CA2311698C - Seeder calibration apparatus and method - Google Patents
Seeder calibration apparatus and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2311698C CA2311698C CA002311698A CA2311698A CA2311698C CA 2311698 C CA2311698 C CA 2311698C CA 002311698 A CA002311698 A CA 002311698A CA 2311698 A CA2311698 A CA 2311698A CA 2311698 C CA2311698 C CA 2311698C
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- Prior art keywords
- metering device
- air
- product
- metering
- seeder
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C7/00—Sowing
- A01C7/08—Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
- A01C7/081—Seeders depositing seeds in rows using pneumatic means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C7/00—Sowing
- A01C7/08—Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
- A01C7/10—Devices for adjusting the seed-box ; Regulation of machines for depositing quantities at intervals
- A01C7/102—Regulating or controlling the seed rate
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C7/00—Sowing
- A01C7/08—Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
- A01C7/10—Devices for adjusting the seed-box ; Regulation of machines for depositing quantities at intervals
- A01C7/107—Calibration of the seed rate
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F25/00—Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Sowing (AREA)
- Fertilizing (AREA)
Abstract
A system for performing an air-seeder calibration procedure comprises a calibration motor rotationally driving a plurality of metering devices simultaneously, thereby dispensing product from each metering device while the air-seeder cart is stationary. Meter controls, located on the air-seeder cart, are operative to stop any metering device while allowing the other metering devices to continue rotating. Containers collect the product dispensed from each metering device during the calibration procedure. Counters determine the number of revolutions turned by each metering device and are connected to a microprocessor. An input device allows entering of the weights dispensed by each metering device into the micro-processor and the micro-processor is operative to determine dispensing rates, being a weight of product dispensed per revolution, for each metering device. A distance sensor can be operatively connected to the microprocessor to determine the application rate for each metering device, and display the application rates to an operator.
Description
F&K 790-03-O1 SEEDER CALIBRATION APPARATUS AND METHOD
This invention is in the field of agricultural seeders and in to particular the calibration of such seeders to ensure proper application rates.
BACKGROUND
Air-seeders are commonly used in agriculture for seeding, fertilizing and so forth where an agricultural product is inserted into the ground or applied to the ground surface. An air-seeder generally comprises a tool-bar, with furrow ao openers, spreaders or the like mounted thereon for receiving seed, fertilizer, or other agricultural products and delivering same into or on the ground. The tool-bar is connected to an air-seeder cart which carries two, three, or more tanks or compartments for carrying different agricultural products. Metering devices on each tank meter the product at the desired rate for each product into an air-stream for delivery to the furrow openers, spreaders or the like mounted F&K 790-03-O1 on the tool-bar.
The metering devices are generally rotating augers, rotors or the like which deliver a given amount of material for each revolution of the device. The metering devices are driven by to a ground wheel such that the metering device turns proportionally to the ground wheel. In this manner the speed of the air-seeder can vary and the application rate will remain substantially constant. An electric clutch or the like allows the operator to turn the metering devices on or off.
Application rates for agricultural products vary from 5 pounds per acre or less, for example for canola, to 300 or more pounds per acre for fertilizer. The density of an agricultural product can vary significantly. For example when 2o seeding wheat, the density can vary from 55 to 65 pounds per bushel. Similarly, seeds today are often coated with chemical protectants and so forth which can greatly affect the density.
In order to overcome these variations and obtain accurate application rates for the particular product, it is necessary for the metering device to be calibrated using the particular product actually being applied.
F&K 790-03-01 s In the present state of the art, this calibration is the most difficult for products such as canola that are applied at low rates because it is a lengthy and often onerous procedure to manually obtain a sample large enough to make scale errors insignificant.
to The state of the art calls for an operator manually turning a crank attached to a metering device until an adequately sized sample of the product located in the corresponding tank is obtained in a catch box positioned under the metering device is to receive the product. The operator counts the number of turns, and uses a chart to find the area of ground that corresponds to the number of turns of the metering device.
The product in the catch box is then weighed and the rate per acre is calculated. For example, to obtain a satisfactory zo sample of 20 pounds of canola it may be necessary to crank the metering device the equivalent of 4 acres or more. It is also desirable to crank the metering device at a constant speed to simulate field conditions as closely as possible.
2s Another less physically demanding calibration method calls for securing the catch boxes in position and driving the air-seeder cart forward with the metering devices turning, F&K 790-03-01 catching the different products until adequately sized samples are obtained. This often requires the operator to stop the tractor, climb out and visually check the levels in each of the catch boxes several times during a single calibration run.
Where there are large differences in application rates for to the products, the operator will also have to stop the metering device for the high application rate product, and continue driving the air-seeder and checking to see if the low application rate product sample is adequate.
i5 Present day air-seeders often have three or more metering devices, each of which must be calibrated at sometimes widely varying application rates. Because of the present requirements for calibrating metering devices, farmers often believe that they have neither the time nor the energy to 20 obtain the large samples that are required for accurate calibration and subsequently often experience significant application errors. Because the costs of some of these products are very high, the application errors can result in significant monetary waste.
SUMMi~tY OF THE INVENTION
F&K 790-03-01 It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for calibrating metering devices on an air-seeder cart that is quickly accomplished with little effort.
io It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system and method that displays to an operator accurate application rates over a broad range of application rates.
The present invention provides a system for performing an air-i5 seeder calibration procedure simultaneously on at least first and second rotating metering devices mounted on an air-seeder cart, the air seeder cart comprising a ground drive for rotating the first and second metering devices in proportion to a speed of travel of the air-seeder cart along the ground, 2o each metering device operatively connected to a separate tank for dispensing product from the tank, each metering device dispensing a substantially constant amount of product for each revolution thereof.
2s The system comprises a calibration motor operative to rotationally drive the first and second metering devices simultaneously such that product is dispensed from each F&K 790-03-O1 s metering device while the air-seeder cart is stationary. A
first meter control is operative to stop rotation of the first metering device, thereby terminating a first calibration procedure for the first metering device, while allowing the second metering device to continue rotating. A second meter to control is operative to stop rotation of the second metering device, thereby terminating a second calibration procedure for the second metering device, while allowing the first metering device to continue rotating. Thus the operator has independent control of the metering devices, so that products is with a large variation in application rates may be accommodated in either tank. The first and second meter controls are located on the air-seeder cart.
Provided are a first container for collecting a first weight 20 of product dispensed by the first metering device during the first calibration procedure and a second container for collecting a second weight of product dispensed by the second metering device during the second calibration procedure.
2s A first counter is operative to determine a first number of revolutions turned by the first metering device during the first calibration procedure and a second counter is operative F&K 790-03-01 s to determine a second number of revolutions turned by the second metering device during the second calibration procedure. A microprocessor is operatively connected to the first and second counters.
io An input device is provided for entering the first and second weights into the micro-processor and the micro-processor is operative to determine a first dispensing rate, being a weight of product dispensed per revolution, for the first metering device, and a second dispensing rate for the second metering is device .
The air-seeder cart could further comprise a distance sensor operative to sense a distance traveled by the air-seeder cart, the distance sensor operatively connected to the 2o microprocessor, and the microprocessor further operative to determine a first application rate, being a weight of product dispensed per unit of area covered by the air-seeder, for the first metering device, and a second application rate for the second metering device, and the microprocessor further 2s operative to display the first and second application rates to an operator.
F&K 790-03-O1 DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying is detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
i5 Fig. 1 is a side view of a tractor and air-seeder with a calibration system of the invention;
Fig. 1A is a detail view of the transmissions driving the metering devices;
Fig. 2 is a side view of the calibration motor and one-way clutch;
Fig. 2A is a schematic end view of a one-way clutch;
Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of an alternate embodiment using a separate calibration motor for each F&K 790-03-01 metering device;
Fig. 4 is a side view of a metering device rotation counter;
to Fig. 5 is a side view of an alternate air-seeder cart of the invention having three tanks and metering devices.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Fig. 1 illustrates a system for performing a calibration procedure simultaneously on at least first and second rotating metering devices 1, 2 mounted on an air-seeder cart 3. The metering devices 1, 2 are conventional. The air seeder cart 3 2o comprises a ground drive for rotating the metering devices 1, 2 in proportion to a speed of travel of the air-seeder cart 3 along the ground. The ground drive is conventional and comprises a wheel sprocket on cart wheel 5 which drives primary chain 6 which in turn rotates the metering devices 1, 2. The wheel sprocket can be disengaged from the cart wheel S
by an electric clutch or the like so that the cart 3 may travel without rotating the metering devices 1, 2. The F&K 790-03-01 s electric clutch and wheel sprocket are located behind the cart wheel 5 and are not illustrated.
Also conventionally, each metering device 1, 2 is operatively connected to a separate tank T1, T2 for dispensing product io from the tank. Each metering device 1, 2 dispenses a substantially constant amount of product for each revolution thereof.
The calibration system comprises a calibration motor 7 is operative to rotationally drive the first and second metering devices 1, 2 simultaneously such that product is dispensed from each metering device 1, 2 while the air-seeder cart 3 is stationary. The calibration motor 7 drives the metering devices 1, 2 through a one-way clutch 8 mounted on the 2o calibration motor 7 and attached to a double sprocket 9 as illustrated in Fig. 2. The double sprocket 9 drives a secondary chain 10 driving the metering devices 1, 2, and is driven by the primary chain 6 from the cart wheel 5.
z5 When the electric clutch is engaged, the cart wheel 5 is driving the primary chain 6 and rotating the double sprocket 9, the secondary chain 10 and the first and second metering F&K 790-03-01 s devices 1, 2, and the one way clutch 8 is not engaged. The double sprocket 9 rotates freely, and the calibration motor 7 is not rotating. When the cart wheel 5 is disengaged from the first and second metering devices, the calibration motor 7 can be started and operates to engage the one-way clutch 8 to io rotate the sprocket 9 and drive the chain 6 in the same direction as it is driven by the cart wheel 5 to drive the first and second metering devices.
Fig. 2A schematically illustrates one possible operation of is the one-way clutch 8. When the cart wheel 3 is driving the primary chain 6 in direction F, the inner surface 12 of the one-way clutch 8 rotates in direction R and passes freely over the dogs 11 mounted on shaft 13. However when the calibration motor 7 is started, shaft 13 rotates in direction R, and the 2o dogs 11 bear against the inner surface 12 and cause the one-way clutch 8 to engage and rotate the double sprocket 9, driving the metering devices 1, 2 via secondary chain 10, and also driving the primary chain 6 which rotates the wheel sprocket freely when the electric clutch is disengaged. One-2s way clutches are well known in the art and it is contemplated that many conventional one-way clutches would be suitable for the purpose.
F&K 790-03-01 Alternatively a calibration motor may be provided to drive each metering device 1, 2 individually as illustrated in Fig.
This invention is in the field of agricultural seeders and in to particular the calibration of such seeders to ensure proper application rates.
BACKGROUND
Air-seeders are commonly used in agriculture for seeding, fertilizing and so forth where an agricultural product is inserted into the ground or applied to the ground surface. An air-seeder generally comprises a tool-bar, with furrow ao openers, spreaders or the like mounted thereon for receiving seed, fertilizer, or other agricultural products and delivering same into or on the ground. The tool-bar is connected to an air-seeder cart which carries two, three, or more tanks or compartments for carrying different agricultural products. Metering devices on each tank meter the product at the desired rate for each product into an air-stream for delivery to the furrow openers, spreaders or the like mounted F&K 790-03-O1 on the tool-bar.
The metering devices are generally rotating augers, rotors or the like which deliver a given amount of material for each revolution of the device. The metering devices are driven by to a ground wheel such that the metering device turns proportionally to the ground wheel. In this manner the speed of the air-seeder can vary and the application rate will remain substantially constant. An electric clutch or the like allows the operator to turn the metering devices on or off.
Application rates for agricultural products vary from 5 pounds per acre or less, for example for canola, to 300 or more pounds per acre for fertilizer. The density of an agricultural product can vary significantly. For example when 2o seeding wheat, the density can vary from 55 to 65 pounds per bushel. Similarly, seeds today are often coated with chemical protectants and so forth which can greatly affect the density.
In order to overcome these variations and obtain accurate application rates for the particular product, it is necessary for the metering device to be calibrated using the particular product actually being applied.
F&K 790-03-01 s In the present state of the art, this calibration is the most difficult for products such as canola that are applied at low rates because it is a lengthy and often onerous procedure to manually obtain a sample large enough to make scale errors insignificant.
to The state of the art calls for an operator manually turning a crank attached to a metering device until an adequately sized sample of the product located in the corresponding tank is obtained in a catch box positioned under the metering device is to receive the product. The operator counts the number of turns, and uses a chart to find the area of ground that corresponds to the number of turns of the metering device.
The product in the catch box is then weighed and the rate per acre is calculated. For example, to obtain a satisfactory zo sample of 20 pounds of canola it may be necessary to crank the metering device the equivalent of 4 acres or more. It is also desirable to crank the metering device at a constant speed to simulate field conditions as closely as possible.
2s Another less physically demanding calibration method calls for securing the catch boxes in position and driving the air-seeder cart forward with the metering devices turning, F&K 790-03-01 catching the different products until adequately sized samples are obtained. This often requires the operator to stop the tractor, climb out and visually check the levels in each of the catch boxes several times during a single calibration run.
Where there are large differences in application rates for to the products, the operator will also have to stop the metering device for the high application rate product, and continue driving the air-seeder and checking to see if the low application rate product sample is adequate.
i5 Present day air-seeders often have three or more metering devices, each of which must be calibrated at sometimes widely varying application rates. Because of the present requirements for calibrating metering devices, farmers often believe that they have neither the time nor the energy to 20 obtain the large samples that are required for accurate calibration and subsequently often experience significant application errors. Because the costs of some of these products are very high, the application errors can result in significant monetary waste.
SUMMi~tY OF THE INVENTION
F&K 790-03-01 It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for calibrating metering devices on an air-seeder cart that is quickly accomplished with little effort.
io It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a system and method that displays to an operator accurate application rates over a broad range of application rates.
The present invention provides a system for performing an air-i5 seeder calibration procedure simultaneously on at least first and second rotating metering devices mounted on an air-seeder cart, the air seeder cart comprising a ground drive for rotating the first and second metering devices in proportion to a speed of travel of the air-seeder cart along the ground, 2o each metering device operatively connected to a separate tank for dispensing product from the tank, each metering device dispensing a substantially constant amount of product for each revolution thereof.
2s The system comprises a calibration motor operative to rotationally drive the first and second metering devices simultaneously such that product is dispensed from each F&K 790-03-O1 s metering device while the air-seeder cart is stationary. A
first meter control is operative to stop rotation of the first metering device, thereby terminating a first calibration procedure for the first metering device, while allowing the second metering device to continue rotating. A second meter to control is operative to stop rotation of the second metering device, thereby terminating a second calibration procedure for the second metering device, while allowing the first metering device to continue rotating. Thus the operator has independent control of the metering devices, so that products is with a large variation in application rates may be accommodated in either tank. The first and second meter controls are located on the air-seeder cart.
Provided are a first container for collecting a first weight 20 of product dispensed by the first metering device during the first calibration procedure and a second container for collecting a second weight of product dispensed by the second metering device during the second calibration procedure.
2s A first counter is operative to determine a first number of revolutions turned by the first metering device during the first calibration procedure and a second counter is operative F&K 790-03-01 s to determine a second number of revolutions turned by the second metering device during the second calibration procedure. A microprocessor is operatively connected to the first and second counters.
io An input device is provided for entering the first and second weights into the micro-processor and the micro-processor is operative to determine a first dispensing rate, being a weight of product dispensed per revolution, for the first metering device, and a second dispensing rate for the second metering is device .
The air-seeder cart could further comprise a distance sensor operative to sense a distance traveled by the air-seeder cart, the distance sensor operatively connected to the 2o microprocessor, and the microprocessor further operative to determine a first application rate, being a weight of product dispensed per unit of area covered by the air-seeder, for the first metering device, and a second application rate for the second metering device, and the microprocessor further 2s operative to display the first and second application rates to an operator.
F&K 790-03-O1 DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying is detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
i5 Fig. 1 is a side view of a tractor and air-seeder with a calibration system of the invention;
Fig. 1A is a detail view of the transmissions driving the metering devices;
Fig. 2 is a side view of the calibration motor and one-way clutch;
Fig. 2A is a schematic end view of a one-way clutch;
Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of an alternate embodiment using a separate calibration motor for each F&K 790-03-01 metering device;
Fig. 4 is a side view of a metering device rotation counter;
to Fig. 5 is a side view of an alternate air-seeder cart of the invention having three tanks and metering devices.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Fig. 1 illustrates a system for performing a calibration procedure simultaneously on at least first and second rotating metering devices 1, 2 mounted on an air-seeder cart 3. The metering devices 1, 2 are conventional. The air seeder cart 3 2o comprises a ground drive for rotating the metering devices 1, 2 in proportion to a speed of travel of the air-seeder cart 3 along the ground. The ground drive is conventional and comprises a wheel sprocket on cart wheel 5 which drives primary chain 6 which in turn rotates the metering devices 1, 2. The wheel sprocket can be disengaged from the cart wheel S
by an electric clutch or the like so that the cart 3 may travel without rotating the metering devices 1, 2. The F&K 790-03-01 s electric clutch and wheel sprocket are located behind the cart wheel 5 and are not illustrated.
Also conventionally, each metering device 1, 2 is operatively connected to a separate tank T1, T2 for dispensing product io from the tank. Each metering device 1, 2 dispenses a substantially constant amount of product for each revolution thereof.
The calibration system comprises a calibration motor 7 is operative to rotationally drive the first and second metering devices 1, 2 simultaneously such that product is dispensed from each metering device 1, 2 while the air-seeder cart 3 is stationary. The calibration motor 7 drives the metering devices 1, 2 through a one-way clutch 8 mounted on the 2o calibration motor 7 and attached to a double sprocket 9 as illustrated in Fig. 2. The double sprocket 9 drives a secondary chain 10 driving the metering devices 1, 2, and is driven by the primary chain 6 from the cart wheel 5.
z5 When the electric clutch is engaged, the cart wheel 5 is driving the primary chain 6 and rotating the double sprocket 9, the secondary chain 10 and the first and second metering F&K 790-03-01 s devices 1, 2, and the one way clutch 8 is not engaged. The double sprocket 9 rotates freely, and the calibration motor 7 is not rotating. When the cart wheel 5 is disengaged from the first and second metering devices, the calibration motor 7 can be started and operates to engage the one-way clutch 8 to io rotate the sprocket 9 and drive the chain 6 in the same direction as it is driven by the cart wheel 5 to drive the first and second metering devices.
Fig. 2A schematically illustrates one possible operation of is the one-way clutch 8. When the cart wheel 3 is driving the primary chain 6 in direction F, the inner surface 12 of the one-way clutch 8 rotates in direction R and passes freely over the dogs 11 mounted on shaft 13. However when the calibration motor 7 is started, shaft 13 rotates in direction R, and the 2o dogs 11 bear against the inner surface 12 and cause the one-way clutch 8 to engage and rotate the double sprocket 9, driving the metering devices 1, 2 via secondary chain 10, and also driving the primary chain 6 which rotates the wheel sprocket freely when the electric clutch is disengaged. One-2s way clutches are well known in the art and it is contemplated that many conventional one-way clutches would be suitable for the purpose.
F&K 790-03-01 Alternatively a calibration motor may be provided to drive each metering device 1, 2 individually as illustrated in Fig.
3. Electric clutches or one-way clutches can be used to allow the ground drive to rotate the metering devices 1, 2 without to rotating the calibration motors 7.
The illustrated calibration motor 7 is a hydraulic drive motor however an electric or other suitable motor could be used as well.
To illustrate the operation of the illustrated embodiment, consider that the proportion between the rotation of the first metering device 1 and the speed of travel of the air-seeder cart 3 is a first ratio and the proportion between the 2o rotation of the second metering device 2 and the speed of travel of the air-seeder cart 3 along the ground is a second ratio. As the first and second ratio change, the application rate for the first and second metering devices 1, 2 changes.
In the illustrated embodiment, these first and second ratios are remotely individually adjustable by an operator from a towing vehicle, the tractor 28, when the air-seeder cart 3 is F&K 790-03-01 s traveling along the ground, in a ratio range from zero, wherein the metering device dispenses no product, to a maximum ratio, wherein the metering device dispenses a maximum application rate. Ratio indicators 14 on each of the first and second transmissions 15, 16 allow an operator to view the io point in the ratio range where each metering device 1, 2 is operating.
The first and second ratios are adjusted by first and second transmissions 15, 16 operatively connected to the ground drive i5 by secondary chain 10 driving input shafts 17 and to the first and second metering devices l, 2 by output shafts (not illustrated). Electric actuators 15A, 16A act as first and second ratio controls on the transmissions 15, 16. First and second switches 15S and 165, mounted on the air-seeder cart 3, 2o activate first and second electric actuators 15A, 16A and thereby adjust the first and second ratios. The actuators 15A, 16A are operable remotely from the tractor 28 as well as by an operator standing adjacent to the air-seeder cart 3 at the switches 15S, 16S. Seeder monitor 27, located in the cab of 25 the tractor 28, contains a microprocessor. Cab switch box 19 contains further switches to operate the actuators 15A, 16A, as well as a lock-out operable to prevent operation of the F&K 790-03-01 s switches 155, 16S by the operator standing adjacent to the air-seeder cart. The possibility of tampering or accidental change to the ratio can thus be reduced.
Starting rotation of a metering device 1 or 2 using the to calibration motor 7 initiates a calibration procedure for that metering device. For best results, the first and second ratios are adjusted to a mid-point of the ratio range during calibration. Generally both will be started together so that the calibration of both metering devices 1, 2 will proceed is simultaneously. Starting the calibration motor 7, by opening valve 18, starts both metering devices 1, 2 rotating and initiates a first and a second calibration procedure.
The first switch 15S acts as a first control operative to stop 2o rotation of the first metering device 1 by reducing the first ratio to zero, and thereby stops dispensing product from the first metering device 1, thereby terminating the first calibration procedure for the first metering device 1. This operation of first switch 15S does not affect the rotation of 2s the second metering device 2, and it is allowed to continue rotating.
F&K 790-03-01 The second switch 16S can act as a second control operative to stop rotation of the second metering device 2 by reducing the second ratio to zero, and thereby stop dispensing product from the second metering device 2, thereby terminating the second calibration procedure for the second metering device 2.
to Alternatively, where there are only two metering devices, the valve 18 may be operated to stop the calibration motor 7, and thereby stop the second metering device 2. Where there are three or more metering devices, the second switch 16S can be used to allow a third calibration procedure to proceed. In i5 this same manner any number of metering devices may be calibrated simultaneously.
A first container 20 is located, as in the prior art, below the first metering device 1 for collecting a first weight of 2o product dispensed by the first metering device 1 during the first calibration procedure. A second container 21 is similarly located below the second metering device 2 for collecting a second weight of product dispensed by the second metering device 2 during the second calibration procedure.
A sensor 22, as illustrated in Fig. 4, is mounted adjacent a sprocket 23 on a shaft 24 of each metering device 1, 2 and F&K 790-03-O1 s sends a pulse to the microprocessor in the seeder monitor 27 each time a sprocket tooth passes. The microprocessor then determines a first number of revolutions turned by the first metering device during the first calibration procedure, and a second number of revolutions turned by the second metering to device during the second calibration procedure.
An input device, here illustrated as monitor keypad 25 on the seeder monitor 27, allows for entering the first and second weights into the microprocessor. The microprocessor is is operative to determine a first dispensing rate, being a weight of product dispensed per revolution, for said first metering device, and a second dispensing rate for said second metering device.
ao A remote input device could comprise a keypad as well, but could also comprise a scale 26, here shown as mounted on the air-seeder cart 3, operable to determine the first and second weights, and to send same directly to the microprocessor. A
bag containing the sample is hung from the scale 26, and the 2s scale 26 sends a signal indicating the weight to the microprocessor.
F&K 790-03-Ol Once the dispensing rate of weight per revolution is known for a particular product in a metering device, then it is only required to connect a distance sensor, many of which are well known in the art, operative to sense the distance traveled by the air-seeder cart, to the microprocessor in order for the to microprocessor to determine a first application rate, being weight of product dispensed per unit of area covered by the air-seeder, for the first metering device, and a second application rate for the second metering device, and display the application rates to an operator.
The microprocessor counts the revolutions of each metering device 1, 2 and correlates these with the distance traveled, and thus the area covered, while the metering devices were rotating.
The system allows an operator to quickly, and with minimal effort, accurately calibrate two, three or more metering devices. The operator can stand beside the air-seeder cart, and watch each container, turning off the metering devices as the product in the corresponding catching containers becomes sufficiently large to reduce scale errors to an acceptable level.
F&K 790-03-01 The advent of air-seeder carts with three, four or more tanks with individual metering devices has greatly increased the flexibility a farmer has to apply products at different rates.
The calibration system of the present invention allows three, io four or more metering devices to be calibrated simultaneously, at any rate for any metering device.
A system of the invention is illustrated in Fig 5 including three metering devices M1, M2, and M3, three meter controls i5 MC1, MC 2, and MC3, and three containers C1, C2, and C3.
For example where M1 is to dispense 200 pounds/acre of nitrogen fertilizer, M2 is to dispense 5 pounds/acre of canola seed, and M3 is to dispense 60 pounds/acre of phosphorous 2o fertilizer, the calibration procedure for all will be initiated by starting the calibration motor 7 to begin rotating all metering devices. The container C1 collecting nitrogen fertilizer dispensed from M1 will be the first to contain an adequate sample, after a simulated coverage of 0.1 25 - 0.2 acres, and so the control MC1 for M1 will be used to disengage the metering device M1, allowing M2 and M3 to continue rotating and dispensing product. The container C3 F&K 790-03-O1 s collecting phosphorous fertilizer dispensed from M3 will be the next to contain an adequate sample, after a simulated coverage of 0.4 - 0.5 acres, and so the control MC3 for M3 will be used to disengage the metering device M3, allowing M2 to continue rotating and dispensing product. Finally, the io container M2 collecting canola dispensed from M2 will be the last to contain an adequate sample, after a simulated coverage of 4 - 5 acres, and so the control MC3 for M3 will be used to disengage the metering device M3, or alternatively, since M3 is the last metering device operating, valve 18 may be used to is simply stop the calibration motor 7.
Similarly four or more metering devices could be calibrated in the same manner, and in any order, allowing the farmer to fully utilize the flexibility of the multi-tank air-seeder 2o cart .
Where a remotely variable application rate is available, as in the system described in detail above, the system also allows accurate calculation and display of application rates over a 2s broad range.
Where remotely variable rates are not available, the F&K 790-03-Ol s calibration will be accurate when rates are adjusted manually over the operating range.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes to and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended 15 to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
The illustrated calibration motor 7 is a hydraulic drive motor however an electric or other suitable motor could be used as well.
To illustrate the operation of the illustrated embodiment, consider that the proportion between the rotation of the first metering device 1 and the speed of travel of the air-seeder cart 3 is a first ratio and the proportion between the 2o rotation of the second metering device 2 and the speed of travel of the air-seeder cart 3 along the ground is a second ratio. As the first and second ratio change, the application rate for the first and second metering devices 1, 2 changes.
In the illustrated embodiment, these first and second ratios are remotely individually adjustable by an operator from a towing vehicle, the tractor 28, when the air-seeder cart 3 is F&K 790-03-01 s traveling along the ground, in a ratio range from zero, wherein the metering device dispenses no product, to a maximum ratio, wherein the metering device dispenses a maximum application rate. Ratio indicators 14 on each of the first and second transmissions 15, 16 allow an operator to view the io point in the ratio range where each metering device 1, 2 is operating.
The first and second ratios are adjusted by first and second transmissions 15, 16 operatively connected to the ground drive i5 by secondary chain 10 driving input shafts 17 and to the first and second metering devices l, 2 by output shafts (not illustrated). Electric actuators 15A, 16A act as first and second ratio controls on the transmissions 15, 16. First and second switches 15S and 165, mounted on the air-seeder cart 3, 2o activate first and second electric actuators 15A, 16A and thereby adjust the first and second ratios. The actuators 15A, 16A are operable remotely from the tractor 28 as well as by an operator standing adjacent to the air-seeder cart 3 at the switches 15S, 16S. Seeder monitor 27, located in the cab of 25 the tractor 28, contains a microprocessor. Cab switch box 19 contains further switches to operate the actuators 15A, 16A, as well as a lock-out operable to prevent operation of the F&K 790-03-01 s switches 155, 16S by the operator standing adjacent to the air-seeder cart. The possibility of tampering or accidental change to the ratio can thus be reduced.
Starting rotation of a metering device 1 or 2 using the to calibration motor 7 initiates a calibration procedure for that metering device. For best results, the first and second ratios are adjusted to a mid-point of the ratio range during calibration. Generally both will be started together so that the calibration of both metering devices 1, 2 will proceed is simultaneously. Starting the calibration motor 7, by opening valve 18, starts both metering devices 1, 2 rotating and initiates a first and a second calibration procedure.
The first switch 15S acts as a first control operative to stop 2o rotation of the first metering device 1 by reducing the first ratio to zero, and thereby stops dispensing product from the first metering device 1, thereby terminating the first calibration procedure for the first metering device 1. This operation of first switch 15S does not affect the rotation of 2s the second metering device 2, and it is allowed to continue rotating.
F&K 790-03-01 The second switch 16S can act as a second control operative to stop rotation of the second metering device 2 by reducing the second ratio to zero, and thereby stop dispensing product from the second metering device 2, thereby terminating the second calibration procedure for the second metering device 2.
to Alternatively, where there are only two metering devices, the valve 18 may be operated to stop the calibration motor 7, and thereby stop the second metering device 2. Where there are three or more metering devices, the second switch 16S can be used to allow a third calibration procedure to proceed. In i5 this same manner any number of metering devices may be calibrated simultaneously.
A first container 20 is located, as in the prior art, below the first metering device 1 for collecting a first weight of 2o product dispensed by the first metering device 1 during the first calibration procedure. A second container 21 is similarly located below the second metering device 2 for collecting a second weight of product dispensed by the second metering device 2 during the second calibration procedure.
A sensor 22, as illustrated in Fig. 4, is mounted adjacent a sprocket 23 on a shaft 24 of each metering device 1, 2 and F&K 790-03-O1 s sends a pulse to the microprocessor in the seeder monitor 27 each time a sprocket tooth passes. The microprocessor then determines a first number of revolutions turned by the first metering device during the first calibration procedure, and a second number of revolutions turned by the second metering to device during the second calibration procedure.
An input device, here illustrated as monitor keypad 25 on the seeder monitor 27, allows for entering the first and second weights into the microprocessor. The microprocessor is is operative to determine a first dispensing rate, being a weight of product dispensed per revolution, for said first metering device, and a second dispensing rate for said second metering device.
ao A remote input device could comprise a keypad as well, but could also comprise a scale 26, here shown as mounted on the air-seeder cart 3, operable to determine the first and second weights, and to send same directly to the microprocessor. A
bag containing the sample is hung from the scale 26, and the 2s scale 26 sends a signal indicating the weight to the microprocessor.
F&K 790-03-Ol Once the dispensing rate of weight per revolution is known for a particular product in a metering device, then it is only required to connect a distance sensor, many of which are well known in the art, operative to sense the distance traveled by the air-seeder cart, to the microprocessor in order for the to microprocessor to determine a first application rate, being weight of product dispensed per unit of area covered by the air-seeder, for the first metering device, and a second application rate for the second metering device, and display the application rates to an operator.
The microprocessor counts the revolutions of each metering device 1, 2 and correlates these with the distance traveled, and thus the area covered, while the metering devices were rotating.
The system allows an operator to quickly, and with minimal effort, accurately calibrate two, three or more metering devices. The operator can stand beside the air-seeder cart, and watch each container, turning off the metering devices as the product in the corresponding catching containers becomes sufficiently large to reduce scale errors to an acceptable level.
F&K 790-03-01 The advent of air-seeder carts with three, four or more tanks with individual metering devices has greatly increased the flexibility a farmer has to apply products at different rates.
The calibration system of the present invention allows three, io four or more metering devices to be calibrated simultaneously, at any rate for any metering device.
A system of the invention is illustrated in Fig 5 including three metering devices M1, M2, and M3, three meter controls i5 MC1, MC 2, and MC3, and three containers C1, C2, and C3.
For example where M1 is to dispense 200 pounds/acre of nitrogen fertilizer, M2 is to dispense 5 pounds/acre of canola seed, and M3 is to dispense 60 pounds/acre of phosphorous 2o fertilizer, the calibration procedure for all will be initiated by starting the calibration motor 7 to begin rotating all metering devices. The container C1 collecting nitrogen fertilizer dispensed from M1 will be the first to contain an adequate sample, after a simulated coverage of 0.1 25 - 0.2 acres, and so the control MC1 for M1 will be used to disengage the metering device M1, allowing M2 and M3 to continue rotating and dispensing product. The container C3 F&K 790-03-O1 s collecting phosphorous fertilizer dispensed from M3 will be the next to contain an adequate sample, after a simulated coverage of 0.4 - 0.5 acres, and so the control MC3 for M3 will be used to disengage the metering device M3, allowing M2 to continue rotating and dispensing product. Finally, the io container M2 collecting canola dispensed from M2 will be the last to contain an adequate sample, after a simulated coverage of 4 - 5 acres, and so the control MC3 for M3 will be used to disengage the metering device M3, or alternatively, since M3 is the last metering device operating, valve 18 may be used to is simply stop the calibration motor 7.
Similarly four or more metering devices could be calibrated in the same manner, and in any order, allowing the farmer to fully utilize the flexibility of the multi-tank air-seeder 2o cart .
Where a remotely variable application rate is available, as in the system described in detail above, the system also allows accurate calculation and display of application rates over a 2s broad range.
Where remotely variable rates are not available, the F&K 790-03-Ol s calibration will be accurate when rates are adjusted manually over the operating range.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes to and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended 15 to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Claims (17)
1. A system for performing an air-seeder calibration procedure simultaneously on at least first and second rotating metering devices mounted on an air-seeder cart, said air seeder cart comprising a ground drive for rotating said first and second metering devices in proportion to a speed of travel of said air-seeder cart along the ground, each metering device operatively connected to a separate tank for dispensing product from said tank, each metering device dispensing a substantially constant amount of product for each revolution thereof, said system comprising:
a calibration motor operative to rotationally drive said first and second metering devices simultaneously such that product is dispensed from each metering device while said air-seeder cart is stationary, wherein starting rotation of a metering device using said calibration motor initiates a calibration procedure;
a first meter control operative to stop rotation of said first metering device to stop dispensing product from said first metering device, thereby terminating a first calibration procedure for said first metering device, while allowing said second metering device to continue rotating;
a second meter control operative to stop rotation of said second metering device to stop dispensing product from said second metering device, thereby terminating a second calibration procedure for said second metering device while allowing said first metering device to continue rotating;
wherein said first and second meter controls are located on said air-seeder cart;
a first container for collecting a first weight of product dispensed by said first metering device during said first calibration procedure;
a second container for collecting a second weight of product dispensed by said second metering device during said second calibration procedure;
a first counter operative to determine a first number of revolutions turned by said first metering device during said first calibration procedure;
a second counter operative to determine a second number of revolutions turned by said second metering device during said second calibration procedure;
a microprocessor operatively connected to said first and second counters;
an input device for entering said first and second weights into said micro-processor, said micro-processor operative to determine a first dispensing rate, being a weight of product dispensed per revolution, for said first metering device, and a second dispensing rate for said second metering device.
a calibration motor operative to rotationally drive said first and second metering devices simultaneously such that product is dispensed from each metering device while said air-seeder cart is stationary, wherein starting rotation of a metering device using said calibration motor initiates a calibration procedure;
a first meter control operative to stop rotation of said first metering device to stop dispensing product from said first metering device, thereby terminating a first calibration procedure for said first metering device, while allowing said second metering device to continue rotating;
a second meter control operative to stop rotation of said second metering device to stop dispensing product from said second metering device, thereby terminating a second calibration procedure for said second metering device while allowing said first metering device to continue rotating;
wherein said first and second meter controls are located on said air-seeder cart;
a first container for collecting a first weight of product dispensed by said first metering device during said first calibration procedure;
a second container for collecting a second weight of product dispensed by said second metering device during said second calibration procedure;
a first counter operative to determine a first number of revolutions turned by said first metering device during said first calibration procedure;
a second counter operative to determine a second number of revolutions turned by said second metering device during said second calibration procedure;
a microprocessor operatively connected to said first and second counters;
an input device for entering said first and second weights into said micro-processor, said micro-processor operative to determine a first dispensing rate, being a weight of product dispensed per revolution, for said first metering device, and a second dispensing rate for said second metering device.
2. The system of Claim 1 wherein said air-seeder cart further comprises a distance sensor operative to sense a distance traveled by said air-seeder cart, said distance sensor operatively connected to said microprocessor, and said microprocessor further operative to determine a first application rate, being a weight of product dispensed per unit of area covered by said air-seeder, for said first metering device, and a second application rate for said second metering device, and said microprocessor further operative to display said first and second application rates to an operator.
3. The system of Claim 2 wherein:
the proportion between the rotation of said first metering device and the speed of travel of said air-seeder cart is a first ratio and the proportion between the rotation of said second metering device and the speed of travel of said air-seeder cart along the ground is a second ratio;
said first and second ratios are remotely individually adjustable by an operator from a towing vehicle when the air-seeder is traveling along the ground in a ratio range from zero, wherein the metering device applies no product, to a maximum ratio, wherein the metering device applies a maximum application rate; and said microprocessor is operative to calculate and display said first and second application rates to the operator as said application rates vary with said first and second ratios.
the proportion between the rotation of said first metering device and the speed of travel of said air-seeder cart is a first ratio and the proportion between the rotation of said second metering device and the speed of travel of said air-seeder cart along the ground is a second ratio;
said first and second ratios are remotely individually adjustable by an operator from a towing vehicle when the air-seeder is traveling along the ground in a ratio range from zero, wherein the metering device applies no product, to a maximum ratio, wherein the metering device applies a maximum application rate; and said microprocessor is operative to calculate and display said first and second application rates to the operator as said application rates vary with said first and second ratios.
4. The system of Claim 3 wherein said first and second ratios are adjusted to a mid-point of the ratio range during calibration.
5. The system of Claims 3 or 4 wherein said first and second ratios are adjusted by first and second transmissions operatively connected to said ground drive and to said first and second metering devices, and wherein first and second ratio controls connected to first and second transmissions for adjusting said first and second ratios are operable remotely from a towing vehicle and by an operator standing adjacent to said air-seeder cart.
6. The system of Claim 5 wherein said first and second ratio controls act as said first and second meter controls.
7. The system of Claims 5 or 6 further comprising a lock-out operable to prevent operation of said first and second ratio controls by said operator standing adjacent to said air-seeder cart.
8. The system of Claim 7 wherein said lock-out is located on a towing vehicle.
9. The system of Claim 5 further comprising a ratio indicator viewable at each transmission.
10. A system for performing an air-seeder calibration procedure simultaneously on at least first, second and third rotating metering devices mounted on an air-seeder cart, said air seeder cart comprising a ground drive for rotating said first, second and third metering devices in proportion to a speed of travel of said air-seeder cart along the ground, each metering device operatively connected to a separate tank for dispensing product from said tank, each metering device dispensing a substantially constant amount of product for each revolution thereof, said system comprising:
a calibration motor operative to rotationally drive said first, second and third metering devices simultaneously such that product is dispensed from each metering device while said air-seeder cart is stationary, wherein starting rotation of a metering device using said calibration motor initiates a calibration procedure;
a first meter control operative to stop rotation of said first metering device to stop dispensing product from said first metering device, thereby terminating a first calibration procedure for said first metering device, while allowing said second and third metering devices to continue rotating;
a second meter control operative to stop rotation of said second metering device to stop dispensing product from said second metering device, thereby terminating a second calibration procedure for said second metering device while allowing said first and third metering devices to continue rotating;
a third meter control operative to stop rotation of said third metering device to stop dispensing product from said third metering device, thereby terminating a third calibration procedure for said third metering device while allowing said first and second metering devices to continue rotating;
wherein said first, second and third meter controls are located on said air-seeder cart;
a first container for collecting a first weight of product dispensed by said first metering device during said first calibration procedure;
a second container for collecting a second weight of product dispensed by said second metering device during said second calibration procedure;
a third container for collecting a third weight of product dispensed by said third metering device during said third calibration procedure;
a first counter operative to determine a first number of revolutions turned by said first metering device during said first calibration procedure;
a second counter operative to determine a second number of revolutions turned by said second metering device during said second calibration procedure;
a third counter operative to determine a third number of revolutions turned by said third metering device during said third calibration procedure;
a microprocessor operatively connected to said first, second and third counters;
an input device for entering said first, second and third weights into said micro-processor, said micro-processor operative to determine a first dispensing rate, being a weight of product dispensed per revolution, for said first metering device, a second dispensing rate for said second metering device, and a third dispensing rate for said third metering device.
a calibration motor operative to rotationally drive said first, second and third metering devices simultaneously such that product is dispensed from each metering device while said air-seeder cart is stationary, wherein starting rotation of a metering device using said calibration motor initiates a calibration procedure;
a first meter control operative to stop rotation of said first metering device to stop dispensing product from said first metering device, thereby terminating a first calibration procedure for said first metering device, while allowing said second and third metering devices to continue rotating;
a second meter control operative to stop rotation of said second metering device to stop dispensing product from said second metering device, thereby terminating a second calibration procedure for said second metering device while allowing said first and third metering devices to continue rotating;
a third meter control operative to stop rotation of said third metering device to stop dispensing product from said third metering device, thereby terminating a third calibration procedure for said third metering device while allowing said first and second metering devices to continue rotating;
wherein said first, second and third meter controls are located on said air-seeder cart;
a first container for collecting a first weight of product dispensed by said first metering device during said first calibration procedure;
a second container for collecting a second weight of product dispensed by said second metering device during said second calibration procedure;
a third container for collecting a third weight of product dispensed by said third metering device during said third calibration procedure;
a first counter operative to determine a first number of revolutions turned by said first metering device during said first calibration procedure;
a second counter operative to determine a second number of revolutions turned by said second metering device during said second calibration procedure;
a third counter operative to determine a third number of revolutions turned by said third metering device during said third calibration procedure;
a microprocessor operatively connected to said first, second and third counters;
an input device for entering said first, second and third weights into said micro-processor, said micro-processor operative to determine a first dispensing rate, being a weight of product dispensed per revolution, for said first metering device, a second dispensing rate for said second metering device, and a third dispensing rate for said third metering device.
11. The system of any of Claims 1 - 10 wherein said input device is located on said air-seeder cart.
12. The system of any of Claims 1 - 11 wherein said input device further comprises a scale operable to determine said first and second weights.
13. The system of any of Claims 1 - 12 wherein said calibration motor drives said metering devices through a one-way clutch operative such that when said ground drive is rotating said first and second metering devices, said one way clutch is not engaged and said calibration motor is not rotating, and when the ground drive is disengaged from said first and second metering devices, said calibration motor is operable to engage said one-way clutch to drive said first and second metering devices.
14. The system of any of Claims 1 - 13 comprising a first calibration motor operative to drive said first metering device, and a second calibration motor operative to drive said second metering device.
15. A method for performing a calibration procedure simultaneously on at least first and second rotating metering devices mounted on an air-seeder cart, said air seeder cart comprising a ground drive for rotating said at least first and second metering devices in proportion to a speed of travel of said air-seeder cart along the ground, each metering device operatively connected to a separate tank for dispensing product from said tank, each metering device dispensing a substantially constant amount of product for each revolution thereof, said method comprising:
while said air-seeder cart is stationary, driving said metering devices with a motor such that product is dispensed from each metering device, thereby initiating said calibration procedure;
counting the number of revolutions of each metering device;
collecting the product dispensed from each metering device in at least first and second containers;
when the desired amount of product has been dispensed from said first metering device into said first container, stopping rotation of said first metering device so that no further product is dispensed therefrom, thereby terminating a first calibration procedure, while allowing said second metering device to continue rotating;
when the desired amount of product has been dispensed from said second metering device into said second container, stopping rotation of said second metering device so that no further product is dispensed therefrom, thereby terminating a second calibration procedure;
weighing the product in said first container to determine a first weight;
from said first weight and the number of revolutions of said first metering device, calculating a first dispensing rate, being a weight of product dispensed per revolution, for said first metering device;
weighing the product in said second container to determine a second weight;
from said second weight and the number of revolutions of said second metering device, calculating a second dispensing rate for said second metering device.
while said air-seeder cart is stationary, driving said metering devices with a motor such that product is dispensed from each metering device, thereby initiating said calibration procedure;
counting the number of revolutions of each metering device;
collecting the product dispensed from each metering device in at least first and second containers;
when the desired amount of product has been dispensed from said first metering device into said first container, stopping rotation of said first metering device so that no further product is dispensed therefrom, thereby terminating a first calibration procedure, while allowing said second metering device to continue rotating;
when the desired amount of product has been dispensed from said second metering device into said second container, stopping rotation of said second metering device so that no further product is dispensed therefrom, thereby terminating a second calibration procedure;
weighing the product in said first container to determine a first weight;
from said first weight and the number of revolutions of said first metering device, calculating a first dispensing rate, being a weight of product dispensed per revolution, for said first metering device;
weighing the product in said second container to determine a second weight;
from said second weight and the number of revolutions of said second metering device, calculating a second dispensing rate for said second metering device.
16. The method of Claim 15 comprising:
transmitting the number of revolutions of said metering devices to a microprocessor;
entering said first and second weights into said microprocessor, said microprocessor operative to calculate and display said first and second dispensing rates.
transmitting the number of revolutions of said metering devices to a microprocessor;
entering said first and second weights into said microprocessor, said microprocessor operative to calculate and display said first and second dispensing rates.
17. The method of Claim 16 further comprising measuring a distance traveled by said air-seeder cart, entering said distance into said microprocessor, said microprocessor determining an application rate, being a weight of product dispensed per unit of area covered by said air-seeder, for each of said first and second metering devices.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002311698A CA2311698C (en) | 2000-06-15 | 2000-06-15 | Seeder calibration apparatus and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002311698A CA2311698C (en) | 2000-06-15 | 2000-06-15 | Seeder calibration apparatus and method |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2311698A1 CA2311698A1 (en) | 2001-12-15 |
| CA2311698C true CA2311698C (en) | 2003-05-06 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002311698A Expired - Fee Related CA2311698C (en) | 2000-06-15 | 2000-06-15 | Seeder calibration apparatus and method |
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| CA (1) | CA2311698C (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| US10318138B2 (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2019-06-11 | Intelligent Agricultural Solutions Llc | Harvesting machine capable of automatic adjustment |
| US10321624B2 (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2019-06-18 | Intelligent Agriculture Solutions LLC | Air seeder manifold system |
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| CA2622428C (en) | 2007-09-21 | 2009-12-29 | Brian Dean | 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 |
| US8170825B2 (en) | 2008-04-28 | 2012-05-01 | One Pass Implements Inc. | Method and apparatus for calibrating seeders |
| US8281724B2 (en) * | 2009-06-09 | 2012-10-09 | Deere & Company | Volumetric metering system with sectional shut-off |
| US8132521B2 (en) * | 2009-06-09 | 2012-03-13 | Deere & Company | Volumetric metering system with sectional shut-off |
| US8408478B2 (en) | 2010-08-20 | 2013-04-02 | Deere & Company | Product distribution apparatus with system and method of automatic meter calibration |
| US9839177B2 (en) | 2011-03-04 | 2017-12-12 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | System and method for calibrating an agricultural product metering system |
| ITPD20110093A1 (en) * | 2011-03-25 | 2012-09-26 | Maschio Gaspardo Spa | DEVICE FOR CALIBRATING THE PRODUCT PROVIDED BY A DISTRIBUTOR OF GRANULAR MATERIALS, PARTICULARLY FOR PNEUMATIC AGRICULTURAL SEED DRILLS |
| WO2014186041A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-11-20 | Intelligent Agricultural Solutions, Llc | Vehicle control and gateway module |
| CA2904756C (en) | 2014-11-04 | 2020-01-07 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Independently controlled meter rollers and air conveyance components system and method |
| CA2904778C (en) | 2014-11-04 | 2020-03-10 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | System and method for independent calibration of meter rollers |
| CA2948779C (en) * | 2015-04-22 | 2018-04-10 | Bourgault Industries Ltd. | Braking system for towed vehicles |
| DE102016012254A1 (en) * | 2016-10-14 | 2018-04-19 | Rauch Landmaschinenfabrik Gmbh | Pneumatic distributor and method for controlling or regulating the metering devices by means of calibration tests |
| US10408667B2 (en) | 2017-12-22 | 2019-09-10 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Calibration methods for multi-variety seed meters and related systems |
| US10820488B2 (en) | 2018-03-16 | 2020-11-03 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Systems and methods for monitoring the operation of a seed meter |
| US11765991B2 (en) | 2019-11-14 | 2023-09-26 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Particulate material metering system for an agricultural implement |
| CA3097708A1 (en) | 2019-11-14 | 2021-05-14 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Particulate material metering system for an agricultural implement |
-
2000
- 2000-06-15 CA CA002311698A patent/CA2311698C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10318138B2 (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2019-06-11 | Intelligent Agricultural Solutions Llc | Harvesting machine capable of automatic adjustment |
| US10321624B2 (en) | 2011-03-11 | 2019-06-18 | Intelligent Agriculture Solutions LLC | Air seeder manifold system |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2311698A1 (en) | 2001-12-15 |
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