Circular bulk seed distributor manifold
A circular seed distribution manifold delivers seed from a bulk tank to bins on row planter units. The manifold has a circular chamber formed by a plurality of modules joined side to side. The modules include outwardly radially extending tubular barbs connected to hoses extending to the bins. Pressurized air is introduced into the chamber through an opening in the floor of the manifold to create a fluidized bin or mixture with the seeds evenly distributed around the chamber. The air pressure carries the seeds out the barbs, through the hoses, and into the bins for planting. The barbs have an inlet flush with the perimeter wall of the manifold to minimize plugging.
1 . A seed distribution manifold for delivering seed from a bulk seed tank via hoses to bins on row planter units, comprising:
a plurality of modules, each having opposite first and second lateral sides and an outer wall extending between the opposite sides;
the modules being connected side to side by fasteners to form a circular chamber adapted to receive seed from the bulk seed tank;
a floor assembly connected to the circular chamber;
at least some of the modules having one or more tubes extending radially outwardly from the outer wall, and each tube being connected to one of the hoses; and
an air inlet to direct pressurized air into the circular chamber to direct seeds in the chamber outwardly through the seed tubes and hoses to the bins.
2 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein the first lateral side of each module is closed and the second lateral side of each chamber is open.
3 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein each module has a substantially open inner side opposite the outer wall.
4 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein the diameter of the circular chamber is increased by adding more of the modules and decreased by deleting some of the modules.
5 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein some of the modules may be blanks without tubes.
6 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein each module has a cavity for collecting seeds before conveyance out the seed tube.
7 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein each seed tube has an inlet which is coextensive with the outer wall.
8 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein the floor assembly includes a first cone with an upper surface to distribute seed 360 degrees toward the seed tube inlets.
9 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 8 wherein the first cone has a lower surface to direct the pressurized air 360 degrees toward the seed tube inlets.
10 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 8 further comprising an air inlet beneath the first cone to direct the pressurized air to the seed tubes.
11 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 10 further comprising a second cone spaced apart from the first cones to define an air flow path therebetween.
12 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 8 further comprising a smaller cone beneath the first cone to prevent migration of seed toward the air inlet.
13 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein the floor assembly is pivotally attached to the circular chamber for movement between a closed position for seed delivery and an open position for cleaning the circular chamber.
14 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein the air inlet is in the floor assembly.
15 . A seed distribution manifold for delivering seed from a bulk seed tank via hoses to bins on row planter units, comprising:
a circular chamber adapted to receive seed from the bulk seed tank;
the circular chamber having a perimeter wall and a floor;
a pressurized air inlet in the floor;
a plurality of seed tubes extending outwardly from the perimeter wall of the circular chamber and each seed tube being adapted for connection to one of the hoses; and
the perimeter wall of the circular chamber being formed from a plurality of modules joined together side by side with fasteners so as to extend continuously 360 degrees.
16 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 15 wherein the modules and the tubes are integrally formed.
17 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 16 wherein each module has an outer perimeter wall, opposite side walls, and a substantially open inner perimeter.
18 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 17 wherein the outer perimeter wall has an opening defining a seed inlet end of the tube.
19 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 15 further comprising a double cone assembly to direct seed and pressurized air towards the seed tubes.
20 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 15 wherein each tube is connected to only one of the row planter units.
21 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein each tube has a seed inlet residing in a vertical plane.
22 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein each tube has a seed inlet spaced above the floor assembly.
23 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein each tube has an inlet in an upper portion of the module.
24 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein each of the modules includes an inner wall spaced from the outer wall to define a cavity.
25 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 6 wherein the cavities extend around an outer portion of the chamber.
26 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 1 wherein the fasteners extend through mating holes in adjacent modules.
27 . The seed distribution manifold of claim 15 wherein the modules have holes for receipt of the fasteners.