Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to seed metering mechanisms for dispensing individual seeds at a controlled rate into a seed furrow as the seed meter is advanced above and along the furrow and, more particularly to a vacuum seed metering mechanism including an apparatus for separating the seeds from the vacuum source. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Seed meters for dispensing seeds at a controlled rate into a seed furrow as the seed meter is advanced above and along the seed furrow have been in use for many years. In a conventional arrangement, a tractor is coupled with planting units with seed meters. The planting units generally include seed hoppers for the seeds to be planted or a smaller container fed from a centralized bin or large hopper, and a device for opening a furrow in the ground as the tractor is advanced across the field. A seed meter is connected to the seed hopper for dispensing individual seeds into the furrow at a controlled rate, and a further device for moving soil at the sides of the furrow to close the furrow over the seeds. 
         [0003]    The tractor may move across the field at speeds of about 4 to about 8 miles per hour with spacing between the planting of seeds ranging from as little as 0.5 inches or less to as much as 10 inches or more depending upon the particular seed being planted. A seed metering mechanism must therefore be able to dispense the seeds at various rates depending on the desired spacing. In addition to being able to dispense seeds at different rates, seed meters must also account for differences in the size, shape and surfaces of seeds. 
         [0004]    One type of seed meter is a mechanical type meter. Typical mechanical seed meters are generally limited as to the speed at which they operate and are not suitable for handling different types of seeds without cumbersome equipment changes. 
         [0005]    Other seed meters have utilized air pressure differential, such as a vacuum to overcome some of the problems of the mechanical seed meters. Vacuum seed meters typically utilize a vacuum source coupled to a chamber on the opposite side of the seed disc from the seed hopper with the vacuum communicating through the apertures in the seed disc to the seeds. 
         [0006]    One problem that occasionally arises with vacuum seed meters is an untimely disengagement of the seed or complete failure to disengage the seed from the aperture. This is often due to the fact that a relatively strong vacuum that is typically required to provide a sufficient pressure differential to hold the seeds within the apertures within the disc. The presence of a strong vacuum force also results in greater rotational friction of the seed meter, which requires greater workforce to operate. Smaller seeds or portions of larger seeds occasionally become lodged in the disc openings and are not timely released or released at all at the discharge area of the seed metering mechanism. 
         [0007]    Various approaches have been used to address this problem. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,747, a vibration apparatus is utilized to shake the seeds from the apertures. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,170,909 a lower power vacuum is utilized with the assistance of an agitator and seed accelerator in the seed mass. Seeds are released by cutting the vacuum source from the seed. It would be desirable to provide a vacuum seed metering mechanism wherein the release of seeds from the disc is positively affected and the seeds are readily and reliably discharged from the seed metering disc and mechanism without the need for such complicated related mechanisms. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention provides a vacuum seed meter that includes a rotating distributing seed disk or drum defining a plurality of radially spaced apertures. The seed disk or drum comprises an interior portion or inner chamber that is operatively connected to a vacuum source for creating an air pressure differential between the exterior and the interior of the seed disk or drum so as to pick up seeds for dispensing. Secured about a first end portion and extending radially outward to a detached second end portion of the exterior surface of the seed disk are a plurality of arm members made from a resilient, yet rigid material, such as spring steel. Formed at the second end of each of the arm members is an aperture or cut out portion. The aperture or cut out portion is positioned over a corresponding aperture formed about the periphery of the seed disk. 
         [0009]    As the drum is rotated through a supply of seeds to be planted, individual seeds are urged onto the apertures of the arm members and corresponding seed disk apertures, and held in place by the vacuum. A lifter mechanism is mounted with a frame and includes an end that engages at least the portion of the seed disk or drum defining the seed apertures. The seed disk or drum is rotatable relative to the end of the lifter. As the seed disk is rotated, the lifter causes the radial outward end of the arm members to be urged away from the surface of the seed disk or drum. In so doing, the seed held on the arm member is moved away from the vacuum source such that communication with the vacuum source is disrupted. The seed, lacking sufficient force to be held to the end of the arm member, is then released. The lifter may optionally include a portion that also occludes the aperture in the seed disk such as a vacuum breaker plate, thereby temporarily cutting off the vacuum force from the individual seed entirely. As the vacuum increases rotational friction is not increased because there is no seal friction between the seed disk and the vacuum cutoff. As the seed disk continues to rotate, the arm members are disengaged from the lifter such that the arm members are allowed to return to the position where the apertures in the arm members and seed disk are again overlaid. This further assists in removal of any seed remnants that may exist. As the arm members return into position, the resilient arm members, in combination with the vacuum breaker plate act to dislodge any seeds or seed remnants in the apertures at the end of the arm member. As the disk or drum is rotated, an additional seed is drawn onto the seed disk or drum at the apertures. 
         [0010]    In a preferred embodiment, the seed meter is double-sided. The vacuum source is operatively connected to the seed disk or drum about a central axis of the seed disk. The rotating seed disk comprises a plurality of apertures spaced along the peripheral outer edge portion of a first exterior side thereof. The opposite or second exterior side of the seed disk would also comprise a plurality of apertures spaced along the periphery of the outer edge portion of the second exterior surface. In a highly preferred embodiment, the apertures on one side of the seed disk are offset from the apertures on the opposite side of the seed disk. Similarly, the lift members on one side of the seed disk are circumferentially offset from the lift members on the opposite side. The end of the lifter that engages the seed disk is preferably adapted to lift the radially outward ends of the arm members on both sides of the seed disk. As discussed in the more general description of the invention, as the ends of the arm members are moved away from the seed disk or drum, the vacuum source is no longer able to hold the seed on the end of the arm member such that the seed is released. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the spirit, or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a schematic right side elevational view of a planting unit with a vacuum seed meter in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of one embodiment of the seed meter disk assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a right side view of a component of the seed meter disk assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a right side view of a component of the seed meter disk assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a right side view of a component of the seed meter disk assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a right side view of a component of the seed meter disk assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the assembled seed meter disk assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a front view of another embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a right side view of the lifter used with seed meter disk assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the lifter of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a right side view of the lifter of  FIG. 9  shown in engagement with the seed meter disk assembly; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a right side view of a component of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a right side view of a component of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  a right side view of a component of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a right side view of another lifter embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  a top view of the lifter embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a right side view of the lifter of  FIG. 15  shown in engagement with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12-14 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes, modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. 
         [0030]    Shown in  FIG. 1  is a schematic right side elevational view of planting unit  10 , including vacuum seed meter disk assembly  100 . Planting unit  10  includes seed hopper  12  connected to seed tube  11 . Seed tube  11  is connected to seed meter disk assembly  100 . Seed meter disk assembly  100  is encased within assembly cover  18 . Assembly cover  18  includes seed dispensing tube  17 . Connected to seed meter disk assembly  100  is vacuum tube  13 . Vacuum tube  13  is connected to a vacuum source (not shown). Seed meter disk assembly  100  is mounted to subunit frame  16 . Also mounted to subunit frame  16  is furrow opening disk  14 . Subunit frame  16  is connected to row unit frame  15 . Row unit frame  15  is connected to a tractor (not shown). As known in the art, planting unit  10 , is used to regularly and uniformly dispense seeds on the ground. Planting unit  10  is attached to and towed by a tractor (not shown). A plurality of planting units, similar to planting unit  10 , may be simultaneously connected to a tractor as dictated by the seed dispensing needs. 
         [0031]    Planting unit  10  is merely exemplary. The seed meter disk assembly described herein maybe utilized with various different planting units without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  through  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 9  through  FIG. 11  show a first embodiment of seed meter disk assembly  100 .  FIG. 2  is an exploded view of seed meter disk assembly  100  along center axis  103 . Seed meter disk assembly  100  includes a plurality of fasteners  101 , first assembly disk  102 , first plurality of resilient arm members  500 , first exterior surface  600 , spacer  301 , second exterior surface  900 , second plurality of resilient arm members  800 , second assembly disk  104 , stop  204 , rotatable mounting bracket  105 , stop  202  and axle  106 . Vacuum tube  13  circumferentially surrounds axle  106  when assembled and extends through rotatable mounting bracket  105 , second assembly disk  104 , second plurality of resilient arm members  800  and second exterior surface  900  into spacer  301 . 
         [0033]    The plurality of fasteners  101  shown in  FIG. 2  are any fasteners known in the art, which rotatably mount seed meter disk assembly  100  along center axis  103  about axle  106 . 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , first assembly disk  102  is a circular disk. In the preferred embodiment, its external diameter is approximately 3.75 inches. First assembly disk  102  aids in the support or securement of the other components of seed meter disk assembly  100 . First disk assembly  102  includes circumferentially spaced mounting apertures  107 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a right side view of first plurality resilient arm members  500 . First plurality resilient arm member  500  is composed of a plurality of radially extending individual first arm members  501  secured around center point  119 . Center point  119  corresponds to central axis  103 . In the preferred embodiment, each first arm member  501  is identical and shaped similar to a “spatula” as it has a first broad portion  502  and first stem  503 . First broad portion  502  of each first arm member  501  contains first arm member seed apertures  504 . Each first arm member seed apertures  504  on each first arm member  501  is uniformly spaced around first plurality resilient arm member  500 . In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of each seed apertures is approximately 0.18 inches. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the first arm member seed apertures  504  through center point  119  is approximately 11 inches. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of first outer edge  505  of each first arm member  501  through center point  119  is approximately 12.5 inches. First plurality resilient arm member  500  further comprises first plurality of mounting apertures  508 . First plurality of mounting apertures  508  are spaced and sized to mate with plurality mounting apertures found on the other components of seed meter disk assembly  100  and are spaced between first middle diameter  507  and first inner diameter  509 . In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of first middle diameter  507  through center point  119  is approximately 3.75 inches and the diameter of first inner diameter  509  through center point  119  is approximately 2.25 inches. In one embodiment, first plurality resilient arm member  500  is one single component with individually cut arm members. In another embodiment, first plurality resilient member  500  is composed of multiple and distinct arm members secured around center point  119 , wherein each arm member is secured between first middle diameter  507  and first inner diameter  509  by means known in the art. First plurality resilient arm members  500  is preferably composed of a wear resistant, yet deformable, material such as steel, aluminum or plastic. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  is a right side view of first exterior surface  600 . First exterior surface  600  is a circular disk having a first outer diameter  601  and a first inner diameter  604 . In the preferred embodiment, first outer diameter  601  through center point  119  is approximately 11.75 inches. In the preferred embodiment, first inner diameter  604  through center point  119  is approximately 1.375 inches. First exterior surface  600  includes first plurality of seed apertures  602  centered around center point  119 . In the preferred embodiment, the seed apertures are circular and uniformly spaced around the circumference of the disk. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of first plurality of seed apertures  602  is approximately 11 inches and the diameter of each seed apertures is approximately 0.18 inches. First exterior surface  600  also includes first plurality of mounting apertures  603 . The pattern and diameter of the plurality mounting apertures is controlled by the pattern of the rotatable mounting bracket  105 . In the preferred embodiment, first plurality of mounting apertures  603  are circumferentially spaced around the center of first exterior surface  600  and located on first exterior surface  600  at a diameter between about 2.25 inches and about 3.75 inches. First exterior surface  600  is preferably composed of a wear resistant material such as aluminum, steel or plastic. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , spacer  301  is a circular disk with an inner diameter  302  and an outer diameter  303 . Inner diameter  302  must be greater than the diameter of the mounting apertures found on the other components of seed meter disk assembly  100 . Outer diameter  303  must be less than first outer diameter  601  of first exterior surface  600  but greater than the diameter of first plurality of seed apertures  602 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is a right side view of second exterior surface  900 . Second exterior surface  900  incorporates many of the characteristics of first exterior surface  600 . In the preferred embodiment, outer diameter  901  is approximately the same as first outer diameter  601 , the arrangement, spacing and dimension of the plurality of seed apertures  902  are approximately the same as first plurality of seed apertures  602 , and the location and size of the plurality of mounting apertures  903  are identical to first plurality of mounting apertures  603 . Similarly, second exterior surface  900  is composed of material similar to first exterior surface  600 . In other embodiments, the size of outer diameter  901  and the arrangement, spacing and dimension of the plurality of seed apertures  902  may vary from those of first exterior surface  600  depending on the planting constraints of the seed meter. Second exterior surface  900  also includes inner apertures  904 . In the preferred embodiment, inner apertures  904  is approximately 1.375 inches. The size of inner apertures  904  may vary and is controlled by the diameters of axle  106  and vacuum tube  13 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  is a right side view of second plurality resilient arm members  800 . Second plurality resilient arm members  800  incorporates many of the characteristics of first plurality resilient arm members  500 . For example, in the preferred embodiment, the size, dimension and arrangement of the following components are approximately the same: second arm member  801  and first arm member  501 ; second broad portion  802  and first broad portion  502 ; second stem  803  and first stem  503 ; second seed arm member apertures  804  and first arm member seed apertures  504 ; second outer edge  805  and first outer edge  505 ; second middle diameter  807  and first middle diameter  507 ; and second plurality of mounting apertures  808  and first plurality of mounting apertures  508 . Second plurality resilient arm members  800  also includes second inner apertures  809 . In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of second inner apertures  809  is approximately 2.25 inches. The size of second inner apertures  809  may vary and is controlled by the diameters of axle  106  and vacuum tube  13 . 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , second assembly disk  104  is a circular disk with an external diameter of approximately 3.75 inches in the preferred embodiment. Second assembly disk  104  aids in the support or securement of the other components of seed meter disk assembly  100 . Second disk assembly  104  includes circumferentially spaced mounting apertures  108  and inner apertures  201 . Inner aperture  201  is sized to ensure it rotates about axle  106  and vacuum tube  13 . 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , rotatable mounting bracket  105  is a rotatable disk with a plurality of supports  203 . The plurality of supports are sized to fit within plurality of mounting apertures  107 ,  108 ,  508 ,  603 ,  808 ,  903  and match the corresponding pattern of the apertures. Plurality of supports  203  mate with fasteners  101 . Thus, the structure of the plurality of supports  203  and fasteners  101  must correlate. For example, if plurality of supports  203  are bolts then fasteners  101  must be a mating nut. Use of other similar structures known in the art may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the invention. Rotatable mounting bracket  105  also includes inner apertures  205 . Inner apertures  205  is sized to ensure it rotates about axle  106  and vacuum tube  13 . In the preferred embodiment, rotatable drum  200  includes first plurality resilient arm member  500 , first exterior surface  600 , spacer  301 , second plurality resilient arm member  800  and second exterior surface  900 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  is a right side view of assembled seed meter disk assembly  100 . When assembled, rotatable mounting bracket  105  is secured between stops  202 ,  204 . Plurality of supports  203  of rotatable mounting bracket  105  are placed through the plurality of mounting apertures  108  of second assembly disk  104 , second plurality of mounting apertures  808  of second plurality resilient arm members  800 , plurality of mounting apertures  903  of second exterior surface  900 , through spacer  301 , first plurality of mounting apertures  603  of first disk, first plurality of mounting apertures  508  of first plurality resilient arm members  500  and plurality of mounting apertures  107  of first assembly disk  102 . Fasteners  101  are secured to plurality of supports  203  thereby rotatably securing the above referenced components to rotatable mounting bracket  105 . 
         [0043]    Vacuum tube  13  is a conduit which circumferentially surrounds axle  106  and extends through inner apertures  205  of rotatable mounting bracket  105 , inner apertures  201  of second assembly disk  104 , second inner apertures  809  of second plurality resilient arm members  800 , inner apertures  904  of second exterior surface  900  and through inner diameter  302  of spacer  301 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , when assembled, the arrangement of first exterior surface  600 , spacer  301  and second exterior surface  900  forms an inner chamber  300 . Vacuum tube  13  extends into inner chamber  300 . Seals may be provided between inner apertures  205 ,  201 ,  809  or  904 , or a combination thereof, to create a substantially air tight seal between inner chamber  300  and vacuum tube  13 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  is side view of an additional embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, only one plurality resilient arm members  30  and exterior surface  31  is utilized. Additionally, side  36  of spacer  32  is solid absent inner apertures  34 . Inner apertures  34  is sized to provide an airtight seal between the inner chamber  33  and the vacuum tube  35 . In this embodiment, seals may also be utilized to aid in the creation of airtight seals. 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  is a right side view of lifter  1000  and  FIG. 10  is a front view of lifter  1000 . Lifter  1000  is utilized to aid in the removal of the seeds from rotatable drum  200 . Lifter  1000  includes member  1102 . Lifter  1000  is secured to a frame (not shown) through mounting apertures  1103  on member  1102 . Extending from member  1102  is arm  1101 . Arm  1101  is curved and configured not to interfere with the rotation of rotatable drum  200 , yet allow lifter  1000  to remove the seeds from the rotatable drum  200 . In the preferred embodiment, lifting end  1109  includes base  1107 , platform  1106 , first vacuum breaker plate  1104  and second vacuum breaker plate  1105 . Base  1107  is connected to arm  1101  through mounting apertures  1108 . Connected with base  1107  is platform  1106 . Platform  1106  is configured to slide between first exterior surface  600  and second exterior surface  900 . Platform  1106  does not extend over any of the plurality of mounting apertures on the components of rotatable drum  200 . 
         [0046]    Connected with platform  1106  is first vacuum breaker plate  1104  and second vacuum breaker plate  1105 . First vacuum breaker plate  1104  is a ramp like structure configured to engage the arm members of first plurality resilient arm members  500  or second plurality resilient arm members  800  to deform these away from exterior surfaces  600  or  900 , respectively, so that communication with the vacuum source is disrupted and the seed is removed from each arm member. Second vacuum breaker plate  1105  is a ramp like structure configured to engage the arm members of first plurality resilient arm members  500  or second plurality resilient arm members  800  to deform away from exterior surfaces  600  or  900 , respectively, so that communication with the vacuum source is disrupted and the seed is removed from each arm member. Not only do first and second vacuum breaker plates  1104 ,  1105 , respectively, ensure that the seed is removed by disrupting communication with the vacuum source, but in some embodiments, these components also mechanically dislodge the individual seeds or debris from first plurality resilient arm members  500  or second plurality resilient arm members  800 . 
         [0047]    Lifting end  1109  is further configured to allow the first and second plurality of resilient arm members  500  or  800 , respectively, to move back towards first and second exterior surfaces  600  and  900 , respectively, when the resilient arm members are no longer engaged with the lifting end thereby reestablishing communication with the vacuum source. In this embodiment, first vacuum breaker plate  1104  removes the seed secured to first arm members  501  of first plurality resilient arm members  500  and second vacuum breaker plate  1105  removes the seed secured to second arm members  801  of second plurality resilient arm members  800 . Such a correlation is not required and can be modified in other embodiments. Additionally, lifting end  1109  may comprise either more or fewer parts provided that the lifting end is capable of moving the plurality of resilient arm members away from the exterior surface of the disk when engaged with the lifting end and towards the exterior surface of the disk when disengaged from the lifting end. In other embodiments, the lifter may be modified to or include a portion to occlude the mounting apertures on first and second plurality resilient arm members  500  and  800 , respectively, thereby disturbing communication with the vacuum source. 
         [0048]      FIG. 11  shows the assembled seed disk meter assembly  100  along with lifter  1000 . During use, a vacuum is created within inner chamber  300  or inner portion of seed meter disk assembly  100  by a vacuum source (not shown) through vacuum tube  13 . At the same time, assembled seed meter disk assembly  100  rotates about axle  106 . As feed meter assembly  100  rotates, the vacuum created inside inner chamber  300  causes a pressure difference between the exterior surfaces of first plurality resilient arm members  500 , first exterior surface  600 , second exterior surface  900  and second plurality resilient arm members  800  and inner chamber  300 . This pressure differences urge individual seeds onto the seed apertures of first plurality of resilient arm members  500  and second plurality of resilient arm members  800  from the seeds inside the assembly cover. As first and second plurality of resilient arm members  500  and  800  travel over the first and second vacuum breaker plates  1104  and  1105  of lifter  1000 , lifter  1000  disrupts the vacuum source between these surfaces and inner chamber  300  causing the individual seeds to be timely removed from seed meter disk assembly  100 . The seeds then exit through a seed dispensing tube and are planting in the ground by the remaining components of the planting unit. As first and second plurality of resilient arm members  500  and  800  become disengaged from first and second vacuum breaker plates  1104  and  1105 , the resilient nature of the arms further aid in the removal of any seeds or seed remnants still lodged in the apertures of seed meter disk assembly  100  that just traveled over the lifter. After the first or second plurality of resilient arm members  500  or  800 , respectively, are no longer engaged with the lifter, communication with the vacuum source is reestablished and a new seed is deposited against the seed apertures as a result of the pressure differential. 
         [0049]    In one embodiment, first plurality resilient arm members  500  and second plurality resilient arm members  800  are arranged so that the individual arm members of each are aligned. In another embodiment, the individual arm members are offset. 
         [0050]    In the embodiment described in  FIGS. 2-11 , seed meter disk assembly  100  includes first assembly disk  102  and second assembly disk  104 . In other embodiments, such components may be omitted provided that lifter  1000  sufficiently deforms first plurality resilient arm members  500  and second plurality resilient arm members  800  to disrupt the communication with the vacuum source thereby allowing the individuals seeds to be removed. 
         [0051]    The embodiment described in  FIGS. 2-11 , seed meter disk assembly  100  includes fasteners  101 , stops  202  and  204  and rotatable mounting bracket  105 . In other embodiments, such components may be omitted and replaced by other parts known in the art provided that the remainder of the seed meter disk assembly rotates about axle  106  and sufficient vacuum pressure is exerted into the inner chamber to removably secure the seeds to the assembly. 
         [0052]    Additional embodiments of components of a seed meter disk assembly are shown in  FIG. 12  through  FIG. 19 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 12  is right side view of another embodiment of first plurality resilient arm members  700 . This component replaces first plurality resilient arm member  500  as described in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  through  FIG. 11 . First plurality resilient arm member  700  is composed of a plurality of radially extending individual first arm member  701  secured around center point  400 . In the preferred embodiment, each first arm member  701  is identical and shaped similar to a “spatula” as it has a first broad portion  702 , first stem  703 . First broad portion  702  of each first arm member  701  contains first arm member seed apertures  704  and projection  706 . Projection  706  is a tab extending from first arm member  701 . In the preferred embodiment, it is rectangular. In other embodiments, however, the projection may be different sizes and shapes provided that it allows the lifter to move each first arm member  701  away from the inner chamber so that communication with the vacuum source is disrupted. Each first arm member seed apertures  704  on each first arm member  701  is uniformly spaced around first plurality resilient arm member  700 . In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of each seed arm member apertures is approximately 0.160 inches. First plurality resilient arm member  700  further comprises first plurality of mounting apertures  708 . First plurality of mounting apertures  708  are spaced and sized to mate with plurality mounting apertures found on the other components of the seed meter disk assembly and are spaced between ends  707  of first stem  703  and first inner diameter  709 . In one embodiment, first plurality resilient arm member  700  is one single component with individually cut arm members. In another embodiment, first plurality resilient member  700  is composed of multiple and distinct arm members secured around center point  400 , wherein each arm member is secured between ends  707  of first stem  703  and first inner diameter  709  by means known in the art. First plurality resilient arm members  700  is preferably composed of a wear resistant, yet deformable, material such as steel, aluminum or plastic. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of the outside edge of projections  706  through center point  400  is approximately 12.75 inches, the diameter along first outer edge  705  through center point  400  is approximately 12 inches and the diameter through center point  400  formed by the plurality of seed apertures  704  is approximately 11 inches. 
         [0054]    When first plurality resilient arm member  700 , replaces first plurality resilient arm member  500  as described in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  through  FIG. 11 , a second plurality resilient arm member also replaces second plurality resilient arm member  800 . The second plurality resilient arm member in this embodiment is identical to first plurality resilient arm member  700  except first inner diameter  709  is replaced with an apertures as in second plurality resilient arm member  800 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 13  is a right side view of first exterior surface  1200 . This component replaces first exterior surface  600  as described in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  through  FIG. 11 . First exterior surface  1200  is a circular disk having a first outer diameter  1201  and a first inner diameter  1204 . In the preferred embodiment, first outer diameter  1201  through center point  400  is approximately 12 inches. In the preferred embodiment, first inner diameter  1204  through center point  119  is approximately 2 inches. First exterior surface  1200  includes first plurality of seed apertures  1202  through center point  400 . In the preferred embodiment, the seed apertures are circular and uniformly spaced around the circumference of the disk. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of first plurality of seed apertures  1202  is approximately 11.25 inches and the diameter of each seed apertures is approximately 0.17 inches. First exterior surface  1200  also includes first plurality of mounting apertures  1203 . The pattern and diameter of the plurality mounting apertures are controlled by the pattern of the rotatable mounting bracket. In the preferred embodiment, first plurality of mounting apertures  1203  are circumferentially spaced around the center of first exterior surface  1200  and located on first exterior surface  1200  at a diameter between about 2 inches and about 3.75 inches. First exterior surface  1200  is preferably composed of a wear resistant material such as aluminum, steel or plastic. 
         [0056]    When first exterior surface  1200 , replaces first exterior surface  600  as described in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  through  FIG. 11 , a second exterior surface also replaces second exterior surface  900 . The second exterior surface in this embodiment is identical to first exterior surface  1200  except first inner diameter  1204  is replaced with an apertures as in second exterior surface  900 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 14  is a right side view of spacer  1300 . This component replaces first exterior surface  300  as described in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  through  FIG. 11 . Spacer  1300  includes outer diameter  1302  and inner diameter  1303 . In the preferred embodiment, the diameter of outer diameter  1302  through center point  400  is approximately 11.75 inches and the diameter of inner diameter  1303  through center point  400  is approximately 11.25 inches. The diameters inner diameter  1302  and outer diameter  1303  may vary provided that outer diameter  1302  is greater than the diameter formed by the plurality of seed apertures  704  and inner diameter  1302  is greater than inner diameter  1204 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 15  is a right side view of lifter  1400  and  FIG. 16  is a top view of lifter  1400 . Lifter  1400  is utilized to aid in the removal of the seeds from the rotatable drum. Lifter  1400  includes member  1402 . Lifter  1400  is secured to a frame (not shown) through mounting apertures  1403  on member  1402 . Extending from member  1402  is arm  1401 . Arm  1401  is curved and configured not to interfere with the rotation of the rotatable drum, yet allow lifter  1400  to aid in the removal of seeds from the rotatable drum. In the preferred embodiment, lifting end  1409  includes base  1407 , platform  1406 , and vacuum breaker plate  1405 . Base  1407  is connected to arm  1401  through mounting apertures  1408 . Connected with base  1407  is platform  1406 . Platform  1406  is configured to slide between the first exterior surface and the second exterior surface. Platform  1406  does not extend over any of the plurality of mounting apertures on the components of the rotatable drum. Connected with platform  1406  is vacuum breaker plate  1405 . Vacuum breaker plate  1405  is a ramp like structure configured to engage the arm members of first plurality resilient arm members or second plurality resilient arm members to deform these away from the exterior surfaces, so that communication with the vacuum source is disrupted and the seed is removed from each arm member. Vacuum breaker plate  1405  may also mechanically dislodge the individual seeds or debris from the first and second exterior surfaces. 
         [0059]    In the preferred embodiment, the vacuum source is sufficiently disrupted to disengage the seed when the vacuum breaker plate  1405  deforms resilient arm approximately 0.07 inches. In one embodiment the resilient arm may be deformed a sufficient distance from the exterior surfaces such that the seed is removed from the resilient arm. In one embodiment, for example, at least one of the plurality of individual first arm members  701  may move a distance away from the first exterior surface  1200  so as to contact an exterior surface of vacuum breaker plate  1405 . In another example, at least one of a plurality of individual second arm members may move a distance away from the second exterior surface so as to contact an exterior surface of vacuum breaker plate  1405 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the top of the plate  1405  is trapezoidal. Such configuration allows the same guide to aid in the removal of seeds from the first exterior surface and the second exterior surface. 
         [0060]    Lifting end  1409  is further configured to allow the first and second plurality of resilient arm members to move back towards the first and second exterior surfaces, respectively, when the resilient arm members are no longer engaged with the lifting end thereby reestablishing communication with the vacuum source. Additionally, lifting end  1409  may comprise either more or fewer parts provided that the lifting end is capable of moving the plurality of resilient arm members away from the exterior surface of the disk when engaged with the lifting end and towards the exterior surface of the disk when disengaged from the lifting end. In other embodiments, the lifter may be modified to or include a portion to occlude the mounting apertures on first and second plurality resilient arm members, respectively, thereby disturbing communication with the vacuum source. 
         [0061]      FIG. 17  shows the assembled seed disk meter assembly with the components described in  FIG. 12-FIG .  16 . In use, the embodiment described in  FIG. 12-FIG .  16  operates similarly to the embodiment described in  FIG. 2-FIG .  11 .

Technology Category: a