Patent Description:
Current seeding practices tend to involve one of two types of seeding systems: planters and air seeders. Planters generally singulate or individually meter seeds prior to planting and are generally used to disperse seeds where precise placement is required for maximum yield and the seeding rate permits use of singulating technologies. Air seeders generally meter seeds volumetrically and are generally used in high rate seeding applications and where precise seed placement is of less importance or not practical due to the high rates.

A seed receptacle with the features of the preamble of claim <NUM> is known from <CIT>.

The invention provides a seed receptacle. The seed receptacle includes a housing defining a seed chamber within, a seed inlet formed in the housing, a seed outlet formed in the housing, and an air inlet separate from the seed inlet and mounted to the housing. The air inlet includes a first end attached to the housing and defining a first aperture, a second end, opposite the first end and defining a second aperture, and a channel defining an airflow path between the first end and the second end. The air inlet has an elasticity and a weight such that the second end sags relative to the first end.

In an embodiment which is not part of the present invention, a seed meter for metering a plurality of seeds is disclosed. The seed meter includes a seed meter housing defining a seed inlet and a seed outlet, and a chamber therebetween, a metering element mounted within the chamber, an air inlet configured to provide an airflow from a distal end outside of the seed meter housing to the chamber, and a screen positioned at the distal end of the air inlet, the distal end defining a first plane. An airflow path into the distal end of the air inlet is normal to the first plane. The airflow path through the distal end includes an upward vertical component.

In another embodiment, which is not part of the present invention a seed meter for metering a plurality of seeds is provided. The seed meter includes a seed meter housing defining a seed inlet, a seed outlet, and a chamber therebetween, a hub rotatably mounted to the seed meter housing about a rotational axis and extending from a first end positioned within the chamber of the seed meter housing to a second end positioned outside of the seed meter housing, a metering element mounted to the hub within the chamber, a plurality of drain apertures located in the seed meter housing adjacent to the hub, and a handle mounted to the second end of the hub, the handle extends over the plurality of drain apertures in an axial direction parallel to the rotational axis of the hub.

Other features and aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

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 supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

<FIG> illustrates a work vehicle <NUM> according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The work vehicle <NUM> may be towed by another vehicle, such as a tractor. Thus, the work vehicle <NUM> may be a towed work vehicle. In other embodiments, the work vehicle <NUM> of the present disclosure may be a self-propelled vehicle. In some embodiments, the work vehicle <NUM> may be an air cart or air seeder. It will be appreciated that the illustrated work vehicle <NUM> is an example embodiment. One or more features of the present disclosure may be included on a different work vehicle, such as a planter, a commodity cart, or other work vehicle without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The work vehicle <NUM> includes a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM>, and a fore-aft axis <NUM> extends generally between the front and rear ends <NUM>, <NUM>. The work vehicle <NUM> also includes a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM>, and a lateral axis <NUM> extends generally between the first and second sides <NUM>, <NUM>. A vertical axis <NUM> extends perpendicular to both the fore-aft axis <NUM> and the lateral axis <NUM>.

Generally, the work vehicle <NUM> may include a chassis <NUM> and a plurality of wheels <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> may be a rigid frame that supports the components described in detail below. The wheels <NUM> may support the chassis <NUM> and enable movement of the vehicle <NUM> across the field.

The work vehicle <NUM> may also include one or more commodity containers <NUM>. The container <NUM> may be supported on the chassis <NUM> and disposed proximate the rear end <NUM>. Also, in some embodiments, the container <NUM> may be disposed centrally between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>. The commodity container <NUM> may contain seed, fertilizer, and/or another particulate or granular commodity.

Additionally, the work vehicle <NUM> may include a metering system <NUM>. The metering system <NUM> may be a volumetric metering system. The metering system <NUM> may be disposed generally underneath the commodity container <NUM> in some embodiments. As such, particles of the commodity within the container <NUM> may fall due to gravity toward the metering system <NUM>. The metering system <NUM> may operate to meter out the commodity from the container <NUM> at a controlled rate as the vehicle <NUM> moves across the field.

The work vehicle <NUM> may also include an airflow system <NUM>. The airflow system <NUM> may include a fan <NUM> that generates a flow of air. The airflow system <NUM> may also include a plurality of airflow structures (e.g., plenums, tubes, lines, etc.) that receive the air blowing from the fan <NUM>. Particles of the commodity (metered out by the metering system <NUM>) may fall into the air stream and may flow to a distribution system <NUM>. The distribution system <NUM> may include a plurality of hoses, lines, or other conduits that extend to different areas of the vehicle <NUM> along the lateral axis <NUM>. The particles of the commodity may be propelled by the airstream through the distribution system <NUM>, to a plurality of individual row units <NUM> and to the soil. Each row unit <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> may include a seed meter <NUM> for singulating the commodity (e.g., seeds) and a ground system <NUM> with openers, tillers or other similar implements that prepare the soil for delivery of the seed, fertilizer, or other commodity delivered by the distribution system <NUM>.

Moreover, the work vehicle <NUM> may include a control system <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may be in communication with and may be configured for controlling the metering system <NUM>, the airflow system <NUM>, and/or other components of the work vehicle <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may be wholly supported on the work vehicle <NUM>, or the control system <NUM> may include components that are remote from the vehicle <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may be in electronic, hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, or other communication with the metering system <NUM>, the airflow system <NUM>, etc. In some embodiments, the control system <NUM> may be in communication with actuators, sensors, and/or other components of the work vehicle <NUM>.

During operation of the work vehicle <NUM> (e.g., when towed by a tractor or other towing vehicle across a field), the commodity may fall from the container <NUM> toward the metering system <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may control the metering system <NUM> (e.g., by controlled actuation of a drive unit), which allows a controlled quantity of particles to pass into the airflow system <NUM> at a predetermined rate. The control system <NUM> may also control the fan <NUM> for generating a continuous airstream that blows through the airflow system <NUM>, receives the particles metered out from the metering system <NUM>, and flows through the distribution system <NUM> across the work vehicle <NUM> to the soil.

As shown in <FIG>, the seed meter <NUM> includes a mini hopper <NUM>, a seed disk housing <NUM> supporting a metering member such as a seed meter disk (or simply seed disk <NUM>, shown at least in <FIG>) and a singulator <NUM> (shown at least in <FIG>), and a motor <NUM> for driving the seed disk <NUM>.

The mini-hopper <NUM> is a receptacle that accepts seeds or other agricultural product from the storage tank <NUM> (and the volumetric meter <NUM>) via a seed inlet <NUM>. As shown, the seed inlet <NUM> is located adjacent to the top of the mini-hopper <NUM> such that seeds entering the mini-hopper <NUM> are directed by gravity to a seed outlet or seed disk housing inlet <NUM> (<FIG>). The mini-hopper <NUM> further includes an air inlet <NUM> positioned adjacent to the seed inlet <NUM> and operable to provide an airflow through the mini-hopper <NUM> and into the seed disk housing <NUM>.

The seed disk housing <NUM> is formed in two halves, a front or seed side of the seed disk housing 52A and a rear or vacuum side of the seed disk housing 52B. The seed disk <NUM> is housed therebetween. A hub <NUM> is rotatably mounted within bearings 68A, 68B positioned within a cavity or aperture <NUM> in the rear side of the seed disk housing 62B and defines an axis of rotation <NUM>. The seed disk <NUM> is mounted to the hub <NUM> and rotates therewith about the axis of rotation <NUM>.

The seed disk <NUM> is a gear (e.g., a spur gear) defined by a wheel having radially extending teeth 54A, a seed-side face 54B, and a vacuum-side face 54C. A first cavity <NUM> is defined within the seed disk housing <NUM> between the seed side of the seed disk housing 52A and the seed disk <NUM>. A second cavity <NUM> is defined within the seed disk housing <NUM> between the vacuum side of the seed disk housing 52B and the seed disk <NUM>. Both of the faces 54B, 54C are generally planar, though they can deviate from planar to define apertures (such as apertures <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and agitator pockets <NUM> as described below) and to accommodate mounting to the hub <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The teeth 54A mesh with teeth 70A of a motor output gear <NUM> (either directly or indirectly via an intermediate gear) such that actuation of the motor <NUM> rotates the motor output gear <NUM>, thereby rotating the seed disk <NUM> about the axis of rotation <NUM>. The motor <NUM> and the output gear <NUM> represent one embodiment of a seed meter drive unit that is selectively energized to drive rotation of the seed disk <NUM>. Rotation of the seed disk <NUM> can be carried out in a single, predefined rotational direction R by the drive unit. The seed disk <NUM> further includes a plurality of seed openings <NUM> located on the seed-side face 54B and extending at least partially through to the vacuum-side face 54C such that each seed opening <NUM> defines a passage through the seed disk <NUM>. The seed openings <NUM> may be adapted for a particular predetermined seed type so that the seeds, which are larger than the seed openings <NUM> so as not to pass through the seed openings <NUM>, can be retained against the seed openings <NUM> and carried away from the seed pool as the seed disk <NUM> rotates. The seed openings <NUM> are provided in a circumferential array along the seed disk <NUM>. The spacing of the seed openings <NUM> may be even or uneven, although a full circumferential array of seed openings <NUM> with even spacing is hereby illustrated. Further, as shown in <FIG>, the circumferential array of seed openings <NUM> may be arranged in more than one row, although a single row is optional. As illustrated, each row of seed openings <NUM> is located on the seed disk <NUM> at a single, fixed radial distance from the central axis of rotation <NUM>. Seed agitators of various construction, such as the agitator pockets <NUM>, may be located in a circumferential array at a radial position adjacent to the row(s) of seed openings <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrate a circumferential array of agitators consisting of a single row of agitator pockets <NUM> formed in the seed-side face 54B of the seed disk <NUM>. The row of agitator pockets <NUM> is located radially inward of the seed openings <NUM>. The agitator pockets <NUM> assist in stirring-up or agitating the seeds in the seed pool for encouraging seed retention within the seed openings <NUM> as the seed disk <NUM> rotates.

The rear side of the seed disk housing 52B includes an air outlet <NUM> that is attachable to a vacuum source (not shown) to draw air from within the rear side of the seed disk housing 52B, thereby creating a pressure differential across the seed disk <NUM>. The seed disk housing <NUM> further includes a seed outlet or opening <NUM> for transferring the seeds and some air from the seed disk housing <NUM> and to the ground via an outlet chute <NUM>.

In operation, seeds are dispersed from the storage tank <NUM> to the mini-hopper <NUM> via the distribution system <NUM>, entering the mini-hopper <NUM> through the seed inlet <NUM>. The seeds collect within the mini-hopper <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is actuated by a controller <NUM> to rotate the seed disk <NUM> (via the interface of meshing teeth 54A, 70A). Simultaneously, the vacuum source is actuated to create a pressure differential across the seed disk <NUM>, thereby providing a suction force at the seed openings <NUM> and holding the seeds against the seed openings <NUM> as the disk <NUM> rotates. The singulator <NUM> knocks off extraneous seeds (those seeds not within one of the seed openings <NUM>) such that each seed opening <NUM> corresponds to a single seed. Once rotated past the singulator <NUM>, the seeds are kicked out from the seed opening <NUM> and fall down the seed outlet <NUM> and to the ground to be planted.

As shown in <FIG>, the hub <NUM> is a cylindrical post having a head portion <NUM> and a body portion <NUM> separated by a round plate structure <NUM>. A cylindrical portion 90B of the head <NUM> includes an annular channel <NUM> for engaging a resilient retention member such as an elastomeric O-ring <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>) or a metal C-ring <NUM> (<FIG>). The head <NUM> further includes a nose 90A formed as a truncated cone (i.e., conical frustum) centered on the rotational axis <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. A first axial end 66A of the hub <NUM> is defined by the tip of the truncated cone, the first axial end 66A having a cross-sectional area (and diameter) that is less than the cross-sectional area (and diameter) of the base of the truncated cone. The base of the truncated cone is similar in cross-sectional area (and diameter) to the cylindrical portion 90B of the head <NUM>, excepting for the decreased cross-sectional area of the channel <NUM>.

The body <NUM> of the hub <NUM> is cylindrical and has a diameter sized to engage the bearings 68A, 68B in the rear side of the seed disk housing 52B. The body <NUM> extends from the head <NUM> (or from the plate structure <NUM>) to a second axial end 66B, opposite the first axial end 66A. Further, the body <NUM> includes a radial through hole <NUM> that extends transverse to the rotational axis <NUM> adjacent to the second axial end 66B of the hub <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a handle <NUM> is mounted on the second axial end 66B of the hub <NUM> to permit manual rotation of the hub <NUM> relative to the seed disk housing <NUM>. The handle <NUM> slides over the second axial end 66B of the hub <NUM>, having an inner diameter seated against the outer diameter of the body <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. Once seated, an aperture (not shown) in the handle <NUM> is aligned with the through hole <NUM> and a fastener <NUM> (e.g., a threaded fastener, a pin, a rivet, etc.) is positioned therein such that rotation of the handle <NUM> results in rotation of the hub <NUM>. Alternatively, the handle may be affixed to the hub <NUM> without a fastener (e.g., press fit) or with an alternative fastener such as an adhesive.

As shown in <FIG>, the hub <NUM> may include a collar <NUM> integrally formed with the head <NUM> and the body <NUM> at a location between the head <NUM> and the body <NUM>. The collar <NUM> includes a larger circular cross-sectional area than the cross-sectional area of the body <NUM> and functions as a backstop for the plate structure <NUM>. Further, the collar <NUM> functions as a spacer between the plate structure <NUM> and the bearing 68A.

The plate structure <NUM> is a generally flat circular plate and includes a central aperture 94A (aligned with the rotational axis <NUM> when assembled) for sliding over the head <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. Once abutted against the collar <NUM>, the plate structure <NUM> may be fixed to the collar <NUM> via an adhesive, a weld, a press fit, or a fastener to prevent rotation and axial translation of the plate structure <NUM> relative to the collar <NUM>. Two prongs <NUM> extend axially (i.e., in the axial direction defined by the rotational axis <NUM>) from the periphery of the plate <NUM> toward the head <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. The prongs <NUM> are diametrically opposed from one another (i.e., antipodal points) and correspond to mating apertures <NUM> in the seed disk <NUM>. When the prongs <NUM> engage the apertures <NUM> in the seed disk <NUM>, rotation of the seed disk <NUM> results in rotation of the hub <NUM> and rotation of the hub <NUM> results in rotation of the seed disk <NUM>.

The seed disk <NUM> includes the seed openings <NUM>, the apertures <NUM>, as well as a central mounting aperture <NUM> for mounting to the hub <NUM>, and specifically to the head portion <NUM> of the hub <NUM>. The central mounting aperture <NUM> extends from the seed-side face 54B of the seed disk <NUM> through to the vacuum-side face 54C, defining a channel therebetween. As shown in <FIG>, the diameter of the mounting aperture <NUM> is variable from the seed-side 54B to the vacuum-side 54C. More specifically, the diameter of the mounting aperture decreases (e.g., linearly, parabolically, etc.) from the seed-side 54B to the vacuum-side 54C.

Assembly of the seed meter <NUM> includes mounting the seed disk <NUM> within the seed disk housing <NUM>. The bearings 68A, 68B are positioned within the cavity <NUM> in the rear side of the seed disk housing 52B and are fixed axially by a press fit, spacer, adhesive, or other fastener to prevent the outer race of the bearings 68A, 68B from rotating relative to the seed disk housing <NUM>. The second axial end 66B of the hub <NUM> is axially inserted through the bearings 68A, 68B from an interior of the seed disk housing <NUM> such that the second axial end 66B passes through both bearings 68A, 68B. The hub <NUM> is fully inserted into the bearings 68A, 68B when the spacer or collar <NUM> abuts the first bearing 68A. With the collar <NUM> positioned against the bearing 68A, the second axial end 66B extends past the housing <NUM> a distance to permit assembly of the handle <NUM> to the hub <NUM>.

The round plate structure <NUM> is placed over the first axial end 66A of the hub <NUM>, over the nose 90A and seated axially against the collar <NUM>. The round plate structure <NUM> is fixed to the head portion <NUM> or the collar <NUM> via a press fit, a weld, an adhesive, or another fastener (e.g., threaded fastener, rivet, etc.) such that rotation of the round plate structure <NUM> rotates the collar <NUM> and the head portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the round plate structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with the collar <NUM> and would therefore not require the separate step of assembling the plate structure <NUM> to the collar <NUM>.

The ring (O-ring <NUM> or C-ring <NUM>) is inserted into the annular channel <NUM>. The O-ring <NUM> is slid over the nose 90A and cylindrical portion 90B of the head portion <NUM> and into the channel <NUM>. The C-ring may also be axially inserted into the channel <NUM> or may otherwise be elastically expanded (e.g., via a tool such as a snap ring pliers) and inserted radially into the channel <NUM>.

With the ring <NUM>, <NUM> in place, the central mounting aperture <NUM> of the seed disk <NUM> is inserted onto the hub <NUM> over the tapered nose 90A with the vacuum-side face 54C of the seed disk <NUM> in facing relation to the collar <NUM>, the round plate structure <NUM>, and the vacuum side of the seed disk housing 52B. The increasing diameter of the tapered nose 90A aids in initial placement of the seed disk <NUM> onto the hub <NUM> and centering of the seed disk <NUM> relative to the hub <NUM>. Once the central mounting aperture <NUM> of the seed disk <NUM> clears the tapered nose 90A, it is guided along the cylindrical portion 90B of the head portion <NUM>. At this stage, a number of alignment features are implemented to interface the seed disk <NUM> with the motor output gear <NUM> and the hub <NUM>. Namely, the teeth 54A of the seed disk <NUM> are aligned with the teeth 70A of the motor output gear <NUM> (or an intermediate gear therebetween). Further, the apertures <NUM> in the seed disk <NUM> are aligned with the prongs <NUM> on the hub <NUM>. Once these components are aligned, the seed disk <NUM> can be axially translated along the hub <NUM> and over the ring <NUM>, <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, translating the seed disk <NUM> over the ring <NUM>, <NUM> includes compressing the ring <NUM>, <NUM> a first amount to pass the narrowest point of the mounting aperture <NUM> over the ring <NUM>, <NUM>. Once past the narrowest point, the ring <NUM>, <NUM> is compressed a second amount, less than the first amount, but great enough to maintain contact between with the channel <NUM> and the mounting aperture <NUM>. With the ring <NUM>, <NUM> compressed the second amount less than the first amount, removal of the seed disk <NUM> requires once again compressing the ring <NUM>, <NUM> the first amount, which can prevent accidental removal of the seed disk <NUM> from the hub <NUM>.

When the ring <NUM>, <NUM> is compressed the second amount, the vacuum-side face 54C of the seed disk <NUM> abuts against the round plate structure <NUM>, further limiting translation of the seed disk toward the rear side of the seed disk housing 52B. Therefore, the ring <NUM>, <NUM> and the round plate structure <NUM> limit axial translation of the seed disk <NUM> relative to the seed disk housing <NUM> and the ring <NUM>, <NUM> limits radial translation of the seed disk <NUM> relative to the seed disk housing <NUM>. Due to the interface between the apertures <NUM> and the prongs <NUM>, rotation of the seed disk <NUM> produces similar rotation of the hub <NUM>, and vice versa. Likewise, the interface between the teeth 54A, 70A permits rotation of the seed disk <NUM> in response to actuation of the motor <NUM> and rotation of the motor output gear <NUM>.

As an alternative to the ring <NUM>, <NUM> and the annular channel <NUM>, the hub <NUM> may include an alternative retention member. For example, the retention member may be a detent feature or spring-biased member such as a ball or a plunger that is biased radially outward from the cylindrical portion 90B of the hub <NUM> (i.e., at a similar axial position to the annular channel <NUM>) by a spring. The spring biases the ball or plunger into engagement with the central aperture 94A of the seed disk <NUM> similar to the rings <NUM>, <NUM>, as discussed above. The hub may further comprise a button for retracting the spring to decrease or eliminate the force provided on the aperture 94A by the spring-biased member and spring.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an interior of the seed meter <NUM>, as viewed from the seed-side face 54B of the seed meter disk <NUM>, by way of the front housing 52A being removed. The singulator <NUM> and its biasing spring <NUM> are illustrated in the in-use position. However, it should be understood from <FIG> that the biasing spring <NUM> is mounted, e.g., via a single fastener <NUM>, to the front housing 52A that is removed in <FIG> and <FIG>. Although further discussion of the biasing spring <NUM> is provided below, it is also noted here that the biasing spring <NUM> extends in at least two or at least three separate directions from the mounting point where the fastener <NUM> is provided. The mounting point can be a central point of the biasing spring <NUM> as shown, with the biasing spring <NUM> having two, three or more arms 202A, 202B, 202C that extend in a radially outward manner therefrom to individual distal ends.

Turning now to <FIG>, it is shown that the singulator <NUM> is formed with a cup or pocket <NUM> at the position of the seed meter disk central rotation axis <NUM>. The singulator pocket <NUM> receives the nose 90A of the meter hub <NUM>. It is noted, while that the nose 90A of the meter hub <NUM> supports the seed meter disk <NUM> for rotation about its central axis <NUM>, the disk <NUM> is not necessarily hub-driven during operation. The radial positioning of the singulator <NUM>, in at least one direction, is referenced directly from the engagement of the hub <NUM> with a portion of the singulator <NUM>. In particular, the outer surface of the hub nose 90A is engaged into the inner surface of the singulator pocket <NUM>. The radial positioning of the singulator <NUM> is thus fully defined by this engagement with the hub <NUM>. Because the seed meter disk <NUM> also has its radial position referenced from the hub <NUM>, the relative radial positioning of the singulator <NUM> with respect to the seed meter disk <NUM> is highly precise and furthermore requires no special adjustment, but rather is automatic upon installation of both the seed meter disk <NUM> and the singulator <NUM> to the hub <NUM>. This affords great precision in the operation of the singulating edges or singulator "knives" in particular, which may sequentially increase in radial overlap with each seed opening <NUM> of the meter disk <NUM> as it rotates past the singulator <NUM> for best performance. It should also be noted that the singulator <NUM>, for example the singulator pocket <NUM>, may have its radial position referenced in part or in whole from a portion of the meter disk <NUM>, which constitutes part of the meter hub <NUM>. As such, the hub <NUM> is not necessarily limited to strictly a post or shaft on which the meter disk <NUM> is mounted.

Turning particularly to <FIG>, the illustrated singulator <NUM> includes radially outboard singulating edges or knives <NUM> that extend radially inward toward the path defined by the array of seed openings <NUM>. The singulator <NUM> also includes radially inboard singulating edges or knives <NUM>' that extend radially outward toward the path defined by the array of seed openings <NUM>. The leading edge of each knife <NUM>, <NUM>' forms a knife edge that is thinnest at the initial point of contact. Each of the knife edges can be curved as shown. In the case of the radially inboard singulating knives <NUM>', support structures <NUM> and/or the knives <NUM>' themselves extend toward the seed-side face 54B at or very near to the path of a plurality of seed agitation recesses or pockets <NUM> formed in the seed meter disk <NUM> for stirring or agitating the seeds in the seed pool to maximize seed pick-up. As shown and labeled in <FIG>, chamfers <NUM> on the radially inboard singulator knives <NUM>' allow the agitation recesses <NUM> to be formed as near as possible, radially, to the seed openings <NUM> without "scissoring" seeds, which can lead to grinding or popping noises. By having the agitation recesses <NUM> very near the seed openings <NUM> in the radial direction, the effectiveness of the agitation recesses <NUM> is maximized.

Turning back to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the biasing spring <NUM> is described in further detail with respect to its placement and engagement with the singulator <NUM>. As mentioned briefly above, the biasing spring <NUM> contacts the singulator <NUM> in multiple spaced locations. For example, the biasing spring <NUM> is forked to include three separate prongs or arms 202A, 202B, 202C that extend outwardly to define separate contact regions with a back side 56A of the singulator <NUM> that is opposite a seed meter disk-facing side 56B thereof. The contact regions correspond to multiple contact regions between the singulator <NUM> and the seed-side face 54B (formed by one or more of the knives <NUM>, <NUM>' and also the surface at the end of the hub-receiving pocket <NUM>), thus reliably maintaining the attitude of the singulator <NUM> with respect to the seed meter disk <NUM> under the bias of the biasing spring <NUM> during operation. The first contact region, defined by the first spring arm 202A, is at the position of the hub <NUM> along the central axis <NUM>, where the singulator pocket <NUM> receives the hub nose 90A. In addition, the second and third contact regions, respectively defined by the second and third spring arms 202B, 202C, are two circumferentially-spaced regions proximate a radially outer portion of the singulator <NUM> where the knives <NUM> or other singulating structures are located. One of these regions is further provided with retention geometry for positively engaging and retaining the singulator <NUM> to the biasing spring <NUM>. For example, this can be the third contact region, which in fact, defines two separate contact locations for exerting the axially biasing force on the singulator <NUM>. The third contact region as a whole is formed by two spaced-apart wings or prongs <NUM> of the biasing spring <NUM>, both of which are received into corresponding recesses or pockets <NUM> formed on the back side 56A of the singulator <NUM>. The pockets <NUM> can be formed as undercuts defining respective shoulders 230A (<FIG>) that retain the biasing spring <NUM> by blocking the free axial removal of the biasing spring <NUM> therefrom. Thus, the singulator <NUM> is retained directly to the biasing spring <NUM>, which is in turn fixedly secured to the front housing 52A, by pressing the singulator <NUM> against the biasing spring <NUM> such that the third contact region is pressed into the pockets <NUM>, the third contact region of the biasing spring <NUM> being elastically deformed in the process. During assembly of the singulator <NUM> to the biasing spring <NUM>, the pressing of the singulator pockets <NUM>, or shoulders 230A thereof, against the prongs <NUM> of the biasing spring third contact region tends to induce a certain amount of axial deflection in the biasing spring <NUM> since other portions of the biasing spring <NUM>, e.g., the central portion and other arms 202A, 202B, do not define a resistive fit with the singulator <NUM> like the third spring arm 202C does. To ensure that the biasing spring prongs <NUM> enter the corresponding pockets <NUM>, rather than simply deflecting the entire third arm 202C, the front housing 52A is provided with an inwardly extending backstop <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The backstop <NUM>, which is optionally formed as an integral part of the front housing 52A (e.g., single molded component), protrudes from the directly adjacent portions of the wall <NUM> defined by the front housing 52A. As such, the backstop <NUM> provides a distal contact surface that is spaced inwardly from the other surrounding portions of the front housing wall interior surface 236A. As such, upon pressing the singulator <NUM> onto the biasing spring <NUM>, deflection of the third spring arm 202C is specifically limited by the backstop <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and cannot be so great as to reach the interior surface 236A. The backstop <NUM> is positioned to be proximate or within the third contact region of the biasing spring <NUM>, and in particular may be between the prongs <NUM> as shown in the illustrated construction. Other positions and/or additional backstops are optional. The backstop <NUM> allows certainty in the position control of the biasing spring <NUM> during installation of the singulator <NUM> and can be used to set a desirable predetermined snap-in force for the singulator <NUM> without damaging the biasing spring <NUM>. It is also noted that a positioning pin <NUM> may extend from the backstop <NUM> in the front housing 52A to extend through a corresponding opening <NUM> in the biasing spring <NUM> to define a positioning interface that prevents the biasing spring <NUM> and the singulator <NUM> from sliding out of alignment, particularly during installation. Further, it will be appreciated that the pin <NUM> and the opening <NUM> may be reversed in defining this positioning interface.

It is noted that the illustrated biasing spring <NUM> is formed of a single unitary metallic element having a variety of bends formed therein. For example, the central portion and part of each arm 202A, 202B, 202C extending therefrom can generally define a reference plane P2 (<FIG>), and distal ends of the arms forming the various contact regions can be formed by one or more bends (e.g., waves, curls, loops, etc.) that extend away from this reference plane P2. The three spaced points of contact between the biasing spring <NUM> and the singulator <NUM> keep the singulator <NUM> axially referenced to the seed-side face 54B of the seed meter disk <NUM>, no matter where or how the disk works.

While much of the preceding discussion focuses on the axial direction assembly features and the centering of the singulator <NUM> with respect to the hub <NUM> and the seed meter disk <NUM>, it must also be noted that the singulator <NUM> must be held at a single fixed position about the rotational axis <NUM> during operation while the seed meter disk <NUM>, which is in contact with the singulator <NUM>, continuously rotates. The friction between the seed meter disk <NUM> and the singulator <NUM> tends to urge the singulator <NUM> in the rotational direction of the seed meter disk <NUM>. However, a trailing edge of the singulator <NUM> with respect to the rotation direction of the seed meter disk <NUM> defines an anti-rotation abutment surface <NUM> in abutment with the front housing 52A to prevent rotation of the singulator <NUM> as the seed meter disk <NUM> rotates against it. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an upstanding interior wall <NUM> projects into the cavity defined by the front housing 52A. The interior wall <NUM> can be integrally formed with the front housing 52A in some constructions, as shown, but may alternately be a separately-formed component forming part of the front housing 52A when assembled. As shown, the trailing edge of the singulator <NUM> is stepped so as not to be located exclusively along one radial line.

Although knifes <NUM>, <NUM>' as singulation structures have been illustrated and described, it is also noted that alternate singulators according to the present disclosure may include one or more brushes in addition to or in lieu of knives. <FIG> illustrate one such singulator <NUM>, along with a paired seed meter disk <NUM>, for example, designed for an alternate seed type compared to that of the earlier drawings. It will be understood that the singulator <NUM> and paired seed meter disk <NUM> may generally correspond to the features discussed above for the singulator <NUM> and seed meter disk <NUM> described above including, and the above description is thus referenced for a majority of features, while the description below focuses on additional or alternate features. For example, the seed meter disk <NUM> of <FIG> includes seed openings <NUM> and agitator recesses <NUM>, although differently configured than those of the seed meter disk <NUM>. The seed meter disk <NUM> is provided with a single circumferential row of seed openings <NUM>, each of which is larger than the seed openings <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Further, the seed openings <NUM> in the seed meter disk <NUM> of <FIG> have increased circumferential spacing as compared to the tightly spaced seed openings <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some constructions, the singulators <NUM>, <NUM> and their associated seed meter disks <NUM>, <NUM> may be interchangeable within the housing <NUM>, with the same or alternate biasing spring <NUM>, to reconfigure the seed meter <NUM> for different crops.

The singulator <NUM> includes knives (e.g., outer and inner knives <NUM>, <NUM>' like those of the singulator <NUM>) in addition to a trailing end or "last chance" brush <NUM>, positioned opposite the leading edge of the singulator <NUM> with respect to the rotation direction of the seed meter disk <NUM>. The brush <NUM> includes bristles extended toward the seed meter disk <NUM>. Some or all of the brush bristles may contact the seed-side face 288B of the disk <NUM>, although it is also considered that some or all of the brush bristles may be spaced from a seed-side face 288B. The brush <NUM>, as shown, features a stepped or notched shape in which the distal end of the brush <NUM> is further spaced from the seed-side face 288B at a radial position of the seed openings <NUM>. The brush <NUM> may be very closely spaced to the seed-side face 288B of the seed meter disk <NUM>, or in contact therewith, at a radial position corresponding to the agitation recesses <NUM>. It will be appreciated that a large number of different brush configurations may be desirable for use with different crops and thus different seed meter disks and singulators. By directly incorporating the brush <NUM> into the singulator <NUM> (e.g., instead of mounting the brush <NUM> to the housing <NUM>), replacement of the singulator <NUM> also automatically removes and/or replaces the brush <NUM> associated therewith, and a separate changeover is not required. It is also noted that the singulator <NUM> includes a brush mounting receptacle <NUM>, which in the illustrated construction is provided by openings <NUM> through the singulator <NUM> along with opposed prongs <NUM> arranged to grip the brush <NUM> from two opposed sides (two prongs <NUM> on one side shown in <FIG>, and two similar prongs <NUM>, not shown, on the other side of the brush <NUM>). Although no brush is shown at the trailing end of the singulator <NUM> of <FIG>, the same or similar brush mounting receptacle may also be provided in the singulator <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>) for an optional brush.

As alluded to briefly above, the use of brushes in a singulator is not limited to a notched trailing end brush. Further, a singulator for other crop types, such as wheat, may include singulating elements consisting essentially of one or more brushes, without any knives. <FIG> illustrate one such singulator <NUM> and seed meter disk <NUM> combination. The seed meter disk <NUM> includes multiple (e.g., five) circumferential rows of seed openings <NUM>, and the singulator <NUM> includes multiple (e.g., four) brushes <NUM>, each of which extends across multiple ones, for example all four, of the circumferential rows of seed openings <NUM>. In addition to being spaced at unique positions along the singulator <NUM>, between its leading and trailing ends, each brush <NUM> is of a different configuration (e.g., angle orientation, spacing, if any, to seed-side face 318B of the seed meter disk <NUM>, etc.). Each of the brushes <NUM> is mounted to the singulator <NUM> with a brush mounting receptacle <NUM> as disclosed earlier. Unlike the other singulators <NUM>, <NUM>, that have knives in contact with the respective seed meter disks, the singulator <NUM> has one or more (e.g., two) seed disk referencers <NUM> provided separately from the singulation elements to maintain a desired attitude of the singulator <NUM> with respect to the seed meter disk <NUM> under bias from the biasing spring <NUM>. The seed disk referencers <NUM> are rigid upstanding structures, for example having flat surfaces in abutment with the seed-side face 318B, so that the desired attitude of the singulator <NUM> is maintained, thus maintaining the predetermined spacing (or interference) of each brush <NUM> with the seed-side face 318B, without relying on the brushes <NUM> themselves to set the reference to the seed meter disk <NUM>. As shown, the seed disk referencers <NUM> are provided radially outside the seed openings <NUM>, but one or more referencers can also be positioned radially inside the seed openings <NUM>. It is also noted that the portion of the singulator <NUM> that receives the hub nose 90A effectively serves as another referencer for the singulator <NUM> as it is biased against the seed-side face 318B at the center of the seed disk <NUM>. Combinations of the various singulator and seed meter disk features, along with modifications thereof such as the different brush types and configurations, may be used with a variety of different seed meter disk configurations in the construction of various different types of seed meters, not limited to the specific combinations shown herein. It will be apparent that the disclosure sets forth multiple specific operative embodiments, but not all such combinations, enabled by the disclosure.

<FIG> show a seal <NUM> (and specifically a first flexible seal 410A) for use with the seed meter <NUM>. The seal <NUM> is a flexible seal and includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is a rigid back plate <NUM>. The second layer is a material with greater compression and flexibility than the rigid back plate <NUM>, such as a closed-cell foam <NUM> with a wear resistant low friction plastic surface <NUM>. The second layer may be two ply having an inner compression ply <NUM> and an outer low-friction surface <NUM>. The flexible seal <NUM> may be a solid replaceable wear member. Alternatively, the flexible seal <NUM> may be non-replaceable. Though described as a flexible seal <NUM>, it should be understood that only a portion of the seal <NUM> may be flexible (having compression) while the structure of the overall seal <NUM> may be rigid, with only substantial flexibility in one direction (e.g., transverse to the planar direction of the seal <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, the rigid back plate <NUM> may have raised portions <NUM> that form interlocking members <NUM> for engaging with the front side 52A of the seed disk housing <NUM>. The interlocking members <NUM> of <FIG> include a raised perimeter <NUM> forming a geometric shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, two spaced apart semi-circles, etc.) that snap to engage with posts <NUM> (<FIG>) on the mating surface of the seed meter <NUM> (i.e., the front of the seed disk housing 52A) when installed. The posts <NUM> may snap into the raised perimeter <NUM> forming the closed geometry. Alternatively, the rigid back plate <NUM> may be provided with posts and the mating surface of the seed meter may include the raised perimeter.

Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the rigid back plate <NUM> may be provided with posts or prongs <NUM> that extend transverse to the plane of the flexible seal <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> specifically, the prongs <NUM> may be attached to or integrally formed with the rigid back plate <NUM>. Each prong <NUM> extends from a base <NUM> at the back plate <NUM> to a flex portion <NUM> at a distal end <NUM>. The flex portion <NUM> includes thin-wall sections <NUM> that are configured to flex when the prong <NUM> is axially inserted into an aperture (such as an aperture on the mating surface of the seed meter <NUM> (i.e., the front of the seed disk housing 52A). Once compressed through the aperture, the flex portion <NUM> can expand to prevent the prong <NUM> from disengaging with the aperture <NUM> unless a predefined axial force compresses the flex portion <NUM> for removal. An additional sealing member such as an O-ring <NUM> may be provided on the prong <NUM>. Alternatively, the rigid back plate <NUM> may be provided with apertures and the mating surface 52A of the seed meter may include prongs.

As a further alternative, the flexible seal <NUM> may be attached to the mating surface (i.e., the front of the seed disk housing 52A) by an alternative fastener, such as a snap fit about the perimeter of the rigid back plate <NUM>, a tongue-and-groove engagement, a threaded fastener, or an adhesive.

As shown in <FIG>, the seed meter <NUM> includes a front or seed side of the seed disk housing 52A. The front side of the seed disk housing 52A includes the inlet <NUM> for seeds to transfer from the mini hopper <NUM> to the seed disk <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), where the seeds are singulated prior to planting. The seed meter <NUM> further includes the rear or vacuum side of the seed disk housing 52B. The rear side 52B is opposite the front side 52A, and as shown in <FIG>, supports the hub <NUM> about which the seed disk <NUM> rotates. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the hub <NUM> may be supported by (mounted to) the front side 52A. The rear side 52B further includes the air outlet/vacuum source <NUM> to retain seeds within the apertures <NUM> in the seed disk <NUM>. Collectively, the front and rear sides 52A, 52B form the seed disk housing that includes the seed inlet <NUM> from the mini hopper <NUM>, the seed outlet <NUM> from the seed disk <NUM>, and the air outlet/vacuum source <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the seal <NUM> includes the first flexible seal 410A and a second flexible seal 410B to collectively seal around the perimeter or periphery <NUM> of the front side of the seed disk housing 52A. The seal <NUM> terminates short of a completed loop to provide an opening for the seed outlet <NUM>. Therefore, the seal <NUM> extends from a first end <NUM> at the seed outlet <NUM>, along the curved length of the first seal 410A, along the curved length of the second seal 410B, and to a second end <NUM> at the opposite edge of the seed outlet <NUM>. The second end <NUM> is opposite the first end <NUM>. If the seed outlet <NUM> were offset from the central plane defined between the front and rear sides of the seed disk housing 52A, 52B such that the seed outlet <NUM> was formed fully within the front side of the seed disk housing 52A, the flexible seal <NUM> could form a completed loop. As shown, the first and second flexible seals 410A, 410B mate at a nonlinear interface <NUM> (e.g., chevron interface) to reduce the potential for a leakage path at the interface <NUM> and to prevent/prohibit expansion or alignment issues. Though shown in two components 410A, 410B, the flexible seal <NUM> could be formed of more or less pieces. Producing the flexible seal <NUM> with at least two components 410A, 410B limits waste in manufacturing by nesting multiple seals 410A, 410B within one another when cutting from a large sheet of material.

If seeds get stuck between the seed disk <NUM> and the housing <NUM> or stuck within the outer teeth 54A of the seed disk <NUM>, the seed can be ground or pulverized. This may lead to a decrease in efficiency and may detrimentally increase friction between the disk <NUM> and the housing <NUM> if seeds become jammed therebetween. The flexible seal <NUM> is positioned against the seed-side planar face 54B of the seed disk to prevent seeds, especially small seeds like canola, from slipping between the seed disk <NUM> and the seed disk housing <NUM> when the seed disk is rotating. The seal <NUM> prevents or limits seed loss around the seed disk <NUM>. The low-friction surface <NUM> rides against the seed disk <NUM>. Shims (not shown) may be placed on sides of the bearings 68A, 68B to set the axial position of the seed disk <NUM> relative to the seed disk housing <NUM>. However, use of the seal <NUM> may minimize or eliminate the need for shimming of the seed disk <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a seed sensor <NUM> including a number of features that enable its mounting and use in a variety of diverse configurations within the construct of an agricultural work vehicle <NUM> such as that of <FIG>. In particular, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the seed sensor <NUM> mounted in two different types of agricultural air seeder openers <NUM>, <NUM> (or "row units"). In each case, the seed sensor <NUM> interfaces with the seed meter <NUM> on the opener <NUM>, <NUM>, but the nature of the interface is different as discussed further below. Further, the same seed sensor <NUM> can also be used in an in-line sensor configuration where the seed sensor <NUM> is positioned at the connection between two adjacent sections of seed hose. For example, such a configuration may be utilized in volumetric seeding where no device for seed metering is utilized. <FIG> relate to such a configuration. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "hose" may refer to hollow conduits of various types, constructions, and materials, which are sometimes referred to as "tubes" as well.

As shown in <FIG>, the opener <NUM> includes an opener frame <NUM> that supports, among other things, the seed meter <NUM>, a ground opener <NUM>, a closing wheel <NUM>, and the seed sensor <NUM>. A press wheel can be provided between the ground opener <NUM> and the closing wheel <NUM>. The seed sensor <NUM> is coupled between the seed meter outlet <NUM> and the outlet chute <NUM> (or "seed tube"). As will be discussed in further detail below, the seed sensor <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a mounting structure (e.g., a bracket or loop <NUM>, <FIG> and <FIG>), and a sensor unit (e.g., an optical sensor unit <NUM>, <FIG>). The seed sensor <NUM> is hollow to define, between respective inlet and outlet ends <NUM>, <NUM>, an internal seed channel <NUM> defining a path for seeds to flow along a central axis AS through the seed sensor <NUM>. As illustrated, every seed discharged from the seed meter <NUM> must pass through the seed sensor <NUM> to reach the ground furrow for seeding, and thus, the seed sensor <NUM> operates to detect and report (i.e., to a controller <NUM>) each and every seed discharged from the seed meter <NUM> for seeding or drilling. To provide electrical communication from the seed sensor <NUM> to the controller <NUM> (and optionally to provide power to the seed sensor <NUM>), the seed sensor <NUM> includes an electrical connector <NUM>. The electrical connector <NUM> can be constructed as one half of a plug-and-socket pair in which interfitting bodies (e.g., molded plug and socket bodies) are respectively provided with conductor pins and matched conductor pin receivers. As shown in more detail in the later figures, the illustrated electrical connector <NUM> is constructed as a socket in which multiple conductor pins are housed so that a plug member having conductor pin receivers can be received at least partially within the socket while establishing electrical contact between the pins and pin receivers. In the illustrated construction, an outer surface of the housing <NUM> defines the electrical connector <NUM>, e.g., as an integral portion thereof. The electrical connector <NUM> can be positioned adjacent the outlet end <NUM> as shown. Furthermore, the electrical connector <NUM> can be positioned on an opposite side of the central axis AS as compared to the mounting loop <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the seed sensor <NUM> is structurally adapted for use in the opener <NUM>, whether configured as a left-hand opener (<FIG>) or a right hand opener <NUM>' (<FIG>). The openers <NUM>, <NUM>' are otherwise identical, and as can be seen in comparing <FIG>, the seed tube <NUM> can be oriented at an angle α from the central fore-aft plane P3, despite the seed meter <NUM> and seed meter outlet <NUM> being aligned with the central fore-aft plane P3. The angle α is introduced by a feature on the seed sensor <NUM> where it mounts to the opener frame <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the mounting loop <NUM> loops over an upwardly extending tongue <NUM> of the opener frame <NUM>. The loop <NUM> extends to define a plane P4 that is transverse to the central axis AS through the seed sensor <NUM>, and an opening <NUM> is defined through the loop <NUM> in a direction parallel to the central axis AS. A bottom surface of the loop <NUM> includes portions <NUM>, for example opposite lateral side portions, angled oppositely from each other at the angle α (with reference to the plane P4). As shown, a portion of the bottom loop surface <NUM> between the side portions <NUM> can extend along the plane P4, or parallel to the plane P4, which may alternately be defined through a center or along a top surface of the loop <NUM>. When the seed sensor <NUM> is mounted on the opener frame <NUM> with the loop <NUM> over the tongue <NUM>, one of the side portions <NUM> engages the opener frame <NUM> to set the angle α of the seed sensor <NUM> and the seed tube <NUM> with respect to the central fore-aft plane P3 to the desired side for the opener <NUM>, depending on whether the opener <NUM> is configured as a left-hand opener or a right-hand opener. The angle α may take a variety of values. In some constructions, the angle α is at least <NUM> degrees and not more than <NUM> degrees. In some constructions, the angle α is at least <NUM> degrees and not more than <NUM> degrees, and may for example be <NUM> degrees. The mounting of the seed sensor <NUM> is important in achieving the desired angular offset of the seed tube <NUM> as shown in <FIG> because the seed tube <NUM> of the opener <NUM> hangs from the seed sensor <NUM> and is not separately mounted or fixed to the opener frame <NUM>. For example, the upstream end of the seed tube <NUM> may be clamped onto the outlet end <NUM> of the seed sensor <NUM>. However, this is unique to the opener <NUM>, and the seed sensor <NUM> can also be used in a different type of configuration within the opener <NUM> of <FIG>.

In the opener <NUM> of <FIG>, the ground opener <NUM>' (a hoe point in this case, as opposed to the disk ground opener of the opener <NUM>) is provided with a substantial forward offset from the seed tube <NUM> such that the seed tube <NUM> can extend straight down from the seed meter <NUM>. Furthermore, the opener frame <NUM> of the opener <NUM> is provided with a support <NUM> that extends below the seed sensor <NUM> and fixes a position and orientation of the upper end of the seed tube <NUM> to which the outlet end <NUM> of the seed sensor <NUM> is coupled. As such, the seed sensor <NUM> and the seed tube <NUM> may be devoid of a fixed connection therebetween (i.e., unsecured with no locking or clamping), other than the outlet end of the seed sensor <NUM> being set into and/or pressed against the seed tube <NUM>. The connection between the seed sensor <NUM> and the seed tube <NUM> is furthermore devoid of any fasteners and does not require the use of tools for connection and disconnection. The opener frame <NUM> includes a tongue <NUM> like the opener <NUM>, but the seed sensor <NUM> is supported from below by the support <NUM> such that it does not hang from the tongue <NUM> in some constructions. The seed sensor <NUM> may contact the tongue <NUM> with the un-angled portion of the bottom loop surface <NUM> between the side portions <NUM> in the case of the opener <NUM>, or the loop <NUM> of the seed sensor <NUM> may simply pass over the tongue <NUM> without resting thereon. In the case of both the first and second openers <NUM>, <NUM>, the seed sensor <NUM>, once mounted, provides a locating point for installation of the seed meter <NUM>. In other words, the seed meter outlet <NUM> engages with the inlet end <NUM> of the seed sensor <NUM> to properly position the seed meter <NUM> on the opener <NUM>, <NUM> before the seed meter <NUM> is ultimately secured to the opener frame <NUM>, <NUM>. The connection between the seed meter outlet <NUM> and the seed sensor <NUM> may be devoid of a fixed connection therebetween (i.e., unsecured with no locking or clamping), other than the seed meter outlet <NUM> being set into and/or pressed against the seed sensor inlet end <NUM>. The connection between the seed sensor <NUM> and the seed meter outlet <NUM> is furthermore devoid of any fasteners and does not require the use of tools for connection and disconnection.

The inlet end <NUM> of the seed sensor <NUM>, which also forms the inlet end of the seed channel <NUM> through the sensor, is formed in the illustrated construction by the housing <NUM>. Other portions of the seed channel <NUM>, including interior to the housing <NUM> and down to the outlet end <NUM> that projects outward from the housing <NUM> according to the illustrated construction are formed by a separate conduit member <NUM> secured within the housing <NUM>. The inlet end <NUM> directs seeds into an upstream end of the conduit member <NUM>. More particularly, an inlet section <NUM> of the seed channel <NUM> extending from the inlet end <NUM> tapers in cross-section toward an interior of the seed sensor <NUM>. Aspects of the cross-section of the seed channel <NUM> discussed herein refer to cross-sections taken perpendicular to the central axis AS, unless noted otherwise, for example, as in the cross-section taken along the central axis AS shown in <FIG>. The lengthwise cross-section of <FIG> illustrates the shape of the taper of the inlet section <NUM>. The tapered inlet section <NUM> can form a section of a cone (i.e., frusto-conical), a section of a sphere (i.e., frusto-spherical), or a section of a revolved parabola, for example. The surface(s) defining the tapered inlet section <NUM> form the receiving end of the press-in or set-in connection with the seed meter outlet <NUM> discussed above. As shown in <FIG>, a resilient member(s) <NUM> is provided at a location to be elastically compressed between the opener frame <NUM> and the loop <NUM> upon engagement of the seed meter outlet end <NUM> with the tapered inlet section <NUM> of the seed sensor <NUM>. This may function to apply an upward bias force through the seed sensor <NUM> to the seed meter <NUM> to self-align or co-align these components together automatically upon installation. It should be noted that the resilient member(s) <NUM> can be integrated as part of the opener frame <NUM>, the seed sensor, or may be separate therefrom.

The tapered inlet section <NUM> leads toward a target viewing position <NUM> defined by the sensor unit <NUM>. As illustrated, the sensing unit <NUM> is positioned alongside the internal seed channel <NUM>, within the housing <NUM>, for example adjacent the conduit member <NUM>. The sensor unit <NUM> can include optical sensor elements on one side of the seed channel <NUM> and one or more corresponding lighting elements on an opposite side of the seed channel <NUM>. The lighting elements can emit light toward the optical sensor elements, and the interruption of light received due to passage of seeds can be detected and conveyed to the controller <NUM> as the seed count.

A cross-sectional area of the seed channel <NUM> at the target viewing position <NUM> is greater than the area of the cross-section directly upstream, at a downstream end of the tapered inlet section <NUM>. From the target viewing position <NUM>, the seed channel <NUM> tapers in cross-section toward its outlet end. Moreover, it is noted that the seed channel <NUM> at the location of the target viewing position <NUM> is flat-sided in cross-section, taken perpendicular to the central axis AS. This contrasts with the circular cross-section at both the inlet and outlet ends <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, the seed channel <NUM> not only changes in cross-sectional area along the axial direction, but also includes at least two regions of shape transformation-one upstream of the target viewing position <NUM> and one downstream of the target viewing position <NUM>. Due to the joint construction of the seed channel <NUM>, only part of which is defined by the conduit member <NUM>, the inlet end of the conduit member <NUM> can have a flat-sided cross-section. As illustrated, the cross-section of the seed channel <NUM> is rectangular at both the inlet end of the conduit member <NUM> and at the target viewing position <NUM> just downstream.

As shown in <FIG>, a third configuration for the seed sensor <NUM> includes an in-line configuration along a run of seed hose for example, apart from any seed meter. The seed sensor <NUM> in such a configuration is provided with an adapter (e.g., an inlet end adapter <NUM>). The inlet end adapter <NUM> has a downstream end received within the tapered inlet section <NUM> of the seed channel <NUM>. The inlet end adapter <NUM> is a snap-on adapter that can be attached to and detached from the seed sensor housing <NUM> by hand, without tools. A resilient clip <NUM> of the inlet end adapter <NUM> is received by and secured with the opening <NUM> defined by the loop <NUM>. The inlet end adapter <NUM> also engages the seed sensor <NUM> on the opposite side from the mounting loop <NUM>. In particular, a hook <NUM> of the inlet end adapter <NUM> is received by a receptacle <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM> at a position opposite the loop so that the inlet end adapter <NUM> can pivot about the hook <NUM> to slide the resilient clip <NUM> through the opening <NUM>, while simultaneously compressing a seal <NUM> of the inlet end adapter <NUM> into the tapered inlet section <NUM>. In clipped engagement, opposing prongs of the resilient clip <NUM> engage respective retainer surfaces of the loop <NUM>, and these retainer surfaces can be the bottom surface side portions <NUM> that are individually angled in opposite directions with respect to the transverse reference plane P4. The inlet end of the inlet end adapter <NUM> is formed by a barbed stem <NUM> adapted for engagement with the interior surface of a seed hose end (e.g., a <NUM>-inch inner diameter hose). Likewise, the outlet end <NUM> of the seed sensor as formed by the protruding portion of the conduit member <NUM> can be coupled with another seed hose end (e.g., by insertion into the seed hose end and/or a hose clamp).

The seed meters <NUM> are mounted to a mount or mounting bracket <NUM> at a height above the ground and above the ground system <NUM>, and specifically, the motor <NUM> and the seed meter housing <NUM> are positioned on the mount <NUM>. With the mini-hopper <NUM> mounted to the seed meter housing <NUM>, the mini-hopper <NUM> is likewise positioned on the mount <NUM>. The mount <NUM> is fixed relative to the ground system via a frame <NUM>.

As shown best in <FIG>, the mount <NUM> includes a meter mounting portion <NUM>, a motor mounting portion <NUM>, and a controller mounting portion <NUM>. The three mounting portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed of a single component, or may otherwise be formed by multiple components attached (e.g., fastened, welded) to one another. The meter mounting portion <NUM> extends between two frame mounting points 620A, 620B, where the mount <NUM> is fastened to the frame <NUM>. Specifically, fasteners <NUM> (e.g., threaded fasteners, rivets, etc.) extend through the frame <NUM> and into the mount <NUM> to fix the mount <NUM> to the frame <NUM>. The frame mounting points 620A, 620B are axially offset from one another to distribute the holding forces in multiple planes. The location and orientation of the mounting points 620A, 620B shown in <FIG> further dictates that the meter mounting portion <NUM> includes a bend <NUM> to facilitate alignment with the mounting points 620A, 620B.

As shown in <FIG>, the frame <NUM> includes a tab 612A that extends through a cutout or slot 618A in the meter mounting portion <NUM>. The tab 612A includes an aperture 612B to function as a pivot point for the seed meter <NUM>. More specifically, a bracket <NUM> is attached to the seed meter housing <NUM> (the first side of the seed meter housing 52A) with fasteners <NUM> (e.g., threaded fasteners) at a proximal end 630A and extends away from the seed meter <NUM> to a distal end 630B defined by a pivot member <NUM>. The pivot member <NUM> is insertable into the aperture 612B in the tab 612A and is moveable within the aperture 612B such that the seed meter housing <NUM> is rotatable about a rotational axis <NUM> at the pivot member <NUM> between a disengaged position (<FIG>) and an engaged position (<FIG>).

Referring once again to <FIG>, the motor mounting portion <NUM> of the mount <NUM> extends perpendicular from the meter mounting portion <NUM>. The motor mounting portion <NUM> includes motor mounting points (not shown) for attaching and fixing the motor <NUM> to the mount <NUM>. The motor mounting portion <NUM> further includes an aperture <NUM> extending through the motor mounting portion <NUM>. With the motor <NUM> mounted to the motor mounting portion <NUM>, the output shaft of the motor <NUM> extends through the aperture <NUM> such that the motor output gear <NUM> (mounted to the shaft) is on the side of the motor mounting portion <NUM> opposite the motor <NUM>. A boss feature <NUM> surrounds the output gear <NUM> and the aperture <NUM> and includes a non-planar engagement surface <NUM>, which will be described in greater detail below with respect to <FIG>, <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, the controller mounting portion <NUM> is perpendicular to the meter and motor mounting portions <NUM>, <NUM>. A controller <NUM> is mounted to the controller mounting portion <NUM> via fasteners <NUM> (e.g., threaded fasteners). The controller <NUM> may control various aspects of the seed meter <NUM> such as controlling actuation of the motor <NUM> and receiving inputs from various sensors.

The seed meter housing <NUM> which houses the seed disk <NUM> is shown primarily in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. As discussed above, the seed meter housing <NUM> includes the first and second sides 52A, 52B, which in combination with the seed disk <NUM> mounted therein, define first and second cavities <NUM>, <NUM> on opposing sides of the seed disk <NUM>. The seed disk <NUM> includes radial teeth 54A that, when in the engaged position (<FIG>) enmesh (either directly, or indirectly with one or more intermediate gears positioned therebetween) with the teeth 70A of the output gear <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). The meshing interface between the seed disk <NUM> and the output gear <NUM> (and/or an intermediate gear) is defined within the seed meter housing <NUM> and more specifically within a hook or hook-shaped nose <NUM> of the seed meter housing <NUM>.

The hook <NUM> is formed with the meter housing <NUM> and is formed partially of the first side of the seed meter housing 52A and partially of the second side of the seed meter housing 52B. The majority of the seed meter housing <NUM> (excepting for the hook <NUM>) houses the seed disk <NUM> in the first and second chambers <NUM>, <NUM>. The hook <NUM> extends from the majority of the meter housing <NUM> and extends from a base <NUM> attached to the portion of the seed meter housing <NUM> defining the chambers <NUM>, <NUM>. The hook <NUM> extends from the base <NUM>, along a curved path, to a tip <NUM> spaced away from the base <NUM> and the chambers <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, at least the second side of the seed meter housing 52A includes a shroud <NUM> spanning the distance between the base <NUM> and the tip <NUM> to define a chamber <NUM> (<FIG>) within the hook <NUM> (i.e., between the tip <NUM> and the base <NUM>). An opening <NUM> of the shroud <NUM> or the hook <NUM> allows the hook <NUM> to be placed over the motor output gear <NUM> when transitioning from the disengaged position (<FIG>) to the engaged position (<FIG>). Therefore the chamber <NUM> is in communication with an exterior of the seed meter housing <NUM> through the opening <NUM>. As the chamber <NUM> is in communication with the chambers <NUM>, <NUM> surrounding the seed disk <NUM>, the chambers <NUM>, <NUM> are likewise in communication with the exterior of the seed disk housing <NUM> via the opening <NUM>.

The hook <NUM> includes an interior surface <NUM> (in facing relation with the chamber <NUM>) between the tip <NUM> and the base <NUM>, and at least a portion of the interior surface <NUM> defines a non-planar engagement surface or portion <NUM>. The non-planar engagement surface <NUM> of the hook <NUM> interacts with and engages the non-planar engagement surface <NUM> of the motor mount portion <NUM> when the seed meter <NUM> is in the engaged position (<FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the non-planar engagement surface <NUM> of the hook <NUM> extends from a position between the base <NUM> and the tip <NUM> to the tip <NUM>. The engagement surface <NUM> follows a curved path along the length of the hook <NUM> such that a thickness (as shown for example by the thickness of the tip at measurement <NUM>) of the portion of the hook <NUM> partially defined by the engagement surface <NUM> decreases as it approaches the tip <NUM>. As shown, the thickness of the portion defined by the engagement surface <NUM> decreases monotonically from the portion of the engagement surface <NUM> nearest the base <NUM> to the tip <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the non-planar engagement surface <NUM> of the motor mounting bracket <NUM> extends along the boss feature <NUM> that surrounds the motor output gear <NUM>. The engagement surface <NUM> follows a curved path along the boss feature <NUM> to a tip <NUM>, the curved path being formed opposite the engagement surface <NUM> of the hook <NUM>. Therefore, when in the engaged position, the engagement surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> mate against one another along the engagement surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The non-linear engagement ensures that the teeth 70A of the motor output gear <NUM> are axially aligned with the teeth 54A of the seed disk <NUM>. Further, as the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are non-linear, additional rotation of the engagement surface <NUM> of the hook <NUM> relative to the engagement surface <NUM> of the motor mounting bracket <NUM> results in opposing normal forces against the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> (as illustrated by arrows 666A, 666B on the respective surface being acted on). The normal forces need to be overcome to disengage the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>.

In addition to the engagement provided by the mating non-planar engagement surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, the seed meter <NUM> includes a latch system <NUM> for maintaining the seed disk housing <NUM> in the engaged position. In other words, the latch system <NUM> maintains the intermeshing relationship between the seed disk <NUM> and the motor output gear <NUM>. An external surface <NUM> of the hook <NUM> (i.e., on the first portion of the seed housing 52A) includes a second engagement surface <NUM> for engaging the latch mechanism <NUM>. Specifically, the latch mechanism <NUM> includes a cam <NUM> that is biased by a spring <NUM> (e.g., torsion spring) to a locked position when the seed meter <NUM> is in the engaged position (<FIG>). The cam <NUM> is attached to a lever or handle <NUM> and the cam/handle system <NUM>, <NUM> is mounted to the motor mounting portion <NUM> with the torsion spring <NUM>. The handle <NUM> can be actuated by a user to manually rotate a cam surface <NUM> of the cam <NUM> out of the engaged position (in engagement with the second engagement surface <NUM> of the seed disk housing <NUM>) to a disengaged position. The handle <NUM> and cam <NUM> are biased by the spring <NUM> to automatically return to the engaged position, where the cam surface <NUM> rests against the second engagement surface <NUM> of the seed disk housing <NUM>.

To transition the seed meter <NUM> from the disengaged position (<FIG>) to the engaged position (<FIG>), the user rotates the seed meter housing <NUM> about the rotational axis <NUM> defined at the pivot member <NUM> and the tab 612A of the frame <NUM>. The seed meter housing <NUM> is rotated such that the motor output gear <NUM> is inserted through the opening <NUM> in the shroud <NUM> and into the chamber <NUM> defined by the hook <NUM> and the shroud <NUM>. As the teeth 54A of the seed disk <NUM> and the teeth 70A of the output gear <NUM> are rotated toward one another, the tip <NUM> of the hook <NUM> is rotated about the boss feature <NUM> with the non-planar engagement surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> in facing relation to one another. The teeth 54A of the seed disk <NUM> mesh with the teeth 70A of the output gear <NUM> as a gap between the engagement surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> decreases until the engagement surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> contact one another. Further pressure can be applied to the seed meter housing <NUM> (i.e., the hook <NUM> of the seed meter housing <NUM>) to increase the pressure between the engagement surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, as described above with respect to the forces illustrated with arrows 666A, 666B.

As the seed meter housing <NUM> is rotated toward the engaged position, the second engagement surface <NUM> of the hook <NUM> contacts the cam <NUM>. To reach the engaged position, the seed meter housing <NUM> overcomes a spring force of the torsion spring <NUM>, thereby rotating the cam <NUM> from the biased position relative to the engagement surface <NUM> and permitting the seed meter housing to extend past. Once in the engaged position, the cam surface <NUM> rotates via the torsion spring <NUM> to the biased position to hold the seed meter housing <NUM> in the engaged position.

To transition the seed meter <NUM> from the engaged position (<FIG>) to the disengaged position (<FIG>), the user rotates the handle <NUM> to disengage the cam surface <NUM> from the second engagement surface <NUM>. Then, the user is able to rotate the seed disk housing <NUM> about the rotational axis <NUM> to disengage the teeth 54A of the seed disk <NUM> from the teeth 70A of the motor output gear <NUM>.

<FIG> is a detail view illustrating a seed disk <NUM> for the seed meter <NUM> of <FIG>. The seed disk <NUM> generally conforms to the features and function as set forth for the seed disk <NUM> above, except as specifically noted herein. Thus, reference is made to the preceding drawings and description for all other features of the seed disk <NUM>. As with the seed disk <NUM>, the seed disk <NUM> of <FIG> includes a circumferential array of seed openings <NUM> and a circumferential array of agitators in the form of agitator pockets <NUM>. The agitator pockets <NUM> are formed as depressions in the seed-side face 754B of the seed disk <NUM>. Such depressions or other agitator structures may be formed integrally as a single piece with the body (e.g., molded plastic body) forming the seed disk <NUM>. Due to the rotational nature of the seed disk <NUM> and the predetermined rotational direction R for the seed disk <NUM>, each agitator pocket <NUM> has a radially inner end 720A, a radially outer end 720B, and a predefined forward-facing surface <NUM> extending therebetween. The term "forward-facing" is not meant to refer to positioning at a leading edge of the agitator pocket <NUM>, and in fact the forward-facing surface <NUM> is positioned at the trailing edge of the agitator pocket <NUM>. Each corresponding forward-facing surface <NUM> forms at least part of the trailing edge of the agitator pocket <NUM>. The forward-facing surface <NUM> is the surface that is facing toward the seed pool to engage the seeds as the seed disk <NUM> rotates in the rotational direction R. In the case of a pocket, this is the trailing edge, but other arrangements are optional, e.g., where the agitator has a form other than that shown.

At least a portion of the trailing edge of one or more of the agitator pockets <NUM> among the array of seed agitator pockets <NUM> is backswept so that a circumferential-direction offset Or increases toward the radially outer end. The offset Or is measured circumferentially opposite the rotational direction R as a distance from a radial reference line Lr rotationally ahead of the forward-facing surface <NUM> with respect to the rotation direction R. The backswept portion of the forward-facing surface <NUM> is non-linear, although in some constructions it may be made up of multiple linear segments. As illustrated, the backswept portion is curvilinear, forming a smooth curve without linear segments or sharp edges therein. In some constructions, the backswept portion makes up the entire trailing end or the entire forward-facing surface <NUM>, and the entire forward-facing surface <NUM> is non-linear. In combination with the backswept portion as defined above, other portions of the forward-facing surface <NUM> can have other configurations, e.g., one or more linear segments (radially extending or otherwise), one or more additional curved or swept segments, etc. In some constructions, including the illustrated construction, the backswept portion extends to a radially outer end of the forward-facing surface <NUM>. Although all of the agitator pockets <NUM> are shown to have identical structures, each of which has a forward-facing surface <NUM> with a non-linear, backswept portion, shape characteristics may vary among the agitators within the seed disk <NUM>. Of course, any or all of the size, radial position, and circumferential spacing of the illustrated agitator pockets <NUM> may be modified in other constructions. While the array of agitator pockets <NUM> is a ring-shaped array in which all are positioned at a common radial offset from the central axis <NUM>, other circumferential arrays may be less uniform, and may include a subset of agitator pockets and/or other structures at at least one different radial position.

Seed meters <NUM> are positioned in a vertical or upright orientation when in use (when singulating and planting seeds) and may be rotated to any number of stowed positions when in transport or in storage. The arrow <NUM> shown in <FIG> illustrates the upright orientation (i.e., opposing gravity) when the seed meter <NUM> is in use. The arrows <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> illustrate two storage orientations in which the upright direction (i.e., opposing gravity) is transverse to the upright direction shown by the arrow <NUM> in <FIG>. Further positions at an angle between the arrows <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be further storage or transport positions. Regardless of the specific angle or orientation, the seed meter <NUM> is rotatable relative to the gravitational direction between a plurality of positions and is operable to maintain these plurality of positions (i.e., be locked into position for use, transport, or storage).

It is beneficial to limit the amount of rain that enters the seed meter <NUM> (i.e., within the seed meter housing <NUM>). Water build-up can lead to decreased efficiency of the singulating disk <NUM> in the singulating meter <NUM>, increased wear to moving components, and can further lead to premature germination of seeds. As such, it is likewise beneficial to drain water from within the seed disk housing <NUM> to prevent or limit the build-up of water within the housing <NUM>. As the seed meter <NUM> is rotatable between various positions, rainfall can have various ingress points based on the orientation of the seed meter <NUM> relative to the gravitational direction, as described above. Therefore, devices for limiting rain ingress for rotatable seed meters <NUM> require structure that limits rain ingress in multiple orientations without detrimentally modifying the functionality of the seed meter <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the metering element or seed disk <NUM> is mounted within the housing <NUM> between the front and rear portions or sides 52A, 52B of the seed disk housing <NUM>. The seed disk <NUM> is rotatably mounted and axially positioned within the housing <NUM> on a hub <NUM>. The hub <NUM> is mounted on the bearings 68A, 68B located within the housing <NUM> and defines the axis of rotation <NUM> of the seed disk <NUM>. The hub <NUM> extends from the internal end 66A at the seed disk <NUM> to an external end 66B outside of the seed disk housing <NUM>. A handle <NUM> is fixed to the external end 66B such that rotation of the handle <NUM> rotates the hub <NUM> and likewise rotates the seed disk <NUM>. An operator can manually rotate the handle <NUM> to check the functionality of the seed disk <NUM> (e.g., check if the seed disk <NUM> is stuck).

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show apertures or drain holes <NUM> located in the housing <NUM> of the seed meter <NUM> and specifically in the rear or vacuum side of the seed meter 52B. As shown in <FIG>, the drain holes <NUM> are spaced radially about the hub <NUM> at even intervals. Other drain hole arrangements (i.e., more or less drain holes <NUM>, size of drain holes <NUM>, positioning of drain holes <NUM>, etc.) may be utilized.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a vacuum cavity <NUM> is part of the second cavity <NUM> (defined between the vacuum-side face 54C of the seed disk <NUM> and the rear side of the seed disk housing 52B) and is defined between two sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> extending axially (parallel to the rotational axis <NUM>) from the rear side of the seed disk housing 52B. As shown in <FIG>, the two sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed by a single sidewall forming a circuit. Further, a rubber seal <NUM> (<FIG>) may extend from the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> to the installed seed disk <NUM> to seal the vacuum cavity <NUM>. The vacuum cavity <NUM> is an airflow path between the seed openings <NUM> of the seed disk <NUM> and the vacuum source/air outlet <NUM> to hold seeds within the seed openings <NUM>. The drain holes <NUM> are located outside of the vacuum cavity <NUM> so as to not affect the vacuum draw of the seed meter <NUM>.

In the upright orientation shown in <FIG>, the orientation of the drain holes <NUM> (transverse to the direction of rainfall or the direction of gravity) limits the amount of water that enters the drain holes <NUM>. Further, the drain holes <NUM> are positioned within boss features <NUM> (e.g., stubs or protuberances) that extend axially outward from the remainder of the seed disk housing <NUM> (i.e., in the axial direction of the drain holes <NUM>). The boss features <NUM> further redirect the rain water that streams down the outside of the seed disk housing <NUM> around the drain holes <NUM>.

In the first storage/transport orientation (shown on <FIG>), the drain holes <NUM> are axially aligned with the gravitational direction. However, the handle <NUM> limits or prohibits rainfall from entering the drain holes <NUM>. The handle <NUM> includes an umbrella dome <NUM> that is dome-shaped and extends over the drain holes <NUM> in the first storage/transport orientation. The umbrella dome <NUM> directs rainfall that impinges against the umbrella dome <NUM> (and would otherwise fall through the drain holes) to an outer edge <NUM>, away from the drain holes <NUM>. Therefore, even in the rotated orientation in which vertical rainfall were to fall through the drain holes <NUM>, the handle <NUM> prohibits or limits rain ingress through the drain holes <NUM>.

In the second storage orientation (also shown in <FIG>), the drain holes <NUM> are axially aligned with the gravitational direction, but are located below the seed meter housing <NUM> (i.e., in facing relationship to the ground). Therefore, the drain holes <NUM> are not in a position to receive rainfall, but may otherwise be susceptible to spray from contact between a ground surface and wheels <NUM> (e.g., vehicle wheels, wheel for transporting the seed meter, etc.) or the ground system <NUM> or splashing. The shape of the umbrella dome <NUM> (along with the direction of gravitational flow of water) limits the ingress of splashed or sprayed water into the seed disk housing <NUM> in the second storage/transport mode or orientation. Further, in the second storage/transport orientation, the drain holes <NUM> provide an outlet path for any water that is within the seed disk housing <NUM> such that seed within the mini-hopper <NUM> and the seed disk housing does not sit within a pool of water. The water falls out the drain holes <NUM> and collects within the underside of the umbrella dome <NUM> until the water fills the hollowed dome <NUM> or the seed meter <NUM> is rotated.

If the seed meter <NUM> is otherwise rotated toward or away from the work vehicle <NUM> (i.e., about an axis parallel to the rotational axis of the seed disk), the drain holes <NUM> function similar to the upward orientation shown in <FIG>, with the drain holes <NUM> still extending transverse to the direction of rainfall.

<FIG> illustrate a majority of the seed meter <NUM> in greater detail, especially with respect to the seed receptacle or mini-hopper <NUM>. As described above with respect to <FIG>, the mini-hopper <NUM> is a housing or receptacle for storing seeds and includes the seed inlet <NUM> for introducing seeds to the mini-hopper <NUM> (e.g., volumetrically metered from a larger hopper <NUM>), an air inlet <NUM> for providing airflow to produce a pressure differential to facilitate the vacuum function of the seed meter <NUM>, and a seed/air outlet <NUM>. The seed/air outlet <NUM> (referred to as a seed outlet) is an opening in the front side of the seed disk housing <NUM> for introducing seeds in the mini-hopper <NUM> to the seed disk <NUM>. The seed inlet <NUM> to the mini-hopper <NUM> includes a chute <NUM> that extends downward from the wall of the mini-hopper <NUM> into a seed chamber <NUM>, with a chute outlet <NUM> positioned at the end of the chute <NUM> to direct seeds to the bottom of the mini-hopper <NUM> (i.e., toward the seed outlet <NUM> of the mini-hopper <NUM>). The air inlet <NUM> is mounted to a wall of the mini-hopper <NUM> and is positioned above the outlet <NUM> of the seed inlet chute <NUM>.

It is beneficial to keep water out of the mini-hopper <NUM> to prevent premature germination of seeds within the mini-hopper <NUM> and to improve airflow at the seed disk <NUM>. The air inlet <NUM> provides a path from the environment to the mini-hopper <NUM>, and therefore is provided with structure to limit rain ingress into the mini-hopper <NUM>.

The air inlet <NUM> includes a proximal end or first end <NUM> for engaging the mini-hopper, a distal end or second end <NUM> opposite the first end <NUM>, and a hollow air inlet boot <NUM> extending therebetween. Airflow into the mini-hopper <NUM> through the air inlet <NUM> travels through an aperture <NUM> at the second end <NUM>, along a channel defining an airflow path through the air inlet boot <NUM>, and out an aperture <NUM> at the first end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> is attached (e.g., removably fixed) to the mini-hopper <NUM> at the first end <NUM> via an interference fit, a mating interface, or a fastener such as a hose clamp or an adhesive.

The boot <NUM> is made of a waterproof elastic substance (such as rubber or other polymer) and is stepped in size from a first cross-sectional size at the first end <NUM> of the air inlet <NUM> to a second cross-sectional size at the second end <NUM>, the second cross-sectional size being greater than the first. The boot <NUM> includes discrete cross-sectional portions, similar to a step pyramid having rectangular stepped regions that increase in size monotonically. In other words, at the second end <NUM> of the air inlet <NUM>, the boot <NUM> includes a rectangular cross-section, followed by a number (e.g., five) of successive rectangular cross-sections of increasingly diminished dimensions, at which point the boot <NUM> reaches the first end <NUM> of the air inlet <NUM>.

A screen <NUM> is positioned at the second end <NUM> of the air inlet <NUM> to prohibit or reduce the amount of dirt and debris from entering the mini-hopper <NUM> through the air inlet <NUM>. Further, the increased cross-sectional area of the second end <NUM> (relative to the first end <NUM>) reduces the air velocity drawn into the second end <NUM> of the air inlet <NUM>, decreasing the probability of large debris from suctioning against and covering the screen <NUM>.

The boot <NUM> has a mass and elasticity that allows the air inlet <NUM> to sag via gravity relative to the mini-hopper <NUM>, as denoted by arrow <NUM>. Written another way, with the first end <NUM> of the boot fixed to the mini-hopper <NUM>, the second end <NUM> bows down relative to the mini-hopper <NUM>. Therefore, the screen <NUM> (covering the opening <NUM> at the second end <NUM> of the air inlet <NUM>) is oriented away from an upward orientation regardless of the position of the seed meter <NUM> (e.g., use and storage/transport orientations shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). In other words, the screen <NUM> covering the second end <NUM> of the air inlet <NUM> has an airflow intake direction (as illustrated with arrows <NUM>) transverse to a plane <NUM> of the screen <NUM> and the airflow intake direction <NUM> has an upward vertical component (i.e., opposing gravity). Therefore, rainfall is not able to fall directly into the air inlet <NUM> through the opening <NUM> at the second end <NUM> regardless of the orientation of the seed meter <NUM> relative to the ground. Further, the ridges or steps <NUM> formed by the varied cross section of the boot <NUM> redirect the rain water that streams down the outside of the boot <NUM> away from the second end <NUM>.

Airflow from the boot <NUM> enters the mini hopper <NUM> through the first end <NUM>. The airflow path into the first end <NUM> is defined as being normal to a plane <NUM> defined by the opening <NUM> at the first end <NUM>. The planes <NUM>, <NUM> are non-parallel due to the gravitational sagging at the second end <NUM> such that the planes <NUM>, <NUM> intersect.

The seed meter <NUM> further includes additional features to limit rain ingress into the seed meter <NUM>. The mini-hopper <NUM> includes a lid <NUM> that is removable to provide user access to the contents of the mini-hopper <NUM>. One example of a further feature to limit rain ingress is a foam seal <NUM> located between the mini-hopper lid <NUM> and the mini-hopper <NUM>. When the mini-hopper lid <NUM> is snapped into place upon the mini-hopper <NUM>, the foam seal <NUM> is compressed to form a seal therebetween, thereby limiting rain ingress at the interface between the mini-hopper <NUM> and the lid <NUM>. The foam seal <NUM> may be attached to one or both of the lid <NUM> and the mini-hopper <NUM> via a snap feature, adhesive, or other fastener.

The seed meter <NUM> of each row unit <NUM> has one or more hose connections, e.g., a seed hose connection at the seed inlet <NUM> to receive seeds to be metered, a vacuum hose connection at the air outlet <NUM> to a vacuum source (not shown), and in many cases "jumper" hose connections that interconnect two or more seed meters <NUM> of different row units <NUM>. For example, the seed and/or +/- pressure source may be supplied indirectly, through an intermediate row unit <NUM>, to some of the other row units <NUM>. An example of this is the jumper seed outlet 60A shown in <FIG> to be jointly formed with the seed inlet <NUM> so that a portion of seeds received by the seed inlet <NUM> enter into the mini hopper <NUM>, while another portion of the seeds are passed through the seed outlet 60A to form a jumper circuit to another seed meter <NUM>. These examples are merely exemplary and it is specifically noted that other combinations and arrangements of connections are possible. It is also specifically reiterated that the seed metering, and thus the corresponding air hose connections, may be configured to positively pressurize the seed side of the seed meter rather than pulling vacuum on the opposite side.

Although the above described hose connections in agricultural vehicles are known to be tool-less, the ease of connection and disconnection by hand without tools may come at the expense of occasional nuisance disconnections. Thus, there is a need for an improved tool-less hose connection in agricultural work vehicles such as the vehicle <NUM> of <FIG>, among others. This may be especially true as machines continue to get wider, with more row units <NUM> needing to be fed by so-called Seed-On-Demand (SOD) systems. This has led to more complexity with a need to add jumper circuits, as briefly mentioned above, in which a single nozzle in a bulk seed tank (i.e., commodity container <NUM>, <FIG>) is used to provide seed flow to more than one seed meter <NUM>. Similarly, as singulation seed-metering technology is applied to air-seeders which typically have many more row units, these circuits continue to become more complex, with many more hoses and connecting components to make the entire system work.

In typical two-piece tool-less bayonet connectors on agricultural work vehicles, one piece of the connector includes one or more <NUM>-degree slots or channels with closed ends, while the other piece includes a corresponding number of circular cross-section pins or pegs that are received within the slots. The connection is made by axial sliding of the two pieces together with the pins aligned with the inlets of the corresponding slots, followed by a relative rotation about the axis so that the pins travel circumferentially to the closed ends of the corresponding slots. Although the general construction and assembly technique used by the present invention are similar to that of the traditional bayonet connectors described above, one or both of the slots and the pins have a unique shape as described below. The invention takes advantage of a highly convenient tool-less coupling structure for engaging and disengaging connections by hand, while greatly reducing or eliminating nuisance disconnections. In particular, the force vectors needed to disconnect the components shown in <FIG> are highly specific force vectors (e.g., a nearly straight axial compression vector to compress an internal compression seal <NUM>, or excessive rotational force). The same geometry also enables easy connection due to a significant difference in mechanical advantage when rotating the bayonet-style connection in the "engage" direction vs the "disengage" direction. In describing the nature of the coupling structure or bayonet-style connection, it should be understood that these may refer to any one or more of the seed outlet <NUM>, the jumper seed outlet 60A, the air outlet <NUM>, and/or any other tool-less coupling found on a conduit within an agricultural work vehicle including pneumatic conduits or chemical conduits. The seed outlet <NUM>, the jumper seed outlet 60A, and the air outlet <NUM> are referred to collectively as connector pieces in that they are operable to form a connection or coupling structure with another complementary connector piece. Exemplary complementary connector pieces are illustrated herein as the hose connector <NUM> of <FIG> and the plug connector <NUM> of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the connector pieces respectively formed by the seed outlet <NUM> and the jumper seed outlet 60A are each provided with at least one pin (e.g., diametrically opposed pair(s) of pins <NUM> as shown). The pins <NUM> extend or protrude from an outer side wall of the seed outlet <NUM> and the jumper seed outlet 60A in a direction radially outward, or transverse to a central axis defined by the conduit formed by the seed outlet <NUM> or jumper seed outlet 60A, respectively. The hose connector <NUM>, which has a hose interface portion <NUM> (e.g., including barbed exterior surface) for insertion and retention into a hose <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, is provided with at least one slot complementary to the pin(s) <NUM> (e.g., diametrically opposed pair(s) of slots <NUM> as shown). Each slot <NUM> is a bayonet-type slot having an approximately <NUM>-degree slot configuration for reception of one of the pins <NUM> in an axial entry direction, followed by a circumferential coupling direction. Each slot <NUM> includes an inlet portion 924A for receiving the pin <NUM> in the initial axial coupling direction, prior to rotation for securement. The inlet portions 924A are provided at a distal end <NUM> of the hose connector <NUM> and extend axially therefrom. Further details of the slots <NUM> are described with reference to the detail view of <FIG>, along with <FIG>. From the inlet portion 924A, each slot <NUM> includes a connector portion 924B having a directional component extending circumferentially toward a seat or receiving pocket 924C for holding the pin <NUM> in a secured position. The connector portion 924B can be at least partially defined by a first ramp comprising a flat ramp surface <NUM>. The ramp surface <NUM> can be less steep in angle than a back-side ramp surface <NUM> leading from the first ramp surface <NUM> to the receiving pocket 924C.

In particular, a first angle Θ<NUM> is defined by the ramp surface <NUM> with respect to a reference plane P9 defined by the distal end <NUM> of the hose connector <NUM>. The first angle Θ<NUM> can be substantially less than a second angle Θ<NUM> defined by the back-side ramp surface <NUM> with respect to the reference plane P9. For example, the second angle Θ<NUM> can be at least <NUM> times, or at least <NUM> times the first angle Θ<NUM>. In some constructions, the second angle Θ<NUM> is at least <NUM> times the first angle Θ<NUM> and not more than <NUM> times the first angle Θ<NUM>. In some constructions, inclusive of the illustrated construction, the second angle Θ<NUM> is over <NUM> degrees, and the first angle Θ<NUM> is under <NUM> degrees. Thus, speaking strictly to assembly and disassembly by the exertion of relative rotation or torque (not including applied axial force), assembly torque to seat the pins <NUM> can be less than a disassembly torque to unseat the pins <NUM> (e.g., <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent, <NUM> percent reduction or more) for a given compression seal <NUM>, which is arranged to require a predetermined amount of elastic compression against an end surface <NUM> of the connector piece during both assembly and disassembly. This means that the user can more readily attach the coupling than detach it by exerting rotational force. In fact, the mechanical advantage discrepancy may make it possible for the average user to be able to engage the coupling by exerting only a rotational torque by hand, while it may be impossible for the average user to be able to disengage the coupling by exerting only a counter-rotational torque by hand. This greatly improves the security of the joint against nuisance uncoupling without necessitating fasteners or the use of tools. It is also explicitly noted that the second angle Θ<NUM> can be <NUM> degrees (perpendicular to the plane P9 and aligned with the central conduit axis), or over <NUM> degrees (i.e., such that the back-side ramp surface <NUM> is "backswept" to extend down and to the left from the ramp surface <NUM> in <FIG>, rather than down and to the right). Such configurations actually demand a separate axial compression force in addition to a disengaging torque, as disengaging torque alone does not result in the application of an axial compression force.

Further, each of the pins <NUM> has a cross-section shape that is not a circle, as is most common in most conventional couplings. In fact, the pins <NUM> may be non-round in cross-section (i.e., having a shape not conforming to a circle, oval, ellipse, or combinations thereof). For example, each of the pins <NUM> can have a cross-section shape that includes at least one flat surface and one or more edges or corners. For example, the illustrated pins <NUM> include a flat or planar surface 944A that lies against the flat or planar back-side ramp surface <NUM> when the pin <NUM> is seated in the receiving pocket 924C. Another portion 944B of the pin <NUM>, which may optionally be curved or formed to include one or more flat surfaces, can directly abut a complementary-shaped base surface of the slot <NUM>, which together with the back-side ramp surface <NUM> forms the receiving pocket 924C. Because the flat shape of the back-side ramp surface <NUM> matches the shape of the pin portion surface 944B, these may be referred to as a surface-matched pair. In fact, multiple surface portions of the receiving pocket 924C (or the entirety of the receiving pocket 924C) may form a surface-matched pair with the corresponding portion(s) of the pin <NUM>.

Although the back-side ramp surface <NUM> is provided for translation of the pin <NUM> during disengagement, the rotational forces for disengagement are quite high due to the matching cross-section shapes or surfaces therebetween, and the steep angle Θ<NUM> of the back-side ramp surface <NUM>. Thus, to effect disengagement, the user is to apply a separate axial compression force between the seed inlet <NUM> (or other first connector piece) and the corresponding hose connector <NUM> (or other second connector piece), bringing the first and second connector pieces toward one another and compressing the compression seal <NUM>, prior to or during application of a disengagement torque. As long as the user is properly informed of the procedure, no additional hardship is enacted (e.g., such as the requirement for tools and/or additional fastening elements), and the likelihood of an unintentional disengagement is greatly reduced.

It should be noted that the features described above, which at times make specific reference to the seed inlet <NUM> and the hose connector <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> are also applicable to other embodiments. Without duplicating the relevant description, the features described above with respect to the pins <NUM> and the slots <NUM> may also apply to other combinations of connector pieces. For example, the jumper seed outlet 60A has the same arrangement of pins <NUM> as provided on the seed inlet <NUM> and discussed above. Further, a plug connection piece <NUM> (<FIG>) has the same arrangement of slots <NUM> as the slots <NUM> formed on the hose connector <NUM>. The plug connection piece <NUM> can be an optional accessory for the seed meter <NUM> or other device, that caps off or closes the conduit formed by the complementary connector piece (in the illustrated case the seed inlet <NUM>) when not necessary to flow air or commodity through it. Though not shown, the plug connection piece <NUM> also includes the compression seal <NUM> as in the hose connector <NUM>. However, in other constructions, the compression seal <NUM> or similar component(s) may be incorporated into the opposite connector piece (i.e., the connector pieces having the pins <NUM>, such as the seed inlet <NUM>, the jumper seed outlet 60A, or the air outlet <NUM>). Furthermore, it is conceived that the pins <NUM> and the slots <NUM> may be exchanged, partially or fully, so that the connector pieces having the pins <NUM> as illustrated will include one or more slots <NUM>, and the connector pieces having the slots <NUM> as illustrated will include one or more pins <NUM>. Although disclosed in the context of an agricultural work vehicle, and more particularly connections for a seed meter, features of the tool-less coupling structures disclosed may find use in a variety of other fields of use. Even within agricultural work vehicles, the disclosed coupling structures may find application in any one or more of: seed hose couplings, air pressure hose couplings (pressure or vacuum meter), and fertilizer hose couplings, among others.

<FIG> illustrate a singulator <NUM> according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Each of the singulator <NUM>, the cooperating biasing spring <NUM>, and the cooperating seed meter front housing 1052A have variations in form and function compared to those illustrated in <FIG> and described in the preceding text. However, many features and functions are retained and thus, the following description focuses on the specific variations, while reference is made to the preceding description for features that are not specifically modified. Initially, it is noted that the biasing spring <NUM> is not provided with the opening <NUM> for the positioning pin <NUM>, which also is not present in the front housing 1052A. Rather, the orientation of the biasing spring <NUM> with respect to the front housing 1052A is provided by one or more notches <NUM> (e.g., extended cutout(s) adjacent the central fastening aperture of the biasing spring <NUM>) and one or more cooperating posts <NUM> of the front housing 1052A that engage into the notch(es) <NUM> when in the assembled position. Thus, the position of the biasing spring <NUM> can be reliably controlled, despite the biasing spring <NUM> being secured by a single fastener <NUM> to the front housing 1052A. The notch(es) <NUM> and the post(s) <NUM> may be reversed in other constructions. Further, the backstop <NUM> of the front housing 52A (centrally located between the prongs <NUM>, <FIG>) is removed in favor of a pair of backstops <NUM> that are spaced apart to overlie the biasing spring wings or prongs <NUM> (of the third arm 1002C) and also the corresponding recesses or pockets <NUM> of the singulator <NUM>. As such, during assembly of the singulator <NUM> onto the pre-assembled biasing spring <NUM> in the front housing 52A, each spring prong <NUM> is more directly backed-up or supported for obtaining a reliable engagement of the prongs <NUM> into the pockets <NUM>, rather than simply deflecting the prongs <NUM> of the biasing spring <NUM>, although inward deflection of the prongs <NUM> toward each other occurs in order to seat the prongs <NUM> into their respective pockets <NUM>. Finally, it is noted that the remaining arms 1002A, 1002B of the biasing spring <NUM> are flat and not bent or contoured to reach toward the singulator back side 1056A. Rather, the singulator <NUM> is formed with extensions or protrusions <NUM> that extend from the back side 1056A to reach toward the plane defined by the spring arms 1002A-C. As such, the biasing spring <NUM> is entirely flat or planar, with the exception of the prongs <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a singulator <NUM> according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Each of the singulator <NUM>, the cooperating biasing spring <NUM>, and the cooperating seed meter front housing 1152A have variations in form and function compared to those illustrated in <FIG>, or <FIG> and described in the preceding text. However, many features and functions are retained and thus, the following description focuses on the specific variations, while reference is made to the preceding description for features that are not specifically modified. Initially, it is noted that the biasing spring <NUM> is not provided with prongs and the singulator <NUM> is not provided with snap-in recesses for such prongs. In fact, the singulator <NUM> of <FIG> is not assembled to the biasing spring <NUM> in a direction parallel to the central axis <NUM>. As discussed below, the assembly of the singulator <NUM> to the biasing spring <NUM> may occur in a direction perpendicular to the central axis <NUM>, or particularly, a circumferential direction about the central axis <NUM>. As such, there is no need for backstops <NUM>, <NUM>, and such features are not present in the front housing 1152A. Orientation of the biasing spring <NUM> with respect to the front housing 1152A is provided by one or more notches <NUM> (e.g., extended cutout(s) adjacent the central fastening aperture of the biasing spring <NUM>) and cooperating post(s) <NUM> (<FIG>) of the front housing 1152A as described above. The manufacture of the biasing spring <NUM> can be further simplified by eliminating all out-of-plane bends, resulting in the biasing spring <NUM> having a planar construction throughout all three arms 1102A-C. However, each of the arms 1102A-C incorporates additional features to facilitate assembly and removal of the singulator <NUM> onto the biasing spring <NUM>. First, along the central axis <NUM>, an opening <NUM> is formed in the first spring arm 1102A to receive a locating pin <NUM> that extends from the singulator back side 1156A. The locating pin <NUM> extends from a singulator protrusion 1161A that acts as a standoff, providing a shoulder for limiting axial-direction movement between the singulator <NUM> and the biasing spring <NUM> so that the biasing spring <NUM> can transfer its biasing force to the singulator <NUM> through the protrusion 1161A. Similarly, the singulator <NUM> is formed with extensions or protrusions <NUM> that extend from the back side 1156A to contact the spring arms 1102B, 1102C. In fact, as with other embodiments, the spring arms 1102A-C are deflected, upon installation of the seed meter disk <NUM>,from the point of fixture of the biasing spring <NUM> to the front housing 1152A (e.g., fastener <NUM>) to allow biasing force to be applied to the singulator <NUM> for pressing it against the seed meter disk <NUM>. This is accomplished in this particular embodiment by the two protrusions <NUM> and the protrusion 1161A.

With respect to <FIG> (pre-assembly) and <NUM> (assembled), it is noted that the biasing spring <NUM> is first secured to the front housing 1152A, and then the singulator <NUM> is installed to the biasing spring <NUM> by inserting the pin <NUM> through the opening <NUM> at a first rotational angle about the central axis <NUM> and then rotating the singulator <NUM> with respect to the biasing spring <NUM> about the central axis <NUM> to a final rotational angle. In doing so, the singulator <NUM> automatically snaps into engagement with the biasing spring <NUM>. This engagement is accomplished by a bumper step <NUM> of the singulator <NUM>, which in this construction is formed integrally as an extension with one of the protrusions <NUM>. In the first rotational angle, prior to final assembly, the bumper step <NUM> overlaps with the second spring arm 1102B when viewed axially. Further, the bumper step <NUM> extends axially even further beyond the protrusions <NUM>. Thus, pressing the biasing spring <NUM> into place axially causes a deflection of the second spring arm 1102B (an amount greater than the operating amount). The assembly rotation in the direction AD brings the bumper step <NUM> out of alignment with the second spring arm 1102B, allowing the second spring arm 1102B to seat axially against the protrusion <NUM>. Optionally, a side edge of the second spring arm 1102B may be seated against a side edge of the bumper step <NUM>. During the assembly rotation, a protruding hook <NUM> of the singulator <NUM> hooks behind the third spring arm 1102C. The protruding hook <NUM> is positioned to limit the amount of available assembly rotation of the singulator <NUM> with respect to the biasing spring <NUM>. The hook <NUM> also prevents the singulator <NUM> from unintentionally axially sliding off the biasing spring <NUM> when the seed meter is opened. Optionally, the end of the third spring arm 1102C may also be shaped as a hook. In any case, the assembly results in the singulator <NUM> being rotationally trapped to the desired orientation with respect to the biasing member <NUM> by the bumper step <NUM>, the hook <NUM>, and the second and third spring arms 1102B, 1102C. In order to remove the singulator <NUM> from the biasing spring <NUM>, the singulator <NUM> is rotated opposite the assembly direction AD. However, this first requires that the second spring arm 1102B is deflected back in the direction DD (<FIG>) so that the bumper step <NUM> can pass under the spring arm 1102B without blocking rotation of the singulator <NUM>. For this purpose, the second spring arm 1102B can be provided with a planar extending tab <NUM> to improve access when assembled (<FIG>).

Claim 1:
A seed receptacle (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing defining a seed chamber (<NUM>) within;
a seed inlet (<NUM>) formed in the housing, and
a seed outlet (<NUM>) formed in the housing,
wherein the seed receptacle (<NUM>) has an air inlet (<NUM>) separate from the seed inlet (<NUM>) and mounted to the housing, the air inlet (<NUM>) comprising:
a first end (<NUM>) attached to the housing and defining a first aperture (<NUM>);
characterized in that the air inlet further comprises a second end (<NUM>), opposite the first end (<NUM>) and defining a second aperture (<NUM>); and
a channel defining an airflow path between the first end (<NUM>) and the second end (<NUM>),
wherein the air inlet (<NUM>) has an elasticity and a weight such that the second end (<NUM>) sags relative to the first end (<NUM>).