AU6547201A

AU6547201A - Seeding device

Info

Publication number: AU6547201A
Application number: AU65472/01A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Douglas Harrington
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-08-28
Filing date: 2001-08-27
Publication date: 2002-03-07

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor Address for service is: Douglas Harrington Douglas Harrington WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: "Seeding Device" Details of Associated Provisional Application No: PQ9740 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- -2- "Seeding Device" Field Of The Invention The present invention relates to the field of agriculture, and in particular to a seeding device for use in agriculture. In particular, the seeding device of the present invention is intended for use for seeding and fertilising operations of crops.

Background Art No-till or continuous cropping practices have become increasingly common in the agriculture industry. This type of farming involves planting seeds amongst the debris of the previous seasons crop rather than tilling or ploughing the debris prior to planting. It has some inherent benefits over prior tillage methods. It has been found to reduce erosion of the soil, improve moisture retention, improve the effectiveness of fertilisers and enhance the soil conditions generally. A further benefit of this variation of farming is the obvious reduction in labour and subsequent reduction in costs associated with fewer operations.

The normal seed planting process used during continuous cropping operations uses a device as known as a sowing tyne. The tynes are shaped to plough furrows and also to clear debris directly prior to seeding. These tynes are typically positioned at incremental distances along a forward face of a tractor drawn seeding trailer. During operation, debris is collected on the forward face of the tynes until it reaches a critical size whereby it falls onto one side such that a furrow relatively clear of debris remains. This operation has an inherent problem relating to debris clearance, as the close proximity of the tynes to one another can cause debris to accumulate on their forward face, thereby increasing the pull load on the tractor.

A second consideration when planting seeds is seed depth. Seeds have an optimal seed depth where germination conditions are the most favourable.

-3- Further, when seeds are planted at different depths they tend to germinate and emerge from the ground at different times thereby reducing yields.

A further consideration is the effective use of fertiliser. Top dressing, nitrogen fertiliser is often evenly spread over the crop area before of after seeding. The problem with this even spread type fertilising is that both the seeds and weeds have reasonably equal access to the fertiliser.

It is an object of this invention to provide a seeding device that attempts to overcome some of the aforementioned difficulties.

Throughout the specification, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Disclosure Of The Invention In accordance with the present invention there is provided a seeding device for use during seeding and fertilising operations in agriculture, said seeding device having paired furrow forming means, said paired furrow forming means having one furrow forming means located on either side of a central axis and arranged to deflect soil from each furrow created thereby toward said central axis, said paired furrow forming means being located ahead of support means, said support means being arranged to support said seeding device within a predetermined height range to control the depth of furrows formed by said paired furrow forming means, and including deflection means to deflect said soil over each said furrow, and a delivery means located to deliver seed and optionally fertiliser into each said furrow created by said paired furrow forming means ahead of said deflection means.

Preferably said seeding device includes a preceding furrow forming means for creating a preceding furrow on said central axis, ahead of said paired furrow forming means. Preferably still, a preceding delivery means is located to deliver -4fertiliser and/or seed into said preceding furrow, ahead of said paired furrow forming means. Further and still preferably, the preceding furrow forming means is arranged to deflect trash away from said central axis.

Preferably said paired furrow forming means are arranged to deflect soil from each furrow created thereby, over said preceding furrow.

Preferably said paired furrow forming means is in the form of two disks that are mounted for rotation.

Preferably, the two disks have a positive camber and a toe-out arrangement. Still preferably, the disks have a positive camber of less than 450 and a toe-out angle of less than 450. Further and still preferably, the disks have a positive camber of from 00 to 100 and a toe-out angle of from 50 to 150. In a highly preferred form of the invention, the disks have a positive camber of from 1.50 to 20 and a toe-out angle of about 100.

Preferably, said furrow forming means have height adjustment means, said height adjustment means being used to change the depth of said furrows created thereby.

Preferably said height adjustment means comprises a height adjuster for each said furrow forming means.

Preferably said deflection means is located along said central axis.

Preferably, said support means and said deflection means are formed integrally.

Preferably said support means is in the form of a wheel. Still preferably, the wheel has a narrow horizontal footprint and said deflection means comprises tapered faces on said wheel located either side of said footprint, said tapered faces in operation deflecting said soil back over each said furrow. The tapered faces taper away from said footprint towards the axis of the wheel. The tapered faces may be convex, flat, concave, or irregular in shape, although concave or flat are most preferred, with flat being most preferred due to ease of formation.

Preferably, the tapered faces are of flat configuration angled at from 300 to 600 from said footprint (as measured at any radial point), with an angle of from 400 to 500 being preferred. Most preferably, the angle is about 450 Preferably, said paired furrow forming means and said support means are mounted on a first frame.

Preferably, said first frame is arranged for pivotal attachment to a frame member or boom of an agricultural implement.

Preferably, said preceding furrow forming means is mounted relative to said first frame on said frame member or boom.

The pivotal attachment of the first frame to the frame member or boom of the agricultural implement allows said first frame to act relatively independently from the frame member or boom such that any lift in the frame member or boom has a limited effect on the height of said paired furrow forming means and hence the depth of said paired furrows. Further and still preferably, said first frame is mounted via a pivot proximate to the mounting point of the preceding furrow forming means on said frame member or boom.

Preferably, said paired furrow forming means is mounted to said first frame at sufficient distance away from said preceding furrow forming means so as to avoid soil splash from said preceding furrow forming means. Still preferably, said paired furrow forming means is located a distance of between 200mm and 800mm from said preceding furrow forming means along said central axis. Further and still preferably, said paired furrow forming means is located a distance of about 540mm from the furrow forming means along said central axis.

-6- Preferably said deliver means and said preceding delivery means incorporates a tubular member for directing seed and/or fertiliser into said furrows and preceding furrow respectively.

Preferably the spacing between the centre of the disks and therefore said paired furrow forming means is as close as is practicable. Still preferably, the spacing between the disks is from 5 to 7 inches. Further and still preferably, the spacing between the disks is about 6 inches.

Brief Description Of The Drawings The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to one preferred embodiment thereof, made with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a seeding device in accordance with the embodiment; Figure 2 is a top view showing the seeding device in accordance with the embodiment; Figure 3 is a side view showing the seeding device in accordance with the embodiment; Figure 4 is a back view showing the seeding device in accordance with the embodiment; Figure 5 is a representation of the soil profile resulting from use of the seeding device in accordance with the embodiment; Figure 6 is a representation of the soil profile resulting from use of the seeding device in accordance with the embodiment; and Figure 7 is a representation of the soil profile resulting from use of the seeding device in accordance with the embodiment.

-7- Best Mode(S) For Carrying Out The Invention The embodiment is a seeding device 10 for attachment to a frame member or boom of an agricultural implement (not shown) for use during seeding and fertilising operations for crops.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the seeding device 10 comprises a means to create a preceding furrow in the form of a tyne 12. The tyne 12 is mounted on a tyne supporting member 14 that is supported on the frame member or boom of the agricultural implement (not shown).

The seeding device 10 has a frame 16 that is pivoted about a pivot point 18 in connection with the seeding trailer. The pivot point 18 is created by a rod 20 that is passed through the frame 16 and brackets 22 secured to the seeding trailer.

Disks 24 are mounted on the frame 16 via disk mounting plates 26 by bolting the disk mounting plates 26 to the frame 16 through apertures 28. The disk mounting plates 26 have a number of apertures 28 which allows the height of the disks 24 to be incrementally adjusted.

The disks 24 rotate about disk axles 30 which are secured to the disk mounting plates 26. Disk bearings 32 allow free rotation of the disks 24.

The seeding device 10 also has combined support means and deflection means in the form of a wheel 34. The wheel 34 is mounted at the opposing end of the frame 16 to the tyne 12 and directly behind the tyne 12.

The frame 16 has two arms 35a and 35b, located on either side of a central axis (not shown), the central axis being defined as the line between the wheel 34 and the tyne 12. Each arm 35a and 35b has a first bend 36 and a second bend 38 which bends separate a first section 40, a second section 42 and a third section 44. The first section 40 and third section 44 of the frame 16 run substantially parallel to the central axis. The second section 42 is bent inwardly towards the third section 44 at angle approximately 100 to the central axis as best seen in -8- Figure 2. The angle of the second section 42 together with the angle that the frame 16 depends from the agricultural implement sets a toe-out angle of approximately 100 and a positive camber of 1.50 to 20 in each disk 24..

The wheel 34 has a deflection means in the form of inwardly tapered circumferential faces 46 on located either side of the wheel footprint 48. The tapered faces 46 are at an angle of approximately 450 to the wheel footprint 48, as measured at any radial point along the footprint.

The seeding device 10 is also fitted with a means to deliver seed and/or fertiliser in the form of a preceding delivery tube 50 and secondary delivery tubes 52. The preceding delivery tube 50 is mounted on the tyne supporting member 14 and arranged to direct fertiliser seed behind the tyne 12. The secondary delivery tubes 52 are mounted to the disk mounting plates 26 on each side of the frame 16, and direct seed and fertiliser behind the disks 24 with the help of delivery deflection plates 54 which are also mounted to the disk mounting plates 26.

In use, as the seeding device 10 is pulled through the soil, the tyne 12 creates a preceding furrow 56 as shown in Figure 5. The preceding delivery tube 50 directs fertiliser into the preceding furrow 56. The disks 24 positioned on each side of the central axis then deflect soil from each furrow 58 created thereby toward said central axis to create a mound 60 as represented in Figure 6 which covers the preceding furrow 56. The secondary delivery tubes 52 direct seed and starter fertiliser into these furrows 58. The wheel 34 then presses down on the mound and the tapered faces 46 deflect the soil into the furrows 58 thereby covering the seed and starter fertiliser, and leaving relatively flat ground 62 as shown in Figure 7. At the correct operational speed, the tapered faces 46 deflect soil as it follows its trajectory after being deflected from the furrows 58 by the disks 24. The soil deflected by the tapered faces falls back into the furrows 58 over the seed and starter fertiliser, before being pressed down as the wheel 34 and its tapered faces 46 pass over it. Thus at the correct operational speed, the mound 60 shown in figure 6 may not fully form; thus figure 6 should be taken as representative of the deflection of soil from the furrows 58, if the deflected soil falls on the ground without being first deflected by the tapered faces 46.

-9- It is envisaged that disks 24 will have a diameter of about 318mm. The size of the disks 24 may be varied if compensation is made for the change in height using the disk mounting plates 26.

The spacing between the discs 24 and therefore the furrows 58 is 6 inches. This is thought to limit the growth of weeds as the close proximity of the crops growing in each of the furrows 58 will out compete the growth of weeds in the preceding furrow 56 area where the fertiliser is most concentrated. Weed growth will also be reduced on the outward side of the furrows as they do not have access to the fertiliser directed into the preceding furrow 56.

It is further envisaged that the method of covering the seed with soil will improve seed germination. When the wheel 34 presses down on the mound 60 the soil is loosely covered over the seed but firmly packed onto the side of the seed, thereby providing the seed with a stable platform for growth and allowing the seed to germinate and rise through the soil with minimal resistance from the soil.

The invention possesses a number of advantages over hitherto known seeding equipment. With the arrangement of the invention, the height of the tyne 12 and hence its penetration into the soil can be set independently of the height of the disks 24. As a consequence, seed depth is not disturbed by the tyne 12 riding up over, for example, obstacles in the ground, as such movement is taken up through the pivotal movement of the frame 16 to which the disks 24 are attached.

The seeds are contained in furrows which are separate from the fertiliser in the preceding furrow dug by the tyne 12. As a consequence, not being in direct contact with the fertiliser, the seeds are not subject to toxicity from the fertiliser, and the amount of fertiliser can be increased. This contrasts with prior art arrangements, where it was often necessary to conduct a fertilisation operation independently of the seeding operation, in order to avoid toxicity problems.With two disks 24 providing two rows of seeds (one row of seeds per disk 24), for each tyne 12 (instead of one row of seeds per tyne in prior art seeders) the number of tynes is reduced for a given number of rows of seed, reducing the load on the tractor or other towing vehicle, and hence the power requirements on the vehicle.

Fertiliser can also be placed at a different depth from the seed placement depth.

Operation of a seeder according to the embodiment and the invention allows for trash clearance, preceding furrow formation and fertiliser placement, placed fertiliser covering, seed furrow formation, and seed placement, and placed seed covering, in a single operation and pass.

The shading on Figures 1 to 4 merely serves to highlight the different angles of the surfaces of the embodiment. They are not to be interpreted as features of the embodiment.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described herein.

Claims

1. A seeding device for use during seeding and fertilising operations in agriculture, said seeding device having paired furrow forming means, said paired furrow forming means having one furrow forming means located on either side of a central axis and arranged to deflect soil from each furrow created thereby toward said central axis, said paired furrow forming means being located ahead of support means, said support means being arranged to support said seeding device within a predetermined height range to control the depth of furrows formed by said paired furrow forming means, and including deflection means to deflect said soil over each said furrow, and a delivery means located to deliver seed and optionally fertiliser into each said furrow created by said paired furrow forming means ahead of said deflection means.

2. A seeding device as claimed in claim 1 also including a preceding furrow forming means for creating a preceding furrow on said central axis, ahead of said paired furrow forming means.

3. A seeding device as claimed in claim 2 also including a preceding delivery means is located to deliver fertiliser and/or seed into said preceding furrow, ahead of said paired furrow forming means.

4. A seeding device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the preceding furrow forming means is arranged to deflect trash away from said central axis. A seeding device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said paired furrow forming means are arranged to deflect soil from each furrow created thereby, over said preceding furrow.

6. A seeding device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said paired furrow forming means is in the form of two disks that are mounted for rotation. -12-

7. A seeding device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the two disks have a positive camber and a toe-out arrangement.

8. A seeding device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the disks have a positive camber of less than 450 and a toe-out angle of less than 450

9. A seeding device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the disks have a positive camber of from 00 to 100 and a toe-out angle of from 50 to 150 A seeding device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the disks have a positive camber of from 1.50 to 20 and a toe-out angle of about 100.

11. A seeding device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said furrow forming means have height adjustment means, said height adjustment means being used to change the depth of said furrows created thereby.

12. A seeding device as claimed in claim 11 wherein said height adjustment means comprises a height adjuster for each said furrow forming means.

13. A seeding device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said deflection means is located along said central axis.

14. A seeding device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said support means and said deflection means are formed integrally. A seeding device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said support means is in the form of a wheel.

16. A seeding device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the wheel has a narrow horizontal footprint and said deflection means comprises tapered faces on said wheel located either side of said footprint, said tapered faces in operation deflecting said soil back over each said furrow. -13-

17. A seeding device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the tapered faces are of flat configuration angled at from 300 to 600 from said footprint (as measured at any radial point).

18. A seeding device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the tapered faces are of flat configuration angled at from 400 to 500 from said footprint (as measured at any radial point).

19. A seeding device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the tapered faces are of flat configuration angled at about 450 from said footprint (as measured at any radial point).

20. A seeding device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said paired furrow forming means and said support means are mounted on a first frame.

21. A seeding device as claimed in claim 20 wherein said first frame is arranged for pivotal attachment to a frame member or boom of an agricultural implement.

22. A seeding device as claimed in claim 20 or 21 wherein said preceding furrow forming means is mounted relative to said first frame on said frame member or boom.

23. A seeding device as claimed in claim 20 or 21 wherein said first frame is mounted via a pivot proximate to the mounting point of the preceding furrow forming means on said frame member or boom.

24. A seeding device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said delivery means and said preceding delivery means incorporates a tubular member for directing seed and/or fertiliser into said furrows and preceding furrow respectively. -14- A seeding device substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings. Dated this Twenty Seventh day of August 2001. DOUGLAS JOHN HARRINGTON Applicant Wray Associates Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant(s)