US 8,393,502 B2 · Seed metering gate assembly

Abstract

A seed metering gate assembly (12) is provided for use with an upright seed bin (10) having a shiftable primary gate (24), wherein the gate assembly (12) provides an additional seed flow control function allowing more accurate dispensing of seed from the bin (10). The gate assembly (12) includes a seed hopper (13) equipped with a fore and aft-shiftable metering gate (42) movable between a closed position and an open position presenting a seed output passageway (40). Apparatus (62) is operably coupled with the gate member (42) in order to determine the travel of metering gate member between the fully closed position and a plurality of open positions presenting respective, differently sized passageways (40). The apparatus (62) preferably includes a rod (64) having a series of through openings (70) and coupled with the gate member (42), with a shiftable, motion-limiting collar (72) mounted on the rod (64) and securable at any of the openings (70) by a clip (76). The opening movement of the rod (64) is limited by engagement between the collar (72) and a bracket (68) affixed to hopper (13).

Claims14

Dependent claims

The combination comprising:

an upright seed bin presenting a lower outlet end;
a primary delivery gate located above said lower outlet end and shiftable between a closed position preventing flow of seed from the outlet end, and a plurality of open positions allowing flow of seed from the outlet end;
a metering gate assembly operably coupled with said bin and including—
a hopper having an upper end in communication with said lower outlet end of said bin, and a lower output end;
a slidable metering gate member oriented for selective sliding movement between a fully closed position preventing flow of seed from said lower output end, and an open position presenting an open passageway permitting flow of seed from the lower output end,
mechanism operably coupled with said metering gate member in order to slidably move the metering gate member between said closed and open positions;
and
apparatus operably coupled with said metering gate member in order to determine the travel of said metering gate member between said fully closed position and a plurality of open positions presenting respective, differently sized open passageways, each of said open passageways being substantially quadrate in plan configuration.

5 more elements

A metering gate assembly adapted to be operably coupled with the lower outlet end of an upright seed bin, said assembly comprising:

a hopper having an upper end in communication with said lower outlet end of said bin, and a lower output end;
a slidable metering gate member oriented for selective sliding movement between a fully closed position preventing flow of seed from said lower output end, and an open position presenting an open passageway permitting flow of seed from the lower output end,
mechanism operably coupled with said metering gate member in order to slidably move the metering gate member between said closed and open positions;
and
apparatus operably coupled with said metering gate member in order to determine the travel of said metering gate member between said fully closed position and a plurality of open positions presenting respective, differently sized open passageways, each of said open passageways being substantially quadrate in plan configuration.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Seed metering gate assembly

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Seed metering gate assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14