Abstract:
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 provides for allowing 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.
Abstract:
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 provides for allowing 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.
Abstract:
A method to precisely meter and dispense two or more crop inputs with a common metering disc is presented to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials.
Abstract:
A load sensing pin disposed to receive a load applied in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the pin. A load sensor is substantially fixedly oriented with respect to the applied load or alternatively with respect to the pin which is rotationally restrained with respect to a support structure. The load sensor is disposed to generate a load signal corresponding to strain of the pin resulting from the applied load.
Abstract:
A system and method for controlling air flow to a metering system is provided. One agricultural cart for distribution of an agricultural product in a field includes a metering system having a plurality of metering sections. At least one metering section is selectively controllable to not meter product while at least one other metering section is metering product. The agricultural cart also includes an air conveyance system having a blower and a conduit for producing and directing an air stream for moving the metered product toward a distribution device. The agricultural cart includes control circuitry configured to alter operation of the air conveyance system based upon whether the at least one metering section is metering or not metering product.
Abstract:
A method to precisely meter and dispense two or more crop inputs with a common metering disc is presented to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials.
Abstract:
A dynamic supplemental downforce control system for a planter row unit. The system includes closed-loop feedback circuit that cooperates with a downforce actuator to dynamically control fluid flow to the downforce actuator to maintain balance between the actual gauge wheel downforce and a desired gauge wheel downforce during planting operations.
Abstract:
A seeder (10) includes multiple cutting head units (30) pivotally mounted to a jack shaft (24) of a frame (12) and spring biased downwardly by hold downs (80). Each multiple cutting head unit (30) includes multiple roller blades (36) received on an axle (34) rotatably mounted in a carrier (32) and in gearing relation to the jack shaft (24). The roller blades (36) include a series of oppositely formed, circumferentially spaced radially extending indentations (36a) extending from a continuous, smooth periphery at a constant extent from the axle (34). Fingers (46) extending between the roller blades (36) are pivotally mounted to the carrier (32) to adjust the depth of the slits formed by the roller blades (36). Each hose (98) extending from a seed box (96) diverts seed into adjacent slits immediately after the roller blades (36).
Abstract:
A dual mode spreader for broadcast spreading and drop spreading material comprising a hopper to hold a supply of spreadable material, first and second discharge openings located within the hopper for which spreadable material can flow therethrough, an impeller mounted in a position below the hopper for rotational movement about an upright axis, wherein the first discharge opening leads to impeller to enable the spreadable material in the hopper to exit therefrom onto the impeller to be distributed in a path outwardly therefrom onto the surface to be treated; and a diffuser defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening, wherein the second discharge opening is in communication with the inlet opening to enable the spreadable material in the hopper to enter the diffuser and exit therefrom through the outlet opening to be distributed in a path downwardly therefrom onto the surface to be treated.