BR102018016764B1 - MULTIPLE VARIETIES SEED METER - Google Patents

Abstract

MULTI-VARIETY SEED METER WITH SEGMENTED FEED TUBE SYSTEM. This is a multi-variety seed meter provided for planting multi-variety row crops. The seed meter includes a segmented feed tube system which may include a multi-passage feed tube which can be rotated to present one of the multiple variety openings towards a seed reservoir in the seed meter for dispensing a variety of seeds. specific seed into the seed meter. The feed tube may be an inner selector tube concentrically nested for rotation in an outer sleeve that extends into the seed meter.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The invention relates, in general, to planters and, in particular, to planters for planting multiple types or varieties of seed and a multi-variety seed meter with a segmented feed tube system that selectively distributes seeds of different varieties to a seed meter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Modern farming practices strive to increase yields from agricultural fields. Technological advances in planters allow for better agronomic characteristics at planting time, such as more accurate seed depth delivery, improved seed depth uniformity across the planter, and improved row spacing accuracy. To reduce operating expenses, farm equipment is operated at relatively faster travel speeds, which reduce the amount of operating time needed to complete certain tasks. When equipment operates at faster travel speeds, it can be important to maintain the quality of operation and good agronomic characteristics that can be achieved while operating at slower operating speeds. This can be especially difficult to accomplish during planting, which requires accurate seed depth placement and spacing accuracy to maintain a good seed environment. Also, a single field can have yield performance inconsistencies between different areas of the field. This is because a field can have a wide variety of soil types and zones or management types, such as irrigated and non-irrigated zones in different areas. Seed companies are developing multiple varieties of each of their seed product types to optimize yields in these different areas. Different seed varieties offer improved performance characteristics for different soil types and management practices. Efforts have been made to plant multiple varieties of a particular seed product type in different areas of fields with different soil types or management zones. These efforts include planters that have different volume fill dispensers and require the reservoir for each seed meter to be completely cleaned or planted before a different seed variety can be dispensed to the seed meters. Some planters allow for planting two varieties and include auxiliary row units or two separate and distinct seed gauges in each row unit. Other planters allow for planting multiple varieties by feeding seeds of different varieties to seed meters at different times.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[003] The present invention relates to row crop planting systems that allow sowing or planting multiple seed varieties while providing rapid transition by distributing different seed varieties to a multi-variety seed meter with a segmented feed tube system having multiple passages that selectively distribute different seed varieties into a seed reservoir of the seed meter.

[004] According to one aspect of the invention, a multi-variety seed meter is provided for planting multi-variety row crops. The seed meter includes a segmented feed tube system with multiple variety outlets that deliver different seed varieties from feed tube passages within the feed tube system. The feed tube can be rotated to align a selected outlet from the array of outlets to present a selected variety of seed toward a seed collection region within the seed meter.

[005] According to another aspect of the invention, a multi-variety seed meter is provided for planting multiple seed varieties in a single planting pass during row crop planting of an agricultural field. The seed meter may include a seed meter housing disposed in a row unit of a planter. The seed meter has a housing that surrounds a housing cavity that can receive seeds to define a seed reservoir. A seed disk may be disposed within the housing cavity and configured to collect seed from the seed reservoir into a seed collection region for singulation of seeds for individual distribution during planting. The seed meter has a segmented feed tube system with an outlet arranged to deliver seed through the housing and into the seed reservoir. The segmented feed tube system may define at least a first position for delivering a first variety of seed into the seed reservoir and a second position for delivering a second variety of seed into the seed reservoir. The different positions can be different angular positions of the segmented feed tube system.

[006] According to another aspect of the invention, the segmented feed tube system may include a concentrically nested arrangement with an outer sleeve extending from the seed meter housing and an inner selector tube disposed concentrically and rotatably within the outer sleeve. The positions of the segmented feed tube system can be defined by different angular positions of the inner selector tube relative to the outer sleeve.

[007] According to another aspect of the invention, the outer sleeve may include a sleeve outlet port disposed in the housing cavity to define a hopper inlet through which seed is dispensed into the seed reservoir. The inner selector tube can define an inlet end and an outlet end, with multiple selector tube outlet ports on the outlet end. The outlet ports can be arranged at different angular positions so that rotation of the inner selector tube can selectively align one of the outlet ports with the sleeve outlet port to deliver a matching seed variety through the hopper inlet. The outer sleeve may include multiple sleeve inlet ports disposed at the inlet end of the selector tube to receive the different seed varieties. Multiple seed distribution passages can extend longitudinally through the inner selector tube to direct different seed varieties through the inner selector tube.

[008] According to another aspect of the invention, a seed diverter system can be attached to one end of the inner selector tube to rotate the inner selector tube relative to the outer sleeve. The seed diverter system may include a diverter having studs that engage the end of the inner selector tube, such as inserts into ends of multiple passages, to lock the diverter and inner selector tube in rotational synchrony with each other. A derailleur drive system can be arranged to rotate the derailleur and consequently also the selector tube with respect to the outer sleeve.

[009] According to another aspect of the invention, the inner selector tube may include at least one seed purge passage for removing seed from the seed meter through the segmented feed tube system. A dividing wall (or walls) may extend longitudinally across the inner selector tube to separate the seed delivery and removal passages.

[010] According to another aspect of the invention, a multi-variety planter is provided for planting different seed varieties in a single planting pass during row crop planting of an agricultural field. The planter includes a frame, frame-supported seed storage compartments for respectively storing different seed varieties, and frame-supported row units. Each of the row units has a seed meter that defines a seed collection region. A segmented feed tube system is arranged between the seed meter and the seed storage compartments. The segmented feeder tube system may have a feeder tube with passages that respectively receive the different seed varieties from the seed storage compartments. The feeding tube can be swiveled and have different varieties of outlets. A seed diverter system may be arranged to drive rotation of the feed tube to present one of a variety of outlets from the feed tube to deliver the corresponding seed variety to the seed collection region within the seed meter based on what variety of seed is being planted.

[011] Other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art from the detailed description below and the accompanying Figures. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[012] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying figures, in which similar reference numerals represent similar parts throughout.

[013] Figure 1 is a partially simplified schematic side elevation representation of a planter with multivariate seed gauges with segmented feed tube systems, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a partially simplified schematic side elevation representation of portions of the planter of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a simplified partial schematic illustrative view of the multivariate seed meter segmented feed tube system of the planter of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an isometric view of portions of a multivariate seed meter purge system of the planter of Figure 1; Figures 5 to 8 are cross-sectional views of portions of the purge system of Figure 4 in different operating states; Figures 9A-10D are cross-sectional views of various selector tubes of the multivariate seed meter segmented feed tube system of the planter of Figure 1; Figure 11 is a simplified schematic representation of a variant of segmented feed tube and purge systems; Figure 12 is a simplified schematic representation of another variant of segmented feed tube and purge systems; Figure 13 is a simplified schematic representation of another variant of segmented feed and purge tube systems; Figure 14 is a simplified schematic representation of another variant of segmented feed and purge tube systems; Figure 15 is a partially simplified schematic side elevation of another variant of the segmented feed and vent systems; and Figure 16 is a simplified representation of a prescription map shown on a planting path map of multiple varieties of a field.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ACHIEVEMENTS

[014] Now, with reference to the Figures, and specifically to Figure 1, a multi-variety seed meter, shown here as seed meter 5, is incorporated into the planter 7, only part of which is shown. As explained in greater detail elsewhere in this document, a segmented feed tube system selectively directs seed to the seed meter 5 through multiple passes to switch which varieties of seed are dispensed to a reservoir of seed from the seed meter 5.

[015] Also, referring to Figure 1, the planter 7 may be one of the EARLY RISER® series planters available from Case IH and is typically pulled by a traction device such as a tractor, schematically represented as tractor 9. A frame 11 of the planter 7 supports multiple row units 13, only one of which is shown, which are substantially identical. Each 13-row unit includes various support, metering, and ground-penetrating components. These may include a sub-frame which is connected to the frame 11 of the planter 7 via a parallel linkage system and furrow opening and closing mechanisms towards the front and rear ends of the row unit 13. The opening and closing mechanisms may include opening wheels and closing wheels, respectively, or other ground engaging tools for opening and closing a furrow. Each row unit 13 may include a gauge wheel configured to adjust the furrow depth by limiting soil penetration of the furrow opening mechanism while creating the furrow, and a press wheel may be arranged to roll over the closed furrow and additionally firm the soil over the seeds to promote favorable seed-to-soil contact.

[016] Still referring to Figure 1, seed 17 is held in a seed storage system shown here as a row seed storage system 19. The seed storage system 19 has at least one row dispenser, such as at least one row dispenser per row unit 13, shown here as row dispenser 21. The row dispenser 21 is shown with two compartments 23 separated by a partition shown as dividing wall 25, although it is understood that more than one that two compartments 23 can be provided, the number of which can correspond to the number of seed varieties that are used for planting multiple types or varieties. Additional compartments 23 can be provided in each of the row distributors 21 by additional partition walls 25 or additional discrete distributors. It is further understood that although the seed storage system 19 is shown here as a row storage system, it may instead be deployed as a central bulk storage system with at least one seed fill dispenser. center volume remote to row units. This central volume storage system can be configured to, for example, pneumatically transport seed from its central volume storage to the row units, which may include a row storage system with mini-distributors or other storage compartments in the rows. row units. Anyway, the different compartments 23 can hold seed 17 of a different plant type or a common plant type, but different varieties such as Variety-A and Variety-B shown schematically as circles and triangles indicated by 17a, 17b for planting in zones of a different type or variety of an agricultural field. Agricultural field type or variety zones can be defined, at least in part, by characteristics that refer to at least one of a soil type and management type, or other characteristics such as low/high soil areas, weeds, insect problems, fungus problems, buffer zones in organic fields that are planted next to non-organic fields, or others, which can be represented on a prescription map, as is known. Although two different seed varieties 17a, 17b are shown, it is understood that other numbers of seed varieties, such as a third variety like C-Variety (not shown) or others, can be stored and planted by the planter 7 on the basis of, for example, the number of compartments 23 in the seed storage system 19 for a particular planter 7. Although seed 17 may be described elsewhere in this document as different types or varieties, it is understood that the description of the different types or varieties of seed includes hybrids or different products. In other words, the different seed types or varieties 17a, 17b of the seed 17 include not only different hybrids or varieties of the same plant species, but also different seed products, which include seeds of different species and coated and uncoated seeds, such as insecticide-coated and non-insecticide-coated seeds. Different seed products may also include refuge areas in a bag seed and non-refuge areas in a bag seed, plant parasite resistant seed and plant parasite non-resistant seed such as cyst nematode resistant seeds and seeds not resistant to cyst nematodes, seeds tolerant to herbicides and seeds not tolerant to herbicides or other different products. The different seed products can further include seeds from different crops such as corn and soybeans, oats and barley, different cover crops such as radishes and rye, or various combinations of these or other combinations.

[017] Still, with reference to Figure 1, the planter 7 includes the air flow system 26 that provides pneumatic power for use of various components of the planter 7 through, for example, source (or sources) of air pressure positive and vacuum source (or sources) to establish positive and/or vacuum pressures and corresponding air flows, which depend on the particular configurations of the pneumatic system (or systems) into which they are incorporated. The source (or sources) of positive air pressure and source (or sources) of vacuum may be known pumps, fans, blowers and/or other known airflow system and include fittings, piping and other components to interconnect components of the airflow system 26 to each other and/or to components of other planter systems 7. The airflow system 26 includes a seed purge airflow system 27 and a seed meter airflow system 28. Seed purge airflow system 27 provides pneumatic power such as vacuum pressure that is used by a purge system to remove seed 17 from seed meter 5, discussed in more detail elsewhere in this document. . For seed storage system 19 central volume fill dispenser deployments, a seed transport airflow system (not shown) can pneumatically distribute seed 17 from its central storage to row units 13 and the different manifolds 17a, 17b can be selectively directed to corresponding compartments 23 by means of flow path selection mechanisms such as gates or valves that select a particular hose or other routing passage for the particular compartment (or compartments) 23. seed meter airflow system 28 provides negative and/or positive pressure for operation of seed meters 5 in row units 13, explained in greater detail elsewhere in this document.

[018] Referring now to Figure 2, each seed meter 5 can be a purely mechanical type seed meter or a pneumatic type seed meter 5 that receives a selected seed variety 17a, 17b from the segmented feed tube system 31 to perform row crop planting of multiple varieties, which may include selectively removing a seed variety 17a, 17b from the seed meter 5 with the purge system 33. The seed variety 17a, 17b is dispensed into or extracted from a seed collector like the seed reservoir 35 inside the seed meter 5. The seed disk 37 is rotated through at least part of the seed reservoir 35 to collect and singe seeds with the use of seed pockets or fingers in a seed collection region 39. Individual seeds are moved through the seed meter 5 for individual release through a seed distribution system 41, which may include a seed tube (not identified, but shown schematically in Figure 1) , a seed distribution conveyor, or other seed distribution mechanism, toward an agricultural field seed trench. The rotation of the seed disc 37 is carried out by means of a seed disc drive system. The seed disc drive system may include, for example, various electric or hydraulic motors, drive shafts, chains and belts, clutches, pin and hole drive systems, and/or other arrangements such as a direct drive arrangement in which a motor directly drives the seed disk in its central part or periphery. The pneumatic seed meters 5 of negative pressure types are further operatively connected through a vacuum inlet to the seed meter air flow system 28 (Figure 1) of the air flow system 26 (Figure 1) to provide a vacuum air flow into a vacuum chamber which establishes a negative or vacuum pressure within the seed meter 5 opposite the seed reservoir 35 which allows the seeds 17 to be held against the seed disk 37 as within the seed pockets by vacuum pressure. Pneumatic seed meters 5 of the positive pressure types are operatively connected through a pressurized air inlet (not shown) to the seed meter air flow system 28 (Figure 1) to provide a positive air flow and a positive pressure. corresponding positive on the seed side of the seed disk 37 inside the seed gauge 5, by means of which, the seeds from the seed reservoir 35 are propelled and held against the seed disk 37, such as inside the seed pockets, by positive pressure.

[019] Also, referring to Figure 2, the seed meter 5 includes a housing 43 with first and second portions or side covers. The side portions or covers connect to each other at their peripheries defined by respective circumferential side walls with the open ends facing toward each other to collectively define an enclosure 45 that surrounds the housing cavity 47 in which the seed reservoir 35 is defined. and the seed disk 37 is at least partially arranged for rotation. Although seed disc 37 is shown in Figure 2 as fully confined within housing 43 and its housing cavity 47, it is understood that at least a portion of seed disc 37 may extend outside housing 43 and its cavity. housing 47. Other components may be disposed within housing cavity 47, such as various seals that engage seed disk 37 to provide vacuum or positive pressure shutoff isolation, and a seed singulator that is configured to prevent further than one seed is unloaded from seed meter 5 per seed unload event. A set of brushes can be disposed within housing cavity 47 to form a barrier which retains seed 17 within housing cavity 47 rather than, for example, spilling from the meter through the seed distribution system. Container inlet 49 extends through housing 43, allowing access to housing cavity 47 to deliver seed 17 into seed reservoir 35.

[020] Referring now to Figure 3, the segmented feed tube system 31 is configured to deliver a variety of selective seed 17a, 17b (Figure 2) through the deposit inlet 49 into the seed reservoir 35 ( Figure 2). The segmented feed tube system 31 may define a concentrically nested arrangement of a housing receiver such as an outer receiver tube or sleeve and an inner selector tube. The outer sleeve is shown here as the sleeve 51 which may be formed as an integral part of the seed meter housing or it may be a separate component which is connected to the seed meter housing. Sleeve 51 includes sleeve body 53 having inlet end 55 and outlet end 57. Inlet end 55 of sleeve body 53 is disposed outside seed meter housing 43, and outlet end 57 is disposed inside housing cavity 47. Sleeve 51 is shown here in a tubular configuration with circumferential sidewall 59 and collar 61, shown here with a cutout 63 that provides a slot through collar 61 and sleeve 51. of the sleeve 65a, 65b provide openings through the circumferential side wall 59 of the sleeve 51 through which the seed variety 17a, 17b can selectively flow into the segmented feed tube system 31. extend angularly from the dispenser 21 and overlap part of the sleeve 51 (Figure 3) with sleeve inlet ports 65a, 65b (Figure 3) to deliver seed 17 into the segmented feed tube system 31. In reference, again Referring to Figure 3, the number of sleeve inlet ports 65a, 65b may correspond to the number of seed varieties 17a, 17b used selectively with the seed meter 5. The sleeve outlet port 67 defines a tube system outlet segmented feed port 31 providing an opening through circumferential side wall 59 of sleeve 51. Sleeve outlet port 67 is shown here also extending through a sleeve bottom wall 51 and defining sump inlet 49. Depot entrance gate 68 may be provided and arranged to selectively cover or uncover the sleeve exit port 67 to close or open the depot entrance 49. An actuator (not shown), which may be an electromechanical actuator such as a solenoid-based actuator or other linear actuator or a stepper motor or other motor such as a rotary actuator, can move the hopper inlet gate 68 longitudinally along or rotate around the sleeve 51 to selectively close and open the hopper inlet 49.

[021] Still, referring to Figure 3, a feed tube or inner selector tube shown as selector tube 71 that is configured to concentrically and rotatably nest within the sleeve 51 and has various openings and passages that allow the selector tube 71 to selectively release different seed varieties 17a, 17b into seed meter 5 through sleeve 51. Selector tube 71 has a tubular configuration and includes selector tube body 73 with opposing inlet and outlet ends 75, 77. The inlet and outlet ends 75, 77 of the selector tube body 73 are disposed respectively concentrically within the inlet and outlet ends 55, 57 of the sleeve 51. The selector tube 71 is shown here with the circumferential side wall 79 extending to the around the interior of the selector tube 81. The selector tube inlet ports 85a, 85b provide openings through the circumferential sidewall 79 through which seed variety 17a, 17b can flow into the segmented feeder tube system 31 when aligned. selectively with a respective sleeve inlet port 65a, 65b. The number of selector tube inlet ports 85a, 85b may correspond to the number of seed varieties 17a, 17b selectively used with the seed meter 5. The selector tube outlet ports 87a, 87b selectively align with the sleeve outlet port 67 to allow a particular seed variety 17a, 17b to flow through the hopper inlet 49 and deliver seed to the seed meter 5. In this way the selector tube 71 and its outlet ports 87a, 87b provide a feed tube that can be rotated to align an output variety (or outputs) to present a selected seed variety toward a seed collection region within the seed meter.

[022] Still, with reference to Figure 3, the selector tube inlets and the output ports 85a, 85b, 87a, 87b are respectively connected to each other with selector tube seed distribution passages 91a, 91b that are defined with interior of sorter tube 81, separated by interconnected selector tube divider walls 93. Selector tube seed purge passages 95a, 95b are also defined between interconnected selector tube divider walls 93 to remove seed from the seed meter 5, discussed in details elsewhere in this document. Selector tube seed distribution and purge passages 91a, 91b, 95a, 95b extend longitudinally along the length of selector tube 71 and are shown here arranged in an alternating pattern around cross-sectional quadrants of selector tube 71.

[023] Still, with reference to Figure 3, each of the selector tube seed distribution passages 91a, 91b is shown delimited at its inner end by an end wall 97 that can cover the outlet end end wall cutout of sleeve 57 when the selector tube outlet port 87a, 87b is aligned with the sleeve outlet port 67, therefore, with the magazine inlet 49 as shown. Each of the selector tube seed distribution passages 91a, 91b may have a sloped bottom wall 99 (shown in seed distribution passage 91b) that provides a sloped surface that directs seed away from the respective tube outlet port. selector 87a, 87b through the hopper inlet 49 and into the seed hopper 35 (Figure 2). Each of the selector tube seed purge passages 95a, 95b is shown with an open end that defines a purge opening 101a, 101b that aligns with the sleeve outlet end end wall cutout 57. removal of seed from seed reservoir 35 (Figure 2) through a purge opening 101a, 101b and corresponding selector tube seed purge passage 95a, 95b when the selector tube 71 is in a position in which the output ports of selector tube 87a, 87b are misaligned with the sleeve outlet port 67, therefore the sump inlet 49 is in a closed state with a solid portion of the circumferential sidewall of the sleeve 79 blocking the sump inlet 49.

[024] Still, referring to Figure 3, the seed diverter system 103 is configured to actuate the segmented feed tube system 31 to distribute seed or remove seed from the seed meter 5. The seed diverter system 103 is Shown here with diverter 105 that attaches to the inlet end of selector tube 75 to reposition selector tube 71 within housing sleeve 51.

[025] Further, referring to Figure 3, the diverter 105 includes diverter body 107 with a circumferential sidewall 109, inner end face 111 that faces toward the seed meter 5, and outer end face 113 that is facing away from the seed meter 5. The diverter 105 is shown here having a hollow container-like configuration of the diverter body 107 with a diverter cavity 115 which is defined as an empty space between the circumferential side wall 109 and end faces inner and outer end face 111, 113. Bungs 117 provide raised projections that extend from inner end face 111 and have perimeter shapes that correspond to those of openings of selector tube seed distribution passages 91a, 91b at the inlet end of selector tube 75, such as generally triangular with curved outer wall segments. Bungs 117 nest within seed distribution passages of selector tube 91a, 91b such that the respective surfaces of diverter 105 and selector tube 71 engage each other to lock diverter 105 and selector tube 71 move synchronously between yes. Vacuum inlet ports such as diverter body inlet ports 119 align with selector tube bleed passages 95a, 95b and are configured to fluidly connect tube bleed passages 95a, 95b to the remainder of the vacuum system. purge 33 for selectively removing seed from seed meter 5 through drain tube passage(s) 95a, 95b and corresponding diverter body inlet port(s) 119 into diverter cavity 115. The diverter 121 is shown here with an outlet collar 123 that extends longitudinally from the outer end face 113 and receives the seal 125 to provide a sealed connection between the diverter 105 and a manifold, which is shown here as a tube manifold. of purge 127.

[026] Further, referring to Figure 3, the purge tube manifold 127 includes the purge tube manifold body 129 with the rear wall 131 and the circumferential side wall 133 extending from the perimeter of the rear wall 131 , around an empty space shown as purge tube manifold cavity 135. The open side 137 is the opposite rear wall 131 and is configured to receive and hold the diverter 105 so that the diverter 105 can rotate within the tube manifold purge tube 127 for selectively aligning and fluidly connecting outlet diverter 121 to one of a pair of purge tube manifold outlets 139 that provide passages through collars extending outwardly beyond rear wall 131. Purge hoses 141a, 141b are connected to the collars of the purge tube collector outlets 139 and extend from the purge tube collector 127 into the compartments 23 (Figure 2) of the row distributor 21 (Figure 2) for returning seed varieties 17a, 17b (Figure 2) to the respective compartment (or compartments) 23 (Figure 2).

[027] Still, with reference to Figure 3, the diverter drive system 145 is configured to actuate various components of the segmented feed tube system 31 to distribute a particular variety of seed 17a, 17b (Figure 2) and/or remove a particular variety of seed 17a, 17b (Figure 2) from the seed meter 5. The diverter drive system 145 includes an actuator, shown here as a motor 147 with an output shaft that turns a gear to drive a belt 149 that turns a gear or toothed surface 151 of diverter 105 extending through or accessible through cutout 63 of sleeve collar 61. This rotates diverter 105 and selector tube 71 relative to sleeve 51 to selectively distribute a variety of seed 17a, 17b into seed meter 5 or remove a seed variety 17a, 17b from seed meter 5 by lining up selector tube outlet port (or ports) 87a, 87b or corresponding purge opening (or openings) 101a, 101b to the sleeve outlet port 67 and the sump inlet 49. It is understood that the diverter drive system 145 can actuate the segmented feed tube system components 31 in other ways, such as direct drive rotation of the diverter 105 through of interlocking gears or the like in order to selectively align portions of mating components to allow selective flow of seed 17 (Figure 2) through a particular selector tube seed distribution passage 91a, 91b or purge passage 95a, 95b. In the arrangement shown in Figure 3, the diverter drive system 145 can rotate the selector tube 71 in 90 degree increments to provide four distinct positions of which two are bleed positions and two are locked or unlocked outlet collar bleed positions. of diverter body 123 and provide seed distribution positions. The four positions include two purge positions that are angularly spaced 180 degrees apart that align the outlet collar 123 with the purge hose 141a and the purge hose 141b and their manifold outlets 139 to respectively purge the seed varieties 17a, 17b . Two non-bleeding positions are defined by outlet collar positions 123 that are angularly spaced 180 degrees apart and align outlet collar 123 to different portions of manifold body rear wall 131 between manifold outlets 139, which may block the vacuum air flow through the diverter system 103. These non-bleed positions are seed distribution positions that allow the seed to flow through the selector tube 71 towards the seed meter 5. The particular amount of rotation of the diverter 105 and selector tube 71 for delivering a new seed variety or purging a previous seed variety is based on the configuration of selector tube 71, such as the number and location of seed distribution and purge passages, with other variations described in details elsewhere in this document.

[028] Referring now to Figure 4, the purge system 33 includes seed return valves 155 that are disposed between the seed storage system 19 and purge hoses 141a, 141b to direct seeds removed from the seed meter 5 (Figure 2) into seed storage system 19. Each seed return valve 155 is configured to temporarily hold seed 17 (Figure 2) that is removed from seed meter 5 (Figure 2) until it is released to inside the compartments 23 (Figure 2) of the dispenser 21 (Figure 2).

[029] Still, referring to Figure 4, the seed return valves 155 can be pressurized valve assemblies 157 and are shown here as vacuum actuated piston pressurized valve assemblies, although it is understood that pressurized valve assemblies can be other types of pressurized valve assemblies. It is further understood that the seed return valves 155 can be other valves such as hinged ports, rubber flaps, or ports actively controlled by a pneumatic cylinder or linear actuator. Each of the pressurized piston valve assemblies 157 includes a valve housing 159 with a bottom collar 161 shown secured to the cap 163 of the row manifold 21 and dome 165 extending upwardly from the collar 161. The valve housing 159 has a housing interior defined by collar interior 167 within collar 161 and dome interior 169 within dome 165. Each piston pressurized valve assembly 157 includes valve piston 171 that moves within valve housing 159, shown with reciprocating motion , to control the flow of seed purge towards the seed storage system 19. The purge vacuum line 173 is shown with two elbows 175 attached to the tops of the domes 165 to draw air from outside the valve housing 159 through vacuum pressure of the seed purge airflow system 27 (Figure 1) which is operatively connected to the purge vacuum line 173. Instead of a common purge vacuum line 173, a separate purge vacuum line 173 can attach to each valve housing 159. Activation of the seed purge airflow system 27 (Figure 1) to create vacuum pressure and draw air through the purge vacuum line 173 creates movement of the valve plunger 171 inside valve housing 159 to control movement of seed out of seed meter 5 (Figure 1), which may additionally require a particular position of selector tube 71 (Figure 3), depending on the configuration of selector tube 71 to activate a purge mode.

[030] Further, referring to Figure 4, the valve piston 171 may define the piston body 177 which includes top plate 179, shown here as a perforated plate. Openings through perforated top plate 179 provide purposeful leakage through top plate 179, which allows air to flow therethrough as drawn by vacuum pressure in purge vacuum line 173, while providing surface area enough to react with the vacuum air flow to pull the valve spool 171 up in the valve housing 159. The intermediate stem 181 extends vertically between and connects the upper plate 179 to the lower cone 183 of the valve spool 171. cone 183 has a conically tapering outer surface that engages a corresponding conically tapering inner surface of valve seat 185 defined by a tapering transition between collar 161 and dome 165 of valve housing 159 to seal the lower portion of the valve plunger 171 against the valve housing 159 which prevents seeds from falling past the valve plunger 171 through the opening 187 in the distributor cap 163 and into the compartments 23 (Figure 2) of the distributor 21 (Figure 2). Furthermore, moving valve plunger 171 upward within valve housing 159 cuts off any significant amount of air flow between compartment (or compartments) 23 and interior dome (or domes) 169. This allows vacuum pressure to be released. applied to purge hoses 141a, 141b to remove seed from seed meter 5 instead of flowing freely through the dispenser, which would not pull any seed through purge hoses 141a, 141b if valve plunger 171 did not seal against or engage on the valve housing 159. The valve seat 185 may be defined by other mating surfaces of the valve housing 159 and the valve plunger 171, such as a shoulder or an inner circumferential surface toward the bottom of the dome 165 that mates in an outer perimeter of a lower portion of the cone 183. The vertical movement of the valve piston 171 is delimited at the top by an upper wall 189 of the dome 165 and at the bottom by an abutment bar 191 that extends transversely through the opening 187 in the distributor cap 163. The transverse movement of the valve piston 171 is delimited by a guide rod 193 that extends concentrically through a longitudinal bore that extends axially through the valve piston 171.

[031] Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, the piston movement restrictions provided by the upper dome wall 189, thrust bar 191 (Figure 4) and guide rod 193 (Figure 4) allow the valve piston to 171 translates vertically in an axial direction up and down within valve housing 159 between a lowered seed release position (Figure 5) and an elevated seed collection position (Figure 6). Referring now to Figure 5, the seed release position of valve spool 171 defines its resting state position, which can be reached when no vacuum is applied through purge vacuum line 173 and valve spool 171 rests. on the stop bar 191 (Figure 4). A seed release passage, shown as an angled gap or annular seed release passage 195, is defined between the cone 183 and the valve housing 159, through which seed 17 (Figure 2), removed from the seed meter 5 (Figure 2), can be reintroduced into the compartments 23 (Figure 2) of the dispenser 21 (Figure 2). Referring now to Figure 6, the seed collection position of valve ram 171 defines its active purge state position, which can be reached when vacuum is applied through bleed vacuum line 173 and valve ram 171 is pulled up away from thrust bar 191 (Figure 4) toward the top dome wall 189. In this state, seed release passage 195 (Figure 5) is closed by the engagement of valve plunger 171 and housing of valve 159 such that seed 17 (Figure 2) is unable to flow out of seed return valves 155 and air flow is prevented from entering seed return valves 155 from compartments 23. again, to Figures 5 and 6, the valve housing 159 has a valve housing purge inlet 197 to which the respective purge hose (or hoses) 141a, 141b connects to receive the seed 17 (Figure 2) which is removed of the seed meter 5. The valve housing purge port 197 extends through a side wall of the dome 165 at a position that is below the top plate 179 when the valve plunger 171 is in its rest state or rest position. lowered seed release (Figure 5) and above a bottom edge of cone 183 when in its active purge raised seed collection position (Figure 6).

[032] Now referring to Figures 7 and 8, the collection of removed seed 17 (Figure 2) and reintroduction of removed seed 17 (Figure 2) into storage is shown with seed variety 17a as the disabled variety that is removed, collected and stored in its respective compartment 23 of distributor 21. During collection, as shown in Figure 7, the seed variety 17a is transported pneumatically out of the seed meter 5 (Figure 2) through the purge hose 141a. This is done by vacuum pressure drawing air from outside the purge vacuum line 173. Air is drawn through the openings in the valve spool top plate 179, which also lifts the valve spool 171 to its collection position. high seed. This also draws air through valve housing bleed inlet 197 and bleed hose 141a. Since the openings in the valve piston top plate 179 are large enough to allow air to flow through the top plate 179 but small enough to prevent the seed 17 from flowing through the top plate 179, the seed 17a which is entrained in the vacuum air flow accumulates in the seed return valve 155, shown here accumulating in the dome 165 while the bottom of the valve piston cone 183 is seated against the valve housing 159 as propelled upward by the vacuum pressure. Referring again to Figure 2, when the seed 17 in the seed reservoir 35 has been sufficiently removed then the next seed variety 17b can be introduced into the seed meter 5. The amount of seed or level of the seed reservoir may be determined by a sensor such as the seed level sensor 199 which operatively communicates with the control system 201, which could be used to determine when the seed level has been reduced to an acceptably low level, or a determination of an acceptably low seed level could be based on predictive algorithms based on seed type and planting rate. Referring again to Figures 7 and 8, when it is time to release seed from seed return valve 155 for reintroduction into compartment 23 of dispenser 21, control system 201 (Figure 2) can coordinate the release of seed from seed return valve 155 into compartment 23 with determination of acceptably low seed level on seed gauge 5. This can be done by stopping the flow of vacuum air through bleed vacuum line 173 when the level acceptably low seed rate of 5 seed meter is determined. Stopping vacuum air flow through purge vacuum line 173 eliminates the vacuum pressure that holds valve plunger 171 in its elevated seed collection position. As shown in Figure 8, this causes the valve plunger 171 to drop to its rest state or seed release position, which allows the seed 17 to fall between the valve housing and the plunger 159, 171 and into the compartment 23 of the dispenser 21. The coordination of these seed purge and reintroduction events from storage with seed distribution events into the seed meter 5 is done with the control system 201 (Figure 2).

[033] Referring again to Figure 2, the control system 201 includes the tractor control system 203 and the planter control system 205 that operationally communicate with each other, for example, through an ISOBUS connection, for coordinated controls of tractor 9 (Figure 1) and planter 7 (Figure 1), including which variety (or varieties) of seed 17a, 17b is distributed, based on variety type or zones of Variety-A, Variety-B , or another from the agricultural field. Variety-A, Variety-B variety zones may correspond to a seed type or variety PM prescription map as schematically represented in the path map shown in Figure 16. Tractor control system 203 is shown with a controller of tractor 207 and power supply 209, and the planter control system 205 is shown with a planter controller 211 and power supply 213. Further, in reference to Figure 2 and with context reference to Figure 1 each of the controllers of tractor and planter 207, 211 may include an industrial computer or, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC), together with corresponding software and adequate memory for storing such software and hardware that includes interconnected conductors for transmitting power and signal to controlling the respective electronic, electromechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic components of the tractor 9 and the planter 7. The tractor controller 207 is configured to control the functions of the tractor 9 by controlling, for example, driving, speed, braking, displacement and other operations of the tractor, which may include controlling various GPS driving systems or other GPS, transmission, engine, hydraulics and/or other related systems of the tractor 9. A tractor interface system 215 is operably connected to the tractor controller 207 and includes a display and various input devices to allow an operator to view situations and control various tractor operations 9 from inside the tractor cab 9. The tractor's interface system may be a MultiControl Armrest™ panel available for use with the Case IH Maxxum™ series tractors. The planter controller 211 is configured to control the functions of the planter 7 by controlling, for example, transporting product along the planter 7, selecting seed variety distribution 17, and distributing seed from the planter 7 to the field. This may include controlling positive pressure and vacuum pumps and/or other vacuum sources, as well as fans, blowers, actuators and other components of any seed transport system (or systems) and seed airflow systems. seed purging and seed meter 27, 28, as well as controlling other features of the seed meter 5, such as adjusting singulator and baffle settings by controlling corresponding solenoids, stepper motors or the like. The planter controller 211 also controls the segmented feed tube system 31 and the purge system 33 by sensing various states and distributing control signals to automatically control the variety of seed that is inside and distributed to the seed reservoir 35 controlling the seed purge airflow system 27, which includes airflow through the purge vacuum line 173, as well as controlling the diverter drive system 145, the hopper inlet gate 68, and /or other actuators or components controllable with the segmented feed tube system 31, purge system 33 and storage system 19, based on the Variety-A, Variety-B type or variety zones in the prescription map schematically represented on the course map of Figure 16. In use, the control system 201 can determine planter position, speed, direction and/or other characteristics of movement by monitoring the position and movement of the tractor via tractor controller 207. tractor controller 207 can evaluate, for example, a speed input signal from a tractor speed sensor along with a GPS signal or GPS data from the tractor against the prescription map. Using such evaluations, the control system 201 determines which row units 13 should plant which variety (or varieties) of seed 17a, 17b and when, to carry out such multi-seed variety planting. The planter controller 211 directs the distribution of the appropriate seed variety to the seed meter 5 through manipulation of the selector tube 71, which may include removing a disabled seed variety from the seed meter 5 with the purge system 33, to specific plant varieties in specific locations. The particular way in which the control system 201 directs the switching between seed varieties, which includes controlling the segmented feed tube system 31 and/or the purge system 33 to selectively define distribution and/or purge routes through the respective systems, also depends on the particular system configurations and components.

[034] With reference, in general, to Figures 9A to 9G and 10A to 10D, cross sections of several different configurations of selector tube 71, with different numbers of distribution and seed purge passages and different exemplary arrangements in relation to each other, are shown. Figure 9A shows a selector tube configuration 71 without a purge passage and instead with two seed distribution passages 91a, 91b for delivering two seed varieties 17a, 17b (Figure 2) and which are separated by a single selector tube divider wall 93. Figures 9B and 9C show selector tube configurations 71 with three passes separated by three wall segments or divider walls 93. Figure 9b shows selector tube 71 with a single purge pass 95 and two seed delivery passages 91a, 91b for delivering two seed varieties 17a, 17b (Figure 2) into seed meter 5 (Figure 2). Figure 9C shows the selector tube 71 without a purge passage and instead with three seed distribution passages 91a, 91b, 91c for delivering three seed varieties 17a, 17b (Figure 2), 17c (not shown) into seed meter 5 (Figure 2).

[035] Now referring to Figures 9D and 9F, each selector tube body 73 has four passages with all of its passages separated by four divider wall segments or two crossed selector tube divider walls 93. Figure 9D shows a configuration of selector tube 71 as that of Figure 3, with selector tube seed distribution passages 91a, 91b arranged diagonally across from each other and selector tube purge passages 95a, 95b arranged diagonally across from each other, as an alternating arrangement of selector and purge tube seed distribution passages. Figure 9E shows a selector tube configuration 71 with a single purge passage 95 and three seed distribution passages 91a, 91b, 91c, for delivering three seed varieties 17a, 17b (Figure 2), 17c (not shown) to inside seed meter 5 (Figure 2). Figure 9F shows a selector tube configuration 71 without a purge passage and instead with four seed distribution passages 91a, 91b, 91c, 91d to distribute four seed varieties 17a, 17b (Figure 2), 17c, 17d (not shown) into seed meter 5 (Figure 2). Figure 9G shows a selector tube configuration 71 with six wall segments or three intersecting divider walls 93 between which six passages are defined. The six passes are shown here as three seed distribution passes 91a, 91b, 91c, which are arranged in an alternating pattern with three purge passes 95a, 95b, 95c to distribute and remove three seed varieties 17a, 17b (Figure 2 ), 17c (not shown).

[036] Referring now to Figures 10A to 10D, each selector tube 71 is shown with a central purge passage defined within a circumferential partition wall 93a which is concentrically surrounded by multiple seed distribution passages. Figure 10A shows the selector tube 71 with two seed distribution passages 91a, 91b that together define an annular seed distribution passage region of the selector tube 71 that is outward from a central seed purge region. Figure 10B shows three outer seed distribution passages 91a, 91b, 91c with the third passage 91c shown in white or with the seed variety unidentified. Third passage 91c may be capped or plugged to define a plugged passage through which material cannot flow, although it is understood that third passage 91c may deliver a third variety of seed 17c (unidentified) to seed meter 5 ( Figure 2). Figure 10C shows four outer seed distribution passages 91a, 91b, 91c, 91d with the first and second seed distribution passages 91a, 91b arranged opposite each other to deliver first and second seed varieties 17a, 17b ( Figure 2) into seed meter 5 (Figure 2). The third and fourth seed distribution passages are shown facing each other and blank or with unidentified seed variety. These third and fourth passages 91c, 91d may be plugged or plugged to define plugged passages through which material cannot flow, although it is understood that the third and fourth passages 91c, 91d may deliver third and fourth seed varieties 17c, 17d (not shown) for seed meter 5 (Figure 2). Figure 10D shows six outer seed distribution passages 91a, 91b, 91c, 91d, 91e, 91f disposed concentrically outward from the central purge passage 95 to deliver six varieties of seed 17a, 17b (Figure 2), 17c, 17d, 17e, 17f (not shown) into seed gauge 5.

[037] Referring again, in general, to Figures 9A to 9G and 10A to 10D, transition events and switching preparation may differ based on the particular selector tube configuration 71. When the selector tube 71 does not have purge passages, such as those shown in Figures 9A, 9C, and 9F, or buffered passages or sections, then initial switchover preparation may include moving the sump entrance gate 68 (Figure 3) to close the sump entrance 49 (Figure 3) in order to plant at least part of the remaining seed 17 (Figure 2) from the seed reservoir 35 (Figure 2) before actively switching to a different seed variety. When the selector tube 71 has bleed passages, such as those shown in Figures 9B, 9D and 9E, 9G, and 10A to 10D, then the initial switchover preparation may also include moving the inlet gate 68 (Figure 3) to close the hopper inlet 49 to stop distribution of the current seed variety while expediting the initial switchover preparation by removing the seeds from the seed hopper 35 (Figure 2) and pneumatically returning the removed seeds to the storage system 19 (Figure 1) through the purge system 33.

[038] Referring now to Figures 11 to 15, these purge systems 33 are variations of the one shown in Figures 2 to 3. Referring now to the simplified schematic representation of Figure 11, the segmented feed tube system 31 and the seed diverter system 103 are individually actuable to separately control seed distribution and removal paths into and from seed meter 5. This can be done by rotating selector tube 71 with its own selector tube drive system 215 which is substantially the same as the derailleur drive system 145. The selector tube drive system 215 drives the rotation of the selector tube 71 independently of the rotation of the derailleur 105 made via the derailleur drive system 145. The derailleur 105 in Figure 11 does not have interlocking toggles 117, like those shown in Figure 3, so that the selector tube 71 and diverter 105 can rotate relative to each other, as controlled by their respective selector tube and diverter drive systems 215, 145. This configuration facilitates the use of a single purge pass or shared purge passes so that any variety of seed that is removed from the seed meter 5 can, for example, flow into a single diverter cavity space 115 (Figure 3 ) and be directed to the correct compartment 23 for the particular seed variety 17a, 17b, 17c by turning the diverter 105 inside the purge tube manifold 127.

[039] Referring now to Figures 12 and 13, these purge systems 33 have a fixed or non-selectable collector arrangement, without the diverter 105 between the selector tube 71 and the purge tube collector 127, and with a single purge hose 141. Single purge hose 141 directs seed 17 removed from seed meter 5 into diverter duct system 217 which selectively distributes seed 17 into a particular appropriate compartment corresponding to the seed variety 17a, 17b, 17c being removed from seed meter 5. Referring to Figure 12, the diverter duct system 217 is shown mounted to seed return ports 219, shown here defined by valve housing purge ports 197 of the piston pressurized valve assemblies 157. Seed return valves may be defined by seed return inlet gates 221, which provide ports that are moved between open and closed positions by actuators controlled by control system 201 (Figure 2 ) and are disposed within the diverter duct system 217 to selectively define seed flow paths to the pressurized piston valve assemblies 157 that feed the appropriate compartment 23 for the particular seed variety 17a, 17b, 17c. As shown in Figure 12, the pressurized piston valve assembly 157 that is furthest from the purge hose 141 may not need a seed return inlet port 221. Closing the remaining seed return inlet ports 221 allows allows the seed variety 17a to flow past the compartments 23 for the seed varieties 17b, 17c and into the compartment holding the seed variety 17a through its piston pressurized valve assembly 157. Opening the return inlet gate seed variety 221 and closing of the right seed return inlet gate 221 allows the seed variety 17b to flow past the compartment 23 to the seed variety 17c and into the compartment that holds the seed variety 17b through its piston pressurized valve assembly 157. Opening the right seed return inlet gate 221 allows the seed variety 17c to flow into the seed variety holding compartment 17c through its piston pressurized valve assembly 157. When piston pressurized valve assemblies 157 are deployed, valve plunger 171 (Figure 4) can control the flow of seed from valve assembly 157 into compartment 23. Controlling the distribution of seed into compartments 23 also this can be done with compartment entrance gates 223 which provide gates that are moved between open and closed positions by actuators controlled by control system 201 (Figure 2). Similar to the valve plunger 171 on the piston versions of the pressurized valve assembly 157, the compartment inlet gate (or gates) 223 on the pressurized valve assembly 157 shown in Figure 12 also prevents air flow from entering the valve assembly 157 at from the compartments 23. In this way, the inlet gates 223 cut off any significant amount of air flow between the compartments 23 and the pressurized valve assemblies 157 to prevent seed from being drawn out of the compartments 23 and instead ensure that seed is only drawn from the seed meter 5. Figure 13 shows a purge system 33 that differs from that shown in Figure 12 due to the fact that the purge system 33 in Figure 13 has no purge vacuum line 173 or pressurized piston valve assemblies 157. Instead of using vacuum pressure drawn upstream of compartments 23, the purge system 33 of Figure 13 includes an in-line pneumatic conveyor 225 disposed on the purge hose 141, between the purge 127 and the diverter duct system 217. The pneumatic conveyor 225 is driven by compressed air from an air compressor which may be part of an air pressure system and/or air flow system transporting seed to creating vacuum pressure upstream of conveyor 225 within segmented feed tube system 31 to pneumatically remove seed from seed meter 5 and positive pressure downstream of conveyor 225 to pneumatically propel removed seed toward compartments 23 for storage.

[040] Referring now to Figures 14 and 15, the purge systems 33 are shown without the purge tube collector 127 (Figures 12 and 13). The purge system 33 of Figure 14 has a dedicated common purge hose 141 with gates 221 which can be actuated by the control system 201 to select the compartment 23 to which the seed 17 returns. The gates 21 are shown here disposed within the diverter duct system 217 which may be attached to the common purge hose 141 which removes seed from the reservoir or seed reservoir and directs the removed seed to compartments 23 without flowing through the system. of segmented feed tube 31. The purge system 33 of Figure 15 has a dedicated purge hose 141a, 141b for each variety of seed 17a, 17b that connects directly to the purge ports 227a, 227b of the sleeve 51 and receives seed through the instead of a purge tube manifold 127 (Figures 12 and 13). The bleed ports 227a, 227b are spaced longitudinally from one another along the sleeve 51 and selectively align with longitudinally and radially spaced bleed ports of the selector tube 71 so that the bleed ports and bleed ports 227a, 227b operate similarly to the sleeve inlet ports 65a, 65b (Figure 3) and the selector tube inlet ports 85a, 85b (Figure 3), only to remove seed from the seed meter 5 instead of delivering seed into the seed meter 5 .

[041] Instead of removing seed with the purge system 33, seed switching can be provided by a switching strategy that minimizes mixing during controlled seed introduction into the seed meter 5. This may include the use of gates of deposit inlet 68 to stop the introduction of seed into the seed meter 5 in preparation for active switching and/or turning of the selector tube 71 to a plugged or simulated section that does not allow the passage of seed.

[042] With reference, in general, to Figures 2 and 3 and with further reference to Figure 16, an example of a control system 201 (Figure 2) that commands seed switching with purge or seed removal with two seed varieties 17a , 17b, in a field with two varieties of zones can occur as follows. Referring now to Figure 16, a path map is shown with a simplified schematic representation of a field prescription map 301 showing the two zones Variety-A and Variety-B shown respectively as zones 303 and 305 for receiving the two different seed varieties 17a, 17b. Tractor 9 (Figure 1) and planter 7 (Figure 1) travel along path 311 through field 301 while moving through Variety-A zone (or zones) 303 and Variety-A zone (or zones) B 305. Seed variety switching events are shown as circles identified as switching events 313. As shown in Figure 16, initially stable planting state of seed variety 17a occurs until reaching the first seed switching event 313 to change planting to variety 17b. As initial preparations for the switch, such as when the planter 7 (Figure 7) is within a predetermined distance or time of the first seed switch event to be encountered 313, the control system 201 (Figure 2) can command the closure of the hopper entrance gate 68 (Figure 3) to block further release of seed variety 17a, through hopper entrance 49 (Figure 3) and/or may include energizing the diverter drive system motor 147 (Figure 3) to rotate diverter 105 and selector tube 71 (Figure 3) to cover sleeve outlet port 67 (Figure 3) and inlet ports 65a, 65b (Figure 3). The control system 201 can command the removal of at least part of the deactivated seed 17a from the seed reservoir 35 (Figure 2) of the seed meter 5 (Figure 2). This may include further rotating selector tube 71 (Figure 3) to align diverter cap outlet collar 123 (Figure 3) with bleed tube manifold outlet 139 associated with bleed hose 141a. This also moves purge opening 101a into a position to remove the deactivated seed variety 17a from seed reservoir 35 and transport the removed seed through purge passage 95a into its purge hose 141a. The removed seed variety 17a can then be collected in seed return valves and released back into compartment 23 with the seed variety 17a, as shown and described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Control system 201 commands further rotation of selector tube 71 to align selector tube inlet port 85b (Figure 3) with sleeve inlet port 65b (Figure 3). This allows the seed variety 17b to flow through the selector tube seed distribution passage 91b (Figure 2) into the seed meter 5. At the next seed switching event 313 corresponding to the departure of the Variety-B zone 305 and re-entering the A-Variety zone 305, the control system 201 commands the switch from seed variety 17b back to seed variety 17a in the same manner described in relation to the initial switching from seed variety 17a to seed variety 17b, just starting with seed variety 17b as the retired variety to be stopped and removed. The process is repeated in this fashion during planting and is modified based on the particular configuration of components in the segmented feed tube system 31 and purge system 33, which includes the number of zone varieties in the field and the number of zone varieties in the field. seed being planted.

[043] Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. Various components and features of the system 5, for example, components or features of the seed storage system (or systems), loading system (or systems) and seed measuring system (or systems) can be incorporated alone or in different combinations in a planter. The scope of these changes will become apparent from the accompanying claims.

Claims (11)

1. MULTI-VARIETY SEED GAUGE, for planting multiple varieties of seed in a single planting pass during row crop planting in an agricultural field, the seed meter (5) of multiple seed varieties (17a, 17b ) comprises: a seed meter housing (43) disposed in a row unit (13) of a planter (7) and defining an enclosure (45) surrounding a housing cavity (47) capable of receiving seed (17 ) to define a seed reservoir (35); a seed disk (37) disposed within the housing cavity (47) and configured to collect seed (17) from the seed reservoir (35) into a seed collection region (39) for singulation of seeds (17) from the reservoir of seeds (35) for individual distribution in the agricultural field during planting; a segmented feed tube system (31) having an outlet arranged to dispense seed (17) through the seed meter housing (43) and into the seed reservoir (35), the segmented feed tube system ( 31) including: an outer sleeve (51) extending from the seed meter housing (43), the outer sleeve (51) comprising a first inlet port (65a) connectable to a source of a first seed variety (17a), a second input port (65b) connectable to a source of a second seed variety (17b) and an output port (67) connected to the seed reservoir (35); and an inner selector tube (71) disposed concentrically and rotatably within the outer sleeve (51), the inner selector tube (71) comprising a first seed variety passage (91a), a second seed variety passage (91b ), and a passage (95a, 95b) connectable to a purge system connectable to the purge system (33); characterized by the fact that: the internal selector tube (71) rotates between a first position in which the passage of the first variety of seeds (91a) interconnects the first entrance of the external sleeve (65a) and the exit of the external sleeve (67) ; a second position in which the second seed variety passage (91b) interconnects the second outer sleeve inlet (65b) and the outer sleeve outlet (67); and a purge position that the purge passage (95a, 95b) interconnects the purge system (33) and the outer sleeve outlet (67); and the segmented feed tube system (31) delivers the first seed variety (17a) into the seed reservoir (35) with the inner selector tube (71) in the first position and delivers the second seed variety (17b) into the seed reservoir (35) with the internal selector tube (71) in the second position. 2. MULTIPLE VARIETY SEED METER, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the first and second positions of the internal selector tube (71) are defined by at least the first and second angular positions of the internal selector tube (71) relative to the outer sleeve (51). 3. MULTIPLE VARIETY SEED METER, according to claim 2, characterized in that the outlet of the external sleeve (67) is arranged in the housing cavity (47) to define a deposit inlet (49) through which seed (17) is dispensed into the seed reservoir (35). 4. MULTIPLE VARIETIES SEED METER, according to claim 3, characterized in that the seed passage of a first variety (91a) includes a first selector tube outlet port (87a) and the second variety passage (91b) comprises a second selector tube outlet port (87b), the first and second selector tube outlet ports (87a, 87b) being disposed at an outlet end (77) of the inner selector tube (71) . 5. MULTIPLE VARIETY SEED METER, according to claim 4, characterized in that the first and second selector tube outlet ports (87a, 87b) are arranged in different angular positions of the internal selector tube (71) such that rotation of the inner selector tube (71) can selectively align one of at least the first and second selector tube outlet ports (87a, 87b) with the outlet of the outer sleeve (67) to deliver a variety of seed (17a, 17b) through the deposit entrance (49). 6. MULTIPLE VARIETIES SEED METER, according to claim 3, characterized in that the first seed variety passage (91a) includes a first selector tube inlet port (85a) and the second variety passage of seeds (91b) includes a second selector tube inlet port (85b), the first selector tube inlet port (85a) and the second selector tube inlet port (85b) are disposed at an inlet end (75) of the internal selector tube (71). 7. MULTIPLE VARIETY SEED METER, according to claim 6, characterized in that the rotation of the internal selector tube (71) can selectively align one of the first and second selector tube inlet ports (85a, 85b ) with corresponding first and second outer sleeve inlets (65a, 65b) for receiving the first and second seed varieties (17a, 17b) in one of the first or second seed varieties passages (91a, 91b). 8. MULTIPLE VARIETY SEED METER, according to claim 1, characterized in that the first seed distribution passage (91a) and the second seed distribution passage (91b) extend longitudinally through the internal selector tube (71) for distributing, respectively, the first and second seed varieties (17a, 17b) through the inner selector tube (71). 9. MULTIPLE VARIETY SEED METER, according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a seed diverter system (103) attached to one end of the inner selector tube (71) to rotate the inner selector tube (71) relative to the outer sleeve (51). 10. MULTIPLE VARIETY SEED METER, according to claim 9, characterized in that the seed diverter system (103) comprises a diverter (105) that has toggles (117) that engage at the end of the internal selector tube ( 71) to lock the diverter (105) and inner selector tube (71) in rotary synchrony with each other, and a diverter drive system (145) arranged to rotate the diverter (105) and inner selector tube (71) in with respect to the outer sleeve (51). 11. MULTIPLE VARIETY SEED METER, according to claim 1, characterized in that the internal selector tube (71) comprises at least one dividing wall (93) that extends longitudinally through the internal selector tube (71) to separating the first variety pass and the second variety pass (91a, 91b) from the seed purge pass (95a, 95b).