WO2019108881A1

WO2019108881A1 - Agricultural planter with seed delivery

Info

Publication number: WO2019108881A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/063216
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Wilhelmi; Jon E. Kinzenbaw
Original assignee: Kinze Manufacturing Inc
Current assignee: Kinze Manufacturing Inc
Priority date: 2017-12-01
Filing date: 2018-11-30
Publication date: 2019-06-06
Anticipated expiration: 2020-06-01

Abstract

A high speed seed delivery system utilizes vacuum or other negative pressure to hold seed and to singulate seed in a seed meter (50). A high-pressure air source is used to move seed from a seed disk of the seed meter (50) to a seed tube (58) and ultimately, towards a field. Therefore, the system is a hybrid system including both a vacuum-based seed meter (50) for singulating seed, and a positive pressure delivery system in which the positive pressure is added to increase the speed of the seed delivery. The increased speed of the seed delivery allows for seed to be planted at higher speeds, which can be approximately 16,09 km/h (10 mph) or more.

Description

TITLE: AGRICULTURAL PLANTER WITH SEED DELIVERY

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisional application

5 U.S. Serial No. 62/593,538, filed December 1, 2017. The provisional patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, including without limitation, the specification, claims, and abstract, as well as any figures, tables, appendices, or drawings thereof. lu FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to agricultural implements. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an agricultural planter with a seed delivery apparatus for delivering seed from a metering system of a row unit to a furrow created in the ground.

15

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An agricultural row crop planter is a machine built for distributing seed into the ground. The row crop planter generally includes a horizontal toolbar fixed to a hitch assembly for towing behind a tractor. Row units are mounted to the toolbar. In different

20 configurations, seed may be stored at individual hoppers on each row unit, or it may be maintained in a central hopper and delivered to the row units on an as needed basis. The row units include ground-working tools for opening and closing a seed furrow, and a seed metering system for distributing seed to the seed furrow.

In its most basic form, the seed meter includes a housing and a seed disc. The

25 housing is constructed such that it creates a reservoir to hold a seed pool. The seed disk resides within the housing and rotates about a generally horizontal central axis. As the seed disk rotates, it passes through the seed pool where it picks up individual seeds. The seeds are subsequently dispensed from the seed meter and transported to the seed furrowr

Seed spacing in the seed furrow is roughly controlled by varying the rotational speed of the seed disc. The most common seed delivery system for delivering seed from the seed disk to the furrow 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 drop into the seed tube and fall via gravitational force from a discharge end thereof into the seed furrow. Monitoring systems are commonly used to monitor the operation of the planter. Such systems typically employ a seed sensor attached to each seed tube to detect the passage of

5 seed therethrough.

However, such a gravity system can affect the seed spacing of the planter. For example, as the spacing of the speed is dependent on the rotational velocity of the seed disk and the gravitational constant, interruptions, forces, or other occurrences acting on the seed can greatly affect the spacing. For example, if the seed bumps against a wall of the seed lu tube on the way to the furrow'; this can cause a delay or a non-vertical fall of the seed. If a preceding or following seed does not experience the same interruption, the seeds could be spaced too close or far from one another.

Furthermore, as the speed of planting increases, this causes additional problems. Drawing a planting implement through the field at faster speeds increases the speed of

15 deposited seeds relative to the ground, causing seeds to roll and bounce upon landing in the trench or furrow and resulting in inconsistent plant spacing. The adverse agronomic effects of poor seed placement and inconsistent plant spacing are well known in the art.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for an agricultural planting implement that includes a seed delivery apparatus that aids in delivering seed from a singulating seed

20 meter to a furrow⁷ or trench in the field, such that the spacing of adjacent seed is more consistent to increase the yield obtained of the end crop.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is a principal object, feature, and/or advantage of the disclosed

25 features to overcome the deficiencies in the art.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the disclosed features to provide an agricultural planter with a seed delivery apparatus to provide consistent spacing between adjacent seed.

It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the disclosed features to provide a seed delivery apparatus, mechanism, and/or assembly that will deliver a seed from a seed metering device to the field.

? It is still another object, feature, and/or advantage of the disclosed features to provide a seed delivery apparatus that will provide optimized spacing in a seed furrow.

It is a further object, feature, and/or advantage of the disclosed features to provide a seed delivery apparatus that will allow for planting with increased speed.

5 It is yet another object, feature, and/or advantage of the disclosed features to

provide a controlled delivery of seed from a seed meter to the ground wherein a seed experiences near zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground, regardless of the velocity of the pl anter.

These and/or other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be lu apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited to or by these objects, features, and advantages. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage.

According to some aspects of the inventi on, a row unit of an agricultural planter is provided, and includes a seed meter comprising a seed meter housing having a high-

15 pressure air inlet, a seed inlet, and a vacuum inlet, and a seed disk rotatably positioned within the seed meter housing. The row unit also includes a high-pressure air source in communication with the high-pressure air inlet, and a seed tube extending from the seed meter housing and towards the ground, where the high-pressure air source provides air to mix with a seed within the seed meter housing to direct the seed via the seed tube and

20 towards the ground.

According to at least some embodiments, the row unit includes a seed source in communication with the seed inlet, and a vacuum source in communication with the vacuum inlet.

According to some embodiments, the seed source comprises a bulk hopper

25 connected to the seed meter housing via a conduit, or a row unit hopper at the seed meter housing.

According to additional embodiments, the vacuum source comprises a fan connected to a plurality of seed meters via a plurality of conduits.

According to still additional embodiments, the vacuum source comprises a fan integrated with the seed meter housing. According to still further embodiments, the seed disk comprises a seed side, and wherein said seed side comprises a plurality of seed cells radially spaced from an axis of the disk.

Some embodiments include that the seed disk further comprises a plurality of seed

5 chambers positioned radially outward of the plurality of seed cells.

Additional embodiments include that the seed chambers are defined by first and second paddles extending axially from the seed side of the seed disk.

Some additional embodiments include that the seed meter housing comprises an opening at or near an entrance to the seed tube, wherein the first and second paddles will at lu least temporarily be positioned on opposite sides of the opening to allow seed to be

directed by air from the high-pressure air source into the seed tube.

According to yet additional aspects of the invention, a seed delivery system is provided, and comprises a seed meter including a high-pressure air inlet, a high-pressure air source in communication with the seed meter via the high-pressure air inlet, and

15 a seed tube in communication with the seed meter and the high-pressure air source to

receive a combination of air from the high-pressure air source and a seed in the seed meter to deliver the seed towards a furrow.

Some embodiments further provide a seed disk rotatably positioned in the seed meter.

20 Additional embodiments include that the seed disk comprises a seed side and a vacuum side.

Still additional embodiments include that the seed side of the seed disk comprises a plurality of seed cells radially spaced about an axis of the seed disk; and a plurality of chambers spaced radially outward of the plurality of seed cells, wherein the plurality of

25 chambers comprise paddles that are positioned adjacent to and on opposite sides of each seed cell.

Some additional embodiments provide that the paddles of the chambers are generally perpendicular to the seed side of the seed disk.

Still additional embodiments include that the chambers further comprise side walls substantially perpendicular to the paddles, and wherein the chambers are substantially open at inner and outer sections thereof. Even additional embodiments provide that the vacuum side of the seed disk interacts with a vacuum source to create a negative pressure at the seed cells.

According to some aspects of the invention, a method of delivering seed to a furrow in the ground comprises using negative pressure to hold seed at a seed disk within a seed

5 meter housing of a seed meter, rotating the seed disk to a location in the seed meter

housing where the negative pressure is cut off, and introducing, within the seed meter housing, air at a high pressure to move the seed from the seed disk, into a seed tube, and towards the furrow in the ground.

Some embodiments further comprise that, prior to introducing the air at high lu pressure, directing the seed at least partially into a seed chamber of the seed disk that is between first and second paddles.

Additional embodiments may comprise combining the air at high pressure and the seed in the seed chamber before moving the seed into the seed tube.

Still additional embodiments may include singulating the seed while the seed is

15 held at the seed disk.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure I is a perspective view of a planting implement according to one embodiment described in the disclosure.

20 Figure 2 is a front top perspective view of a row unit for use with a planting

implement.

Figure 3 is a rear top perspective view of a row unit for use with a planting implement.

Figure 4 is a front bottom perspective view of a row unit for use with a planting

25 implement.

Figure 5 is a rear bottom perspective view of a row unit for use with a planting implement.

Figure 6 is a side elevation view of a row unit for use with a planting implement.

Figure 7 is a top plan view of a row unit for use with a planting implement

Figure 8 is a rear elevation view of a row unit for use with a planting implement.

Figure 9 is a front elevation view of a row⁷ unit for use with a planting implement. Figure 10 is a front top perspective view of a seed meter and delivery tube for use with a row unit.

Figure l l is a rear top perspective view of a seed meter and delivery tube for use with a row unit.

5 Figure 12 is a side elevation view of a seed meter and delivery tube for use with a row unit.

Figure 13 is a front elevation view of a seed meter and delivery tube for use with a row unit.

Figure 14 is a rear elevation view of a seed meter and delivery tube for use with a lu row unit.

Figure 15 is a top plan view of a seed meter and delivery' tube for use with a row unit.

Figure 16 is a side sectional view of Figure 15.

Figure 17 is a top sectional view of Figure 13.

15 Figure 18 is a sectional depiction of a seed meter according to aspects of the

invention.

Figure 19 is a schematic of a meter and delivery system according to aspects of the disclosure.

Figure 20A is front elevation view of a seed disk for use with a seed meter

20 according to aspects of the invention.

Figure 20B is a perspective view of the seed disk.

Figure 20C is a side elevation view of the seed disk.

Figure 21 A is a front elevation view of a row unit according to aspects of the invention.

25 Figure 21B is a side sectional view of the row unit

Figure 21C is an enlarged portion of Figure 20B.

Figure 21 D is a side elevation view of the row unit.

Figure 2 IE is an enlarged view of Figure 20D.

Various embodiments of a seed delivery system and related components are described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention. Figures represented herein are not limitations to the various embodiments according to the invention and are presented for exemplary illustration of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

5 The following definitions and introductory matters are provided to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. Unless defined otherwi se, ail technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present invention pertain.

The terms "a," "an," and "the” include plural referents unless context clearly lu indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word "or" is intended to include "and" unless context clearly indicate otherwise. The word "or” means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list.

The terms "invention" or "present invention" as used herein are not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular invention but encompass all possible

15 embodiments as described in the specification and the claims.

The term "about" as used herein refers to variation in the numerical quantities that can occur, for example, through typical measuring techniques and equipment, with respect to any quantifiable variable, including, but not limited to, mass, volume, time, distance, wave length, frequency, voltage, current, and electromagnetic field. Further, given solid

20 and liquid handling procedures used in the real world, there is certain inadvertent error and variation that is likely through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or carry out the methods and the like. The claims include equivalents to the quantities whether or not modified by the term "about.”

The term "configured" describes an apparatus, system, or other structure that is

25 constructed to perform or capable of performing a particular task or to adopt a particular configuration. The term "configured" can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as constructed, arranged, adapted, manufactured, and the like.

Terms such as first, second, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper, lower, front, rear, end, sides, concave, convex, and the like, are referenced according to the views

30 presented. These terms are used only for purposes of description and are not limiting unless these terms are expressly included in the claims. Orientation of an object or a combination of objects may change without departing from the scope of the invention. The apparatuses, systems, and methods of the present invention may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components of the present invention described herein. The term "consisting essentially of means that the apparatuses, systems, and methods may i nclude addi tional components or steps, but only if the additi onal

5 components or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the

claimed apparatuses, systems, and methods.

The following embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention however other embodiments may be utilized.

Mechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit lu and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Fig. I shows an agricultural implement 10, in this case, an agricultural planter. The planter 10 is usually attached to and pulled by a tractor. However, it should be appreciated that other equipment and/or vehicles may move the implement 10. For purposes of the

15 present disclosure, the implement 10 will be referred to as a planter.

The planter 10 includes a tongue 14 having a first end 16 and an opposite second end (not shown). The tongue 14 includes a hitch 18 at the first end 16, with the hitch 18 being connected to the tractor. At the opposite end of the tongue 14 is a central tool bar 22. The tongue 14 may be a telescoping tongue with components capable of being inserted into

20 one another such that the implement 10 is a front folding style implement. However, the present invention is not to be limited to such front folding style implements and is to include any such implement for use in the agricultural industry.

As shown in Fig. 1, central hoppers 24 are positioned at the central toolbar 22. The hoppers 24 are configured to store seed, fertilizer, insecticide, or other types of material for

25 use in farming. The hoppers 24 may both contain the same material, or could contain

separate materials. The use of the central hoppers 24 allows for a large amount of material to be added and stored at a centralized location. However, the invention also contemplates the use of one or more hoppers positioned at each of the row units 34 for providing seed to be planted at the row units, as is shown in Fig. 3. When central hoppers 24 are used at the central toolbar 22, it should be appreciated that the central hoppers will be in fluid communication with each of the row units 34. This can be done by use of separate hoses to each of the row units, or fewer hoses that include splitters, wherein the hose is split to provide seed or other material to more than one row unit. Also connected to the central toolbar is a plurality of central wheels, which may be known as transport wheels 26 extending generally downwardly from the central toolbar 22. The wheels 26 contact the ground and support the central hoppers 24. The wheels stabilize the implement 10 and are

5 the wheels that contact the ground when in a working position or a transport position, e.g., if the implement 10 is a front folding implement such that the wings 28, 30 are folded forward with wing wheels 32 not contacting the ground.

Extending generally from both sides of the toolbar 22 are first and second wings 28, 30. The wings 28, 30 are generally identical and mirror images of one another. Therefore, lu only one wing will be described with the understanding that the other wing will be

generally the same configuration. The first wing 28 includes a bar 29 Mounted to the bar 29 are a plurality of row units 34, as well as a plurality of wheels 32. The wheels 32 are configured to contact the ground . The row units 34 may be seeders, fertilizers, insecticide sprayers, or other dispensers, discs, or piow¾. The wings 28, 30 may also include at least

15 one-fold cylinder and a down force cylinder. It is further contemplated that multiple down force cylinders be used with an implement having more sections. The fold cyiinder(s) is configured to fold the wings to a position wherein the first and second wings 28, 30 are generally adj acent the tongue 14 of the implement 10.

As it is desirable for seed to be planted in a shorten amount of time, while farms

20 sizes and fields get larger, there is a need for planters to plant at higher speeds, while

maintaining high efficiency in placement of the seeds with regard to depth and spacing between subsequent seeds. Therefore, aspects of the invention provide for ways to plant seed at such higher speeds while maintaining high singulation rates, consistent and desired depth, and consistent and desired space in between subsequent seeds.

25 This and other improvements are shown throughout the figures. For example, starting with Figure 2, a row unit 34 for use with the agricultural planter is provided. The row unit 34 includes an attachment plate 36. A linkage 38 extends from the attachment and is connected to a frame 40. The linkage allows for vertical movement of the row unit relative to the tool bar to which it is attached. Additional components of the row unit 34 include a furrow' opener 42, which may also be referred to as a coulter. Gauge wheels 44 and a seed depth adjustment system 46 are provided as well. The depth adjustment system 46 sets the depth of the opener 42 and the gauge w'heels 44 are used to attempt to maintain said set depth to create a trench or furrow in the field at said desired depth. As the row unit 34 moves through the field with the planter 10. While an exemplary row unit 34 is shown in use throughout the figures, it should he appreciated that generally any type of row unit for holding the components and aspects of the invention will be considered part of the

5 invention.

Also shown in Figures 2-8 in relation to the row unit 34 is a seed meter 50, including a seed delivery tube 58. The seed meter 50, as will be understood, is a hybrid vacuum and high-pressure seed meter. For example, a vacuu or negative pressure is utilized to hold seed to a disk that is rotatable within the seed meter housing 52 However, lu a high pressure or positive pressure is also utilized with the seed meter 50 to provide for high speed delivery of the seed from the disk down the tube 50 and out the exit 59 of the seed tube 58. The high pressurized air allows for the seed to quickly deliver in an efficient manner such that the spacing is maintained and the seed is controllably placed in a furrow in the field to allow for the seed to be planted at higher speeds.

15 Therefore, the seed meter 50 includes a housing 52. The housing 52 includes a seed side housing member 53 operatively connected to a vacuum side housing member 54. The terms seed side and vacuum side refer to the sides in which will interact with either of the seed or the vacuum inlet. For example, as is shown in the figures, a seed inlet 50 is extending from a portion of the seed meter side 53 of the housing 52. The inlet 55 may be

20 connected to an air seed delivery system, such as that is shown and described in U.S.

Patent No. 8,448,585, which is co-owned, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. The seed of the air seed delivery system can be maintained in a central hopper 24 and delivered, on demand, via a hose or other conduit to the seed inlet 55 of the seed meter housing 52 of the seed meter 50.

25 The vacuum side 54 of the housing 52 includes a vacuum inlet 56. The vacuum inlet is a partial conduit extending from the housing member 54. The vacuum inlet 56 is operatively connectable to a hose or other conduit, which is connected to a vacuum source, such as a fan or other vacuum source. The vacuum source and conduit connected thereto create a negative or vacuum pressure on or at the vacuum side of the seed meter to adhere and maintain seed to a seed disk within the seed meter housing 52 as will be shown and described. Still further, the vacuum or other pressure source could be integrated with or otherwise associated with the seed meter housing. Such a configuration is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 9,763,380, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such an integration could negate the need or requirement of the vacuum inlet and/or conduit 56.

A third conduit is shown extending from the seed housing side 53 and is known as

5 a high-pressure air inlet 57. The high-pressure air inlet 57 is a partial conduit that is

connected to a hose or other conduit and can be connected to a high-pressure air source, such as a fan or compressor or another member. Still further, the high-pressure air source can be integrally connected to the seed meter housing, such as by incorporating a fan therein (such as disclosed in the '380 patent). This is similar to the integrated fan that can lu be connected to the vacuum side of the seed meter housing 52 to provide for integrated vacuum source thereat, which will mitigate or remove the need for a hose or other conduit. The high-pressure air inlet 57 is a conduit to direct high-pressure air into the seed meter housing 52 to interact with seed at the seed disk thereof to direct the seed from the seed disk and towards and through the seed tube 58 out the seed exit 59 and towards the furrow

15 in the ground.

As disclosed, the vacuum inlet 56 will be connected to a vacuum source, and the air inlet 57 will be connected to a high-pressure air source. The vacuum source and the high- pressure air source can be fans or air pumps, which are located on the planter, such as a tool bar to provide for the vacuum pressure or the high pressurized air to a plurality of seed

20 meters at the plurality of row units of the planter. Still further, a plurality of fans may be utilized to provide vacuum pressure to sectional or regionalized row units and seed meters, along the length or width of the planter. This can be the same for the high pressurized air in as well. Still further, and has been disclosed, localized vacuum and/or high pressurized sources can be provided for each seed meter 50. For example, an integrated fan, such as

25 that shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 9,763,380, which is co-owned and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, can be utilized for both the vacuum pressure and/or the high pressurized air in. Such a fan can be mounted or otherwise attached to either the seed side or the vacuum side of the seed meter housing 52 to provided localized sources of the vacuum and/or high pressurized air. This will provide for a cleaner look such that there is no need for hoses connected to each of the row units. The integrated fans will also remove the efficiency loss of manifolds and hoses. Furthermore, instead of bulk hoppers and a seed inlet, box hoppers, which are known in the art, may be utilized at each of the row units to provide for seed at each of the row units, which will remove the need for the air seed delivery and hoses to bulk hoppers.

Still further, while a single meter 50 is shown to be included at each of the row units 34, it is to be envisioned that multiple seed meters be utilized at each of the row units,

5 such as to provide multi-hybrid capabilities for the planting of one or more varieties of seed as the planter moves through the fi eld. In such cases, each of the meters can be connected to a different seed hybrid at the plurality of central bulk hoppers and seed can be delivered via the air seed delivery.

Therefore, the seed system, for example as shown in Figure 19, will provide for a lu hybrid seed delivery' system. The seed is held at the seed cells via vacuum pressure as the disk 70 moves through a seed pool 64 and will be singulated using a singulator, such as that shown in U.S. Patent 9,277,688, which is co-owned and hereby incorporated by referenced in its entirety and for intents and purposes, such that a single seed will be held at each of the seed cell 73. The continued rotation of the seed disk 70 and the seed meter

15 housing 50 will move the seed to a location where the vacuum pressure is cut, such as at the arrow⁷ 66. At such a location, the seed will fall, at least partially due to gravity, into an adjacent air chamber or air lock, which is formed on the sides by subsequent paddles 74 at an outer location by a portion of the seed meter housing 63. The continued rotation of the seed disk will cause the paddles to move the seed within the chamber towards and into an

20 air path 65 where air under pressure comes in and passes through the air lock chambers and down the tube 58 towards the seed furrow . Again, the high pressurized air of the seed path 61 will cause the seed to move at high speeds such that the time of travel will be minimized in the seed tube. For example, it is envisioned that the seed could move approximately 50-100 kilometers per hour (~31-63 miles per hour). The rotation of the

25 seed disk can be set based upon the ground speed of the planter to provide the seed being blown down the seed tube to space the seeds in the furrow⁷ at the ideal spacing, to allow for the seed to be planted at such a high speed of planting. For example, the ground speed of each row unit could be determined by GPS, sensors, ground drive, or some combination to determine the speed at each location of each row unit and seed meter to aid in controlling the delivery of the seed via the system to provide for a set seed spacing between

subsequent seeds as the planter moves through a field. This will allow for independent control of the seed meters, which also allows for turn compensation and spacing along the same.

Figures 20A-20C provide for views of the seed disk 70. For example, the figures show the disk 70 having the seed side 71, which interacts with the seed and the meter

5 housing, and the vacuum side 72, which is under vacuum pressure to withhold the seed on the seed side. The seed is held at one of a plurality of seed cells 73, which are regularly spaced about a rotational access of the seed disc. As shown in the figures, a plurality of radially spaced paddles 74 are positioned generally adjacent and on opposite sides of each seed cell 73 and extend radially outwardly. The paddles 74 are generally perpendicular to lu a rotational direction of travel of the disc. Side wails 75, 76 are positioned on opposite sides of the paddles and positioned generally perpendicular to the paddles to hold the paddles in place. Therefore, subsequent paddles and the side walls create chambers and/or air locks in which seed can be maintained during rotational travel of the disc. However, because the chambers are open at the inner and outer sections of the chambers, the seed is

15 able to be released from the outer portion of the chamber and through the air path 61 and down the seed tube 58 towards the furrow.

While the seed meter 50 and tube 58 will provide for singu!ating and releasing seed for the high-speed planting, Figures 21 A-2l E provide for a seed brake and placement system and/or assembly 80 in which the seed can be received once it releases the exit 59 of

20 the seed tube 58 and to collect or otherwise trap the seed in place within a seed furrow.

The seed brake and placement system assembly 80 includes a catch wheel or pinch wheel 81, which is surrounded on opposite sides by discs 82, 83. The catch wheel 81 can comprise a compliant material such that it is able to rotate, and seed will be trapped between the furrow and a bottom portion of a catch wheel 81 when released from the seed

25 tube. As shown in best in Figure 2lC, the distance between the exit 59 of the seed tube 58 and the catch wheel 81 will be minimal such that the seed will not travel much distance before being pinched between the catch wheel 81 and the ground. The compliant make-up of the catch wheel 81 will allow the seed to be received safely without damaging the seed within the furrow. The compliant nature of the wheel will also prevent or otherwise mitigate compaction of the seed within the furrow.

Surrounding the catch wheel 81 are discs 82 and 83 The discs are positioned adjacent the catch wheel 8 l and positioned and having a rotational axis which is at least partially forward of the rotational axis of the catch wheel 81. The forward positioning of the discs 82, 83 while provide for numerous improvements in advantages. For example, the disk being at least partially forward of the catch wheel will provide for side walls to mitigate side bouncing of the seed that is released from the tube 58. The disk will aid in

5 directing the seed that is released from the tube 58 towards the catch wheel 81.

Furthermore, the position of the discs ahead of the catch wheel will provide for the eccentric rotation between the disk and the catch wheel. For example, the disk will not be rotating directly with the catch wheel. The close nature of the disk on opposite sides of the catch wheel will allow for the eccentric rotation thereof to aid in cleaning any outside lu edges and/or surfaces of the catch wheel, to reduce build up or other debris on the catch wheel. This will preserve and maintain the integrity of the catch wheel, which will aid in placement of the seed caught thereby and there at. Thus, the discs being positioned slightly ahead of the catch wheel will aid in cl eaning the catch wheel to maintain the integrity of the catch wheel and will also provide for a chamber or other walls that will aid in directing

15 placement of the seed at the catch wheel, wherein the catch wheel can stop the movement of the seed and can place it in the furrow. The subsequent seed will also be caught by the catch wheel and placed there at and thereby, which will aid in maintaining the desired spacing between subsequent seeds that have been delivered by the seed tube 58.

Therefore, seed is able to be planted at a high speed because of the high rate of

20 singulation of the seed meter and the high-speed delivery of the high pressurized air path of the seed meter delivery system. The high pressurized air delivering the seed from the disk and through and towards the furrow will allow the planter to travel at higher speeds, such as higher than 8 mph, to allow for high speed planting thereby. However, the system will also be able to be operated at speeds lower than 8 mph when conditions require or else it is

25 desired to plant at a lower speed.

However, the system will provide for an efficient planting of seeds to maintain the seeds being planted at a desired depth and with desired spacing therebetween, which will increase the chances of higher yield and output should conditions outside of a farmer’s control ideal.

In addition, the hybrid system of having vacuum pressure for holding seed to the disk and utilizing high pressure to deliver the seed to the ground provides additional advantages. Such advantages include that the pressure systems (vacuum and positive, high pressure) can be operated independent of one another. This allows for adjustments to be made to one system that will not affect the other, which allows for the optimization of the performance for each system. Further, the independence of the system allows for the system to be used with air seed delivery systems including bulk hoppers, which operate best with seed meters having vacuum pressure. The vacuum pressure can be optimized to hold the seed at the cells in the disc, while the positive pressure can be adjusted to optimize the speed of the seed delivered to and through the tube to the ground to match or substantially match the ground speed of the planter.

Therefore, a seed meter and seed delivery sy stem have been provided. It is contemplated that numerous changes, variations and the like are obvious to those skilled in the art are to be considered part of the invention. It is also to be considered that the various components of any embodiment can be used with any of the other embodiments such that the combinations provided herein are not to be limited to that specifically shown in the figures and described herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A row unit of an agricultural planter, comprising:

a seed meter comprising:

5 a. a seed meter housing having a high-pressure air inlet, a seed inlet, and a vacuum inlet; and

b. a seed disk rotatably positioned within the seed meter housing;

a high-pressure air source in communication with the high-pressure air inlet; and a seed tube extending from the seed meter housing and towards the ground, where the lu high-pressure air source provides air to mix with a seed within the seed meter housing to direct the seed via the seed tube and towards the ground.

2. The row unit of claim i, further comprising:

a seed source in communication with the seed inlet; and

15 a vacuum source in communication with the vacuum inlet.

3. The row unit of claim 2, wherein the seed source comprises a bulk hopper connected to the seed meter housing via a conduit, or a row unit hopper at the seed meter housing.

20

4. The row unit of claim 2, wherein the vacuum source comprises a fan connected to a plurality of seed meters via a plurality of conduits

5. The row unit of clai 2, wherein the vacuum source comprises a fan integrated

25 with the seed meter housing.

6. The row unit of claim l, wherein the seed disk comprises a seed side, and wherein said seed side comprises a plurality of seed cells radially spaced from an axis of the disk.

7. The row unit of claim 6, wherein the seed disk further comprises a plurality of seed chambers positioned radially outward of the plurality of seed cells.

8. The row unit of claim 7, wherein the seed chambers are defined by first and second paddles extending axially from the seed side of the seed disk.

9. The row unit of claim 8, wherein the seed meter housing comprises an opening at

5 or near an entrance to the seed tube, wherein the first and second paddles will at least temporarily be positioned on opposite sides of the opening to allow seed to be directed by- air from the high-pressure air source into the seed tube.

10. A seed delivery system, comprising:

lu a seed meter including a high-pressure air inlet;

a high-pressure air source in communication with the seed meter via the high-pressure air inlet; and

a seed tube in communication with the seed meter and the high-pressure air source to receive a combination of air from the high-pressure air source and a seed in the

15 seed meter to deliver the seed towards a furrow.

11. The seed delivery system of claim 10, further comprising a seed disk rotatably positioned in the seed meter.

20 12. The seed delivery system of claim 11, wherein the seed disk comprises a seed side and a vacuum side.

13. The seed delivery system of claim 12, wherein the seed side of the seed disk comprises:

25 a plurality of seed cells radially spaced about an axis of the seed disk; and

a plurality of chambers spaced radially outward of the plurality of seed cells;

wherein the plurality of chambers comprise paddles that are positioned adjacent to and on opposite sides of each seed cell.

14. The seed delivery system of claim 13, wherein the paddles of the chambers are generally perpendicular to the seed side of the seed disk.

15. The seed delivery system of claim 14, wherein the chambers further comprise side walls substantially perpendicular to the paddles, and wherein the chambers are

substantially open at inner and outer sections thereof.

5 16. The seed deliver_}- system of claim 15, wherein the vacuum side of the seed disk interacts with a vacuum source to create a negative pressure at the seed cells.

17. A method of deli vering seed to a furrow in the ground, the method comprising: using negative pressure to hold seed at a seed disk within a seed meter housing of a seed lu meter;

rotating the seed disk to a location in the seed meter housing where the negative pressure is cut off;

introducing, within the seed meter housing, air at a high pressure to move the seed from the seed disk, into a seed tube, and towards the furrow in the ground.

15

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

prior to introducing the air at high pressure, directing the seed at least partially into a seed chamber of the seed disk that is between first and second paddles

20 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

combining the air at high pressure and the seed in the seed chamber before moving the seed into the seed tube.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

25 singulating the seed wdiile the seed is held at the seed disk.