US 7,444,948 B1 · Mechanized planter

Abstract

A planter for the mechanized planting of sea oats in beach or other difficult planting areas. The planter includes a calibrator that automates the release of sea oat plants through various release tubes as the planter moves over a chosen planting area. The calibrator controls the release of each plant at re-selected distances. Growth agent is introduced through ancillary mechanisms either through the release tubes or just behind each tube. A plow in front of each release tube creates a furrow into which each plant is deposited, and a series of grates are strategically positioned to control the reflow of planting soil back into each furrow after release and to then smooth any remaining soil adjacent the filled in furrow. The planter is towed behind a tractor through nominal hitches, and a chair and planting support rack is provided for an operator positioned in the center of the planter.

Claims23

Dependent claims

A sea oats planter, comprising:

a. a frame configured to be moved across a planting area;
b. a plurality of plows coupled to said frame configured to dig a furrow into said planting area;
c. a release tube affixed to said frame and located behind each said plow for delivering a sea oats plant into said furrow, each said tube including a rearward facing open section at their lower ends thereof so that each sea oat plant may be released into said furrow without damaging the plant tops;
d. at least one grate positioned adjacent to each said tube and adapted to siphon soil back into said furrow evacuated by said plow;
e. a release bar intersecting each said tube for periodically releasing said sea oat plants down through said tubes and into said furrow;
and,
f. a calibrator mechanism for actuating said release bar at pre-selected intervals.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Mechanized planter

Life of this patent

Mechanized planter

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23