Aerodynamic and Centrifugal Seed Orientation System for Agricultural Planters

Abstract

A seed orientation apparatus and system has a seed transfer tube that receives randomly oriented seeds from an agricultural row planter seed meter and moves seeds from a seed collector to a curved pathway in a seed orientation coil assembly. The seed orientation coil assembly uses some combination of aerodynamics, centrifugal force, and path geometry to align the seed. The aligned seed is stabilized and entrained in an air stream and is subsequently discharged into a wedge-shaped furrow, detrained from the air stream, and wedged in the furrow before being covered by a closing wheel, thereby planting the aligned seed into the soil while achieving tip-down seed orientation with the germ facing an adjacent row. The seed orientation apparatus and system may be retrofitted onto existing planter row units. A method of planting is also described.

Claims

1. A seed orientation system for orienting seed and delivering said oriented seed to a bottom of a furrow, comprising: a seed orientation assembly configured to align said seed, said seed orientation assembly having a seed entry aperture connected to an agricultural planting machine that is configured to receive seed therefrom, and having a seed riding surface upon which said seed travels and aligns; an oriented seed exit path receiving aligned seed from said seed orientation assembly seed riding surface and discharging said aligned seed into an air space adjacent to said furrow; and an air stream passing through said oriented seed exit path at a velocity greater than a velocity of said aligned seed and entraining said aligned seed, said air stream exiting said oriented seed exit path and passing into said air space defined by said furrow in a direction offset from parallel to said furrow longitudinal axis; said air stream configured to deflect within said furrow and thereby detrain said aligned seed, to deliver said aligned seed into said furrow bottom in a tip down, major flat surface facing adjacent row orientation.

2. The seed orientation system of claim 1, wherein said furrow bottom further comprises a pair of sidewalls defining a wedge shaped cross-section, said oriented seed comprises corn having a pair of opposed major surfaces, and said oriented seed opposed major surfaces are substantially co-planar with said sidewalls when said oriented seed is delivered into said furrow bottom.

3. The seed orientation system of claim 1, further comprising a sub-furrow opener disposed adjacent to said oriented seed exit path, said sub-furrow opener having a wedge to slice a wedge-shaped cross-section sub-furrow below said furrow, said sub-furrow further comprises a pair of sidewalls defining said wedge shaped cross-section, said oriented seed comprises corn having a pair of opposed major surfaces, and said oriented seed opposed major surfaces are substantially co-planar with said sidewalls when said oriented seed is delivered into said sub-furrow.

4. The seed orientation system of claim 1, wherein said seed riding surface upon which said seed travels and aligns comprises a helix.

5. The seed orientation system of claim 1, wherein said seed riding surface upon which said seed travels and aligns comprises a curve.

6. The seed orientation system of claim 1, wherein said air stream passing into said air space defined by said furrow maintains a velocity at least equal to said oriented seed.

7. The seed orientation system of claim 6, wherein said air stream passing into said air space defined by said furrow maintains a velocity greater than said oriented seed.

8. The seed orientation system of claim 1, wherein said oriented seed exit path comprises a continuation of said seed orientation assembly seed riding surface and maintains alignment of said aligned seed received from said seed orientation assembly seed riding surface.

9. The seed orientation system of claim 8 wherein said seed orientation assembly seed riding surface applies a centrifugal force to said seed, and said oriented seed exit path progressively reduces and finally removes said centrifugal force applied to said seed as said seed traverses said oriented seed exit path.

10. The seed orientation system of claim 7 wherein said oriented seed exit path discharges said aligned seed into an air space defined by said furrow.

11. A method for planting a seed in an orientated position within a seed row in the earth by using a seed orientation coil assembly, said seed orientation coil assembly including a seed path, comprising the steps of: transferring said seed from a seed hopper to said seed orientation coil assembly; directing said seed onto said seed path; propelling said seed through said seed path while subjecting said seed to a centrifugal force; injecting an air flow into said seed path; entraining said seed in said air flow; aligning said seed into an aligned position relative to said seed path and maintaining said seed in said aligned position responsive to said propelling step; moving said seed in said aligned position from said seed path subjected to said centrifugal force to a seed exit path; removing said centrifugal force from said seed in said aligned position within said seed exit path; and ejecting said seed in said aligned position entrained in said air flow from said seed exit path and into the earth in said orientated position with seed tip pointed down and seed germ pointed transverse to said seed row.

12. The method for planting a seed in an oriented position of claim 11, further comprising the step of venting said air flow through at least one air vent extending radially from said seed path.

13. The method for planting a seed in an oriented position of claim 12, wherein said step of venting said air flow further comprises venting said air flow through a plurality of air vents extending radially from said seed path.

14. The method for planting an oriented seed of claim 11, wherein said step of aligning said seed into an aligned position relative to said seed path and maintaining said seed in said aligned position is responsive to said propelling, injecting, and entraining steps.

15. The method for planting an oriented seed of claim 14 further including maintaining an airflow through the injector core and the vented outer coil so as push the seed up the seed riding surface to the seed guide wall.

16. In combination, a helical seed orientation coil and at least one seed traversing said helical seed orientation coil, comprising: a helical seed path defining a banked seed riding surface in sliding contact with and supporting a major face of said at least one seed; and a seed guide wall adjoining along an edge of and extending perpendicularly from said seed riding surface in sliding contact with a minor face of said at least one seed while said at least one seed major face is in sliding contact with and supported by said banked seed riding surface; said banked seed riding surface and said seed guide wall producing a riding surface friction with said at least one seed, with a major component of said riding surface friction derived from said banked seed riding surface and a minor component of said riding surface friction derived from said seed guide wall.

17. The combination helical seed orientation coil and at least one seed of claim 16, further comprising a seed entrance configured to receive said at least one seed from an agricultural row planter and convey said at least one seed to said helical seed path.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevational view of a first embodiment of the seed orientation system integrated into a planter row unit.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the seed orientation system.

[0053] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the seed orientation system.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the seed collector used in the first embodiment of the seed orientation system.

[0055] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the seed orientation coil assembly used in the first embodiment of the seed orientation system.

[0056] FIG. 6A is a cross sectional view of an injector core taken along lines B-B of FIG. 5.

[0057] FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view of a vented outer coil taken along lines A-A of FIG. 5.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the seed orientation coil assembly used in the first embodiment of the seed orientation system.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the seed orientation system.

[0060] FIG. 9 is a detail view of the seed orientation system from FIG. 8.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a planter row unit with an alternate embodiment seed collector.

[0062] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the alternate embodiment seed collector.

[0063] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vented outer coil illustrating the position of a seed and the representative centrifugal forces on the seed.

[0064] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the vented outer coil illustrating the position of seeds and the representative aerodynamic and other forces.

[0065] FIGS. 14-17 illustrate a first alternative embodiment seed orientation coil assembly from top, bottom and front side projected, top and side projected, and sectional views, respectively, the sectional view of FIG. 17 taken along section line 17′ shown in FIG. 14.

[0066] FIGS. 18-19 illustrate a second alternative embodiment seed orientation coil assembly from front elevational and sectional views, respectively, the sectional view of FIG. 19 taken along section line 19′ shown in FIG. 18.

[0067] FIGS. 20-22 illustrate first, second, and third alternative embodiment seed riding surfaces from side sectional view.

[0068] FIG. 23 illustrates a single seed riding surface air jet of FIG. 22 from an enlarged view.

[0069] FIGS. 24-28 illustrate a third alternative embodiment seed orientation coil assembly from projected, side elevational, top, bottom, and sectional views, respectively, the sectional view of FIG. 28 taken along section line 28′ shown in FIG. 27.

[0070] While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0071] FIG. 1 illustrates a row unit 10 with the seed orientation system 30 of the present invention installed. Row unit 10 is an example of a commonly found planter unit designed for the purpose of delivering a seed into a furrow, for exemplary and non-limiting purposes such as that illustrated by the Stufflebeam et al, Gilstring, and Garner et al patents incorporated by reference herein above. As shown in those patents, row unit 10 is typically mounted to a tool bar that attaches to a tractor or similar towing device along with other identical or similar planting row units. While not solely limited thereto, row units are presently found in even number groups from a few units to as many as forty-eight row units.

[0072] The typical row unit 10 includes seed hopper 12 for storing the seed for planting. The seed moves from seed hopper 12 to a seed meter 13. Seed meter 13 singulates the seed at a desired spacing for delivery to the ground. Seed meter 13 may for exemplary and non-limiting purpose use a conventional vacuum disk driven by a vacuum delivery line 14. From seed meter 13, in a typical prior art row unit the seed is delivered to the ground through seed tube 22.

[0073] In the typical row unit 10, a shank structure 16 provides structural support for seed hopper 12, seed meter 13 and seed tube 22. At least one opener blade 18, at least one gauge wheel 26, and at least one closing wheel 20 are also attached to the shank 16. Opener blade 18 forms a trench or furrow in the soil ahead of seed tube 22. Gauge wheel 26 controls the depth of the furrow, and closing wheel 20 subsequently closes the furrow over the seed.

[0074] In a first embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 1, seed orientation system 30 is mounted to row unit 10. Seed orientation system 30, which is more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, includes a seed collector 32 operably attached to seed tube 22. Seed collector 32 gathers the seed and changes its direction by way of a seed transfer tube 36 to a seed orientation coil assembly 40. The seed passes through the helical path of the seed orientation coil assembly 40 to an oriented seed exit path 44. A sub-furrow opener 46 creates a wedge shaped trough within the furrow for capturing the oriented seed.

[0075] Movement of the seed throughout seed orientation system 30 is aided by air from a central blower/fan such as is commonly found in prior art planters, or which may be separately provided if so required as will be apparent to those reasonably skilled in the art. In some alternative embodiments, a turbine or other air source may be provided within the interior of seed orientation coil assembly 40, for exemplary and non-limiting purpose within the interior of injector core 58. Air is first directed to system air infeed 42 disposed on the upper face of the seed orientation coil assembly 40. An air line 38 is then directed to seed collector 32 for moving the seed from seed collector 32 to the seed orientation coil assembly 40. While air is most preferred owing to both ready availability, low cost, and presence of blowers on most equipment, it will be appreciated in alternative embodiments that other fluid sources will be provided, which for exemplary and non-limiting purposes will include such sources as compressed or liquified nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other suitable fluids or fluid blends.

[0076] A seed orientation support structure 34 provides structural support for seed collector 32, seed transfer tube 36, seed orientation coil assembly 40 and sub-furrow opener 46. The seed orientation support structure 34 may be connected to shank structure 16 at one or more locations. The seed orientation support structure 34 also acts to keep debris out of the furrow and to protect against rock impacts.

[0077] FIGS. 2 and 3 depict the preferred embodiment seed orientation system 30. Seed orientation system 30 includes a seed collector 32 that directs seeds from seed tube 22 to seed orientation coil assembly 40 by way of seed transfer tube 36. Seed collector 32 includes a seed entrance aperture 48 and a seed exit aperture 50. Seed entrance aperture 48 is sized to mate with the seed tube 22. An air line connection 52 is disposed adjacent to the seed entrance aperture. The seed collector 32 may include various indentations or flanges for connection to the seed orientation support structure 34, as well as pins 54 and 55.

[0078] Seed transfer tube 36 attaches to seed exit aperture 50 at a first end and to seed orientation coil 40 at a second end. In preferred embodiment seed orientation system 30, seed transfer tube 36 will include a mating flange 56 and a retaining pin 57 best visible in FIG. 3 for connection to seed orientation coil 40. Pin 41 retains the seed orientation coil assembly 40 relative to support structure 34. Nevertheless, in alternative embodiments other suitable connections and couplings known in the mechanical arts will be used.

[0079] In preferred embodiment seed orientation system 30, seed orientation coil 40 includes an injector core 58 that resides within vented outer coil 60. The injector core 58 includes at a first end incoming air feed 42 and outgoing air feed 62 that provides air through air line 38 to air line connection 52 on the seed collector 32. Injector core 58 further includes at least one and as illustrated a plurality of nozzles 64 arrayed in a helical pattern about the outer face of the injector core 58.

[0080] In preferred embodiment seed orientation system 30, vented outer coil 60 includes a seed entrance 66 that mates with flange 56 of the seed transfer tube 36. A plurality of vents 68 are disposed about the outer face of the vented outer coil 60. The vents 68 may have a variety of shapes including rectangular, circular, ellipsoid or other shapes. The vents 68 do not have to be uniform in size or shape. For exemplary and non-limiting purpose, in some alternative embodiments outer coil 60 will be fabricated without exterior vents. In other alternative embodiments, vents 68 will comprise holes drilled with a laser, drill bit, chemical milling, or any other suitable technique. In yet other alternative embodiments, outer coil 60 will be fabricated from a porous, micro-porous, or otherwise gas-permeable material which provides venting throughout the exterior wall, including for exemplary and non-limiting purpose: a porous material including but not limited to a mesh or screen; sintered metals; porous carbon; porous carbon-graphite; porous carbon-silicates; open-cell foams of any suitable composition; and other breathable materials and compositions.

[0081] At a second end of the vented outer coil 60, seed exit path 44 extends towards the ground. A seed sensor 82 may be attached to the vented outer coil 60 proximal to the exit path 44 so as to monitor seed flow.

[0082] Seed orientation support structure 34 connects to row unit shank 16 through hook 76 and flange mount 78. It is envisioned that the geometry and location of such connection points can be altered depending on the structure of the row unit 10. The seed orientation support structure 34 supports seed orientation coil 40 through flange 70 which extends from the second end of vented outer coil 60. Flange 70 mates within notch 72 of the seed orientation support structure 34. Sub-furrow opener 46 is connected to the seed orientation support structure 34 by roll pins 79, 80.

[0083] FIG. 4 depicts the intersection between seed tube 22 and seed transfer tube 36. Seed tube 22 is inserted through seed entrance aperture 48. Air line connection 52 is operably connected to an air blade nozzle 84 which directs air toward the seeds. Air blade nozzle 84 propels the seeds into seed transfer tube 36. Seeds exiting seed tube 22 are in a random orientation with a high rotational energy as they have fallen from seed meter 13 without any attempt at orientation.

[0084] FIGS. 5 through 7 depict a first embodiment of the seed orientation coil assembly 40 in which random seed orientation is changed to an oriented tip down position. FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the seed orientation coil assembly 40. FIG. 6A is a cross sectional view of the injector core 58 taken at section line B-B of FIG. 5. FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view of the vented outer coil 60 taken at section line A-A of FIG. 5. Injector core 58 is nested within vented outer coil 60. The vented outer coil 60 is attached to the seed orientation support structure 34 at flange 70 and mounting point 71.

[0085] Injector core 58 is generally cylindrical in shape with an air aperture 85 at a first end and a closed aft end 86. In alternative embodiments, the second end of the injector core will contain some additional venting. A plurality of nozzles 64 are shown in a helical pattern creating air passages between the central aperture 87 of the injector core and an interior of vented outer coil 60. In some manifestations, nozzles 64 are circular, but in other manifestations nozzles 64 will take at least one of a variety of shapes, placements and angles about injector core 58.

[0086] Vented outer coil 60 is generally cylindrical in shape with an open central aperture for insertion of the injector core 58. The exterior wall of vented outer coil 60 includes a plurality of vents 68 that create air passages. Vented outer coil 60 further includes seed entrance 66 that opens to helical pathway 90.

[0087] FIG. 6B illustrates the helical pathway 90 of vented outer coil 60. Helical pathway 90 includes seed riding surface 92 that intersects with seed guide wall 94. In some embodiments, seed riding surface 92 is curved so as to have a constant radius from seed entrance end 95 to aft end 96. In alternative embodiments, seed riding surface 92 is curved to have a radius that is selectively varied between seed entrance end 95 and aft end 96, resulting in sections or regions of wider radius and regions of tighter or smaller radius. Seed guide wall 94 intersects with seed riding surface 92 at ninety degrees to form a seed riding path 97. The plurality of vents 68 are generally disposed at the level of the seed riding path 97 on the seed riding surface 92. In the first embodiment the helical pathway 90 completes three revolutions about the injector core 58, though as already noted herein above more or fewer revolutions will be provided in alternative embodiments.

[0088] FIG. 7 illustrates by cross-sectional view the injector core 58 disposed within vented outer coil 60. In a first embodiment, the outer wall of injector coil 58 forms the inner barrier for helical pathway 90. As such, vented outer coil 60 does not require an inner wall or barrier. The helical pathway 90 terminates at seed orientation exit path 44.

[0089] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the seed orientation exit path 44, seed exit point 45, and sub-furrow opener 46 which are part of the seed orientation coil assembly 40, with particular detail visible in FIG. 9. In addition, and as apparent from a comparison between FIGS. 8 and 9, FIG. 9 illustrates a corn seed 28 that is both airborne and immediately adjacent to the extension 43.

[0090] As best evidenced in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5-9, seed orientation exit path 44 is a non-disruptive continuation of helical pathway 90. Most desirably, this ensures that the seed 28 traverses from helical pathway 90 to seed orientation exit path 44 while the flat of the corn seed 28 stays firmly positioned against the exit wall without disturbing tip-forward orientation. In preferred embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 40, the curvature of helical pathway 90 transitions to a progressively larger radius into and along seed orientation exit path 44, thereby reducing centrifugal force applied to the seed 28. The centrifugal force is finally removed completely at seed exit point 45. Seed orientation exit path 44 also gently arcs through a rapidly increasing pitch ultimately to a downward direction of travel, thereby rotating the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the seed 28 to point the seed tip down and toward the furrow.

[0091] In preferred embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 40, the central helical axis is offset slightly from vertical. A generally vertical axis results in a relatively constant beneficial contribution from the force of gravity tending to hold the seed in stable sliding contact with helical pathway 90. Nevertheless, in alternative embodiments the central helical axis of preferred embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 40 is rotated from the primarily vertical orientation illustrated in the Figures to other orientations, including for exemplary and non-limiting purpose an orientation that in some alternative embodiments is completely horizontal. As may be appreciated, in such instances the geometry of seed orientation exit path 44 will also change, but will still be shaped to reduce and finally remove centrifugal force applied to the seed, while ensuring that the seed tip will point down and toward the furrow upon exit from seed orientation exit path 44.

[0092] As depicted in FIG. 3, sub furrow opener 46 may define an exit path aperture 47 that holds seed orientation exit path 44 and a support structure aperture 49 that allows for mounting the sub-furrow opener 46 to seed orientation support structure 34. Sub-furrow opener 46 also features an extended bottom slot or extension 43 that shapes the sub-furrow to prevent the seed tip from hitting the bottom of the sub-furrow and recoiling out, losing its orientation.

[0093] Seed sensor 82 is operably connected to the structure of the sub-furrow opener 46, and is disposed proximal to seed exit point 45. The purpose of seed sensor 82 is to make sure row unit 10 is actually planting seeds and, if not, to alert the person in the tractor that the row isn't planting. For exemplary and non-limiting purpose, seed sensor 82 might signal an alert because seed hopper 12 is out of seed, or seed is plugged in seed tube 22.

[0094] In preferred embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 40, as the seed 28 leaves seed orientation exit path 44 at seed exit point 45 it will be airborne for a short distance, maintaining its stable state. Seed orientation exit path 44 aims the seed 28 at a sub-furrow created by a sub-furrow opener 46. The sub-furrow opener 46 shapes walls into the soil that come into contact with the flat sides of the seed, wedging the seed 28 into the soil and thereby preserving seed orientation.

[0095] Sub-furrow opener 46 also has a blade 51 that is optionally but preferably swept back. This is to prevent clogs from soil entering up into the seed path when the planter is initially setting down into the soil. This can be achieved because the seed is shot backward at an angle, missing contact with blade 51. This swept back blade 51 also helps keep the sub-furrow walls from collapsing prematurely in loose soils. Collapsed walls would result in the seed bouncing and thereby losing orientation.

[0096] Desirably, a laminar airflow of greater velocity than the seed will continue to entrain the seed within seed orientation exit path 44 and onward through the air and into the furrow. Within the furrow, for exemplary purpose such as furrow 150 illustrated in FIG. 10, primary airflow will be deflected by the earth and so will primarily exit longitudinally within the furrow. However, the seed will preferably have sufficient inertia and momentum to separate from the primary airflow, subsequently wedging within the sub-furrow, for exemplary purposes such as trough 151 also illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0097] One of the serious shortcomings and challenges faced by the prior art that provides at least temporary orientation, such as incorporated by reference herein above, is maintaining orientation all the way into the earth and through the closing of the soil around and over the seed. While it may seem intuitive to extend a prior art seed tube down into the furrow, the prior art avoids such a geometry because a relatively small orifice feed tube required to maintain orientation will clog easily if so extended. Nevertheless, without a suitable airflow of substantially equal or greater velocity than the seed, the seed will almost instantly destabilize. If the airflow velocity drops below that of the seed, the aerodynamics that the present invention relies upon to orient the seed will essentially instantaneously flip the tip orientation of the seed. If this occurs suddenly and without stabilization, which is what happens to a seed being ejected from a prior art seed tube above the earth, the seed will essentially instantaneously tumble in the air, destroying any previous orientation. Even if the airflow velocity exiting the seed tube is approximately that of the seed, the air stream will degrade extremely quickly due to eddy currents and turbulence with the air surrounding the seed tube exit, still undesirably quickly dropping the airflow velocity and causing the seed to tumble.

[0098] In contrast to prior art seed tubes that must necessarily terminate above the furrow, in the present invention the seed orientation exit path 44 preferably extends all the way into the furrow. As a result, the air stream that leaves seed exit point 45 entrains the seed 28 through a very short travel distance measured by approximately the depth of the furrow before the seed separates therefrom. In consideration thereof, in some alternative embodiments of the present invention a seed alignment apparatus such as illustrated in the prior art incorporated by reference herein above but not limited solely thereto is provided in combination with the teachings of the present seed orientation exit path 44 and air entrainment, followed by detrainment in the furrow to provide seed orientation apparatuses.

[0099] While the close proximity of the seed exit point 45 to the sub-furrow is beneficial, this is not the sole benefit and novelty of the geometry and operation of the seed orientation exit path 44. In addition to proximity, locating the seed exit point 45 within the furrow also means that the furrow acts as a containment and guide for the air stream that, while not identical, is functionally similar to the containment of the air stream within helical pathway 90 or within an air-driven seed tube. Since the air stream is contained within and guided by the furrow, this also helps to maintain the air stream at a higher velocity while the seed is entrained solely therein. As the air stream passes close to the sub-furrow, and even partially therein, the air stream is necessarily deflected toward the closing wheels 20 by the generally vertical side walls of the furrow and sub-furrow and the sub-furrow opener 46. This means the air stream changes direction from a primarily vertical path through a sharp curve to a much more horizontal path. As the much lighter and lower mass air stream makes the sharp curve required by the geometry of the furrow and sub-furrow, momentum of the seed causes the seed to separate from the horizontally redirected air stream. Rather than making the sharp curve, the seed will instead keep moving vertically downward into the sub-furrow. Preferably, this separation from the air stream will occur as closely as possible to or even within the sub-furrow, so that seed inertia is sufficient to maintain the seed orientation entirely into wedging engagement with the sub-furrow.

[0100] While the corn seed 28 visible in FIG. 9 is both airborne and immediately adjacent to extension 43, as already described herein above, in some alternative embodiments the geometry of sub-furrow opener 46 is altered or additional material, objects, or features provided to extend further rearward, allowing the seed 28 to remain in contact therewith as the seed travels from seed exit point 45 into the sub-furrow. In these alternative embodiments, this provides an extended contact surface that creates at least a nominal amount of drag, further helping to ensure that the airflow maintains a greater or at least approximately equal velocity to that of the seed 28, thereby further helping to maintain aerodynamic orientation of the seed tip down. However, the benefits of incorporation of an extended contact surface must be weighed against the greater potential for contamination of the extended contact surface by mud and debris. Such contamination can in some instances and circumstances interfere with the final travel of the seed into the earth, and in interfering can also destroy proper seed orientation.

[0101] As illustrated, seed orientation exit path 44 terminates in a nearly vertical orientation. Nevertheless, in some alternative embodiments seed orientation exit path 44 is also swept or angled backward, imparting not only a vertical velocity component but also a horizontal velocity component. In these alternative embodiments the horizontal velocity component is selected to reduce the horizontal velocity delta of the seed versus the ground that the seed is coming into contact with. For exemplary and non-limiting purpose, at an exemplary 5 mph planting speed, the angle of the seed orientation exit path 44 in some alternative embodiments is selected to generate a 3 mph horizontal seed velocity component. In this example, the horizontal velocity delta is 2 mph. At a slower 3 mph planting speed, the seed would be propelled into the sub-furrow with a zero horizontal velocity delta between seed and sub-furrow.

[0102] While the seed orientation exit path 44 will in some alternative embodiments be swept or angled backward to impart a horizontal velocity component, the actual attained horizontal velocity component will vary depending upon the actual exit speed of the seed, in turn controlled significantly by overall system air availability and pressure. In addition, and as will be apparent to those reasonably skilled in the art, changing the angle of the exit path will also alter the overall seed orientation when the seed is wedged into the soil. Consequently, the selection of an exit path angle will be made with appropriate consideration for both of the acceptable target seed orientation and seed-to-ground velocity differential.

[0103] The angle of the seed orientation exit path 44 in some alternative embodiments also or alternatively will be varied to provide finer control of seed orientation. For exemplary and non-limiting purpose, in some alternative embodiments adjustment of the angle of seed orientation exit path 44 is used to compensate for any action or effect of the closing wheel that might cause the already deposited seed to rotate about an axis transverse to the row during the closing of the soil about the seed. Nevertheless, in most embodiments and applications the sub-furrow is inconsequentially disturbed during the closing process, meaning the orientation of the seed in most situations will not change.

[0104] Various embodiments of apparatus designed in accord with the present invention have been illustrated in the various figures. The embodiments are distinguished by the hundreds digit, and various components within each embodiment designated by the ones and tens digits. However, many of the components are alike or similar between embodiments, so numbering of the ones and tens digits have been maintained wherever possible, such that identical, like or similar functions may more readily be identified between the embodiments. If not otherwise expressed, those skilled in the art will readily recognize the similarities and understand that in many cases like numbered ones and tens digit components may be substituted from one embodiment to another in accord with the present teachings, except where such substitution would otherwise destroy operation of the embodiment. Consequently, those skilled in the art will readily determine the function and operation of many of the components illustrated herein without unnecessary additional description.

[0105] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an alternative embodiment seed collector design wherein seed tube 22 is removed, and seed orientation system 130 is directly connected to seed meter 13. The seed orientation system 130 is mounted to row unit 100. Seed orientation system 130 includes a seed collector 132 operably attached to seed meter 113. Seed collector 132 gathers the seed, which then travels by way of a seed transfer tube 136 to a seed orientation coil assembly 140. The seed passes through the helical path of the seed orientation coil assembly 140 to an oriented seed exit path 144. A sub-furrow opener 146 creates a wedge-shaped trough within the furrow for capturing the oriented seed. The opener blade 18 creates a furrow 150 and the sub-furrow opener 146 creates a trough 151 within the furrow 150.

[0106] Movement of the seed throughout seed orientation system 130 is aided by air from a central blower/fan. Air is first directed to system air infeed 142 disposed on the upper face of seed orientation coil assembly 140. An air line 138 is then directed to seed collector 132 for moving the seed from seed collector 132 to seed orientation coil assembly 140. The seed collector 132 catches seeds directly from seed meter 13 and preferably gently transports the seed under air power in the most direct and efficient path possible to seed orientation coil assembly 140. This configuration improves seed spacing and minimizes seed tumbling. A seed orientation support structure 134 provides structural support for seed orientation coil 130 and sub-furrow opener 146.

[0107] In operation, seed orientation systems 30, 130 deliver seeds from arow unit 10 to the ground in an optimal growing orientation. Seeds are placed in seed hopper 12. The seed hopper 12 includes an opening to direct the seed to a seed meter 13. The seed meter 13 then attempts to singulate the seed and spaces the seed out for delivery into the ground. Seed orientation systems 30, 130 either collect the seed from seed tube 22 or from a seed collector 132 that replaces the seed tube 22.

[0108] A high-flow pressurized air system propels the seed from seed collector 32, 132 through a seed transfer tube 36, 136 to the seed orientation coil assembly 40, 140. A major factor in seed stability is catching/collecting the seed as gently as possible from seed meter 13. The seed ideally slides gently rather than tumbling into the seed orientation coil assembly 40, 140. This may be achieved by a very gentle and gradual collector path 132 from seed meter 13 to seed orientation coil assembly 40, 140 to reduce acute angle impacts resulting in tumbling. A seed that is tumbling upon entering the orientation coil may continue to tumble through the entire coil, which can result in both the seed not being properly oriented when planted and the seed not being properly spaced.

[0109] The seed enters into vented outer coil 60 of the seed orientation coil assembly 40, 140, with the vented outer coil 60 defining a helical pathway 90 to a seed exit path 44, 144. The vented outer coil 60 includes a plurality of air vents 68 disposed about and extending radially through an outer wall of vented outer coil 60.

[0110] Pressurized air is injected into injector core 58 of the seed orientation coil assembly 40, 140. As already described herein above, injector core 58 includes a plurality of air injectors or nozzles 64 disposed about and extending radially through the outer wall of the injector core 58. The nozzles 64 direct a focused air stream onto helical pathway 90 of vented outer coil 60.

[0111] Seed enters helical pathway 90 in a random orientation. Airflow through injector core 58 and outer coil 60 in combination with centrifugal force drives the seed up the seed riding surface 92 to seed guide wall 94. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, a centrifugal force is induced on the seed 28 as it travels its curved/helical pathway 90. The airflow from injector nozzles 64 hits the seed 28 at an angle, giving two main (pressure) force vector components on the seed 28. One component pushes parallel to seed riding surface 92 and the other pushes perpendicular thereto. The parallel component of the airflow flows from behind the seed 28 and over the seed 28. This both propels the seed 28 forward and causes the seed 28 to orient tip forward in the flow, as this orientation has the most stable aerodynamic cross section or lowest air drag. This parallel airflow component preferably increases the velocity of the seed 28 sufficiently to make soil capture possible. The parallel airflow may be a combination of the airflow generated by seed meter 13 and the air flow directed to seed transfer tube 36. The perpendicular component of the airflow, combined with centrifugal force, simultaneously pushes the seed 28 into both seed riding surface 92 and seed guide wall 94, thereby defining seed riding path 97 and providing the stability needed to maintain tip-forward orientation. Preferably the major component of riding surface friction F.sub.SF will be derived from seed riding surface 92, and only a minor component of riding surface friction F.sub.SF will be derived from seed guide wall 94.

[0112] After the seed is oriented it is necessary to stabilize the position of the seed all the way to the ground. There are a number of techniques described in the patents incorporated by reference herein above that orient a seed. Unfortunately, the patents incorporated by reference herein above also observe that there is a tendency for the seed to reorient and thereby lose the preferred orientation, in some cases tumbling out of control. The present inventors have recognized that this strong tendency to lose proper orientation is due primarily to the general shape of the seed.

[0113] To keep the seed stable after initial orientation, the present invention provides several features and techniques. In order to maintain position of the seed, a low friction surface for the helical path 90 is preferred. A low friction, low roughness, and/or lubricious surface reduces any tumbling of the seed as the seed will not “dig in” or “catch” on the surface. Instead, the greater velocity air stream will induce the seed to slide while maintaining an oriented position. An energy absorbing surface is also beneficial for it will “deaden” or partially absorb seed impact energy during tumbling, thereby favoring the seed to ride instead of rolling and/or tumbling, and as a consequence encouraging a properly oriented position. The path from the seed meter 13 to the orientation coil 40, 140 also benefits from the properties listed above for the orientation coil riding surface 90.

[0114] A curved path also acts to maintain the seed orientation by generating a centrifugal force. The centrifugal force acts on the seed to drive the seed into the surface, which stabilizes and reduces bouncing and tumbling, and thereby helps to retain an oriented position. The curved shape of the riding surface 92 profile will also help align the seed longitudinally along the seed path, which aids in the orientation process.

[0115] In addition to helical pathway 90, a riding surface 92 shape/profile that includes a guide wall 94 will, when properly tuned, more precisely locate, stabilize, and maintain the orientation of an oriented seed. When seed orientation coil assembly 40 is well tuned, a seed traversing riding surface 92 will only gently climb the banked curve defined by riding surface 92 profile and will only lightly come into sliding contact with guide wall 94. A gentle sliding contact with guide wall 94 will allow seed 28 to pivot sufficiently to bring a minor side face of seed 28 into adjacent and parallel contact with guide wall 94. This alignment of the major seed face in sliding contact with riding surface 92 and the minor and generally perpendicular side face in sliding contact with guide wall 94 creates a very stable alignment of seed 28 within helical pathway 90 that can readily be carried through to seed exit point 45. If for any reason seed 28 again slides away from sliding contact with guide wall 94 during traversal of helical pathway 90, most preferably conditions within helical pathway 90 will be appropriate to again bring the minor side face of seed 28 gently back into sliding contact with guide wall 94.

[0116] In contrast, a strong and sudden impact of seed 28 with guide wall 94 can commonly result in a bouncing and tumbling effect, thereby tending to destroy the alignment of seed 28 within helical pathway 90. As discussed elsewhere herein, such bouncing and tumbling may be irrecoverable, resulting in a seed bouncing through the remaining portion of helical pathway 90. Such irrecoverable bouncing and tumbling not only destroys seed orientation, but can also significantly and detrimentally alter seed spacing.

[0117] The characteristics of seed orientation coil assembly 40 that can be controlled or varied with appropriate design and geometry of injector core 58 and outer coil 60 to tune or optimize performance include but are not limited to: the radius of curvature of helical seed pathway 90 and the number of turns; rate of change of the radius of curvature of helical seed pathway 90; the extent of banking; the seed velocity along seed riding surface 92; change in direction of seed riding surface 92 along one or multiple axes; the extent of the contact surface area, surface finish, and coefficients of friction; the extent and geometry of nozzles 64 and vents 68; the air pressure provided to nozzles 64; and the angle of the injector airflow.

[0118] Inserting injector core 58 into outer coil 60 provides a combination of benefits, including but not limited to: easier fabrication; better access for cleaning and servicing; and an ability for a farm worker, factory, or any other involved person at virtually any time to selectively control operational parameters associated with seed orientation by selection and installation of a suitably designed and fabricated one or both of injector core 58 and outer coil 60. Again only for exemplary and non-limiting purpose, by selecting one of an assortment of pre-fabricated injector cores 58 and outer coils 60, an operator or farm worker may quickly and economically control or tune the operation of preferred embodiment seed orientation system 30 to better suit the seed, planting conditions, and other factors of the day or moment.

[0119] While inserting injector core 58 within outer coil 60 is most preferred, in some alternative embodiments injector core 58 and outer coil 60 will be a single unitary component, and in other alternative embodiments injector core 58 and outer coil 60 will comprise more than two distinct components. Such decisions will be made by a system designer of reasonable skill based upon specific design objectives and will be readily understood from a reading of the present disclosure.

[0120] After being oriented in seed orientation coil assembly 40, 140, the seed 28 is then directed to seed exit path 44, 144 and then into a scored sub-furrow 151 inside a main furrow 150 that is used to capture or wedge the seed to retain its orientation and/or position. The seed orientation can be captured/preserved if the seed is propelled into an interference fit sub-furrow in the soil that the seed wedges into. In addition to maintaining proper seed orientation, wedging the seed into firm contact with moist soil around both major faces of the seed will also reduce germination time, render germination times more consistent across a field, and improve germination rates. A very important benefit of the present invention is this increase in consistency of germination time. Agronomists have noted that a very slow-to-germinate seed in effect becomes a super weed, because it is not killed by herbicides, and yet if it germinates late, it will not yield any corn and will instead compete with corn-producing plants for sunlight and nutrients. Delays in germination can be caused by air pockets around or against the seed, or by improper orientation, both addressed by preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0121] The sub-furrow profile preferably needs to taper down to allow seeds of all sizes to be captured. The profile preferably will also have an extended bottom to allow the seed to become wedged or friction fit rather than the seed tip hitting the bottom of the sub-furrow and recoiling out.

[0122] Many of the discussions of preferred and alternative embodiments in the present specification describe the specific combination of a furrow and a sub-furrow. This is a preferred combination, since opener blade 18 helps to protect sub-furrow opener 46, 146 should there be a rock or other obstacle in the earth that might otherwise damage the sub-furrow opener. Nevertheless, in alternative embodiments a single furrow is produced that already includes a wedge-shaped cross-section at the bottom of the furrow, of like geometry to the furrow and sub-furrow combination produced by opener blade 18 in combination with preferred sub-furrow opener 46, 146.

[0123] Owing to the construction of seed orientation system 30, even in the event of a failure to orient a seed preferred embodiments of the present invention will continue to plant such unoriented seeds without interfering with the ordinary operation of row unit 10. Consequently, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been designed to offer substantial benefit in planting with minimal risk.

[0124] FIGS. 14-17 illustrate a first alternative embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 240. Air from a central blower/fan is coupled through any suitable coupler to a central system air infeed 242, where the pressurized air enters seed orientation coil assembly 240. The air enters a central injector core 258 of any suitable geometry, which acts to distribute the air to one or more air injector nozzles 264. As best evident in FIG. 17, these air injector nozzles 264 are directed at helical pathway 290, which is defined by a trough or other suitable geometry formed into vented outer coil 260. Some portion of the pressurized air jet released from each air injector nozzles 264 will follow within helical pathway 290, and will also be exposed to centrifugal force as the air stream contacts helical pathway 290. As a result, this air stream will interact with any seed 28 traveling along seed riding surface 292. In first alternative embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 240, the upper inner region is open to the atmosphere through vent 268. Consequently, some of the air traveling in the direction of helical pathway 290 but relatively more interior therefrom will peel away and travel out of vent 268. The result in some embodiments is that the highest velocity air stream will travel within helical pathway 290 very near to riding surface 292. In such embodiments, there will be a reduced lifting of the seed away from riding surface 292.

[0125] While as illustrated vent 268 is simply an open top, in some embodiments one of any variety of protective and air permeable coverings or closures will be used. Such air permeable coverings, for exemplary and non-limiting purpose, may comprise screening, mesh, micro-porous materials and compositions, a cap with at least one small gap or covered opening, or any other suitable or equivalent apparatus.

[0126] Seed 28 enters helical pathway 290 through seed entrance 266 where the seed is exposed to a combination of air force, centrifugal force, and riding surface friction as described with regard to FIG. 13 herein above. This combination of forces orients seed traveling through first alternative embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 240. After being oriented in first alternative embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 240, the seed is then directed to oriented seed exit path 244 and subsequently planted in the same manner as described herein above for the previous embodiments.

[0127] FIGS. 18-19 illustrate a second alternative embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 340 that closely resembles first alternative embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 240. In consideration thereof, most of the components will be understood to be identical or substantially similar. However, second alternative embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 340 also includes an injector core outer wall 359 that at least partially encloses helical pathway 390. As illustrated in FIG. 19, injector core outer wall 359 fully encloses helical pathway 390, and in such instance will most preferably be air permeable, for exemplary and non-limiting purpose comprising micro-porous materials and compositions, one or more internally directed vent holes similar to vents 68, small gaps, or any other suitable or equivalent apparatus. The inclusion of injector core outer wall 359 can therefore be used to alleviate the need for any dust covers or other protective apparatus.

[0128] FIGS. 20-22 illustrate a large plurality of first, second, and third alternative embodiment air jets 93, 193, 293 applied to seed riding surface 92. As described herein above, seed riding surface 92 preferably comprises a low friction, low roughness, and/or lubricious surface that reduces any tumbling of the seed. Instead, the greater velocity air stream will induce the seed to slide before tumbling or lifting, thereby maintaining an oriented position. While materials selection and surface finish can reduce surface friction, in the illustrations of FIGS. 20-22 the first, second, and third alternative embodiment air jets 93, 193, 293 are applied to seed riding surface 92 to obtain similar benefit. A large number of relatively low volume air jets 93, 193, 293 are provided with a pressure differential that moves air to and exiting from seed riding surface 92 to reduce the riding surface friction F.sub.SF. Air jets 93 comprise generally cylindrical conduits extending perpendicular to seed riding surface 92, while air jets 193 illustrate the option in some alternative embodiments to vary the angular orientation of the conduits relative to seed riding surface 92.

[0129] FIG. 23 illustrates a single seed riding surface air jet of FIG. 22 from an enlarged view. As evident therefrom, seed riding surface air jets 293 may in some embodiments be provided with additional geometry designed to control the flow and swirl of air for particular desired effect. As visible therein, generally cylindrical air jet conduit 298 ends prior to seed riding surface 92, with the air flow instead being conveyed through an air swirl and flow shaping orifice 299 of any suitable geometry. For exemplary and non-limiting purpose, an air swirl and flow shaping orifice 299 in some embodiments is configured to generate an eddy-type swirl similar to that created by dimples in a golf ball, though other geometries will be recognized by those skilled in the art of nozzles to obtain desired air flow adjacent to surface 92 and seed 28.

[0130] FIGS. 24-28 illustrate a third alternative embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 440 including an integral seed collector 432. System air infeed 442 drives air through air injector nozzle 464 into helical pathway 490. In the region adjacent to system air infeed 442, helical pathway 490 is fully enclosed and unvented. However, shortly thereafter vented outer coil 460 is provided with an open interior vent 468, which may be entirely open as illustrated, or which in alternative embodiments is covered by an air-permeable surface. Vented outer coil 460 may comprise any number of degrees of rotation, though as illustrated by approximately a single 360 degree rotation. The relatively small diameter helps to increase the centrifugal force Fc described in association with FIG. 13. After passing through vented outer coil 460, seed will then pass into and through oriented seed exit path 444 which functions in the manner already described herein above. This third alternative embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 440 illustrates a combination of a single air injector nozzle 464, greater centrifugal force generation, shorter overall seed path length from seed collector 432 to oriented seed exit path 444, and a single long interior vent 468.

[0131] In some alternative embodiments, system air infeed 442 is positioned lower along helical pathway 490, intermediate between the position illustrated in the Figures and the aft end of oriented seed exit path 444. In such embodiments, seed entering into third alternative embodiment seed orientation coil assembly 440 will most preferably be delivered with appropriate velocity to traverse seed riding path 492 and, where provided, gently engage with a seed guide wall similar to and designed in accord with the teachings of seed guide wall 94.

[0132] While only the seed orientation coil assemblies 40, 140 are illustrated as having a seed guide wall 94, it will be understood herein that a guide wall will be provided in some alternative embodiments to the seed orientation coil assemblies 240, 340, 440 as well. Further, and as already noted with regard to seed orientation coil assemblies 40, 140, seed riding surfaces 292, 392, 492 may be curved, planar, or of other suitable geometry in profile, and the characteristics of the seed orientation coil assemblies can be controlled or varied with appropriate design and geometry of injector core and outer coil including but not limited to: the diameter of helical seed pathway and the number of turns; the extent of banking, also described herein as the angle of the radially outward slope of the seed riding surface 92 profile; the seed velocity along seed riding surface; the extent of the contact surface area, surface finish, coefficients of friction including in some embodiments different coefficients of friction between seed riding surface and seed guide wall, the extent and volume and pressure of seed riding surface air jets such as 93, 193, 293, and venting; the extent and geometry of air injector nozzles such as air injector nozzles 64 and vents such as vents 68, 268, 368, 468; the air pressure provided to air injector nozzles 64; and the angle of injector airflow.

[0133] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,”, “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence of or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0134] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0135] While the foregoing details what is felt to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, no material limitations to the scope of the claimed invention are intended. Further, features and design alternatives that would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be incorporated herein. While each of the embodiments illustrated herein are necessarily fixed to a single combination of features, those skilled in the art will understand how to selectively include varieties of the features different from those illustrated, or, said another way, upon reading the present disclosure it will be apparent to select particular features from different ones of the illustrated embodiments for the creation of a new embodiment in accord with the teachings of the present invention. The scope of the invention is set forth and particularly described in the claims herein below.