Abstract:
A bulk fill system for split row planters that can be easily converted to plant 30″ corn or 15″ soybeans with the aid of a conversion plug that controls the flow of seed entrenched air to select meters on planter rows. The conversion plug is easily installed and conveniently stored on the individual row units by a holder.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to agricultural seed planters, and more particularly to a crop conversion plug that increases the efficiency of solid row crop planters. 
   As the size of agricultural implements continues to grow, the versatility of such implements becomes more significant. Large air seeders have become increasingly popular for the planting of seeds, fertilizer, and other product. In order to increase farmers&#39; asset utilization and reduce their capital requirements, many agricultural equipment manufacturers have introduced split row or otherwise called solid row crop planters. The premise behind a split row planter is to allow a farmer to plant multiple row crops at different row widths. Particularly in the Midwest, corn is primarily planted at 30″ row spacing while soybeans are planted at 15″ row spacing. Having the ability to plant both crops with one machine is extremely desirable. 
   Split row planters comprised of a bulk fill seed system distribute seed from a bulk storage tank through a conduit to isolated seed metering devices located on each individual row unit. A fan blows air through a distributor where it induces seed from the bulk storage tank to flow into the conduit eventually supplying the individual planter metering units with seed. The conduit carrying the seed entrenched air is split between two planter rows by a “Y” shaped connector that feeds a single 30″ corn row and a single 15″ soybean row. 
   It would be of significant advantage to develop a simple, yet reliable modification to such planting systems for controlling the flow of seeds to selected row units. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, it is an important object of the present invention is to provide an improved split row planting system. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved mechanism for selectively controlling the flow of seed to individual row units of a split row planter. 
   It is another object of the instant invention to provide a conversion plug for a bulk fill system of a split row planter that can be used to easily convert the planting system between multiple row spacings. 
   It is another object of the instant invention to provide a conversion plug for a bulk fill system for a split row planter that can be used to easily convert the planting system between 30″ corn or 15″ soybeans. 
   It is a further object of the instant invention to provide a conversion plug that is easily installed and conveniently stored on the individual planter row units. 
   It is another object of this invention to provide a conversion plug for a split row planter that is durable in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, carefree of maintenance, facile in assemblage, and simple, versatile and effective in use. 
   These and other objects are attained by providing a bulk fill system for split row planters that can be easily converted to plant 30″ corn or 15″ soybeans with the aid of a conversion plug that controls the flow of seed entrenched air to select meters on planter rows. The plug is easily installed and conveniently stored on the individual row units by a holder. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages of this invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed disclosure of the invention, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a bulk fill delivery system and its connection to the conduit network of a split row planter; 
       FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the split row planter of  FIG. 1 , showing details of certain components thereof; 
       FIG. 3  is a partial rear perspective view of the conduit network for a split row planter; 
       FIG. 4  is a partial perspective of the conduit network shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing the conversion plug in its storage position; and 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing the conversion plug installed into the “Y” connector. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the conversion plug and the holder. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Many of the fastening, connection, processes and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art, and they will not therefore be discussed in significant detail. Also, any reference herein to the terms “left” or “right” are used as a matter of mere convenience, and are determined by standing at the rear of the machine facing in its normal direction of travel. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be varied or altered as anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific application of any element may already by widely known or used in the art by persons skilled in the art and each will likewise not therefore be discussed in significant detail. 
   Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a general representation of a split row system  10  can be seen as it would be pulled through the field by a tractor  12 . Bulk storage tanks  14  and  16 , fan system  18  (fan  20 , fan motor  22 , and bulk fan valve  23 ), distributor  24  comprise the primary components of the bulk fill seed delivery system that mixes the seed in the airflow.  FIG. 1  illustrates the connection of the bulk fill delivery system and the conduit network  26 . 
     FIG. 3 , similar to  FIG. 1 , but with fewer components, depicts more detail to the conduit network for the split row planter.  FIG. 4  shows a closer view of the conduit system, as it connects to the individual row planting units  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and  38 . While only four adjacent row units will be discuss for explanation purposes, it should be understood that the planter  10  is comprised of many more such units. Adjacent units are on 15″ centers, setting the distance between every other unit at 30″. Thus, if seeds are fed to all units, the rows will be on 15″ centers, as most commonly used for soybeans, and if seeds are fed only to every other unit, the rows will be on 30″ centers, as most commonly used for corn. In order to facilitate the selection between 15″ and 30″ rows, the seeds are fed through a “Y” connector  40  that evenly feeds adjacent row units  32 ,  34 . By selectively closing one of the legs of the “Y” connector, such as leg  58 , the rows will be at 30″ centers, however, if both legs are left open, rows on 15″ centers will be created. While the row spacings described immediately above are quite satisfactory under today&#39;s accepted practices for corn and soybeans, it is contemplated that other row spacings will also prove appropriate for these and other crops. 
   Conversion plug  41  is a generally elongate member, as best seen in  FIG. 7 , with first and second generally opposing cylindrical tube-like elements  50 ,  52  intersecting generally medially of the length thereof at a collar  54 . Collar  54  has a diameter larger than that of either cylindrical element to provide a convenient surface to hold and manipulate the plug, and to gauge the insertion of the plug into the metering hose  56  and leg  58  of connector  40 . Cylindrical element  50  is closed at end  60  and is of such diameter as to conveniently fit into leg  58  of “Y” connector  40  and close it off—preventing flow of air and seed into hose  56 . The length of element  50  is such that it locates closed end closely adjacent to the intersection of “Y” connector  40  when collar  54  is pushed against collar  62  on leg  58 . 
   When conversion plug  41  is inserted into leg  58  of the “Y” connector, the hose  56  may, for convenience and to prevent damage to the hose, be pushed onto cylindrical element  52 . The outside diameter of element  52  is slightly less than the inside diameter of hose  56 , and the outside peripheral surface may be coated with a friction material or coating, to permit a slight friction fit that can be conveniently accomplished by hand. In the alternative, the outside diameter may be somewhat larger, causing a slight interference fit with hose  56 . In that case, the hose can be forced to expand to a friction fit. In either case, a hose clamp may be used above a smaller collar, such as  55 , to additionally secure the connection. 
   As best seen in  FIGS. 5–7 , a holder  46  for conversion plug  41  is preferably formed integrally with plug  41  and is comprised of a generally planar flexible material, such as polyurethane. Holder  46  extends outwardly generally below collar  54  with one opening  51  therein. Opening  51  is of such a size as to fit snugly on hose  56 , but not so snug that it cannot be moved longitudinally along hose  56  and removed therefrom. It is anticipated that the holder will be of sufficient flexibility to allow it to be easily located or relocated substantially anywhere along the length of hose  56 , or any other similarly sized hose on the machine. This holder provides a handy mechanism for storing the conversion plug when not in use. In the alternative, holder  46  may be formed separately from plug  41 , in which case it would have two openings therethrough, one for a hose and one for either the first or second elements  50 ,  52 . 
   Conversion plug  41  may be solid or hollow, (preferably hollow and open at the outer end of first leg  50 ). The important dimension is, as discussed above, the length of element  50 –the intent being to limit as reasonably possible the creation of a pocket at the intersection of the “Y” connector in which an undue volume of seeds can build up. In the preferred embodiment, the conversion plug  41  is generally symmetrical (except for the integral holder  46 ) about its longitudinal axis. This design eliminates any question about how to properly insert the conversion plug. 
   To install the conversion plug  41 , the operator would loosen the hose clamp at the “Y” connector joining the seed metering hose from the 15″ soybean row to the connector. With the clamp loose, the seed metering hose  56  is removed from the connector, one element  50  of the conversion plug is inserted into the “Y” connector and the other element into the seed metering hose. The clamp is then retightened. To remove the conversion plug, the steps outlined are reversed. 
   It will be understood that changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention will occur to and may be made by those skilled in the art upon a reading of this disclosure within the principles and scope of the invention. The foregoing description illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention; however, concepts, as based upon the description, may be employed in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to protect the invention broadly as well as in the specific form shown.