Abstract:
A downforce controller for an agricultural implement having a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder is configured to be coupled to an agricultural row unit and an agricultural toolbar for transmitting a net downforce between the agricultural toolbar and the agricultural row unit. A first pressure in a first chamber of the cylinder and a second pressure in a second chamber of the cylinder have counteracting effects on the net downforce. A manifold coupled to the cylinder is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A pressure control valve coupled to the manifold is in fluid communication with the manifold and the first chamber.
Abstract:
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and controlling an agricultural implement, including seed planting implements. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for detecting seeds being conveyed by seed conveyor. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and controlling deposition of secondary crop inputs such as fertilizer and insecticide.
Abstract:
A downforce controller for an agricultural implement having a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder is configured to be coupled to an agricultural row unit and an agricultural toolbar for transmitting a net downforce between the agricultural toolbar and the agricultural row unit. A first pressure in a first chamber of the cylinder and a second pressure in a second chamber of the cylinder have counteracting effects on the net downforce. A manifold coupled to the cylinder is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A pressure control valve coupled to the manifold is in fluid communication with the manifold and the first chamber.
Abstract:
A system for sensing characteristics of a trench in a soil surface during planting operations. A trench opening assembly opens a trench in the soil surface as the trench opening assembly moves in a forward direction of travel. A trench closing assembly disposed rearward of the trench opening assembly closes the opened trench with soil. One or more sensors may be disposed on an appurtenance disposed in said trench configured to provide characteristics of an area of the open trench or an area of the trench closed with soil by the trench closing assembly or a sensor may be disposed outside of said trench configured to provide characteristics of an area of the trench closed with soil or a combination of the sensors may be disposed in the trench and outside of the trench.
Abstract:
A seed unit for placing seeds into soil is described herein. A seed unit includes a seed meter for singulating seeds, a shaft to deliver the seeds into soil during operation, and an actuator coupled to the shaft. The actuator moves the shaft during operation and the shaft delivers seeds into the soil without a continuous seed trench.
Abstract:
A liquid application apparatus for applying liquid to soil during a planting operation, having: a ground-engaging component mounted to a planter row unit, the planter row unit opening a planting trench, the planter row unit depositing seeds in the planting trench, the ground-engaging component disposed at least partially within said planting trench as the planter row unit traverses the field; a first liquid injection conduit mounted to said ground-engaging component and disposed to inject liquid into a first sidewall of said planting trench, and wherein said ground-engaging component is mounted in a housing via at least one of a height adjustment arm that is pivotably mounted in the housing to allow for height adjustment of said ground-engaging component, and a spring that is pivotably mounted in the housing to allow for vertical deflection of said ground-engaging component.
Abstract:
An agricultural planting system for controlling the depth of an opener device comprising: an agricultural planter; an opener device mounted on the agricultural planter for engaging the ground of a field; a gauge wheel mounted on the agricultural planter for rotating on the ground of the field; a GPS device coupled to the agricultural planter, the GPS device configured to determine a location of the agricultural planter in the field; and a controller in electrical communication with the agricultural planter and the GPS device, the controller having predetermined settings associated with a map of the field, the controller being configured to select a relative elevation of the opener device and the gauge wheel based at least in part on the location determined by the GPS device, and produce, based on the location, a signal for adjusting the depth of engagement into the ground of the opener device.
Abstract:
Described herein are implements and applicators for placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a fluid applicator for applying fluids to plants in rows in a field includes a frame, a coulter connected to the frame and disposed to open a trench between the rows of plants, and at least one application member connected to the frame or to the coulter and disposed to apply fluid to a rhizosphere of the plants.
Abstract:
Application units provide placement of fluid applications with respect to agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, an application unit includes a frame to be positioned in operation between two rows of plants and a plurality of flexible members coupled to the frame in operation such that the plurality of flexible members guide a lateral position of the frame to be approximately equidistant from the two rows of plants based upon whether at least one flexible member of the plurality of flexible members contacts one or more plants of the two rows of plants. The plurality of flexible members include a plurality of fluid outlets for spraying crop input in close proximity to the rows of plants.
Abstract:
Described herein are systems and devices for controlling and monitoring liquid applications of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a flow device for controlling flow during an agricultural operation includes an offset ball valve having multiple openings that rotate in position to control flow of a liquid through the offset ball valve to an outlet passage. The flow device also includes a first passage that provides a first flow path from an inlet to at least one opening of the offset ball valve and second passage that provides a second flow path from the inlet to at least one opening of the offset ball valve.