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 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 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: An arrangement for weighing bulk materials includes plural hoppers each having its own weighing system for accurately determining material discharge rate (lbs/minute) and for directing the contents of the hoppers to a product processing stage either sequentially from one hopper at a time while the other hoppers are being re-filled to provide continuous, non-stop operation, or in the alternative, from two or more hoppers simultaneously for blending the materials under the precise control of a programmed controller. Material discharge rate from each hopper is determined by continuous weighing of each hopper and its contents and is controlled in real time by precise computer controlled positioning of each hopper's slide gate. In the blending mode of operation, accurate monitoring of the material discharge rate is coordinated with processing of the material in a subsequent processing stage to allow for variation of the discharge rate to precisely match the subsequent processing parameters.