COMPOSITE ELBOW, AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT AND METHOD OF FORMING A COMPOSITE ELBOW

Abstract

COMPOSITE ELBOWS, AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS HAVING COMPOSITE ELBOWS, AND METHODS OF FORMING SUCH ELBOWS. The present invention relates to an agricultural implement (10) comprising a structure supported by a plurality of wheels and carrying a toolbar (22) and at least one central hopper (20), a plurality of material applicators (204) carried by the toolbar (22), and a plurality of flow lines (26) connecting fluidly at least one central hopper (20) to the material applicators (204). Each flow line (26) includes at least one composite elbow (210), and each composite elbow (210) has a polymeric body (302) and a wear-resistant plate (314) within the polymeric body (302).The outlet of the polymer body (302) has a different orientation from the inlet (304) of the same, and the wear-resistant plate (314) is oriented to deflect the material moving along a central longitudinal axis (A1) of the inlet (304) towards a central longitudinal axis (A2) of the outlet (306). One method of forming a composite elbow (210) includes disposing of a wear-resistant plate (314) within a polymer body (302) as described.

Description

1 / 15 COMPOSITE ELBOW, AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT AND METHOD OF FORMING A COMPOSITE ELBOW CROSS-REFERENCE ON RELATED REQUEST

[001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of UK Patent Application No. 2002033.5, entitled Composite Elbows, Agricultural Implements Having Composite Elbows, and Methods of Forming Such Elbows, filed on 14 February 2020, the application of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. FIELD

[002] The present invention relates to embodiments of the present invention for equipment. More particularly, the embodiments of the present invention relate to planters or other row harvesting equipment for delivering fertilizer or other materials to a field. BACKGROUND

[003] Agricultural machines, such as planters with a plurality of row units, are used to plant seeds on or within the soil. Planters may have a central section pulled by a tractor, and may have flaps extending from each side. Individual row units, mounted on the central section or on a flap, typically deliver seeds in separate rows. The row units may receive seeds from a common central hopper, which may be used to limit the effect of excessive weight on the flaps. That is, the central section may be supported by more wheels or by larger wheels, and thus may better support the weight of the full central hopper without exerting excessive pressure on the soil. In order to increase efficiency, planters are becoming more Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, page 13 / 35 2 / 15 wide and the seed hoppers that feed the row units are becoming larger.

[004] Planters can also apply a fertilizer material close to the seeds so that the germinating seeds have access to selected levels of nutrients. The fertilizer material can be liquid or solid, and can also be loaded into a central bulk loading hopper. Dedicated fertilizer applicators can also deliver material from a central hopper to the flaps.

[005] Solid materials present specific challenges. In particular, solid materials transported at high speeds can become physically abrasive and chemically corrosive, as particles may collide with the surfaces of the material transport system and may react with certain materials. Flow lines for solid fertilizer materials can be made of plastic (e.g., polypropylene) due to its chemical inertness and low cost, or of metal (e.g., steel) due to its physical resistance to wear. It would be beneficial to have improved methods for transferring material from the central hoppers to the flaps of agricultural machinery, as well as maintaining the functionality and reliability of planters and applicators. BRIEF SUMMARY

[006] According to some embodiments, an agricultural implement includes a structure supported by a plurality of wheels and carrying a toolbar and at least one central hopper, a plurality of material applicators carried by the toolbar, and a plurality of flow lines that fluidly connect at least one central hopper to the material applicators. Each flow line includes at least one compound elbow, and each compound elbow has a polymeric body and a Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, p. 14 / 35 3 / 15 wear-resistant plate inside the polymer body. An outlet of the polymer body has a different orientation than an inlet of the same body, and the wear-resistant plate is oriented so as to deflect the material moving along a central longitudinal axis of the inlet towards a central longitudinal axis of the outlet.

[007] A composite elbow includes a polymer body that defines an inlet and an outlet, and a wear-resistant plate within the polymer body. The outlet has a different orientation from the inlet, and the wear-resistant plate is oriented to deflect material moving along a central longitudinal axis of the inlet toward a central longitudinal axis of the outlet.

[008] In certain embodiments, a method of forming a composite elbow involves disposing of a wear-resistant plate within a polymer body that defines an inlet and an outlet. The outlet has a different orientation from the inlet, and the wear-resistant plate is oriented to deflect material moving along a central longitudinal axis of the inlet toward a central longitudinal axis of the outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] Although the present descriptive report concludes with claims that particularly highlight and distinctly claim what are considered to be embodiments of the present invention, several features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention could be more readily determined from the description of exemplary embodiments to be followed when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a simplified side elevation view of a tractor pulling an agricultural implement; Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, p. 15 / 35 4 / 15

[0011] Figure 2 is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an agricultural implement, as illustrated in Figure 1;

[0012] Figure 3 is a simplified perspective view of an elbow that can be used in the implement shown in Figure 2;

[0013] Figure 4 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the elbow shown in Figure 3; and

[0014] Figure 5 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method for forming a composite elbow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] All references cited herein are incorporated into this document in their entirety. Where there is a conflict between these definitions and an incorporated reference, these definitions shall prevail.

[0016] The illustrations presented here are not actual views of any agricultural implement or portion thereof, but rather are simply idealized representations used to describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, common elements among the figures may have the same numerical designation.

[0017] The following description provides specific details of embodiments of the present invention in order to provide a complete description thereof. However, a person with basic knowledge of the art will understand that the embodiments of the present invention can be practiced without employing many of these specific details. In fact, the embodiments of the present invention can be practiced in conjunction with conventional techniques employed in industry. In addition, the description provided below does not include all the elements for the formation of a complete structure or assembly. Only the process steps and structures necessary for understanding the Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, page 16 / 35 5 / 15 embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Additional conventional steps and structures may be used. It should also be noted that the drawings accompanying this application are for illustrative purposes only and are therefore not drawn to scale.

[0018] As used in this document, terms such as comprising, including, containing, characterized by, and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or comprehensive terms that do not exclude additional, undisclosed elements or other methodological steps, but rather also include more restrictive terms such as consisting of or consisting essentially of and grammatical equivalents thereof.

[0019] As used in this document, the term "may" with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method step indicates that it is contemplated for use in implementing an embodiment of the present invention, and that such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term "is" in order to avoid any implication that other compatible materials, structures, features, and methods usable in combination with it should or must be excluded.

[0020] As used in the present invention, the term configured refers to a size, shape, material composition, and arrangement of one or more structures and at least one apparatus that facilitates the operation of one or more structures or the apparatus in a predetermined manner.

[0021] As used in this document, the following singular forms a, an, and the are intended to also include their plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, p. 17 / 35 6 / 15

[0022] As used in this document, the term and / or includes any or all combinations of one or more of the listed associated items.

[0023] As used in this document, terms relating to spatial positions, such as under, below, bottom, bottom, above, top, front, back, left, right, or the like, may be used to facilitate description when describing a relationship of one element or feature to another element (or elements) or feature (or features) as illustrated in the figures. Unless otherwise specified, the terms relating to spatial positions are intended to encompass different orientations of these materials in addition to the orientation illustrated in the figures.

[0024] As used in this document, the term "substantially with reference to a given parameter, property, or condition" means and includes a degree that a person with basic knowledge of the art could understand as being part of a given parameter, property, or condition within a degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, depending on a particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, that parameter, property, or condition may meet a proportion of at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or even a proportion of at least 99.9%.

[0025] As used in this document, the term about when used with reference to a given parameter is inclusive with respect to the value mentioned and its meaning is determined by the context presented (for example, it includes a degree of error associated with the measurement of that given parameter). Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, page 18 / 35 7 / 15

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates an agricultural implement 10, which may include a wheeled cart with a frame 14 and a tongue lock 16 for attachment to a tractor 12 or other towing means. According to the illustrated embodiment, the agricultural implement 10 is a fertilizer applicator for applying nutrients to crop rows. The frame 14 is supported for movement over the ground by the wheels 18. The tongue lock 16 is oriented along a longitudinal axis which, generally, is aligned with the direction of travel of the tractor 12. The agricultural implement 10 may carry a central hopper 20 configured to transport material to be applied in an agricultural field. The agricultural implement 10 may also include a toolbar 22 to which a delivery mechanism 24 is mounted in order to distribute material from the central hopper 20 to the field.The delivery mechanism 24 may include nozzles or other applicators fluidly connected to the central hopper 20 (or optionally to one or more additional hoppers) by the flow lines 26. A source of pressurized air may direct the material through the flow lines 26.

[0027] Figure 2 is a view of a portion of an agricultural implement 10, illustrated in a simplified form in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the implement 10 includes a toolbar 22 that carries the delivery mechanism 24 (Figure 1) in the form of a plurality of material applicators 204. Each material applicator 204 is connected to the central hopper 20 (Figure 1) by flow lines 26. The flow lines 26 may include flexible tubing 208, elbows 210, and rigid extensions 212. The material applicators 204 may be attached to the rigid extensions 212 in order to keep the material applicators 204 at a known distance from the toolbar 22, such that the implement 10 can control the location of the material applicators 204 in the field. The flexible tubing 208 can change position at Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, page 19 / 35 8 / 15 as the toolbar 22 moves relative to the implement structure 14 (e.g., by adjusting one or more actuators 214). The flexible tubing 208 may have gradual bends in order to guide the material from the central hopper 20. In particular, a solid granular material may tend to flow more consistently (typically directed by an airflow) through gradual bends than through sharp bends. Elbows 210 may abruptly change the direction of the material, typically by 90°. Elbows 210 may be configured to be resistant to excessive wear and corrosion of material being released from the central hopper 20 to the material applicators 204.

[0028] Figure 3 is a simplified view of one of the elbows 210. Figure 4 is a simplified sectional view of one of the elbows 210. The elbow 210 shown has a body 302 that defines an inlet 304 and an outlet 306, and the inlet 304 has a different orientation from the outlet 306 (e.g., 90°, 120°, 135°, etc.). The body 302 may typically include a polymeric material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, Teflon, polyvinyl chloride, etc. According to other embodiments, the body 302 may include other materials, which may be selected based on desired cost, weight, and / or physical or chemical resistance. Body 302 may have the form of two portions 308, 310 that fit together to form body 302. For example, portions 308, 310 may be fastened together by screws 312, clips, retaining tabs, adhesive, or other suitable means.Portions 308, 310 may be completely separate pieces, as shown, or they may be connected during manufacturing by means of a continuous section of a relatively thin material that allows portions 308, 310 to bend together (which may be referred to in the art as a living joint). Body 302 may... Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, page 20 / 35 9 / 15 can be formed by injection molding, machining, additive manufacturing (associated with 3-D printing) or another selected method.

[0029] Body 302 may contain a wear-resistant plate 314, which may be oriented so as to deflect material moving along a central longitudinal axis A1 from the inlet 304 of body 302 toward a central longitudinal axis A2 of the outlet 306. Plate 314 may typically be a substantially planar material, but may alternatively have a curvature to aid in directing the material within elbow 210. Plate 314 may be formulated to have relatively greater hardness and wear resistance than body 302 of elbow 210. For example, plate 314 may be made of a stainless steel material (i.e., an alloy of iron, at least 10.5% chromium and a maximum of 1.2% carbon by weight), a CrMo or CrMoV alloy (i.e., an alloy having at least chromium, molybdenum, or optionally vanadium, in addition to other elements), a ceramic material, or any material having a selected hardness. For example, 314 sheet may include a material having a hardness of at least 10 on the Rockwell B scale, at least 20 on the Rockwell B scale, or at least 50 on the Rockwell B scale. According to some embodiments, 314 sheet may include a coating of a wear-resistant material on a substrate (for example, a ceramic coating on a steel sheet).

[0030] Although agricultural implement 10 is illustrated as a fertilizer application implement, material applicators 204 and associated flow lines 26 (including elbows 210) may be used on a planter or other implement. In this way, the material delivery systems may be used to precisely provide nutrients close to the seeds so that the nutrients remain Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, page 21 / 35 10 / 15 available for use by germinating seeds. The agricultural implement 10 may include a central section and a pair of flap sections configured to be raised for road transport of the agricultural implement 10 and lowered for field operations. For example, implements with folding flap sections are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0008339, entitled In-Line Tandem Axle Assembly, published January 9, 2020; in U.S. Patent No. 10,506,756, entitled Rotating Toolbar with Double Rod Cylinder, issued December 19, 2019; and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0077849, entitled Implement Load Balancing System, published March 22, 2018.

[0031] Figure 5 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method 500 for forming a composite elbow, such as the elbows 210 shown in Figures 2 to 4. In block 502, a polymeric body is formed, for example, by injection molding. The body may be made of at least two portions, which may be physically connected or physically separated. The polymeric body defines an inlet and an outlet with different orientations.

[0032] In block 504, a wear-resistant plate is disposed within the polymer body. The wear-resistant plate is oriented so as to deflect the material moving along a central longitudinal axis of the inlet towards a central longitudinal axis of the outlet. When the body is made of two portions, the wear-resistant plate may be inserted after the body is formed. According to other embodiments, the body may be formed around the wear-resistant plate (for example, by means of an injection molding process).

[0033] In block 506, the wear-resistant plate is attached to the polymer body. When the polymer body is formed around the wear-resistant plate Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, page 22 / 35 11 / 15 to wear, this block 506 may occur concomitantly with blocks 502 and 504 as part of a single operation. In embodiments where the polymer body includes two or more portions that together hold the wear-resistant plate, the portions may be fastened together by means of screws, clamps, retaining tabs, an adhesive, or other appropriate means. The wear-resistant plate may be permanently attached to the polymer body, or it may be reversibly attached (i.e., capable of being separated without destroying the polymer body, for example, by removing the screws that hold the portions of the polymer body together).

[0034] The 210 elbows shown in Figures 3 and 4 and described above may offer certain advantages compared to conventional elbows. For example, 210 elbows may have high wear resistance in the areas most prone to wear – at the corner where the flow changes direction – a benefit shared with elbows made of certain metals, such as stainless steel. However, stainless steel can be relatively expensive, difficult to machine, and heavy. Other metals (e.g., mild steel) may be cheaper and easier to machine, but may also be more susceptible to corrosion. The 302 body may be relatively inexpensive, easy to produce, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant – benefits common to elbows made entirely of polymer. However, polymers typically exhibit poor wear resistance, especially with respect to friction caused by solid particles moving through the elbows.Therefore, the wear-resistant plate 314 in combination with the body 302 can offer a range of benefits not available with conventional elbows. The elbows 210 can be designed to last substantially as long as the expected service life of the implement 10, which eliminates the need for periodic replacement of the elbows. Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, page 23 / 35 12 / 15 210 as routine maintenance by the operator is not required. In this way, the 210 elbows can reduce maintenance costs, as well as increase customer satisfaction due to the quality and reliability of the implement 10.

[0035] Other exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0036] Embodiment 1: An agricultural implement comprising a structure supported by a plurality of wheels and carrying a toolbar and at least one central hopper, a plurality of material applicators carried by the toolbar, and a plurality of flow lines that fluidly connect at least one central hopper to the material applicators. Each flow line comprises at least one composite elbow. Each composite elbow comprises a polymeric body defining an inlet and an outlet, the outlet having a different orientation from the inlet, and a wear-resistant plate within the polymeric body oriented so as to deflect material moving along a central longitudinal axis of the inlet towards a central longitudinal axis of the outlet.

[0037] Modality 2: The implement of Modality 1, in which the wear-resistant plate comprises stainless steel.

[0038] Modality 3: The implement of Modality 1 or Modality 2, wherein the wear-resistant plate comprises a material having a hardness of at least 20 on the Rockwell B scale.

[0039] Modality 4: The implementation of any of Modality 1 to Modality 3, in which the wear-resistant plate is substantially planar. Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, p. 24 / 35 13 / 15

[0040] Modality 5: The implementation of any of Modality 1 to Modality 4, wherein the polymeric body comprises a first portion and a second portion attached to the first portion in such a way that the first and second portions retain the wear-resistant plate.

[0041] Modality 6: The implementation of Modality 5, in which the second portion is attached to the first portion by at least one screw.

[0042] Modality 7: The implementation of Modality 5, in which the second portion is attached to the first portion by at least one retaining tab.

[0043] Modality 8: The implementation of any of Modality 1 to Modality 7, in which the central longitudinal axis of the output is oriented at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the input.

[0044] Embodiment 9: A composite elbow comprising a polymeric body defining an inlet and an outlet, the outlet having a different orientation from the inlet, and a wear-resistant plate within the polymeric body and oriented so as to deflect material moving along a central longitudinal axis of the inlet towards a central longitudinal axis of the outlet.

[0045] Modality 10: The composite elbow of Modality 9, in which the wear-resistant plate comprises stainless steel.

[0046] Modality 11: The composite elbow of Modality 9 or Modality 10, wherein the wear-resistant plate comprises a material having a hardness of at least 20 on the Rockwell B scale.

[0047] Modality 12: The composite elbow of any of Modality 9 to Modality 11, wherein the wear-resistant plate is substantially planar. Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, p. 25 / 35 14 / 15

[0048] Embodiment 13: The composite elbow of any of Embodiments 9 to 12, wherein the polymeric body comprises a first portion and a second portion attached to the first portion in such a way that the first and second portions retain the wear-resistant plate.

[0049] Modality 14: The compound elbow of Modality 13, in which the second portion is attached to the first portion by at least one screw.

[0050] Modality 15: The compound elbow of Modality 13, in which the second portion is attached to the first portion by at least one retaining tab.

[0051] Modality 16: The composite elbow of any of Modality 9 to Modality 15, in which the central longitudinal axis of the outlet is oriented at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the inlet.

[0052] Embodiment 17: A method for forming a composite elbow, the method comprising disposing a wear-resistant plate within a polymeric body that defines an inlet and an outlet, the outlet having a different orientation from the inlet, wherein the wear-resistant plate is oriented to deflect material moving along a central longitudinal axis of the inlet towards a central longitudinal axis of the outlet.

[0053] Modality 18: The method of Modality 17, in which arranging the wear-resistant plate within the polymer body comprises connecting two portions of the polymer body around the wear-resistant plate.

[0054] Modality 19: The method of Modality 18, further comprising fixing the two portions of the polymeric body to one another. Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, p. 26 / 35 15 / 15

[0055] Modality 20: The method of Modality 19, in which fixing the two portions of the polymeric body to each other comprises fixing the two portions with at least one screw.

[0056] Modality 21: The method of Modality 19, in which fixing the two portions of the polymeric body to each other comprises fixing the two portions to at least one retaining tab.

[0057] Modality 22: The method of Modality 19, in which fixing the two portions of the polymeric body to each other comprises permanently fixing the two portions together.

[0058] Modality 23: The method of any of Modality 17 to Modality 15, further comprising forming the polymeric body by means of injection molding.

[0059] Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to certain illustrated embodiments, persons with basic artistic knowledge will recognize and appreciate that it is not limited to those embodiments. On the contrary, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the illustrated embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of application of the present invention as claimed herein, including its legal equivalents. Furthermore, the features of one embodiment may be combined with the features of another embodiment, and still be incorporated within the scope of application as contemplated by the inventors. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention may exhibit the same utility, even with various or different types and configurations of implement. Petition 870230115087, dated 12 / 28 / 2023, p. 27 / 35

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Composite elbow (210) comprising: a polymeric body (302) defining an inlet (304) and an outlet (306), the outlet having a different orientation from the inlet; and characterized in that a substantially planar wear-resistant plate (314) is within the polymeric body and oriented to deflect material moving along a central longitudinal axis (A1) of the inlet towards a central longitudinal axis (A2) of the outlet.

2. Composite elbow (210), according to claim 1, characterized in that the wear-resistant plate (314) comprises stainless steel.

3. Composite elbow (210), according to claim 1, characterized in that the wear-resistant plate (314) comprises a material having a hardness of at least 20 on the Rockwell B scale.

4. Composite elbow (210), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the polymeric body (302) comprises: a first portion (308); and a second portion (310) attached to the first portion in such a way that the first and second portions retain the wear-resistant plate (314).

5. Composite elbow (210), according to claim 4, characterized in that the second portion (310) is fastened to the first portion (308) by at least one screw (312).

6. Composite elbow (210), according to claim 4, characterized in that the second portion (310) is fastened to the first portion (308) by at least one retaining tab. Petition 870250114842, dated 12 / 12 / 2025, page 17 / 19 2 / 3 7. Composite elbow (210), according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the central longitudinal axis of the outlet (306) is oriented at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the inlet (304).

8. Composite elbow (210), according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the wear-resistant plate (314) comprises part of the exterior of the elbow.

9. Agricultural implement (10), characterized in that it comprises: a structure (14) supported by a plurality of wheels (18) and carrying a toolbar (22) and at least one central hopper (20); a plurality of material applicators (204) carried by the toolbar; and a plurality of flow lines (26) that fluidly connect at least one central hopper to the material applicators, wherein each flow line comprises at least one composite elbow (210), each composite elbow comprising the composite elbow defined in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Method (500) for forming a composite elbow (210) having a polymeric body (302) defining an inlet (304) and an outlet (306), the outlet having a different orientation from the inlet, characterized in that the method comprises: disposing (504) a substantially planar wear-resistant plate (314) within the polymeric body such that it is oriented to deflect material moving along a central longitudinal axis (A1) of the inlet towards a central longitudinal axis (A2) of the outlet. Petition 870250114842, dated 12 / 12 / 2025, page 18 / 19 3 / 3 11. Method (500), according to claim 10, characterized in that arranging the wear-resistant plate (314) within the polymer body (302) comprises connecting two portions (308, 310) of the polymer body around the wear-resistant plate.

12. Method (500), according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises fixing the two portions (308, 310) of the polymeric body (302) to each other.

13. Method (500), according to claim 12, characterized in that fixing the two portions (308, 310) of the polymeric body (302) to each other comprises fixing the two portions with at least one screw (312) or with at least one retaining tab.

14. Method (500), according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that it further comprises forming (502) the polymeric body (302) by means of injection molding.

15. Method (500), according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that it comprises disposing (504) the substantially planar wear-resistant plate (314) within the polymer body (302) such that the wear-resistant plate comprises part of the exterior of the elbow (210). Petition 870250114842, dated 12 / 12 / 2025, p. 19 / 19

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