Apparatuses for agricultural machines, and related flow detection systems and methods

Abstract

An apparatus for detecting a flow condition of an agricultural machine includes a housing comprising an inlet, and an outlet having a longitudinal axis oriented at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° from a longitudinal axis of the inlet, each of the inlet and the outlet configured to receive a flow line of the agricultural machine. The sensor assembly further comprises a plate operably coupled to the housing, an air cavity enclosure operably coupled to the plate on an opposite side of the plate as the housing, an air cavity defined between the plate and the air cavity enclosure, and a sensor in fluid communication with the air cavity, the sensor configured to measure changes in an air pressure within the air cavity. Related flow detection systems and methods are also disclosed.

Description

TITLE APPARATUSES FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINES, AND RELATED FLOW DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U. S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 580,224 "Apparatuses for Agricultural Machines, and Related Flow Detection Systems and Methods," filed September 1, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to working agricultural fields. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus configured for determining at least one flow condition of a flow line of an agricultural machine, and to related flow detection systems and methods.BACKGROUND

[0003] Agricultural product delivery systems utilize various mechanisms for conveying a solid material, such as seed, herbicide, pesticide, insecticide, herbicide, or fungicide, to a field, such as to soil in the field and / or crops in the field. The product delivery systems may include mechanical or pneumatic systems to move the solid material from a supply chamber (e.g., a hopper, a tank) to the field. The solid material may be conveyed from the supply chamber to material applicators through a series of supply lines extending from the supply chamber to the material applicators. The material applicators may deliver the solid material to the field. Such agricultural product delivery systems are commonly employed in planters, air drills (e.g., air seeders), and spreaders (e.g., fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, insecticide, and fungicide applicators).

[0004] Delivery of the solid material from the supply chamber to the field and / or crops presents challenges, such as blockage of flow through the supply lines connecting the supply chamber to the material applicators. Blockage of flow through the supply lines reducesor prevents the proper distribution of the material through the supply lines and the material applicators, negatively affecting the growth of the crops.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] In some embodiments, an apparatus for detecting a flow condition of an agricultural machine comprises a housing comprising an inlet, and an outlet having a longitudinal axis oriented at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° from a longitudinal axis of the inlet, each of the inlet and the outlet configured to receive a flow line of the agricultural machine. The apparatus further comprises a plate operably coupled to the housing between the inlet and the outlet, and an air cavity enclosure operably coupled to the plate on an opposite side of the plate as the housing, an air cavity defined between the plate and the air cavity enclosure, the air cavity enclosure comprising a connection in fluid communication with the air cavity. A sensor in fluid communication with the air cavity and the connection is configured to measure changes in an air pressure within the air cavity.

[0006] The angle may be within a range of 5° to 60°. In some aspects, the angle is about 45°.

[0007] A major surface of the plate may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outlet. The plate may comprise a metal material.

[0008] The air cavity may be defined by sidewalls oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outlet. In some embodiments, the air cavity is defined by a first portion having angled sidewalls and a second portion comprising additional angled sidewalls oriented at an angle with respect to the angled sidewalls.

[0009] In some aspects, the apparatus further comprises a gasket between plate and the sensor.

[0010] The inlet may be configured to direct a flow of material from the flow line to the plate at an angle of about 45° with respect to a major surface of the plate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the inlet is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outlet.

[0012] In some embodiments, a flow detection system for an agricultural machine comprises a flow line configured receive a solid material, and an apparatus operably coupled to the flow line. The apparatus comprises a housing comprising an inlet disposed around the flow line and an outlet disposed around the flow line, a longitudinal axis of the inlet oriented at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° from a longitudinal axis of the outlet, a plate operably coupled to the housing, an air cavity enclosure configured to operably couple to the housing, the plate between the housing and the air cavity enclosure, the air cavity enclosure defining an air cavity between the plate and surfaces of the air cavity enclosure, and a sensor in fluid communication with the air cavity and configured to generate sensor data indicative of a change in an air pressure within the air cavity.

[0013] The plate may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outlet.

[0014] In some embodiments, an angle between the longitudinal axis of the inlet and the longitudinal axis of the outlet is within a range of from about 5° to about 60°.

[0015] The flow detection system may further comprise an electronic control unit in operable communication with the sensor and configured to determine at least one of a frequency and an amplitude of the sensor data to determine at least one flow condition of the flow line.

[0016] The air cavity may be defined by a first portion having sidewalls angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outlet, and a second portion having sidewalls angled with respect to the sidewalls of the first portion and with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outlet.

[0017] In some embodiments, the flow detection system further comprises a connection fluidly connecting the air cavity to the sensor. At least a portion of the connection may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outlet.

[0018] In some embodiments, a method of determining at least one flow condition of a flow line of an agricultural machine comprises measuring a change in an air pressure of an air cavity defined within an apparatus. The apparatus comprises a housing comprising first portion operably coupled to a second portion, the first portion oriented at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the second portion, a plate covering an opening within the secondportion at a location proximate the first portion, and an air cavity enclosure operably coupled to the plate on a side of the plate opposite the second portion, the air cavity defined between surfaces of the air cavity enclosure and the plate. A sensor in fluid communication with the air cavity and the connection is configured to measure changes in an air pressure within the air cavity. The method further comprises determining an amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure, and determining the at least one flow condition of the flow line based at least in part amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure.

[0019] In some embodiments, determining the at least one flow condition of the flow line based at least in part on the amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure comprises determining the at least one flow condition of the flow line based on a comparison of the amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure to a historical amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure.

[0020] In some aspects, the method further comprises comparing the amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure to a historical amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure.

[0021] The method may further comprise impinging the plate with a solid material flowing from the first portion to the second portion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming what are regarded as embodiments of the present disclosure, various features and advantages may be more readily ascertained from the following description of example embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of an agricultural application machine;

[0024] FIG. 2A is a simplified perspective view of a flow detection system including an apparatus (e.g., a housing assembly) that may be used with the agricultural application machine of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 2B is a simplified exploded perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

[0026] FIG. 2C is a simplified cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

[0027] FIG. 2D is a simplified exploded perspective view of an air cavity assembly of the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

[0028] FIG. 2E is simplified, partial cross-sectional view illustrating an enlarged portion of an air cavity of the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

[0029] FIG. 3A is a simplified side elevation view of a tractor towing an agricultural implement;

[0030] FIG. 3B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the agricultural implement of FIG. 3A;

[0031] FIG. 4 is a simplified flow chart illustrating a method of operating an agricultural machine; and

[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a computer-readable storage medium comprising processor-executable instructions configured to embody one or more of the methods of determining at least one flow condition within a flow line of an agricultural machine.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The illustrations presented herein are not actual views of any agricultural machine or portion thereof, but are merely idealized representations to describe example embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation.

[0034] The following description provides specific details of embodiments. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without employing many such specific details. Indeed, the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with conventional techniques employed in the industry. In addition, the description provided below does not include all elements to form a complete structure, assembly, spreader, or agricultural implement. Only those process acts and structures necessary to understand the embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below. Additional conventional acts and structures may be used. The drawings accompanying the application are for illustrative purposes only, and are thus not drawn to scale.

[0035] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended termsthat do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, but also include the more restrictive terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" and grammatical equivalents thereof.

[0036] As used herein, the term "may" with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure, and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term "is" so as to avoid any implication that other, compatible materials, structures, features, and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded.

[0037] As used herein, the term "configured" refers to a size, shape, material composition, and arrangement of one or more of at least one structure and at least one apparatus facilitating operation of one or more of the structure and the apparatus in a predetermined way.

[0038] As used herein, the singular forms following "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0039] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0040] As used herein, spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "bottom," "above," "upper," "top," "front," "rear," "left," "right," and the like, may be used for ease of description to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Unless otherwise specified, the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the materials in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0041] As used herein, the term "substantially" in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or even at least 99.9% met.

[0042] As used herein, the term "about" used in reference to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the given parameter).

[0043] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range.

[0044] From reading the following description it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal" and "transverse" are made in relation to a machine's (e.g., agricultural implement's, agricultural application machine, vehicle, spreader) normal direction of travel. In other words, the term "longitudinal" equates to the fore-and-aft direction, whereas the term "transverse" equates to the crosswise direction, or left and right. As used herein, the terms "lateral" and "transverse" are used interchangeably. Furthermore, the terms "axial" and "radial" are made in relation to a rotating body such as a shaft, wherein axial relates to a direction along the rotation axis and radial equates to a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0045] As used herein, an "agricultural machine" means and includes any machine that may be used during an agricultural process (e.g., planting, spraying, harvesting, cutting, baling, spreading, etc.) and may include self-propelled vehicles and towed agricultural implements configured to be towed by a vehicle (e.g., a tractor). Agricultural machines may include tractors, spreaders, planters, air carts, air seeders, harvesters, combines, balers, etc.

[0046] As used herein, "sound pressure" means and includes a deviation from an ambient pressure (e.g., an atmospheric pressure) caused by a sound wave and may comprise changes in a pressure of a medium (e.g., air) as a sound wave(s) traverse(s) (e.g., travel(s) through) the medium, such as a variation in the pressure over time (e.g., such as a change in a total pressure of a medium (e.g., a change in air pressure) as a sound wave passes through the medium), and / or a difference between an instantaneous pressure at a location in a presence of a sound wave and a static pressure of the medium. A sound pressure within a medium may include changes in a pressure of the medium as sound waves travel through the medium. Theterm "acoustic pressure" may be used interchangeably with sound pressure herein. The sound pressure of air may be measured by a microphone.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of an agricultural application machine, which may also be referred to as an applicator or as a spreader 100, such as a dry particulate (e.g., fertilizer) spreader. In some embodiments, the spreader 100 comprises a self-propelled sprayer.

[0048] The spreader 100 may include a chassis 102 and a plurality of wheels 104 (including tires) or other ground-engaging elements supporting the chassis 102 above a surface of the ground. The spreader 100 further includes an application system 106, an operator cabin 108, and an engine compartment 110. The operator cabin 108 or "cab" is supported on the chassis 102 and shown in a forward direction F relative to the application system 106, though parts of the application system 106 may alternatively be at the front of the spreader 100.

[0049] The application system 106 is supported on the chassis 102 and may include at least one storage tank 112 (e.g., a hopper, a bin) and a delivery system for applying a solid material (product) from the storage tank 112 to crops and / or a field traversed by the spreader 100. The application system 106 may be configured to deliver a solid fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, insecticide, a fungicide, and / or seed to the field. As used herein, delivering a material to a field means and includes delivering (e.g., applying) the material to the field and / or to crops (e.g., row crops) in the field.

[0050] The application system 106 includes a boom 114 having a pair of boom arms 116 supporting conduits 118 configured to deliver material from the storage tank 112 to outlets 120 or product applicators to be delivered to the field. The boom arms 116 are illustrated in an extended configuration in FIG. 1, each laterally extending from the chassis 102 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the forward direction F. In some embodiments, the boom arms 116 are individually hinged ly coupled to the chassis 102 by means of bars 122.

[0051] The conduits 118 may individually define a flow line (e.g., a flow channel) through which the solid material may be transported from the storage tank 112 to the outlets 120 to be delivered to the field. The conduits 118 may individually include tubes, hoses, pipes, or other means for transporting the material from the storage tank 112 to the field and mayalso be referred to herein as "flow lines," "delivery tubes," "delivery hoses," or "delivery channels." In some embodiments, the conduits 118 comprise a substantially flexible material, such as a tube or a hose (e.g., a rubber hose). The outlets 120 may be laterally spaced from one another in a direction substantially transverse to the forward direction F such that the conduits 118 deliver the material from the spreader 100 to different locations of the field and / or to different crops.

[0052] The conduits 118 are in fluid communication with the storage tank 112 through a manifold 126 configured to direct the solid material from the storage tank 112 through separate conduits 118. An air blower 124 may be in operable communication with the storage tank 112, and configured to provide a motive force for transporting the material from the storage tank 112, through the conduits 118 and to the outlets 120 for delivery to the field.

[0053] The spreader 100 includes a flow detection system 150 including a plurality of apparatuses 140, each apparatus 140 operably coupled to a sensor housing 142 that is, in turn, operably coupled to an electronic control unit (ECU) 130. The flow detection system 150 includes the apparatuses 140 and the ECU 130. Each apparatus 140 is operably coupled to a conduit 118 and configured to determine at least one flow condition of the conduit 118 to which it is operably coupled. The at least one flow condition of the conduit 118 may include an indication of a flow discrepancy (e.g., an unexpected change in flow through the conduit 118) and / or an indication of blockage within the conduits 118. The apparatus 140 may also be referred to herein as a "housing assembly."

[0054] Each apparatus 140 may include one of the housings 128 operably coupled to (e.g., disposed around, surrounding) a respective conduit 118, and a tube 132 extending from the housing 128 to a sensor (e.g., sensor 262 (FIG. 2A)). The sensor may be located within the sensor housing 142. The sensor housing 142 may be in operable communication with the ECU 130. The sensors may individually be configured to obtain sensor data 144 and output the sensor data 144 to the ECU 130. The sensor data 144 may comprise sound data (e.g., sound pressure) indicative of the sound within an air cavity (e.g., air cavity 242 (FIG. 2A, FIG. 2C, FIG. 2E)) defined between the housing 128 and the outer walls of the conduit 118. In some embodiments, the sound data comprises an audio signal. The sensor data 144 may betransmitted from the sensor housing 142 to the ECU 130 via a wired connection or wirelessly. For clarity and ease of understanding the description, FIG. 1 illustrates the tubes 132 between only some of the housings 128 and the sensor housing 142, but it will be understood that each housing 128 may be in fluid communication with a respective sensor of the sensor housing 142 by means of a tube 132.

[0055] The ECU 130 is configured to analyze the sensor data 144 from the sensors to determine at least one acoustic property within the air cavity. The ECU 130 may be configured to receive the sensor data 144 from each sensor and determine at least one acoustic property of the air cavity based on the sensor data 144. The at least one acoustic property may include at least one of a frequency, an amplitude (e.g., measured in decibels (d B)), and a wavelength of the sensor data 144. The at least one acoustic property of the air cavity may correspond to conditions (e.g., flow conditions) within the conduit 118.

[0056] The ECU 130 may be configured to receive the sensor data 144 (e.g., the audio signals) from each of the sensors and analyze the sensor data 144 to determine the at least one acoustic property within the respective housing 128. The ECU 130 may be configured to determine a flow condition of each of the conduits 118 based on the at least one acoustic property. The ECU 130 may comprise a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0057] While the ECU 130 and the sensor housing 142 are illustrated as being on the manifold 126 in FIG. 1, the disclosure is not so limited. In other embodiments, the ECU 130 and the sensor housing 142 are vertically under the manifold 126 or are operably coupled to the boom 114, such as to framing of one of the boom 114. In yet other embodiments, the spreader 100 includes more than one ECU 130 and / or more than one sensor housing 142, such as one ECU 130 and one sensor housing 142 for every boom arm 116. In further embodiments, the ECU 130 is located within the operator cabin 108 or at another location of the spreader 100.

[0058] While the ECU 130 and the sensor housing 142 have been described and illustrated as comprising separate components, the disclosure is not so limited. In other embodiments, the sensors of the apparatuses 140 are located within the ECU 130. For example,in some embodiments, the sensors comprise a portion of the ECU 130 (e.g., are located within the ECU 130, such as a PCBA including the sensors).

[0059] The housings 128 may individually be located proximate the outlet 120 of the conduits 118 to which they are coupled. In some embodiments, coupling the housings 128 to the conduits 118 proximate the outlets 120 may facilitate determining whether there is a blockage within the conduit 118 between the housing 128 and the storage tank 112 (e.g., between the housing 128 and the manifold 126). While the housings 128 are described and illustrated as being located proximate the outlets 120, the disclosure is not so limited, and the housings 128 may be coupled to the conduits 118 locations different than those illustrated.

[0060] The spreader 100 further includes an input / output (I / O) device 134 configured to display information to an operator of the spreader 100. The I / O device 134 may be in operable communication with the ECU 130 and configured to receive an indication of the flow conditions within each of the conduits 118 from the ECU 130.

[0061] While the conduits 118 are illustrated as being substantially straight in FIG. 1, the disclosure is not so limited. In other embodiments, the conduits 118 include bends, elbows, and / or curves. In some such embodiments, the housings 128 may be attached to the conduits 118 at a portion of the conduits 118 that are not substantially straight.

[0062] FIG. 2A is a simplified perspective view of a flow detection system 250 including an apparatus 200 operably coupled to a flow line 218 and including an ECU 272 operably coupled to the apparatus 200. FIG. 2B is a simplified exploded perspective view of the apparatus 200. FIG. 2C is a simplified, partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus 200.

[0063] The apparatus 200 may include a housing 202 configured to be fluidly coupled to a flow line 218 configured to carry a solid material (e.g., a solid fertilizer). The flow line 218 may correspond to conduit 118. In some embodiments, the flow line 218 comprises a flexible tube, such as a flexible hose.

[0064] The housing 202 may comprise a substantially rigid material. In some embodiments, the housing 202 comprises a material that is more rigid than the flow line 218. By way of non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the flow line 218 comprises an air hose (e.g., a rubber air hose) and the housing 202 comprises a material having a rigidity greater thanthe flow line 218. The housing 202 may comprise at least one of a polyamide thermoplastic material (e.g., glass filled nylon), a polycarbonate material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or another material. In some embodiments, the housing 202 is formed by injection molding.

[0065] The housing 202 may include a first portion 204 and a second portion 206 in fluid communication with the first portion 204. In some embodiments, the first portion 204 comprises a substantially linear (e.g., straight) portion and the second portion 206 comprises a substantially linear (e.g., straight) portion. In some embodiments, the second portion 206 may be longer than the first portion 204.

[0066] The second portion 206 may be oriented at an angle with respect to the first portion 204. For example, a longitudinal axis 208 of the first portion 204 may be oriented at an angle 0 with respect to a longitudinal axis 210 of the second portion 206. The angle 0 may be any angle other than substantially parallel. In other words, the longitudinal axis 208 of the first portion 204 may be oriented at an angle other than substantially parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis 210 of the second portion 206 and the first portion 204 may not be parallel to the second portion 206. Stated another way, walls defining the first portion 204 may be oriented at an angle (e.g., a non-parallel angle) with respect to the walls defining the second portion 206.

[0067] The angle 0 may be within a range of from about 0° to about 165°, such as from about 5° to about 15°, from about 15° to about 30°, from about 30° to about 45°, from about 45° to about 60°, from about 60° to about 90°, from about 90° to about 120°, or from about 120° to about 165°. In some embodiments, the angle 0 is within a range of from 0° to 90° (and exclusive of 0°), from about 5° to about 90°, from about 5° to about 60° or from about 30° to about 60°. In some embodiments, the angle 0 is about 45°. In some embodiments, the angle 0 is greater than 0° and less than 90°. In some embodiments, the housing 202 comprises a 45° elbow and may be referred to as a "45-degree angle" housing.

[0068] The longitudinal axis 208 of the first portion 204 may intersect a center of an inlet 212 of the housing 202 and the longitudinal axis 210 of the second portion 206 mayintersect a center of an outlet 214 of the housing 202. In some embodiments, the inlet 212 may be oriented at an angle (e.g., corresponding to the angle 0) with respect to the outlet 214.

[0069] In some embodiments, the housing 202 includes only the first portion 204 having the longitudinal axis 208 and the second portion 206 directly coupled to the first portion 204 and having the longitudinal axis 210, without intervening portions. In some such embodiments, the housing 202 may not include any portions having a longitudinal axis oriented at an angle from both of the inlet 212 and the outlet 214. In other words, the longitudinal axis 208 of the first portion 204 may extend through a center of the inlet 212 and may be oriented at the angle 0 with respect to the longitudinal axis 210 of the second portion 206 that extends through a center of the outlet 214. In some embodiments, the shape and orientation of the housing 202 and the relative orientation of the inlet 212 and the outlet 214 facilitate forming the housing to have a relatively larger cross-sectional area to facilitate a relatively larger flowrate of solid material therethrough, without substantially increasing a volume occupied by the housing 202. In other words, the footprint of the housing 202 may be relatively small for the cross-sectional area through which material from the flow line 218 may flow through the housing 202. For example, the housing 202 may include only one change in direction (e.g., bend). By way of comparison, housings of other devices may include two changes in direction, which may increase the overall size of the housing for a given cross-sectional area through which the material may flow.

[0070] With reference to FIG. 2C, each of the inlet 212 and the outlet 214 may be configured to receive the flow line 218. In some embodiments, each of the inlet 212 and the outlet 214 includes a lip 216 configured to abut the flow line 218 during installation of the housing 202 to the flow line 218. For example, attaching the housing 202 to the flow line 218 may include cutting a portion of the flow line 218, placing a first end 220 of the flow line 218 in the inlet 212 up to the lip 216, placing a second end 222 of the flow line 218 in the outlet 214 up to the lip 216, and compressing (e.g., clamping) the first end 220 and the second end 222 of the flow line 218 within the housing 202. In some embodiments, the flow line 218 is connected to the housing 202 by compressing the inlet 212 and the outlet 214 of the housing 202 with, for example, a clamp (e.g., a hose clamp), to secure the flow line 218 within the housing 202 andsubstantially reduce or prevent movement of the flow line 218 within the housing 202. In some embodiments, the housing 202 includes cutouts 225 (e.g., notches) defined within a wall of the housing 202 at each of the inlet 212 and the outlet 214. Responsive to compression of the inlet 212 and the outlet 214 (e.g., such as by tightening a hose clamp around each of the inlet 212 and the outlet 214), the cutouts 225 may compress the flow line 218 and substantially reduce a likelihood of movement of the flow line 218 within the housing 202. In some embodiments, the flow line 218 is non-continuous (e.g., interrupted) through the housing 202.

[0071] With reference to FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, the second portion 206 includes an opening 224 configured to receive a plate 226 (also referred to as a "striker plate" since the material within the flow line 218 may flow through the first portion 204 of the housing 202 and strike (e.g., impinge) the plate 226) of an air cavity assembly 228. FIG. 2D is a simplified exploded perspective view of the air cavity assembly 228. With reference to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B, and FIG. 2D, the opening may be located proximate an intersection between the first portion 204 and the second portion 206. In some embodiments, the opening 224 is within the second portion 206 closer to the first portion 204 than to the outlet 214.

[0072] The air cavity assembly 228 may include the plate 226, an air cavity enclosure 230, and a gasket 232 between the plate 226 and the air cavity enclosure 230. The plate 226 may be configured to operably couple to the second portion 206, and the air cavity enclosure 230 may be configured to operably couple to the second portion 206 through apertures 234 defined within the plate 226. For example, the second portion 206 of the housing 202 may include an outer circumferential surface 236 configured to receive and contact an outer edge (e.g., circumference) of the plate 226 when the plate 226 is coupled to the second portion 206 to cover the opening 224. The second portion 206 may include cavities 238 within the circumferential surface 236 configured to receive protrusions 240 extending from the air cavity enclosure 230. The protrusions 240 may extend through the apertures 234 defined in the plate 226 and into corresponding cavities 238 defined in the second portion 206. In some embodiments, during assembly of the sensor housing 202, the protrusions 240 may be adhered within the cavities 238, such as with one or more adhesives. In other embodiments, the cavities 238 may be configured to receive one or more fastening means (e.g., screws) that extend from(e.g., through) air cavity enclosure 230, through the plate 226, and to the cavities 238 to couple to the air cavity assembly 228 (and the plate 226) to the second portion 206.

[0073] When the air cavity assembly 228 is coupled to the housing 202, such as when the protrusions 240 of the air cavity enclosure 230 extend through the apertures 234 of the plate 226 and into the cavities 238 within the second portion 206, surfaces of the air cavity enclosure 230 and the plate 226 form an air cavity 242 (FIG. 2A, FIG. 2C, FIG. 2E) that is fluidly isolated from the flow line 218 and the housing 202 (e.g., from the material that flows from the flow line 218 through the housing 202).

[0074] The plate 226 may include a metal, such as an alloy including chromium, nickel, carbon, and iron. In some embodiments, the plate 226 comprises stainless steel (e.g., at least one of austenitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, duplex stainless steel (e.g., including ferritic and austenitic stainless steels), and precipitation-hardening (PH) stainless steels). By way of non-limiting example, the plate 226 may comprise grade 303, grade 304, grade 316, grade 317, grade 430 stainless steel, or grade 430 stainless steel. However, the disclosure is not so limited, and the plate 226 may comprise other grades of stainless steel and / or metals other than stainless steel. In addition, in some embodiments, the plate 226 may include a material other than a metal, such as, for example, a polyamide thermoplastic material (e.g., glass filled nylon), a polycarbonate material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or another material.

[0075] In some embodiments, a major surface 244 of the plate 226 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 210 of the second portion 206.

[0076] The gasket 232 may comprise a material configured to form a seal between air cavity enclosure 230 and the plate 226, such as responsive to compression of the gasket 232 during assembly of the apparatus 200 and attachment of the air cavity assembly 228 to the housing 202. The gasket 232 may comprise a rubber material, such as a material selected from the group consisting of at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nitrile (a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, and fluorocarbon elastomers. The gasket 232 may be configured to compress responsive to compression of the gasket 232, such as during assembly of the apparatus 200 and attachmentof the air cavity assembly 228 to the housing 202. The compression of the gasket 232 may form a substantially hermetic seal between the plate 226 and the air cavity enclosure 230 defining the air cavity 242.

[0077] The plate 226 may substantially seal the volume within the housing 202 (e.g., within the first portion 204 and the second portion 206) from the air cavity 242 defined between surfaces of the air cavity enclosure 230 and the plate 226. In some embodiments, the air cavity 242 is substantially hermetically sealed from the volume within the housing 202 due to the plate 226 and the gasket 232.

[0078] With reference to FIG. 2D, the air cavity enclosure 230 may define a groove 245 configured to receive a surface of the gasket 232. During coupling of the air cavity assembly 228 to the housing 202, the gasket 232 may be received by and seated within the groove 245. An opposite surface of the gasket 232 may compress against the plate 226.

[0079] In some embodiments, a dimension Di of the air cavity enclosure 230 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 210 may be greater than a dimension D2 of the plate 226 in the same direction. In some such embodiments, the plate 226 may be located within horizontal boundaries defined by edges of the air cavity enclosure 230.

[0080] FIG. 2E is a simplified, partial cross-sectional view illustrating an enlarged portion of the air cavity 242. For clarity and ease of understanding the description, the gasket 232 is not illustrated in FIG. 2E. The second portion 206 may include opposing protrusions 246 extending from the opening 224 and configured to receive the air cavity assembly 228. In addition, the housing 202 may include edges 248 extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 210 and configured to stop (e.g., interact with) a protruding ring 251 (FIG. 2D) disposed proximate an outer circumference (e.g., edge) of the air cavity enclosure 230. In some embodiments, a portion of the major surface 244 of the plate 226 contacts the edges 248 when the air cavity assembly 228 is coupled to the housing 202.

[0081] With reference to FIG. 2C and FIG. 2E, the air cavity 242 may include a first portion 252 and a second portion 254. The first portion 252 may be defined by surfaces of the plate 226 and first angled sidewalls 256 defining a conical shape (e.g., funnel shape). The second portion 254 may be defined by second angled sidewalls 258 defining an additionalconical (e.g., funnel) shape. The first angled sidewalls 256 and the second angled sidewalls 258 may be oriented at an angle with respect to the major surface 244. In some embodiments, the angle between the major surface 244 and the first angled sidewalls 256 is less than the angle between the major surface 244 and the second angled sidewalls 258. In some embodiments, each of the first portion 252 and the second portion 254 exhibit a truncated conical shape.

[0082] The air cavity 242 may be substantially fluidly isolated from the flow path of the material flowing through the flow line 218 may be means of the gasket 232 and the plate 226 and may not be exposed to the material flowing through the flow line 218 and impinging the plate 226.

[0083] With reference to FIG. 2A, the air cavity 242 may be in fluid communication with a connection 260 (e.g., a nipple) configured to fluidly connect the air cavity 242 to a sensor 262, such as by a tube 264 (FIG. 2A, FIG. 2C, FIG. 2E). The connection 260 may be directly coupled to the second portion 254, which may be located between the first portion 252 and the connection 260.

[0084] The connection 260 may be between and in fluid communication with the air cavity 242 and the tube 264. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the connection 260 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 210 of the second portion 206 and the outlet 214. The sensor 262 may be located within a sensor housing 266. In some embodiments, the tube 264 is coupled to and extends between the air cavity 242 and an inlet 268 of the sensor housing 266, the inlet 268 in fluid communication with (e.g., directly coupled to) one of the sensors 262. The tube 264 may be coupled to the air cavity 242 by means of the connection 260. The sensor housing 266 may include multiple sensors 262, each sensor 262 configured to be in fluid communication with a housing 202 that is operably coupled to an air cavity assembly 228 (e.g., an air cavity 242).

[0085] In some embodiments, material within the flow line 218 flows from the flow line 218 into the housing 202 at the inlet 212 and from the first portion 204 to the second portion 206. At least some of the material flowing through the first portion 204 impinges the plate 226. With reference to FIG. 2A, when the air cavity assembly 228 is coupled to the housing 202, an inner surface of the plate 226 may be located within the housing 202 such thatsolid material flowing from the flow line 218 at the inlet 212 through the first portion 204 impinges the plate 226 at the second portion 206. The contact between the material flowing through the housing 202 and the plate 226 may cause vibrations (e.g., noise) within the air cavity 242, which may be transmitted through the tube 264 to the sensor 262 in fluid communication with the air cavity 242.

[0086] The tube 264 may be configured to transmit pressure waves (e.g., sound pressure) caused by material flowing within flow line 218 from the air cavity 242 to the sensor 262. Since the air cavity 242 is substantially sealed from an external environment (e.g., such as by the gasket 232), substantially all of (e.g., most of) the sound to which the air cavity 242 is exposed may be caused by vibrations of the plate 226 and the air cavity 242, such as vibrations caused by impingement of the plate 226 by material flowing within housing 202. As one example, with reference to FIG. 2C, at least some of the material flowing through the housing 202 may impinge the plate 226 as the material flows from the first portion 204 to the second portion 206 (as the housing 202 bends), causing vibrations of within the air cavity 242. The vibrations may be transmitted from the air cavity 242 to the sensor 262 through the tube 264. The vibrations may comprise sound pressure comprising a deviation in pressure from ambient pressure caused by sound waves. In some embodiments, the vibrations (e.g., a frequency, a pitch, an amplitude) of the vibrations caused by the material impinging the plate 226 may be due to at least one of a flowrate or a size of the material flowing through the housing 202.

[0087] The sensor 262 may be configured to receive and measure the air pressure (e.g., the sound pressure) from the air cavity 242 and generate sensor data 270 (corresponding to the sensor data 144 (FIG. 1)) based on the received sound pressure. The sensors 262 may be configured to measure the sound pressure within the cavity 242 and generate the sensor data 270. In other words, the sensors 262 may be configured to measure the air pressure (e.g., the dynamic air pressure, the changes in the air pressure) in the cavity 242. In some embodiments, the sensor data 270 comprises an audio signal, which may comprise an electrical signal, such as an analog signal and / or an alternating current (AC) signal (e.g., an AC voltage). The sensor 262 may output the sensor data 270 and an ECU 272 may receive the sensor data 270. The ECU 272 may correspond to the ECU 130 of FIG. 1. As described above with reference to the sensordata 144, the sensor data 270 may be transmitted from the sensor housing 266 to the ECU 272 via a wired connection or wirelessly.

[0088] The sensor 262 may comprise, for example, a microphone. The microphone may comprise at least one of a surface acoustic wave sensor, pressure-field microphone, a free-field microphone, or a random incidence microphone. In some embodiments, the sensor 262 comprises a microelectromechanical (MEMS) microphone. In other embodiments, the microphone comprises a pressure-field microphone or a free-field microphone. The sensor 262 may also be referred to herein as an "acoustic sensor."

[0089] The ECU 272 may receive the sensor data 270 from each of the sensors 262. In some embodiments, the ECU 272 includes a processor 274 configured to analyze the sensor data 270 and determine at least one acoustic property of the air cavity 242 based on the sensor data 270. The property(ies) may comprise a frequency (e.g., a pitch), an amplitude (e.g., measured in decibels (d B)), and / or a wavelength of the sensor data 270. Accordingly, the at least one acoustic property may correspond to at least one property selected from the group consisting of the frequency, the amplitude, and the wavelength of the sensor data 270 (the sound pressure within the air cavity 242). In some embodiments, the ECU 272 is configured to analyze the sensor data 270 to determine the frequency of the sensor data 270 and / or the amplitude of the sensor data 270. In some embodiments, the ECU 272 is configured to determine at least one flow condition (e.g., whether there is a blockage) in each of the flow lines 218 based on the sensor data 270. For example, the ECU 272 may determine the flow conditions within the flow lines 218 based on the frequency and / or the amplitude of the sensor data 270.

[0090] While FIG. 2A illustrates that the sensors 262 are physically separated from the ECU 272, in some embodiments, the sensors 262 are directly physically coupled to the ECU 272. For example, the ECU 272 may comprise a PCBA or an ASIC and the sensors 262 may be directly attached to the ECU 272. In some such embodiments, the tubes 264 are routed from the air cavity 242 to the sensors 262, which are directly coupled to the ECU 272.

[0091] Although FIG. 2A does not illustrate every sensor 262 of the sensor housing 266 in fluid communication with a tube 264 to fluidly connect the sensor 262 to an air cavity242 of another housing 202, it will be understood that each of the sensors 262 may be in fluid communication with an air cavity 242 of different housings 202 to determine at least one flow condition of different flow lines 218. In addition, although FIG. 2A illustrates the sensors 262 housed within the sensor housing 266, the disclosure is not so limited. In other embodiments, the flow detection system 250 does not include the sensor housing 266. In some such embodiments, the sensors 262 may be directly coupled to or comprise a portion of the ECU 272. In yet other embodiments, the apparatus 200 does not include the tube 264 and the sensor 262 is directly coupled to the connection 260.

[0092] FIG. 3A is a simplified side elevation view of a tractor 352 pulling an agricultural implement 350. The agricultural implement 350 may include a wheeled cart having a frame 304 and a tongue hitch 306 for attachment of the agricultural implement 350 to the tractor 352 or to another towing means. In some embodiments, the agricultural implement 350 is a fertilizer applicator for applying nutrients to row crops. The frame 304 is supported by wheels 308. The tongue hitch 306 is oriented along a longitudinal axis that is generally in-line with the direction of travel of the tractor 352. The agricultural implement 350 may carry a central hopper 310 configured to transport material to be applied to a field. The agricultural implement 350 may further include a toolbar 312 to which is mounted a delivery mechanism 314 to distribute the material from the central hopper 310 to the field. The delivery mechanism 314 may include nozzles or other applicators fluidly connected to the central hopper 310 (and optionally to one or more additional hoppers) by flow lines 316 (e.g., flow channels). A pressurized air source, such as an air blower, may drive the material form the central hopper 310 through the flow lines 316.

[0093] FIG. 3B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the agricultural implement 350 of FIG. 3A. The agricultural implement 350 includes the toolbar 312 carrying a plurality of material applicators 318. The material applicators 318 form the delivery mechanism 314 (FIG. 3A).

[0094] Each of the material applicators 318 may be fluidly connected to the central hopper 310 (FIG. 3A) by flow lines 316. The flow lines 316 may individually include flexible tubes 320, elbows 322, and rigid extensions 324 to maintain the material applicators 318 apredetermined distance from the toolbar 312. The material applicators 318 and the rigid extensions 324 may collectively be referred to herein as "drop hoses" or "drop tubes." The flexible tubes 320 may be configured to move with the toolbar 312 as the toolbar 312 moves relative to the frame 304. For example, the distance between the toolbar 312 and the frame 304 may be adjusted by actuation of actuators 326. The flexible tubes 320 may laterally extend along the toolbar 312 from a manifold configured to receive material from the hopper 310.

[0095] In some embodiments, each of the flexible tubes 320 is individually operably coupled to an apparatus 300. The apparatus 300 may be substantially similar to any of the apparatuses 140, 200 described above with reference to FIG. 1-FIG. 2E. As described above, each of the apparatuses 300 may be configured to determine a flow condition within the flexible tube 320 to which it is operably coupled, such as whether there is a blockage within the flexible tube 320. Each of the apparatuses 300 may be operably coupled to an ECU 272, as described above with reference to FIG. 2A. For clarity and ease of understanding the description, FIG. 3B illustrates only some of the apparatuses 300, but it will be understood that a sensor housing 266 may be operably coupled to each of the flexible tubes 320 and the ECU 272.

[0096] The apparatuses 300 may be operably coupled to existing flow lines 316 and configured to facilitate determination of a flow condition within the flow lines 316. In some embodiments, the apparatuses 300 are configured to determine a flow condition (e.g., whether there is a blockage) within the flow lines 316 without exposing the apparatuses 300 (e.g., the air cavity 242, the sensor 262) to the material within the flow lines 316. Accordingly, when the apparatuses 300 are attached to the flow lines 316, the material within each flow line 316 flows from the flow line 316 through a housing 302 operably coupled to the flow line 316, and may not contact portions of the apparatus 300, such as the air cavity 242 or the sensor 262. By way of comparison, conventional sensors and apparatuses may be exposed to the material within the flow lines, causing fouling (e.g., accumulation of dust or other materials) that may impede the operation of the sensor and / or apparatus over time. Reducing or substantially preventing exposure of the sensor 262 and the apparatuses 300 to the material within the flow lines 316and to dust may substantially increase the operating life of the sensor 262 and apparatuses 300.

[0097] Although the apparatuses 300 have been described and illustrated as being used with particular embodiments of agricultural machines (e.g., spreaders 100 and agricultural implements 350), the disclosure is not so limited. For example, although the spreader 100 of FIG. 1 has been illustrated as comprising four wheels 104, the apparatuses 140, 200 may be used in spreaders (e.g., self-propelled spreaders) having three wheels or including tracks instead of wheels. In addition, although the apparatuses 140, 200 have been described and illustrated as being used with spreaders (e.g., the spreader 100) and a particular agricultural implement (e.g., agricultural implement 350), the disclosure is not so limited, and the apparatuses 140, 200 may be configured to be operably coupled to flow lines of other types of spreaders, planters, and / or agricultural implements configured for delivering a solid material (e.g., seeds, dry fertilizer, dry pesticide, dry herbicides) to a field and / or crops. For example, the apparatuses 140, 200 may be used with self-propelled planters or with agricultural implements comprising towed planters, such as those described in U.S. Patent 10,881,044, "Planter with Full Tandem Offset Pivot," granted January 5, 2021; U.S. Patent 8,726,820, "Twin Row Planter," granted May 20, 2014; International Patent Publication WO 2021 / 205245 Al, "Agricultural Implements Having Row Unit Position Sensors and at least one Adjustable Wheel, and Related Control Systems and Methods," published October 14, 2021; and International Patent Publication WO 2023 / 007311 Al, "Planter Implement," published February 2, 2023. In some embodiments, the apparatuses 140, 200 may be operably attached to flow lines of an air cart configured for delivering dry product (e.g., seeds, fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide, fungicide), such as the air cart and air seeding system described and illustrated in U.S. Patent 8,950,360, "Air Seeder Monitoring and Equalization System Using Acoustic Sensors," granted February 10, 2015.

[0098] FIG. 4 is a simplified flow chart illustrating a method 400 of monitoring at least one flow condition of a flow line (e.g., conduit 118, flow lines 218, 316) using an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 140, 200). The method 400 includes act 402 including measuring a pressure (e.g., an air pressure of the air cavity 242) with at least one sensor (e.g., sensors 262) of apparatuses(e.g., apparatuses 140, 200). The acoustic data may be received by, for example, sensors comprising microphones configured to generate sensor data (e.g., sensor data 144, 244) corresponding to the sound (e.g., sound pressure, change in air pressure) to which the sensors are exposed. The sensor data may comprise, for example, an audio signal comprising an electrical signal, indicative of the pressure waves to which the sensor is exposed. As described above with reference to FIG. 2A-FIG. 2E, at least some of the sound to which the sensors are exposed may be based on materials within the flow line impinging on the wall of the flow line proximate an air cavity (e.g., air cavity 242) to which the sensor is operably coupled.

[0099] Responsive to measuring the acoustic data with at least one sensor, the method 400 includes receiving the sensor data with an electronic control unit (e.g., the ECU 130, the ECU 272), as shown in act 404. In some embodiments, the ECU may receive the sensor data (e.g., the audio signals) directly from the sensors.

[0100] The method 400 further includes analyzing the sensor data to determine an amplitude of the sensor data within at least one frequency range of the sensor data, as shown in act 406. In some embodiments, the amplitude of the sensor data comprises a power output of the sensor. The at least one frequency range may correspond to a frequency range of sound generated during flow of solid materials through the flow lines (and a frequency range of sound generated responsive to impingement of the inner walls of the flow lines with the solid material). The at least one frequency range may be selected based on at least one of a size of the solid materials, an inner diameter of the flow lines, a size of the solid materials relative to the inner diameter of the flow lines, and the flow rate of the solid material through the flow line.

[0101] The amplitude of the sensor data may be determined for the at least one frequency range. The amplitude of the sensor data may correspond to a volume of the noise to which the sensor is exposed and may be measured in decibels (d B). In some embodiments, the amplitude of the sensor data within the at least one frequency range may correspond to at least one flow condition within the flow line.

[0102] Responsive to analyzing the sensor data, the method 400 further includes comparing current sensor data to historical sensor data, as shown in act 408. The historicalsensor data may include at least one of previous sensor data, such as sensor data immediately preceding the current sensor data, an average of the sensor data over a predetermined duration, or a sensor data in the form of a look-up table including an estimate value of the sensor data for a particular flow of one or more materials in the flow line.

[0103] In some embodiments, comparing the current sensor data to the historical sensor data includes applying a Kalman filter on the sensor data, such as on an amplitude of the sensor data. By way of non-limiting example, comparing the current sensor data to the historical sensor data may include using the current sensor data to a predicted output of the sensor based on the historical sensor data. In some embodiments, a deviation between the predicted sensor data (e.g., a predicted amplitude of the sensor data) based on the historical sensor data and the current sensor data may be an indication of a deviation in a flow condition with the flow line.

[0104] In some embodiments, the historical sensor data comprises a rolling average (also referred to as a "moving average") of the amplitude of the sensor data, as shown in act 408. The rolling average may comprise a rolling average of the amplitude of the sensor data over a predetermined duration (e.g., the previous ten seconds, the previous fifteen seconds, the previous minute, the previous five minutes, the previous ten minutes, or another duration) or over a predetermined number of previous sensor measurements (e.g., the previous ten sensor measurements, the previous twenty sensor measurements, the previous fifty sensor measurements, the previous one hundred sensor measurements, another number of previous sensor measurements). The rolling average may be determined by, for example, determining the current amplitude of the sensor data, and dividing the current amplitude of the sensor data by the average of the amplitude of the sensor data over the predetermine duration and / or the predetermined number of previous sensor measurements. The rolling average of the amplitude of the sensor data may be determined for the same at least one frequency range at which the amplitude of the sensor data is determined in act 406. Comparing the current amplitude of the sensor data to the historical average may include comparting the current amplitude of the sensor data within a particular frequency range may to the rolling average of the sensor data within the particular frequency range.

[0105] Responsive to comparing the current sensor data to the historical sensor data, the method 400 may include determining at least one flow condition within a flow line operably coupled to the at least one sensor, as shown in act 410. Determining the at least one flow condition may include determining whether there is a flow discrepancy within the flow line and / or whether there is a blockage within the flow line.

[0106] In some embodiments, determining the at least one flow condition comprises determining a presence of a blockage (e.g., a full blockage, a partial blockage) within the flow line responsive to determining that the predicted value of the sensor data is more than a predetermined amount (e.g., a predetermined percentage, a predetermined absolute value) different than the current sensor data. By way of non-limiting example, if the current amplitude of the sensor data is less than about 90%, less than about 80%, less than about 70%, or less than about 60% of the predicted amplitude of the sensor data, act 410 includes determining that there is reduced flow through the flow line and a partial blockage within the flow line. In other embodiments, determining the at least one flow condition comprises determining a presence of a blockage (e.g., a full blockage, a partial blockage) within the flow line responsive to determining that the amplitude of the current sensor data is less than the rolling average of the amplitude of the sensor data, which may correspond to an indication of reduced or no flow through the flow line compared to the relative flow of material during the time the rolling average was determined. By way of non-limiting example, if the current amplitude of the sensor data is less than about 90%, less than about 80%, less than about 70%, or less than about 60% of the rolling average of the amplitude of the sensor data, act 410 includes determining that there is reduced flow through the flow line and a partial blockage within the flow line. In some embodiments, if the current amplitude of the sensor data is less about 20%, or less than about 10% of the rolling average of the amplitude of the sensor data, act 410 includes determining that there is blockage (e.g., a substantially full blockage) within the flow line.

[0107] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a computer device 502, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the ECU 130, 272 (FIG. 1, FIG. 2A) comprises a computer device such as the computer device 502 of FIG. 5. The computer device502 may include a communication interface 504, at least one processor 506, a memory 508, a storage device 510, an input / output device 512, and a bus 514. The computer device 502 may be used to implement various functions, operations, acts, processes, and / or methods disclosed herein, such as the method 400.

[0108] The communication interface 504 may include hardware, software, or both. The communication interface 504 may provide one or more interfaces for communication (such as, for example, packet-based communication) between the computer device 502 and one or more other computing devices or networks (e.g., a server). As an example, and not by way of limitation, the communication interface 504 may include a network interface controller (NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or other wire-based network or a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter for communicating with a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi.

[0109] The at least one processor 506 may include hardware for executing instructions, such as those making up a computer program. By way of non-limiting example, to execute instructions, the at least one processor 506 may retrieve (or fetch) the instructions from an internal register, an internal cache, the memory 508, or the storage device 510 and decode and execute them to execute instructions. In some embodiments, the at least one processor 506 includes one or more internal caches for data, instructions, or addresses. The at least one processor 506 may include one or more instruction caches, one or more data caches, and one or more translation look aside buffers (TLBs). Instructions in the instruction caches may be copies of instructions in the memory 508 or the storage device 510.

[0110] The memory 508 may be coupled to the at least one processor 506. The memory 708 may be used for storing data, metadata, and programs for execution by the processor(s). The memory 508 may include one or more of volatile and non-volatile memories, such as Random-Access Memory ("RAM"), Read-Only Memory ("ROM"), a solid state disk ("SSD"), Flash, Phase Change Memory ("PCM"), or other types of data storage. The memory 508 may be internal or distributed memory.

[0111] The storage device 510 may include storage for storing data or instructions. As an example, and not by way of limitation, storage device 510 may include a non-transitorystorage medium described above. The storage device 510 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), Flash memory, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, magnetic tape, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive or a combination of two or more of these. The storage device 510 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media, where appropriate. The storage device 510 may be internal or external to the storage device 510. In one or more embodiments, the storage device 510 is non-volatile, solid-state memory. In other embodiments, the storage device 510 includes read-only memory (ROM). Where appropriate, this ROM may be mask programmed ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), electrically alterable ROM (EAROM), or Flash memory or a combination of two or more of these.

[0112] The storage device 510 may include machine-executable code stored thereon. The storage device 510 may include, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The machine-executable code includes information describing functional elements that may be implemented by (e.g., performed by) the at least one processor 506. The at least one processor 506 is adapted to implement (e.g., perform) the functional elements described by the machine-executable code. In some embodiments the at least one processor 506 may be configured to perform the functional elements described by the machine-executable code sequentially, concurrently (e.g., on one or more different hardware platforms), or in one or more parallel process streams.

[0113] When implemented by the at least one processor 506, the machine-executable code is configured to adapt the at least one processor 506 to perform operations of embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the machine-executable code may be configured to adapt the at least one processor 506 to perform at least a portion or a totality of the method 400 of FIG. 5. As another example, the machine-executable code may be configured to adapt the at least one processor 506 to perform at least a portion or a totality of the operations discussed for the spreader 100 of FIG. 1 or the agricultural implement 350 of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. As a specific, non-limiting example, the machine-executable code may be configured to adapt the at least one processor 506 to cause the I / O device 134 of the spreader 100 to display at least one flow condition of the conduits 118, the flow lines 218, 316, and / or the flexibletubes 320 as described above with reference to the method 400 of FIG. 4. In another nonlimiting example, the machine-executable code may be configured to adapt the at least one processor 506 to cause an I / O device the tractor 352 of FIG. 3A to display at least one flow condition of the flexible tubes 320, as described above with reference to the method 400 of FIG. 4.

[0114] The input / output device 512 may correspond to the input / output device 134 of FIG. 1 and may allow an operator of the spreader 100 to provide input to, receive output from, the computer device 502. The input / output device 512 may include a mouse, a keypad or a keyboard, a joystick, a touch screen, a camera, an optical scanner, network interface, modem, other known I / O devices, or a combination of such I / O interfaces. The input / output device 512 may include one or more devices for the operator to toggle between various displays of the at least one flow condition of the conduits 118, the flow lines 218, 316, and / or the flexible tubes 320.

[0115] In some embodiments, the bus 514 (e.g., a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, an ISOBUS (ISO 11783 Compliant Implement Control)) may include hardware, software, or both that couples components of computer device 502 to each other and to external components.

[0116] All references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entireties. If there is a conflict between definitions herein and in an incorporated reference, the definition herein shall control.

[0117] While the present disclosure has been described herein with respect to certain illustrated embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that it is not so limited. Rather, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the illustrated embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as hereinafter claimed, including legal equivalents thereof. In addition, features from one embodiment may be combined with features of another embodiment while still being encompassed within the scope as contemplated by the inventors. Further, embodiments of the disclosure have utility with different and various machine types and configurations.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for detecting a flow condition of an agricultural machine, the apparatus comprising: a housing comprising: an inlet; and an outlet having a longitudinal axis oriented at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° from a longitudinal axis of the inlet, each of the inlet and the outlet configured to receive a flow line of the agricultural machine; a plate operably coupled to the housing between the inlet and the outlet; an air cavity enclosure operably coupled to the plate on an opposite side of the plate as the housing, an air cavity defined between the plate and the air cavity enclosure, the air cavity enclosure comprising a connection in fluid communication with the air cavity; and a sensor in fluid communication with the air cavity and the connection, the sensor configured to measure changes in an air pressure within the air cavity.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angle is within a range of 5° to 60°.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the angle is about 45°.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a major surface of the plate is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outlet.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 4, wherein the air cavity is defined by sidewalls oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outlet.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 5, further comprising a gasket between plate and the sensor.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 6, wherein the plate comprises a metal.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 7, wherein the air cavity is defined by a first portion having angled sidewalls and a second portion comprising additional angled sidewalls oriented at an angle with respect to the angled sidewalls.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 8, wherein the inlet is configured to direct a flow of material from the flow line to the plate at an angle within a range of 5° to 60° with respect to a major surface of the plate.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 9, wherein the longitudinal axis of the inlet is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outlet.

11. A flow detection system of an agricultural machine, the flow detection system comprising: a flow line configured receive a solid material; and an apparatus operably coupled to the flow line, the apparatus comprising: a housing comprising an inlet disposed around the flow line and an outlet disposed around the flow line, a longitudinal axis of the inlet oriented at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° from a longitudinal axis of the outlet; a plate operably coupled to the housing; an air cavity enclosure configured to operably couple to the housing, the plate between the housing and the air cavity enclosure, the air cavity enclosure defining an air cavity between the plate and surfaces of the air cavity enclosure; and a sensor in fluid communication with the air cavity and configured to generate sensor data indicative of a change in an air pressure within the air cavity.

12. The flow detection system of claim 11, wherein the plate is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outlet.

13. The flow detection system of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein an angle between the longitudinal axis of the inlet and the longitudinal axis of the outlet is within a range of from about 5° to about 60°.

14. The flow detection system of any one of claims 11 through 13, further comprising an electronic control unit in operable communication with the sensor and configured to determine at least one of a frequency and an amplitude of the sensor data to determine at least one flow condition of the flow line.

15. The flow detection system of any one of claims 11 through 14, wherein the air cavity is defined by: a first portion having sidewalls angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outlet; and a second portion having sidewalls angled with respect to the sidewalls of the first portion and with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outlet.

16. The flow detection system of claim 15, further comprising a connection fluidly connecting the air cavity to the sensor, wherein at least a portion of the connection is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the outlet.

17. A method of determining at least one flow condition of a flow line of an agricultural machine, the method comprising: measuring a change in an air pressure of an air cavity defined within an apparatus, apparatus comprising: a housing comprising first portion operably coupled to a second portion, the first portion oriented at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the second portion; a plate covering an opening within the second portion at a location proximate the first portion; an air cavity enclosure operably coupled to the plate on a side of the plate opposite the second portion, the air cavity defined between surfaces of the air cavity enclosure and the plate; and a sensor in fluid communication with the air cavity and the connection, the sensor configured to measure changes in an air pressure within the air cavity; determining an amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure; and determining the at least one flow condition of the flow line based at least in part on the amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein determining the at least one flow condition of the flow line based at least in part on the amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure comprises determining the at least one flow condition of the flow line based on a comparison of the amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure to a historical amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure.

19. The method of claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising comparing the amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure to a historical amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure.

20. The method of any one of claims 17 through 19, further comprising impinging the plate with a solid material flowing from the first portion to the second portion.

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