Abstract: In one aspect, a system for spraying a fluid onto or near seeds may include a planter having a seed meter configured to dispense seeds from a hopper, a seed tube extending from the seed meter toward a furrow, and a rotationally-driven belt positioned within the seed tube. The belt may be configured for conveying the seeds from the seed meter through the seed tube to the furrow. The planter also includes a sprayer assembly having a nozzle configured to spray a fluid on or near the seeds dispensed from the seed meter. The system may further include a controller configured to determine a current speed of the belt relative to the seed tube and control the sprayer assembly based on the current speed of the belt such that the nozzle sprays the fluid at least one of onto or near each of the seeds.

Abstract: A potato seed planting apparatus has: a frame configured to be advanced over a subjacent field into which potato seed is planted; at least one container on the frame for a supply of potato seed; and a plurality of laterally spaced planting units on the frame. Each of the planting units is configured to cause potato seed from the at least one container to be discharged to the subjacent field at controlled time intervals as the potato seed planting apparatus is advanced in a travel path. First and second of the planting units are configured so that the discharge time intervals for potato seeds from the first planting unit are different than the discharge time intervals for potato seeds from the second planting unit with the potato seed planting apparatus advanced at a first speed in the travel path.

Abstract: Left and right main hoppers offset laterally from each other on opposite sides of the centerline of a seeding machine provide an operator access area between the hoppers. A third hopper located forwardly of and between the two main hoppers has a capacity less than that of each of the main hoppers for refuge or male seed. The hoppers are sized to maximize productivity. In one embodiment, first and second hoppers communicate with downstream conduit structure, and valve structure selects one or the other of the first and second hoppers for delivery of the material. The valve structure can be operated remotely and can be map based. Alternatively, selectively blockable nozzle structure is located in the first and second hoppers. Easily changeable connector structure facilitates row pattern selection and hose routing.

Abstract: A potato seed planter includes one or more planting units with an endless conveyor. A plurality of cups are attached to the conveyor and each cup receives a potato seed as the conveyer travels upwardly between upper and lower sprockets. As the cups pass around the upper sprocket, any extra seeds in cups are removed by centrifugal force, differential velocity and/or a vibration unit. These extra potato seeds are recycled and returned to the seed bowl. The cups then travel through a generally horizontal singulation section and around a third sprocket. The cups are inverted as they pass around the third sprocket and the seeds fall onto the back surface of the next forwardly adjacent cup. A guide structure holds the seeds in the desired position until they reach a discharge area where the individual seeds are discharged into the furrow.

Abstract: A seed planter for planting of large or irregular seeds. A housing is mounted on a frame. The frame carries ground working equipment for opening, planting and closing a seed slot. The housing includes interior walls and partitions that divide it into a seed box and a collector. The collector leads to a seed drop opening to deliver seeds for planting in the open seed slot. The seed box has a single seed bin or can be divided into multiple seed bins. A gathering chain is associated with each seed bin. Each gathering chain has one or more seed cups. The gathering chain is positioned to move the seed cups through an inlet opening in each seed bin, up through the seed bin where the seed cup can pick a seed, and out of the seed bin to drop the seed into the collector. The seed cups can be relatively spaced on the gathering chain, and with respect to cup on the other gathering chains, to regulate the spacing between seeds being deposited. Seeds of different species can be located in the various seed bins.