Splitter For Use With A Bulk Delivery System Of An Agricultural Implement

Abstract

A splitter divides an air/product mixture flow, delivered thereto in an air-powered distribution line, between a primary and a secondary distribution channel, which may be flow-coupled to a product hopper or a hose flow-coupled to another product hopper or another splitter. The air/product mixture enters the inlet of the splitter along a first flow path and exits a primary outlet, flow-coupled to the primary distribution channel, along a second flow path generally in-line with the first flow path. Air/product flow is exhausted by a secondary outlet, which is flow-coupled to the secondary distribution channel, at a sideward flow path relative to the first and second flow paths. The velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is exhausted from the secondary outlet is at an angle perpendicular to the velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is received by the inlet of the splitter.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A splitter for use with a bulk delivery system of an agricultural implement, comprising:
 an annular inlet port, a first annular outlet port, and a second annular outlet port;   a generally T-shaped body interconnecting the first and second annular outlet ports to the first annular inlet port.   
     
     
         16 . The splitter of  claim 15  wherein the annular inlet port has a first diameter and the first and second annular outlet ports each have a second diameter equal in magnitude to the first diameter. 
     
     
         17 . The splitter of  claim 15  wherein the second annular outlet port is generally centered between the first annular outlet port and the annular inlet port. 
     
     
         18 . The splitter of  claim 16  wherein the T-shaped body is shaped such that non-negligible amounts of product are not passed between the annular inlet port and the second annular outlet port until product has substantially blocked air flow through the first annular outlet port. 
     
     
         19 . The splitter of  claim 15  wherein the first annular outlet port is flow-coupled to a seed box and the second annular outlet port is flow-coupled to another seed box. 
     
     
         20 . The splitter of  claim 15  wherein the first annular outlet port is flow-coupled to a seed box and the second annular outlet port is flow-coupled to an annular inlet port of a downstream splitter.