Implement frame mounted variable rate singulating meters
First Claim
1. A seeding apparatus comprising:
- an implement frame mounted on implement wheels for travel in an operating travel direction;
a furrow opener assembly mounted on the implement frame and comprising a furrow opener operative to create a furrow when engaged in a ground surface;
a singulating meter operative to dispense singulated seeds into an input end of a seed tube, and a pressurized air source configured to provide a seed air stream flowing through the seed tube to convey the seeds through the seed tube to an output end thereof configured to discharge the seeds in a downward and rearward direction into the furrow;
a seed catching member configured to move along a bottom of the corresponding furrow and contact the seeds as the seeds contact the bottom of the furrow;
wherein the seed catching member and seed tube are mounted in fixed positions to a follower bracket, and wherein the follower bracket is movable only vertically with respect to the furrow opener assembly, and comprising a bias element operative to exert a downward bias force on the follower bracket with respect to the furrow opener assembly.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A seeding apparatus has a frame and a plurality of furrow openers spaced laterally along the implement frame. A like plurality of singulating meters is provided, each mounted on the frame close to a corresponding furrow opener, and seed tubes are configured to receive singulated seeds from a corresponding singulating meter and deposit the seeds in the furrow created by the corresponding furrow opener. A pressurized air stream conveys seeds through each seed tube and a seed supply supplies seeds to each singulating meter. A meter control operates each singulating meter to provide a variable seeding rate that is independent of the seeding rates of the other singulating meters. A seed catching member follows each furrow opener and catches the seeds exiting the seed tubes to maintain a consistent seed spacing in the furrow.
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Citations
3 Claims
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1. A seeding apparatus comprising:
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an implement frame mounted on implement wheels for travel in an operating travel direction; a furrow opener assembly mounted on the implement frame and comprising a furrow opener operative to create a furrow when engaged in a ground surface; a singulating meter operative to dispense singulated seeds into an input end of a seed tube, and a pressurized air source configured to provide a seed air stream flowing through the seed tube to convey the seeds through the seed tube to an output end thereof configured to discharge the seeds in a downward and rearward direction into the furrow; a seed catching member configured to move along a bottom of the corresponding furrow and contact the seeds as the seeds contact the bottom of the furrow; wherein the seed catching member and seed tube are mounted in fixed positions to a follower bracket, and wherein the follower bracket is movable only vertically with respect to the furrow opener assembly, and comprising a bias element operative to exert a downward bias force on the follower bracket with respect to the furrow opener assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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Specification