Abstract: A pneumatic distribution machine for granular material includes a storage container, a delivery fan for generating a main air/material flow, and a distributor head configured to divide the main air/material flow fed to the distributor head into multiple individual air/material flows, a long main delivery line connecting the delivery fan, the storage container, and the distributor head, and a return device that includes a movable deflection element that is configured, in a dispensing position, to feed an individual air/material flow flowing into and inflow region of the return device to a dispensing region, connected to a dispensing line, of the return device, and in a shut-off position, to feed an individual air/material flow flowing into the inflow region of the return device to a return region that is connected to a return line of the return device.

Abstract: A seeding system for seeding large and small seeds includes a plurality of dispensing apparatuses mounted on an implement frame each comprising a first furrow opener mounted and a second furrow opener spaced laterally from the first furrow opener. A singulating meter is operative to dispense the large and small seeds through a meter discharge. A first seed conduit is connected to the first furrow opener and the meter discharge, and a second seed conduit is connected to the second furrow opener and the meter discharge. A selector is operative in a large seed mode to maintain the connection of the first seed conduit to the meter discharge while disconnecting the second seed conduit, and the selector is operative in a small seed mode to maintain the connection of the first seed conduit to the meter discharge while connecting the second seed conduit to the meter discharge.

Abstract: A particulate stream splitting and diverting assembly for splitting a stream of grain includes a pipe, which comprises a first section and a pair of second sections. Each second section extends transversely from a bottom of the first section so that the pipe is Y-shaped. A diverter is positioned in the pipe proximate to a junction of the first section and the pair of second sections. The diverter is configured to selectively split a stream of particulates into a pair of substreams of particulates as the stream passes from the first section to the pair of second sections.

Abstract: A system for pressurizing a tank of an agricultural air distribution system includes an air source configured to supply pressurized air and a plenum having an inlet fluidly coupled to the air source and configured to receive a flow of pressurized air. The plenum includes a face element positioned opposite from the inlet relative to a direction of flow of the pressurized air through the plenum. Moreover, the face element includes a pressurization port configured to direct the flow of pressurized air to the tank and at least one outlet port configured to couple to at least one hose to supply the pressurized air to an agricultural implement.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a frame structure and a plurality of row units with a row unit support structure attached to the frame structure. The row units also include a meter housing with a housing member and a removable cover. The housing member is attached to the row unit support structure and houses a metering element. The metering element is configured to singulate a commodity and meter the commodity from the meter housing. The row unit further includes an air pressure device configured to generate an air pressure differential across the metering element to retain the commodity on the metering element. The air pressure device is fixed relative to the row unit support structure. The air pressure device is configured to remain fixed relative to the row unit support structure as the cover is removed and reattached.

Abstract: An exhaust system of an agricultural product container includes a first media screen configured to be coupled to the agricultural product container. The first media screen includes a first plurality of apertures. The first media screen is configured to block a granular product from entering the exhaust system and enabling an air flow into the exhaust system. The exhaust system includes a diffuser having a first diffuser aperture configured to diffuse the air flow in a downward direction. The exhaust system further includes a passage fluidly coupled between the first media screen and the diffuser. The passage is configured to selectively guide the air flow from the first media screen toward the diffuser.

Abstract: A system for pressurizing a tank of an agricultural air distribution system includes an air source configured to supply pressurized air and a plenum having an inlet fluidly coupled to the air source and configured to receive a flow of pressurized air. The plenum includes a face element positioned opposite from the inlet relative to a direction of flow of the pressurized air through the plenum. Moreover, the face element includes a pressurization port configured to direct the flow of pressurized air to the tank and at least one outlet port configured to couple to at least one hose to supply the pressurized air to an agricultural implement.

Abstract: An air seeder includes a header including an inlet connected to a first hose through which a mixture of air and particulate matter enters the header. The header also includes a plurality of exit ports through which the mixture of air and particulate matter exit the header. Additionally, the air seeder includes a valve associated with each one of the plurality of exit ports. The valve opens and closes to regulate the flow of the mixture of air and particulate matter out of an associated exit port while also regulating a flow of purging air through the associated exit port.

Abstract: A agricultural product transport apparatus has a plurality of containers mounted on a vehicle. A gate on each container controls flows out to a conveyor system that receives product from each container and transfers same to a conveyor discharge located beside the operator's station. The horizontal distance between a front end of the container vehicle and the conveyor discharge is less than the horizontal distance between a rear side of the furrow opener implement and a front fill opening on the product cart, such that the container vehicle can be driven forward behind the air seeder and the conveyor discharge positioned to discharge into the front tank fill opening while the front end of the container vehicle is rearward of the rear side of the implement. A weighing system connected to a controller allows an operator to control and management of product flow from storage to the field.

Abstract: One embodiment describes a seed planting system that includes a seed storage tank to store seeds; a seed meter fluidly coupled to the seed storage tank via a flow path, in which the seed meter receives seeds from the seed storage tank and distributes the seeds to ground engaging opener assemblies; and a seed deflector coupled to the seed storage tank directly above the flow path, in which the seed deflector guides the seeds from the seed storage tank into the flow path at an angle relative to a vertical axis of the flow path.

Abstract: A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement including, an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank, the inductor box comprising at least one inductor segment configured to guide the particulate material and an airflow through the inductor box, wherein the at least one inductor segment comprises a particulate material fluidization chamber configured to establish a vortex that mixes the particulate material with the airflow.

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 seed planting implement includes a monolithic body defining a seed hopper and an air supply system for a seed meter of the implement. The air supply system includes an air inlet manifold and an air channel from the manifold to the seed meter. A screen on the manifold is easily removed for servicing. A housing of the seed meter partially defines the channel during use.

Abstract: A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement including, an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank, the inductor box comprising at least one inductor segment configured to guide the particulate material and an airflow through the inductor box, wherein the at least one inductor segment comprises a particulate material fluidization chamber configured to establish a vortex that mixes the particulate material with the airflow.

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: The seed distribution tower of an air seeder has a distribution head that splits a single, primary stream of conveying air and seeds into a plurality of secondary streams for delivery to openers that deposit the seeds into the ground as the seeder advances. The outlets through which the secondary streams exit the head are constructed as modules that can be individually installed and replaced without disassembling the entire head. Shut-off valves and/or flow sensors may or may not be incorporated into certain or all of the modules to provide optimum user flexibility.

Abstract: A soil opener has a frog mount adapted to be coupled to a shank or other mounting member of a farm implement. A spreader is removably coupled to the frog mount and includes forward and rearward product delivery channels that are intended to be flow-coupled to product delivery tubes or hoses of the farm implement. A tip is removably coupled to the spreader. The leading edges of the frog mount, the spreader, and the tip, as well as the geometry between these components are such that drift is minimized even when the soil opener is pulled through the soil at higher speeds, e.g., excess of 5 mph. The soil opener may be equipped with an optional soil gathering module that gathers soil lifted by the tip and redirects the soil to a position generally rearward of the opener.

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 seed distribution tower of an air seeder has a distribution head that splits a single, primary stream of conveying air and seeds into a plurality of secondary streams for delivery to openers that deposit the seeds into the ground as the seeder advances. The outlets through which the secondary streams exit the head are constructed as modules that can be individually installed and replaced without disassembling the entire head. Shut-off valves and/or flow sensors may or may not be incorporated into certain or all of the modules to provide optimum user flexibility.

Abstract: A soil opener has a frog mount adapted to be coupled to a shank or other mounting member of a farm implement. A spreader is removably coupled to the frog mount and includes forward and rearward product delivery channels that are intended to be flow-coupled to product delivery tubes or hoses of the farm implement. A tip is removably coupled to the spreader. The leading edges of the frog mount, the spreader, and the tip, as well as the geometry between these components are such that draft is minimized even when the soil opener is pulled through the soil at higher speeds, e.g., excess of 5 mph. The soil opener may be equipped with an optional soil gathering module.

Abstract: A fluid-based radial distribution system includes an internal passageway and a plurality of openings radially spaced around the internal passageway. A plurality of gate members are associated with at least some of the plurality of openings, with the gate members are configured to move between an open position that allows product to move through the opening associated with that gate member and a closed position that restricts product from moving through the opening associated with that gate member.

Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port.

Abstract: A single seeder with a foldable chassis composed of a central section arranged transversely with respect to the direction of work and of two lateral sections articulated on the central section, seeder elements being distributed in a regular manner on the chassis, the seeder including burying coulters for the distribution of product extending at the front of a respective seeder element, a distribution head and pipes connected on the distribution head and ending at the burying coulters. The distribution head is arranged at the rear of the seeder, behind the seeder elements, taking into account the direction of advance.

Abstract: A splitter divides an air/product mixture flow, delivered thereto in an air-powered distribution line, between a primary and a secondary distribution channel, which may be flow-coupled to a product hopper or a hose flow-coupled to another product hopper or another splitter. The air/product mixture enters the inlet of the splitter along a first flow path and exits a primary outlet, flow-coupled to the primary distribution channel, along a second flow path generally in-line with the first flow path. Air/product flow is exhausted by a secondary outlet, which is flow-coupled to the secondary distribution channel, at a sideward flow path relative to the first and second flow paths. The velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is exhausted from the secondary outlet is at an angle perpendicular to the velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is received by the inlet of the splitter.

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: An air distribution apparatus has a manifold body, and ports defined through walls thereof, with a delivery conduit connected to each port. A port valve is configured to connect and disconnect the delivery conduit to the interior of the manifold body. A supply conduit delivers a product air stream with agricultural products entrained therein to the interior of the manifold body. The supply conduit extends vertically up from the manifold to a curved elbow and then extends horizontally from the elbow. An exhaust orifice is defined in the inner radius of the elbow. When an exhaust valve is open, a selected flow of pressurized air flows from the supply conduit through the exhaust orifice. The port valve and exhaust valve are controlled such that when the port valve closes, the exhaust valve opens. The exhaust air can be directed into the delivery conduits to clear product therefrom.

Abstract: An air seeder venting system comprising a filter screen mounted in a distribution head of an air seeder for separating seeds from air fed from a supply conduit, the distribution head having an inlet in communication with the supply conduit, a plurality of seed outlets in communication with seeding lines, and an air exhaust, wherein the filter screen is located so as to have at an upstream side the inlet and the plurality of seed outlets, and at a downstream side the air exhaust.

Abstract: An agricultural cart including a product metering system comprising an auger assembly extending generally along an axis non-parallel to a horizontal plane and non-perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and a holding chamber disposed at an upstream end of the auger assembly and configured to reduce pulsations within a flow of agricultural product from the auger assembly. The agricultural cart also includes an air source coupled to the product metering system and configured to transfer the agricultural product to an agricultural implement via an airflow.

Abstract: The seed distribution tower of an air seeder splits a single, primary stream of conveying air and seeds into a plurality of secondary streams for delivery to openers that deposit the seeds into the ground as the seeder advances. As seeds enter the head of the tower in an upward vertical direction through an inlet at the bottom of the head, they are scattered 360° in a horizontal direction by an inverted, overhead distribution cone. The inlet through which the seeds enter the distribution head has an eased configuration to reduce turbulence and promote laminar flow within the head during the dramatic transition from vertical to horizontal movement. Sensitive components such as tram line valves, solenoid actuators, and blockage sensors are protectively housed within the interior of the distribution head to avoid exposure to hostile environmental elements.

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: A manifold and distribution manifold assembly is described for use in dividing the flow of an air-entrained material from a primary distribution line into a plurality of secondary distribution lines. The manifold is formed of a single molded piece thereby reducing the overall tooling cost. One application of such a distribution manifold assembly is in an air seeder.

Abstract: A planting system for planting multiple seed varieties. The planting system includes a planter having a plurality of tanks and a plurality of row units. A plurality of seed meters are included in of the plurality of the row units. A seed transport belt is disposed below the plurality of seed meters to transport seed from each of the plurality of seed meters into a seed tube. Each of the plurality of seed meters is engaged and disengaged by a clutch, and the seed transport belt is disposed below the plurality of seed meters in an angled orientation.

Abstract: An air seeder includes a product tank having an interior, an air lock in communication with the product tank interior, a plurality of product boots, a pneumatic distribution system, and a plurality of diverter assemblies. The pneumatic distribution system includes an air source and a plurality of distribution lines. The air source is in communication with the product tank interior. Each distribution line is fluidly coupled with at least one corresponding product boot. Each diverter assembly includes an inlet coupled with the air source, a first outlet coupled with at least one distribution line, a second outlet in communication with the air lock, and a diverter for selectively diverting air and entrained product from the inlet to the first outlet or the second outlet.

Abstract: A lid for a distribution manifold is described where the manifold has an inlet opening defining an axis, access opening opposite the inlet and a plurality of radially extending outlet ports. The lid for the access opening includes a mounting member adapted to couple the lid to the manifold to close the access opening, a cone coupled to the mounting member and extending axially toward the inlet opening of the manifold when the lid is coupled to the manifold, and a single piece retainer adapted to secure the cone to the mounting member without additional fasteners.

Abstract: A commodity splitter for granular agricultural material includes a chamber having a central section located between an input port and multiple output ports. The central chamber section includes upper and lower planar walls joined by parallel, vertical side walls. First individual upright diverting fins are joined to and extend towards the bottom wall from the upper wall and have respective lower longitudinally extending edges spaced above upper longitudinal edges of second individual upright diverting fins joined to and extend toward the upper wall from the lower wall. The first and second upright fins, respectively, together with the top and bottom walls and opposite side walls form upper and lower vertically spaced material directing channels for directing material from the input port to the outlet ports. The space between the upper and lower channels defines a blockage preventing and pressure-equalizing open area.

Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port, to prevent excess accumulation of seed in the seed chamber.

Abstract: The seed distribution tower of an air seeder splits a single, primary stream of conveying air and seeds into a plurality of secondary streams for delivery to openers that deposit the seeds into the ground as the seeder advances. As seeds enter the head of the tower in an upward vertical direction through an inlet at the bottom of the head, they are scattered 360° in a horizontal direction by an inverted, overhead distribution cone. The inlet through which the seeds enter the distribution head has an eased configuration to reduce turbulence and promote laminar flow within the head during the dramatic transition from vertical to horizontal movement. Sensitive components such as tram line valves, solenoid actuators, and blockage sensors are protectively housed within the interior of the distribution head to avoid exposure to hostile environmental elements.

Abstract: A splitter divides an air/product mixture flow, delivered thereto in an air-powered distribution line, between a primary and a secondary distribution channel, which may be flow-coupled to a product hopper or a hose flow-coupled to another product hopper or another splitter. The air/product mixture enters the inlet of the splitter along a first flow path and exits a primary outlet, flow-coupled to the primary distribution channel, along a second flow path generally in-line with the first flow path. Air/product flow is exhausted by a secondary outlet, which is flow-coupled to the secondary distribution channel, at a sideward flow path relative to the first and second flow paths. The velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is exhausted from the secondary outlet is at an angle perpendicular to the velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is received by the inlet of the splitter.

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: 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 splitter divides an air/product mixture flow, delivered thereto in an air-powered distribution line, between a primary and a secondary distribution channel, which may be flow-coupled to a product hopper or a hose flow-coupled to another product hopper or another splitter. The air/product mixture enters the inlet of the splitter along an angled downward flow path and exits a primary outlet, flow-coupled to the primary distribution channel, along a vertical downward flow path. Air/product flow is exhausted by a secondary outlet, which is flow-coupled to the secondary distribution channel, at an angled upward flow path. The velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is exhausted from the secondary outlet is at an acute angle relative to the velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is received by the inlet of the splitter.

Abstract: A seed metering assembly for a farm implement has a meter roller that can be accessed and removed in a relatively quick manner. The seed metering assembly includes a fluted meter roller that is segmented into a number of discrete fluted sections. Each fluted section has an associated flow control member that is selectively operable to impede the flow of granular material from a seed hopper to its corresponding section of the fluted meter roller.

Abstract: A splitter divides an air/product mixture flow, delivered thereto in an air-powered distribution line, between a primary and a secondary distribution channel, which may be flow-coupled to a product hopper or a hose flow-coupled to another product hopper or another splitter. The air/product mixture enters the inlet of the splitter along an angled downward flow path and exits a primary outlet, flow-coupled to the primary distribution channel, along a vertical downward flow path. Air/product flow is exhausted by a secondary outlet, which is flow-coupled to the secondary distribution channel, at an angled upward flow path. The velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is exhausted from the secondary outlet is at an acute angle relative to the velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is received by the inlet of the splitter.

Abstract: A splitter divides an air/product mixture flow, delivered thereto in an air-powered distribution line, between a primary and a secondary distribution channel, which may be flow-coupled to a product hopper or a hose flow-coupled to another product hopper or another splitter. The air/product mixture enters the inlet of the splitter along an angled downward flow path and exits a primary outlet, flow-coupled to the primary distribution channel, along a vertical downward flow path. Air/product flow is exhausted by a secondary outlet, which is flow-coupled to the secondary distribution channel, at an angled upward flow path. The velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is exhausted from the secondary outlet is at an acute angle relative to the velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is received by the inlet of the splitter.

Abstract: To produce, monitor, and control a flow of air for a seed conveying system and a seed metering system, an air-assisted planting system includes an air handling system having a single air source and an air controller for maintaining a generally constant air pressure to the metering system. The air controller includes a plurality of sensors associated with and operable to monitor an air pressure through the metering system. Based on a sensed air pressure, a microprocessor of the air controller instructs the air handling system to selectively divert the flow of air to the metering system on an as-needed basis to maintain the generally constant air pressure.

Abstract: A splitter divides an air/product mixture flow, delivered thereto in an air-powered distribution line, between a primary and a secondary distribution channel, which may be flow-coupled to a product hopper or a hose flow-coupled to another product hopper or another splitter. The air/product mixture enters the inlet of the splitter along an angled downward flow path and exits a primary outlet, flow-coupled to the primary distribution channel, along a vertical downward flow path. Air/product flow is exhausted by a secondary outlet, which is flow-coupled to the secondary distribution channel, at an angled upward flow path. The velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is exhausted from the secondary outlet is at an acute angle relative to the velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is received by the inlet of the splitter.

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: 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 an agricultural implement and a method of making an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement has a primary containment unit and a plurality of sections. At least one dense phase delivery line connects the primary containment unit to each of the sections. A transport control system allows for individual control of the dense phase transport of the granular product from the primary containment unit to each of the plurality of sections via the at least one dense phase delivery line.

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.