US3913798A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Attachable precision unit for seed planters
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1973-10-18
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Granted: 1975-10-21
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Expires: 1993-10-18
Abstract
Abstract A precision seed-feeding or planting attachment for agricultural machines, which will dispense seeds one-by-one, including seeds of small size or irregular shape. Seeds from a supply drop onto a pair of rollers, which are rotating in opposite senses with their adjacent surfaces each moving upward. The gap between the rollers is too small for seeds to fall through. Fixed, generally parallel control guides confine the seeds to a central zone. The motion of the rollers maneuvers the seeds into a row moving single-file along between the guides, whence they drop one-by-one into a delivery tube. The axial, single-file motion may be effected by inclining the axes of the rollers, or by providing helical grooves in one or both rollers.
Inventors
- 👤 Steve R Allen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 02:01
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G47/00; B65G47/02; B65G47/04; B65G47/12; B65G47/14; B65G47/1492; A; A01; A01C; A01C7/00; A01C7/04; B65G33/00; B65G33/02; B65G33/06; B65G35/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
A seed feeding unit comprising: a pair of rollers on substantially parallel axes and substantially in mutual contact, said rollers defining a drop slot adjacent the ends thereof; means to rotate said rollers in opposite senses with their top portions moving apart, the adjacent surface elements of said rollers defining an elongated area of juncture; means to introduce seeds downward into said area adjacent one end of said rollers, said seeds engaging moving surfaces thereof; progression means to cause said seeds to progress along said area to a discharge end and drop slot, and stationary control guides having edge portions extending along and close to said rollers and defining a guide slot, said guide slot being relatively narrow and cooperating with said rollers to dispose said seeds into a single file as they progress along said area toward said discharge end, said seeds dropping through said drop slot into a delivery means for planting.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
A seed feeding unit comprising: a pair of rollers on substantially parallel axes and substantially in mutual contact, said rollers defining a drop slot adjacent the ends thereof; means to rotate said rollers in opposite senses with their top portions moving apart, the adjacent surface elements of said rollers defining an elongated area of juncture; means to introduce seeds downward into said area adjacent one end of said rollers, said seeds engaging moving surfaces thereof; progression means to cause said seeds to progress along said area to a discharge end and drop slot, and stationary control guides having edge portions extending along and close to said rollers and defining a guide slot, said guide slot being relatively narrow and cooperating with said rollers to dispose said seeds into a single file as they progress along said area toward said discharge end, said seeds dropping through said drop slot into a delivery means for planting.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein: said progression means comprises means to incline the axes of said rollers to the horizontal to move said seeds axially along by gravity, said rollers being substantially smooth.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein: said progression means comprises helical grooves in at least one of said rollers, said grooves engaging said seeds to move them axially.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as in claim 3, wherein: said grooves vary in axial pitch along said rollers, said pitch being closer toward the discharge end thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as in claim 3, wherein: said grooves vary continuously in depth along said rollers, said depth increasing toward said discharge end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein: said control guides are shaped to make said guide slot slightly tapered in width along said area.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-20 | 1979-04-21 | 1979-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-20 | 1983-04-21 | 1983-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-20 | 1987-04-21 | 1987-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |