FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention broadly relates to a seed-sowing machine with
5 adjustable seed distance. More particularly, the invention relates to the precision
of the seed-sowing machine to be used in agriculture for directly sowing the seeds
in the field by ploughing, furrowing and accurately placing the seeds at the
predetermined distances and the method. The same machine simultaneously adds
fertilizer also at the same location as the seed, and the number of seeds and
10 fertilizer may be adjusted as per the requirement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Rice direct-seeding is a kind of important step of paddy rice plantation in
15 recent years, and rice cultivation requires manual transplantation of the paddy
plants in the fields, where the rice seeds are germinated, grown as seedlings on a
separate piece of land, and then uprooted from there for transplantation in large
farmland. This transplantation is done manually by human laborers and is a laborintensive job.
20
[003] At the same time, since two or more plants are planted together in a
specific area of the farmland, these plants compete with each other for the
nutritional supplements, water, etc. available in the specific area which results in
nutrition-deprived plants resulting in low crop yield. Further, in the process of
25 separate germination, uprooting, and plantation of the paddy plants in the
farmland, due to improper sowing around 10-15 days of precious crop time are
wasted. Besides, the accurate amount and appropriate application of fertilizer also
has to be added to the field for proper seed growth.
3
[004] Further, due to the cost of the seed, it is important to efficiently utilize the
seeds during sowing. However, because of the many variable characteristics,
metering the required seeds during sowing and equidistant from each seed has
always been a problem.
5
[005] References have been made to the following literature:
[006] WO2012007964A2 relates to a direct seed sowing machine for multiple
types of seeds with adjustable seed distances comprised of a funnel-shaped seed
container with a rectangular or square-shaped top opening for loading the seeds
10 and a narrow bottom opening attached to a casing. The casing covers the rotating
drum and has a lower opening attached to a furrowing means which comprises a
seed outlet pipe and a means for furrowing the land. The rotating drum has a
grooves assembly comprising multiple numbers of grooves for multiple types of
seeds having different shapes and sizes. At least one pair of grooves have the
15 same shape and size. The machine can be used for sowing the seeds in multiple
numbers of rows at a time. The distance between two adjacent seeds in a row and
the distance between two adjacent rows can be adjusted as per the requirement of
the crop.
20 [007] CN102282938A relates to a seed rolling device and a seed rolling method
for a rice precision hole direct sowing machine. The device comprises a frame
crossbeam, a positioning mechanism, and a rolling mechanism, wherein two ends
of the frame crossbeam are respectively provided with direct sowing machine
connecting mechanisms, and the rice precision hole direct sowing machine is
25 connected outside the direct sowing machine connecting mechanisms. According
to the device and the method, sowed seeds can be effectively pressed into the soil,
and the problem of the contact area between the seeds and the soil is effectively
solved.
4
[008] EP3793342A1 relates to a seed sowing machine (S) for depositing seeds
in a furrow below a mulching sheet, wherein the following operations are repeated
sequentially: - emission of a compressed air flow by a pneumatic perforation
nozzle (101) through the mulching sheet (P) during its deposition on the ground
5 for the formation of an elongated opening (A2) in said mulching sheet, through
which a respective seed is projected and deposited in the furrow, and subsequent
interception of said compressed air flow, these operations being repeated for each
seed ejected through a mouth of a pneumatic ejection means (20.53), so as to form
in said mulching sheet a linear succession of elongated openings; - sequential
10 sowing of the seeds each passing through a respective elongated opening just
formed and deposited in the said furrow, the opening having dimensions and
shape configured for the penetration by the sprouting seedling.
[009] US603476A relates to certain improvements in that class of machines
15 employed to distribute seeds, and fertilizers in a continuous stream along a furrow
or row or in predetermined quantities in hills, and has for its object to provide a
machine of this character in which the amount or quantity of seed or fertilizer to
be dropped may be regulated to anicety.
20 [0010] It is evident that despite the presence of a wide variety of seed-sowing
machines in the market, the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks in the
above-mentioned prior art and provide a simple and reasonable machine that can
be used for effectively sowing the seed along with the fertilizer into the field with
the precision amount and adjustable seed distance as per the requirement.
25 [0011] The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is
only for the enhancement of understanding of the general background of the
invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of
suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person
skilled in the art.
30
5
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The principal object of the present invention relates to a precision seedsowing machine to be used in agriculture for directly sowing the seeds in the field
5 by ploughing, furrowing and accurately placing the seeds at the predetermined
distances and the method. The same machine simultaneously adds fertilizer also at
the same location as the seed, and the number of seeds and fertilizer may be
adjusted as per the requirement.
10 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention attempts to overcome the problems faced in the
prior art and discloses the seed-sowing machine for sowing the precision number
of seeds and fertilizer at the required distance in the farms.
15
[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the invention discloses a
precision seed-sowing machine to be used in the agriculture for directly sowing
the seeds in the field by ploughing, furrowing and accurately placing the seeds at
the predetermined distances and the method. The same machine simultaneously
20 adds fertilizer also at the same location as the seed, and the number of seeds and
fertilizer may be adjusted as per the requirement.
[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, the invention discloses
the direct seed-sowing machine for sowing seeds at adjustable distances.
25 [0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the invention discloses a
combined paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device with an equidistant
seeding system comprising a frame with at least 9-13 tilling blades for creating the
furrows, ploughing and leveling attachments and at least one seed unit attached to
6
the frame. In an embodiment, the seed unit comprises one seed bin, plates, and
seed calculating means with at least one tank for fertilizer attached to the frame. In
an embodiment, the distance adjusting means comprises at least one gearbox for
adjusting the distance between the seeds in a row and precisely dropping the seed
5 and the fertilizer simultaneously at the same point. In an embodiment, it
comprises at least one pipe each for facilitating seeds and fertilizer from the
fertilizer tank and the seed unit, further at least one T- shaped junction for
connecting at least one pipe each from the fertilizer tank and the seed unit with a
funnel or V-shaped opening for dropping calculated quantity of seed and fertilizer.
10
[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, the invention discloses a
seed unit containing at least 9-13 plates as per the number of tiller blades, for the
selection and movement of seed grains into the pipe connected from the seed unit.
Besides, the seed calculating means consists of a manual adjuster for providing
15 the precise number of seeds to be dropped at each point and the fertilizer quantity
from the fertilizer tank is adjusted by means of a manual adjustment system.
[0018] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the gearbox is
connected with at least one seed unit and at least one fertilizer tank for the
20 equidistant dropping of the seed and fertilizer. Further, the gearbox provides at
least 4-8 gears for adjusting the distance for dropping the seeds at a spacing of at
least 4-24 inches.
[0019] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the funnel for
25 dropping a calculated amount of seed and fertilizer is tapered at the end,
consisting of flaps with the flap opening based on the gearbox movement and the
height of the flap is at least 20-35 mm above the ground level to avoid touching
the ground.
30 [0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the invention
discloses a method for combining a paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device
with an equidistant planting system, with the steps of selecting the seeds and
7
fertilizer and the respective number/amount of each fertilizer and seeds to be
added and identifying the distance between the seeds in a row and adjusting the
gear with respect to that. Followed by loading the seed and fertilizer in the tanks
and pulling the machine in the direction of a pulling force. In the embodiment
5 tilling and furrowing of the land is by ploughing with the means of tilling
attachments. The respective number of seeds and fertilizers is dropped in the
furrows at the specified distances from the seed bin and fertilizer tank, and the
distance between the seeds in a row can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing
the speed by the gearbox. Finally, the levelling the field is done with the rollers
10 attached to the frame.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the invention discloses
the cost-efficient machine where the seed can be directly sown into the soil and
the problem of wastage of seed and fertilizer is effectively solved.
15
[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, the machine can be pulled
by a machine-like tractor, etc.
[0023] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any
20 way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features
described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent
by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
25
[0024] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only
typical embodiments of the present invention and are therefore not to be
considered for limiting its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally
effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to
30 the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference
number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The
8
same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference features and
components.
[0025] Some embodiments of systems or methods in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example,
5 and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0026] Fig. 1 illustrates the front view of the machine showing its
components,
1) Frame
2) Tilling blades
10 3) Rollers
4) Seed bin
5) Plates
6) Seed calculating means
7) Fertilizer tank
15 8) Gearbox
9) Seeds Pipe
10) Fertilizer tank
11) V-shaped Funnel
12) Manual adjuster
20 13) Flaps, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] Fig. 2 illustrates the seed unit of the machine showing the seed bin,
plates and the seed calculating means, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0028] Fig. 3 illustrates the Fertilizer tank of the machine showing the
25 manual adjuster, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] Fig. 4 illustrates the lower side of the machine showing the seed
pipe, fertilizer pipe and V-shaped funnel, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
9
[0030] Fig. 5 illustrates the side view of the machine, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] The figure depicts embodiments of the present invention for the
purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize
5 from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures
and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the
principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:

[0032] While the embodiments of the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure. Further, the phraseology and terminology employed in the description is for the purpose of description only and not for the purpose of limitation.
[0033] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, apparatus, system, assembly, or method that comprises a list of components or a series of steps that does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such apparatus, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements or steps in a system or device or process proceeded by “comprises… a” or “comprising …. of” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements or additional steps in the system or device or process as the case may be.
[0034] The present invention relates to the seed-sowing machine for sowing the precision number of seeds and fertilizers at the required distance in the farms. The invention discloses a precision seed-sowing machine to be used in agriculture for directly sowing the seeds in the field by ploughing, furrowing and accurately placing the seeds at the predetermined distances and the method. The same machine simultaneously adds fertilizer also at the same location as the seed, and the number of seeds and fertilizer may be adjusted as per the requirement.

[0035] In another embodiment of the present invention, the invention discloses the direct seed-sowing machine for sowing seeds at adjustable distances. The distance between two adjacent seeds in a row and the distance between two adjacent rows can be adjusted as per the requirement of the crop.

[0036] Reference may be made to Figure 1 illustrating the front view of the machine showing its components, where the machine comprises a combined paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device with an equidistant planting system comprising a frame with at least 9-13 tilling blades for creating the furrows, ploughing, and leveling attachments and at least one seed unit attached to the frame. In an embodiment, the seed unit comprises one seed bin, plates, and seed calculating means with at least one tank for fertilizer attached to the frame. In an embodiment, the distance adjusting means comprises at least one gearbox for adjusting the distance between the seeds in a row and precisely dropping the seed and the fertilizer simultaneously at the same point. In an embodiment, it comprises at least one pipe each for facilitating seeds and fertilizer from the fertilizer tank and the seed unit, further at least one T- shaped junction for connecting at least one pipe each from the fertilizer tank and the seed unit with a funnel or V-shaped opening for dropping calculated quantity of seed and fertilizer.
[0037] Reference may be made to Figure 2 illustrating the seed unit of the machine showing the seed bin, plates and the seed calculating means, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] Reference may be made to Figure 3 illustrating the fertilizer tank of the machine showing the manual adjuster, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] Reference may be made to Figure 4 illustrating the lower side of the machine showing the seed pipe, fertilizer pipe and V-shaped funnel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0040] Reference may be made to Figure 5 illustrating the side view of the machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the invention discloses a combined paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device with an equidistant planting system comprising a frame with at least 9-13 tilling blades for creating the furrows, ploughing, and leveling attachments and at least one seed unit attached to the frame. In an embodiment, the seed unit comprises one seed bin, plates, and seed calculating means with at least one tank for fertilizer attached to the frame. In an embodiment, the distance adjusting means comprises at least one gearbox for adjusting the distance between the seeds in a row and precisely dropping the seed and the fertilizer simultaneously at the same point. In an embodiment, it comprises at least one pipe each for facilitating seeds and fertilizer from the fertilizer tank and the seed unit, further at least one T- shaped junction for connecting at least one pipe each from the fertilizer tank and the seed unit with a funnel or V-shaped opening for dropping calculated quantity of seed and fertilizer.

[0042] In another embodiment of the present invention, the invention discloses a seed unit containing at least 9-13 plates as per the number of tiller blades, for the selection and movement of seed grains into the pipe connected from the seed unit. Besides, the seed calculating means consists of a manual adjuster for providing the precise number of seeds to be dropped at each point and the fertilizer quantity from the fertilizer tank is adjusted by means of a manual adjustment system.

[0043] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the gear-box is connected with at least one seed unit and at least one fertilizer tank for the equidistant dropping of the seed and fertilizer. Further, the gear-box provides at least 4-8 gears for adjusting the distance for dropping the seeds at a spacing of at least 4-24 inches.

[0044] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the funnel for dropping a calculated amount of seed and fertilizer is tapered at the end, consisting of flaps with the flap opening based on the gear-box movement and the height of the flap is at least 20-35 mm above the ground level to avoid touching the ground.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the invention discloses a method for combining a paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device with an equidistant planting system, with the steps of selecting the seeds and fertilizer and the respective number/amount of each fertilizer and seeds to be added and identifying the distance between the seeds in a row and adjusting the gear with respect to that. Followed by loading the seed and fertilizer in the tanks and pulling the machine in the direction of a pulling force. In the embodiment tilling and furrowing of the land is by ploughing with the means of tilling attachments. The respective number of seeds and fertilizers is dropped in the furrows at the specified distances from the seed bin and fertilizer tank, and the distance between the seeds in a row can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the speed by the gear-box. Finally, the leveling of the field is done with the rollers attached to the frame.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the invention discloses the cost-efficient machine where the seed and fertilizer can be directly sown into the soil and the problem of wastage of seed and fertilizer is effectively solved. The same machine can be used for the precision addition of multiple types of seeds and the distance between two adjacent seeds in the same row and the distance between two seeds of the adjacent rows may be adjusted as per the requirement. The gear-box provides 4 different speeds for adjusting the distance for the dropping of seeds and fertilizer. The first gear gives the slowest speed with maximum distance and the higher the gear more the speed and thus the lesser the distance between the sowing of seeds.

[0047] In another embodiment of the present invention, the machine can be pulled by a human being, animal, or some machine-like tractor, etc.

[0048] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited feature.
[0049] Although embodiments for the present invention have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments of the present invention. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present invention.

WE CLAIMS:

1. A combined paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device with an equidistant planting system comprising:
a frame (01) with at least 9-13 tilling blades (02) for creating the furrows, ploughing, and leveling attachments;
at least one seed unit attached to the frame, wherein the seed unit comprises one seed bin (04), plates (05), and seed calculating means (06);
at least one tank for fertilizer (07) attached to the frame;
distance adjusting means, wherein the distance adjusting means comprises at least one gearbox (08) for adjusting the distance between the seeds in a row and precisely dropping the seed and the fertilizer simultaneously at the same point;
at least one pipe each for facilitating seeds (09) and fertilizer (010) from the fertilizer and seed tank;
at least one T- shaped junction for connecting at least one pipe each from the fertilizer and the seed tank with a funnel or V-shaped opening (011) for dropping a calculated quantity of seed and fertilizer.
2. The combined paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seed unit comprises at least 9-13 plates as per the number of tiller blades, for selection and movement of seed grains into the pipe connected from the seed unit.
3. The combined paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seed calculating means comprises a manual adjuster for providing the precise number of seeds to be dropped at each point.
4. The combined paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein fertilizer quantity from the fertilizer tank is adjusted by means of a manual adjustment system (012).
5. The combined paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gear-box is connected with at least one seed tank and at least one fertilizer tank for the equidistant dropping of the seed and fertilizer.
6. The combined paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the gearbox provides at least 4-8 gears for adjusting the distance for dropping the seeds at a spacing of at least 4-24 inches.
7. The combined paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the funnel for dropping a calculated amount of seed and fertilizer is tapered at the end, comprising the flaps (013) wherein the flap opening is based on the gear-box movement.
8. The combined paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the height of the flap is at least 20-35 mm above the ground level to avoid touching the ground.
9. A method for combining a paddy seeder and fertilizer applicator device with an equidistant planting system, comprising the steps:
(a) selecting the seeds and fertilizer and the respective number/amount of each fertilizer and seeds to be added;
(b) identifying the distance between the seeds in a row and adjusting the gear with respect to that;
(c) loading the seed and fertilizer in the tanks;
(d) pulling the machine in the direction of a pulling device;
(e) tilling and furrowing the land by ploughing with the means of tilling attachments;
(f) dropping the respective number of seeds and fertilizers in the furrows at the specified distances from the at least one seed bin and fertilizer tank, wherein said distance between the seeds in a row can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the speed by the gear box; and
(g) followed by the final levelling of the field with the rollers (03) attached to the frame.