A01B63/008

Machine vision control system for precision agriculture

An illustrative control system for an precision agricultural implement includes a controller having a convolutional neural network, a machine vision module, a plurality of sensors, and a plurality of actuators in communication with the controller, the plurality of actuators including a plurality of agricultural tool actuators.

Negative downforce system for ground engaging machinery
11246254 · 2022-02-15 · ·

A downforce control system for an agricultural ground engaging unit provides individual control of each agricultural ground engaging row unit by providing a proportional pressure control valve connected to the retracting chamber of a double acting cylinder which varies the upward force produced by the retracting chamber of the cylinder against a constant counteracting downward force produced by an extending chamber of the cylinder, the valve control based on a comparison of a sensed resultant downward force on the agricultural ground engaging row unit and a predetermined target downward force.

TOOL BAR PIVOT HINGE ASSEMBLY FOR AN AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT
20170258000 · 2017-09-14 · ·

An agricultural implement system includes a tow bar configured to couple to a hitch assembly. The agricultural implement system also includes a tool bar pivot hinge assembly comprising two pivot points. The agricultural implement system additionally includes a first tool bar member mechanically coupled to a second tool bar member via the tool bar pivot hinge assembly; the first tool bar member extending transversely from the tow bar, wherein the tool bar pivot hinge assembly provides for an axis of rotation of the second tool bar member about the first tool bar member and additionally provides for an extension of the second tool bar member away from the first tool bar member.

Agricultural Vehicle with Adjustable Lift Height Based on Header Identification
20220039317 · 2022-02-10 ·

An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis (16), a lift arm (18) movably coupled to the chassis (16), a lift actuator (21) coupled to the lift arm (18), a header (14) coupled to the lift arm (18), and a controller (120) operably coupled to the lift actuator (21). The controller (120) is configured to: receive a header type signal corresponding to a header type of the header; define a lift height limit of the header based at least partially on the received header type signal, the lift height limit being a first height limit when a first header type signal is received or a second height limit when a second header type signal is received; and output a lift signal to the lift actuator (21) to vertically displace the header (14). Header vertical displacement is limited to the first height limit if the first header type signal is received or the second height limit if the second header type signal is received.

HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM OF AN IMPLEMENT FOR A WORK MACHINE AND METHOD THEREOF
20170251588 · 2017-09-07 ·

An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A hydraulic control system controls a raising or lowering movement of each frame section. A first actuator and a second actuator are coupled to the first frame section, a third actuator is coupled to the second frame section, and a fourth actuator is coupled to the third frame section. A first control valve is fluidly coupled between a fluid source and the first and second actuators. A second control valve is fluidly coupled to the third actuator and a third control valve is fluidly coupled to the fourth actuator. A first flow path fluidly couples the first actuator, the second actuator, the third actuator, and the fourth actuator in series and a second flow path fluidly couples at least the third and fourth actuators in parallel with one another.

AUTOMATED LEVELING AND DEPTH CONTROL SYSTEM OF A WORK MACHINE AND METHOD THEREOF
20170251587 · 2017-09-07 ·

An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming a first, a second, and a third frame section. A first actuator is coupled to the first frame section, a second actuator coupled to the second frame section, and a third actuator coupled to the third frame section. Sensors are coupled to each frame section to detect a height of the respective frame section relative to an underlying surface. A control unit is disposed in electrical communication with the sensors and operably controls the actuators to adjust the height of each frame section.

CULTIVATOR
20210400862 · 2021-12-30 · ·

A cultivator includes at least one cultivator row unit, each of the at least one cultivator row unit having a support assembly for securing the cultivator row unit to a tool bar, a shank, an earth working tool operatively connected to the shank, and at least one assembly for providing discrete incremental adjustment for at least one of (a) an angle of the earth working tool, (b) a depth of the earth working tool, and (c) a gauge wheel depth.

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.

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.

System and method for determining field characteristics based on a displayed light pattern

In one aspect, a system for determining field characteristics during the performance of an agricultural operation may include an imaging device configured to capture image data associated with a portion of the field within a field of view of the imaging device. The system may also include an illumination device configured to emit a light directed at the portion of the field within the field of view of the imaging device. Furthermore, a controller of the system may be configured to control an operation of the illumination device such that a light pattern is displayed on a field surface of the field. Moreover, the controller may be configured to receive image data indicative of the displayed light pattern from the imaging device. Additionally, the controller may be configured to determine a field characteristic of the field based on the displayed light pattern.