Nebraska Patent of the Month – June 2024
Schaffert Manufacturing Company, Inc. designs seed solutions for farmers – by farmers. Recently, the company was granted a patent for a new multi-row planter equipped with a proprietary trailing arm assembly with parallel linkage. This assembly represents a significant leap forward in precision planting technology, designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural seed planters.
At its core, this trailing arm assembly is engineered to optimize the planting process by maintaining a parallel orientation of planting components relative to the planter towing frame. This is achieved through a sophisticated four-bar parallel linkage system that ensures consistent depth and alignment of seed furrows, crucial for maximizing seed germination rates.
One of the standout features of this assembly is its adjustable biasing mechanism, strategically integrated to exert a downward force on the planting components. This feature not only stabilizes the planting depth but also minimizes soil disturbance, making it particularly suitable for no-till farming practices where preserving soil structure is paramount.
The design includes independent movement capabilities between the opener and closer assemblies, facilitated by a secondary parallel linkage system. This innovative configuration allows each assembly to operate autonomously, adjusting seamlessly to varying field conditions without compromising planting precision.
In practical terms, the benefits are manifold. Farmers can expect improved seed placement accuracy across diverse terrains, from flat plains to rough, uneven surfaces typically found in agricultural fields. Moreover, the assembly’s robust construction ensures durability, capable of withstanding the rigors of continuous use during planting seasons.
Schaffert’s dedication to innovation in agricultural technology is evident in the meticulous design and engineering of this trailing arm assembly. By addressing key challenges faced by modern farmers, such as maintaining consistent planting depth and reducing soil compaction, this invention promises to enhance productivity and sustainability in agricultural operations.
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The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
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