Planting – Drilling – Furrow opener
Patent
1997-07-02
1998-12-22
Will, Thomas B.
Planting
Drilling
Furrow opener
111123, 172723, A01C 500
Patent
active
058507906
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a seed tine assembly for mounting on a frame component of a seed drilling implement.
2. The Relevant Technology
A seed drilling implement with which the seed tine assembly of the invention can be used may be a "direct drilling machine" which, as will be well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, is a machine which can introduce seed directly into previously unworked soil i.e. after harvesting of a previous crop, and when there will be stubble and plant residuals remaining anchored in t he soil surface. Direct drilling gives certain advantages, and is being used to an increasing extent in circumstances in which previous practice of a) ploughing, b) harrowing, and c) then seeding, are no longer thought to be suitable.
However, it should be understood that a seed tine assembly according to the invention may be provided also in a seed drilling implement of the type which is intended to be used after previous working of the soil.
A seed tine assembly is usually mounted on a rigid part of the frame of a seed drilling implement, and comprises a downwardly extending tine for working the soil, a seed share mounted on the lower end of the tine and arranged to form a temporary furrow in the soil, and at least one seed distribution tube arranged to supply seed under pneumatic pressure to the share and then to be directed into the furrow in the soil.
The action of the share is to form a required temporary furrow below the surface, into which the seed is introduced, and usually the soil above the seed is then pressed downwardly by a following tool, such as a packer wheel or a roller.
The action of the share is to form a required temporary furrow below the surface, into which the seed is introduced, and usually the soil above the seed is then pressed downwardly by a following tool, such as a packer wheel or a roller.
There are different designs of share to be mounted on the tine, and one known type is referred to as a "wing point share."
A general problem, in the design of seed tine assemblies, concerns the way in which the component parts are connected together at the lower end of the tine, in that there is only a limited amount of space available to complete the necessary assembly and fastening operations. Therefore, it has been normal practice in the past for many (if not all) of the separate component parts to be permanently assembly as an integrated assembly e.g. by welding or forging together. This provides a robust and reliable assembly, but suffers from the significant cost disadvantage to the user that, when an unacceptable level of wear occurs in one only of the major components of the assembly (and which will usually be one of the component parts which is exposed to the greatest extent of abrasive load), it is necessary to replace the entire assembly. There is therefore a clear customer need for an improved design of seed tine assembly, which can be readily assembled, but in a way which allows for relatively simple removal of any worn part, and replacement with a new part.
OBJECTS AND BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a seed tine assembly for mounting on a frame component of a seed drilling implement, said assembly comprising: component of the implement, and having a lower soil-engaging end; furrow in the soil below the surface of the soil; therefrom; and tube having an upper end which is intended to receive an air-driven supply of seed and a lower end arranged to distribute the seed into the furrow formed by the share; a base leg which is detachably secured to said share, and an upstanding leg to which the point is detachably secured.
The angled lower end of the tine can be formed by forging of the tine into the required shape, and this angle is generally L-shaped, and the angle between the base leg and the upright leg can be up to and including 90 .degree..
Preferably, the share comprises a share plate which is generally triangular in shape, as seen in plan, a
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Kverneland Klepp AS
Pezzuto Robert
Will Thomas B.
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