Method and apparatus for automatically maintaining seed trench depth during seed planting operations
First Claim
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1. A seed planting assembly comprising:
- a laterally extending support member;
a planting unit including a planting unit frame supported by the support member, wherein the 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 delivering seeds into the seed trench;
iii. a seed trench closing assembly operable to close the seed trench;
iv. a depth regulating member having a vertical position relative to the seed trench opening assembly, wherein the depth regulating member experiences an actual vertical force that controls ground surface engagement; and
a spring supported by the support member and connected to the planting unit, wherein the spring provides a variable spring force against the frame in response to variations in internal spring pressure;
a pressurized fluid source operable to provide fluid to the spring; and
a valve linking the fluid source to the spring, wherein the valve is in mechanical communication with the seed trench opening assembly and enables fluid flow in and out of the spring to correspondingly adjust the spring force when the actual vertical force differs from a desired vertical force.
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Abstract
A planting unit is provided having a seed trench opener that forms a seed trench in a ground surface as the planting unit travels along the ground. A depth regulating member is provided that has a predetermined vertical position relative to the opener. The depth regulating member is operable to ride along the ground and thus predetermined the seed trench depth. A down pressure assembly is provided that maintains the depth regulating member in proper engagement with the ground.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. A seed planting assembly comprising:
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a laterally extending support member;
a planting unit including a planting unit frame supported by the support member, wherein the 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 delivering seeds into the seed trench;
iii. a seed trench closing assembly operable to close the seed trench;
iv. a depth regulating member having a vertical position relative to the seed trench opening assembly, wherein the depth regulating member experiences an actual vertical force that controls ground surface engagement; and
a spring supported by the support member and connected to the planting unit, wherein the spring provides a variable spring force against the frame in response to variations in internal spring pressure;
a pressurized fluid source operable to provide fluid to the spring; and
a valve linking the fluid source to the spring, wherein the valve is in mechanical communication with the seed trench opening assembly and enables fluid flow in and out of the spring to correspondingly adjust the spring force when the actual vertical force differs from a desired vertical force. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method comprising:
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A) providing a planting unit including a planting unit frame supported by a support member, wherein the 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 delivering seeds into the seed trench;
iii. a seed trench closing assembly operable to close the seed trench; and
iv. a depth regulating member having a vertical position relative to the seed trench opening assembly, wherein the depth regulating member experiences an actual vertical force that controls ground surface engagement;
B) coupling a spring between the support member and the planting unit frame, wherein the spring is operable to increase and decrease a spring force against the frame in response to variations in internal spring pressure;
C) providing a force fluid source for delivering fluid to the spring;
D) connecting a valve between the spring and fluid source, and E) actuating the valve to control fluid to and from the spring when the actual vertical force differs from a desired vertical force. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification