GB189785A - Improvements in or relating to machines for sowing seeds - Google Patents

Abstract

189,785. Thomas, M. J. C. M. Nov. 28, 1922. Seed distributors comprise a hopper 4 having an aperture at the base in which one or more distributor plates 7, Fig. 4, are fitted, the openings 8 in these plates being closed periodically by a flap 11 hinged on a shaft 12. The flap, which swings open under the effect of gravity until it gears against a stop which is adjustable by a hand-lever 38, is intermittently operated to close the said outlets by a spring plunger 23 reciprocated by a bell-crank lever 22 receiving its motion from a cam on the wheel axle. Several cams are fitted on the axle, any one of which may be used to operate the bell-crank. The flap 11 may be moved to its closed position by pulling a cord 45 The distributing apertures 8 are provided with short outward flanges 16 and plates 14 may be lowered to put any desired number of the apertures out of operation. The seeds fall into hoppers 15 at the top of shoots 5 which may be adjusted transversely of the distributor along a shaft 50 or removed altogether. Baffles 40 are arranged in the shoots to ensure a steady flow of seeds to the coulters. A hand-lever 51 lifts all the shoots simultaneously when required for transport. Each coulter has a double nose 43, 44, and carries seed-covering plates 42. For sowing in patches the shoots 5 are replaced by smooth vertical shoots, and for broadcasting the coulters at the bottom of the shoots 5 are replaced by small convex blades on to which the seeds fall. The hopper may be provided with detachable partitions 55 to confine the seeds to compartments above the active openings in the distributor. The plates 7 may be replaced by similar plates having a different number of openings.