AU647168B2 - Air seeder apparatus - Google Patents

Description

647168

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (Original) APPLICATION NUMBER:

LODGED:

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION LODGED:

ACCEPTED:

PUBLISHED:

RELATED ART: Os

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*o O *e NAME OF APPLICANT: ACTUAL INVENTOR(S): ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: MICHAEL CROSBIE KENDALL MICHAEL CROSBIE KENDALL KELVIN LORD AND COMPANY 4 Douro Place West Perth WA 6005 INVENTION TITLE: "AIR SEEDER APPARATUS" 0,

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Os DETAILS OF ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATIONS: NOS: PK 1966 PK 1967 The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 2 The present invention relates to an air seeder apparatus.

Air seeders are machines used to deposit particulate material such as seed or particulate fertilizer into the ground. The use of air seeders is widely known and many different types of air seeders are available. Typical air seeders comprise a chassis, a hopper, a metering system, a drawbar and an air fan as their main components.

Seed or particulate fertilizer is supplied to the metering system from the seed box in which it is stored. Air currents generated by the air fan together with the metering system then deposit the seed or particulate es fertilizer into the ground while the air seeder is being o towed around a field or the like via the drawbar attached S"thereto.

so• o* 15 Air seeders of the prior art have several inherent problems associated with their construction and operation. Each of the individual components comprised in the air seeder must be appropriately interconnected. Air seeders of the prior ooeo• art usually tend to have complicated layouts. Typical air seeder layouts tend to result in there being a great deal of clutter beneath the machine. This in turn limits access to certain parts of the air seeder and results in maintenance and repairs being somewhat more difficult.

The present invention seeks to provide an air seeder apparatus in which several of the main components which are found in air seeders have been integrated into one component. This greatly simplifies the layout of the machine and allows for further design improvements not possible with air seeders of the prior art.

1 3- 2 In accordance with one aspect of the present invention 3 there is provided an air seeder apparatus comprising an 4 integral hopper, chassis and air distribution system, the air distribution system comprising a plurality of hollow 6 sections provided in the chassis forming an airtight 7 conduit and an air fan, the air fan both being oriented 8 substantially horizontally and connected to an inlet of the 9 air distribution system.

The present invention will now be described, by way of 11 example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in 12 which: 13 Figure 1 is a side view of an air seeder apparatus in 14 accordance with the present invention; 15 Figure 2 is a rear view of the air seeder apparatus of 16 Figure 1; 17 Figure 3 is a plan view of the air seeder apparatus of 18 Figures i and 2; S. 19 Figure 4 is a side view, partially cut-away, of an integral 20 hopper, chassis and air distribution system of the air 21 seeder apparatus of Figures 1, 2 and 3; 22 Figure 5 is a plan view of the integral hopper, chassis and 23 air distribution system of Figure 4; 24 Figure 6 is a plan view of a horizontal air fan mounted on a drawbar of the air seeder apparatus of Figures 1, 2 and 26 3; 27 Figure 7 is a side view of the horizontal air fan mounted 28 on the drawbar of Figure 6; 29 Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of a metering S 'r S 3a system in accordance with the present invention for use with the air seeder apparatus of Figures 1, 2 and 3; Figure 9 is a plan view of the metering system of Figure 8; and Figure 10 is a side view of the air seeder apparatus in accordance with the present invention having an auger arrangement mounted thereon.

In Figures 1 to 5 there is shown an ai. seeder apparatus S.

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4 comprising a chassis 12, air distribution system 14, hopper 16 and drawbar 18.

The chassis 12 comprises four hollow, rigid sections 22,24 and 26. The hollow section 20 corresponds with the front of the air seeder apparatus 10 and the hollow section 24 corresponds with the rear of the air seeder apparatus The hollow sections 22 and 26 correspond with the respective left and right hand sides of the air seeder apparatus 10. Each of the hollow sections 20,22,24 and 26 are fixedly connected at their adjacent ends to form a square frame. The chassis 12 is symmetrical about two 0 vertical planes which reside at 900 to one another. As e shown in Figures i, 2 and 4, each of the hollow sections 20,22,24 and 26 has a triangular cross-section. 00 15 The air distribution systen 14 is formed by the inside of each hollow section 20,22,24 and 26 of the chassis 12. The hollow sections 20,22,24 and 26 are connected such as by welding at their adjacent ends so that air can flow from *0Sr one to another. Together, the sections 20,22,24 and 26 form an airtight conduit within which air can flow or be held.

As shown in Figures 1,3 and 4, the hollow section 20 has an som inlet port 28 disposed substantially centrally within a front vertical face thereof. As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the hollow section 20 also has a first outlet port disposed substantially centrally within a bottom horizontal face thereof. Similarly, the hollow section 24 has a second outlet port 32 disposed substantially centrally within a bottom horizontal face thereof.

5 The hopper 16 comprises four identical rigid, side portions 34 formed from an octagonal flat sheet of metal. Each portion 34 has an inclined upper face 36 and an inclined lower face 38. As can be seen in Figure 4, each of the faces 36 and 38 are inclined back from the vertical at an acute angle producing corners 40 in the side portions 34.

The corners 40 hence define a central face 42. The width of the lower face 38 is greater than the width of the upper face 36. The angle of inclination of the upper face 36 to the vertical is less than the angle of inclination of the lower face 38 to the vertical.

6 Each side portion 34 is connected, such as by welding, at right angles to an adjacent side portion 34. Hence, it *1 will be apparent that the hopper 16 is symmetrical about 15 two vertical planes at 900 to one another. It will also be apparent that the hopper 16 has a truncated inverted pyramid-like shape.

0.,0 As shown in Figure 5 the upper ends of each of the upper

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e faces 36 define a first square opening 44 of the hopper 20 16. A first frame 46 is fixedly connected to the upper ends of the upper faces 36. The first frame 46 hence further defines the first opening 44. Similarly, the lower se e ends of each of the lower faces 38 define a second square opening 48 of the hopper 16. A second frame 50 is connected to the lower ends of the lower faces 36. The frame 50 hence further defines the second opening 48. As shown in Figure 5,The size of the second opening 48 is substantially smaller than the size of first opening 44.

The hopper 16 is connected such as by welding to the 6 chassis 12. As shown in Figures 1,2 and 4 each of the lower faces 38 corresponid with, and is in engagement with an inclined face of each hollow section 20, 22,24 and 26.

The hopper 16 is of such a size so that it sits snugly within the chassis 12. The vertical faces of the hollow sections 20,22,24 and 26 lie in the same plane as the central faces 42 of each corresponding side portion 34.

Hence, the corners 40 of each side portion 34 formed by the intersection of the central face 42 and the lower face 38 thereof are disposed immediately adjacent the corners of .4.each hollow section 20, 22, 24 and 26 formed by the intersection of the inclined face and the vertical face *r thereof.

mS Due to the hopper 16 having a truncated inverted 15 pyramid-like shape, part of the hopper 16 extends through the chassis 12 forming a central low point 52 as shown in Figure 4. This low point 52 corresponds with the second ir .i opening 48.

rir *r As shown in Figure 5, clean-out holes 54 are disposed in a a 20 the lower faces 38 of two respective side portions 34 of the hopper 16. The two side portion 34 correspond to the left and right hand sides of the air seeder apparatus The holes 54 are disposed slightly off centre within the lower faces 38 and are located diagonally opposite one another.

Triangular lifting lugs 56 are fixedly connected such as by welding to a lower half of each corner formed by the intersection of adjacent upper faces 36. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the lugs 56 extend vertically from the 7 corners such that a vertical edge of each lug 56 lies on the same line as do the respective corners formed from the intersection of the central faces 42 with one another.

A cover arrangement 58 is disposed on the hopper 16 at the first opening 44 thereof. The cover arrangement 58 comprises a base 60, lids 62 and clamp means 64. The base is arranged to snugly engage around the first frame 46 and is disposed horizontally across the first opening 44.

The base 60 comprises two identical large openings 66 therein as shown in Figure 3. Each opening 66 has a vertical rim (not shown) therearound. Each lid 62 is r• arranged to snugly engage with the vertical rim of a aO Scorresponding opening 66 as shown in Figure 2. Each lid 62 is hinged at an outer side thereof by way of hinges 68 0 which are fixedly connected at one end thereof to the respective lids 62. Each hinge 68 is also fixedly connected such as by welding at the other end thereof to the corresponding upper face 36 which in turn corresponds to the left or right hand side of the air seeder apparatus 000 20 The clamp means 64 comprises a retaining bar 70 and a S" fastening member 72. The fastening member 72 is arranged eq.

Ojos to engage with the retaining bar 70 and the base 60 as shown in Figure 2. The retaining bar 70 is also arranged to engage with an inner end of each lid 62. The clamp means 64 together with the hinges 68 serve to secure the lids 62 against the base 60 and hence close off the openings 68.

The drawbar 18 is connected to the air seeder apparatus 8 by way of connecting members 74. The connecting members 74 are connected at a narrow end thereof to the hollow section of the chassis 12. The connecting members 74 are connected by nut and bolt arrangements to the horizontal face of the hollow section 20 at the outer left and right hand sides thereof.

Similarly, a towing arrangement 76 is connected to the hollow section 24 of the chassis 12. The towing arrangement 76 is connected to the horizontal face of the 10 hollow section 24. The towing arrangement 76 is appropriately located so as to correspond with towing 6505 attachments of an appropriate tillage bar for use in conjunction with the air seeder apparatus 10. The towing "arrangement 76 comprises several rigid plates 78 having apertures provided therein, the plates 78 and apertures therein being arranged for engagement with the appropriate eeore S• tillage bar.

0055 In Figures 6 and 7 there is shown the drawbar 18 having a S horizontal air fa.i 80 mounted thereon by way of a mounting plate 82. The drawbar 18 comprises a V-shaped frame 84 and a coupling attachment 86.

S"The frame 84 has a first end 88 and a second end 90 and S o: comprises two I-shaped members 92. As shown in Figure 7, each of the members 92 is slightly tapered such that the height of the members 92 is greater at the first end 88 than at the second end 90. The width of the members 92 remains constant throughout the length thereof.

The members 92 are spaced apart at the first end 88 and come together at the second end 90 where the coupling 9 attachment 86 is connected thereto, hence forming the V-shaped frame 84.

As shown in Figure 6, a strengthening member 94 is disposed substantially midway between the centre of the frame 84 and the second end 90 of the frame 84. The member 94 is fixedly connected between the members 92 and extends laterally from one member 92 to the other.

At the first end 88, each of the members 92 have a plurality of holes 96 therethrough. The connecting members 10 74 are fixedly connected to each respective member 92 via the holes 96. Nut and bolt arrangements engage with the holes 96 and with a wide end of each connecting member 74 as shown in Figure 7.

ae The coupling attachment 86 is fixedly connected to the drawbar 18 and the second end 90 thereof by way of nut and bolt arrangements. The towing attachment 86 is disposed so soo•• S' that a flat portion 98 thereof extends horizontally outward 41 a from the drawD.r 18 as shown in Figure 6. The flat portion 0- 98 is strengthened by way of a gusset 100.

Further, previously known air seeders commonly have had the Va air fan thereof formed as a free standing unit mounted 0 o vertically on the drawbar of the air seeder resulting in several operational drawbacks. For example, since the air fan is typically located at an exposed point and mounted vertically, it is quite easy for someone walking past the air fan or someone who happens to be close to the air fan to get part of their clothing caught therein or to even come into contact with the operational air fan.

A significant mechanical drawback is also apparent due to 10 the vertical mounting of the fan. The air seeder is constantly made to turn and swivel as it is towed while a farmer tends to seeding his field. As the air seeder is made to turn and swivel, the bearings of the operational air fan are subjected to large gyroscopic forces. These forces acting on the bearings of the operational air fan are large due to the fact that the air fan rotates at a very high speed. Hence, increased bearing wear results.

A further drawback is also evident due to the vertical 10 mounting of the air fan. It is common for farmers to seed a field when it is raining so that seeds are sown into moist soil which provides a more favourable environment for early growth. Due to the vertical mounting of the air fan, the moisture which is in the air due to rain or even high humidity levels is drawn into the air seeder as the air fan draws air therein. This moisture could manifest itself in o o the form of rust within the air seeder.

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Depending upon the nature of the particulate material in to "the air seeder, moisture drawn into the air seeder by the air fan could also result in blockages therein. For example, if the air seeder was being used to deposit oee 5superphosphate say into the soil, moisture drawn into the air seeder could transform the superphosphate into sludge.

This could lead to blockages within the air seeder and would also lead to deposits of sludge lining some of the inner components of the air seeder. Thus, it may then be required to clean manually the inside of the air seeder.

The air fan 80 comprises a hydraulic motor 102, upper guard plate 104 and bottom portion 106. As can be seen in 11 Figures 6 and 7, the hydraulic motor 102 is disposed centrally upon the guard plate 104. The guard plate 104 is preferably circular in shape and is disposed substantially centrally upon the mounting plate 82. The guard plate 104 is connected to the mounting plate 82 by way of nut and bolt arrangements 108.

The mounting plate 82 is disposed upon the frame 84 as shown in Figure 6 and connected thereto by way of nut and bolt arrangements 110. The mounting plate 82 has a large 1 0 circular aperture (not shown) disposed substantially centrally therein. The size of the aperture is slightly 'less than the size of the guard plate 104. The guard plate 104 is disposed directly above the aperture so as to close off the aperture.

The bottom portion 106 of the air fan 80 is of such a size so as to fit snugly through the aperture in the mounting e~g.

eoo••o plate 82. The bottom portion 106 depends from the guard else

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plate 104 and contains the inner workings of the air fan °0 therein. The inner workings of the air fan 80 are appropriately coupled to the hydraulic motor 102 in known manner. The bottom portion 106 has an opening (not shown) disposed centrally within the underside thereof. A wire mesh (not shown) is disposed over the opening and is fixedly connected such as by welding to the bottom portion 106 of the air fan An outlet 112 extends away from the bottom portion 104 and towards the first end 88 of the frame 84 as shown in Figures 6 and 7. One end of a connecting hose engages with the outlet 112 and extends away therefrom towards the first 12 end 88 of the frame 84. Another end of the connecting hose 114 engages with the inlet port 28 of the air distribution system 14.

A plate 116 is disposed upon the frame 84 at the first end 88 thereof as shown in Figures 1,3,6 and 7. The plate 116 is fixedly connected to the frame 8' by way of nut and bolt arrangements 118. The connecting hose 114 is located substantially centrally bendath the plate 116.

Still further, conventional air seeders comprise a metering 1 0 system which typically is not easily detachable from the air seeder and nor is it central to the machine. Hence, c the flexibility of the air seeder is somewhat limited as it is not readily possible to update the metering system of the air seeder.

Disposed at the central low point 52 beneath the air seeder apparatus 10 and chassis 12 is a detachable metering system *S@SGe s 120. As shown in Figure 8, the metering system 120 comprises a mounting plate 122, tumblers 124 and an air box *126. The metering system 120 is connected to the low point 52 by way of a series of connecting plates (not shown).

The connecting plates are coupled to the mounting plate 122 and engage with the second frame 50 at the low point 52.

The connecting plates are connected to the second frame around the second opening 48 by way of nut and bolt arrangements. Extending downward from the mounting plate 122 is the air box 126 having an inlet 128 and an outlet 130 as shown in Figure 9. Connecting portions 132 extend from the air box 126 at both the inlet 128 and the outlet 130 thereof.

13 The tumblers 124 are disposed within an upper section 134 of the air box 126. The tumblers 124 are mounted in series as shown in Figure 8 and are supported at the sides of the air box 126 so that they laterally span the width thereof.

Extending downwards from and connected to the mounting plate 122 at an acute angle thereto are channelling plates 136. The channelling plate 136 are of such a width so that ends 138 thereof curve around and under corresponding tumblers 124 as shown in Figure 8. Rigid members 140 also extend downwardly from and are connected to the mounting plate 122 at an acute angle thereto. The rigid members 140 are disposed above corresponding tumblers 124 and are o. angled in an opposite selse to the channelling plates 136 S6 0 V to as shown in Figure 8.

Rubber strips 142 are fixedly connected to the lower ends of each rigid member 140 and depend downwardly therefrom eeeee Stowards a point substantially midway across the width of .9.9 Sthe channelling plates 136. Together, the channelling plates 136 and the rubber strips 142 define openings 144.

0 •o As with the tumblers 124, the channelling plates 136, rigid members 140, rubber strips 142 and the resulting openings 144 span the width of the air box 126 as shown in Figure 9.

The mounting plate 1-2 has a large square aperture 146 disposed centrally therein. The aperture 146 is located directly above the tumblers 124 and corresponds with the second opening 48 at the central low point 52 of the air seeder apparatus Connected to the horizontal face of the hollow sections 22 and 26 of the chassis 12 are axle supports 148.

14 The axle supports 148 aie disposed substantially midway along the length of the hollow sections 22 and 26 and extend outwards beyond the respective left and right hand side edges of the chassis 12 as can be seen in Figure 2. A gusset plate 150 is connected such as by welding tc each axle support 148 and the vertical face of the corresponding hollow zections 22 and 26 to provide strength. The axle supports 148 are coupled to corresponding axle arrangements 152 which are in turn coupled to rim and wheel arrangements 54 in known manner. The axle arrangements 152 are also appropriately coupled to the tumblers 124 of the metering too: system 120 via a gear arrangement (not shown).

0 .00 Mudguards 156 are disposed on the left and right hand sides of the air seeder apparatus 10 and are located substantially centrally above the rim and wheel arrangement 154 as shown in Figures 1,2 and 3. The mudguards 156 are 0 S connected such as by welding to the respective side S S• portions 34 of the hopper 16 on the left and right hand .5 sides thereof. Each mudguard 156 is strengthened by two dual gusset plate arrangements 158 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The gusset plate arrangements 158 are connected such aE by welding to the respective mudguards 156 and the respective central faces 42 of the side portions 34 of the hopper 16.

A ladder and handrail arrangement 160 is also disposed on he left and right hand sides of the air seeder apparatus The ladder and handrail arrangements 160 are located diagonally opposite one another as shown in Figures 1,2 and 3. The ladder and handrail arrangements 160 are arranged 15 to be connected to one end of a corresponding mudguard 156 .nd are connected such as by welding to both the corresponding mudguard 156, the corresponding side portion 34 of the hopper 16, and the chassis 12 as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

An air flow indicator 162 of known type is disposed on the right hand side of the air seeder apparatus 10 as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The air flow indicator 162 is fixed to the corresponding side portion 34 of hopper 16 and is 4 10 arranged to be connected at a lower end 164 thereof to the o* air distribution system 14 via an appropriate air-restriction. The air flow indicator 162 is arranged to indicate the flow of air within the air distribution system 6.

14. The air flow indicator 162 extends upwards for the width of the central face 42 ot the corresponding side portion 34 and has a lid (not shown) hingedly connected to 0 an upper end 166 thereof. A light reflector (not shown) is 0* connected to an upper face of the lid.

In use, the air seeder apparatus 10 is operated as follows.

Primarily, the user must decide whether the air seeder •apparatus 10 will be used as a front or rear tow air seeder. A front tow air seeder involves the air seeder apparatus 10 being towed with the tillage bar attached therebehind. A rear tow air seeder involves the air seeder apparatus 10 being towed behind illage bar. It will be assumed initially that the air seeder apparatus 10 is to be used as a front tow air seeder.

The air seeder apparatus 10 is connected behind a tractor which will be used to tow the air seeder apparatus 10. The 16 air seeder apparatus 10 is coupled to an appropriate towing attachment of the tractor via the coupling attachment 86 of the drawbar 18. The air seeder apparatus 10 is also connected to an appropriate tillage bar via the towing arrangement 76 at the rear of air seeder apparatus The minetering system 120 is appropriately rotated via the connecting plates thereof and secured to the second frame by way of the nut and bolt arrangements thereon so that the inlet 28 corresponds with the front of the air seeder 10 apparatus 10. Correct air connections must now be made with he air distribution system 14. The first outlet port ee •30 is connected by way of an approp7'ate hose to the inlet 128 of the metering system 120. The hose engages with the 0 connecting portion 132 at the inlet 128 to provide an airtight connection?. Similarly, the hose engages with the first outlet port 30 to provide an airtight connection.

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The second outlet port 32 at the rear of the air seeder apparatus 10 is blocked off by an appropriate blocking plate. The outlet 130 of the metering system 120 is connected to an inlet of the tillage bar via an appropriate .hose. The hose engages with the connecting portion 132 at the outlet 130.

The clean-out holes 54 are blocked off by way of appropriate blocking plates. The tumblers 124 of the metering system 120 are appropriately coupled to the axle arrangements 152 by way of the gear arrangement. Hence, rotation of the wheels of the air seeder apparatus 10 in turn drives the tumblers 124. The hydraulic motor 102 of the air fan 80 is appropriately connected to -he hydraulic 17 system of the tractor.

Finally, the particulate material which is to be deposited into the ground is loaded into the hopper 16 via the openings 66 of the cover arrangement 58. Once full, the lids 62 are secured to the base 60 of the cover arrangement 58 via the clamp means 64. The openings 66 are hence blocked off.

When the tractor is now started and power is supplied to the hydraulic motor 102, the air fan 80 proceeds to draw 1 0 air from beneath the bottom portion 106 thereof and hence o from beneath the drawbar 18, The air is drawn into the bottom portion 106 via the opening therein. The air is Sosubsequently forced out of the bottom portion 106 via the outlet 112 and is fed to the inlet port 28 of the air distribution system 14 by way of the connecting hose 114.

The wire mesh over the opening in the bottom portion 106 of

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the air fan 80 serves to prevent any large stones, sticks, twigs or the like from being sucked into the air fan Further, since the inner components of the air fan 80 are encased in the bottom portion 106 thereof which is located substantially beneath the upper surface of the drawbar 18, 000 a :it is difficuLt for any objects or foreign materials to be caught up in or obstruct the air fan The guard plate 104 and the mounting plate 82 also serve to prevent any large objects or materials from obstructing the air fan 80. Further, the guard plate 104 and the mounting plate 82 prevent any water, sand or small material from entering the air fan 80 from above.

The air distribution system 14 acts as an air reservoir as 18 air enters therein from the inlet port 28. The first outlet port 30 is not blocked off and hence air is forced therethrough and into the metering system 120 via the hose connecting the first outlet port 30 to the inlet 128 of the metering system 120. The air then passes through the air box 126 and out the outlet 130 thereof.

As the tractor begins to tow the air seeder apparatus and tillage bar connected thereto, the tumbles 124 of the metering system 120 are made to rotate due to the coupling o* 3 10 between the axle arrangements 152 and the tumblers 124 via oGo .the gear arrangement. It is to be noted that the tumblers 124 can be coupled and uncoupled from the axle arrangements 152 as required.

As this is taking place, the particulate material in the hopper 16 flows to the central low point 52 of the air seeder apparatus 10 under the action of gravity.

s Upon reaching the low point 52, the particulate material *o flows through the second opening 48 and hence the large square aperture 146 in the mounting plate 122 of the metering system 120. The particulate material thus enters the metering system 120 where it is channelled towards the rotating tumblers 124 via the channelling plates 136 and the rubber strips 142. The particulate material subsequently passes through the openings 144 and is metered by the rotating tumblers 124 into the air box 126. As seen in Figure 8, the tumblers 124 are rotated in an anti-clockwise direction so as to draw the particulate material into the portions of the openings 144 between the ends 138 of the channeling plates 136 and the tumblers 124, 19 and thus meter the particulate material into a lower section of the air box 126.

Once in the air box 126, the particulate materials falls into the patn of the air flow generated by the air fan The particulate material is thus picked up and carried out of the outlet 130 by the air flow and carried into the inlet of the tillage bar via the hcse connected to the outlet 130. The particulate material is then appropriately deposited into the ground via the tillage bar and the 10 components thereof. The hopper 16 can constantly be filled ego: and this process performed, as and where required.

0 se The air flow within the air distribution system 14 can be 5. monitored by way of the air flow indicator 162. A required air flow within the air distirbution systenL 14 will be indicated by the lid of the air flow indicator 162 being forced off the upper end 166 of the air flow indicator 162 due to air flow therein. The reflector connected to the lid enables the user to monitor the air flow within the air distribution system 14 when the air seeder apparatus 10 is being used in darkness.

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S Once the user has completed depositing the particulate material into the ground, the tumblers 124 can be uncoupled from the axle arrangements 152 so that any particulate material remaining in the hopper 16 is not wasted as the air seeder apparatus 10 is towed back to the resting plate therefor.

The air flow to the air seeder apparatus 10 can be stopped by cutting the supply of power to the hydraulic motor 102 of the air fan 80. Once the air seeder apparatus 10 has 20 been towed back to the resting position therefor, the tractor and the tillage bar can be appropriately uncoupled thereform. The hydraulic motor 102 can similarly be disconnected from the hydraulic system of the tractor.

If necessary, any particulate material remaining in the hopper 16 can be removed therefrom via the openings 66 of the cover arrangement 58. Small amounts of particulate material in the hopper 16 may be able to be removed therefrom via the clean-out holes 54. The clean-out holes 1 0 54 can also be used to assist in the clearing of the inside oo 1.of the hopper 16.

The ladder and handrail arrangements 160 together with the *mudguards 156 can be used to gain access to the cover arrangement 5C from either the left or right hand side of the air seeder apparatus 10. It may also be required to utilize these if repairs or maintenance is required to be •co• t carried out on the air seeder apparatus 10. In this S. connection, the plate 116 of the drawbar 18 can be used to provide a solid footing when working on or with the air seeder apparatus 10. The plate 116 also serves to o strengthen the drawbar 18 and protect the connecting hose em 114 and cther components thereunder.

Further, the lifting lugs 56 are provided to lift the air seeder apparatus 10 if repairs or maintenance are required thereto. Typically, the drawbar 18 will be disconnected from the air seeder apparatus 10 when the lugs 56 are used.

Due to the symmetry of the air seeder apparatus 10 and the ability to rotate the metering system 120, the air seeder 21 apparatus 10 can be used as a rear tow air seeder as previously mentioned. In this case, the air seeder apparatus 10 would be towed behind the tillage bar.

The tillage bar is coupled to an appropriate towing attachment of the tractor. The air seeder apparatus 10 is hence coupled to an appropriate towing attachment of the tillage bar via the coupling attachment 86 of the drawbar 18. The towing arrangement 76 at the rear of the air seeder apparatus 10 is not connected to anything as the o r e S 10 tillage bar is now located in front of the drawbar 18.

oo• The metering system 120 is appropriately rotated via the connecting plates thereof and secured to the second frame 50 by way of the nut and bolt arrangements thereon so that the inlet 128 thereof corresponds with the rear of the air seeder apparatus 10. Correct air connections must now be made with the air distribution system 14. The second outlet port 32 is connected by way of an appropriate hose to the inlet 128 of the metering system 120. The hose engages with the connecting portion 132 at the inlet 128 to 20 provide an airtight connection. Similarly, the hose 0O a o engages with the second outlet port 32 to provide an airtight connection. The first outlet port 30 at the front of the air seeder apparatus 10 is blocked off by an appropriate blocking plate As before, the outlet 130 of the metering system 120 is connected to an inlet of the tillage bar located in front of the air seeder apparatus via an appropriate hose. The hose engages with the connecting portion 132 at the outlet 130.

Hence, when power is supplied to the hydraulic motor 102 of 22 the air fan 80, air which is fed into the air distribution system 14 via the inlet port 28 thereof is forced out of the outlet portion 32 since the outlet port 30 is blocked off. The air is then fed into the metering system 120 via the hose connecting the outlet port 32 to the inlet 128 thereof. The air then passesthrough the air box 126 and out the outlet 130 thereof. The process of now depositing the particulate material into the ground is the same as previously described hereinabove.

It is to be appreciated that although the hopper 16 of the too: air seeder apparatus 10 is shown to be solely for the distribution or storage of one material only, the hopper 16 could be easily modified to facilitate the distribution or storage of two or more materials. This would be achieved by having a removable divider or dividers disposed within the hopper 16.

o The divider would be able to be mounted fore/aft or left/right within the hopper 16. This is possible due to the two plane symmetry of the hopper 16. Thin guide plates 20 could be disposed in appropriate locations on the inner 0 6 o Q wsurface of the hopper 16 to facilitate in the positioning 0 06S of the divider or dividers therein hopper 16.

The divider would be of such a size so that it would snugly sit inside the hopper 16 and engage with two opposite inner surfaces therein. The divider would be removed and inserted into the hopper 16 via the first opening 44 thereof. Once positioned within the hopper 16, the cover arrangement 58 would be placed over the first opening 44 and the lids 62 of the cover arrangement 58 would be used 23 to fill or empty each of the sections within the hopper 16.

It is to be further appreciated that the metering system 120 could be arrangt-d to facilitate the metering of two or more materials at the same time. It is envisaged that the tumblers 124 of the metering system 120 could be appropriately arranged to correspond with each of the divisions within the hopper 16. Hence, the metering of individual particulate materials could be controlled by an :%ee alternative tumbler arrangement. Further, the gear 10 arrangement which couples the tumblers 124 to the axle 0*0: arrangements 152 could be modified so that certain tumblers 124 meter a particulate material at a different rate to 0 0 o 0. other tumblers 124. In this way, the depositing into the ground of individual particulate material stored with the divisions of the hopper 16 could be controlled by the metering system 120 driven by the modified gear Sarrangement.

Further, the air box 126 could be arranged to have several outlets rather than a single outlet 130 to facilitate in supplying the tillage bar with particulate material to be deposited into the ground.

Still further, in the event of two particulate materials being deposited into the ground, a simple drafting gate disposed within the air box 126 of the metering system 120 could be used to separate the flows of the particulate materials. Such a system could be used to provide one stream of say superphosphate and an adjacent stream of say, seed and superphosphate.

For example, if the hopper 16 was divided by a divider 24 inserted forp/aft therein, the tumblers 124 would meter the different particulate materials stored in the hopper 16 into separate sec ions of the air box 126. That is, a left section of the air box 126 would have say superphosphate metered therein, while a right section of the bore 126 would have say seed metered therein. Hence, separate streams of seed and superphosphate could be provided to the tillage bar via a dual outlet arrangement wherein the drafting gate is located central to the dual outlet arrangement. If the drafting gate was then moved slightly off centre towards outlet having the flow of seed therethrough say, seed and superphosphate would be provided to the tillage bar via one section of the dual outlet, while superphosphate would be provided to the tillage bar via the other section of the dual outlet.

i It is further envisaged that the metering system 120 could *r ^be detached from the air seeder apparatus 10 altogether and S. the second opening 48 closed off with an appropriate blocking plate. This would allow the air seeder apparatus 10 to be used as a simple field storage bin.

5" Still further, a mobile auger arrangement 168 as shown in Figure 10 could be appropriately connected to the air seeder apparatus 10 wherein the air seeder apparatus could then be used as a header chase bin. It is envisaged that the air seeder apparatus 10 could have appropriate means thereon to facilitate the simple attachment and detachment of the mobile auger arrangement 168 thereto.

It is further envisaged that the drawbar 18 could be detached from the air seeder apparatus 10 and used in 25 conjunction with an alternative air seeder or different apparatus which may require a supply of air and which could also be appropriately coupled to the drawbar 18.

Similarly, a different drawbar having different features could be used in conjunction with the air seeder apparatus provided it could be appropriately attached thereto.

By use of the present invention, the machine layout is greatly simplified and a higher strength to weight ratio of the machine is attainable as compared to prior art air S10 seeders. The present invention also reduces clutter

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d beneath the air seeder apparatus 10 and hence provides improved access therebeneath. This greatly simplifies maintenance and repairs to the metering system 120 as compared with prior art devices.

Further, gyroscopic forces acting on the bearings of the air fan 80 are greatly reduced and result in much slower rate of deterioration of the bearings. Further, the amount of moisture drawn in by the air fan 80 is greatly reduced if seeding is being carried out during rain or very humid conditions. Safety is 4mproved as it is difficult for anything to be caught up in or obstruct the air fan The orientation and mounting of the air fan 80 renders it easy to work around and to maintain. These benefits are primarily due to the air fan 80 being horizontally mounted on the drawbar 18.

Still further, by use of the present invention, it is possible to detach one metering system 120 and replace it with a different metering system 120 perhaps required for different applications. This can be achieved without the 26 need to modify or replace the rest of the air seeder apparatus 10. This is primarily due to the metering system 120 being detachable and located centrally at the low point 52 beneath the air seeder apparatus Also, since the metering system 120 is able to be rotated, the air seeder apparatus 10 can be used as both a front or rear tow air seeder for different farming applications.

This is also possible due to the arrangement of the air distribution system 14.

10 Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a oe skilled addressee are deemed within the scope of the present invention.

C a 6 2 a.

00 00 S 0 08

Claims (2)

1. 5. An air seeder apparatus according to Claim 4, in which 21 the metering system is detachably connected to the hopper. 22 6. An air seeder apparatus according to Claim 5, in which 23 the metering system is arranged to be disposed in a first 24 orientation for front tow operation, and in a second orientation for rear tow operation. 26 7. An air seeder apparatus according to any one of Claims 4 27 to 6, in which the metering system comprises an air box 28 containing at least one axially rotatable tumbler, a 29 channelling plate extending below the tumbler and means F F% i/BPU) S 1 28 2 defining an opening, such that upon rotation of the 3 tumbler, particulate material is metered from the opening 4 into a lower section of the air box.
2. 8. An air seeder apparatus according to Claim 7, in which 6 the lower section of the air box comprises an air inlet and 7 an air outl.t such that air can flow through the lower 8 section of the air box. 9 9. An air seeder apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the hopper, chassis and air 11 distribution system are symmetrical about two vertical 12 planes which intersect at 900 to one another. 13 10. An air seeder apparatus according to any one of Claims 14 3 to 9, in which the apparatus can be used effectively in 15 conjunction with an auger arrangement, the auger S 16 arrangement allowing the air seeder apparatus to function 17 as a header chase bin. e 18 11. An air seeder apparatus substantially as hereinbefore 19 described with reference to any one of Figures 1 or 3. 20 12. An air seeder apparatus substantially as hereinbefore 21 described with reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3 and any one S 22 or more of Figures 4 to 23 24 DATED NOVEMBER 17 1993 26 MICHAEL CROSBIE KENDALL 27 By His Patent Attorneys 28 KELVIN LORD AD COMPANY 29 PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA