System and method for controlling air flow to a metering system

A system and method for controlling air flow to a metering system is provided. One agricultural cart for distribution of an agricultural product in a field includes a metering system having a plurality of metering sections. At least one metering section is selectively controllable to not meter product while at least one other metering section is metering product. The agricultural cart also includes an air conveyance system having a blower and a conduit for producing and directing an air stream for moving the metered product toward a distribution device. The agricultural cart includes control circuitry configured to alter operation of the air conveyance system based upon whether the at least one metering section is metering or not metering product.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to agricultural metering systems and, more particularly, to a system and method for controlling air flow to a metering system.

Generally, seeding implements are towed behind a tractor or other work vehicle. These seeding implements typically include one or more ground engaging tools or openers that form a seeding path for seed deposition into the soil. The openers are used to break the soil to enable seed deposition. After the seeds are deposited, each opener is followed by a packer wheel that packs the soil on top of the deposited seeds.

In certain configurations, an air cart is used to meter and deliver agricultural product (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, etc.) to ground engaging tools within the seeding implement. Certain air carts include a metering system and an air conveyance system configured to deliver metered quantities of product into an airflow that transfers the product to the openers. However, typical air conveyance systems have limited ability to regulate air flow based on product flow rate from the metering system. For example, certain metering systems include multiple independently controllable metering sections configured to selectively route product to various openers. In such metering systems, the flow rate of product into the airflow is dependent upon the number of metering sections in operation. Furthermore, the air conveyance system is configured to provide a sufficient airflow to ensure that product is effectively transferred to the openers when all metering sections are in operation. Unfortunately, because the air conveyance system has a limited ability to regulate airflow, an extraneous airflow will be provided when less than all of the metering sections are in operation, thereby reducing the efficiency of the air cart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, an agricultural cart for distribution of an agricultural product in a field includes a metering system having a plurality of metering sections. At least one metering section is selectively controllable to not meter product while at least one other metering section is metering product. The agricultural cart also includes an air conveyance system having a blower and a conduit for producing and directing an air stream for moving the metered product toward a distribution device. The agricultural cart includes control circuitry configured to alter operation of the air conveyance system based upon whether the at least one metering section is metering or not metering product.

In another embodiment, an agricultural cart for distribution of an agricultural product in a field includes a metering system having a plurality of independently controllable metering sections configured to be driven to meter product and not driven to not meter product. The agricultural cart also includes an air conveyance system having multiple independently controllable dampers, a blower, and a conduit for producing and directing an air stream for moving the metered product toward a distribution device. The agricultural cart includes control circuitry configured to alter a position of each damper and to alter operation of the air conveyance system based upon the number of metering sections metering product.

In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an agricultural cart includes coupling a plurality of independently controllable metering sections together to form a metering system. Each metering section is configured to be driven to meter product and not driven to not meter product. The method also includes coupling an air conveyance system to the metering system. The air conveyance system comprises multiple independently controllable dampers, a blower, and a conduit for producing and directing an air stream for moving the metered product toward a distribution device. The method includes coupling control circuitry to the metering system. The control circuitry is configured to alter a position of each damper and to alter operation of the air conveyance system based upon the number of metering sections metering product.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described in detail below, embodiments of a system and method for controlling air flow to a metering system are provided. Unlike prior air flow control systems directed toward regulating flow to separate metering systems, e.g., Benneweis et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,516), the embodiments described below pertain to controlling air flow to separate sections within a single metering system. For example, in certain embodiments, an agricultural cart configured to distribute an agricultural product in a field includes a metering system having multiple metering sections. At least one metering section is selectively controllable to not meter product while at least one other section is metering product. The agricultural cart also includes an air conveyance system having a blower and a conduit for producing and directing an airflow for moving the metered product toward a distribution device. In addition, the cart includes control circuitry configured to alter operation of the air conveyance system based upon whether the at least one metering section is metering or not metering product. In certain embodiments, the agricultural cart includes at least one damper communicatively coupled to the control circuitry. In such embodiments, the control circuitry is configured to position the damper to alter air flow through the conduit based upon whether the at least one metering section is metering or not metering product.

FIG. 1is a side view of an air cart, which may employ an embodiment of an air conveyance system. In the illustrated embodiment, an implement10is coupled to an air cart12. The implement10includes a tool frame14having a ground engaging tool16. The ground engaging tool16is configured to penetrate soil18for seed and/or fertilizer deposition into the soil. The ground engaging tool16receives product (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, etc.) from a product distribution header20via a hose22. As illustrated, the hose22extends from the product distribution header20to the ground engaging tool16to facilitate product flow to the tool.

Although only one ground engaging tool16, product distribution header20, and hose22are included in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that the implement10may include additional tools16, headers20and/or hoses22in alternative embodiments. For example, in certain embodiments, the implement10may include one or more distribution headers having multiple hoses extending to respective ground engaging tools16. In the illustrated embodiment, the implement10includes wheel assemblies24which contact the soil surface18, and support the implement10during operation and transport.

The air cart12includes a storage tank26, a frame28, wheels30, a metering system32, and an air source34. In certain configurations, the storage tank26includes multiple compartments for storing various flowable particulate materials. For example, one compartment may include seeds, and another compartment may include a dry fertilizer. In such configurations, the air cart12is configured to deliver both the seeds and fertilizer to the implement10. The frame28includes a towing hitch configured to couple to the implement10or a tow vehicle. As illustrated, the air cart12is coupled to the implement10via the frame28. Consequently, the air cart12is towed behind the implement10during planting operations and during transport. In alternative embodiments, the air cart12may be towed directly behind a tow vehicle, with the implement10towed behind the air cart12.

In the present embodiment, seeds and/or fertilizer within the storage tank26are gravity fed into the metering system32. The metering system32includes sectioned meter rollers to regulate the flow of material from the storage tank26into an air flow provided by the air source34. The air flow then carries the material through a hose36to the implement10, thereby supplying the ground engagement tool16with seeds and/or fertilizer for deposition within the soil. Although only one hose36is included in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that multiple hoses may be utilized within alternative embodiments. Furthermore, the hoses36extending from the air cart12to the distribution headers20may have a larger diameter than the hoses extending from the distribution headers20to each ground engaging tool16. For example, the hoses extending to the distribution headers may have a diameter of about 2.5 inches, while the hoses extending to each ground engaging tool16may have a diameter of about 1.0 inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, a communication bus38communicatively couples control circuitry40to the metering system32and to the air source34. The communication bus38enables power and control signals to be provided to the metering system32and to the air source34to control their operation. In certain embodiments, a second communication bus42connects the control circuitry40to a control assembly44which may be located on the tow vehicle. The control assembly44includes additional control circuitry46and a spatial locating system, such as the illustrated Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver48. The additional control circuitry46provides control signals to the control circuitry40, and may receive geographical position information from the GPS receiver48to determine a geographical position of the metering system32or air cart12. As such, the control circuitry40and/or the additional control circuitry46may implement “Smart Farming,” in which the control circuitry controls the metering system32and/or an air conveyance system based on the geographical position of the metering system32or air cart12.

While the control circuitry40is coupled to the air cart12in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that the control circuitry40may be coupled to the implement10and/or the tow vehicle in alternative embodiments. In addition, while the control assembly44is coupled to the tow vehicle in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that at least a portion of the control assembly44may be coupled to the implement10and/or the air cart12in alternative embodiments. For example, in certain embodiments, the GPS receiver48may be coupled to the implement10, and the control circuitry46may be coupled to the air car12. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the communications buses38and42may utilize any suitable wireless or wired communication protocols, such as CAN Bus, for example.

FIG. 2is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a metering system32and an exemplary air conveyance system on an air cart12. As illustrated, the air source34is coupled to a tube50(or conduit) configured to enable air52to flow past the metering system32. The air source34may be one or more pumps or blowers powered by electric or hydraulic motors, for example. In certain embodiments, multiple tubes may be coupled to the air source34and extend to different regions of the metering system. Alternatively, one tube may be coupled to the air source34, and the tube may split into multiple tubes, each extending to a different region of the metering system. Flowable particulate material54(e.g., seeds, fertilizer, etc.) within the storage tank26flows by gravity into the metering system32. The metering system32includes one or more meter rollers56configured to regulate the flow of material54into the air flow52. More particularly, the metering system32may include multiple meter rollers56disposed adjacent to one another along a longitudinal axis of the rollers56. For example, certain metering systems32include eight meter rollers56. Such systems32are known as “8-run” metering assemblies. However, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer meter rollers56, e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more. Further embodiments may include one continuous meter roller56.

Each meter roller56includes an interior cavity58configured to receive a shaft that drives the meter roller56to rotate. In the present embodiment, the cavity58has a hexagonal cross section. However, alternative embodiments may include various other cavity configurations (e.g., triangular, square, keyed, splined, etc.). The shaft is coupled to a drive unit, such as an electric or hydraulic motor, configured to rotate the meter rollers56. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the meter rollers56may be coupled to an air cart wheel by a gear assembly such that rotation of the wheel drives the meter rollers56to rotate. Such a configuration may automatically vary the rotation rate of the meter rollers56based on the speed of the air cart.

Each meter roller56also includes multiple flutes60and recesses62. The number and geometry of the flutes60are particularly configured to accommodate the material54being distributed. The illustrated embodiment includes six flutes60and a corresponding number of recesses62. Alternative embodiments may include more or fewer flutes60and/or recesses62. For example, the meter rollers56may include 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or more flutes60and/or recesses62. In addition, the depth of the recesses62and/or the height of the flutes60are configured to accommodate the material54within the storage tank26. For example, a meter roller56having deeper recesses62and fewer flutes60may be employed for larger seeds, while a meter roller56having shallower recesses62and more flutes60may be employed for smaller seeds. Other parameters such as flute pitch (i.e., rotation relative to a longitudinal axis) and flute angle (i.e., rotation relative to a radial axis) may also be varied in alternative embodiments.

For a particular meter roller configuration, the rotation rate of the meter roller56controls the flow of material54into the air stream52. Specifically, as the meter roller56rotates, material is transferred through an opening64in the metering system32into a tube66. The material then mixes with air from the air source34, thereby forming an air/material mixture68. The mixture then flows to the row units of the implement via additional tubes, where the seeds and/or fertilizer are deposited within the soil. In the present embodiment, the metering system32may be deactivated by stopping rotation of the meter rollers56, thereby substantially blocking the flow of material through the opening64. Conversely, the metering system32may be activated by engaging rotation of the meter rollers56. In this manner, product flow to the row units may be suspending while the ground engaging tools are in a non-working position. Although only one tube66is included in the illustrated embodiment, the system may employ multiple tubes in alternative embodiments. For example, each meter roller56may be configured to deliver product to a respective tube. Alternatively, there may be one tube for a group of meter rollers56. Consequently, there may be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 tubes attached to the meter roller56.

In the illustrated embodiment, one or more dampers70are coupled to the tubes50and66. The dampers70may be controlled to selectively inhibit air flow52to one or more tubes66. As illustrated, the dampers70, the air source34, and the metering system32are communicatively coupled to the control circuitry40via the communication bus38. As such, the control circuitry40controls the position of the dampers70and the speed of the air source34. For example, the control circuitry40may alter the position of the dampers70and the speed of the air source34based on whether an associated meter roller56is rotating, or based on a number of meter rollers56in operation. By way of example, to block product flow to a group of tools16, the control circuitry40will stop the meter rollers56configured to provide product to the group. In addition, the control circuitry40will close the damper70within the tube66configured to deliver product to the group of tools. Due to the reduced product flow, the control circuitry40will also decrease the speed of the air source34, thereby substantially reducing power usage. Because air flow is particularly adjusted to accommodate the product flow rate, the efficiency of the air cart will be significantly increased.

Although the tubes50and66are external to the metering system32in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments may include tubes directly coupled to the metering system32. For example, the tube50may couple to a top section of the metering system32, and the tube66may couple to a bottom section of metering system32. In such a configuration, the metering system32may have two top sections and one bottom section. The top sections may include one section for air entry and another section for product entry. The bottom section may be an exit point for the combined air and product.

FIG. 3is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a metering system32and an air conveyance system72. The air conveyance system72includes the air source34, a tube74, and dampers76,78, and80. The tube74is coupled to the air source34, and to each of the dampers76,78and80. Tubes82,84, and86extend between the dampers76,78, and80and the metering system32, and tubes88,90and92extend between the metering system32and an implement. The metering system32is divided into an air handling portion94and a metering portion96. The air handling portion94and the metering portion96are subdivided into a center section98and two side sections100and102. The tube84extends between the damper78and the center section98, the tube82extends between the damper76and the side section100, and the tube86extends between the damper80and the side section102.

The metering portion96of the metering system32includes four meter rollers56connected to a first side of a coupling106, and four meter rollers56connected to a second side of the coupling. At a first end108of the meter portion96, a clutch110is coupled to a drive shaft (not shown) extending through all of the meter rollers56, and a side hex shaft (not shown) extending through three meter rollers56in the side section102. When engaged, the clutch110couples the drive shaft to the side hex shaft to transfer torque from the drive shaft to the side hex shaft. When disengaged, the clutch110decouples the drive shaft from the side hex shaft. Further, at a second end112, a clutch114is coupled to the drive shaft and a side hex shaft (not shown) extending through three meter rollers56in side section100. When engaged, the clutch114couples the drive shaft to the side hex shaft to transfer torque from the drive shaft to the side hex shaft. When disengaged, the clutch114decouples the drive shaft from the side hex shaft.

A drive unit116is coupled to the drive shaft, and configured to drive the shaft to rotate. A communication bus118communicatively couples the control circuitry40to the air source34, to the dampers76,78, and80, to the clutches110and114, and to the drive unit116. Furthermore, the communication bus118is communicatively coupled to a tow vehicle to facilitate control of the air cart12from the tow vehicle. In the present embodiment, the control circuitry40is configured to send control signals over the communication bus118to operate the air cart devices.

During operation, the drive unit116rotates the meter rollers56to meter product for distribution to an implement. In addition, the air source34provides an air stream through the tube74. When the dampers76,78, and80are in an open position, the air stream passes through the dampers, through the tubes82,84and86, and into the air handling portion94of the metering system32. In the air handling portion94, the air stream from the tube82combines with product metered from the meter rollers56in the side section100, and the air/product mixture exits the metering system32through the tube88. Likewise, the air stream from the tube84combines with product metered from the meter rollers56in the center section98, and the air/product mixture exits the metering system32through the tube90. Furthermore, the air stream from the tube86combines with product metered from the meter rollers56in the side section102, and the air/product mixture exits the metering system32through the tube92.

The control circuitry40is configured to send a signal to cause either of the clutches110and114to disengage. When either clutch is disengaged, the control circuitry40may further send a signal to reduce the speed of the air source34and/or to close the damper76and80associated with the disengaged clutch. For example, if the clutch110is disengaged, the control circuitry40will reduce the speed of the air source34and may close or partially close the damper80, thereby reducing the air flow through the side section102. In addition, if the clutch114is disengaged, the control circuitry40will reduce the speed of the air source34and may close or partially close the damper76, thereby reducing the air flow through the side section100. Furthermore, both clutches110and114may be disengaged, and the control circuitry40may reduce the speed of the air source34and/or close the dampers76and80.

The control circuitry40may also send a signal to cause the clutches110and114to be engaged. When either clutch is engaged, the control circuitry40may send a signal to increase the speed of the air source34and/or open the dampers76and80. In addition, when the control circuitry40stops rotating the drive unit116, the air source34may be stopped and/or the dampers76,78, and80may be placed in a closed position. In certain embodiments, the speed of the air source34may be reduced proportionally to the number of sections not metering product. Likewise, the dampers76,78, and80may be opened, closed, or partially opened to achieve a desired air flow through the tubes.

For example, if an operator does not want product to be delivered to a certain section of the implement, the operator may instruct the control circuitry40to stop the clutch110or114that corresponds to that section of the implement. The control circuitry40then disengages the corresponding clutch, decreases the speed of the air source34, and closes the corresponding damper76,78, or80. Thus, the overall air flow is reduced, resulting in lower energy consumption and increased efficiency in the metering system32. In certain embodiments, the speed of the air source34and/or the position of the dampers76,78, and80may be altered based on a start time of each metering section98,100, and102, and a stop time of each metering section98,100, and102.

For example, the air source34may increase its speed and/or the dampers76,78, and80may open at a time prior to the start time of a metering section98,100, or102. Such a time prior to the start time may be selected by an operator and may be approximately 3 to 10 seconds, or any other selectable time. Furthermore, the air source34may decrease its speed and/or the dampers76,78, and80may close at a time after the stop time of a metering section98,100, or102. The time after the stop time may also be selected by the operator, and may be any selectable time. In other embodiments, the speed of the air source34may be altered based on a start time of each metering section98,100, and102, and a stop time of each metering section98,100, and102, while the position of the dampers76,78, and80may be altered based at least partly on the speed of the air source34. In yet other embodiments, the position of the dampers76,78, and80may be altered based on a start time of each metering section98,100, and102, and a stop time of each metering section98,100, and102, while the speed of the air source34may be altered based on the speed of the air source34.

FIG. 4is a side view of an embodiment of a sectioned meter roller assembly that may be used within the metering system32ofFIG. 3. As illustrated, the meter roller assembly includes a center section120, a first side section122, and a second side section124. In the illustrated embodiment, the center section120is live, i.e., directly connected to the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft induces the center section120to rotate, and includes two meter rollers56. However, it should be appreciated that the center section120may include additional meter rollers (e.g., four, six, eight, or more) in alternative embodiments. As illustrated, the center section120includes a coupler106attached to a center shaft with a fastener126to separate meter rollers56on either side of the coupler106. The meter rollers56are separated from one another by divider plates128which direct product to the individual meter rollers56. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second side sections122and124each include three meter rollers56. However, in certain embodiments, the first and second side sections122and124may include more or fewer meter rollers56(e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more). As previously discussed, during operation of the metering system32, the meter rollers56are driven to rotate, thereby metering a desired quantity of product to the ground engaging tools.

A bearing assembly130is located at the first end108adjacent to the first side section122, and a bearing assembly132is located at the second end112adjacent to the second side section124. The clutches110and114include sprockets136and140, respectively. As illustrated, an agitator drive assembly142is coupled to the metering system32adjacent to the clutch114via a fastener144. In certain embodiments, the agitator drive assembly142is coupled to agitators configured to move back and forth when the rotary shaft is rotated, thereby dislodging product that may become stuck while flowing to the meter rollers56. Furthermore, a coupler146is connected to the agitator drive assembly142, and configured to transfer torque between a drive assembly and the drive shaft. The drive assembly may include a motor (e.g., electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.) configured to drive the drive shaft to rotate, thereby rotating the meter rollers56.

As previously discussed, rotation of the drive shaft induces the meter rollers within the center section120to rotate. In addition, the clutches110and114may be engaged to induce rotation of the first and second side sections122and124, and disengaged to stop rotation of the first and second side sections122and124. To disengage one or both of the clutches110and114, a control latch is activated by a solenoid assembly (not shown) which causes the latch to catch on one of the teeth of the sprockets136and140. When the latch catches on one of the teeth of either sprocket136or140, the sprocket and corresponding clutch stop rotating, while the drive shaft continues to rotate. Thus, the spring holding the clutch to the drive shaft unwinds and the clutch becomes disengaged. Once the clutch is disengaged, the corresponding side section will stop rotating.

For example, if the clutch110is engaged and the drive shaft is rotating, the first side section122will rotate. Conversely, if the clutch110is disengaged by a latch catching on one of the teeth of the sprocket136, the first side section122will not rotate despite rotation of the draft shaft (i.e., the clutch will decouple the first side section122from the draft shaft). However, because the center section120is live, the center section120will continue to rotate when the clutch110is disengaged. Likewise, if the clutch114is engaged and the drive shaft is rotating, the side section124will rotate. Conversely, if the clutch114is disengaged by a latch catching on one of the teeth of the sprocket140, the side section124will not rotate despite rotation of the draft shaft (i.e., the clutch will decouple the side section124from the draft shaft). However, because the center section120is live, the center section120will continue to rotate when the clutch114is disengaged.

During operation, if an operator does not want product to be delivered to a certain section of the implement (e.g. the first side section122and the second side section124), the operator may instruct the control circuitry to stop the clutch110or114that corresponds to that section of the implement. When a section of the implement is no longer used, the air flow needed to distribute product is reduced. Therefore, after the control circuitry disengages the corresponding clutch, the control circuitry decreases the speed of the air source, and closes the corresponding damper. Thus, the overall air flow is reduced, resulting in lower energy consumption and increased efficiency in the metering system32.

FIG. 5is a flow diagram of an exemplary method148of manufacturing a sectioned metering system with an air conveyance system. At step150, meter rollers are coupled to meter roller sections. For example, two meter rollers may be coupled a center section, while three meter rollers may be coupled to each of a first side section and a second side section. Then, at step152, the meter roller sections are coupled to a drive shaft assembly. For example, the center section may be secured to the drive shaft assembly, the first side section may be coupled on one side of the center section, and the second side section coupled on the other side of the center section. Next, at step154, clutches are attached to each side of the drive shaft assembly. Specifically, the clutches may be attached adjacent to the outer ends of the first and second side sections. At step156, a drive input, such as a motor assembly, is attached to the drive side of the drive shaft assembly adjacent to one of the clutches. Then, at step158, a meter box housing is attached to the drive shaft assembly. For example, the meter box housing may be attached using fasteners, clamps, or some other means.

Next, at step160, dampers are coupled to tubes for transporting an air stream and/or a product to an implement. Specifically, one damper may be coupled to the metering system for each section (e.g., center section, first side section, and second side section). At step162, the tubes are coupled to an air source, such as a blower. As such, air from the air source may be directed through the tubes. Then, at step164, the tubes are coupled to a meter housing assembly. Thus, air may flow from the tubes through the meter housing assembly to direct product to flow to an implement. Next, at step166, the metering system is attached to an air cart. For example, the metering system may be attached using fasteners, or by some other manner.

At step168, the air conveyance system, including the tubes, blower, and dampers, is attached to the air cart. Therefore, the air cart includes the air conveyance system for directing product flow to an implement. Then, at step170, control circuitry is coupled to the metering system. For example, a wiring system may communicatively couple the blower, dampers, clutches, and drive unit to control circuitry. Next, at step172, a spatial locating system (e.g., a geographical sensing system) may be coupled to the metering system. In certain embodiments, the spatial locating system may be attached to the air cart, while, in other embodiments, the spatial locating system may be attached to a tow vehicle. At step174, the spatial locating system may be coupled to the control circuitry. With the spatial locating system coupled to the control circuitry, the air cart may use GPS to control which sections of the meter roller assembly meter product, and which dampers allow air to flow to the meter roller sections. Thus, the control circuitry may use the GPS to implement smart fanning. For example, based on a geographic position, the control circuitry may determine that the first side section and the center section should be activated. Therefore, the second side section may be deactivated (e.g., clutch disengaged and damper closed) while the center section and first side section remain activated.

FIG. 6is a flow diagram of an exemplary method176of operating a sectioned metering system with an air conveyance system. At step178, all sections of the metering system are driven by a drive input, such as a drive motor assembly. Then, at step180, as the meter roller sections are driven to rotate, the metering system begins product distribution to the implement. From step180, the method may either continue to step182or step184. At step182, a spatial locating system may detect a geographical position of the metering system. A control system may then determine whether product should be deposited at the detected geographical position. Alternatively, at step184, the metering system may detect a manual input from an operator, such as a selection via a user interface to engage or disengage a section of the meter roller assembly. Next, at step186, the control system determines whether it should disengage clutchable section(s).

If the control system determines that certain clutchable section(s) should be disengaged, the control system will send a control signal to the clutch(es) to disengage the clutch(es), as represented by step188. For example, if an operator or a control system desires to disengage the clutch of a first side section, the control system will send a control signal to a solenoid to cause the clutch of the first side section to disengage. Next, at step190, the system determines whether it should engage disengaged section(s). If the control system determines that certain clutchable section(s) should be engaged, the system will send a control signal to the clutch(es) to engage the clutch(es), as represented by step192. For example, if an operator or a control system desires to engage the clutches of two side sections, the control system will send control signals to solenoids to cause the clutches of the two side sections to engage.

At step194, the system determines whether it should alter a speed of the blower based on the number of metering sections in operation. If a change in blower speed is desired, the system sends a control signal to the blower to alter the blower speed, as represented by step196. For example, the blower speed may be increased or decreased to correlate with clutch engagement/disengagement. Furthermore, the blower speed may be controlled by the geographical position of the air cart. Specifically, if the control circuitry determines that product should not be delivered by the blower, the control circuitry may decrease the blower speed as needed. Then, at step198, the system determines whether it should alter damper positions based on the metering sections in operation. If an altered damper positions is desired, the system sends a control signal to the dampers to alter the damper positions, as represented by step200. For example, the dampers may be opened, closed, or placed in an intermediate position based on a desired air flow to a respective metering section. Again, based on the geographical position of the air cart, the control circuitry may determine that product should not be delivered and the control circuitry may adjust the appropriate dampers accordingly. Next, at step202, the system determines whether it should stop distribution of product. If product distribution should continue, the method returns to either step182or184. If termination of product distribution is desired, the system will stop driving the sections at step204.