1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to farm implements and, more particularly, to an apparatus for supplying particulate material such as seed, fertilizer, herbicide or insecticide to one or more tanks of an air seeder. The invention may also be used with other farm implements such as a planter or fertilizer application equipment.
2. Description of the Related Art
Air seeder systems include a traction unit with an air cart in tow and frequently include a third unit such as a cultivator either intermediate the traction unit and air cart or towed behind the air cart. Agricultural implements that employ an air seeder system to apply seed, fertilizer, or other particulate material, either sub-surface or to the surface of a farm field, typically have a material supply source such as one or more tanks that are loaded with the particulate material. The tanks have or are associated with a metering device, which typically consists of a rotating element, which meters the particulate material from the tanks into a set of distribution channels, such as conduits, hoses, etc., for application to the farm field. In most systems, a pneumatic source such as a fan or blower provides air to convey and distribute material through the distribution channels. Periodically, the tank's supply of particulate material must be replenished. Typically, a screw auger or belt conveyor feeds the material from a source such as a supply vehicle to the tank. Grain augers, conveyor belts and similar mechanical seed handling equipment may cause damage to certain types of seeds. The delivery of canola seeds in particular is a delicate process. Seeds are expensive and physical damage to seeds may affect their germination and germination rate, thus, damage to the seeds while filling the tanks should be minimized.
What is needed in the art is an agricultural product conveying system which minimizes product damage.