Seed distribution system and method for a seeding implement
US5161473A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S111/90
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seed distribution system includes an upright main hopper for containing a mass of seeds. The input end of a seed tube projects into the lower portion of the hopper near the bottom of the seed mass. The input end of the seed tube is located within the output end of an air supply tube and terminates inwardly of the supply tube. The seeds in the main hopper are pneumatically captured by creating a generally dome-shaped area in the seeds adjacent the input end and sweeping seeds from the area into the input end. The captured seeds are propelled through the seed tube to a secondary hopper adjacent a seed metering device. To provide automatic level control, the delivery end of the seed tube is supported within the secondary hopper so that, as the seed level rises in the hopper, air flow and thus seed delivery rate will decrease. Automatic seed distribution from the bottom of the central hopper to the secondary hopper is accomplished simply and reliably with no moving parts other than those associated with the source of air.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.