The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 14, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 21, 1999
Frank G. Reinsch, Kansas City, MO (US);
Pathfinder Systems, Inc., Kansas City, MO (US);
Abstract
A system for metering and dispensing particulate matter, such as agricultural pesticides and fertilizers, from a storage bin directly into an applicator bin, and methods of its use. The device includes a storage bin for storing a quantity of particulate matter in bulk form, a meter connected to the storage bin for controllably releasing a desired amount of the particulate matter from the storage bin, a pneumatic transport conduit for suspending the released particulate matter in a flow of gas and transporting the suspended matter to an applicator bin, and a coupler disposed at a distal end of the conduit. The coupler is adapted to provide a sealed connection between the conduit and the applicator bin as transported particulate matter is dispensed from the conduit into the applicator bin through the coupler. Because the particulate matter is dispensed directly into the applicator bin, such as the bin of an agricultural planter, directly through a sealed connection, the closed-loop pneumatic system avoids exposure of the operator to hazardous air-borne dust.