Intelligent Agricultural Solutions Debuts Wireless Blockage Monitor

System promises improved accuracy, reliability and simplicity

FARGO, ND (9/22/11) – Intelligent Agricultural Solutions (IAS) is pleased to formally announce its latest product, the Wireless Blockage Monitor for air seeding implements.

The Wireless Blockage Monitor delivers a reliable, accurate system for detecting blockages at any location within air seeding implements. Using acoustic sensors installed in-line at the manifold, the system “listens” to seed and fertilizer flowing through the system as they bounce off a small stainless steel membrane similar to a stethoscope. These sound pulses are converted into digital signals and transmitted wirelessly to an Apple iPad mounted in the cab of the tractor. IAS’s iPad app then displays a graphical representation of the system, instantly alerting the operator to any blocked run. The use of wires – the most common source of failure in existing systems – is drastically reduced and results in a much more robust, reliable system.

A key benefit of the Wireless Blockage Monitor is its ability to detect blockages anywhere in the seeder, something that other monitoring systems struggle to do. Most systems rely on optical sensors that “watch” seed flowing through the system and cannot detect a blockage until seed has actually piled up in front of the sensor, often minutes after the initial blockage has occurred. Additionally, because these optical sensors must have an unobstructed view of the product moving past the sensor, they are especially vulnerable to being coated in dust or fertilizer residue, significantly reducing their effectiveness. Because the Wireless Blockage Monitor uses a patent-pending method involving sound and force instead of sight to detect the presence of seed moving through the seeder, the system is much more reliable in the tough conditions encountered by today’s farmers.

Instead of relying on a purpose-built, costly display like other systems, IAS’s use of the iPad gives the customer a flexible platform useful both in and out of the tractor. With the Wireless Blockage Monitor, operators can not only watch their seeder, they can also use the iPad for other applications like checking commodity prices, weather and keeping in touch with family and friends. As IAS and other companies continue to develop software applications for the iPad, farmers will have a truly versatile, multi-use platform for a fraction of the price of current ag-specific displays.

The Wireless Blockage Monitor is designed to be installed on a large range of air seeders, both current and past models, and will be available to purchase through IAS and its dealers this fall.

“The Wireless Blockage Monitor is a significant step forward in the agriculture marketplace,” said Barry Batcheller, president of IAS. “Not only is the system significantly easier to install and maintain than other all-run systems, it’s also very accurate and reliable. It’s an exciting product to bring to market and foreshadows a series of exciting innovations that we’ll be introducing over the next few years.”

About IAS

Intelligent Agricultural Solutions is a joint venture formed in 2011 by Barry Batcheller of Appareo Systems and Howard Dahl of Amity Technology. IAS combines Amity’s agricultural experience with the aerospace innovations and technologies of Appareo.

IAS was formed to bring new high-technology, low-cost ag electronics to an ever more competitive marketplace. IAS draws on both Amity’s and Appareo’s talented engineers, product designers and sales teams.

IAS is based in Fargo, ND.