Abstract: An agricultural sprayer includes a nozzle assembly having a nozzle body, a valve moveably positioned within the nozzle body, and an actuator configured to move the valve within the nozzle body. Additionally, the agricultural sprayer includes a computing system having a spray controller positioned outside of the nozzle body and a nozzle controller positioned within the nozzle body. The spray controller is communicatively coupled to the nozzle controller such that the spray controller is configured to transmit control signals to the nozzle controller via a first communicative link, with the nozzle being controller configured to control an operation of the actuator based on the control signals received from the spray controller. Moreover, the spray controller is communicatively coupled to the actuator such that the spray controller is configured to directly control the operation of the actuator via a second communicative link independently of the nozzle controller.

Abstract: A system for identifying weeds present within a field includes an imaging device configured to capture an image depicting a plurality of plants present within the field. Furthermore, the system includes a computing system communicatively coupled to the imaging device, with the computing system configured to receive the image captured by the imaging device. Additionally, the computing system is configured to identify a stalk of each of the plurality of the plants depicted within the received image. Moreover, the computing system is configured to determine a parameter associated with each identified stalk. In addition, the computing system is configured to identify each plant of the plurality of plants as a crop or a weed based on the corresponding determined parameter.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operational status of ground-engaging tools of an agricultural implement. The system includes a frame and an assembly including an attachment structure configured to be coupled to the frame and a ground-engaging tool. The ground-engaging tool is pivotably coupled to the attachment structure. The system further includes a shear pin at least partially extending through both the attachment structure and ground-engaging tool to prevent pivoting of the ground-engaging tool about the pivot point when the shear pin is in an operable working condition. Additionally, the system includes an electrical connection through one or more components of the assembly or the shear pin and associated with the shear pin. The system further includes a controller electrically coupled to the electrical connection. The controller is configured to determine a change in the working condition of the shear pin based on an electrical property of the electrical connection.

Abstract: A system for adjusting actuator pressure on an agricultural implement includes a fluid-driven actuator configured to adjust a position of a tool of the implement relative to the implement frame, with the fluid-driven actuator defining a fluid chamber. Furthermore, the system includes a valve configured to control a flow of a fluid to the fluid-driven actuator. In addition, the system includes a fluid conduit fluidly coupled between the valve and the fluid chamber. Moreover, the system includes a computing system is configured to determine the current position of the tool relative to the implement frame based on the data captured by a position sensor. Additionally, the computing system is configured to determine a current volume of the fluid chamber and the fluid conduit based on the determined current position. Furthermore, the computing system is configured to control the operation of the valve based on the determined current volume.

Abstract: A trench detection system for an agricultural implement includes a row unit configured to form a trench in soil, to deposit an agricultural product in the trench, and to at least partially close the trench after deposition of the agricultural product. The trench detection system also includes a tactile probe assembly behind the row unit that, in operation, contacts the soil after closure of the trench and generates a signal indicative of a quality of the closure.

Abstract: A system for identifying plugging within an agricultural implement is provided. The system includes a ground engaging tool configured to be supported by the agricultural implement. A fluidic actuator is coupled to the ground engaging tool. The fluidic actuator is operable to adjust the ground engaging tool between a lifted position and a ground engaging position. A pressure sensor is configured to measure a pressure of fluid supplied to the fluidic actuator. A controller is communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor. The controller is configured to receive, from the pressure sensor, a signal that corresponds to the pressure of fluid supplied to the fluidic actuator. The controller is further configured to determine when the ground engaging tool is plugged based at least in part on the signal from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A system for controlling an operation of a seed-planting implement includes a row unit frame and a residue removal device pivotably coupled to the row unit frame. Furthermore, the system includes a first sensor configured to capture data indicative of a position of the residue removal device relative to the row unit frame. Additionally, the system includes a computing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor, with the computing system configured to determine the position of the residue removal device relative to the row unit frame based on the data captured by the first sensor. Moreover, the computing system is configured to determine a field condition of a field across which the seed-planting implement is traveling based on the determined position of the residue removal device.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a force acting on a row cleaner of a row unit for an agricultural implement may include a first frame member, a second frame member pivotably coupled to the first frame member, at least one cleaning wheel rotatable relative to the second frame member, a biasing member configured to apply a force against the second frame member along a line of action, an actuator configured to actuate the biasing member to adjust an orientation of the line of action of the force, and a controller configured to selectively control an operation of the actuator. The biasing member extends between first and second biasing ends, with the first biasing end being pivotably coupled to the second frame member. The actuator extends between first and second actuator ends, with the second actuator end being pivotably coupled to the second biasing end.

Abstract: An agricultural implement may include a frame and a row unit supported by the frame, where the row unit works a field as the implement is moved across the field. The row unit includes a first frame member coupled to a support structure of the row unit, a second frame member rotatable relative to the first frame member, and at least one cleaning wheel rotatable relative to the second frame member. Additionally, the row unit includes a depth stop member movably coupled to the first frame member, where the depth stop member is configured to set a lower height limit for the at least one cleaning wheel, with the second frame member being configured to abut against the depth stop member when the at least one cleaning wheel is disposed at the lower height limit.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a row cleaning device of a seed-planting implement may include a row cleaning device configured to adjust a surface cleanliness of a portion of a field, at least one row sensor, and a controller. The at least one row sensor may generate data indicative of a first surface cleanliness parameter within a worked area of the field positioned aft of the row cleaning device and a second surface cleanliness parameter within an unworked area of the field, the unworked area being outside of the worked area. The controller may be configured to receive the data indicative of the first and second surface cleanliness parameters from the at least one row sensor, and to determine an efficiency of the row cleaning device based at least in part on the first and second surface cleanliness parameters.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of a row cleaning device of a seed-planting implement may include a row cleaning device, at least one row sensor, and a controller. The row cleaning device may move field materials away from a travel path of a component of a seed-planting implement, where the component is positioned aft of the row cleaning device along a direction of travel of the seed-planting implement. The at least one row sensor may generate data indicative of a composition of the field materials moved by the row cleaning device. The controller may be configured to receive the data from the at least one row sensor as the seed planting implement moves across the field, and to monitor the composition of the field materials moved by the row cleaning device based at least in part on the data received from the at least one row sensor.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operation of an agricultural sprayer includes a computing system is configured to determine a movement parameter associated with the movement of a boom assembly of the agricultural sprayer relative to a frame of the agricultural sprayer based on data captured by a movement sensor. Furthermore, the computing system is configured to determine the distance between a spray nozzle of the agricultural sprayer and the underlying crop canopy or field surface based on data captured by a position sensor. Additionally, the computing system is configured to determine a spray deposition parameter indicative of a rate at which agricultural fluid is deposited on the underlying crop canopy or field surface based on the determined movement parameter and the determined distance.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring the performance of ground engaging components of an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging component configured to rotate relative to soil within a field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. The system may also include a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a rotational speed of the ground engaging component. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor the rotational speed of the ground engaging component based on measurement signals received from the sensor and compare the monitored rotational speed to a baseline rotational speed value. Additionally, the controller may be configured to initiate a control action when it is determined that the monitored rotational speed has crossed the baseline rotational speed value a threshold number of times during a given time interval.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for disregarding obscured sensor data during the performance of an agricultural operation may include a sensor provided in operative association with an agricultural machine. The sensor may, in turn, be configured to capture three-dimensional data associated with a portion of the field within a field of view of the sensor. A controller of the system may be configured to configured to generate an initial three-dimensional representation of the field based on data received from the sensor. Moreover, the controller may be configured to identify an obscured region within the generated initial three-dimensional representation of the field. Additionally, the controller may be configured to disregard a three-dimensional volume associated with the obscured region from the initial three-dimensional representation of the field to form a modified three-dimensional representation of the field.

Abstract: A multimodal sensing system for agricultural machines may include an agricultural machine operable in a first operating mode and a second operating mode and a sensor which is movable to adjust its field-of-view between a first field-of-view and a second field-of-view depending on the operating mode of the agricultural machine. The sensor may be configured to generate sensor data associated with the first field-of-view when the agricultural machine is operating in the first operating mode and generate sensor data associated with the second field-of-view when the agricultural machine is operating in the second operating mode. A controller may analyze the sensor data generated when the sensor has the first and second field-of-views so as to provide respective first and second output signals associated with the first and second operating modes, respectively, of the agricultural machine.

Abstract: A method for performing spraying operations includes controlling a speed system to move an agricultural sprayer across a field at a speed equal to or below a ground speed limit of the agricultural sprayer, receiving data from a field condition sensor indicative of one or more field conditions within the field, and controlling the operation of a plurality of nozzle assemblies provided in association with a boom of the agricultural sprayer to perform a spraying operation based at least in part on the data received from the field condition sensor. The method additionally includes monitoring an operating parameter indicative of a travel speed of each of the plurality of nozzle assemblies, and automatically adjusting an operation of the agricultural sprayer in response to the determination that the travel speed of at least one of the plurality of nozzle assemblies exceeds or is likely to exceed the ground speed limit.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for dispensing agricultural products into a field using an agricultural machine may include a metering device configured to control a rate at which an agricultural product is dispensed into the field. Furthermore, the system may include a controller configured to determine a density of a cover crop present within the field as the agricultural machine is moved across the field. Moreover, the controller may be configured to determine an adjustment to be made to the rate at which the agricultural product is being dispensed for use in growing a primary crop within the field based on the determined density. Additionally, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the metering device to execute the adjustment of the rate at which the agricultural product is being dispensed.

Abstract: A system for adjusting the spacing between ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement may include a plurality of ground engaging tools including a first end tool, a second end tool, and at least one intermediate tool positioned between the first and second end tools, with an adjustable ground engaging width being defined between the first and second end tools. The system may further include a biasing element positioned between each respective pair of adjacent engaging tools and configured to apply a biasing force against its respective pair of adjacent tools such that an inter-tool spacing between each respective pair of adjacent tools is maintained substantially uniform across the plurality of ground engaging tools as the ground engaging width is adjusted.

Abstract: A system for assessing the performance of an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool configured to engage soil within a field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field such that the ground engaging tool creates a field material cloud aft of the ground engaging tool in a direction of travel of the agricultural implement. The system may further include a sensor configured to detect a cloud characteristic of the field material cloud and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor data received from the sensor and assess the agricultural operation being performed based at least in part on the cloud characteristic.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for controlling the operation of a residue removal device of a seed-planting implement may include a residue removal device configured to remove residue from a path of the seed-planting implement. The system may also include a sensor configured to capture data indicative of a residue characteristic associated with a portion of the field within a detection zone positioned forward of the residue removal device relative to a direction of travel of the seed-planting implement. Furthermore, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. As such, the controller may be configured to monitor the residue characteristic associated with the portion of the field within the detection zone based on data received from the sensor. Additionally, the controller may be further configured to control the operation of the residue removal device based on the monitored residue characteristic.