Abstract:
An improved particulate handling system is provided. The system includes a plurality of particulate storage areas and a plurality of types of particulate. Each type of particulate can be housed in a separate particulate storage area. Separate particulate conveyors are in operable communication with each of the particulate storage areas. Separate drive systems can be in operable control of the each of the particulate conveyors. The particulate conveyors convey particulate into an air flow path. The separate drive systems can be operated independently and/or at varied speeds.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    I. Field of the Disclosure 
         [0002]    A metering system for solid particulate is disclosed. More specifically, but not exclusively, a particulate handling system with variable blend and variable application rate controls for particulate matter, such as dry fertilizers, is disclosed. 
         [0003]    II. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Particulate metering systems use varied approaches to control the rate at which particulate is metered and/or blended with other particulate types. Particulate metering is complicated by the desire to simultaneously meter at separate discharge points varying rates and blends of different particulate. In such instances where the particulate is fertilizer, there&#39;s a significant interest in controlling the blend and application rate of two or more fertilizers, and specifically controlling a variation in the blend and application rate of two or more fertilizers at separate discharge points, such as at separate rows in a field. Further complications surround the growing desire to independently control variations in both the blend and application rate of particulate for each separate discharge point or for a set of discharge points. Many desire to independently control the blend and application rate of two or more fertilizers. In other words, what is desired in at least one application is a dry fertilizer metering system that can make adjustments to both the application rate and blend of two or more fertilizers on a row-by-row basis—one row receiving a blend of fertilizers at a desired rate while another row simultaneously receives the same or a separate blend of fertilizers at the same or another desired rate. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present disclosure provides a particulate handling system for a particulate metering system with variable blend and variable application rate controls. The particulate handling system can include a plurality of particulate storage areas and a plurality of types of particulate. One of the types of particulate can be housed in one of the plurality of particulate storage areas. A first set of particulate conveyors is in operable communication with one of the plurality of particulate storage areas. A second set of particulate conveyors is in operable communication with a separate one of the particulate storage areas. A first drive system is in operable control of the first set of particulate conveyors and a second drive system is in operable control of the second set of particulate conveyors. The first set of particulate conveyors can convey a type of particulate into an air flow path and the second set of particulate conveyors can convey a separate type of particulate into the air flow path. The first drive system and the second drive system can be operated independently and/or at varied speeds. 
         [0006]    The particulate handling system can include a particulate mixing chamber in communication with a particulate conveyor from the first set of particulate conveyors and a particulate conveyor from the second set of particulate conveyors. The particulate mixing chamber receives at least one type of particulate. The particulate mixing chamber can also include at least one directional bend in the air flow path. 
         [0007]    One or more metering controls can be in operable control with the first set of particulate conveyors and the second set of particulate conveyors. The metering controls can obtain data from each of the particulate storage areas. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, a particulate flow path is provided. The particulate flow path can include a plurality of particulate storage areas and a plurality of particulate accelerators in fluid communication with an air source. Each of the particulate accelerators has an air-particulate output. The particulate flow path can also include a mixing area within each of the particulate accelerators and a discharge line connected to the air-particulate output of each of the particulate accelerators. A plurality of operated conveyances is also provided. One of the operated conveyances is in operable communication with one of the particulate storage areas. The operated conveyances convey particulate from the particulate storage areas to each of the particulate accelerators. Thereafter, the particulate descends vertically within the particulate accelerators into the mixing area. Within the mixing area, the particulate can mix with and be suspended by air from the air source. Thereafter, the air-particulate mixture moves through the air-particulate output into the discharge line. 
         [0009]    Two of the operated conveyances can be coupled to opposing walls of each of the particulate accelerators. One or more drive systems can be in operable control of the operated conveyances. 
         [0010]    According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method for handling particulate in a particulate metering system is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of containers. Each of the containers stores a particulate. The particulate is dispensed through one or more gates disposed on a bottom portion of each of the particulate containers into a plurality of cartridges. The particulate is conveyed within the cartridges and into particulate accelerators. An air flow is provided through the plurality of accelerators, which accelerates the particulate. The air flow and the particulate mix and the mixture are outputted. 
         [0011]    The particulate can be suspended in the air flow. The air flow provided to the plurality of accelerators can have a common air source. Each of the cartridges can be independently controlled. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Illustrated embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein, and where: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a particulate metering implement in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a particulate container system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of a particulate container in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view a particulate container in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the particulate container of  FIG. 2  taken along section line  5 - 5 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view of the particulate container of  FIG. 2  taken along section line  6 - 6 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6B  is a bottom plan view of a particulate container in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of a bottom tray of a particulate container in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a is a front perspective view of a particulate container and a plurality of particulate handling systems in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view of a hangar in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10A  is an isometric view of a cartridge in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10B  is a side elevation view of a cartridge in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10C  is a top plan view of a cartridge in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10D  is an exploded isometric view of a cartridge in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11A  is a front elevation view of a gearbox in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11B  is a front perspective view of a gearbox in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11C  is an exploded front perspective view of a gearbox in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view of a particulate handling system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of the particulate handling system at various stages of installation in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a front view of a plurality of gearboxes in configurations in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of two particulate handling systems and a particulate accelerator in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the two particulate handling systems and a particulate accelerator of  FIG. 15  taken along section line  16 - 16 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of a portion of a particulate container system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of a portion of a particulate metering implement in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of a portion of a particulate container system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  is a front perspective view of a portion of a plurality of particulate handling systems and particulate accelerators in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]      FIG. 1  shows a particulate metering implement  100 . While the figure shows a particulate metering implement, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure covers other types of implements, including but not limited to, seed meters, seed planters, nutrient applicators, and other agricultural equipment. The implement  100  can be mounted upon a towable trailer or other suitable structure such as a toolbar, or integrally formed with a particulate application system. The implement can include a frame assembly  102 , upon which particulate containers  202  and  204  can be mounted. For user accessibility to the particulate containers  202  and  204 , a platform  104  and ladders  106  can be provided. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the particulate containers  202  and  204  can be connected to the frame assembly  102  by frame members  208  having attachment means  218 . A top surface of the particulate containers  202  and  204  can include openings (not shown) covered by one or more lids  216 . The lids  216  can be opened or removed to permit loading of particulate into and/or servicing the particulate containers  202  and  204 . In an exemplary embodiment, an edge of the lids  216  can be pivotally connected to the particulate containers  202  and  204  with one or more hinges  210 . One or more clamps  212  can be mounted on the particulate containers  202  and  204  proximate to the opposing edge of the lids  216  to releasably secure the lids to the containers. To assist in opening the lids  216 , a handle  214  can be connected to the lids  216  proximate the clamps  212 . Upon opening and/or removal of the lids  216 , one or more screens  220  can be disposed within the openings of the particulate containers  202  and  204 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 3 , to prevent debris from entering the same. 
         [0041]    Further, the clamps  212  can provide an airtight seal between the lids  216  and the particulate containers  202  and  204 . In such an embodiment, the airtight seal can permit the particulate containers  202  and  204  to be pressurized. In one representative example, the particulate containers  202  and  204  can be pressurized to ten, fifteen, twenty or greater inches of water (in H 2 0). The pressurization can assist in guiding the particulate to the particulate handling system  300 , provide for improved control of quantities dispensed to the particulate handling system  300 , and/or provide for improved control of the environment in which the particulate is housed. 
         [0042]    In an embodiment, the particulate containers  202  and  204  can be symmetrical in structure and identical in function. In other embodiments, the one or more of the particulate containers can be modified without deviating from the objects of the disclosure. Hereinafter, discussion of particulate container  204  refers to particulate container  204  and its counterpart structure particulate container  202 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , particulate container  204  can include an upper portion  222 , a middle portion  226 , and a lower portion  228 . The upper portion  222  can be a rectangular prism or like shapes to maximize storage capacity above the frame assembly  102  ( FIG. 1 ). The middle portion  226  can be a trapezium prism or like shapes to assist in funneling the particulate to the lower portion  228 . The transition from the upper portion  222  to the middle portion  226  can be generally demarcated by frame members  208  disposed around the perimeter of the middle portion  226  of the particulate container  204 . The particulate container  204  can also have a recessed area  224  on the side wall proximate to opposing particulate container  202 . The recessed area  224  prevents frame member  208  from extending past the plane of the side wall, which maximizes the volume of the particulate container  204  while also minimizing the space required between the two particulate containers  202  and  204 . The lower portion  228  can also be a trapezium prism or like shapes to assist in funneling the particulate to the base of the particulate container  204 . Further, to assist in servicing the inside of the particulate container  204 , a ladder  232  can be provided. 
         [0044]    In addition to the shape of the particulate container  204 , other means can be provided within or on the container to assist in funneling the particulate to the base of the container and/or to prevent agglomerations of particulate within the container. Such means can include, but are not limited to, agitators, augers, pneumatics, belt drives, internal structures, and the like. 
         [0045]    One or more scales (not shown) can be associated with each of the particulate containers  202  and  204 . The scales can be operatively connected to a control system and configured to weigh each of the particulate containers  202  and  204 . Together with one or more speed sensors  502  ( FIG. 18 ) associated with one or more transmissions  306  ( FIG. 18 ) discussed below, the system can provide real-time and/or post-operation feedback of the expected volume of particulate dispensed versus actual volume of particulate dispensed for each unit row of the field and/or for the overall particulate metering implement. To determine expected volume of particulate dispensed, speed sensors can measure the number of rotations of a shaft  359  with flightings  357 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 10D . Based on the number and known dimensions of the flightings  357 , including diameter and helix angle, an estimation of how much particulate is dispensed per revolution can be obtained. The estimation can be applied to each unit row for the particulate metering implement, each of which may be operating at varied rates. The total expected volume can then be compared to the change in weight (multiplied by the density of the particulate) as measured by the one or more scales associated with the particulate containers  202  and  204 . Further, in an embodiment utilizing real-time feedback, the control system can make adjustments based on the data provided to reconcile the expected volume of particulate dispensed versus actual volume of particulate dispensed. Still further, the data can be used by the control system to diagnose dysfunctional screw conveyor(s)  356  and/or auger motor(s)  504  ( FIG. 18 ), and/or identify potential blockages of particulate within the particulate metering implement. 
         [0046]    The particulate container  204  can include a bottom tray  310 , as shown in  FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B . The bottom tray  310  can include a plurality of large gates  312  and a plurality of small gates  314  arranged along the length of the bottom tray  310 . The plurality of gates  312  and  314  can be square and/or rectangular, as shown, or can be of any shape to permit particulate to enter the particulate delivery system  300 . Similarly, the plurality of gates  312  and  314  can all be the same shape and/or size, or of varied shapes and/or sizes based on the application. The interstitial portions of the bottom tray  310  can be flat, as shown, or can have a wedged-shape configuration to funnel particulate to the plurality of gates  312  and  314 . The bottom tray  310  can be integrally connected to the lower portion  228  of the particulate container  204 , or can be removable to permit a user to quickly install a different bottom tray  310  based on the application. As best shown illustratively in  FIG. 7 , the plurality of large gates  312  and the plurality of small gates  314  can be separated by a raised portion  316 . The raised portion  316  can funnel the particulate into the plurality of large gates  312  and the plurality of small gates  314  and/or add structural support along the length of the bottom tray  310 . Separating the particulate into a pairs of gates (e.g., large gates  312  and small gates  314 ) can minimize undesirable torquing of the screw conveyors  356  and auger motors  504  ( FIG. 18 ), particularly during initialization of the particulate handling system  300 . 
         [0047]    A plurality of moveable and/or controllable gate covers (not shown) can be installed on plurality of gates  312  and  314 . The gate covers, when closed, can prevent particulate from filling the short auger tubes  302  and/or long auger tubes  304 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 8 . The gate covers can be manually controlled or operatively controlled. The configuration can further increase the modularity of the metering system by limiting which discharge points (e.g., row units), if any, receive one or more of the types of particulate. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the particulate delivery system  300  can include a plurality of long auger tubes  304  and a plurality of short auger tubes  302 . The plurality of long auger tubes  304  and the plurality of short auger tubes  302  can be alternately disposed in parallel below the bottom tray  310  ( FIGS. 6A, 6B and 7 ) of the particulate container  204 . The alternating of the long auger tubes  304  and the short auger tubes  302  can provide for a greater density of additional components disposed between particulate containers  202  and  204 , and more particularly, a plurality of particulate accelerators, which will be discussed below. Each of the plurality of long auger tubes  304  and the plurality of short auger tubes  302  can extend from a cartridge  320  operatively connected to a gearbox  306 , as shown illustratively in  FIGS. 12 and 15 . 
         [0049]    As best shown illustratively in  FIGS. 6B and 13 , each of the cartridges  320  can be disposed between two hangars  308  affixed to the lower portion  228  of the particulate container  204 . The upper surface  346  of the hangars  308 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 9 , can be welded to the container, or may be affixed by any means commonly known in the art, including but not limited to, nut and bolt, screws, rivets, soldering, and the like. The upper surface  346  of the hangars  308  can comprise a portion of an elongated container attachment member  342 . Extending outwardly from the container attachment member  342  can be two guide surfaces  358  generally parallel to the upper surface  346 . As discussed below, a guide surface  358  from adjacent hangars  308  can be adapted to receive a cartridge  320 . The hangars  308  can include a gearbox attachment member  340  extending perpendicularly downward from the container attachment member  342 . The gearbox attachment member  340  can contain two prongs  318 . The prongs  318  can be cylindrical or can be of any shape commonly known in the art to engage and/or secure a gearbox  306 . Further, while two prongs  318  are shown in  FIG. 9 , the present disclosure contemplates any number of prongs without deviating from the objects of the disclosure. 
         [0050]    In an another embodiment, the plurality of long auger tubes  304  and the plurality of short auger tubes  302  can be secured below the bottom tray  310  by a support member (not shown) extending the length of the particulate container  204 . The support member can be, for example, a generally U-shaped beam with a plurality of openings to support the cartridges. 
         [0051]    An embodiment of the cartridge  320  is shown illustratively in  FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D . The cartridge  320  can include an input slot  350  sized and shaped to receive particulate passing through the plurality of large gates  312  and the plurality of small gates  314  in the bottom tray  310 . An input slot interface  348  and a gasket (not shown) can seal the cartridge  320  to the inferior side of bottom tray  310 . The seal can prevent particulate from escaping the system, particularly in instances where the particulate containers  202  and  204  are pressurized. The cartridge  320  can be constructed in two halves  352  and  354 . Each of the two halves  352  and  354  can include a curved flange portion  367  adapted to receive a short auger tube  302  or a long auger tube  304 . While two halves can provide for ease of manufacturing, the present disclosure also contemplates a unitary cartridge construction. 
         [0052]    Within the input slot  350  of the cartridge  320  is a screw conveyor  356 . In an illustrative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10C and 10D , the screw conveyor  356  can include a shaft  359  and flightings  357  as commonly known in the art. The shaft  359  can be comprised of two shaft sections  363  and  365 . While the embodiment can utilize a screw conveyor, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure covers other means of transmitting the material through a tube, including but not limited to, hydraulic pistons, pneumatics, slides, belts, and the like. External to the two halves  352  and  354  of the cartridge  320 , the screw conveyor  356  can be coupled to an inner shaft  325 . Each of the two halves  352  and  354  can include a second curved flange portion  361  adapted to receive a bearing that supports the inner shaft  325 . Encircling the inner shaft  325  can be a drive shaft  324 . The inner shaft  325  and the drive shaft  324  can be rotatably engaged with a pin  326 . The axial position of the drive shaft  324  on the inner shaft  325  can be preserved through a pin  328  extending through the inner shaft  325  proximate to an edge of the drive shaft  324 . The drive shaft  324  can be hexagonal to engage a drive shaft opening  341  in the gearbox  306 , as shown illustratively in  FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C . The drive shaft  324  may be hexagonal as shown, or may be of any shape suitable to engage the gearbox  306  and achieve the objects of the disclosure. Further, the present disclosure envisions the inner shaft  325  and the drive shaft  324  being a unitary construction. 
         [0053]    A gearbox  306  is provided in  FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C . The gearbox  306  can be configured of two connectable halves  336  and  338  to provide for ease of manufacturing. The gearbox  306  can include an input portion  333  and an output portion  331 . The input portion  333  can include a main shaft opening  334  extending through the input portion  333 . The main shaft opening  334  can be adapted to receive and engage a main drive shaft  360  ( FIGS. 18 and 20 ). In the illustrative embodiment of  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the main shaft opening  334  is hexagonal, but can be of any shape suitable to achieve the objects of the disclosure. The main shaft opening  334  can comprise an inner portion of an input helical gear  335 . As one or more gearboxes  306  can be connected in parallel, as discussed below, the main drive shaft  360  can span the length of the particulate container  204  and simultaneously drive multiple gearboxes  306 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 18 . The output portion  331  can include an opening  330  disposed within a first half  338  and a drive shaft opening  341  disposed on the second half  336 . The drive shaft opening  341  can be adapted to engage the drive shaft  324  of the cartridge  320 , as discussed above. The drive shaft opening  341  can comprise an inner portion of an output helical gear  337 . The input helical gear  335  and output helical gear  337  can be in a crossed configuration, as shown in  FIG. 11C . While the illustrative embodiment shows helical gears in a crossed configuration, the present disclosure contemplates any type of gearing needed to achieve the objects of the disclosure, including but not limited to, spur gears, bevel gears, spiral bevels, and the like. The drive shaft opening  341  can be orthogonal to main shaft opening  334 , whereby each of the gearboxes  306  transfers the rotational speed and torque provided by the main drive shaft  360  to an associated screw conveyor  356  disposed within a cartridge  320 . The present disclosure also contemplates other means for transferring the rotational speed and torque provided by the main drive shaft  360  to an associated screw conveyor  356 , including but not limited to, electromagnetic induction, belts, and the like. The gearbox  306  can be connected to the prongs  318  of hangars  308  through mounting holes  332  disposed on each side on the gearbox  306 . 
         [0054]    In another embodiment, a motor can be operatively connected to each cartridge, thereby removing the need for a gearbox. In the embodiment, the plurality of motors can be connected to the plurality of screw conveyors  356  to control each of the plurality of screw conveyors  356 . Each of the plurality of motors can be operatively connected to a control system to produce a desired speed of each screw conveyor  356 , of a group or bank of the screw conveyors  356 , or of all the screw conveyors  356 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 13  illustrates a plurality of particulate handling systems  300  at various stages of installation. Beginning below so-called Sector A, two hangars  308  can be connected to the bottom surface of the particulate container  204 , as discussed above. The hangars  308  may be parallel to one another and spaced to provide for installation of a cartridge  320 . The cartridge  320  may be installed by sliding a lower surface of the input slot  350  along guide surfaces  358 , one from each of the adjacent hangars  308 , as shown illustratively below Sector B. The advantageous design permits for ease of installation as well as removal and reinstallation should a cartridge  320  (and/or screw conveyor  356 ) need to be repaired or replaced with the same or different component. As illustrated below Sector C, the drive shaft  324  of the cartridge  320  can be installed over the inner shaft  325 . The installation of the drive shaft  324  over the inner shaft  325  can occur either before or after the cartridge  320  has been installed between hangars  308 . Thereafter, a gearbox  306  can be oriented such that the mounting holes  332  ( FIG. 11C ) are aligned with the prongs  318  on the hangars  308 , as shown illustratively below Sector D. In such an orientation, the drive shaft opening  341  ( FIG. 11C ) can also be aligned with the drive shaft  324  of the cartridge  320 . After installation of the gearbox  306  on the drive shaft  324 , a pin  326  may be installed to rotatably engage inner shaft  325  and the drive shaft  324 , and a pin  328  may be installed to axially secure the drive shaft  324  on the inner shaft  325 , as shown illustratively below Sector E. Further, securing means commonly known in the art can be used to secure the gearbox  306  to the prongs  318 . The installation process described above can be repeated for each row unit along the length of each of the particulate containers  202  and  204 . The main drive shaft  360  can extend through and engage the main drive shaft openings  334  in each of the gearboxes  306 . 
         [0056]    Each of the gearboxes  306  can have a clutch (not shown) in operable communication with a control system. At the direction of the user or based on instruction from the control system, the control system can engage/disengage one or more predetermined clutches in order to activate/deactivate the associated one or more screw conveyors. In such an instance, the particulate metering system  100  can provide for section control. 
         [0057]    As shown illustratively in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , each of the two prongs  318  of the one hangar  308  can be connected to adjacent gearboxes  306 . In other words, an upper prong of a hangar can be connected to one gearbox while a lower prong of the same hangar can be connected to an adjacent gearbox. The arrangement is due to an advantageous design of the gearbox  306 , which can permit one or more gearboxes  306  to be removed, inverted and reattached to the same two prongs as previously connected, as shown illustratively in  FIG. 14 . The inversion of a gearbox  306  can provide several advantages over the state of the art. First, in an inverted position, one or more of the gearboxes  306  can be disengaged from the main drive shaft  360  based on the needs of the application (e.g., in at least one instance, where one or more of the rows in the field does not require particulate metering). Second, a second main drive shaft (not shown) can be implemented and adapted to engage the one or more gearboxes  306  placed in an inverted position. The second main drive shaft can also extend the length of the particulate container  204  and can be parallel to the main drive shaft  360 . In such an embodiment, the user can invert one gearbox or can invert multiple gearboxes to permit desired groupings of the same (e.g., every four gearboxes, every other gearbox, etc.) based on the needs of the operation/application. Furthermore, together with the same opinion for the companion particulate handling system  300  associated with the second particulate container  202 , the potential configurations can permit precise control over the blends of the particulate from the containers as well as application rates in which the blends are metered. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 15 and 16  show companion particulate handling systems connected to a particulate accelerator  400 . In particular, the short auger tube  302  and long auger tube  304  extending from cartridges  320  can interface with a particulate accelerator  400  at interfaces  406 . Referring to  FIG. 16 , a gasket  409  can seal the short auger tube  302  and the particulate accelerator  400  and long auger tube  304  and the particulate accelerator  400 . The gasket  409  can provide the appropriate seal while accounting for the flexing required of the short auger tube  302  and long auger tube  304  within the particulate accelerators due to movement of the cartridges  320  (as the particulate containers  202  and  204  are emptied, experience vibration, and the like). 
         [0059]    In operation, particulate within the particulate container  204  can pass through the plurality of large gates  312  and a plurality of small gates  314  of the bottom tray  310  and the input slots  350  of the plurality of cartridges  320 , as shown illustratively in  FIGS. 15, 19 and 20 . Referring to  FIG. 20 , the main drive shaft  360  can be connected to the plurality of gearboxes  306 . Upon receiving an input force from the auger motor  504  via the gearbox  306 , the drive shaft  324  rotates the screw conveyors  356 . The flightings  357  of the screw conveyors  356  can transmit the particulate contained within the short auger tube  302  and the longer auger tube  304  towards interfaces  406 , as shown illustratively in  FIGS. 16 and 20 . The speed at which the screw conveyor  356  rotates can be measured by a speed sensor  502  ( FIG. 18 ). As best shown in  FIG. 20 , the process described above can also occur for each unit row along the length of the particulate containers  202  and  204 . The auger motor  504  associated with a subset of particulate handling systems  300  of the particulate container  204  can be independently controlled from the auger motor  504  associated with a subset of particulate handling systems  300  of the particulate container  202 , thereby providing for variable blend of the types of particulate. Together with inversion of one or more gearboxes and/or auger motors operatively connected to each screw conveyor, a user can have precise control over the blend of the types of particulate and the application rate at which the blend is metered into the particulate accelerators. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIGS. 15-17 , the particulate accelerator  400  can include an inlet  402  and an outlet  404 . The inlet  402  can be in fluid connection with the plenum  407 . Further, the particulate accelerators  400  can be arranged in two rows along the length of the plenum  407 . The two rows of particulate accelerators  400  along the length of the plenum  407  can be staggered longitudinally to maximize compactness of the same and/or to impart desired airflow characteristics. 
         [0061]    The plenum  407  has an intake  410  that is in fluid communication with a blower  420 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 17 , and can be connected via a blower coupler  422 . The plenum  407  and/or blower coupler  422  can be made of steel, but the disclosure contemplates other materials such as aluminum, polymers, composites, ceramics, and the like. 
         [0062]    After passing through the plenum  407  and the blower coupler  422 , air generated by the blower  420  can enter the particulate accelerators  400 . Further, as discussed above, the screw conveyors  356  can transmit the particulate contained within the short auger tube  302  and the longer auger tube  304  towards particulate accelerators  400 , as shown illustratively in  FIG. 20 . Upon reaching the particulate accelerators  400 , the particulate blend can descend vertically within the particulate accelerators  400  due to the force of gravity. The air tracking around a curved back wall of the particulate accelerators  400  can create an acute angle with the vertically descending particulate. The acute angle can minimize the directional change of the particulate needed to exit the particulate accelerator  400 . The air can further provide a fluid bed of air upon which the particulate blend is suspended as it exits particulate accelerator  400  through outlet  404 . The particulate blend can then enter a hose (not shown) and be metered to a discharge point in any manner commonly known in the art. The process described above can occur simultaneously in each particulate accelerator  400  disposed along the length of the plenum  407 . 
         [0063]    The disclosure is not to be limited to the particular embodiments described herein. In particular, the disclosure contemplates numerous variations in the type of ways in which embodiments of the disclosure can be applied to particulate handling systems with variable blend and variable application rate controls for particulate matter. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit any of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternatives or exemplary aspects that are considered included in the disclosure. The description is merely examples of embodiments, processes or methods of the disclosure. It is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/or additions can be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope of the disclosure. For the foregoing, it can be seen that the disclosure accomplishes at least all that is intended. 
         [0064]    The previous detailed description is of a small number of embodiments for implementing the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in scope. The following claims set forth a number of the embodiments of the disclosure with greater particularity.