An agricultural planter includes a plurality of row units attached to a toolbar. The row units include seed meters in seed meter housings for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed or other particulate. The seed meters include a circular seed disc with a seed path for receiving the seed in the seed meter housing. Integrated with the seed meter, such as at the housing, is an electric pressure source dedicated to create a pressure differential for the seed meter or meters at a particular location on the planter. The pressure source can be positive or negative to temporarily adhere seed to the seed disc of the meter. A single pressure source can provide the pressure differential to a single meter or to multiple meters or discs at a row unit.
Agricultural implements, such as planting and seeding implements, often include depth setting and maintaining components. This may include gauge wheels, which are set to attempt to keep furrow openers situated to open a furrow of desired depth for placement of the seeds through a field. The gauge wheels can include spokes with serrations added along the spokes. The serrated spokes will interact with trash in the field and the serrated spokes will break down the trash as the gauge wheel rotate, thus reducing the likelihood of buildup and plugging of the gauge wheels of the implement. This will allow an operator to minimize stoppage due to trash buildup and plugging in the row units to aid in finishing planting within the desired timeframe.
Agricultural seed planting systems include a processing unit, a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame for opening a furrow in soil, and a sensor in communication with the processing unit and adapted to sense a characteristic associated with seed planting. The sensor may generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic and the processing unit may receive the signal. In some aspects, the sensed characteristic may be either a soil characteristic or a seed characteristic. Information associated with the sensed characteristic can be saved in memory for future use and to assist with more effective planting in the future.
An agricultural implement includes telescoping toolbars wherein telescoping members can be extended or retracted to increase or decrease the distance between the toolbars. When in a field use configuration, the toolbars can be extended to increase the distance between the toolbars. When in a transport configuration, the toolbars can be retracted to decrease the distance between the toolbars. The toolbars are also configured to move laterally relative to each other. A toolbar assembly can comprise row units, actuators, and/or linkages wherein the row units, actuators, and/or linkages are rotatably connected to the toolbar assembly such that they can provide steering for the implement and/or toolbar(s). The implement can include components to allow for improved steering and can include rotatable wings of a toolbar assembly. The implement and/or system is configured to detect characteristics via sensors, and then perform a task based on those characteristics.
Agricultural machines utilize global positioning systems (GPS) to acquire the location of the machine as well as the location of an event, which may be based upon an operation of the agricultural machine. Because of the possibility of outage and/or inaccuracy of the GPS, a GPS augmentation system can be included with the agricultural machine. The GPS augmentation system can supplement the location determination of the GPS, or can be used in place of the GPS when the GPS is not available. An unmanned vehicle can also be used as part of the augmentation system to provide additional information for the location of the agricultural machine and/or the event.
G01S 19/47 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement the supplementary measurement being an inertial measurement, e.g. tightly coupled inertial
G05D 1/24 - Arrangements for determining position or orientation
G05D 1/247 - Arrangements for determining position or orientation using signals provided by artificial sources external to the vehicle, e.g. navigation beacons
G05D 1/248 - Arrangements for determining position or orientation using signals provided by artificial sources external to the vehicle, e.g. navigation beacons generated by satellites, e.g. GPS
G05D 1/249 - Arrangements for determining position or orientation using signals provided by artificial sources external to the vehicle, e.g. navigation beacons from positioning sensors located off-board the vehicle, e.g. from cameras
G05D 1/648 - Performing a task within a working area or space, e.g. cleaning
G05D 1/692 - Coordinated control of the position or course of two or more vehicles involving a plurality of disparate vehicles
G05D 1/87 - Arrangements for reacting to or preventing system or operator failure using redundant control arrangements
G06F 3/06 - Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers
G06F 16/16 - File or folder operations, e.g. details of user interfaces specifically adapted to file systems
G06F 16/174 - Redundancy elimination performed by the file system
G06F 16/176 - Support for shared access to filesFile sharing support
Agricultural devices, row unit adjustment systems, and methods of adjusting a depth of a furrow. In some aspects, an agricultural device is adapted to plant seeds and includes a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame and adapted to cut a furrow including a depth, a sensor adapted to sense a characteristic associated with planting seeds and generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic, and a processing unit receiving the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. The depth of the furrow is adjustable based on the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. Such characteristic may be a characteristic of the soil, a force applied to the agricultural device, or a position of a portion of the agricultural device.
An electrically operated agricultural planting implement (110, 202) is used with an agricultural vehicle (100, 204). The planting implement (110) may include a generator (130) to generate electric power to power electronic components (123, 203) located on the row units (118) of the planting implement (110) as well as to power other functionality of the planting implement (110) such as lifting and/or pivoting. Operating the planting implement (110) via electric power rather than hydraulic power eliminates the need (12) for hydraulic plumbing. A wireless data communication and control system is used with an agricultural planting implement (110, 202) and an agricultural vehicle (100, 204). The system provides for bidirectional data communication and control between a control unit (206) and the planting implement (110). The system eliminates the need (12) for wiring and also provides the ability to communicate with and control the planting implement (110) remotely. A user can wirelessly and remotely control the planting implement (110) by inputting commands into the control unit (206).
An electrically operated agricultural planting implement is used with an agricultural vehicle. The planting implement may include a generator to generate electric power to power electronic components located on the row units of the planting implement as well as to power other functionality of the planting implement such as lifting and/or pivoting. Operating the planting implement via electric power rather than hydraulic power eliminates the need for hydraulic plumbing. A wireless data communication and control system is used with an agricultural planting implement and an agricultural vehicle. The system provides for bidirectional data communication and control between a control unit and the planting implement. The system eliminates the need for wiring and also provides the ability to communicate with and control the planting implement remotely. A user can wirelessly and remotely control the planting implement by inputting commands into the control unit.
A planter includes a seed a delivery system for delivering seed from one or more hoppers to one or more row units of the planter. The seed delivery system includes a number of seed entrainers. The seed entrainers receive seed from the one or more hoppers. The seed is combined with a fluid, such as air, which moves the seed through the seed entrainer and towards one or more row units of the planter. The entrainer includes one or more outlets, with the outlets corresponding to different row units, and the outlets can be varied based upon the need of seed delivery for the planter.
B65G 53/12 - Gas pressure systems operating without fluidisation of the materials with pneumatic injection of the materials by the propelling gas the gas flow acting directly on the materials in a reservoir
10.
SIMULTANEOUS MAPPED VIEW OF HISTORICAL AND REALTIME GEOSPATIAL AND NON-GEOSPATIAL DATA
Continued and precise operation of an agricultural implement exists even where a subsystem, such as a GPS receiver, wireless communicator, a sensor, or the like, fails, falters, or is otherwise unusable. Data is continually tracked to the extent possible during failure or faltering and is temporarily stored. The temporary data is later stitched or otherwise harmonized with historical data once the failing system is repaired or otherwise once again available. During failure or faltering, views, and even mapped views, of historical and real-time data are displayed. Predicted or anticipated data can be included within these views or can even be used when stitching.
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
G07C 5/02 - Registering or indicating driving, working, idle, or waiting time only
Continued and precise operation of an agricultural implement exists even where a subsystem, such as a GPS receiver, wireless communicator, a sensor, or the like, fails, falters, or is otherwise unusable. Data is continually tracked to the extent possible during failure or faltering and is temporarily stored. To continue operations during periods of unavailability, a representation of planted ground is anticipated by other agricultural implements and/or calculated with agricultural data from other agricultural implements. Normal operations then continue until data sync can catch back up to real-time.
G01S 19/47 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement the supplementary measurement being an inertial measurement, e.g. tightly coupled inertial
G05D 1/24 - Arrangements for determining position or orientation
G05D 1/247 - Arrangements for determining position or orientation using signals provided by artificial sources external to the vehicle, e.g. navigation beacons
G05D 1/248 - Arrangements for determining position or orientation using signals provided by artificial sources external to the vehicle, e.g. navigation beacons generated by satellites, e.g. GPS
G05D 1/249 - Arrangements for determining position or orientation using signals provided by artificial sources external to the vehicle, e.g. navigation beacons from positioning sensors located off-board the vehicle, e.g. from cameras
G05D 1/648 - Performing a task within a working area or space, e.g. cleaning
G05D 1/692 - Coordinated control of the position or course of two or more vehicles involving a plurality of disparate vehicles
G06F 3/06 - Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers
G06F 16/16 - File or folder operations, e.g. details of user interfaces specifically adapted to file systems
G06F 16/174 - Redundancy elimination performed by the file system
G06F 16/176 - Support for shared access to filesFile sharing support
Agricultural implements include numerous electrical components. The settings and other controls for the components can be preset or can be controlled remotely, such as in a display in a tractor, tow vehicle, or other remote location. The settings can be configured to provide the best possible conditions for planting seed or applying particulate to a field in an efficient manner. This may be based on agronomic data, weather conditions, and other considerations. The display may provide additional feedback for the settings, such as expected planting quality. This feedback indicator is dependent upon factors such as the settings, ambient conditions, any issues with the equipment, and the like. This information can be used during planting or after to better instruct the user on planting performance of the implement.
Agricultural implements include numerous electrical components. The settings and other controls for the components can be preset or can be controlled remotely, such as in a display in a tractor, tow vehicle, or other remote location. The settings can be configured to provide the best possible conditions for planting seed or applying particulate to a field in an efficient manner. This may be based on agronomic data, weather conditions, and other considerations. The display may provide additional feedback for the settings, such as expected planting quality. This feedback indicator is dependent upon factors such as the settings, ambient conditions, any issues with the equipment, and the like. This information can be used during planting or after to better instruct the user on planting performance of the implement.
Agricultural electronics include many components. The components can be connected via an electronic link that connects the various components to components of an agricultural implement. This can include the use of a component type identifier and a master module. The identifier and the module can communicate data, including identification data and instructional data, to easily acknowledge and operate various electrical components of the agricultural implement. Additional sensors can be included to provide even additional data that is communicated between the module and the components of the agricultural implement to aid in providing instructions for operation and to provide additional data information.
An agricultural planting implement includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. A seed meter provides seeds one at time to a seed carrier, such as a brush wheel. The brush wheel may move the seeds one at a time to a seed conveyor by directly moving seeds along a curved portion of a seed disc in the seed meter. The seed conveyor may be a flighted belt, and the velocity of the seeds when transferred from the seed carrier may match the velocity of the flighted belt. The seed conveyor conveys the seeds to a position near the bottom of a furrow, and ejects the seeds with little or no horizontal velocity relative to the bottom of the furrow.
A predictive path lookahead system is used with an agricultural vehicle and/or agricultural implement. A variety of factors relating to the vehicle and/or implement are input into the system in order to measure and process the vehicle and/or implement's motion. A navigation orientation tool is also input into the system. The system then generates a predicted lookahead trajectory and/or predicted future position of the vehicle and/or implement and can display the predicted lookahead trajectory and/or predicted future position to a user. The system can automatically turn ON and/or turn OFF a row unit or can manually alert a user when to do so based on the predicted trajectory of the implement. The system can engage in auto-steering to operate the vehicle and/or implement autonomously.
An agricultural planting implement (10) uses an air seed meter to meter and singulate seeds before directing them towards the field for planting. The air seed meter includes a seed disc (200) that interacts with the seed to aid in planting the seeds at the desired manner so as to provide best spacing between subsequent seeds. To aid the metering and singulation of the seeds, the seed disc includes ramps (222) positioned generally adjacent seed cell apertures (210). The ramps interact with tufts (232) of a brush singulator (230) to aid in orienting the seed relative to the seed cell aperture to position the seed at the cell and to mitigate multiple seeds from collecting at one or more of the seed cell apertures.
A display unit is operationally connected to an agricultural implement to provide inputs and operational controls, as well as status and set up, of the implement. The display unit can be a touchscreen or other device that can receive inputs to set up, control, store information, and recall information associated with the operation of the implement. The display unit can provide a number of different types of inputs to allow for the control of the various components of the implement. Information shown, tracked, managed, communicated, or otherwise used by the system can be selected and set up by a user to customize the experience and to provide additional information useful for agricultural operations. The display unit can show and/or output alerts, messages, camera data, and/or other information based on aspects and/or functionality of the implement. The display unit can communicate with other display units associated with other agricultural implements.
A predictive path lookahead system is used with an agricultural vehicle and/or agricultural implement. A variety of factors relating to the vehicle and/or implement are input into the system in order to measure and process the vehicle and/or implement's motion. A navigation orientation tool is also input into the system. The system then generates a predicted lookahead trajectory and/or predicted future position of the vehicle and/or implement and can display the predicted lookahead trajectory and/or predicted future position to a user. The system can automatically turn ON and/or turn OFF a row unit or can manually alert a user when to do so based on the predicted trajectory of the implement. The system can engage in auto-steering to operate the vehicle and/or implement autonomously.
A display unit is operationally connected to an agricultural implement to provide inputs and operational controls, as well as status and set up, of the implement. The display unit can be a touchscreen or other device that can receive inputs to set up, control, store information, and recall information associated with the operation of the implement. The display unit can provide a number of different types of inputs to allow for the control of the various components of the implement. Information shown, tracked, managed, communicated, or otherwise used by the system can be selected and set up by a user to customize the experience and to provide additional information useful for agricultural operations. The display unit can show and/or output alerts, messages, camera data, and/or other information based on aspects and/or functionality of the implement. The display unit can communicate with other display units associated with other agricultural implements.
An agricultural planting implement uses an air seed meter to meter and singulate seeds before directing them towards the field for planting. The air seed meter includes a seed disc that interacts with the seed to aid in planting the seeds at the desired manner so as to provide best spacing between subsequent seeds. To aid the metering and singulation of the seeds, the seed disc includes ramps positioned generally adjacent seed cell apertures. The ramps interact with tufts of a brush singulator to aid in orienting the seed relative to the seed cell aperture to position the seed at the cell and to mitigate multiple seeds from collecting at one or more of the seed cell apertures.
An agricultural implement includes the calibration of liquid fertilizer distribution for an agricultural implement. The calibration system measures the level of the liquid fertilizer or utilizes a known volume in a container and the pressure of the liquid fertilizer. The system uses the level and pressure to calculate the density of the liquid fertilizer, which helps achieve more consistent fertilizer application. Additionally, the density of the liquid fertilizer can be used to more accurately measure the tank level of a particular tank. The system can include a tilt sensor and valves so that when the agricultural implement is traversing a hill or otherwise rough terrain, the system can accurately measure tank level and selectively draw liquid fertilizer from a particular tank or tanks to mitigate spillage. The system also can measure and monitor the tank level of the tank or tanks and automatically fill the tank or tanks based on the measured tank level.
B05B 12/08 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target
B05B 12/12 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target responsive to conditions of ambient medium or target, e.g. humidity, temperature
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01B 49/06 - Combinations of soil-working tools with non-soil-working tools, e.g. planting tools for sowing or fertilising
23.
SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR LIQUID FERTILIZER DRAWBACK
A drawback system is used with a liquid fertilizer distribution system to be used with agricultural implements. The drawback system may include a two-way, reversible pump that allows liquid fertilizer material to be transported from a system source or toward a system source. The drawback system allows liquid fertilizer that is not applied to an agricultural field to be cleared from piping, conduits, and/or other components of a liquid fertilizer system and drawn back into a holding chamber. The drawback system may also comprise a positive displacement pump in communication with a plurality of valves wherein manipulation of the valves can control the direction of the flow of liquid fertilizer, either from or toward a system/fluid source.
A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
B05B 9/06 - Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquid or other fluent material without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pressurised or compressible containerSpraying apparatus for discharge of liquid or other fluent material without essentially mixing with gas or vapour characterised by means for supplying liquid or other fluent material with pump the delivery being related to the movement of a vehicle, e.g. the pump being driven by a vehicle wheel
B05B 12/08 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
24.
APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATION OF LIQUID FERTILIZER DISTRIBUTION
An agricultural implement (10) includes the calibration of liquid fertilizer (202) distribution for an agricultural implement (10). The calibration system measures the level of the liquid fertilizer (202) or utilizes a known volume in a container (228) and the pressure of the liquid fertilizer (202). The system uses the level and pressure to calculate the density of the liquid fertilizer (202), which helps achieve more consistent fertilizer application. Additionally, the density of the liquid fertilizer (202) can be used to more accurately measure the tank (210, 226, 228) level of a particular tank (210, 226, 228). The system can include a tilt sensor (216) and valves so that when the agricultural implement (10) is traversing a hill or otherwise rough terrain, the system can accurately measure tank (210, 226, 228) level and selectively draw liquid fertilizer (202) from a particular tank (210, 226, 228) or tanks to mitigate spillage. The system also can measure and monitor the tank (210, 226, 228) level of the tank (210, 226, 228) or tanks and automatically fill the tank (210, 226, 228) or tanks based on the measured tank (210, 226, 228) level.
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
25.
SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR LIQUID FERTILIZER DRAWBACK
A drawback system is used with a liquid fertilizer distribution system to be used with agricultural implements. The drawback system may include a two-way, reversible pump that allows liquid fertilizer material to be transported from a system source or toward a system source. The drawback system allows liquid fertilizer that is not applied to an agricultural field to be cleared from piping, conduits, and/or other components of a liquid fertilizer system and drawn back into a holding chamber. The drawback system may also comprise a positive displacement pump in communication with a plurality of valves wherein manipulation of the valves can control the direction of the flow of liquid fertilizer, either from or toward a system/fluid source.
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
26.
SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR LIQUID FERTILIZER DRAWBACK
A drawback system is used with a liquid fertilizer distribution system to be used with agricultural implements. The drawback system may include a two-way, reversible pump that allows liquid fertilizer material to be transported from a system source or toward a system source. The drawback system allows liquid fertilizer that is not applied to an agricultural field to be cleared from piping, conduits, and/or other components of a liquid fertilizer system and drawn back into a holding chamber. The drawback system may also comprise a positive displacement pump in communication with a plurality of valves wherein manipulation of the valves can control the direction of the flow of liquid fertilizer, either from or toward a system/fluid source.
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
27.
APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR CALIBRATION OF LIQUID FERTILIZER DISTRIBUTION
An agricultural implement (10) includes the calibration of liquid fertilizer (202) distribution for an agricultural implement (10). The calibration system measures the level of the liquid fertilizer (202) or utilizes a known volume in a container (228) and the pressure of the liquid fertilizer (202). The system uses the level and pressure to calculate the density of the liquid fertilizer (202), which helps achieve more consistent fertilizer application. Additionally, the density of the liquid fertilizer (202) can be used to more accurately measure the tank (210, 226, 228) level of a particular tank (210, 226, 228). The system can include a tilt sensor (216) and valves so that when the agricultural implement (10) is traversing a hill or otherwise rough terrain, the system can accurately measure tank (210, 226, 228) level and selectively draw liquid fertilizer (202) from a particular tank (210, 226, 228) or tanks to mitigate spillage. The system also can measure and monitor the tank (210, 226, 228) level of the tank (210, 226, 228) or tanks and automatically fill the tank (210, 226, 228) or tanks based on the measured tank (210, 226, 228) level.
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
A01M 7/00 - Special adaptations or arrangements of liquid-spraying apparatus for purposes covered by this subclass
28.
LIQUID FERTILIZER CONTROL SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS
A liquid fertilizer system is used with agricultural implements to apply liquid fertilizer, in a desired amount, to a field and/or crop. The fertilizer system relies on system pressure to regulate the flow of the liquid fertilizer through and out of the system. The pressure is regulated, at least in part, by a motorized relief valve, which may be a pressure regulator that is modulated with a spring. The spring provides a nuanced adjustment mechanism that responds quickly to changes, and which is responsive to more minute changes to the system.
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
29.
LIQUID FERTILIZER CONTROL SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS
A liquid fertilizer system is used with agricultural implements to apply liquid fertilizer, in a desired amount, to a field and/or crop. The fertilizer system relies on system pressure to regulate the flow of the liquid fertilizer through and out of the system. The pressure is regulated, at least in part, by a motorized relief valve, which may be a pressure regulator that is modulated with a spring. The spring provides a nuanced adjustment mechanism that responds quickly to changes, and which is responsive to more minute changes to the system.
A liquid fertilizer system is used with agricultural implements to apply liquid fertilizer, in a desired amount, to a field and/or crop. The fertilizer system relies on system pressure to regulate the flow of the liquid fertilizer through and out of the system. The pressure is regulated, at least in part, by a motorized relief valve, which may be a pressure regulator that is modulated with a spring. The spring provides a nuanced adjustment mechanism that responds quickly to changes, and which is responsive to more minute changes to the system.
A01C 7/06 - Seeders combined with fertilising apparatus
A01C 23/00 - Distributing devices specially adapted for liquid manure or other fertilising liquid, including ammonia, e.g. transport tanks or sprinkling wagons
31.
DIRECT DRIVE PLANTER WITH STEP UP VOLTAGE CONVERTER
An agricultural planting implement (110) having a number of row units (140) includes a voltage converter (152) configured to receive an input voltage and produce an output voltage that is different than the input voltage. The voltage converter (152) is configured to receive power directly from an agricultural vehicle (100, 110) configured to tow the agricultural planting implement (110). The voltage converter (152) can be selectively enabled and/or disabled to supply the requisite power to electronic components (150) located on the row units (140), wherein the electronic components (150) are configured to perform at least one agricultural function. Different electronic components (150) often require a power supply (148) of differing voltage levels. The voltage converter (152) provides a means to supply differing power supplies to different electronic components (150) wherein all electrical power supplied to the electronic components (150) originates from a power source (148) located on the agricultural vehicle (100, 110).
An agricultural planting implement having a number of row units includes a voltage converter configured to receive an input voltage and produce an output voltage that is different than the input voltage. The voltage converter is configured to receive power directly from an agricultural vehicle configured to tow the agricultural planting implement. The voltage converter can be selectively enabled and/or disabled to supply the requisite power to electronic components located on the row units, wherein the electronic components are configured to perform at least one agricultural function. Different electronic components often require a power supply of differing voltage levels. The voltage converter provides a means to supply differing power supplies to different electronic components wherein all electrical power supplied to the electronic components originates from a power source located on the agricultural vehicle.
A01B 63/12 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by an electric motor
H02M 3/135 - Conversion of DC power input into DC power output without intermediate conversion into AC by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a thyratron or thyristor type requiring extinguishing means using semiconductor devices only
33.
Control units, nodes, system, and method for transmitting and communicating data
Agricultural electronics include many components. The components can be connected via an electronic link that connects the various components to components of an agricultural implement. This can include the use of a component type identifier and a master module. The identifier and the module can communicate data, including identification data and instructional data, to easily acknowledge and operate various electrical components of the agricultural implement. Additional sensors can be included to provide even additional data that is communicated between the module and the components of the agricultural implement to aid in providing instructions for operation and to provide additional data information.
An agricultural implement, such as an agricultural seed planter, includes a number of ground engaging row units. The row units receive seed and/or other particulates and deposit the seed or particulates to the ground. The row unit can include row cleaners to aid in allowing a coulter or disk to create a furrow in a field. The seed is metered via a seed metering system and deposited in the furrow. A closing system closes the furrow after the seed has been deposited. To aid in access and mounting of the seed meter, it can be connected without connection to side components of a frame. In addition, the row cleaner and closing system can include mounting systems that allow better results and easier access to the same and other portions of the row units.
An agricultural implement (10), such as an agricultural seed planter, includes a number of ground engaging row units (30). The row units (30) receive seed and/or other particulates and deposit the seed or particulates to the ground. The row unit (30) can include row cleaners (74) to aid in allowing a coulter or disk (53) to create a furrow in a field. The seed is metered via a seed metering system (40) and deposited in the furrow. A closing system (50) closes the furrow after the seed has been deposited. To aid in access and mounting of the seed meter (40), it can be connected without connection to side components of a frame (38). In addition, the row cleaner (74) and closing system (50) can include mounting systems that allow better results and easier access to the same and other portions of the row units (30).
The pressure of a fluid passing through several air entrainers can be controlled so as to more effectively move particulate material from one or more bulk hoppers to an end location. This is accomplished through use of an integrated, electric fluid pressure source, such as a fan in one or more of the segments. The pressure can be increased based upon a speed of an agricultural implement or a weight of the particulate material and/or the pneumatic flow can compensate for distance the seed must travel before planting. The entrainer can thus be installed with a high speed planting implement, thereby reducing downtime and facilitating repair.
The pressure of a fluid passing through several air entrainers (40) can be controlled so as to more effectively move particulate material from one or more bulk hoppers (22) to an end location. This is accomplished through use of an integrated, electric fluid pressure source (132), such as a fan (49) in one or more of the segments (40). The pressure can be increased based upon a speed of an agricultural implement (10) or a weight of the particulate material and/or the pneumatic flow can compensate for distance the seed must travel before planting. The entrainer (40) can thus be installed with a high speed planting implement (10), thereby reducing downtime and facilitating repair.
A display unit is connected to an agricultural implement to provide inputs and operational controls, as well as status and set up, of the implement. The display unit can be a touchscreen or other device that can receive inputs to set up, control, store information, and recall information associated with the operation of the agricultural implement. The display unit can provide a number of different types of inputs to allow for the control of the various components of the implement. Information shown, tracked, managed, communicated, or otherwise used by the system can be selected and set up by a user to customize the experience and to provide additional information useful for agricultural operations.
G01V 13/00 - Manufacturing, calibrating, cleaning, or repairing instruments or devices covered by groups
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
G06F 3/0484 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
A planting unit includes a seed meter for singulating and dispensing seed. Opening wheels or discs are included to create an opening in the field, such as a furrow. The unit includes one or more continuous tracks for supporting the row unit as it moves through the field. The tracks can be positioned on opposite sides. The tracks reduce compaction around the created furrow and provide better control of seed depth placement. One or more motors are included to operate the tracks to move the planting unit through a field for planting independent of a tow vehicle.
Agricultural devices, row unit adjustment systems, and methods of adjusting a depth of a furrow. In some aspects, an agricultural device is adapted to plant seeds and includes a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame and adapted to cut a furrow including a depth, a sensor adapted to sense a characteristic associated with planting seeds and generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic, and a processing unit receiving the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. The depth of the furrow is adjustable based on the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. Such characteristic may be a characteristic of the soil, a force applied to the agricultural device, or a position of a portion of the agricultural device.
The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.
The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.
A planter includes a seed a delivery system for delivering seed from one or more hoppers to one or more row units of the planter. The seed delivery system includes a number of seed entrainers. The seed entrainers receive seed from the one or more hoppers. The seed is combined with a fluid, such as air, which moves the seed through the seed entrainer and towards one or more row units of the planter. The entrainer includes one or more outlets, with the outlets corresponding to different row units, and the outlets can be varied based upon the need of seed delivery for the planter.
B65G 53/12 - Gas pressure systems operating without fluidisation of the materials with pneumatic injection of the materials by the propelling gas the gas flow acting directly on the materials in a reservoir
45.
SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND/OR APPARATUS FOR THE DISPLAY OF AGRICULTURAL DATA ON A USER INTERFACE
The use of maps provides planter performance feedback over time in a field and is used in conjunction with traditional onscreen maps so as to quickly see highly detailed numerical and textual information about given areas on a map. Aspects of the graphical user interface are made easier to read in an unobtrusive way through use of a multi-purpose touch-screen display small enough to fit in a tractor cab.
Agricultural seed planting systems include a processing unit, a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame for opening a furrow in soil, and a sensor in communication with the processing unit and adapted to sense a characteristic associated with seed planting. The sensor may generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic and the processing unit may receive the signal. In some aspects, the sensed characteristic may be either a soil characteristic or a seed characteristic. Information associated with the sensed characteristic can be saved in memory for future use and to assist with more effective planting in the future.
An agricultural planting implement is used to plant seed in a field. The implement includes an electrically-driven seed meter that is spaced on a toolbar of the implement. The seed meter, or other metering member, is a precision meter that is used to control the volume, spacing, and location of a seed that is delivered from a meter to the field. A seed source, such as a seed cart or hopper, is attached to the seed meters to provide an on-demand amount of seed to the meters for planting in the field.
Sharing planter data is made efficient through an initial separation of agricultural data before transmission of the same. During performance of agricultural tasks, generated data is stored in files representing geographic regions. Several data layers of the files correspond to various agricultural aspects which can then be selectively transmitted with smaller parsed files. The received data can be harmonized into the same format used by the receiving agricultural implement. Sharing planter data in this way obviates performance degradation for rural cellular networks.
Agricultural machines utilize global positioning systems (GPS) to acquire the location of the machine as well as the location of an event, which may be based upon an operation of the agricultural machine. Because of the possibility of outage and/or inaccuracy of the GPS, a GPS augmentation system can be included with the agricultural machine. The GPS augmentation system can supplement the location determination of the GPS, or can be used in place of the GPS when the GPS is not available. An unmanned vehicle can also be used as part of the augmentation system to provide additional information for the location of the agricultural machine and/or the event.
Continued and precise operation of an agricultural implement exists even where a subsystem, such as a GPS receiver, wireless communicator, a sensor, or the like, fails, falters, or is otherwise unusable. Data is continually tracked to the extent possible during failure or faltering and is temporarily stored. To continue operations during periods of unavailability, a representation of planted ground is anticipated by other agricultural implements and/or calculated with agricultural data from other agricultural implements. Normal operations then continue until data sync can catch back up to real-time.
Data from multiple agricultural operations in the same field is shared, securely, without the need for complex setup procedures. One agricultural implement can operate off of the agricultural data produced by other agricultural implements, which can, by way of example and with respect to a planting operation, result in a shared shutoff of seed application. If a single task is distributed to multiple agricultural implements, whichever agricultural implement starts the task can join to a common sharing of data. Another technique for sharing data can involve all shared agricultural implements using an initial, preferably identical, provisioning key. Maintenance of fields deemed to be geographically similar is made particularly easier through use of the present invention.
Agricultural machines utilize global positioning systems (GPS) to acquire the location of the machine as well as the location of an event, which may be based upon an operation of the agricultural machine. Because of the possibility of outage and/or inaccuracy of the GPS, a GPS augmentation system can be included with the agricultural machine. The GPS augmentation system can supplement the location determination of the GPS, or can be used in place of the GPS when the GPS is not available. An unmanned vehicle can also be used as part of the augmentation system to provide additional information for the location of the agricultural machine and/or the event.
G01S 19/47 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement the supplementary measurement being an inertial measurement, e.g. tightly coupled inertial
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
G05D 1/10 - Simultaneous control of position or course in three dimensions
G06F 3/06 - Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers
G06F 16/16 - File or folder operations, e.g. details of user interfaces specifically adapted to file systems
G06F 16/174 - Redundancy elimination performed by the file system
G06F 16/176 - Support for shared access to filesFile sharing support
Continued and precise operation of an agricultural implement exists even where a subsystem, such as a GPS receiver, wireless communicator, a sensor, or the like, fails, falters, or is otherwise unusable. Data is continually tracked to the extent possible during failure or faltering and is temporarily stored. To continue operations during periods of unavailability, a representation of planted ground is anticipated by other agricultural implements and/or calculated with agricultural data from other agricultural implements. Normal operations then continue until data sync can catch back up to real-time.
G06F 3/06 - Digital input from, or digital output to, record carriers
G01S 19/47 - Determining position by combining measurements of signals from the satellite radio beacon positioning system with a supplementary measurement the supplementary measurement being an inertial measurement, e.g. tightly coupled inertial
G05D 1/10 - Simultaneous control of position or course in three dimensions
A01B 79/02 - Methods for working soil combined with other agricultural processing, e.g. fertilising, planting
Data from multiple agricultural operations in the same field is shared, securely, without the need for complex setup procedures. One agricultural implement can operate off of the agricultural data produced by other agricultural implements, which can, by way of example and with respect to a planting operation, result in a shared shutoff of seed application. If a single task is distributed to multiple agricultural implements, whichever agricultural implement starts the task can join to a common sharing of data. Another technique for sharing data can involve all shared agricultural implements using an initial, preferably identical, provisioning key. Maintenance of fields deemed to be geographically similar is made particularly easier through use of the present invention.
Sharing planter data is made efficient through an initial separation of agricultural data before transmission of the same. During performance of agricultural tasks, generated data is stored in files representing geographic regions. Several data layers of the files correspond to various agricultural aspects which can then be selectively transmitted with smaller parsed files. The received data can be harmonized into the same format used by the receiving agricultural implement. Sharing planter data in this way obviates performance degradation for rural cellular networks.
Agricultural electronics include many components. The components can be connected via an electronic link that connects the various components to components of an agricultural implement. This can include the use of a component type identifier and a master module. The identifier and the module can communicate data, including identification data and instructional data, to easily acknowledge and operate various electrical components of the agricultural implement. Additional sensors can be included to provide even additional data that is communicated between the module and the components of the agricultural implement to aid in providing instructions for operation and to provide additional data information.
Continued and precise operation of an agricultural implement exists even where a subsystem, such as a GPS receiver, wireless communicator, a sensor, or the like, fails, falters, or is otherwise unusable. Data is continually tracked to the extent possible during failure or faltering and is temporarily stored. The temporary data is later stitched or otherwise harmonized with historical data once the failing system is repaired or otherwise once again available. During failure or faltering, views, and even mapped views, of historical and real-time data are displayed. Predicted or anticipated data can be included within these views or can even be used when stitching.
Continued and precise operation of an agricultural implement exists even where a subsystem, such as a GPS receiver, wireless communicator, a sensor, or the like, fails, falters, or is otherwise unusable. Data is continually tracked to the extent possible during failure or faltering and is temporarily stored. The temporary data is later stitched or otherwise harmonized with historical data once the failing system is repaired or otherwise once again available. During failure or faltering, views, and even mapped views, of historical and real-time data are displayed. Predicted or anticipated data can be included within these views or can even be used when stitching.
G01C 21/00 - NavigationNavigational instruments not provided for in groups
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
G07C 5/02 - Registering or indicating driving, working, idle, or waiting time only
An agricultural planter includes a plurality of row units attached to a toolbar. The row units include seed meters in seed meter housings for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed or other particulate. The seed meters include a circular seed disc with a seed path for receiving the seed in the seed meter housing. Integrated with the seed meter, such as at the housing, is an electric pressure source dedicated to create a pressure differential for the seed meter or meters at a particular location on the planter. The pressure source can be positive or negative to temporarily adhere seed to the seed disc of the meter. A single pressure source can provide the pressure differential to a single meter or to multiple meters or discs at a row unit.
Agricultural electronics include many components. The components can be connected via an electronic link that connects the various components to components of an agricultural implement. This can include the use of a component type identifier and a master module. The identifier and the module can communicate data, including identification data and instructional data, to easily acknowledge and operate various electrical components of the agricultural implement. Additional sensors can be included to provide even additional data that is communicated between the module and the components of the agricultural implement to aid in providing instructions for operation and to provide additional data information.
A row unit (34) for an agricultural implement (10) has a mounting device (70) with a rail portion (88) for sliding engagement with a seed delivery device (42) to facilitate quick and easy installation and removal of the seed delivery device (42) without the use of tools. A seed meter (62) is mounted to the underside of a cover (46) such that as the cover (46) is opened the seed meter (62) moves with the cover (46) away from the seed delivery device (42) to provide convenient access to both the seed meter (62) and the seed delivery device (42). A cam (76) and pawl (82) arrangement selectively retains the cover (46) in the open position.
A row unit for an agricultural implement has a mounting device with a rail portion for sliding engagement with a seed delivery device to facilitate quick and easy installation and removal of the seed delivery device without the use of tools. A seed meter is mounted to the underside of a cover such that as the cover is opened the seed meter moves with the cover away from the seed delivery device to provide convenient access to both the seed meter and the seed delivery device. A cam and pawl arrangement selectively retains the cover in the open position.
A row unit (34) for an agricultural implement (10) has a mounting device (70) with a rail portion (88) for sliding engagement with a seed delivery device (42) to facilitate quick and easy installation and removal of the seed delivery device (42) without the use of tools. A seed meter (62) is mounted to the underside of a cover (46) such that as the cover (46) is opened the seed meter (62) moves with the cover (46) away from the seed delivery device (42) to provide convenient access to both the seed meter (62) and the seed delivery device (42). A cam (76) and pawl (82) arrangement selectively retains the cover (46) in the open position.
A sensor assembly includes a sensor in the form of a microwave radar device to dispense microwaves in an area where seed or other particulate material is to be sensed. This may be a seed tube of a row unit. The microwaves of the radar provide an accurate determination if a seed or other particulate material has passed through the field of vision of the sensor to provide an accurate sensing of a seed event. This information can be used to determine the rate of planting, skips, doubles, as well as any other information related to the passing of a seed or other particulate material.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
downloadable and recorded computer software for connecting and displaying shared agricultural data between remote agricultural vehicles, including the operation of mechanized agricultural planters and planter components during planting operations
An agricultural planting implement includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. A seed meter provides seeds one at time to a seed carrier, such as a brush wheel. The brush wheel may move the seeds one at a time to a seed conveyor by directly moving seeds along a curved portion of a seed disc in the seed meter. The seed conveyor may be a flighted belt, and the velocity of the seeds when transferred from the seed carrier may match the velocity of the flighted belt. The seed conveyor conveys the seeds to a position near the bottom of a furrow, and ejects the seeds with little or no horizontal velocity relative to the bottom of the furrow.
A seed metering system, for use on a row crop planter, selects individual seeds from a seed reservoir and dispenses the seeds singularly at a controlled rate. A direct drive seed metering system includes a seed disc having a plurality of suction apertures with a recessed pocket adjacent to an aperture. The recessed pockets act to agitate seeds in the seed reservoir and to direct seed flow towards the apertures. A seed path relief system aids in the placement of the seeds such that they are released from an outer edge of the seed disc. An adjustable seed singulator is mounted adjacent to the face of the seed disc where inner and outer blades are adjusted radially to compensate for the singulation of various seed sizes and shapes. The seed disc is driven via engagement of an internal gear with the external gear of an independent drive motor.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Downloadable and recorded computer software for connecting and displaying shared agricultural data between remote agricultural vehicles, including the operation of mechanized agricultural planters and planter components during planting operations
70.
Autonomous systems, methods, and apparatus for AG based operations
The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.
A planter includes a seed a delivery system (30) for delivering seed from one or more hoppers (22) to one or more row units (20) of the planter. The seed delivery system (30) includes a number of seed entrainers (40). The seed entrainers (40) receive seed from the one or more hoppers (22). The seed is combined with a fluid, such as air, which moves the seed through the seed entrainer (40) and towards one or more row units (20) of the planter. The entrainer includes one or more outlets (48), with the outlets corresponding to different row units (20), and the outlets (48) can be varied based upon the need of seed delivery for the planter.
A planter includes a seed a delivery system (30) for delivering seed from one or more hoppers (22) to one or more row units (20) of the planter. The seed delivery system (30) includes a number of seed entrainers (40). The seed entrainers (40) receive seed from the one or more hoppers (22). The seed is combined with a fluid, such as air, which moves the seed through the seed entrainer (40) and towards one or more row units (20) of the planter. The entrainer includes one or more outlets (48), with the outlets corresponding to different row units (20), and the outlets (48) can be varied based upon the need of seed delivery for the planter.
A planter includes a seed a delivery system for delivering seed from one or more hoppers to one or more row units of the planter. The seed delivery system includes a number of seed entrainers. The seed entrainers receive seed from the one or more hoppers. The seed is combined with a fluid, such as air, which moves the seed through the seed entrainer and towards one or more row units of the planter. The entrainer includes one or more outlets, with the outlets corresponding to different row units, and the outlets can be varied based upon the need of seed delivery for the planter.
B65G 53/12 - Gas pressure systems operating without fluidisation of the materials with pneumatic injection of the materials by the propelling gas the gas flow acting directly on the materials in a reservoir
A planting unit includes a seed meter for singulating and dispensing seed. Opening wheels or discs are included to create an opening in the field, such as a furrow. The unit includes one or more continuous tracks for supporting the row unit as it moves through the field. The tracks can be positioned on opposite sides. The tracks reduce compaction around the created furrow and provide better control of seed depth placement. One or more motors are included to operate the tracks to move the planting unit through a field for planting independent of a tow vehicle.
A planting system and method for planting multiple seed varieties includes a planter having a plurality of tanks and a plurality of row units. A plurality of seed meters are included in of the plurality of the row units. The seed meters are selectively operated at a time to plant a seed variety associated with the meter being operated. The determination of the seed meter used is based, in part, upon the location of the planter in the field. A cleanout system removes any unplanted seed before a different variety of seed is to be planted based upon an updated location.
An agricultural implement includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. Seed delivery systems are included to aid in transporting the seed from the seed meter to the ground in a controlled manner to mitigate skips and to aid in controlling the spacing of the seeds, which can be based upon the ground speed of the implement as it moves through the field. The seed delivery systems can control the transport of the seed to a furrow in the field such that the seed can experience zero or near zero relative velocity so that the seed will have little to no movement once positioned in the furrow.
An agricultural planter includes systems, methods, and apparatuses for maintaining down force pressure at row units of the planter. The row units may include an electric linear actuator connected to linkages of the row units to maintain a down force pressure for the row unit. The linkage may also be removed and replaced with a strut or like mechanism to apply a direct down force pressure to components of the row unit. One or more sensors can be included to obtain information related to the ground to automatically adjust the amount of down force provided based upon a ground characteristic in order to maintain a substantially uniform furrow depth.
A01B 63/32 - Tools or tool-holders adjustable relatively to the frame operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means
A01C 7/20 - Parts of seeders for conducting and depositing seed
A01C 5/06 - Machines for making or covering drills or furrows for sowing or planting
A01B 49/06 - Combinations of soil-working tools with non-soil-working tools, e.g. planting tools for sowing or fertilising
A01B 61/04 - Devices for, or parts of, agricultural machines or implements for preventing overstrain of the connection between tools and carrier beam or frame
A01B 63/28 - Tools or tool-holders adjustable relatively to the frame operated by the machine or implement
An agricultural planting implement is used to plant seed in a field. The implement includes an electrically-driven seed meter that is spaced on a toolbar of the implement. The seed meter, or other metering member, is a precision meter that is used to control the volume, spacing, and location of a seed that is delivered from a meter to the field. A seed source, such as a seed cart or hopper, is attached to the seed meters to provide an on-demand amount of seed to the meters for planting in the field.
An agricultural planting implement is used to plant seed in a field. The implement includes an electrically-driven seed meter that is spaced on a toolbar of the implement. The seed meter, or other metering member, is a precision meter that is used to control the volume, spacing, and location of a seed that is delivered from a meter to the field. A seed source, such as a seed cart or hopper, is attached to the seed meters to provide an on- demand amount of seed to the meters for planting in the field.
A display unit is connected to an agricultural implement to provide inputs and operational controls, as well as status and set up, of the implement. The display unit can be a touchscreen or other device that can receive inputs to set up, control, store information, and recall information associated with the operation of the agricultural implement. The display unit can provide a number of different types of inputs to allow for the control of the various components of the implement. An alert system can provide tiered alerts, such as based upon the severity of the alerts, to provide for notice to a user as to one or more issues associated with the implement or an operation thereof.
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
A01C 7/18 - Machines for depositing quantities of seed at intervals
G06F 3/0484 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
81.
Remote adjustment of a row unit of an agricultural device
Agricultural devices, row unit adjustment systems, and methods of adjusting a depth of a furrow. In some aspects, an agricultural device is adapted to plant seeds and includes a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame and adapted to cut a furrow including a depth, a sensor adapted to sense a characteristic associated with planting seeds and generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic, and a processing unit receiving the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. The depth of the furrow is adjustable based on the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. Such characteristic may be a characteristic of the soil, a force applied to the agricultural device, or a position of a portion of the agricultural device.
Agricultural seed planting systems include a processing unit, a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame for opening a furrow in soil, and a sensor in communication with the processing unit and adapted to sense a characteristic associated with seed planting. The sensor may generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic and the processing unit may receive the signal. In some aspects, the sensed characteristic may be either a soil characteristic or a seed characteristic. Information associated with the sensed characteristic can be saved in memory for future use and to assist with more effective planting in the future.
A downforce system adjusts the amount of downforce being applied to a row unit of an agricultural implement. The downforce system is controlled to increase or decrease the force on the row unit. A load is sensed at the row unit and compared to either or both of a user defined target and a lower threshold that can be based, at least in part, upon a percentage of a value. When the load is determined to be below the lower threshold, the user defined amount is increased at a rate of change until the load is above the threshold, at which point the increase is stopped, and reduced, if necessary.
A downforce system adjusts the amount of downforce being applied to a row unit of an agricultural implement. The downforce system is controlled to increase or decrease the force on the row unit. A load is sensed at the row unit and compared to either or both of a user defined target and a lower threshold that can be based, at least in part, upon a percentage of a value. When the load is determined to be below the lower threshold, the user defined amount is increased at a rate of change until the load is above the threshold, at which point the increase is stopped, and reduced, if necessary.
A01C 7/20 - Parts of seeders for conducting and depositing seed
A01C 5/06 - Machines for making or covering drills or furrows for sowing or planting
A01B 63/111 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means regulating working depth of implements
85.
Multiple agricultural product application method and systems
A planter includes a plurality of row units. The row units include metering systems, which can include multiple seed meters at a particular row unit, as well as a queuing system. The metering systems including more than one seed meters are configured such that the seed meters will plant a different seed types or varieties. The operation of one or more of the seed meters at a time will provide for the planting of a particular seed variety. The invention provides for on-the-go changing of a seed being planted by changing the operation of one or more of the seed meters at each of the row units and provides for almost infinite variation among the row units for planting particular seed varieties or not planting at all.
An agricultural planter includes a plurality of row units attached to a toolbar. The row units include seed meters in seed meter housings for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed or other particulate. The seed meters include a circular seed disc with a seed path for receiving the seed in the seed meter housing. Integrated with the seed meter, such as at the housing, is an electric pressure source dedicated to create a pressure differential for the seed meter or meters at a particular location on the planter. The pressure source can be positive or negative to temporarily adhere seed to the seed disc of the meter. A single pressure source can provide the pressure differential to a single meter or to multiple meters or discs at a row unit.
A high speed seed delivery system utilizes vacuum or other negative pressure to hold seed and to singulate seed in a seed meter (50). A high-pressure air source is used to move seed from a seed disk of the seed meter (50) to a seed tube (58) and ultimately, towards a field. Therefore, the system is a hybrid system including both a vacuum-based seed meter (50) for singulating seed, and a positive pressure delivery system in which the positive pressure is added to increase the speed of the seed delivery. The increased speed of the seed delivery allows for seed to be planted at higher speeds, which can be approximately 16,09 km/h (10 mph) or more.
An agricultural planting implement includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. A seed meter provides seeds one at time to a seed carrier, such as a brush wheel. The brush wheel may move the seeds one at a time to a seed conveyor by directly moving seeds along a curved portion of a seed disc in the seed meter. The seed conveyor may be a flighted belt, and the velocity of the seeds when transferred from the seed carrier may match the velocity of the flighted belt. The seed conveyor conveys the seeds to a position near the bottom of a furrow, and ejects the seeds with little or no horizontal velocity relative to the bottom of the furrow.
An agricultural planting implement includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. A seed meter provides seeds one at time to a seed carrier, such as a brush wheel. The brush wheel may move the seeds one at a time to a seed conveyor by directly moving seeds along a curved portion of a seed disc in the seed meter. The seed conveyor may be a flighted belt, and the velocity of the seeds when transferred from the seed carrier may match the velocity of the flighted belt. The seed conveyor conveys the seeds to a position near the bottom of a furrow, and ejects the seeds with little or no horizontal velocity relative to the bottom of the furrow.
An agricultural planting implement includes a number of row units. The row units include one or more seed meters for receiving, singulating, and dispensing seed to the ground such that preferred spacing of subsequent seed is attained. A seed meter provides seeds one at time to a seed carrier, such as a brush wheel. The brush wheel may move the seeds one at a time to a seed conveyor by directly moving seeds along a curved portion of a seed disc in the seed meter. The seed conveyor may be a flighted belt, and the velocity of the seeds when transferred from the seed carrier may match the velocity of the flighted belt. The seed conveyor conveys the seeds to a position near the bottom of a furrow, and ejects the seeds with little or no horizontal velocity relative to the bottom of the furrow.
A row unit of an agricultural planter includes a seed meter. The seed meter includes a seed disk within a seed meter housing. The seed disk is positioned in the seed meter housing such that the disk rotates and includes a seed release point. A drive member is operatively connected to the seed disk such that the drive member selectively rotates the disk. The seed disk is angularly positioned and is a conical-shaped member with a central axis and includes seed cells radially positioned about an outer portion. The seed disk is substantially non-perpendicular to the central axis. An air pressure source also is included to adhere seed to the disk.
Agricultural planting implements, as well as other ground-engaging implements, can utilize supplemental force assemblies to provide up and/or down force at the row or rows of the implements. The force can be used to overcome changing field conditions, obstructions, as well as changing particulate amounts and weights carried by the rows of the implements, and the implement itself. The up force can be set at system pressure, or can include control valves at each of the row units to control the amount of up force provided. The down force can be controlled by control valves at each of the row units, and can be used to overcome the up pressure or provide a designated amount of down force to the row.
Agricultural planting implements, as well as other ground-engaging implements, can utilize supplemental force assemblies to provide up and/or down force at the row or rows of the implements. The force can be used to overcome changing field conditions, obstructions, as well as changing particulate amounts and weights carried by the rows of the implements, and the implement itself. The up force can be set at system pressure, or can include control valves at each of the row units to control the amount of up force provided. The down force can be controlled by control valves at each of the row units, and can be used to overcome the up pressure or provide a designated amount of down force to the row.
A01C 7/20 - Parts of seeders for conducting and depositing seed
A01B 33/00 - Tilling implements with rotary driven tools
A01B 49/04 - Combinations of soil-working tools with non-soil-working tools, e.g. planting tools
A01B 61/04 - Devices for, or parts of, agricultural machines or implements for preventing overstrain of the connection between tools and carrier beam or frame
A01B 63/10 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements mounted on tractors operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means
A01B 63/32 - Tools or tool-holders adjustable relatively to the frame operated by hydraulic or pneumatic means
The use of self-powered, autonomous vehicles in agricultural and other domestic applications is provided. The vehicles include a self-propelled drive system, tracks or wheels operatively connected to the drive system, a power supply operatively connected to the drive system, an attachment mechanism for attaching equipment to the vehicle, and an intelligent control operatively connected to the drive system, power supply, and attachment mechanism. The vehicle is configured to connect to the equipment to perform agricultural operations based upon the equipment. Multiple vehicles can be used in a field at the same time. Furthermore, the invention includes the ability to move one or more of the autonomous vehicles from field to field, home to field, or from generally any first location to a second location.
A seed metering system, for use on a row crop planter, selects individual seeds from a seed reservoir and dispenses the seeds singularly at a controlled rate. A direct drive seed metering system includes a seed disc having a plurality of suction apertures with a recessed pocket adjacent to an aperture. The recessed pockets act to agitate seeds in the seed reservoir and to direct seed flow towards the apertures. A seed path relief system aids in the placement of the seeds such that they are released from an outer edge of the seed disc. An adjustable seed singulator is mounted adjacent to the face of the seed disc where inner and outer blades are adjusted radially to compensate for the singulation of various seed sizes and shapes. The seed disc is driven via engagement of an internal gear with the external gear of an independent drive motor.
A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port.
A lift and rotate style agricultural implement with forward folding wings is provided. The agricultural implement includes a center frame that may be operatively configured to be lifted and rotated approximately 90 degrees when switching between a field configuration and a transport configuration. Furthermore, the wings may include an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the outer portion may be operatively configured to be rotated or pivoted approximately 180 degrees relative to the inner wing portion when switching between a field configuration and a transport configuration. The inner and outer wing portions may be connected by a hinge and the outer wing may be pivoted about the inner wing portion by a cylinder.
A01B 5/04 - Ploughs with rolling non-driven tools, e.g. discs drawn by tractors
A01B 59/00 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements
A01B 59/042 - Devices specially adapted for connection between animals or tractors and agricultural machines or implements for machines pulled or pushed by a tractor having pulling means arranged on the rear part of the tractor
A01B 73/00 - Means or arrangements to facilitate transportation of agricultural machines or implements, e.g. folding frames to reduce overall width
A lift and rotate style agricultural implement with forward folding wings is provided. The agricultural implement includes a center frame that may be operatively configured to be lifted and rotated approximately 90 degrees when switching between a field configuration and a transport configuration. Furthermore, the wings may include an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the outer portion may be operatively configured to be rotated or pivoted approximately 180 degrees relative to the inner wing portion when switching between a field configuration and a transport configuration. The inner and outer wing portions may be connected by a hinge and the outer wing may be pivoted about the inner wing portion by a cylinder.
A01B 73/06 - Folding frames foldable about a vertical axis
A01B 73/00 - Means or arrangements to facilitate transportation of agricultural machines or implements, e.g. folding frames to reduce overall width
A01B 73/04 - Folding frames foldable about a horizontal axis
A01B 63/24 - Tools or tool-holders adjustable relatively to the frame
A01B 63/16 - Lifting or adjusting devices or arrangements for agricultural machines or implements for implements drawn by animals or tractors with wheels adjustable relatively to the frame
