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Title:
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/208122
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention relates to an agricultural implement and to an agricultural apparatus incorporating the implement. The agricultural implement includes a control arrangement (38) including a rotor (234) mounted for rotation in a dispensing cavity (230) in order to dispense seed and/or granular fertiliser in a controlled fashion. The agricultural implement further includes a ground-engaging element (18) which is rotatable when the implement is displaced relative to the ground with which the ground engaging element is in contact. A drive arrangement drivingly connects the ground-engaging element to the control arrangement. The ground-engaging element (18) is configured to open a furrow in the ground and the seed and/or fertiliser discharged by the rotor is fed into the furrow. The apparatus further includes a knife element (243)which follows the ground-engaging element to keep the furrow open until the seed and/or fertiliser have been deposited therein. The seed is then urged into the soil by means of a firmer (150) and the furrow is closed by a compactor (152).

Inventors:
MAKKINK ANDREW EUGENE (ZA)
JORDAAN PIETER WILLEM (ZA)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2017/053112
Publication Date:
December 07, 2017
Filing Date:
May 26, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
MAKKINKTECH (PROPRIETARY) LTD (ZA)
International Classes:
A01B49/06; A01C19/04; A01C5/06; A01C7/12
Foreign References:
US20080053350A12008-03-06
US2801772A1957-08-06
DE29714900U11997-11-06
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
MACKENZIE, Colin (ZA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:

1. An agricultural implement which includes:

a body which defines a dispensing cavity;

a feed opening leading into the dispensing cavity and connectable to a supply of articles to be dispensed;

a downwardly directed discharge opening leading from the dispensing cavity through which articles to be dispensed can be discharged from the dispensing cavity; a control arrangement which is rotatably mounted in the dispensing cavity for rotation about a first axis of rotation and configured to regulate the passage of articles from the feed opening to the discharge opening;

a ground engaging element mounted to the body for rotation about a second axis of rotation when the implement is displaced relative to the ground with which the ground engaging element is in contact; and

a drive arrangement drivingly connecting the ground engaging element to the control arrangement.

2. An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 1, in which the control arrangement includes a rotor which is rotatably mounted in the dispensing cavity, the rotor defining circumferentially spaced compartments within which an article, e.g. a seed or a predetermined quantity of granular fertiliser is receivable, such that as the rotor rotates each compartment passes through a collection position in which an article from the feed opening enters the compartment and is conveyed to a discharge position, which is angularly spaced from the collection position, where it is discharged from the compartment and out of the discharge opening onto the ground over which the implement is travelling.

3. An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 2, in which, each compartment is in the form of a recess in an outer peripheral surface of the rotor and the shape, spacing and dimensions of the recesses are selected depending on the article to be dispensed. An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 2, in which the rotor includes a hub and a plurality of fingers protruding from the hub, each compartment being in the form of a recess provided in one of the fingers.

An agricultural implement as claimed any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the rotor is of unitary, i.e. one piece, construction.

An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, in which the rotor comprises a plurality of circular cylindrical rotor sections which are arranged axially side-by-side to form the rotor

An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 6, in which each compartment is formed by a recess in one or more of the rotor sections such that the volume of the article being dispensed can be varied by selecting rotor sections having the desired arrangement of recesses.

An agricultural implement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7,in which the ground engaging element is in the form of a disc or coulter.

An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 8, in which the coulter includes an annular peripheral ground engaging rim and a central portion which is recessed and within which at least part of the body is received.

An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 8, in which the coulter includes a circular disc and a shoulder which protrudes laterally from the disc and serves to limit the depth to which an edge portion of the disc penetrates the ground, in use.

An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 10, in which the size of the shoulder and hence the extent to which the peripheral edge of the disc protrudes beyond an outer or ground-engaging surface of the shoulder and penetrates the ground is adjustable. An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 11, in which the shoulder comprises a plurality of angularly spaced shoulder segments, each of which is provided with complementary first and second engaging formations configured such that the first engaging formation of one shoulder segment engages slidably with the second engaging formation of an adjacent shoulder segment, the coulter including locking means for locking the shoulder segments releasably in a desired position.

An agricultural implement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the drive arrangement includes a gear train for translating rotation of the ground engaging element by virtue of its interaction with the ground into rotation of the rotor, the gear ratio of the gear train typically being selected to rotate the rotor at a rate which will provide a desired spacing between articles discharged from the discharge opening.

An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 13, in which the gear train includes a pinion which is drivingly connected to the ground engaging element, a driven gear which is drivingly connected to the rotor and one or more intermediate gears which connect the pinion to the driven gear to provide the desired gear ratio.

An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 14, in which the ground engaging element is connected to a driveshaft which is rotatably mounted to the body and which is provided with a drive formation at an end thereof, the pinion having a complementary drive formation which is drivingly engaged with the drive formation on the driveshaft.

An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 15 which includes a gear-mounting bracket which is dismountably mounted to the body and two gears which are rotatably mounted on each side of the bracket such that the gears on one side of the bracket are in driving engagement and the gears on the other side of the bracket are in driving engagement, each gear having a driving formation which is complementary to the drive formation of the driveshaft and the bracket being selectively mountable to the body in four different orientations such that any one of the gears mounted on the bracket can be drivingly connected to the driveshaft and function as the pinion.

An agricultural implement as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, in which, the body includes a peripheral side wall, and a pair of end panels closing opposite ends of the side wall, a partition being provided in the body between the side walls dividing the body into a first section within which the dispensing cavity is defined and a second section within which the gear train is contained.

An agricultural apparatus which includes a support structure which is connectable to a draught vehicle and at least one agricultural implement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 which is connected to the support structure.

An agricultural implement as claimed in claim 18, which includes a V-shaped knife element which is connected to the support structure and is positioned to trail the implement and run in a furrow formed by the ground engaging element.

An agricultural apparatus as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, which includes an opener/clearer which is connected to the support structure and is positioned ahead of the implement in order to open the soil in which the seeds and/or fertiliser are to be deposited.

An agricultural apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, which includes a closer which is connected to the support structure and which trails the agricultural implement in order to close the soil over the seeds and/or fertiliser which is deposited therein.

An agricultural apparatus as claimed in claim 21, which includes a firmer which is connected to the support structure and which is positioned between the agricultural implement and the closer and is configured to apply a downward load to a seed deposited in the soil in order to seat the seed in the soil. An agricultural apparatus as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, which includes a leveller and compactor which is connected to the support structure and which trails the closer in order to level and lightly compact the soil which is displaced over the seed or fertiliser by the closer.

An agricultural apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 23, in which the implement is be connected to the support structure such that the second axis of rotation extends at an acute angle to a longitudinal direction along which the apparatus is displaced in use.

An agricultural apparatus as claimed in claim 24 in which the ground engaging element will be inclined at angle to the longitudinal direction which will result in the ground engaging element displacing the soil laterally to form a furrow and the discharge opening is positioned to discharge seeds and/or fertiliser into the furrow.

Description:
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT

This invention relates to agriculture. More particularly, it relates to an agricultural implement. It further relates to an agricultural apparatus.

According to one aspect of there is provide an agricultural implement which includes:

a body which defines a dispensing cavity;

a feed opening leading into the dispensing cavity and connectable to a supply of articles to be dispensed;

a downwardly directed discharge opening leading from the dispensing cavity through which articles to be dispensed can be discharged from the dispensing cavity; a control arrangement which is rotatably mounted in the dispensing cavity for rotation about a first axis of rotation and configured to regulate the passage of articles from the feed opening to the discharge opening;

a ground engaging element mounted to the body for rotation about a second axis of rotation when the implement is displaced relative to the ground with which the ground engaging element is in contact; and

a drive arrangement drivingly connecting the ground engaging element to the control arrangement.

The Inventors believe that the implement will be suitable for use in planting seeds and/or distributing fertiliser. Accordingly, the articles may be seeds or predetermined quantities of granular fertiliser. It will be appreciated that as the implement is being displaced across an agricultural land with the ground engaging element in contact with the land, forces acting between the land and the ground engaging element cause the ground engaging element to rotate about the second axis of rotation which, in turn, causes the control arrangement to be rotated about the first axis of rotation thereby regulating the discharge of seeds and/or fertiliser from the implement into the ground. The control arrangement may include a rotor which is rotatably mounted in the dispensing cavity, the rotor defining circumferentially spaced compartments within which an article, e.g. a seed or a predetermined quantity of granular fertiliser is receivable, such that as the rotor rotates each compartment passes through a collection position in which an article from the feed opening enters the compartment and is conveyed to a discharge position, which is angularly spaced from the collection position, where it is discharged from the compartment and out of the discharge opening onto the ground over which the implement is travelling. In one embodiment of the invention, each compartment may be in the form of a recess in an outer peripheral surface of the rotor and the shape, spacing and dimensions of the recesses are selected depending on the article to be dispensed.

In another embodiment of the invention, the rotor may include a hub and a plurality of fingers protruding from the hub, each compartment being in the form of a recess provided in one of the fingers.

In one embodiment of the invention, the rotor may be of unitary, i.e. one piece, construction. In this embodiment a rotor having the desired configuration of compartments, i.e. the desired shape, volumetric capacity and angular spacing will be selected. A variety of rotors intended for different applications e.g. different types of seeds and/ or different volumes of fertiliser may be available.

In another embodiment of the invention, the rotor may comprise a plurality of circular cylindrical rotor sections which are arranged axially side-by-side to form the rotor. Each compartment may be formed by a recess in one or more of the rotor sections. Hence, the volume of the article being dispensed can be varied by selecting rotor sections having the desired arrangement of recesses. In one embodiment of the invention, the rotor may comprise three rotor sections. Each of the rotor sections may be of the same width. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotor may include two narrow rotor segments which are substantially of the same width and a wide rotor segment which has a width which is greater than that of the two narrow rotor segments. Hence by making use of different rotor segments, the effective sizes of the compartments may be adjusted to suit the intended application.

Naturally, the angular spacing between the compartments can be selected to optimise the spacing between seeds and/or fertiliser discharged from the implement.

The ground engaging element may be in the form of a disc or coulter.

In one embodiment, the coulter may include an annular peripheral ground engaging rim and a central portion which is recessed and within which at least part of the body is received.

In another embodiment, the coulter may include a circular disc and a shoulder which protrudes laterally from the disc and serves to limit the depth to which an edge portion of the disc penetrates the ground, in use. Accordingly, a peripheral outer surface of the shoulder will form a ground engaging surface which will serve to limit the depth to which the edge portion of the disc which protrudes beyond the peripheral surface of the shoulder penetrates the ground. The size of the shoulder and hence the extent to which the peripheral edge of the disc protrudes beyond an outer or ground-engaging surface of the shoulder and penetrates the ground may be adjustable.

The shoulder may comprise a plurality of angularly spaced shoulder segments, each of which is provided with complementary first and second engaging formations configured such that the first engaging formation of one shoulder segment engages slidably with the second engaging formation of an adjacent shoulder segment, the coulter including locking means for locking the shoulder segments releasably in a desired position. The drive arrangement may include a gear train for translating rotation of the ground engaging element by virtue of its interaction with the ground into rotation of the rotor, the gear ratio of the gear train typically being selected to rotate the rotor at a rate which will provide a desired spacing between articles discharged from the discharge opening.

The gear train may include a pinion which is drivingly connected to the ground engaging element, a driven gear which is drivingly connected to the rotor and one or more intermediate gears which connect the pinion to the driven gear to provide the desired gear ratio.

In this regard, the gear ratio may be selected such that the rotor rotates at between 30% and 35% of the rotational speed of the coulter. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the coulter will rotate at about three times the rotational speed of the rotor.

The ground engaging element may be connected to a driveshaft which is rotatably mounted to the body and which is provided with a drive formation at an end thereof, the pinion having a complementary drive formation which is drivingly engaged with the drive formation on the driveshaft. The drive formations may be in the form of complementary non-circular male and female formations.

The agricultural implement may include a gear-mounting bracket which is dismountably mounted to the body, and two gears which are rotatably mounted on each side of the bracket such that the gears on one side of the bracket are in driving engagement and the gears on the other side of the bracket are in driving engagement, each gear having a driving formation which is complementary to the drive formation of the driveshaft and the bracket being selectively mountable to the body in four different orientations such that any one of the gears mounted on the bracket can be drivingly connected to the driveshaft and function as the pinion. The meshing gears on opposite sides of the bracket will typically have different gear ratios. Accordingly, simply by varying the orientation of the bracket, any one of the gears can function as the pinion and the gear train, as a whole, can be provided with four different gear ratios.

The body typically includes a peripheral side wall, and a pair of end panels closing opposite ends of the side wall, a partition being provided in the body between the side walls dividing the body into a first section within which the dispensing cavity is defined and a second section within which the gear train is contained.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an agricultural apparatus which includes a support structure which is connectable to a draught vehicle and at least one agricultural implement as described above which is connected to the support structure.

The agricultural apparatus may include an opener or clearer which is connected to the support structure and is positioned ahead of the implement in order to open the soil in which the seeds and/or fertiliser are to be deposited.

The agricultural apparatus may include generally a V-shaped knife element which is connected to the support structure and is positioned to trail the implement and run in a furrow formed by the ground engaging element. The knife element serves to keep the furrow open to facilitate the correct and accurate placement of seeds and/or fertiliser at the required depth of the furrow.

The apparatus may include a closer which is connected to the support structure and which trails the agricultural implement in order to close the soil over the seeds and/or fertiliser which is deposited therein.

The apparatus may include a firmer which is connected to the support structure and which is positioned between the agricultural implement and the closer and is configured to apply a downward load to a seed deposited in the soil in order to seat the seed in the soil.

The apparatus may include a compactor which is connected to the support structure and which trails the closer in order to compact the soil which is displaced over the seed or fertiliser by the closer.

The apparatus, when connected to a draught vehicle will be displaced, in use, in a longitudinal direction and the implement may be connected to the support structure such that the second axis of rotation extends at an acute angle to the longitudinal direction. Hence, the ground engaging element will be inclined at angle to the longitudinal direction which will result in the ground engaging element displacing the soil laterally to form a furrow and the discharge opening is positioned to discharge seeds and/or fertiliser into the furrow.

Alternatively the apparatus can also be connected in such a way that it runs in a straight longitudinal direction, i.e. it rotates about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction while depositing the seeds or fertilizers in the furrow that has been opened by the opener in front.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatical drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a side view of one embodiment of an agricultural apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows a plan view of part of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of an agricultural implement forming part of the apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a rear view of the agricultural implement of Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the agricultural implement of Figure 3;

Figure 6 shows, on an enlarged scale, a three-dimensional view of part of the agricultural implement of Figure 3;

Figure 7 shows a side view of the agricultural implement with a side panel removed;

Figure 8 shows a three-dimensional view of the agricultural implement of Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows one configuration of a rotor forming part of the agricultural implement;

Figure 10 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a rotor forming a part of the agricultural implement; Figure 11 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a rotor forming part of an agricultural implement;

Figure 12 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a rotor forming part of the agricultural implement;

Figure 13 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a rotor forming part of the agricultural implement;

Figure 14 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a rotor forming part of the agricultural implement;

Figure 15 shows a three-dimensional view of a rotor segment for forming a rotor of the agricultural implement;

Figure 16 shows a three-dimensional view of another rotor segment;

Figure 17 shows a three-dimensional view of another rotor segment;

Figure 18 shows a three-dimensional view of another rotor segment;

Figure 19 shows a three-dimensional view of another rotor segment;

Figure 20 shows a three-dimensional view of another rotor segment

Figure 21 shows a three-dimensional view of another rotor segment;

Figure 22 shows a three-dimensional view of another rotor segment;

Figure 23 shows a three-dimensional view of another rotor segment;

Figure 24 shows a three-dimensional view of the agricultural implement shown from the other side to that shown in Figure 3 with the side panel removed;

Figure 25 shows a three-dimensional view of agricultural apparatus in accordance with the invention incorporating multiple agricultural implements in accordance with the invention;

Figure 26 shows a plan view, similar to Figure 2 of another agricultural apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 27 shows a plan view similar to Figure 2 of another agricultural apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 28 shows a three-dimensional view from one side of yet another agricultural apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 29 shows a three-dimensional view from the other side of the agricultural apparatus of Figure 28;

Figure 30 shows a plan view of the agricultural apparatus of Figure 28; Figure 31 shows a rear view of the agricultural apparatus of Figure 28;

Figure 32 shows a side view of the agricultural apparatus of Figure 28;

Figure 33 shows a three-dimensional view of a dispensing cartridge forming part of the agricultural apparatus of Figure 28;

Figure 34 shows a three-dimensional view from the other side of the cartridge of

Figure 33;

Figure 35 shows a three-dimensional view of the cartridge of Figure 33 with a sidewall removed;

Figure 36 shows a side view of the cartridge;

Figure 37 shows, on an enlarged scale, a three-dimensional view of part of the cartridge;

Figure 38 shows a three-dimensional view similar to Figure 35 of another cartridge forming part of the agricultural apparatus;

Figure 39 shows a side view of the cartridge of Figure 38;

Figure 40 shows a three-dimensional view of the cartridge of Figure 38;

Figure 41 shows a three-dimensional view of a coulter forming part of the agricultural apparatus of Figure 28;

Figure 42 shows a side view of the coulter with a shoulder thereof shown in a fully extended position;

Figure 43 shows a side view similar to Figure 42 with the shoulder of the coulter in an intermediate position;

Figure 44 shows a side view of the coulter of Figure 42 with a shoulder in a fully retracted position;

Figure 45 shows a three-dimensional view of a gear train forming part of the agricultural apparatus of Figure 28;

Figure 46 shows a three-dimensional view similar to Figure 45 with a portion of the gear train omitted for the sake of clarity; and

Figure 47 shows a three-dimensional view of a gear mounting bracket and gears mounted thereon forming part of the gear train.

In Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, reference numeral 10 refers generally to an agricultural apparatus in accordance with the invention. The apparatus 10 includes a support structure, generally indicated by reference numeral 12 and at least one agricultural implement in accordance with the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 14.

Referring also to Figures 3 to 24 of the drawings, the agricultural implement 14 includes a body 16 and a ground engaging element, generally indicated by reference numeral 18 which is mounted to the body 16 for rotation about a second axis of rotation 20.

The body 16 includes a circular cylindrical peripheral side wall 22 and a pair of end panels 24, only one of which is shown in the drawings, which are connected to opposite ends of the side wall 22.

A circular partition 28 is connected to the side wall 22 between the end panels 24 and divides the body 16 into two circular cylindrical sections, namely a first section, generally indicated by reference numeral 30, which is defined between the partition 18, the one end panel 24 and the portion of the side wall 22 extending there between and a second section 32 (Figure 24) which is defined between the partition 28, the other end panel and the portion of the side wall 22 extending there between.

The agricultural implement 14 includes a feed opening 34 (Figure 7) which opens into the first section 30 at or towards a top of the body 16 and a downwardly directed discharge opening 36 which opens from the first section 30.

Within the first section 30 there is defined a dispensing cavity, generally indicated by reference numeral 38 within which a control arrangement, generally indicated by reference numeral 40 is rotatably mounted. The dispensing cavity 38 is positioned between the feed opening 34 and the discharge opening 36 and the control arrangement is configured to regulate the passage of articles from the feed opening 34 to the discharge opening 36 as described in more detail herebelow.

The agricultural implement 14 includes a drive arrangement, generally indicated by reference numeral 42 (Figure 24) whereby the ground engaging element 18 is drivingly connected to the control arrangement 40 as described in more detail herebelow. The dispensing cavity 38 is defined between ribs 44 and 46 which protrude from the partition 28 for the width of the first section 30. The rib 44 has an upper section 48, an intermediate section 50 and a lower section 52. The upper section 48 extends downwardly from the side wall 22 on one side of the feed opening 34 until it is positioned adjacent, i.e. closely spaced from a radially outer surface of a rotor 54 which forms the control arrangement 40 as described in more detail herebelow.

The intermediate section 50 is curved and extends adjacent to a portion of the rotor 54 and the lower section 52 extends downwardly from the lower edge of the intermediate section 50 to the side wall 22 adjacent to the discharge opening 36.

The rib 46 extends from the side wall 22 on the opposite side of the feed opening 34 to the rib 44 and terminates at a radially inner edge which is in abutment with or closely spaced from a radially outer surface of the rotor 44 at a position spaced from the lower edge of the upper section 48. Hence, a cavity, generally indicated by reference numeral 56 into which the feed opening 34 extends is defined between the upper section 48 of the rib 44, the rib 46, the portions of the partition 28, end panel 24 and side wall 22 extending between the ribs 44, 46 as well as a circumferential part of the rotor extending between the radially inner edges of the rib 46 and the upper section 48 of the rib 44. The spacing between the radially inner edge of the upper section 48, the rib 46 and the surface of the rotor 54 is sufficiently small to inhibit the passage of seeds or fertiliser therebetween.

The rotor 54 is mounted on a hub 58 which is fixed to a shaft 60 which extends through the partition 28 and is rotatable about a first axis of rotation 62. The hub 58 includes a circular base 64 and a circular cylindrical wall 66 which protrudes axially from the base 14 and which is of smaller diameter than the base 64. Two diametrically opposed ribs 68 protrude from the wall 66 and form drive formations for the rotor as described in more detail herebelow. A pair of elongate screwthreaded tubular fixing members 70 protrudes axially from the base 64 at a position spaced radially inwardly from the wall 66. The rotor 54 includes a plurality of annular rotor sections which are arranged axially side-by-side to form the rotor 54. Each rotor section has a radially inner surface 72 on which a pair of diametrically opposed notches 74 is provided. The diameter of the surface 72 is selected such that the rotor segment is axially slidingly receivable over the wall 66 and the position and dimensions of the notches 74 are selected such that the ribs 68 are snugly receivable therein in order to connect the hub 58 drivingly to the segment. As discussed in more detail herebelow, the configuration of the segments can vary. The rotor 54 further includes a circular end plate 76 which is positioned adjacent to an outermost rotor segment and is secured to the hub by fasteners 78 extending through holes in the end plate 76 into screwthreaded engagement with the fixing members 70 in order to secure the rotor to the hub 58.

As mentioned above, the rotor may comprise segments of differing configuration depending upon the type of seeds and/or volume of fertiliser which is intended to be dispensed.

Hence, referring now to Figure 10 of the drawings, the rotor 54 includes three rotor segments 80, 82, 84. The rotor segment 80 has, in a radially outer surface thereof, two sets of axially spaced compartments or recesses 86. The recesses 86 in one set are circumferentially off-set from the recesses in the adjacent set. The depth of the recesses 86 increases circumferentially such that the recess 86 has a shallow leading end and a deeper trailing end. Each of the segments 82, 84 is, in essence, a blank segment in the sense that it has no recesses in the radially outer surface thereof.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 11 of the drawings, the rotor 54 includes segments 88, 90, 92. The segments 90, 92 are substantially identical to the segments 82, 84. Recesses 94 are provided in the radial outer surface of the segment 90. The main difference between the segment 80 and the segment 90 is that the recesses 94 are axially narrower than the recesses 86 which renders them suitable for use with a different type of seed. Hence, for example, the segment 86 is suitable for use in dispensing maize whereas the segment 90 would be suitable for use in dispensing Soybeans. Whereas the rotors shown in Figures 10 and 11 of the drawings are intended for use in the dispensing of seeds, the rotor 54 shown in Figure 12 of the drawings is intended for use in dispensing granular fertiliser. The rotor 54 shown in Figure 12 of the drawings comprises three annular segments 96, 98, 100. These segments are also shown in Figures 16, 17 and 18 of the drawings. The segment 96 is an end segment and includes in a radially outer surface thereof a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses 102 each of which opens out of an axially inner face of the segment 96. Similarly, the segment 100 is an end segment and includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses 104 which open out of an axially inner surface of the segment. The difference between the segments 96 and 100 is that the segment 96 is wider than the segment 100 and hence the recesses 102 are longer in the axial direction than the recesses 104. The segment 98 is an intermediate segment which includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses 106 which extend for the full width of the segment, i.e. they open out of both axial surfaces of the segment 98. The segments 96, 98, 100 are mounted on the hub such that the recesses 102, 104, 106 are aligned and form a single compartment, generally indicated by reference numeral 108 within which a predetermined volume of fertiliser is receivable as described in more detail herebelow.

The volumes of the compartments 108 can be varied by varying the arrangement of the segments which are used. Hence, for example, in Figure 13 of the drawings, instead of the intermediate segment 98 being used, the segments 96, 100 are positioned adjacent to one another and a blank segment 110 is placed between the end plate 76 and the segment 100.

Further, in Figure 14 of the drawings, an intermediate segment 112 (shown also in Figure 15) is used in which the recesses are similar to those of the segment 100 except that they are axially shallower so that the combination of the recesses of the segment 112 and the segment 96 provides compartments of reduced volume when compared to those of the rotor shown in Figure 13 of the drawings. As can best be seen in Figure 9 of the drawings, in one embodiment, positioned within the first section 30 are two mounting formations 114, 116 the configuration of which is substantially identical to that of the hub such that a variety of rotor segments are mountable thereon permitting their ready access in order to change the configuration of the rotor depending on the intended application.

Referring now to Figure 24 of the drawings, transmission of drive from the ground engaging element 18 to the rotor 54 is by means of a gear train, generally indicated by reference numeral 118. The gear train 118 is positioned in the second section 32 and includes a pinion 120 which is mounted on a shaft 122 which extends through the partition 28 and on which the ground engaging element 18 is mounted. A driven gear 124 is fixedly connected to the rotor 54 and intermediate gears 127 which are mounted on an idler shaft 128 drivingly connect the pinion 120 to the driven gear 124. The gear ratios will be selected to provide a desired relative rotational speed between the ground engaging element and the rotor. Typically, the relative rotational speeds will be 3 to 1.

The support structure 12 includes an arm 130, one end of which is connectable to a toolbar. The body 16 is connected to the arm 130 by means of a support 134 which protrudes from the arm 130 and extends through the ground engaging element 18.

As can best be seen in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the arm 130 and the support 134 are configured such that when the arm 130 is connected to the toolbar 132 the ground engaging element 18 is inclined at an angle A relative to an intended direction of travel, indicated by arrow 136 of a draught vehicle to which the toolbar is mounted. In this regard, the angle A will typically be of the order of 10 ° but may be adjustable.

The ground engaging element 18 is in the form of a dished disk or coulter 138. The coulter 138 includes a central portion 140 which is recessed and within which part of the body 16 is received and an annular peripheral ground engaging rim 142. The depth of the central portion 140 is selected such that a portion of the body 16 protrudes therefrom and in particular, the discharge opening 36 is provided in the protruding portion of the body. A cowling 144 extends downwardly from the sidewall 22 ahead of the discharge opening 36 in order to inhibit the ingress of soil into the discharge opening as described in more detail herebelow. Referring now also to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the agricultural apparatus in addition to the agricultural implement 14 includes an opener, generally indicated by reference numeral 146 which is connected to the support structure 12 and is positioned ahead of the agricultural implement in order to open soil as described in more detail herebelow.

The apparatus 10 further includes a closer 148 which is connected to the support structure 12 and which trails the agricultural implement 14 in order to close soil as described in more detail herebelow.

The apparatus 10 includes a firmer, generally indicated by reference numeral 150 which is connected to the support structure 12 and which is positioned between the agricultural implement and the closer 148 and the function of which is described in more detail herebelow.

In addition, the apparatus 10 includes a compacter, generally indicated by reference numeral 152 which is connected to the support structure 12 and which trails the closer 148. In use, depending upon the intended application, a suitable configuration of the hub

58 will be selected and mounted in position. The feed opening 34 is connected to a hopper 154 which is filled with the articles to be dispensed, e.g. seeds or granular fertiliser.

In use, as a draught vehicle to which the agricultural apparatus 10 is connected is driven across an agricultural land in the direction of arrow 136, the opener 146 opens the soil. The coulter 138 which follows the opener, and more particularly the annular rim 142 thereof, engages the soil and is caused to rotate by the displacement of the agricultural apparatus 10. By virtue of being inclined at the angle A relative to the direction of travel indicated by the arrow 136, the coulter serves to displace the soil laterally to form a furrow. Simultaneously, seed and/or granular fertiliser from the hopper 154 are fed through the feed opening 34 into the cavity 56. Further, the rotational motion of the coulter 138 is transmitted via the drive train to the rotor 54. Accordingly, the rotation of the rotor causes the compartments defined in the radially outer surface thereof to pass through a collection position in which they are positioned between the radially inner edges of the upper section 48 of the rib 44 and the rib 46 in which a seed or a predetermined volume of granular fertiliser can enter each compartment. As rotation of the rotor 54 continues, the compartment moves past the intermediate section 50 of the rib 54 which is sufficiently close to the radially outer surface of the rotor that it inhibits the discharge of the seeds and/or granular fertiliser from the compartments until they pass the lower edge thereof at which stage the seeds and/or granular fertiliser can be discharged from the compartment and through the discharge opening 36 into the furrow which has been formed in the soil.

It will be appreciated that, by varying the gear ratios and hence the rotational speed of the rotor as well as the configuration of the compartments, the rate of discharge and hence the desired spacing between seeds and/or granular fertiliser discharged into the furrow can be varied.

As the displacement of the agricultural apparatus 10 continues, the firmer 150 which is in the form of a springloaded wheel, applies a downward load to a seed deposited in the furrow in order to seat the seed in the soil. Naturally, the load applied to the seed would be such as to minimise the risk of damage to the seed.

Further displacement of the apparatus 10 causes the soil which was displaced to form the furrow to be displaced by the closer 148 to laterally close the soil over the seeds and/or fertiliser which has been deposited in the furrow. The soil is then compacted in position by means of the compactor 152.

In the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, use is made of a single agricultural implement 14. However, it is possible to use multiple agricultural implements simultaneously. Hence, with reference to Figure 25 of the drawings, reference numeral 160 refers generally to another agricultural apparatus in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, pairs of agricultural implements 14 are arranged on a toolbar at transversely spaced apart positions. The apparatus 160 includes a hopper 162 which is filled with seeds to be planted and a hopper 164 which is filled with granular fertiliser. Each hopper 162, 164 is connected to one of the agricultural implements 14 in the pair of agricultural implements by pipes 165. Accordingly, as the agricultural apparatus 160 is displaced across a land, the agricultural implements will function in the manner described above and will simultaneously plant seeds and discharge a predetermined quantity of granular fertiliser adjacent to the planted seeds. The coulters of the agricultural implements in each pair may be arranged at opposite angles such that the lateral loads applied thereto when passing through the soil serve to cancel one another out. Further, by varying the lateral spacing of the agricultural implements, the row width and hence the density of the planted crops can be varied. In this regard, set out below, is a table indicating how the plant population per hectare can vary by adjusting the row width.

Further, by applying a specific measured amount of fertiliser with every seed planted, the seed to fertiliser ratio can remain constant throughout the planting process irrespective of the plant density. It will be appreciated that for the higher plant populations per hectare, more fertiliser is required. However, by virtue of the configuration of the invention being such that the planting of seeds and deposition of fertiliser is linked, the plant population can be varied simply by varying the row width and the volume of fertiliser is automatically adjusted on a pro-rata basis.

Reference is now made to Figure 26 of the drawings in which reference numeral 170 refers generally to part of another agricultural apparatus in accordance with the invention and, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above are used to designate similar parts. The apparatus 170 is similar to the apparatus 10, the main difference being that the support structure 12 includes an enclosed frame 172 to which the opener 146 and the agricultural implement 14 are connected. The coulter of the agricultural implement 14 and the opener 146 are inclined in opposite directions such that lateral loads applied thereto when the apparatus 170 is displaced over an agricultural land are in opposite directions and effectively cancel each other out thereby improving the stability of the apparatus.

Reference is now made to Figure 27 of the drawings in which reference numeral 180 refers generally to part of another agricultural apparatus in accordance with the invention and, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above are used to designate similar parts.

As with the apparatus 170, the apparatus 180 includes a support structure 12 in the form of a closed frame 182. However, a pair of oppositely disposed agricultural implements 14 is mounted in the frame 182. Once again, the opposite inclination of the agricultural implements will ensure that lateral loads applied thereto when drawing the apparatus 180 over an agricultural land are effectively cancelled out. Typically, one of the agricultural implements 18 will be used in order to dispense seed and the other would be used in order to dispense granular fertiliser such that the planting and fertilising operations can be conducted simultaneously.

Reference is now made to Figure 28 to 47 of the drawings, in which reference numeral 200 refers generally to yet another agricultural apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention and, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above are used to designate similar parts.

In this embodiment of the invention, the support structure 12 includes a parallelogram frame, generally indicated by reference numeral 202 which includes a forward vertical member 204 and a rearward vertical member 206 which are connected together by an elongate upper link 208 and an elongate lower link 210, each of which is pivotally connected at its ends to the vertical members 204, 206. A spring arrangement 212 is mounted to the frame 202 to urge the rearward vertical member 206 downwardly relative to the forward vertical member 204 and an inclined stop 214 protrudes from the lower end of the forward vertical member 204 and serves to limit the downward displacement of the lower link 210 and thereby the frame 202.

The agricultural apparatus 200 is connected to a draught vehicle by connecting the forward vertical member 204 to a draw bar in a conventional fashion.

The hopper 154 is mounted on top of the rearward vertical member 206 for displacement together with the rearward vertical member 206. An elongate support 216 is connected to a lower end of the rearward vertical member 206 and protrudes rearwardly therefrom. A coulter support, generally indicated by reference numeral 218 is connected to and extends rearwardly from the support 216. The coulter support 218 is adjustably connected to the support 216 for pivotal displacement of the position of the body 16 and hence the ground engaging element 18 to be adjusted.

In this embodiment of the invention, the agricultural apparatus 200 includes an agricultural implement in accordance with the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 220. Once again, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals used above are used to designate similar parts. In this embodiment of the invention, the first section 30 of the body 16 defines a chamber within which a cartridge 222 is receivable.

With reference to Figure 33 to 37 of the drawings, one embodiment of the cartridge 222 is shown. The cartridge 222 includes a pair of parallel sides 224 and a transverse wall 226 which extends between the sides. An interior wall 228 extends between inner surfaces of the sides 224 and defines, together with an inner surface of part of the transverse wall 226 and portions of the sides 224, a cavity, generally indicated by reference number 230. A feed opening 34 extends through the transverse wall 226 and opens downwardly into the cavity 230. A downwardly open discharge opening 36 extends through the transverse wall 226 at a position spaced from the cavity 230. The feed opening 34 is connected to a pipe 232 leading from the hopper 154 in order to direct articles to be dispensed, e.g. seed, granular fertiliser or the like from the hopper into the cavity 230. In this embodiment of the invention, the control arrangement 38 includes a rotor

234 which is mounted rotatably within the cartridge 222. The rotor 234 includes a circular cylindrical hub 236 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart fingers 238 which protrude radially from the hub 236. In this embodiment of the invention, three axially spaced circumferentially staggered sets of fingers 238 protrude from the hub 236. It will be appreciated, however, that more or fewer sets of fingers may be provided.

Slots 240 are provided in the interior wall 228 in register with the sets of fingers 238 such that as the rotor 234 rotates, the fingers 238 enter through the slots into the cavity 230. A recess or compartment 242 is provided in a leading surface of each finger 238 such that as it passes through the cavity 230, the compartment 242 serves as a scoop to pick up a seed. As the rotor 234 rotates further, the seed is discharged from the finger 238 when the compartment 242 faces downwardly such that it is discharged through the discharge opening 36. In this embodiment of the invention, a downwardly open funnel 244 extends from the body 16 and is positioned to discharge the seed or fertiliser into a furrow formed by the coulter in the manner described above.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the agricultural apparatus 200 includes a knife element 243 which is mounted to the coulter support 216 such that it trails the ground engaging element 18. The knife element 243 is generally V-shaped and tapers forwardly. The knife element is positioned to run in the furrow and the funnel 244 is positioned to discharge the seed or fertiliser into the furrow immediately behind the knife element. The knife element serves to keep the furrow open and for the seeds and/or fertiliser to then be placed accurately at the required depth in the furrow. Reference is now made to Figures 38 to 40 of the drawings, in which reference numeral 246 refers to another cartridge. In this embodiment, the cartridge 246 is intended for use in dispensing granular fertiliser and the rotor 248 defines a plurality of compartments 250 which function in similar fashion to the compartments 108 described above.

As can best be seen in Figures 41 to 44 of the drawings, in this embodiment the ground engaging element 18 includes a circular disc 252 and a shoulder, generally indicated by reference numeral 254 which protrudes laterally from the disc 252. The shoulder comprises four angularly spaced shoulder segments 256. The shoulder segments 256 are substantially identical and each shoulder segment 256 includes an outer or ground engaging surface 258 and complementary first and second engaging formations 262, 264. In the embodiment shown, each shoulder segment 256 includes a rebate 266 and the first engaging formation 262 comprises a finger 268 which protrudes into the rebate 266 and which has a longitudinally extending slot 270 therethrough. The second formation 264 is in the form of a recess the dimensions of which are selected such that the finger 268 of one shoulder segment 256 is slidably receivable in the recess 264 of an adjacent shoulder segment. A bolt 274 extends through a hole in each shoulder segment 156 and through the slot 270 of the finger 268 of an adjacent shoulder segment 256 and into screw-threaded engagement with a complementary screw-threaded hole provided in the disc 252. By loosening the bolts 274, the relative positions of the shoulder segments can be varied between a fully extended configuration shown in Figures 41 and 42 and a fully retracted configuration as shown in Figure 44. By tightening the bolts 274 when the shoulder segments 256 are in a desired configuration, the shoulder segments are locked releasably in position. It will be appreciated that the shoulder segments 256 could be locked at any position between the fully extended and fully retracted positions such as an intermediate position shown in Figure 43 of the drawings. In this way, the outer dimensions of the shoulder 254 and accordingly an edge portion of the disc 252 which protrudes beyond the ground engaging surface of the shoulder 254 can be adjusted.

The disc 252 is mounted on a coulter element 253 which in turn is mounted on a shaft which extends through the partition 28 and in the embodiment shown (Figure 46) terminates in a male drive formation 276 which is square in shape. It will be appreciated that the drive formation 276 can take any other, non-circular torque transmitting shape. With reference to Figures 45 to 47 of the drawings in this embodiment of the invention, drive from the ground engaging element 18 to the rotor of the cartridge is by means of a gear train, generally indicated by reference numeral 278. The gear train 278 includes a driven gear 280 which is connected by a shaft 282 which extends through the partition 28 to the rotor of the selected cartridge. A shaft 284 extends through a support 286 and is provided on one end thereof with a gear 288 and on the other end thereof with a male drive formation 290 which is substantially identical to the drive formation 276. An idler gear 292 is positioned between and transmits drive from the gear 288 to the driven gear 280.

The agricultural implement further includes a gear mounting bracket 294. The bracket 294 comprises a plate 296 which has a pair of opposed slots 298 permitting the bracket 294 to be disconnectably connected to lugs 300 provided on the partition by means of bolts 302. Four gears 304, 306, 308, 310 are rotatably mounted to the plate 296 with the gears 304, 306 provided on one side of the plate 296 being drivingly engaged and with the gears 308, 310 provided on the other side of the plate being drivingly engaged. Each of the gears 304, 306, 308, 310 is provided with a female drive formation 312 which is complementary to and drivingly engageable with the male drive formations 276, 290. The number of teeth on the gears 304, 306, 308, 310 differs such that the gear ratio between the gear pair 304, 306 and the gear pair 308, 310 is different.

The bracket 294 is mountable to the partition in any one of four different orientations such that any one of the gears 304, 306, 308, 310 can be positioned in driving engagement with the drive formation 276. When in this position, the other gear in the gear set will be in driving engagement with the drive formation 290 thereby permitting the gear which is in driving engagement with the drive formation 276 to function as a pinion and permitting drive to be transmitted from the coulter to the rotor in the manner described above. Hence, in the embodiment shown in Figure 45 of the drawings, the gear 310 is in driving engagement with the drive formation 276 and functions as the pinion. Drive is accordingly transmitted from the coulter to the gear 310 which is in driving engagement with the gear 308. The gear 308 is drivingly connected through the drive formation 290 and shaft 284 to the gear 288. As mentioned above, drive from the gear 288 is transmitted to the driven gear 280 through the idler gear 292. The driven gear 280 is in turn drivingly connected to the rotor of whichever cartridge has been selected. In this specific embodiment, the gear 304 has 21 teeth, the gear 306, has 26 teeth, the gear 310 has 25 teeth and the gear 308 has 22 teeth. Naturally, however, other desired gear ratios could be selected. By electing which of the gears 304, 306, 308, 310 is positioned in driving engagement with the drive formation 276, the overall gearing of the gear train can be adjusted to suit a particular application. In use, the agricultural apparatus 200 will be used in substantially the identical fashion to the apparatus described above. The apparatus is connected to the toolbar of a draught vehicle and displaced longitudinally along a land to be cultivated. As the apparatus progresses, the spring arrangement 212 urges the coulter downwardly into the soil and a peripheral edge of the coulter penetrates the soil and displaces the soil laterally. In this regard, the depth to which the coulter penetrates the soil will be determined by the seeds being planted and the size of the shoulder 254 will be set accordingly.

As mentioned above, the angle of the coulter relative to the longitudinal direction of displacement is adjustable. It will be appreciated, that, for a given angle, the deeper that the coulter penetrates the soil, the greater will be the extent to which the soil is displaced laterally. Accordingly, generally, the angle of the coulter will be reduced as the depth of penetration of the coulter is increased.

The parallelogram frame 202 allows a degree of vertical deflection of the coulter to compensate for irregularities and/or rocks in the ground.

As the coulter rotates, drive is transmitted from the coulter via the gear train 118 in the manner described above, to the cartridge which then collects seed and/or granular fertilizer and discharges it through the funnel 244 into the open furrow formed by the coulter and the knife element 243. The seed when deposited in the furrow is then seated by means of the firmer 150 and the furrow is closed by the compactor 152. In this embodiment of the invention, the compactor 152 functions both as a closer and a compactor. To this end, a pair of parallel plates 320 is connected to and extends rearwardly from the coulter support 218. The firmer 150 is in the form of a wheel which is rotatabaly mounted between the plates 320. A circular cylindrical sleeve 322 is mounted to a rear end of the plates 320 such that an axis of the sleeve 322 extends vertically.

The compactor 152 includes a closure element in the form of a cranked plate 324 which is connected to a circular cylindrical post 326 by means of a connecting bar 328. A generally L-shaped compacting element 330 is connected to the plate 324 such that it protrudes downwardly and rearwardly therefrom.

The post 326 is slidably receivable within the sleeve 322 and a locking screw 332 is mounted on the sleeve 322 in order to lock the post 326 frictionally at a desired position within the sleeve 322. In this way, by loosening the locking screw 332, the height as well as angular orientation of the compactor 152 can be adjusted. If desired, a trailing edge of the compacting element 330 can be curved instead of linear as shown in the drawings. The position of the compactor 152 will be adjusted such that the desired compaction for a particular seed type is achieved. In this regard, the Inventors envision that the degree of compaction will be relatively light in order to obtain optimum seed growth.

It will be appreciated that by varying the number of finger 230 in each set, the number of sets of fingers being used and the gear ratios, the number and spacing between the seeds deposited in the ground can be varied. The graph set out below illustrates the spacing between the seeds being deposited for the four different gear ratios which can be provided by mounting the gear mounting bracket 294 in each of its different configurations. The line A illustrates when a single set of ten fingers 238 is used. The line B is when two sets of fingers are used, each set having ten fingers and the line C shows when three sets of fingers, each comprising ten fingers, is used. The graph clearly illustrates how an almost continuous selection line of seed distances per meter from approximately 100mm up to 545mm can be achieved.

It will be appreciated, that by varying the number of fingers per set, the degree of overlap, if any, between the sets can be varied. In this regard, the inventors believes that, for example, by making use of two sets of fingers having nine fingers in each set and one set having 11 fingers in each set, a virtually continuous dispersion spacing can be achieved and that the range can be extended beyond that illustrated in the graph, i.e. with a spacing of less than 100mm and a spacing of greater than 545mm being possible.

The inventors believe that an agricultural apparatus in accordance with the invention will permit planting of seeds, with their spacing, depth and underground conditions such as the degree of ground soil compaction being selected to optimise the growth of the plants. In addition, fertiliser can be distributed in the soil in optimum quantities and at a desired location relative to the seeds in a manner which improves efficiencies and reduces waste and hence costs associated with the fertiliser.