• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    a seed meter comprising a seed manipulator comprising a cylinder comprising a plurality of seed chambers. the seed handler rotates the cylinder to sequentially position each seed chamber into a "loading" position where each seed chamber receives one set of seeds, a "planting" position where seeds from each seed set are analyzed and an "evacuation" position in which any seeds remaining in each chamber are evacuated from each chamber. the seed meter further comprises a seed separator which comprises a seed disk. the seed disk rotates, analyzes the seed from each seed chamber and transports the seed to the exit chute. importantly, the seed meter is structured and operable substantially simultaneously, receives the seed sets in the respective chamber positioned in the "load" position, analyzes the seeds from the respective chamber positioned in the "planting" position, and evacuates the remaining seed from the respective chamber positioned in the "evacuation" position.
    公开号:BR112017015591B1
    申请号:R112017015591-5
    申请日:2015-12-21
    公开日:2021-08-03
    发明作者:David J. Baitinger；Eric L. Borrowman；Chad A. Heathcote；Andrew D. Thielen
    申请人:Monsanto Technology Llc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    RELATED ORDERS
    [001] This application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 62/106374, filed January 22, 2015. The description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD
    [002] Current teachings concern agricultural planting systems, and more particularly the high-yield seed handler for such planting systems. PRIOR TECHNIQUE
    [003] The statements contained in this section merely present fundamental information related to this description and may not constitute prior art.
    [004] In several cases, plant researchers cultivate thousands or tens of thousands of small lots with several different types of seeds, each type of seed with different genotypic and/or phenotypic characteristics and/or selected treatment applied. A field can comprise a plurality of plots and each plot is typically planted with a single type of seed selected, so that each plot is planted with different types of seed. Therefore, as breeding plants encompass one batch and move to a subsequent batch, the seed being planted must be changed in such a way that a different type of seed is planted in the subsequent batch and the seed planted in the previous batch will no longer be planted.
    [005] Planting systems, often automated and/or mechanized (for example, automated planters) comprise automated seed meters that are used to plant a large number of lots, each lot being planted with a respective type of seed. selected. Seed meters are generally operable to precisely discard seeds at specific intervals in a respective furrow as the planter moves down a respective row. Accurate and uniform seed measurement is crucial for optimizing and/or testing the yield produced by a particular seed type in a research cultivation operation. In particular, when moving between batches, the seed meters of these automated planters must stop planting a seed type, isolate or unload that seed type from the system, and then start planting the subsequent selected seed type in the subsequent batch .Several known seed meters can perform the seed switching procedure, eg the steps listed above, in various ways, but none are designed to perform the procedure quickly. In particular, today's seed meters require slow planting rates in the survey setup in order to ensure highly accurate placement of many different seed types in a large plant survey. For example, some well-known planters are able to measure reliably measurements while traveling through the field at four to five miles per hour, but they cannot reliably switch to a new seed type and maintain type separation between lots without slowly decreasing the seed. planter up to approximately half that speed.
    [006] In commercial growth operations this is usually not a problem as several hectares of one type of seed are typically planted before it is necessary to slow down or pause the planter to switch to another type of seed. Even if the operator has to wait or delay planting for a few seconds and a dozen times in a large commercial field, the overall loss of efficiency is often negligible and therefore there is little motivation to improve these systems.
    [007] However, plant researchers trying to test the performance of a large number of seed types commonly plant tens or hundreds of different seed types per acre in separate lots. Operators who plant these research test fields waste a much larger portion of their total planting time waiting for growers with current seed meters to switch seed types. Even if operators wait just a few seconds between each survey batch, delays add up quickly in a large breeding program where thousands or tens of thousands of these batches are planted. Also, it is common for separate seed lots to be relatively small (eg less than 30 feet) so the most efficient way to plant this survey test setup using current meters is to plant the entire field at the rate of reduced planting to accommodate the inefficiency of the respective meter to exchange seeds. This reduction in planting rate results in dramatic increases in operating costs, labor, ergonomics and product development cost. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [008] In various embodiments, the present description provides a seed meter comprising a seed manipulator, wherein the seed manipulator comprises a cylinder, and the cylinder comprises a plurality of seed chambers. The seed handler is structured and operable to incrementally rotate the cylinder to sequentially position each seed chamber into a "loading" position where each seed chamber receives a set of seeds, sequentially positions each seed chamber into a " planting" in which a particular number of seeds from each set of seeds are analyzed from each seed chamber and transported to an exit chute for planting and each seed chamber is sequentially positioned in an "evacuation" position in which seeds that remain in each chamber after analysis are evacuated from each chamber. The seed meter further comprises a seed separator operatively coupled to the seed handler. The seed separator comprises a seed disk rotationally disposed within a separation housing, wherein the seed disk comprises a plurality of seed openings disposed along an outer edge portion of the seed disk. The seed separator is structured and operable to rotate the seed disk so that the seeds from each seed set are dragged into the seed openings, by means of a vacuum provided in each seed opening, to analyze the particular numbers of seeds from each seed chamber and transport the seeds to the exit chute as each seed chamber is incrementally rotated into the "planting" position.
    [009] Importantly, the seed meter is structured and operable substantially simultaneously, receives the seed sets in the respective chamber positioned in the "loading" position, analyzes the seeds from the respective chamber positioned in the "planting" position and evacuates the remaining seed of the respective chamber positioned in the "evacuation" position.
    [0010] This summary is provided solely for the purpose of summarizing some example embodiments of the present description in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the teachings contained herein. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the exemplary arrangements described above are examples only and should not be construed to restrict the scope or spirit of the description in any way. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0011] Figure 1 is a plan view of an agricultural plantation system, in accordance with various embodiments of the present description.
    [0012] Figure 2 is a side elevation view of an agricultural row unit of the agricultural planting system shown in Figure 1 including a seed meter, in accordance with various embodiments of the present description.
    [0013] Figure 3 is an isometric side view of the seed meter generally comprising a seed manipulator and a seed separator, in accordance with various embodiments of the present description.
    [0014] Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the seed meter shown in Figure 3, in accordance with various embodiments of the present description.
    [0015] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the seed meter shown in Figure 3, illustrating a seed disk of the seed separator, in accordance with various embodiments of the present description.
    [0016] Figure 6 is a front elevation view of the seed meter shown in Figure 3, illustrating the seed disc and seed handler cylinder, in accordance with various embodiments of the present description.
    [0017] Figure 7 is an isometric view of the seed meter having a vacuum side of the seed separator housing and the seed disk removed, in accordance with various embodiments of the present description.
    [0018] Figure 8 is an isometric view of a cylinder of the seed handler shown in Figure 3, in accordance with various embodiments of the present description.
    [0019] Figure 9 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a portion of an agricultural plantation system, according to various embodiments of the present description.
    [0020] Figure 10 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an input switching system, according to various embodiments of the present description.
    [0021] Figure 11 schematically illustrates an input switching system, according to several other embodiments of the present description.
    [0022] Figures 12A and 12B schematically illustrate a process for switching input varieties of crops, in accordance with various embodiments of the present description.
    [0023] Figures 13A-13D schematically illustrate the positions of the seed handler cylinder shown in Figure 3, in accordance with various embodiments of the present description.
    [0024] Figure 14 is a block diagram of a monitor and control system of the agricultural plantation system shown in Figure 1, in accordance with various embodiments of the present description.
    [0025] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the multiple views of the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    [0026] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present teachings, application or uses. Throughout this specification, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like elements.
    [0027] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used in this document have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which this description belongs. The terminology used in this document is for the purpose of describing examples of particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in this document, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including" and "containing" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of indicated characteristics, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not exclude the presence or the addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof. The steps of methods, processes and operations described in this document are not to be interpreted as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
    [0028] When an element or layer is referred to as being "bound", "wrapped or with", "connected to or with", or "coupled to or with" another element, device, object, etc., it can be directly over , involved, connected or coupled to or with the other element, device, object, etc., or intervening elements, devices, objects etc. may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly linked", "directly linked to", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, device object, etc., there can be no intermediate elements, devices, objects, etc. gifts. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in the same way (eg "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent" etc.). As used in this document, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
    [0029] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, devices, objects, sections, etc., these elements, components, regions, devices, objects, sections, etc. should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, device, object, section, etc. from another region, device, object, section, etc., and does not necessarily imply a sequence or order, unless clearly indicated by the context.
    [0030] It should be understood that various directions such as "top", "bottom", "down", "up", "left", "right", "first", "second" and so on are done only in relation to the explanation in conjunction with the drawings, and these components can be oriented differently, for example, during transport and manufacturing as well as operation. Since many different and variable modalities can be made within the scope of the concept(s) taught here, and because many modifications can be made to the modalities described herein, it should be understood that the details described herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.
    [0031] As used herein, the term computer-based module may refer to, be part of, or include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); an electronic circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated or fr group) that executes the code; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, as in an on-chip system. The term module can include memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores the code executed by the processor.
    [0032] The term code, as used herein, may include software, firmware and/or microcode and may refer to one or more programs, routines, functions, classes and/or objects. The term shared, as used herein, means that some or all of the code in multiple modules can be executed using a single (shared) processor. Also, some or all of the codes for multiple modules can be stored by a single (shared) memory. The term group, as used above, means that some or all of the code in a single module can be executed using a group of processors. In addition, some or all of the codes for a single module can be stored using a memory group.
    [0033] The apparatus/systems and methods described herein can be implemented by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. Computer programs include processor-executable instructions that are stored in a non-transient, tangible, computer-readable medium. Computer programs can also include stored data. Non-limiting examples of the non-transient, tangible and computer readable medium are non-volatile memory, magnetic storage and optical storage.
    [0034] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary agricultural planting platform 2 that generally includes a structured and operable tractor 4 to design an agricultural implement, for example, a planter 6, across a field or plot. Planter 6 generally comprises a tool bar 8 that operatively supports several row units 200 including, among others, a seed metering device 10 (herein referred to simply as seed meter 10), in accordance with various embodiments of the present. description. In various implementations, the agricultural plantation platform 2 may additionally include a control and display system 730 which includes, inter alia, a central processing unit ("CPU"), memory and graphical user interface ("GUI") (eg a Touch-screen Interface). The monitoring and control system 730 can be located anywhere within the planting platform 2 described here, for example, in various instances, the control and monitor system 730 can be located in the tractor cab 4 and communicatively connected ( eg wired or wireless) for each unit of row 200, seed measuring device 10, and various other sensors, systems, devices, mechanisms, devices, electronic circuits, processor-based controllers, etc. of planting platform 2. In various embodiments, the control and display system 730 includes the planter display features described in US Patent No. 8,386,137, US Patent Application No. 14/421,659, US Patent No. 7,775. 167, and US Patent No. 7,673,572), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In various embodiments, a global positioning system ("GPS") receiver 12 can be mounted on the tractor 4 and communicatively connected to the control and monitor system 730.
    [0035] Referring now to Figure 2, in various embodiments, each row unit 200 may be a planter row unit. Each 200-row unit can be hingedly connected to Toolbar 8 by parallel connection 216. Each 200-row unit is substantially identical in structure and functionality, therefore, for clarity and simplicity, only a single row unit 200 will be described here. Parallel link 216 may include a structured and operable actuator 218 to apply lifting and/or load force to row unit 200, relative to tool bar 8. Row unit 200 includes a groove opening system 240 which generally includes two opening discs 244 mounted on a downwardly extending rod 254. The opening discs 244 are structured and operable to open a V-shaped trench, or furrow, 38 in the ground 40. The row unit additionally includes a a pair of 248 gauge wheels which are pivotally supported by a pair of corresponding gauge wheel arms 260. The height of the 248 gauge wheels relative to the opening discs 244 controls the depth of the trench 38. In various embodiments, one Depth Adjustment Calculator 268 can limit the upward displacement of the 260 gauge wheel arms and thus the upward movement of the 248 gauge wheels.
    [0036] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, each seed meter 10 generally comprises a seed handling unit 100, referred to herein simply as seed handler 100, which is connected and interoperable with a seed separation unit 300 , herein referred to simply as seed separator 300. In various embodiments, each seed separator 300 may be similar to that described in applicant's pending international patent application no. PCT/US2012/030192, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Each seed meter 10 is generally structured and operable to receive individual seed sets (each seed set comprising seed of a particular type), meter and deposit (i.e. plant) a particular number of seeds 42 from each set for a respective one. trench 38 to a seed tube 250 fluidly connected to an outlet chute 390 of the seed meter 10 and discard the remainder of the assembly that has not been planted through the outlet nozzle of the evacuation chamber 140. The seed meter 10 can receive seeds from any suitable source, such as the exemplary sources described in more detail below.
    [0037] Referring now to Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, as described above, each row unit 200 of agricultural planting platform 2 includes a respective seed meter 10. Each seed meter 10 is substantially identical in structure and function. Therefore, for clarity and simplicity, the following description will refer to only a single row unit 200 and a corresponding single seed meter 10. In various embodiments, the seed meter 10 includes an electrically driven separator motor 360 ( for example, a stepper motor) that is operatively connected to a seed disk 350 of seed separator 300. In various embodiments, separator motor 360 can be a hydraulic or other mechanism. Motor 360 is structured and operable to rotate seed disk 350 in an R direction (see Figures 4, 5 and 7) within a box 308 of seed separator 300 to analyze a stipulated or predetermined number of seeds from a set of seeds. deposited in seed handler 100 and then dispense each absorbed seed into seed tube 250 as described below. In various implementations, row unit 200 may include a seed sensor 205 (e.g., an optical or electromagnetic sensor) mounted on or within the seed tube 250, where the sensor 205 is structured and operable to send light waves. or electromagnetic via seed path 42 to count and/or recognize each seed that passes seed tube 250. Row unit 200 further includes a lock system 280 including one or more lock wheels 282 that are pivotally coupled. to row unit 200 and configured to close trench 38 after seed meter 10 has analyzed the stipulated number of seeds and dispensed them into seed tube 250, as described below, after which seed tube 250 directs the seeds to trench 38.
    [0038] Turning now to Figures 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9, each row unit 200 comprises a seed planting system 700 which includes a corresponding seed meter 10. As described above, the seed meter 10 comprises seed manipulator 100 that is operatively connected to seed separator 300. In various embodiments, seed manipulator 100 comprises a divider cylinder 600 rotationally disposed within a housing 132. The cylinder 600 comprises at least three (e.g., six ) seed chambers 610 and is operatively connected to a cylindrical motor 160 (e.g., a stepper motor) which is structured and operable to incrementally or stepwise rotate cylinder 600, as described further below. Generally, cylinder 600 may be configured to receive seed from an inlet 110 of seed handler 100. Inlet 110 may receive seed from a seed source 704 of seed planting system 700. Seed source 704 may be any suitable seed source capable of supplying seed to seed handler 100 through inlet 110. For example, in various embodiments, seed source 704 may comprise a storage unit 710 (e.g., a bulk seed hopper ) mounted on row unit 200, as illustrated exemplarily in Figure 2. Or, alternatively, in various embodiments, seed source 704 may be an input switching system 800 or 800', illustrated exemplarily in Figures 10 and 11. It is provided that in various embodiments, seed source 704 may be any other suitable seed source for depositing seed into seed meter 10, e.g., manual input of s. seeds in seed meter 10.
    [0039] As also described further below, cylinder 600 is structured and operable to present seeds to seed separator 300 for analysis as described herein and then dispense any unanalyzed seed into an evacuation inlet 140. An impeller vacuum 740 may be in fluid communication with evacuation port 140 to extract seed from evacuation inlet 140 to an evacuation receptacle 745. Cylinder 600 may be mechanically coupled to cylinder motor 160 such that the motor cylinder 160 is structured and operable to selectively vary a rotational position of cylinder 600. Both cylinder motor 160 and separator motor 360 can be in data communication with the monitor and control system 730. control and control 730 can be configured to send position commands to cylinder motor 160 to selectively change the rotational position of cylinder 600. In addition, control and monitor system 730 can be configured to send rate commands to separation mechanism 360 to selectively vary the measurement rate of seed separator 300 or to stop rotation of seed separator 300. , as described above, the control and monitor system 730 may be in data communication with the GPS receiver 12 to receive georeferenced location information from the GPS receiver 12. In various cases, the control and monitor system 730 may also be in data communication with a speed sensor 760 to receive a signal relating to the speed at which the agricultural plantation platform 2 traverses the ground/ground 40. In various implementations, the speed sensor 760 may comprise a radar sensor, speed sensor wheel or any other speed sensor known in the art. The term "data communication" as used herein is intended to encompass wireless (e.g., radio-based), electrical, electronic, and other forms of digital or analog data transmission.
    [0040] Furthermore, in various embodiments, it is envisaged that the planter 6 and/or the seed planting system 700 and/or the seed meter 10, described herein, may be part of a fully automated "intelligent" system, as the system described in PCT Application PCT/US2015/045301 entitled Apparatus And Methods For In-Field Data Collection And Sampling, filed August 14, 2015, and corresponding Provisional Application US 62/037968, filed August 15, 2014 , the description of each being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
    Turning now to Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, the seed manipulator 100 including cylinder 600 will now be described in more detail. In various embodiments, seed manipulator 100 includes a main assembly 130 that generally comprises housing 132, cylinder 600 rotationally disposed within an internal cavity defined at least partially by housing 132, and inlet 110 extending from housing 132 and fluidly connected with the internal cavity of the assembly 130. As described above, the cylinder 600 includes a plurality of seed chambers 610 (e.g., at least three seed chambers 610). Through a controlled incremental rotation of cylinder 600 (as described further below), each seed chamber 610 is structured and operable to sequentially: 1) receive a set of seeds through inlet 110 of seed source 704 (e.g., seed system input switching 800), each set of seeds comprising a selected number of seeds with one or more selected genotypic or phenotypic traits and/or selected treatment applied therefor; 2) deliver or present the seed received to the seed separator 300, whereby the seed separator analyzes and selects a particular/predetermined/selected number of seeds and distributes each analyzed and isolated seed in the seed separator outlet chute 390 300; and 3) dispensing any remaining seed into the respective chamber 610 after the set of seeds has been analyzed and singled out to the evacuation receptacle 745.
    [0042] As best shown in Figure 8, each chamber 610 is formed within cylinder 600 to have an advancing wall 612, a lagging wall 614, a rear wall 616 defined by a rear panel 602 of the cylinder 600, and a front wall 618 defined by a front panel 604 of cylinder 600. In addition, each chamber 610 is formed to define a funnel with upper opening 620 provided within a cylindrical or perimeter side 606 of cylinder 600 and a lower opening 622 extending therethrough. front panel 604 of cylinder 600. As described below, in operation of the seed meter 10, each set of seeds is controllably delivered to a respective chamber 610 through the top opening 620, after which the seeds fall out (e.g., by gravity and/or forced air) to the lower opening 622 where the seeds are presented to the seed disk 350 of the seed separator 300 for analysis and singulation. Furthermore, in various embodiments, rear panel 602 of cylinder 600 can be structured to define a sprocket 690 that has a plurality of gear teeth disposed along a circumferential edge that can be engaged by a drive gear operatively connected to the cylinder engine 160 to control the rotation of the cylinder 600 around a central longitudinal axis thereof. For example, in various embodiments, the drive gear can be coupled to an output shaft of the cylinder motor 160 such that the gear teeth (not shown) of the drive gear are operatively mated with the gear teeth of the sprocket 690, whereby the cylinder motor 160 can controllably rotate cylinder 600.
    [0043] As described above, the seed handler 100 includes the motor 160 that is structured and operable to regularly incrementally rotate cylinder 600, for example, controllably rotate cylinder 600 in 30° increments (or any other desired increment) (eg, as controlled by a computer-based controller of the seed meter 10 communicatively connected to the monitor and control system 730). In various embodiments, motor 160 can comprise a stepping motor, or a rotary actuator, such as a servomotor, that is structured and operable (e.g., as controlled by a computer-based controller of the seed meter 10 communicatively connected to the monitor and control system 730) to rotate an output shaft through defined angular offsets (eg, 30° offsets).
    [0044] With particular reference to Figures 3, 4 and 5, the seed separator 300 is structured and operable to drag seeds into the seed openings 352 of the seed disk 350 by vacuum and then release the seeds, or have the seeds dislodged , of the openings 352 to the outlet chute 390 which is formed or connected to the seed side 310 of the separator housing 300 and thus to the seed tube 250 of the respective row unit 200. The seed openings 352 are in communication with fluid with a vacuum source (not shown). In various embodiments, seed openings 352 are disposed on one face of seed disk 350 and spaced along an outer edge portion of seed disk 350 that is radially inward from the circumferential edge of the seed disk. seed 250. In various embodiments, seed openings 352 extend laterally through seed disk 350. Seed separator housing 308 generally comprises seed side housing 310 and a vacuum side 320, which together define a interior volume in which the seed disk 350 is rotationally arranged. A vacuum is imposed on the side of seed disk 350 opposite the side of seed disk 350 that is adjacent to seed handler 100 by a vacuum source (not shown) fluidly connected to vacuum side 320 of the seed separator box. seed 308. In various embodiments, vacuum can be supplied through a vacuum inlet 340 on the vacuum side of the separator compartment 320 such that the vacuum generated by the vacuum source is in fluid communication with an interior volume of the box. 308. Housing 308 may include one or more vent holes 370 that is/are structured and operable to provide fluid communication with ambient air and thus permit the generation of a vacuum within housing 308, and more particularly allow for vacuum generation at each seed opening 352 of seed disk 350.
    [0045] Referring again to Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, it should be appreciated that, by incremental or gradual selective rotation of cylinder 600, one of the chambers 610 at a time can be sequentially placed in communication with input 110 for receiving seeds from the seed source. Figure 7 illustrates exemplary seed meter 300 having vacuum side 320 of box 308 and seed disk 350 removed, thus showing the interior of the seed side of seed separator 300 in combination with seed manipulator 100. illustrated exemplarily in Figures 5-8, incremental or stepwise rotation of cylinder 600 will sequentially place each chamber 610, once at a time, into a "load" position, then a "planting" position, then an "evacuation" position as described below.
    [0046] When a chamber 610 is rotated to the "loading" position, a set of seeds comprising a predetermined number of seed is deposited in chamber 610. The sets of seeds are distributed from the seed source 704 by example, the 710 seed storage unit or an 800/800 seed input switching system, as described below. Subsequently, when the chamber 610 filled with the seed set is rotated to the "planting" position, the lower opening 622 of the respective chamber 610 will be in fluid communication with the seed separator 300 and, in particular, the deposited seed set in the respective chamber 610 will be in fluid communication with the seed disk 350. More specifically, when a particular chamber 610 is rotatable from the "loading" position to the "planting" position, the seed disposed within the respective chamber 610 slides (by example, by gravity and/or forced air) in contact with the seed disk 350 through the opening in the bottom of the chamber 622. As illustrated in Figure 7, one side of the disk 134 of the seed handler housing 132 includes an extraction window 144 which exposes at least chamber 610 rotated in the "planting" position. As illustrated in Figures 4 and 7, seed separator 300 is connected to seed manipulator 100 so that a portion of seed disk 350 is disposed within evacuation window 144. Consequently, when a chamber 610 is rotated into position of "planting", the seed deposited inside the respective chamber 610 will be in fluid communication with the seed disk 350, moreover at least one of the seeds will be in direct contact with the seed disk 350.
    [0047] Once the chamber 610 has been rotated to the "planting" position, the rotation of the seed disk 350 and the vacuum generated at each seed opening 352 will analyze and remove the seed from the chamber 610 as each opening of seed 352 is rotated through evacuation window 144 and beyond lower opening 622 of chamber 610. Further rotation of seed disk 650 will transport the analyzed seed along a circular seed path and deposit the analyzed seed in the exit chute 390. Particularly, as each seed opening 352 passes through the lower opening 622 of chamber 610, the vacuum in each of these seed openings 352 attracts at least one seed from chamber 610 into contact with seed disk 350 and drags the (s) seed(s) in the seed disk 350 at the respective seed opening 352, after which each entrained seed will be transported along the circular seed path and deposited in the outlet chute 390.
    [0048] Occasionally, as the seed disk rotates and seeds are dragged into each seed opening 352, a entrained seed may lift a second seed from the seed set in the respective chamber 610 so that the second seed is " stacked" on the seed dragged, separated from the seed in chamber 610, and transported along the seed path with the seed trailed. However, after being entrained in the seed openings 352, the analyzed or entrained seed will travel along the circular seed path past at least one of a plurality of pre-singulators 624 that are connected to the front panel of cylinder 604. pre-singulators 624 are structured to have a curvature such that a portion of each pre-singulator 624 extends laterally away from cylinder front panel 604. Each pre-singulator 624 is attached to cylinder front panel 604 at a location adjacent to a exit edge 626 of the bottom opening 622 of each chamber 610 such that at least the curved portion of each pre-singulator 624 extending laterally outward from cylinder front panel 604 is positioned in close proximity to the front face of the disk 350 (i.e. the face of seed disk 350 to which the seeds are dragged) and, furthermore, in close proximity to the circular path of the openings 352 and therefore , the circular path of the entrained seeds. Importantly, like any "stacked" seed that is lifted or transported and removed from the respective seed set by a seed dragged from the seed set in chamber 610, either the "stacked" seed and/or the entrained seed will come into contact with a pre - singulator 624 on the indented edge 626 of the respective lower opening 622 and thus will dislodge, or "eliminate", the piled seed and will fall back into the respective chamber 610, i.e., back into the chamber 610 in the position of "planting", after which the unlined seed will again be presented to seed disk 650 for analysis and planting.
    [0049] Furthermore, in various cases, multiple seeds (i.e., two or more seeds) may be vacuum drawn into a single seed opening 352 as the seed opening 352 is rotated through the evacuation window 144 and after the bottom opening 622 of chamber 610 in the "planting" position. In such cases, the respective pre-singulator 624 disposed adjacent the exit edge 626 to the respective lower opening 622 can dislodge any additional seed (i.e. any excess seeds), however, in several cases, the vacuum force can prevent the additional seeds from being dislodged by the respective pre-singulator 624. To account for such cases, the seed separator 300 includes a singulator 380 (Figure 7) which comprises one or more singulator teeth 382. Although the singulator 380 is shown in the Figure 7 as possibly connected to the seed side housing 310, the illustration of the singulator 380 in Figure 7 is merely to illustrate the location of the singulator 380 within the seed separator 300. More specifically, the singulator 380 may be mounted in the housing of the seed side 310 or vacuum side housing 320 or any other location within seed separator 300 such that singulator 380 is positioned p. to dislodge multiple entrained seeds as described herein. Singulator 380 is disposed within housing 308 such that singulator teeth 382 are positioned in close proximity to the face of seed disk 350 and, furthermore, in close proximity to the circular path of apertures 352 and therefore the circular path of the entrained seeds. However, singulator 380 is disposed farther away from bottom opening 622 of chamber 610 in the "planting" position, and along the seed path from which seeds are dragged, than pre-singulators 624. it is structured and operable to remove seed in excess of one entrained in any opening 352. More specifically, like any "multiple" seed it is entrained through an opening 352 and loaded out of the seed pool in chamber 610, if the seed " multiple" is not dislodged by the respective pre-singulator 624, the "multiple" seed will travel further along the seed path, contact at least one of the singulator teeth 382 and be dislodged from the respective opening 352 so that only one seed remains dragged into each respective aperture 352.
    [0050] Furthermore, in various embodiments, cylinder 600 may be structured to include a plurality of singulator bins 628 connected or integrally formed within front panel 604 of cylinder 600. Each singulator bin 628 is disposed above, i.e., radially outward from one of the respective lower openings 622 of the seed chamber. In several cases, the singulator bins 628 are structured and operable to capture the multiple entrained seeds that are dislodged by the singulator 380. More specifically, the singulator 380 is disposed radially outward from the singulator bins 628 (i.e., the bins of singulator 628 are arranged radially inward from the singulator) so that, in various cases, when any multiple seed is/is dislodged from entrainment in an opening 352 by singulator 380, the seed(s) are dislodged. will fall into the singulator bin (628) disposed below the singulator 380 and above the lower opening 622 of the chamber 610 from which the seeds are being analyzed, i.e., the chamber 610 in the "planting" position, or back to the respective chamber 610 in the "Planting" position so that the respective seeds can later be analyzed and planted. Thus, in such cases, the singulator bins 628 are structured and operable to receive seeds that are dislodged by the singulator 380, that is, excess seeds that are dragged into any seed opening 352 and dislodged by the singulator 380. Thereafter, As the respective chamber 610 and corresponding singulator bin 628 are rotated from the "planting" position to an "evacuation" position (described later), any seeds in the singulator bin 628 will be evacuated to the singulator receptacle. evacuation 745.
    [0051] Furthermore, in various cases, the singulator bins 628 are structured and operable to capture seed that is/are "cleaned" from the seed openings 352 by the receding edge 626 of the respective chamber 610, also referred to herein as the cleaner 626. More specifically, as described herein, seed separator 300 operates to analyze a specified number of seeds from each respective seed set. However, in many cases, the seed disk 350 does not stop rotating between the incremental rotations of cylinder 600. Thus, after the desired number of seeds has been analyzed from a seed set and before the incremental rotation of cylinder 600, additional seeds (ie seeds in excess of the specified number to be analyzed and planted) can be analyzed from the set of seeds in the respective chamber 610. Specifically, after the desired number of seeds has been analyzed from a chamber 610 and when cylinder 600 is being incrementally rotated to position a subsequent chamber in the "plant" position, seed disk 350 can continue analyzing the seeds from chamber 610 being rotated out of the "Planting" position. However, in such cases, the incremental rotation of cylinder 600 will cause the cleaner 626 of chamber 610 to be rotated out of the "Plant" position to contact the additional analyzed seed(s). is) and dislodge it from seed disk 350 so that the seeds will not be planted. Seed(s) dislodged from seed disk 350 will fall (eg, by gravity and/or forced air) either into one of the singulator bins 628 or back into chamber 610 from which it was analyzed and then evacuated from system 700.
    [0052] Furthermore, in various embodiments, seed separator 300 may include a baffle 318 disposed within separation compartment 308 adjacent to singulator 380 and above singulator compartment 628 of chamber 610 in the "planting" position. (Ie radially outward from the singulator compartment of planting position 628). The baffle is generally a flat strip, plate or bar structured and operable to deflect or guide seed dislodged by the singulator 380 into the chamber 610 in the "planting" position or corresponding singulator bin 628. In various embodiments, the deflector 318 can be made of a resilient flexible material such that seeds dislodged by the singulator 380 cannot become lodged between a distal end of the deflector 318 and a receding edge of one of the singulator boxes. 628 when cylinder 600 is incrementally rotated as described here.
    [0053] After a stipulated number of seeds has been analyzed (for example, a stipulated number of seeds per input to, or a table stored in memory of the monitor and control system 730), removed from chamber 610 and deposited in the outlet chute 390 while the respective chamber 610 is in the "planting" position, the chamber 610 will be rotated to an "evacuation" position where the lower opening 622 is lined up with the evacuation inlet 140. Thereafter, any seed that remains in the chamber 610 will be removed by vacuum and/or gravity and/or forced air from the chamber 610 and transported to the evacuation receptacle 745 which is in fluid communication with the evacuation inlet 140. The movement of a chamber 610 from the "planting" position to the "evacuation" position can be accomplished by one or more incremental rotations of cylinder 600. For example, in various implementations, each incremental rotation comprises a 30° rotation of cylinder 600 and the movement of a c. Camera 610 from the "planting" position to the "evacuation" position involves four to eight 30° incremental rotations, for example, six 30° incremental rotations.
    [0054] Notably, it is envisaged that in various embodiments, the seed meter 10 may be structured and operable in such a way that any position other than "Loading" and "Planting" may be an "Evacuation" position in which seeds other than have been analyzed and planted are evacuated or transported to evacuation receptacle 745.
    [0055] Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, in various embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to seed storage unit 710, seed planting system 700 may comprise an input switching system 800, illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 as input switching system. In such embodiments, the seed storage unit 700 of each row unit 200 may include a respective input switching system 800, each of which is identical in structure and function. Therefore, for clarity and simplicity, the description below will refer only to a single input switching system 800. The input switching system 800 generally includes an indexer 810 with a plurality of seed storage units 812. storage 812 may comprise seed chambers, hoppers or seed packets. A solenoid operated switch 814 can be in data communication with the monitor and control system 730 to receive position commands from the monitor and control system 730. Each discrete position of the solenoid operated switch 814 can place one of the storage units of seeds 812 in communication with an indexer output 816 such that seed from the seed storage units 812 is transferred (e.g., by gravity and/or forced air) to the indexer 816. The seed is introduced into the indexer output 816 can be transferred (eg by gravity and/or forced air) into the inlet 110 of the respective seed handler 100 of the respective seed meter 10.
    [0056] Figure 11 illustratively exemplifies an alternative embodiment of the input switching system 800, illustrated as 800'. In such embodiments, the input switching system 800' may include a bulk fill system 820 that includes a plurality of bulk hoppers 822 that can be supported by the toolbar 8. The seed can flow (e.g., by gravity and/or forced air) to a transmission device 826 with a plurality of outlets. Each outlet can deliver seeds from one of the bulk hoppers 822 to a seed line 827. A blower 824 can be in fluid communication with the transmission device 826 to draw seeds to the seed lines 827. The seed lines 827 may be in communication with a valve 828 (e.g., a solenoid operated valve) configured to place one of the seed lines at a time in communication with input 110. Monitoring and control system 730 may be in data communication with valve 828 and can send position commands to valve 828, each position command corresponding to a configuration in which one of the seed lines 870 is in fluid communication with inlet 110.
    [0057] Returning to Figures 12, 13A, 13B, 13C and 13D, an exemplary process 900 for selecting input crop varieties using input switching system 800 or 800' is illustrated. Throughout the description of process 900 here, the steps in which cylinder 600 rotates to a new position can be performed by transmitting a rotation command signal from the monitor and control system 730 to the cylinder engine 160. In response to rotation command signal, cylinder motor 160 can incrementally rotate cylinder 600 through a defined angle, eg, 30° to 60°. For example, in various embodiments, in response to a predefined rotation command signal, cylinder motor 160 may repeatedly rotate cylinder 600 30 degrees in the R direction. 800 is modified to release a specified seed type, such steps can be performed by transmitting a command signal from the monitor and control system 730 to the input switching system 800 (eg, to the solenoid operated valve 828 of the input switching system 800' or the solenoid operated switch 814 of input switching system 800) to place a storage unit or hopper in fluid communication with input 110. control and monitor 730 can command the separator motor 360 to drive the seed disk 350, either at a constant rate or at a rate determined by comparing the position reported by the rig's GPS. rma of agricultural planting 10 to a variable rate prescription map.
    [0058] As indicated at 902, cylinder 600 can be adjusted in a first position (shown schematically in Figure 13A) with a first of the chambers 610 (identified as first chamber 610-1 in Figures 13A-13D) in a "loading" position. " wherein the first chamber 610-1 is in fluid communication with the input 110 to receive seeds from the input switching device 800 or 800'. As indicated at 904, the input switching device 800/800' can be configured in a first position in which a set of first seeds is released into input 110, (the set of first seeds comprising a selected number of seeds with one or plus selected genotypic or phenotypic traits and/or selected treatment applied). Thereafter, as indicated at 906, with the first chamber 610-1 in the "loading" position, the set of first seeds is deposited (eg by gravity and/or forced air) in the first chamber 610-1.
    [0059] Subsequently, as indicated at 908, cylinder 600 is incrementally rotated to a second position (shown schematically in Figure 13B) in which the first chamber 610-1 is rotated to the "planting" position (ie. ie, in seed communication with seed separator 300). This rotation positions a subsequent or second chamber (identified as second chamber 610-2 in Figures 13A-13D) in the "load" position. The angular rotation of the cylinder from the first position to the second position depends on the number of chambers 610 within the cylinder 600. For example, in various embodiments, the cylinder 600 may comprise six chambers 610, in which case the angular rotation of the cylinder from the first position for the second and from the second to the third position (described below) it will be 60°. Additionally, in various embodiments, the angular rotation of cylinder 600 from the first position to the second position may comprise one or more incremental rotations of cylinder 600. For example, in various embodiments, wherein cylinder 600 comprises six chambers 610, the cylinder 600 can be incrementally rotated 30° twice to move any of the chambers 610 from the "load" position to the "plant" position and from the "plant" position to an "evacuation" position (described below). Before or simultaneously with cylinder 600 rotated to the second position, the input switching device 800/800' is adjusted to a second position to release a second set of seeds (the second set of seeds comprising a selected number of seeds with one or more selected genotypic or phenotypic characteristics and/or selected treatment applied to them).
    [0060] As indicated in 910, when the first chamber 6101 is in the "planting" position, the seed separator 300 will analyze the seed of the first set of seeds from the first chamber 6101 and distribute the analyzed seed for planting, through the tube seed 250 as described above. Importantly, substantially and simultaneously with the seeds being analyzed and/or distributed from the first chamber 610-1 (i.e., during the time that the seed in the first chamber 610-1 is being analyzed and/or distributed in the seed tube 250), the seed meter 10 and the input switching device 800/800' operate to arrange the second set of seeds in the second chamber 610-2, via the input 110.
    [0061] As indicated in 912, in various modalities where the seed type is automatically varied, the monitoring and control system 730 can compare a location reported by GPS to a variety prescription map stored in the memory of the monitor and system. control 730 to identify a boundary crossing of the first seed type, that is, to identify that agricultural planting platform 2 has crossed a boundary to a region in which the first seed type should not be planted. It should be appreciated that this region may comprise a region in which another type of seed is to be planted or a space (eg an alley) in which no seed is planted. In various embodiments where the seed type is varied based on operator input, the operator may enter a command to the monitor and control system 730 at step 912 indicating that a second seed type must be planted.
    [0062] As indicated at 914, once the first crossing of the seed-type switch threshold has been identified, cylinder 600 can be rotated to a third position (schematically illustrated in Figure 13C) in which the first chamber 610-1 it is in an "idle" or "pre-evacuation" position, where any seed held with the first chamber 610-1 is inactive and not triggered, ie the seed remains temporarily within the first chamber 610-1. In addition, the second chamber 610-2 is rotated to the "planting" position, and a third chamber 610-3 is moved to the "loading" position. Before or simultaneously with cylinder 600 rotated to the third position, the input switching device 800/800' is adjusted to a third position to release a third set of seeds (the third set of seeds comprising a selected number of seeds with one pu plus selected genotypic or phenotypic characteristics and/or selected treatment applied to them).
    [0063] As indicated in 916, when the second chamber 610-2 is in the "planting" position, the seed separator 300 will analyze the seed from the second set of seeds from the second chamber 610-2 and distribute the analyzed seed for planting, through of the seed tube 250 as described above. Importantly, substantially and simultaneously with the seeds being analyzed and distributed from the second chamber 610-2 (that is, during the time that the seed in the second chamber 610-2 is being analyzed and distributed in the seed tube 250), the sowing meter 10 and input switching device 800/800' operates to eliminate the third set of seeds in the third chamber 610-3, via inlet 110.
    [0064] Alternatively, in several cases, when cylinder 600 is rotated to the third position, the first chamber 610-1 may be rotated to the "evacuation" position, where the seed remaining in the first chamber 610-1 is evacuated to evacuation receptacle 745 via evacuation line 140 via gravity and/or vacuum and/or forced air.
    [0065] As indicated at 918, in the various modalities where the seed type is automatically varied, the monitoring and control system 730 can compare a location reported by GPS to the variety prescription map stored in the memory of the monitor and control system 730 and identify a second crossing of the seed type exchange boundary, that is, identify that the agricultural planting platform 2 has crossed a second boundary in a region in which the second seed type is not to be planted. It should be appreciated that this region may comprise a region in which another type of seed is to be planted or a space (eg an alley) in which no seed is planted. In various embodiments where the seed type is varied based on operator input, the operator may enter a command to the monitor and control system 730 at step 912 indicating that a third seed type must be planted.
    [0066] As indicated at 920, once the crossing of the exchange threshold of the second type of seed has been identified, cylinder 600 can be rotated to a fourth position (schematically illustrated in Figure 13D) in which the first chamber 610-1 is rotated to the "evacuation" position, the second chamber 610-2 is moved to the "idle" or "pre-evacuation" position, the third chamber 610-3 is rotated to the "planting" position, and a fourth chamber 610-4 is moved to the "load" position. Before or simultaneously with cylinder 600 rotated to the fourth position, the input switching device 800/800' is adjusted to a fourth position to release a fourth set of seeds. It should be noted that, in embodiments where cylinder 600 has only three chambers 610, when cylinder 600 is rotated to the fourth position, the first chamber 610-1 will be returned to the "loading" position to receive the fourth set. of seeds (the fourth set of seeds comprising a selected number of seeds with one or more selected genotypic or phenotypic traits and/or selected treatment applied).
    [0067] As indicated in 922, when the third chamber 610 3 is in the "planting" position, the seed separator 300 will analyze the seed of the third set of seeds from the third chamber 610-3 and distribute the analyzed seed for planting, through the seed tube 250 as described above. Importantly, substantially simultaneously with the seeds being analyzed and distributed from the third chamber 610-3 (that is, during the time that the seed in the third chamber 610-3 is being analyzed and distributed in the seed tube 250), the seed meter 10 and the input switching device 800/800' operates to arrange the fourth set of seeds in the fourth chamber 610-4, through the input 110. Furthermore, substantially simultaneously with the seeds being analyzed and distributed from there. of the third chamber 610-3 and the seed meter 10 and the input switching device 800/800' operating to arrange the fourth set of seeds in the fourth chamber 6104, the remaining seed in the first chamber 610-1 is evacuated to the receptacle. of evacuation 745 through the evacuation line 140, via gravity and/or vacuum and/or forced air.
    [0068] As indicated in 924, the sowing meter 10 repeats the process of substantially simultaneous deposition of sets of seeds in a chamber 610 positioned in the "loading" position, analyzing and distributing the seed from another chamber 610 positioned in the position of " planting" and evacuating unused seeds (ie, unanalyzed seeds distributed for planting) to evacuation receptacle 745, until all plots that are desired to be planted have been planted.
    [0069] In various modes, as each chamber 610 is incrementally rotated from the "Planting" position to the "Idle" or "Evacuation" position, the respective chamber cleaner 626 will clean from the seed disk 350 any seed that has been analyzed in excess of the number of seeds specified to be analyzed. For example, in various embodiments, cylinder 600 can incrementally rotate each chamber 610 to the "Clean" position between the "Plant" position to the "Idle" or "Evacuation" position. For example, in many cases, the angular difference between the "Plant" position and the "Idle" or "Evacuation" position is 60°. Consequently, in such arrangements, each incremental rotation of cylinder 600, for example, the incremental rotation from the "Plant" position to the "Idle" or "Evacuation" position, will comprise 60° of rotation of cylinder 600. However, in In several cases of such modalities, each incremental rotation of cylinder 600 can be 30° of rotation, so that when rotating from the "Plant" position to the "Idle" or "Evacuation" position, the respective chamber 610 will be rotated to a "Clean" position where the cleaner 626 is in position such that it cleans, taps or otherwise dislodges any analyzed seed from the respective chamber 610 that is in excess of the specified number of seeds to be analyzed and planted to from the respective chamber 610. Subsequently, cylinder 600 would be rotated another 30° to fully rotate the respective chamber from the "Plant" position to the "Idle" or "Evacuation" position. Consequently, seeds in excess of a respective set of seeds will not be planted, ie only the specified number of seeds from each set of seeds will be planted.
    [0070] In various modalities, the type of seed can be automatically varied by comparing, through the monitor and control system 730, an empirically determined switching delay time (for example, the time required to rotate the 600 interposition cylinder, by example, between the first and second positions) at an estimated time between switching threshold crossings (determined, for example, based on agricultural plantation platform 2 speed and distance from agricultural plantation platform 2 to the next region in which a type of subsequent seed must be planted). It should be appreciated that this step can be performed where there is a gap (eg an unplaced alley) between the types of seeds to be planted.
    [0071] In a single variety planting mode, the seed meter 10 can receive seeds from the seed storage unit 710 configured as a bulk seed hopper. In such embodiments, each chamber 610 is filled with sets of seed of the same type as the seed storage unit 710 as each respective chamber is rotated to the "load" position. Thus, the seed manipulator 100 is capable of operating in both the seed handling modes described above in relation to process 900 and the single variety planting mode without modification.
    [0072] In some embodiments the seed planting system 700 can be structured and operable to implement a hill lot mode, to plant seeds in a lot that is arranged on the side of a hill. For example, as illustrated in Figure 9, in various embodiments, the seed planting system may comprise a switch and a hill lot diverter 740 (e.g., a solenoid operated valve) disposed between the input switching system 800 /800' and input 110 to selectively divert seed directly to seed tube 250 instead of allowing seed to enter input 110. Hill shifter and batch switch 740 may be in data communication with the monitor and 730 control system to receive position switching commands from the monitor and 730 control system. In operation, when the 730 monitoring and control system sends a position switching command to the derailleur and hill batch switch 740, the seed is diverted from the input switching system 800 directly to the seed tube 250, bypassing the seed gauge 10, and deposited in the groove 38. It should be appreciated that such arrangements can be made r particularly useful in planting plots on hill, for example, releasing a quantity of seed substantially and simultaneously in seed tube 250 for planting in a single location. In various embodiments, the seed lot released substantially and simultaneously can comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more seeds. It is envisioned that the choline batch switch and diverter 740 may be located anywhere within the seed planting system 700 that is suitable for diverting seed from any respective seed inlet described herein to seed tube 250 at instead of allowing the seed to enter inlet 110.
    [0073] Alternatively, it is envisaged that, in various hill batch arrangements, the seed meter 10 may be structured and operable in such a way that the seed disk 350 and cylinder 600 can be operated to analyze a plurality of seeds from one or more chambers 610 in a manner that places the seeds in very close proximity as they are discharged from the seed tube 250 to create a "hillbatch". For example, in several cases, the rotation speed of seed disk 350 can be increased to deposit seeds in the seed tube at a faster speed and therefore plant the seeds closer together. Or, alternatively, in various cases, planting system 700 may include a switch and hill lot gate 740' disposed within seed tube 250, or between seed disk 350 and seed tube 250, wherein the 740' hill lot switch and gate are selectively operable (eg as controlled by the 730 monitor and control system) to open and close. For example, when the 740' hill lot switch and gate are in a closed position, the seeds analyzed by seed disk 350 are accumulated in the 740' hill lot switch and gate, then when the 740' lot switch and gate on hill 740' are moved to an open position, the accumulated seeds fall into the seed tube 250 as a group and are planted together.
    [0074] Referring now to Figure 14, as described above, the agricultural planting platform 2, the seed planting system 700 and/or the seed meter 10 is/are controlled by the control and monitor system 730, more particularly , by executing various seed planting system software, programs, algorithms, and/or code 752 executed by at least one processor of the monitor and control system 730. In various embodiments, the monitoring and control system 730 includes various computers, controllers, programmable circuits, electrical modules, etc., which may be located at various locations on the agricultural planting platform 2, the seed planting system 700 and/or the seed meter 10. Particularly, in various modes, the monitoring system and control 730 is a computer-based system that may include one or more computers and/or 750 computer-based modules that each include at least one 754 processor. suitable for running the various software, programs, algorithms, and/or code that controls all automatic functions and operations of the agricultural planting platform 2, the seed planting system 700 and/or the seed meter 10, as described herein. Each computer and/or computer-based module 750 may additionally include at least one electronic storage device 758 comprising a computer-readable, e.g., non-transient, tangible, and computer-readable medium, such as a hard disk, memory only. erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), read-write memory (RWM), etc. Other non-limiting examples of the non-transient, tangible and computer readable medium are non-volatile memory, magnetic storage and optical storage. Generally, computer-readable memory is any electronic data storage device for storing things such as various software, programs, algorithms, code, digital information, data, lookup tables, spreadsheets and/or databases, etc. , used and performed during operation of agricultural planting platform 2, seed planting system 700 and/or seed meter 10, as described herein.
    [0075] Furthermore, in various implementations, the control and monitor system 730 may include at least one display 762 for displaying such things as information, data and/or graphical representations, and at least one user interface device 766 such as keyboard, mouse, stylus, and/or an interactive touchscreen on the screen 766. In various embodiments, some or all of the 750 computer-based computers and/or modules may include a removable media reader 770 to read information and data from e. /or write information and data to removable electronic storage media such as floppy disks, compact disks, DVD disks, zip disks, flash drives or any other computer-readable portable electronic storage medium. In various embodiments, the removable media reader 770 can be an I/O port of the respective computer or computer-based module 750 used to read external memory devices or peripherals such as flash drives or external hard drives.
    [0076] In various embodiments, the control and monitor system 730, for example, one or more of the computers and/or computer-based modules 750, may be communicatively connectable to a remote server network 774, for example, a local area network (LAN) via a wired or wireless link. Accordingly, monitoring and control system 730 can communicate with remote server network 774 to upload and/or download data, information, algorithms, software programs, and/or receive operational commands. Furthermore, in various modalities, the monitoring and control system 730 can be structured and operable to access the Internet to upload and/or download data, information, algorithms, software programs, etc., to and from Internet sites and servers network. In various embodiments, the various software, programs, algorithms and/or codes of the seed planting system executed by the processor(s) 754 to control the operations of the agricultural planting platform 2, the seed planting system 700, and /or the seed meter 10 can be the higher level system control software that not only controls the discrete hardware functionality of the agricultural planting platform 2, the seed planting system 700 and/or the seed meter 10, but it also asks an operator for multiple entries.
    [0077] The foregoing description is presented to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications in the various embodiments of the apparatus and the principles and general features of the system and methods described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments of apparatus, system and methods described above and illustrated in the drawing figures, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (15)
    [0001]
    1. Seed meter (10), said seed meter (10) characterized in that it comprises: a seed handler (100), the seed handler (100) comprising a cylinder (600), the cylinder (600 ) comprising a plurality of seed chambers (610), the seed manipulator (100) structured and operable to incrementally rotate the cylinder (600) to sequentially position each seed chamber (610) in a "loading" position in which each seed chamber (610) receives a set of seeds, sequentially positions each seed chamber (610) in a "planting" position where a particular number of seeds from each set of seeds is analyzed from each seed chamber ( 610) and transported to an exit chute (390) for planting, and each seed chamber (610) is sequentially positioned in an "evacuation" position where the seeds remaining in each chamber (610) after analysis are evacuated from each chamber (610); and a seed separator (300) operatively coupled to the seed manipulator (100), the seed separator (300) structured and operable to analyze a particular number of seeds from each seed chamber (610) and transport the seed to the trough. output (390) as each seed chamber (610) is incrementally rotated into the "planting" position, where the seed meter (10) is structured and operable substantially simultaneously, receives the seed sets. in the respective chamber (610) positioned in the "loading" position, it analyzes the seeds from the respective chamber (610) positioned in the "planting" position and evacuates the remaining seed from the respective chamber (610) positioned in the "evacuation" position.
    [0002]
    2. Meter according to claim 1, characterized in that each chamber (610) comprises: an upper opening (620) formed in a cylindrical side (606) of the cylinder (600) through which each seed set is deposited in the respective chamber (610); and a lower opening (622) formed in a front panel (604) of the cylinder (600) through which seed is presented to the seed separator (300) for analysis.
    [0003]
    3. Meter according to claim 2, characterized in that the cylinder (600) further comprises a plurality of singulator compartments (628), each singulator compartment (628) disposed on the front panel (604) of the cylinder (600) radially outward from one of the respective bottom chamber openings (622).
    [0004]
    4. Seed planting system (700), said system characterized by the fact that it comprises: a seed source (704) structured and operable to retain a plurality of seeds and to controllably dispense a plurality of seed sets ; and a seed meter (10) fluidly connected to the seed source (704) for receiving each set of seeds dispensed from the seed source (704), said seed meter (10) comprising: a seed handler (100 ), the seed manipulator (100) comprising a cylinder (600), the cylinder (600) comprising a plurality of seed chambers (610), the seed manipulator (100) structured and operable to incrementally rotate the cylinder (600) to sequentially position each seed chamber (610) in a "loading" position where the seed chamber (610) receives a set of seeds, sequentially positions each seed chamber (610) in a "planting" position where a particular number of seeds from each set of seeds is analyzed from the seed chamber (610) and transported to an exit chute (390) for planting and sequentially positions each seed chamber (610) in an "evacuation" position where any Any seeds that remain in the chamber (610) after analysis are evacuated from the chamber (610); and a seed separator (300) operatively coupled to the seed manipulator (100), the seed separator (300) comprising a seed disk (350) rotationally disposed within a separation housing (308), the seed disk ( 350) comprising a plurality of seed openings (352) disposed along an outer edge portion of the seed disk (350), the seed separator (300) structured and operable to rotate the seed disk (350) so that the seeds of each set of seeds are dragged into the seed openings (352) by means of a vacuum provided in each seed opening (352) to analyze the particular numbers of seeds of each seed chamber (610) and transport the seed to the outlet chute (360) as each seed chamber (610) is incrementally rotated to the "planting" position, in which the seed meter (10) is structured and operable substantially simultaneously, receives the semen sets it into the respective chamber (610) positioned in the "loading" position, it analyzes the seeds from the respective chamber (610) positioned in the "planting" position and evacuates the remaining seed from the respective chamber (610) positioned in the "evacuation" position.
    [0005]
    5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that each chamber comprises: an upper opening (620) formed on a cylindrical side (606) of the cylinder (600) through which each set of seed is deposited in the respective chamber (610); and a lower opening (622) formed in a front panel (604) of the cylinder (600) through which seed is presented to the seed disk (350) for analysis.
    [0006]
    6. System according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of pre-singulators (624) connected to the front panel (604) of the cylinder (600) adjacent to each lower opening (622), each pre. - structured and operable singulator (624) to dislodge "stacked" seeds that are lifted and removed from the respective seed defined by a seed dragged into a seed opening (352) of the seed disk (350).
    [0007]
    7. System according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises a singulator (380) disposed within the separator housing (308) in close proximity to a face of the seed disk (350) and in close proximity to a circular path of the entrained seeds as the seed disk (350) analyzes the seed from the respective chamber (610) and transports the entrained seeds to the exit chute (390), the structured and operable singulator (380) for dislodge excess seed from one that is dragged into any seed opening (352).
    [0008]
    8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the cylinder (610) further comprises a plurality of singulator compartments (628), each singulator compartment (628) disposed on the front panel (604) of the cylinder (600) radially outward from one of the respective bottom openings of the chamber (622).
    [0009]
    9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises a diverter (740) disposed within the separator housing (308) adjacent to the singulator (380) and above the singulator compartment (628) of the cylinder (600) in the "planting" position, the diverter (740) structured and operable to deflect seeds dislodged by the singulator (380) into one of the chambers (610) in the "planting" position or the corresponding singulator compartment ( 628).
    [0010]
    10. A method for analyzing seeds from a plurality of seed sets, said method characterized in that it comprises: sequentially distributing a plurality of seed sets from a seed source (704) to an input of a seed meter (10 ), each set of seeds comprising a selected number of seeds having at least one selected characteristic, the seed meter (10) comprising: a seed handler (100), the seed handler (100) comprising a cylinder (600), the cylinder (600) comprising a plurality of seed chambers (610), and a seed separator (300) operatively coupled to the seed manipulator (100), the seed separator (300) comprising a seed disk (350) disposed rotationally within a separator housing (308), the seed disk (350) comprising a plurality of seed openings (352) disposed along an outer edge portion of the seed disk. seed (350); incrementally rotating the cylinder (600) to sequentially position each seed chamber (610) into a "loading" position, a "planting" position, and an "evacuation" position; depositing a selected of the plurality of sets of seeds into the chamber (610) positioned in the "loading" position; substantially and simultaneously with the deposition of the selected set of seeds in the chamber (610) positioned in the "loading" position, analyze the seeds from the chamber (610) positioned in the "planting" position, rotating the seed disk (350) of so that seeds from the chamber (610) in the planting position are drawn into the seed openings (352) through a vacuum provided in each seed opening (352) and conveyed to an outlet chute (390); and substantially simultaneously with depositing the selected set of seeds in the chamber (610) positioned in the "loading" position and analyzing the seeds from the chamber (610) positioned in the "planting", evacuate any remaining seeds in the chamber (610) in the "evacuation" position for an evacuation receptacle (745).
    [0011]
    11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that depositing the set selected from the plurality of seed sets in the chamber (610) positioned in the "loading" position comprises depositing the set selected from the plurality of seed sets in the chamber (610) positioned in the "loading" position through an upper opening (620) formed in a cylindrical side (606) of the cylinder (600); and analyzing seeds from the chamber (610) positioned in the "planting" position by rotating the seed disk (350) comprises analyzing seeds from the chamber (610) positioned in the "planting" position by rotating the seed disk (350) near a lower opening (622) formed in a front panel (604) of the cylinder (600) through which the seed is presented to the seed disk (350) for analysis.
    [0012]
    12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises dislodging "stacked" seeds that are lifted and removed from the respective seed set by a seed dragged into a seed opening (352) of the seed (350), using a plurality of presingulators (624) connected to the front panel (604) of the cylinder (600) adjacent each lower opening (622).
    [0013]
    13. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises dislodging seeds in excess of ones that are dragged into any seed opening (352), using a singulator (380) disposed within the separator housing (308 ), close to one face of the seed disk (350) and in close proximity to a circular path of the dragged seeds as the seed disk (350) analyzes the seed from the respective chamber (610) and transports the dragged seeds to the exit chute (390).
    [0014]
    14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that dislodging seeds in excess of one that is dragged into any seed opening (352) using the singulator (380) comprises receiving seeds that are dislodged by the singulator (380) in one of a plurality of singulator compartments (628), wherein each singulator compartment (628) is disposed on the front panel (604) of the cylinder (600) radially outward from one of the respective lower openings of the chamber (622), each single compartment (628).
    [0015]
    15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that dislodging seeds in excess of one that is dragged into any seed opening (352) using the singulator (380) further comprises deflecting seeds dislodged by the singulator (380) into one of the chambers (610) in the "planting" position or the corresponding singulator compartment (628) using a diverter (740) disposed within the separator housing (308) adjacent to the singulator (380) and above the singulator compartment (628) of the cylinder (600) in the "planting" position.
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    同族专利:
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    法律状态:
    2021-05-25| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-08-03| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 21/12/2015, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201562106374P| true| 2015-01-22|2015-01-22|
    US62/106,374|2015-01-22|
    PCT/US2015/067023|WO2016118277A1|2015-01-22|2015-12-21|Crop input variety selection systems, methods, and apparatus|
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