Patent Publication Number: US-2020296883-A1

Title: Flexible conduit for an agricultural system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The disclosure relates generally to a flexible conduit for an agricultural system. 
     Generally, agricultural seeding implements are towed behind a work vehicle, such as a tractor. These implements generally contain a particulate material, such as seeds, fertilizer, and/or other agricultural product, which is distributed on or in the ground using various methods. Certain implements include a storage tank in which the particulate material is stored and a metering system configured to meter the particulate material from the storage tank. The particulate material is distributed from the metering system to row units, which are configured to distribute the particulate material on or in the ground. During operation, the metering system, pipes connected to the metering system, a frame of implement, and wheels or tracks coupled to the frame, may experience forces and movement associated with the implement moving over certain terrain. Particularly, uneven terrain may cause the implement to experience certain forces and movement. Additionally, loading of the particulate material into the storage tank, a weight distribution of the particulate material within the storage tank, and air pressurization within the storage tank and other portions of the implement may cause the implement and certain portions thereof to experience forces and movement. Such forces and movements may be translated along the implement and to the tank via rigid piping and conduits disposed along the implement. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the disclosed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below. 
     In certain embodiments, a conduit for an agricultural system includes a first end configured to couple to a metering system, a second end configured to couple to a pipe, one or more bellows disposed adjacent to the second end and configured to enable the conduit to flex adjacent to the second end, and a substantially rigid portion extending generally longitudinally from the first end to the one or more bellows, where the substantially rigid portion substantially rigidly supports the conduit between the first end and the one or more bellows. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure 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 embodiment of an agricultural system including an agricultural implement coupled to an air cart, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of the air cart of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a metering system coupled to a conduit, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a conduit that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a side cross-sectional view of the conduit of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an embodiment of a conduit that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of the conduit of  FIG. 6 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an embodiment of a conduit that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of an embodiment of a conduit that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of an embodiment of a conduit assembly that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a side cross-sectional view of the conduit assembly of  FIG. 10 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a conduit assembly that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of an embodiment of a conduit assembly that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a side cross-sectional view of the conduit assembly of  FIG. 13 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 15  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a conduit assembly that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers&#39; specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Any examples of operating parameters and/or environmental conditions are not exclusive of other parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments. 
     Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a flexible conduit for an agricultural system. Certain agricultural systems (e.g., air carts, implements, etc.) contain particulate material(s) (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, and/or other agricultural products) within a storage tank of the agricultural system. Certain agricultural systems are coupled to a respective implement and/or include an implement configured to distribute the particulate material within a field. The particulate material may flow from the storage tank and through a metering system, which is configured to control the flow of the particulate material (e.g., to meter the particulate material) to the field. Certain agricultural systems include piping (e.g., pipe(s), conduit(s), transfer section(s), passage(s)) configured to flow the particulate material from the storage tank, from the metering system, to the field, to a coupled implement, or a combination thereof. For example, the piping may also be coupled to an air source that generates an air flow through the piping to flow the particulate material. Additionally or alternatively, certain agricultural systems include multiple storage tanks coupled to respective metering systems. The piping may couple to and connect the multiple metering systems and may connect one or more of the metering systems to an implement. As such, the piping may flow the particulate material from the multiple metering systems to the implement and/or to the field. 
     As the agricultural system travels over the field, portions of the agricultural system may experience forces and movement. Particularly, uneven terrain may cause the agricultural system to experience certain forces and movement. For example, wheels coupled to a frame of the agricultural system may move generally up and down and may transfer forces to other portions of the agricultural system (e.g., to the frame, to the storage tank(s), to the metering system(s), to the piping, etc.). Additionally, loading of particulate material into the storage tank, unloading of the particulate material from the storage tank, air pressurization within the storage tank, or a combination thereof, may cause movement of the storage tank. The movement of the storage tank or of the metering system coupled to the storage tank may cause the agricultural product within the storage tank to shift and/or may make weighing the agricultural product within the storage tank difficult. In embodiments with multiple storage tanks and/or multiple metering systems connected by piping, movement by a first storage tank and coupled metering system may cause subsequent movement by a second storage tank and coupled metering system. 
     Accordingly, in certain embodiments, an agricultural system includes a conduit and/or a conduit assembly coupled to a metering system and to a pipe. The conduit or the conduit assembly is configured to flex in order to isolate movement of the metering system and the pipe with respect to one another. The pipe may be coupled to other portions of the agricultural system (e.g., to a second metering system, to a second conduit coupled to the second metering system, to an implement, to the air source, etc.). As such, the conduit or the conduit assembly is configured to substantially isolate movement of the metering system and a tank coupled to the metering system with respect to other portions of the agricultural system, and vice versa. The ability to isolate such movement facilitates weighing and/or estimating an amount of agricultural product within the storage tank, reduces stresses and loading on portions of the agricultural system to enable improved durability of the agricultural system, reduces the possibility of air leaks from developing within the agricultural system, and enables the agricultural system to more easily traverse the field, a roadway, and other surfaces. Further, the flexible conduits and conduit assemblies described herein may reduce costs associated with the agricultural system. 
     In certain embodiments, the conduit coupled to the metering system may include bellow(s) that enable the conduit to flex at a first end and a substantially rigid portion (e.g., rib(s)) that substantially rigidly support the conduit between a second end, opposite the first end, and the bellows. As such, the conduit may be configured to flex at the bellows to substantially isolate movement of the metering system and the pipe with respect to one another, while remaining substantially rigid at the substantially rigid portion to provide structural support for the conduit and a connection between the metering system and the pipe. In some embodiments, the conduit may include other flexible elements (e.g., in addition to or in place of the bellows) that may include flexible geometries, materials, etc. and that may perform similar functions compared the bellows described herein. For example, the other flexible elements may include a mesh structure, a stepped geometry, and other flexible configurations configured to enable the conduit to flex. 
     In some embodiments, the agricultural system may include the conduit assembly coupled to the metering system and to the pipe. The conduit assembly may include a substantially rigid conduit coupled to a substantially flexible conduit, to a connecting conduit, to the metering system, to the pipe, or a combination thereof. The substantially rigid conduit may substantially rigidly support the conduit assembly and the connection to the metering system and/or to the pipe. Additionally, the conduit assembly may include the substantially flexible conduit coupled to the substantially rigid conduit, to the connecting conduit, to the metering system, to the pipe, or a combination thereof. The substantially flexible conduit may include bellow(s) that enable the conduit assembly to flex and to isolate movement of the metering system and the pipe with respect to one another. In some embodiments, the conduit assembly may include the connecting conduit that connects the substantially rigid conduit to the substantially flexible conduit and/or that protrudes into the substantially rigid conduit and the substantially flexible conduit. 
     The conduit and the conduit assembly may be tapered such that a first end is smaller in diameter than a second end. The tapering may cause a venturi effect within the conduit and the conduit assembly that either accelerates air or an air/material mixture through the conduit or decelerates the air or the air/material mixture through the conduit, depending on the orientation of the conduit with respect to the metering system. For example, the conduit may be positioned at an inlet of the metering system and may include the end with a smaller diameter coupled to the metering system and the end with a larger diameter coupled to the piping. The air or the air/material mixture may enter the conduit at the end with the larger diameter, exit the conduit at the end with the smaller diameter, and then enter the metering system. The tapering of the conduit along the flow path of the air or of the air/material mixture (e.g., the narrowing diameter of the conduit) accelerates the air or the air/material mixture prior to entering the metering system. As such, the reduction in cross-sectional area of the conduit increases the velocity of the air or the air/material mixture and decreases static pressure to better enable particulate material from the metering system to be introduced into the air or the air/material mixture. In some embodiments, the conduit may be positioned at an exit of the metering system and may also include the end with the smaller diameter coupled to the metering system and the end with the larger diameter coupled to the piping. The air or the air/material mixture may exit the metering system, enter the conduit at the end with the smaller diameter, and exit the conduit at the end with the larger diameter. The tapering of the conduit along the flow path of the air or the air/material mixture (e.g., the expanding diameter of the conduit) decelerates the air or the air/material mixture after exiting the metering system. 
     With the foregoing in mind, the present embodiments relating to a flexible conduit may be utilized in any suitable agricultural system. For example,  FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of an agricultural system  10  including an agricultural implement  11  coupled to an air cart  12 . As described in greater detail below, the agricultural system  10  may include a conduit or a conduit assembly configured to flex to substantially isolate movement of portions of the air cart  12 . As depicted, the agricultural implement  11  includes a tool frame  14  coupled to a row unit  16  (e.g., ground engaging opener assembly), a header  18 , and wheel assemblies  20 . The agricultural implement  11  may be pulled by a work vehicle (e.g., a tractor) to deposit rows of particulate material (e.g., agricultural product). The wheel assemblies  20  may contact the surface of soil  21  to enable the agricultural implement  11  to be pulled by the work vehicle. As the agricultural implement  11  is pulled, a row of the particulate material may be deposited into the soil  21  by the row unit  16  (e.g., ground engaging opener assembly). Although only one row unit  16  is shown, the agricultural implement  11  may include multiple row units  16  organized in one or more rows across the agricultural implement  11 . In some embodiments, the agricultural implement  11  may include one or more rows of  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 , or more row units  16 , which may each deposit a respective row of particulate material into the soil  21 . 
     To facilitate depositing the particulate material, each row unit  16  (e.g., ground engaging opener assembly) in the illustrated embodiment, includes an opener  17 , a press wheel  19 , and a particulate material tube  22 . While the opener  17  engages the soil  21 , the opener  17  may exert a force onto the soil  21  that excavates a trench into the soil  21  as the row unit  16  travels through the field. The particulate material may be deposited into the excavated trench via the particulate material tube  22 . Then, the press wheel  19  may pack soil  21  onto the deposited particulate material. In certain embodiments, the press wheel of at least one row unit may be omitted. For example, at least one press wheel may be mounted to the frame of the implement behind the at least one row unit. Furthermore, while the illustrated row unit includes a ground engaging opener assembly, in alternative embodiments, at least one row unit on the implement may include an applicator assembly configured to deposit particulate material onto the surface of the field, or any other suitable type of product deposition assembly. 
     The header  18  may provide the particulate material to the row units  16 . In some embodiments, the header  18  may pneumatically distribute the particulate material from a primary line to secondary lines. In the illustrated embodiment, a primary line  34  directs particulate material from the air cart  12  (e.g., from metering systems  33  of the air cart  12 ) to the header  18 . Additionally, the header  18  is configured to distribute the particulate material to the row units  16  via respective secondary lines  23 . In certain embodiments, multiple primary lines may direct particulate material to multiple headers. Moreover, multiple secondary lines may extend from each header to respective row units. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, at least one secondary line may extend to a secondary header, and multiple tertiary lines may extend from the secondary header to respective row units. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the air cart  12  is towed behind the agricultural implement  11 . For example, the agricultural implement  11  may be coupled to the work vehicle by a first hitch assembly, and the air cart  12  may be coupled to the agricultural implement  11  by a second hitch assembly  24  (e.g., a towing hitch). However, in other embodiments, the agricultural implement may be towed behind the air cart. In further embodiments, the implement and the air cart may be part of a single unit that is towed behind the work vehicle or may be elements of a self-propelled vehicle. 
     The air cart  12  may centrally store particulate material and distribute the particulate material to the header  18 . The air cart  12  includes storage tanks  26 , a frame  28 , wheel assemblies  30 , and an air source  32 . As illustrated, the second hitch assembly  24  is coupled between the tool frame  14  and the air cart frame  28 , which enables the air cart  12  to be towed with the agricultural implement  11 . Additionally, the storage tanks  26  are configured to centrally store the particulate material. In some embodiments, some or all of the storage tanks  26  may include multiple compartments for storing different types of particulate material. For example, a first compartment may store seeds while a second compartment may store a dry fertilizer. In such configurations, the air cart  12  may deliver both seeds and fertilizer to the implement  11  via separate distribution systems, or as a mixture through a single distribution system. 
     From the storage tanks  26 , the particulate material may be fed into respective metering systems  33 , which meter the particulate material, fluidize the particulate material via a fluidizing airflow from the air source  32 , and distribute the particulate material to the header  18  via the primary line  34 . As depicted, the metering systems  33  are mounted to the bottoms of the storage tanks  26 . To facilitate distributing the particulate material, the fluidizing air generated by the air source  32  is guided though the metering systems  33  via a plenum  36 . In some embodiments, the air source  32  may be one or more pumps and/or blowers powered by electric or hydraulic motor(s), for example. Additionally, while the illustrated embodiment includes the air cart  12  with multiple storage tanks  26  coupled to respective metering systems  33 , some embodiments of the air cart may include a single storage tank coupled to a metering system. 
     As the agricultural system  10  traverses the soil  21  (e.g., during operation and/or transport of the agricultural system  10 ), the wheel assemblies  30  may generally follow a contour of the soil  21  and may transfer forces and/or movement to other portions of the agricultural system  10 . In certain embodiments, loading of particulate material into the storage tanks  26 , unloading of the particulate material from the storage tanks  26 , air pressurization within the storage tanks  26 , or a combination thereof, may cause movement of the storage tanks  26 . Accordingly, the agricultural system  10  includes conduits  40  configured to substantially isolate movement of portions of the agricultural system  10  with respect to one another. As illustrated, the conduits  40  are coupled to the metering systems  33  and are configured to substantially isolate movement of the portions of the agricultural system  10  with respect to the metering systems  33  and the storage tanks  26 . Additionally or alternatively, the conduits  40  are configured to substantially isolate movement of the storage tanks  26  and the coupled metering systems  33  with respect to one another (e.g., substantially isolate movement of a first storage tank  26  and a first coupled metering system  33  with respect to a second storage tank  26  and a second coupled metering system  33 ). As described in greater detail below, the conduits  40  may flex to substantially isolate the movement while maintaining the connections with the metering systems  33  and the other portions of the agricultural system  10  (e.g., piping and/or other conduits). 
     For purposes of discussion, reference may be made to a longitudinal axis or direction  37 , a vertical axis or direction  38 , and a lateral axis or direction  39 . For example, the agricultural system  10  may be towed and/or may move generally along the longitudinal axis  37 . Additionally, the particulate material stored in the storage tanks  26  may flow generally downward, along the vertical axis  38  and through the metering systems  33 . After passing through the metering systems  33  and into the conduits  40 , the particulate material may flow generally along the longitudinal axis  37  toward the agricultural implement  11 . 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of the air cart  12  of  FIG. 1 . As illustrated, the air cart  12  includes the storage tanks  26  coupled to the metering systems  33 . While the illustrated embodiment includes four storage tanks  26  and four metering systems  33 , other embodiments may include more or fewer storage tanks  26  (e.g., one storage tank  26 , two storage tanks  26 , three storage tanks  26 , five storage tanks  26 , etc.) and more or fewer metering systems  33  (e.g., one metering system  33 , two metering systems  33 , three metering systems  33 , five metering systems  33 , etc.). 
     Each of the storage tanks  26  is configured to centrally store the particulate material. The air cart  12  is configured to flow the particulate material through the metering system  33  coupled to each respective storage tank  26 . After passing through the metering system  33 , the particulate material flows generally along the longitudinal axis  37  (e.g., to the left in the illustrated embodiment) and passes through the conduits  40 . Each of the conduits  40  is coupled to the metering system  33  and to pipes  42 . Some pipes  42  are coupled to two conduits  40  (e.g., a respective conduit  40  at each end of the pipe  42 ) and other pipes  42  are coupled to one conduit  40 . The pipes  42  may include any suitable material configured to flow the particulate material along the air cart  12  (e.g., plastic, metal, rubber, or a combination thereof) and may be any suitable conduit and/or shape that may provide for passage of the particulate material along the air cart  12 . As such, the air cart  12  is configured to flow the particulate material from the storage tanks  26 , through the metering systems  33 , through the conduits  40 , and through the pipes  42  generally along the longitudinal axis  37  for delivery to the agricultural implement. 
     During operation of the agricultural system (e.g., while the agricultural system is moving over the soil  21 , moving over a roadway, being filled with the particulate material, dispensing the particulate material, or a combination thereof), portions of the air cart  12  may move with respect to one another and/or with respect to the ground (e.g., the soil  21 , a roadway, etc.). For example, the storage tanks  26  and the coupled metering systems  33  may move within the air cart  12 . Additionally, movement by a first storage tank  26  and a first metering system  33  may cause movement of a second storage tank  26  and a second metering system  33 . Such movement may be substantially isolated and/or may be dissipated via the conduits  40 . Each conduit  40  may include a substantially flexible portion that enable the conduits  40  to flex at a first end coupled to the metering system  33  or to the pipe  42 . As such, the conduits  40  may flex at the first end to substantially isolate movement of the metering system  33  or of the pipe  42  and to at least partially prevent similar movement at a second end of the conduit  40  and/or of the metering system  33  or the pipe  42  coupled to the second end. The flexing of the conduits  40 , while maintaining the connections to the metering systems  33  or to the pipes  42 , facilitates more accurate weighing and/or estimating of the agricultural product within the storage tanks  26 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the metering system  33  coupled to the conduits  40 . As illustrated, the metering system  33  includes ten seed meters  50  supported by a frame  52 . While the illustrated embodiment includes ten seed meters  50 , more or fewer seed meters may be employed in alternative embodiments. For example, certain metering systems may include 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, or more seed meters. In the illustrated embodiment, each seed meter  50  includes at least one respective metering device (e.g., meter roller) to control flow of particulate material to a respective conduit  40 . Each seed meter  50  also includes an inlet  54  configured to receive the particulate material from the storage tank (e.g., along the vertical axis  38 ). 
     Furthermore, each seed meter  50  includes a first conduit connector  56  and a second conduit connector  57  (e.g., exit conduit connectors) configured to couple to the conduits  40 . While two conduits  40  are illustrated, each of the first conduit connectors  56  and the second conduit connectors  57  may be coupled to a respective conduit  40 . Additionally or alternatively, as described in greater detail below, each of the first conduit connectors  56  and the second conduit connectors  57  may be coupled to a conduit assembly. Each conduit connector  56  and  57  is configured to receive the air/material mixture (e.g., the particulate material metered by the seed meters  50  and mixed with the air flow). 
     As illustrated, the conduits  40  are coupled to exits of the first conduit connector  56  and the second conduit connector  57 . As such, the air/material mixture may exit the metering system  33  by flowing through the conduits  40 . Additionally, as illustrated, each of the conduits  40  include a first end  58  coupled to the metering system  33  and a second end  59  configured to couple to the pipe  42 . The first end  58  includes a smaller diameter relative to the second end  59  such that the conduits  40  are tapered along the longitudinal axis  37  from the first end  58  to the second end  59  (e.g., the diameter of the conduits  40  expands along the longitudinal axis  37 ). The tapering of the conduits  40  causes the venturi effect that decelerates the air or the air/material mixture flowing through the conduit  40  after exiting the metering system  33 . 
     In certain embodiments, the agricultural system described herein may include the conduits or the conduit assemblies coupled to inlet conduit connectors (e.g., on an opposite side of the metering system  33  relative to the conduits  40 ) and substantially similar to the conduits  40 . As such, the particulate material may enter the metering system  33  by flowing through the conduits. Additionally, the first end having the smaller diameter may be coupled to the metering system  33  (e.g., to the inlet conduit connectors), and the second end having the larger diameter may be coupled to the pipe. The air or the air/material mixture may flow through the conduit and enter the metering system  33 . The tapering of the conduit (e.g., the narrowing diameter of the conduit from the second end to the first end) may cause the venturi effect that accelerates the air or the air/material mixture flowing through the conduit prior to entering the metering system  33 . 
     Furthermore, the metering system  33  includes a linkage  60  coupled to gates at each seed meter  50  that enables selection of the first conduit connector  56  or the second conduit connector  57  adjacent to each seed meter  50 . Once the first conduit connector  56  or the second conduit connector  57  is selected, the air/material mixture flows through the selected conduit connector and to the conduit  40 . As such, the particulate material may flow from the storage tank, through the metering system  33  (e.g., through the inlet  54 , through the seed meter  50 , through the first conduit connector  56  or through the second conduit connector  57 ), through the conduit  40 , and through the pipes coupled to the conduits  40 . Additionally or alternatively, the air or the air/material mixture may flow through a first conduit (e.g., the inlet conduit), enter the inlet conduit connectors, mix with the particulate material received from the metering system  33 , exit the first conduit connector  56  or the second conduit connector  57 , and flow through a second conduit (e.g., an exit conduit and/or the conduit  40 ). 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a conduit  70  that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 . The conduit  70  includes a body  71  having a first end  72  configured to couple to the first conduit connector  56  or to the second conduit connector  57  of the metering system and a second end  74  configured to couple to the pipe  42 . The first end  72  includes a groove  76  for securing the conduit  70  to the first conduit connector  56  or to the second conduit connector  57 . For example, the first conduit connector  56  or to the second conduit connector  57  may insert into the first end  72 , and a first clamp (e.g., a band clamp, a gear clamp, etc.) may be disposed generally around the conduit  70  at the groove  76  and tightened to secure the conduit  70  to the conduit connector  56  or  57 . Additionally, the second end  74  includes a groove  78  for securing the conduit  70  to the pipe  42 . For example, the pipe  42  may insert into the second end  74  and a second clamp may be disposed generally around the conduit  70  at the groove  78  and tightened to secure the conduit to the pipe  42 . In certain embodiments, the conduit  70  may be coupled to the conduit connectors  56  or  57  and/or to the pipe  42  via other suitable mechanisms (e.g., via press fit connections, vacuum pressure, etc.). 
     As indicated by arrows  80  and  82 , the conduit  70  is configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture from the first conduit connector  56  or from the second conduit connector  57  and to the pipe  42  along the longitudinal axis  37 . As such, the conduit  70  may be an exit conduit configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture exiting the metering system. However, in certain embodiments, the flow of the air or of the air/material mixture may be reversed such that the conduit  70  may be an inlet conduit configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture entering the metering system. 
     The first end  72  includes a diameter  84  that is generally smaller than a diameter  86  of the second end  74  (e.g., interior diameters of the ends  72  and  74 ). The conduit  70  is generally tapered such that the diameter of the conduit  70  increases from the first end  72  to the second end  74 . The tapering and increasing diameter along the flow path of the air or of the air/material mixture may cause the venturi effect that decelerates the air or the air/material mixture exiting the metering system. In embodiments with the flow reversed (e.g., with the conduit  70  positioned as an inlet conduit and coupled to the inlet of the metering system), the tapering may accelerate the air or the air/material mixture. 
     As illustrated, the conduit  70  includes a bellow  90  configured to flex (e.g., compress, extend, bend, etc.) to enable the second end  74  of the conduit  70  to move with respect to the first end  72  and with respect to the metering system. Additionally or alternatively, the bellow  90  may be configured to enable the first end  72  to move with respect to the second end  74  and the pipe  42 . For example, the first end  72  and the second end  74  may move between 4 degrees and 5 degrees, between 5 degrees and 6 degrees, between 6 degrees and 8 degrees, between 8 degrees and 10 degrees, or between 10 degrees and 12 degrees with respect to one another. As such, the bellow  90  is configured to substantially isolate movement of the metering system and the pipe  42  with respect to one another and enables the conduit  70  to flex. The bellow  90  is generally semi-circular and extends outward from the body  71  of the conduit  70 . In certain embodiments, the bellow may be disposed elsewhere along the conduit. For example, the bellow may be disposed adjacent to the first end of the conduit coupled to the metering system. 
     In some embodiments, the conduit may include other flexible elements (e.g., in addition to or in place of the bellow  90 ) that may include flexible geometries, materials, etc. and that may perform similar functions compared the bellow  90 . For example, the conduit may include a mesh structure instead of or in addition to the bellow  90 , and the mesh structure may enable the conduit to flex. 
     As illustrated, the conduit  70  includes a substantially rigid portion  91  that extends generally along the longitudinal axis  37  and that substantially rigidly supports the conduit  70 . As illustrated, the substantially rigid portion  91  includes ribs  92  that substantially rigidly support the conduit  70 . In certain embodiments, the ribs  92  may be omitted from the substantially rigid portion  91 . The ribs  92  include a first rib portion  94  and a second rib portion  96 . The first rib portion  94  extends from the first end  72  (e.g., from the groove  76 ) to the bellow  90 , and the second rib portion  96  extends from the bellow  90  to the second end  74  (e.g., to the groove  78 ). The first rib portion  94  includes a circumferential rib  98  that substantially rigidly supports the conduit  70  about a circumference of the conduit  70  and longitudinal ribs  99  that substantially rigidly support the conduit  70  about the longitudinal axis  37 . The second rib portion  96  includes a circumferential rib  100  that substantially rigidly supports the conduit  70  about a circumference of the conduit  70  and longitudinal ribs  101  that substantially rigidly support the conduit  70  about the longitudinal axis  37 . As such, the conduit  70  includes the bellow  90  that enables the conduit  70  to flex (e.g., enables the first end  72  to move relative to the second end  74 ) and the substantially rigid portion  91  (e.g., the ribs  92 ) that substantially rigidly supports the conduit between the first end  72  and the bellow  90  and between the bellow  90  and the second end  74 . Thus, the conduit  70  may flex while substantially rigidly maintaining connections with the conduit connectors  56  and  57  and with the pipe  42 . 
     The conduit  70  may be formed from one or from multiple materials (e.g., rubber, plastic, metal, etc.). For example, the body  71 , the bellow  90 , and the ribs  92  may each be a different material, two of the body  71 , the bellow  90 , and the ribs  92  may be the same material, or each of the body  71 , the bellow  90 , and the ribs  92  may be the same material. In certain embodiments, the conduit  70  may be formed by an injection molding process or by an overmolding process. Additionally or alternatively, the conduit  70  may be a single piece or may include multiple pieces/components (e.g., may be a conduit assembly). 
       FIG. 5  is a side cross-sectional view of the conduit  70  of  FIG. 4 . The conduit  70  includes an interior  110  that extends from the first end  72  to the second end  74 . As illustrated, a length  112  of the conduit  70  and of the interior  110  is about 8 inches. In other embodiments, the length of the conduit  70  may be longer or shorter (e.g., 3 inches, 6 inches, 9 inches, 12 inches, etc.). The conduit  70  is configured to receive the first conduit connector  56  or the second conduit connector  57  at the first end  72  and within the interior  110 . As illustrated, the first conduit connector  56  or the second conduit connector  57  extend into the first end  74  of the conduit  70  up to a flow section  113 . In certain embodiments, the conduit connector  56  or  57  may extend into the flow section  113  of the conduit  70 . Additionally, the conduit  70  is configured to receive the pipe  42  at the second end  74  and within the interior  110 . As illustrated, the pipe  42  extends into the second end  74  of the conduit  70  up to the bellow  90 . In certain embodiments, the pipe  42  may extend at least partially within the bellow  90  or past the bellow  90  and up to the flow section  113 . 
     Additionally, the conduit  70  includes a first set of sealing rings  114  and a second set of sealing rings  116  at the first end  72  and at the second end  74 , respectively, within the interior  110 . The first set of sealing rings  114  are configured to seal the connection between the conduit  70  and the first conduit connector  56  or the second conduit connector  57  (e.g., the first set of sealing rings  114  form and substantially maintain a seal between the interior  110  and an exterior of the conduit connector  56  or  57 ). The second set of sealing rings  116  are configured to seal the connection between the conduit  70  and the pipe  42  (e.g., the second set of sealing rings  116  form and substantially maintain a seal between the interior  110  and an exterior of the pipe  42 ). While each of the first set of sealing rings  114  and the second set of sealing rings  116  include three sealing rings, other embodiments of the conduit may include more or fewer sealing rings. 
     The conduit  70  is configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture through the interior  110  and through the flow section  113  generally from the first end  72  to the second end  74 , as indicated by an arrow  120 . A first interior diameter  122  of the flow section  113  is smaller than a second interior diameter  124  of the flow section  113 . The increasing diameter of the flow section  113  along the flow path decelerates the air or the air/material mixture within the conduit  70  (e.g., the venturi effect). As illustrated, the first interior diameter  122  is about 1 1/2  inches, and the second interior diameter  124  is about 2 1/2  inches. However, in certain embodiments, the first interior diameter and/or the second interior diameter may be larger or smaller. In some embodiments, the bellow  90  may produce turbulence within the conduit  70  that facilitates mixing the air and the material within the flow through the conduit  70 . For example, as the air/material mixture passes by the bellow  90  within the conduit  70 , the increased diameter of the bellow  90  with respect to the body  71  may cause turbulence within the mixture that facilitates mixing of the air and the material within the mixture. 
     As illustrated, a length  130  of the first rib portion  94  is about 6 inches, and a length  132  of the second rib portion  96  is about 1/2  inch. In certain embodiments, the lengths of the first rib portion  94  and/or of the second rib portion  96  may be longer or shorter. Further, as illustrated, a height  134  of the bellow  90  (e.g., extending outwardly from the body  71  of the conduit  70 ) is about 1/4  inch, and a length  136  of the bellow  90  (e.g., extending longitudinally) is about 1 inch. In certain embodiments, the height and/or the length of the bellow  90  may be longer or shorter. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of an embodiment of a conduit  140  that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 . As illustrated, the conduit  140  includes a body  141  extending from a first end  142  to a second end  144 . The conduit  140  is configured to couple to the conduit connector  56  or  57  at the first end  142  and to the pipe  42  at the second end  144 . The conduit  140  is configured to be disposed at an inlet of the metering system (e.g., to flow the air or the air/material mixture from the second end  144  to the first end  142 ) or at an outlet of the metering system (e.g., to flow the air or the air/material mixture from the first end  142  to the second end  144 ). Additionally, the conduit  140  includes a substantially rigid portion  145 , which includes ribs  146 , and bellows  148 . The substantially rigid portion  145  (e.g., the ribs  146 ) extends generally from the first end  142  to the bellows  148  and is configured to substantially rigidly support the conduit  140 . In some embodiments, the ribs  146  may be omitted from the substantially rigid portion  145 . The bellows  148  extend generally from the substantially rigid portion  145  to the second end  144  and are configured to enable the conduit  140  to flex to substantially isolate movement of the pipe  42  and the conduit connector  56  or  57  (e.g., the metering system) with respect to one another. 
       FIG. 7  is a side cross-sectional view of the conduit  140  of  FIG. 6 . As illustrated, the conduit  140  includes two bellows  148 . In certain embodiments, the conduit  140  may include more or fewer bellows  148 . The bellows  148  include straight portions  150  and curved portions  152 . A first straight portion  150 A of each bellow  148  is coupled to the body  141  of the conduit  140  and to a curved portion  152 A. A second straight portion  150 B is coupled to the curved portion  152 A and to a middle curved portion  152 B. As the bellows  148  flex (e.g., compress, extend, bend, etc.) to enable movement of the first end  142  with respect to the second end  144 , each of the straight portions  150  are configured to remain substantially straight and to move with respect to one another, and the curved portions  152  are configured to flex. As illustrated, the bellows  148  are generally equal in diameter. In certain embodiments, each bellow or some bellows may be have a different diameter compared to other bellows. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of an embodiment of a conduit  160  that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 . As illustrated, the conduit  160  includes a body  161  extending from a first end  162  to a second end  164 . The conduit  160  is configured to couple to the conduit connector  56  or  57  at the first end  162  and to the pipe  42  at the second end  164 . The conduit  160  is configured to be disposed at an inlet of the metering system (e.g., to flow the air or the air/material mixture from the second end  164  to the first end  162 ) or at an outlet of the metering system (e.g., to flow the air or the air/material mixture from the first end  162  to the second end  164 ). Additionally, the conduit  160  includes a substantially rigid portion  165 , which includes ribs  166 , and bellows  168 . The substantially rigid portion  165  (e.g., the ribs  166 ) extends generally from the first end  162  to the bellows  168  and is configured to substantially rigidly support the conduit  160 . In some embodiments, the ribs  166  may be omitted from the substantially rigid portion  165 . The bellows  168  extend generally from the substantially rigid portion  165  to the second end  164  and are configured to enable the conduit  160  to flex to substantially isolate movement of the pipe  42  and the conduit connector  56  or  57  (e.g., the metering system) with respect to one another. As illustrated, the bellows  168  include circular outer sections  170  and a circular inner section  172 . Each of the circular outer sections  170  are coupled to the body  171  and to the circular inner section  172 . As the bellows  168  flex (e.g., compress, extend, bend, etc.) to enable movement of the first end  162  with respect to the second end  164 , each of the circular outer sections  170  and the circular inner section  172  are configured to flex and/or are configured to move with respect to one another. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of an embodiment of a conduit  180  that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 . As illustrated, the conduit  180  includes a body  181  extending from a first end  182  to a second end  184 . The conduit  180  is configured to couple to the conduit connector  56  or  57  at the first end  182  and to the pipe  42  at the second end  184 . The conduit  180  is configured to be disposed at an inlet of the metering system (e.g., to flow the air or the air/material mixture from the second end  184  to the first end  182 ) or at an outlet of the metering system (e.g., to flow the air or the air/material mixture from the first end  182  to the second end  184 ). Additionally, the conduit  180  includes a substantially rigid portion  185 , which includes ribs  186 , and bellows  188 . The substantially rigid portion  185  (e.g., the ribs  186 ) is configured to substantially rigidly support the conduit  180  and includes a first rib portion  190  extending generally from the first end  182  to the bellows  188  and a second rib portion  192  extending from the bellows  168  to the second end  184 . In some embodiments, the ribs  186  may be omitted from the substantially rigid portion  185 . The bellows  188  extend generally from the substantially rigid portion  185  to the second end  184  and are configured to enable the conduit  180  to flex to substantially isolate movement of the pipe  42  and the conduit connector  56  or  57  (e.g., the metering system) with respect to one another. As illustrated, the bellows  188  include angled portions  194  and parallel portions  196 . A first angled portion  194 A of each bellow  188  is coupled to the body  181  of the conduit  180  and to a parallel portion  196 A. A second angled portion  194 B is coupled to the parallel portion  196 A and to a middle parallel portion  196 B. As the bellows  188  flex (e.g., compress, extend, bend, etc.) to enable movement of the first end  182  with respect to the second end  184 , each of the angled portions  194  are configured to move with respect to one another and with respect to the parallel portions  196 . The parallel portions  196  may remain generally parallel to the body  181  as the bellows  188  flex. 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of an embodiment of a conduit assembly  200  that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 . As illustrated, the conduit assembly  200  includes a substantially rigid conduit  202 , a connecting conduit  204 , and a substantially flexible conduit  206 . The substantially rigid conduit  202  includes a body  210  having a first end  212  configured to couple to the first conduit connector  56  or to the second conduit connector  57  of the metering system and a second end  214  configured to couple to the connecting conduit  204 . The first end  212  includes a groove  216  for securing the substantially rigid conduit  202  to the first conduit connector  56  or to the second conduit connector  57 . For example, the first conduit connector  56  or the second conduit connector  57  may insert into the first end  212 , and a first clamp (e.g., a band clamp, a gear clamp, etc.) may be disposed generally around the substantially rigid conduit  202  at the groove  216  and tightened to secure the substantially rigid conduit  202  to the conduit connector  56  or  57 . Additionally, the second end  214  includes a groove  218  for securing the substantially rigid conduit  202  to the connecting conduit  204 . For example, the connecting conduit  204  may be inserted into the second end  214  and a second clamp may be disposed generally around the substantially rigid conduit  202  at the groove  218  and tightened to secure the conduit to the connecting conduit  204 . In certain embodiments, the substantially rigid conduit  202  may be coupled to the conduit connectors  56  or  57  and/or to the connecting conduit  204  via other suitable mechanisms (e.g., via press fit connections, vacuum pressure, etc.). 
     The substantially rigid conduit  202  also includes circumferential ribs  220  disposed at the first end  212  adjacent to the groove  216  and at the second end  214  adjacent to the groove  218 . Further, the substantially rigid conduit  202  includes longitudinal ribs  222  extending longitudinally along the body  210  between the circumferential ribs  220  (e.g., between the first end  212  and the second end  214 ). The ribs  220  and  222  substantially rigidly support the substantially rigid conduit  202  and enable the substantially rigid conduit  202  to remain substantially rigid during operation of the agricultural system. In certain embodiments, the circumferential ribs  220  and/or the longitudinal ribs  222  may be omitted from the substantially rigid conduit  202 . 
     The connecting conduit  204  includes a cylinder that extends into the substantially rigid conduit  202  and into the substantially flexible conduit  206 . The connecting conduit  204  forms a continuous flow path for the air or the air/material mixture flowing through the substantially rigid conduit  202  and through the substantially flexible conduit  206 . 
     The substantially flexible conduit  206  includes a body  230  having a first end  232  configured to couple to the connecting conduit  204  and a second end  234  configured to couple to the pipe  42 . The first end  232  includes a groove  236  for securing the substantially rigid conduit  202  to the connecting conduit  204 . For example, the connecting conduit  204  may insert into the first end  232 , and a first clamp (e.g., a band clamp, a gear clamp, etc.) may be disposed generally around the substantially flexible conduit  206  at the groove  236  and tightened to secure the substantially flexible conduit  206  to the connecting conduit  204 . Additionally, the second end  234  includes a groove  238  for securing the substantially connecting conduit  204  to the pipe  42 . For example, the pipe  42  may be inserted into the second end  234  and a second clamp may be disposed generally around the substantially connecting conduit  204  at the groove  238  and tightened to secure the conduit to the pipe  42 . In certain embodiments, the substantially rigid conduit  202  may be coupled to the connecting conduit  204  and to the pipe  42  via other suitable mechanisms (e.g., via press fit connections, vacuum pressure, etc.). 
     As illustrated, the substantially flexible conduit  206  includes bellows  240  configured to flex (e.g., compress, extend, bend, etc.) to enable the conduit assembly  200  to flex and to enable the conduit assembly  200  to substantially isolate movement of the metering system and the pipe  42  with respect to one another. For example, the first end  232  and the second end  234  may move between 4 degrees and 5 degrees, between 5 degrees and 6 degrees, between 6 degrees and 8 degrees, between 8 degrees and 10 degrees, or between 10 degrees and 12 degrees with respect to one another. As illustrated, the bellows  240  include two generally semi-circular bellows  242  that extend outwardly from the body  230  of the substantially flexible conduit  206 . The semi-circular bellows  242  are connected by a connecting portion  244 . As the bellows  240  flex, one or both of the semi-circular bellows  242  and/or the connecting portion  244  may compress, extend, bend, or a combination thereof 
     In some embodiments, the substantially flexible conduit may include other flexible elements (e.g., in addition to or in place of the bellows  240 ) that may include flexible geometries, materials, etc. and that may perform similar functions compared the bellows  240 . For example, the substantially flexible conduit may include a mesh structure instead of or in addition to the bellows  240 , and the mesh structure may enable the substantially flexible conduit to flex. 
     As indicated by arrows  250  and  252 , the conduit assembly  200  is configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture from the first conduit connector  56  or from the second conduit connector  57  and to the pipe  42  along the longitudinal axis  37 . As such, the conduit assembly  200  may be an exit conduit assembly configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture exiting the metering system. However, in certain embodiments, the flow of the air or of the air/material mixture may be reversed such that the conduit assembly  200  may be an inlet conduit assembly configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture entering the metering system. 
     As such, the conduit assembly  200  includes the substantially flexible conduit  206  that enables the conduit assembly  200  to flex (e.g., enables the metering system and the pipe  42  to move relative to one another) and the substantially rigid conduit  202  that substantially rigidly supports the conduit assembly  200  between the conduit connector  56  or  57  and the connecting conduit  204 . Thus, the conduit assembly  200  may flex while substantially rigidly maintaining connections with the conduit connectors  56  and  57  and with the pipe  42 . 
       FIG. 11  is a side cross-sectional view of the conduit assembly  200  of  FIG. 10 . As described above, the conduit assembly  200  includes the substantially rigid conduit  202 , the connecting conduit  204 , and the substantially flexible conduit  206 . The substantially rigid conduit  202  is configured to receive the first conduit connector  56  or the second conduit connector  57  at the first end  212  and within an interior  260 . As illustrated, the first conduit connector  56  or the second conduit connector  57  extend into the first end  212  of the conduit  70  up to a flow section  262 . In certain embodiments, the conduit connector  56  or  57  may extend into the flow section  262  of the substantially rigid conduit  202 . Additionally, the substantially rigid conduit  202  is configured to receive the connecting conduit  204  at the second end  214  and within the interior  260 . Additionally, the substantially rigid conduit  202  includes a sealing ring  264  at the first end  212  and within the interior  110 . The sealing ring  264  is configured to seal the connection between the substantially rigid conduit  202  and the first conduit connector  56  or the second conduit connector  57  (e.g., the sealing ring  264  is configured to form and substantially maintain a seal between the interior  260  and an exterior of the conduit connector  56  or  57 ). 
     The substantially rigid conduit  202  is configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture through the interior  260  and through the flow section  262  generally from the first end  212  to the second end  214 , as indicated by an arrow  270 . A first interior diameter  272  of the flow section  262  adjacent to the first end  212  is smaller than a second interior diameter  274  of the flow section  262  adjacent to the second end  214 . The increasing diameter of the flow section  262  along the flow path decelerates the air or the air/material mixture within the substantially rigid conduit  202  (e.g., the venturi effect). As illustrated, the first interior diameter  272  is about 1 1/2  inches, and the second interior diameter  274  is about 2 1/2  inches. Additionally, as illustrated, a length  280  of the flow section  262  is about 4 inches and a length  282  of the substantially rigid conduit  202  is about 6 inches. However, in certain embodiments, the first interior diameter  272 , the second interior diameter  274 , the length  280 , the length  282 , or a combination thereof may be larger or smaller. 
     The connecting conduit  204  is configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture from the substantially rigid conduit  202  to the substantially flexible conduit  206 , or vice versa. The connecting conduit  204  extends into the second end  214  of the substantially rigid conduit  202  a first distance  290 . Further, the connecting conduit  204  extends into the substantially flexible conduit  206  adjacent to the bellows  240  and a second distance  292 . As illustrated, the first distance  290  is about 1 inch, and the second distance  292  is about 1 inch. Additionally, a length  294  of the connecting conduit is about 2 inches. However, in certain embodiments, the first distance  290 , the second distance  292 , the length  294 , or a combination thereof may be larger or smaller. 
     The substantially flexible conduit  206  is configured to flex to enable the conduit assembly  200  to flex and to enable the conduit assembly  200  to substantially isolate movement of the metering system and the pipe  42  with respect to one another. The pipe  42  extends into the substantially flexible conduit  206  a distance  296  and adjacent to the bellows  240 . As illustrated, the distance  296  is about 1 inch. Additionally, a length  298  of the substantially flexible conduit  206  is about 2 1/2  inches. However, in other embodiments, the distance  296  and/or the length  298  may be larger or smaller. As such, each of the connecting conduit  204  and the pipe  42  extend into the substantially flexible conduit  206  adjacent to the bellows  240 . 
     As illustrated, the conduit assembly  200  is configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture generally from the conduit connector  56  or  57  to the pipe  42 . As such, the conduit assembly  200  is configured to be an exit conduit assembly of the agricultural system described herein. In certain embodiments, the conduit assembly  200  may be configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture generally from the pipe  42  to the conduit connector  56  or  57 . As such, the conduit assembly  200  may be configured as an inlet conduit assembly of the agricultural system described herein. 
       FIG. 12  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a conduit assembly  300  that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 . The conduit assembly  300  includes a substantially rigid conduit  302 , a connecting conduit  304 , and a substantially flexible conduit  306 . The substantially rigid conduit  302  is configured to receive the conduit connector  56  or  57  at a first end  310  and to receive the connecting conduit  304  at a second end  312 . Each of the conduit connector  56  or  57  and the connecting conduit  304  extend into an interior  314  of the substantially rigid conduit  302 . As such, the substantially rigid conduit  302  is configured to substantially rigidly maintain a connection between the conduit connector  56  or  57  and the connecting conduit  304 . 
     The substantially flexible conduit  306  is configured to receive the substantially rigid conduit  302  and the connecting conduit  304  at a first end  320  and to receive the pipe  42  at a second end  322 . The substantially flexible conduit  306  is coupled to the substantially rigid conduit  302  at a groove  324  and coupled to the pipe  42  at a groove  326 . Additionally, the connecting conduit  304  extends into the second end  312  of the substantially rigid conduit  302  and into the first end  320  of the substantially flexible conduit  306 . The substantially flexible conduit  306  includes bellows  330  that enable the conduit assembly  300  to flex and/or to substantially isolate movement of the pipe  42  and the metering system (e.g., the conduit connectors  56  or  57 ) relative to another. The bellows  330  include a first bellow  332  and a second bellow  334 . The substantially rigid conduit  302  extends into the substantially flexible conduit  306  up to the first bellow  332 , the connecting conduit  304  extends into the substantially flexible conduit  306  past the first bellow  332  and up to the second bellow  334 , and the pipe  42  extends into the substantially flexible conduit  306  up to the second bellow  334 . The first bellow  332  has a first diameter  336  that is larger than a second diameter  338  of the second bellow  334 . For example, as illustrated, the first diameter  336  is about 3 inches, and the second diameter  338  is about 2 1/2  inches. In certain embodiments, the first diameter  336  and/or the second diameter  338  may be generally equal, may be larger, may be smaller, or a combination thereof. 
     As illustrated, the conduit assembly  300  is configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture generally from the conduit connector  56  or  57  to the pipe  42 . As such, the conduit assembly  300  is configured to be an exit conduit assembly of the agricultural system described herein. In certain embodiments, the conduit assembly  300  may be configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture generally from the pipe  42  to the conduit connector  56  or  57 . As such, the conduit assembly  300  may be configured as an inlet conduit assembly of the agricultural system described herein. 
       FIG. 13  is a side view of an embodiment of a conduit assembly  350  that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 . The conduit assembly  350  includes a substantially rigid conduit  352  and a substantially flexible conduit  354 . A first end  356  of the substantially rigid conduit  352  is configured to receive the conduit connector  56  or  57 , and a second end  358  is configured to extend into a first end  360  of the substantially flexible conduit  354 . Additionally, the substantially flexible conduit  354  includes a second end  362  configured to receive the pipe  42 . 
     The substantially rigid conduit  352  includes ribs  370  configured to substantially rigidly support the substantially rigid conduit  352 , and the conduit assembly  350  generally, both circumferentially and longitudinally. In certain embodiments, the ribs  370  may be omitted from the substantially rigid conduit  352 . Additionally, the substantially flexible conduit  354  includes a bellow  372  configured to enable the substantially flexible conduit  354 , and the conduit assembly  350  generally, to flex. Further, the bellow  372  enables the conduit assembly  350  to substantially isolate movement of the pipe  42  and the conduit connector  56  or  57  with respect to one another. 
       FIG. 14  is a side cross-sectional view of the conduit assembly  350  of  FIG. 13 . The conduit assembly  350  includes the substantially rigid conduit  352 , the substantially flexible conduit  354 , and a connecting conduit  380 . The connecting conduit  380  includes a cylinder that extends into the second end  358  of the substantially rigid conduit  352  and into the first end  360  of the substantially flexible conduit  354 . As such, the connecting conduit  380  is configured to at least partially form a continuous flow path through the conduit assembly  350 . For example, as indicated by arrow  382 , the conduit assembly  350  is configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture generally from the conduit connector  56  or  57  to the pipe  42 . As such, the conduit assembly  350  is configured to be an exit conduit assembly of the agricultural system described herein. Additionally, the substantially rigid conduit  352  includes a flow section  384  having a first diameter  386  at the first end  356  that is smaller than a second diameter  388  at the second end  358 . As such, the increasing diameter of the flow section  384  along the flow path decelerates the air or the air/material mixture within the substantially rigid conduit  352  (e.g., the venturi effect). 
     In certain embodiments, the conduit assembly  350  may be configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture generally from the pipe  42  to the conduit connector  56  or  57 . As such, the conduit assembly  350  may be configured as an inlet conduit assembly of the agricultural system described herein. The decreasing diameter of the flow section  384  along the flow path would decelerate the air or the air/material mixture flowing from the pipe  42  to the conduit connector  56  or  57 . 
     As illustrated, the first end  360  of the substantially flexible conduit  354  is coupled to the second end  358  of the substantially rigid conduit  352  via an extension  390  extending from the first end  360  and into a groove  392  of the second end  358 . The extension  390  may be secured to the groove  392  via a gear clamp, a band clamp, a press fit connection, vacuum pressure, or a combination thereof 
     Additionally, the conduit assembly  350  includes a secondary connecting conduit  394  that extends generally between the substantially rigid conduit  352 , the substantially flexible conduit  354 , and the connecting conduit  380 . The secondary connecting conduit  394  includes a flow portion  396  that substantially connects the flow path through the conduit assembly  350  between the connecting conduit  380  and the pipe  42 . For example, the flow portion  396  substantially blocks the air or the air/material mixture from entering the bellow  372 . The secondary connecting conduit  394  also includes a radial portion  398  that extends radially outward and between the connecting conduit  380  and the substantially flexible conduit  354 . 
       FIG. 15  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a conduit assembly  400  that may be coupled to the metering system of  FIG. 3 . The conduit assembly  400  includes a substantially rigid conduit  402 , a connecting conduit  404 , and a substantially flexible conduit  406 . A first end  410  of the substantially rigid conduit  402  is configured to receive the conduit connector  56  or  57 , and a second end  412  is configured to extend into a first end  414  of the substantially flexible conduit  406 . Additionally, the substantially flexible conduit  406  includes a second end  416  configured to receive the pipe  42 . The substantially flexible conduit  406  includes a bellow  418  that enables the conduit assembly  400  to flex and to substantially isolate movement of the pipe  42  and the conduit connector  56  or  57  with respect to one another. The connecting conduit  404  includes a cylinder that extends into the second end  412  of the substantially rigid conduit  402  and into the first end  414  of the substantially flexible conduit  406 . As such, the connecting conduit  404  is configured to at least partially form a continuous flow path through the conduit assembly  400 . For example, as indicated by arrow  420 , the conduit assembly  400  is configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture generally from the conduit connector  56  or  57  to the pipe  42 . As such, the conduit assembly  400  is configured to be an exit conduit assembly of the agricultural system described herein. Additionally, the substantially rigid conduit  402  includes a flow section  422  having a first diameter  424  at the first end  410  that is smaller than a second diameter  426  at the second end  412 . As such, the increasing diameter of the flow section  422  along the flow path decelerates the air or the air/material mixture within the substantially rigid conduit  402  (e.g., the venturi effect). 
     In certain embodiments, the conduit assembly  400  may be configured to flow the air or the air/material mixture generally from the pipe  42  to the conduit connector  56  or  57 . As such, the conduit assembly  400  may be configured as an inlet conduit assembly of the agricultural system described herein. The decreasing diameter of the flow section  422  along the flow path would decelerate the air or the air/material mixture flowing from the pipe  42  to the conduit connector  56  or  57 . 
     As illustrated, the conduit assembly  400  includes a secondary connecting conduit  430  that extends generally between the substantially rigid conduit  402 , the connecting conduit  404 , and the substantially flexible conduit  406 . The secondary connecting conduit  430  includes a flow portion  432  that substantially connects the flow path through the conduit assembly  400  between the connecting conduit  404  and the pipe  42 . For example, the flow portion  432  substantially blocks the air or the air/material mixture from entering the bellow  418 . 
     The secondary connecting conduit  430  also includes an interface portion  434  that extends between the substantially rigid conduit  402  and the substantially flexible conduit  406 . As illustrated, the interface portion  434  includes an extension  436  extending into a groove  438  of the second end  412  of the substantially rigid conduit  402 . The extension  436  may be secured to the groove  438  via a gear clamp, a band clamp, a press fit connection, vacuum pressure, or a combination thereof. The extension  436  of the secondary connecting conduit  430  is also coupled to the substantially flexible conduit  406  via a sealing ring  440  that extends from the substantially flexible conduit  406 . The sealing ring  440  is configured to substantially maintain a seal between the substantially flexible conduit  406  and the secondary connecting conduit  430 . 
     Accordingly, the embodiments of the conduit and the conduit assembly for an agricultural system described herein may enable the agricultural system to substantially isolate movement of certain components relative to one another. For example, the conduit or the conduit assembly may be coupled to a metering system (e.g., to a conduit connector of the metering system) and to a pipe. The conduit or the conduit assembly may flex to enable the metering system and the pipe to move relative to one another and/or to substantially isolate the movement of the metering system and the pipe relative to one another. Additionally or alternatively, the conduit or the conduit assembly may substantially isolate movement of the pipe relative to a storage tank coupled to the metering system. Further, the conduit or the conduit assembly may include a tapered flow section that either accelerates or decelerates the air or the air/material mixture flow, depending on the position relative to the metering system, through the conduit or the conduit assembly (e.g., causes the venturi effect). As such, the embodiments of the conduit and the conduit assembly described herein include components (e.g., bellow(s) and substantially rigid portion(s)) that enable the conduit or the conduit assembly to flex to isolate such movement and to remain substantially rigid to maintain connections within the agricultural system. The incorporation of such components that isolate movement facilitates weighing and/or estimating an amount of agricultural product within the storage tank(s) of the agricultural system. Additionally, isolating such movement enables the agricultural system to more easily traverse the field, a roadway, and other surfaces. Further, the flexible conduits and conduit assemblies described herein may reduce costs associated with the agricultural system. 
     The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). 
     While only certain features of the disclosure 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 disclosure.