Abstract: The invention is directed to a simple mechanical seed meter having a casing that is provided with holding and dividing combs in which is rotated a metering drum. The metering drum is provided with angled flutes which define seed receiving valleys. One side of the drum is the dispensing side and the flutes at that side are provided with upwardly extending fingers which define seed pockets for individual seeds. The seed pockets carry the singled seeds from the seed receiving space defined by the dividing comb to the seed dispensing space where there are released to the outlet of the casing. The combs are secured to the casing by a hook and loop fastener assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an air separation tube for an agricultural planter. The air separation tube comprises a hollow tube having an inlet and outlet that is mounted to the side wall of a mini-hopper. The tube is provided with a downwardly curving bend having a screen through which air is allowed to pass. The screen prevents the seed carried by the air stream from leaving the tube. The outlet of the tube is located above the seed puddle of the seed meter which is coupled to the mini-hopper.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seed meter for corn. The seed meter comprises a stationary casing with two rotatably mounted discs. The casing is provided with a seed receiving zone in communication with a inlet, and a seed discharge zone in communication with an outlet. The casing is also provided with a stationary camming surface. The first disc is provided with a plurality of spring biassed selector pins. Each pin has an engagement surface and a cam follower surface. The cam follower surface engaging the camming surface. The second disc which rotates with and is parallel to the first disc is provided with a plurality of seed cells corresponding to the selector pins. A flexible and resilient membrane covers the seed cells. In operation, the discs are continuously rotated through the seed receiving and discharge zones. As a selector pin is driven towards the corresponding seed cell by the camming surface, the pin traps a single seed in the membrane covered seed cell.

Abstract: A device for sealing the seed meter from the seed hopper of the agricultural planting unit when the unit is pivoted form its vertical planting configuration to its horizontal transport configuration. The device comprises a resilient and elastic sealing diaphragm that is located in the seed meter across from the seed meter disc. A pivotable frame is located in the other side of the diaphragm away from the seed meter disc and is used to expand the diaphragm so that it contacts the seed meter disc and seals the seed meter form the seed hopper. A counterweight is mounted to the pivotable frame for automatically pivoting the frame and sealing the seed meter when the planting unit is moved from its vertical planting configuration to its horizontal transport configuration.