Patent ID: 7360494

Claim:
A seed planting assembly comprising: a. a laterally extending support member; b. a planting unit including a planting frame supported by said support member, wherein said planting unit frame carries: i. a seed trench opening assembly operable to create a seed trench in a ground surface; ii. a seed delivery assembly for delivery of seeds into said seed trench; iii. a seed trench closing assembly operable to close said seed trench; iv. a depth regulating member having a vertical position relative to said seed trench opening assembly, wherein said depth regulating member responds to forces upon said planting unit to control ground surface engagement; v. an arm assembly connecting said depth regulating member to said planting unit frame; and, vi. a stop means mechanically engaging a portion of said arm assembly for defining a limit for vertical motion of said depth regulating member in the direction substantially opposite said ground surface; c. a depth monitoring means for indicating whether said depth regulating member is fully engaged with said ground surface wherein said depth monitoring means indicates whether said arm assembly is engaged with said stop means.