BR102018068680B1 - VACUUM GRAIN METER AND PLANTING IMPLEMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a vacuum grain meter that includes a vacuum channel and a grain transport member that has grain cells defined as openings through a perimeter region of the grain transport member, which rotates through the grain channel. vacuum. The grain meter includes a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being directed to a different location within the grain meter. Each of the plurality of sensors is wired to send signals to a controller that evaluates whether each cell that passes through those locations is filled or empty.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates, generally, to grain meters and, more specifically, to grain meters that are monitored by at least one sensor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] A grain meter carried on a row unit of a planting implement distributes grain and includes a grain transport member in which a plurality of grain cells are defined around the outer perimeter region thereof. As the grain transport member rotates within the grain meter housing, each individual grain cell completes repeated rotations around the grain meter housing. During each rotation, each specific grain cell will pass through different regions of the grain meter. When passing through the grain grouping region of the grain meter, each grain cell typically captures at least one grain during normal operation of the grain meter.

[003] It is known to infer about the operating situation of the grain meter by a sensor that detects when the grain is placed through the grain tube. However, grain tube sensors are exposed to the accumulation of dust from grain, field and grain lubricant and therefore the information obtained may be unreliable. It is also known to provide a sensor within the grain cluster region of the grain meter in order to monitor whether there are sufficient grains in the grain accumulation to enable each grain cell to capture the grain so that the grain meter can operate. in a normal way. However, because the information provided by these sensors may result from one of a large number of different operating conditions within the grain meter, such sensors only provide indirect evidence of the operational status of the grain meter in real time. Therefore, it is difficult to use this information as a basis for diagnosing operational grain meter malfunctions and consequently prescribing corrective actions to overcome or improve such grain meter malfunctions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[004] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set out in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through the practice of the invention.

[005] Grain meters configured in accordance with the present invention include a plurality of sensors that are mounted to the grain meter. Furthermore, each of the plurality of sensors has its sensing end arranged to direct its detection zone within the grain meter housing, some within the grain meter vacuum chamber, and at least one outside the chamber. grain meter vacuum. Each sensor is oriented to detect the presence or absence of grain within a grain cell of the grain transport member when the grain cell passes through the detection zone of the sensor. The detection zone of each sensor is desirably directed at a different region within the grain meter, through more than one sensor which may target a different location within some region of the grain meter. Instead of a plurality of sensors, the grain meter may include a single sensor that has its sensing end arranged so that its detection zone is within the housing and is aimed at the region of the grain meter immediately after the grain cells. grain encounter the singulator during each complete rotation of the grain transport member within the grain meter housing.

[006] A controller is provided for receiving and evaluating voltage signals emitted by each of the plurality of sensors. Each sensor outputs voltage signals with peaks and valleys of sufficient resolution to enable the controller to differentiate that signal to determine whether a grain cell is present within the sensor's detection zone, as opposed to an interstitial portion of the transport member. of grain present within the sensor's detection zone, and whether the grain cell is filled or empty. The location where the detection zone of each sensor is targeted is chosen so that the controller will be provided with information about the grain cell status (filled or empty) at different locations within the grain meter at a given time (or series of closely spaced moments). The controller is pre-programmed to use this information according to various protocols. Each protocol is adapted to enable the controller to make insights into the operational situation of the grain meter and take one or more actions based on such insights. Such actions may include adjusting various operating parameters of the grain meter or adjusting various operating parameters of the planting implement. Examples of such grain meter operating parameters include adjusting the vacuum level within the grain meter, adjustments to the singulating grain, adjustments to any grain deflector, adjustments to grain agitation, adjustments to any grain doors whether open or closed. , and adjustments to any fluted rollers supplied for grain supply whether in engagement or disengagement. An example of such planting implement operating parameters would be adjustments to the planting grain.

[007] Grain meters configured in accordance with the present invention provide more accurate monitoring of the presence or absence of grain within individual grain cells of the grain transport member at more than one desired location through which these grain cells will be rotating during grain meter operation and can then have greater control over the operation of each individual grain meter. More specifically, in some embodiments, a plurality of sensors are arrayed to target different locations within the grain meter to detect when grains are either filling specific grain cells or missing specific grain cells when passing through locations. predetermined within the grain meter. One such specific location is where the grain cell is outside the influence of the vacuum channel and is expected to be empty of any grain. A second location of these specific locations is where the grain cell would likely not acquire a grain when the grain chamber is nearly emptied of grain. In embodiments in which the grain meter includes a singulating grain, two additional locations for a sensor directed at the passage of the grain cells in the grain transport member are immediately before the grain cells encounter the singulating grain and immediately after the grain cells. leave the singular grain.

[008] According to one embodiment of a grain cell detection system, the controller is pre-programmed to evaluate signals emitted by each of the plurality of sensors. The controller is pre-programmed to determine whether the respective grain cells are passing through each sensor's respective detection zone and whether the respective grain cell is filled or empty based on voltage patterns delivered to the controller by one or more sensors. . This system has the advantage of being able to implement without requiring any fixed timing relationship or timing between grain cell locations relative to sensor detection zones. Consequently, this method can be employed with many different grain transport members, which have a different number of grain cells around the periphery of the grain transport member. However, in order to implement this realization of the grain meter, the controller must be capable of a complex type of analysis of signals from sensors directed to distinct regions within the grain meter.

[009] According to an embodiment of a grain meter with a cell detection system according to the present invention, one of the sensors functions as a time sensor, which is desirably arranged to monitor grain cells passing outside the vacuum region of the grain meter. Desirably, the sensor emitting the timing signal has its detection zone arranged to target grain cells that are passing through the post-delivery region of the grain meter, wherein the grain cells are outside the influence of the chamber. grain meter vacuum. The controller is pre-programmed to evaluate the signals emitted by the time sensor to determine when the grain cells are passing through the time sensor's detection zone and whether the grain cell is filled or empty based on the patterns of voltages emitted to the controller by the time sensor. In these embodiments, the timing sensor may be used by the controller as a timing mechanism that determines the frequency at which grain cells will pass in front of the detection zones of other sensors that are directed to grain cells that are within the influence of the vacuum chamber so that the signals received from these sensors can be evaluated by the controller in a coordinated manner and, in this way, allows the controller to focus its evaluations only on the moment or on those intervals during which a grain cell is present for these other sensors .

[010] According to this embodiment, when the time sensor sends to the controller a signal indicative of the open cell, the controller is configured so that upon receipt from the time sensor of this signal indicative of the open cell, the controller evaluates this first moment the signals received from other sensors that have their respective detection zones arranged to direct other regions of the grain meter. The geometry of the grain cell locations in relation to the detection zones of the time sensor and other sensors is fixed and therefore a grain cell coincides with the detection zone of the time sensor ensuring that another respective grain cell it will probably coincide with the respective detection zone of each of the other sensors. This realization has the advantage of being able to implement without requiring the controller any complex analysis of the signals received from the sensors that direct the passing grain cells through the vacuum region in order to detect open grain cells in regions other than the grain meter.

[011] According to a related embodiment, the controller is pre-programmed to evaluate signals received from each of the plurality of sensors over a predetermined duration of time (or a predetermined rotary increment of the grain transport member) from of the first moment when the time sensor registers to the controller a signal that indicates an open cell passing through the detection zone of the time sensor. The controller is configured so that upon receipt from the time sensor of this signal indicative of the open cell, the controller begins at that first moment a discrete number of samples of the signals received from the other sensors, which have their respective detection zones arranged to direct the grains within grain cells passing through other regions of the grain gauge, and evaluate these signals to determine if an open cell was found. In order to implement this embodiment, the controller must be capable of a more complex analysis of the signals from the sensors that target regions within the vacuum region of the grain meter other than the case in the previous embodiment.

[012] In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a rotary encoder signal may be provided to ensure that the controller determines when a cell of the grain transport member will be present by itself near the detection zone of the sensors other than the sensor. time. The controller will be able to count the pulses received from the rotary encoder relative to when the sensors generate a signal that indicates an open grain cell in that sensor's detection zone.

[013] According to a further embodiment, the time sensor detects an open cell that passes through its detection zone aimed at the grain transport member at first. The time sensor sends a signal indicating the open cell to the controller. The controller is pre-programmed to monitor rotary encoder pulses and is pre-programmed with the number of such pulses that must occur from this first moment until each of the other respective sensors will have its detection zone aligned coincidently with a grain cell passing in the grain transport member. The controller is pre-programmed to use this relationship in order to evaluate in the appropriate number of successive pulses of the rotary encoder the respective signal received from the respective other sensor having its respective detection zone arranged to direct the grains within grain cells that are passing through the respective other region of the grain meter. This realization has the advantage of being able to implement without requiring any fixed geometric relationship between the locations of the grain cells relative to the detection zones of the time sensor and the other sensors. Consequently, this method can be employed with many different grain transport members, which have a different number of grain cells around the periphery of the grain transport member. This method has the additional advantage of being able to implement without requiring the controller any complex analysis of the signals received from the sensors that direct the grain cells passing through the vacuum chamber in order to detect the open grain cells in the different regions of the gauge. of grain.

[014] In yet another embodiment, in place of the grain cell of the grain transport member, a discernible feature on the grain transport member other than a grain cell, for example, a highly reflective surface, a gap, a hole , a protrusion, a bulge, a metallic feature, or an electromagnet, may be detected by the timing sensor as a timing feature (also known as an index feature) to establish the time when a grain cell of the material-carrying member grain will be present by itself within the detection zone of a sensor.

[015] Due to the constant high velocity air passing through the vacuum channel, any concentration or accumulation of dust or other contaminants on a sensor disposed in the vacuum channel is avoided to a significant degree. Examples of the sensors that may be placed within the vacuum channel of a vacuum grain meter may include an optical sensor or a capacitive proximity sensor. Each of these types of sensors can be aimed at or adjacent to a trajectory taken by the grain cells (or an alternative feature) on the rotating grain transport member. The sensor can be aimed to emit and receive energy along a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the grain transport member to allow the grain cells to pass directly within the detection zone of the sensors. Alternatively, the sensor may be intended to emit and receive energy along a direction that is parallel to the plane of the grain transport member to allow the sensors to detect grain without grain cells passing directly within the detection zone. of the sensors. The signal generated by the sensor in response to energy received by the sensor can be provided to a controller to indicate when the grain cells of the grain meter are either filled or empty of grain.

[016] If the optical sensor is a reflectance style sensor, the entire sensor would be located within the vacuum channel. The light reflector from the grain transport member and the grain in the grain cells as the grain cells pass the sensor would be received by the sensor assembly. If the optical sensor is a beam burst style sensor, both the emitter and receiver would be fitted in the vacuum channel while the other element would be located behind the grain reservoir in the grain meter. Although one of these elements would be susceptible to dust accumulation, the other element would remain in a relatively clean environment that would remain relatively unaffected by any accumulation of dust or other contaminants.

[017] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description and attached claims. The attached drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[018] A complete and possible disclosure of the present invention includes the best mode thereof, directed to those of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, and makes reference to the attached Figures, in which: Figure 1 provides a view in perspective of a planting implement configured to deposit grains within a soil surface, in accordance with an embodiment; Figure 2 provides a side view of a row unit in the planting implement of Figure 1, in accordance with one embodiment; Figure 3 provides a perspective view in a partially disassembled condition of an embodiment of a grain meter of a row unit in the planting implement of Figure 1; Figure 4 provides a perspective view of the opposite end of the view shown in Figure 3 of the partially disassembled condition of a grain meter embodiment of a row unit in the planting implement of Figure 1; Figure 5 provides a schematic representation of a side view of an embodiment of a grain transport member of an embodiment of a grain meter for a row unit in the planting implement of Figure 1 and includes an inset of an enlarged area of the grain transport member; Figure 6 provides a schematic representation of the spatial and communication relationships of the various sensors, the rotary encoder, the vacuum source, the controller and the grain cells of the grain transport member of the grain meter; Figure 7 provides a schematic representation of a section of the grain transport member passing through a region successively intermediate to the grain acquisition region and the post-delivery region of the grain meter and a sensor having its sensing end disposed within the grain chamber of the housing and oriented to emit and receive in a direction that is relatively parallel to the plane of the surface of the grain transport member to detect when a grain passes through the detection zone of the sensor; Figure 8 provides a schematic representation of a section of the grain transport member and each of the two sensors having its sensing end disposed within the housing and oriented to emit and receive in a direction that is perpendicular to the surface plane of the grain transport member for detecting when a grain cell passes through the detection zone of the sensor directed to a different area of the surface of the grain transport member containing the grain cells; Figure 9 provides a schematic representation of certain relationships between various components of an embodiment of the grain meter and a sensor having its sensing end disposed within the vacuum chamber of the housing and oriented to emit and receive in a direction that is relatively perpendicular. to the plane of the surface of the grain transport member to detect when a grain cell passes through the detection zone of the sensor; Figure 10 provides a perspective view in a partially disassembled condition of another embodiment of a row unit grain meter in the planting implement of Figure 1; Figure 11 provides a perspective view in a partially disassembled condition of the components of an embodiment of a grain meter and includes an inset of an enlarged region of one of the components; Figure 12 provides a perspective view in a partially disassembled condition of another embodiment of a row unit grain meter in the planting implement of Figure 1; and Figure 13 provides a graphical representation of the relationship between the rotating grain transport member of a grain meter as recorded by the signal from a burst beam style sensor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 provides a graphical representation of the relationship between the rotating grain transport member of a grain meter as recorded by the signal from a reflective style sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention when the grain transport member has a reflectance higher than the reflectance of the deposited grain; Figure 15 provides a graphical representation of the relationship between the rotating grain transport member of a grain meter as recorded by the signal from a reflective style sensor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, when the grain transport member has a lower reflectance than the reflectance of the deposited grain.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[019] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. Indeed, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or essence of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is understood that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[020] When the elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure are introduced, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the elements listed. Any examples of operating parameters and/or environmental conditions are not exclusive of other parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments.

[021] Generally speaking, a vacuum grain meter is one that employs vacuum pressure to attach grains to a rotating grain transport member, which controls the rate at which grains are emitted from the grain meter. As used herein, “vacuum pressure” is intended to describe a pressure that is lower than ambient atmospheric pressure and not necessarily a true vacuum.

[022] As shown in Figure 1, a planting implement 10 that can be used to deposit grain within a soil surface desirably includes a hitch assembly 14, a main frame assembly 16 and a tool bar 18. As illustrated in Figure 1, the hitch assembly 14 is coupled to the main frame assembly 16, and the main frame assembly 16 is coupled to the tool bar 18. When a work vehicle such as a tractor or other prime mover is Coupled to the implement 10 by the hitch assembly 14, the implement 10 can be towed along a direction of travel 12 by the work vehicle.

[023] As further illustrated in Figure 1, the tool bar 18 is coupled to multiple row units 20 so that multiple rows of grain can be planted simultaneously within the soil. Therefore, as the work vehicle tows the implement 10, each of the row units 20 can deposit the grains at a desired depth below the soil surface, thereby establishing the same number of rows of planted grains. Furthermore, the spacing between row units can be particularly pre-selected based on the type of grain planted. For example, row units can be spaced 30 inches (76.2 cm) apart for planting corn, and 15 inches (38.1 cm) apart for planting soybeans. Additionally, since each of the multiple row units 20 is distanced from its nearest row unit 20, the operating conditions experienced by each row unit 20 may vary. Through the illustrated implementation 10 that includes 24 row units 20, alternative implementations may include more or fewer row units 20. For example, certain deployments 10 may include 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, or 36 row units. , or more.

[024] As shown in Figure 1 for example, in some embodiments, the bulk grain to be planted can be stored in the grain tanks 22 that are carried by the tool bar 18. Each of the grain tanks 22 can be filled one different variety of grain. Figure 2 illustrates a row unit 20 that can be used to deposit grain. As illustrated in Figure 2, to facilitate grain deposition, each row unit 20 includes a furrow opener disc 24, an open shoe 26, a closing disc 28, a grain hopper 30, a grain meter 32, a grain tube 34, a pinch wheel 36, and a granular chemical hopper 38. As the row unit 20 travels along the field, the furrow disc 24 and opener shoe 26 engage the ground and they cooperate to form a ditch for the grains to be deposited.

[025] As schematically shown in Figures 2 and 4 for example, the operation of the grain meter 32 is desirably controlled by a control unit or controller 42, which desirably may include a processor 44 and a memory device 46. In some embodiments , the controller 42 may be provided as an integral component of the grain meter 32 and carried in the housing thereof. In other embodiments, the controller 42 may be transported to another location on the planting implement 10 and connected, directly via physical or wireless electrical wiring connections, for example. In some embodiments of controller 42, processor 44 may include one or more general-purpose processors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits, one or more field-programmable gate arrays, or the like. Additionally, memory device 46 may include any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media that has the ability to store instructions executable by processor 44 and/or data that can be processed by processor 44. In other words, memory 46 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory, or non-volatile memory, such as hard disk drives, read-only memory, optical disks, flash memory, and the like.

[026] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the grains received from the grain tanks 22 (Figure 1) can be stored in the grain distributor 30 before they are deposited. From the grain hopper 30, the grains are transferred into the inlet of the grain meter 32. As shown schematically in Figure 6 for example, a switching mechanism 31 may be provided and connected to be operated by the controller 42 to control selecting the flow of different grain varieties into the inlet of the grain meter 32 from the grain hopper 30. The switching mechanism 31 may be interposed between the grain hopper 30 and the grain meter 32, as shown schematically in Figure 6, or alternatively the switching mechanism 31 may be incorporated within the grain hopper 30, as the case may be. The grains are discharged from the grain meter outlet 32 and into the grain tube inlet, which is generally indicated in Figure 2 by the numeral 34, at the upper end thereof in such a way that the grains travel under the influence of gravity downward through the grain tube 34 and are from the bottom end of the grain tube 34 into the trench. Once the grains are deposited within the trench, the closing disk 28 covers the deposited grains, and the pressure wheel 36 tamps the soil over the deposited grains.

[027] The way in which the grains are dispensed into the grain tube 34 from the emission of the grain meter 32 determines the speed and/or spacing of the grains within the trench. In other words, by controlling grain emission from grain meter 32, for example, reducing the possibility of multiple grains being deposited in the same location (e.g., a multiple) or one grain not being planted at a desired location (e.g., a hop), operation of the grain meter 32, in accordance with a suitable protocol, enables the grains to be planted in desired locations. Operation of the grain meter 32 in accordance with another suitable protocol enables a multiple grain variety meter to switch grain varieties flowing through the same grain meter quickly by cutting the first grain variety for a duration of Very minimal time before switching to the successive grain variety to be planted in order to minimize the mixing of grain varieties that are dispensed. However, implementation of the protocol in each case demands a way to detect in real time a reliable indication of the dispensing status of the grain meter 32. Consequently, the present invention addresses such needs, among others.

[028] Basic components and operation of a vacuum grain meter are described in some detail in U.S. Patent No. 9,426,940, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. However, only those components that play a role in understanding the present invention will be described herein in any detail.

[029] The grain meter 32 generally includes an external housing which in a disassembled state is shown in Figures 3 and 4 desirably includes a grain cover assembly 61 disposed opposite a mechanical housing assembly 67 As shown in Figure 3 for example, the grain meter 32 also generally includes a grain transport member 48 which is disposed between the grain cap assembly 61 and the mechanical housing assembly 67. grain transport member 48 is carried by the housing around the central geometric axis of rotation schematically projected by the dashed line chain projected by the number 50 in Figure 3. Although the exemplary embodiment of the grain transport member 48 is formed by a rigid flat disk, the grain transport member 48 may occur in other configurations such as, for example, the shape of a vat, a bowler hat, a top hat, a cone, a drum, or any other shape that is symmetrical about a geometric axis rotation center. As shown in Figure 4 for example, this central geometric axis 50 of the grain transport member 48 also runs through the horizontal center plane 75 of the grain chamber 62. As shown in Figure 4 for example, the outer edge of the grain transport member grain 48 may be configured to engage and be driven by a drive sprocket 55 which is rotatably driven around a motor 57 which may be operably connected and controlled by controller 42 to effect rotation of the grain transport member. 48 grain inside the housing around the central geometric axis 50.

[030] As shown in Figure 4 for example, the grain cover assembly 61 includes a grain chamber wall 63, and a grain chamber 62 is at least partially defined by the grain chamber wall 63 and the transport member of grain 48. As shown in Figure 3 for example, the mechanical housing assembly 67 includes a vacuum channel wall 65, and a vacuum channel 64 is at least partially defined by the vacuum channel wall 65 and the transport member grain transport member 48 which is rotatably transported by the housing is disposed between the grain chamber wall 63 and the vacuum channel wall 65. The grain transport member 48 is spaced from the grain wall grain chamber 63 to define the grain chamber 62 between the grain transport member 48 and the grain chamber wall 63. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4 for example, one side of the grain transport member 48 faces towards the interior of the grain chamber 62, although, as shown in Figure 4 for example, the opposite side of the grain transport member 48 faces the interior of the vacuum channel 64.

[031] As schematically shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, for example, an embodiment of grain meter 32 may be connected to a vacuum source 40 by means of a vacuum conduit which is schematically designated by the numeral 41 in Figures 3 , 4 and 6. As shown schematically in Figure 3 for example, the vacuum conduit 41 leads from the vacuum source 40 to the vacuum port 56 of a vacuum pipe 59, through which a negative pressure from the vacuum source 40 is imposed. inside the vacuum channel 64 of the grain meter 32.

[032] As shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 for example, multiple grain cells 66 are defined around a perimeter region of the grain transport member 48. The grain cells 66 are spaced apart uniformly from each other around the perimeter of the grain transport member 48 so that constant rotation of the grain transport member 48 results in a proportionally constant rate at which a grain cell 66 passes a given fixed point of the meter housing of grain 32. As shown in Figure 9 and the enlarged area in the inset of Figure 5 for example, each grain cell 66 includes an opening 66a through the grain transport member 48. Additionally, on one side of the grain transport member 48, each opening 66a of the grain cell 66 desirably may be configured differently depending on the type of grain that the grain transport member 48 is intended to dispense. In most embodiments, each grain cell 66 is configured to carry a single grain of a specific type of grain 51 as schematically shown in Figure 9. In multi-grain embodiments, each grain cell 66 is configured to carry more than one single grain of a specific grain type or multiple grain varieties.

[033] The grain transport member 48 is spaced axially (in the direction along the central geometric axis of rotation 50) from the vacuum channel wall 65. As shown in Figure 3, a sealing gasket 68 is desirably disposed between the wall of vacuum channel 65 and the grain transport member 48 and defines a sealing edge 69 which seals against the face of the grain transport member 48 disposed with respect to the wall of vacuum channel 65 when the grain meter 32 is completely assembled. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3 for example, the grain transport member 48, the vacuum channel wall 65 and the sealing gasket 68 are combined to define the vacuum channel 64 which extends continuously around three-quarters of the way. around the circumference of the grain transport member 48. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3 for example, the vacuum channel 64 is configured and confined to be coincident with the perimeter portion of the grain transport member 48 in which the 66 grain cells are defined. Consequently, at any given time when the vacuum source 40 is operated to impose a negative pressure within the vacuum channel 64, about one-fourth of the grain transport member 48 is not subjected to the negative pressure established within the grain chamber 62. while the remaining three-quarters of the grain transport member 48 is subjected to the vacuum force of the vacuum source 40. Therefore, as schematically shown in Figures 3 and 5 for example, the one-quarter of the grain transport member 48 extending between the proximal end 71 and distal end 70 of the vacuum channel 64 and which is not subjected to the negative pressure established within the grain chamber 62 thus coincides with the post-delivery region of the grain meter 72, which is the region between the point where the grain 51 is separated from the grain transport element 48 and the point where the grain cells 66 are reintroduced to the grain accumulation in the grain chamber 62 of the grain meter 32.

[034] In operation, the grain meter 32 receives grains from the grain distributor 30 (Figure 2). Grains are supplied through the grain intake port 60 shown in Figure 3, for example, and become stored in the grain chamber 62 of the grain meter 32. As schematically shown in Figures 3 and 4 for example, the source of vacuum 40, which is coupled to a vacuum port 56 formed at one end of a vacuum tubing 59 that is connected to the mechanical housing assembly 67 is desirably used to supply the grains from the grain meter 32. As schematically shown in Figures 3 , 7 and 9 for example, the grain cells 66 passing through the vacuum channel 64 are subjected to this same negative pressure (e.g., a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure). As schematically shown in Figures 5, 7 and 9 for example, negative pressure sucks the grains 51 (Figure 9) from the grain chamber 62 to settle through the openings 66a of the grain cells 66 which are formed across the perimeter of the member. grain transport 48. In other embodiments, a positive pressure (e.g., a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure) would be established in the grain chamber 62 on the side of the grain transport member 48 to propel the grains into the grain chambers. grain cell openings 66 in the grain transport member 48.

[035] As schematically shown in Figures 5, 7 and 9 for example, the grains 51 can be made fixed to the grain transport member 48 and rotate with it as the perimeter region of the grain transport member 48 in which the grain cells 66 are defined rotates through the grain acquisition region 45 of the grain meter 32. The grain acquisition region 45 of the grain meter 32 shown schematically in Figure 5 for example, and the vacuum channel 64 shown in Figure 3 for example, are disposed on opposite sides of the grain transport member 48. As shown schematically in Figure 5 for example, the designated larger oval part 45 towards the upper right portion of Figure 5 generally surrounds and designates the grain acquisition region 45 of the grain meter 32. In this grain acquisition region 45, the grains 51 of the grain chamber 62 become positioned within the respective grain cells 66 as shown in Figures 5, 7 and 9 and described above. The vacuum sucks the grains 51 stored in the grain chamber 62 into the grain cells 66 on the side of the grain transport member 48 that faces the interior of the grain chamber 62 and schematically shown in Figures 5, 6 and 9 .

[036] As the grain transport member 48 rotates away from the grain storage in the grain chamber 62 and in the direction of the disk rotation arrow 47 schematically shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 for example, each grain cell 66 remains under the influence of the vacuum channel 64 and is configured to carry its load (e.g. a single grain 51 in the embodiment of Figures 5, 7 and 9) out of the grain chamber 62 and towards to a post-delivery region 72 (Figures 3 and 5) of the grain meter 32. The position of the distal end 70 of the vacuum channel 64 is schematically shown by the horizontal dashed lines in Figure 5, for example. As the grain transport member 48 rotates, the grain cells 66 eventually move beyond the distal end 70 (Figures 3 and 5) of the vacuum channel 64 (Figure 4). Once they have passed the distal end 70 of the vacuum channel 64, the grain cells 66 no longer sense the vacuum applied to the grain transport member 48 and therefore each grain cell 66 that rotates past the end distal 70 of the vacuum channel 64 exposes the grains therein to ambient pressure on both sides of the grain cell 66. In a purely gravity-fed distribution system, the force of gravity is sufficient to release the grains from the grain cells 66 so that the grains fall into the grain transport member 48. However, in a mechanically assisted distribution system, a mechanical influence drives the grains out of the grain cell. An example of a mechanism that distributes mechanical drive would be a rotary route that carries a plurality of pins that knock the grains out of the grain cells. Another example of a mechanism that distributes the boost mechanism would be a stationary baffle disposed on the grain side of the grain transport member 48.

[037] As shown schematically in Figure 6, some embodiments of the grain meter 32 may include a singulator 54, which is desirably disposed between the grain acquisition region 45 and the post-delivery region 72. The singulator 54 functions to ensure that each grain cell 66 is filled with a single grain 51 as schematically shown in Figure 7, for example. Therefore, the singulator 54 is configured to remove excess grains 51 in addition to the single grain 51 that is desired to be carried by each grain cell 66 of the grain transport member 48. As shown schematically in Figure 6, the singulator 54 desirably is connected through the control of controller 42, which would be pre-programmed to make adjustments to the aggressiveness in which the singulator 54 sweeps through the grain cells 66 that rotate through the singulation region 115 of the grain meter 32.

[038] As shown in Figure 3 for example, the grain gauge region 32 under ambient atmosphere is disposed between the distal end 70 of the vacuum channel 64 and the proximal end 71 of the vacuum channel 64 and is the post- delivery 72 of the grain meter 32. As schematically shown in Figures 3 and 5 for example, the post-delivery region 72, which is beyond the effective influence of the vacuum source 40, is formed and arranged vertically above the grain outlet port. grain 58 of the grain meter 32. Absence of the vacuum force holding the grains 51 within the grain cells 66, as schematically represented in Figures 7 and 9, rotation of the grain transport member 48 to move the grain cells within of the post-delivery region 72 releases the grains from the grain cells 66 in that post-delivery region 72 and allows the grains to fall through the grain exit port 58 (Figure 3) and into a mechanism for distributing grains. grain, such as a grain tube 34. Other types of grain delivery mechanisms, such as a belt delivery system may be included in a row unit 20.

[039] Once the grains are released from the grain transport member 48 prior to the post-delivery region 72 of the grain meter 32, the grains are free to be under the influence of gravity through the grain exit port 58 ( Figure 3) and into the inlet of the grain tube 34 (Figure 2). In an alternative embodiment, the grain is free to be directly delivered to a grain distribution mechanism, which mechanism transports the grain towards the grain trench. Such a distribution mechanism may typically include both a rotating conveyor and a rotating brush, at each house carrying the grain toward the grain trench. As shown schematically in Figure 5 for example, the smaller oval dashed line designated 49 generally encircles and designates the region of grain gauge 32 in which grain cells 66 have already passed through most of the post-delivery region. 72 of grain meter 32 and should be empty of grain in normal operation of grain meter 32. Therefore, the detection of grain in grain cells 66 in this so-called empty zone region 49 of grain meter 32 may indicate faulty operation of the grain meter 32. 32 grain meter.

[040] In one embodiment, the grain meter 32 desirably includes a plurality of sensors. Each of the plurality of sensors has its sensing end disposed within the grain meter housing 32. Additionally, each of the plurality of sensors has a sensing zone that is directed so that during each complete rotation of the grain carrying member grain 48 within the housing each grain cell 66 of the grain transport member 48 passes through the respective detection zone of each of the plurality of sensors. As schematically shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10, one of the plurality of sensors has its detection zone directed so as to detect the presence of a grain 51 within a grain cell 66 that passes through the region of acquisition of grain 45 within grain chamber 62. Consequently, this sensor 80 is often referred to as grain accumulation sensor 80. Desirably, as schematically indicated in Figure 5 by the circled area designated by the number 52, the detection zone of this grain sensor grain accumulation 80 is aimed at the grain acquisition region 45 of the grain meter 32 and specifically at the region of the grain transport member 48 that passes through the relatively lower region of the grain chamber 62. The grain chamber 62 defines a bottom so that the grains 51 tend to move toward the bottom due to the influence of gravity, and the perimeter region of the grain transport member that rotates within the grain chamber 62 near the bottom thereof is the portion of the member of grain transport 48 that is moving through the grain acquisition region 45 of the grain meter 32.

[041] As the grain transport member 48 is rotated through the grain chamber 62, each individual grain cell 66 can be said to be in orbit around the axis of rotation 50. Continuing with the planetary orbital metaphor, a The so-called perigee location is arbitrarily defined as the location within grain chamber 62 that a grain cell 66 closest approaches the absolute bottom of grain chamber 62. At a given time during each complete orbit of a single grain cell 66 in the rotating grain transport member 48, that grain cell 66 will pass through the perigee location within the grain chamber 62. Consequently, the detection zone 52 shown in Figure 5 can be said to be located just downstream (moving in the counterclockwise direction of arrow 47) of the perigee location of the passage of grain cells 66 through grain chamber 62.

[042] However, the exact location of this detection zone 52 of the grain accumulation sensor 80 may vary within the grain chamber 62. However, as schematically shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 for example, desirably the detection zone 52 of the grain accumulation sensor 80 will be located somewhere below the horizontal center plane 75 of the grain chamber 62. Possible detection zone regions 52 for a grain accumulation sensor 80 may, in some embodiments, be directed so as to direct the grain cell 66 that passes immediately adjacent to the clockwise direction to grain cell 66 that passes near the bottom of the grain chamber 62. Alternatively, the objective of the detection zone 52 of the grain accumulation sensor 80 may instead some embodiments, be directed so as to direct the grain cell 66 immediately adjacent to the counterclockwise direction (arrow 47) to grain cell 66 that passes near the bottom of the grain chamber 62.

[043] Referring to Figure 5 for example, the directed area designated within the circle labeled 52 is indicative of the region of the perimeter of the grain transport member 48 that would be detected by a detection signal triggered by the emitter of an accumulation sensor. of grain 80, which designation is disposed in the vacuum channel 64. So arranged, the grain accumulation sensor 80 is capable of directing the passage of the grain cells 66 as the grain transport member 48 rotates within the housing through of the grain acquisition region 45 of the grain meter 32. Desirably, the grain accumulation sensor 80 is disposed in the vacuum channel 64 and desirably carried by the vacuum wall 65 and embedded therein with its sensing end contiguously disposed to the wall of vacuum channel 65 with exposure into the vacuum channel 64. Due to the constant high velocity air passing through the vacuum channel 64, dust cannot be accumulated to any significant degree on the inner surface of the vacuum channel 64 or on any available sensor, such as the grain accumulation sensor 80.

[044] As shown schematically in Figure 5, the detection zone 52 of this grain accumulation sensor 80 schematically shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, 10 and 12 for example, is desirably specifically intended for the grain cells 66 located in the region of the grain transport member 48 that passes through the relatively lower region of the grain chamber 62. Once the grain cells 66 in this sensing zone 52 begin to undergo grain starvation, then the grain meter 32 may possibly be rendered almost empty of grain. Consequently, the signal received by the grain accumulation sensor 80 can be provided to the controller 42 to indicate when the grain meter 32 is about to be impeded by grain. Similarly, the signal received by the grain accumulation sensor 80 may be provided to the controller 42 to indicate when the grain meter 32 is about to be stopped from a first variety of grain before the controller 42 switches the grain meter 32 to dispense a second variety of grain. In each case, controller 42 may be preprogrammed to determine when grain chamber 62 has become empty by counting, for example, a predetermined number of empty grain cells 66 in that detection zone 52 for a predetermined number of cells. of grain 66 that passes through that detection zone 52. As an example, if in a sample of 20 cells of grain 66 that passes through the detection zone 52, the grain accumulation sensor 80 receives detection signals indicative of grain cells. empty grains 66 in 8 or more of the through grain cells 66, the controller 42 may be pre-programmed to implement procedures intended to respond to a condition of the grain chamber 62 impeded by the grains. For example, as schematically shown in Figure 6, for example, the controller 42 may be pre-programmed to switch the grain meter 32 to dispense a second variety of grain by operating the switching mechanism 31 to change the variety of grain 51. filled from grain hopper 30 to inlet of grain meter 32 or to refill grain meter 32 of grain hopper 30 with additional grain 51 of the same variety.

[045] The grain accumulation sensor 80 may be an optical sensor. An example of an optical sensor is one that emits a narrowly focused beam in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. In the embodiment schematically illustrated in Figure 4 for example, the first sensor 80 is a burst beam sensor, which requires a receiving element 82 on one side of the grain transport member 48 and an emitter 81 on the opposite side of the transport member. of grain 48. Although in the embodiments schematically represented in Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 for example, the grain accumulation sensor 80 is a reflectance sensor that combines the emitter 81 and the receiver 82 arranged for only one side of the grain transport member 48. As shown in Figures 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 for example, a desirable embodiment of the grain accumulation sensor 80 is a module that includes an emitter 81 and a receiver 82 and is secured and carried at one end of the arched opening 73 defined through a flat horizontal housing 74 that is bolted in place between the mechanical housing assembly 67 and the vacuum tubing 59.

[046] Other types of sensors could be employed in other embodiments and, for example, the grain accumulation sensor 80 could be a capacitive proximity sensor. Additionally, as schematically shown in Figure 7 for example, the sensing end of a sensor 80 carried by the grain meter may be disposed within the grain chamber of the housing and oriented to emit and receive energy along a direction that is parallel to the plane of the surface of the grain transport member 48 to detect when a grain 51 has filled a grain cell 66 that is passing adjacent to the detection zone of the sensor. When arranged as depicted in Figure 7, the detection zone of sensor 80 is proximate to passing grain cells 66 that do not pass within the detection zone of the second sensor, but the detection zone of sensor 80 is nevertheless targeted. to detect grains 51 that may be carried by nearby passing grain cells 66. As shown schematically in Figure 8 for example, the sensing end of a sensor 80 or 90 carried by the grain meter may be disposed within the grain chamber of the housing and oriented to emit and receive energy along a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the surface of the grain transport member 48 in order to detect when a grain cell 66 passes through the detection zone of the sensor or in order to detecting the presence of grain within a grain cell 66 that passes through the detection zone of the sensor.

[047] The detection signal emitted by sensor 80 is schematically represented in Figures 4, 8, 9, 10 and 12 by dashed lines with arrows pointing in the direction of the first sensor 80 in the Figure towards the grain transport member 48. In Figure 7, the detection signal emitted by the sensor 80 is schematically represented by the solid straight line extending between the sensor 80 and the grain 51. The detection signal received by the first sensor 80 is schematically represented in Figures 4, 8 and 9 by the dashed lines with arrows pointing toward the grain transport member 48 toward the receiving element 82 of the sensor 80 in the grain cap assembly 61 of the grain meter housing 32. by the sensor 80 is schematically represented by the dashed line extending between the sensor 80 and the grain 51. Similarly, the detection signal received by the first sensor 80 is schematically represented in Figures 8, 10 and 12 by the dashed lines with arrows pointing to direction of grain transport member 48 toward sensor 80 in Figure.

[048] Figure 13 schematically represents the different types of signals that are transmitted from the grain accumulation sensor 80 to the controller 42 as a consequence of the emission of a detection signal by the sensor in the directed region 52 (Figure 5) of the grain transport 48. Figure 13 schematically represents these different types of transmission signals from a burst beam style infrared optical sensor in a clean environment versus an environment in which dust has accumulated at the emitter 81 or receiver 82 from the grain accumulation sensor 80. The two signals on the left side of Figure 13 are representative of the types of signals that are transmitted from the grain accumulation sensor 80 to the controller 42 when the grain accumulation sensor 80 exists in the clean condition of the sensor. Although the three signals to the right of the viewer in Figure 13 are representative of the types of signals that are transmitted from the grain accumulation sensor 80 to the controller 42 when the sensor 80 is dirty to varying degrees. The signal furthest to the right in Figure 13 represents a greater degree of dirt than the other two signals to the right in Figure 13. Note that although the magnitude of the transmitted signal differs depending on the degree of dirt, the period of the signal remains the same . That is, the length of time between expected signals remains constant. Therefore, as long as a signal of some magnitude is transmitted in the expected range, dirt effects can be taken into account in some way by an algorithm used by controller 42.

[049] Referring to Figure 5 for example, the designated targeting area within the identified circle 52 is indicative of the region of the perimeter of the grain transport member 48 that would be detected by a detection signal driven from the emitter of an accumulation sensor. 80 grain, which could be a reflectance style infrared sensor for example. Figure 14 schematically represents the magnitude of the signal reflected from the targeting area 52 of the grain transport member 48 when the surface of the grain transport member 48 has a higher reflectance than the surface of the grain. On the left side of Figure 14, the difference between the magnitude of the signal reflected from the surface of the grain transport member 48 relative to the magnitude of the signal reflected from the surface of a grain contained within an individual grain cell 66 in that targeting area 52 of grain transport member 48 is evident. On the right side of Figure 14, the diminished magnitude of the signal received from the reflectance in an empty grain cell 66 in the targeting area 52 on the perimeter of the grain transport member 48 can be compared to the magnitude of the signal received from the surface reflectance of the member. of grain transport 48 and the magnitude of the signal received from the grain reflectance within a grain cell 66 located in the steering area 52.

[050] Figure 15 schematically represents the magnitude of the signal detected in the targeting area 52 of the grain transport member 48 when the surface of the grain transport member 48 has a lower reflectance than the surface of the grain. The left side of Figure 15 schematically illustrates the difference between the signal that is detected by reflectance from the surface of the grain transport member 48 versus the signal that is detected by reflectance from a grain contained within an individual grain cell 66 in the directing area 52 of the grain transport member 48. On the right side of Figure 15, the most diminished received signal of the reflectance in an empty grain cell 66 in the directing area 52 at the perimeter of the grain transport member 48 may be compared to the magnitude of the signal generated due to the surface reflectance of the grain transport member 48 and the magnitude of the signal generated due to the reflectance of the grain carried within a grain cell 66.

[051] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the controller 42 may be pre-programmed with algorithms that differentiate between the anticipated patterns of the magnitude of the signals that are transmitted from the grain accumulation sensor 80 to the controller 42 and correspond to the spacing between adjacent grain cells 66. The signal received by the grain accumulation sensor 80 may be provided to the controller 42 to indicate when the grain cells 66 of the grain meter 32 are being prevented from grain and are then empty. Referring to Figure 5 for example, depending on the targeting location of the detection zone 52 of the grain accumulation sensor 80, through the sensor 80 empty grain cells 66 can be detected in the grain transport member 48, this condition of empty grain cells 66 in detection zone 52 does not necessarily correspond to an accumulation of empty grain in grain chamber 62. It merely indicates a failure of one or more grain cells 66 to acquire a seed 51 and therefore may indicate that the vacuum source 40 needs to generate greater negative pressure. As the grain transport member 48 rotates beyond the detection zone 52, unless the grain chamber 62 is actually blocked from grain, the empty grain cells 66 still have an opportunity to collect the grains 51 at As the grain cells 66 continue to rotate through the accumulation of grain that may exist within the grain chamber 62. Consequently, when the grain reservoir sensor 80 detects empty grain cells 66, the controller 42 can be programmed to interpret such a condition as an indication that one or more operating parameters of the grain meter 32 need to be adjusted so that the performance of the grain meter 32 is not impeded. Examples of such operating parameters include adjusting the level of vacuum maintained by the vacuum source 40, adjustments for any grain deflector, adjustments for grain agitation, adjustments for planting grain, adjustments for any switching mechanism 31, such as adjustments for any grain gates whether opening or closing, or adjustments to any rollers provided for grain supply whether in engagement or disengagement.

[052] The signal received by the grain sump sensor 80 may also be provided to the controller 42 to indicate when the grain meter 32 is about to starve a first variety of grain before the controller 42 switches the grain meter 32 to dispense a second variety of grain or refill grain chamber 62 from dispenser 30 with the same variety of grain. Additionally, the signal received by the grain hopper sensor 80 may also be provided to the controller 42 to indicate when the grain meter 32 is starved of grain because of a malfunction upstream of the grain meter 32. Some examples of such problems upstream may include a connected grain supply hose, the grain being clogged in the hopper 30 and then ceasing to flow a grain hopper 30 which has become completely depleted of grain or a defect of the switching mechanism 31.

[053] As shown schematically in Figure 6 for example, several sensors 80, 90, 110, 120 are desirably mounted to the grain meter 32, and each sensor 80, 90, 110, 120 is connected so as to transmit respective detection signals to the controller 42. Each sensor 80, 90, 110, 120 has sufficient signal resolution to ensure that the controller 42 differentiates whether a grain cell 66 is present within the respective detection zone 52, 53, 112, 122 of the respective 80, 90, 110, 120, as opposed to an interstitial portion of the grain transport member 48 present within the detection zone of the sensor, and whether the grain cell 66 is filled or empty. Additionally, as schematically depicted in Figures 5 and 6, each sensor 80, 90, 110, 120 is oriented to detect a grain cell 66 of the grain transport member 48 that passes through the respective detection zone 52, 53, 112, 122 (Figure 6) of the respective sensor 80, 90, 110, 120 (Figure 5). Additionally, each of a plurality of sensors 80, 90, 110, 120 desirably has its sensing end disposed within the vacuum channel 64 of the grain meter 32 and is aimed to direct its sensing zone 52, 112, 122 in a respective separate region within the grain chamber 62 of the grain meter 32.

[054] According to one embodiment of a grain cell detection method, each sensor 80, 90, 110, 120 independently detects passing grain cells 66 based on the peaks and valleys of the voltage signals emitted by the sensor to the controller 42, which evaluates the signals and determines whether the grain cell 66 is passing through the detection zone of the sensor and whether the grain cell 66 is filled or empty based on the patterns of voltages emitted to the controller 42 by the specific sensor. This embodiment of the grain meter 32 has the advantage of being capable of implementation without requiring any fixed geometric relationship between the locations of the grain cells 66 relative to the detection zones 52, 53, 112, 122 (Figure 6) of the sensors 80, 90, 110, 120. Accordingly, this embodiment is adaptable to many different grain transport members 48, which have a different number of grain cells 66 around the periphery of the grain transport member 48. However, in order to implement In this embodiment, the controller 42 must be capable of a complex analysis of the signals from the sensors 80, 90, 110, 120 that target the respective regions 45, 49, 115, 72 within the grain meter 32.

[055] According to another aspect of the present invention, one of the sensors is employed as a time sensor 90, as schematically shown in Figures 10 and 12, and is desirably intended for grain cells 66 in the perimeter region of the grain transport member. 48 which rotates outside the vacuum channel 64 and outside the grain chamber 62. Referring to Figure 5 for example, this designated time sensor 90 is desirably aimed at the perimeter region of the grain transport member 48 which passes through the region of empty zone 49 of grain meter 32 where a free grain cell 66 is expected. This empty zone region 49 of the grain gauge is schematically delimited in Figure 5 as the area within the smallest oval dashed line.

[056] Additionally, as shown in Figures 10 and 12, this time sensor 90 is desirably carried by the mechanical housing assembly 67 and/or the grain cap assembly 61 outside the vacuum channel 64 and outside the grain chamber 62 and therefore in the post-delivery region 72 shown in Figure 5. Because the grain cells 66 in the post-delivery region 72 are prevented from grain despite occasional trapped grain debris, it is not likely that this time sensor 90 is affected by dirt. Consequently, the time sensor 90 will provide a relatively uniform and reliable signal that can be readily analyzed by the controller 42 to indicate when a grain cell 66 is passing through the detection zone of the time sensor 90.

[057] According to another aspect of the present invention, the relatively uniform and reliable signal provided by the time sensor 90 desirably can be used by the controller 42 as a time signal to evaluate the detection signal received by other sensors. As shown schematically in Figure 6 for example, these other sensors may include a grain accumulation sensor 80, a pre-singulator sensor 110, and a post-singulator sensor 120. Desirable use of a grain accumulation sensor 80 was discussed above. . The region of the grain gauge 32 in which the singulator 54 would be encountered by the grain cells 66 of the grain transport member 48 is schematically represented in Figure 6 by the dashed outline designated by the number 115. As shown schematically in Figure 6 for example, a pre-singulator sensor 110 targets the region within the grain chamber 62 that is immediately prior to the grain cells 66 of the grain transport member 48 that would encounter a singulator 54 during rotation of the grain transport member 48 in the direction indicated by the curved arrow. 47. A location immediately before the grain cells 66 meets the singulator 54 during each complete rotation of the grain transport member 48 within the housing which provides a useful location for accessing the operational status of the grain meter 32 and then placing of a pre-singulating sensor 110. Similarly, as schematically shown in Figure 6 for example, a post-singulating sensor 120 that targets the region within the grain chamber 62 that is immediately after the grain cells 66 of the grain transport member 48 would encounter a singulator 54 during rotation of the grain transport member 48 in the direction indicated by the curved arrow 47 which provides an additional convenient location for placement of a post-singulator sensor 120. Because of the operational relationships between the timing sensor 90 and the grain accumulation sensor 80 be essentially the same as the relationships between the time sensor 90 and the other grain cell sensors (e.g. 110, 120) that are employed during the operation of the grain cell detection system described herein. document, for the sake of brevity only these relationships of the time sensor 90 and the grain accumulation sensor 80 are explicitly described below.

[058] Therefore, when the time sensor 90 and the grain accumulation sensor 80 can be arranged in a configuration that allows a grain cell 66 to pass through the detection zone 52 of the grain accumulation sensor 80 (Figure 5 ) in the grain chamber 62 at the same time that a different grain cell 66 is passing through the respective detection zone of the time sensor 90 in the empty zone region 49 (Figure 5) of the grain meter 32, then the controller 42 may be programmed to take a reading from the grain accumulation sensor 80 each time the time sensor 90 detects an empty grain cell 66.

[059] However, some embodiments of the grain meter 32 impose restrictions that make such exact arrangements of the relative arrangement between the grain accumulation sensor 80 and the time sensor 90 inadequate, undesirable or overridden by other engineering considerations. Therefore, in realizations of the grain meter 32 subjected to the imprecise arrangements of the relative arrangements between the grain accumulation sensor 80 and the time sensor 90, the controller 42 may be programmed to perform a sampling run of the signal detected by the accumulation sensor. of grain 80 in order to determine whether the signal passes through a threshold that indicates an empty grain cell 66 rather than a single point sample of the signal detected by the grain accumulation sensor 80 for example. In such an embodiment, which is currently considered to offer design flexibility of the grain meter 32 for reasons noted, the controller 42 may use the relatively uniform spacing of signals received from the time sensor 90 as a reset trigger to initiate evaluation of the signal from the grain accumulation sensor 80 as each successive grain cell 66 passes through the detection zone 52 of the grain accumulation sensor 80, as schematically shown in Figures 5, 14 and 15.

[060] The controller may be pre-programmed to evaluate the detection signal that is received by the grain reservoir sensor 80 only when a grain cell 66 is being approached (passing through the detection zone 52) by the detection signal that is emitted from the grain reservoir sensor 80. As shown schematically in Figure 15 for example, a methodology may be employed in accordance with an aspect of the present invention whereby the detection of the absence of a grain in the post-delivery region 72 (Figures 3 and 5) of the grain meter 32 by the timing sensor 90 is used by the controller 42 to coordinate the sampling of detection signals by the grain accumulation sensor 80. Desirably, the timing sensor 90 will have its detection zone directed into the empty region 49 (Figure 5) of the grain meter 32. By employing two separately direct sensors 80, 90 in this method, the controller 42 is pre-programmed to assume that detection of an empty grain cell 66 by the sensor of time 90 occurs at the same time that the detection signal emitted from the grain accumulation sensor 80 is directed to a grain cell 66 that is spaced further along the perimeter of the grain transport member 48 that is rotating in the direction indicated schematically by the arrow designated 47 in Figure 5. In this way, the detection signal that is received from the grain accumulation sensor 80, which is disposed in the region of the grain meter 32 in which there is likely to be an accumulation of grains and a greater possibility of dirt, is only evaluated at the time when the detection signal received by the grain accumulation sensor 80 is indicative of the condition of the grain cell 66 and when the signal emitted by the grain accumulation sensor 80 is directed to passage of a section of the grain transport member 48 that does not contain a grain cell 66. By employing this signal sampling methodology it is possible for the controller 42 to take action when the effects of dirt and varying degrees of reflectance of the grain transport member 48 Grain transport 48 and grains, which have reflectance characteristics that may vary depending on the type of grain dispensed by the grain meter 32, are less likely to affect the operation of the grain accumulation sensor 80.

[061] The detection signal emitted by the time sensor 90 is schematically represented in Figures 10 and 12 by dashed lines with arrows pointing in the direction of the time sensor 90 on the right side of the Figure in relation to the grain transport member 48. The detection signal received by the timing sensor 90 is schematically represented in Figure 10 by dashed lines with arrows pointing in the direction of the grain transport member 48 relative to the receiving element 92 of the timing sensor 90 in the grain cap assembly. 61 of the grain meter housing 32. Similarly, the detection signal received by the timing sensor 90 is schematically represented in Figure 12 by the dashed lines with arrows pointing in the direction of the grain transport member 48 relative to the timing sensor 90 on the right side of the Figure.

[062] Desirably, the pattern of signals detected by the timing sensor 90 can be used by the controller to determine the frequency with which the grain cells 66 pass a fixed point in the grain meter housing 32. In one embodiment, the controller 42 may desirably be preprogrammed to use this pattern of empty grain cells 66 detected by the timing sensor 90 to sample the detection signals that are received by the grain reservoir sensor 80 to determine whether one of the cells 66 is positioned in the detection zone 52 of the grain reservoir sensor 80 schematically shown in Figure 5. Accordingly, the controller 42 may desirably be preprogrammed to examine the magnitude of the detection signal received by the grain reservoir sensor. grain 80 as a feedback from the detection signal emitted by the grain reservoir sensor 80. The magnitude of this signal returned to the grain reservoir sensor 80 can be used to determine whether the grain cell 66 is driven by the sensor's detection signal. of 80 grain reservoir acquired a 51 grain as shown in Figure 7, for example.

[063] Therefore, in one embodiment of a grain meter 32 of the present invention, a time sensor 90 is arranged to monitor the grain cells 66 that pass through the region of the grain meter 32 that is outside the vacuum channel 64 Desirably, the time sensor 90 which outputs the time signal has its sensing end arranged to direct its detection zone at the grain cells 66 that are passing through the post-delivery region of the grain meter 72, which as schematically shown in Figure 5 is outside the vacuum channel of the grain meter. The enlarged inset of Figure 5 schematically represents when the detection zone 53 of the time sensor 90 has empty grain cell detected and empty grain cell 66 within the detection zone 53 of the time sensor 90, at the time when the time 90 would transmit to controller 42 a signal that controller 32 would interpret as representing an empty grain cell 66 within detection zone 53 of time sensor 90. In these embodiments, time sensor 90 may be used by controller 42 as a timing mechanism that determines the frequency at which the grain cells 66 will pass in front of the detection zones of the other sensors 80, 110, 120 for example, which are directed to the grain cells 66 within the grain chamber 62 so that signals received from these other sensors 80, 110, 120 can be evaluated by the controller 42 in a coordinated manner and thus the controller 42 to focus its evaluations only on the time or intervals in which a grain cell 66 is present to these others sensors 80, 110, 120 within the grain chamber f 62 or detection of filled or free grain cells 66.

[064] According to one embodiment of the grain meter 32, the time sensor 90 detects an open grain cell 66 that passes through its detection zone 53 aimed at the grain transport member 48 at first. The time sensor 90 sends to the controller 42 a signal indicative of the open grain cell 66. In this embodiment, the controller 42 is configured so that upon receipt of the time sensor 90 this signal indicative of the open grain cell 66, the controller 42 first evaluate the signals received from the other sensors 80, 110, 120 that have their respective detection ends arranged to direct their detection zones (for example 52, 112, 122 in Figure 5) at the grain cells 66 that are passing through other regions of the grain meter 32. The geometry of the locations of the grain cells 66 in relation to the detection zones of the time sensor 90 and the other sensors 80, 110, 120 is fixed and then a grain cell 66 coincides with the detection zone 53 of the time sensor 90 which ensures that a respective other grain cell 66 will be similarly coincident with the respective detection zone (e.g. 52, 112, 122 in Figure 5) of each of the other sensors (e.g. example 80, 110, 120 in Figure 6). This embodiment has the advantage of being able to implement without requiring the controller 42 any complex analysis of the signals received from the sensors 80, 90, 110, 120 in order to detect open grain cells 66 in different regions of the grain meter 32.

[065] According to another embodiment of a grain meter 32, the time sensor 90 detects an open grain cell 66 that passes through its detection zone 53 aimed at the grain transport member 48 at first. The time sensor 90 sends to the controller 42 a signal indicative of the open grain cell 66. In this further embodiment, the controller 42 is configured so that upon receipt from the time sensor 90 this signal indicative of the open grain cell 66, the controller 42 begins at this first moment a discrete number of samples of the signals received from the other sensors 80, 110, 120, which have their respective ends arranged to direct their detection zones in the grain cells 66 that pass through other regions of the grain meter 32, and evaluates these signals in order to determine whether an open grain cell 66 has been found. This realization desirably requires the availability of a controller 42 that is capable of more complex analysis of the signals from the sensors 80, 110, 120 that target the regions within the grain chamber 62 of the grain meter 32 than was the case with the previous grain cell detection method.

[066] In other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as schematically shown in Figures 5 and 6 for example, a rotary encoder 100 may be provided to enable the controller to determine whether a grain cell 66 of the grain transport member 48 will be present itself within the respective detection zones 52, 112, 122 of the respective sensors 80, 110, 120 other than the time sensor 90. An optical encoder provides an example of a suitable rotary encoder 100. As shown schematically in Figure 5, a drive wheel 102 directly connects the rotation of the grain transport member 48 with the rotary encoder 100, which is configured to transmit via a communication channel 141 that connects the rotary encoder 100 to the controller 42, pulse signals corresponding to the rotation of the grain transport member 48. The controller 42 will be able to count the pulses received from the rotary encoder 100 with respect to when one of the sensors 80, 90, 110, 120 generates a signal indicating an open grain cell 66 in the respective detection zone 52, 53, 112, 122 of that respective sensor 80, 90, 110, 120.

[067] According to a further embodiment of a grain meter 32, the time sensor 90 detects an open grain cell 66 that passes through its detection zone 53 aimed at the grain transport member 48 at first. Time sensor 90 sends to controller 42 a signal indicative of the open grain cell 66. Controller 90 is monitoring pulses from rotary encoder 100 and is pre-programmed with the number of such pulses that should result from this first moment until each of the respective other sensors 80, 110, 120 have their respective detection zone 52, 112, 122 coincidentally aligned with a grain cell passing 66 in the grain transport member 48. The controller 42 then uses this relationship in order to evaluate in the appropriate number of possible pulses from the rotary encoder 100, the respective signal received from the respective other sensor 80, 110, 120 which has its respective sensing end arranged to direct its respective sensing zone 52, 112, 122 into the grain cells 66 which pass through respective other regions of the grain meter 32. This embodiment of the grain meter 32 which includes a rotary encoder 100 has the advantage of being able to implement without requiring any fixed geometric relationship between the locations of the grain cells 66 relative to the detection zone 53 of the time sensor 90 and to the detection zones 52, 112, 122 of other sensors 80, 110, 120. Accordingly, this embodiment of the grain meter 32 is adaptable for use with many different grain transport members 48 , which have a different number of grain cells 66 around the periphery of the grain transport member 48. This embodiment of the grain meter 32 has the additional advantage of being capable of implementation without requiring from the controller 42 any complex analysis of received signals. of sensors 80, 110, 120 directed to the grain cells 66 passing through the grain chamber 62 in order to detect open grain cells 66 in the different regions of the grain meter 32.

[068] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, which includes the best way, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, which includes producing and using any devices and systems and carrying out any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that differ insubstantially from the literal language of the claims.

Claims (19)

1. VACUUM GRAIN METER comprising: a housing defining a grain chamber wall (63) and a vacuum channel wall (65); a grain transport member (48) having grain cells (66) defined as openings (66a) through a perimeter region of the grain transport member (48), the grain transport member (48) is disposed between the grain chamber wall (63) and the vacuum channel wall (65), the grain transport member (48) is spaced from the grain chamber wall (65) to define a grain chamber ( 62) between the grain transport member (48) and the grain chamber wall (63), and the grain transport member (48) is spaced from the vacuum channel wall (65) to define a vacuum channel (64) between the grain transport member (48) and the vacuum channel wall (65), wherein the grain transport member (48) is rotatably carried within the housing so that during each complete rotation of the grain transport member (48) each of the grain cells (66) passes successively through at least the following zones within the grain meter (32): a grain acquisition region (45) and a powder region -delivery (72); and a plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120), each of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120) having its detection zone (52, 53, 112, 122) disposed within of the housing, wherein the detection zone (52, 53, 112, 122) of at least one of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120) is directed so that during each complete rotation of the grain (48) within the housing, a discernible feature of the grain transport member (48) passes through the detection zone (52, 53, 112, 122) of at least one of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110 , 120); characterized by the fact that: the detection zone (52) of a first sensor (80) of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120) is disposed within the post-delivery region (72); the detection zone (53) of a second sensor (90) of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120) is disposed within the grain acquisition region (45); and the detection zone (112) of a third sensor (110) of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120) is disposed within an intermediate region which is successively intermediate to the grain acquisition region (45) and the post-delivery region (72) during each complete rotation of the grain transport member (48) within the housing. 2. VACUUM GRAIN METER, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a controller (42) that receives signals from each of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120). 3. VACUUM GRAIN METER according to claim 2, characterized in that the controller (42) is pre-programmed to coordinate the sampling of signals received from the second sensor (90) with the detection of a grain cell (66) empty by the first sensor (80). 4. VACUUM GRAIN METER according to claim 2, characterized in that it additionally comprises a rotary encoder (100) that is connected to output signals to the index controller (42) that correlate with the proportion of each complete rotation of the grain transport member (48). 5. VACUUM GRAIN METER according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection end of the first sensor (80) is arranged outside the vacuum channel (65). 6. VACUUM GRAIN METER, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the detection zone of the first sensor (80) is disposed within the region of the grain meter (32) immediately before the grain cells ( 66) find the grain acquisition region (45) during each complete rotation of the grain transport member (48) within the housing. 7. VACUUM GRAIN METER according to claim 1, characterized in that the second sensor (90) is arranged so that a line of sight between a sensing end of the second sensor (90) and the control member Grain transport (48) passes through a region within the vacuum chamber. 8. VACUUM GRAIN METER, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that a light source illuminates a grain cell (66) located within the detection zone (53) of the second sensor (90) and a line transmission between the light source and the grain transport member (48) passes through a region within the vacuum chamber. 9. VACUUM GRAIN METER, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a singulator (54) disposed between the grain acquisition region (45) and the post-delivery region (72) . 10. VACUUM GRAIN METER, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the detection zone (112) of the third sensor (110) is located in the region of the grain meter (32) immediately before the grain cells. grain (66) encounter the singulator (54) during each complete rotation of the grain transport member (48) within the housing. 11. VACUUM GRAIN METER, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the detection zone (112) of the third sensor (110) is located in the region of the grain meter (32) immediately after the grain cells (66) leave the influence of the singulator (54) during each complete rotation of the grain transport member (48) within the housing. 12. VACUUM GRAIN METER according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sensor (80) is located on a first side of the grain transport member (48) with a grain cell (66) located within the detection zone (52) of the first sensor (80), and wherein a light source is located on the first side of the grain transport member (48) illuminating the grain cell (66). 13. VACUUM GRAIN METER, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first sensor (80) is a capacitive proximity sensor. 14. VACUUM GRAIN METER according to claim 1, characterized in that the second sensor (90) is located on a first side of the grain transport member (48) with a grain cell (66) located within the detection zone (53) of the second sensor (90) and wherein a light source is located on the first side of the grain transport member (48) illuminating the grain cell (66). 15. PLANTING IMPLEMENT comprising: a frame (16) that holds at least one row unit (20), a furrow opener disc (24), at least one grain distributor (30) and a grain meter (32 ); wherein the grain meter (32) includes: a housing defining a grain chamber wall (63) and a vacuum channel wall (65); a grain transport member (48) having grain cells (66) defined as openings (66a) through a perimeter region of the grain transport member (48), the grain transport member (48) is disposed between the grain chamber wall (63) and the vacuum channel wall (65), the grain transport member (48) is spaced from the grain chamber wall (65) to define a grain chamber ( 62) between the grain transport member (48) and the grain chamber wall (63), and the grain transport member (48) is spaced from the vacuum channel wall (65) to define a vacuum channel (64) between the grain transport member (48) and the vacuum channel wall (65), wherein the grain transport member (48) is rotatably carried within the housing so that during each complete rotation of the grain transport member (48) each of the grain cells (66) passes successively through at least the following zones within the grain meter (32): a grain acquisition region (45) and a powder region -delivery (72); a plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120), each of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120) having a detection zone (52, 53, 112, 122) disposed within the housing , wherein the detection zone (52, 53, 112, 122) of at least one of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120) is directed so that during each complete rotation of the grain transport member ( 48) within the housing, a discernible feature of the grain transport member (48) passes through the detection zone (52, 53, 112, 122) of at least one of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120 ); characterized by the fact that: the detection zone (52) of a first sensor (80) of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120) is disposed within the post-delivery region (72); the detection zone (53) of a second sensor (90) of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120) is disposed within the grain acquisition region (45); and the detection zone (112) of a third sensor (110) of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120) is disposed within an intermediate region which is successively intermediate to the grain acquisition region (45) and the post-delivery region (72) during each complete rotation of the grain transport member (48) within the housing. 16. PLANTING IMPLEMENT, according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a controller (42) that receives signals from each of the plurality of sensors (80, 90, 110, 120). 17. PLANTING IMPLEMENT, according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that the controller (42) is pre-programmed to coordinate the sampling of signals received from the second sensor (90) with the detection of a grain cell (66 ) empty by the first sensor (80). 18. PLANTING IMPLEMENT, according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a rotary encoder (100) that is connected to output signals to the index controller (42) that correlate with the proportion of each rotation complete grain transport member (48). 19. PLANTING IMPLEMENT, according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that the detection zone (52) of the first sensor (80) is disposed within the region of the grain meter (32) immediately before the grain cells (66) find the grain acquisition region (45) during each complete rotation of the grain transport member (48) within the housing.