CA2909260C - Improved distribution uniformity in air seeders - Google Patents
Improved distribution uniformity in air seeders Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2909260C CA2909260C CA2909260A CA2909260A CA2909260C CA 2909260 C CA2909260 C CA 2909260C CA 2909260 A CA2909260 A CA 2909260A CA 2909260 A CA2909260 A CA 2909260A CA 2909260 C CA2909260 C CA 2909260C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- product
- air
- feed
- tank
- metering device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C7/00—Sowing
- A01C7/08—Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
- A01C7/12—Seeders with feeding wheels
- A01C7/123—Housings for feed rollers or wheels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C7/00—Sowing
- A01C7/08—Broadcast seeders; Seeders depositing seeds in rows
- A01C7/081—Seeders depositing seeds in rows using pneumatic means
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Sowing (AREA)
- Fertilizing (AREA)
Abstract
A product metering and distribution system for an air seeder has a fan operative to direct a first and second air streams into first and second product distribution networks and a metering assembly dispenses first and second product streams through corresponding meter dispensing ports into corresponding feed ports in the corresponding distribution networks. First and second bypass air channels connect the first and second feed ports to the tank such that when pressure at the first feed port is greater than at the second feed port, air passes from the first feed port through the first bypass air channel and through the first meter dispensing port into the tank and then out through the second bypass air channel and the second meter dispensing port to the second feed port. A restrictor assembly on the primary hoses downstream from the feed ports can equalize pressures and reduce cross flow of air.
Description
IMPROVED DISTRIBUTION UNIFORMITY IN AIR SEEDERS
This disclosure relates to the field of agricultural air seeders and in particular improving the uniformity of product distribution to the furrow openers of air seeders.
BACKGROUND
Air seeders typically include an implement frame mounted on wheels, with a plurality of furrow openers mounted on the frame. The furrow openers can be moved from a raised non-operative position to a lowered operating position where the furrow openers engage the ground and create furrows. Agricultural products such as seed and various types of fertilizer are carried in separate tanks which can be mounted on the implement frame or on a cart towed along with the implement frame.
Metering devices dispense products from the tanks into one or more air streams that carry the products through a network of hoses and manifolds to the furrow openers where same are deposited in the furrows. In order to achieve a uniform application rate of agricultural products on the field, the rate of product flowing to each furrow opener should be the same.
In a typical air seeder a metering roller, auger, or the like dispenses product from each tank into an air stream. Typically a conduit connects the air stream to the top of the interior of the tank to pressurize the tank so that there is no pressure differential between the tank and the air stream which would put back pressure on the product as it is being metered into the air stream.
United States Patent Number 5,592,887 to Bourgault discloses a multi compartment air seeder where a single meter is used to distribute product from each tank into one air stream. In this type of configuration the air stream typically carries the product through a primary hose to a primary manifold where the air stream and product entrained therein is divided and directed into multiple secondary hoses connected to the primary outlet ports of the primary manifold. In turn then each secondary hose connects into a further secondary manifold and the air stream is divided again into further final hoses leading to each furrow opener.
United States Patent Number 8,733,257 to the present inventor Beaujot in contrast discloses a multi compartment air seeder where a plurality of meters is used to distribute product from each tank into a corresponding plurality of air streams each flowing through a primary hose. Each primary hose then delivers the air stream and entrained product through a downstream product distribution network that includes a manifold and final hoses connected to the manifold output ports that carry the divided air stream and product to each furrow opener. Each product distribution network delivers product to furrow openers grouped on a laterally distinct section of the implement frame, such that the meters can be selectively activated to turn supply to any section on and off to reduce overlap of prior seeded areas.
In both the Bourgault and Beaujot air seeder systems, a single fan provides an initial air stream. In Bourgault's system the meter dispenses all the product from a tank into a single primary hose carrying that initial air stream which carries all the product tank to the primary manifold where the air stream and product entrained therein is divided. In contrast in the Beaujot system the initial air stream is divided into a plurality of separate primary air streams, each carried in a separate primary hose, before it gets to the meters and each meter dispenses product into a corresponding one of the primary hoses for delivery through the corresponding product distribution network to the furrow openers.
This disclosure relates to the field of agricultural air seeders and in particular improving the uniformity of product distribution to the furrow openers of air seeders.
BACKGROUND
Air seeders typically include an implement frame mounted on wheels, with a plurality of furrow openers mounted on the frame. The furrow openers can be moved from a raised non-operative position to a lowered operating position where the furrow openers engage the ground and create furrows. Agricultural products such as seed and various types of fertilizer are carried in separate tanks which can be mounted on the implement frame or on a cart towed along with the implement frame.
Metering devices dispense products from the tanks into one or more air streams that carry the products through a network of hoses and manifolds to the furrow openers where same are deposited in the furrows. In order to achieve a uniform application rate of agricultural products on the field, the rate of product flowing to each furrow opener should be the same.
In a typical air seeder a metering roller, auger, or the like dispenses product from each tank into an air stream. Typically a conduit connects the air stream to the top of the interior of the tank to pressurize the tank so that there is no pressure differential between the tank and the air stream which would put back pressure on the product as it is being metered into the air stream.
United States Patent Number 5,592,887 to Bourgault discloses a multi compartment air seeder where a single meter is used to distribute product from each tank into one air stream. In this type of configuration the air stream typically carries the product through a primary hose to a primary manifold where the air stream and product entrained therein is divided and directed into multiple secondary hoses connected to the primary outlet ports of the primary manifold. In turn then each secondary hose connects into a further secondary manifold and the air stream is divided again into further final hoses leading to each furrow opener.
United States Patent Number 8,733,257 to the present inventor Beaujot in contrast discloses a multi compartment air seeder where a plurality of meters is used to distribute product from each tank into a corresponding plurality of air streams each flowing through a primary hose. Each primary hose then delivers the air stream and entrained product through a downstream product distribution network that includes a manifold and final hoses connected to the manifold output ports that carry the divided air stream and product to each furrow opener. Each product distribution network delivers product to furrow openers grouped on a laterally distinct section of the implement frame, such that the meters can be selectively activated to turn supply to any section on and off to reduce overlap of prior seeded areas.
In both the Bourgault and Beaujot air seeder systems, a single fan provides an initial air stream. In Bourgault's system the meter dispenses all the product from a tank into a single primary hose carrying that initial air stream which carries all the product tank to the primary manifold where the air stream and product entrained therein is divided. In contrast in the Beaujot system the initial air stream is divided into a plurality of separate primary air streams, each carried in a separate primary hose, before it gets to the meters and each meter dispenses product into a corresponding one of the primary hoses for delivery through the corresponding product distribution network to the furrow openers.
2 In the Beaujot system, back pressure in each primary hose is developed by the resistance to flow of the downstream elements of the product distribution network, and can vary significantly from one primary hose to the next. Depending on the particular configuration, some manifolds may have more output ports than others, feeding product to more furrow openers. With fewer output ports and final hoses, the total cross-sectional area of the air path in the product distribution network will be comparatively less and back pressure will typically be greater in the product distribution network where the manifold has less output ports.
And even where the manifold in each product distribution network has the same number of output ports, the length of the primary hoses typically is much greater where the manifold is located on an outer end of the implement frame, and so increased back pressure is present in those product distribution networks with a longer primary hose.
For this reason it is known make all the primary hoses the same length. The lengths of the final hoses from each manifold can also vary resulting in unequal back pressure between product distribution networks, and positioning of manifolds and furrow opener locations may make it difficult achieve equal hose lengths.
Similarly when product is turned off to one of the sections, the air stream continues to flow in the corresponding product distribution network but since the air stream is carrying no product, the back pressure in that "empty" product distribution network is significantly reduced, leading to cross flow of air through the meters.
Thus unequal back pressures are often present in the primary hoses at the location where the product is being metered from the tank into each primary hose. Since each meter is metering from the same tank an air path through the bottom portion of the tank is present from one meter to the next and air will cross flow from the primary hose with a higher pressure back through the corresponding meter to a meter dispensing product into a
And even where the manifold in each product distribution network has the same number of output ports, the length of the primary hoses typically is much greater where the manifold is located on an outer end of the implement frame, and so increased back pressure is present in those product distribution networks with a longer primary hose.
For this reason it is known make all the primary hoses the same length. The lengths of the final hoses from each manifold can also vary resulting in unequal back pressure between product distribution networks, and positioning of manifolds and furrow opener locations may make it difficult achieve equal hose lengths.
Similarly when product is turned off to one of the sections, the air stream continues to flow in the corresponding product distribution network but since the air stream is carrying no product, the back pressure in that "empty" product distribution network is significantly reduced, leading to cross flow of air through the meters.
Thus unequal back pressures are often present in the primary hoses at the location where the product is being metered from the tank into each primary hose. Since each meter is metering from the same tank an air path through the bottom portion of the tank is present from one meter to the next and air will cross flow from the primary hose with a higher pressure back through the corresponding meter to a meter dispensing product into a
3 primary hose where the pressure is comparatively less. This cross flow of air can disrupt the flow of metered product such that the desired product flow rate and a consequent uniform application rate of agricultural products on the field is not achieved.
In addition to disrupting metered product flow this cross-flow of air through the tank, especially in very humid conditions, the wet air passing through agricultural products like fertilizer can cause the product to cake and obstruct the flow of product from the tank to the metering device.
Instead of providing a plurality of meters in each tank to supply a corresponding plurality of primary hoses United States Patent Number 7,690,440 to Dean et al. a single continuous meter roller metering into a plurality of primary hoses spaced along a length of the meter roller such that a section of the meter roller feeds each primary hose. A gate mechanism selectively shuts off flow of product from the tank to each section of the meter roller. Cross flow of air along the meter roller due to uneven back pressure in the primary hoses is problematic with this system as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure provides a system for improving the uniformity of agricultural product distribution in air seeders that overcomes problems in the prior art.
In a first embodiment the present disclosure provides a product metering and distribution system for an air seeder. The system comprises a fan operative to direct a fan air stream at a fan pressure into first and second product distribution networks such that a first air stream flows through the first product distribution network and a second air stream flows through the second product distribution network, and a product tank and a pressure equalizing conduit connecting an upper portion of the product tank to receive pressurized
In addition to disrupting metered product flow this cross-flow of air through the tank, especially in very humid conditions, the wet air passing through agricultural products like fertilizer can cause the product to cake and obstruct the flow of product from the tank to the metering device.
Instead of providing a plurality of meters in each tank to supply a corresponding plurality of primary hoses United States Patent Number 7,690,440 to Dean et al. a single continuous meter roller metering into a plurality of primary hoses spaced along a length of the meter roller such that a section of the meter roller feeds each primary hose. A gate mechanism selectively shuts off flow of product from the tank to each section of the meter roller. Cross flow of air along the meter roller due to uneven back pressure in the primary hoses is problematic with this system as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure provides a system for improving the uniformity of agricultural product distribution in air seeders that overcomes problems in the prior art.
In a first embodiment the present disclosure provides a product metering and distribution system for an air seeder. The system comprises a fan operative to direct a fan air stream at a fan pressure into first and second product distribution networks such that a first air stream flows through the first product distribution network and a second air stream flows through the second product distribution network, and a product tank and a pressure equalizing conduit connecting an upper portion of the product tank to receive pressurized
4 air from the fan. A metering assembly is operative to dispense first and second product streams of agricultural product from the product tank through corresponding first and second meter dispensing ports into corresponding first and second feed ports in the corresponding first and second product distribution networks. First and second bypass air channels connect the corresponding first and second feed ports to the tank such that when a first stream pressure at the first feed port is greater than a second stream pressure at the second feed port, air passes from the first feed port through the first bypass air channel and through the first meter dispensing port into the tank and then out of the tank through the second bypass air channel and the second meter dispensing port to the second feed port.
In a second embodiment the present disclosure provides a product metering and distribution system for an air seeder. The system comprises a fan operative to direct a fan air stream at a fan pressure into first and second primary hoses such that a first air stream flows through the first primary hose to a first product distribution network and a second air stream flows through the second primary hose to a second product distribution network, and a product tank and a pressure equalizing conduit connecting an upper portion of the product tank to receive pressurized air from the fan. A
metering assembly is operative to dispense first and second product streams of agricultural product from the product tank through corresponding first and second meter dispensing ports into corresponding first and second feed ports in the corresponding first and second primary hoses. A first restrictor assembly on the first primary hose downstream from the first feed port is operative when activated to increase a resistance to air flow through the first primary hose downstream from the first feed port.
In a third embodiment the present disclosure provides a product metering and distribution system for an air seeder. The system comprises a fan operative to direct a fan air stream at a fan pressure into first and second primary hoses such that a first air stream flows
In a second embodiment the present disclosure provides a product metering and distribution system for an air seeder. The system comprises a fan operative to direct a fan air stream at a fan pressure into first and second primary hoses such that a first air stream flows through the first primary hose to a first product distribution network and a second air stream flows through the second primary hose to a second product distribution network, and a product tank and a pressure equalizing conduit connecting an upper portion of the product tank to receive pressurized air from the fan. A
metering assembly is operative to dispense first and second product streams of agricultural product from the product tank through corresponding first and second meter dispensing ports into corresponding first and second feed ports in the corresponding first and second primary hoses. A first restrictor assembly on the first primary hose downstream from the first feed port is operative when activated to increase a resistance to air flow through the first primary hose downstream from the first feed port.
In a third embodiment the present disclosure provides a product metering and distribution system for an air seeder. The system comprises a fan operative to direct a fan air stream at a fan pressure into first and second primary hoses such that a first air stream flows
5 through the first primary hose to a first product distribution network and a second air stream flows through the second primary hose to a second product distribution network, and a product tank and a pressure equalizing conduit connecting an upper portion of the product tank to receive pressurized air from the fan. A metering assembly is operative to dispense first and second product streams of agricultural product from the product tank through corresponding first and second meter dispensing ports into corresponding first and second feed ports in the corresponding first and second primary hoses.
First and second product flow sensors are operative to measure a flow rate of agricultural product in the corresponding first and second primary hoses downstream from the corresponding first and second feed ports, and a meter control is operative to receive flow rate information from the first and second product flow sensors and to adjust the metering system to dispense agricultural product in the corresponding first and second product streams at corresponding first and second target rates.
The product metering and distribution systems disclosed herein for use on an air seeder provide increased uniformity of product application rates across the width of an air seeder. In systems where the cross flow of air between from one metering device through the tank to another metering device is reduced, the caking of products in the tank, such as fertilizer, due to the flow of humid air is reduced.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
First and second product flow sensors are operative to measure a flow rate of agricultural product in the corresponding first and second primary hoses downstream from the corresponding first and second feed ports, and a meter control is operative to receive flow rate information from the first and second product flow sensors and to adjust the metering system to dispense agricultural product in the corresponding first and second product streams at corresponding first and second target rates.
The product metering and distribution systems disclosed herein for use on an air seeder provide increased uniformity of product application rates across the width of an air seeder. In systems where the cross flow of air between from one metering device through the tank to another metering device is reduced, the caking of products in the tank, such as fertilizer, due to the flow of humid air is reduced.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
6 Fig. 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the product metering and distribution system of the present disclosure mounted on an air seeder;
Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view along lines 3-3 in Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the first metering device shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the second metering device shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 is a schematic top view of an alternate embodiment of the product metering and distribution system of the present disclosure mounted on an air seeder with the tanks removed for clearer illustration;
Fig. 7 is a schematic sectional end view of the squeezing restrictor assembly of the embodiment of Fig. 6, with the restrictor assembly in a non-restricting position;
Fig. 8 is a schematic sectional end view of the squeezing restrictor assembly of the 70 embodiment of Fig. 6, with the restrictor assembly in a restricting position;
Fig. 9 is a sectional end view of an alternate restrictor assembly, with the restricting position shown in phantom lines;
Fig. 10 is a sectional side view of the alternate restrictor assembly of Fig.
9, with the restricting position shown in phantom lines;
Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view along lines 3-3 in Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the first metering device shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the second metering device shown in Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 is a schematic top view of an alternate embodiment of the product metering and distribution system of the present disclosure mounted on an air seeder with the tanks removed for clearer illustration;
Fig. 7 is a schematic sectional end view of the squeezing restrictor assembly of the embodiment of Fig. 6, with the restrictor assembly in a non-restricting position;
Fig. 8 is a schematic sectional end view of the squeezing restrictor assembly of the 70 embodiment of Fig. 6, with the restrictor assembly in a restricting position;
Fig. 9 is a sectional end view of an alternate restrictor assembly, with the restricting position shown in phantom lines;
Fig. 10 is a sectional side view of the alternate restrictor assembly of Fig.
9, with the restricting position shown in phantom lines;
7 Fig. 11 is a sectional side view of a further alternate restrictor assembly, with the restricting position shown in phantom lines;
Fig. 12 is a schematic sectional view of a metering device showing an air sensing apparatus comprising either an air pressure sensor or an air flow sensor;
Fig. 13 is a schematic sectional front view showing the air flow sensor mounted in a perforated enclosure in the tank between two metering devices to sense air flowing from one metering device to the next;
Fig. 14 is a schematic top view of a further alternate embodiment of the product metering and distribution system of the present disclosure mounted on an air seeder with the tanks removed for clearer illustration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
Figs. 1 ¨ 3 schematically illustrate an embodiment of a product metering and distribution system 1 of the present disclosure for use on an air seeder 3. The system 1 comprises a fan 5 operative to direct a fan air stream at a fan pressure into first and second product distribution networks 7A, 7B such that a first air stream 9A flows through the first product distribution network 7A and a second air stream 9B flows through the second product distribution network 7B. A product tank 11 contains agricultural products for application to a field and a cover 13 is operative to seal a fill opening of the product tank 11 such that the product tank can be pressurized.
Figs. I ¨ 3 schematically illustrates a typical air seeder with a three product tanks 11 and three distribution networks 7. As is typical, each distribution network 7 comprises a primary hose 15 connected to receive an air stream 9 from the fan 5 and then extending
Fig. 12 is a schematic sectional view of a metering device showing an air sensing apparatus comprising either an air pressure sensor or an air flow sensor;
Fig. 13 is a schematic sectional front view showing the air flow sensor mounted in a perforated enclosure in the tank between two metering devices to sense air flowing from one metering device to the next;
Fig. 14 is a schematic top view of a further alternate embodiment of the product metering and distribution system of the present disclosure mounted on an air seeder with the tanks removed for clearer illustration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
Figs. 1 ¨ 3 schematically illustrate an embodiment of a product metering and distribution system 1 of the present disclosure for use on an air seeder 3. The system 1 comprises a fan 5 operative to direct a fan air stream at a fan pressure into first and second product distribution networks 7A, 7B such that a first air stream 9A flows through the first product distribution network 7A and a second air stream 9B flows through the second product distribution network 7B. A product tank 11 contains agricultural products for application to a field and a cover 13 is operative to seal a fill opening of the product tank 11 such that the product tank can be pressurized.
Figs. I ¨ 3 schematically illustrates a typical air seeder with a three product tanks 11 and three distribution networks 7. As is typical, each distribution network 7 comprises a primary hose 15 connected to receive an air stream 9 from the fan 5 and then extending
8 = =
under the tanks 11 to receive agricultural products from one or more selected tanks 11 and then carrying the air stream and entrained agricultural products to a manifold 17.
Secondary hoses 19 connect each manifold 17 to the furrow openers 21 of the air seeder 3. The description here refers only to one of the product tanks 11 and only to first and second distribution networks 7A, 713 however those skilled in the art will recognize that the system 1 of the present disclosure may be replicated for each product tank 11 and any plurality of distribution networks 7.
A metering assembly 23 comprises first and second metering devices 25A, 25B
operative to dispense first and second product streams 27A, 27B of agricultural product from the product tank 11 through corresponding first and second meter dispensing ports 29A, 29B
into corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B in the corresponding first and second primary hoses 15A, 15B of the product distribution networks 7A, 7B as schematically illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. The first metering device 25A is shown in Fig.
4 and the second metering device 25B, which as seen in Fig. 3 is located under the tank 11 beside the first metering device 25A, is shown in Fig. 5.
In the illustrated system 1, where a first stream air pressure PA of the air stream 9A in the first primary hose 15A at the first feed port 31A is greater than a second stream air pressure PB of the air stream 98 in the second primary hose 15B at the second feed port 3113, a cross flow air stream 33 will develop flowing from the primary hose 15A through the first meter dispensing port 29A into the tank 11 and through the tank 11 and out the second meter dispensing port 29B to the second primary hose 1513. This cross flow air stream 33 flowing into the first meter dispensing port 29A generates resistance to the flow of product out of the first meter dispensing port 29A and somewhat reduces the amount of product in the first product stream 27A. Similarly the flow of air out of the second meter dispensing port 29B assists the flow of product out of the second meter
under the tanks 11 to receive agricultural products from one or more selected tanks 11 and then carrying the air stream and entrained agricultural products to a manifold 17.
Secondary hoses 19 connect each manifold 17 to the furrow openers 21 of the air seeder 3. The description here refers only to one of the product tanks 11 and only to first and second distribution networks 7A, 713 however those skilled in the art will recognize that the system 1 of the present disclosure may be replicated for each product tank 11 and any plurality of distribution networks 7.
A metering assembly 23 comprises first and second metering devices 25A, 25B
operative to dispense first and second product streams 27A, 27B of agricultural product from the product tank 11 through corresponding first and second meter dispensing ports 29A, 29B
into corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B in the corresponding first and second primary hoses 15A, 15B of the product distribution networks 7A, 7B as schematically illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. The first metering device 25A is shown in Fig.
4 and the second metering device 25B, which as seen in Fig. 3 is located under the tank 11 beside the first metering device 25A, is shown in Fig. 5.
In the illustrated system 1, where a first stream air pressure PA of the air stream 9A in the first primary hose 15A at the first feed port 31A is greater than a second stream air pressure PB of the air stream 98 in the second primary hose 15B at the second feed port 3113, a cross flow air stream 33 will develop flowing from the primary hose 15A through the first meter dispensing port 29A into the tank 11 and through the tank 11 and out the second meter dispensing port 29B to the second primary hose 1513. This cross flow air stream 33 flowing into the first meter dispensing port 29A generates resistance to the flow of product out of the first meter dispensing port 29A and somewhat reduces the amount of product in the first product stream 27A. Similarly the flow of air out of the second meter dispensing port 29B assists the flow of product out of the second meter
9 dispensing port 29B and somewhat increases the amount of product in the second product stream 27B. Thus the uniformity of product application is adversely affected.
The present system 1 however provides first and second bypass air channels 35A, 35B
that provide an additional path connecting the corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B to the tank 11 such that a portion 33' of the cross flow air stream 33 passes from the first meter port 31A through the first bypass air channel 35A and another portion 33" of the cross flow air stream 33 passes through the first meter dispensing port 29A into the tank 11 and then out of the tank 11 through the second bypass air channel 3513 and the second meter dispensing pod 2913 to the second feed port 3113.
With the additional air path provided by the bypass channels 35, the flow into the first meter dispensing port 29A and out the second meter dispensing port 29B is much reduced, and so also then the disruption of product flow is reduced as well.
The illustrated metering devices 25 comprise a feed wheel 37 rotatable about a substantially horizontal rotational axis RA in direction R and mounted in a housing 39 attached to a bottom wall 41 of the product tank 11 and connected to the corresponding feed port 31. The feed wheel 37 is mounted with an inside portion 37' of an outer surface thereof exposed to agricultural product in the product tank 11 and an outside portion 37"
of the outer surface thereof in the housing 39. In each metering device 25 the meter dispensing port 29 is adjacent to a bottom of the feed wheel 37 and the bypass air channel 35 is above the feed wheel 37.
The first and second bypass air channels 35A, 3513 are provided by corresponding first and second openings in the bottom wall 41 of the product tank 11 inside the housing 39 of the metering devices 25. The openings are oriented generally horizontally so that product in the tank 11 will not flow out through the bypass air channels 35.
It is contemplated that the bypass air channels 35 will be larger than the meter dispensing port 29 providing a path of lesser resistance such that the portion 33' of the cross flow air stream 33 passing through the bypass air channels 35 will be greater than the portion 33"
of the cross flow air stream 33 passing through the meter dispensing ports 29.
In addition the portion 33' of the cross flow air stream 33 passes from the first bypass air channel 35A to the second bypass air channel 358 along a path through the tank 11 above the feed wheels 37 while the portion 33" of the cross flow air stream 33 passes from the first meter dispensing port 29A to the meter dispensing port 29B along a path through the tank 11 somewhat below the path of portion 33', such that humid air is spread over a greater portion of the product in the tank 11 and caking of product such as fertilizer is reduced.
Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a product metering and distribution system 101 for use on the air seeder shown in Figs. 1 ¨ 3 to reduce the cross flow of air from one metering device 25 to another. A metering assembly 23, for example such as including metering devices 25 such as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, is operative to dispense first and second product streams of agricultural product from the product tank 11 through corresponding first and second meter dispensing ports into corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B in the corresponding first and second primary hoses 15A, 15B.
The system 101 comprises a first restrictor assembly 143A on the first primary hose 15A
downstream from the first feed port 31 A. The first restrictor assembly 143A
is operative when activated to increase a resistance to air flow through the first primary hose 15A.
With this system 101, when second air stream pressure of the second air stream 9B in the second primary hose 15B at the second feed port 31B is greater than the first air stream pressure of the first air stream 9A in the first primary hose 15A at the first feed port 31B, the first restrictor assembly 143A is activated to increase the resistance to air flow through the first primary hose 15A downstream from the first feed port 31A.
This increased resistance causes the first air stream pressure of the first air stream 9A in the first primary hose 15A at the first feed port 31B to rise.
In an air seeder with an overlap control 145, the first metering device 25A
can be controlled to stop dispensing the first product stream into the first air stream 9A while the second metering device 25B continues to dispense the second product stream into the second air stream 9B. While the first air stream 9A continues to flow, it is not pushing any product through the first distribution network 7A downstream from the first feed port 31A and so the resistance to air flow through the first primary hose 15A is significantly reduced compared to the pressure of the second air stream 9B which continues to push product through the second distribution network 7B. This unequal air pressure at the first and second feed ports 31A, 31B causes a cross flow air stream as described above.
The overlap control 145 can be configured to control the metering assembly 23 to stop dispensing the first product stream and also to simultaneously activate the first restrictor assembly 143A to increase the resistance to air flow through the first primary hose 9A to a level where the first air pressure at the first feed port 31A is substantially equal to the second air pressure at the second feed port 31B. Where the product application rate is substantially constant, the pressure differential between the first and second feed ports 31A, 31B will be substantially the same each time product flow is stopped in the first primary hose 15A, and the level of restriction can be determined by trial and error measuring air pressure or the air flow that results from unequal air pressures at the feed ports 31.A, 31B. A restrictor control 149 is operative to activate the first restrictor assembly 143A when the first air pressure is less than the second air pressure and to adjust the first restrictor assembly 143 to achieve a first air pressure that is substantially equal to the second air pressure.
A second restrictor assembly 1433 is present on the second primary hose 15B
downstream from the second feed port 318, and is operative when activated to increase a resistance to air flow through the second primary hose 153, and the restrictor control 149 is operative to activate the second restrictor assembly 143B when the second air pressure at the second feed port 31B is less than the first air pressure at the first feed port 31A and to adjust the second restrictor assembly 1433 to achieve a second air pressure that is substantially equal to the first air pressure.
An air sensor apparatus 147 is operative to sense that first and second air pressures at the corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B are unequal, and the restrictor control 149 is operative to activate a selected one of the first and second restrictor assemblies 143A, 143B when the first and second air pressures are unequal and to adjust the selected restrictor assembly 143 to achieve substantially equality of the first and second air pressures.
Figs. 6 and 12 schematically illustrate the air sensor apparatus 147 that includes air pressure sensors 147A, 1473. The air sensor apparatus 147 senses that the first and second air pressures at the corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B
are unequal by directly sensing the first and second air pressures.
Fig. 12 also schematically illustrates the air sensor apparatus 147' provided by an air flow sensor. The air sensor apparatus 147' senses that the first and second air pressures at the corresponding first and second feed ports 31 A, 31B are unequal by sensing air flowing in a cross flow air stream 33 from one of the first and second feed ports 31A, 313 toward the other of the first and second feed ports 31A, 31B.
Such an air sensor apparatus 147' is also illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 where first and second bypass air channels 35A, 353 connect the corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B to the tank 11 such that when the first air pressure PA at the first feed port 31A is greater than the second air pressure PB at the second feed port 31 B, air passes from the first feed port through the first bypass air channel 35A and through the first meter dispensing port 29A into the tank 11 and then out of the tank 11 through the second bypass air channel 358 and the second meter dispensing port 298 to the second feed port 31B. Here the flap 165 of the air sensor apparatus 147 is pivotally attached to an upper wall of the housing 39 where same is located to sense the flow of air through the first bypass air channel 35A. This location is well away from the product streams 27 which can interfere with the operation of the flap 165. This location also allows the flap 165 to hang down vertically such that a slight air flow will cause the flap 165 to move indicating that air is flowing and the pressures at the feed ports are not equal.
In the air sensor apparatus 147' shown in Fig. 12 air flow is sensed by a flap 165 pivotally attached to an inner surface of a wall of the housing 39. Fig. 13 schematically illustrates an alternate air sensor apparatus where the cross flow air stream 33 is sensed by positioning the flap 165 pivotally attached inside a perforated enclosure 167 located inside the tank 11 between the metering devices 25A, 258. The perforations 169 allow air to flow through the enclosure while keeping the product in the tank 11 out. This configuration also allows the flap 165 to hang down vertically such that a slight air flow will cause the flap 165 to move indicating that air is flowing and the pressures at the feed ports are not equal.
To reduce response times, the overlap control 145 can be connected to the restrictor control 149 and configured such that when the product flow to one of the feed ports 31 is stopped the restrictor control 149 begins to activate the corresponding restrictor assembly 143, and then receives air pressure or air flow information to finalize the degree of restriction required to balance the air pressures.
In the system 101 of Fig. 6 the restrictor assemblies 143 each comprise a resilient section 15R in the primary hose 15 and a squeezing apparatus 151 operative when activated to squeeze the resilient section 15R such that a cross-sectional area of the first resilient section 15R is reduced, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 7 where the restrictor assembly is in a non-restricting position and in Fig. 8 where the restrictor assembly is in a restricting position. The illustrated squeezing apparatus 151 comprises an actuator 153 on one side of the resilient section 15R and a blocking plate 155 on the other.
Figs. 9 and 10 schematically illustrate an alternate restrictor assembly 143' comprising an obstruction element 157 inside the primary hose 15, and an element actuator operative to manipulate the obstruction element 157 to selectively increase and decrease a resistance to air flow through the primary hose 15. The restrictor assembly 143' for example illustrates the obstruction element 157 as a balloon inside the primary hose 15 and the actuator is a source of pressurized fluid operative to increase or decrease a size of the balloon to correspondingly increase and decrease a resistance to air flow through the primary hose 15.
Fig. 11 schematically illustrates an alternate obstruction element 157' provided by a flap pivotally attached inside the primary hose 15 and an actuator 159' operative to move the flap down and up with respect to the inner surface of the primary hose to correspondingly increase and decrease a resistance to air flow through the primary hose 15.
Fig. 14 schematically illustrates a product metering and distribution system 201 for use on the air seeder shown in Figs. 1 ¨ 3 to reduce the effects of the cross flow of air from one metering device 25 to another. A metering assembly 23, for example such as including metering devices 25 such as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, is operative to dispense first and second product streams of agricultural product from the product tank 11 through corresponding first and second meter dispensing ports into corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B in the corresponding first and second primary hoses 15A.
158.
The system 201 comprises first and second product flow sensors 261A, 261B
operative to measure a flow rate of agricultural product in the corresponding first and second primary hoses 15A, 15B downstream from the corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B. A meter control 263 is operative to receive flow rate information from the product flow sensors 261 and to adjust the metering system 23 to dispense agricultural product in the corresponding first and second product streams at corresponding first and second target rates.
Product flow sensors are available that provide an accurate reading of product flow. The product flow meter manufactured by DiOtroll Kft. of Budapest, Hungary is operative to sense particle flow in a one inch diameter hose such as the secondary hoses 19 of a typical air seeder. By mounting a flow sensor 261' on each secondary hose 19, a sum of product flow in all hoses 19 connected to manifold 17A determined by sensors 261A' will give the product flow present in primary hose 15A. Similar sums can be determined by sensors 261B', 261C with respect to manifolds 1713, 17C which will give product flows in primary hoses 1513, 15C.
As illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 the metering assembly 23 comprises first and second metering devices 25A, 25B with corresponding first and second rotating metering wheels 37 that are operative to dispense the first and second product streams 27A, 278 of agricultural product from the product tank 11. The metering control 263 is operative to adjust a rotational speed of the first and second metering wheels 37A, 37B to dispense agricultural product in the corresponding first and second product streams 27A, 27B at the corresponding first and second target rates.
In a typical air seeder configuration the first distribution network 7A
carries the agricultural product to a plurality of first furrow openers and the second distribution network 78 carries the agricultural product to a plurality of second furrow openers. In some air seeder configurations the number of furrow openers supplied by the first and second distribution networks 7A, 7B is the same, and in such a configuration the first target rate is equal to the second target rate. In other air seeder configurations the number of furrow openers supplied by the first and second distribution networks 7A, 7B is not the same in all cases. In such a configuration where the number of first furrow openers supplied by the first distribution network 7A is greater than the number of second furrow openers supplied by the second distribution network 7B the first target rate is larger than the second target rate.
In the system 201 illustrated in Fig. 14, a third distribution network 7C is illustrated supplied in the same manner by the metering system 23 and monitored by a product flow sensor 261C. The manifold 17A in the first distribution network 7A and the manifold 7C
in the third distribution network 7C each have six output ports each connected to a secondary hose 19 to supply a furrow opener 21, while the manifold 17B in the second distribution network 713 has only four output ports each connected to a secondary hose 19. Thus the first and third distribution networks 7A, 7C supply the same number of furrow openers 21 and the target rate dispensed by the metering system into each will be the same, while the second distribution network 7B supplies only 2/3 of the number of furrow openers supplied by the first and third distribution networks 7A, 7C
and so the target rate dispensed by the metering system into the second distribution network 7B will be only 2/3 of the target rate for the first and third distribution networks 7A, 7C.
With system 201, the cross flow of air is not affected, however the effects of the cross flow on uniformity of application rates of agricultural products is substantially eliminated.
25 The product metering and distribution systems disclosed herein for use on an air seeder provide increased uniformity of product application rates across the width of an air seeder. In systems where the cross flow of air between from one metering device 25 through the tank II to another metering device 25 is reduced, the caking of products in the tank II, such as fertilizer, due to the flow of humid air is reduced.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
The present system 1 however provides first and second bypass air channels 35A, 35B
that provide an additional path connecting the corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B to the tank 11 such that a portion 33' of the cross flow air stream 33 passes from the first meter port 31A through the first bypass air channel 35A and another portion 33" of the cross flow air stream 33 passes through the first meter dispensing port 29A into the tank 11 and then out of the tank 11 through the second bypass air channel 3513 and the second meter dispensing pod 2913 to the second feed port 3113.
With the additional air path provided by the bypass channels 35, the flow into the first meter dispensing port 29A and out the second meter dispensing port 29B is much reduced, and so also then the disruption of product flow is reduced as well.
The illustrated metering devices 25 comprise a feed wheel 37 rotatable about a substantially horizontal rotational axis RA in direction R and mounted in a housing 39 attached to a bottom wall 41 of the product tank 11 and connected to the corresponding feed port 31. The feed wheel 37 is mounted with an inside portion 37' of an outer surface thereof exposed to agricultural product in the product tank 11 and an outside portion 37"
of the outer surface thereof in the housing 39. In each metering device 25 the meter dispensing port 29 is adjacent to a bottom of the feed wheel 37 and the bypass air channel 35 is above the feed wheel 37.
The first and second bypass air channels 35A, 3513 are provided by corresponding first and second openings in the bottom wall 41 of the product tank 11 inside the housing 39 of the metering devices 25. The openings are oriented generally horizontally so that product in the tank 11 will not flow out through the bypass air channels 35.
It is contemplated that the bypass air channels 35 will be larger than the meter dispensing port 29 providing a path of lesser resistance such that the portion 33' of the cross flow air stream 33 passing through the bypass air channels 35 will be greater than the portion 33"
of the cross flow air stream 33 passing through the meter dispensing ports 29.
In addition the portion 33' of the cross flow air stream 33 passes from the first bypass air channel 35A to the second bypass air channel 358 along a path through the tank 11 above the feed wheels 37 while the portion 33" of the cross flow air stream 33 passes from the first meter dispensing port 29A to the meter dispensing port 29B along a path through the tank 11 somewhat below the path of portion 33', such that humid air is spread over a greater portion of the product in the tank 11 and caking of product such as fertilizer is reduced.
Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a product metering and distribution system 101 for use on the air seeder shown in Figs. 1 ¨ 3 to reduce the cross flow of air from one metering device 25 to another. A metering assembly 23, for example such as including metering devices 25 such as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, is operative to dispense first and second product streams of agricultural product from the product tank 11 through corresponding first and second meter dispensing ports into corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B in the corresponding first and second primary hoses 15A, 15B.
The system 101 comprises a first restrictor assembly 143A on the first primary hose 15A
downstream from the first feed port 31 A. The first restrictor assembly 143A
is operative when activated to increase a resistance to air flow through the first primary hose 15A.
With this system 101, when second air stream pressure of the second air stream 9B in the second primary hose 15B at the second feed port 31B is greater than the first air stream pressure of the first air stream 9A in the first primary hose 15A at the first feed port 31B, the first restrictor assembly 143A is activated to increase the resistance to air flow through the first primary hose 15A downstream from the first feed port 31A.
This increased resistance causes the first air stream pressure of the first air stream 9A in the first primary hose 15A at the first feed port 31B to rise.
In an air seeder with an overlap control 145, the first metering device 25A
can be controlled to stop dispensing the first product stream into the first air stream 9A while the second metering device 25B continues to dispense the second product stream into the second air stream 9B. While the first air stream 9A continues to flow, it is not pushing any product through the first distribution network 7A downstream from the first feed port 31A and so the resistance to air flow through the first primary hose 15A is significantly reduced compared to the pressure of the second air stream 9B which continues to push product through the second distribution network 7B. This unequal air pressure at the first and second feed ports 31A, 31B causes a cross flow air stream as described above.
The overlap control 145 can be configured to control the metering assembly 23 to stop dispensing the first product stream and also to simultaneously activate the first restrictor assembly 143A to increase the resistance to air flow through the first primary hose 9A to a level where the first air pressure at the first feed port 31A is substantially equal to the second air pressure at the second feed port 31B. Where the product application rate is substantially constant, the pressure differential between the first and second feed ports 31A, 31B will be substantially the same each time product flow is stopped in the first primary hose 15A, and the level of restriction can be determined by trial and error measuring air pressure or the air flow that results from unequal air pressures at the feed ports 31.A, 31B. A restrictor control 149 is operative to activate the first restrictor assembly 143A when the first air pressure is less than the second air pressure and to adjust the first restrictor assembly 143 to achieve a first air pressure that is substantially equal to the second air pressure.
A second restrictor assembly 1433 is present on the second primary hose 15B
downstream from the second feed port 318, and is operative when activated to increase a resistance to air flow through the second primary hose 153, and the restrictor control 149 is operative to activate the second restrictor assembly 143B when the second air pressure at the second feed port 31B is less than the first air pressure at the first feed port 31A and to adjust the second restrictor assembly 1433 to achieve a second air pressure that is substantially equal to the first air pressure.
An air sensor apparatus 147 is operative to sense that first and second air pressures at the corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B are unequal, and the restrictor control 149 is operative to activate a selected one of the first and second restrictor assemblies 143A, 143B when the first and second air pressures are unequal and to adjust the selected restrictor assembly 143 to achieve substantially equality of the first and second air pressures.
Figs. 6 and 12 schematically illustrate the air sensor apparatus 147 that includes air pressure sensors 147A, 1473. The air sensor apparatus 147 senses that the first and second air pressures at the corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B
are unequal by directly sensing the first and second air pressures.
Fig. 12 also schematically illustrates the air sensor apparatus 147' provided by an air flow sensor. The air sensor apparatus 147' senses that the first and second air pressures at the corresponding first and second feed ports 31 A, 31B are unequal by sensing air flowing in a cross flow air stream 33 from one of the first and second feed ports 31A, 313 toward the other of the first and second feed ports 31A, 31B.
Such an air sensor apparatus 147' is also illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 where first and second bypass air channels 35A, 353 connect the corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B to the tank 11 such that when the first air pressure PA at the first feed port 31A is greater than the second air pressure PB at the second feed port 31 B, air passes from the first feed port through the first bypass air channel 35A and through the first meter dispensing port 29A into the tank 11 and then out of the tank 11 through the second bypass air channel 358 and the second meter dispensing port 298 to the second feed port 31B. Here the flap 165 of the air sensor apparatus 147 is pivotally attached to an upper wall of the housing 39 where same is located to sense the flow of air through the first bypass air channel 35A. This location is well away from the product streams 27 which can interfere with the operation of the flap 165. This location also allows the flap 165 to hang down vertically such that a slight air flow will cause the flap 165 to move indicating that air is flowing and the pressures at the feed ports are not equal.
In the air sensor apparatus 147' shown in Fig. 12 air flow is sensed by a flap 165 pivotally attached to an inner surface of a wall of the housing 39. Fig. 13 schematically illustrates an alternate air sensor apparatus where the cross flow air stream 33 is sensed by positioning the flap 165 pivotally attached inside a perforated enclosure 167 located inside the tank 11 between the metering devices 25A, 258. The perforations 169 allow air to flow through the enclosure while keeping the product in the tank 11 out. This configuration also allows the flap 165 to hang down vertically such that a slight air flow will cause the flap 165 to move indicating that air is flowing and the pressures at the feed ports are not equal.
To reduce response times, the overlap control 145 can be connected to the restrictor control 149 and configured such that when the product flow to one of the feed ports 31 is stopped the restrictor control 149 begins to activate the corresponding restrictor assembly 143, and then receives air pressure or air flow information to finalize the degree of restriction required to balance the air pressures.
In the system 101 of Fig. 6 the restrictor assemblies 143 each comprise a resilient section 15R in the primary hose 15 and a squeezing apparatus 151 operative when activated to squeeze the resilient section 15R such that a cross-sectional area of the first resilient section 15R is reduced, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 7 where the restrictor assembly is in a non-restricting position and in Fig. 8 where the restrictor assembly is in a restricting position. The illustrated squeezing apparatus 151 comprises an actuator 153 on one side of the resilient section 15R and a blocking plate 155 on the other.
Figs. 9 and 10 schematically illustrate an alternate restrictor assembly 143' comprising an obstruction element 157 inside the primary hose 15, and an element actuator operative to manipulate the obstruction element 157 to selectively increase and decrease a resistance to air flow through the primary hose 15. The restrictor assembly 143' for example illustrates the obstruction element 157 as a balloon inside the primary hose 15 and the actuator is a source of pressurized fluid operative to increase or decrease a size of the balloon to correspondingly increase and decrease a resistance to air flow through the primary hose 15.
Fig. 11 schematically illustrates an alternate obstruction element 157' provided by a flap pivotally attached inside the primary hose 15 and an actuator 159' operative to move the flap down and up with respect to the inner surface of the primary hose to correspondingly increase and decrease a resistance to air flow through the primary hose 15.
Fig. 14 schematically illustrates a product metering and distribution system 201 for use on the air seeder shown in Figs. 1 ¨ 3 to reduce the effects of the cross flow of air from one metering device 25 to another. A metering assembly 23, for example such as including metering devices 25 such as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, is operative to dispense first and second product streams of agricultural product from the product tank 11 through corresponding first and second meter dispensing ports into corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B in the corresponding first and second primary hoses 15A.
158.
The system 201 comprises first and second product flow sensors 261A, 261B
operative to measure a flow rate of agricultural product in the corresponding first and second primary hoses 15A, 15B downstream from the corresponding first and second feed ports 31A, 31B. A meter control 263 is operative to receive flow rate information from the product flow sensors 261 and to adjust the metering system 23 to dispense agricultural product in the corresponding first and second product streams at corresponding first and second target rates.
Product flow sensors are available that provide an accurate reading of product flow. The product flow meter manufactured by DiOtroll Kft. of Budapest, Hungary is operative to sense particle flow in a one inch diameter hose such as the secondary hoses 19 of a typical air seeder. By mounting a flow sensor 261' on each secondary hose 19, a sum of product flow in all hoses 19 connected to manifold 17A determined by sensors 261A' will give the product flow present in primary hose 15A. Similar sums can be determined by sensors 261B', 261C with respect to manifolds 1713, 17C which will give product flows in primary hoses 1513, 15C.
As illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 the metering assembly 23 comprises first and second metering devices 25A, 25B with corresponding first and second rotating metering wheels 37 that are operative to dispense the first and second product streams 27A, 278 of agricultural product from the product tank 11. The metering control 263 is operative to adjust a rotational speed of the first and second metering wheels 37A, 37B to dispense agricultural product in the corresponding first and second product streams 27A, 27B at the corresponding first and second target rates.
In a typical air seeder configuration the first distribution network 7A
carries the agricultural product to a plurality of first furrow openers and the second distribution network 78 carries the agricultural product to a plurality of second furrow openers. In some air seeder configurations the number of furrow openers supplied by the first and second distribution networks 7A, 7B is the same, and in such a configuration the first target rate is equal to the second target rate. In other air seeder configurations the number of furrow openers supplied by the first and second distribution networks 7A, 7B is not the same in all cases. In such a configuration where the number of first furrow openers supplied by the first distribution network 7A is greater than the number of second furrow openers supplied by the second distribution network 7B the first target rate is larger than the second target rate.
In the system 201 illustrated in Fig. 14, a third distribution network 7C is illustrated supplied in the same manner by the metering system 23 and monitored by a product flow sensor 261C. The manifold 17A in the first distribution network 7A and the manifold 7C
in the third distribution network 7C each have six output ports each connected to a secondary hose 19 to supply a furrow opener 21, while the manifold 17B in the second distribution network 713 has only four output ports each connected to a secondary hose 19. Thus the first and third distribution networks 7A, 7C supply the same number of furrow openers 21 and the target rate dispensed by the metering system into each will be the same, while the second distribution network 7B supplies only 2/3 of the number of furrow openers supplied by the first and third distribution networks 7A, 7C
and so the target rate dispensed by the metering system into the second distribution network 7B will be only 2/3 of the target rate for the first and third distribution networks 7A, 7C.
With system 201, the cross flow of air is not affected, however the effects of the cross flow on uniformity of application rates of agricultural products is substantially eliminated.
25 The product metering and distribution systems disclosed herein for use on an air seeder provide increased uniformity of product application rates across the width of an air seeder. In systems where the cross flow of air between from one metering device 25 through the tank II to another metering device 25 is reduced, the caking of products in the tank II, such as fertilizer, due to the flow of humid air is reduced.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Claims (8)
1. A product metering and distribution system for an air seeder, the system comprising a fan operative to direct a fan air stream at a fan pressure into first and second product distribution networks such that a first air stream flows through the first product distribution network and a second air stream flows through the second product distribution network;
a product tank and a cover operative to seal a fill opening of the product tank;
a plurality of laterally adjacent metering devices mounted under the product tank including a first metering device mounted adjacent to a second metering device, wherein the first and second metering devices are operative to dispense first and second product streams of agricultural product from the product tank through corresponding first and second meter dispensing ports into corresponding first and second feed ports in the corresponding first and second product distribution networks, first and second bypass air channels connecting the corresponding first and second feed ports to the product tank such that when a first stream air pressure at the first feed port is greater than a second stream air pressure at the second feed port, air passes from the first feed port through the first bypass air channel and through the first meter dispensing port into the product tank and then out of the product tank through the second bypass air channel and the second meter dispensing port to the second feed port.
a product tank and a cover operative to seal a fill opening of the product tank;
a plurality of laterally adjacent metering devices mounted under the product tank including a first metering device mounted adjacent to a second metering device, wherein the first and second metering devices are operative to dispense first and second product streams of agricultural product from the product tank through corresponding first and second meter dispensing ports into corresponding first and second feed ports in the corresponding first and second product distribution networks, first and second bypass air channels connecting the corresponding first and second feed ports to the product tank such that when a first stream air pressure at the first feed port is greater than a second stream air pressure at the second feed port, air passes from the first feed port through the first bypass air channel and through the first meter dispensing port into the product tank and then out of the product tank through the second bypass air channel and the second meter dispensing port to the second feed port.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein each metering device comprises a feed wheel rotatable about a substantially horizontal rotational axis and mounted in a housing attached to a bottom wall of the product tank and connected to the corresponding feed port, the feed wheel mounted with an inside portion of an outer surface thereof exposed to agricultural product in the product tank and an outside portion of the outer surface thereof in the housing, and wherein for each metering device, the meter dispensing port is adjacent to a bottom of the feed wheel and the bypass air channel is above the feed wheel
3 The system of claim 2 wherein the first and second bypass air channels are provided by corresponding first and second openings in the bottom wall of the product tank inside the housing of the corresponding first and second metering devices.
4 The system of any one of claims 1 ¨ 3 wherein the bypass channels are larger than the meter dispensing ports
5. A product metering and distribution system for an air seeder, the system comprising:
a fan operative to direct a fan air stream at a fan pressure into a plurality of product distribution networks such that an air stream flows through each distribution network, a product tank and a cover operative to seal a fill opening of the product tank;
a plurality of laterally adjacent metering devices mounted under the product tank, each metering device operative to dispense agricultural product from the product tank into a corresponding one of the product distribution networks, wherein each metering device is operative to dispense a product stream of the agricultural product from the product tank through a corresponding meter dispensing port into a corresponding feed port in the corresponding product distribution network, wherein each metering device comprises a bypass air channel connecting the corresponding feed port to the product tank such that when a first stream air pressure at a first feed port of a first metering device is greater than a second stream air pressure at a second feed port of a second metering device, air passes from the first feed port through a first bypass air channel of the first metering device and through a first meter dispensing port of the first metering device into the product tank and then out of the product tank through a second bypass air channel of the second metering device and through a second meter dispensing port of the second metering device to a second feed port of the second metering device.
a fan operative to direct a fan air stream at a fan pressure into a plurality of product distribution networks such that an air stream flows through each distribution network, a product tank and a cover operative to seal a fill opening of the product tank;
a plurality of laterally adjacent metering devices mounted under the product tank, each metering device operative to dispense agricultural product from the product tank into a corresponding one of the product distribution networks, wherein each metering device is operative to dispense a product stream of the agricultural product from the product tank through a corresponding meter dispensing port into a corresponding feed port in the corresponding product distribution network, wherein each metering device comprises a bypass air channel connecting the corresponding feed port to the product tank such that when a first stream air pressure at a first feed port of a first metering device is greater than a second stream air pressure at a second feed port of a second metering device, air passes from the first feed port through a first bypass air channel of the first metering device and through a first meter dispensing port of the first metering device into the product tank and then out of the product tank through a second bypass air channel of the second metering device and through a second meter dispensing port of the second metering device to a second feed port of the second metering device.
6 The system of claim 5 wherein each metering device comprises a feed wheel rotatable about a substantially horizontal rotational axis and mounted in a housing attached to a bottom wall of the product tank and connected to the corresponding feed port, the feed wheel mounted with an inside portion of an outer surface thereof exposed to agricultural product in the product tank and an outside portion of the outer surface thereof in the housing, and wherein for each metering device, the meter dispensing port is adjacent to a bottom of the feed wheel and the bypass air channel is above the feed wheel.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the first and second bypass air channels are provided by corresponding first and second openings in the bottom wall of the product tank inside the housing of the corresponding first and second metering devices.
8. The system of any one of claims 5 ¨ 7 wherein the bypass channels are larger than the meter dispensing ports.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2909260A CA2909260C (en) | 2015-10-21 | 2015-10-21 | Improved distribution uniformity in air seeders |
| CA2993531A CA2993531C (en) | 2015-10-21 | 2015-10-21 | Improved distribution uniformity in air seeders |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2909260A CA2909260C (en) | 2015-10-21 | 2015-10-21 | Improved distribution uniformity in air seeders |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2993531A Division CA2993531C (en) | 2015-10-21 | 2015-10-21 | Improved distribution uniformity in air seeders |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2909260A1 CA2909260A1 (en) | 2017-04-21 |
| CA2909260C true CA2909260C (en) | 2018-03-20 |
Family
ID=58551731
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2909260A Active CA2909260C (en) | 2015-10-21 | 2015-10-21 | Improved distribution uniformity in air seeders |
| CA2993531A Active CA2993531C (en) | 2015-10-21 | 2015-10-21 | Improved distribution uniformity in air seeders |
Family Applications After (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2993531A Active CA2993531C (en) | 2015-10-21 | 2015-10-21 | Improved distribution uniformity in air seeders |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (2) | CA2909260C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10820484B2 (en) | 2018-09-07 | 2020-11-03 | Cnh Industrial Canada, Ltd. | Air cart product flow condition monitoring |
| US11844342B2 (en) | 2020-03-30 | 2023-12-19 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Electronically controlled valve system for distributing particulate material |
| US20220053687A1 (en) * | 2020-08-20 | 2022-02-24 | Deere & Company | Pressure balanced meter assembly and method of use |
-
2015
- 2015-10-21 CA CA2909260A patent/CA2909260C/en active Active
- 2015-10-21 CA CA2993531A patent/CA2993531C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2993531C (en) | 2019-02-19 |
| CA2993531A1 (en) | 2017-04-21 |
| CA2909260A1 (en) | 2017-04-21 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US10219425B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for sectional control of air seeder distribution system for a farm implement | |
| CA2940717C (en) | System and method of distributing seeds and agricultural particles | |
| US9854731B2 (en) | Selective fan shaped material distributor | |
| CN108024500B (en) | Sowing tower for an agricultural sowing machine and method for disconnecting the outlet of such a sowing tower | |
| US10568256B2 (en) | Seeding system | |
| RU2544968C2 (en) | System of volumetric dosing with section flap | |
| US11109527B2 (en) | Flow control for agricultural implement pneumatic system | |
| RU2255455C2 (en) | Pneumatic distributor for seed planter | |
| CA2909260C (en) | Improved distribution uniformity in air seeders | |
| US20200344943A1 (en) | System for distributing seeds and agricultural particles | |
| EP2708105A2 (en) | Monitoring device and product distribution system with such | |
| US20150216109A1 (en) | Metering assembly with individually driven metering sections | |
| US10942053B2 (en) | Seeding system | |
| CA2947428C (en) | Air seeder distribution apparatus with purging air |