Abstract: A flat seed disk is provided with a series of circumferentially arranged seed retaining protrusions providing seed retention at locations offset axially from the remainder of the disk. The offset allows the seed to fall in the correct location of the seed tube to reduce unwanted seed bounce and provide better seed delivery to the ground and better seed spacing as compared to flat disks without the offset. In one embodiment, the protrusions have seed retaining faces opening generally in the direction of disk rotation. In other embodiments, the faces are angled away from the direction of rotation to reduce interference between released seed and adjacent protrusions, and trailing radial ledges can be provided to enhance seed retention.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for setting the position of a singulator in a seed meter. The singulator comprises an arm pivotally mounted about a pivot adjacent a seed disk. A shaft with an eccentric connection to a radially outward portion of the arm has a lever pivotally connected on it. The lever has a cam mechanism to displace an actuating sleeve into a resilient sleeve to lock the shaft in a given position when the lever is extending in the direction of the axis of rotation of the shaft. When the lever is moved to a right angle orientation the shaft is free to pivot and thus set the position of the arm.

Abstract: A seeding machine includes at least one seed metering system and at least one seed placement system. Each seed placement system is in communication with a corresponding seed metering system. Each seed placement system includes a housing having a seed slide, and a wheel at least partly disposed within the housing. The wheel has a circumferential periphery with a plurality of contiguous disc joint surfaces. The periphery is positioned adjacent to at least part of the seed slide. The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a method of placing seeds with a seeding machine in a trench formed in soil. Seeds are received at a predetermined rate at a seed placement system. The seed placement system includes a seed slide, and a wheel having a conferential periphery position closely adjacent to at least part of the seed slide. The seeds are engaged at the predetermined rate against the wheel periphery. The seeds are carried past a closely adjacent area of the seed slide using the wheel periphery.

Abstract: A hub assembly for a seed disk has a conical surface that mates with a cylindrical edge on a hub portion of a seed disk to establish the concentricity of the two components. A pair of paddles on the hub are received in, and inter-fit with corresponding recesses on the seed disk to provide torque transmission. A retention element holds the two components together.

Abstract: A vacuum meter and a retrofit kit. The retrofit kit is particularly adapted for modifying or retrofitting vacuum meters configured with the centerline of the seed discharge chute or seed tube offset from the seed-side face of the seed disk, examples of which include the John Deere MaxEmerge® family of vacuum meters. The vacuum meter and retrofit includes an offset disk having a seed plane disposed in substantial alignment with a central axis of the discharge chute the vacuum meter housing.

Abstract: A heavy-duty seedling planter for reforestation comprises specially configured coulter wheels that form a unique seedbed furrow. An elongated, rigid frame includes a front towing connection, and a rear strut for mounting trailing furrow compaction wheels. The planter is towed over the ground by an agricultural tractor and an operator seated within a cab dispenses seedlings. The coulters are spaced apart from one another along the frame. Both coulters are towed in approximately ten degrees and positively cambered approximately three degrees. The axes of rotation of the coulters are neither coaxial, coincident, collinear nor coplanar. The trailing coulter almost touches the midpoint of the leading coulter. Dual convex packer wheels trailing the frame compress soil, close the furrow, and create twin, parallel irrigation trenches.

Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine includes a mechanical drive; a seed meter including a driven shaft; and a planetary gear set. The planetary gear set includes an input shaft connected with the drive, an output shaft connected with the driven shaft, a ring gear, and a motor coupled with a ring gear.

Abstract: Pneumatic single grain sowing machine having a seeds storage container, and an individualization device subjected to air pressure, exhibiting perforations and rotating. The individualization device is led with its region disposed below the rotation axis at least in part to the placing of seed grains at the perforations through a seed storage led from the storage container to the individualization device. A separating wall is disposed between the storage container and the individualization device and determining the seed storage height level and extending at a distance to the individualization device in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A seed planter of the type having a metering unit with a seed chute that drops seeds into a seed tube for planting as manufactured by John Deere is provided with a deflector in the metering unit. The deflector directs the path of the seeds as they fall away from the seed disk so as to free fall along a vertical centerline between the leading and trailing walls of the seed tube and between the opposing sides thereof.

Abstract: A seeding machine includes at least one seed metering system and at least one seed placement system. Each seed placement system is in communication with a corresponding seed metering system. Each seed placement system includes a seed slide having a bottom end and a seed trough terminating at the bottom end.

Abstract: An adjustable singulating brush assembly for a seed meter and method to improve seed singulation of a seed meter. The assembly includes a carrier and a brush selectively adjustably moveable with respect to the carrier. The method to improve seed singulation of a seed meter includes disposing a selectively adjustable moveable brush along a path of travel of the seed selection mechanism of the seed meter between the meter's seed reservoir and said seed discharge opening and selectively moving the adjustably moveable brush with respect to the path of travel of the seed selection mechanism such that the selected seeds meet the preselected brush position to affect removal of extra seeds from the seed selection mechanism so singular seeds are sequentially discharged through said seed discharge opening.

Abstract: An air seed meter for an agricultural planter includes a vacuum cover which has a central opening which exposes the central portion of the seed disc to the exterior. The central opening of the vacuum cover is centered on a location offset from the axis of rotation of the seed disc. This reduces disc wear at the disc-vacuum cover interface, and renders the disc more accessible for self-cleaning, visual inspection and verification of the proper disc. Openings in the central, open portion of the disc, the back wall of the seed housing and the side wall of the seed housing cooperate to equalize the air pressure in the seed reservoir to atmospheric pressure and reduce or eliminate reverse air currents in the discharge chute. An adjustable brush with three separate stations cooperates with an edge-release, beveled disc to apply a progressively more forceful singulation force to eliminate duplicate seeds.

Abstract: Each opener of a seed planting machine may be essentially tool-free equipped with a selected one of two or more types of interchangeable singulating meters. Each type of meter is mounted on its own adapter plate to present a module that has quick-attach mounting projections arranged and configured in an identical manner to all other modules. The projections fit into mating slots on an upright member of the opener, and the upper projection of each pair is in the nature of a downturned hook that facilitates hanging the module on the opener while also retaining it against fore-and-aft displacement. A stabilizing clip at the rear of the module securely receives the lower, rear edge of the adapter plate, and an over-center toggle latch securely retains the plate within the stabilizing clip to complete the solid yet readily removable attachment of the meter to the opener. A chain drive assembly for the meter is permanently installed on the opener so as to not be removed therefrom during interchanging of the meters.

Abstract: A seed meter for planting seeds includes a seed plate rotatably mounted within a housing. A rotary seed chamber (RSC) is mounted in the housing adjacent the seed plate and movable between first and second positions, to permit the seed plate to singularly select individual seeds from the RSC while in a first position, and to dump seed therefrom as well as blocking seeds from entering the seed plate while in a second position. A seed intake compartment having an inlet end, and a discharge end is located adjacent the RSC. A valve is located in the intake compartment to intermittently prevent seed from flowing from the inlet end to the discharge end. A power means actuates both the RSC and the valve. A wing plate on the rotary seed chamber opens and closes the discharge end as the rotary seed chamber is in its first and second positions, respectively.

Abstract: An air seed meter for an agricultural planter includes a vacuum cover which has a central opening which exposes the central portion of the seed disc to the exterior. The central opening of the vacuum cover is centered on a location offset from the axis of rotation of the seed disc. This reduces disc wear at the disc-vacuum cover interface, and renders the disc more accessible for self-cleaning, visual inspection and verification of the proper disc. Openings in the central, open portion of the disc, the back wall of the seed housing and the side wall of the seed housing cooperate to equalize the air pressure in the seed reservoir to atmospheric pressure and reduce or eliminate reverse air currents in the discharge chute. An adjustable brush with three separate stations cooperates with an edge-release, beveled disc to apply a progressively more forceful singulation force to eliminate duplicate seeds.

Abstract: A seed meter for planting seeds includes a seed plate rotatably mounted within a housing. A rotary seed chamber (RSC) is mounted in the housing adjacent the seed plate and movable between first and second positions, to permit the seed plate to singularly select individual seeds from the RSC while in a first position, and to dump seed therefrom as well as blocking seeds from entering the seed plate while in a second position. A seed intake compartment having an inlet end, and a discharge end is located adjacent the RSC. A valve is located in the intake compartment to intermittently prevent seed from flowing from the inlet end to the discharge end. A power means actuates both the RSC and the valve. A wing plate on the rotary seed chamber opens and closes the discharge end as the rotary seed chamber is in its first and second positions, respectively.

Abstract: A planting unit is provided having a seed trench opener that forms a seed trench in a ground surface as the planting unit travels along the ground. A depth regulating member is provided that has a predetermined vertical position relative to the opener. The depth regulating member is operable to ride along the ground and thus predetermined the seed trench depth. A down pressure assembly is provided that maintains the depth regulating member in proper engagement with the ground.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A pneumatic seed meter comprises a housing and a rotatable seed disc. The rotatable seed disc divides the housing into a reduced air pressure side and a seed side. The rotatable seed disc is provided with seed cells to which individual seeds are attracted by an air pressure. A double eliminator is located in the housing on the seed side so that the double eliminator knocks extraneous seeds from the seed cells of the seed disc. The double eliminator is provided with an adjustment knob extending outside the seed side of the housing for adjusting the position of the double eliminator relative to the seed disc. A transparent viewing window is mounted on the seed side of the housing opposite the double eliminator so that adjustment of the double eliminator can be monitored.

Abstract: A seeding machine includes at least one seed metering system and at least one seed placement system. Each seed metering system includes a seed disc having a plurality of spaced apart seed cells and a circumferential edge. An edge drive engages the circumferential edge for rotatably driving the seed disc. Each seed placement system is in communication with a corresponding seed metering system.

Abstract: A seed meter for planting seeds includes a seed plate rotatably mounted within a housing. A rotary seed chamber (RSC) is mounted in the housing adjacent the seed plate and movable between first and second positions, to permit the seed plate to singularly select individual seeds from the RSC while in a first position, and to dump seed therefrom as well as blocking seeds from entering the seed plate while in a second position. A seed intake compartment having an inlet end, and a discharge end is located adjacent the RSC. A valve is located in the intake compartment to intermittently prevent seed from flowing from the inlet end to the discharge end. A power means actuates both the RSC and the valve. A wing plate on the rotary seed chamber opens and closes the discharge end as the rotary seed chamber is in its first and second positions, respectively.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A tandem comprising the combination of leveller and covering wheels for use in no-till or direct-till sowing machines. The leveller wheel (11B) has a semipneumatic tread (15B) including a cavity (31) next to the furrow opener disk (55) to make room for the soil removed from the ground by the latter without compacting it. The cavity spans between one- and two-thirds the breadth of the tread. The shape of the cavity follows the profile naturally formed by the elevated rib of soil formed on the ground on which the covering wheel (35) operates. The cross-section area of the cavity is 30% greater than that of the deepest expected furrow. The covering wheel is provided with conical studs (45) which radially project outwards from the tread (39), at a 5° angle to the wheel plane, the flat rolling band being slanted at 30° to the horizontal.

Abstract: A disc for a rotating disc seed meter improves singulation by reducing blanks and by reducing multiples. The disc contains a circular array of openings against which the seeds are held on one side by means of a pressure differential as they are carried from a seed chamber to a seed discharge. The disc also contains a plurality of tabs on the seed-holding face of the disc. Each tab is positioned radially adjacent the trailing edge of its associated opening.

Abstract: A precision air planter for plot planting includes a metering unit with separate seed systems which may be selectively activated to allow alternately planting various seed types from one plot to the next. A rotary encoder provides location information which is used by a microprocessor to calibrate the system, control seed planting and spacing, control plot length and spacing and record data related to the planted plots.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A vacuum seed planter uses a single seed plate for planting multiple plots of seeds. The seed plate rotates through a seed chamber and uses vacuum pressure to pick up seeds to be planted, the seed chamber having an inlet passage for receiving seeds. A singulator dislodges excess seeds from the seed plate, and the excess seeds fall into an excess-seed compartment adjacent the seed chamber, the compartment having an outlet passage for evacuation of the excess seeds. A valve is movable between an operating position, in which the inlet passage communicates with a supply of seed and the outlet passage communicates with a vacuum source for evacuating excess seeds, and an evacuation position, in which the vacuum source is in communication with the inlet passage for evacuating the seeds in the seed chamber. Vacuum pressure on the seed plate can be maintained during evacuation of the seed chamber and excess-seed compartment.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A seed metering system includes a first metering member having a first bearing surface and a second metering member having a plurality of seed engaging surfaces adapted to engage seeds and a second bearing surface positioned against the first bearing surface. The second metering member moves relative to the first metering member. At least one depression extends into the second bearing surface opposite the first bearing surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for sowing individual seed grains. The inventive machine comprises at least one hopper (14) that is open towards a vertical sowing disc (1) that consists of a stationary disc body (3) which is exposed to suction on the side facing away from the hopper (14) and has at least one guiding slot (16). The sowing disc also consists of a conveyor disc (4) that can be driven, rests on the disc body (3) on the side of the hopper (14) and has carrier slots (21) that are distributed over the circumference, extend over the radial extension area of the guiding slot (16) and, together with the guiding slot (16), form aspir.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A vacuum seed planter uses a single seed plate for planting multiple plots of seeds. The seed plate rotates through a seed chamber and uses vacuum pressure to pick up seeds to be planted, the seed chamber having an inlet passage for receiving seeds. A singulator dislodges excess seeds from the seed plate, and the excess seeds fall into an excess-seed compartment adjacent the seed chamber, the compartment having an outlet passage for evacuation of the excess seeds. A valve is movable between an operating position, in which the inlet passage communicates with a supply of seed and the outlet passage communicates with a vacuum source for evacuating excess seeds, and an evacuation position, in which the vacuum source is in communication with the inlet passage for evacuating the seeds in the seed chamber. Vacuum pressure on the seed plate can be maintained during evacuation of the seed chamber and excess-seed compartment.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A seed metering system includes a first metering member having a first bearing surface and a second metering member having a plurality of seed engaging surfaces adapted to engage seeds and a second bearing surface positioned against the first bearing surface. The second metering member moves relative to the first metering member. At least one depression extends into the second bearing surface opposite the first bearing surface.

Abstract: A distributor of horticultural seeds for a sowing agricultural implement, comprising a casing (10) and a disc (20) rotatably mounted inside the casing (10), dividing the latter into a seed chamber (CS) and in a suction chamber (CA) maintained in fluid communication with a suction device and selectively and adjustably connectable with the atmosphere, said disc (20) having at least two rows of holes (21, 22), each comprising a selector (50, 60) having a leading edge extension (51, 61), which is selectively displaced, in order to interfere, upon rotation of the disc (20), with the path of a predetermined part of the seeds which are pneumatically carried in each hole of the respective row of holes (21, 22), so that each hole enters the discharge chamber (CD) carrying a desired number of seeds, the discharge chamber (CD) being opened to discharge channels (15, 16) arranged in such a way as to receive the seeds released from a respective row of holes (21, 22), when they enter the discharge chamber (CD) and to direc

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A device for dispensing small seeds in which a movable seed carrier plate containing seed receptacles carries seed receptacles to first and second positions. In the first position, a vacuum source draws seeds from a seed reservoir into the seed receptacles. The seed carrier plate then carries the seed receptacles to a second position where a pressure source pushes the seeds from the seed receptacles.

Abstract: A seed metering system includes a first metering member having a first bearing surface and a second metering member having a plurality of seed engaging surfaces adapted to engage seeds and a second bearing surface positioned against the first bearing surface. The second metering member moves relative to the first metering member. At least one depression extends into the second bearing surface opposite the first bearing surface.

Abstract: A circular seed disc is provided with a series of circumferentially arranged seed attracting apertures. The disc has a seed receiving side which is in contact with the seeds. The seed receiving side of the disc is provided with a screen which covers the seed attracting. The screen is configured as a ring and maybe releasably secured in circular grooves adjacent to the apertures by a flexible and resilient spline, or the screen maybe fixedly attached on the surface of the disc.

Abstract: A planter apparatus includes a seed meter including a housing assembly with a cover releasably connected to a shell. The housing assembly includes at least one opening formed therein adjacent a seed discharge area to promote the release of seeds from a disc rotatably attached to the housing assembly. The disc divides an interior of the housing assembly to include a vacuum chamber and a seed chamber. The disc including a plurality of openings formed adjacent a periphery of the disc. The planter apparatus may also include a singulator assembly having rotatably spools, a rotatable chute door, a disc having clusters of openings for simultaneous release, and a one-piece baffle.

Abstract: A multiple seed drop disc includes a disc member including a vacuum side and a seed side. The vacuum side includes a plurality of spaced-apart recesses formed therein. The seed side includes a plurality of clusters formed therein. Each cluster includes a plurality of openings which communicates with one of the recesses.

Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural implement having a seed metering mechanism for uniformly dispensing seeds. The seed tube defines an enclosed curvilinear seed passageway extending between opposite ends of the tube. To promote control over the seeds gravitationally passing through the tube, the seed passageway has a smooth but decreasing cross-sectional configuration between ingress and egress ends of the passageway. The interior surface of the passageway and preferably the tube itself is formed from a material having a coefficient of surface friction ranging between about 0.02 and about 0.10. The enclosed seed passageway furthermore includes a narrowed front edge extending upwardly from a lower end of, the tube and for a majority of the length of the passageway.

Abstract: A seed metering mechanism including a seed singulator assembly for reducing the likelihood of or eliminating double or excess seeds being carried by a seed disc of the seed metering mechanism to a discharge area of the seed metering mechanism for deposit to the ground. The singulator assembly is disposed downstream of a seed chamber and upstream of the seed discharge area of a seed metering mechanism. The seed singulator of the present invention includes a seed engaging member arranged on opposite sides of the path of travel of a circular array of openings on a seed disc of the seed metering mechanism. The spacings between the seed engaging members being such that only a single seed carried in each opening is permitted to pass therebetween.

Abstract: Vacuum seed metering apparatus is operably arranged in combination with a seed storage hopper. The seed metering apparatus includes a rotatable disc having a circular row of apertures for movement along a predetermined path during rotation of the disc. A housing is arranged in seed receiving relation relative to the seed hopper, and includes an interior divided by the disc into a seed chamber to hold seeds and a vacuum chamber extending at least partially around the path of movement of the apertures. The vacuum chamber has a leading end, a trailing end, and a vacuum exhaust port in communication with a vacuum source therebetween. The trailing end of said chamber is arranged adjacent to a seed discharge area where seeds are released from the disc, and an opening is provided proximate to the seed discharge area to enhance the release of seeds from the disc.

Abstract: A seed agitating assembly for a seed metering mechanism including a housing with a seed reservoir area wherein a mass of seeds are held and a rotatable seed disc internally carried by the housing. The seed disc is provide with a circular array of holes or throughopenings for captively transferring seeds from the seed reservoir to a seed discharge area on the seed metering mechanism. The seed discharge area is typically arranged in spaced relation from the seed reservoir. A rotary drive shaft extends endwise through the housing for imparting rotational movements to the seed disc. According to the present invention, a seed agitator assembly is provided for stirring or agitating the seeds in the seed reservoir. The seed agitating assembly includes a generally circular or plate-like member that is operably coupled to the drive shaft.

Abstract: Sealing arrangement for a vacuum seed metering mechanism includes a housing assembly divided into a seed receiving chamber and a vacuum chamber by a circular seed disc having parallel and flat sides. The seed disc is provided with a circular row of openings proximate a periphery of the seed disc. Due to a pressure differential across the openings, seeds supplied to the seed receiving chamber of the seed metering mechanism are carried by the openings of the seed disc to a seed discharge area of the seed metering mechanism. The housing assembly of the seed metering mechanism includes a cover portion having an integrally formed sealing face; preferably formed of a pair of radially spaced annular flat sealing faces and a transverse ramp portion. The annular faces are joined to each other in a common plane to define the boundary of the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A baffle assembly for a seed metering mechanism that is mounted in combination with a seed hopper holding a supply of seeds that are to be dispensed into a furrow with regularity by the seed metering mechanism. The seed metering mechanism includes a two-piece housing divided into a seed chamber and a vacuum chamber by a rotatable disc having a series of throughopenings or holes arranged circumferentially adjacent the perimeter of the disc. The disc picks up seeds from the seed chamber and carries them around to a discharge area of the seed metering mechanism whereat they are released for gravitational deposit into the furrow in the ground below. A seed delivery chute gravitationally directs the seeds from the seed hopper to an opening defined by the housing from which the seeds are deposited into the seed chamber.