DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOMATIC TRANSPLANTER USING CHAIN POT FOR VEGETABLE CROPS

Authors:	T. Nambu, M. Tanimura
Keywords:	automation, self-feeding, seedling, paper pot, cabbage, lettuce
Abstract: A fully automatic transplanting system for vegetable crops was developed by the authors by devising a new type of paper pot (Chain Pot) as well as a new type of transplanter. The characteristics of the chain pot and the transplanting mechanism are as follows: Chain Pot The chain pot is made from two-ply sheets of paper joined together with water-resistant adhesive to form individual paper pots. Each pot is connected by a paper joint, which forms a “chain” of paper pots. Each joint has a perforated section which facilitates separation during transplanting. Transplanting mechanism The rotary planting fingers of the machine have three functions. They (1) advance the chain of pots, (2) separate the chain of potted seedlings into individual pots, and (3) plant the individual potted seedlings. Therefore, two desired outcomes, simplification of the mechanism and reliability of the functions are achieved.
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