Title: Automatically controlled seed planter

Abstract: An automatically controlled seed planter apparatus is disclosed for planting seeds concurrently in a plurality of rows with controlled seed spacing, including a rotating drum for holding the seeds and transporting the seeds to a plurality of chutes. The apparatus includes transducers for detecting the rotational speed of the drum and for detecting the speed of the planter along the ground. The operator is provided with input controls for setting in signals corresponding to the desired seed spacing and to the configuration of the drum used. The above-mentioned signals are then fed to a control system which processes the signals to form an output signal which controls the rotational speed of the drum, resulting in a controlled seed spacing. A readout device is also provided for the operator to monitor the expected seed spacing produced in this manner by the apparatus, as well as warning the operator of any malfunctions in the system.

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Inventors: Steffen, David Eugene (Chatham, IL, US)

Application Number: 730784
Filing Date: 1976-10-08
Publication_date: 1978-04-25
Assignee: Dickey-john Corporation (Auburn, IL)
Primary Class(es): 221/8 111/180, 111/903, 221/13, 221/185, 221/211
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3648631	Mar, 1972	Fiedler	221/185.
3653538	Apr, 1972	Lamar	221/13.
3912121	Oct, 1975	Steffon	221/13.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Knowles, Allen N.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Olson, Trexler, Wolters, Bushnell & Fosse, Ltd.