IP Library › Granted Patent US 9,408,341
Granted Patent B2
US 9,408,341 · App. 14/836,464 · Granted Aug 9, 2016

Seed variety changer for a planter

Inventor: James Straeter (Rochester, IN)
Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
A01C7/12A01C7/081A01C7/082A01C7/10A01C7/121A01C7/127A01C7/16A01C7/20A01C21/005
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,408,341
App. No.
14/836,464
Granted
Aug 9, 2016
Kind
B2
Abstract

A system for changing seed variety on a planter includes a plurality of row units with each row unit having a plurality of seed meters. Each seed meter has a guide for delivering seed to a transport belt and a switch that is activated and deactivated by a switch actuator on the belt. The belt has adjustable sidewalls, cover, and lugs.

Claims (32)

1. A system for changing the seed variety planted, comprising;

a planter including a plurality of row units each including a plurality of seed meters; and

a single belt associated with the meters such that the belt receives seed from each of the plurality of meters and transports the seed to a furrow for planting in a field;

said single belt including a plurality of flights and including a portion that extends below the plurality of meters.

2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a controller to actuate the operation of the plurality of seed meters.

3. The system of claim 2 , further comprising a mapping system operatively connected to the controller to selectively operate the plurality of seed meters to change the variety of seed planted.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the mapping system comprises a global positioning system.

5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a guide positioned between a seed meter and the belt.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the guide is configured to deliver the seed from the seed meter to the belt.

7. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an adjustable cover associated with the belt.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the cover terminates in an end guide at a discharge end of the belt.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the cover encloses the seed between the plurality of flights and the cover.

10. A row unit of an agricultural planter capable of changing the seed variety planted at the row unit, the row unit comprising:

a plurality of seed meters positioned on the row unit of the planter; and

a single belt associated with the meters such that the belt receives seed from each of the plurality of meters and transports the seed to a furrow;

said single belt including a plurality of flights and including a portion that extends below the plurality of meters;

wherein said meters positioned at least partially forward and aft of one another on the row unit relative to a direction of travel of the planter.

11. The row unit of claim 10 , further comprising at least one seed meter housing.

12. The row unit of claim 11 , further comprising a guide positioned between a seed meter housing and the belt.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the guide is configured to deliver the seed from the seed meter to the belt.

14. The system of claim 10 , further comprising a controller to actuate the operation of the plurality of seed meters.

15. The system of claim 14 , further comprising a mapping system operatively connected to the controller to selectively operate the plurality of seed meters to change the variety of seed planted.

16. The system of claim 10 , further comprising a cover terminating in an end guide at a discharge end of the belt.

17. A system for changing the seed variety planted by a planter, comprising:

a plurality of row units each including a plurality of seed meters, said row units operatively connected to the planter;

a single belt associated with the meters such that the belt receives seed from each of the plurality of meters and transports the seed to a furrow;

said single belt including a plurality of tights and including a portion that extends below the plurality of meters; and

a seed delivery system for delivering seed from a plurality of hoppers to the plurality of seed meters;

wherein said meters positioned at least partially forward and aft of one another on the row unit relative to a direction of travel of the planter.

18. The system of claim 17 , wherein the seed delivery system comprising a seed delivery conduit connected to a fan, a gate valve, a bulk seed hopper, an entrainment box, and one of the plurality of seed meters.

19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the seed delivery system further comprising a vacuum pressure conduit connected to an air supply conduit between the fan and an air supply at one end and a discharge end of the belt at an opposite end.

20. The system of claim 17 , wherein said single belt being operated by controller.

Continuity (3)
Continuation 13934647 · Jul 3, 2013
Continuation In Part 12688935 · Jan 18, 2010
Related Publication 20150359166A1 · Dec 17, 2015