CPC A01C 7/046 (2013.01) [A01C 7/04 (2013.01); A01C 7/125 (2013.01); A01C 7/127 (2013.01); A01C 7/16 (2013.01); A01C 7/166 (2013.01); A01C 7/20 (2013.01); A01C 21/00 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A seed metering and delivery apparatus for providing controlled delivery of seed to a furrow in the ground, the seed metering and delivery apparatus comprising:
a seed meter having a metering member with a plurality of apertures disposed in a circular array and an axially projecting wall trailing each of the plurality of apertures, wherein the seed meter is configured to move the seed along a first path to a removal position;
a delivery system configured to receive the seed from the seed meter and move the seed along a second path comprising a substantially linear portion and toward a discharge position, the delivery system comprising:
an elongated housing having an upper opening configured to receive the seed from the seed meter and a lower opening proximate the discharge position and configured for discharge of the seed through the lower opening; and
an endless member disposed within the housing about a pair of rotation member and having a plurality of entrapment areas configured to entrap the seed received from the seed meter and move the seed along the substantially linear portion of the second path toward the lower opening;
a loading wheel configured to direct the seed moving along the first path into the endless member; and
a nip defined at least in part by the loading wheel and positioned adjacent the upper opening such that the seed from the seed meter passes into the nip for transfer from the seed meter to the delivery system;
wherein the endless member is configured to discharge the seed from the lower opening of the elongated housing by accelerating the seed about one rotation member of the pair of rotation members such that a horizontal component of a velocity of the discharged seed relative to the ground is substantially equal to zero.
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