A planter system includes a seeder assembly including a seed meter configured to dispense groups of seeds at intervals through a seed tube. The planter system also includes a sensor configured to transmit a first detection signal upon detection of a first seed passing through the seed tube and a second detection signal upon detection of a second seed passing through the seed tube. A control system is configured to compare a time between the first and second detection signals to a threshold time; determine that the first seed and the second seed are in a single group of seeds when the time between the first and second detection signals is less than the threshold time; and determine that the first seed and the second seed are in different groups of seeds if the time between the first and second detection signals is greater than the threshold time.

A planter system includes a seeder assembly including a seed meter configured to dispense groups of seeds at intervals through a seed tube. The planter system also includes a sensor configured to transmit a first detection signal upon detection of a first seed passing through the seed tube and a second detection signal upon detection of a second seed passing through the seed tube. A control system is configured to compare a time between the first and second detection signals to a threshold time; determine that the first seed and the second seed are in a single group of seeds when the time between the first and second detection signals is less than the threshold time; and determine that the first seed and the second seed are in different groups of seeds if the time between the first and second detection signals is greater than the threshold time.

A planter system for planting seeds and spraying fluid includes a seeder assembly including a seed tube, a seed meter configured to dispense a seed into the seed tube, and a conveyor apparatus configured to carry the seed through the seed tube. The planter system also includes a sensor configured to transmit a detection signal upon detection of the seed passing a detection location. The planter system also includes a control system configured to determine a travel time of the seed from the detection location to a furrow based on a baseline drop time for the seed, a baseline travel speed of the seeder assembly, and an operating travel speed of the seeder assembly. The control system is configured to transmit a control signal to a valve coupled to a nozzle assembly based on the travel time and the detection signal to spray the fluid on or adjacent the seed.

A planter system for planting seeds and spraying fluid includes a seeder assembly including a seed tube, a seed meter configured to dispense a seed into the seed tube, and a conveyor apparatus configured to carry the seed through the seed tube. The planter system also includes a sensor configured to transmit a detection signal upon detection of the seed passing a detection location. The planter system also includes a control system configured to determine a travel time of the seed from the detection location to a furrow based on a baseline drop time for the seed, a baseline travel speed of the seeder assembly, and an operating travel speed of the seeder assembly. The control system is configured to transmit a control signal to a valve coupled to a nozzle assembly based on the travel time and the detection signal to spray the fluid on or adjacent the seed.

A sowing machine and a method for separating and spreading granular material, such as seed or the like, are described, where the material is supplied by way of conveying airflows from a central container to metering devices via conveying ducts respectively associated with them. Furthermore, the material supplied in the conveying ducts is separated from the respective conveying airflow and the resulting discharge airflows are supplied via discharge air ducts to the respectively associated metering devices which are thus pressurized. Furthermore, the metering chambers are pressurized by way of supply airflows via supply ducts respectively associated with the former. The material is separated in the metering chambers by way of separating disks. Due to the fact that the supply airflows and the discharge airflows are fed into the metering chambers separately from one another, the required pressure level in the separating devices that generate the discharge airflows and thereby also the pressure level in the granular material dispensed from the separating devices to the metering devices can be reduced. This improves the separating quality of the metering devices.

A sowing machine and a method for separating and spreading granular material, such as seed or the like, are described, where the material is supplied by way of conveying airflows from a central container to metering devices via conveying ducts respectively associated with them. Furthermore, the material supplied in the conveying ducts is separated from the respective conveying airflow and the resulting discharge airflows are supplied via discharge air ducts to the respectively associated metering devices which are thus pressurized. Furthermore, the metering chambers are pressurized by way of supply airflows via supply ducts respectively associated with the former. The material is separated in the metering chambers by way of separating disks. Due to the fact that the supply airflows and the discharge airflows are fed into the metering chambers separately from one another, the required pressure level in the separating devices that generate the discharge airflows and thereby also the pressure level in the granular material dispensed from the separating devices to the metering devices can be reduced. This improves the separating quality of the metering devices.

A system to meter multiple agricultural products according to an independently prescribed rate for each in a variable-ratio blend of the agricultural products from a single opener in a plurality of such systems and openers across an applicator such as a drill. Bulk storage compartments associated with the applicator deliver multiple agricultural products to metering assemblies mounted in clusters or pods across the applicator. The agricultural products are fed from the metering assemblies, via a flow re-director, into a manifold, and then into a corresponding single opener having conduits to transport the agricultural product into the soil. Controllers independently regulate metering by the metering assemblies. The flow re-director and manifold provide blending of combinations of the agricultural products for each opener according to a field prescription.

A system to meter multiple agricultural products according to an independently prescribed rate for each in a variable-ratio blend of the agricultural products from a single opener in a plurality of such systems and openers across an applicator such as a drill. Bulk storage compartments associated with the applicator deliver multiple agricultural products to metering assemblies mounted in clusters or pods across the applicator. The agricultural products are fed from the metering assemblies, via a flow re-director, into a manifold, and then into a corresponding single opener having conduits to transport the agricultural product into the soil. Controllers independently regulate metering by the metering assemblies. The flow re-director and manifold provide blending of combinations of the agricultural products for each opener according to a field prescription.

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 fluid to plants in rows in a field includes a frame, at least one applicator arm disposed in a rhizosphere of plants during fluid flow through the applicator, and a fluid conduit connected to the frame and disposed in the row between plants to deliver fluid to the row between plants.

A drive circuit for operating a solenoid includes a main switch and a charge pump circuit. The main switch is coupled in series with a coil of the solenoid. The main switch is configured to selectively enable current flow from a voltage source according to a main switching signal to translate a poppet of the solenoid between an opened position and a closed position. The charge pump circuit is coupled to the voltage source. The charge pump circuit is configured to discharge through the coil to translate the poppet from the closed position to the opened position, and to charge when the poppet is held in the opened position.