Seed meter disk for use with sunflower and other seeds of long, slender

Abstract

In a seed meter in which a pressure differential is utilized in conjunction with a rotating seed disk having a circumferential row of seed cells therein to pick up individual seeds from a seed mass and deliver the seeds to a seed discharge area, the seed cells are uniquely configured for use with seeds such as sunflower seeds which are of relatively long and slender configuration and of relatively low mass. Each seed cell includes a teardrop shaped recess in the side surface of the disk having an aperture extending through the disk from the bottom thereof to communicate the pressure differential to a seed held within the recess. The seed cell includes a projection extending outwardly from the side surface of the disk and having a surface generally continuous with the back wall of the seed cell so as to aid in picking up and retaining a seed within the recess in addition to providing agitation of the seed mass prior to pickup of the seed. The projection has a sloping top surface to facilitate removal of excess seeds, a beveled outer edge to avoid pressing a seed against the inner wall of the seed meter housing and a sharp inner front edge to prevent excess seeds from lodging between the projection and a fin disposed adjacent and radially inwardly from the recess of the seed cell.