Seeder with linear actuation and seed leveling shuffler with dust removal capability

摘要

A linear actuated needle seeder comprising a frame, a seed dispenser assembly further including a shuffler assembly and a capture assembly. The seed shuffler assembly further comprises: an energizeable vibrator having a top portion and a bottom portion, and a seed tray attached to the vibrator. The capture assembly further comprises: a master cylinder supported by the frame and having a cylinder shaft with spaced apart ends operably extending therefrom, a vacuum bar attached to the cylinder shaft, and a slide extending upwardly above the frame and having a slide surface angled in a linearly downward direction toward the seed tray and positioned to enable the vacuum bar to rest thereon and oscillate between an up position and down position in response to the reciprocating movements of the cylinder shaft. The vacuum bar includes a plurality of orifices positioned along the length of the vacuum bar each of which is configured to receive a cannulated needle having a free end and an attachment end such that when the attachment end of the needle is placed in communication with the orifice an air flow channel is established and moves from the hollow interior of the vacuum bar through the cannula and out to the atmosphere.