CA2503174A1 - Air seeding system - Google Patents
Air seeding system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2503174A1 CA2503174A1 CA 2503174 CA2503174A CA2503174A1 CA 2503174 A1 CA2503174 A1 CA 2503174A1 CA 2503174 CA2503174 CA 2503174 CA 2503174 A CA2503174 A CA 2503174A CA 2503174 A1 CA2503174 A1 CA 2503174A1
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- metering
- material cell
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Abstract
A metering assembly to distribute the agricultural particulate material from multi-compartments of an air seeding system is provided. The metering assembly comprises a metering house operably positioned beneath the bottom outlet of each compartment for receiving the material and a metering roller therein for metering the material. A row of generally upright front material cells and a row of generally upright rear material cells are provided wherein each material cell has an open top and a closed bottom. The rows are positioned beneath the metering housing so that the open top of each material cell is in communication with the metering house to receive the metered material. Each front material cell is in operable communication with an upper conduit for receiving air and each rear material cell is in operable communication with a lower conduit for receiving air. Positioned between the front material cells and the rear material cells are a plurality of diverter plates that move front and back to open or close the open tops of either the front material cells or the rear material cells.
Description
AIR SEEDING SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of mufti-compartment air seeding systems, where the compartments can be used to selectively supply different agricultural materials to specific metering assemblies and air streams based on volume considerations and crop requirements. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a pneumatic distribution system comprising improved metering assemblies for selectively metering and diverting material to one air stream or another.
io BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In many agricultural applications, different particulate materials such as seed, fertilizer, inoculants and other seed treatments are applied to a field in controlled amounts at simultaneous or different times. Strictly controlled rates of application are often critical to optimize crop yield and to efficiently make use of the applied particulate material. To apply these types of agricultural particulate materials in controlled amounts, conventional systems are generally comprised of a tank for containing the particulate material, and a metering device. In these systems, the metering device receives the particulate material from the tank, and meters and delivers this material at a controlled rate to the soil.
Air seeders are commonly used to apply agricultural particulate material and are often comprised of a wheeled seed cart that includes one or more frame-mounted DMSIxge11053276~00004~2041124v1 tanks for holding seed or fertilizer or both. This type of seeder also generally comprises a metering system used to dispense particulate material from the tanks and a pneumatic distribution system for delivering the products from the tanks to the soil.
Several different types of air seeders are available, including double shoot air seeders and triple shoot air seeders. Double shoot air seeders are often used to deposit both fertilizer and seed into the soil in a single pass. Generally, double shoot air seeders comprise a lower conduit and an upper conduit to conduct fertilizer and seed from respective fertilizer and seed tanks on the seeder to a plurality of 1o furrowing elements. The furrowing elements are arranged to deposit the seed and fertilizer into the ground at slightly different locations, to prevent too much fertilizer from being in contact with the seed in the early stages of seed growth.
However, difficulties are encountered with currently available seeding systems when it is desirable to vary not only the amount and the rate at which the agricultural particulate material is applied to the growing medium, but also the type of material being applied. Currently, seeding systems that include multiple compartments are often difficult to use, relatively costly and space consuming.
In many mufti-compartment air seeders, each compartment will have its own designated air stream, so that the metering device attached to a compartment will always deliver particulate material to that specific air stream. This type of setup is inconvenient because, in most cases, the volume of seed and fertilizer varies considerably depending on the type of crop seeded and the amount of fertilizer DMSL.egal\05327610000412041124v1 required. Thus, it would be highly desirable to be able to assign a specific air stream to a specific compartment depending on the requirements of the crop to be seeded.
This type of flexibility would allow for each compartment and air stream to be used more efficiently by basing the selection on volume considerations. By way of example, in some instances it might be more efficient for a farmer to use a larger compartment with a seed air stream, for example, when the size of the seed is large.
In another instance, for example, when fertilizer need is high, this larger compartment might be best used for fertilizer and the user would then want to direct the fertilizer to a fertilizer air stream.
10 There are metering assemblies on the market that do provide the ability to divert product from each compartment into either air stream. However, many of the designs require complex multitude of diverter valves with a complex linkage between valves so that all can be adjusted at once. It is also important for a farmer to be able to completely close off one air stream when metering into the other, to avoid 15 unwanted mixing of products in the air streams. Thus, when using a multitude of diverter valves, they all must be aligned properly and linkages adjusted and set carefully in order to ensure that one air stream is sealed off from the other.
Consequently, there is a need for a mufti-compartment seeding system, where each compartment can be assigned to a selected air stream based on the 20 volume, type, etc. of seed and fertilizer required for a specific crop, which is simple to operate and avoids unwanted mixing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
DMSLega11053276~00004~2041124v1 The present invention discloses an air seeding system that comprises a tank having one or more compartments, wherein each compartment has an individual metering assembly. The air seeding system further comprises a pneumatic distribution system comprising a plurality of upper conduits and a plurality of lower 5 conduits, whereby each upper and lower conduit is operably connected to the metering assembly.
The air seeding system works in cooperation with a seeder having furrowing elements, typically seed knives and fertilizer knives, for depositing seed and/or fertilizer into the soil. The air seeding system can take the form of a cart that can be to towed by a variety of agricultural vehicles such as a tractor.
The tank can have a plurality of separate compartments, which can be of the same or different size, and each compartment can contain a variety of agricultural particulate material such as seed, fertilizer, inoculants or other seed treatments. In another embodiment, several different interlocking tanks can be used instead of a compartmentalized tank.
To distribute the agricultural particulate material from the compartments, a metering assembly is provided for each compartment, comprising:
wP;
~ a metering house operably positioned beneath the bottom outlet of each compartment for receiving the material, said metering house comprising a metering roller for metering the material;
DMSL.egai\053276100004\2041124v1 ~ a row of generally upright front material cells, each front material cell having an open top and a closed bottom and each open top being in open communication with said metering house to receive the metered material;
~ a row of generally upright rear material cells, each rear material cell having an open top and a closed bottom and each open top being in open communication with said metering house to receive the metered material;
~ each rear material cell being positioned behind a front material cell such that the open tops of each front and rear material cell are essentially aligned and the closed bottom of each rear material cell extends past the closed bottom of l0 each front material cell;
~ a row of upper conduits for receiving air, each upper conduit operably associated with one front material cell to allow air to pass through said front material cell;
~ a row of lower conduits for receiving air, each lower conduit operably associated with one rear material cell to allow air to pass through said rear material cell;
~ and a diverter member comprising a plurality of diverter plates, each diverter plate being operably positioned between the aligned open tops of each front material cell and rear material cell arid moveable between a forward position 2o and a rearward positions such that when the diverter plate is in the forward position the open top of the front material cell is closed and when the DMSLega1~053276100004~2041124v1 diverter plate is in the rearward position the open top of the rear material cell is closed.
In a preferred embodiment, the diverter member further comprises a rod operably connecting all of the diverter plates so that each diverter plate moves in unison with the others. Rod member further comprises a diverter lever connected to one or both ends of the rod. The diverter lever has a first position and a second position to move the diverter member into the forward position or rearward position, respectively. Depending on the position of the diverter member, metered material is directed either to an air stream in an upper conduit or to an air stream in a lower l0 conduit. . These conduits then deliver the seeds or fertilizer to the appropriate furrowing elements for inserting the material into the soil.
The ability to move the diverter member into two different positions provides for greater flexibility in making use of the different tanks on the seeding system.
For example, in one application, the largest tank or compartment may be used to contain and deliver seed, whereas, in another application, this tank or compartment may be used to contain and deliver fertilizer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, may best be understood by reference to the following description, and the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the several views, and in which:
DMSL.ega11053276~0000412041124v1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-compartment air seeding system according to this invention.
FIG. 2 is an expanded view of two of the metering assemblies of the air seeding system shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an expanded view of one of the metering assemblies shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is an overview perspective of a material compartment coupled to a diverter assembly of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a front view of the metering assembly showing the row of front material cells and the row of rear material cells with their respective front walls removed.
to FIG. 6(a) is a schematic illustration of the metering assembly when the diverter lever in an upward position according to the invention.
FIG. 6(b) is a schematic illustration of the metering assembly of FIG. 6(a) with the side panel removed showing material being metered through the upper conduit.
FIG. 7(a) is a schematic illustration of the metering assembly when the diverter lever in a downward position according to the invention.
FIG. 7(b) is a schematic illustration of the metering assembly of FIG. 7(a) with the side panel removed showing material being metered through the lower conduit.
FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a diverter member that can be used in the invention.
DMSLega1~053276W0004~2041124v1 FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the metering assembly where the diverter member is in the first position.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the metering assembly where the diverter member is in the second position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A preferred embodiment of an air seeding system of the invention is illustrated in perspective views in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. With reference to FIG.
l, air seeding system 1 comprises a tank 3 having three separate compartments 5, 7 and 9.
It is understood that three individual product tanks could also be used. Each l0 compartment 5, 7, and 9 is provided with its own metering assembly 11, 13 and 15, respectively. The air seeding system 1 further comprises a pneumatic distribution system (not illustrated), which directs air streams 17 and 21 through a plurality of upper conduits 19 and lower conduits 23, respectively. There exists a horizontal row of upper conduits and a horizontal row of lowers conduits whereby each of upper and lower conduits is operably connected to each metering assembly 11, 13 and 15.
Air seeding system 1 can take the form of a cart that can be pulled or towed by a variety of different agricultural vehicles such as a tractor. If desired, air seeding system 1 can be attached to an agricultural vehicle using frame 35, which can adopt a wide variety of different configurations. Frame 35 can be constructed using a 2o variety of different materials that can be, for example, which are not intended to be limiting, steel or polymerics. Frame components can be joined together using a variety of techniques known in the art that can include welding, bolting, or screwing.
DMSLegalVD53276~00004~2041124v1 Frame 35 should be constructed to be of sufficient strength to support all components of air seeding system 1, including tank 3, which can be filled with seed andlor fertilizer, or both.
Tank 3 can be positioned onto frame 35 using a variety of different methods.
5 For example, which is not meant to be limiting, tank 3 can be welded, screwed or bolted to frame 35. Tank 3 can be constructed from a variety of different materials, such as different metals or polymerics. To allow for the use of different agricultural material to be metered, in this embodiment, tank 3 is divided into compartments 5, 7 and 9. These compartments may be welded together or comprise a plurality of to interlocking tanks.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, compartments 5, 7 and 9 can each comprise a hatch opening 4, through which material can be loaded into the compartments. In one embodiment, hatch opening 4 can be covered with a hatch cover 6. Moreover, each compartment can adopt different sizes, if desired. The use of different sizes can allow for a more efficient use of these compartments by providing an operator with more flexibility in meeting the requirements for specific crops to be seeded.
For example, some seeds may be quite large, or others may require large amounts of fertilizer, thereby requiring larger compartments for either the fertilizer or the seeds.
Compartments 5, 7, and 9 can be tapered downward to help direct the 2o material into their respective metering assemblies. The material can enter metering assemblies 11, 13, and 15 by gravity to be metered into the appropriate upper or lower conduit and carned by the appropriate air stream.
DMSLega1~05327610000412041124v1 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lower portion of compartment 5 where the upper portion of compartment has been removed. It can be seen that compartment is positioned to be in open communication with metering assembly 11.
It can be appreciated that upper conduits 19 and lower conduits 23 are comprised of discontinuous tubing so as to be operably engaged with each of the metering assemblies. For example, in FIG. 3, which shows metering assembly 11, it can be seen that upper conduit 19 comprises upper tubes 25 and 25', and lower conduit 23 comprises lower tubes 27 and 27'. Upper tubes 25 and 25', and lower tubes 27 and 27' are each operably engaged with metering assembly 11, which is to illustrated more clearly in FIG. 6(b) and FIG. 7(b).
With reference now to FIGS. 6(a), 6(b), 7(a) and 7(b), the metering assemblies of the invention will be described with further reference to metering assembly 11. Metering assembly 11 and its components can be constructed from a variety of different materials, which can include metals and polymerics.
Metering assembly 11 comprises metering housing 80, where material discharged from the individual compartments of tank 3 can collect just prior to being metered through metering roller 43. It can be appreciated that metering housing 80 extends across the entire length of each metering assembly, which can be seen more clearly in FIG. 2.
In a preferred embodiment, metering housing 80 can further comprise back wall having a notch 96, and a moveable metering wall 40, which can side forward such that one end of moveable metering wall 40 engages notch 96 and closes off metering housing 80 to the rest of the metering assembly, in particular, the metering roller 43.
DMSLega1~053276~00004~2041124v1 This is useful, for example, when a farmer wishes to stop metering product mid way through a seeding operation in order to repair, cleanout, etc. the machine.
Metering roller 43, which also can extend the entire length of the metering assembly, can have a variety of different forms known in the art and can be used, if desired, to measure a fixed volume of seed per unit of linear distance. For example, which is not meant to be limiting as one skilled in the art will understand that certain crops will require specific metering rollers, metering roller 43 can be fluted to varying degrees. In one embodiment, a fine metering roller can be used.
However, one of skill in the art will understand that any other metering roller can be used to best meet the needs of a specific crop. Moreover, metering roller 43 can be made from a variety of different materials, which will suit specific crops.
Metering assembly 11 further comprises a plurality of front material cells 29, extending horizontally across the entire length of the metering assembly, and a plurality of rear material cells 31, each rear material cell being positioned behind a corresponding front material cell. This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 5.
The front walls of both the front material cell 29 and the rear material cell 31 have been removed. Each pair of front and rear material cells have a dividing wall 30 which separates each pair from the next pair to the right.
As can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 6(b) and 7(b), each front material cell 29 is aligned in front of each rear material cell 31. Further, each front material cell 29 has an open top 90 and a closed bottom 84. Similarly, each rear material cell 31 has an open top 92 and a closed bottom 86. When the respective tops 90 and 92 are DMSLege1~053276V00004~2041t24v1 essentially aligned, the bottom 86 of rear material cell 31 is in a horizontal plane beneath the horizontal plane of bottom 84 of front material cell 29. This allows bottom conduit 23 to be positioned essentially directly below upper conduit 23, thereby conserving space and making the metering assembly more compact.
5 Each of the upper tubes 25 and 25' of upper conduit 19 are operably connected to front material cell 29 such that air stream 17 can flow through upper tube 25', into, through and out of upper cell 29 through upper tube 25. In particular, upper tube 25' is operably connected to rear wall 88 of the front material cell 29 and upper tube 25 is operably connected to front wall 33 of front material cell 29. Of 10 course, it is understood that both front wall 33 and rear wall 88 must have openings aligned with the openings of upper tubes 25 and 25' to allow for the operation of the presentinvention.
Similarly, each of lower tubes 27 and 27' of lower conduit 23 are operably connected to rear material cell 31 such that air stream 21 can flow through lower 15 tube 27', into, through and out of rear material cell 31 through lower tube 27. In particular, lower tube 27' is operably connected to rear wall 37 of the rear material cell 31 and lower tube 27 is operably connected to front wall 94 of rear material cell 31. Of course, it is understood that both front wall 94 and rear wall 37 must have openings aligned with the openings of lower tubes 27 and 27' to allow for the 20 operation of the present invention.
Thus, any seed or fertilizer material that is loaded into front material cell would be carried by air stream 17 and any seed or fertilizer material that is loaded DMSLegs1V05327610000412041124v1 into rear material cell 31 would be carried by air stream 21. It is understood that upper tube 25' must also pass through rear wall 37 of rear material cell 31, due to rear material cell 31 being positioned directly behind front material cell 29.
Metering assembly 11 further comprises diverter member 41, which functions to direct material to a certain air stream, i.e., it functions to close off the open top of either front material cell 29 or rear material cell 31 so that material can not be loaded in one or the other, respectively. Diverter member 41 is comprised of a plurality of individual diverter plates. Because material cells of the invention are positioned front to back, this allows one to use a very simple diverting means l0 whereby individual diverter plates can very simply act in unison, as described in more detail below.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, each diverter plate 49 of diverter member 41 is connected to rod 51 using a variety of methods, which can include but are not limited to, welding, soldering, gluing, screwing and/or bolting. Diverter plates 49 can be connected together or, if desired, only connected to rod 51. The diverter plates and the rod can be made from a variety of different materials, which can include but are not limited to, steel and reinforced polymerics. It can also be appreciated that diverter member 41 could be laser cut out of a single sheet of metal or the like.
As shown in FIGS. 6(b) and FIG. 7(b), diverter member 41 is operably connected to the back wall 88 of front material cell by means of rod 51 such that each diverter plate 49 is positioned between a front material cell and a rear material DMSLega1~053276W0004~2041124v1 cell. By operably connected is meant that diverter member 41, and hence each diverter plate 49, can now pivot in a forward and rearward direction with all of the diverter plates 49 moving in unison. FIG. 7(b) illustrates the diverter member 41, and hence each diverter plate 49, in the forward position and FIG. 6(b) illustrates the 5 diverter member, and hence each diverter plate 49, in the rearward position.
Each diverter plate 49 is approximately the same width as the width of both front material cell 29 and rear material cell 31 so that each diverter plate can be relatively snuggly situated between front material cell 29 and rear material cell 31 without restricting the forward or rearward movement of each diverter plate 49.
l0 Diverter member 41 can be pivoted along an axis parallel to rod 51 by lever 47, which is operably connected at one or the other or both ends of rod 51. By using an upward or downward motion on lever 47, diverter member 41 can be positioned in the rearward position or the frontward position, respectively, to allow for diversion of material from metering housing 80, which is metered by metering roller 15 43, to be deposited into either front material cell 29 or rear material cell 31, respectively, by essentially closing off the flow of material through the top of one or the other.
As illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), when lever 47 is pulled in the upward position, this, in turn, pivots diverter member 41 and each individual 20 diverter plate 49 to the rearward position thereby closing off top 92 of rear material cell 31. Thus, all of the metered material follows path 53 into front material cell 29 to be carned into air stream 17. Hence, metered material travels through upper conduit 19. FIG. 9 is a perspective view looking down on the metering assembly DMSL.ega1~0532'76~00004~2041124v1 when lever 47 is in the upward position and diverter plates 49 are in a rearward position.
As illustrated in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), when level 47 is pulled in the downward position, this, in turn, pivots diverter member 41 to the forward position thereby closing off top 90 of front material cell 29. Thus, all of the metered material follows path 55 into rear material cell 31 to be carried by air stream 21.
Hence, metered material travels through lower conduit 23. FIG. 10 is a perspective view looking down on the metering assembly 11 when lever 47 is in the downward position and diverter plates 49 are in the forward position.
to In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, diverter plates 49 can take the shape of a rectangle. As is apparent, any other shape that would provide diversion could also be used. Alternately or in addition, the length of diverter member 41 can be such that it can function along the whole length of metering assembly 11 and divert material into the appropriate conduits for delivery into a plurality of rows in the soil.
By way of example, in one operation, compartment 5 may be loaded with seed. In this instance, it may be desirable to have the seed directed by air stream 17 through upper conduit 19. For this to occur, diverter member 41 is positioned in a rearward position by lifting lever 47 to the most upright position (the upward position). In the rearward position, diverter member 41 allows the seed to follow path 53 and enter into front material cell 29 located between tubes 25 and 25', where the seed can enter air stream 17 and thus flow through upper conduit 19.
DMSL.ega1~053276W000412041124v1 Upper conduit 19 can be connected to a secondary distribution manifold mounted on the seeding tool (not illustrated). In one embodiment, four to eight secondary distribution manifolds can be present. Of course, one of skill in the art will understand that a smaller or greater number of secondary distribution manifolds can be used. The secondary distribution manifolds distribute the seed through a plurality of secondary conduits (not illustrated) to seed knives (not illustrated). The number of secondary conduits can vary widely, and, in one embodiment, can vary from seven to twelve. In one embodiment, seven to twelve seed knives can be used.
Of course, one of skill in the art will appreciate that a smaller or greater number of 1o seed knives and secondary conduits can be used.
In another operation, compartment 5 may be loaded with fertilizer. In this instance, lever 47 is positioned in the downward position. Diverter member 41 is now in the forward position thereby allowing fertilizer to follow path 55 and travel in air stream 21 through lower conduit 23, while denying entry into air stream 17.
To allow for the denial of entry of fertilizer into air stream 17, diverter member 41 is pivoted by lever 47 in such a way that diverter plate 49 closes off top 90 of front material cell 29, thereby preventing the fertilizer from entering into front material cell 29. Entry into front material cell 29 would allow the fertilizer to gain access to air stream 17 flowing through upper conduit 19. Instead, the fertilizer can fall on and around seed tube 25' via path 55 and gain entry into the lower portion of rear material cell 31, located between tubes 27 and 27'. The fertilizer can now gain access to air stream 21 flowing through lower conduit 23. As with the operation described above, lower conduit 23 can be connected to secondary distribution DMSL.ega1~053276~000p412041124v1 manifolds, which deliver through secondary conduits, the fertilizer to fertilizer knives (not illustrated).
The ability to direct metered material from any compartment or tank either through air stream 17 or air stream 21 can greatly enhance the efficiency with which individual compartments can be used. For example, an operator may want to use the larger compartment for seeds in one application, while, in another application, this compartment could be used to hold fertilizer. In this manner, a specific compartment is not limited to a specific air stream.
The plurality of air streams can be generated by a pneumatic distribution l0 system (not illustrated). As is apparent, pneumatic distribution system can take many different forms. Such systems generally comprise a positive air displacement unit, which generates a flow of air, or air stream. This positive air displacement unit can take the form of a fan or blower, for example. The resulting air streams can flow through a plurality of upper or lower conduits, which can be responsible for directing the respective seeds and fertilizer to a plurality of furrowing elements (not illustrated). As previously mentioned, furrowing elements can take various forms, and, in one embodiment, can be fertilizer and seed knives that create furrows in the soil to accept the seed and fertilizer.
Upper conduits 19 and lower conduits 23, which are each comprised of upper tubes 25 and 25' and lower tubes 27 and 27', respectively, can be tubular members having a longitudinal axis and a diameter that can be of various sizes. In one embodiment, their diameter can be approximately 2.5 inches. Of course, smaller or DMSLega1~053276W0004~2041124v1 larger diameters can also be used. These conduits can adopt various different cross-sectional shapes if desired.
It is understood that each of the front material cells 29 and rear material cells 31 are adapted to receive a variety of different sizes of upper tubes 25 and 25', and lower tubes 27 and 27', respectively. The upper and lower conduits can be constructed from a variety of materials, including, for example, which are not meant to be limiting, different metals and polymerics. These conduits can also be mounted on conduit support members 33, having a plurality of slots for holding upper conduits 19 and lower conduits 23 in a parallel fashion and can function to deliver 1o the metered material to the appropriate furrowing elements through the secondary distribution manifolds (not illustrated). The seeds and fertilizer are thus deposited in the soil at specific locations.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with the disclosed embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Various modifications will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to describe air seeding systems.
DMSL.cga1~053276~0004~2041124v1
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to the field of mufti-compartment air seeding systems, where the compartments can be used to selectively supply different agricultural materials to specific metering assemblies and air streams based on volume considerations and crop requirements. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a pneumatic distribution system comprising improved metering assemblies for selectively metering and diverting material to one air stream or another.
io BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In many agricultural applications, different particulate materials such as seed, fertilizer, inoculants and other seed treatments are applied to a field in controlled amounts at simultaneous or different times. Strictly controlled rates of application are often critical to optimize crop yield and to efficiently make use of the applied particulate material. To apply these types of agricultural particulate materials in controlled amounts, conventional systems are generally comprised of a tank for containing the particulate material, and a metering device. In these systems, the metering device receives the particulate material from the tank, and meters and delivers this material at a controlled rate to the soil.
Air seeders are commonly used to apply agricultural particulate material and are often comprised of a wheeled seed cart that includes one or more frame-mounted DMSIxge11053276~00004~2041124v1 tanks for holding seed or fertilizer or both. This type of seeder also generally comprises a metering system used to dispense particulate material from the tanks and a pneumatic distribution system for delivering the products from the tanks to the soil.
Several different types of air seeders are available, including double shoot air seeders and triple shoot air seeders. Double shoot air seeders are often used to deposit both fertilizer and seed into the soil in a single pass. Generally, double shoot air seeders comprise a lower conduit and an upper conduit to conduct fertilizer and seed from respective fertilizer and seed tanks on the seeder to a plurality of 1o furrowing elements. The furrowing elements are arranged to deposit the seed and fertilizer into the ground at slightly different locations, to prevent too much fertilizer from being in contact with the seed in the early stages of seed growth.
However, difficulties are encountered with currently available seeding systems when it is desirable to vary not only the amount and the rate at which the agricultural particulate material is applied to the growing medium, but also the type of material being applied. Currently, seeding systems that include multiple compartments are often difficult to use, relatively costly and space consuming.
In many mufti-compartment air seeders, each compartment will have its own designated air stream, so that the metering device attached to a compartment will always deliver particulate material to that specific air stream. This type of setup is inconvenient because, in most cases, the volume of seed and fertilizer varies considerably depending on the type of crop seeded and the amount of fertilizer DMSL.egal\05327610000412041124v1 required. Thus, it would be highly desirable to be able to assign a specific air stream to a specific compartment depending on the requirements of the crop to be seeded.
This type of flexibility would allow for each compartment and air stream to be used more efficiently by basing the selection on volume considerations. By way of example, in some instances it might be more efficient for a farmer to use a larger compartment with a seed air stream, for example, when the size of the seed is large.
In another instance, for example, when fertilizer need is high, this larger compartment might be best used for fertilizer and the user would then want to direct the fertilizer to a fertilizer air stream.
10 There are metering assemblies on the market that do provide the ability to divert product from each compartment into either air stream. However, many of the designs require complex multitude of diverter valves with a complex linkage between valves so that all can be adjusted at once. It is also important for a farmer to be able to completely close off one air stream when metering into the other, to avoid 15 unwanted mixing of products in the air streams. Thus, when using a multitude of diverter valves, they all must be aligned properly and linkages adjusted and set carefully in order to ensure that one air stream is sealed off from the other.
Consequently, there is a need for a mufti-compartment seeding system, where each compartment can be assigned to a selected air stream based on the 20 volume, type, etc. of seed and fertilizer required for a specific crop, which is simple to operate and avoids unwanted mixing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
DMSLega11053276~00004~2041124v1 The present invention discloses an air seeding system that comprises a tank having one or more compartments, wherein each compartment has an individual metering assembly. The air seeding system further comprises a pneumatic distribution system comprising a plurality of upper conduits and a plurality of lower 5 conduits, whereby each upper and lower conduit is operably connected to the metering assembly.
The air seeding system works in cooperation with a seeder having furrowing elements, typically seed knives and fertilizer knives, for depositing seed and/or fertilizer into the soil. The air seeding system can take the form of a cart that can be to towed by a variety of agricultural vehicles such as a tractor.
The tank can have a plurality of separate compartments, which can be of the same or different size, and each compartment can contain a variety of agricultural particulate material such as seed, fertilizer, inoculants or other seed treatments. In another embodiment, several different interlocking tanks can be used instead of a compartmentalized tank.
To distribute the agricultural particulate material from the compartments, a metering assembly is provided for each compartment, comprising:
wP;
~ a metering house operably positioned beneath the bottom outlet of each compartment for receiving the material, said metering house comprising a metering roller for metering the material;
DMSL.egai\053276100004\2041124v1 ~ a row of generally upright front material cells, each front material cell having an open top and a closed bottom and each open top being in open communication with said metering house to receive the metered material;
~ a row of generally upright rear material cells, each rear material cell having an open top and a closed bottom and each open top being in open communication with said metering house to receive the metered material;
~ each rear material cell being positioned behind a front material cell such that the open tops of each front and rear material cell are essentially aligned and the closed bottom of each rear material cell extends past the closed bottom of l0 each front material cell;
~ a row of upper conduits for receiving air, each upper conduit operably associated with one front material cell to allow air to pass through said front material cell;
~ a row of lower conduits for receiving air, each lower conduit operably associated with one rear material cell to allow air to pass through said rear material cell;
~ and a diverter member comprising a plurality of diverter plates, each diverter plate being operably positioned between the aligned open tops of each front material cell and rear material cell arid moveable between a forward position 2o and a rearward positions such that when the diverter plate is in the forward position the open top of the front material cell is closed and when the DMSLega1~053276100004~2041124v1 diverter plate is in the rearward position the open top of the rear material cell is closed.
In a preferred embodiment, the diverter member further comprises a rod operably connecting all of the diverter plates so that each diverter plate moves in unison with the others. Rod member further comprises a diverter lever connected to one or both ends of the rod. The diverter lever has a first position and a second position to move the diverter member into the forward position or rearward position, respectively. Depending on the position of the diverter member, metered material is directed either to an air stream in an upper conduit or to an air stream in a lower l0 conduit. . These conduits then deliver the seeds or fertilizer to the appropriate furrowing elements for inserting the material into the soil.
The ability to move the diverter member into two different positions provides for greater flexibility in making use of the different tanks on the seeding system.
For example, in one application, the largest tank or compartment may be used to contain and deliver seed, whereas, in another application, this tank or compartment may be used to contain and deliver fertilizer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, may best be understood by reference to the following description, and the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the several views, and in which:
DMSL.ega11053276~0000412041124v1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-compartment air seeding system according to this invention.
FIG. 2 is an expanded view of two of the metering assemblies of the air seeding system shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is an expanded view of one of the metering assemblies shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is an overview perspective of a material compartment coupled to a diverter assembly of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a front view of the metering assembly showing the row of front material cells and the row of rear material cells with their respective front walls removed.
to FIG. 6(a) is a schematic illustration of the metering assembly when the diverter lever in an upward position according to the invention.
FIG. 6(b) is a schematic illustration of the metering assembly of FIG. 6(a) with the side panel removed showing material being metered through the upper conduit.
FIG. 7(a) is a schematic illustration of the metering assembly when the diverter lever in a downward position according to the invention.
FIG. 7(b) is a schematic illustration of the metering assembly of FIG. 7(a) with the side panel removed showing material being metered through the lower conduit.
FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a diverter member that can be used in the invention.
DMSLega1~053276W0004~2041124v1 FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the metering assembly where the diverter member is in the first position.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the metering assembly where the diverter member is in the second position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A preferred embodiment of an air seeding system of the invention is illustrated in perspective views in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. With reference to FIG.
l, air seeding system 1 comprises a tank 3 having three separate compartments 5, 7 and 9.
It is understood that three individual product tanks could also be used. Each l0 compartment 5, 7, and 9 is provided with its own metering assembly 11, 13 and 15, respectively. The air seeding system 1 further comprises a pneumatic distribution system (not illustrated), which directs air streams 17 and 21 through a plurality of upper conduits 19 and lower conduits 23, respectively. There exists a horizontal row of upper conduits and a horizontal row of lowers conduits whereby each of upper and lower conduits is operably connected to each metering assembly 11, 13 and 15.
Air seeding system 1 can take the form of a cart that can be pulled or towed by a variety of different agricultural vehicles such as a tractor. If desired, air seeding system 1 can be attached to an agricultural vehicle using frame 35, which can adopt a wide variety of different configurations. Frame 35 can be constructed using a 2o variety of different materials that can be, for example, which are not intended to be limiting, steel or polymerics. Frame components can be joined together using a variety of techniques known in the art that can include welding, bolting, or screwing.
DMSLegalVD53276~00004~2041124v1 Frame 35 should be constructed to be of sufficient strength to support all components of air seeding system 1, including tank 3, which can be filled with seed andlor fertilizer, or both.
Tank 3 can be positioned onto frame 35 using a variety of different methods.
5 For example, which is not meant to be limiting, tank 3 can be welded, screwed or bolted to frame 35. Tank 3 can be constructed from a variety of different materials, such as different metals or polymerics. To allow for the use of different agricultural material to be metered, in this embodiment, tank 3 is divided into compartments 5, 7 and 9. These compartments may be welded together or comprise a plurality of to interlocking tanks.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, compartments 5, 7 and 9 can each comprise a hatch opening 4, through which material can be loaded into the compartments. In one embodiment, hatch opening 4 can be covered with a hatch cover 6. Moreover, each compartment can adopt different sizes, if desired. The use of different sizes can allow for a more efficient use of these compartments by providing an operator with more flexibility in meeting the requirements for specific crops to be seeded.
For example, some seeds may be quite large, or others may require large amounts of fertilizer, thereby requiring larger compartments for either the fertilizer or the seeds.
Compartments 5, 7, and 9 can be tapered downward to help direct the 2o material into their respective metering assemblies. The material can enter metering assemblies 11, 13, and 15 by gravity to be metered into the appropriate upper or lower conduit and carned by the appropriate air stream.
DMSLega1~05327610000412041124v1 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lower portion of compartment 5 where the upper portion of compartment has been removed. It can be seen that compartment is positioned to be in open communication with metering assembly 11.
It can be appreciated that upper conduits 19 and lower conduits 23 are comprised of discontinuous tubing so as to be operably engaged with each of the metering assemblies. For example, in FIG. 3, which shows metering assembly 11, it can be seen that upper conduit 19 comprises upper tubes 25 and 25', and lower conduit 23 comprises lower tubes 27 and 27'. Upper tubes 25 and 25', and lower tubes 27 and 27' are each operably engaged with metering assembly 11, which is to illustrated more clearly in FIG. 6(b) and FIG. 7(b).
With reference now to FIGS. 6(a), 6(b), 7(a) and 7(b), the metering assemblies of the invention will be described with further reference to metering assembly 11. Metering assembly 11 and its components can be constructed from a variety of different materials, which can include metals and polymerics.
Metering assembly 11 comprises metering housing 80, where material discharged from the individual compartments of tank 3 can collect just prior to being metered through metering roller 43. It can be appreciated that metering housing 80 extends across the entire length of each metering assembly, which can be seen more clearly in FIG. 2.
In a preferred embodiment, metering housing 80 can further comprise back wall having a notch 96, and a moveable metering wall 40, which can side forward such that one end of moveable metering wall 40 engages notch 96 and closes off metering housing 80 to the rest of the metering assembly, in particular, the metering roller 43.
DMSLega1~053276~00004~2041124v1 This is useful, for example, when a farmer wishes to stop metering product mid way through a seeding operation in order to repair, cleanout, etc. the machine.
Metering roller 43, which also can extend the entire length of the metering assembly, can have a variety of different forms known in the art and can be used, if desired, to measure a fixed volume of seed per unit of linear distance. For example, which is not meant to be limiting as one skilled in the art will understand that certain crops will require specific metering rollers, metering roller 43 can be fluted to varying degrees. In one embodiment, a fine metering roller can be used.
However, one of skill in the art will understand that any other metering roller can be used to best meet the needs of a specific crop. Moreover, metering roller 43 can be made from a variety of different materials, which will suit specific crops.
Metering assembly 11 further comprises a plurality of front material cells 29, extending horizontally across the entire length of the metering assembly, and a plurality of rear material cells 31, each rear material cell being positioned behind a corresponding front material cell. This can be seen more clearly in FIG. 5.
The front walls of both the front material cell 29 and the rear material cell 31 have been removed. Each pair of front and rear material cells have a dividing wall 30 which separates each pair from the next pair to the right.
As can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 6(b) and 7(b), each front material cell 29 is aligned in front of each rear material cell 31. Further, each front material cell 29 has an open top 90 and a closed bottom 84. Similarly, each rear material cell 31 has an open top 92 and a closed bottom 86. When the respective tops 90 and 92 are DMSLege1~053276V00004~2041t24v1 essentially aligned, the bottom 86 of rear material cell 31 is in a horizontal plane beneath the horizontal plane of bottom 84 of front material cell 29. This allows bottom conduit 23 to be positioned essentially directly below upper conduit 23, thereby conserving space and making the metering assembly more compact.
5 Each of the upper tubes 25 and 25' of upper conduit 19 are operably connected to front material cell 29 such that air stream 17 can flow through upper tube 25', into, through and out of upper cell 29 through upper tube 25. In particular, upper tube 25' is operably connected to rear wall 88 of the front material cell 29 and upper tube 25 is operably connected to front wall 33 of front material cell 29. Of 10 course, it is understood that both front wall 33 and rear wall 88 must have openings aligned with the openings of upper tubes 25 and 25' to allow for the operation of the presentinvention.
Similarly, each of lower tubes 27 and 27' of lower conduit 23 are operably connected to rear material cell 31 such that air stream 21 can flow through lower 15 tube 27', into, through and out of rear material cell 31 through lower tube 27. In particular, lower tube 27' is operably connected to rear wall 37 of the rear material cell 31 and lower tube 27 is operably connected to front wall 94 of rear material cell 31. Of course, it is understood that both front wall 94 and rear wall 37 must have openings aligned with the openings of lower tubes 27 and 27' to allow for the 20 operation of the present invention.
Thus, any seed or fertilizer material that is loaded into front material cell would be carried by air stream 17 and any seed or fertilizer material that is loaded DMSLegs1V05327610000412041124v1 into rear material cell 31 would be carried by air stream 21. It is understood that upper tube 25' must also pass through rear wall 37 of rear material cell 31, due to rear material cell 31 being positioned directly behind front material cell 29.
Metering assembly 11 further comprises diverter member 41, which functions to direct material to a certain air stream, i.e., it functions to close off the open top of either front material cell 29 or rear material cell 31 so that material can not be loaded in one or the other, respectively. Diverter member 41 is comprised of a plurality of individual diverter plates. Because material cells of the invention are positioned front to back, this allows one to use a very simple diverting means l0 whereby individual diverter plates can very simply act in unison, as described in more detail below.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, each diverter plate 49 of diverter member 41 is connected to rod 51 using a variety of methods, which can include but are not limited to, welding, soldering, gluing, screwing and/or bolting. Diverter plates 49 can be connected together or, if desired, only connected to rod 51. The diverter plates and the rod can be made from a variety of different materials, which can include but are not limited to, steel and reinforced polymerics. It can also be appreciated that diverter member 41 could be laser cut out of a single sheet of metal or the like.
As shown in FIGS. 6(b) and FIG. 7(b), diverter member 41 is operably connected to the back wall 88 of front material cell by means of rod 51 such that each diverter plate 49 is positioned between a front material cell and a rear material DMSLega1~053276W0004~2041124v1 cell. By operably connected is meant that diverter member 41, and hence each diverter plate 49, can now pivot in a forward and rearward direction with all of the diverter plates 49 moving in unison. FIG. 7(b) illustrates the diverter member 41, and hence each diverter plate 49, in the forward position and FIG. 6(b) illustrates the 5 diverter member, and hence each diverter plate 49, in the rearward position.
Each diverter plate 49 is approximately the same width as the width of both front material cell 29 and rear material cell 31 so that each diverter plate can be relatively snuggly situated between front material cell 29 and rear material cell 31 without restricting the forward or rearward movement of each diverter plate 49.
l0 Diverter member 41 can be pivoted along an axis parallel to rod 51 by lever 47, which is operably connected at one or the other or both ends of rod 51. By using an upward or downward motion on lever 47, diverter member 41 can be positioned in the rearward position or the frontward position, respectively, to allow for diversion of material from metering housing 80, which is metered by metering roller 15 43, to be deposited into either front material cell 29 or rear material cell 31, respectively, by essentially closing off the flow of material through the top of one or the other.
As illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), when lever 47 is pulled in the upward position, this, in turn, pivots diverter member 41 and each individual 20 diverter plate 49 to the rearward position thereby closing off top 92 of rear material cell 31. Thus, all of the metered material follows path 53 into front material cell 29 to be carned into air stream 17. Hence, metered material travels through upper conduit 19. FIG. 9 is a perspective view looking down on the metering assembly DMSL.ega1~0532'76~00004~2041124v1 when lever 47 is in the upward position and diverter plates 49 are in a rearward position.
As illustrated in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), when level 47 is pulled in the downward position, this, in turn, pivots diverter member 41 to the forward position thereby closing off top 90 of front material cell 29. Thus, all of the metered material follows path 55 into rear material cell 31 to be carried by air stream 21.
Hence, metered material travels through lower conduit 23. FIG. 10 is a perspective view looking down on the metering assembly 11 when lever 47 is in the downward position and diverter plates 49 are in the forward position.
to In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, diverter plates 49 can take the shape of a rectangle. As is apparent, any other shape that would provide diversion could also be used. Alternately or in addition, the length of diverter member 41 can be such that it can function along the whole length of metering assembly 11 and divert material into the appropriate conduits for delivery into a plurality of rows in the soil.
By way of example, in one operation, compartment 5 may be loaded with seed. In this instance, it may be desirable to have the seed directed by air stream 17 through upper conduit 19. For this to occur, diverter member 41 is positioned in a rearward position by lifting lever 47 to the most upright position (the upward position). In the rearward position, diverter member 41 allows the seed to follow path 53 and enter into front material cell 29 located between tubes 25 and 25', where the seed can enter air stream 17 and thus flow through upper conduit 19.
DMSL.ega1~053276W000412041124v1 Upper conduit 19 can be connected to a secondary distribution manifold mounted on the seeding tool (not illustrated). In one embodiment, four to eight secondary distribution manifolds can be present. Of course, one of skill in the art will understand that a smaller or greater number of secondary distribution manifolds can be used. The secondary distribution manifolds distribute the seed through a plurality of secondary conduits (not illustrated) to seed knives (not illustrated). The number of secondary conduits can vary widely, and, in one embodiment, can vary from seven to twelve. In one embodiment, seven to twelve seed knives can be used.
Of course, one of skill in the art will appreciate that a smaller or greater number of 1o seed knives and secondary conduits can be used.
In another operation, compartment 5 may be loaded with fertilizer. In this instance, lever 47 is positioned in the downward position. Diverter member 41 is now in the forward position thereby allowing fertilizer to follow path 55 and travel in air stream 21 through lower conduit 23, while denying entry into air stream 17.
To allow for the denial of entry of fertilizer into air stream 17, diverter member 41 is pivoted by lever 47 in such a way that diverter plate 49 closes off top 90 of front material cell 29, thereby preventing the fertilizer from entering into front material cell 29. Entry into front material cell 29 would allow the fertilizer to gain access to air stream 17 flowing through upper conduit 19. Instead, the fertilizer can fall on and around seed tube 25' via path 55 and gain entry into the lower portion of rear material cell 31, located between tubes 27 and 27'. The fertilizer can now gain access to air stream 21 flowing through lower conduit 23. As with the operation described above, lower conduit 23 can be connected to secondary distribution DMSL.ega1~053276~000p412041124v1 manifolds, which deliver through secondary conduits, the fertilizer to fertilizer knives (not illustrated).
The ability to direct metered material from any compartment or tank either through air stream 17 or air stream 21 can greatly enhance the efficiency with which individual compartments can be used. For example, an operator may want to use the larger compartment for seeds in one application, while, in another application, this compartment could be used to hold fertilizer. In this manner, a specific compartment is not limited to a specific air stream.
The plurality of air streams can be generated by a pneumatic distribution l0 system (not illustrated). As is apparent, pneumatic distribution system can take many different forms. Such systems generally comprise a positive air displacement unit, which generates a flow of air, or air stream. This positive air displacement unit can take the form of a fan or blower, for example. The resulting air streams can flow through a plurality of upper or lower conduits, which can be responsible for directing the respective seeds and fertilizer to a plurality of furrowing elements (not illustrated). As previously mentioned, furrowing elements can take various forms, and, in one embodiment, can be fertilizer and seed knives that create furrows in the soil to accept the seed and fertilizer.
Upper conduits 19 and lower conduits 23, which are each comprised of upper tubes 25 and 25' and lower tubes 27 and 27', respectively, can be tubular members having a longitudinal axis and a diameter that can be of various sizes. In one embodiment, their diameter can be approximately 2.5 inches. Of course, smaller or DMSLega1~053276W0004~2041124v1 larger diameters can also be used. These conduits can adopt various different cross-sectional shapes if desired.
It is understood that each of the front material cells 29 and rear material cells 31 are adapted to receive a variety of different sizes of upper tubes 25 and 25', and lower tubes 27 and 27', respectively. The upper and lower conduits can be constructed from a variety of materials, including, for example, which are not meant to be limiting, different metals and polymerics. These conduits can also be mounted on conduit support members 33, having a plurality of slots for holding upper conduits 19 and lower conduits 23 in a parallel fashion and can function to deliver 1o the metered material to the appropriate furrowing elements through the secondary distribution manifolds (not illustrated). The seeds and fertilizer are thus deposited in the soil at specific locations.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with the disclosed embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Various modifications will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to describe air seeding systems.
DMSL.cga1~053276~0004~2041124v1
Claims (6)
1. A metering assembly for use with an air seeding system for delivering one or more materials to a seeder, said air seeding system comprising a tank having one or more compartments, each compartment being adapted to hold a material and having a bottom outlet, comprising:
a metering house operably positioned beneath the bottom outlet of each compartment for receiving the material, said metering house comprising a metering roller for metering the material;
a row of generally upright front material cells, each front material cell having an open top and a closed bottom and each open top being in open communication with said metering house to receive the metered material;
a row of generally upright rear material cells, each rear material cell having an open top and a closed bottom and each open top being in open communication with said metering house to receive the metered material;
each rear material cell being positioned behind a front material cell such that the open tops of each front and rear material cell are essentially aligned and the closed bottom of each rear material cell extends past the closed bottom of each front material cell;
a row of upper conduits for receiving air, each upper conduit operably associated with one front material cell to allow air to pass through said front material cell;
a row of lower conduits for receiving air, each lower conduit operably associated with one rear material cell to allow air to pass through said rear material cell;
and a diverter member comprising a plurality of diverter plates, each diverter plate being operably positioned between the aligned open tops of each front material cell and rear material cell and moveable between a forward position and a rearward positions such that when the diverter plate is in the forward position the open top of the front material cell is closed and when the diverter plate is in the rearward position the open top of the rear material cell is closed.
a metering house operably positioned beneath the bottom outlet of each compartment for receiving the material, said metering house comprising a metering roller for metering the material;
a row of generally upright front material cells, each front material cell having an open top and a closed bottom and each open top being in open communication with said metering house to receive the metered material;
a row of generally upright rear material cells, each rear material cell having an open top and a closed bottom and each open top being in open communication with said metering house to receive the metered material;
each rear material cell being positioned behind a front material cell such that the open tops of each front and rear material cell are essentially aligned and the closed bottom of each rear material cell extends past the closed bottom of each front material cell;
a row of upper conduits for receiving air, each upper conduit operably associated with one front material cell to allow air to pass through said front material cell;
a row of lower conduits for receiving air, each lower conduit operably associated with one rear material cell to allow air to pass through said rear material cell;
and a diverter member comprising a plurality of diverter plates, each diverter plate being operably positioned between the aligned open tops of each front material cell and rear material cell and moveable between a forward position and a rearward positions such that when the diverter plate is in the forward position the open top of the front material cell is closed and when the diverter plate is in the rearward position the open top of the rear material cell is closed.
2. A metering assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said diverter member further comprises a rod operably connected to each diverter plate so that each diverter plate moves in unison with the others.
3. A metering assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said diverter member further comprises a lever operably connected to said rod, said lever having a first position and a second position, wherein when the lever is in the first position the diverter plates are each in the forward position and when the lever is in the second position the diverter plates are each in the rearward position.
4. A metering assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein when each diverter plate is in the first position the material travels through the lower conduits and when each diverter plate is in the second position the material travels through the upper conduit.
5. An air seeding system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said tank comprises a plurality of compartments wherein at least one compartment has a different volume.
6. An air seeding system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said air seeding system further comprises a pneumatic distribution system for delivering air to each of the upper conduit and lower conduit.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US52261504P | 2004-10-20 | 2004-10-20 | |
| US60/522,615 | 2004-10-20 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2503174A1 true CA2503174A1 (en) | 2006-04-20 |
Family
ID=36242561
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2503174 Abandoned CA2503174A1 (en) | 2004-10-20 | 2005-04-18 | Air seeding system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2503174A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2009036575A1 (en) * | 2007-09-21 | 2009-03-26 | One Pass Implements Inc. | Sectional meter shut-off and agricultural implement having sectional meter shut-off |
| US8141504B2 (en) | 2008-02-26 | 2012-03-27 | One Pass Implements Inc. | Sectional meter shut-off and agricultural implement having sectional meter shut-off |
| US8757073B2 (en) | 2010-01-28 | 2014-06-24 | One Pass Implements Inc. | Metering assembly for an air seeder |
| US8825310B2 (en) | 2011-01-05 | 2014-09-02 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for signaling to an operator of a farm implement that the farm implement is traversing a previously seeded area |
| US8825311B2 (en) | 2011-01-05 | 2014-09-02 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for signaling to an operator of a farm implement that the farm implement is traversing a seeded area |
| US9148990B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-10-06 | Agco-Amity Jv, Llc | Agricultural implement particulate distribution system |
-
2005
- 2005-04-18 CA CA 2503174 patent/CA2503174A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2008301161B2 (en) * | 2007-09-21 | 2014-02-27 | One Pass Implements Inc. | Sectional meter shut-off and agricultural implement having sectional meter shut-off |
| US7690440B2 (en) | 2007-09-21 | 2010-04-06 | One Pass Implements Inc. | Sectional meter shut-off and agricultural implement having sectional meter shut-off |
| DE112008002561T5 (en) | 2007-09-21 | 2010-08-26 | One Pass Implements Inc. | Sectional dosing shut-off and agricultural device with set-point dosing shut-off |
| WO2009036575A1 (en) * | 2007-09-21 | 2009-03-26 | One Pass Implements Inc. | Sectional meter shut-off and agricultural implement having sectional meter shut-off |
| DE112008002561B4 (en) | 2007-09-21 | 2022-09-29 | One Pass Implements Inc. | Sectional metering shut-off and agricultural equipment with sectional metering shut-off |
| RU2495556C2 (en) * | 2007-09-21 | 2013-10-20 | Уан Пасс Имплементс Инк. | Sectional cutter of dispenser and agricultural machine that contains it |
| US8141504B2 (en) | 2008-02-26 | 2012-03-27 | One Pass Implements Inc. | Sectional meter shut-off and agricultural implement having sectional meter shut-off |
| US8371238B2 (en) | 2008-02-26 | 2013-02-12 | One Pass Implements Inc. | Sectional meter shut-off and agricultural implement having sectional meter shut-off |
| US8757073B2 (en) | 2010-01-28 | 2014-06-24 | One Pass Implements Inc. | Metering assembly for an air seeder |
| US8825310B2 (en) | 2011-01-05 | 2014-09-02 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for signaling to an operator of a farm implement that the farm implement is traversing a previously seeded area |
| US8825311B2 (en) | 2011-01-05 | 2014-09-02 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for signaling to an operator of a farm implement that the farm implement is traversing a seeded area |
| US9775281B2 (en) | 2011-01-05 | 2017-10-03 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Sectional control method for use with an agricultural implement |
| US10051784B2 (en) | 2011-01-05 | 2018-08-21 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Sectional control method for use with an agricultural implement |
| US9148990B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-10-06 | Agco-Amity Jv, Llc | Agricultural implement particulate distribution system |
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