Abstract: The present disclosure includes an agricultural system having first and second product meters configured to meter product to first and second lines, respectively. First and second motors are coupled to the first and second product meters and configured to drive them at first and second metering rates, respectively. An air source is configured to provide first and second airflows to the first and second lines, respectively. A controller electrically coupled to the first and second motors is configured to receive first and second inputs indicative of first and second numbers of first and second outlets fluidly coupled to the first and second lines, respectively. The controller is configured to instruct the first and second motors to drive the first and second product meters at the first and second metering rates, respectively, based on the first and second inputs, and to instruct the air source to provide the first and second airflows with first and second dynamic pressures or first and second velocities.

Abstract: A vacuum system that includes a planter frame. A row unit bracket couples to the planter frame. A fan couples to the planter frame and draws air through a row unit. An exhaust duct extends through the row unit bracket. The exhaust duct couples to the fan and discharges airflow from the fan towards the ground. A diffuser reduces a speed of and/or redirects the airflow as the airflow exits the exhaust duct.

Abstract: A pneumatic seed delivery system is provided for use with planter for row-crop planting an agricultural field in which the pneumatic seed delivery system may use high pressure air to accelerate seeds that are singulated from a seed meter to match ground speed when planting. The pneumatic seed delivery system includes an air accelerator arranged downstream of a release location of the seed meter. The air accelerator may define a pneumatic device such as an air conveyor or air amplifier that merges a primary airflow with a controllable supplemental airflow to provide a correspondingly controllable combined airflow that carries and accelerates the singulated seeds so that the seeds can be released with a rearward horizontal seed velocity component that approximates a forward ground speed of the planter to reduce seed tumble.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for determining corrected population based on a meter drive signal. Systems, methods, and apparatus are additionally provided for determining a stability metric based on a meter drive signal. A method for monitoring a seed application rate of a seed planter includes measuring a rotation of a seed disc of a seed meter, measuring a performance value corresponding to the seed meter, and calculating the population value based on the rotation and the meter performance value.

Abstract: A pressure gradient or differential in a product distribution line for conveying granular particulate material, including at least one of a seed or a fertilizer, in an air flow to an agricultural field consistently decreases as air speed and velocity in the product distribution line decreases until a critical air speed is reached. Below the critical air speed, the particulate material is susceptible to falling out of the air flow to potentially cause a blockage in the system. A control system efficiently determines an optimum operating velocity for an air flow that is above the critical air speed yet below a maximum air speed associated with inefficient operation. The control system retains the air flow setting in a data structure for later retrieval.

Abstract: A pressure gradient or differential in a product distribution line for conveying granular particulate material, including at least one of seed or fertilizer, in an air flow to an agricultural field consistently decreases as air speed and velocity in the product distribution line decreases until a critical air speed is reached. Below the critical air speed, the particulate material is susceptible to falling out of the air flow to cause a blockage in the system. Pressure sensors arranged in the product distribution line are monitored for effectively controlling an air source producing the air flow. A diameter of the product distribution line increases between upstream and downstream locations for monitoring with greater sensitivity.

Abstract: A distributor device of fertilizer substances for a seeder machine includes a storing tank of a fertilizer substance, a plurality of distribution conduits connected to the storing tank, at least one source of high-velocity air connected to the distribution conduits for distributing, in use, the fertilizer substance. The device also includes: at least a connecting element, having at least two infeeds and at least one outfeed, the connecting element being connected to at least two of the distribution conduits so as to convey, in use, the fertilizer substance coming from at least the two distribution conduits to the outfeed.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an agricultural system having first and second product meters configured to meter product to first and second lines, respectively. First and second motors are coupled to the first and second product meters and configured to drive them at first and second metering rates, respectively. An air source is configured to provide first and second airflows to the first and second lines, respectively. A controller electrically coupled to the first and second motors is configured to receive first and second inputs indicative of first and second numbers of first and second outlets fluidly coupled to the first and second lines, respectively. The controller is configured to instruct the first and second motors to drive the first and second product meters at the first and second metering rates, respectively, based on the first and second inputs, and to instruct the air source to provide the first and second airflows with first and second dynamic pressures or first and second velocities.

Abstract: A system for distributing a plurality of seeds includes a storage tank operable to store the plurality of seeds. A first meter is downstream of the storage tank. A second meter is downstream of the first meter and is operable to individually meter the plurality of seeds. An outlet conduit is located downstream of the second meter. The first meter is configured to adjust the flow of the plurality of seeds in response to a signal from a sensor located between the first meter and the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A seed tank assembly for an agricultural implement including an exhaust opening configured to exhaust seeds from the seed tank assembly, in which at least one webbing extends across the exhaust opening forming a plurality of apertures, the at least one webbing is integrally molded into the seed tank assembly, and the at least one webbing is configured to provide structural support to the seed tank assembly and to reduce seed head pressure into an inductor box positioned beneath the exhaust opening.

Abstract: A material decelerating device is connected in series with a distribution tube in proximity to a material outlet in an agricultural air distribution system for decelerating conveying air which placing material into a furrow in the ground. The material decelerating includes an inlet tube connected to the distribution tube to receive material and conveying air therefrom. The inlet tube is connected at an intermediate location on a center tube of the device which exhausts the air upwardly to an exhaust opening and deposits the material downwardly through an outlet opening. A cap adjustably spans the exhaust opening to vary the amount of air exhausted. The inlet tube is inclined downwardly in alignment with a helical recessed channel within the center tube to guide material to the outlet.

Abstract: A diffuser adapted to dissipate air from seed conveyed in a stream of air at a planter to an opener arm and seed boot. The diffuser provides a housing that pivotally supports a counter-weighted valve piece and a resilient valve piece. Admitted seeds are resiliently deflected between the valve pieces. Repeated deflections between the dual valve pieces and simultaneous venting of the conveying air through an associated fulcrum screen and relief ports at the housing dissipate the conveying air. Spent seed momentarily collects on a surface inside the housing and gravitationally falls from the housing and through a lower lying seed boot at a relatively uniform, singulated rate without scatter and damage to the seed.

Abstract: An inductor assembly is configured to be attached in flow communication to receive a flow of product from a storage hopper of a product conveyance system. The product conveyance system includes a forced fluid source mounted thereon and operable to provide a forced fluid stream to the inductor assembly. The inductor housing includes an inlet configured to direct a first portion of the forced fluid stream in a path to engage the flow of product so as to generate the combined stream of forced fluid and product. The inductor assembly further includes multiple inductor segments, wherein each inductor segments defines at least one conduit having an inlet and an outlet. One or more of the inlets may be configured to restrict air and product flow therethrough.

Abstract: A furrow opener is operable as part of a nonsingulating air seeder and includes a rotatable disc to open a furrow. The opener also includes a vented seed catch pan positioned adjacent one side of the disc. The catch pan is operably coupled to a seed conduit of the air seeder to receive seed in a pressurized air stream from the seed conduit. The catch pan presents a seed inlet configured to receive seed from the seed conduit, a seed outlet positioned to deposit the seed within the furrow, and an elongated chamber extending between the inlet and outlet. The catch pan presents multiple vents spaced between the inlet and outlet, with the vents allowing pressurized air flow to escape from the chamber to ambient without passing through the outlet.

Abstract: A seed metering apparatus having a selectably actuated panel positioned between the metering apparatus and discharge chute, the panel moving between an open position and a closed position such that seeds may be more accurately spaced and metered without disrupting the drive mechanism of the seed metering apparatus. A seed metering apparatus where metered but non-discharged seeds are returned to a seed reservoir for subsequent metering and planting.

Abstract: An air seeder cart apparatus has a primary container assembly with a plurality of primary product containers, with primary fill hatches at tops thereof. An air distribution network comprises product conduits and primary metering devices that dispense agricultural products from each primary product container into one of the product conduits. A secondary product container is mounted on a side of the primary container assembly and has a secondary fill hatch much lower than the primary fill hatches, and a secondary metering mechanism dispenses product from the secondary product container into one of the product conduits. The secondary product container is convenient for receiving bagged agricultural products from a low truck bed. Unopened product bags may be stored on a grate inside the secondary product container so they will be available if required. Weighing of product in the container can be provided.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling air flow to a metering system is provided. One agricultural cart for distribution of an agricultural product in a field includes a metering system having a plurality of metering sections. At least one metering section is selectively controllable to not meter product while at least one other metering section is metering product. The agricultural cart also includes an air conveyance system having a blower and a conduit for producing and directing an air stream for moving the metered product toward a distribution device. The agricultural cart includes control circuitry configured to alter operation of the air conveyance system based upon whether the at least one metering section is metering or not metering product.

Abstract: A material decelerating device is connected in series with a distribution tube in proximity to a material outlet in an agricultural air distribution system for decelerating conveying air which placing material into a furrow in the ground. The material decelerating includes an inlet tube connected to the distribution tube to receive material and conveying air therefrom. The inlet tube is connected at an intermediate location on a center tube of the device which exhausts the air upwardly to an exhaust opening and deposits the material downwardly through an outlet opening. A cap adjustably spans the exhaust opening to vary the amount of air exhausted. The inlet tube is inclined downwardly in alignment with a helical recessed channel within the center tube to guide material to the outlet.

Abstract: An inductor assembly is configured to be attached in flow communication to receive a flow of product from a storage hopper of a product conveyance system. The product conveyance system includes a forced fluid source mounted thereon and operable to provide a forced fluid stream to the inductor assembly. The inductor housing includes an inlet configured to direct a first portion of the forced fluid stream in a path to engage the flow of product so as to generate the combined stream of forced fluid and product. The inductor assembly further includes multiple inductor segments, wherein each inductor segments defines at least one conduit having an inlet and an outlet. One or more of the inlets may be configured to restrict air and product flow therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to improve seed distribution to a plurality of seed or row units of an agricultural planter. Each row unit is fitted with a seed box having an air/seed inlet and an air outlet through which air is allowed to escape. The present invention effectively closes off or substantially reduces the flow of air out of one or more of the seed boxes to reduce the amount of seed that is fed to the seed boxes. Through the use of restrictor plates, which may be vented to allow some air flow or solid to prevent air flow, the delivery of seed to the seed boxes can be equalized to provide more uniform seed distribution to the row units.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to improve seed distribution to a plurality of seed or row units of an agricultural planter. Each row unit is fitted with a seed box having an air/seed inlet and an air outlet through which air is allowed to escape. The present invention effectively closes off or substantially reduces the flow of air out of one or more of the seed boxes to reduce the amount of seed that is fed to the seed boxes. Through the use of restrictor plates, which may be vented to allow some air flow or solid to prevent air flow, the delivery of seed to the seed boxes can be equalized to provide more uniform seed distribution to the row units.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to improve seed distribution to a plurality of seed or row units of an agricultural planter. Each row unit is fitted with a seed box having an air/seed inlet and an air outlet through which air is allowed to escape. The present invention effectively closes off or substantially reduces the flow of air out of one or more of the seed boxes to reduce the amount of seed that is fed to the seed boxes. Through the use of restrictor plates, which may be vented to allow some air flow or solid to prevent air flow, the delivery of seed to the seed boxes can be equalized to provide more uniform seed distribution to the row units.

Abstract: A chamber apparatus for reducing the speed of particles carried in a pneumatic conveyor conduit includes a chamber with an inlet port in the chamber, the inlet port adapted for attachment to the pneumatic conveyor conduit, and an outlet port in a lower portion of the chamber. A plurality of flexible bristles is secured at ends thereof to a wall of the chamber and extend into the chamber such that particles carried in an air stream entering the inlet port contact the bristles. The chamber is configured such that particles falling inside the chamber move out of the chamber through the outlet port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for dense phase transport of a granular product, such as seed. A dense phase delivery line includes a porous medium located along a side wall of the dense phase delivery line. When air and seed are send through the delivery line, a control cover may be moveably positionable over the porous medium to control the flow of air through the porous medium and to start, stop, or otherwise control the dense phase transport of seed through the dense phase delivery line.

Abstract: A chamber apparatus for reducing the speed of particles carried in a pneumatic conveyor conduit includes a chamber with an inlet port in the chamber, the inlet port adapted for attachment to the pneumatic conveyor conduit, and an outlet port in a lower portion of the chamber. A plurality of flexible bristles is secured at ends thereof to a wall of the chamber and extend into the chamber such that particles carried in an air stream entering the inlet port contact the bristles. The chamber is configured such that particles falling inside the chamber move out of the chamber through the outlet port.

Abstract: The primary distribution hoses on the tillage implement of a pneumatic seeding machine are of different lengths as needed to reach distribution heads or splitters on the implement that further divide the primary streams of materials into individual streams leading directly to the ground-engaging openers of the implement. Notwithstanding the differential in hose length, outlet pressures at the distribution heads are made uniform through the provision of internal flow restrictors associated with those hoses that are shorter than the longest hoses on the machine. Throat diameters of the restrictors vary in accordance with the pressure drop that is needed to match the difference in hose length between the longest hose and the restricted hose. In a preferred embodiment, the restrictors are mounted within nipples on the coupling assembly that releasably connects conduits from a seed cart with the primary hoses on the implement.

Abstract: A pneumatic coupler for an agricultural seeding machine comprises a hollow tube having an inner portion and an outer portion that are separated by a radially extending flange. The radially extending flange has an inner surface adjoining the inner portion and an outer surface adjoining the outer surface. A flexible and resilient gasket is fitted over the inner portion and adjoins the inner surface of the radially extending flange. The inner portion is further provided with radially extending catches that are located on resilient axially extending tongues formed in the inner portion. When mounted to receiving apertures the catches contact the interior side of the receiving aperture and the flexible and resilient gasket forms an air seal between the exterior surface of the receiving aperture and the inner surface of the radially extending flange.

Abstract: A pneumatic agricultural particulate material delivery system for delivering agricultural particulate material to a growing medium is disclosed. The delivery system includes a particulate material supply chamber, a furrow opening device configured to create a furrow in the growing medium, a plurality of tubes providing an interior passage extending from the particulate material supply chamber to an outlet proximate the furrow opening device and a pneumatic pressure source pneumatically coupled to the interior passage to supply pressurized air to the interior passage to move material within the interior passage. The plurality of tubes includes an end-most material delivery tube providing the outlet. The end-most material delivery tube includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough in communication with the interior passage. In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of openings are louvered so as to extend at a downward angle towards the outlet.

Abstract: A pneumatic agricultural particulate material delivery system for delivering agricultural particulate material to a growing medium is disclosed. The delivery system includes a particulate material supply chamber, a furrow opening device configured to create a furrow in the growing medium, a plurality of tubes providing an interior passage extending from the particulate material supply chamber to an outlet proximate the furrow opening device and a pneumatic pressure source pneumatically coupled to the interior passage to supply pressurized air to the interior passage to move material within the interior passage. The plurality of tubes includes an end-most material delivery tube providing the outlet. The end-most material delivery tube includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough in communication with the interior passage. In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of openings are louvered so as to extend at a downward angle towards the outlet.

Abstract: A nurse inductor mechanism for an agricultural seeding implement converts an air seeder meter box into a nurse inductor box to convey seed particles to the singulator of a planting mechanism. The nurse inductor mechanism is detachably mounted on the meter box of the air seeder to receive a supply of seed particles therefrom. The nurse induction mechanism intercepts the normal air flow for the metering mechanism to divert the stream of air into engagement with a pile of seed particles and induce the entrainment of the seed particles for conveyance thereof to the remote planting mechanism. A partition wall divides the nurse induction mechanism into a seed side and an air side. The seed side receives the supply of seed particles from the hopper and allows the seed to pass through a passageway into the air side for engagement by the stream of air.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing particles includes a storage tank for containing particles to be dispensed a metering mechanism for transferring particles from the storage tank and an air distribution system for receiving particles from the metering mechanism. The air distribution system includes a bank of tubes for transporting particles in a flow of air having a flow rate, and a damper mechanism at the bank of tubes for selective control of the flow rate within the bank of tubes. The apparatus for dispensing particles also includes an air flow source for providing a flow of air to the bank of tubes, a sensor located at each tube for providing a sensor output signal indicative of a value of a flow characteristic, and a controller operably connected to the sensors and to the damper mechanism.

Abstract: An air seeder for planting agricultural crops includes: a storage tank for containing particles to be dispensed; a metering mechanism for transferring particles from the storage tank; an air distribution system for receiving particles from the metering mechanism, the air distribution system comprising a bank of tubes for transporting particles in a flow of air having a flow rate, and a damper mechanism at the bank of tubes for selective control of the flow rate within the bank of tubes; an air flow source for providing a flow of air to the bank of tubes; a particle velocity sensor located at each tube for providing a sensor output signal corresponding to a measured particle velocity; and a control mechanism operably connected to the sensors and to the damper mechanism for selective adjustment of the flow rate in the bank of tubes, the control mechanism being adapted to receive the sensor output signals, normalize the values corresponding to the sensor output signals, and display the normalized values.

Abstract: An air seeder is provided with a control system for controlling the velocity of air flowing though the product delivery tubes between the product storage tanks and the planting mechanism for delivering the product into the ground. A multiple tank air seeder would be provided with a bank of product delivery tubes for each product storage tank with an air damper mechanism incorporated into each respective bank of product delivery tubes. An electric actuator is mounted on the air cart to connect to each respective air damper mechanism and effect the movement thereof between a fully closed and a fully opened position and, thereby restrict the movement of air through the product delivery tubes. The control mechanism includes a control panel from which the electric actuators for the air damper mechanisms and an electric actuator for controlling the rotational speed of the fan creating the flow of air through the product delivery tubes can be controlled.

Abstract: A seed brake for a pneumatic agricultural seeding and/or fertilizing machine. The seed brake comprises a curved tube having an inner curved side and an outer curved side. The inner curved side is provided with an opening. The inner curved side is also provided with a baffle located between the opening and the outlet of the tube. The baffle extends into the tube and is integrally formed with the inner curved side. The baffle is formed by kinking the tube.

Abstract: The present invention is an air separation tube for an agricultural planter. The air separation tube comprises a hollow tube having an inlet and outlet that is mounted to the side wall of a mini-hopper. The tube is provided with a downwardly curving bend having a screen through which air is allowed to pass. The screen prevents the seed carried by the air stream from leaving the tube. The outlet of the tube is located above the seed puddle of the seed meter which is coupled to the mini-hopper.

Abstract: A seed distribution system includes an upright main hopper for containing a mass of seeds. The input end of a seed tube projects into the lower portion of the hopper near the bottom of the seed mass. The input end of the seed tube is located within the output end of an air supply tube and terminates inwardly of the supply tube. The seeds in the main hopper are pneumatically captured by creating a generally dome-shaped area in the seeds adjacent the input end and sweeping seeds from the area into the input end. The captured seeds are propelled through the seed tube to a secondary hopper adjacent a seed metering device. To provide automatic level control, the delivery end of the seed tube is supported within the secondary hopper so that, as the seed level rises in the hopper, air flow and thus seed delivery rate will decrease.

Abstract: An apparatus for sowing granular material, particularly in combination with a harrow, including a storage hopper (1) which at its outlet is provided with at least one injector (4) operated by a blower (6) and connected with a transport conduit (5) leading to a number of seed shares (15) and provided with a cam or cellular wheel for metering the granular material, the transport conduit (5) being connected with a metering device (2) divided by a perforated plate (11) into a granulate compartment (12) communicating with the conduit (5) and an air compartment (13) from which hoses (14) extend to their respective seed share (15) and which over cam or cellular wheels (10) is in communication with the granulate compartment (12) and through a conduit (16) is connected with the blower (6) in front of the injector (4).

Abstract: An air seeder boot includes a rigid pipe connected to the seed tube of the seeder and mounted to the back side of the cultivator shank by a bracket fixed to the front of the pipe. The pipe has an obtuse bend bringing the seed outlet to a position at approximately the same level as the top edges of the seep and between the sweep wings. The pipe usually has a crease along the back, up to the outlet, to divert seed into two rows in the most soil under the sweep wings. The open pipe of the boot provides reliable seed delivery without blockages.