A system for measuring real-time seed placement of seeds, such as corn seeds, during planting is provided. In certain embodiments, the sensing and measurement (SAM) system comprises various elements selected from the group consisting of a high-speed camera, light-section sensor, potentiometer, GPS unit, data acquisition system, and a control computer. The SAM system measures seeding depth, seed spacing, and geo-location of the seed. It is mounted on a planter row unit located in between the closing wheels and the gauge wheels with the camera and light section sensor directly facing the furrow.

Systems, implements, and methods for seed orientation during planting operations of agricultural plants of agricultural include a system for seed orientation having a vision system positioned in proximity to a seed disk. The vision system determines seed orientation data for seed on the seed disk. A seed belt receives seed from the seed disk and the seed belt adjusts an orientation of the seed from the seed disk to a desired seed orientation with a furrow during planting.

A meter roller for an agricultural metering system includes a flute and a recess positioned adjacent to one another along a circumferential axis of the meter roller. The flute and the recess are configured to meter flowable particulate material from a storage tank to a material distribution system via rotation of the meter roller. In addition, a first circumferential extent of the flute is at least 1.5 times greater than a second circumferential extent of the recess along an entire longitudinal extent of the flute and the recess, and the entire longitudinal extent of the flute and the recess is greater than the first circumferential extent of the flute and the second circumferential extent of the recess.

A meter roller for an agricultural metering system includes a flute and a recess positioned adjacent to one another along a circumferential axis of the meter roller. The flute and the recess are configured to meter flowable particulate material from a storage tank to a material distribution system via rotation of the meter roller. In addition, a first circumferential extent of the flute is at least 1.5 times greater than a second circumferential extent of the recess along an entire longitudinal extent of the flute and the recess, and the entire longitudinal extent of the flute and the recess is greater than the first circumferential extent of the flute and the second circumferential extent of the recess.

Systems and methods for automatically capturing visual data of a seed placed by a seed planting machine (e.g., a crop row planter). An electronic controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a seed being dispensed by the seed planting machine and to trigger a camera to capture an image of the dispensed seed in response to a determination, based on the signal, that the seed has been dispensed by the seed planting machine. In some implementations, the system includes a seed sensor configured to detect a seed moving through a seed tube that dispensed seeds from the seed planting machine. In other implementations, the system is configured to detect a new seed being dispensed by the seed planting machine by analyzing image data captured by a camera.

Systems and methods for automatically capturing visual data of a seed placed by a seed planting machine (e.g., a crop row planter). An electronic controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a seed being dispensed by the seed planting machine and to trigger a camera to capture an image of the dispensed seed in response to a determination, based on the signal, that the seed has been dispensed by the seed planting machine. In some implementations, the system includes a seed sensor configured to detect a seed moving through a seed tube that dispensed seeds from the seed planting machine. In other implementations, the system is configured to detect a new seed being dispensed by the seed planting machine by analyzing image data captured by a camera.

The present disclosure relates to a precision seeding apparatus with recesses on a caterpillar for arranging and distributing seeds against bottoms of seed furrows. The apparatus includes a frame; the frame is provided with a seed box with a seed distribution opening; a caterpillar for transporting seeds capable of being connected with a drive mechanism is arranged in the seed box; a lower part of the caterpillar for transporting seeds corresponds to the position of the seed distribution opening; the caterpillar is provided with at least one column of recesses in a lengthwise direction of the caterpillar; each group of recesses is connected through a seed unloading ditch; the seed unloading ditch is formed into a ring in a lengthwise direction of the caterpillar for transporting seeds; a lower part of the caterpillar for transporting seeds is provided with a comb sheet.

A product control assembly for an agricultural product meter includes a first product control barrier configured to extend along a product path. The product path extends from an agricultural product storage area to an outlet, the first product control barrier includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion is pivotally coupled to the first portion, the second portion is configured to contact an outlet barrier while the agricultural product meter is in a non-working position. The product control assembly also includes a second product control barrier configured to form an end of the agricultural product storage area and to be spaced apart from the outlet barrier, and the first and second product control barriers are configured to cooperate to substantially block flow of the agricultural product from the agricultural product storage area into the outlet while the agricultural product meter is in the non-working position.

Sensing systems for agricultural equipment and related methods may be configured for detecting the operating state of rotating elements in agricultural implements. The sensing systems for an agricultural implement may include a rotating element and a monitoring center equipped with an alert mechanism. The sensing systems may include an inertial sensor, a microprocessor, a communication element, and a power supply. The sensing system may be a single element fixed directly to the rotating element.

A vacuum seed meter includes a vacuum channel and a seed disc having seed cells defined as openings through a perimeter region of the seed disc, which rotates through the vacuum channel. The seed meter includes a sensor that addresses the seed cells in a way that enables prediction of imminent seed starvation of the seed meter.