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

Abstract

An apparatus for an agricultural machine includes a housing configured to be disposed around a flow line of the agricultural machine, an insert within the housing, the housing defining an air cavity between the insert and the housing, and a sensor in fluid communication with the air cavity and 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 / 580,218 "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 having an inlet and an outlet configured to be disposed around a flow line of the agricultural machine, an insert within the housing, an air cavity defined at least partially by an annulus between the insert and the housing, and a sensor in fluid communication with the air cavity and configured to measure changes in an air pressure within the air cavity. The insert has a relatively smaller cross-sectional area proximate the air cavity than proximate other regions of the insert.

[0006] The insert may longitudinally extend through at least a portion of the housing. In some embodiments, the insert and the housing are concentric.

[0007] The housing may have a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the insert has a cylindrical shape.

[0008] The housing and the insert may define a region configured to receive the flow line between the housing and the insert.

[0009] The insert may include at least one dimple proximate the air cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the air cavity is defined by sidewalls oriented at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

[0011] The sensor may include a microphone.

[0012] In some embodiments, a flow detection system of an agricultural machine comprises a flow line configured to flow solid material through the flow line, and an apparatus operably coupled to the flow line. The apparatus comprises a housing, the housing defining an air cavity between the housing and the flow line, wherein the air cavity is fluidly isolated from the flow line, an insert within the housing and configured to receive the flow of solid material from the flow line, the insert defining an air cavity between the insert and the housing and fluidly isolated from the flow line, 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 aircavity. The insert has a relatively smaller cross-sectional area proximate the air cavity than proximate other regions of the insert. The flow detection system further comprises 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.

[0013] The electronic control unit may be configured to determine the amplitude of the sensor data.

[0014] An inlet of the housing may be substantially parallel to an outlet of the housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the flow detection system further comprises a seal between the housing and the insert.

[0016] An inner diameter of the insert may be substantially the same as an inner diameter of the flow line.

[0017] The air cavity may be defined by an annular portion between the insert and the housing.

[0018] The insert may be attached to an inside of the housing with an adhesive.

[0019] 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 between a housing in fluid communication with the flow line and an insert within the housing, determining an amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure, comparing the amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure to a historical amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure, and 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 the historical amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure. The insert has a smaller diameter proximate the air cavity than at other locations of the insert.

[0020] Measuring a change in an air pressure of an air cavity defined between a housing disposed around the flow line and an insert within the housing may include measuring a change in the air pressure of the air cavity of a housing having an inlet substantially parallel to an outlet of the housing.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further comprises flowing a solid material through the insert.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 an apparatus that may be used with the agricultural application machine of FIG. 1;

[0025] FIG. 2B is a simplified top-down view of the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

[0026] FIG. 2C is a simplified cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 3A is a simplified perspective view of an apparatus;

[0028] FIG. 3B is a simplified, partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 3A;

[0029] FIG. 3C is a simplified perspective view of an insert of the apparatus of FIG. 3A;

[0030] FIG. 4A is a simplified side elevation view of a tractor towing an agricultural implement;

[0031] FIG. 4B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the agricultural implement of FIG. 4A;

[0032] FIG. 5 is a simplified flow chart illustrating a method of operating an agricultural machine; and

[0033] FIG. 6 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

[0034] The illustrations presented herein are not actual views of any agricultural machine or portion thereof, but are merely idealized representations to describe exampleembodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation.

[0035] 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.

[0036] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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. The term "acoustic pressure" may be used interchangeably with sound pressure herein. The sound pressure of air may be measured by a microphone.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 may also 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 towhich 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.

[0055] 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 242 (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 230 (FIG. 2A-FIG. 2C), and air cavity 330 (FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B)) 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 be transmitted 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 acousticproperty. The ECU 130 may comprise a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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).

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 254 operably coupled to the apparatus 200. FIG. 2B is a simplified top-down view of the apparatus 200. FIG. 2C is a simplified, partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus 200. The apparatus 200 may also be referred to herein as a "housing assembly."

[0064] 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.

[0065] The housing 202 may include a first portion 204 and a second portion 206 configured to be operably coupled to the first portion 204. In some embodiments, the housing 202 may substantially surround an insert 208 located and adhered to an internal portion of the housing 202. In some embodiments, the housing 202 is assembled by, for example, placing (e.g., seating) the insert 208 one of the first portion 204 and the second portion 206, placing the other of the first portion 204 and the second portion 206 around an opposite side of the insert 208, and operably coupling the first portion 204 to the second portion 206 seat the insert 208 within the housing 202. The first portion 204 may be coupled to the second portion 206, such as with one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, clips, etc.) extending through corresponding apertures 210 in the first portion 204 and the second portion 206. In other embodiments, the first portion 204 and the second portion 206 may be secured by other means, such as adhesives, welding, etc. In still other embodiments, the housing 202 may be a single member, formed around the insert 208 by a method such as injection molding. In some embodiments, the insert 208 is compressed by compression of the insert 208 with fasteners to connect the first portion 204 to the second portion 206. In some embodiments, a length of the insert 208 is greater than a length of the housing 202. In some embodiments, the insert 208 and the housing 202 are concentric (e.g., substantially concentric). In some embodiments, the insert 208 is connected to an inside surface of the housing 202 by means of an adhesive.

[0066] The insert 208 may include a metal, such as an alloy including chromium, nickel, carbon, and iron. In some embodiments, the insert 208 comprises stainless steel (e.g., atleast 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 insert 208 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 insert 208 may comprise other grades of stainless steel and / or metals other than stainless steel. In addition, in some embodiments, the insert 208 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.

[0067] The housing 202 may include an inlet 212 and an outlet 214, each configured to be fluidly coupled to the flow line 218. For example, a first end 216 of the flow line 218 may be in fluid communication with and enter the housing 202 at the inlet 212, and a second end 220 of the flow line 218 may be in fluid communication with and exit the housing 202 at the outlet 214.

[0068] Attaching the housing 202 to the flow line 218 may include cutting a portion of the flow line 218, placing the first end 216 of the flow line 218 in the inlet 212, placing the second end 220 of the flow line 218 at the outlet 214, and compressing (e.g., clamping) the first end 216 and the second end 220 of the flow line 218 within the housing 202. In some embodiments, the first end 216 and the second end 220 of the flow line 218 are 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 and substantially reduce or prevent movement of the flow line 218 within the housing 202. By way of non-limiting example, the housing 202 may include cutouts 225 (best seen in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B) 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 between an inner wall of the housing 202 and an outer wall of the insert 208.

[0069] With reference to FIG. 2C, in some embodiments, the first end 216 of the flow line 218 abuts an inner lip 222 within the inlet 212 of the housing 202 and the second end 220of the flow line 218 abuts an inner lip 224 within the outlet 214 of the housing 202. In some such embodiments, the flow line 218 may be butt-joined to the housing 202. In some such embodiments, the flow line 218 may be interrupted (e.g., non-continuous) through the housing 202 and material entering the housing 202 from the first end 216 may flow through the insert 208 and exit the housing 202 at the second end 220 of the flow line 218.

[0070] The housing 202 may exhibit a predetermined size and shape. In some embodiments, the housing 202 exhibits a substantially cylindrical (e.g., straight) shape, such as a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the inlet 212 (e.g., a cross-sectional shape defining the inlet 212) is substantially parallel to the outlet 214 (e.g., a cross-sectional shape defining the outlet 214). A longitudinal axis 226 of the housing 202 may intersect a center of each of the inlet 212 and the outlet 214. Accordingly, the inlet 212 and the outlet 214 may be centered around the same longitudinal axis 226. In addition, the longitudinal axis 226 of the housing 202 may longitudinally extend through a center of the flow line 218. In some such embodiments, the housing 202 may be referred to as an "in line" housing 202 and the apparatus 200 may be referred to as an "in line" apparatus 200. In some embodiments, the insert 208 exhibits a substantially cylindrical (e.g., straight) shape.

[0071] In some embodiments, the housing 202 and the insert 208 each include a region 228 having a relatively narrower internal cross-sectional area (e.g., a relatively smaller diameter) than other portions of the housing 202 and insert 208. In some such embodiments, the housing 202 may be referred to as a "throttled housing" or a housing having a "choke" and the insert 208 may be referred to as a "throttled insert" or an insert having a "choke." Accordingly, a cross-sectional area of the housing 202 and the insert 208 may be smaller within the region 228 than at other portions of the respective housing 202 and the insert 208. In some embodiments, a flow velocity of material flowing through the insert 208 may be increased within the region 228 relative to a velocity of the other regions having a relatively larger cross- sectional area. In addition, the region 228 may induce contact between material flowing from the flow line 218 through the insert 208.

[0072] In some embodiments, walls of the housing 202 within the region 228 may comprise angled surfaces 229. In addition, walls of the insert 208 within the region 228 maycomprise angled surfaces 231. The angled surfaces 229, 231 may be oriented at a non-parallel angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 226. In some embodiments, at least some of the angled surfaces 229 of the housing 202 contact at least some of the angled surfaces 231 of the insert 208.

[0073] 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 than the 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 (e.g., each of the first portion 204 and the second portion 206) is formed by injection molding.

[0074] The housing 202 may define an air cavity 230 when disposed around the flow line 218. In some embodiments, the air cavity 230 includes an annulus 232 (FIG. 2C) between the insert 208 and an inner wall of the housing 202 within the region 228 of the insert 208 having a smaller cross-sectional area than other regions of the insert 208. In some embodiments, the annulus 232 circumferentially extends around the insert 208. In some embodiments, the annulus 232 is in fluid communication with a connection 240 that is, in turn, in fluid communication with a sensor 242, as described in further detail below.

[0075] The air cavity 230 may be substantially fluidly isolated from the flow path of the material flowing through the flow line 218 and the insert 208 by the wall of the insert 208 and may not be exposed to the material flowing through the flow line 218 and the insert 208. In some embodiments, the air cavity 230 is located directly between the insert 208 (e.g., the outer wall of the insert 208) and the housing 202 (e.g., the inner wall of the housing 202) and substantially fluidly isolated from an external environment. By way of non-limiting example, in some embodiments, due to contact of at least some of the angled surfaces 229 with at least some of the angled surfaces 231, the air cavity 230 may be substantially fluidly isolated and hermetically sealed from an external environment. In some embodiments, an outer wall of theinsert 208 directly contacts one of an inner wall of the housing 202 or the flow line 218 at regions other than proximate the air cavity 230.

[0076] The air cavity 230 may be in fluid communication with the connection 240 (e.g., a nipple) configured to fluidly connect the air cavity 230 to a sensor 242, such as by a tube 244. The connection 240 may be between and in fluid communication with the air cavity 230 and the tube 244. The sensor 242 may be located within a sensor housing 246. In some embodiments, the tube 244 is coupled to and extends between the air cavity 230 and an inlet 248 of the sensor housing 246, the inlet 248 in fluid communication with (e.g., directly coupled to) one of the sensors 242. The tube 244 may be coupled to the air cavity 230 by means of the connection 240. The sensor housing 246 may include multiple sensors 242, each sensor 242 configured to be in fluid communication with a housing 202 (e.g., an air cavity 230 of a housing 202) that is disposed around a flow line 218.

[0077] In some embodiments, material within the flow line 218 flows from the flow line 218 into the insert 208 at the inlet 212. At least some of the material flowing through the insert 208 may contact (e.g., impinge) onto the angled surfaces 231 within the region 228 where the insert 208 exhibit a relatively smaller cross-sectional area than other regions of the insert 208. The contact between the material flowing through the insert 208 and the angled surfaces 231 may cause vibrations (e.g., noise) within the air cavity 230, which may be transmitted through the tube 244 to the sensor 242 in fluid communication with the air cavity 230.

[0078] The tube 244 may be configured to transmit pressure waves (e.g., sound pressure) caused by material flowing within flow line 218 from the air cavity 230 to the sensor 242. Since the air cavity 230 is substantially sealed from an external environment (e.g., such as by seals 238), substantially all of (e.g., most of) the sound to which the air cavity 230 is exposed may be caused by vibrations of the insert 208, such as vibrations caused by impingement of the inner wall of the insert 208 by material flowing within the insert 208. As one example, with reference to FIG. 2B, at least some of the material flowing from the flow line 218 through the insert 208 may impinge the inner wall of the insert 208 proximate the air cavity 230 (e.g., the angled surfaces 231 of the insert 208), causing vibrations of the insert 208 proximate the aircavity 230. The vibrations of the wall of the insert 208 may be transmitted to the air cavity 230 and from the air cavity 230 to the sensor 242 through the tube 244. 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 insert 208 caused by the material within the inset 208 may be due to at least one of a flowrate of the material within the insert 208 or a size of the material within the insert 208).

[0079] The sensor 242 may be configured to receive and measure the air pressure (e.g., the sound pressure) from the air cavity 230 and generate sensor data 252 (corresponding to the sensor data 144 (FIG. 1)) based on the received sound pressure. The sensors 242 may be configured to measure the sound pressure within the cavity 230 and generate the sensor data 252. In other words, the sensors 242 may be configured to measure the air pressure (e.g., the dynamic air pressure, the changes in the air pressure) in the cavity 230. In some embodiments, the sensor data 252 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 242 may output the sensor data 252 and an ECU 254 may receive the sensor data 252. The ECU 254 may correspond to the ECU 130 of FIG. 1. As described above with reference to the sensor data 144, the sensor data 252 may be transmitted from the sensor housing 246 to the ECU 254 via a wired connection or wirelessly.

[0080] The sensor 242 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 242 comprises a microelectromechanical (MEMS) microphone. In other embodiments, the microphone comprises a pressure-field microphone or a free-field microphone. The sensor 242 may also be referred to herein as an "acoustic sensor."

[0081] The ECU 254 may receive the sensor data 252 from each of the sensors 242. In some embodiments, the ECU 254 includes a processor 256 configured to analyze the sensor data 252 and determine at least one acoustic property of the air cavity 230 based on the sensor data 252. 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 252. Accordingly, the atleast 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 252 (the sound pressure within the air cavity 230). In some embodiments, the ECU 254 is configured to analyze the sensor data 252 to determine the frequency of the sensor data 252 and / or the amplitude of the sensor data 252. In some embodiments, the ECU 254 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 252. For example, the ECU 254 may determine the flow conditions within the flow lines 218 based on the frequency and / or the amplitude of the sensor data 252.

[0082] While FIG. 2A-FIG. 2C illustrate that the sensors 242 are physically separated from the ECU 254, in some embodiments, the sensors 242 are directly physically coupled to the ECU 254. For example, the ECU 254 may comprise a PCBA or an ASIC and the sensors 242 may be directly attached to the ECU 254. In some such embodiments, the tubes 244 are routed from the air cavity 230 to the sensors 242, which are directly coupled to the ECU 254.

[0083] Although FIG. 2A-FIG. 2C do not illustrate every sensor 242 of the sensor housing 246 in fluid communication with a tube 244 to fluidly connect the sensor 242 to an air cavity 230 of another housing 202, it will be understood that each of the sensors 242 may be in fluid communication with an air cavity 230 of different housings 202 to determine at least one flow condition of different flow lines 218. In addition, although FIG. 2A-FIG. 2C illustrate the sensors 242 housed within the sensor housing 246, the disclosure is not so limited. In other embodiments, the flow detection system 250 does not include the sensor housing 246. In some such embodiments, the sensors 242 may be directly coupled to or comprise a portion of the ECU 254. In yet other embodiments, the apparatuses 200 do not include the tubes 244 and the sensors 242 are directly coupled to the connection 240.

[0084] FIG. 3A is a simplified perspective view of a portion of an apparatus 300 including a sensor housing 302 and configured to provide a portion of a flow detection system (e.g., flow detection system 250). The apparatus 300 may replace the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 3B is a simplified, partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus 300. The apparatus 300 mayinclude a housing 302 configured to be fluidly coupled to a flow line 318, which may correspond to flow line 218.

[0085] The housing 302 may include a first portion 304 and a second portion 306 configured to be operably coupled to the first portion 304, as described above with reference to the housing 202. In some embodiments, the housing 302 may substantially surround an insert 308 located within an internal portion of the housing 302. In some embodiments, the housing 302 is assembled by, for example, placing (e.g., seating) the insert 308 within a portion of one of the first portion 304 and the second portion 306 of the housing 302, placing the other of the first portion 304 and the second portion 306 of the housing 302 around another portion of the insert 208, and operably coupling the first portion 304 to the second portion 306. The first portion 304 may be coupled to the second portion 306, such as with one or more fastener (e.g., screws, clips, etc.) extending through corresponding apertures 309 in the first portion 304 and the second portion 306. In other embodiments, the first portion 304 and the second portion 306 may be secured by other means, such as adhesives, welding, etc. In still other embodiments, the housing 302 may be a single member, formed around the insert 308 by a method such as injection molding. In some embodiments, the insert 308 is compressed in place by compression of the insert 308 by means fasteners used to connect the first portion 304 to the second portion 306.

[0086] The housing 302 may comprise one or more of the materials described above with reference to the housing 202. In some embodiments, the housing 302 comprises a material having a rigidity greater than the flow line 318.

[0087] With reference to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the housing 302 may include an inlet 312 and an outlet 314, each configured to be fluidly coupled to the flow line 318, as described above with reference to the housing 202.

[0088] Attaching the housing 302 to the flow line 318 may include cutting a portion of the flow line 318, placing a first end 316 of the flow line 318 in the inlet 312, placing a second end 320 of the flow line 318 at the outlet 314, and compressing (e.g., clamping) the first end 316 and the second end 320 of the flow line 318 within the housing 302, as described above with reference to attaching the housing 202 to the flow line 218.

[0089] With reference to FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the flow line 318 abuts an inner lip 322 at the inlet 312 of the housing 302 and the second end 320 of the flow line 318 abuts an inner lip 324 at the outlet 314 of the housing 302. In some embodiments, the flow line 318 is butt-joined to the housing 302. The housing 302 includes cutouts 325 defined within a wall of the housing 302 at the inlet 312 and the outlet 314 to facilitate substantially securing the flow line 318 within the housing 302.

[0090] The housing 302 may exhibit a predetermined size and shape. As described above with reference to the housing 202, the housing 302 may exhibit a substantially cylindrical (e.g., straight) shape. In some embodiments, the inlet 312 (e.g., a cross-sectional shape defining the inlet 312) is substantially parallel to the outlet 314 (e.g., a cross-sectional shape defining the outlet 314). A longitudinal axis 326 (FIG. 3A) of the housing 302 may intersect a center of each of the inlet 312 and the outlet 314. Accordingly, the inlet 312 and the outlet 314 may be centered around the same longitudinal axis 326. In some embodiments, the insert 308 exhibits a substantially cylindrical (e.g., straight) shape.

[0091] FIG. 3C is a simplified perspective view of the insert 308. The insert 308 may comprise one or more of the materials described above with reference to the insert 208. In some embodiments, the insert 308 comprises a metal, such as stainless steel. In some embodiments, a length of the insert 308 is less than a length of the housing 302. In some embodiments, a diameter of the insert 308 is less than a diameter of the housing 302.

[0092] In some embodiments, the insert 308 includes at least one dimple 310 (e.g., crimp, indentation, ruffle, rut). The dimples 310 may exhibit an arcuate (e.g., curved) shape. In some embodiments, a cross-sectional shape (e.g., in the view of FIG. 3B) of the dimples 310 may be semi-circular. In some embodiments, the insert 308 includes multiple dimples 310. For example, the insert 308 may include a first pair of dimples 310 circumferentially aligned with an air cavity 330, a second pair of dimples 310 opposite the first pair of dimples 310, and additional dimples 310 each located about 90° from the first pair of the dimples 310 and the second pair of dimples 310. In some embodiments, the insert 308 includes six dimples 310.

[0093] An inner diameter of the insert 308 may be smaller proximate the dimples 310 than at portions of the insert 308 not including the dimples 310. For example, with reference toFIG. 3B, an inner dimension Di (e.g., an inner diameter) of the insert 308 at the dimples 310 may be less than an inner dimension D2 (e.g., an inner diameter) of the insert 308 away from the dimples 310. A flow velocity of material flowing through insert 308 may be higher at the dimples 310 relative to a velocity of the other regions having a relatively larger cross-sectional area. In addition, the dimples 310 may induce contact between the insert 308 and material flowing from the flow line 318 through the insert 308.

[0094] The housing 302 may define an air cavity 330 when disposed around the flow line 318. With reference to FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the air cavity 330 is in fluid communication with a connection 340 that is, in turn, in fluid communication with a sensor 242 of the sensor housing 246. The fluid communication between the air cavity 330 and the sensor 242 of the sensor housing 246 may be the same as previously described with respect to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B.

[0095] The air cavity 330 includes a first section 332 circumferentially around the flow line 318 and a second section 334 in fluid communication with each of the first section 332 and the connection 340. The first section 332 may comprise an annular portion defined between the housing 302 and the second section 334. In some embodiments, the annular portion extends substantially around a circumference of the insert 308. The second section 334 may comprise a substantially conically shaped (e.g., funnel shaped) portion between the first section 332 and the connection 340. In some embodiments, the second section 334 exhibits a truncated conical shape. The second section 334 may include tapered (e.g., angled) sidewalls 336. In other embodiments, the second section 334 exhibits a different shape, such as a hemispherical shape, a cylindrical shape, a cubic shape, or a cuboid shape. However, the disclosure is not so limited the second section 334 may exhibit a different shape.

[0096] With reference to FIG. 3B, the air cavity 330 between the insert 308 and the housing 302 may be substantially hermetically sealed from an external environment by seals 338. In some embodiments, each side (e.g., each of an inlet side and an outlet side) of the insert 308 (e.g., each of the inlet side and the outlet side of the insert 308) may be sealed to the housing 302 by means of a seal 338. The seal 338 may comprise a gasket, which may comprise a rubber material, such as at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nitrile (a copolymer ofacrylonitrile and butadiene), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, or fluorocarbon elastomers. The seals 338 may be configured to compress responsive to attachment of the first portion 304 to the second portion 306 of the housing 302 around the insert 308. The compression of the seals 338 may form a substantially hermetic seal between the housing 302 and the insert 308.

[0097] In some embodiments, material within the flow line 318 flows from the flow line 318 into the insert 308. At least some of the material flowing through the insert 308 may contact (e.g., impinge) inner surfaces of the insert 308, such as surfaces of the dimples 310. The contact between the material flowing through the insert 308 and the surfaces of the insert 308 may cause vibrations (e.g., noise) within the air cavity 330, which may be transmitted through the tube 344 to the sensor 242 in fluid communication with the air cavity 230. Accordingly, acoustic properties of the insert 308 and the housing 302 may be measured with the sensor 242 operably coupled to the air cavity 330 to determine one or more flow conditions of the flow line 318 and the insert 308.

[0098] When the housing 302 is disposed around the insert 308 and the seals 338 are disposed between the insert 308 and the housing 302, the air cavity 330 may be fluidly isolated from a flow path of the material through the flow line 318, the housing 302, and the inside of the insert 308. In other words, the air cavity 330 is fluidly isolated from the material flowing through the flow line 318, the housing 302, and the insert 308 by the wall of the insert 308 and may not be exposed to the material flowing through the flow line 318, the housing 302, and the insert 308.

[0099] The air cavity 330 may be in fluid communication with a connection 340 (e.g., a nipple) configured to fluidly connect the air cavity 330 to a sensor 342, such as by a tube 344. In some embodiments, material within the flow line 318 flows from the flow line 318 into the insert 308. At least some of the material within the insert 308 may contact (e.g., impinge) inner surfaces of the insert 308, causing vibrations (e.g., noise) within the air cavity 330, which may be transmitted through the tube 344 to the sensor 342 in fluid communication with the sensor 242. Accordingly, acoustic properties of the insert 308 and the housing 302 may be measuredwith the sensor 242 operably coupled to the air cavity 330 to determine one or more flow conditions of the flow line 318 and the insert 308.

[0100] FIG. 4A is a simplified side elevation view of a tractor 552 pulling an agricultural implement 550. The agricultural implement 550 may include a wheeled cart having a frame 504 and a tongue hitch 506 for attachment of the agricultural implement 550 to the tractor 552 or to another towing means. In some embodiments, the agricultural implement 550 is a fertilizer applicator for applying nutrients to row crops. The frame 504 is supported by wheels 508. The tongue hitch 506 is oriented along a longitudinal axis that is generally in-line with the direction of travel of the tractor 552. The agricultural implement 550 may carry a central hopper 510 configured to transport material to be applied to a field. The agricultural implement 550 may further include a toolbar 512 to which is mounted a delivery mechanism 514 to distribute the material from the central hopper 510 to the field. The delivery mechanism 514 may include nozzles or other applicators fluidly connected to the central hopper 510 (and optionally to one or more additional hoppers) by flow lines 516 (e.g., flow channels). A pressurized air source, such as an air blower, may drive the material form the central hopper 510 through the flow lines 516.

[0101] FIG. 4B is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the agricultural implement 550 of FIG. 4A. The agricultural implement 550 includes the toolbar 512 carrying a plurality of material applicators 518. The material applicators 518 form the delivery mechanism 514 (FIG. 4A).

[0102] Each of the material applicators 518 may be fluidly connected to the central hopper 510 (FIG. 4A) by flow lines 516. The flow lines 516 may individually include flexible tubes 520, elbows 522, and rigid extensions 524 to maintain the material applicators 518 a predetermined distance from the toolbar 512. The material applicators 518 and the rigid extensions 524 may collectively be referred to herein as "drop hoses" or "drop tubes." The flexible tubes 520 may be configured to move with the toolbar 512 as the toolbar 512 moves relative to the frame 504. For example, the distance between the toolbar 512 and the frame 504 may be adjusted by actuation of actuators 526. The flexible tubes 520 may laterally extend along the toolbar 512 from a manifold configured to receive material from the hopper 510.

[0103] In some embodiments, each of the flexible tubes 520 is individually operably coupled to an apparatus 500. The apparatus 500 may be substantially similar to any of the apparatuses 200, 300 described above with reference to FIG. 2A-FIG. 3B. As described above, each of the apparatuses 500 may be configured to determine a flow condition within the flexible tube 520 to which it is operably coupled, such as whether there is a blockage within the flexible tube 520. Each of the apparatuses 500 may be operably coupled to an ECU 254, as described above with reference to FIG. 2A-FIG. 3B. For clarity and ease of understanding the description, FIG. 4B illustrates only some of the apparatuses 500, but it will be understood that a sensor housing 246 may be operably coupled to each of the flexible tubes 520 and the ECU 254.

[0104] The apparatuses 500 may be operably coupled to existing flow lines 516 and configured to facilitate determination of a flow condition within the flow lines 516. In some embodiments, the apparatuses 500 are configured to determine a flow condition (e.g., whether there is a blockage) within the flow lines 516 without exposing the apparatuses 500 (e.g., the air cavity 230, 330, the sensor 242) to the material within the flow lines 516. Accordingly, when the apparatuses 500 are attached to the flow lines 516, the material within each flow lines 516 flows from the flow line 516 through a housing 502 operably coupled to the flow line 516, and may not contact portions of the apparatus 500, such as the air cavity 230, 330, or the sensor 242. 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 242 and the apparatuses 500 to the material within the flow lines 516 and to dust may substantially increase the operating life of the sensor 242 and apparatuses 500.

[0105] Although the apparatuses 500 have been described and illustrated as being used with particular embodiments of agricultural machines (e.g., spreaders 100 and agricultural implements 550), 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, 300, 500 may be used in spreaders (e.g., self-propelled spreaders) having three wheels or includingtracks instead of wheels. In addition, although the apparatuses 140, 200, 300, 500 have been described and illustrated as being used with spreaders (e.g., the spreader 100) and a particular agricultural implement (e.g., agricultural implement 550), the disclosure is not so limited, and the apparatuses 140, 200, 300, 500 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, 300, 500 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.

[0106] FIG. 5 is a simplified flow chart illustrating a method 600 of monitoring at least one flow condition of a flow line (e.g., conduit 118, flow lines 318, 516) using an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 140, 200, 300, 500). The method 600 includes act 602 including measuring a pressure (e.g., an air pressure of the air cavity 230, 330) with at least one sensor (e.g., sensors 242) of apparatuses (e.g., apparatuses 140, 200, 300, 500). 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. 3B, 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 ofthe flow line proximate an air cavity (e.g., air cavity 230, 330) to which the sensor is operably coupled.

[0107] Responsive to measuring the acoustic data with at least one sensor, the method 600 includes receiving the sensor data with an electronic control unit (e.g., the ECU 130, the ECU 254), as shown in act 604. In some embodiments, the ECU may receive the sensor data (e.g., the audio signals) directly from the sensors.

[0108] The method 600 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 606. 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] Responsive to analyzing the sensor data, the method 600 further includes comparing current sensor data to historical sensor data, as shown in act 608. The historical sensor 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.

[0111] 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 thesensor 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.

[0112] 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 608. 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 606. 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.

[0113] Responsive to comparing the current sensor data to the historical sensor data, the method 600 may include determining at least one flow condition within a flow line operably coupled to the at least one sensor, as shown in act 610. 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.

[0114] 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 610 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 610 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 610 includes determining that there is blockage (e.g., a substantially full blockage) within the flow line.

[0115] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a computer device 702, in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the ECU 130, 254 (FIG. 1, FIG. 2A-FIG. 2C) comprises a computer device such as the computer device 702 of FIG. 7. The computer device 702 may include a communication interface 704, at least one processor 706, a memory 708, a storage device 710, an input / output device 712, and a bus 714. The computer device 702 may be used to implement various functions, operations, acts, processes, and / or methods disclosed herein, such as the method 600.

[0116] The communication interface 704 may include hardware, software, or both.The communication interface 704 may provide one or more interfaces for communication (such as, for example, packet-based communication) between the computer device 702 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 704 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.

[0117] The at least one processor 706 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 706 may retrieve (or fetch) the instructions from an internal register, an internal cache, the memory 708, or the storage device 710 and decode and execute them to execute instructions. In some embodiments, the at least one processor 706 includes one or more internal caches for data, instructions, or addresses. The at least one processor 706 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 708 or the storage device 710.

[0118] The memory 708 may be coupled to the at least one processor 706. The memory 708 may be used for storing data, metadata, and programs for execution by the processor(s). The memory 708 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 708 may be internal or distributed memory.

[0119] The storage device 710 may include storage for storing data or instructions. As an example, and not by way of limitation, storage device 710 may include a non-transitory storage medium described above. The storage device 710 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 710 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed) media, where appropriate. The storage device 710 maybe internal or external to the storage device 710. In one or more embodiments, the storage device 710 is non-volatile, solid-state memory. In other embodiments, the storage device 710 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.

[0120] The storage device 710 may include machine-executable code stored thereon. The storage device 710 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 706. The at least one processor 706 is adapted to implement (e.g., perform) the functional elements described by the machine-executable code. In some embodiments the at least one processor 706 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.

[0121] When implemented by the at least one processor 706, the machine-executable code is configured to adapt the at least one processor 706 to perform operations of embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the machine-executable code may be configured to adapt the at least one processor 706 to perform at least a portion or a totality of the method 600 of FIG. 5. As another example, the machine-executable code may be configured to adapt the at least one processor 706 to perform at least a portion or a totality of the operations discussed for the spreader 100 of FIG. 1 or the agricultural implement 550 of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. As a specific, non-limiting example, the machine-executable code may be configured to adapt the at least one processor 706 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 318, 516, and / or the flexible tubes 520 as described above with reference to the method 600 of FIG. 5. In another nonlimiting example, the machine-executable code may be configured to adapt the at least one processor 706 to cause an I / O device the tractor 552 of FIG. 4A to display at least one flowcondition of the flexible tubes 520, as described above with reference to the method 600 of FIG. 5.

[0122] The input / output device 712 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 702. The input / output device 712 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 712 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 318, 516, and / or the flexible tubes 520.

[0123] In some embodiments, the bus 714 (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 702 to each other and to external components.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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 having an inlet and an outlet configured to be disposed around a flow line of the agricultural machine; an insert within the housing, an air cavity defined at least partially by an annulus between the insert and the housing, wherein the insert exhibits a relatively smaller cross-sectional area proximate the air cavity than proximate other regions of the insert; and a sensor in fluid communication with the air cavity and configured to measure changes in an air pressure within the air cavity.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the insert longitudinally extends through at least a portion of the housing.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the housing and the insert are concentric.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 3, wherein the housing has a cylindrical shape.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 4, wherein the insert has a cylindrical shape.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 5, wherein the housing and the insert define a region configured to receive the flow line between the housing and the insert.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 6, wherein the insert comprises at least one dimple proximate the air cavity.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 7, wherein at least a portion of the air cavity is defined by sidewalls oriented at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 through 8, wherein the sensor comprises a microphone.

10. A flow detection system of an agricultural machine, the flow detection system comprising: a flow line configured to flow solid material through the flow line; an apparatus operably coupled to the flow line, the apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing defining an air cavity between the housing and the flow line, wherein the air cavity is fluidly isolated from the flow line; an insert within the housing and configured to receive the flow of solid material from the flow line, the insert defining an air cavity between the insert and the housing and fluidly isolated from the flow line, wherein the insert exhibits a relatively smaller cross-sectional area proximate the air cavity than proximate other regions of the insert; 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; and 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.

11. The flow detection system of claim 10, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to determine the amplitude of the sensor data.

12. The flow detection system of claim 10 or claim 11, wherein an inlet of the housing is substantially parallel an outlet of the housing.

13. The flow detection system of any one of claims 10 through 12, further comprising a seal between the housing and the insert.

14. The flow detection system of any one of claims 10 through 13, wherein an inner diameter of the insert is substantially the same as an inner diameter of the flow line.

15. The flow detection system of any one of claims 10 through 14, wherein the air cavity is defined by an annular portion between the insert and the housing.

16. The flow detection system of any one of claims 10 through 15, wherein the insert is attached to an inside of the housing with an adhesive.

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 between a housing in fluid communication with the flow line and an insert within the housing, the insert having a smaller diameter proximate the air cavity than at other locations of the insert; determining an amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure; comparing the amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure to a historical amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure; and 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 the historical amplitude of the measured change in the air pressure.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein measuring a change in an air pressure of an air cavity defined between a housing disposed around the flow line and an insert within the housing comprises measuring a change in the air pressure of the air cavity of a housing having an inlet substantially parallel to an outlet of the housing.

19. The method of claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising flowing a solid material through the insert.

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