Importance

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Abstract

A metering drive mechanism is provided for use with a seed depositing implement adapted for movement across the ground. The mechanism includes a gauge wheel, an arm assembly supporting the gauge wheel for rolling engagement with the ground, and a mounting bracket on which the arm assembly pivots. The mechanism restricts upward pivoting movement of the arm assembly beyond a predetermined position, thus establishing the height of the implement. However, downward movement of the arm assembly is allowed in order to permit the gauge wheel to remain in contact with the ground at all times during travel. A spring urges the wheel against the ground with a force that remains constant, even when the predetermined position of the arm assembly relative to the bracket is changed to vary the height of the implement. The mechanism also includes an overriding clutch having a sprocket, a hub received in an opening of the sprocket for rotation relative to the sprocket, and a key supported on the sprocket for pivotal movement between a locking position and an unlocking position. A cylindrical plug of resilient material is supported on the sprocket for biasing the key toward the locking position.

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First Claim