Crop input variety selection systems, methods, and apparatus

US10159176B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Monsanto Technology LLC · US

Inventors

• David J. Baitinger · Ankeny, US
• Eric L. Borrowman · Saint Peters, US
• Chad Heathcote · Chesterfield, US
• Andrew D. Thielen · Scranton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 21, 2015
• Grant date: Dec 25, 2018
• Expiry date: Dec 23, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A01C15/006
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A seed meter comprising a seed handler comprising a cylinder comprising a plurality of seed chambers. The seed handler rotates the cylinder to sequentially position each seed chamber in a ‘loading’ position wherein each seed chamber receives a sets of seeds, a ‘planting’ position wherein seeds from each seed set are parsed, and an ‘evacuation’ position wherein any seeds remaining in each chamber are evacuated from each chamber. The seed meter additionally comprises a seed separator comprising a seed disc. The seed disc rotates, parses seed from each seed chamber, and transports the seeds to the exit chute. Importantly, the seed meter is structured and operable to substantially simultaneously, receive the sets of seed in the respective chamber positioned in the ‘loading’ position, parse the seeds from the respective chamber positioned in the ‘planting’ position, and evacuate the remaining seed from the respective chamber positioned in the ‘evacuation’ position.