction of  FIGS. 3-11 , the housing  48  is fixed against rotation with respect to the loader axis B, i.e., does not rotate with respect to the frame  18 . The housing  48  may be disposed to overlap with the belt  34  of the seed delivery mechanism  32  such that the housing  48  enters into the bristles of the belt  34  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). The delivery opening  56 , which corresponds with the drop off location  42 , thus opens into the belt  34  and specifically into the bristles of the belt  34  for depositing seeds therein. The seed loader  36  may be substantially centered about a centerline C of the belt  34  of the seed delivery mechanism  32  (see the side view of  FIG. 6  and the top view of  FIG. 9 ), or may be slightly offset in other constructions. 
     With reference to the construction of  FIGS. 12-16 , the housing  148  is journalled for rotation about the loader axis B by way of a bearing  165  disposed between the housing  148  and the shaft  144 . This configuration may be applied to any construction in this disclosure. When the shaft  144  rotates, friction in the bearing  165  acts to couple the housing  148  for rotation in the direction of the shaft  144 . Thus, the housing  148  is driven to rotate with the shaft  144 . However, a stop  169  limits the range of motion of the housing  148  to a few degrees, e.g., about 5 to about 10 degrees, about 1 to about 30 degrees, about 1 to about 20 degrees, or about 1 to about 15 degrees, or about 1 to about 10 degrees, etc. When the stop  169  is reached, the shaft  144  rotates freely in the bearing  165  and the housing  148  remains against the stop  169 . Projections  173  extending generally radially from the housing  148  and spaced apart by a radial gap  175  engage the stop  169  to inhibit rotating, or rocking, motion of the housing  148  in either direction, the stop  169  being disposed in the gap  175  radially between the projections  173 .  FIGS. 14-15  illustrate the housing  148  moving between a first position ( FIG. 14 ) and a second position ( FIG. 15 ) against the stop  169 . 
     The housing  148  has a wall  177  disposed generally normal to the axis B and disposed just downstream of the sweeper  149  with respect to the direction of the seed delivery mechanism  32 . In other words, the seed delivery mechanism  32  (e.g., the belt  34 ) moves past the sweeper  149  first and then the wall  177 . The wall  177  includes a first wall  177   a  and a second wall  177   b , which may be formed separately or as one piece, that rock into and out of overlapment with the seed delivery mechanism  32 , e.g., the belt  34 , such that the first wall  177   a  enters into the bristles of the belt  34  adjacent to and downstream from the sweeper  149  (with respect to the direction of seed delivery of the conduit  34 , which is moving into the page in  FIGS. 14 and 15 ) when the housing  148  rotates in one direction as shown with phantom lines in  FIG. 15 , and the second wall  177   b  enters into the bristles of the belt  34  adjacent to and downstream from the sweeper  149  when the housing  148  rotates in the other direction as shown in phantom lines in  FIG. 14 . Thus, the first and second walls  177   a ,  177   b  guide seeds from the first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b , respectively, into an inner region of the seed delivery mechanism  32  proximate the centerline C rather than just to the edge of the seed delivery mechanism  32 . The first and second walls  177   a ,  177   b  provide a backstop to inhibit the seed from being swept away into the seed delivery mechanism  32  until the seed reaches an inner region, such as near the center, of the seed delivery mechanism  32 . In other words, the delivery opening  156 , which corresponds with the drop off location  42 , thus opens into an inner region of the belt  34 , rather than the edge, and specifically into the inner region of the bristles of the belt  34  for depositing seeds therein. When the first wall  177   a  ( FIG. 15 ) is overlapping the seed delivery mechanism  32 , the second wall  177   b  is not, and vice versa. Thus, the first and second walls  177   a ,  177   b  alternate engagement into the seed delivery mechanism  32  in conjunction with a direction of rotation of the seed loader  136 . As such, the housing  148  acts as a rocking segue to form a blocking wall ( 177   a  or  177   b , alternately) so that the seed is deposited into the inner region of the brush belt  34 . The housing  148  rocks from one side to the other to present the wall  177   a ,  177   b  extending into the brush belt  34  from one side or the other depending on the seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  that is operating. The walls  177   a ,  177   b  inhibit the seed from being swept away by the seed delivery mechanism  32  before the seed reaches a secure position in the inner region of the seed delivery mechanism  32 . 
     Returning to the seed loaders  36 ,  136  the sweeper  49 ,  149  travels in a direction generally transverse to the direction of travel of the belt  34  where the sweeper  49 ,  149  and belt  34  meet (i.e., proximate the drop off location  42 ). Thus, the paddles  50 ,  150  sweep across the belt  34  and into the belt bristles laterally, i.e., transverse to the direction of movement of the belt  34 , e.g., generally perpendicular to movement of the belt  34  or, in other constructions, transverse at any other angle with respect to movement of the belt  34 . In other constructions, the sweeper  49 ,  149  may travel generally parallel with the direction of travel of the belt  34  proximate the drop off location  42 , e.g., counter to the direction of travel of the belt  34  or concurrent with the direction of travel of the belt  34 . 
     The seed loader  36 ,  136  is selectively driven to rotate in clockwise and counterclockwise directions by at least one motor, which may include the respective motor  30  driving the respective seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  (as shown in  FIGS. 6-11 ), two motors independent from the seed meter motors  30  (not shown), a single independent motor (not shown), or a single seed meter motor  130  ( FIG. 12 ). In any case, a mechanical drive  58 ,  158  (described below) coupled to the motor(s) includes gears and/or clutches to drive the seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  and the seed loader  36 ,  136  in a choreographed fashion. That is, based on the number of receptacles  38 ,  138  or paddles  50 ,  150  the shaft  44  may be controlled (e.g., mechanically by way of gears and clutches in the mechanical drive or electronically via a controller in other constructions) to operate at a speed that corresponds with the number, spacing, and speed of seeds being picked up by the seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  such that the paddle  50 ,  150  sweeps each metered seed sequentially. In yet other constructions, other types of motors, such as hydraulic or pneumatic motors, may be used as well as other types of mechanical drives. The motor(s) or other device may be controlled to operate in a specified direction depending on which seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  is active, or the seed meter motor(s)  30 ,  130  may be geared and clutched to drive the seed loader  36 ,  136  in the corresponding direction. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6-11 , a mechanical drive  58  may be coupled to each side of the shaft  44  between the shaft  44  and the respective seed meter motor  30  for transferring driving force to drive the shaft  44  about the loader axis B. Thus, the seed loader  36  may be driven in one direction when the first seed meter  22   a  is operating and in an opposite direction when the second seed meter  22   b  is operating by the respective seed meter motor  30 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 12-16 , with particular reference to  FIGS. 12 and 16 , a motor  130 , which may be a single reversible motor, and a mechanical drive  158  are configured to selectively drive one of the seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  and the seed loader  136  together such that the sweeper  149  is driven in a direction that corresponds with the seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  being driven to move seeds from the seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  being driven such that the paddles  150  are timed to meet with a seed from each passing aperture  26  in sequence. As illustrated, the mechanical drive  158  includes a shaft  144  coupled to the motor  130  by way of gears  167 , such as bevel gears or another suitable type of coupling. The shaft  144  is driven in a first direction when the motor  130  is operated in a first direction and is driven in a second opposite direction when the motor  130  is driven in a second opposite direction. The mechanical drive  158  also includes meter gears  179   a ,  179   b , such as bevel gears or another suitable type of coupling, coupled between the shaft  144  and the metering member  24  of the respective seed meter  22   a ,  22   b . Specifically, the meter gears  179   a ,  179   b  are each coupled to a respective one-way clutch  181   a ,  181   b  disposed between the shaft  144  and the respective metering member  24  for driving the respective metering member  24  when motor  130  is operating in the respective direction. The one-way clutch  181   a ,  181   b  may include teeth  183   a ,  183   b , or other suitable structure, for meshing with teeth  62 , or other suitable structure, of the corresponding metering member  24 . For example, when the motor  130  is driven in the first direction, the first seed meter  22   a  is driven through the first one-way clutch  181   a  and the second one-way clutch  181   b  freewheels such that the second seed meter  22   b  is not driven, and vice versa. Thus, an output of the motor is reversible. Alternatively, the motor  130  may be a single direction motor and the mechanical drive  158  may include a reverser (not shown) for reversing the direction of the output of the motor. In other constructions, the output of the motor may be reversible in other ways. As such, a single motor selectively drives one of the seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  and correspondingly drives the seed loader  136 . 
     In operation, as the hub portion  46 ,  146  rotates within the housing  48 ,  148 , the paddles  50 ,  150  sweep a seed from the first seed meter  22   a  or the second seed meter  22   b  as the paddles  50 ,  150  pass by the first meter opening  52 ,  152  and the second meter opening  54 ,  154 , respectively. The paddles  50 ,  150  may sweep the seed up or down, depending on which way the sweeper  49 ,  149  rotates (as described in greater detail below). The first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  may be selectively operated such that only one seed meter is metering seeds at a time. In this way, the first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  may be controlled to provide a selected variety of seed to the seed delivery mechanism  32  for delivery to the furrow  15 . In other constructions, both seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  may be operable to provide seeds at the same time. 
     In another construction, the seed loader  36  may rotate in a direction dependent on which of the first or second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  is running. For example, the seed loader  36  may run counterclockwise when the first seed meter  22   a  is running and clockwise when the second seed meter  22   b  is running, such that the seeds need only be transferred in a circumferential path about the loader axis B of less than 180 degrees to the drop off location  42 . The reverse may also be used such that the seeds are always transferred in an angular path about the loader axis B of greater than 180 degrees. It is to be understood that other angular distances may be used depending on the spacing of the first meter opening  52 , the second meter opening  54 , and the delivery opening  56 . In other constructions, the seed loader  36 ,  136  may rotate about the loader axis B in a single direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). With reference to the schematic of  FIG. 2 , if the seed loader  36 ,  136  operates clockwise, a first seed is picked up at the pickup location  40  of the first seed meter  22   a  (if the first seed meter  22   a  is operating) and moved in a circumferential path about the loader axis B for greater than 180 degrees (e.g., about 270 degrees) to the drop off location  42 , or a second seed is picked up at the pickup location  40  of the second seed meter  22   b  (if the second seed meter  22   b  is operating) and moved in a circumferential path about the loader axis B for less than 180 degrees (e.g., about 90 degrees) to the drop off location  42 . The reverse of this operation may also be employed. 
     In other constructions, the seed loader  36 ,  136  may be oscillating, reciprocating, translating, or moving in other manners to pick up seeds at one or more meter openings  52 ,  54  and to discharge the seeds at the drop off location  42 . 
     In yet other constructions, two or more seed loaders  36 ,  136  may be employed, e.g., one seed loader  36 ,  136  for every individual seed meter. Or, equivalently, the seed loader  36 ,  136  may include dual sweepers as described in greater detail below. As such, two seed loaders  36  (or sweepers  49 ,  149 ) may be used such that one seed loader always rotates in one direction for transferring seeds from the first seed meter  22   a  to the seed delivery mechanism  32 , and the other seed loader always rotates in the same or an opposite direction for transferring seeds from the second seed meter  22   b  to the seed delivery mechanism  32 . 
     One example of such dual seed loaders is illustrated in  FIGS. 17-22 . A seed loader  236  includes two hub portions  246   a ,  246   b  and two sweepers  249   a ,  249   b . The sweepers  249   a ,  249   b  include the same features as the sweeper  49  but are each driven in opposite directions. Like features are labeled in  FIGS. 19-20  using the same reference numerals shown in  FIGS. 3-5  plus  200  and need not be described again. Reference for the common features is made to the description above. The sweepers  249   a ,  249   b  are each dedicated to one seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  and configured to rotate when the corresponding seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  is in use. It is apparent from the disclosure above that many constructions exist for driving the sweepers  249   a ,  249   b  accordingly. For example, the hub portions  246   a ,  246   b  may be coupled to the same shaft  244  (e.g., like the shaft  144 ) driven by a single motor  130  and geared such that one of the sweepers  249   a ,  249   b  is driven when the shaft  144  rotates in one direction and the other of the sweepers  249   a ,  249   b  is driven when the shaft  144  rotates in the other direction. Alternatively, two separate shafts  244  may be employed, one for each hub portion  246   a ,  246   b . In some constructions, one of the sweepers  249   a ,  249   b  is driven by a first motor (not shown) and the other of the sweepers  249   a ,  249   b  is driven by a second motor (not shown). The seed loader  236  may be driven by any of the motor and mechanical drive arrangements described above. In  FIG. 21 , the seed loader  236  is illustrated as being driven individually by separate seed meter motors  230 . 
     The sweepers  249   a ,  249   b  are driven to rotate in opposite directions such that each paddle  250  sweeps a seed in a downward direction from top to bottom with respect to gravity. Thus, the seed loader  236  is a dual seed loader. 
     The seed loader  236  includes a single housing  248  mounted rotatably by bearings  265  and movable between a first position ( FIG. 19 ) and a second position ( FIG. 20 ), as described above with respect to the housing  148 . Like features are given the same reference numeral as the corresponding features in the construction of  FIGS. 12-16  plus  100 . The wall differs from the wall  177  in that one wall  277   a  is disposed between the sweepers  249   a ,  249   b  and another wall  277   b  is disposed parallel to the one wall  277   a .  FIGS. 19-20  illustrate in greater detail the walls  277   a ,  277   b  in action. The wall  277   a  overlaps into the seed delivery mechanism  32  when one of the sweepers  249   a  is working (as shown by hatching in  FIG. 19 ) and the other wall  277   b  overlaps into the seed delivery mechanism  32  when the other of the sweepers  249  is working (as shown by hatching in  FIG. 20 ). As described above, the walls  277   a ,  277   b  are disposed generally normal to the loader axis B and disposed adjacent their respective sweepers  249  in a direction downstream as defined by the direction of motion of the seed delivery mechanism  32 , which is shown by arrows in  FIGS. 19-20 . As such, the housing  248  acts as a rocking segue to form a blocking wall ( 277   a  or  277   b ) so that the seed is deposited into the center of the brush belt  34  as described above. The housing  248  rocks from one side to the other to present a wall  277   a ,  277   b  extending into the brush belt  34  from one side or the other depending on the seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  that is working. 
     In the construction of  FIGS. 23-27 , two seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  are coupled to each row unit frame  18  (see  FIG. 27 ) in a similar manner as described above with respect to  FIGS. 2-22 . As illustrated in  FIG. 27 , the first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  are arranged generally in parallel such that the respective meter axes A 1 , A 2  are generally parallel. In other constructions, the first and second meters  22   a ,  22   b  may be arranged such that the respective meter axes A 1 , A 2  are generally coaxial or translationally offset, or the first and second meters  22   a ,  22   b  may be tilted with respect to each other such that the meter axes A 1 , A 2  are offset by an included angle. In yet other constructions, a single seed meter ( 22   a  or  22   b ) can be configured to selectively meter seeds from two or more different seed sources (e.g., from the tanks  13   a - 13   c ). In still other constructions, three or more seed meters may be coupled to each row unit frame  18 . 
     A seed loader  64  is coupled to the frame  18  of each row unit  14 . The seed loader  64  includes a first wheel  66  disposed between the first seed meter  22   a  and the seed delivery mechanism  32 , and a second wheel  68  disposed between the second seed meter  22   b  and the seed delivery mechanism  32  and offset from the first wheel  66 . The first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  of the illustrated embodiment are arranged generally in parallel with each other by way of example only, and the seed loader  64  is positioned for selectively receiving metered seeds from the first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  and transferring seeds to the seed delivery mechanism  32 . 
     The seed loader  64  cooperates with a loader baffle  80  disposed on or integrally formed with a seed delivery shroud  72  to transfer the metered seeds toward the drop off location  42 . The seed delivery shroud  72  includes a mounting portion  74  coupled to a receiving portion  76  of the seed delivery mechanism  32  proximate the drop off location  42  where seed is received on the seed delivery mechanism  32 . The seed delivery shroud  72  may be coupled to the seed delivery mechanism  32  by way of a clamp  78 . In other constructions, the seed delivery shroud  72  may be coupled to the seed delivery mechanism  32  by way of a snap-fit, a fastener, or in any other suitable manner. In yet other constructions, the seed delivery shroud  72  may be formed with a housing of the seed delivery mechanism  32 . 
     The loader baffle  80  includes a first arm  82  disposed adjacent the first wheel  66 , a second arm  84  disposed adjacent the second wheel  68 , and a delivery opening  86  therebetween to facilitate the passing of seed to the seed delivery mechanism  32 . In other constructions, the seed delivery shroud  72  may include a single arm  82 ,  84  (e.g., in embodiments in which both wheels  66 ,  68  rotate in the same direction), and/or two or more delivery openings, one for each of the first and second wheels  66 ,  68 , respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the arms  82 ,  84  define a trough  70  with opposite sides  71  between and within which a periphery of each wheel  66 ,  68  is received and along which seeds are moved by the wheels  66 ,  68  to the delivery opening  86 . The trough  70  can have various lengths depending at least in part upon the circumferential distance between the pickup locations  40  and the delivery opening  86 , and can have various widths depending at least in part upon the widths of the wheels  66 ,  68 . Also, in some embodiments, the trough  70  has generally rotund shape that is elongated proximate the delivery opening  86  in order to receive seeds from wheels  66 ,  68  that are offset (such as the wheels shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 23-27 ), whereas in other embodiments the trough is round in order to receive seeds from the wheels  66 ,  68  that are co-axial. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 23-27 , the first arm  82  includes a curved or arcuate surface  94  that generally corresponds with the contour of the first wheel  66 , and the second arm  84  includes a curved or arcuate surface  96  that generally corresponds with the contour of the second wheel  68 . The first and second arms  82 ,  84  extend from proximate the pickup locations  40  adjacent the first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b , respectively, to the delivery opening  86 . In other constructions, a single arm may be employed, and a single wheel may be disposed adjacent a single seed meter and used to transfer metered seeds from the single seed meter ( 22   a  or  22   b ) to the seed delivery mechanism  32 . 
     In the illustrated construction, the first and second wheels  66 ,  68  are mounted for rotation about respective loader axes B 1 , B 2  disposed generally perpendicular to at least one or both of the meter axes A 1 , A 2 . In some constructions, e.g., when one or both of the first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  are slightly tilted, the loader axes B 1 , B 2  may be disposed transverse but not necessarily perpendicular to the meter axes A 1 , A 2 . With reference to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the first and second wheels  66 ,  68  are rotatably mounted to the seed delivery shroud  72  at respective bracket portions  98  extending from the seed delivery shroud  72 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 25 and 27 , the first and second wheels  66 ,  68  are slightly offset from the centerline C of the seed delivery mechanism  32  defined by the centerline of the belt  34  such that seeds may be dropped substantially on the centerline C of the belt  34  when the first and second wheels  66 ,  68  lose tangency with the belt  34 . In other constructions, the first and second wheels  66 ,  68  may be coaxial and/or may be offset from the centerline C of the belt  34 . 
     As illustrated in greater detail in  FIG. 26 , each of the first and second wheels  66 ,  68  includes a hub portion  100  and a sweeper  102  extending from the hub portion  100 . The hub portion  100  is coupled to a shaft (not shown) for rotation therewith about respective the loader axis B 1 , B 2 , and may be driven in a similar manner to the seed loader  36  described above. For example, the hub portion  100  may include a hex opening  104  for engaging a hex shaft (not shown). 
     The illustrated sweeper  102  includes a brush having bristles extending radially from the hub portion  100  for sweeping a seed from a seed meter  22   a ,  22   b . The bristles of the first and second wheels  66 ,  68  may slightly overlap the bristles of the belt  34  ( FIG. 27 ) for opening the bristles of the sweeper  102  and/or belt  34  to assist transfer of the seeds. Rather than bristles, the sweeper  102  may also include other mechanisms for sweeping the seed, such as paddles, foam, resilient fingers, other brushes, etc. 
     In operation, the first and second wheels  66 ,  68  sweep a seed from the first or second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b , respectively. The first and second wheels  66 ,  68  may sweep the seed up or down, depending on which way the sweeper  102  rotates (as described in greater detail below). The first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  may be selectively operated such that only one seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  meters seeds at a time. In this way, the first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  may be controlled to provide a selected variety of seed to the seed delivery mechanism  32  for delivery to the furrow  15 . In other constructions, both seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  may be operable to meter seeds at the same time. 
     More specifically, as illustrated in  FIGS. 24-27 , the first and second wheels  66 ,  68  are configured for receiving or sweeping a seed from the respective seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  at the pickup location  40 . Each wheel  66 ,  68  rotates about the loader axis B 1 , B 2  to move the seed in a circumferential path about the loader axis B 1 , B 2  to transfer the seed to the seed delivery mechanism  32  at the drop off location  42 . The loader baffle  80  (specifically, the respective surface  94 ,  96 ) cooperates with the first and second wheels  66 ,  68  to guide the seed along the circumferential path to the delivery opening  86 . 
     In one construction, the first and second wheels  66 ,  68  each rotate about the loader axis B 1 , B 2  in a single direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). For example, the first wheel  66  rotates clockwise and the second wheel  68  rotates counterclockwise, or vice versa, or both first and second wheels  66 ,  68  rotate in the same direction. By way of example, and with reference to  FIG. 26 , if the first wheel  66  operates counterclockwise, a seed is picked up at the pickup location  40  of the first seed meter  22   a  and moved about the loader axis B 1  for about 90 degrees to the drop off location  42 . If the second wheel  68  operates clockwise, a seed is picked up at the pickup location  40  of the second seed meter  22   b  and moved about the loader axis B 2  for about 90 degrees to the drop off location  42 . The reverse or any combination of directions and configurations (e.g., different angular distances) may also be employed, in which case the seed loader  64  can include walls proximate and circumferentially extending about upper portions of either or both wheels  66 ,  68  in a manner similar to the arms  82 ,  84  described above. In other constructions, the seed loader  64  may be oscillating, reciprocating, translating, etc. In yet other constructions, one, three, or more wheels may be employed for feeding seeds to one or more pickup locations  40  of the same seed loader. In such cases, the width of the seed loader (e.g., the width of arm  82  and/or arm  84  can be increased or decreased as necessary to receive the periphery of the wheels. 
     In the construction of  FIGS. 28-32 , one, two, or more seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  may be employed as described above with respect to  FIGS. 2-27 . In the illustrated construction, first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  (not shown) are each configured to drop a metered seed from the pickup location  40  into or near a respective pressure conduit  108   a ,  108   b  of a seed loader  106 . One pressure conduit  108   a ,  108   b  may be disposed adjacent each seed meter  22   a ,  22   b  or, alternatively, the seed loader  106  only includes one pressure conduit in communication with a seed meter ( 22   a  or  22   b ) in those applications utilizing only a single seed meter. The seed loader  106  includes a seed delivery shroud  110  positioned between the first and second seed meters  22   a ,  22   b  and the seed delivery mechanism  32  proximate the drop off location  42  (as described above with respect to  FIGS. 22-26 ). The seed delivery shroud  110  is integrated with or integrally formed as one piece with at least a portion of the first pressure conduit  108   a  and the second pressure conduit  108   b , although in other embodiments these elements can be separate pieces connected together in any suitable manner. The illustrated seed delivery shroud  110  is coupled to the seed delivery mechanism  32  by way of a clamp  122 . However, in other constructions, the seed delivery shroud  110  may be coupled to the seed delivery mechanism  32  by way of a snap-fit, a fastener, or in any other suitable manner. The seed delivery shroud  110  is further configured to be coupled to a pressure differential device (not shown), such as an air pump or a vacuum pump. Either positive pressure or negative pressure may be employed. 
     As indicated by the arrows in  FIGS. 30 and 31 , the seed delivery shroud  110  can be coupled to a vacuum source by way of a suction tube  112 . Thus, the first and second pressure conduits  108   a ,  108   b , which extend to and end proximate the drop off location  42  (see  FIG. 32 ), are subjected to a vacuum for drawing the metered seeds from the first or second seed meter  22   a ,  22   b . As illustrated in  FIG. 29 , a screen  114  is disposed near the end of the suction tube  112  to inhibit seeds from entering the suction tube  112 . Also, a seal ledge  116  is provided for sealing the seed delivery shroud  110  to a housing of the seed delivery mechanism. It will be appreciated that the shape and configuration of the seed delivery shroud  110  can be changed in number of different manners to define a sealed interface between the seed delivery shroud  110  and the housing of the seed delivery mechanism. A liner  118  may be provided, as illustrated in  FIG. 30 , having an opening  120  positioned proximate the drop off location  42  for encouraging seeds to enter into the seed delivery mechanism  32  at the drop off location  42 . The liner  118  may be made of a metal or other suitable low-wearing material for inhibiting wear on the seed delivery shroud  110  as the belt  34  and the seeds pass therealong. The liner  118  may also act as a primary screen or guard against seeds entering the suction tube  112 . 
     In other constructions, a positive pressure may be used in place of or in addition to the above-described vacuum pressure to urge metered seeds to pass along the pressure conduits  108   a ,  108   b  into the seed delivery mechanism  32 . In those constructions in which no vacuum pressure is utilized, the suction tube  112  is not necessary, and positive pressure is delivered to the seed delivery mechanism  32  (e.g., into the seed delivery shroud  110 ) by way of an air pump or other device positioned and operable to produce a source of positive pressure down the pressure conduits  108   a ,  108   b . The positive pressure may be exhausted naturally through cracks in the seed delivery mechanism  32 , or an exhaust vent (not shown) may be provided in the seed delivery mechanism  32  or in the seed delivery shroud  110 . As noted above, in yet other embodiments, both a source of positive pressure and a source of negative pressure (vacuum) can be used concurrently with the seed loader  106 . 
     Although two pressure conduits  108   a ,  108   b  are utilized in the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 28-32  each of which extends to a respective seed meter feeding the pressure conduits  108   a ,  108   b  with metered seed, it should be noted that any number of pressure conduits  108   a ,  108   b  can be provided on the seed delivery shroud  110  for supplying metered seed to the seed delivery mechanism  32 . For example, the seed loader  106  can have a single pressure conduit  108   a  feeding seed to the seed delivery mechanism  32 . In other embodiments, three or more pressure conduits  108   a ,  108   b  can feed seed to the seed delivery mechanism  32 . Pressure conduits  108   a ,  108   b  (in any number) can each terminate at or proximate the drop-off location  42  in the illustrated embodiment for delivering seed to the drop-off location  42 , or can terminate in one or more other drop-off locations  42  located proximate the periphery of the seed delivery mechanism  32 . In this regard, any number of drop-off locations are possible for any number of pressure conduits  108   a ,  108   b  of the seed delivery shroud  110 . Also, one or more of the pressure conduits  108   a ,  108   b  can be fed by two or more upstream seed meters, such as in cases where two or more seed meters deliver to a common seed input leading to the same pressure conduit  108   a  or  108   b.    
     Thus, the disclosure provides, among other things, a seed loader for selectively transferring seeds from one, two or more seed meters to a seed delivery mechanism such that a single seed delivery mechanism (i.e., for a single row unit on the seeding machine) is configured to selectively deposit one, two, or more seed varieties.