Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus for dispensing discrete objects, such as seeds from a liquid, comprises a suspension container for containing seeds in suspension in the liquid, and a capture element defining a capture orifice allowing exit of liquid from the container and adapted to capture a number of the seeds against the orifice by providing a pressure difference across the orifice. Relative movement is produced between the capture orifice and the objects in suspension in the liquid in such a manner as to have the capture orifice, after capture of seeds, situated in a region free from seeds suspended in liquid, and a flow of liquid is produced past the capture orifice such as to sweep away excess seeds attracted to the capture orifice by the pressure difference. A system is provided for moving a seed, usually a single seed, from the capture orifice at a required region for dispensing the seed. Preferably the capture orifice is arranged to be submerged in liquid throughout normal operation, and there are provided an outlet port for the exit of capture seeds and an inflow system for providing an inflow of liquid through the outlet port into the container sufficient to prevent random escape of seeds through the outlet port. The relative movement is accomplished by moving the capture orifice relative to the container or by producing a flow of liquid in the container to produce such relative movement between the capture orifice and the seeds in suspension by moving the seeds relative to the container.

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First Claim