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.
A01B 49/06 - Combinaisons d'outils de travail de la terre et d'outils non destinés au travail de la terre, tels que des plantoirs pour semer ou répandre des engrais
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.
A01B 73/00 - Moyens ou agencements pour faciliter le transport des machines ou instruments agricoles, p. ex. bâtis pliants réduisant la largeur hors tout
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 - Détermination de position en combinant les mesures des signaux provenant du système de positionnement satellitaire à radiophares avec une mesure supplémentaire la mesure supplémentaire étant une mesure inertielle, p. ex. en hybridation serrée
G05D 1/24 - Dispositions pour déterminer la position ou l’orientation
G05D 1/247 - Dispositions pour déterminer la position ou l’orientation utilisant des signaux fournis par des sources artificielles extérieures au véhicule, p. ex. balises de navigation
G05D 1/248 - Dispositions pour déterminer la position ou l’orientation utilisant des signaux fournis par des sources artificielles extérieures au véhicule, p. ex. balises de navigation générés par des satellites, p. ex. GPS
G05D 1/249 - Dispositions pour déterminer la position ou l’orientation utilisant des signaux fournis par des sources artificielles extérieures au véhicule, p. ex. balises de navigation provenant de capteurs de positionnement situés à l’extérieur du véhicule, p. ex. caméras
G05D 1/648 - Exécution d’une tâche au sein d’une zone ou d’un espace de travail, p. ex. nettoyage
G05D 1/692 - Commande coordonnée de la position ou du cap de plusieurs véhicules impliquant une pluralité de véhicules disparates
G05D 1/87 - Dispositions visant à réagir aux défaillances du système ou d’origine humaine ou à les prévenir utilisant des dispositions de commande redondantes
G06F 3/06 - Entrée numérique à partir de, ou sortie numérique vers des supports d'enregistrement
G06F 16/16 - Opérations sur les fichiers ou les dossiers, p. ex. détails des interfaces utilisateur spécialement adaptées aux systèmes de fichiers
G06F 16/174 - Élimination de redondances par le système de fichiers
G06F 16/176 - Support d’accès partagé aux fichiersSupport de partage de fichiers
H04W 76/14 - Établissement de la connexion en mode direct
6.
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.
A01B 63/00 - Dispositifs ou agencements de levage ou de réglage pour machines ou instruments agricoles
A01B 49/04 - Combinaisons d'outils de travail de la terre et d'outils non destinés au travail de la terre, tels que des plantoirs
A01B 49/06 - Combinaisons d'outils de travail de la terre et d'outils non destinés au travail de la terre, tels que des plantoirs pour semer ou répandre des engrais
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 - Systèmes à pression de gaz fonctionnant sans fluidification des matériaux avec injection pneumatique des matériaux par le gaz de propulsion l'écoulement de gaz agissant directement sur les matériaux dans un réservoir
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 - NavigationInstruments de navigation non prévus dans les groupes
G05B 13/02 - Systèmes de commande adaptatifs, c.-à-d. systèmes se réglant eux-mêmes automatiquement pour obtenir un rendement optimal suivant un critère prédéterminé électriques
G07C 5/02 - Enregistrement ou indication du temps de circulation, de fonctionnement, d'arrêt ou d'attente uniquement
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 - Détermination de position en combinant les mesures des signaux provenant du système de positionnement satellitaire à radiophares avec une mesure supplémentaire la mesure supplémentaire étant une mesure inertielle, p. ex. en hybridation serrée
G05D 1/24 - Dispositions pour déterminer la position ou l’orientation
G05D 1/247 - Dispositions pour déterminer la position ou l’orientation utilisant des signaux fournis par des sources artificielles extérieures au véhicule, p. ex. balises de navigation
G05D 1/248 - Dispositions pour déterminer la position ou l’orientation utilisant des signaux fournis par des sources artificielles extérieures au véhicule, p. ex. balises de navigation générés par des satellites, p. ex. GPS
G05D 1/249 - Dispositions pour déterminer la position ou l’orientation utilisant des signaux fournis par des sources artificielles extérieures au véhicule, p. ex. balises de navigation provenant de capteurs de positionnement situés à l’extérieur du véhicule, p. ex. caméras
G05D 1/648 - Exécution d’une tâche au sein d’une zone ou d’un espace de travail, p. ex. nettoyage
G05D 1/692 - Commande coordonnée de la position ou du cap de plusieurs véhicules impliquant une pluralité de véhicules disparates
G06F 3/06 - Entrée numérique à partir de, ou sortie numérique vers des supports d'enregistrement
G06F 16/16 - Opérations sur les fichiers ou les dossiers, p. ex. détails des interfaces utilisateur spécialement adaptées aux systèmes de fichiers
G06F 16/174 - Élimination de redondances par le système de fichiers
G06F 16/176 - Support d’accès partagé aux fichiersSupport de partage de fichiers
H04W 76/14 - Établissement de la connexion en mode direct
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 - Aménagements de commande de la distributionAménagements de réglage de l’aire de pulvérisation sensibles à l'état du liquide ou d'un autre matériau fluide expulsé, du milieu ambiant ou de la cible
B05B 12/12 - Aménagements de commande de la distributionAménagements de réglage de l’aire de pulvérisation sensibles à l'état du liquide ou d'un autre matériau fluide expulsé, du milieu ambiant ou de la cible sensibles à l'état du milieu ambiant ou de la cible, p. ex. à l'humidité, à la température
A01C 23/00 - Dispositifs distributeurs spécialement adaptés pour répandre le purin ou d'autres engrais liquides, y compris l'ammoniaque, p. ex. réservoirs de transport ou voitures arroseuses
A01B 49/06 - Combinaisons d'outils de travail de la terre et d'outils non destinés au travail de la terre, tels que des plantoirs pour semer ou répandre des engrais
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 - Adaptations ou aménagements particuliers des appareils de pulvérisation de liquides aux fins couvertes dans la présente sous-classe
B05B 9/06 - Appareillages de pulvérisation pour débiter des liquides ou d'autres matériaux fluides, n'impliquant pas de mélange avec des gaz ou des vapeurs caractérisés par les moyens d'alimentation en liquide ou en autre matériau fluide comportant un réservoir sous pression ou compressibleAppareillages de pulvérisation pour débiter des liquides ou d'autres matériaux fluides, n'impliquant pas de mélange avec des gaz ou des vapeurs caractérisés par les moyens d'alimentation en liquide ou en autre matériau fluide comportant une pompe le débit étant fonction du mouvement d'un véhicule, p. ex. avec une pompe entraînée par une roue d'un véhicule
B05B 12/08 - Aménagements de commande de la distributionAménagements de réglage de l’aire de pulvérisation sensibles à l'état du liquide ou d'un autre matériau fluide expulsé, du milieu ambiant ou de la cible
A01C 23/00 - Dispositifs distributeurs spécialement adaptés pour répandre le purin ou d'autres engrais liquides, y compris l'ammoniaque, p. ex. réservoirs de transport ou voitures arroseuses
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 - Dispositifs distributeurs spécialement adaptés pour répandre le purin ou d'autres engrais liquides, y compris l'ammoniaque, p. ex. réservoirs de transport ou voitures arroseuses
A01M 7/00 - Adaptations ou aménagements particuliers des appareils de pulvérisation de liquides aux fins couvertes dans la présente sous-classe
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 - Dispositifs distributeurs spécialement adaptés pour répandre le purin ou d'autres engrais liquides, y compris l'ammoniaque, p. ex. réservoirs de transport ou voitures arroseuses
A01M 7/00 - Adaptations ou aménagements particuliers des appareils de pulvérisation de liquides aux fins couvertes dans la présente sous-classe
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 - Dispositifs distributeurs spécialement adaptés pour répandre le purin ou d'autres engrais liquides, y compris l'ammoniaque, p. ex. réservoirs de transport ou voitures arroseuses
A01M 7/00 - Adaptations ou aménagements particuliers des appareils de pulvérisation de liquides aux fins couvertes dans la présente sous-classe
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 - Dispositifs distributeurs spécialement adaptés pour répandre le purin ou d'autres engrais liquides, y compris l'ammoniaque, p. ex. réservoirs de transport ou voitures arroseuses
A01M 7/00 - Adaptations ou aménagements particuliers des appareils de pulvérisation de liquides aux fins couvertes dans la présente sous-classe
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 - Dispositifs distributeurs spécialement adaptés pour répandre le purin ou d'autres engrais liquides, y compris l'ammoniaque, p. ex. réservoirs de transport ou voitures arroseuses
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 - Semoirs combinés avec des appareils de fertilisation
A01C 23/00 - Dispositifs distributeurs spécialement adaptés pour répandre le purin ou d'autres engrais liquides, y compris l'ammoniaque, p. ex. réservoirs de transport ou voitures arroseuses
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 - Dispositifs ou agencements de levage ou de réglage pour machines ou instruments agricoles pour instruments montés sur tracteurs à manœuvre électrique
H02M 3/135 - Transformation d'une puissance d'entrée en courant continu en une puissance de sortie en courant continu sans transformation intermédiaire en courant alternatif par convertisseurs statiques utilisant des tubes à décharge avec électrode de commande ou des dispositifs à semi-conducteurs avec électrode de commande utilisant des dispositifs du type thyratron ou thyristor exigeant des moyens d'extinction utilisant uniquement des dispositifs à semi-conducteurs
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 - Fabrication, étalonnage, nettoyage ou réparation des instruments ou dispositifs couverts par les groupes
G06F 3/0488 - Techniques d’interaction fondées sur les interfaces utilisateur graphiques [GUI] utilisant des caractéristiques spécifiques fournies par le périphérique d’entrée, p. ex. des fonctions commandées par la rotation d’une souris à deux capteurs, ou par la nature du périphérique d’entrée, p. ex. des gestes en fonction de la pression exercée enregistrée par une tablette numérique utilisant un écran tactile ou une tablette numérique, p. ex. entrée de commandes par des tracés gestuels
G06F 3/0484 - Techniques d’interaction fondées sur les interfaces utilisateur graphiques [GUI] pour la commande de fonctions ou d’opérations spécifiques, p. ex. sélection ou transformation d’un objet, d’une image ou d’un élément de texte affiché, détermination d’une valeur de paramètre ou sélection d’une plage de valeurs
A01C 7/10 - Dispositifs de réglage de la caisse à semences
G01V 8/00 - Prospection ou détection par des moyens optiques
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.
A01B 63/00 - Dispositifs ou agencements de levage ou de réglage pour machines ou instruments agricoles
A01B 49/04 - Combinaisons d'outils de travail de la terre et d'outils non destinés au travail de la terre, tels que des plantoirs
A01B 49/06 - Combinaisons d'outils de travail de la terre et d'outils non destinés au travail de la terre, tels que des plantoirs pour semer ou répandre des engrais
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 - Systèmes à pression de gaz fonctionnant sans fluidification des matériaux avec injection pneumatique des matériaux par le gaz de propulsion l'écoulement de gaz agissant directement sur les matériaux dans un réservoir
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.
A01B 49/06 - Combinaisons d'outils de travail de la terre et d'outils non destinés au travail de la terre, tels que des plantoirs pour semer ou répandre des engrais
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 - Détermination de position en combinant les mesures des signaux provenant du système de positionnement satellitaire à radiophares avec une mesure supplémentaire la mesure supplémentaire étant une mesure inertielle, p. ex. en hybridation serrée
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
G05D 1/02 - Commande de la position ou du cap par référence à un système à deux dimensions
G05D 1/10 - Commande de la position ou du cap dans les trois dimensions simultanément
G06F 3/06 - Entrée numérique à partir de, ou sortie numérique vers des supports d'enregistrement
G06F 16/16 - Opérations sur les fichiers ou les dossiers, p. ex. détails des interfaces utilisateur spécialement adaptées aux systèmes de fichiers
G06F 16/174 - Élimination de redondances par le système de fichiers
G06F 16/176 - Support d’accès partagé aux fichiersSupport de partage de fichiers
H04W 76/14 - Établissement de la connexion en mode direct
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.
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
G05D 1/02 - Commande de la position ou du cap par référence à un système à deux dimensions
A01B 69/04 - Adaptations particulières de la conduite automatique du tracteur, p. ex. systèmes électriques pour labourage selon les courbes de niveau
H04W 4/021 - Services concernant des domaines particuliers, p. ex. services de points d’intérêt, services sur place ou géorepères
H04W 4/40 - Services spécialement adaptés à des environnements, à des situations ou à des fins spécifiques pour les véhicules, p. ex. communication véhicule-piétons
H04W 4/50 - Fourniture de services ou reconfiguration de services
G06F 3/06 - Entrée numérique à partir de, ou sortie numérique vers des supports d'enregistrement
G01S 19/47 - Détermination de position en combinant les mesures des signaux provenant du système de positionnement satellitaire à radiophares avec une mesure supplémentaire la mesure supplémentaire étant une mesure inertielle, p. ex. en hybridation serrée
G05D 1/10 - Commande de la position ou du cap dans les trois dimensions simultanément
A01B 79/02 - Méthodes de travail de la terre en combinaison avec d'autres opérations agricoles, p. ex. fertilisation, plantation
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 - NavigationInstruments de navigation non prévus dans les groupes
G05B 13/02 - Systèmes de commande adaptatifs, c.-à-d. systèmes se réglant eux-mêmes automatiquement pour obtenir un rendement optimal suivant un critère prédéterminé électriques
G07C 5/02 - Enregistrement ou indication du temps de circulation, de fonctionnement, d'arrêt ou d'attente uniquement
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 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et 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 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et 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 - Systèmes à pression de gaz fonctionnant sans fluidification des matériaux avec injection pneumatique des matériaux par le gaz de propulsion l'écoulement de gaz agissant directement sur les matériaux dans un réservoir
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 - Outils ou supports d'outils réglables en position par rapport au bâti par moyens hydrauliques ou pneumatiques
A01C 7/20 - Éléments de semoirs pour guider et déposer les graines
A01C 5/06 - Machines pour ouvrir ou recouvrir des rigoles ou des sillons pour l'ensemencement ou la plantation
A01B 49/06 - Combinaisons d'outils de travail de la terre et d'outils non destinés au travail de la terre, tels que des plantoirs pour semer ou répandre des engrais
A01B 61/04 - Dispositifs ou pièces des machines ou instruments agricoles pour éviter un effort excessif des points de fixation des outils de travail aux flèches ou bâtis
A01B 63/28 - Outils ou supports d'outils réglables en position par rapport au bâti par l'action de la machine ou de l'instrument
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 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
A01C 7/18 - Machines pour déposer une quantité de semence de distance en distance (semoirs en poquets)
G06F 3/0484 - Techniques d’interaction fondées sur les interfaces utilisateur graphiques [GUI] pour la commande de fonctions ou d’opérations spécifiques, p. ex. sélection ou transformation d’un objet, d’une image ou d’un élément de texte affiché, détermination d’une valeur de paramètre ou sélection d’une plage de valeurs
G06F 3/0488 - Techniques d’interaction fondées sur les interfaces utilisateur graphiques [GUI] utilisant des caractéristiques spécifiques fournies par le périphérique d’entrée, p. ex. des fonctions commandées par la rotation d’une souris à deux capteurs, ou par la nature du périphérique d’entrée, p. ex. des gestes en fonction de la pression exercée enregistrée par une tablette numérique utilisant un écran tactile ou une tablette numérique, p. ex. entrée de commandes par des tracés gestuels
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.
A01B 63/00 - Dispositifs ou agencements de levage ou de réglage pour machines ou instruments agricoles
A01B 49/06 - Combinaisons d'outils de travail de la terre et d'outils non destinés au travail de la terre, tels que des plantoirs pour semer ou répandre des engrais
A01C 7/20 - Éléments de semoirs pour guider et déposer les graines
A01B 49/04 - Combinaisons d'outils de travail de la terre et d'outils non destinés au travail de la terre, tels que des plantoirs
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.
A01B 49/06 - Combinaisons d'outils de travail de la terre et d'outils non destinés au travail de la terre, tels que des plantoirs pour semer ou répandre des engrais
A01C 5/06 - Machines pour ouvrir ou recouvrir des rigoles ou des sillons pour l'ensemencement ou la plantation
A01C 7/10 - Dispositifs de réglage de la caisse à semences
A01C 7/20 - Éléments de semoirs pour guider et déposer les graines
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.
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 - Éléments de semoirs pour guider et déposer les graines
A01B 33/00 - Instruments d'ameublissement à outils rotatifs entraînés
A01B 49/04 - Combinaisons d'outils de travail de la terre et d'outils non destinés au travail de la terre, tels que des plantoirs
A01B 61/04 - Dispositifs ou pièces des machines ou instruments agricoles pour éviter un effort excessif des points de fixation des outils de travail aux flèches ou bâtis
A01B 63/10 - Dispositifs ou agencements de levage ou de réglage pour machines ou instruments agricoles pour instruments montés sur tracteurs à manœuvre hydraulique ou pneumatique
A01B 63/32 - Outils ou supports d'outils réglables en position par rapport au bâti par moyens hydrauliques ou pneumatiques
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 - Charrues à outils de travail rotatifs non entraînés, p. ex. à disques à traction mécanique
A01B 59/00 - Dispositifs particuliers pour l'attelage des animaux ou des tracteurs aux machines ou instruments agricoles
A01B 59/042 - Dispositifs particuliers pour l'attelage des animaux ou des tracteurs aux machines ou instruments agricoles pour machines tirées ou poussées par tracteurs dont les moyens de traction sont disposés à l'arrière du tracteur
A01B 73/00 - Moyens ou agencements pour faciliter le transport des machines ou instruments agricoles, p. ex. bâtis pliants réduisant la largeur hors tout
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 - Bâtis pliants repliables autour d'un axe vertical
A01B 73/00 - Moyens ou agencements pour faciliter le transport des machines ou instruments agricoles, p. ex. bâtis pliants réduisant la largeur hors tout
A01B 73/04 - Bâtis pliants repliables autour d'un axe horizontal
A01B 63/24 - Outils ou supports d'outils réglables en position par rapport au bâti
A01B 63/16 - Dispositifs ou agencements de levage ou de réglage pour machines ou instruments agricoles pour instruments à traction animale ou mécanique avec roues réglables par rapport au bâti
