A01B63/00

Depth sensing with absolute position and temperature compensation
11206754 · 2021-12-28 · ·

An agricultural machine includes a frame, an arm pivotally coupled to the frame at a first end of the arm, and a target element on the first end of the arm. The target element is configured to rotate with the arm, and includes an outer surface and a projection extending away from the outer surface. The agricultural machine also includes a first sensor fixed to the frame. The first sensor is configured to detect the outer surface. The agricultural machine also includes a second sensor fixed to the frame. The second sensor is configured to detect the projection.

Planter row unit downforce control with ground view sensor

A row unit for a seeding machine includes a ground view sensor coupled to the frame. The ground view sensor is operable to sense the furrow and generate depth signals corresponding to actual sensed depth of the furrow. The row unit also includes a controller configured to receive the signals, and a downforce adjustment mechanism coupled to the frame and to the controller. The controller is configured to activate the downforce adjustment mechanism to adjust a downforce on the frame based on the signals received by the controller.

Ultrasonic sensors for field roughness measurement
11197408 · 2021-12-14 · ·

A system measures the roughness of the ground surface over which an agricultural implement passes as measured in the direction of travel. The system includes at least one ground sensor attached to the agricultural implement that provides measurement of the distance to the ground. A controller is connected to the at least one ground sensor, and controls at least one adjustment of the agricultural implement. The at least one ground sensor provides instantaneous output based on the distance to the ground to the controller. The controller then calculates at least one statistical parameter from the instantaneous output. The at least one statistical parameter is calculated from variations in the distance to the ground in the direction of travel of the agricultural implement.

Automatic rank selection

A controller communicates with a user interface and sends a first signal to a first actuator to unlock a first lock, sends a second signal to move a first ground-engaging implement into a stowed position, sends a third signal to the first actuator to lock first lock to retain the first ground-engaging implement in the stowed position, sends a fourth signal to inhibit flow through a first hose with a flow blocking element, sends a fifth signal to a second actuator to unlock a second lock, sends a sixth signal to move a second ground-engaging implement into a deployed position, sends a seventh signal to the second actuator to lock the second lock to retain the second ground-engaging implement in the deployed position, and sends an eighth signal to a second flow blocking element to permit flow through a second hose around the flow blocking element.

IMPLEMENT VARIABLE DOWNFORCE CONTROL
20210378160 · 2021-12-09 · ·

One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for application of a supplemental downward force to a ground working implement. A mechanical advantage from a lever arm can be utilized to apply supplemental downforce to a ground working implement. A biasing force can be applied to the lever arm by a spring assembly at various locations. Moving the spring assembly along the lever arm can vary the amount of downward force applied by the lever arm to ground working implement. In some implementations, moving the spring assembly to a different end of the lever arm applies an upward force to a coupled ground working implement.

Controlled float on an agricultural harvester for header leveling

A header assembly for an agricultural harvesting machine comprises a first frame assembly, a second frame assembly that supports a cutter, and is movable relative to the first frame assembly, a float cylinder coupled between the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly, an accumulator, a controllable reservoir, and fluidic circuitry. The fluidic circuitry comprises a first conduit forming a first fluid path that provides a flow of pressurized fluid under pressure to the float cylinder, so the float cylinder exerts a float force on the second frame assembly, a valve mechanism that is actuatable to inhibit fluid flow along the first fluid path between the accumulator and the float cylinder, a second conduit forming a second fluid path fluidically coupled to the controllable reservoir, the controllable reservoir being controllable to add fluid to the float cylinder.

Floatation adjustment array for harvester and methods of using the same
11191213 · 2021-12-07 · ·

A header floatation system that includes a floatation mechanism which includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first floatation adjustment array which includes at least a first contact point, a floatation mechanism mount which includes at least a second contact point, and a floatation mechanism fastener. The first end of the floatation mechanism can be mechanically linked to the floatation mechanism mount. Either the first floatation adjustment array or the floatation mechanism mount can include a third contact point. The floatation mechanism fastener can be positioned adjacent to, on, or through at least the first or second contact points aligning contact between the floatation mechanism mount and the first floatation adjustment array.

TILLAGE IMPLEMENT HAVING HYDRAULIC DOWN-PRESSURE

A tillage implement has a frame with a center section and first and second outer wing sections hingedly attached the center section such that the wing sections can be operably raised and lowered between a field-working position and a transport position. The sections each carry tillage tools for working the soil. Controlling a precharge in a secondary side of a hydraulic circuit enables the operator of the implement to adjust the downward pressure precharge provided by a plurality of hydraulic cylinders based on a desired stiffness of the implement. A pressure-reducing valve is configured such that flow from the hydraulic supply applies downward pressure precharge on the plurality of tillage tools. Once this desired precharge has been achieved, flow from the hydraulic supply is shut off and a check valve holds the pressure such that the plurality of hydraulic cylinders holds the tillage tools in position.

METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE POSITION OF A POWER LIFT
20210368667 · 2021-12-02 ·

A method for adjusting the position of a power lift of an agricultural utility vehicle includes storing one or more target positions in a control device, moving the control member rotationally relative to and translationally along a longitudinal axis, and adjusting the one or more target positions of the power lift within a position range defined by a lower limit position and an upper limit position by a variable movement of the control member.

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT HAVING A WING WHEEL LINKAGE ASSEMBLY
20210368668 · 2021-12-02 ·

An agricultural implement includes a main frame assembly, a toolbar coupled to the main frame assembly, and a wing wheel linkage assembly coupled to the toolbar. The agricultural implement also includes a wing wheel rotatably coupled to the wing wheel linkage assembly. In addition, the agricultural implement includes an actuator coupled to the wing wheel linkage assembly and configured to drive the wing wheel linkage assembly to move the wing wheel linkage assembly substantially along a vertical axis between a planting position and a headland position.