Importance

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Abstract

The seed metering method and apparatus utilizes a bank of individual metering discs within a pressurized singulating chamber wherein the seed cups around the peripheral edge of each disc are communicated with an air exhaust port through internal passages in the discs, thus, causing the seeds to cling to the seed cups as the discs rotate upwardly through the collection of seeds from the pressurized tank. As the seeds reach the far side of their circular path of travel on the discs, the access of the seed cups to the exhaust ports is terminated, allowing the seeds to release from the discs and drop into strategically located venturies associated with powerful conveying air streams. The venturies have the effect of sucking the released seeds instantly into the air streams so that the regular seed spacing established by the metering discs is maintained as the seeds enter the air transferring portion of the system. Once within the transfer streams and under their powerful control, there is no reason for the seeds to become disoriented or agitated, and they travel smoothly and in an orderly manner to their ultimate points of insertion into the ground. Valve plates interspersed between the adjacent discs serve to alternately permit and deny access of the pressurized seed discs to the exhaust areas of the equipment.

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First Claim