Patent Publication Number: US-10775220-B2

Title: Ringed meter roller and slide cutoff system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/932,597, entitled “RINGED METER ROLLERS AND SLIDE CUTOFF SYSTEM”, filed Nov. 4, 2015, which claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/075,198, entitled “RINGED METER ROLLERS AND SLIDE CUTOFF SYSTEM”, filed Nov. 4, 2014. Each of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to agricultural implements, and more specifically, to ringed meter rollers and a slide cutoff system. 
     A range of agricultural implements have been developed and are presently in use for tilling, planting, harvesting, and so forth. Seeders, for example, are commonly towed behind tractors and may cover wide swaths of ground which may be tilled or untilled. Such devices typically open the soil, dispense granular product in the soil opening, and re-close the soil in a single operation. In agricultural implements such as seeders or spreaders, granular products are commonly dispensed from bulk product tanks and distributed to row units by a distribution system. In certain configurations, air carts are towed with the implements to deliver a desired flow of granular products to the row units. 
     Air carts generally include a seed storage tank, an air source (e.g., a blower) and a metering assembly. The granular products are typically gravity fed from the storage tank to the metering assembly that distributes a desired volume of granular products into an air flow generated by the air source. The air flow then carries the granular products to the row units via conduits extending between the air cart and the agricultural implements. The metering assembly typically includes meter rollers or other metering devices that regulate the flow of granular products based on meter roller geometry and rotation rate. However, some granular products differ in size or desired rate of application, and, thus, different meter rollers may be used for the different products. Replacing meter rollers may be time consuming and inconvenient. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed invention are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the invention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below. 
     In a first embodiment, a system includes an agricultural metering system with a meter roller configured to meter product from an agricultural product storage compartment to a product distribution system via rotation of the meter roller. The meter roller includes a first meter roller segment having a first plurality of flutes and a corresponding first plurality of recesses, a second meter roller segment having a second plurality of flutes and a corresponding second plurality of recesses, and a shaft disposed through the first meter roller segment and through the second meter roller segment, wherein the shaft is non-rotatably coupled to the first meter roller segment and to the second meter roller segment, and the first plurality of flutes of the first meter roller segment is axially separated from the second plurality of flutes of the second meter roller segment by a gap. The meter roller also includes a dividing ring disposed about the shaft and axially positioned between the first meter roller segment and the second meter roller segment. A width of the dividing ring is substantially equal to the gap. 
     In a second embodiment, a system includes an agricultural metering system with a housing configured to receive product from an agricultural product storage compartment and a dividing slat disposed within the housing. The dividing slat is configured to divide a flow of the product into a first portion and a second portion. The agricultural metering system also has a meter roller disposed within the housing and configured to meter the product to a product distribution system via rotation of the meter roller. The meter roller includes a first meter roller segment having a first plurality of flutes and a corresponding first plurality of recesses, a second meter roller segment having a second plurality of flutes and a corresponding second plurality of recesses, and a dividing ring disposed axially between the first meter roller segment and the second meter roller segment. The dividing ring is non-rotatably coupled to the first meter roller segment and to the second meter roller segment, and the dividing ring is axially aligned with the dividing slat to direct the first portion of the product through the first meter roller segment and to direct the second portion of the product through the second meter roller segment. 
     In a third embodiment, a system includes an agricultural metering system with a housing configured to receive product from an agricultural product storage compartment via an opening in the housing, a slide configured to selectively block at least a portion of the opening, and a meter roller disposed within the housing and configured to meter the product to a product distribution system via rotation of the meter roller. The meter roller includes a first meter roller segment having a first plurality of flutes and a corresponding first plurality of recesses, a second meter roller segment having a second plurality of flutes and a corresponding second plurality of recesses, and a dividing ring disposed axially between the first meter roller segment and the second meter roller segment, wherein the dividing ring is non-rotatably coupled to the first meter roller segment and to the second meter roller segment, the dividing ring is configured to direct a first portion of the product through the first meter roller segment and a second portion of the product through the second meter roller segment, and the slide is configured to move at least between a first position that facilitates flow of the first and second portions through the respective first and second meter roller segments, and a second position that blocks flow of the first portion through the first meter roller segment. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an air cart, including a metering assembly configured to regulate a flow of particulate material; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of the metering assembly, as shown in  FIG. 1 , including a meter roller; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a meter roller that may be used in the metering assembly shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of an embodiment of a meter roller that may be used in the system shown in  FIG. 2 ; and 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the metering assembly with a slide in an open position; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the metering assembly of  FIG. 5  with a slide in a partially open position; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the metering assembly of  FIG. 5  with a slide in a closed position; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the metering assembly of  FIG. 5  with a slide in a partially open position; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the metering assembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the metering assembly of  FIG. 5  having a curved slide; and 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view of an embodiment of the meter assembly of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the meter roller  28  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a side view of an air cart  10  that may be used in conjunction with a towable agricultural implement (e.g., seeder) to deposit agricultural products (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, or other particulate materials) into the soil. For example, certain agricultural implements include row units configured to open the soil, dispense seeds into the soil opening, and re-close the soil in a single operation. Such implements are generally coupled to a tow vehicle, such as a tractor, and pulled through a field. In certain configurations, seeds are conveyed to the row units by the illustrated air cart  10 , which is generally towed in sequence with the implement. In alternative configurations, the air cart  10  may be configured to provide fertilizer to the row units, or a combination of seeds and fertilizer. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the air cart  10  includes a storage tank  12 , a frame  14 , wheels  16 , a metering assembly  18  and an air source  20 . In certain configurations, the storage tank  12  includes multiple compartments for storing various flowable particulate materials. For example, one compartment may include seeds, such as canola or mustard, and another compartment may include a dry fertilizer. In such configurations, the air cart  10  is configured to deliver both the seeds and the fertilizer to the implement. The frame  14  includes a towing hitch configured to couple to the implement or tow vehicle. As discussed in detail below, seeds and/or fertilizer within the storage tank  12  are provided (e.g., gravity fed into) the metering assembly  18 . The metering assembly  18  includes meter rollers that regulate the flow of material from the storage tank  12  into an air flow provided by the air source  20 . The air flow then carries the material to the implement by pneumatic conduits. In this manner, the row units receive a supply of seeds and/or fertilizer for deposition within the soil. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic view of the metering assembly  18 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated, the air source  20  is coupled to a conduit  22  configured to flow air  24  past the metering assembly  18 . The air source  20  may be a pump or blower powered by an electric or hydraulic motor, for example. Flowable particulate agricultural product  26  (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, etc.) within the storage tank  12  flows by gravity into the metering assembly  18 . The metering assembly  18  includes one or more meter rollers  28  configured to regulate the flow of agricultural product  26  into the air flow  24 . More particularly, the metering assembly  18  may include multiple meter rollers  28  disposed adjacent to one another. For example, certain metering assemblies  18  include seven meter rollers  28 . Such assemblies  18  are known as “7-run” metering assemblies. However, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer meter rollers  28 , e.g., 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more. Further embodiments may include one continuous meter roller  28 . 
     Each meter roller  28  includes an interior cavity  30  configured to receive a shaft that drives the meter roller  28 . In the present embodiment, the cavity  30  has 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 rollers  28 . Alternatively, the meter rollers  28  may be coupled to a wheel  16  by a gear assembly such that rotation of the wheel  16  drives the meter rollers  28  to rotate. Such a configuration will automatically vary the rotation rate of the meter rollers  28  based on the speed of the air cart  10 . In some embodiments, the meter rollers  28  coupled to each storage tank  12  may be independently controlled (e.g., may be operated at independent rotation rates). 
     Each meter roller  28  also includes multiple flutes  32  and recesses  34 . The number and geometry of the flutes  32  are configured to accommodate the agricultural product  26  being distributed. The illustrated embodiment includes six flutes  32  and a corresponding number of recesses  34 . Alternative embodiments may include more or fewer flutes  32  and/or recesses  34 . For example, the meter roller  28  may include 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or more flutes  32  and/or recesses  34 . In addition, a depth of the recesses  34  and/or a height of the flutes  32  are configured to accommodate the agricultural product  26  within the storage tank  12 . For example, a meter roller  28  having deeper recesses  34  and fewer flutes  32  may be employed for larger seeds, while a meter roller  28  having shallower recesses  34  and more flutes  32  may 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 example, as described below with respect to  FIG. 10 , the flutes  32  may include angled, spiral, helical, or wavy flutes to distribute the product  26  at various rates and directions. 
     The rotation rate of the meter roller  28  controls the flow of agricultural product  26  into the air stream  24 . Specifically, as the meter roller  28  rotates, material is transferred through an opening  36  in the metering assembly  18  into the conduit  22 . The material then mixes with air from the air source  20 , thereby forming an air/material mixture  38 . The mixture then flows to the row units of the implement via pneumatic conduits, where the seeds and/or fertilizer are deposited within the soil. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, if the flow rate of material from the meter roller  28  is higher or lower than desired for a particular product, the rate of rotation of the meter roller  28  may be changed. In some situations, however, a change in rotation rate may not be enough to achieve the desired output of agricultural product. In such situations, the meter roller  28  may be replaced. However, as noted above, replacing meter rollers may be time consuming. Accordingly, as explained in detail below, present embodiments may include the meter roller  28  having multiple segments and/or multiple divider rings. The meter roller  28  may be separated from the storage tank  12  by a slide, which is positioned over the meter roller  28  to enable selection of various segments of the meter roller  28  to deliver the agricultural product  26  at a desired product flow rate. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the meter roller  28 . The meter roller  28  may include a knob  40  configured to engage with the meter roller housing and support the end of the meter roller  28  to the drive unit that is configured to drive rotation of the meter roller  28 . As mentioned above, the meter roller  28  may be driven by an electric or hydraulic motor, or by connection with one of the wheels  16  of the air cart  10 . The meter roller  28  includes three segments  42 ,  44 ,  46  configured to deliver the agricultural product  26  to the conduit  22 . As illustrated, the first segment  42  includes small, shallow recesses  34  and thus may be used when the agricultural product  26  includes small seeds or fertilizer that is metered at a low flow rate. Each of the second segment  44  and third segment  46  have deeper and larger recesses  34 , and, thus, may be used for agricultural products  26  that are metered at a higher rate. 
     The segments  42 ,  44 ,  46  of the meter roller  28  may be axially (e.g., along an axial axis  47 ) divided by dividing rings  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54 . In the illustrated embodiment, a first ring  48  and a second ring  50  define an axial width  56  of the first segment  42  of the meter roller  28 . As mentioned above, the first segment  42  has shallow recesses  34 , but may also include smaller axial width  56 , which may be desirable for products that are metered at a low flow rate. The second segment  44  of the meter roller  28  is bordered by the second ring  50  and a third ring  52 , which define an axial width  58 . Additionally, the third ring  52  and a fourth ring  54  define an axial width  60  of the third segment  46  of the meter roller  28 . The second axial width  58  and the third axial width  60  may be the same, as illustrated, or may be different to enable various product flow rates. 
     As described in detail below, the metering assembly  18  may include a slide that aligns with the dividing rings  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54  to enable accurate flow rate of the agricultural product  26 . The meter roller  28  may have a radius  68  measured from the axial axis  47  of the meter roller  28 . The radius  68  is the same for each of the dividing rings  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54  (e.g., an outer surface of each dividing ring has the same radius  68 ). A consistent outer radius  68  may facilitate alignment of the slide relative to the dividing rings when the slide shifts from one dividing ring to the next. Each dividing ring  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54  may also include an inner radius  70  that is sized to fit over a shaft  72 . The shaft  72  is non-rotatably coupled to the segments  42 ,  44 ,  46  and to the dividing rings  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54 . The dividing rings  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54  are positioned around the shaft  72  and fit between the segments  42 ,  44 ,  46  within a gap  74  between each pair of adjacent segments (e.g., between the first segment  42  and the second segment  44 , and between the second segment  44  and the third segment  46 ). This ensures that the dividing rings  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54  do not move relative to each other or relative to the roller segments  42 ,  44 ,  46 . 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of an embodiment of the meter roller  28 .  FIG. 4  also includes a cross-sectional end view for each of the segments  42 ,  44 ,  46  of the meter roller  28 . As illustrated, each segment  42 ,  44 ,  46  includes a profile  62 ,  64 ,  66  (e.g., cross-sectional profile) which determines the flow rate for a given speed of rotation of the meter roller  28 . As with the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the first segment  42  has a fine profile  62  for products using a fine or low flow rate. The fine profile  62  of the first segment  42  has small recesses  34  defined by a small difference between the outer radius  68  and the inner radius  70 . Additionally, as illustrated in  FIG. 4  the fine profile  62  of the first segment  42  may include a concave curved flute  32  that may improve flow for small particles of the product  26 . The first segment  42  may have a small width  56 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4  to meter the product  26  at a fine flow rate. 
     The second segment  44  of the meter roller  28  may include a medium profile  64  and width  58  to facilitate a medium flow rate of the product  26 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the medium profile  64  may have larger recesses  34  with a greater difference between the outer radius  68  and the inner radius  70 . The second profile  64  may also have angled flutes  32  and a convex surface  63  at the inner radius  70 , rather than the concave curved flutes  32 . The medium profile  64  thus supports more product  26  (e.g., as compared to the fine profile  62 ) within each of the recesses  34  as the meter roller  28  rotates. The second segment  44  may also have a slightly larger width  58  as compared to the width  56  of the first segment  42 . In certain embodiments, the width  58  of the second segment  44  and the width  56  of the first segment  42  may be the same. 
     The third segment  46  of the meter roller  28  may include a profile  66  and width  60  for a coarse flow rate of the product  26 . As illustrated, the coarse profile  66  includes deep flutes  32  in which there is a relatively large difference between the inner radius  70  and the outer radius  68 . The coarse profile  66  thus enables a higher flow rate than either the medium profile  64  or the fine profile  62 . In some embodiments, the coarse segment  44  may have a larger width  60  to further increase the amount of product  26  that is delivered. In other embodiments, the widths of each of the segments  42 ,  44 ,  46 , or any two of the segments  42 ,  44 ,  46  may be the same. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the metering assembly  18  with a slide  80  in an open position. A roller housing  82  supports the meter roller  28  and supports the slide  80  in a position over the meter roller  28 . The slide  80  is translated within a slide track  84  of the roller housing  82 , and a cutoff panel  86  restricts flow of the product  26  from certain segments  42 ,  44 ,  46 , and allows the product  26  to flow through other segments  42 ,  44 ,  46 . The slide  80  may, as illustrated, include a groove panel  88  that includes grooves  90  that match with a groove wheel  92 . As the groove wheel  92  rotates, the grooves  90  engage with the groove wheel  92  and translate the groove panel  88  and the rest of the slide  80  relative to the meter roller  28 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cutoff panel  86  exposes a first hole  94  and a second hole  96 , which are separated by a divider  98 . The divider  98  is part of the roller housing  82  and maintains a division between the first medium hole  94  and the second medium hole  96 . The first hole  94  is aligned with the second segment  44 , and the second hole  96  is aligned with the third segment  46 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the slide  80  is positioned at an open position  100 , which is an open distance  102  from a distal end  104  of the slide track  84 . In the open position  100 , each of the first hole  94  (and the second segment  44 ) and the second hole  96  (and the third segment  46 ) are exposed, while the fine segment  42  is covered (e.g., blocked). In the open position  100 , the metering assembly  18  enables the greatest amount of product  26  to flow through the roller housing  82 . In some embodiments, the slide  80  may include an open position that opens all three segments  42 ,  44 ,  46 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the metering assembly  18  with the slide  80  in a partially open position  106 . The partially open position  106  exposes the second hole  96 , while covering the first hole  94 . With the first hole  94  covered, the amount of product  26  flowing through the metering assembly  18  is restricted. This may be desirable for products  26  that are delivered with a fairly high flow rate, but not enough for both segments (e.g.,  44  and  46 ). The slide  80  is moved into the partially open position  106  when the groove wheel  92  rotates to translate the groove panel  88  and the rest of the slide  80  within the slide track  84 . As explained below, the roller housing  82  includes slats in addition to the dividing rings  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54  to block flow of the product  26  between segments (e.g.,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ). For example, in  FIG. 6 , the slide  80  covers the first hole  94 , and substantially all (e.g., greater than 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or more) of the product  26  is blocked from passing from the third segment  46  to the second segment  44 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the metering assembly  18  with the slide  80  in a closed position  108 . In the closed position  108 , each of the holes (e.g., first hole  94 , second hole  96 ) is covered by the cutoff panel  86  of the slide  80 , blocking substantially all of the product  26  from passing to the meter roller  28 . The open distance  102  of the slide  80  at the closed position  108  may be greater than zero, as illustrated, when the slide  80  includes a fine segment hole  110 . In each of the open position  100 , partially closed position  106 , and closed position  108 , the fine segment hole  110  is positioned over the slide track  84  and, thus, the product  26  is blocked from the segments  42 ,  44 ,  46  of the meter roller  28 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the metering assembly  18  with the slide  80  translated to the distal end  104  of the slide track  84 . The fine segment hole  110  is positioned over a third hole  112  in the roller housing  82 , which is aligned with the first segment  42 . Thus, when the slide  80  is translated fully to the distal end  104  of the slide track  84 , product  26  may flow through to the first segment  42 . As with the other positions of the slide  80  within the slide track  84 , rotation of the groove wheel  92  causes translation of the groove panel  88 , and thus the whole of the slide  80 . In certain embodiments, the fine segment hole  110  may be covered by a second slide that opens independently of the slide  80 . In such embodiments, the slide may only include three positions (e.g., open  100 , partially closed  106 , and closed  108 ), and the third hole  112  of the roller housing  82  would be unblocked by opening the second slide. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of the metering assembly  18 . The slide  80  is not illustrated, but in certain embodiments may be present as described above. The slide  80  translates between positions located over a first dividing slat  120  and a second dividing slat  122 . The slats  120 ,  122  are held in place by the roller housing  82  and a connecting strip  124  that maintains the relative distances between the slats  120 ,  122 . The first dividing slat  120  is positioned between the first hole  94  and the third hole  112  (and thus between the first segment  42  and the second segment  44 ). The second dividing slat  122  is positioned between the first hole  94  and the second hole  96  (and thus between the second segment  44  and the first segment  46 ). Each dividing slat (e.g.,  120 ,  122 ) is aligned with (e.g., positioned adjacent to) a dividing ring (e.g.,  48 ,  50 ,  52 ) and includes an interface (e.g.,  126 ,  128 ,  130 ) that generally corresponds to a shape of a corresponding dividing ring (e.g.,  48 ,  50 ,  52 ). The first ring  48  matches the first interface  126 , the second ring  50  matches the second interface  128  of the first dividing slat  120 , and the third ring  52  matches the third interface  130  of the second dividing slat  122 . This configuration blocks substantially all of the product  26  flowing in one segment (e.g., first segment  42 ) from transferring to another segment (e.g., second segment  44 ), and vice versa. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the meter roller  28  having a curved slide  140 . The curved slide  140  is shaped to substantially match the meter roller  28  such that the outer radius  68  of each dividing ring (e.g.,  48 ,  50 ,  52 ) fits flush against the curved slide  140 . Substantially match means that the tolerance between the curved slide  140  and the dividing ring (e.g.,  48 ,  50 ,  52 ) is less than the average radius of the product  26  that is passing through the metering assembly  18 . The curved slide  140  may thus be used in lieu of the dividing slats (e.g., first dividing slat  120 , second dividing slat  122 ) and block substantially all of the product  26  from transferring from one segment (e.g., first segment  42 ) to a different segment (e.g., second segment  44 ). As with the slide  80  in  FIGS. 5-9 , the curved slide  140  translates relative to the axial axis  69  of the meter roller  28 . The curved slide  140  may include a groove panel  88  that facilitates translation of the curved slide  140 . In other embodiments, the curved slide  140  may be translated by hand, or by other mechanical or electronic translators. Additionally, in other embodiments, the curved slide  140  may translate in a rotational direction about the axial axis  69  of the meter roller  28 . 
       FIG. 10  also illustrates an alternative configuration of the flutes  32  of the meter roller  28 . As illustrated, the meter roller  28  may include the straight flutes  32  (e.g., extending along a radial axis) of the meter roller  28  but may also include angled flutes  142  (e.g., angled with respect to the radial axis) that urge the product  26  toward one dividing ring (e.g.,  48 ,  50 ,  52 ,  54 ) or another. In many embodiments, the meter roller  28  includes one type of either straight flutes  32 , or angled flutes  142 . Some embodiments, however, may include both. The angled flutes  142  may be curved to form a spiral along the length of the meter roller  28 , or may also have a wavy pattern along the length to direct the product  26  in a desired manner. In the illustrated embodiment, if the meter roller  28  rotates in a counter-clockwise direction  144 , the angled flutes  142  in the coarse segment  44 ,  46  urge the product  26  toward the dividing rings on the right-hand side of the segment. That is, product  26  in the second segment  44  is urged toward the third dividing ring  52 , and product  26  in the third segment  44  is urged toward the fourth dividing ring  54 . On the other hand, the illustrated embodiment of the first segment  42  includes angled flutes  142  that urge the product in the other direction toward the first dividing ring  48 . 
       FIG. 11  is a top view of an embodiment of the metering assembly  18  having multiple meter rollers  28  within a sleeve assembly  150 . In the illustrated embodiment, meter rollers  28  are disposed within meter roller sleeves  152 . The meter roller sleeves  152  are cup shaped or cylindrical, and are configured to surround at least a portion the meter rollers  28 . In certain embodiments, the meter roller sleeves  152  may be configured to circumferentially surround an entire meter roller  28 . As discussed in detail below, the meter roller sleeves  152  may assist in controlling the flow rate of product from the meter rollers  28 . Furthermore, a sleeve adjustment bar  154  is coupled to each of the meter roller sleeves  152  via respective sleeve adjustment assemblies  158 . 
     In addition, bar adaptors  156  are coupled to each end of the sleeve adjustment bar  154 . The sleeve adjustment bar  154  and/or the bar adaptors  156  may be adjusted to cause the sleeves  152  to expose one or more of the segments (e.g.,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ) of its respective meter roller  28 . The meter roller sleeves  152  in combination with the various segments (e.g.,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ) of each meter roller  28  may enable the metering assembly  18  to meter a variety of products with a single meter roller configuration (e.g., without replacing the meter rollers  28 ), as explained above. By combining multiple sleeves  152  to a single sleeve adjustment bar  154 , an operator may quickly adjust all the meter rollers  28  to operate using the same segment or segments (e.g., first segment  42  for canola). 
     In addition to controlling the collective group of meter roller sleeves  152 , individual meter roller sleeves  152  may be independently adjusted to deliver more or less product to various locations from the air cart  10 . For example, the sleeve adjustment assembly  158  of a particular meter roller sleeve  152  may be adjusted to cause the meter roller sleeve  152  to block various segments (e.g.,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ) of the meter roller  28 . Each sleeve  152  is independently adjusted to line up with the dividing ring of the designated segment (e.g., dividing ring  50  for first segment  42 ). Specifically, each meter roller sleeve  152  may be independently adjusted, for example, by rotating the meter roller sleeve  152  about a threaded rod of the sleeve adjustment assembly  158 , thereby extending or retracting the sleeve  152 . Alternatively, each meter roller sleeve  152  may be independently adjusted by rotating an adjustment bolt of the sleeve adjustment assembly  158 . Such fine tuning may be used to adjust product flow rate to particular groups of row units, thereby compensating for variations in the number of row units per group or variations in desired product application rates across the field, for example. 
       FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the meter roller  28 . The meter roller  28  includes the driven shaft  72  and a fluted portion  170 . The fluted portion  170  of the meter roller  28  includes flutes  32 , recesses  34 , and/or interlocking protrusions  172  (e.g., interlocking axial protrusions). The fluted portion  170  includes a cavity  174  for receiving and coupling to the driven shaft  72 . The fluted portion  170  may non-rotatably couple to the driven shaft  72  via engagement of grooves  176  (e.g., radially inward protrusions) of the fluted portion  170  with chamfers  178  (e.g., radially inward recesses) of the driven shaft  72 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the driven shaft  72  is separated by multiple rings  180 . Each ring  180  may interlock with a corresponding interlocking segment  172  (e.g., via a cutout configured to conform to the interlocking segments  172 ) to form the segments ( 42 ,  44 ,  46 ) of the meter roller  28 . The segments (e.g.,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ) may be selected (e.g., exposed as set forth above. For instance, seeds may only be deposited in one, two, or all three roller segments ( 42 ,  44 ,  46 ) depending on a position of the slide  80 . As such, there is segmentation of the meter roller  28  so that the meter roller can accommodate a wide range of products and application rates. While the meter roller  28  in  FIG. 12  has three rings  180 , the meter roller may include no ring or additional rings in alternative embodiments. In some embodiments, the rings  180  and driven shaft  72  may be formed from one piece of molded plastic. The fluted portion  170  may be an overmold that is molded over the driven shaft  72 . The fluted portion  170  may be mechanically bonded and/or chemically bonded to the driven shaft  72 . The grooves  176  and chamfers  178  may non-rotatably couple the fluted portion  170  and the driven shaft  72 . In an alternate embodiment, the rings  180 , and the segments (e.g.,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ) may be separate parts that may be coupled to one another. Additionally, in an alternate embodiment of the fluted portion  170 , the flutes, recesses, and/or ring segments may be separate parts. 
     While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.