Abstract: The inductor assembly of the present invention is configured with an agricultural implement to enhance conveyance of product from a storage hopper to a remote location. The inductor assembly includes an inductor chamber that defines an interior cavity configured to receive the supply of product from the storage hopper, an inlet tube configured to direct the stream of pressurized air so as to generate a combined stream of pressurized air and product, and an outlet tube configured to pass the combined stream of pressurized air and product from the inductor chamber to a distribution system application of the product in an agricultural environment. The improved inductor assembly can further include a selectively extendable outlet tube assembly, a trajectory control assembly coupled to the inlet tube, and an adjustable cover assembly configured to regulate agitation of the product and to purge deposits downstream of the inductor assembly.

Abstract: A nurse distribution system provides dual capabilities for planting different seed varieties from a single planting mechanism. The air cart carries two tanks in which different seed varieties can be placed. The nurse mechanism selectively distributes seed from one tank to the on-row singulation meters, yet can switch to the seed in the second tank to correspond to different soil conditions encountered by the planting mechanism. The planting mechanism carries a first line from the first tank to the nurse receiver and a parallel second line from the second tank to the same nurse receiver. By keeping the nurse receiver as small as possible, thus having a small seed reservoir, the seed variety selection can be switched from one tank to the other in an effective manner.

Abstract: A nurse distribution system provides dual capabilities for planting different seed varieties from a single planting mechanism. The air cart carries two tanks in which different seed varieties can be placed. The nurse mechanism selectively distributes seed from one tank to the on-row singulation meters, yet can switch to the seed in the second tank to correspond to different soil conditions encountered by the planting mechanism. The planting mechanism carries a first line from the first tank to the nurse receiver and a parallel second line from the second tank to the same nurse receiver. By keeping the nurse receiver as small as possible, thus having a small seed reservoir, the seed variety selection can be switched from one tank to the other in an effective manner.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing multiple types of seed, fertilizer or other materials from an agricultural vehicle is disclosed. The system includes first and second sources holding the first and second materials, respectively, a plurality of distribution units, and a nurse distribution mechanism coupled between the sources and the distribution units by which each of the first and second materials from the respective first and second sources can be transmitted to the plurality of distribution units.

Abstract: A nurse receiver header for an agricultural planting implement is cooperable with a nurse mechanism that conveys seeds entrained in an air stream from a central hopper. A receiver is positioned at the planting mechanism to receive the seeds entrained in the air stream and accumulate a supply of seeds for utilization by the associated planting mechanism. The receiver header includes a plurality of legs and a rotatable baffle positioned internally at an uppermost position of at least one leg of the receiver header. The baffle is pivoted by an external lever that is positioned in the same orientation as the baffle to indicate the position of the baffle. The header can be placed in a closed configuration by positioning the baffle across the leg to be blocked. When in an open configuration, the baffle is positioned parallel to the leg and all of the legs of the header are open.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system provides a priority flow of hydraulic fluid to a variable rate drive system for powering the operation of the metering mechanisms before hydraulic fluid is supplied to a secondary drive mechanism for powering the operation of secondary devices, such as the fan mechanism or the loading auger. The hydraulic drive system includes a priority flow divider valve that diverts a predetermined flow rate to the variable rate drive system. The variable rate drive system includes a drive mechanism arranged in series for a plurality of metering mechanisms. The secondary drive system includes a selector valve that permits a selection between the alternative secondary devices. An alternative embodiment of the hydraulic drive system includes a counter balance valve that operates to provide a priority flow to the variable rate drive system.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system provides a priority flow of hydraulic fluid to a variable rate drive system for powering the operation of the metering mechanisms before hydraulic fluid is supplied to a secondary drive mechanism for powering the operation of secondary devices, such as the fan mechanism or the loading auger. The hydraulic drive system includes a priority flow divider valve that diverts a predetermined flow rate to the variable rate drive system. The variable rate drive system includes a drive mechanism arranged in series for a plurality of metering mechanisms. The secondary drive system includes a selector valve that permits a selection between the alternative secondary devices. An alternative embodiment of the hydraulic drive system includes a counter balance valve that operates to provide a priority flow to the variable rate drive system.

Abstract: A nurse receiver header for an agricultural planting implement is cooperable with a nurse mechanism that conveys seeds entrained in an air stream from a central hopper. A receiver is positioned at the planting mechanism to receive the seeds entrained in the air stream and accumulate a supply of seeds for utilization by the associated planting mechanism. The receiver header includes a plurality of legs and a rotatable baffle positioned internally at an uppermost position of at least one leg of the receiver header. The baffle is pivoted by an external lever that is positioned in the same orientation as the baffle to indicate the position of the baffle. The header can be placed in a closed configuration by positioning the baffle across the leg to be blocked. When in an open configuration, the baffle is positioned parallel to the leg and all of the legs of the header are open.

Abstract: A seed flap for a disc opener associates with an air seeder operable to place seed and fertilizer into a furrow formed in the ground by the disc opener. The seed flap is formed from a non-flexible material, such as an abrasion resistant steel, and pivotally mounted to the seed tube to permit the seed flap to trail behind the seed tube and control the placement of seeds and/or fertilizer discharged from the seed tube. The pivotal mounting of the seed flap will provide movement of the seed flap relative to the seed tube to permit the seed flap to more consistently align with the bottom of the furrow and better follow the furrow bottom created by the disc opener while the disc opener is moving through a turn. A spring mechanism operably coupled to the seed flap will provide a positive force for firming the placement of the seed into the soil. A retention device, such as a clip, will be operable to hold the seed flap in an elevated, inoperable position as desired by the operator.