Patent Description:
Modern air seeders utilize airflow through conduit to direct commodity such as fertilizer and seed to a desired location. Typically, the commodity is stored in a tank on a cart and selectively provided to conduits to be further transported to a drill assembly or otherwise ultimately placed in the underlying soil. A meter assembly is often positioned between the tank and the conduit to selectively distribute commodity from the tank into the conduit.

For example, <CIT> discloses a supply tank for the individual openers of an air seeder. The supply tank includes two separate tank elements each formed from two separate tanks. Each opener has two supply ducts, one from each tank element. Each tank has a dispensing roller across its bottom metering material into the separate supply ducts. The two tanks of each element feed into a common tube within a closed enclosure dispensing into a feed end of a respective pipe for a respective one of the openers. The pipes within the enclosure are monitored by a camera system so that the operator can see the dispensing of the material on a monitor screen. The tanks are covered by a sealed lid which pivots about a vertical post at one edge. An air supply pressurizes the tanks and a heater selectively heats the air to one of the tanks selected for supplying fertilizer.

The invention aims to improve the known methods of identifying flow characteristics. The invention proposes a method according to claim <NUM>. The method includes providing a tank configured to contain a commodity, selectively distributing commodity from the tank to a drill assembly to be distributed to an underlying surface, and monitoring the flow of commodity from the tank to the drill assembly with a camera to identify flow characteristics, wherein the flow characteristics comprise a roller speed.

In one embodiment, the identified flow characteristics also comprise a commodity type. In another example, the flow characteristics also include identifying a blockage in commodity between the tank and the drill assembly. In yet another example, the camera is positioned to identify a roller type of a meter assembly. In yet another example, the camera is positioned to identify the flow of commodity after passing through a meter assembly and before a secondary splitter. In one example, the camera is positioned at a meter assembly to identify the flow of commodity through the meter assembly.

In yet another example, another camera is positioned at a secondary splitter. As part of this example, this additional camera identifies the flow of commodity to a plurality of runs.

In another example, the flow characteristics also include identifying the commodity flow rate.

The method can be carried out by means of a non-claimed air seeding system that has a tank configured to at least partially contain a commodity, a meter assembly configured to selectively distribute commodity from the tank to one or more run, a drill assembly configured to direct the commodity provided by the one or more run to an underlying surface, a camera positioned along a flow path between the meter assembly and the drill assembly, and a controller in communication with the camera. The controller analyzes data provided by the camera to determine flow characteristics of commodity along at least a portion of the flow path.

In this air seeding system, the camera is positioned to provide image data at an output of the meter assembly, so that it can identify a roller type and a roller speed.

The camera might also be positioned between the meter assembly and a secondary splitter to identify the flow of commodity after passing through the meter assembly but before the secondary splitter. An additional camera might be positioned at a tower head and is configured to identify the flow of commodity into a plurality of secondary runs.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, as the scope of protection is defined by the appended claims.

An air or pneumatic seeder <NUM> is shown in <FIG> towed by a tractor or prime mover <NUM>. The seeder <NUM> includes an air cart <NUM>, also known as a commodity cart, having one or more tanks for one or more commodities to be applied to the soil, and a drill or implement <NUM> which applies the commodity to the soil. The drill has a plurality of ground engaging tools <NUM>. The cart <NUM> is shown with four tanks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> mounted on a frame <NUM>. The frame <NUM> is supported on a rear axle <NUM> having wheels/tires <NUM> at the rear of the frame <NUM>. Depending on the cart configuration, additional axles may be provided, such as front axle <NUM> and wheels/tires <NUM>. The axles and wheels support the cart frame <NUM> for movement over the ground surface towed by tractor <NUM>. Any number of tanks can be provided on the air cart. The term "cart" should be broadly construed to include any device towed by a prime mover that is supported on one or more axles, such as a trailer, wagon, cart, implement, etc..

The drill <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> supported by ground wheels <NUM> and is connected to the rear of the tractor <NUM> by a tongue <NUM>. As shown, the cart <NUM> is known as a "tow behind" cart meaning that the cart follows the drill. In alternative arrangements, the cart may be a "tow between" cart meaning that the cart is between the tractor <NUM> and drill <NUM>. In yet a further possible arrangement, the air cart and drill can be combined onto a common frame. The tanks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be any suitable device for holding a material or commodity such as seed or fertilizer to be distributed to the soil. The tanks could be hoppers, bins, boxes, containers, etc. The term "tank" shall be broadly construed herein. Furthermore, one tank with multiple compartments can also be provided.

A pneumatic distribution system <NUM> includes a fan located behind the front tires <NUM>, connected to a product delivery conduit structure having multiple product flow passages <NUM>. The fan directs air through the passages <NUM>. A product meter assembly <NUM> is located at the bottom of each tank and delivers product from the tanks at a controlled rate to the passages <NUM> and the air stream moving through the passages <NUM>.

Each passage <NUM> carries product in the air stream to a secondary splitter or secondary distribution tower <NUM> on the drill <NUM>. The secondary splitter may be any separation in the flow path of a passage <NUM>. Typically, there will be one tower <NUM> for each passage <NUM>. Each tower <NUM> includes a secondary distributing manifold <NUM> located at the top of a vertical tube. Each passage <NUM> may transition to the vertical tube of the tower <NUM> through a J-shaped tube <NUM> wherein the passage <NUM> transitions from a substantially horizontal path of travel to a substantially vertical path of travel before entering the distributing manifold <NUM>. The distributing manifold <NUM> divides the flow of product into a number of secondary distribution lines <NUM>. Each secondary distribution line <NUM> delivers product to one of a plurality of ground engaging tools <NUM> which opens a furrow in the soil and deposits the product therein. The number of passages <NUM> may vary from one to eight, nine, or ten or more, depending on the configuration of the cart and drill. Depending on the cart and drill, there may be two distribution manifolds in the air stream between the meters and the ground engaging tools. Alternatively, in some configurations, the product is metered directly from the tank into secondary distribution lines <NUM> leading to the ground engaging tools <NUM> without an intermediate distribution manifold.

A firming or closing wheel <NUM> associated with each tool <NUM> trails the tool and firms the soil over the product deposited in the soil. Various types of tools <NUM> may be used including, tines, shanks, disks, etc. The tools <NUM> are movable between a lowered position engaging the ground and a raised position above the ground. Each tool may be configured to be raised by a separate actuator. Alternatively, multiple tools <NUM> may be mounted to a common rockshaft for movement together. In yet another alternative, the tools <NUM> may be fixed to the frame <NUM> and the frame <NUM> raised and lowered by linkages on each of the drill wheels <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a schematic view of a meter assembly <NUM> is illustrated. The meter assembly <NUM> may have a reservoir or tank <NUM> coupled to a meter <NUM>. The tank <NUM> may be any of the tanks <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> and be sized to contain commodity therein and direct the commodity to the meter <NUM>. Commodity may refer to seed, fertilizer, or other nutrients and the like that promote growing a crop. The meter <NUM> may be representative of the product meter assembly <NUM>. Further, the meter <NUM> may selectively distribute commodity from the tank <NUM> to a first or second passage <NUM>, <NUM>. Passages <NUM>, <NUM> may be representative of passages <NUM> of <FIG>. In one aspect of this disclosure, the meter <NUM> may have a run selector, flapper, or the like that is selectively repositionable to distribute commodity from the tank <NUM> into either one of the first passage <NUM> or the second passage <NUM> depending on the position of the flapper.

While two passages <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrated herein, this disclosure contemplates also more than two passages coupled to the meter <NUM>. Further still, there may be only one passage coupled to the meter <NUM>. As will be understood in view of this disclosure, the teachings discussed herein are applicable to meters having any number of passages coupled thereto.

In one aspect of this disclosure, the tank <NUM> may have an agitator <NUM> positioned in or on the tank <NUM>. The agitator <NUM> may be a rotary agitator having extensions that extend radially away from a rotation axis. The agitator <NUM> may interact with the tank <NUM> to agitate any commodity therein to ensure the commodity is properly fed into the meter <NUM>. While a rotary agitator is discussed herein, this disclosure contemplates any known commodity agitator for the agitator <NUM>. In one aspect of this disclosure, the agitator <NUM> may be selectively engaged by a controller <NUM> to agitate any commodity in the tank <NUM>.

The amount or presence of commodity in the tank <NUM> may be identified through one or more sensor as well. In one non-exclusive example, a tank fill height sensor <NUM> may be positioned to identify the fill height of any commodity in the tank <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may be an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, or any other sensor that can identify the presence of commodity in the tank <NUM>. Further, in one embodiment of this disclosure the sensor <NUM> may be a camera that is configured to identify the type of commodity in the tank <NUM>.

In another non-exclusive example, the tank <NUM> may have a tank load sensor <NUM> positioned to identify the weight of the tank <NUM> along with any commodity positioned therein. The sensor <NUM> may be a load sensor or the like positioned between the tank <NUM> and the cart frame <NUM> or portion thereof to identify the weight of the tank <NUM> and commodity therein. In this configuration, the sensor <NUM> may communicate readings to the controller <NUM> that are indicative of the weight of commodity in the tank <NUM>. In one aspect of this disclosure, the weight of the tank <NUM> may be a value stored in a memory unit of the controller <NUM> or elsewhere. The weight of the tank <NUM> may be compared to the readings from the sensor <NUM> to identify when the tank is empty. For example, when the sensor <NUM> identifies a reading to the controller <NUM> that is about equal to the weight of the tank <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may identify that the tank <NUM> is substantially empty and does not contain a significant amount of commodity.

In one aspect of this disclosure, the meter <NUM> has a roller <NUM> positioned therein. The roller <NUM> may selectively distribute commodity from an inlet <NUM> to an outlet <NUM>. The roller <NUM> rotates about an axis and has a plurality of cavities <NUM> (see <FIG>) spaced circumferentially there about. Each of the plurality of cavities <NUM> may have a radially distal opening that allows commodity to enter and exit each of the plurality of cavities <NUM> as the roller <NUM> rotates. Accordingly, commodity positioned at the inlet <NUM> may fall by gravity into one of the cavities <NUM> of the roller <NUM> as it rotates thereby. Next, as that roller cavity <NUM> rotates about the axis towards the outlet <NUM>, the commodity may fall out of the cavity <NUM> as gravity and radial forces move the commodity towards the outlet <NUM>. Accordingly, the commodity may be distributed in a metered fashion from the inlet <NUM> to the outlet <NUM> based on the rotation speed of the roller <NUM>.

In one aspect of this disclosure, the rotational speed of the roller <NUM> may be dictated by the controller <NUM>. More specifically, the roller <NUM> may be coupled to a motor or the like. In one non-limiting example the motor is an electrical motor that is controlled by the controller <NUM> to rotate the roller <NUM>. However, the motor may be a pneumatic or hydraulic motor as well that is controlled through the controller <NUM> via a corresponding electro-hydraulic or electro-pneumatic system. Accordingly, this disclosure contemplates implementing the teachings discussed herein to control a roller <NUM> with the controller <NUM> utilizing an electrical, electro-hydraulic, or electro-pneumatic system.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the outlet <NUM> may have an outlet sensor <NUM> positioned to identify a blockage of commodity in the outlet <NUM>. More specifically, the outlet sensor <NUM> may be positioned between the roller <NUM> and the passages <NUM>, <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may communicate with the controller <NUM> to identify when a blockage of commodity is present in the outlet <NUM>. In one aspect of this disclosure, the readings of the sensor <NUM> may be used to identify the source of a commodity blockage in the seeder <NUM>. More specifically, the sensor <NUM> may identify when commodity is not passing through the meter <NUM> to allow the controller <NUM> to respond as discussed herein.

According to the invention, the sensor <NUM> is a camera that provides visual feedback to the controller <NUM> to identify the state of commodity moving from the roller <NUM> to the corresponding passage <NUM>, <NUM>. The camera sensor <NUM> may be oriented to view commodity as it exits the roller <NUM> at the outlet <NUM>. According to the invention, , the camera sensor <NUM> is further oriented to at least partially view the roller <NUM> and provide data to the controller <NUM> regarding the rotation speed of the roller, but in addition also other data such as identifying the type of roller <NUM>, wear, and any other information that may be visually identifiable.

In one embodiment of this disclosure, an inlet sensor <NUM> may be positioned along the inlet <NUM> of the meter <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> may communicate with the controller <NUM> to identify when commodity is not present at the inlet <NUM>. More specifically, when the tank <NUM> is properly filled with commodity, and that commodity is properly flowing through the inlet <NUM>, the sensor <NUM> may communicate to the controller <NUM> that commodity is present. However, when the tank <NUM> is empty or when the commodity jams above the inlet <NUM>, the sensor <NUM> may communicate to the controller that there is not commodity present at the inlet <NUM> and therefore the meter <NUM> is not distributing commodity into the passages <NUM>, <NUM>. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the inlet sensor <NUM> is also a camera configured to identify the state of the roller <NUM> and commodity at the inlet <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may also communicate with a user interface <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> may provide a location for a user to input data or commands to the controller <NUM> as well as allow the controller <NUM> to provide an indicator to the user. In one non-exclusive example of this disclosure, the user interface <NUM> may be a touch screen device. The touch screen device may have a plurality of user-selectable inputs displayed thereon that allow the user to communicate an input preference to the controller <NUM>. In another example, the user interface <NUM> may be buttons and switches among other things positioned on a dash and selectable by a user. In yet another example, the user interface <NUM> may rely on visual or auditory input from the user to indicate user preference.

Similarly, the user interface <NUM> may provide an indicator to the user regarding actions and observations of the controller <NUM>. More specifically, the user interface <NUM> may be a display that shows icons representing the conditions of the seeder <NUM> identified by the controller <NUM> via communication with the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, agitator <NUM>, and roller <NUM>. In one non-limiting example, the user interface <NUM> may show an icon when the roller <NUM> is being powered. Further, the user interface <NUM> may show an icon when the agitator <NUM> is engaged. Further still, the user interface <NUM> may show an icon when blockage is identified by the outlet sensor <NUM> or when no commodity is identified by the inlet sensor <NUM> among other things. The indication presented by the user interface <NUM> may also be a light that is illuminated, an auditory signal played to the user, haptic feedback that is felt by the user, or any other type of indication that may be observable by a user. Further, in one non-exclusive example the user interface <NUM> is a remote device such as a tablet, computer, or smartphone.

In one example, the user interface <NUM> may provide footage of any camera sensors positioned within the meter assembly <NUM>. More specifically, the user interface may show live views of the outlet <NUM> when sensor <NUM> is a camera. Additionally, the user interface may also show live view of the inlet <NUM> when the sensor <NUM> is a camera. Further still, the user interface <NUM> may show a side-by-side view of the inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM> when both sensors <NUM>, <NUM> are cameras.

Referring now to <FIG>, another embodiment of a meter assembly <NUM> is illustrated. The meter assembly <NUM> of <FIG> may be similar to the meter assembly <NUM> of <FIG> with like components identified with like reference numbers. More specifically, the meter assembly <NUM> may have a tank <NUM> with sensors <NUM>, <NUM> and an agitator <NUM> that communicate with a controller <NUM>. However, a meter <NUM> of <FIG> may position an inlet sensor <NUM> and an outlet sensor <NUM> about the roller <NUM> rather than at the inlet <NUM> and outlet <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, the meter <NUM> may be designed to process commodity with the roller <NUM> along a commodity path <NUM>. The commodity path may be the typical path of the commodity as the roller <NUM> rotates to transfer commodity from the tank <NUM> to the passages <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, the flow path <NUM> may transfer commodity through a processing side <NUM> of the meter <NUM> wherein the cavities of the roller <NUM> are expected to have commodity therein as the roller <NUM> rotates. Further, the meter <NUM> may also have an exhausted side <NUM> wherein the cavities of the roller <NUM> will typically be void of commodity under proper operating conditions.

As discussed herein, the roller <NUM> may have a plurality of cavities <NUM> defined there around to transfer commodity from the inlet <NUM> to the outlet <NUM>. In this configuration, the cavities <NUM> on the side of the roller <NUM> moving from the inlet <NUM> to the outlet <NUM> may be at least partially filled with commodity. As the cavities <NUM> of the roller <NUM> pass the outlet <NUM>, any commodity therein is typically dispersed out of the outlet <NUM>. As the roller <NUM> continues to rotate past the outlet <NUM>, the cavities <NUM> moving from the outlet <NUM> back to the inlet <NUM> are typically substantially void of commodity. In this configuration, the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may communicate with the controller <NUM> to identify when commodity is properly being transferred through the meter <NUM>, when commodity is not entering the meter <NUM>, and when commodity is blocked at the outlet <NUM> among other things. The sensors <NUM>, <NUM> are cameras that view the roller <NUM> through a lens or other clear covering allowing the camera sensors <NUM>, <NUM> to visually identify the presence of commodity in the cavities <NUM> of the roller <NUM> along with rotation speed and other characteristics such as roller type among other things.

In one aspect of the embodiment of <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may monitor the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> along with the roller <NUM> to ensure that commodity is moving as expected through the meter <NUM>. More specifically, if the controller <NUM> identifies the roller <NUM> should be moving, the controller <NUM> may check the inlet sensor <NUM> to identify whether commodity is present in the cavities <NUM> of the roller <NUM>. If the inlet sensor <NUM> identifies to the controller <NUM> that commodity is not present, the controller <NUM> may send an indication that commodity is not present and execute additional functions to determine cause. The additional functions may include one or more of check sensors <NUM>, <NUM> to determine whether commodity is in the tank <NUM>, engage the agitator <NUM>, and check the roller <NUM> condition among other things.

If commodity is identified by the inlet sensor <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may check the outlet sensor <NUM> to ensure the commodity is properly leaving the outlet <NUM> and entering one or more of the passages <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, if commodity is properly entering at least one of the passages <NUM>, <NUM>, the outlet sensor <NUM> may indicate to the controller <NUM> that the cavities <NUM> of the roller <NUM> are substantially void of commodity. However, if there is a blockage at the outlet <NUM> or the like, commodity may remain in the cavities <NUM> of the roller <NUM> as it rotates and the outlet sensor <NUM> may indicate the same to the controller <NUM>. If a blockage is identified by the controller <NUM> through the outlet sensor <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may send an indication of the condition to the user via the user interface <NUM> or the like.

While controller <NUM> is used throughout, the teachings of this disclosure may be implemented by any one or more controller of the seeder <NUM> or tractor <NUM>. More specifically, the controller <NUM> can be any controller or combination of controllers capable of communicating with one or more of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, agitator <NUM>, and roller <NUM>. Further, the controller <NUM> may contain or otherwise have access to a processor for executing commands and a memory unit for storing algorithms, charts, measured values, sensor readings, threshold values, or any other data or the like. Further still, in one example of this embodiment the controller <NUM> is at least partially located remotely from the seeder <NUM> and data is communicated wirelessly thereto. Accordingly, while a single controller <NUM> is illustrated, this disclosure contemplates using any known control device or combination of control devices to implement the logic and teachings discussed herein.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the controller <NUM> may communicate with the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, agitator <NUM>, and roller <NUM> through any known form of communication or combination thereof. More specifically, in one embodiment the controller <NUM> may communicate through wires of a wire harness or the like that electrically couple the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, agitator <NUM>, and roller <NUM> to the controller <NUM>. As one non-exclusive example, communication with the controller <NUM> may be executed through a Controller Area Network or "CAN bus. " Alternatively, the controller <NUM> may communicate with the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, agitator <NUM>, and roller <NUM> wirelessly via any known wireless protocol. In this embodiment, the controller <NUM> may send and receive information from the corresponding components without being physically electrically coupled thereto via wires or the like. Regardless the form with which the controller <NUM> sends and receives information, the controller <NUM> may communicate with one or more of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to identify present conditions and instruct responses from one or more of the agitator <NUM>, roller <NUM>, and user interface <NUM> among other things.

Referring now to <FIG>, one non-exclusive example of a meter flow logic <NUM> is illustrated. The meter flow logic <NUM> may be implemented by controller <NUM> utilizing the configurations discussed herein or by any other controller or combination of controllers of the tractor <NUM>, seeder <NUM>, or other device. Initially in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may consider whether the meter <NUM> or <NUM> is activated. In one non-exclusive example, the controller <NUM> may consider signals sent to the roller <NUM> to determine whether the meter is activated in box <NUM>. In other examples, the controller <NUM> may consider whether a motor powering the roller <NUM> is powered as part of box <NUM>. In yet another embodiment, the controller <NUM> may consider image data received from one or more camera sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to identify movement of the roller <NUM>. In other words, box <NUM> may generally consider whether the roller <NUM> of the corresponding meter should be rotating and thereby processing commodity there through.

If the meter is not activated in box <NUM>, the logic may end and continue to monitor the meter to identify when it is activated. However, if the meter is identified as activated in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may then monitor a first sensor in box <NUM> to identify whether commodity is going into the meter. In one non-exclusive example, the first sensor may be the inlet sensor <NUM>. In another example, the inlet sensor may be inlet sensor <NUM>. Further still, the first sensor of box <NUM> may be any sensor that is capable of identifying the presence of commodity in the meter. In the embodiment wherein the inlet sensor <NUM>, <NUM> is a camera, box <NUM> may analyze video produced by the sensor <NUM>, <NUM> to determine whether commodity is provided to the roller <NUM>.

If commodity is not identified in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may consider whether there is commodity in the corresponding tank in box <NUM>. For example, the tank may be tank <NUM> and the controller <NUM> may utilize one or more of the tank fill height sensor <NUM> or the tank load sensor <NUM> to determine whether there is commodity in the tank <NUM> in box <NUM>. If the tank fill height sensor <NUM> indicates the tank <NUM> is empty, the controller may execute box <NUM>. Further, the controller <NUM> may identify the tank <NUM> as empty when the tank load sensor <NUM> identifies the weight of the tank <NUM> to correspond to an empty tank. Further, the controller <NUM> may implement any other sensor or the like to check for the presence of commodity in the tank <NUM> in box <NUM>.

If the tank <NUM> is determined empty in box <NUM>, the controller implements box <NUM>. In other words, box <NUM> is implemented when the first sensor of box <NUM> does not identify commodity in the meter and tank sensors <NUM>, <NUM> don't identify commodity in the tank <NUM>. In box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may determine that the first sensor of box <NUM> did not identify commodity because there was not any commodity present in the tank <NUM>. In one aspect of box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may utilize the user interface <NUM> or the like to identify the empty condition.

Alternatively, if commodity is identified in the tank in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may conclude that a jam of commodity is restricting flow into the meter and initiate a response in box <NUM>.

Box <NUM> may be initiated when the first sensor of box <NUM> is not identifying commodity in the meter but commodity is identified in the tank in box <NUM>. In other words, box <NUM> is initiated when commodity is in the tank <NUM> but otherwise prevented from entering the meter assembly. The response of box <NUM> may be providing an indication that the controller <NUM> identified a jam. In one non-exclusive example, the indication of a jam from box <NUM> may be implemented with the user interface <NUM>. For example, the indication may be an icon on a display showing the jam. Further, the indication may be an auditory signal or haptic feedback.

In addition to, or instead of, showing an indication, the controller <NUM> may initiate a response sequence starting with box <NUM> (see <FIG>) after, or instead of, box <NUM>. The response sequence may include agitating the commodity in the tank <NUM> in box <NUM>. More specifically, the controller <NUM> may engage the agitator <NUM> in box <NUM> to break loose the blocked commodity. In the embodiment where the agitator <NUM> is a rotating member, box <NUM> may include altering the rotation speed or pattern of the agitator <NUM>. Alternatively, the controller <NUM> may alter the agitator <NUM> in any way that may break the blockage of commodity to flow into the meter assembly.

After or during the agitation step of box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may monitor the first sensor to identify when commodity is provided to the meter in box <NUM>. More specifically, if the blockage of commodity is broken in box <NUM>, commodity will enter the meter and the first sensor will identify the presence of commodity in the meter in box <NUM>. If commodity is identified in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may identify that the blockage is addressed and re-run the logic <NUM> from the start <NUM>.

However, if commodity is not identified by the first sensor in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may identify that the blockage is still present and continue to agitate the commodity in box <NUM> for a preset amount of time in box <NUM>. Box <NUM> may be a preset time threshold wherein the controller <NUM> continues to agitate the commodity in the tank <NUM> in an attempt to break loose the blockage. However, if the blockage is not broken loose after the preset time threshold, the controller <NUM> may identify that the agitation step of box <NUM> is not affecting the blockage. After the time threshold is met, the controller <NUM> may execute box <NUM> and identify the failure to break loose the blockage of commodity.

The controller <NUM> may identify the failure of box <NUM> utilizing the user interface <NUM> or any of the methods discussed herein for indicating a condition is present. More specifically, the controller <NUM> may display that the commodity remains blocked from the meter in box <NUM>. Further, auditory, visual, or haptic signals may be utilized in box <NUM> to identify the failure. Further still, the controller <NUM> may show live images on the user interface <NUM> of the blocked area when one or more of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> comprise a camera.

Referring back to box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may execute box <NUM> if commodity is identified by the first sensor in box <NUM>. In box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may identify whether the roller <NUM> is moving. More specifically, the controller <NUM> may identify signals sent to a motor or the like intended to power the roller <NUM> to identify whether the roller <NUM> should be moving. In one non-exclusive example, the controller <NUM> may monitor the power provided to an electric motor that powers the roller <NUM>. If the power provided thereto is above a threshold, the controller <NUM> may determine that the roller <NUM> is not moving and execute a jam procedure of box <NUM>. In another embodiment wherein at least one of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is a camera oriented at least partially towards the roller <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may analyze visual data to determine whether the roller is moving in box <NUM>.

The jam procedure of box <NUM> may include reversing the rotation direction of the roller <NUM> temporarily to clear any jams between the roller <NUM> and the meter housing. After the roller <NUM> is temporarily reversed in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may engage the roller <NUM> to rotate in the normal operating direction. Then, in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may again check whether the roller <NUM> is moving as described for box <NUM>. If the roller <NUM> is still not moving in box <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may identify the failure in box <NUM>. More specifically, in box <NUM> the controller <NUM> may utilize the user interface <NUM> or any of the indication methods discussed herein to identify that the roller <NUM> is not rotating as expected. Further, with the camera as one of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> the controller <NUM> may use the user interface <NUM> to display an image of the roller <NUM>.

If the roller <NUM> was identified as moving properly in either box <NUM> or box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may execute box <NUM> and monitor a second sensor of the meter. The second sensor of box <NUM> may be the outlet sensor <NUM> or the outlet sensor <NUM>. Further still, the second sensor of box <NUM> may be any sensor capable of identifying a blockage of commodity at the outlet of a meter. In one aspect of this disclosure, commodity is intended to flow from the roller <NUM> and into one or more of the corresponding passages <NUM>, <NUM>. Under normal operating conditions, the commodity briefly passes by the second sensor as it enters one of the passages <NUM>, <NUM>. However, when a blockage of commodity occurs at or in the outlet of the meter, the commodity will remain stationary at the second sensor. In one aspect of this disclosure, the second sensor of box <NUM> is able to communicate to the controller <NUM> when the commodity is not properly flowing into one or more of the passages <NUM>, <NUM>.

If a blockage is not identified by the second sensor in box <NUM>, the meter assembly is functioning as expected and the controller <NUM> may return to box <NUM> to repeatedly execute the logic <NUM>. However, if a blockage is identified in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may implement box <NUM> and check other vehicle systems for a blockage at the tool <NUM>. More specifically, one or more sensor may be positioned along the distribution tower <NUM> or along any portion of the tool <NUM> that can identify a blockage at the tool <NUM>. At box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> checks whether there is a blockage at the tool area which could cause the blockage identified at the meter <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, if commodity is not properly leaving the tool <NUM>, the blockage of commodity could fill the corresponding passages <NUM> and cause the blockage identified in box <NUM>.

When the controller <NUM> identifies a blockage at the tool in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may allow any tool blockage systems to address or warn of the blockage at the tool and return to box <NUM> to monitor the meter assembly. However, if the controller <NUM> does not identify a blockage at the tool in box <NUM>, the controller may identify that the blockage at the meter assembly is not caused by a backup from a blockage at the tool. According, the controller <NUM> may execute box <NUM> when there is not commodity blockage at the tool in box <NUM>. Alternatively, other embodiments of this disclosure may not consider whether there is a blockage at the tool at all and box <NUM> may be omitted.

In box <NUM>, the controller may utilize the user interface <NUM> to identify the under meter blockage. More specifically, the controller <NUM> may utilize a display screen to show an icon illustrating the blockage or providing a textual warning about the blockage at the meter. Further still, any other visual or auditory signal may be expressed via the controller <NUM> to identify the blockage of box <NUM>. In yet another example, the controller <NUM> may utilize haptic feedback to identify the blockage. Further still, in one aspect of box <NUM> the controller <NUM> may send an indication of the blockage to a remote device such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, or the like. In embodiments utilizing a camera as a sensor, the indication may include a photo or video clip of the blockage. Accordingly, the controller <NUM> may utilize many different indicators or combination of indicators to identify the blockage in box <NUM>.

After box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may continue to execute the logic <NUM> discussed herein. Further, the controller <NUM> may substantially continuously monitor and execute the boxes discussed herein for the logic <NUM>. In one non-exclusive example, the controller <NUM> may repeatedly execute the logic boxes at a rate appropriate to timely identify a blockage of commodity when present.

In one aspect of this disclosure, having two sensors allows the controller <NUM> to identify whether the meter is both being supplied commodity and passing the commodity to the corresponding passage <NUM>, <NUM> properly. More specifically, the first sensor of box <NUM> must identify the presence of commodity at the inlet of the meter to ensure the roller is moving commodity there through. Then, the second sensor of box <NUM> must not identify a blockage of commodity to thereby ensure that commodity is both flowing into the meter and being effectively delivered to the corresponding passage <NUM>, <NUM>.

In one embodiment of this disclosure there may not be a box <NUM> and related at all. In this embodiment, the controller <NUM> may transition from box <NUM> directly to box <NUM>. Further, the controller <NUM> may primarily monitor the second sensor in box <NUM> to ensure there is not a blockage of commodity at the outlet of the meter. In one aspect of this embodiment, the controller <NUM> may rely on one or more of the tank fill height sensor <NUM> and the tank load sensor <NUM> to identify whether commodity is in the tank <NUM>. If commodity is in the tank <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may assume commodity is present at the inlet of the meter and only monitor the outlet with the second sensor of box <NUM> to identify a blockage.

Referring now to <FIG>, a logic chart <NUM> is illustrated. The logic chart <NUM> may be stored in the memory unit of the controller <NUM> and referenced by the controller <NUM> to implement the logic <NUM>. More specifically, the potential sensor readings are identified in the first and second columns <NUM>, <NUM> and the roller motor engagement and identified condition are listed in the third and fourth columns <NUM>, <NUM>. A first row <NUM> may indicate a normal scenario wherein the meter assembly is processing commodity as expected. More specifically, in the first row commodity is identified by the inlet sensor in column <NUM>. Further, the outlet sensor may indicate a clear condition wherein no blockage of commodity is present in the second column <NUM>. In this scenario, when the motor is engaged the meter assembly may be assumed to be functioning as intended.

A second row <NUM> may illustrate a tank bridge condition in column <NUM>. The tank bridge condition may be identified when both the inlet sensor and the outlet sensor do not detect commodity and the roller motor is engaged. In this scenario, the controller <NUM> may further check one or more of the tank height and load sensors <NUM>, <NUM> to confirm that commodity is present in the tank <NUM> as discussed herein. If commodity is in the tank but not identified by either the inlet sensor or the outlet sensor, the controller <NUM> may conclude that there is a tank bridge and respond accordingly.

In row <NUM>, a meter outlet blockage may be the identified condition in column <NUM>. The meter outlet blockage condition may be identified when both the inlet sensor and the outlet sensor identify the presence of commodity. As discussed herein, under proper operating conditions commodity should flow out of the outlet <NUM> and into one or more of the passages <NUM>, <NUM>. Accordingly, when the outlet sensor identifies commodity as in row <NUM> an outlet blockage condition may be present.

Lastly, in row <NUM> an error condition may be identified in column <NUM>. The error condition may be determined when the inlet sensor is not identifying commodity but the outlet sensor is. Under normal operating conditions, this scenario should not occur and the controller <NUM> may indicate an error when the sensors indicate the readings of row <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, one non-exclusive example of a calibration process <NUM> is disclosed for the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>. The calibration process <NUM> may begin in box <NUM> automatically if a calibration is needed or via an input from the user interface <NUM> or the like requesting the calibration process <NUM>.

In one non-exclusive example, the controller <NUM> may utilize the table <NUM> of <FIG> to determine when to begin the calibration process <NUM>. The table <NUM> illustrates the expected response of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> when commodity is not in the tank <NUM> (see column <NUM>) and the roller <NUM> is engaged by the motor (see column <NUM>). The first row <NUM> may represent the expected sensor readings when the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> are properly calibrated. More specifically, both sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be showing a pulsing signal as the empty cavities <NUM> pass thereby. However, if either of the sensors are solid on or off while the tank <NUM> is empty and the motor is engaged (see rows <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>), the controller <NUM> may identify that the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> are miscalibrated (see column <NUM>) and begin the calibration process of box <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, once the calibration process <NUM> begins in box <NUM> any commodity may be removed from the tank <NUM> in box <NUM> if the tank <NUM> is not already empty. In one aspect of this disclosure, the controller <NUM> may automatically execute the calibration process <NUM> when the tank <NUM> is identified as empty with one or more of the tank fill height sensor <NUM> or the tank load sensor <NUM>. Regardless, in box <NUM> any commodity in the tank <NUM> is either removed or otherwise cutoff from the roller <NUM>.

Once the commodity is removed or isolated from the roller <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may operate the roller at a set speed in box <NUM>. The set speed may be any speed that allows the controller <NUM> to execute the remaining boxes of the calibration process <NUM>. Accordingly, many different speeds may be appropriate for the roller <NUM> in box <NUM>. In box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may monitor the sensor <NUM>, <NUM> readings. As the controller <NUM> monitors the sensor readings, the controller <NUM> may determine whether the sensor <NUM>, <NUM> is identifying any signal to the controller <NUM> in box <NUM>. If the sensor <NUM>, <NUM> is not identifying any signals in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may increase the sensitivity in box <NUM> of the sensor <NUM>, <NUM> that is not identifying a signal and re-executed box <NUM> and box <NUM>.

If the controller <NUM> does identify a signal from the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may check if the signal is continuous in box <NUM>. If the signal of the sensor <NUM>, <NUM> is continuous in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may reduce the sensitivity of the corresponding sensor <NUM>, <NUM> in box <NUM>. After the sensitivity of the sensor is reduced in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may re-execute boxes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> until the signal of the sensor <NUM>, <NUM> is no longer continuous in box <NUM>.

When the sensitivity of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> is adjusted as discussed with reference to the previous boxes, the controller <NUM> may check that the sensor's <NUM>, <NUM> signal is pulsing in box <NUM>. More specifically, in one aspect of the embodiment of <FIG>, the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned along the roller <NUM> to determine whether commodity is in the cavities <NUM> of the roller <NUM>. When no commodity is being supplied to the inlet <NUM> and the roller <NUM> is rotating, the sensors' <NUM>, <NUM> signal should be pulsing as the cavities <NUM> of the roller <NUM> pass thereby. Accordingly, if the controller <NUM> identifies pulsing signals in box <NUM> it may determine that the calibration process is complete and execute box <NUM>. However, if the controller <NUM> does not identify pulsing signals in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may return to box <NUM> and modify the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> accordingly.

The controller <NUM> may implement the calibration process <NUM> to simultaneously calibrate both sensors <NUM>, <NUM> or may calibrate only one of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> at a time utilizing the teachings discussed herein. Accordingly, while this disclosure describes both sensor <NUM>, <NUM> at the same time with reference to the calibration process <NUM>, the calibration process may also be implemented for only one of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> at a time.

Further, the adjusting the sensitivity boxes <NUM>, <NUM> may adjust the sensitivity using any adjustment increment reasonable for the sensor <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, the controller <NUM> may continue to monitor the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> as it incrementally adjusts the sensitivity of the sensor <NUM>, <NUM> until the desired conditions are met (i.e. a signal is identified in box <NUM> and the signal is not continuous in box <NUM>). The incremental adjustment value may be preset and communicated to, or stored in, the controller <NUM> or it may be a user-selectable option via the user interface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a lookup table that may be referenced by the controller <NUM> as part of the logic implemented with the embodiment of <FIG>. More specifically, the lookup table of <FIG> may have a first column <NUM> identifying the reading from the inlet sensor <NUM>, a second column <NUM> identifying the reading of the outlet sensor <NUM>, a third column <NUM> identifying the status of the motor powering the roller <NUM>, a fourth column <NUM> identifying the status of the tank <NUM>, a fifth column <NUM> identifying the condition of the meter assembly <NUM>, and a sixth column <NUM> showing a response. Further, each row <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may represent an exemplary scenario that may be present in the meter assembly. In the lookup table of <FIG>, it is assumed the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> are properly calibrated as discussed herein.

Referring to row <NUM>, a typical scenario is shown. In row <NUM>, commodity is passing through the meter assembly <NUM> and therefore causes the inlet sensor <NUM> to give a solid reading in column <NUM>, indicating commodity is passing thereby. Similarly, the outlet sensor <NUM> is pulsing as the empty cavities of the roller <NUM> pass thereby in column <NUM>. The pulsing value of the outlet sensor <NUM> indicates that commodity is properly leaving the roller <NUM> and entering one or more of the passages <NUM>, <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may ensure the motor is engaged to rotate the roller <NUM> in column <NUM> and check one or more of the tank fill height sensor <NUM> and tank load sensor <NUM> to determine the status of the tank <NUM> in column <NUM>. In the scenario of row <NUM>, the condition of column <NUM> may be normal and the response of column <NUM> may be a green roller icon on the user interface <NUM> indicating the meter assembly <NUM> is functioning as expected.

Referring now to row <NUM> a scenario with a roller <NUM> rotation error is illustrated. In this scenario, the inlet sensor <NUM> may show commodity in the roller <NUM> in column <NUM>. More specifically, in the scenario of row <NUM> commodity may remain in the cavities of the roller even if the roller <NUM> is not rotating. However, in column <NUM> the outlet roller <NUM> may be showing an off or otherwise not pulsing condition since the roller <NUM> is not rotating thereby. The controller <NUM> may check that the motor is engaged in column <NUM> and that the tank is not empty in column <NUM>. In this scenario, the condition of column <NUM> may be a roller failure since the roller <NUM> is not rotating as expected. Accordingly, the response of column <NUM> may be a red roller icon illustrated on the user interface <NUM> to indicate the condition.

Row <NUM> may illustrate a scenario having a blockage of commodity in or below the outlet <NUM> of the meter assembly <NUM>. In this scenario, both the inlet sensor <NUM> and the outlet sensor <NUM> may indicate a solid on condition in columns <NUM> and <NUM>. In this scenario, commodity remains in the cavities of the roller <NUM> as it rotates due to the blockage at or below the outlet <NUM>. Accordingly, both the inlet sensor <NUM> and the outlet sensor <NUM> identify commodity in the roller <NUM> which is indicative of a blockage at or below the outlet <NUM> as identified in the condition column <NUM>. In this scenario the response of column <NUM> may be a red roller icon illustrated on the user interface <NUM> to indicate the condition.

Referring now to row <NUM>, a scenario having an above-meter commodity bridge is illustrated. More specifically, both the inlet sensor <NUM> and the outlet sensor <NUM> may be pulsing in columns <NUM> and <NUM>. The pulsing sensor readings indicates that commodity is not present in the roller <NUM> as it rotates. In this scenario, the controller <NUM> may ensure that the tank <NUM> is not empty in column <NUM> by checking one or more of the tank fill height sensor <NUM> and the tank load sensor <NUM>. If the tank <NUM> is not empty but the roller <NUM> is not processing commodity, the controller <NUM> identifies the condition of column <NUM> to be an above-meter bridge or blockage of commodity. That is to say, the controller <NUM> identifies commodity is present in the tank <NUM> but not entering the inlet <NUM>. In this scenario, the response of column <NUM> may include altering the parameters of the agitator <NUM> as explained with reference to <FIG> for example. Additionally, or instead of altering the parameters of the agitator <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may identify the condition on the user interface <NUM> to allow the user to manually dislodge the bridge. In the scenarios of rows <NUM> and <NUM>, the motor powering the roller <NUM> may be off and therefore the roller <NUM> may not be rotating. However, in this scenario one of the inlet sensor <NUM> or outlet sensor <NUM> may be providing an intermittent reading. This may be indicative of a roller blow-by condition of the roller in column <NUM>. A roller blow-by condition may occur when flutes of the roller do not extend entirely to the meter housing and a gap is defined between the end of the roller flute and the adjacent roller housing. In this configuration, a roller blow-by may occur when some commodity flows past the roller even when the roller is not rotating. Accordingly, the response of column <NUM> may be to display an orange icon of a roller on the user interface <NUM> indicating the roller blow-by condition.

The scenario of row <NUM> may be when the tank <NUM> is empty. In this scenario, both the inlet sensor <NUM> and the outlet sensor <NUM> may be showing a pulsing signal in columns <NUM> and <NUM>. The pulsing signal is indicative of the roller <NUM> rotating without processing any commodity there through. The controller <NUM> may utilize one or more of the tank fill height sensor <NUM> and the tank load sensor <NUM> to ensure the tank <NUM> is empty and that an above-meter bridge of row <NUM> is not occurring. If the tank <NUM> is identified as empty, the controller <NUM> may indicate a tank warning or the like utilizing the user interface <NUM> as part of the response from column <NUM>. The responses discussed herein with reference to column <NUM> are only some examples of potential responses and other responses are also considered. More specifically, while displaying icons on the user interface <NUM> is discussed herein, other responses may include sending auditory indications such as beeps or the like. Further still, haptic feedback may communicate the condition to the user as part of the response. In yet another example, a simple warning light or the like may illuminate as part of the response. With the camera, a photo or video clip may be displayed on the user interface <NUM> as part of the response. Accordingly, any response that can communicate the condition is considered herein and the specific responses discussed are meant as non-exclusive examples.

Referring now to <FIG>, one embodiment of a meter assembly <NUM> is illustrated separated from the tank <NUM>, passages <NUM>, <NUM>, and other portions of the seeder <NUM>. The meter assembly <NUM> may have an inlet <NUM>, an outlet <NUM>, and a roller <NUM> positioned there between as discussed herein. The cavities <NUM> of the roller <NUM> discussed herein may be more apparent with reference to <FIG>. The meter assembly <NUM> may generally be formed of a meter housing <NUM>. The meter housing <NUM> may be a molded material, such as plastic, and formed from two separate sections coupled to one another. The meter housing <NUM> may provide a passageway for commodity between the inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM> that is metered by the rotation of the roller <NUM>.

The roller <NUM> may have a roller shaft <NUM> that extends through an orifice of the meter housing <NUM> and is coupled to a roller motor <NUM>. The roller motor <NUM> may be an electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic motor that selectively rotates the roller <NUM>. As discussed herein, the rotation speed and direction of the roller <NUM> may be determined by the speed and direction with which the roller motor <NUM> rotates. Further, the controller <NUM> may selectively control the speed and direction of the roller motor <NUM>.

The meter housing <NUM> may have a first cavity defined therein to receive an inlet sensor <NUM> and a second cavity defined therein to receive an outlet sensor <NUM>. In one example of this disclosure, the inlet sensor <NUM> may function in substantially the same manner as the inlet sensor <NUM> of <FIG>. Similarly, the outlet sensor <NUM> may function in substantially the same manner as the outlet sensor <NUM> of <FIG>. In one aspect of this disclosure, the first and second cavities are located to position the corresponding sensors <NUM>, <NUM> in close proximity to commodity flowing through the meter assembly <NUM> without directly exposing the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> to the commodity. In other words, at least a portion of the meter housing <NUM> may remain between the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> and the commodity as it moves there through.

Referring now to <FIG>, a partial section view of the meter <NUM> is illustrated. More specifically, a flapper <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>. The flapper <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the meter housing <NUM>, either directly or through a manifold coupled to the meter housing <NUM>, to pivot about a flapper axis <NUM> between a first position <NUM> (see <FIG>) and a second position <NUM> (see <FIG>). The position of the flapper <NUM> may be selectively controlled by a flapper arm <NUM>. More specifically, the flapper arm <NUM> may be coupled to an actuator or the like to selectively pivot the flapper between the first position <NUM> and the second position <NUM>. Further, the controller <NUM> may selectively alter the actuator of the flapper arm <NUM> to thereby move the flapper between the first and second positioned <NUM>, <NUM>.

While a flapper <NUM> is illustrated coupled to the meter housing <NUM> as discussed herein, this disclosure considers positioning the flapper <NUM> in a manifold coupled to the meter housing as well. In this configuration, the flapper <NUM> and corresponding components may be positioned in the manifold which can be selectively coupled to the meter housing <NUM>. Further still, this disclosure also considers utilizing a turret type run selector. The turret style run selector may be a rotary run selector that alters the flow path of commodity as it rotates about a rotation axis. Accordingly, this disclosure contemplates utilizing different types of run selectors either coupled directly to the meter housing <NUM> or to a manifold coupled thereto.

A commodity flow path <NUM> is also illustrated in <FIG>. The commodity flow path <NUM> may generally represent the intended flow of commodity provided at the inlet <NUM> when the roller motor <NUM> is rotating the roller <NUM> in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in <FIG>. As discussed herein, the roller <NUM> has a plurality of cavities <NUM> that receive commodity at the inlet <NUM> and transfer the commodity to the outlet <NUM> as the roller <NUM> rotates.

In one aspect of this disclosure, wear plates <NUM> may be positioned between the roller <NUM> and the meter housing <NUM> along the radially outer portions of the roller <NUM>. More specifically, as the roller <NUM> rotates, commodity positioned in the cavities <NUM> may experience forces radially away from the rotation axis of the roller <NUM>. The wear plates <NUM> may be formed of a material that is less likely to wear due to this contact compared to the material of the meter housing <NUM>. In one non-exclusive example, the wear plates <NUM> may be formed of a metallic material while the meter housing <NUM> is formed of a plastic or the like. However, many different materials for the wear plates <NUM> and meter housing are also considered herein.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the meter assembly <NUM> may define the commodity flow path <NUM> generally between a first wall <NUM> and a second wall <NUM> defined by the meter housing <NUM>. The first wall <NUM> may be the portion of the meter housing <NUM> exposed to commodity on a first side <NUM> of the meter assembly <NUM> while the second wall <NUM> may be the portion of the meter housing <NUM> exposed to commodity on a second side <NUM> of the meter assembly <NUM>. In one aspect of this disclosure, the commodity flow path <NUM> may be defined such that as commodity exits the cavities <NUM> of the roller <NUM>, the commodity is generally directed towards the outlet <NUM> and the first wall <NUM>. That is to say, as commodity exits the cavities <NUM> of the roller <NUM>, the commodity is generally travelling at least partially away from the second wall <NUM>.

In one aspect of this disclosure, the outlet sensor <NUM> is positioned along the second wall <NUM> to ensure a surplus commodity is only identified during a clogged condition. More specifically, the outlet sensor <NUM> may be positioned to have a primary reading direction <NUM> that is oriented to a portion of the outlet <NUM> that is not substantially exposed to the commodity flow path <NUM>. In this configuration, the outlet sensor <NUM> will not falsely identify a blocked condition under high flow conditions because the commodity flow path <NUM> is generally directed away from the primary reading direction <NUM> of the outlet sensor <NUM>. In other words, the outlet sensor <NUM> is not positioned in the first wall <NUM> because the commodity flow path <NUM> is directed toward the first wall <NUM> out of the roller <NUM> and positioning the outlet sensor <NUM> there along could cause false blockage readings during high commodity flow. However, in other embodiments the outlet sensor <NUM> is positioned along the first wall <NUM> instead of the second wall <NUM>.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the outlet sensor <NUM> may be positioned along a portion of the second wall <NUM> so the primary reading direction <NUM> is not covered by one of the wear plates <NUM>. As discussed herein, the wear plates <NUM> may be formed of a more wear resistant material compared to the meter housing <NUM>. Accordingly, by positioning the outlet sensor <NUM> so the primary reading direction <NUM> is not through the wear plate <NUM>, the resolution with which the outlet sensor <NUM> can identify commodity is increased. Similarly, the inlet sensor <NUM> may be positioned along a portion of the inlet <NUM> that is not covered by the wear plate <NUM>.

In another aspect of this disclosure the inlet and outlet sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be separated from the commodity flow path <NUM> by meter material <NUM>. In this orientation, the sensor <NUM>, <NUM> may identify the presence of commodity in the commodity flow path <NUM> through the meter material <NUM> to thereby protect the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> from direct contact with the commodity. That is to say, the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially protected from damage caused by the commodity because the meter material <NUM> separates the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> from the commodity. In another aspect of this disclosure, the meter material <NUM> separating the outlet sensor <NUM> from the commodity flow path <NUM> may have an arc-shaped surface <NUM> facing the commodity flow path <NUM>. More specifically, the arc-shaped surface <NUM> may be defined about an arc that is coaxial with the flapper axis <NUM>. Further still, the arc-shaped surface <NUM> may be spaced from the flapper axis <NUM> a distance that is about the same as a flapper length <NUM>. In this configuration, as the flapper <NUM> transitions between the first position <NUM> and the second position <NUM>, a distal end of the flapper <NUM> passes along the arc-shaped surface <NUM>. Further still, in one aspect of this disclosure the distal end of the flapper <NUM> may pass close enough to the arc-shaped surface <NUM> to clean at least some residue or debris positioned thereon to thereby reduce obstructions in the primary reading direction <NUM> to increase clarity of the outlet sensor <NUM> readings.

While the outlet sensor <NUM> is illustrated and described as positioned adjacent to the arc-shaped surface <NUM>, other embodiments considered herein position the outlet sensor adjacent to any portion of the meter housing <NUM> along a flapper sweep cavity <NUM>. More specifically, the flapper sweep cavity <NUM> may be defined in the meter housing <NUM> to allow the flapper <NUM> to transition between the first position <NUM> and the second position <NUM>. In one aspect of this disclosure, a first and second sidewall <NUM>, <NUM> may be located along the sides of the flapper sweep cavity <NUM>. In this configuration, the outlet sensor <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to the first or second sidewall <NUM>, <NUM> along the flapper sweep cavity <NUM> to thereby identify the presence of a blockage of commodity in the outlet <NUM>. Further, positioning the outlet sensor <NUM> in a sidewall <NUM>, <NUM> may still allow the flapper <NUM> to at least partially clean any debris therefrom as the flapper <NUM> transitions between the first and second position <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, another aspect of this disclosure includes a calibration process <NUM> for sensors <NUM>, <NUM>. The calibration process <NUM> may start with box <NUM> wherein the calibration process <NUM> is initiated as part of a routine calibration or because of a user-initiated calibration. The user-initiated calibration may be initiated by a selectable icon, button, switch, or the like on the user interface <NUM> or elsewhere that indicates the user intends to perform the calibration process <NUM>. Alternatively, the calibration process <NUM> may automatically be executed by the controller <NUM> after a set amount of time between calibrations or automatically at the start of the tractor <NUM> or seeder <NUM>. Further still, the calibration process <NUM> may be executed after a preset threshold of operating hours has passed. Further still, the calibration process <NUM> may be initiated if the outlet sensor <NUM> is giving faulty readings, indicating a potential debris buildup may be present. Accordingly, this disclosure contemplates initiating the calibration process <NUM> using many different methods.

Once the calibration process is initiated in box <NUM>, in box <NUM> the controller <NUM> may ensure the roller <NUM> is not powered. The controller <NUM> may utilize any of the methods discussed herein to identify the state of the roller <NUM>. In one aspect of this disclosure, the controller <NUM> may stop powering the roller <NUM> in box <NUM> to ensure any commodity in the tank <NUM> will be positioned along the inlet sensor <NUM> and not along the outlet sensor <NUM>.

In box <NUM> the controller <NUM> may cycle the flapper <NUM> to wipe the arc-shaped surface <NUM> of any debris buildup that may be present. More specifically, cycling the flapper <NUM> in box <NUM> moves the flapper <NUM> over the arc-shaped surface <NUM> of the meter assembly <NUM> in order to remove any residual material buildup that may affect the outlet sensor <NUM> reading.

In box <NUM> the controller <NUM> may also check whether there is commodity in the tank <NUM>. More specifically, one or more of the tank fill height sensor <NUM> and the tank load sensor <NUM> may be monitored in box <NUM> to ensure at least some commodity is in the tank <NUM>. If commodity is not in the tank in box <NUM>, the calibration process <NUM> may execute box <NUM> wherein both the inlet sensor <NUM> and the outlet sensor <NUM> are calibrated to a no-commodity reading. However, if commodity is in the tank <NUM> in box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may execute box <NUM> wherein the inlet sensor <NUM> is calibrated to a commodity present reading and the outlet sensor <NUM> is calibrated to a no-commodity reading.

The calibration process <NUM> may also be implemented when a different type of commodity is being processed through the meter. For example, when the commodity is a seed it may have a different density than when the commodity is a fertilizer. Further still, different types of seed and fertilizer may have different sensible properties relative to others. Accordingly, when the type of commodity is altered in the tank <NUM> the calibration process <NUM> may be executed to ensure the controller <NUM> can properly identify the presence of commodity in the meter assembly <NUM>. Further still, in one aspect of this disclosure the user interface <NUM> may provide user selectable commodity types to be considered during the calibration process <NUM>. More specifically, the controller <NUM> may compare the sensor readings to the expected sensor readings for the type of commodity and identify an error if the sensor reading values are not within an expected range for the commodity.

While a calibration process <NUM> is discussed herein, this disclosure also contemplates utilizing sensors and the like that do not require a calibration process at all. More specifically, in one aspect of this disclosure the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may be cameras and be able to identify the presence and type of commodity in the meter assembly <NUM> without requiring a calibration process. Further still, in other embodiments the type of commodity being processed by the meter may be input to the controller <NUM> via the user interface <NUM> or the like and the sensors <NUM>, <NUM> may automatically be adjusted to calibrations associated with the particular type of commodity being processed. In this embodiment, the calibrations associated with the particular type of commodity may be predetermined and stored in a memory unit that the controller <NUM> accesses to implement the selected commodity calibration.

Referring now to <FIG>, another embodiment of a meter assembly <NUM> is illustrated. This meter assembly <NUM> may be substantially similar to the meter assembly <NUM> of <FIG> except a camera <NUM> is illustrated positioned in the meter assembly <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may communicate with the controller <NUM> to achieve any of the advantages discussed herein for sensor <NUM>. More specifically, the camera <NUM> may be oriented in the meter assembly <NUM> to view the commodity flow path <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may be positioned behind a substantially clear lens <NUM> that blocks debris from contacting the camera <NUM> and allows the camera <NUM> to provide a visual perspective of the commodity and roller characteristics in the meter assembly <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may communicate with the controller <NUM> to identify flow characteristics of the commodity along the flow path <NUM> to identify blockages as discussed herein.

In one aspect of this disclosure, the camera <NUM> is oriented to provide a viewing angle <NUM> that provides a view of both the flow path <NUM> and at least a partial view of the roller <NUM>. Orienting the camera <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> and providing the exemplary viewing angle <NUM> may allow the camera <NUM> to provide image data to the controller showing both the flow characteristics of the commodity along the flow path <NUM> and roller characteristics of the roller <NUM>. The roller characteristics includes the rotation speed of the roller <NUM>, but may further include the type of roller <NUM> and any visual wear of the roller <NUM>, among other things. For example, the camera <NUM> may be able to identify a specific color of the roller <NUM> and different colors of rotors may be associated with different configurations of roller <NUM> (i.e. different cavity size and spacing among other things).

In one example of this disclosure, the roller <NUM> may have a visual indicator <NUM> on a divider <NUM> of the roller <NUM>. The visual indicator may be a different colored divider <NUM> or a mark on the surface of the divider <NUM> that is visible to the camera <NUM> as the divider <NUM> passes thereby. The controller <NUM> may view the roller <NUM> via the camera <NUM> and identify when the indicator passes thereby. The controller <NUM> may then determine the rotation speed of the roller <NUM> based on the number of times the indicator <NUM> passes by the camera <NUM>.

While a specific orientation of the camera <NUM> is illustrated and described herein, other orientations are also considered as part of this disclosure. More specifically, the camera may be positioned in any orientation in the meter assembly <NUM> that allows the camera <NUM> to view at least partially the roller and the commodity flowing there through.

Referring now to <FIG>, a schematic representation of a camera-based detection system <NUM> is illustrated. The camera based system <NUM> may have a cart <NUM> that has tanks <NUM>, <NUM> therein. The cart <NUM> may have more or less tanks as discussed herein with reference to <FIG>, however, only two tanks <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrated for the example schematic representation of <FIG>. Each tank may have a meter assembly <NUM>, <NUM> that substantially implements the teachings discussed herein. For example, each meter assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may have a corresponding camera <NUM>, <NUM> positioned along an outlet of the corresponding meter assembly <NUM>, <NUM>. Each camera <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned to provide visual feedback to the controller <NUM> regarding commodity flow from the corresponding meter assembly <NUM>, <NUM> to the flow passage <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a camera <NUM> may be positioned along the flow passage <NUM> to identify commodity flow there through. In this configuration, the commodity flowing through the flow passage <NUM> may be a mixture of a first commodity in tank <NUM> and a second commodity in tank <NUM>. The camera <NUM> may communicate with the controller <NUM> to identify flow characteristics of the commodity such as the mixture of commodity, type of commodity, quality of the commodity, flow speed of commodity, coefficient of variation of individual commodities, and flow rate of the commodity among other things. In one aspect of this disclosure, the camera <NUM> may provide visual data to the controller <NUM> that is further processed by the controller <NUM> to identify the flow characteristics of the commodity in the flow passage <NUM>.

In yet another embodiment, a camera <NUM> may be positioned at a secondary splitter <NUM>. The secondary splitter <NUM> may be a portion of the flow path <NUM> that commodity from a single flow passage <NUM> is divided into two or more runs <NUM>. The secondary splitter <NUM> and runs <NUM> of <FIG> may be substantially the same as the distributing manifold <NUM> and the secondary distribution lines <NUM> of <FIG>. Accordingly, the secondary splitter <NUM> divides the flow of commodity into a number of secondary runs <NUM>. Each run <NUM> delivers commodity to one of a plurality of ground engaging tools <NUM> which opens a furrow in the soil and deposits the commodity therein. The number of passages <NUM> may vary from one to eight, nine, or ten or more, depending on the configuration of the cart <NUM> and drill <NUM>. Depending on the cart and drill, there may be two secondary splitters in the air stream between the meters and the ground engaging tools.

Positioning the camera <NUM> at the secondary splitter <NUM> may allow the camera <NUM> to provide image data to the controller <NUM> that can be analyzed to determine which runs <NUM> are receiving commodity. More specifically, the camera <NUM> may be positioned along a portion of the secondary splitter <NUM> that allows the camera <NUM> to provide image data at an inlet of each of the runs <NUM>. Accordingly, the image data can be analyzed to identify how much commodity and what type of commodity is entering each run <NUM>.

In one example of this embodiment, image data from the camera <NUM> may help to identify a clog in a run <NUM>. More specifically, if a run <NUM> is clogged commodity may not be entering that particular run <NUM> from the secondary splitter <NUM>. Since the camera <NUM> is positioned to view the inlet of each run <NUM>, the image data provided to the controller <NUM> from the camera <NUM> may be analyzed to identify that commodity is not entering the inlet of the clogged run <NUM>.

In another aspect of this disclosure, the controller <NUM> may utilize image data provided by one or more of the cameras <NUM>, <NUM> to identify the type of commodity mixture entering the runs <NUM>. For example, tank <NUM> may have a first commodity <NUM> (i.e. seed) therein and tank <NUM> may have a second commodity <NUM> (i.e. fertilizer) therein. Both the first and second commodity <NUM>, <NUM> may be introduced into the flow path <NUM> of the passage <NUM>. Accordingly, a mixture of the first and second commodity <NUM>, <NUM> may be in the flow path <NUM> of the passage <NUM> as the commodity passes one or both of the camera <NUM> and <NUM>. In this configuration, the controller <NUM> may analyze the image data provided by one or both cameras <NUM>, <NUM> to identify the type of commodity flowing thereby. In the example presented herein, the controller <NUM> may identify that both the first commodity <NUM> seed and the second commodity <NUM> fertilizer are passing through the flow path <NUM> of the passage <NUM> and being directed towards the corresponding runs <NUM>.

The quality of the commodity may be analyzed by any of the cameras <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> discussed herein as well. To identify the quality of the commodity, the controller <NUM> may analyze the image data provided by the corresponding camera to ensure that the commodity appears as expected. For example, the commodity may be damaged and splintered or frayed and the image data provided by the cameras may allow the controller <NUM> to identify the damaged commodity.

Referring now to <FIG>, one method <NUM> of the present disclosure is illustrated. This method <NUM> may implement the components of the camera based system <NUM> and others discussed herein. In box <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes providing at least one tank having a commodity therein. As discussed herein with reference to <FIG>, the tank may be tank <NUM> and the commodity may be the first commodity <NUM>. As part of box <NUM>, additional tanks and commodities may also be provided as part of this method. More specifically, tank <NUM> and the second commodity <NUM> may also be provided at this point.

In box <NUM>, the commodity may be selectively distributed from the at least one tank to a drill assembly. This may be done utilizing any of the methods and components discussed herein. From the example of <FIG>, meter assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned between tanks <NUM>, <NUM> and the drill assembly <NUM> to selectively distribute commodity into the flow path <NUM> to flow to corresponding runs <NUM>.

In box <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may monitor the image data provided from one or more of the cameras <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Many different camera configurations are considered part of this disclosure. For example, a camera may be positioned at the outlet of the meter assembly as illustrated by <NUM> of <FIG> and <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG>. Alternatively, a camera <NUM> may be positioned along the passage <NUM> and be able to provide image data to identify mixtures of commodity flowing there through. In another example, the camera <NUM> is positioned at the secondary splitter <NUM> and able to identify mixtures of commodity in the passage <NUM> and verify which runs <NUM> are receiving commodity. Any combination of the camera configurations disclosed herein are also considered as part of this disclosure. In one example, a camera may be positioned at each location discussed in this disclosure to provide image data that is analyzed, compared, and verified against image data from other cameras.

With the camera at the meter assembly outlet, the controller <NUM> may be able to identify the performance of each meter assembly having a camera at the outlet. As disclosed herein, this image data may be sufficient to allow the controller <NUM> to determine roller characteristics such as roller type and roller speed among others, and commodity characteristics as the commodity leaves the roller. Commodity characteristics may include flow consistency, commodity type, commodity quality, blockage, and any other characteristic that may be identifiable via image data at the meter outlet. A camera at the meter assembly may provide image data of the commodity before it enters the passage <NUM>. In this scenario, image data of the commodity is generated before any mixing of commodity has occurred.

In the example of camera <NUM>, image data can be produced from the passage <NUM> to show mixtures of commodity flowing there through. In this configuration, when two or more tanks are both providing a different type of commodity into the passage, the camera <NUM> is positioned to identify the mixture in the passage <NUM>. In one non-exclusive example, this camera <NUM> may be positioned along the passage at a location just before the passage <NUM> enters the secondary splitter <NUM>. As one non-exclusive example, the camera <NUM> may be positioned right before the J-shaped tube <NUM>.

In the example of the camera <NUM> at the secondary splitter <NUM>, the camera is positioned to monitor the commodity flowing through the passage <NUM> and into the runs <NUM>.

In box <NUM>, the image data from any one or more of the cameras discussed herein may be processed by the controller <NUM> to identify the flow characteristics of the commodity. The flow characteristics may include any one or more of the commodity type, mixture ratio, quality, and flow rate among other things. Once the flow characteristics are identified, the controller may analyze the flow characteristics to determine machine performance in box <NUM>. For example, the cameras <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be analyzed to identify a blockage at the meter assembly outlet, the type of commodity being distributed through each meter assembly, the quality of the commodity flowing there through, the roller rotation speed, roller wear, and any other characteristic identifiable through image data orientated as described herein.

The flow characteristics of the camera <NUM> may also be analyzed in box <NUM>. The image data from camera <NUM> may be analyzed by the controller <NUM> to identify flow characteristics such as a blockage in the passage <NUM>, the types of commodity being distributed through the passage, the mixture ratio of the commodity flowing through the passage, the quality of the commodity flowing there through, and any other characteristic identifiable through image data orientated as described herein.

The flow characteristics of the camera <NUM> may also be analyzed in box <NUM>. The image data from camera <NUM> may be analyzed by the controller <NUM> to identify flow characteristics such as a blockage in the passage <NUM>, the types of commodity being distributed through the secondary splitter <NUM> and into the runs <NUM>, the mixture ratio of the commodity flowing through the secondary splitter <NUM> into the runs <NUM>, the quality of the commodity flowing there through, which runs <NUM> are receiving commodity and which runs <NUM> may be clogged, and any other characteristic identifiable through image data orientated as described herein.

Lastly, in box <NUM> feedback may be presented via the user interface <NUM> or other means presenting the results of the analyzed flow characteristics. In one non-exclusive example, the results of the analyzed flow characteristics may be displayed on the user interface <NUM> to indicate if a blockage was identified, the quality of the commodity, the commodity mixture, whether a run is blocked, and meter roller performance among other things. The user interface <NUM> may have icons that correspond with the analyzed flow characteristics to show the user how the machine is performing. Further still, the user interface <NUM> may show the image data to the user of any abnormal conditions. For example, of a blockage is identified in a camera of a meter housing, the image data from that camera may be displayed on the user interface.

The analyzed image data may also be incorporated into meter flow logic <NUM> discussed herein. More specifically, image data from a meter camera such as <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be utilized to execute at least boxes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. At least data for columns <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided by analyzing image data from cameras <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as discussed herein. Further, the image data from camera <NUM> at the secondary splitter <NUM> can be analyzed to identify blockages at the tool for box <NUM> and an under meter blockage <NUM>. Similarly, a commodity buildup identified in camera <NUM> at the passage <NUM> would be indicative of a blockage at tool <NUM> and an under meter blockage <NUM>. Accordingly, this disclosure contemplates using the analyzed image data from any of the cameras discussed herein to aid in implementing the logic systems of this disclosure.

In one aspect of this disclosure, any of the cameras discussed herein may implement a global shutter capable of providing precise image data to the controller <NUM> to be analyzed. However, any known camera system able to provide adequate image data to be analyzed by the controller <NUM> is considered as well.

While an air seeder is specifically referred to herein, this disclosure contemplates using the disclosed camera and logic for any system that disperses commodity through a passage.

Accordingly, this disclosure also considers utilizing the camera sensors and logic discussed herein for fertilizer application and the like.

Claim 1:
A method for identifying a flow of commodity through a commodity distribution system (<NUM>), comprising:
providing a tank (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to contain a commodity;
selectively distributing commodity from the tank (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to a drill assembly (<NUM>) to be distributed to an underlying surface; and
monitoring the flow of commodity from the tank (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to the drill assembly (<NUM>) with a camera (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to identify flow characteristics, characterized in that the flow characteristics comprise a roller speed.