An improved particulate metering system is provided with variable blend, application rate, and section control. The system includes a plurality of particulate mixing areas, each having an air input and a plurality of particulate inputs. A plurality of particulate sources is provided, each being in communication with a particulate input of a particulate mixing area. A separate type of particulate can be in each of the plurality of particulate sources. The system includes a plurality of operated conveyances, each being in communication with a particulate source and a particulate input. Each of the plurality of particulate mixing areas can receive air from the air input and a separate type of particulate, and can discharge an air-particulate mixture. One or more metering controls operably control one or more of the operated conveyances.

A metering apparatus may be configured to control flow of material from a reservoir to control the amount of material applied, dispensed, and/or spread to a field while a vehicle traverses the field. The metering apparatus may include an auger portion located in an elevator channel to control the flow of material out of a reservoir opening of the reservoir.

A seed carrier includes a main hopper coupled with a frame via leg members. The main hopper has a discharge. A base plate is coupled with the frame. A support arm is rotatably coupled with the base plate at a first end. A belt driven conveyor having a conveyor hopper at a first end and a discharge at a second end is rotatably coupled with a second end of the support arm at an approximate center of gravity thereof. A latch mechanism is provided for detachably coupling the first end of the conveyor with the first end of the support arm such that the conveyor hopper is position below the main hopper discharge. When the conveyor is uncoupled from the first end of the support arm, the conveyor can rotate to a loading position wherein the discharge thereof can be positioned over the main hopper.

A method and apparatus for automatically opening a seed packet and dispensing the contents of the same for planting is disclosed.

An apparatus for planting rhizomes includes a chassis having wheels to move in a primary direction over an area in which rhizomes are to be planted, the primary direction defining a forward and aft sense, a hopper on the chassis holds rhizomes to be planted, the hopper having a live bottom mounted to move rhizomes in the forward direction, a kickback bar at a forward side of the hopper lifts rhizomes at a forward face of the hopper, a leveling roller above the live bottom levels the height of rhizomes transported by the live bottom forward of the hopper, a barrel feed at a forward end of the live bottom to pull rhizomes from the live bottom, a accumulator below the barrel feed, a drop zone below the accumulator, and a chute with inner flaps from the drop zone oriented to deposit rhizomes in a furrow.

A commodity tank for a product distribution machine has a hollow body enclosing an interior space with an upper fill opening through which product can flow into the interior space. For convenience of the operator, a lower fill opening is also provided though which product can flow into the interior space. The lower fill opening is located at a lower height relative to the upper fill opening. The provision of the lower fill opening enables the operator to choose between either bulk filling the tank using the cart conveyor through the upper opening or manually filling the tank through the lower opening.

An air cart for distributing air entrained particulate material from a chamber or tank to a plurality of distribution lines for application to an agricultural field has a tank refilling feature utilizing air flow from the cart distribution system or from a dedicated pneumatic source. The cart conveying system air flow is diverted and passed through an assembly containing multiple venturis which also receives particulate material from a supply source. The air entrained material from the source is conveyed to and gently deposited in the cart tank. Exhaust air from the tank may be directed back into the cart conveying system or vented through an air diffuser located beneath the cart. Exhaust air which is directed back to the cart conveying system may return to a location closely adjacent that from which it was originally diverted.

An arrangement for detection of the amount of material in a supply container of a machine for application of material to a field comprises a data entry device for receiving fill level data concerning an amount of material present in the supply container at a specific time point and an outflow sensor for detection of the amount of material that has flowed out of the supply container. A computer device connected to the data entry device and outflow sensor, the computing device is programmed to calculate the current amount of material in the supply container using the obtained fill level data and the signals of the outflow sensor obtained after the specific time point, and to issue a warning signal if the amount of material in the supply container goes below a predetermined level.

A system for replenishing the supply of a particulate agricultural product in the tank of an air cart. A mixture of air and product comes out of a venturi delivery system and enters in a multiplicity of inlet hoses. Then the product enters into inlet tubes of various lengths and release angles from which product particles are gently spread strategically forming a pile that is more or less horizontal to ensure even feeding of meters during dispensing operations. Then the air exits through one or more fine screens to avoid product escaping as well and is conveyed through the exhaust hoses until reaching an air diffuser. The air diffuser has a series of varying size holes or louvers at the bottom so the air can come out at a uniform low velocity which minimizes any discomfort to nearby operators.

The pressure of a fluid passing through several air entrainers can be controlled so as to more effectively move particulate material from one or more bulk hoppers to an end location. This is accomplished through use of an integrated, electric fluid pressure source, such as a fan in one or more of the segments. The pressure can be increased based upon a speed of an agricultural implement or a weight of the particulate material and/or the pneumatic flow can compensate for distance the seed must travel before planting. The entrainer can thus be installed with a high speed planting implement, thereby reducing downtime and facilitating repair.