Seed spreading device for use with combine harvesting equipment

A seed spreading device for use with a combine harvester comprising

• a residue distribution system, comprising:
• a hopper enclosure comprising a first aperture;
• a metering device comprising a delivery feeder disposed between a first opening and second opening, wherein the first opening is affixed in communication with the first aperture to accept material from the hopper;
• a guide tube comprising a first end disposed proximate to the second opening of the metering device and a second end disposed in communication with the residue distribution system of the combine harvester, wherein a passage for material from the hopper is defined through the metering device and the guide tube;
• a collector affixed to the first end of the guide tube, wherein a portion of the collector is disposed below the second opening of the metering device to funnel material from the metering device into the guide tube and wherein the collector is one of
• (i) flexible and press-fit to an end of the metering device or
• (ii) unconnected to the metering device but positioned to receive material falling from the second opening,
• such that the collector can allow friction, vibration, and movement between the guide tube and the metering device;
• a control gate disposed below the second opening of the metering device between the second opening and the first end of the guide tube, wherein the control gate is configured to be selectively positionable in one of
• a closed position in which the control gate blocks flow from the metering device to the guide tube,
• a fully open position in which the control gate allows material to flow from the metering device to the guide tube, and
• one or more partially open positions in which the control gate allows material to flow from the metering device to the guide tube at a regulated flow rate;
• and
• a motor configured to operate the delivery feeder of the metering device and move a portion of the material from the hopper to the guide tube and wherein the guide tube is configured to deliver the material into the residue distribution system so that the material moved through the guide tube is broadcast by the residue distribution system.