A flow control system for controlling flow of materials such as seeds or fertilizer as the materials are fed into a manifold and meter unit of an air seeder. The flow control system generally includes a flow controller which is connected between a volume of materials, such as a tank, and a manifold of an air seeder. The flow controller is adapted to control flow of the materials into the manifold to be metered by a meter unit. The flow controller includes a plurality of movable gates; with each gate being adapted to selectively open or close a corresponding opening in the flow controller. The gates may be manually adjusted, such as by a handle, or may be automatically adjusted, such as by actuators. By selectively opening or closing various gates, the volume and speed of flow of materials into the manifold may be easily and efficiently adjusted.

The present invention provides a plenum configured to evenly separate and distribute airflow generated by a fan into distribution lines of an agricultural machine. The plenum can utilize angled vanes symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged to form plenum chambers to provide a balanced airflow which contributes to maximizing fan efficiency, including power consumption and performance (airflow and static pressure). Accordingly, the plenum can be configured to separate the airflow and minimize imbalance between the lines during sectional control. The plenum height can be maintained for increased manufacturability and to prevent additional expansion. The plenum length can be configured within allowable space constraints of the machine yet allow airflow to develop upon separation into the lines. Vanes throughout the span of the plenum initially divide the airflow from the fan and maintain separation until the outlets.

The present invention provides a plenum configured to evenly separate and distribute airflow generated by a fan into distribution lines of an agricultural machine. The plenum can utilize angled vanes symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged to form plenum chambers to provide a balanced airflow which contributes to maximizing fan efficiency, including power consumption and performance (airflow and static pressure). Accordingly, the plenum can be configured to separate the airflow and minimize imbalance between the lines during sectional control. The plenum height can be maintained for increased manufacturability and to prevent additional expansion. The plenum length can be configured within allowable space constraints of the machine yet allow airflow to develop upon separation into the lines. Vanes throughout the span of the plenum initially divide the airflow from the fan and maintain separation until the outlets.

An agricultural product delivery applicator for delivering particulate product to a field. The applicator includes a bin having a first chamber to hold a first product, a second chamber to hold a second product, and a third chamber to hold a third product. The applicator further includes a pneumatic conveying system having an airflow source to provide an airflow, a delivery line operably connected to the airflow source and to the bin, and an outlet coupled to the delivery line. A metering system is operably connected between the supply compartment and the pneumatic conveying system. The metering system meters product with the airflow to result in a mixed flow of airflow and product. The metering system includes a novel hydraulic circuit for helping to meter the product.

An agricultural product delivery applicator for delivering particulate product to a field. The applicator includes a bin having a first chamber to hold a first product, a second chamber to hold a second product, and a third chamber to hold a third product. The applicator further includes a pneumatic conveying system having an airflow source to provide an airflow, a delivery line operably connected to the airflow source and to the bin, and an outlet coupled to the delivery line. A metering system is operably connected between the supply compartment and the pneumatic conveying system. The metering system meters product with the airflow to result in a mixed flow of airflow and product. The metering system includes a novel hydraulic circuit for helping to meter the product.

A sectional control funnel box (36) includes a box body having an upper receiving member (44) for receiving particulate matter, a lower manifold (46) configured to be mounted on a distribution plate (24), and a funnel mechanism (42) disposed between the upper receiving member and the lower manifold. The lower manifold includes a plurality of chutes (100) configured to direct the particulate matter to apertures (38) in the distribution plate. The funnel mechanism includes supply sections (54, 76) that include directing slots (56, 90) configured to provide the particulate matter from the upper receiving member to the chutes. An actuator (48) is attached to the funnel mechanism (42) and configured to drive the funnel mechanism between at least a first position, where a first one of the plurality of supply sections is aligned with the upper receiving member (44), and a second position, where a second one of the plurality of supply sections is aligned with the upper receiving member.

The disclosure relates to devices, systems, and corresponding methods to be used in connection with agricultural planters. More particularly to a vacuum and generator system including a housing, a fan assembly within the housing, a generator, and a hydraulic motor. Some implementations include a voltage regulator or voltage regulation module. The system allow for adjustable fan control without affecting electrical output, integral cooling, and multi-level voltage output from a single generator. Additionally, the system provides greater efficiency in operating an agricultural implement.

An air flow system for an air seeding machine includes a tank configured to store an agricultural commodity, a plenum, conduits, and a blower configured to push air flow through the plenum and the conduits to the tank. The plenum includes a uniformly-sloped side wall and geometric first and second ends bounding the side wall. The plenum further includes bleed ports coupled to bleed conduits and configured to conduct air flow to an interior volume of the tanks. The plenum further includes primary ports coupled to primary conduits and configured to conduct air flow to the tanks. The primary conduits receive commodity from the tanks to be deposited in the soil. The geometry of the plenum facilitates an adequate balance of air flow between the primary and bleed conduits so that the commodity most-effectively enters the air stream conducted by the primary conduits.

A pneumatic distribution system for an agricultural machine includes an air source having an outlet, an assembly configured to receive agricultural material from a material source, and a plurality of conduits. Each conduit is configured to receive an air stream from the outlet for conveying a portion of the agricultural material to at least one device associated with the agricultural machine. A first one of conduits corresponds to a first distribution line and is positioned such that the first conduit receives a first air stream from a first area of the outlet, a second one of the conduits corresponds to a second distribution line and is positioned such that the second conduit receives a second air stream from a second area of the outlet having a lower air pressure than the first area, and the first distribution line has a higher pressure drop than the second distribution line.

A pneumatic distribution system for an agricultural machine includes an air source having an outlet, an assembly configured to receive agricultural material from a material source, and a plurality of conduits. Each conduit is configured to receive an air stream from the outlet for conveying a portion of the agricultural material to at least one device associated with the agricultural machine. A first one of conduits corresponds to a first distribution line and is positioned such that the first conduit receives a first air stream from a first area of the outlet, a second one of the conduits corresponds to a second distribution line and is positioned such that the second conduit receives a second air stream from a second area of the outlet having a lower air pressure than the first area, and the first distribution line has a higher pressure drop than the second distribution line.