Abstract: A seed flow chamber for handling seed and grain commodity, especially for use with a seed treatment applicator. Seed flow is received through an upper inlet opening configured to receive a flow of seed and discharged through a lower discharge opening. A diverging guide member splits the seed flow. A converging guide member disposed below the diverging guide member reunites the seed flow prior to discharge. The converging member has a downward sloping surface and an air vent, such as a plurality of airflow apertures connected to a plenum. The air vent is configured to communicate with an air supply. A vacuum vent—disposed below the diverging guide member—is configured to communicate with a vacuum source. A fan system recirculates air between the air vent and the vacuum vent. Dehumidifier may condition the air supply to assist with drying.

Abstract: A cleated belt tube conveyor for conveying granular material, such as seed and grain commodities. The conveyor comprising a cleat row profile incorporating one or more of the following aspects: taller central cleat member and a slanted or clipped peripheral cleat. A cleated belt conveyor guide element, comprised of a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart lugs that extend from an inner surface of the belt is also disclosed. A cogged roller, having a plurality of channel segments divided by drive bars, complements the guide element. Also a baffle assembly can be disposed within the conveyor tube to limit material back flow. The baffle assembly can be configured with a belt passage aperture that corresponds to the cleat row profile.

Abstract: A cleated belt tube conveyor for conveying granular material, such as seed and grain commodities. The conveyor comprising a cleat row profile that is optimized for maximizing transfer capacity and minimizing wear. The cleat row profile may incorporate one or more of the following aspects: taller central cleat member and a slanted or clipped peripheral cleat. A cleated belt conveyor guide element, comprised of a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart lugs that extend from an inner surface of the belt is also disclosed. A cogged roller, having a plurality of channel segments divided by drive bars, complements the guide element, increasing the power transfer and tracking ability over a cleated belt lacking a guide element. Also a baffle assembly can be disposed within the conveyor tube to limit material back flow. The baffle assembly can be configured with a belt passage aperture that corresponds to the cleat row profile.

Abstract: A horizontal fluent material dispenser for the even dispensing of a metered quantity of powder. A hopper holds the powder. The hopper has a mixing portion with rotating beaters. A horizontal conduit is coupled to the hopper and receives powder from the hopper. A screw conveyor—or auger—within the conduit transfers the material through the horizontal conduit. A knife assembly, disposed at the distal longitudinal end of the screw conveyor, breaks off a continuous and even flow of powdered material out the discharge opening. A modular screw conveyor assembly is disclosed for changing the material dispensing rate range without changing the conduit diameter. A dual drive mechanism is also disclosed for independent adjustment of the rotating beater speed and the screw conveyor.

Abstract: A liquid blending system and method for the continuous blending of agrochemicals. The system uses static-rate pumps to deliver a continuous pressurized agrochemical to the proportional valve and the control system continuously regulates the flow rate by controlling the respective proportional valve. A method is disclosed for the simultaneous delivery of the requested quantity of each respective agrochemical. Each agrochemical flow rate is adjusted to deliver the requested quantity of each agrochemical fluid simultaneously based on a measured quantity of each agrochemical fluid as a proportion of the total quantity of the respective agrochemical fluid requested based on a blend recipe; a selected blend recipe; and a measured rate-limiting liquid source. A modular rack system is described for organizing and efficiently installing and maintaining the system.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer is disclosed for the even distribution of a treatment fluid within a treatment chamber. The treatment fluid is delivered onto a rotating disk atomizer through multiple outlet ports. Fluid passages provide each outlet port with an even flow of treatment fluid at generally the same time and rate. This even and simultaneous flow of treatment fluid results in a more even distribution of treatment fluid on the seed that flows through the treatment chamber throughout the treatment cycle.

Abstract: Existing seed treatment applicators distribute seed into an uneven annular veil and results in wasted seed treatment fluid and unnecessarily long mixing/drying times. We developed a seed distribution apparatus comprising a partially porous, frustoconical restricting assembly that is mounted above and partially receives a conical distributing assembly. The orientation of the distributor and restricting assemblies provides three different seed flow paths to provide a substantially even annular veil of seed to the seed treatment housing.

Abstract: An improved conveyor belt is disclosed for conveying granular material through a curvilinear structure at operating incline angles of at least 30 degrees. The belt has a first surface, a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and a plurality of cleat members extending from the first surface of the belt. The cleat members are arranged to cooperate together to form a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart cleat walls during movement of the conveyor belt through the curvilinear structure. In this way, the cleat wall supports at least a portion of the granular material during movement of the conveyor belt through the curvilinear structure. The longitudinal space between subsequent cleat walls is between 4.5 inches and 5.5 inches.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer is disclosed for the even distribution of a treatment fluid within a treatment chamber. The treatment fluid is delivered onto a rotating disk atomizer through multiple outlet ports. Fluid passages provide each outlet port with an even flow of treatment fluid at generally the same time and rate. This even and simultaneous flow of treatment fluid results in a more even distribution of treatment fluid on the seed that flows through the treatment chamber throughout the treatment cycle.

Abstract: An improved conveyor belt is disclosed for conveying granular material through a curvilinear structure at operating incline angles of at least 30 degrees. The belt has a first surface, a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and a plurality of cleat members extending from the first surface of the belt. The cleat members are arranged to cooperate together to form a plurality of longitudinally spaced-apart cleat walls during movement of the conveyor belt through the curvilinear structure. In this way, the cleat wall supports at least a portion of the granular material during movement of the conveyor belt through the curvilinear structure. The longitudinal space between subsequent cleat walls is between 4.5 inches and 5.5 inches.

Abstract: Existing seed treatment applicators distribute seed into an uneven annular veil and results in wasted seed treatment fluid and unnecessarily long mixing/drying times. We developed a seed distribution apparatus comprising a partially porous, frustoconical restricting assembly that is mounted above and partially receives a conical distributing assembly. The orientation of the distributor and restricting assemblies provides three different seed flow paths to provide a substantially even annular veil of seed to the seed treatment housing.

Abstract: A rotating drum with elevated discharge chute to lower the height requirement of a stacked seed treatment system. The height requirement of stacked seed treatment systems can be lowered by elevated the discharge point of the treated seed without requiring additional expense transfer components. The elevated discharge drum incorporates a series of lifting flights at the discharge end of the drum. These flights elevate the seed onto a discharge chute, which facilitates transfer to the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A rotary atomizer is disclosed for the even distribution of a treatment fluid within a treatment chamber. The treatment fluid is delivered onto a rotating disk atomizer through multiple outlet ports. Fluid passages provide each outlet port with an even flow of treatment fluid at generally the same time and rate. This even and simultaneous flow of treatment fluid results in a more even distribution of treatment fluid on the seed that flows through the treatment chamber throughout the treatment cycle.

Abstract: A horizontal rotating drum for mixing and drying treated seed with multiple functional zones separated by one or more dams that are attached to and rotate with the drum. The dam regulates the flow of seed through the drum's functional zones. The dam has one or more cleanout passages and an overflow passage centrally disposed within the dam to selectively regulate seed flow.

Abstract: A tracking and tensioning device for a belt conveyor that provides a tracking assembly that is mounted to the conveyor frame. The tracking assembly is capable of sliding along the length of the conveyor frame. An idler roller is mounted to the tracking assembly that is held under constant tension by an adjustable tensioner. The adjustable tensioner provides take-up tensioning at the portion of the belt with the lowest operating tension.

Abstract: An incline conveyor that includes driven rollers at both the input (tail) end and the output (head) end of the conveyor that are powered by a single power source. Power is transmitted along the length of the conveyor with a driveline that distributes power to both the input and output drive rollers. The position of the drive rollers is adjustable to tension and track the conveyor belt. The position of the gearbox is also adjustable to maintain tension on the drive belt. The resulting conveyor drive mechanism allows cleated belt conveyors to be longer and transfer at higher capacities.

Abstract: A vertical lift conveyor for lifting bulk, or particulate, material includes a lower, generally horizontal intake stage for receiving the bulk material on a first endless carrier belt and a second endless support belt positioned in closely-spaced relation to the first belt. The two belts are displaced at essentially the same speed, with their respective adjacent edge portions maintained in intimate contact with one another by means of low friction guides and belt tension to confine the bulk material between the two belts during transport. Plural spaced belt engaging arrangements are disposed along the vertical run of the conveyor to provide support for the bulk material and maintain the edge seal between the two moving belts. The vertical lift conveyor further includes an intake stage adapted to receive the bulk material and movable between an extended, use position and a retracted storage, or transport, position.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch device for coupling a towing vehicle to a towed implement or trailer is adapted for changing the coupling angle between the vehicle and the implement and also for changing the elevation angle of the implement. An elongated, rigid link is pivotally coupled at a first end to a hitch mechanism coupled to the vehicle and at a second, opposed end to a forward portion of the implement. An intermediate portion of the link is pivotally coupled to one end of a hydraulic cylinder, while a second, opposed end of the hydraulic cylinder is coupled to a forward portion of the implement. Extension of the cylinder lowers the implement's forward portion and raises its aft portion, while retraction of the cylinder has an opposite effect. In this manner, the height of the implement may be increased for use in operation or may be lowered for transport or storage.

Abstract: A variable regulator for controlling the flow rate and the dispersion pattern of the seed flow through a seed treatment applicator system. The regulator uses two or more shutters to define a plurality of vertical through-passages. The number, size, shape, and pattern of these vertical through-passages determine the flow rate and dispersion pattern. The regulator disclosed produces a flow of seed that is evenly distributed about the central vertical axis under high and low flow rates and exposes a greater amount of seed surface area to the airborne treatment fluid.

Abstract: A rotating drum with elevated discharge chute to lower the height requirement of a stacked seed treatment system. The height requirement of stacked seed treatment systems can be lowered by elevated the discharge point of the treated seed without requiring additional expense transfer components. The elevated discharge drum incorporates a series of lifting flights at the discharge end of the drum. These flights elevate the seed onto a discharge chute, which facilitates transfer to the discharge conveyor.