Seed delivery apparatus with sensor and moving member to capture and move seed to a lower outlet opening
US8074586B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S111/904
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seed delivery apparatus has a moving member that captures and entraps the seed from the seed meter and physically moves the seed from the meter to the lower outlet opening. In so doing, the seed engages and travels along an interior surface of the seed delivery apparatus. A seed sensor is mounted on the housing wall such that the seed passes directly in front of the sensor. The sensor has both the light emitting devices and the photo-sensitive elements on the same wall of the delivery apparatus, or on two opposed walls. The moving member prevents ambient light, dust and dirt from entering the housing and impacting the sensor output signal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.