Seeder apparatus for dispensing seed with or without top dressing
US6024033A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01C15/14
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The seeder apparatus includes a material hopper for dispensing material onto a conveyor to be moved thereby to an entry nip between a rotary brush and the conveyor for propelling the material downwardly at the discharge end. In one embodiment, a metering gate extends vertically in its closed position relative to the conveyor, with the metering gate controlling the rate of dispensation of seed or other material being moved to the entry nip. A shield assembly is provided to minimize the effects of wind on the trajectory of seed or other material being propelled to the ground by the brush and conveyor. In preferred forms, a separate seed hopper is mounted to the top dresser, and in a second embodiment, either seed from the seed hopper and/or dressing material from the top dresser hopper may be moved by the conveyor to the entry nip. In other embodiments, a terrain opening element in the form of a spiking roller is provided to puncture the terrain before top dressing and/or seeds are dispensed, and a brush element in the form of a pull brush is provided to move seed and any top dressing supported on grass blades downward in the terrain.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.