Patent Description:
Particulate metering systems use varied approaches to control the rate at which particulate is metered. In such instances where the particulate is fertilizer, there's a significant interest in controlling the application rate of the fertilizers, and specifically controlling the application rate across separate rows in a field. In other words, what is desired in at least one application is a dry fertilizer metering system that can adjust or vary the application rate on a row-by-row basis-one row receiving fertilizer(s) at a desired rate while another row receives fertilizer(s) at the same or another desired rate. In most instances of multi-row metering using pneumatics, the distance from the air source to the discharge point for the row unit farthest from the metering implement is greater than the distance from the air source to the discharge point of the row unit closest to the metering implement. Therefore, complications can arise generating sufficient airflow to meter particulate to all of the row units while controlling the application rates. Still further, the particulate traveling through an airflow path of the metering implement can experience wall friction, requiring greater upstream air pressure and increased power consumption to meter the particulate at desired application rates. Losses and frictional effects within the system also increase the likelihood of lag and clogging. Many desire to reduce the power consumption of the particulate metering implement while controlling and/or ensuring consistent application rates across all of the row units.

<CIT> discloses a field type granular fertilizer applicator includes a mixing unit for putting fertilizer into an air carrier medium stream for conveying it to a plurality of applicator knives. The mixing unit includes a passageway between the inlet and the outlet which has a <NUM>° curve with an alternate path that returns to the inlet thereby providing a <NUM>° turn. The granular material is fed into the mixer unit at the approximate radius of curvature center for the curved passageway. The centrifugal movement of the air produces a vacuum at the radius of curvature center allowing for gentle acceleration of the granular material. However, the applicator does not show a shaft carrying flighting wherein rotation of the shaft urges particulate from the particulate source in the one direction.

The present disclosure provides a particulate metering system with variable application rate controls for separate discharges or a group of discharges.

The particulate metering system includes an air flow origin and a plurality of particulate accelerators. Each of the particulate accelerators can have an air input, an air-particulate interface, a mixing area, and an air-particulate output. A single particulate source is in communication with the particulate accelerators. A plurality of operated conveyances is provided. Each of the operated conveyances can be in operable communication with the single particulate source and the air-particulate interface of one of the particulate accelerators. The system includes a confluence of the air flow and the particulate within the mixing area of each of the particulate accelerators. Each of a plurality of discharges can be associated with the air-particulate output of one of the particulate accelerators. One or more of the operated conveyances can operate at a different rate.

The air input of each of the particulate accelerators receives an air flow from the air flow origin. The system can further include a plurality of metering controls in operable communication with the operated conveyances to control a rate of the particulate conveyed to the confluence. One of the metering controls can operate independently and dependent upon another one of the metering controls. The particulate conveyed to the particulate accelerators can be equally distributed across the air-particulate interface of each of the particulate accelerators and unequally distributed across the air-particulate interface of each of the particulate accelerators.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the particulate metering system includes a particulate flow path having a particulate storage area and a plurality of particulate accelerators. Each of the particulate accelerators has an air-particulate output and a mixing area. The particulate flow path can further include a plurality of operated conveyances in operable communication with the particulate storage area, and a discharge line connected to the air-particulate output of each of the particulate accelerators. The operated conveyances convey particulate from the particulate storage areas to each of the particulate accelerators. The particulate can descend vertically within the particulate accelerators into the mixing area. The particulate can mix with and be suspended by air in the mixing area. A resulting air-particulate mixture moves through the air-particulate output into the discharge line.

One or more drive systems can be in operable control of the operated conveyances. Further, one or more rate controllers can be in operable control of the one or more drive systems. A first subset of the operated conveyances can be associated with a first drive system, and a second subset of the operated conveyances can be associated with a second drive system. The first drive system and the second drive system can operate independently and/or at varied speeds.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a particulate storage area containing one or more types of particulate is provided. A plurality of particulate accelerators is in communication with the particulate storage area. The system includes a first configuration of a plurality of gearboxes in operable communication with the particulate storage area and the particulate accelerators, and a second configuration of the gearboxes in operable communication with the particulate storage area and the particulate accelerators. A drive shaft is in operable communication with the first configuration of gearboxes or the second configuration of gearboxes. A motor can be in operable control of the drive shaft. The gearboxes can convey particulate from the particulate storage area to the particulate accelerators.

The quantity of gearboxes in the first configuration can be more or less than a quantity of the gearboxes in the second configuration. The gearboxes can be inverted, such that the inverted gearboxes are not in operable communication with the drive shaft. A second drive shaft can be in operable control of the inverted plurality of gearboxes.

The system can include a plurality of motors. Each of the motors is operatively connected to one of the plurality of gearboxes. Each of the motors can be independently controllable.

A plurality of cartridges can be provided. Each of the cartridges can be in operably connected to the gearboxes and in communication with the particulate storage area.

Illustrated embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein, and where:.

<FIG> shows a particulate metering implement <NUM>. While the figure shows a particulate metering implement, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure covers other types of implements, including but not limited to, seed meters, seed planters, nutrient applicators, and other agricultural equipment. The implement <NUM> can be mounted upon a towable trailer or other suitable structure such as a toolbar, or integrally formed with a particulate application system. The implement can include a frame assembly <NUM>, upon which a particulate container <NUM> is disposed. For user accessibility to the particulate container <NUM>, a platform <NUM> and a ladder <NUM> can be provided. The implement can also include a particulate handling system <NUM> (<FIG>), an air production and handling system <NUM>, and particulate accelerator system <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the implement can include a second particulate handling system <NUM>, a second air production and handling system <NUM>, and a second particulate accelerator system <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the additional systems can be disposed in the space provided within the frame assembly <NUM> on the opposite side of the particulate container <NUM>. Whereas the embodiment illustrated <FIG> provides variable application rate control for up to eighteen unit rows, the embodiment with the additional particulate handling, air production and handling, and particulate accelerator systems can scale the implement to permit variable application rate control for up to thirty-six unit rows, consistent with the objects of the disclosure discussed below. Together with the modular features of the system also discussed below, a user is not limited to eighteen and thirty-six row configurations, but can control the application rate for any number of rows above, below and there between.

The particulate container <NUM> can be connected to the frame assembly <NUM> by frame members <NUM>. The frame members <NUM> can generally be ring-shaped and surround a perimeter of the particulate container <NUM>. The frame members <NUM> can engage a lower surface <NUM> extending outwardly from the particulate container <NUM>, as shown illustratively in <FIG>. The interface between the lower surface <NUM> of the particulate container <NUM> and the frame members <NUM> can permit the particulate container <NUM> to be efficiently removed from the implement. Based on the tapering nature of the middle portions <NUM> and lower portions <NUM> (<FIG>) of the particulate container <NUM>, the containers can be raised through the perimeter defined by the frame members <NUM>. Thereafter, a replacement particulate container can be efficiently installed; or a substitute container (with different dimensions, structure, function, etc.) can be efficiently installed, thereby increasing the modularity of the implement.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a top surface of the particulate container <NUM> can include openings <NUM> covered by one or more lids <NUM>. The lid <NUM> can be opened or removed to permit loading of particulate into and/or servicing the particulate container <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, an edge of the lid <NUM> can be releasably connected to the particulate container <NUM> with one or more straps <NUM>. The present disclosure also contemplates hinges, rails, and other fastening means commonly known in the art to releasably secure the lid <NUM> to the particulate container <NUM>. One or more clamps <NUM> can be mounted on the particulate container <NUM> proximate to the opposing edge of the lids <NUM> to releasably secure the lids to the containers. Upon opening and/or removal of the lid <NUM>, one or more screens (not shown) can be disposed within the openings of the particulate container <NUM> to prevent debris from entering the same.

Further, the clamps <NUM> can provide an airtight seal between the lid <NUM> and the particulate container <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the airtight seal can permit the particulate container <NUM> to be pressurized. In one representative example, the particulate container <NUM> can be pressurized to ten, fifteen, twenty or greater inches of water (inH<NUM><NUM>). The pressurization can assist in guiding the particulate to the particulate handling system <NUM>, provide for improved control of quantities dispensed to the particulate handling system <NUM>, and/or provide for improved control of the environment in which the particulate is housed.

Referring to <FIG>, particulate container <NUM> can include an upper portion <NUM>, a middle portion <NUM>, and a lower portion <NUM>. The upper portion <NUM> can generally be a rectangular prism or like shapes to maximize storage capacity above the frame assembly. The middle portion <NUM> can be a trapezium prism or like shapes to assist in funneling the particulate to the lower portion <NUM>. The transition from the upper portion <NUM> to the middle portion <NUM> can be generally demarcated by the frame members <NUM> disposed around the perimeter of the particulate container <NUM>. The lower portion <NUM> can also be a trapezium prism or like shapes to assist in funneling the particulate to the base of the particulate container <NUM>. Further, to assist in servicing the inside of the particulate container <NUM>, a ladder (not shown) can be provided.

In addition to the shape of the particulate container <NUM>, other means can be provided on or within the container to assist in funneling the particulate to the base of the container and/or to prevent agglomerations of particulate within the container. Such means can include, but are not limited to, agitators, augers, pneumatics, belt drives, internal structures, and the like.

The lower portion <NUM> of the particulate container <NUM> can include a bottom tray <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The bottom tray <NUM> can include a plurality of large gates <NUM> and a plurality of small gates <NUM> arranged along the length of the bottom tray <NUM>. The plurality of gates <NUM> and <NUM> can be square and/or rectangular, as shown, or can be of any shape to permit particulate to enter the particulate handling system <NUM>. Similarly, the plurality of gates <NUM> and <NUM> can all be the same shape and/or size, or of varied shapes and/or sizes based on the application. The interstitial portions of the bottom tray <NUM> can be flat, as shown, or can have a wedged-shape configuration to funnel particulate to the plurality of gates <NUM> and <NUM>. The bottom tray <NUM> can be integrally connected to the lower portion <NUM> of the particulate container <NUM>, or can be removable to permit a user to quickly install a different bottom tray <NUM> based on the needs of the application, further increasing the modularity of the system. The plurality of large gates <NUM> and the plurality of small gates <NUM> can be separated by a raised portion <NUM>. The raised portion <NUM> can funnel the particulate into the plurality of large gates <NUM> and the plurality of small gates <NUM> and/or add structural support along the length of the bottom tray <NUM>. Separating the particulate into a pairs of gates can minimize undesirable torqueing of the screw conveyors <NUM> (<FIG>) and auger motor(s) <NUM> (<FIG>), particularly during initialization of the particulate handling system <NUM>.

A plurality of moveable and/or controllable gate covers (not shown) can be installed on plurality of gates <NUM> and <NUM>. The gate covers, when closed, can prevent particulate from filling the plurality of cartridges <NUM>, as shown illustratively in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. The gate covers can be manually controlled or operatively controlled. The configuration can further increase the modularity of the metering system by limiting which discharge points (e.g., row units), if any, receive one or more of the types of particulate.

One or more scales (not shown) can be associated with each of the particulate container <NUM>. The scales can be operatively connected to a control system and configured to weigh the particulate container <NUM>. Together with one or more sensors associated with one or more gearboxes <NUM> (<FIG>) discussed below, the system can provide real-time and/or post-operation feedback of the expected volume of particulate dispensed versus actual volume of particulate dispensed for each row in the field and/or for the overall particulate metering implement. To determine expected volume of particulate dispensed, speed sensors can measure the number of rotations of a shaft <NUM> with flightings <NUM>, as shown illustratively in <FIG>. Based on the number and known dimensions of the flightings <NUM>, including diameter and helix angle, an estimation of how much particulate is dispensed per revolution can be obtained. The estimation can be applied to each unit row for the particulate metering implement, each of which can be operating at varied rates. The total expected volume can then be compared to the change in weight (multiplied by the density of the particulate) as measured by the one or more scales associated with the particulate container <NUM>. Further, in an embodiment utilizing real-time feedback, the control system can make adjustments based on the data provided to reconcile the expected volume of particulate dispensed versus actual volume of particulate dispensed. Still further, the data can be used by the control system to diagnose dysfunctional screw conveyor(s) <NUM> and/or auger motor(s) <NUM> (<FIG>), and/or identify potential blockages of particulate within the particulate metering implement.

Disposed below the bottom tray <NUM> can be a plurality of cartridges <NUM>. An exemplary embodiment of the cartridge <NUM> is shown illustratively in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, each cartridge <NUM> can include an input slot <NUM> sized and shaped to receive particulate passing through the plurality of large gates <NUM> and the plurality of small gates <NUM> in the bottom tray <NUM>. A gasket <NUM> can seal the cartridge <NUM> to the inferior side of bottom tray <NUM>. The seal can prevent particulate from escaping the system, particularly in instances where the particulate container <NUM> is pressurized. The cartridge <NUM> can be constructed in two halves <NUM> and <NUM>. Each of the two halves <NUM> and <NUM> can include a curved flange portion <NUM> adapted to receive a short auger tube <NUM> or a long auger tube <NUM> (<FIG>). While two halves can provide for ease of manufacturing, the present disclosure also contemplates a unitary cartridge construction.

Within the input slot <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> is a screw conveyor <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment shown illustratively in <FIG>, the screw conveyor <NUM> can include a shaft <NUM> and flightings <NUM> as commonly known in the art. The shaft <NUM> can be comprised of two shaft sections. While the embodiment can utilize a screw conveyor, it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure covers other means of transmitting the material through a tube, including but not limited to, hydraulic pistons, pneumatics, slides, belts, and the like. External to the two halves <NUM> and <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>, the screw conveyor <NUM> can be coupled to an inner shaft <NUM>. Encircling the inner shaft <NUM> can be a drive shaft <NUM>, as shown illustratively in <FIG>. The inner shaft <NUM> and the drive shaft <NUM> can be rotatably engaged with a pin <NUM>. The axial position of the drive shaft <NUM> on the inner shaft <NUM> can be preserved through a pin <NUM> extending through the inner shaft <NUM> proximate to an edge of the drive shaft <NUM>. The drive shaft <NUM> can be hexagonal to engage a drive shaft opening <NUM> in the gearbox <NUM>, as shown illustratively in <FIG> and <FIG>. The drive shaft <NUM> can be hexagonal as shown, or can be of any shape suitable to engage the gearbox <NUM> and achieve the objects of the disclosure. Further, the present disclosure also envisions the inner shaft <NUM> and the drive shaft <NUM> being a unitary construction.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary gearbox <NUM>. The gearbox <NUM> can be configured of two connectable halves <NUM> and <NUM> to provide for ease of manufacturing. The gearbox <NUM> can include an input portion <NUM> and an output portion <NUM>. The input portion <NUM> can include a main shaft opening <NUM> extending through the input portion <NUM>. The main shaft opening <NUM> can be adapted to receive and engage a main drive shaft <NUM> (<FIG>). In the illustrative embodiment of <FIG>, the main shaft opening <NUM> is hexagonal, but can be of any shape suitable to achieve the objects of the disclosure. The main shaft opening <NUM> can comprise an inner portion of an input helical gear <NUM>. As one or more gearboxes <NUM> can be connected in parallel, as discussed below, the main drive shaft <NUM> can span the length of the particulate container <NUM> and simultaneously drive multiple gearboxes <NUM>, as shown illustratively in <FIG>. The output portion <NUM> can include a drive shaft opening <NUM> adapted to engage the drive shaft <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>, as discussed above. The drive shaft opening <NUM> can comprise an inner portion of an output helical gear <NUM>. The input helical gear <NUM> and output helical gear <NUM> can be in a crossed configuration, as shown in <FIG>. While the illustrative embodiment shows helical gears in a crossed configuration, the present disclosure contemplates any type of gearing needed to achieve the objects of the disclosure, including but not limited to, spur gears, bevel gears, spiral bevels, and the like. The drive shaft opening <NUM> can be orthogonal to main shaft opening <NUM>, whereby each of the gearboxes <NUM> transfers the rotational speed and torque provided by the main drive shaft <NUM> to an associated screw conveyor <NUM> disposed within a cartridge <NUM>. The present disclosure also contemplates other means for transferring the rotational speed and torque provided by the main drive shaft <NUM> to an associated screw conveyor <NUM> including but not limited to, electromagnetic induction, belts, and the like.

In another embodiment, a motor can be operatively connected to each cartridge, thereby removing the need for a gearbox. In the embodiment, the plurality of motors can be connected to the plurality of screw conveyors <NUM> to independently control each of the plurality of screw conveyors <NUM>. Each of the plurality of motors can be operatively connected to a control system to produce a desired speed of each screw conveyor <NUM>, of a group or bank of the screw conveyors <NUM>, or of all the screw conveyors <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the particulate handling system <NUM> can be comprised of a plurality of particulate handling subsystems <NUM>. Each particulate handling subsystem <NUM> can be comprised of a cartridge <NUM> operatively connected to a gearbox <NUM> with a short auger tube <NUM> or long auger tube <NUM> extending from the cartridge <NUM>. The plurality of short auger tubes <NUM> and long auger tubes <NUM> and can be alternately disposed in parallel below a particulate container, as shown illustratively in <FIG> and <FIG>. The alternating of the short auger tubes <NUM> and long auger tubes <NUM> can provide for a greater density of additional components disposed between particulate container <NUM>, and more particularly, a plurality of particulate accelerators <NUM>.

As best shown illustratively in <FIG>, each of the cartridges <NUM> can be disposed between two hangars <NUM> affixed to the lower section <NUM> of the particulate container <NUM>. Each of the hangars <NUM> can be welded to the container, or can be affixed by any means commonly known in the art, including but not limited to, nut and bolt, screws, rivets, soldering, and the like. Extending outwardly along the length of the hangar <NUM> can be two guide surfaces <NUM>. As discussed below, a guide surface <NUM> from adjacent hangars <NUM> can be adapted to receive a cartridge <NUM>. The hangars <NUM> can also include two prongs <NUM>. Each of the prongs <NUM> can be cylindrical or can be of any shape commonly known in the art to engage and/or secure a gearbox <NUM>. Further, while the illustrated embodiment shows two prongs <NUM>, the present disclosure contemplates any number of prongs without deviating from the objects of the disclosure.

In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of cartridges <NUM> can be secured below the bottom tray <NUM> by a support member (not shown) extending the length of the particulate container <NUM>. The support member can be, for example, a generally U-shaped beam with a plurality of openings to support the cartridges.

<FIG> illustrates a plurality of particulate handling subsystems <NUM> at various stages of installation. Beginning below so-called Sector A, two hangars <NUM> can be connected to the bottom surface of the particulate container <NUM>, as discussed above. The hangars <NUM> can be parallel to one another and spaced to provide for installation of a cartridge <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> can be installed by sliding a lower surface <NUM> of the input slot <NUM> (<FIG>) along guide surfaces <NUM>, one from each of the adjacent hangars <NUM>, as shown illustratively below Sector B. The advantageous design permits for ease of installation as well as removal and reinstallation should a cartridge <NUM> (and/or screw conveyor <NUM>) need to be repaired or replaced with the same or different component. As illustrated below Sector C, the drive shaft <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> can be installed over the inner shaft <NUM>. The installation of the drive shaft <NUM> over the inner shaft <NUM> can occur either before or after the cartridge <NUM> has been installed between hangars <NUM>. Thereafter, a gearbox <NUM> can be oriented such that the mounting holes <NUM> (<FIG>) are aligned with the prongs <NUM> of the hangars <NUM>, as shown illustratively below Sector D. In such an orientation, the drive shaft opening <NUM> (<FIG>) can also be aligned with the drive shaft <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM>. After installation of the gearbox <NUM> on the drive shaft <NUM>, a pin <NUM> can be installed to rotatably engage the inner shaft <NUM> and the drive shaft <NUM>, and a pin <NUM> can be installed to axially secure the drive shaft <NUM> relative to the inner shaft <NUM>, as shown illustratively below Sector E. Further, securing means commonly known in the art can be used to secure the gearbox <NUM> to the prongs <NUM>. The installation process described above can be repeated for each row unit along the length of each of the particulate container <NUM>. The main drive shaft <NUM> (<FIG>) can extend through and engage the main drive shaft openings <NUM> in each of the gearboxes <NUM>.

Each of the gearboxes <NUM> can have a clutch (not shown) in operable communication with a control system. At the direction of the user or based on instruction from the control system, the control system can engage/disengage one or more predetermined clutches in order to activate/deactivate the associated one or more screw conveyors. In such an instance, the particulate metering system can provide for section control.

As shown illustratively in <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the two prongs <NUM> of one hangar <NUM> can be connected to adjacent gearboxes <NUM>. In other words, an upper prong of a hangar can be connected to one gearbox while a lower prong of the same hangar can be connected to an adjacent gearbox. The arrangement is due to an advantageous design of the gearbox <NUM>, which can permit one or more gearboxes <NUM> to be removed, inverted and reattached to the same two prongs as previously connected, as shown illustratively in <FIG>. The inversion of a gearbox <NUM> can provide several advantages over the state of the art. First, in an inverted position, one or more of the gearboxes <NUM> can be disengaged from the main drive shaft <NUM> (<FIG>) based on the needs of the application (e.g., in at least one instance, where one or more of the rows in the field does not require particulate metering). Second, a second main drive shaft (not shown) can be implemented and adapted to engage the one or more gearboxes <NUM> placed in an inverted position. The second main drive shaft can also extend the length of the particulate container <NUM> and can be parallel to the main drive shaft <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the user can invert one gearbox or can invert multiple gearboxes to permit desired groupings of the same (e.g., every four gearboxes, every other gearbox, etc.) based on the needs of the operation/application. Still further, the means of securing the gearboxes <NUM> to the implement can provide for efficient installation and/or uninstallation of the gearboxes <NUM> in instances of malfunction or failure.

In operation, particulate within the particulate container <NUM> can pass through the plurality of large gates <NUM> and a plurality of small gates <NUM> of the bottom tray <NUM> and the input slots <NUM> of the plurality of cartridges <NUM>, as shown illustratively in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. Referring now to <FIG>, the main drive shaft <NUM> can be connected to the plurality of gearboxes <NUM>. Upon receiving an input force from the auger motor <NUM> via the gearbox <NUM>, the drive shaft <NUM> rotates the screw conveyors <NUM>. The screw conveyors <NUM> can transmit the particulate contained within the short auger tube <NUM> and long auger tube <NUM> towards particulate accelerators <NUM>. The process described above can also occur for each row unit along the length of the particulate container <NUM>.

The particulate metering implement <NUM> can include an air production and handling system <NUM> (<FIG>). The air production and handling system <NUM> can be disposed between and below a portion of the particulate container <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary air production and handling system <NUM>. air production and handling system <NUM> can include a blower <NUM> driven by a blower motor <NUM> to produce an airflow. In an embodiment, a representative blower can operate at <NUM> horsepower (HP) and produce a volumetric flow rate <NUM>-<NUM> cubic feet per minute (CFM) per row in operation. The disclosure also contemplates the blower <NUM> operating at variable revolutions per minute (RPM). In such instances, the blower <NUM> can require less horsepower than operating at a constant RPM. Operating the blower <NUM> at a constant RPM and/or variable RPM can be tailored to the specific demands of the particulate metering system in a given application.

The blower <NUM> can be coupled to a plenum <NUM> via an extension <NUM> and a bracket <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, an inlet <NUM> side of an extension <NUM> can be connected to the blower <NUM> at an interface <NUM> to couple the blower <NUM> to the air production and handling system <NUM>. The interface <NUM> between the blower <NUM> and the extension <NUM> can be a flange having holes <NUM> on the inlet of the extension <NUM> configured to be joined by nuts and bolts, or other means such as pinning, clamping, welding, and the like. The extension <NUM> can be comprised of a plurality of triangular-shaped surfaces <NUM> designed to impart desired flow properties as air enters the air production and handling system <NUM>. The disclosure envisions alternative characteristics for the extension <NUM>, including but not limited to, a circular cross-section, a nozzle, an expander, and the like. The extension <NUM> can be made of steel, but the disclosure contemplates other materials such as aluminum, polymers, composites, ceramics, and the like. An outlet <NUM> side of the extension <NUM> can have a plate <NUM> with slots <NUM> and holes <NUM> for coupling the extension <NUM> to the bracket <NUM>, as shown illustratively in <FIG>. Further, the extension <NUM> can permit efficient installation and uninstallation of the blower <NUM> on the air production and handling system <NUM>. In such instances, the blower used in operation can be customized to the specific needs of the application, further increasing the modularity of the system.

After exiting the extension <NUM>, the air generated by blower <NUM> can enter an intake <NUM> of a plenum <NUM> of the air production and handling system <NUM>, as shown illustratively in <FIG>. The plenum <NUM> can include a plenum cover <NUM> removably connected to a plenum base <NUM>. When installed, the plenum cover <NUM> can be sealed to the plenum base <NUM> with a gasket <NUM> (<FIG>) contoured to outer edges of the same. To install or uninstall the plenum cover <NUM>, the plenum cover <NUM> can include a plurality of downwardly extending flanges <NUM> adapted to mate with flanges <NUM> extending outwardly along the length of the sidewalls <NUM> of the plenum base <NUM>. In particular, gaps between the flanges <NUM> on the plenum base <NUM> can receive to the plurality of downwardly extending flanges <NUM> on the plenum cover <NUM>, after which the plenum cover <NUM> can be slid laterally into a locked position. Thereafter, pins <NUM> can be installed to ensure the plenum cover <NUM> remains in the locked position. The securing means can provide for rapid accessibility to the interior of the plenum <NUM> for servicing and the like.

The plenum base <NUM> can contain opposing sidewalls <NUM>, a bottom wall <NUM> and a distal wall <NUM>. A plurality of apertures <NUM> can be disposed within the bottom wall <NUM> of the plenum base <NUM>. The plurality of apertures <NUM> can be arranged in two rows along the length of the plenum <NUM>. The two rows of apertures <NUM> along the length of the plenum base <NUM> can be staggered longitudinally to maximize compactness of the particulate accelerators <NUM> disposed below the plenum and/or to impart the desired airflow characteristics within the plenum <NUM>. The plurality of apertures <NUM> can be elliptical in shape. The disclosure, however, envisions other arrangements and/or shapes of the plurality of apertures without detracting from the objects of the disclosure. For example, the plurality of apertures <NUM> can be arranged in one row along the length of the plenum base <NUM>, or the plurality of apertures <NUM> can be circular or rectangular in shape. The disclosure also contemplates the plurality of apertures disposed the sidewalls <NUM> and/or the plenum cover <NUM>.

The sidewalls <NUM> can be trapezoidal in shape. In other words, at an edge of the plenum base <NUM> proximate to the intake <NUM>, the sidewalls <NUM> are greater than the height of the same proximate to the distal wall <NUM>. The tapering of the plenum base <NUM> can maintain the appropriate pressure and airflow characteristics along its length as air exits the plenum <NUM> through the plurality of apertures <NUM>.

A plurality of outlet pipes <NUM> can be connected to the bottom wall <NUM> of the plenum base <NUM>. Each of the plurality of outlet pipes <NUM> can be associated with each of the plurality of apertures <NUM>. The outlet pipes <NUM> can be cylindrical in shape, but the disclosure envisions different shapes, including oval, ellipsoid, rectangular, square, and the like. The outlet pipes <NUM> can be secured the bottom wall <NUM> by means commonly known in the art, including but not limited to, pinning, welding, fastening, clamping, and the like. The outlet pipes <NUM> can be oriented such that an acute angle exists between the major axis of the outlet pipes <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM> of the plenum base <NUM>. The orientation of the outlet pipes <NUM> can impart the appropriate flow characteristics as air transitions from the plenum <NUM> to a particulate accelerator system <NUM> (<FIG>).

After passing through the plenum <NUM> and outlet pipes <NUM>, air generated by the blower <NUM> can enter a plurality of particulate accelerators <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the plurality of particulate accelerators <NUM> can be comprised of two opposing halves <NUM> and <NUM> and secured by means commonly known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the two opposing halves <NUM> and <NUM> are joined by a plurality of snap-fit mechanisms <NUM> and opposing lugholes <NUM> through which bolts, screws, pins, and the like, can be engaged. A gasket (not shown) can be disposed between the two halves <NUM> and <NUM> to provide a seal. Though two halves can provide for ease of manufacturing, the present disclosure envisions a unitary construction of the particulate accelerator <NUM>. Further, the particulate accelerator <NUM> can be made of steel, but the disclosure contemplates other materials such as aluminum, polymers, composites, ceramics, and the like.

Extending outwardly from each opposing half <NUM> and <NUM> of the particulate accelerator <NUM> can be cylindrical flanges <NUM>. One of the two cylindrical flanges <NUM> can removably interface with a ringed gasket <NUM>. In particular, the ringed gasket <NUM> can include two generally coaxial surfaces sized and shaped to create a frictional fit with the cylindrical flanges <NUM>. The ringed gasket <NUM> can also be adapted to receive a short auger tube <NUM> or a long auger tube <NUM>, discussed in detail below. The ringed gaskets <NUM> can provide a seal between the plurality of short and long auger tubes <NUM> and <NUM> and the particulate accelerators <NUM>. The ringed gaskets <NUM> can maintain the seal while permitting relative movement of the short auger tubes <NUM> and/or long auger tubes <NUM> within the particulate accelerator <NUM> due to movement of the system as the particulate container <NUM> are emptied, experience vibration, and the like. The present disclosure contemplates the short auger tubes <NUM> and the long auger tubes <NUM> can be connected to the cylindrical flanges <NUM> through other means commonly known in the art, including but not limited to, pinning, clamping, fastening, adhesion, and the like. The opposing cylindrical flange <NUM> can interface with a cap <NUM>. The cap <NUM> can create a frictional fit with the cylindrical flange <NUM>, or can be secured by means commonly known in the art, including but not limited to, pinning, welding, fastening, clamping, and the like.

Each of the plurality of particulate accelerators <NUM> can connect to each of the plurality of outlet pipes <NUM> of the plenum <NUM> via holes <NUM>. The connection can be through a screw or any other means so as not to significantly impede the airflow through the particulate accelerator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, an inlet tube <NUM> and outlet tube <NUM> can extend outwardly from a generally cylindrical main body <NUM>. The particulate accelerator <NUM> can include a baffle <NUM> disposed proximate the inlet <NUM>. The baffle <NUM> can restrict the flow of air through inlet tube <NUM> to impart the desired airflow characteristics in the particulate accelerator <NUM>. The present disclosure contemplates that the baffle <NUM> can be placed at any point within the flow of air to impart the desired airflow characteristics. The baffle <NUM> can be self-regulating, adjustable and/or controlled by any means commonly known in the art, including but not limited to, mechanical, electrical, electronic, pneumatic, and hydraulic controls.

The main body <NUM> can be integrally formed or removably connected to the inlet tube <NUM> and/or the outlet tube <NUM>. The main body <NUM> can have curved back wall <NUM> comprising an arc from the inlet tube <NUM> to the outlet tube <NUM>. Adjacent to the curved back wall <NUM> can be opposing side walls <NUM>. The opposing side walls <NUM> can be parallel to one another and generally parallel to the direction of airflow through the particulate accelerator <NUM>. The cylindrical flanges <NUM> discussed above can extend outwardly and perpendicularly from each of the opposing side walls <NUM>. The cylindrical flange <NUM> can have a center opening <NUM> adapted to receive particulate from the particulate handling systems <NUM>.

In operation, particulate from a short auger tube <NUM> and a long auger tube <NUM> can be forced by a screw conveyor <NUM> into the particulate accelerator <NUM> through the center openings <NUM>, as best shown illustratively in <FIG> and <FIG>. Upon reaching the particulate accelerator <NUM>, the particulate mixture, consisting of a controlled ratio of a plurality of particulates, can descend vertically within the main body <NUM> due to the force of gravity.

After passing through the plenum <NUM>, air generated by the blower <NUM> can enter an inlet <NUM> of a particulate accelerator <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). Due to the shape of the particulate accelerator <NUM>, particularly the angle <NUM> between the inlet tube <NUM> and the outlet tube <NUM>, the air can track in a flow pattern around the curved back wall <NUM>. In an embodiment, the angle <NUM> between the major axis <NUM> of the inlet tube <NUM> and the major axis <NUM> of the outlet tube <NUM> can be acute. In another embodiment, the angle <NUM> can be between thirty and sixty degrees. The disclosure also contemplates that the angle <NUM> can be at a right angle or obtuse angle based on the desire flow characteristics through the particulate accelerator <NUM>.

While air is tracking in a flow pattern around the curved back wall <NUM>, the air can mix with the blend of particulate descending vertically in the particulate accelerator <NUM>, as discussed above, and can force at least a portion of the particulate mixture through the outlet <NUM>. Any portion of the air-particulate mixture not ejected through the outlet <NUM> can track in a flow along the curved front wall <NUM> of the main body <NUM>, after which the air-articulate mixture and air can rejoin subsequent airflow from the inlet <NUM> proximate to the inlet <NUM>.

An acute angle <NUM> can exist between the major axis <NUM> of the outlet tube <NUM> and a vertical axis <NUM> bisecting the center opening <NUM> of the particulate accelerator <NUM>. The acute angle <NUM> can result in a greater distance for the particulate to descend vertically prior to contacting a bottom portion of the curved back wall <NUM>. The greater distance can provide increased time for the air, which can be tracking in a flow pattern around the curved back wall <NUM>, to impart horizontal force on the particulate mixture. Due to the advantageous shape of the particulate accelerator <NUM>, the configuration can create a fluid bed to suspend the particulate as the particulate exits the outlet <NUM> and into a discharge tube (not shown). The fluid bed and particulate suspension can reduce the effects of wall friction between the particulate and the discharge tube. In particular, the fluid bed and particulate suspension can counteract the gravitational force on particulate traveling in the generally horizontal discharge tube and can minimize interaction between the particulate and the bottom portion of a tube. The configuration can minimize increased backpressure due to wall friction and/or partial clogging. The fluid bed and particulate suspension can further eliminate complete clogging, resulting in improved particulate discharge and overall efficiency of the metering system. The process described above can occur simultaneously in each particulate accelerator <NUM> disposed along the length of the plenum <NUM>, as best shown illustratively in <FIG>.

The disclosure is not to be limited to the particular embodiments described herein. In particular, the disclosure contemplates numerous variations in the type of ways in which embodiments of the disclosure can be applied to particulate implements with variable application rate controls for particulate matter. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit any of the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternatives or exemplary aspects that are considered included in the disclosure. The description is merely examples of embodiments, processes or methods of the disclosure. It is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and/or additions can be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope of the disclosure. For the foregoing, it can be seen that the disclosure accomplishes at least all that is intended.

Claim 1:
A particulate metering system (<NUM>), comprising:
an air flow origin (<NUM>);
a plurality of particulate accelerators (<NUM>), each of the plurality of particulate accelerators (<NUM>) having:
a. an air input (<NUM>);
b. an air-particulate interface (<NUM>);
c. a mixing area (<NUM>);
d. an air-particulate output (<NUM>);
a particulate container (<NUM>) in communication with the plurality of particulate accelerators (<NUM>);
a plurality of operated screw conveyors (<NUM>), each of the plurality of operated screw conveyors (<NUM>) being in operable communication with the particulate container (<NUM>) and the air-particulate interface (<NUM>) of one of the plurality of particulate accelerators (<NUM>), the plurality of operated screw conveyors (<NUM>) having a shaft (<NUM>) carrying flightings (<NUM>), wherein rotation of the shaft (<NUM>) urges particulate from the particulate container (<NUM>) towards a respective one of the particulate accelerators (<NUM>), wherein at least a portion of the plurality of operated screw conveyors (<NUM>) are enclosed from the particulate container in an auger tube (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a confluence of the air flow and the particulate within the mixing area (<NUM>) of each of the plurality of particulate accelerators (<NUM>); and
a plurality of discharges, each of the plurality of discharges associated with the air-particulate output (<NUM>) of one of the plurality of particulate accelerators (<NUM>).