Abstract: An agricultural machine comprising a seed metering device to meter seeds for the distribution to the ground across which the agricultural machine moves. The seed metering device embraces a wall that is arranged to rotate. The seed metering device is furthermore arranged to communicate with a pressure actuating appliance for providing a wall pressure difference between a seed reception side, high-pressure side, of the wall and a side, low-pressure side, of the wall that is opposite the seed reception side. The wall is provided with a plurality of through retention openings for the reception on the seed reception side of the wall, by means of the wall pressure difference, of seeds at the retention openings. Then, the seeds are transported, by means of the rotation of the wall, through a wall transportation distance whereupon they are released from the wall.

Abstract: A particulate flow monitor for a pneumatic system including a particulate flow tube defining a particulate flow path, a blower connected to the flow tube and the flow tube terminating at a particulate discharge, which flow monitor comprises an acoustic transducer connected to the flow tube intermediate the blower and the discharge; said acoustic transducer being located in said particulate flow path; an impact surface on said acoustic transducer adapted for being impacted by the particulate matter in said flow path; and an electrical signal generator connected to said acoustic transducer and adapted for generating an electrical signal in response to sound waves created by particulate matter impact; said signal generator including an output adapted for providing an electrical output signal corresponding to said sound waves; and a processor connected to said signal generator output; and said processor being programmed to monitor particulate flow based on said detected particulate matter impact.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a control system configured to receive a first signal to initiate seeding operations, to transition a ground engaging tool toward a working position at a first time after receiving the first signal, and to activate a product delivery system at a second time, different from the first time, after receiving the first signal.

Abstract: A method and system enables sectional control for an air seeding system of a farm implement by exposing a main header, or selected ports of the main header, to a purging air flow when product flow through the selected ports is stopped. A plenum of air is fluidly coupled to the main header and provides a purging air flow to any exit port of the main header that has been shut off from product flow. Valves are used to selectively flow couple the exit ports of the main header to the product flow and to the purging air flow.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seed metering assembly comprised of a set of stand-alone modular seed metering units. Each seed metering unit is selectively driven by a common drive member, such as a drive shaft. When a seed metering unit is engaged with the drive member, the unit will meter granular material. On the other hand, when the seed metering unit is not engaged with the drive member, the metering unit will not meter granular material. Hence, the present invention provides a seed metering apparatus in which the number of seed metering units can be scaled to match the number of distribution headers of a seeding implement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hopper for a seed metering system that has a series of individualized and independently controlled metering units. The hopper has a plurality of discharge openings that can be selectively opened and closed to expose an opening to a respective one of the plurality of metering units. Each seed metering unit is selectively driven by a common drive member, such as a drive shaft. When a seed metering unit is engaged with the drive member, the unit will meter granular material. On the other hand, when the seed metering unit is not engaged with the drive member, the metering unit will not meter granular material. Hence, the present invention provides a seed metering apparatus that provides effective sectional control.

Abstract: A sectional control apparatus and method prompts the operator of an implement when the implement, or portion thereof, is traversing over land that has already been seeded and/or disturbed. The apparatus includes a GPS or GNSS receiver that communicates with a GPS or GNSS system and a controller that maps movement of the implement so that real-time positional data for the implement can be compared to the movement map. When the position of the implement, or portion thereof, is detected as moving over previously seeded and/or disturbed land, the controller activates an alert mechanism in the operator cab of the implement to notify the operator that sectional control, i.e., shutting down metering of product or raising the tool bar, needs to be implemented.

Abstract: An air seeder distribution apparatus has seed and fertilizer tanks, and a like plurality of metering devices mounted on each product tank. A manifold set comprises a like plurality of product manifolds and each manifold is separately fed from one metering device on each of the seed and fertilizer tanks. A control selectively starts and stops rotation of the feed roller of each metering device to feed product from either tank, or both tanks to the connected manifold. The weight of each tank can be displayed on a weight indicator. Balancing of the pressure in each supply conduit can be provided. A remote opener exerts downward force on the tank lid to maintain interior pressure.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel.

Abstract: An agricultural implement is directed to delivering multiple fluids to the soil of an agricultural field. The implement includes a frame for carrying a soil cutting device and a closing device. The cutting device forms a furrow in the soil and the closing device, which trails the cutting device, closes the furrow. A fluid delivery tine is mounted on the frame and extends downwardly into the furrow between the cutting device and the closing device. The tine has a pair of coaxial tubes, including an outer tube and an inner tube, wherein the coaxial tubes form an outer passageway between the outer tube and the inner tube for delivering a first fluid toward the furrow. The inner tube has an internal passageway for delivering a second fluid toward the furrow.

Abstract: In an air seeder assembly having a base mount member with a at least one base ear with a base bore, and a seed boot with at least one boot ear with a boot bore, a fastening assembly mounting the seed boot to the base mount member is disclosed. The fastening assembly comprises a fastener structure fastening the seed boot to the base mount member by extending through the base bore and the boot bore. The fastening assembly includes a fastener interface device inserted into at least one of the bores. The interface device comprises a substantially tubular insertion portion inserted into the at least one bore and a flange portion connected to the insertion portion, and extends radially outwardly from the insertion portion.

Abstract: A seed meter for an agricultural seed planter, wherein the seed meter includes a rotatable disk assembly for a seed meter to dispense individual seeds at desired intervals. The rotatable disk comprises a seed disk including a plurality of circumferentially spaced seed apertures about the periphery operatively connected to a vacuum source, a substantially nonmagnetic backing disk member having a plurality of vacuum apertures and also in communication with the vacuum source, a resilient disk member adjacent and engageable with the nonmagnetic backing disk comprising a plurality of magnetic portions engageable with a magnetic source and adapted to occlude the seed aperture and disrupt communication with the vacuum source. The seed disk, substantially nonmagnetic backing disk member and resilient disk member are also rotatably mounted within a housing on a conduit. The vacuum source is operatively connected to the inside of the housing.

Abstract: A product distributing apparatus is described as well as a system and method of automatically calibrating the meter of the apparatus which does not require the operator to leave the operator station of the towing vehicle. One application of such an apparatus and method is in an agricultural air seeder and it is in this context that the apparatus is described.

Abstract: A seed feeding apparatus includes a feed assembly with a V-shaped groove with at least one moving wall and a pocket formed by the walls of the groove and a pocket plate configured to substantially conform to the groove. The pocket plate is located such that the moving wall moves upward at the pocket. Seeds are received and form a pile in the pocket. As the moving wall moves, seeds fall from the pile to the bottom of the groove with sides of the seeds bearing against the walls of the groove such that the seeds are aligned in single file along the bottom of the groove and move upward over the upper edge of the groove and then fall out of the groove one at a time at a constant rate into a furrow.

Abstract: A secondary air seeder assembly for depositing seed along the tire tracks formed by an air seeder cart and system comprising the same is provided. The secondary air seeder assembly includes includes first and second elongated and parallel main frame members, each having a terminal forward end and a terminal down turned rearward end. First and second elongated and parallel transverse frame members are connected to and extend between the first and the second main frame members at a longitudinal spaced distance from one another. Two forward caster wheels, one is connected at each terminal forward end of the first and the second main frame members. Two rearward wheels, one is connected at each terminal down turned rearward end of the first and the second main frame members. First and second elongated coupling frame members, are each connected at first end thereof to the first transverse frame member at a spaced distance and connected together at a second end thereof forming a hitch point.

Abstract: A metering assembly is provided for use with an air seeding system for delivering one or more particulate materials to an air seeding apparatus, the air seeding system comprising a product tank, configured to hold a particulate material and having an outlet, the metering assembly comprising at least one metering device, the metering device having a housing, an inlet positioned in the housing to receive particulate material from the outlet of the product tank, a first loading zone and a second loading zone, and a flow controller provided beneath the inlet and operative to route particulate material that has entered the metering device through the inlet in a first direction towards the first loading zone and in a second direction towards the second loading zone.

Abstract: A portable hydroseeding system comprising a housing for containing a slurry, a propellant means connected to the housing and an outlet control mechanism for distributing the slurry.

Abstract: Installation to be applied to self-propelled or tow-type agricultural seeders that comprises a general command central unit (5) fed from an electric power source and controls a corresponding individual control unit (10) that regulates the operation of the electro-pneumatic unit (6) associated to the seed dosing devices within the seeder to perform the pneumatic action. Electro-pneumatic unit may be a motor suction or a motor compressor unit. The invention envisages the association of these units to all the dosing devices in a seeding body of the seeder, to pairs of dosing units in the seeder, or else, on an individual basis, to each seed dosing device of the seeder.

Abstract: An exhaust conditioning system for use with a tractor towing an air seeding implement comprises an exhaust duct arranged to communicate exhaust emissions from the engine of the tractor to the seed fan of the air seeding implement. A condenser receives the exhaust emissions of the exhaust duct therethrough between the engine and the seed fan. A condenser fan cools a surface of the condenser. A computer controller controllably varies a rate of at least one of the condenser fan, the seed fan or revolutions per minute of the engine responsive to a sensed temperature of the exhaust emissions to maintain the temperature of the exhaust emissions within a selected temperature range and such that the exhaust emissions are arranged to influence germination of the seeds either by humidity, oxidised organic matter or bio-char.

Abstract: In an air pressurized system for use in delivering seeds in an agricultural planter from a main hopper to plural remote bins each associated with a respective seed discharge unit, an air/seed mixture is provided to a seed discharge unit via an air pressure dissipator which vents the air to the atmosphere in controlling the rate at which seed is delivered to the seed discharge unit. The air pressure dissipator includes an upper, angled tube having an outwardly tapered lower end adapted to receive an upper end of a perforated screen tube which extends into the seed discharge unit. As the seed discharge unit fills with seed during operation, the air pressure dissipator regulates the air flow entraining and transporting the seed by directing a portion of the air to the atmosphere when necessary to provide seed to the seed discharge unit to substantially match the seed discharge rate.

Abstract: Installation to be applied to self-propelled or tow-type agricultural seeders that comprises a general command central unit (5) fed from an electric power source and controls a corresponding individual control unit (10) that regulates the operation of the electro-pneumatic unit (6) associated to the seed dosing devices within the seeder to perform the pneumatic action. Electro-pneumatic unit may be a motor suction or a motor compressor unit. The invention envisages the association of these units to all the dosing devices in a seeding body of the seeder, to pairs of dosing units in the seeder, or else, on an individual basis, to each seed dosing device of the seeder.

Abstract: A disk for the dosage and individual selection of seeds, having a determinate axial thickness delimited by two facing circular walls or surfaces, and comprising housing seatings made along the peripheral edge of one or both circular walls or surfaces and passage ways that open from the housing seatings toward the outside of the disk, for the passage of a stream of air. The passage ways are made on the axial thickness, in a radial direction with respect to the center of the disk.

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 seed tube having a front wall defining a portion of a seed pathway therethrough and having a concave interior surface having a first radius of curvature. The concave surface may extend only partially across the width of the front wall, such that a portion of the front wall lacks a substantially concave surface. Alternatively, the entirely of the front wall defining a portion of the seed pathway may have a concave surface. In this embodiment, the front wall has an asymmetrical cross-section. For example, a first portion of the concave surface may have a first radius of curvature and a second portion of the concave surface may have a second radius of curvature, with the second radius of curvature being greater than the first radius of curvature.

Abstract: A system for distributing a product on an agricultural implement is provided. The system comprises a primary container having a primary container inlet and a product exit, and the primary container is configured to accommodate the product and permit the product to move through the product exit in response to fluid pressure. The system further comprises a pressure supply assembly including a pressure source that provides a pressurized fluid to the primary container through the primary container inlet. The system further comprises a delivery conduit having a first end connected to the product exit and is configured to permit the product to pass there through by dense phase flow.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for distributing a product by dense phase flow is disclosed. The agricultural implement comprises a frame and a product distribution system configured to distribute the product to different positions on the frame by dense phase flow. The product distribution system includes a primary container configured to accommodate the product and includes a primary container inlet and a product exit. The product distribution system also includes a pressure supply assembly configured to provide a pressurized fluid and is in fluid communication with the primary container through the primary container inlet. The product distribution system also includes a distribution conduit that includes a conduit first end connected to the product exit and a conduit discharge end opposite the conduit first end.

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: An exhaust gas cooling apparatus comprising a cooling chamber, primary distribution tube, cooling fan, and transfer fan; the cooling chamber is mounted on the side of a tractor; the cooling fan is installed in the rear end of the cooling chamber; the cooling chamber comprises a plurality of longitudinal apertures through which ambient air travels and a plurality of baffle chambers through which exhaust gas travels; the exhaust gas never mixes with the ambient air in the cooling chamber; the exhaust gas travels through the exit port of the cooling chamber into a primary distribution tube that carries the exhaust gas to a transfer fan; the transfer fan blows the exhaust gas into a plurality of secondary distribution tubes that transport the exhaust gas to a plurality of manifolds; and the exhaust gas travels from the manifolds through a plurality of tertiary distribution tubes and into the ground.

Abstract: An agricultural implement for distributing a product by dense phase flow is disclosed. The agricultural implement comprises a frame and a product distribution system configured to distribute the product to different positions on the frame by dense phase flow. The product distribution system includes a primary container configured to accommodate the product and includes a primary container inlet and a product exit. The product distribution system also includes a pressure supply assembly configured to provide a pressurized fluid and is in fluid communication with the primary container through the primary container inlet. The product distribution system also includes a distribution conduit that includes a conduit first end connected to the product exit and a conduit discharge end opposite the conduit first end.

Abstract: A system for distributing a product on an agricultural implement is provided. The system comprises a primary container having a primary container inlet and a product exit, and the primary container is configured to accommodate the product and permit the product to move through the product exit in response to fluid pressure. The system further comprises a pressure supply assembly including a pressure source that provides a pressurized fluid to the primary container through the primary container inlet. The system further comprises a delivery conduit having a first end connected to the product exit and is configured to permit the product to pass there through by dense phase flow.

Abstract: A dense phase induction system and method includes an induction valve assembly configured and oriented to establish and maintain efficient transfer and induction of granular material. The induction valve assembly includes arcuate geometry to facilitate the flow of granular material from a granular supply to a dense phase distribution system.

Abstract: A planter, in certain embodiments, includes a structural air manifold. The planter may include a hollow structural member configured to bear and/or distribute static and dynamic loads of the planter. The structural member may include a hollow interior having a first port and a second port. A plurality of individual planting units and a fan may be mounted to the structural member and coupled to the hollow interior at the first and second ports, respectively, via a conduit. The hollow interior may provide a path for forced airflow between the first and second ports to enable pneumatic operation of a feature of the agricultural seed planter. Further, each planting unit may include a seed meter pneumatically coupled to the fan. An orifice may be disposed in the first or second port to restrict the airflow through the port and to the seed meter.

Abstract: A seed tank arrangement is provided with improved access to seed tanks of an agricultural planter and the contents thereof, while simplifying the manufacturing of such tanks. The seed tank has a fill opening formed in the upper surface of the tank for loading and accessing seeds in the interior of the tank. Features of the tank are mirror images about a diagonal plane of the tank, which enables the same tank to be used for both the left and right sides of the planter. This is achieved by rotating the left tank 90 degrees with respect to the right tank. The design provides improved access to the interior of the tanks for filling and servicing the seed.

Abstract: A furrow opener device includes a disc arranged to open a primary furrow in the ground. A scraper body has a leading scraper edge supported alongside the disc to scrape the disc. A wing member is supported on a bottom portion of the scraper body in proximity to a bottom end of the disc and extends laterally outwardly away from the disc so as to be arranged to open a groove in the primary furrow projecting laterally to one side of the primary furrow, and a tube extends generally downward to an output opening located adjacent the wing member and is arranged for depositing product into the groove. A packer wheel is arranged in a first configuration where depth of disc penetration is gauged by a gauge wheel adjacent to the furrow opener and in a second configuration in which depth is gauged by the packer wheel.

Abstract: An air velocity indicator and control device is provided for use with pneumatic distribution systems used in air seeders that pneumatically discharge agricultural product to the ground, seedbed, or furrow. The air velocity indicator and control device includes a tubular housing, extending between an inlet and an outlet, and pivotally housing a deflectable plate that actuates in response to encountering an airflow entrained with agricultural product. A magnitude of deflection of the deflectable plate, corresponding to airflow velocity, can be displayed through an indicator assembly. This enables a user to identify velocity variances and differentials within the air seeder and make corrective adjustments. In some implementations, multiple air velocity indicator and control devices are ganged together with deflectable plates that pivot in unison with each other. The relative angle of fixation of the deflectable plates, upon the pivot pin, can be adjusted to permit airflow tuning as needed.

Abstract: A branch for distributing granular material includes an inlet portion, a transition portion downstream of the inlet portion, and an outlet portion downstream of the transition portion. Each portion has a critical air flow rate that is required to cause the granular material to flow through the respective portion. The branching that occurs at the transition portion results in the critical air flow rate of the transition portion being greater than the critical air flow rate of the inlet portion, typically requiring an amount of air at least equal to the critical air flow rate of the transition portion to flow granular material through the branch. In the disclosed branch, the inlet portion is oriented relative to the outlet portion such that applying air to substantially equal the critical air flow rate of the inlet portion results in granular material being urged by gravity to move through the transition portion and into the outlet portion.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: A seed tank arrangement is provided with improved access to seed tanks of an agricultural planter and the contents thereof, while simplifying the manufacturing of such tanks. The seed tank has a fill opening formed in the upper surface of the tank for loading and accessing seeds in the interior of the tank. Features of the tank are mirror images about a diagonal plane of the tank, which enables the same tank to be used for both the left and right sides of the planter. This is achieved by rotating the left tank 90 degrees with respect to the right tank. The design provides improved access to the interior of the tanks for filling and servicing the seed.

Abstract: An air velocity indicator and control device is provided for use with pneumatic distribution systems used in air seeders that pneumatically discharge agricultural product to the ground, seedbed, or furrow. The air velocity indicator and control device includes a tubular housing, extending between an inlet and an outlet, and pivotally housing a deflectable plate that actuates in response to encountering an airflow entrained with agricultural product. A magnitude of deflection of the deflectable plate, corresponding to airflow velocity, can be displayed through an indicator assembly. This enables a user to identify velocity variances and differentials within the air seeder and make corrective adjustments. In some implementations, multiple air velocity indicator and control devices are ganged together with deflectable plates that pivot in unison with each other. The relative angle of fixation of the deflectable plates, upon the pivot pin, can be adjusted to permit airflow tuning as needed.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel. In another embodiment particles carrying desired agricultural inputs with modified release characteristics are delivered.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel. In another embodiment particles carrying desired agricultural inputs with modified release characteristics are delivered.

Abstract: A pneumatic agricultural product delivery system configured to reduce the velocity of agricultural product entering a furrow is disclosed. The system includes at least one product supply chamber, a furrow opening device configured to engage the ground to create a furrow, a plurality of tubes providing an interior passage extending from the product supply chamber to a cyclone rigidly mounted to the tool bar. A pneumatic pressure source is pneumatically coupled to the interior passage to supply pressurized air to the interior passage to move product within the interior passage and a product placement tube extends from an outlet of the cyclone to a location adjacent the furrow opening device.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel. In another embodiment particles carrying desired agricultural inputs with modified release characteristics are delivered.

Abstract: A seeding apparatus comprising: (a seed distribution metering means including a rotating d drum with apertures on its periphery and a vacuum generator for generating a suction pressure inside the drum so that seeds are attracted to the apertures; (b) feeding system including a hopper, gravitational acceleration chamber, velocity controlling elements such as a flap and continuous belts for feeding seeds at a required amount and speed to the drum; (c) release mechanisms including an air-jet for releasing metered seeds from the drum along a selected trajectory while unselected seeds follow another trajectory, delivery device including an adjustable flow venturi and electronic sensor for controlling delivery of metered seeds.

Abstract: A planter, in certain embodiments, includes a structural air manifold. The planter may include a hollow structural member configured to bear and/or distribute static and dynamic loads of the planter. The structural member may include a hollow interior having a first port and a second port. A plurality of individual planting units and a fan may be mounted to the structural member and coupled to the hollow interior at the first and second ports, respectively, via a conduit. The hollow interior may provide a path for forced airflow between the first and second ports to enable pneumatic operation of a feature of the agricultural seed planter. Further, each planting unit may include a seed meter pneumatically coupled to the fan. An orifice may be disposed in the first or second port to restrict the airflow through the port and to the seed meter.

Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural seeding machine includes a side wall having at least a portion thereof formed from a transparent material. A sensor includes a transmitter which is positioned adjacent an outside of the side wall, and operates through the transparent material.

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 pneumatically powered seed delivery system for an agricultural planter includes an air lock between a main seed hopper and the forced air delivery system. The air lock accurately meters the seed and isolates the interior of the seed hopper from the forced air delivery system. Seed is delivered to individual planter row units, each including an air horn having a buffer reservoir for storing and feeding seed to the associated seed meter under controlled conditions, and a seed routing conduit for carrying seed not deposited in a given seed meter to the other row units downline.

Abstract: Left and right main hoppers offset laterally from each other on opposite sides of the centerline of a seeding machine provide an operator access area between the hoppers. A third hopper located forwardly of and between the two main hoppers has a capacity less than that of each of the main hoppers for refuge or male seed. The hoppers are sized to maximize productivity. In one embodiment, first and second hoppers communicate with downstream conduit structure, and valve structure selects one or the other of the first and second hoppers for delivery of the material. The valve structure can be operated remotely and can be map based. Alternatively, selectively blockable nozzle structure is located in the first and second hoppers. Easily changeable connector structure facilitates row pattern selection and hose routing.

Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural seeding machine includes a side wall having at least a portion thereof formed from a transparent material. A sensor includes a transmitter which is positioned adjacent an outside of the side wall, and operates through the transparent material.