Distribution manifold for air seeder

• US 6,213,690 B1
• Filed: 03/30/1999
• Issued: 04/10/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Deere & Company
• Original Assignee: Deere & Company
• Inventors: Snipes, Terry Lee, Wisor, Donald Raymond, Gregor, David Walter
• Primary Examiner(s): Ellis, Christopher P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): RIDLEY, RICHARD W L
• Application Number:
  US09/281,556
• Time in Patent Office: 742 Days
• Field of Search: 111/178, 111/177, 111/181, 111/182, 111/179, 111/80, 406/123, 406/127, 406/128, 406/182, 406/183, 406/118, 406/119, 406/120, 137/595
• US Class Current: 406/123
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 7/081 Seeders depositing seeds in rows using pneumatic means
• CPC Class Codes: A01C 7/125 with bottom delivery of the seeds
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 60/00 Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87161 With common valve operator

Abstract

A primary air distribution manifold for an air seeder'"'"'s pneumatic distribution system, wherein the primary air distribution manifold is provided with a top rank of venturis and a bottom rank of venturis for receiving an air stream from a blower which is divided into a top rank air stream and a bottom rank air stream. A selector valve is located above the top rank of venturis immediately below a product meter. The selector valve selectively directs metered product to either the top rank of venturis or the bottom rank of venturis. In a first position the selector valve directs metered product to the top rank of venturis in its second position the selector valve directs metered product to the bottom rank of venturis. Each selector valve is also provided with first and second air valves. In the selector valve'"'"'s first position, the first air valve is open and directs air tapped from the top rank air stream to the product tank feeding product to the top rank of venturis. The second air valve is closed as it taps air from the bottom rank air stream. Similarly if the selector valve is in its second position, the first air valve is closed and the second air valve opened so that bottom rank air is directed to the product tank feeding product to the bottom rank of venturis.

Claims

1. A primary air distribution manifold for dispensing product into an airstream, said distribution manifold comprising:

a top rank of venturis through which a top rank air stream passes;

a bottom rank of venturis through which a bottom rank air stream passes;

a selector valve is positioned above the top rank of venturis and has a first position for directing product to the top rank venturis for becoming entrained in the top rank air stream, the selector valve has a second position wherein product is directed to the bottom rank of venturis for becoming entrained in the bottom rank air stream.

2. A primary air distribution manifold as defined in claim 1 wherein the selector valve is provided with first and second air valves for pressurizing product tanks the first air valve is open and the second air valve closed when the selector valve is in its first position, the first air valve directing a portion of the top rank air stream to a product tank feeding product to the top rank of venturis, when the selector valve is placed in its second position the second air valve is open and the first air valve is closed, the second air valve directing a portion of the bottom rank air stream to a product tank feeding product to the bottom rank of venturis.

3. A primary air distribution manifold as defined by claim 2 wherein the first and second air valves receive air to pressurize product tanks from upstream of the venturis.

4. A primary air distribution manifold as defined by claim 3 wherein the selector valve has longitudinally extending convex valve members.

5. A primary air distribution manifold as defined by claim 4 wherein the selector valve is provided with two transversely extending rods between which the convex valve members extend.

6. A primary air distribution manifold as defined by claim 5 where the selector valve is provided with two handholds for selectively shifting the selector valve.

7. A primary air distribution manifold as defined by claim 6 wherein a lockout locks the selector valve in either its first position or its second position.

8. A primary air distribution manifold as defined by claim 1 wherein the selector valve has longitudinally extending convex valve members.

9. A primary air distribution manifold as defined by claim 8 wherein the selector valve is provided with two transversely extending rods between which the convex valve members extend.

10. A primary air distribution manifold as defined by claim 9 where the selector valve is provided with two handholds for selectively shifting the selector valve.

11. A primary air distribution manifold as defined by claim 10 wherein a lockout locks the selector valve in either its first position or its second position.

12. A primary air distribution manifold for dispensing product into an airstream, said distribution manifold comprising:

a top rank of venturis through which a top rank air stream passes;

a bottom rank of venturis through which a bottom rank air stream passes;

a selector valve is positioned above the top rank of venturis and is provided with first and second air valves for pressurizing product tanks, the first air valve being open and the second air valve being closed when the selector valve is a first position, the first air valve directing a portion of the top rank air stream to a product tank feeding product to the top rank of venturis, when the selector valve is placed in a second position, the second air valve being open and the first air valve being closed, the second air valve directing a portion of the bottom rank air stream to a product tank feeding product to the bottom rank of venturis.

13. A primary air distribution manifold as defined by claim 12 wherein the first and second air valves receive air to pressurize product tanks from upstream of the venturis.