Method of retrofitting a pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system and an improved pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system
AssigneePrecision Planting LLC
InventorsDerek A. Sauder, Chad E. Plattner
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Abstract
A pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system wherein seed from the auxiliary hopper enters the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter. And a retrofit kit for existing on-demand seed delivery systems, and method of retrofitting such existing pneumatic on-demand seed delivery systems, so as to provide an auxiliary hopper that communicates seed to the seed meter through an opening beginning rearward of the vertical axis of the seed meter.
Claims31
A pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system for a seed meter of an agricultural planter, the seed meter having a central horizontal axis extending forwardly to rearwardly, wherein forwardly is in a direction toward a normally forward direction of travel of the planter and rearwardly is in a direction away from the normally forward direction of travel of the planter, the seed meter operably driven by a flexible shaft, the system comprising:
- an auxiliary hopper disposed to communicate seeds through an opening in the seed meter, said opening beginning rearwardly of a central vertical axis of the seed meter and extending arcuately rearwardly toward the central horizontal axis of the seed meter.
A pneumatic on-demand seed delivery system for a seed meter of an agricultural planter, the seed meter having a central horizontal axis extending forwardly to rearwardly, wherein forwardly is in a direction toward a normally forward direction of travel of the planter and rearwardly is in a direction away from the normally forward direction of travel of the planter, the seed meter operably driven by a flexible shaft, the system comprising:
- a planter main frame supporting a plurality of row units, wherein the seed meter and an auxiliary hopper are supported by one of said plurality of row units;
- a main hopper for holding a bulk supply of seed, said main hopper supported by said planter main frame;
- said auxiliary hopper disposed to communicate seeds through an opening in the seed meter, said opening beginning rearwardly of a central vertical axis of the seed meter and extending arcuately rearwardly toward the central horizontal axis of the seed meter;
- and
- a blower, whereby said blower pneumatically transfers seed from said main hopper to said auxiliary hopper.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.