Seeding apparatus
AssigneeAdvanta Technology Ltd.
InventorGregory Dale Weaver
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A seeding apparatus may include a control unit to meter a predetermined amount of seed at desired intervals of time, distance, or the like. For instance, in one embodiment a tractor-towable seeder may include a trailing wheel, a sensor which detects the radial or circumferential travel of the wheel, and a control unit which receives the sensor input and triggers the release of seeds at the desired intervals. The control unit may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to a programmable logic controller or a low-voltage relay and distribution system. Suitable sensors may be selected based on the desired metering apparatus and control device.
Claims16
A seeding apparatus, comprising:
- a metering wheel having a predetermined circumference which is a function of a predetermined plot length;
- a rotation sensor to measure the rotation of a wheel and generate a signal in response thereto;
- a controller to receive at least one signal from the rotation sensor and in response thereto generate a trigger signal;
- a seed release mechanism to receive the trigger signal and in response thereto dispense seed substantially at said predetermined plot lengths.
A method of dispensing seed, comprising:
- sensing the rotation of a metering wheel having a predetermined circumference which is a function of a predetermined plot length;
- generating a trigger signal after the wheel has traveled a distance substantially equal to the predetermined plot length;
- releasing seed in response to the trigger signal substantially at said predetermined plot lengths.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.