IP Library › Granted Patent US 9,675,003
Granted Patent B2
US 9,675,003 · App. 15/203,568 · Granted Jun 13, 2017

Seed variety changer for a planter

Inventor: James E. Straeter (Rochester, IN)
Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
A01C7/127A01C7/081A01C7/082A01C7/10A01C7/12A01C7/121A01C7/16A01C7/20A01C21/005
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,675,003
App. No.
15/203,568
Granted
Jun 13, 2017
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 member and a switch that is activated and deactivated by a switch actuator on the member. The transport member is an endless member. The endless member has adjustable sidewalls, cover, and lugs.

Claims (30)

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

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

an endless member associated with the meters such that the endless member capable of receiving seed from each of the plurality of meters and transporting the seed to a furrow for planting in a field;

said endless member including a portion that extends below the plurality of seed 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 endless member.

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

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

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the cover terminates in an end guide at a discharge end associated with a lower portion of the endless member.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the cover encloses the seed between the endless member 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

an endless member associated with the meters such that the endless member capable of receiving seed from each of the plurality of meters and transporting the seed to a furrow;

said endless member including a portion that extends below the plurality of meters.

11. The system of claim 10 , further comprising a cover terminating in an end guide at a discharge area of the endless member.

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

13. The row unit of claim 12 , further comprising a guide positioned between a seed meter housing and the endless member.

14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the guide is configured to deliver the seed from the seed meter to the endless member.

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

16. The system of claim 15 , 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.

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;

an endless member associated with the meters such that the endless member capable of receiving seed from each of the plurality of meters and transporting the seed to a furrow;

said endless member 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.

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 with said vacuum pressure 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 endless member being operated by controller.

Continuity (4)
Continuation 14836464 · Aug 26, 2015
Continuation 13934647 · Jul 3, 2013
Continuation In Part 12688935 · Jan 18, 2010
Related Publication 20160309643A1 · Oct 27, 2016