Air stream selector

Abstract

An air stream selector for an agricultural sowing machine comprises: a material inlet; a first and second material outlet chutes below the material inlet, the first and second material outlet chutes being in communication with first and second air flow channels, respectively; a first gate movable by rotation on a first shaft between a first position where the first gate closes communication from the material inlet to the first material outlet chute, and a second position wherein the first gate closes communication from the material inlet to the second material outlet chute; and a control mechanism for moving the first gate between the first position and the second position, the control mechanism including: a sliding actuator including a long side with a protruding finger and an engagement recess adjacent the protruding finger, the sliding actuator configured to be slideable to move the protruding finger and engagement recess along an axial path; and a lever connected to rotate with the first shaft and having an outboard end positioned in the axial path to be acted upon by the protruding finger, wherein the protruding finger is configured to butt against the outboard end and rotate the lever into the engagement recess when the sliding actuator is moved, thereby actuating the first shaft to rotate the first gate between the first position and the second position. The air stream selector may include a processor configured to monitor and command the sliding actuator and other parts of the air stream selector.

Description

AIR STREAM SELECTORBENEFIT OF EARLIER APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from US provisional application 63 / 448,580, filed February 27, 2023.TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The invention relates to a material valve for controlling an incoming granular material flow to a selected one of multiple material outlets. The invention further relates to an agricultural implement comprising at least one such material valve and a method for controlling a granular material flow to a selected one of multiple material outlets.

[0003] The material valve described herein is used in agricultural implements for feeding granular material, such as seed materials or granular (including powdered) fertilizer or biological inputs, to ground over which the agricultural implement travels. In the agricultural industry, the material valve described herein is generally referred to as an air stream selector.BACKGROUND

[0004] Modern agricultural implements, such as sowing machines, may include one or more centrally located containers, such as hoppers, for holding granular materials. Granular materials such as seeds or fertilizer are fed from the bottom of these containers, for example, by means of a meter to airstreams flowing through one or more air flow channels, whereby the material is fed by means of the airstreams to a ground engaging tool such as a furrow opener. The air streams can be fed directly from the respective channel to a ground-engaging tool associated with the channel. Alternatively, the material in an air flow channel can be distributed in a distributor to a number of secondary channels that lead to the respective ground-engaging tools.

[0005] A material valve, commonly referred to as an air stream selector, is located between the meter and the one or more air flow channels to control the air flow channel into which the granular material is directed.

[0006] The development of sowing machines is moving towards ever larger machines. Regardless, it is desirable to be able to feed from a few central containers via a number of primary air flow channels.

[0007] It is also desirable to be able to readily change from feeding one type of granular product to another, and to change the airstream into which it is distributed.

[0008] Thus, it is desirable to be able to selectively control the air stream selector to control feeding from the seed containers to a plurality of different air flow channels.SUMMARY

[0009] According to a first aspect, an air stream selector is provided for selectively feeding granular material from a material inlet to one of at least two air flow channels.

[0010] In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air stream selector comprising: a material inlet; a first and second material outlet chutes below the material inlet, the first and second material outlet chutes being in communication with first and second air flow channels, respectively; a first gate movable by rotation on a first shaft between a first position where the first gate closes communication from the material inlet to the first material outlet chute, and a second position wherein the first gate closes communication from the material inlet to the second material outlet chute; and a control mechanism for moving the first gate between the first position and the second position, the control mechanism including: a sliding actuator including a long side with a protruding finger and an engagement recess adjacent the protruding finger, the sliding actuator configured to be slideable to move the protruding finger and engagement recess along an axial path; and a lever connected to rotate with the first shaft and having an outboard end positioned in the axial path to be acted upon by the protruding finger, wherein the protruding finger is configured to butt against the outboard end and rotate the lever into the engagement recess when the sliding actuator is moved, thereby actuating the first shaft to rotate the first gate between the first position and the second position.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, may best be understood by reference to the following description, and the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the several views, and in which:(a) Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an agricultural implement.(b) Fig. 2 schematically shows an agricultural implement with a number of primary channels and distributors.(c) Figs. 3a-3c show a sequence of sectional views showing a pair of air stream selectors in different positions.(d) Figs. 4a-4c show a sequence of end elevations of the air stream selectors of Figs. 3a-3c, the illustrations 4a-4c correspond with the positions of Figs. 3a-3c, respectively.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Fig. 1 shows an agricultural field assembly comprising a towing vehicle 1 and an agricultural implement 2, which can be a sowing machine.

[0013] The agricultural implement comprises a frame 21 and a container 22 for material to be distributed to the ground over which the agricultural implement travels. Below the container 22 is a meter 23, for feeding the material from the container 22. A fan 24 generates an air stream in a primary air flow channel 25. The meter 23 feeds the material from the container 22 to the primary channel 25, whereby the air stream flowing in the primary channel 25 carries the material to a material outlet 28, which is illustrated here as a ground-engaging tool.

[0014] In some embodiments, there may be a distribution unit 26 between the primary channel and the material outlet 28. Where there is a distribution unit 26, there may be a number of secondary channels 27 running from the distribution unit, each leading to a respective material outlet 28.

[0015] It is understood that the agricultural implement may comprise several frame sections, which may be movable relative to each other, and there may be a plurality of each of the material containers 22, meters 23, primary channels 25, distributors 26, sets of secondary channels 27 and ground engaging tools 28. It is to be understood that the material containers may also be mounted on a separate detachable frame from the ground engaging tools.

[0016] Fig. 2 schematically shows a more typical modern feeding system for an agricultural implement, where three meters 23a, 23b, 23c are arranged to receive material from a container 22. Each meter feeds into two or more primary air flow channels. For example, meter 23a feeds to two air flow channels 25aa, 25ab, meter 23b feeds to two air flow channels 25ba, 25bb and meter 23c feeds to two air flow channels 25ca, 25cb. Each feeder 23a, 23b, 23c can be arranged to feed to further air flow channels or to feed to a bypass.

[0017] The air flow channels eventually lead to material outlets, but here are shown leading to distributors 26aa, 26ab, 26ba, 26bb, 26ca, 26cb, from which the material is conveyed via a respective set of secondary channels (not shown) to a respective set of material outlets.

[0018] Air flow in the primary channels 25aa, 25ab, 25ba, 25bb, 25ca, 25cb can be generated by a common fan 24, by separate fans, or by one fan per material type (as shown in Fig. 2). With reference to Fig. 2, a first fan can thus create air flow in the primary channels 25aa, 25ba, 25ca and a second fan can create air flow in the primary channels 25ab, 25bb, 25cb.

[0019] An air stream selector 3a, 3b, 3c can be used to determine to which of the two primary channels respectively the flow from a specific meter is to be fed. For example, there is an air stream selector 3a between meter 23a and the two air flow channels 25aa, 25ab to which it feeds. Likewise, air steam selector 3b acts between meter 23b and its two air flow channels 25ba, 25bb and air stream selector acts between meter 23c and its two air flow channels 25ca, 25cb.

[0020] Each air stream selector acts as a valve and has the function of controlling material fed from the meter it is in communication with to a selected one of the air flow channels receiving material from that meter. Each air stream selector 3a, 3b, 3c can also be configured to direct flows to further air flow channels or to a bypass.

[0021] When using a plurality of meters and an air stream selector associated with each meter, an air stream selector assembly can be provided, where air stream selectors can be controlled individually or in combination. By controlling in combination, they can simultaneously be set to feed to a selected one of the corresponding primary channels, or so that they can be simultaneously set for bypass. Example air stream selectors are shown in Figs. 3a-3c and 4a-4c.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 3a, which shows two air stream selectors side by side, each air stream selector 3 is positioned within a feeder assembly and is positioned between a meter 32 and a plurality of air flow channels 31 (only one can be seen, but there are multiple in this embodiment). An inlet chute, through which the granular materials passes (arrow Ga), leads from meter 32 to the inlet 3 li of air stream selector 3.

[0023] While two air stream selectors are illustrated side by side, they operate independently except possibly with respect to actuation, as described below.

[0024] The air stream selector 3 has a housing 30 with a pair of end walls 30a, 30b and side walls, the interior facing surfaces of which define the inlet 3 li and outlet chutes 31u', 31a', 31b'. Each outlet chute 3 lu', 3 la', 3 lb' is in controlled communication with one air flow channel 31 or with a bypass or calibration outlet. A bypass or calibration outlet is used when emptying the container or when calibrating the meters. In the illustrated embodiments, outlet chute 31u' extends from inlet 3 li to illustrated air channel 31.

[0025] It is to be understood that a direction of air flow through the air flow channels will be straight along axis X of air flow channel 31. The air flow channels are hollow members, such as cylinders, with open ends. Pipes are connected upstream and downstream to the air flow channels to convey the air stream and granular material, to and from respectively, the air flow channels. While the illustrated embodiment has three chutes feeding multiple air flow channels, there may be only one air flow channel, if desired, with the other chutes leading to bypass or calibration outlets. While the air flow channels are illustrated as vertically oriented with a further channel below the one illustrated air channel 31, the air flow channels can be arranged in other ways, for example, generally side by side.

[0026] As noted, each outlet chute 3 lu', 3 la', 3 lb' is in controlled communication with one of the air flow channels 31 or outlets. To control the communication, there are a pair of gates 34a, 34b inside selector housing 30. The gates are mounted on respective rotatable shafts 35a, 35b. In the example shown, the gates are each shaped as a respective planar, 4-sided (square or rectangular) part, with the shafts 35a, 35b extending along one of the sides.

[0027] Each gate and its shaft is positioned at the intersection of two of the chutes. In particular, shaft 35a is positioned between chutes 31a' and 3 lu' and shaft 35b is positioned at the intersection between chutes 31b' and 31u'. Further, each of the gates 34a, 34b is sized and moveable to close off access to each of its chutes in turn. For example, the shaft end of each gate is positioned tight up against a partition wall at the intersection between two chutes and the free end of a maximally open gate can rest alternately against a side wall or the other gate, and close sufficiently tightly against that other structure, so that material flow past the gate is prevented.

[0028] The gates are generally extending substantially horizontally and substantially in parallel. It is understood that air stream selectors of the type described herein are normally positioned so that the material from the feeder enters the air stream selector mainly under the influence of gravity.

[0029] Each gate 34a, 34b is rotatable via its shaft between a first position, where a path between the inlet 3 li and one of its chutes is closed while the other chute is open and a second position, where the path between the inlet and the formerly closed chute is open, while the other chute is closed. For example, with respect to gate 34a, it is rotatable by its shaft 35a into a first position (Fig. 3a) where the gate closes access from inlet 3 li to chute 31a', which leaves chute 31u' open for communication between inlet 3 li and air flow channel 31. Gate 34a can be rotated on its shaft into a second position (Fig. 3b), where a path between the inlet 3 li and chute 3 lu' is closed while the other chute 31a' is open. In this second position, gate 34a bears against a side surface of gate 34b to close access to the chute 3 lu'.

[0030] In the example shown, the air stream selector 3 is configured so that the gates 34a, 34b are operable in combination to only open access to one chute at a time. For example, in Fig. 3a, gates 34a, 34b, are each rotated to leave chute 31u' open for passage of granular material (arrow Ga) between inlet 3 li and air flow channel 31, while the gates each close access to their other chutes. In Fig. 3b, chute 31a' is open for passage of granular material (arrow Gb) from inlet 3 li, while chutes 31u' and 31b' are closed by gates 34a and 34b, respectively. In Fig. 3c, chute 31b' is open for passage of granular material (arrow Gc) from inlet 3 li, while chutes 31a' and 31u' are closed by gates 34a and 34b, respectively.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, each gate rotates about a 50 to 70° arc to open and close access to the chutes. When gate 34a is used to close chute 31u', gate 34a rotates in a clockwise direction. When gate 34b is used to close chute 31u', gate 34b rotates in a counterclockwise direction.

[0032] To change from one chute being open to another chute being open, one or both gates are rotated between different positions. In some operations, both gates may have to be rotated to change from one chute open to another. In that case, the sequence of gate movement may have to be controlled to ensure that one gate is out of the path of the other gate. Just as an example, we will consider a scenario where: if as in Fig. 3b, chute 31a' is open, but it is desired to change to chute 3 lb' being opened as in in Fig. 3c. In such an operation, gate 34a is rotated counterclockwise from a position sealed against other gate 34b to assume the position closed against a sidewall (i.e. the position of gate 34a in Fig. 3c). Then, gate 34b will be rotated counterclockwise from a position sealed against the side wall, to assume the position closed over chute 31u', which is a positionpressed against the gate 34a, as shown in Fig. 3c. The gates are moved first one and then the other when the first one is at least out of the way, in this sequence to ensure proper operation.

[0033] Shafts 35a, 35b extend perpendicularly through the end walls 30a, 30b, such that an end of each shaft protrudes on the exterior facing surface of each end wall 30a, 30b. As can be seen from Figs. 4a-4c, a control mechanism is coupled to and acts on the shafts 35a, 35b at one end wall 30b. To be clear, Fig. 4a shows the control mechanism when the gates are in the position of Fig. 3a. Fig. 3b and 4b also correspond, as do Figs. 3c and 4c.

[0034] The control mechanism includes a lever arm 36a, 36b coupled for rotation with each shaft 35a, 36b and a sliding actuator 38 for driving movement of the lever arms.

[0035] Each lever arm 36a, 36b includes a fulcrum end 36a', 36b' fixed about the shaft and an opposite, outboard end 36a", 36b" . Force applied to the outboard end causes rotation of the fulcrum end and thereby rotation of the shaft and its gate within the air stream selector housing.

[0036] The sliding actuator 38 can apply a force to the outboard ends 36a", 36b" to turn the shafts. The one sliding actuator is configured to act on both levers and, thereby, both gates, to cause them to rotate in the direction and sequence required to open any particular chute, while closing or maintaining closure of the other chutes.

[0037] In one embodiment, the sliding actuator is mounted close to the outboard ends 36a", 36b". Sliding actuator 38 is fixed by a bearing 40 in slot 42 configuration to the side wall 30b. The bearing 40 in slot 42 configuration restrains the actuator 38 to slide axially along the long axis of the slot, which in this embodiment is along the length of the actuator (arrow A). Sliding actuator has a long side and the sliding motion of actuator 38 may be parallel to the long side.

[0038] Sliding actuator 38 moves back and forth adjacent the outboard ends of the levers. The range of motion is limited by the length of the slot. In this embodiment, the sliding actuator is positioned above the levers, but it will be appreciated that the levers could be reshaped to be actuated by a similar sliding actuator positioned below.

[0039] Sliding actuator 38 includes protruding keys 44a, 44b and engagement profiles 46a, 46b defined on its long side. There is a protruding key and an engagement profile for each lever, which are arranged in pairs. Each protruding key is an extension that protrudes down beyond the normal lower long side of the actuator 38 and the engagement profile is positioned directly alongside thekey and defines a recess or notch in the normal lower long side of the actuator with an end wall 46a', 46b' opposite the key. The keys 44a, 44b are positioned one on each end of the sliding actuator and profiles 46a, 46b are positioned directly alongside their key but closer to the center of the actuator.

[0040] When sliding actuator is moved along the bearing 40, keys 44a, 44b are moved along an axial path. The levers may be free of any fixed connection to the actuator, but outboard ends 36a", 36b" are positioned in the axial path. Thus, while the levers are not connected to the sliding actuator, protruding keys 44a, 44b and engagement profiles 46a, 46b on the sliding actuator butt against and drive rotation of the levers.

[0041] As an example, when sliding actuator 38 is slid to move the protruding key 44a against its lever 34a, the protruding key 44a urges the movement of its lever in one direction (clockwise in this embodiment) and the engagement profile 46a accommodates that lever rotation. When the sliding actuator is slid back in an opposite direction, engagement profile 46a' butts against and moves the lever in the opposite direction. No biasing springs are required to act on the lever. The gates ensure that the levers don't fall away from the sliding actuator. In particular, the configuration of the sliding actuator is such that: the levers are held in position by the actuator on one side and on the other side by contact between the gate and the wall or the gate and the other gate in Fig. 3b and 3c. Further, keys 44a, 44b ensure that the levers are captured to move into the engagement profile when the actuator is moved against the levers.

[0042] The protruding keys 44a, 44b and engagement profiles 46a, 46b are configured on the sliding actuator to act on the levers in the proper sequence. In particular, protruding keys 44a, 44b and engagement profiles 46a, 46b are configured on the sliding actuator to move one lever at a time. A full movement of actuator 38 moves one lever at a time and in a time separated manner, to ensure that one gate is moved out of the way before the other one is moved. For example, each combination of protruding key 44a and engagement profile 46a is spaced apart from the other combination of key 44a and profile 46b a distance greater than the outermost positions of the outboard ends 36a", 36b".

[0043] In operation, the sliding movement of sliding actuator 38 from side to side moves the levers 36a, 36b to thereby rotate shafts 35a, 35b and gates 34a, 34b. When gates 34a, 34b are both in a position leaving chute 3 lu' open (Fig. 3a), levers 36a, 36b are both in a neutral position with neitherend 36a", 36b" engaged by the actuator keys 44a, 44b / profiles 46a, 46b. Instead the actuator is positioned in a middle position, where the protruding keys 44a, 44b and engagement profiles 46a, 46b straddle, but are positioned outwardly beyond and out of contact with, the outboard ends 36a", 36b". When it is desired to open, one or the other of chutes 3 la', 3 lb', sliding actuator 38 is moved to one side or the other as shown by arrow A. When actuator 38 is initially moved, there is no connection between it and levers 36a, 36b and therefore, the actuator simply slides above the levers without moving them. However, when the sliding actuator is moved to the extent that one of the keys 44a or 44b contacts against the outboard end of one of the levers, rotation of the contacted lever will commence. Meanwhile, the other lever is not moved by the actuator 38.

[0044] Just as an example, we will consider the scenario again where chute 31a' is open (Fig. 3b and 4b), but it is desired to change to chute 31b' being open as in Fig. 3c and 4c. To have chute 31a' open, actuator 38 would have been moved to engage lever 36a and its outboard end 36" remains engaged in its engagement profile 46a while gate 34a remains closed over chute 3 lu'. To close chute 31a' and instead open chute 31b', actuator 38 is moved to the left. This movement causes outboard end 36a" to be urged by profile 44a through a counterclockwise rotation. As lever 36a is rotated, gate 34a is also rotated counterclockwise from a position sealed against other gate 34b to assume the position closed against a sidewall (i.e. the position of gate 34a in Fig. 3b). Rotation of lever 36a continues until the outboard end is pushed out of engagement profile. Thereafter, actuator 38 simply slides along the top of the outboard end 36a. The air stream selector can be set up so that the sealing of gate 34a against a sidewall to close chute 31a' coincides with the point at which that gate's lever 36a moves out of engagement with its profile 44a. To ensure a complete movement of a gate to its position, the profile of the lever and sliding actuator can be such that in any final position there is a slight torque on the gate shaft to hold the gate in position. For example, the lever position can be set relative to its gate and the sliding actuator such that when moving the gate to a closed position, the lever actually goes slightly further and creates a slight twist in the shaft to act as a spring to hold the gate tight, thereby to make a good seal.

[0045] If the actuator is no longer moved at this point, the chute 3 lu' would be open as in Fig. 3a. However, in this scenario it is desired to open chute 3 lb'. As such, the operator continues to move actuator 38 to the left and this movement causes key 44b to butt against outboard end 36b" of lever 36b. Continued leftward movement of actuator 38 urges lever to rotate counterclockwise and up into profile 44b. As lever 36b is rotated, gate 34b is also rotated counterclockwise from a positionsealed against the side wall, to a position with its end pressed against the other gate 34a (i.e. the position of gate 34b in Fig. 3c). Rotation of lever 36b continues until the outboard end is right up in engagement profile 44b. This can coincide with the bearing 40 reaching the end of slot 42.

[0046] The gates are moved in this sequence to ensure proper operation.

[0047] If it was then desired to close chute 31b' and open chute 31u' or 31a', actuator 38 would then be moved to the right (direction according to the drawing).

[0048] As illustrated, actuator 38 can be extended to actuate the gates in an adjacent air stream selector 3. To do so, the actuator can include another set of keys and profiles for the next air stream selector. To facilitate construction, the adjacent air stream selectors can be configured substantially identically. Thus, the gates 34a, 34b of a plurality of air stream selectors can be controlled simultaneously by movement of one sliding actuator. All the gates can be actuated in a certain definite order. While the illustrated embodiments show the sliding actuator 38 controlling two air stream selectors, the actuator could of course be extended to control any other number of selectors.

[0049] The outboard ends 36a", 36b" can be shaped, for example can be rounded, to facilitate their movement by the keys into the engagement profiles. For example, the rounded end acts as a bearing to ease contact between the lever and the actuator 38. Further, the outboard end can include a guide rim 48 that is a semi-annular extension from outboard ends 36a", 36b". The guide rim has a thickness less than the thickness of the outboard end and is positioned near the wall 30b. Guide rim 48 resides and is trapped between the actuator 38 and end wall 30b to keep its lever in place in the axial path of the actuator so that the lever is positioned to be acted upon by the protruding keys and profiles.

[0050] The levers are similarly sized and their fulcrum ends are substantially horizontally aligned. The outboard ends, are generally on the same horizontal level as well, when their gates are in a similar position (See Figs. 3a & 4a). This simplifies construction of the actuator, because the keys and profiles can be generally identical along the actuator. However, if the levers were not in substantial horizontal alignment, the actuator could be shaped to accommodate the offset.

[0051] The arrangement described above thus gives rise to three stable positions in which the gates can be used to selectively open one of various chutes and airstream channels, and that selection between the three different states can be achieved by means of movement of one actuator 38. Thesliding actuator can be readily moved manually or electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically, which facilitates the use of automated control.

[0052] The configuration with the levers free of the sliding actuator but still driven by it, allows for the sequential actuation of multiple gates while only having a single input motion. This simplifies the changing of airstreams.

[0053] Further, in some positions, air pressure on a gate cannot move the sliding linkage. For example, in Fig. 3a, if there is air pressure in 3 la’ it will push on gate 34a causing a torque on the shaft 35a. That torque tries to turn the lever but because of the design of the profiles of the lever and sliding linkage 38, the force applied to the sliding linkage by the lever is only substantially orthogonal to the direction of movement of the sliding linkage 38. In this illustrated embodiment, for example, the force of pressure on gate 34a drives the lever substantially vertically. Because the sliding linkage can only move horizontally the vertical force can’t move the sliding linkage. In this way the gates are held in place without requiring a retaining device for the sliding linkage, or without putting any load on the actuation device (electric, hydraulic etc.). The same is true in Figs. 3b and 3c except for when there is an air pressure that tries to close the opened gate. For example, in figure 3c a pressure in 3 lu’ would result in a horizontal force on the sliding linkage.

[0054] The sliding actuator may be moved between positions manually, or in some embodiments, automatically, i.e., with the support of other apparatus. For example, the control mechanism of the agricultural implement 2 may further include a motor 50 coupled to the sliding actuator and configured to drive the sliding actuator between positions. Agricultural implement 2 may further include a processor 52, for example, configured for monitoring and / or commanding the control mechanism.

[0055] A position sensor 56, e.g., one or more of a limit switch, a mechanical sensor (such as a microswitch), a resistive sensor (such as a potentiometer), an optical sensor (such as a refracted light beam sensor), a proximity sensor, a laser distance sensor, a hall sensor, a presence sensor, etc., may be configured to detect the position of the sliding actuator and communicate the sensed position to the processor. In one embodiment, the position sensor may sense strokes of the sliding actuator. The same position sensor, or another position sensor, may sense the position of one or more of the gates. The processor can thereby verify whether the sliding actuator is in the expected or intended position, or alternatively that the sliding actuator is in an unexpected position, whichcould indicate that a failure or pre-failure event has occurred. For example, the sliding actuator could be jammed by material such that the actuator cannot effectively move between positions. If an unexpected position is detected, the processor may cause an alert to be communicated to a user, e.g., via a user interface 54 (which may include a screen in vehicle 1). Further, or alternatively, if an unexpected position is detected, the processor may cause the motor to stop, which may advantageously prevent wear on the motor, sliding actuator, and other components engaged therewith, and may further advantageously conserve material being distributed via the agricultural implement.

[0056] Further, or in the alternative, a load sensor may be configured to measure load (e.g., one or more of electrical load, current draw, heat, torque, etc.) on the motor, and the processor may receive and analyze such load measurements. Abnormal load measurements may indicate that the sliding actuator is being met with unexpected resistance, which could indicate a failure or prefailure event. If the processor receives an abnormal load measurement, e.g., if load exceeds a predetermined acceptable threshold, the processor may cause an alert to be communicated to the user, e.g., via user interface 54, and / or may cause the motor to stop.

[0057] A speed sensor 58 may be configured to monitor a speed of the sliding actuator. Abnormal speed measurements (e.g., if the sliding actuator is not moving or is moving slower than expected after the processor has instructed the actuator to move between positions) may indicate a failure or pre-failure event. If the processor receives an abnormal speed measurement, the processor may cause an alert to be communicated to the user and / or may cause the motor to stop.

[0058] Any one or more of the measurements may be communicated to the user, e.g., via the user interface, such that the user may monitor performance. The processor may record data over time and use such data to determine whether a failure event has occurred. The processor may cause an alert to the user to suggest maintenance, or the processor may automatically schedule such maintenance, or the processor may cause certain preventative action (e.g., lubrication) to occur.

[0059] The processor may receive user commands from the user via the user interface. For example, the user may indicate a desired position for the actuator to the user interface, which may be communicated as a signal to the processor, and the processor may cause the motor to drive the sliding actuator to the desired position.Clauses

[0060] Clause 1. An air stream selector comprising: a material inlet; a first and second material outlet chutes below the material inlet, the first and second material outlet chutes being in communication with first and second air flow channels, respectively; a first gate movable by rotation on a first shaft between a first position where the first gate closes communication from the material inlet to the first material outlet chute, and a second position wherein the first gate closes communication from the material inlet to the second material outlet chute; and a control mechanism for moving the first gate between the first position and the second position, the control mechanism including: a sliding actuator including a long side with a protruding finger and an engagement recess adjacent the protruding finger, the sliding actuator configured to be slideable to move the protruding finger and engagement recess along an axial path; and a lever connected to rotate with the first shaft and having an outboard end positioned in the axial path to be acted upon by the protruding finger, wherein the protruding finger is configured to butt against the outboard end and rotate the lever into the engagement recess when the sliding actuator is moved, thereby actuating the first shaft to rotate the first gate between the first position and the second position.

[0061] Clause 2. The air stream selector of any one or more of clauses 1-15, wherein: the control mechanism includes a motor, the sliding actuator being drivable by the motor; and the air stream selector includes a processor for monitoring and commanding the control mechanism, the processor being configured to direct the motor to drive the sliding actuator between positions.

[0062] Clause 3. The air stream selector of any one or more of clauses 1-15, further comprising a position sensor configured to sense the position of the sliding actuator and communicate the sensed position to the processor.

[0063] Clause 4. The air stream selector of any one or more of clauses 1-15, further comprising a user interface for receiving a desired position and communicating the desired position to the processor to cause the motor to drive the sliding actuator to the desired position.

[0064] Clause 5. The air stream selector of any one or more of clauses 1-15, further comprising a load sensor configured to measure load on the motor, wherein the processor is configured to receive the load measurement from the load sensor.

[0065] Clause 6. The air stream selector of any one or more of clauses 1-15, wherein the processor is configured to communicate an alert to a user interface if an abnormal load measurement is received from the load sensor.

[0066] Clause 7. The air stream selector of any one or more of clauses 1-15, wherein the processor is configured to stop the motor if an abnormal load measurement is received from the load sensor.

[0067] Clause 8. The air stream selector of any one or more of clauses 1-15, further comprising a speed sensor configured to measure a speed of the sliding actuator, wherein the processor is configured to receive the speed measurement from the speed sensor.

[0068] Clause 9. The air stream selector of any one or more of clauses 1-15, wherein the processor is configured to communicate an alert to a user interface if an abnormal speed measurement is received from the speed sensor.

[0069] Clause 10. The air stream selector of any one or more of clauses 1-15, wherein the processor is configured to stop the motor if an abnormal speed measurement is received from the speed sensor.

[0070] Clause 11. The air stream selector of any one or more of clauses 1-15 wherein the lever is free of connection to the sliding actuator.

[0071] Clause 12. The air stream selector of any one or more of clauses 1-15 wherein movement of the sliding actuator in a first direction moves the lever in a clockwise direction and movement of the sliding actuator in a direction opposite the first direction moves the lever in a counterclockwise direction.

[0072] Clause 13. The air stream selector of any one or more of clauses 1-15 further comprising: a third material outlet chute below the material inlet and a second gate movable by rotation on a second shaft between a third position where the second gate closes communication from the material inlet to the second material outlet chute, and a fourth position wherein the second gate closes communication from the material inlet to the third material outlet chute and wherein the control mechanism includes: a second lever connected to rotate with the second shaft and having an outboard end; a second protruding finger and a second engagement recess adjacent the second protruding finger on the long side of the sliding actuator spaced from the engagement recess, wherein the second lever outboard end is positioned in the axial path to be acted upon by the secondprotruding finger for rotation of the second lever into the engagement recess when the sliding actuator is moved, thereby actuating the second shaft to rotate the second gate between the third position and the fourth position.

[0073] Clause 14. A sowing machine for agriculture, comprising: at least one air stream selector of any one of or more of clauses 1-15.

[0074] Clause 15. A method for controlling a granular material flow to a selected one of multiple material outlets comprising: providing an air stream selector of any one or more of clauses 1-15; and sliding the sliding actuator to drive the protruding finger against the lever to thereby rotate the first shaft and the first gate connected thereto.

[0075] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the disclosed embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Various modifications will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, based on the generic principles of the present invention that have been defined herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An air stream selector comprising: a material inlet; a first and second material outlet chutes below the material inlet, the first and second material outlet chutes being in communication with first and second air flow channels, respectively; a first gate movable by rotation on a first shaft between a first position where the first gate closes communication from the material inlet to the first material outlet chute, and a second position wherein the first gate closes communication from the material inlet to the second material outlet chute; and a control mechanism for moving the first gate between the first position and the second position, the control mechanism including: a sliding actuator including a long side with a protruding finger and an engagement recess adjacent the protruding finger, the sliding actuator configured to be slideable to move the protruding finger and engagement recess along an axial path; and a lever connected to rotate with the first shaft and having an outboard end positioned in the axial path to be acted upon by the protruding finger, wherein the protruding finger is configured to butt against the outboard end and rotate the lever into the engagement recess when the sliding actuator is moved, thereby actuating the first shaft to rotate the first gate between the first position and the second position.

2. The air stream selector of claim 1, wherein: the control mechanism includes a motor, the sliding actuator being drivable by the motor; and the air stream selector includes a processor for monitoring and commanding the control mechanism, the processor being configured to direct the motor to drive the sliding actuator between positions.

3. The air stream selector of claim 2, further comprising a position sensor configured to sense the position of the sliding actuator and communicate the sensed position to the processor.

4. The air stream selector of claim 2, further comprising a user interface for receiving a desired position and communicating the desired position to the processor to cause the motor to drive the sliding actuator to the desired position.

5. The air stream selector of claim 2, further comprising a load sensor configured to measure load on the motor, wherein the processor is configured to receive the load measurement from the load sensor.

6. The air stream selector of claim 5, wherein the processor is configured to communicate an alert to a user interface if an abnormal load measurement is received from the load sensor.

7. The air stream selector of claim 5, wherein the processor is configured to stop the motor if an abnormal load measurement is received from the load sensor.

8. The air stream selector of claim 2, further comprising a speed sensor configured to measure a speed of the sliding actuator, wherein the processor is configured to receive the speed measurement from the speed sensor.

9. The air stream selector of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured to communicate an alert to a user interface if an abnormal speed measurement is received from the speed sensor.

10. The air stream selector of claim 8, wherein the processor is configured to stop the motor if an abnormal speed measurement is received from the speed sensor.

11. The air stream selector of claim 1 wherein the lever is free of connection to the sliding actuator.

12. The air stream selector of claim 1 wherein movement of the sliding actuator in a first direction moves the lever in a clockwise direction and movement of the sliding actuator in a direction opposite the first direction moves the lever in a counterclockwise direction.

13. The air stream selector of claim 1 further comprising: a third material outlet chute below the material inlet and a second gate movable by rotation on a second shaft between a third position where the second gate closes communication from the material inlet to the secondmaterial outlet chute, and a fourth position wherein the second gate closes communication from the material inlet to the third material outlet chute and wherein the control mechanism includes: a second lever connected to rotate with the second shaft and having an outboard end; a second protruding finger and a second engagement recess adjacent the second protruding finger on the long side of the sliding actuator spaced from the engagement recess, wherein the second lever outboard end is positioned in the axial path to be acted upon by the second protruding finger for rotation of the second lever into the engagement recess when the sliding actuator is moved, thereby actuating the second shaft to rotate the second gate between the third position and the fourth position.

14. A sowing machine for agriculture, comprising: at least one air stream selector of any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for controlling a granular material flow to a selected one of multiple material outlets comprising: providing an air stream selector of any one of claims 1 to 13; and sliding the sliding actuator to drive the protruding finger against the lever to thereby rotate the first shaft and the first gate connected thereto.

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