Abstract: A sectional control funnel box (36) includes a box body having an upper receiving member (44) for receiving particulate matter, a lower manifold (46) configured to be mounted on a distribution plate (24), and a funnel mechanism (42) disposed between the upper receiving member and the lower manifold. The lower manifold includes a plurality of chutes (100) configured to direct the particulate matter to apertures (38) in the distribution plate. The funnel mechanism includes supply sections (54, 76) that include directing slots (56, 90) configured to provide the particulate matter from the upper receiving member to the chutes. An actuator (48) is attached to the funnel mechanism (42) and configured to drive the funnel mechanism between at least a first position, where a first one of the plurality of supply sections is aligned with the upper receiving member (44), and a second position, where a second one of the plurality of supply sections is aligned with the upper receiving member.

Abstract: A method comprising while traversing, by a current agricultural implement during a current agricultural operation, a plurality of current geo-referenced locations: receiving, from one or more sensors, mounted in the current agricultural implement, current data at the plurality of current geo-referenced locations, wherein the plurality of current geo-referenced locations includes a plurality of swath locations; dynamically displaying a visual correlation between previous data collected from a previous agricultural operation and the current data, comprising: rendering a bitmap from bitmap values corresponding to the current data, wherein the bitmap includes only those bitmap values that are associated with a threshold number of swath locations; generating a plurality of values of the previous data corresponding to a current geo-referenced location of the current agricultural implement; and displaying, on a display device, the plurality of values of the previous data as visually correlated with the current data

Abstract: A multiple variety planter has a direct vacuum system that allows for planting multiple varieties of seed while reducing occurrences of mis-planting events or planting inconsistencies such as multiples and skips by providing highly controllable seed meter vacuum performance characteristics that are controllable on a row-by-row basis. The direct vacuum system may include a vacuum unit at each row unit of the planter to apply a vacuum pressure to a seed meter at the row unit. Each vacuum unit may be individually and variably controlled to apply different vacuum pressures based on which seed variety is being planted with the respective seed meter at a given time.

Abstract: A metering device for dispensing agricultural product from a bin. The metering device comprises a housing enclosing an interior space, and a gate assembly removably received within the interior space of the housing. The gate assembly is configured to guide agricultural product through the housing. The gate assembly comprises a product gate comprising an arcuately-extending gate valve. The product gate at least partially defines a channel within the interior space of the housing through which agricultural product can flow. The gate assembly further comprises a gate key configured to selectively secure the product gate within the housing. Rotation of the gate key is configured to cause a corresponding rotation of the product gate.

Abstract: A particulate material agitation control system includes a metering system and an agitation control system. The metering system includes a first meter at a first position of the metering system and a second meter at a second position of the metering system. The agitation control system an agitating system and a controller having a memory and a processor. The agitating system includes a drive system. The controller is configured to determine a first output amount of particulate material at the first position, determine a second output amount of the particulate material at the second position, determine whether a difference between the first output amount and the second output amount is greater than an output difference threshold value, and output an activation signal to the agitating system indicative of instructions to activate the drive system in response to determining that the difference between the first output amount and the second output amount is greater than the output difference threshold value.

Abstract: In one aspect a system for controlling the operation of an agricultural implement may include a vehicle-based controller configured to control an operation of a valve provided in operative association with a work vehicle, with the valve being configured to control a fluid flow to a plurality of fluid conduits. The system may also include an agricultural implement configured to be towed by the work vehicle. The implement may include a user interface having a first input device configured to receive an input associated with a selected fluid conduit of the plurality of fluid conduits. Furthermore, implement may include an implement-based controller supported on the implement and communicatively coupled to the user interface. The implement-based controller may be configured to initiate control of the operation of the valve based on the input received from the user interface in a manner that provides the fluid flow to the selected fluid conduit.

Abstract: An operator can interact with a user interface to input tire configuration information for a tires installed on an agricultural machine so that a control system of the machine can accurately apply information about the tires to display calculated parameters and/or control machine functions. In one aspect, the input could correspond to custom information for tires which the controller could use to derive tire dimensions, such as a rolling circumference of the tire, for calculating parameters. In another aspect, the input could correspond to a selection among several predetermined tire configurations. The controller can then apply the tire dimension to calculate one or more parameters, such as speed and/or distance traveled, for display, and/or to control various machine functions, such as an agricultural product application rate, steering, driveline and/or suspension control.

Abstract: A system for dispensing crop input products from multiple meters per crop row, including: a) a georeferencing module configured to receive and process georeferenced location information; b) a prescriptive control module configured to receive the processed georeferenced location information from the georeferencing module and utilize the georeferenced location information to generate specific prescriptive rate information for individual meters in the field; and, c) a meter controller module operatively connected to the prescriptive control module. The meter controller module is configured to utilize the specific prescriptive rate information to individually control multiple meters per crop row, to simultaneously dispense crop input products at specific prescriptive rates at georeferenced locations throughout the field.

Abstract: A system for electronically pulsing agricultural product with seed. A seed transport mechanism is affixed to a seed planter row unit having a seed metering system, operating at a high speed configured to dispense seed. The seed transport mechanism is configured to provide a seed release speed at which the seed and agricultural product exit the seed transport mechanism, the seed release speed being varied in a manner proportional to the variation in the ground speed of the seed planter row unit to minimize seed tumbling to optimize accurate placement of seed and chemical granule agricultural product at varying ground speeds of the seed planter row unit. In the various embodiments, the agricultural product is directed away from moving parts after the seed leaves the seed metering system of the seed planter row unit.

Abstract: A machine includes a first device, a second device and at least one controller. The first device includes a first motor located at a first address and associated with first operating characteristic data. The second device includes a second motor located at a second address and associated with second operating characteristic data that is substantially the same as the first operating characteristic data. The at least one controller includes a computing processor and a computer readable storage medium, and is configured to communicate with the first and second devices, and store the first and second operating characteristic data while associating the first and second operating characteristic data with the first and second addresses. The exchange of at least one of the first and second motors causes an exchange of the associated one of the first and second operating characteristic data.

Abstract: One embodiment describes a seed gate assembly disposed between a seed storage tank and a seed meter. The seed gate assembly includes a gate barrier that controls seed flow from the seed storage tank into the seed meter by moving to an open position that enables seed flow from the storage tank into the seed meter and by moving to a closed position that blocks seed flow from the storage tank into the seed meter; and a first seed agitator extending substantially perpendicularly from a surface of the gate barrier, in which the first seed agitator extends into the seed storage tank as the gate barrier moves toward the closed position to dislodge clumped seeds in the seed storage tank.

Abstract: An agricultural planter having sensors for measuring multiple soil properties adjusts planting depth and seeding rate in real time based on the measured soil properties. An optical module is carried by the planter for collecting soil reflectance data. A pair of soil contact blades protrude from or are embedded in the optical module for collecting soil EC data and soil moisture data. A switching circuit or phase lock loop allows the same soil contact blades to feed signals to both a soil EC signal conditioning circuit and a soil moisture signal conditioning circuit. The soil moisture data can be used to calibrate the soil EC data and the soil reflectance data to compensate for effects of changing soil moisture conditions across a field. The sensor module can be positioned behind a seed tube and used as a seed firmer, or incorporated into a seed tube guard.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting power from a drive shaft (24) to a seed meter shaft of a seed metering device includes a transmission (26). A transmission housing (28) has a first housing section (30) and an identical second housing section (30). The first housing section (30) and the second housing section (30) together define a first internal passageway (44) and a second internal passageway (50). The transmission further includes a first transmission element (46) rotatably supported by the first housing section (30) and the second housing section (30) in the first internal passageway (44). The first transmission element (46) connects to one of the drive shaft (24) and the seed meter shaft. The transmission further includes a second transmission element (54) rotatably supported by the first housing section (30) and the second housing section (30) in the second internal passageway (50).

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement includes a main section including a hitch extending in a travel direction, a plurality of foldable wing sections coupled with the main section, a plurality of ground engaging tilling elements, a plurality of wheel assemblies and a control system. The tilling elements are coupled to the main section and wing sections. Each of the wheel assemblies include an actuator. The wheel assemblies include a first plurality of wheel assemblies associated with the main section and a second plurality of wheel assemblies associated with the plurality of wing sections. The actuators of the first plurality of wheel assemblies being independent of the actuators of the second plurality of wheel assemblies. The control system is configured to actuate the actuators to control a depth of tilling elements in each of the sections when the implement is in a field mode.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and controlling an agricultural implement, including seed planting implements. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for detecting seeds being conveyed by seed conveyor. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and controlling deposition of secondary crop inputs such as fertilizer and insecticide.

Abstract: A seed delivery system is provided that includes a row crop seed planter having a seed meter that can pneumatically deliver seeds to the agricultural field at a rearward velocity that matches a forward velocity of the planter. The seed meter may include a positive pressure source that pressurizes the seed meter and creates an airflow out of a seed tube of the seed meter that carries the individual seeds out of the seed tube at a rearward velocity that is automatically adjusted to match a forward velocity of the seed planter and tractor.

Abstract: A planter monitor system and method that provides an operator with near real-time data concerning yield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yield robbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt corrective action.

Abstract: The invention provides an ability to determine a position of a growing plant in a field such that automated or semi-automated means can be deployed more effectively to provide plant maintenance processes during a natural crop cycle. A control system for an agricultural implement may detect detectable elements dispersed between seeds of a seed tape. The control system may determine at least one of a weed zone and a plant zone and may actuate a ground engaging device accordingly.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, device and method that can control the rates of seed dispensation and fertilizer application as a function of forward speed as well as across all rows. Thus, the system and control device allow control of each individual row unit, whereby dispensation and application are effected, by a central controller which controls a plurality of pulse width modulation valves, each of which controls a hydraulic motor with an integrated rpm reduction and which drives a stub drive shaft which rotates at the proper speed in order to provide the desired seed and fertilizer metering. Each of the stub drive shafts may rotate at completely different speeds and/or may be shut down while the remaining stub drive shafts rotate at the desired speed. The integrated rpm reduction within each hydraulic motor allows very fine rotational control of the dispensation and application rates.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

Abstract: A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a loading wheel at the upper opening to the housing engages seed on a metering disk to move seed into the housing. The metering disk and housing can be arranged in planes parallel to one another.

Abstract: Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of a single row unit (10) of a conventional row crop planter such as the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,438,006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. As is well known in the art, the row units (10) are mounted in spaced relation along the length of a transverse toolbar (12) by a parallel linkage (14), comprised of upper and lower parallel arms (16, 18) pivotally mounted at their forward ends to the transverse toolbar (12) and at their rearward end to the row unit frame (20).

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding machine that removes seed from a seed meter by capturing seed therefrom. The delivery system moves seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, each seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

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 sowing heart monitoring apparatus for connection to a sowing heart and for monitoring of the sowing heart with a line camera with one detection direction, a housing which can be attached to the sowing heart for accommodating the line camera and a radiation source for generating electromagnetic waves which can be detected by the line camera with one radiation direction. The sowing heart monitoring apparatus is made such that electromagnetic waves which have been generated by the radiation source can be detected by the line camera after reflection on one reflection surface of a rotating sowing disc of the sowing heart and can be evaluated by an evaluation unit. The invention also relates to a sowing heart and a single-seed drill.

Abstract: A seed meter for an agricultural planter in which the seed disc is rotatably mounted within a seed meter housing. As the seed disc rotates, the apertures in the disc rotate along a seed aperture path through a horizontally adjacent seed pool area. The seed disc includes cavities disposed along the seed aperture path to agitate the seeds in the seed pool area. A singulator having multiple co-planar singulator surfaces is biased against the seed side surface of the seed disc.

Abstract: Metering devices for an agricultural implement are provided for applying a field input, for example, pneumatically delivered granular product including seed or fertilizer or sprayed liquid product including fertilizer and the like, to an agricultural field. In the applying of the field input, the rate of application of the dispensers of one section of the implement can be collectively varied in relation to the rate of application of the dispensers of a different section of the implement frame.

Abstract: A pick assembly for delivering a seed product from a supply thereof to a delivery location and having a pick wheel and at least a first pick arm assembly on the pick wheel with a first cantilever-mounted pick. The pick: a) penetrates a seed product from a supply and releases the seed product to a delivery location as an incident of the pick wheel turning. The first pick has a body with an exposed surface that tapers over at least a portion of the length of the body. At least one discrete raised holding element is on the exposed surface of the body and has an axial width bounded by axially spaced edges. The one holding element at least one of: a) extends through less than fully around a lengthwise axis of the first pick body; and b) has gaps at both axially spaced edges, each extending along the lengthwise axis a distance greater than the axial width.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

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 planting unit for a seeding machine is disclosed having a frame member and a seed meter mounted thereto. The seed meter has a housing and a metering member rotatably mounted therein. The metering member has a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface and a rim portion adjacent an outer edge of the sidewall. The inner surface of the side wall and the housing form a trough at a bottom portion of the metering member to hold a seed pool. A mechanical seed delivery system takes seed from the metering member and moves seed to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine.

Abstract: An actuating system for a planting device. The actuating system has an electric motor that provides an actuating force for a seed shaft. A pneumatic acting member is connected to a source of compressed air through a valve and positioned to engage the electric motor to actuate the electric motor. The source of compressed air and electric motor can thus be connected to a controller that operates the source of compressed air and the electric motor in order to provide selective actuation to control planting of the planting device.

Abstract: A sow housing for piecemeal sowing of seeds. The sow housing includes a seed bin and a rotating seed element having a wall that has a plurality of through holes. Each hole is arranged to, during a first part of the revolution of the hole, retain a seed as a consequence of pressure difference between the two sides of the wall. A cover means is arranged to cover each hole during a second part of the revolution of the hole.

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: The present invention is directed to a seed metering assembly that has a series of individualized and independently controlled 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: An actuating system for a planting device. The actuating system has an electric motor that provides an actuating force for a seed shaft. A pneumatic acting member is connected to a source of compressed air through a valve and positioned to engage the electric motor to actuate the electric motor. The source of compressed air and electric motor can thus be connected to a controller that operates the source of compressed air and the electric motor in order to provide selective actuation to control planting of the planting device.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine having a seed meter with a metering member that moves seed sequentially along a first path to a release position at which the seed is moving in a first direction and a delivery system adapted to take seed from the metering member at the release position and control movement of the seed from the seed meter to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine. The delivery system, at the release position, moves seed in a second direction along a second path.

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 seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus, method and system for a seed planter. The seed planter has a planting, dispensing and metering assembly operatively attached to a mobile supporting structure. The metering assembly has separated seed pre-staging and/or staging positions for staging pre-specified counts of seed separated from other counts in the batch and maintaining separation of the pre-specified counts of seed from other counts in the batch for planting. Alternatively, the metering assembly has separated seed staging positions for staging a batch of seed in singulated form for planting.

Abstract: An actuating system for a planting device. The actuating system has an electric motor that provides an actuating force for a seed shaft. A pneumatic acting member is connected to a source of compressed air through a valve and positioned to engage the electric motor to actuate the electric motor. The source of compressed air and electric motor can thus be connected to a controller that operates the source of compressed air and the electric motor in order to provide selective actuation to control planting of the planting device.

Abstract: A seed meter is provided having an endless belt as a seed transport member together with a pressure differential to hold the seed onto the belt. The use of an endless belt as the seed transport member enables the spatial orientation of the seed transport member to vary from location to location along the path of the belt where different seed meter functions are performed. The belt allows greater freedom in determining the location of the seed pick-up region and the seed release or removal region beyond the constraints of a fixed diameter seed disk. The belt further allows for a narrow envelope seed meter which can cross-feed seed into a substantially vertically oriented delivery device.

Abstract: A friction drive for an agricultural planter has a linear actuator, which may be hydraulically or pneumatically controlled, to selectively raise or lower a drive wheel into frictional engagement with a carrying wheel. A valve network is fluidly associated with the linear actuator and allows the operator or pilot to variably define the degree of frictional engagement. This allows the operator to vary the amount of frictional engagement of the drive wheel and the carrying wheel, the output of which is used by a material dispensing system to deposited planting material onto a planting surface.

Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural planter having a rearwardly curving forward wall, a rearwardly curving rearward wall and opposing sidewalls defining a seed passageway which curves rearwardly from an upper ingress end toward a lower egress end. Wear resistant material is disposed proximate the egress end which provides a point of first contact with the opener disks thereby preventing appreciable wear of the egress end of the seed tube.

Abstract: An agricultural seeding machine includes at least one tool bar, and a plurality of row crop units, with each row crop unit coupled with a respective tool bar. Each row crop unit includes a seed meter; a ground engaging wheel; a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driven by the wheel; and a rotatable drive element coupled between the CVT and the seed meter.

Abstract: A sectional meter shut-off apparatus for use in preventing material such as seed or fertilizer from reaching a metering device, for the purpose of preventing double seeding or double fertilizing. The sectional meter shut-off apparatus comprises a plurality of gates capable of opening or closing access to a metering roller. The plurality of gates can be controlled through electric actuators, hydraulic cylinders or a shaft. These gates can individually be controlled through an electric switch connected to the cab of the vehicle and operated by the driver, or automatically controlled by a GPS/GNSS system capable of determining which areas of the field have been previously seeded or fertilized. Additionally, an agricultural implement is further provided, comprising a dual material dispensing apparatus, which incorporates a meter shut-off device, and hydraulic rams to raise ground-engaging soil openers when passing over soil that has been previously seeded/fertilized.

Abstract: A seed singulator for use with a vacuum disk having a seed face and a shoulder. The seed singulator has a first member and a second member supported by biasing members. The first member has upper lobes disposed at a radius of curvature slightly less than the outside radius of a row of apertures on a seed plane of the vacuum disk. The seed member has lower lobes disposed at a radius of curvature slightly greater than the inside radius than the row of apradius. The biasing members permit the lobes to move with the seed plane and the shoulder as the vacuum disk rotates thereby maintaining their position with respect to the apertures.

Abstract: An actuating device for a drive arrangement having a drive transmission operatively connected to a metering structure where a clutch is mounted adjacent to drive transmission, an actuating device is positioned to selectively engage the clutch such that the rotational force transferred from the drive transmission to the metering structure is selectively deactivated when the actuating member engages the clutch.

Abstract: A seed dispensing hopper having openings in which picker wheels are rotatably disposed. The picker wheels are disposed in a seed bin shaped to direct seed towards the picker wheels. Flexible elements rotate about an axis of the hopper and are aligned over the picker wheels. As the flexible elements rotate, they wipe the sides of the hopper. At the bottom of their rotation, the ends of the flexible elements and the teeth of the picker wheels are moving toward one another. The flexible elements engage the picker wheels as they traverse them, thereby creating an advantageous “spoon-feeding” action which ensures that even sticky or non-flowable seeds can be completely emptied from the hopper.

Abstract: A system for and a method of metering product includes an equalizing meter apparatus that more readily equalizes the distribution of product with uneven distribution systems. The metering system includes a meter roller assembly operable to meter granular product delivery between a meter box and a series of product distributors. The meter roller assembly includes a shaft in support of a series of roller sections rotatably mounted on the shaft. The roller sections include at least one fluted metering section having a series of fluted segments configured to meter granular product. The equalizing meter apparatus includes a split ring having a series of protrusions configured to engage the fluted segments of the metering section and enhance equalizing the distribution of granular product from the meter roller assembly. The split ring is operable to detach from and reconnect to the fluted metering section without disassembling the meter roller assembly.