Patent Description:
Air distributor systems are commonly mounted on agricultural equipment (e.g., tractors and/or trailers) to distribute agricultural products, such as seed, pesticides, and/or fertilizers. Such air distributor system is disclosed in <CIT>, where a product distribution system includes a product on demand pick-up assembly including a hopper. The hopper is configured such that an air stream flowing into the pick-up assembly entrains product therein and conveys product downstream through a plurality of conduits. The product distribution system further includes a container for storing product prior to delivery of product to the pick-up assembly and a meter and conveyor assembly configured to move product from the container to the pick-up assembly hopper such that an amount of product greater than a predetermined quantity is maintained in the pick-up assembly hopper during operation of the system. The agricultural product is typically stored in a reservoir and distributed to the distribution tower via a distribution line. One issue that can arise with such systems relates to the extraction of excess product from the reservoir. For these reasons among others, there remains a need for further improvements in this technological field.

This need is met by an air distribution system according to claim <NUM> and by a method of operating such according to claim <NUM>.

An exemplary diverter valve generally includes a shell, a pipe, and a handle. The shell includes a body extending in a longitudinal direction, a shell inlet port, a shell outlet port, and a positioning slot formed in the body. The pipe is seated in the body for sliding movement in the longitudinal direction, and includes a first passage and a second passage. The handle is connected to the pipe through the positioning slot, and is operable to move the pipe relative to the shell between a first position in which the shell inlet port is connected with the shell outlet port via the first passage, and a second position in which the second passage is connected with the shell inlet port and the shell outlet port is disconnected from the second passage. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

Although the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims.

Hence, the scope of protection is defined by the appended claims.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Items listed in the form of "A, B, and/or C" can also mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as "a," "an," "at least one," and/or "at least one portion" should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of such element unless specifically stated to the contrary.

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in certain specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not necessarily be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures unless indicated to the contrary. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may be omitted or may be combined with other features.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, illustrated therein is agricultural equipment <NUM> including an air distribution system <NUM> according to certain embodiments. The agricultural equipment <NUM> generally includes a tractor <NUM> and a trailer <NUM> coupled with the tractor <NUM> such that the tractor <NUM> is operable to tow the trailer <NUM> across and through a plot of land. In the illustrated form, the air distribution system <NUM> is mounted to the trailer <NUM>. It is also contemplated that at least a portion of the air distribution system <NUM> may be mounted to the tractor <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the air distribution system <NUM> generally includes a reservoir <NUM> operable to store an agricultural product <NUM>, a distribution tower <NUM> operable to distribute the agricultural product <NUM>, a distribution line <NUM> connecting the reservoir <NUM> with the distribution tower <NUM>, and a blower <NUM> that facilitates movement of the agricultural product <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> to the distribution tower <NUM>, and may further include a meter <NUM> that regulates the discharge of the agricultural product <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM>. As described herein, the system <NUM> further includes a diverter valve <NUM> that aids in selectively diverting agricultural product <NUM> to a discharge line <NUM> to facilitate collection of excess agricultural product <NUM> from within the reservoir <NUM>.

The reservoir <NUM> is operable to store the agricultural product <NUM>, and to discharge the agricultural product <NUM> to the distribution line <NUM>, for example via the meter <NUM>. The agricultural product <NUM> may, for example, comprise one or more of seed, pesticide, fertilizer, or another granular or pelletized form of agricultural product. In certain embodiments, the agricultural product <NUM> may be discharged to the distribution line <NUM> entirely or primarily under the force of gravity. In certain embodiments, the reservoir <NUM> may be connected with the blower <NUM> via a pressure conduit <NUM> such that a portion of the air discharged by the blower <NUM> is diverted to the reservoir <NUM>, thereby facilitating the discharge of agricultural product <NUM> to the distribution line <NUM>. The pressure conduit <NUM> may include a valve <NUM> having an open state in which a portion of the air discharged from the blower <NUM> is directed into the reservoir <NUM>, and a closed state in which the blower <NUM> does not discharge air into the reservoir <NUM>. The distribution tower <NUM> generally includes an inlet <NUM> operable to receive the agricultural product <NUM> via the distribution valve <NUM>, one or more outlets <NUM> operable to distribute the agricultural product <NUM>, and a header <NUM> configured to distribute agricultural product from the inlet <NUM> to the one or more outlets <NUM>. Such distribution towers are known in the art, and need not be described in further detail herein.

The distribution line <NUM> generally includes a manifold <NUM> connected with the reservoir <NUM> and the blower <NUM>, and a distribution conduit <NUM> leading from the manifold <NUM> to the diverter valve <NUM>. The manifold <NUM> includes a product inlet <NUM> that receives product <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM>, an air inlet <NUM> that receives air discharged by the blower <NUM>, and an outlet <NUM> connected with the distribution conduit <NUM>. The manifold <NUM> is configured to mix the received product <NUM> with the air discharged by the blower <NUM> such that the product <NUM> becomes at least partially entrained in the air and flows toward the diverter valve <NUM> along with the flowing air. In certain embodiments, the product inlet <NUM> may be selectively connected with the reservoir <NUM> via a bypass line <NUM> that bypasses the meter <NUM>. Such a bypass line <NUM> may include a valve <NUM> having an open state in which the product <NUM> is operable to bypass the meter <NUM> and a closed state in which the product <NUM> must pass through the meter <NUM> in order to enter the manifold <NUM>.

The blower <NUM> is configured to discharge air via a plenum <NUM> at a pressure and flow rate sufficient to move the product <NUM> along the distribution line <NUM> and toward the diverter valve <NUM>. The plenum <NUM> is connected with the air inlet <NUM> of the manifold <NUM> such that the blower <NUM> is operable to discharge air into the manifold <NUM>. The plenum <NUM> may further be at least selectively connected with the reservoir <NUM>, for example via a pressure line <NUM>, such that the blower <NUM> is at least selectively operable to discharge air into the reservoir <NUM> along the lines set forth above.

The meter <NUM> is connected between the reservoir <NUM> and the manifold <NUM>, and is configured to regulate the rate at which product <NUM> is discharged from the reservoir <NUM> to the manifold <NUM>. The meter <NUM> may, for example, comprise a rotatable drum <NUM> having pockets operable to receive relatively small quantities of the product <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM>. As the drum <NUM> rotates, the product <NUM> falls from the pockets into the product inlet <NUM> of the manifold <NUM>. The rotational speed of the drum <NUM> may be variable to control the rate at which product <NUM> is discharged from the reservoir <NUM> to the manifold <NUM>. The drum <NUM> may be removable such that when the drum <NUM> is removed, the product <NUM> is free to fall into the manifold <NUM> in an unmetered manner. In order to provide for unmetered flow, it may also be desirable to provide the meter <NUM> with a blank cartridge similar to the drum <NUM>, where the blank cartridge provides for unmetered flow of product <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that the rate of flow of product to the diverter valve <NUM> in the illustrated system <NUM> can be regulated in several manners. For metered flow, the rate at which the product <NUM> flows toward the valve <NUM> may be adjusted by regulating the operating speed of the meter <NUM>. For unmetered flow, the rate at which the product flows toward the valve <NUM> may be adjusted by adjusting the degree to which the bypass valve <NUM> is open, thereby providing a higher or lower flow rate through the valve <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the flow rate for the product <NUM> may be adjusted by adjusting the degree to which the pressure valve <NUM> is open, thereby adjusting the pressure within the reservoir <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the diverter valve <NUM> generally includes a shell <NUM>, a pipe <NUM> slidably mounted in the shell <NUM>, and a handle <NUM> that facilitates movement of the pipe <NUM> relative to the shell <NUM> to adjust the diverter valve <NUM> between a first state and a second state. As described herein, the diverter valve <NUM> is configured to discharge product <NUM> to the distribution tower <NUM> when in a normal operating state, and to discharge product <NUM> to the discharge line <NUM> when in a discharge state.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the shell <NUM> generally includes a hollow body <NUM> extending along a longitudinal axis <NUM> of the valve <NUM>, a shell intake port <NUM> formed on one side of the body <NUM>, a first shell outlet port <NUM> formed on an opposite side of the body <NUM>, and a second shell outlet port <NUM> offset from the inlet port <NUM> and the first outlet port <NUM>. The body <NUM> also defines a positioning slot <NUM>, which aids in transitioning the diverter valve <NUM> between its normal operating state and its discharge state as described in further detail below.

The shell <NUM> may further include indicia <NUM> relating to the normal operating state and the discharge state.

With additional reference to <FIG>, the pipe <NUM> is slidably mounted in the body <NUM> of the shell <NUM>, and generally includes a first pipe inlet <NUM>, a first pipe outlet <NUM> connected with the first pipe inlet <NUM> via a first passage <NUM>, a second pipe inlet <NUM>, and a second pipe outlet <NUM> connected with the second pipe inlet <NUM> via a second passage <NUM>. In certain forms, the first passage <NUM> may be considered to include the first inlet <NUM> and the first outlet <NUM>, and the second passage <NUM> may be considered to include the second inlet <NUM> and the second outlet <NUM>. The first passage <NUM> and the second passage <NUM> are isolated from one another such that product <NUM> entering the pipe <NUM> via the inlet <NUM>/<NUM> of one passage <NUM>/<NUM> exits the pipe <NUM> via the outlet <NUM>/<NUM> of the same passage <NUM>/<NUM>. Formed about the second outlet <NUM> is a set of threads <NUM> that may, for example, be used to facilitate connection of the pipe <NUM> with the discharge line <NUM>. As described herein, the pipe <NUM> is configured to selectively connect the shell inlet port <NUM> with each of the shell outlet ports <NUM>, <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> generally includes a base portion <NUM> and a grip portion <NUM> extending from the base portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> is coupled with the pipe <NUM> such that a portion of the shell <NUM> is captured between the pipe <NUM> and the handle <NUM>. For example, a pair of posts <NUM> or fasteners may extend through the positioning slot <NUM> such that the handle <NUM> is coupled to the pipe <NUM> via the posts <NUM>. While the illustrated handle <NUM> includes a pair of posts <NUM>, it is also contemplated that more or fewer posts <NUM> may be utilized.

The positioning slot <NUM> is formed in the shell <NUM>, and generally includes a longitudinal portion <NUM>, a first pair of retention slots <NUM> extending laterally from the longitudinal portion <NUM>, and a second pair of retention slots <NUM> extending laterally from the longitudinal portion and offset from the first pair of retention slots <NUM>. The first retention slots <NUM> are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the distance by which the posts <NUM> are offset from one another such that the first retention slots <NUM> are operable to receive the posts <NUM>. Similarly, the second retention slots <NUM> are spaced apart by a distance corresponding to the distance by which the posts <NUM> are offset from one another such that the second retention slots <NUM> are operable to receive the posts <NUM>. Additionally, the first retention slots <NUM> are offset from the second retention slots <NUM> by a distance corresponding to the distance between the centerlines of the first pipe inlet <NUM> and the second pipe inlet <NUM>. As described herein, the retention slots <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to selectively retain the pipe <NUM> in each of a first position corresponding to the first state and a second position corresponding to the second state.

While the illustrated retention slots <NUM>, <NUM> are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal portion <NUM>, it is also contemplated that one or more of the retention slots <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal portion <NUM>. Additionally, while the illustrated retention slots <NUM>, <NUM> are generally straight, it is also contemplated that one or more of the retention slots <NUM>, <NUM> may include a longitudinally-extending jog operable to receive the posts <NUM>. Furthermore, while the first retention slots <NUM> are formed on the same lateral side of the longitudinal portion <NUM> as the second retention slots <NUM>, it is also contemplated that the first retention slots <NUM> may be formed on the opposite lateral side of the longitudinal portion <NUM> as the second retention slots <NUM>. Moreover, while the illustrated embodiment includes two first retention slots <NUM> and two second retention slots <NUM>, it is also contemplated that each set of retention slots may include more or fewer than two slots, for example in embodiments in which the handle <NUM> includes more or fewer than two posts <NUM>.

When installed in the system <NUM>, the shell inlet port <NUM> is connected with the distribution line <NUM>, one of the first shell outlet port <NUM> or the second pipe outlet <NUM> is connected with the intake <NUM> of the distribution tower <NUM>, and the other of the first shell outlet port <NUM> or the second pipe outlet <NUM> may be connected with the discharge line <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the first shell outlet port <NUM> is connected with the distribution tower intake <NUM> (either directly or via a conduit), and the second pipe outlet <NUM> is connected with the discharge line <NUM>. It is also contemplated that these connections may be reversed such that the second pipe outlet <NUM> is connected with the distribution tower intake <NUM> and the first shell outlet port <NUM> is connected with the discharge line <NUM>.

As noted above, the shell <NUM> may comprise indicia <NUM> relating to the position of the pipe <NUM> and handle <NUM>, and thus to the state of the diverter valve <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the indicia <NUM> may include a first state indicium <NUM>, and the handle <NUM> may be nearer to the first state indicium <NUM> when the handle <NUM> is in the first position than when the handle <NUM> is in the second position. The first state indicium <NUM> may indicate that when the handle <NUM> is in the first position, the valve <NUM> is in the first state. For example, the first state indicium <NUM> may comprise an arrow pointing in the direction of the first shell outlet <NUM> to indicate that the agricultural product <NUM> will flow through the first shell outlet <NUM> when the handle <NUM> is in the first position.

In certain embodiments, the indicia <NUM> may include a second state indicium <NUM>, and the handle <NUM> may be nearer to the second state indicium <NUM> when the handle <NUM> is in the second position than when the handle <NUM> is in the first position. The second state indicium <NUM> may indicate that when the handle <NUM> is in the first position, the valve <NUM> is in the second state. For example, the second state indicium <NUM> may comprise an arrow pointing in the direction of the second pipe outlet <NUM> to indicate that the agricultural product <NUM> will flow through the second pipe outlet <NUM> when the handle <NUM> is in the second position.

The diverter valve <NUM> has a first state and a second state, each of which corresponds to a respective position of the pipe <NUM> relative to the shell <NUM>. More particularly, the diverter valve <NUM> has a first state (<FIG>) in which the pipe <NUM> is in a first position relative to the shell <NUM>, and a second state (<FIG>) in which the pipe <NUM> is in a second position relative to the shell <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the first state (<FIG>) is the normal operating state, in which product <NUM> flows to the distribution tower <NUM>, and the second state (<FIG>) is the discharge state, in which product <NUM> flows to a discharge port (e.g., via the discharge line <NUM>). Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, however, that should the various connections be provided in another manner, the first and second states may be reversed. For example, in embodiments in which the second pipe outlet <NUM> is connected with the distribution tower intake <NUM> and the first shell outlet port <NUM> is connected with the discharge line <NUM>, the first state (<FIG>) would be the discharge state, and the second state (<FIG>) would be the normal operating state. Thus, while operation of the system <NUM> will be described with specific reference to the illustrated arrangement, it should be appreciated that other arrangements are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

In the first state (<FIG>), the first pipe inlet <NUM> is aligned with the shell inlet port <NUM>, and the first pipe outlet <NUM> is aligned with the first shell outlet <NUM> such that the shell inlet port <NUM> and the first shell outlet <NUM> are connected via the first passage <NUM>. As a result, product <NUM> flowing into the valve <NUM> will be directed to the component connected with the first shell outlet <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the component connected with the first shell outlet <NUM> is the distribution tower <NUM> such that the first state is the normal operating state. In embodiments that include the first state indicium <NUM>, the first state indicium <NUM> may be adjacent to the handle <NUM> to thereby indicate to the user that the agricultural product <NUM> will flow through the first shell outlet <NUM> and onward to the component connected with the first shell outlet (e.g., the distribution tower <NUM>).

In the second state (<FIG>), the second pipe inlet <NUM> is aligned with the shell inlet port <NUM>. As a result, product <NUM> flowing into the valve <NUM> will be directed to the component connected with the second pipe outlet <NUM>. In the illustrated form, the component connected with the second pipe outlet <NUM> is the discharge line <NUM> such that the second state is the discharge state. In embodiments that include the second state indicium <NUM>, the second state indicium <NUM> may be adjacent to the handle <NUM> to thereby indicate to the user that the agricultural product <NUM> will flow through the second pipe outlet <NUM>.

When the valve <NUM> is in its first state, the handle <NUM> is in its first position, in which the posts <NUM> are received in the first retention slots <NUM>. Conversely, when the valve <NUM> is in its second state, the handle <NUM> is in its second position, in which the posts <NUM> are received in the second retention slots <NUM>. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the valve <NUM> may be adjusted between the first state and the second state by manipulation of the handle <NUM>. For example, when the valve <NUM> is in its first state, a user may shift the handle <NUM> laterally such that the posts <NUM> enter the longitudinal portion <NUM> of the positioning slot <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may then be shifted longitudinally until the posts <NUM> align with the second retention slots <NUM>, and thereafter shifted laterally such that the posts <NUM> enter the second retention slots <NUM>. With additional reference to <FIG>, an exemplary process <NUM> that may be performed using the air distribution system <NUM> is illustrated. Blocks illustrated for the processes in the present application are understood to be examples only, and blocks may be combined or divided, and added or removed, as well as re-ordered in whole or in part, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Additionally, while the blocks are illustrated in a relatively serial fashion, it is to be understood that two or more of the blocks may be performed concurrently or in parallel with one another. Moreover, while the process <NUM> is described herein with specific reference to the air distribution system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and the diverter valve <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, it is to be appreciated that the process <NUM> may be performed with air distribution systems and/or diverter valves having additional or alternative features.

The process <NUM> may begin with block <NUM>, which generally involves placing agricultural product <NUM> in the reservoir <NUM>. As noted above, the agricultural product <NUM> may, for example, comprise one or more of seed, fertilizer, pesticide, and/or another form of granular or pelletized agricultural product.

The process <NUM> includes block <NUM>, which generally involves directing agricultural product <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> to the distribution line <NUM>. As noted above, an intake side of the distribution line <NUM> is connected with the reservoir <NUM> and the blower <NUM>, and an outlet side of the distribution line <NUM> is connected with the distribution tower <NUM> via the diverter valve <NUM>. As described herein, block <NUM> may involve directing the product <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> to the distribution line <NUM> in a metered manner (e.g., using the meter <NUM>), or may involve directing the product <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> to the distribution line in an unmetered manner (e.g., by removing the drum <NUM> and/or utilizing the bypass line <NUM>).

The process <NUM> further includes block <NUM>, which generally involves operating the blower <NUM> to urge the agricultural product <NUM> in the distribution line <NUM> toward the diverter valve <NUM>. As noted above, the output of the blower <NUM> is sufficient to at least partially entrain the agricultural product <NUM> such that the agricultural product <NUM> flows with the air output by the blower <NUM> toward the diverter valve <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the blower <NUM> may further be connected with the reservoir <NUM> to pressurize the reservoir <NUM> and aid in urging the product <NUM> in the reservoir <NUM> toward the product intake <NUM> of the distribution line manifold <NUM>. It is also contemplated that the blower <NUM> may not necessarily be connected with the reservoir <NUM> via a pressure line <NUM>.

The process <NUM> further includes block <NUM>, which generally involves operating the system <NUM> in a normal operating mode. More particularly, block <NUM> involves operating the system <NUM> with the diverter valve <NUM> in its normal operating state. In the illustrated form, the first shell outlet port <NUM> is connected with the distribution tower <NUM> such that the first state (<FIG>) is the normal operating state. In other embodiments, the second pipe outlet <NUM> may be connected with the distribution tower <NUM> such that the second state (<FIG>) is the normal operating state. As should be appreciated, block <NUM> may further include additional operations, such as continuing to perform blocks <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, in the normal operating mode of block <NUM>, performance of block <NUM> may involve directing the product <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> to the distribution line <NUM> in a metered manner (e.g., by operating the meter <NUM> to regulate the flowrate of product <NUM> into the manifold <NUM>). Moreover, block <NUM> may involve operating the agricultural equipment <NUM> to which the system <NUM> is mounted in order to distribute the agricultural product <NUM> across a plot of land.

At some point, it may be the case that the normal distribution of the agricultural product <NUM> is no longer desired. As one example, it may be the case that a first portion of the plot of land has been provided with a first type of agricultural product <NUM> (e.g., a first type of seed), and a second portion of the plot of land is now to be provided with a second type of agricultural product <NUM> (e.g., a second type of seed). As another example, it may be the case that the plot of land has been seeded, and is now to be provided with fertilizer and/or pesticide. Regardless of the reasons, it may be desirable to empty the reservoir <NUM> of the remaining agricultural product <NUM> in a manner that facilitates collection of the product <NUM> for later use. In such a case, the process <NUM> may proceed to block <NUM>.

Block <NUM> generally involves transitioning from the operating mode to the discharge mode. More particularly, block <NUM> involves moving the diverter valve <NUM> from the normal operating state to the discharge state by manipulating the handle <NUM> in the manner described above. It may be the case that moving the diverter valve <NUM> between states is more easily accomplished when product <NUM> is not flowing through the valve <NUM>. In such cases, block <NUM> may include temporarily halting the flow of product <NUM> through the valve <NUM>, for example by pausing the blower <NUM> and/or the meter <NUM>. Block <NUM> may further involve connecting a discharge line <NUM> to the second pipe outlet <NUM> (e.g., by using the threading <NUM>), thereby connecting the reservoir <NUM> with the discharge line <NUM> via the distribution line <NUM> and the diverter valve <NUM>. In certain embodiments, block <NUM> may further include removing the drum <NUM> from the meter <NUM> such that the meter <NUM> does not restrict the flow of the product <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> into the manifold <NUM>. In certain forms, the drum <NUM> may be replaced with a blank cartridge that does not significantly inhibit flow of product <NUM> through the meter <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, block <NUM> may include opening the bypass valve <NUM> such that the product <NUM> is able to bypass the meter <NUM> via the bypass line <NUM>.

After transitioning the system <NUM> from the operating mode to the discharge mode, the process <NUM> may continue to block <NUM>, which generally involves selectively operating the system <NUM> in the discharge mode. As will be appreciated, operating the system <NUM> in the discharge mode of block <NUM> may include the performance of blocks <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, performing block <NUM> in block <NUM> may involve directing the product <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> to the distribution line <NUM> in an unmetered manner (e.g., by passing the product <NUM> through the meter <NUM> with the drum <NUM> removed and/or by passing the product <NUM> through the bypass line <NUM>). It is also contemplated that performing block <NUM> in block <NUM> may involve directing the product <NUM> from the reservoir <NUM> to the distribution line <NUM> in a metered manner.

When operating in the discharge mode of block <NUM>, the agricultural product <NUM> is directed to a discharge port of the system <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the discharge port may simply be provided by the diverter valve <NUM> (e.g., as the first shell outlet port <NUM> or the second pipe outlet <NUM>). In other embodiments, the discharge line <NUM> may be connected to the diverter valve <NUM> and define the discharge port. Regardless of what is considered to define the discharge port, a bin or other collection device may be placed in the vicinity of the discharge port to collect the discharged product <NUM> for later use. The process <NUM> may then begin anew by returning the system <NUM> to its normal operating mode and placing a new agricultural product <NUM> in the reservoir <NUM> at block <NUM>.

As noted above, blocks of the illustrated process <NUM> may be reordered in whole or in part. As one example, it may be the case that it is desirable to operate in the discharge mode of block <NUM> prior to operating in the operating mode of block <NUM>. For example, it may be desirable to divert the product <NUM> for easy collection while calibrating the meter <NUM> prior to distribution of the product <NUM>. In such a case, the process <NUM> may involve first operating the system <NUM> in the discharge mode of block <NUM> while calibrating the meter <NUM>, performing a transitioning similar to that of block <NUM> to transition the system <NUM> from the discharge mode to the operating mode, and subsequently operating the system <NUM> in the operating mode of block <NUM> to distribute the product <NUM>.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described.

Claim 1:
An air distribution system (<NUM>) for distributing an agricultural product (<NUM>), the air distribution system (<NUM>) comprising:
a reservoir (<NUM>) operable to hold the agricultural product (<NUM>);
a distribution tower (<NUM>) operable to distribute the agricultural product (<NUM>);
a distribution line (<NUM>) connected between the reservoir (<NUM>) and the distribution tower (<NUM>) and configured to direct the agricultural product (<NUM>) from the reservoir (<NUM>) toward the distribution tower (<NUM>);
a blower (<NUM>) connected with the distribution line (<NUM>) and configured to blow the agricultural product (<NUM>) along the distribution line (<NUM>); and
a diverter valve (<NUM>) connected between the distribution line (<NUM>) and the distribution tower (<NUM>), the diverter valve (<NUM>) having an operating state in which the diverter valve (<NUM>) directs the agricultural product (<NUM>) toward the distribution tower (<NUM>), the diverter valve (<NUM>) having a discharge state in which the diverter valve (<NUM>) directs the agricultural product (<NUM>) toward a discharge port different from the distribution tower (<NUM>), comprising:
a meter (<NUM>) operable to regulate flow of agricultural product (<NUM>) to the distribution line (<NUM>); and characterized in further comprising
a bypass line (<NUM>) selectively connecting the reservoir (<NUM>) with the distribution line (<NUM>), the bypass line (<NUM>) bypassing the meter (<NUM>).