Continuous batch seed coating system
US6582516B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01C1/06
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The continuous batch seed coating system of this invention includes a coating unit, liquid and dry treatment metering systems, a seed metering system, and a PLC controller. The coating unit includes a substantially unitary bowl, which is rotated to cyclically rotate seed being treated. The bowl is rotated within an enclosure, then evacuated after being treated. A peristaltic pump and a hopper-auger unit provide liquid and dry seed treatment formulations to the coating unit. The automated seed metering system pre-weighs seed to be conveyed into the coating unit. The PLC controller controls the retention time in the coating unit, the amounts and timing of seed treatment formulations, conveys seed to the coating unit, and optionally sounds alarms when one of the treatment formulations is not available or when seed is not present in the seed metering system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.