Patent Description:
An agricultural seeding machine such as a row crop planter or grain drill places seeds at a desired depth within a plurality of parallel seed trenches formed in soil. In the case of a row crop planter, a plurality of row crop units are typically ground driven using wheels, shafts, sprockets, transfer cases, chains and the like or powered by electric or hydraulic motors. Each row crop unit has a frame which is movably coupled with a tool bar. The frame may carry a main seed hopper, herbicide hopper and insecticide hopper. If a herbicide and insecticide are used, the metering mechanisms associated with dispensing the granular product into the seed trench are relatively simple. On the other hand, the mechanisms necessary to properly meter the seeds, and dispense the seeds at predetermined relative locations within the seed trench are relatively complicated.

The mechanisms associated with metering and placing the seeds generally can be divided into a seed metering system and a seed placement system which are in series communication with each other. The seed metering system receives the seeds in a bulk manner from the seed hopper carried by the planter frame or by the row unit. Different types of seed metering systems may be used, such as seed plates, finger plates, seed disks, etc. In the case of a seed disk metering system a seed disk is formed with a plurality of seed cells spaced about the periphery of the disk. Seeds are moved into the seed cells with one or more seeds in each seed cell depending upon the size and configuration of the seed cell. A vacuum or positive air pressure differential may be used in conjunction with the seed disk to assist in movement of the seeds into the seed cell. The seeds are singulated and discharged at a predetermined rate to the seed placement or delivery system.

The most common seed delivery system may be categorized as a gravity drop system. In the case of the gravity drop system, a seed tube has an inlet end which is positioned below the seed metering system. The singulated seeds from the seed metering system merely drop into the seed tube and fall via gravitational force from a discharge end thereof into the seed trench. The seed tube may have a rearward curvature to reduce bouncing of the seed as it strikes the bottom of the seed trench and to impart a horizontal velocity to the seed in order to reduce the relative velocity between the seed and the ground. Undesirable variation in resultant in-ground seed spacing can be attributed to differences in how individual seeds exit the metering system and drop through the seed tube. The spacing variation is exacerbated by higher travel speeds through the field which amplifies the dynamic field conditions. Further seed spacing variations are caused by the inherent relative velocity difference between the seeds and the soil as the seeding machine travels through a field. This relative velocity difference causes individual seeds to bounce and tumble in somewhat random patterns as each seed comes to rest in the trench.

<CIT> describes a seeding machine with row units , in which each row unit has a seed disk rotatable about a first axis to convey seed from a seed reservoir , includes a seed delivery apparatus. The seed delivery apparatus includes an elongated housing having a first opening through which seed is received, a second opening through which seed exits, and an elongated interior chamber. The seed delivery apparatus further includes a first pulley , a second pulley , and an endless member driven by the first pulley and/or the second pulley. The endless member is movable within the elongated interior chamber to receive seed from the first opening and convey seed to the second opening. A seed diverter is movable with respect to the endless member and pivotable about a second axis non-coincident with the first axis. The seed diverter is positioned to contact and guide seed into the seed delivery apparatus.

The features of the claimed invention are provided in the independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Additional, optional features are provided in the dependent claims.

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 following drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

With reference to <FIG> an example planter or seeding machine <NUM> is shown containing a seed delivery system. Planter <NUM> includes a tool bar <NUM> as part of a planter frame <NUM>. Mounted to the tool bar <NUM> are multiple planting row units <NUM>. Row units <NUM> are typically identical for a given planter but there may be differences.

A row unit <NUM> is shown in greater detail in <FIG>. The row unit <NUM> is provided with a central frame member <NUM> having a pair of upwardly extending arms (not shown) at the forward end thereof that connect to a parallelogram linkage <NUM> for mounting the row unit <NUM> to the tool bar <NUM> for up and down relative movement between the unit <NUM> and toolbar <NUM> in a known manner. Seed is stored in seed hopper <NUM> and provided to a seed meter <NUM>. Seed meter <NUM> is of the type that uses a vacuum to generate a pressure differential. Other types of seed meters can be used as well. From the seed meter <NUM> the seed is carried by a delivery system <NUM> into a planting furrow, or trench, formed in the soil by furrow openers <NUM>. Gauge wheels <NUM> control the depth of the furrow. Closing wheels <NUM> close the furrow over the seed. The gauge wheels <NUM> are mounted to the frame member <NUM> by arms <NUM>. The tool bar <NUM> and row unit <NUM> are designed to be moved over the ground in a forward working direction identified by the arrow <NUM>.

The row unit <NUM> further includes a chemical hopper <NUM> a row cleaner attachment (not shown), and a down force generator <NUM>. The row unit <NUM> is shown as an example of the environment in which the delivery system <NUM> is used. The delivery system <NUM> can be used in any of a variety of planting machine types such as, but not limited to, row crop planters, grain drills, air seeders, etc..

Referring to <FIG>, another type of seed meter and delivery system (collectively a seeding machine) is illustrated for use with the row unit <NUM>. The seeding machine <NUM> includes a seed meter <NUM> having seed meter housing <NUM> containing a seed disk therein, an air or vacuum system <NUM>, a mini-hopper <NUM>, and a seed delivery apparatus <NUM>.

The seed meter housing <NUM> comprises first (front) and second (rear) halves or portions <NUM>, <NUM> releasably joinable or couplable using a plurality of housing coupling pairs. The respective fittings <NUM>, <NUM> of the coupling pairs may be snap fittings or other suitable fittings spaced about the periphery of each respective half <NUM>, <NUM> for alignment and engagement of the two halves. Each fitting <NUM>, <NUM> may be differently configured depending on position about the respective half <NUM>, <NUM>.

The seed disk <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a generally flat disk. The disk <NUM> has a front side or face <NUM> and a rear side or face <NUM>. The front side <NUM> may further be defined as a seed side and the rear side <NUM> may be defined as a vacuum side. A row of circumferentially spaced apertures <NUM> at a fixed radius from the disk axis <NUM> is arranged around a circular path radially inward of the edge or periphery <NUM> of the disk <NUM>. Each aperture <NUM> extends through the disk <NUM> between the rear side <NUM> and the front side <NUM>. In some embodiments, the disk apertures <NUM> have on the front face <NUM> a flat or planar surrounding disk surface. Alternatively, the apertures <NUM> are surrounded by seed cells. The front face <NUM> may optionally include a plurality of seed agitators <NUM> at a radial position relative to the apertures <NUM>.

Referring also to <FIG>, the disk <NUM> is rotatably mounted to a hub <NUM> with suitable bearings <NUM> fixed to a splined or shaped drive axle <NUM> connected to the shaft of a motor or other motive device, such as a servo motor or stepper motor (not shown). In some applications, other known methods of rotating the hub <NUM> other than a direct axial drive may be employed, to include an indirect gear mechanism (for example, via teeth <NUM> at the outer edge <NUM> of the disk), transmission and drive cable, pulley, belt or other such device. A seal or sealing ring <NUM> between the housing <NUM> and the disk <NUM> hinders the escape of seeds therebetween.

Referring in particular to <FIG>, the vacuum system <NUM> includes a vacuum tube <NUM> coupled to the rear housing <NUM> and in communication with a portion of the contained volume adjacent the rear side <NUM> of the disk <NUM>. Specifically, a curvilinear vacuum seal <NUM> with a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> forms a sealable interface with the rear disk face <NUM> and surrounds a circumferential section <NUM> of the rear face <NUM> at a radial position bounding a portion of the path of the apertures <NUM>. The vacuum tube <NUM> communicates through the tube connector <NUM> with an air pump or vacuum pump (not shown) for generating a vacuum within the tube <NUM>. In other embodiments, a pressure differential may instead be generated by known methods of generating a positive pressure on the front side of the disk.

The mini-hopper <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> defining a volume in communication with the front side <NUM> of the disk <NUM>, in particular with a lower region or seed reservoir <NUM> via a mini-hopper opening <NUM> in the front half <NUM> of the seed meter housing (<FIG> and <FIG>). The housing <NUM> includes a seed supply inlet <NUM> and a cover <NUM> for interior access.

The seed delivery apparatus <NUM> includes an elongated housing <NUM> with spaced apart front and rear walls <NUM>, <NUM> and a side wall <NUM> therebetween defining an interior chamber <NUM>. An inlet opening <NUM> in the side wall <NUM> communicates the interior chamber <NUM> with the seed meter interior through an associated opening in the seed meter housing <NUM>. A pair of pulleys mounted inside the housing <NUM> supports an endless member or belt <NUM> for rotation within the housing <NUM>. One of the pulleys is a drive pulley <NUM> and the other is an idler pulley <NUM>. The drive pulley <NUM> is connected to the shaft of a motor or other motive device, such as a servo motor or stepper motor (not shown). A base member <NUM> of the belt <NUM> engages the pulleys and flights <NUM> extend from the base member <NUM> to form seed receptacles <NUM>. In other embodiments, the belt <NUM> may instead have elongated bristles (not shown) extending from the base <NUM> to a position at or near the inner surface of the housing side wall <NUM>, e.g., a brush belt, or alternatively may present a resilient surface for receiving seed. An exit opening <NUM> is formed in the sidewall <NUM> opposite the inlet opening <NUM>. The side wall <NUM> is thus divided by the inlet and exit openings <NUM>, <NUM> into two segments 620a, 620b.

The seed disk <NUM> and the front and rear walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> lie in generally parallel planes, which themselves are generally parallel to the direction of travel of the row unit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a seed diverter <NUM> is positioned within the volume contained by the seed meter housing <NUM>. Specifically, the seed diverter <NUM> includes a bracket <NUM>, a slider crank mechanism <NUM>, and an actuator <NUM>.

The bracket <NUM> includes a bracket mount <NUM>, a bracket frame <NUM>, and a slider receiver <NUM>. The bracket mount <NUM> includes a mounting plate <NUM> with apertures <NUM> for mounting to an inside surface <NUM> of the front housing half <NUM>. The bracket frame <NUM> extends from the mounting plate <NUM> and forms two arms <NUM> with a recess therebetween. The slider receiver <NUM> is positioned at or adjacent the end of the arms <NUM> and defines a receiver opening <NUM>.

The slider crank mechanism <NUM> comprises a slider arm <NUM>, at one end of which is a slider head <NUM> presenting a generally flat contact surface <NUM>. Lateral to the slider head <NUM> as illustrated is a linkage receiver <NUM> having an aperture <NUM> configured to receive one of two protrusions <NUM> of a crank arm <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> includes a motor <NUM>, such as a stepper motor, or in some applications a servo motor, having a shaft <NUM>. An offset linkage <NUM> includes a first hole <NUM> to receive the motor shaft <NUM> and a second hole <NUM> to receive the second of the two protrusions <NUM>.

To facilitate this synchronization between the apertures <NUM>, the flights <NUM>, and the motor <NUM>, one or more sensors may be located within the housing <NUM> to detect the rate of travel and/or presence of one or more flights <NUM>. In other embodiments, one or more sensors may be located within the housing <NUM> to detect the rate of travel and/or presence of one or more apertures <NUM>. Alternatively, if a fixed relationship among the stepper or servo motor of the drive pulley <NUM>, the drive pulley <NUM>, and the belt <NUM> is known, then control logic can be employed between the stepper or servo motor of the drive pulley <NUM>, the stepper or servo motor of the disk <NUM>, and the motor <NUM> to control the rotation or position of the motor <NUM> (i.e., the motor <NUM> is capable of position calibration with the motor of the drive pulley <NUM> and/or the motor of the disk <NUM>). Motor position data can be communicated to a controller for motor alignment among all three motors.

In assembly of the seed diverter <NUM>, the bracket <NUM> is mounted to the interior surface <NUM> using standard fasteners, which locates the bracket frame <NUM> relative to the disk <NUM> and to the opening <NUM>. The slider arm <NUM> is received in the receiver opening <NUM> such that it is translatable along and between the two arms <NUM> and constrained to linear movement by the slider receiver <NUM>. Movement of the slider arm <NUM> is therefore generally outward/inward relative to the disk axis <NUM> as it translates across a portion of the disk <NUM>, but it need not be directly radial relative to the disk axis <NUM>. The crank arm <NUM> is positioned such that one protrusion <NUM> is received within the aperture <NUM> and the other protrusion <NUM> is inserted into the second hole <NUM> of the offset linkage <NUM>. The motor shaft <NUM> engages the first hole <NUM> of the linkage <NUM> and the motor <NUM> is secured to the front half <NUM> of the seed meter housing <NUM>.

In operation, as the row unit <NUM> proceeds in the direction identified by arrow <NUM> in a seeding application, the seed disk <NUM> rotates about the axis <NUM> of the seed disk by a seed disk motor or other direct or indirect motive device (not shown). With respect to <FIG>, the disk <NUM> rotates clockwise. Seed accumulates in the seed reservoir area <NUM> from the mini-hopper <NUM>, which itself is supplied with seed from an upstream distribution system. An air or vacuum pump is actuated and a pressure differential developed across a portion of the disk <NUM>. In particular, an area of lower than atmospheric pressure is generated within the boundaries of the vacuum seal <NUM> on the rear side <NUM>, which results in a pressure difference between the front and rear sides <NUM>, <NUM>. As one or more apertures <NUM> pass through the seed reservoir area <NUM> and the area of low pressure, i.e., the section <NUM>, with rotation of the disk <NUM>, a force due to the pressure differential between the sides <NUM>, <NUM> retains seed on the front face <NUM> at each aperture location corresponding to the boundaries of the seal <NUM>. A doubles eliminator (not shown) located within the housing <NUM> removes excess seeds from each aperture <NUM> such that one seed per aperture travels with the associated aperture <NUM> as the disk <NUM> rotates. Additional components within the seed meter housing <NUM> need not be operationally described.

Concurrently, the drive pulley <NUM> of the seed delivery apparatus <NUM> rotates to drive the endless member <NUM> within the interior chamber <NUM> at a speed cooperative with the forward movement of the seeding machine <NUM> and the rotational rate of the disk <NUM>. With respect to <FIG>, the endless member <NUM> rotates counterclockwise. The flights <NUM> are designed such that the receptacles <NUM> pass across the opening <NUM>.

As the adhered seed approaches the second end <NUM> of the vacuum seal <NUM>, the seed diverter <NUM> is configured to contact and guide the seed to affect that seed's trajectory into the seed delivery apparatus <NUM>.

Specifically, the actuator <NUM> rotates the slider crank mechanism <NUM> at a rate synchronous with a rotation rate of the disk <NUM> and in coordination with a rotation rate of the first pulley. In particular, the motor <NUM> rotates at a predetermined rate that accounts for the angular velocity of the disk <NUM>, the radial distance of the row of apertures <NUM>, and the circumferential spacing between apertures <NUM> such that the contact surface <NUM> contacts a seed at or very nearly in concert with the termination of the pressure differential as the subject aperture <NUM> passes over the second end <NUM> of the vacuum seal <NUM>, which frees the seed from the aperture <NUM>. In some applications, contact occurs after full removal of the pressure differential. Alternatively, the controller receives sensor information from the flight <NUM> or aperture <NUM> position sensor(s) and/or motor position data and coordinates motion of the actuator <NUM> accordingly.

Referring to <FIG>, in one position the slider arm <NUM> (and slider head <NUM>) are in a first or retracted position. As the offset linkage <NUM> rotates (clockwise with respect to <FIG>), the action between the linkage <NUM> and the crank arm <NUM> drives the slider arm <NUM> away from the arms <NUM>, away from the axis <NUM>, and toward the disk edge <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. With continued rotation and reference to <FIG>, the slider head <NUM> reaches a second or extended position at which the contact surface <NUM> contacts the seed to guide the seed through the opening <NUM> and into a seed receptacle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the slider head <NUM> extends wholly into the seed receptacle <NUM>, in other embodiments the slider head <NUM> extends partially into the seed receptacle <NUM>, and in yet other embodiments the slider head <NUM> at full extension does not extend into the seed receptacle <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, contact with the seed occurs before full extension of the slider arm <NUM> as the contact surface <NUM> passes through the radial position of the subject aperture <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, once past full extension, further rotation of the offset linkage <NUM> drives the slider arm <NUM> back to the retracted position, at which point the extension/retraction cycle begins anew.

The seed received within the seed receptacle <NUM> thereafter moves with the endless member <NUM> toward the opening <NUM> at which point it exits the housing <NUM> via the opening <NUM> into the formed trench.

<FIG> illustrate additional seed diverter embodiments. The features of the row unit <NUM> as previously described are applicable to the description of the additional seed diverters of <FIG>, such that not all details need to be described with respect to each embodiment. Each seed diverter hereafter disclosed is mounted with a bracket or similar securing feature (not shown) to an inside surface <NUM> of the front housing half <NUM>, in an orientation similar to that shown in <FIG>. Further, some of the following embodiments may make use of the aforementioned sensors located within the housing <NUM> to detect the travel and/or presence of the flights <NUM> and/or the apertures <NUM> as previously described for synchronization between the apertures <NUM>, the flights <NUM>, and an actuator.

Referring to <FIG>, a seed diverter <NUM> is similar to the seed diverter <NUM> with a differently configured drive mechanism. The seed diverter <NUM> is positioned within the volume contained by the seed meter housing <NUM> and includes a slider crank mechanism <NUM> and an actuator <NUM>.

The slider crank mechanism <NUM> comprises a slider arm <NUM>, at one end of which is a slider head <NUM> presenting a generally flat contact surface <NUM>. A crank arm <NUM> is affixed to either the slider arm <NUM> or the slider head <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> is in the form of a pinion <NUM> engageable with a set of teeth <NUM> integrally formed as part of or separately affixed to the seed disk <NUM>. An offset linkage <NUM> is rotatable with the axis of the pinion <NUM> and attaches to an end of the crank arm <NUM>.

In operation, as the row unit <NUM> proceeds in the direction identified by arrow <NUM> in a seeding application, the seed disk <NUM> rotates about the axis <NUM> of the seed disk by a seed disk motor or other direct or indirect motive device (not shown). With respect to <FIG>, the disk <NUM> rotates clockwise. Seed accumulates in the seed reservoir area <NUM> and a pressure differential is developed across a portion of the disk <NUM> as previously described for retaining seed on the front face <NUM>. Concurrently, the endless member <NUM> is driven counterclockwise with respect to <FIG>, also as previously described.

Specifically, the pinion <NUM> engages the teeth <NUM> to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, concurrently rotating the offset linkage <NUM> about the axis of the pinion <NUM>. As with the seed diverter <NUM>, the attached crank arm <NUM> translates the slider arm <NUM> in a reciprocating fashion (in this embodiment at a rate synchronous with a rotation rate of the disk <NUM>) such that the contact surface <NUM> contacts a seed at or very nearly in concert with the termination of the pressure differential as the subject aperture <NUM> passes over the second end <NUM> of the vacuum seal <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the slider head <NUM> during extension reaches a second or extended position at which the contact surface <NUM> contacts the seed to guide the seed into a seed receptacle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the slider head <NUM> extends wholly into the seed receptacle <NUM>, in other embodiments the slider head <NUM> extends partially into the seed receptacle <NUM>, and in yet other embodiments the slider head <NUM> at full extension does not extend into the seed receptacle <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, contact with the seed occurs before full extension of the slider arm <NUM> as the contact surface <NUM> passes through the radial position of the subject aperture <NUM>. Once past full extension, the actuator <NUM> drives the slider arm <NUM> back to a first or retracted position, at which point the extension/retraction cycle begins anew.

Referring to <FIG>, another seed diverter <NUM> includes a slider mechanism <NUM> and an actuator <NUM>.

The slider mechanism <NUM> comprises a slider arm <NUM>, at one end of which is a slider head <NUM> presenting a generally flat contact surface <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is in the form of a pneumatic cylinder, although actuator <NUM> may be a solenoid or other electromagnetic actuator, or other actuator capable of providing translational motion of the slider arm <NUM>.

In operation, as the row unit <NUM> proceeds in the direction identified by arrow <NUM> in a seeding application, the seed disk <NUM> rotates about the axis <NUM> of the seed disk by a seed disk motor or other direct or indirect motive device (not shown). With respect to <FIG>, the disk <NUM> rotates clockwise. A pressure differential is developed across a portion of the disk <NUM> as previously described for retaining seed on the front face <NUM>. Concurrently, the endless member <NUM> is driven counterclockwise with respect to <FIG>, also as previously described.

Specifically, the actuator <NUM> receives and exhausts a controlled supply of pressurized air (which may be associated with the system operating to provide the air pressure differential) to translate (i.e., retract and extend from a first position to a second position) the slider mechanism <NUM> in coordination with a rotation rate of the endless member <NUM>, accounting for the angular velocity of the disk <NUM>, the radial distance of the row of apertures <NUM>, and the circumferential spacing between apertures <NUM> such that the contact surface <NUM> contacts a seed at or very nearly in concert with the termination of the pressure differential as the subject aperture <NUM> passes over the second end <NUM> of the vacuum seal <NUM>. Alternatively, the controller receives sensor information from the flight <NUM> or aperture <NUM> position sensor(s) and/or motor position data and coordinates motion of the actuator <NUM> accordingly.

Referring again to <FIG>, the slider head <NUM> during extension reaches a second or extended position at which the contact surface <NUM> contacts the seed to guide the seed through the opening <NUM> and into a seed receptacle <NUM>. In some embodiments, the slider head <NUM> extends wholly into the seed receptacle <NUM>, in other embodiments the slider head <NUM> extends partially into the seed receptacle <NUM>, and in yet other embodiments the slider head <NUM> at full extension does not extend into the seed receptacle <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, contact with the seed occurs before full extension of the slider arm <NUM>. Once past full extension, the actuator <NUM> drives the slider arm <NUM> back to the first or retracted position, at which point the extension/retraction cycle begins anew.

Due to the above variables, the retraction rate need not be identical to the extension rate, and in some embodiments the rate of retraction of the slider arm <NUM> may be slower than the rate of extension. In other embodiments the slider arm <NUM> may remain in the retracted position for a time period before the extension motion is executed.

Referring to <FIG>, a seed diverter <NUM> includes a slider mechanism <NUM> and an actuator <NUM>.

The slider mechanism <NUM> comprises a slider arm <NUM>, at one end of which is a slider head <NUM> presenting a generally flat contact surface <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is in the form of a pinion <NUM> engageable with a set of teeth <NUM> integrally formed as part of or separately affixed to the seed disk <NUM>. The pinion <NUM> includes an axially offset concurrently rotatable partially toothed portion <NUM> with teeth <NUM> configured to engage mating teeth <NUM> formed on a portion of the slider arm <NUM>. A second end of the slider arm <NUM> is positioned within a slider receiver <NUM>, which also contains a spring <NUM> therein.

In operation, the seed diverter <NUM> is configured to contact and guide the seed to affect that seed's trajectory into the seed delivery apparatus <NUM>. In particular, the pinion <NUM> engages the teeth <NUM> to rotate in a counterclockwise direction with rotation of the disk <NUM>, concurrently rotating the offset partially toothed portion <NUM> about the axis of the pinion <NUM>. During a portion of the rotation of the offset portion <NUM>, the teeth <NUM> engage the teeth <NUM> to retract the slider arm <NUM> into the receiver <NUM> against the force of the spring <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the slider arm <NUM> is in a fully retracted position, as the end tooth of the set of teeth <NUM> is engaged with the end tooth of the set of teeth <NUM>. Once such engagement ceases upon further rotation of the pinion <NUM>, the force of the spring <NUM> translates the slider arm <NUM> to a fully extended position, as shown in <FIG> and in the same relationship with the endless member <NUM> previously described. As the offset portion <NUM> continues to rotate with the pinion <NUM>, the teeth <NUM> reengage the teeth <NUM> to retract the slider arm <NUM> and repeat the cycle.

Referring to <FIG>, the seed diverter <NUM> is similarly configured to the seed diverter <NUM> but with another type of actuator. The seed diverter <NUM> includes a slider mechanism <NUM> and an actuator <NUM>.

The slider mechanism <NUM> comprises a slider arm <NUM>, at one end of which is a slider head <NUM> presenting a generally flat contact surface <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is in the form of a series of radially-oriented ramps <NUM> fixed onto the seed disk <NUM> and rotatable therewith, each ramp <NUM> having a ramp surface <NUM>. The ramp surface <NUM> is oriented such that a first end <NUM> is radially further from the disk axis <NUM> than is a second end <NUM>. Each ramp surface <NUM> is positioned to contact an axial protrusion <NUM> formed as part of or coupled to the slider arm <NUM>, as will be further detailed. The protrusion <NUM> may include an arcuate outer surface and may or may not be rotatable. A second end of the slider arm <NUM> is positioned within a slider receiver <NUM>, which also contains a spring <NUM> therein.

In operation, the seed diverter <NUM> is configured to contact and guide the seed to affect that seed's trajectory into the seed delivery apparatus <NUM>. In particular, the ramps <NUM> rotate with the seed disk <NUM> such that the contact surface <NUM> of a first ramp <NUM> abuts the protrusion <NUM>. As illustrated, the interaction of the contact surface <NUM> with the protrusion <NUM> results in a linear ramp effect on the protrusion <NUM>. The effect drives the slider arm <NUM> further into the receiver <NUM>, retracting it against the spring <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the slider arm <NUM> is in a fully retracted position, as the second end <NUM> is in contact with the protrusion <NUM>. Once such contact ceases due to further rotation of the disk <NUM>, the force of the spring <NUM> translates the slider arm <NUM> to a fully extended position, as shown in <FIG>, with the protrusion <NUM> abutting at or near the first end <NUM> of a second or subsequent ramp <NUM> and the slider head <NUM> in the same relationship with the endless member <NUM> as previously described for other slider mechanism embodiments. As the disk <NUM> continues to rotate, the aforementioned ramp <NUM> retracts the slider arm <NUM> into the receiver <NUM> and against the spring <NUM> to repeat the cycle.

Referring to <FIG>, a seed diverter <NUM> in another embodiment includes a rotating mechanism <NUM> and an actuator <NUM>.

The rotating mechanism <NUM> comprises a linear projection, such as a paddle <NUM> rotatably fixed to a first gear <NUM> for rotation therewith. The paddle <NUM> presents a contact surface <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is in the form of a second gear <NUM> in mating relationship with the first gear <NUM> and further engageable with a set of teeth <NUM> integrally formed as part of or separately affixed to the seed disk <NUM>.

In operation, as the seed disk <NUM> rotates, the second gear <NUM> engages the teeth <NUM> to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. The engagement between the second gear <NUM> and the first gear <NUM> rotates the first gear <NUM> in a clockwise direction, concurrently rotating the paddle <NUM> at a rate synchronous with a rotation rate of the disk <NUM> such that the contact surface <NUM> contacts a seed at or very nearly in concert with the termination of the pressure differential as the subject aperture <NUM> passes over the second end <NUM> of the vacuum seal <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the paddle <NUM> sweeps within an individual receptacle <NUM> during rotation. The paddle <NUM> and gears <NUM>, <NUM> are sized and positioned relative to the disk <NUM> and timed with the rotation of the flights <NUM> such that as the belt <NUM> proceeds counterclockwise in <FIG>, the paddle <NUM> sweeps clockwise within the subject receptacle <NUM>, avoiding contact with the flights <NUM> forming the receptacle <NUM> as the paddle <NUM> rotation and belt <NUM> movement are generally aligned for a period of time.

The rotating mechanism <NUM> comprises opposing linear projections or paddles <NUM> rotatably fixed to a first gear <NUM> for rotation therewith. The paddles <NUM> each present a contact surface <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> is in the form of a second gear <NUM> in mating relationship with the first gear <NUM> and further engageable with a set of teeth <NUM> integrally formed as part of or separately affixed to the seed disk <NUM>.

In operation, as the seed disk <NUM> rotates, the second gear <NUM> engages the teeth <NUM> to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. The engagement between the second gear <NUM> and the first gear <NUM> rotates the first gear <NUM> in a clockwise direction, concurrently rotating the paddles <NUM> at a rate synchronous with a rotation rate of the disk <NUM> such that the contact surface <NUM> of one of the paddles <NUM> contacts a seed at or very nearly in concert with the termination of the pressure differential as the subject aperture <NUM> passes over the second end <NUM> of the vacuum seal <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, each paddle <NUM> sweeps within an individual receptacle <NUM> during rotation. In particular, the relationship between the gears <NUM>, <NUM> is such that one of the paddles <NUM> sweeps within a first receptacle <NUM> and the other of the paddles <NUM> sweeps within the following receptacle <NUM>. As with the embodiment of <FIG>, the paddle <NUM> and gears <NUM>, <NUM> are sized and positioned relative to the disk <NUM> and timed with the rotation of the flights <NUM> such that as the belt <NUM> proceeds counterclockwise in <FIG>, each paddle <NUM> sweeps clockwise within the subject receptacle <NUM>, avoiding contact with the flights <NUM> forming the receptacle <NUM> as the paddle <NUM> rotation and belt <NUM> movement are generally aligned for a period of time.

In other embodiments, more than two paddles <NUM> may be implemented with proper sizing of gears <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a seed diverter <NUM> in another embodiment includes a rotating cam <NUM> actuated by the aforementioned motor <NUM> previously described. The rotating cam <NUM> includes a cam body <NUM> presenting a contact surface <NUM>.

In operation, the motor <NUM> rotates at a predetermined rate that accounts for the angular velocity of the disk <NUM>, the radial distance of the row of apertures <NUM>, and the circumferential spacing between apertures <NUM> such that the contact surface <NUM> contacts a seed to guide the seed into a seed receptacle <NUM>. In a similar manner to the paddle <NUM>, the cam body <NUM> at least partially sweeps within an individual receptacle <NUM> during rotation and is sized and positioned and further timed via motor <NUM> with the rotation of the flights <NUM> such that as the belt <NUM> proceeds counterclockwise in <FIG>, the body <NUM> sweeps clockwise within the subject receptacle <NUM>, avoiding contact with the flights <NUM> forming the receptacle <NUM> as the body <NUM> rotation and belt <NUM> movement are generally aligned for a period of time.

Referring to <FIG>, another seed diverter <NUM> includes a nozzle <NUM> fixed to the inside surface <NUM> of the front housing half <NUM> with a bracket <NUM> and in fluid communication with a supply of pressurized air through a pipe, tube, or other conduit <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> may take any form leading to a tip or outlet <NUM> suitable to direct a jet of air therefrom.

In operation, the seed disk <NUM> rotates about the axis <NUM> as previously described and a pressure differential is developed across a portion of the disk <NUM> while the endless member <NUM> is driven counterclockwise with respect to <FIG>.

As the adhered seed approaches the second end <NUM> of the vacuum seal <NUM>, the seed diverter <NUM> is configured to provide a flow or jet of air that affects the seed's trajectory, i.e., that contacts the seed and guides or directs the seed into a seed receptacle <NUM>.

Specifically, the actuator nozzle <NUM> receives a controlled supply of pressurized air (which may be associated with the system operating to provide the air pressure differential) in coordination with a rotation rate of the endless member <NUM>, again accounting for the angular velocity of the disk <NUM>, the radial distance of the row of apertures <NUM>, and the circumferential spacing between apertures <NUM>, and directs the supply as illustrated toward and across a seed at or very nearly in concert with the termination of the pressure differential as the subject aperture <NUM> passes over the second end <NUM> of the vacuum seal <NUM>. Alternatively, the controller receives sensor information from the flight <NUM> or aperture <NUM> position sensor(s) and/or motor position data and coordinates the supply of air accordingly.

Referring to <FIG>, another type of seed meter and delivery system (collectively a seeding machine) is illustrated for use with the row unit <NUM>. The seeding machine <NUM> includes a first seed meter <NUM> having seed meter housing <NUM> containing a seed disk therein, a second axially offset opposed seed meter <NUM> having a seed meter housing <NUM> containing a seed disk therein, and a seed delivery apparatus <NUM> therebetween. The aforementioned air or vacuum system <NUM>, or a variation thereof, and in some applications a mini-hopper <NUM>, or a variation thereof, may be used with the seeding machine <NUM>.

Each seed meter housing <NUM> comprises first and second halves or portions <NUM>, <NUM> releasably joinable or couplable using a plurality of housing coupling pairs, similar to those previously described with respect to housing halves <NUM>, <NUM>, and consequently also forms a lower region or seed reservoir <NUM> in the same manner.

Referring also to <FIG>, the seed disks <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment are in the form of a generally flat disk. Each disk <NUM> has a front side or face <NUM> and a rear side or face <NUM>. The front side <NUM> may further be defined as a seed side and the rear side <NUM> may be defined as a vacuum side. A row of circumferentially spaced apertures <NUM> at a fixed radius from each disk axis <NUM> is arranged around a circular path radially inward of the edge or periphery <NUM> of each disk <NUM>. Each aperture <NUM> extends through the disk <NUM> between the rear side <NUM> and the front side <NUM>, as previously described. The disk apertures <NUM> have on the front face <NUM> a flat or planar surrounding disk surface or, alternatively, the apertures <NUM> are surrounded by seed cells. The front face <NUM> may optionally include a plurality of seed agitators <NUM> at a radial position relative to the apertures <NUM>. Each disk <NUM> is rotatably mounted to a hub and to the shaft of a motor or other motive device (not shown) in the same manner and with the same variations and alternatives as disk <NUM>. The disks <NUM> may be identical, or they may be differently configured (e.g., different circumferential spacing between apertures <NUM>, differently sized apertures <NUM>, differently shaped agitators <NUM>) if two different seed types are to be planted.

The seed delivery apparatus <NUM> includes an elongated housing <NUM> with first and second wall sections <NUM>, <NUM> defining an interior chamber <NUM>. An inlet opening <NUM> (<FIG>) in the housing <NUM> communicates the interior chamber <NUM> with the seed meter interior.

Referring also to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the seed delivery apparatus <NUM> includes three pulleys mounted inside the housing <NUM>, as well as a pair of endless members or belts <NUM>, <NUM>. One of the pulleys is a drive pulley <NUM> and the other two are idler pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>. The first belt <NUM> drivingly connects the drive pulley <NUM> with idler pulley <NUM>. The drive pulley <NUM> is connected to the shaft of a motor or other motive device (not shown) through an aperture <NUM> in the housing <NUM> and in the same manner and with the same variations and alternatives as drive pulley <NUM>. Idler pulley <NUM> is fixed to the housing <NUM> through mount <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the idler pulley <NUM> comprises aligned pulley plates 3644a, 3644b on either side of mount <NUM>.

A base member <NUM> of the belt <NUM> engages pulley3646 and meshes with belt <NUM>. Flights <NUM> extend from the base member <NUM> to form seed receptacles <NUM>, preferably evenly sized and spaced. In other embodiments, the belt <NUM> may instead have elongated bristles (not shown) extending from the base <NUM> to a position at or near the inner surface of the housing <NUM> at the juncture or abutment of the wall sections <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second wall sections <NUM>, <NUM> form an exit opening <NUM> generally opposite the inlet opening <NUM>.

The seed disks <NUM> and the front and rear walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing <NUM> lie in generally parallel planes, which themselves are generally parallel to the direction of travel of the row unit <NUM>. As illustrated, the pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and belts <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned axially between the disks <NUM>. Additionally, referring to <FIG>, the components of the delivery apparatus <NUM> need not be positioned precisely between the axes <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pulleys 3644a, 3644b may be shifted toward one of the axes <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, with or without an identical shift of pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>. The effect of such a shift is to move any given receptacle <NUM> configured to receive a seed from one of the disks <NUM> more to either side of a "<NUM> o'clock" position <NUM> of the pulleys 3644a, 3644b.

In operation, as the row unit <NUM> proceeds in the direction identified by arrow <NUM> in a seeding application, the seed disks <NUM> rotate about the respective axes <NUM> by the seed disk motors or other direct or indirect motive devices (not shown). Referring to <FIG>, in any such side view, the near disk <NUM> rotates counterclockwise while the far disk <NUM> rotates clockwise (see arrows <NUM>, <NUM>). As previously described, the disks <NUM> need not be identical and could also rotate at different base speeds or rotational velocities about respective axes <NUM>. In many applications only one disk <NUM> will rotate at a time, and the following description will be based on one disk <NUM> for clarity.

As previously described with respect to the embodiments of <FIG>, seeds accumulate in the seed reservoir area <NUM>. An air or vacuum pump is actuated and a pressure differential developed across a portion of the disk <NUM>.

As one or more apertures <NUM> pass through the seed reservoir area <NUM> and the area of low pressure, a force due to the pressure differential between the sides <NUM>, <NUM> of disk <NUM> retains seed on the front face <NUM> at each aperture at which the pressure differential is applied. A doubles eliminator (not shown) located within the housing <NUM> removes excess seeds from each aperture <NUM> such that one seed per aperture travels with the associated aperture <NUM> as the disk <NUM> rotates. Additional components within the seed meter housing <NUM> need not be operationally described.

Concurrently, the drive pulley <NUM> of the seed delivery apparatus <NUM> rotates to drive the endless member <NUM> cooperatively with forward movement of the seeding machine <NUM>. The interface between belts <NUM>, <NUM> (facilitated by the idler pulleys 3644a, 3644b) within the interior chamber <NUM> drives the belt <NUM> in the direction shown by arrows <NUM>. The flights <NUM> are designed such that the receptacles <NUM> pass across the opening <NUM> (<FIG>) to receive seed and thereafter pass across the exit opening <NUM> (<FIG>) to discharge seed. In many embodiments the drive pulley <NUM> will have a constant rotational speed. In other embodiments, the drive pulley <NUM> tracks the forward seeding speed of the seeding machine <NUM> and will, for example, rotate to discharge seed from the exit opening <NUM> having a directional component opposite to the direction of travel of the seeding machine <NUM> and at a speed in that direction approximately equal to the forward seeding speed of the seeding machine <NUM>. If the forward seeding speed of the seeding machine <NUM> changes, the rotational speed of the drive pulley <NUM> will adjust to discharge seed from the exit opening <NUM> again having a directional component opposite to the direction of travel of the seeding machine <NUM> and at a new speed in that direction approximately equal to the new seeding speed of the seeding machine <NUM>.

In these and all other embodiments, it may be that the seed drops from the respective aperture <NUM> with the release of the pressure differential into the receptacle <NUM>. Alternatively, in this and all other embodiments, the rearward flight <NUM> (of the two flights <NUM> that comprise a given receptacle <NUM>) may "sweep" the seed from the respective aperture <NUM> into that receptacle <NUM>. In <FIG>, for example, the rearward flight <NUM> will contact the seed before passing the crest or <NUM> o'clock position <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the rearward flight <NUM> will contact the seed after passing the <NUM> o'clock position <NUM>. The speed of the endless belt <NUM>, the speed of the disk <NUM>, and the type and size of seed being planted will dictate the preferential positioning of the pulleys 3644a, 3644b relative to the apertures <NUM> (an adjustment made before operation). Note that in an embodiment with two active seed disks <NUM>, the positioning may be such that rearward flight <NUM> will contact the seed at the <NUM> o'clock position <NUM> to facilitate efficient and effective sweeping of seeds from either disk <NUM>. In these embodiments, the seed retained on any aperture <NUM> contacts no additional surface before being swept by the surface of a flight <NUM>.

While the movement of the belts <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to synchronize with the forward velocity of the seeding machine <NUM>, the rotational velocity of disks <NUM> may be independent of the endless member <NUM> and may therefore vary. In particular, the rotational positioning of each disk <NUM> can be controlled together or independently to achieve certain relationships between the seed apertures <NUM> and the flights <NUM> (and consequently the receptacles <NUM>) of the belt <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the motors of each disk <NUM> can be controlled to "match" the rotational rate of the drive pulley <NUM> such that a constant rotational relationship exists between the belt <NUM> and each disk <NUM>. That relationship may be such that each successive receptacle <NUM> receives a seed from each successive aperture <NUM>. In other applications, the rotation rate of the disk <NUM> may be related to the rotation rate of the drive pulley <NUM> such that a seed transfers from each apertures <NUM> into every other receptacle <NUM>, or into every third, fourth, fifth, etc. receptacle <NUM> (i.e., a slower relative rotation of the disk <NUM> to achieve a less than one receptacle3670 to one aperture <NUM> relationship). As an example, to achieve an average seed spacing (and consequent spacing of planted seeds) relative to the belt <NUM> of every <NUM> receptacles, the motion of disk <NUM> can be adjusted to align a first "seeded" aperture <NUM> for pressure differential cutoff after three successive receptacles <NUM> have passed, permitting the seed to be swept into the fourth successive receptacle <NUM>. Thereafter, four successive receptacles <NUM> are allowed to pass before the next "seeded" aperture <NUM> is moved into alignment with the pressure differential cutoff to permit the seed to be swept into the fifth successive receptacle <NUM>. A repeated sequence in this manner will result in a seed placed in every <NUM> receptacles. Other average seed placements can be accomplished similarly by selectively aligning each seed aperture <NUM> with only certain receptacles <NUM> of the endless belt <NUM>.

In yet other embodiments, the rotation rate of the disk <NUM> may be related to the rotation rate of the drive pulley <NUM> such that two or more seeds from successive apertures <NUM> transfer into the same receptacle <NUM> (i.e., a faster relative rotation of the disk <NUM> to achieve a more than one receptacle3670 to one aperture <NUM> relationship).

In other embodiments, the rotating disk <NUM> may be controlled through its stepper or servo motor to angularly accelerate or decelerate at certain points along the rotational path of the rotating disk to coincide or cooperate with the movement of the endless member <NUM>. Such acceleration/deceleration may be used with any of the aforementioned embodiments, or it may be a separate seed spacing strategy.

For example, the acceleration can accompany a continuous rotational motion of the disk <NUM>, i.e., constant angular velocity followed by angular acceleration for a duration of time and thereafter a deceleration, in a repeated sequence. In some applications, rotation of the disk <NUM> is achieved solely through angular accelerations and accompanying decelerations, with no or minimal or insignificant constant angular velocity motion therebetween. In yet other embodiments, the disk <NUM> will cease rotation for a duration of time, angularly accelerate to a desired positioned, and again cease rotation, in a repeated sequence (i.e., accelerate, stop, accelerate, stop, etc.). In yet additional embodiments, the disk <NUM> may reverse rotational direction between accelerations. Additional combinations of acceleration, deceleration, constant rotational velocity, forward, reverse, and stopping of motion are contemplated herein. For example, the disk <NUM> can thereby be made to effectively "twitch" to achieve the desired placement of a seed within a desired receptacle.

The motion of the disk <NUM> can therefore be such that a timed matching between the positioning of the receptacles <NUM> and the receptacles <NUM> is achieved, as previously described. In other words, the disk <NUM> is configured to rotate so that the seeds per unit time rate released by the disk <NUM> coincides with the receptacles <NUM> presented "per unit time," i.e., presented at the proper position to sweep a seed released from the disk <NUM>. Accelerations and decelerations of the disk <NUM> are accomplished as necessary to achieve the desired aperture/receptacle relationships in this embodiment and in all other embodiments herein described.

To facilitate this synchronization between the apertures <NUM> and the flights <NUM>, one or more sensors may be located within the housings <NUM> to detect the rate of travel and/or presence of one or more flights <NUM> to index the disk speed <NUM> (including the aforementioned accelerations, decelerations, etc.) to the known flight motion or to the spacing between flights <NUM> and thereby control the servo or stepper motor of the relevant disk <NUM>. As an example, the flight position may be referenced relative to the inlet opening <NUM> or to any other point within the housing(s) <NUM>. In other embodiments, one or more sensors may be located within the housings <NUM> to detect the rate of travel and/or presence of one or more apertures <NUM>. Alternatively, if a fixed relationship among the stepper or servo motor of the drive pulley <NUM>, the drive pulley <NUM> itself, and the belt <NUM> is known, then control logic can be employed between the stepper or servo motor of the drive pulley <NUM> and the stepper or servo motor of the disk(s) <NUM> to control the position of the disk(s) <NUM> relative to the belt <NUM> based on motor speed or motor position (or based on drive pulley <NUM> speed or position). Appropriate sensing and feedback may be used to track the motion of the servo or stepper motor rotating the drive pulley <NUM> and thereby control the servo or stepper motor of the relevant disk <NUM>.

Although primarily described as motion of one disk <NUM>, the above disk motion techniques can be used to control both of the disks <NUM> in a single planting operation, i.e., one disk <NUM> may be used for a first type of seed for a portion of a field and the other disk <NUM> may be used for a second type of seed for another portion of the field or for another field. The above description of disk motion control may also be used with any of the embodiments previously described with respect to <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A seeding machine (<NUM>) for a row unit (<NUM>), the seeding machine (<NUM>) comprising:
a seed meter (<NUM>) comprising:
a seed disk (<NUM>) with a plurality of apertures (<NUM>) through which an air pressure differential is applied to retain seed thereon, the seed disk (<NUM>) rotatable about an axis (<NUM>) to convey seed from a seed reservoir (<NUM>);
a seed delivery apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
an elongated housing (<NUM>) having a first opening (<NUM>) through which seed is received, a second opening (<NUM>) through which seed exits, and an elongated interior chamber (<NUM>) along which seed is conveyed from the first opening (<NUM>) to the second opening (<NUM>),
a pulley (<NUM>),
an endless member (<NUM>) driven by the pulley (<NUM>), the endless member (<NUM>) movable within the elongated interior chamber (<NUM>) of the elongated housing (<NUM>) to receive seed from the first opening (<NUM>) and convey seed to the second opening (<NUM>);
the seeding machine (<NUM>) characterized by further comprising:
a seed diverter positioned to contact and guide seed from the seed meter (<NUM>) into the seed delivery apparatus (<NUM>), the seed diverter movable with respect to the endless member (<NUM>), translatable from a first position to a second position, and retractable via rotation of the seed meter (<NUM>).