Abstract: In one embodiment, a seeding implement control system includes a controller including a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a target extension length of an actuator. The actuator is configured to control a ground engaging tool of a row unit. The actuator is also configured to position a lower surface of a blade of the ground engaging tool a target distance above a soil surface while the actuator is extended to the target extension length. The controller is further configured to store the target extension length in a memory device of the controller. The controller is configured to instruct the actuator to transition to the target extension length in response to receiving a second signal indicative of transitioning the ground engaging tool to a disengaged position.

Abstract: A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.

Abstract: A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.

Abstract: A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.

Abstract: A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.

Abstract: A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.

Abstract: An agricultural delivery system allows for the selective delivery of agricultural product (e.g., seeds or fertilizer) along one or more paths to row units according to a real-time location determined for the delivery system. The delivery system may include: a rotating drum configured to separate individual product for depositing along paths to row units; a sectional control system which may include wheels or gates for selectively cutting off product in the paths; and a controller in communication with a positioning system and the sectional control system. In operation, as the delivery system moves through a field, the controller may continuously determine a location for the delivery system. The controller may then operate to adjust individual product delivery, via the sectional control system, according to the location.

Abstract: An agricultural delivery system allows for the selective delivery of agricultural product (e.g., seeds or fertilizer) along one or more paths to row units according to a real-time location determined for the delivery system. The delivery system may include: a rotating drum configured to separate individual product for depositing along paths to row units; a sectional control system which may include wheels or gates for selectively cutting off product in the paths; and a controller in communication with a positioning system and the sectional control system. In operation, as the delivery system moves through a field; the controller may continuously determine a location for the delivery system. The controller may then operate to adjust individual product delivery, via the sectional control system, according to the location.

Abstract: A treatment system includes multiple treatment lines configured to flow treatment chemicals from a treatment chemical supply to multiple distribution lines that transport agricultural product to row units of an implement. The treatment system also includes at least one a pump fluidly coupled to the multiple treatment lines. In addition, the at least one pump drives the treatment chemicals to flow from the treatment chemical supply to the multiple distribution lines through the multiple treatment lines. Moreover, the treatment system includes multiple valves, wherein each of the multiple valves is fluidly coupled to at least one of the multiple treatment lines. Further, each of the multiple valves controls the flow of the treatment chemicals through the at least one of the multiple treatment lines.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a seeding implement control system includes a controller including a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a target extension length of an actuator. The actuator is configured to control a ground engaging tool of a row unit. The actuator is also configured to position a lower surface of a blade of the ground engaging tool a target distance above a soil surface while the actuator is extended to the target extension length. The controller is further configured to store the target extension length in a memory device of the controller. The controller is configured to instruct the actuator to transition to the target extension length in response to receiving a second signal indicative of transitioning the ground engaging tool to a disengaged position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agricultural delivery system which may selectively deliver agricultural product (e.g., seeds or fertilizer) along one or more paths to row units according to a real-time location determined for the delivery system. The delivery system may include: a rotating drum configured to separate individual product for depositing along paths to row units; a sectional control system which may include wheels or gates for selectively cutting off product in the paths; and a controller in communication with a positioning system and the sectional control system. In operation, as the delivery system moves through a field, the controller may continuously determine a location for the delivery system. The controller may then operate to adjust individual product delivery, via the sectional control system, according to the location.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agricultural delivery system which may selectively deliver agricultural product (e.g., seeds or fertilizer) along one or more paths to row units according to a real-time location determined for the delivery system. The delivery system may include: a rotating drum configured to separate individual product for depositing along paths to row units; a sectional control system which may include wheels or gates for selectively cutting off product in the paths; and a controller in communication with a positioning system and the sectional control system. In operation, as the delivery system moves through a field, the controller may continuously determine a location for the delivery system. The controller may then operate to adjust individual product delivery, via the sectional control system, according to the location.

Abstract: An agricultural delivery system which allows for the selective delivery of agricultural product (e.g., seeds or fertilizer) along one or more paths to row units according to a real-time location determined for the delivery system. The delivery system may include: a rotating drum configured to separate individual product for depositing along paths to row units; a sectional control system which may include wheels or gates for selectively cutting off product in the paths; and a controller in communication with a positioning system and the sectional control system. In operation, as the delivery system moves through a field, the controller may continuously determine a location for the delivery system. The controller may then operate to adjust individual product delivery, via the sectional control system, according to the location.

Abstract: A sectional control apparatus and method prompts the operator of an implement when the implement, or portion thereof, is traversing over land that has already been seeded and/or disturbed. The apparatus includes a GPS or GNSS receiver that communicates with a GPS or GNSS system and a controller that maps movement of the implement so that real-time positional data for the implement can be compared to the movement map. When the position of the implement, or portion thereof, is detected as moving over previously seeded and/or disturbed land, the controller activates an alert mechanism in the operator cab of the implement to notify the operator that sectional control, i.e., shutting down metering of product or raising the tool bar, needs to be implemented.

Abstract: A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.

Abstract: A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agricultural delivery system which may selectively deliver agricultural product (e.g., seeds or fertilizer) along one or more paths to row units according to a real-time location determined for the delivery system. The delivery system may include: a rotating drum configured to separate individual product for depositing along paths to row units; a sectional control system which may include wheels or gates for selectively cutting off product in the paths; and a controller in communication with a positioning system and the sectional control system. In operation, as the delivery system moves through a field, the controller may continuously determine a location for the delivery system. The controller may then operate to adjust individual product delivery, via the sectional control system, according to the location.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seed discharge system is that employs a pair of rotating belts spaced from one another to receive the seeds from a seed metering device and to direct the seeds into the desired location within a trench over which the discharge system is positioned. The seeds are received within a gap formed between the belts and are clamped and held between the belts as the belts move, consequently moving the seeds from the seed metering device to the discharge opening of the discharge system. The constant engagement of the seeds with the belts through the discharge system prevents the seeds from bouncing, thereby maintaining a constant residence time for the seeds within the discharge system.

Abstract: A sectional control apparatus and method prompts the operator of an implement when the implement, or portion thereof, is traversing over land that has already been seeded and/or disturbed. The apparatus includes a GPS or GNSS receiver that communicates with a GPS or GNSS system and a controller that maps movement of the implement so that real-time positional data for the implement can be compared to the movement map. When the position of the implement, or portion thereof, is detected as moving over previously seeded and/or disturbed land, the controller activates an alert mechanism in the operator cab of the implement to notify the operator that sectional control, i.e., shutting down metering of product or raising the tool bar, needs to be implemented.

Abstract: With the use of low cost microphones mounted near each nozzle, sound signatures of the nozzles may be captured and compared to a baseline calibration measurement corresponding to a substantially new nozzle to determine if the nozzle is worn out. Sound signatures may be periodically captured and compared to the baseline calibration measurement to provide a continuous indicator of wear out for each nozzle. The invention has the advantage of being relatively low cost with ceramic microphones, for example, and with little or no moving parts required.