Abstract: A seed placement unit including a body, a seed channel and a placement chamber, the seed channel extending from a first end, open to the exterior of the body for seed input, to a second end, open to the exterior of the body adjoining the placement chamber, for seed output. A guidance wheel intersects the seed channel and has at least one opening to receive a seed within the seed channel and carry it through the seed channel as the guidance wheel is rotated by a Geneva gear or other suitable mechanism. A closing wheel mechanism in the placement chamber rotates in synchronism with the guidance wheel to receive a seed from the seed channel and transfer the seed to the seed output opening. The seed placement unit may be carried on an agricultural vehicle or other mobile conveyance.

Abstract: A seeding robot includes a power supply, a frame, an opening device for creating a trench, a seed reservoir, and a seed dispensing apparatus configured to deposit seed in the trench from a dispense point. A pair of driven leading wheels are laterally offset to opposite sides of the dispense point. A trailing wheel is positioned behind, and aligned on a longitudinal axis with, the dispense point. The trailing wheel may serve a pressing function behind the seeding operation. Methods of autonomous seeding with such a robot are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seeding apparatus includes a frame supported on ground-engaging wheels, an opening device for creating a trench, a seed reservoir, and seed dispensing apparatus configured to deposit seed in the trench. The opening device is mounted to the frame by a four-bar linkage having first and second link arms. Each of the first and second link arms is pivotably connected to the frame by respective first and second pivot joints, and to the opening device by respective third and fourth pivot joints disposed forwardly of the first and second pivot joints. The opening device is ‘pushed’ through the soil via the four-bar linkage.

Abstract: A self-propelled seeding vehicle includes a seed sorting and placement unit controlled by an on-board control system. The control system further controls a motive power unit operable to cause the vehicle to controllably traverse an area of ground to be seeded. The control system is further operable to control the sequential depositing of seeds independently of the speed of traversal of the ground by the vehicle.

Abstract: A seed transfer unit for an agricultural planter, having first and second transfer bodies, with each having a plate with a cylindrical sidewall extending perpendicularly. The first and second plates are mounted to permit relative rotation therebetween about a device axis coincident with the major axes through the first and second cylindrical side walls, with the first and second plates parallel, and with the second cylindrical side wall disposed within, and concentric with, the first cylindrical side wall, such that the first and second plates and first and second cylindrical side walls define an annular space therebetween. The first plate has an inlet aperture through which a seed may pass to the annular space, and the second plate has at least one outlet aperture through which a seed is ejected.

Abstract: A seed transfer unit for an agricultural planter, having first and second transfer bodies, with each having a plate with a cylindrical sidewall extending perpendicularly. The first and second plates are mounted to permit relative rotation therebetween about a device axis coincident with the major axes through the first and second cylindrical side walls, with the first and second plates parallel, and with the second cylindrical side wall disposed within, and concentric with, the first cylindrical side wall, such that the first and second plates and first and second cylindrical side walls define an annular space therebetween. The first plate has an inlet aperture through which a seed may pass to the annular space, and the second plate has at least one outlet aperture through which a seed is ejected.

Abstract: A seed placement unit including a body, a seed channel and a placement chamber, the seed channel extending from a first end, open to the exterior of the body for seed input, to a second end, open to the exterior of the body adjoining the placement chamber, for seed output. A guidance wheel intersects the seed channel and has at least one opening to receive a seed within the seed channel and carry it through the seed channel as the guidance wheel is rotated by a Geneva gear or other suitable mechanism. A closing wheel mechanism in the placement chamber rotates in synchronism with the guidance wheel to receive a seed from the seed channel and transfer the seed to the seed output opening. The seed placement unit may be carried on an agricultural vehicle or other mobile conveyance.

Abstract: A self-propelled seeding vehicle includes a seed sorting and placement unit controlled by an on-board control system. The control system further controls a motive power unit operable to cause the vehicle to controllably traverse an area of ground to be seeded. The control system is further operable to control the sequential depositing of seeds independently of the speed of traversal of the ground by the vehicle.