A01B63/1115

Tool height control for ground engaging tools

A mobile machine includes a frame, and a set of wheels supporting the frame. The mobile machine also includes a set of ground-engaging tools mounted to the frame that are movable relative to the wheels to change a depth of engagement of the ground engaging-tools with ground over which the mobile machine travels. A sensor senses the ground surface over which the mobile machine is traveling. The sensor can do this by sensing the position of a ground-following device having a proximal end coupled to the frame and a distal end configured to engage a surface of the ground and follow the surface of the ground as the mobile machine moves in a direction of travel, or by sensing the surface of the ground behind a surface cleaning device that exposes the surface of the ground to the sensor.

System and method for automatically resetting ground engaging tools
10813265 · 2020-10-27 · ·

A control system for an agricultural implement includes a controller configured to perform the following steps in response to determining that performance of a ground engaging tool is below a threshold performance. The controller is configured to adjust a speed of the agricultural implement to an adjusted speed. The controller is configured to raise the ground engaging tool to a target raised position in response to the speed of the agricultural implement being substantially equal to a first threshold speed. The controller is configured to adjust the speed of the agricultural implement to an initial speed in response to a position of the ground engaging tool being substantially equal to the target raised position. The controller is configured to lower the ground engaging tool to a target depth in response to the speed of the agricultural implement being substantially equal to a second threshold speed.

ULTRASONIC SENSORS FOR FIELD ROUGHNESS MEASUREMENT
20200329626 · 2020-10-22 ·

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.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF A SEED-PLANTING IMPLEMENT BASED ON THE OPERATION OF ITS FURROW-CLOSING ASSEMBLY

In one aspect, a system for controlling the operation of a seed-planting implement may include a furrow-closing assembly having a closing disc. A controller of the system may be configured to determine when a penetration depth of the closing disc falls outside a predetermined depth range based on data received from a depth sensor. The controller may also be configured to control the operation of an actuator to adjust a down pressure applied to the closing disc to return the monitored penetration depth to within the predetermined depth range. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to determine an operational adjustment to be made to an additional tool of the seed-planting implement based on the adjustment made to the down pressure applied to the closing disc. In addition, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the additional tool to execute the operational adjustment.

On-the-go soil sensors and control methods for agricultural machines
10806072 · 2020-10-20 · ·

An on-the-go monitor and control means and method for an agriculture machines includes on-the-go soil sensors that can be used to control tillage and seeding depth. On seeder implements, the sensors provide information that affects uniform plant emergence.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING THE CONDITION OF A LATERAL SWATH OF A SEEDBED WITH A SEEDBED FLOOR DETECTION ASSEMBLY

In one aspect, a system for monitoring the condition of a seedbed within a field may include a seedbed tool configured to ride along a seedbed floor as an implement frame is moved across the field. The system may also include an actuator configured to adjust the position of the seedbed tool along a lateral direction relative to the implement frame such that the seedbed tool traverses a lateral swath of the seedbed floor along the lateral direction. Furthermore, the system may include a seedbed floor sensor configured to detect the position of the seedbed tool relative to the implement frame. The position of the seedbed tool may be indicative of a profile of the lateral swath of the seedbed floor as the seedbed tool rides along the seedbed floor with movement of the implement frame in the forward travel direction.

ADJUSTABLE CLOSING SYSTEM FOR AN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT
20200281107 · 2020-09-10 · ·

A row unit of an agricultural implement includes an opening system configured to engage soil to form a furrow, sensors configured to detect a soil tightness, soil conditions, operational conditions, or a combination thereof, and a closing system configured to close the furrow. The closing system includes a first closing disc configured to engage the soil and close the furrow and a second closing disc configured to engage the soil and close the furrow. The row unit also includes a controller configured to receive feedback from the sensors and to control a position, an orientation, or both, of the first closing disc, the second closing disc, or both, in response to feedback from the sensors.

SPLIT GAUGE WHEEL SCRAPER
20200281109 · 2020-09-10 ·

A scraper assembly for a split gauge wheel of a planter row unit. The scraper assembly includes a scraper blade having a finger projection configured to extend downwardly into a gap between the inner and outer wheel members of the split gauge wheel. An inner scraper flange extends laterally inward from the finger projection and is disposed in proximity to a circumferential periphery of the inner wheel member. An outer scraper flange extends laterally outward from the finger projection and is disposed in proximity to a circumferential periphery of the outer wheel member. As the gauge wheel rotates, the inner and outer scraper flanges remove soil buildup on the circumferential periphery of the respective inner and outer wheel members and the finger projection removes soil buildup in the gap between the inner and outer wheel members.

Determining forces exerted on rolling agricultural components based on an applied braking force
10757854 · 2020-09-01 · ·

In one aspect, a system for determining forces exerted on rolling ground engaging components of an agricultural implement may a ground engaging component configured to roll relative to soil within a field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. A controller of the disclosed system may be configured to control an operation of a braking device such that a braking force is applied to the rolling ground engaging component. When the braking force is being applied to the rolling ground engaging component, the controller may be configured to monitor a rotational speed of the rolling ground engaging component based on measurement signals received from a sensor. Moreover, the controller may be configured to determine a force exerted on the rolling ground engaging component by the soil within the field based on the applied braking force and the monitored rotational speed.

SYSTEM FOR MONITORING THE CONDITION OF A SEEDBED WITHIN A FIELD WITH A SEEDBED FLOOR DETECTION ASSEMBLY
20200221627 · 2020-07-16 ·

In one aspect, a system for monitoring the condition of seedbed within a field may include a plurality of ground-penetrating tools supported by an implement frame adjacent to its forward end. The system may also include a plurality of surface-finishing tools supported by the implement frame adjacent to its aft end. Moreover, the system may include a seedbed floor detection assembly coupled to the implement frame behind the plurality of ground-penetrating tools and in front of the plurality of surface-finishing tools. The seedbed floor detection assembly may include a seedbed tool configured to ride along the seedbed floor. Additionally, the seedbed detection assembly may include a seedbed floor sensor configured to detect a position of the seedbed tool relative to the implement frame, with such position being indicative of variations in a profile of the seedbed floor.