Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for planting seed. A system includes a row unit configured to open a planting trench. A first seed meter has a first coding scheme and receives a first seed type from a first hopper having the first coding scheme. A second meter has a second coding scheme and receives a second seed type from a second hopper having the second coding scheme.

Abstract: There is disclosed a single and twin and multiple row planting system configured to be adapted to a planter including a motor drive seed dispenser that is controlled by a planting controller that deposits seeds with a predetermined seed spacing that accommodates differing individual planter row speeds and terrain. In particular, a distance-based seed tagging system and method are used to achieve the desired seed spacing and seed stagger configurations.

Abstract: Seed meters, agricultural planters, and methods of planting seed are provided. Such meters, planters, and methods may include a housing defining a chamber, a seed disc rotatably coupled to the housing and at least partially positioned within the chamber with the seed disc adapted to engage a seed, and a sensor for detecting a characteristic of the seed after the seed disengages the seed disc and before the seed exits the seed meter. The sensor may be coupled to a seed chute of the seed meter and may detect a wide variety of seed characteristics such as seed position within the seed chute, seed size, and seed shape. The seed characteristic may be used to adjust operation of the seed meters, agricultural planters, and methods. In some instances, the adjustment may be manual. In other instances, the adjustment may be automatic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for generating a planting profile for seeds planted in a field using a seed planter that includes a seed transfer device. In various embodiments, the planting profile may be generated via a processor that communicates with a timing device and a seed sensor. The timing device is configured to provide timestamps associated with the presence of one or more seeds on a seed carrying feature of the seed transfer device as indicated by the seed sensor. Some embodiments further comprise a speed measuring device that is configured to measure and provide to the processor a speed of the seed planter as it travels through the field. Other embodiments further comprise a second seed sensor that senses seeds after exiting from the drop tube.

Abstract: A seed delivery apparatus has a moving member that captures and entraps the seed from the seed meter and physically moves the seed from the meter to the lower outlet opening. In so doing, the seed engages and travels along an interior surface of the seed delivery apparatus. A seed sensor is mounted on the housing wall such that the seed passes directly in front of the sensor. The sensor has both the light emitting devices and the photo-sensitive elements on the same wall of the delivery apparatus, or on two opposed walls. The moving member prevents ambient light, dust and dirt from entering the housing and impacting the sensor output signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for dispensing fluids. The systems can include a sensor operable to detect when an object passes a first location as the object moves to a second location. The systems can also include a fluid dispenser operable to dispense fluid at the second location. In addition, the systems can include a control unit in communication with the sensor and the fluid dispenser. The control unit can receive information from the sensor that the object has passed the first location and to control the fluid dispenser to dispense fluid at the second location at a predetermined time after the object passes the first location.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus, method and system for a seed planter. The seed planter has a planting, dispensing and metering assembly operatively attached to a mobile supporting structure. The metering assembly has separated seed pre-staging and/or staging positions for staging pre-specified counts of seed separated from other counts in the batch and maintaining separation of the pre-specified counts of seed from other counts in the batch for planting. Alternatively, the metering assembly has separated seed staging positions for staging a batch of seed in singulated form for planting.

Abstract: A seeding machine having a plurality of row units and a processing circuit. Each of the row units have a seed metering device, a seed placement device and a sensor suitable to detect a parameter related to seed placement. The seed metering device includes a metering member providing a metering action to a plurality of seeds. The seed placement device receives the seeds from the seed metering device. A seed meter drive controller receives an index signal from the sensor on the row unit as well as a reference pulse signal. The processing signal of the drive controllers compares the index signal to the reference signal. Each drive controller is selectively programmable to control an associated motor of the meter drive to produce a desired relationship between the row unit index signal and the reference signal thereby synchronizing the seed placement among two or more rows. block diagram illustrating an alternative arrangement of the meter drive and control system components.

Abstract: A seeding machine having at least one tool bar, a plurality of row units and a processing circuit. Each of the plurality of row units are connected to the toolbar. Each of the row units have a seed metering device, a seed placement device and a seed sensor. The seed metering device includes a seed disk providing a metering action to a plurality of seeds. The seed placement device receives the seeds from the seed metering device. The seed sensor is positioned to detect the passage of seeds through either the metering device or the seed placement device. The seed sensor producing a signal indicative of the passage of the seeds. The processing circuit is receptive of the signal from each of the seed sensors of each of the plurality of row units. The processing circuit determines a seed placement parameter dependent upon the signal, the processing circuit alters the metering action of the seeds dependent on the seed placement parameter.

Abstract: A liquid metering system for an agricultural implement is modular, having individual metering pumps for each crop row. The pumps are individually controlled for precise application of the liquid input and are preferable electrically driven. A common pump is used, making the system modular in that varying sizes of implements can be produced by varying the number of pumps. A common supply line is used to supply a liquid input from a reservoir to the pumps. Each pump is connected to the common supply line. By connecting each pump to the common supply line, the difficulty of routing individual hoses from a central pump to each row unit are overcome.

Abstract: A fill tube and sensor assembly has a single electronic sensor to detect the level of product in a hopper of an agricultural implement relative to a fill line. The electronic sensor can be positioned at various heights relative to the fill tube to provide variability in the height of the fill line. The sensor provides a full level signal until product is drawn from the fill tube. Once the product is dispensed from the fill tube and into the general interior volume of the hopper, the single sensor provides an empty level signal that can be used to alert an operator of a diminished product supply or control operation of the farm implement.

Abstract: A sowing device having a travelling framework (2) is described, which comprises a storage roll (3) for a seed strip (4) equipped with individual grains (5) of a seed, and an unwinding unit (6) for the seed strip (4) drivable as a function of the travel distance. To ensure a precise deposit of the seed grains (5), it is suggested that a sensor (15) for the individual grains (5) in the seed strip (4) be provided in the area of the seed strip section (14) between the unwinding unit (6) and a ground-proximal deflection roll (8), and a control unit (16), connected on one hand to the sensor (15) and on the other hand to a travel distance encoder (18), activate the drive (17) of the unwinding unit (6) as a function of the difference between the actual location of the seed grains (5) detected by the sensor (15) and a setpoint location predefinable with the aid of the travel distance encoder (18).

Abstract: A seeding apparatus comprising: (a seed distribution metering means including a rotating d drum with apertures on its periphery and a vacuum generator for generating a suction pressure inside the drum so that seeds are attracted to the apertures; (b) feeding system including a hopper, gravitational acceleration chamber, velocity controlling elements such as a flap and continuous belts for feeding seeds at a required amount and speed to the drum; (c) release mechanisms including an air-jet for releasing metered seeds from the drum along a selected trajectory while unselected seeds follow another trajectory, delivery device including an adjustable flow venturi and electronic sensor for controlling delivery of metered seeds.

Abstract: A detector is supported adjacent the seed cells within a seed meter housing and provides an indication of the presence or absence of seeds in the cells. A processor receives the seed presence indications and provides an operator readout to facilitate adjustments to the seed meter system to maintain a single seed per seed cell at the given seed population. In one embodiment, the detector is a video camera and the readout includes a slow motion rendering of the seed cells downstream of a seed singulator. In another embodiment, a light source is located on one side of the seed cells, and a light detector is located on the opposite side of the seed cell to determine presence or absence of material in the cell.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for dispensing fluids. The systems can include a sensor operable to detect when an object passes a first location as the object moves to a second location. The systems can also include a fluid dispenser operable to dispense fluid at the second location. In addition, the systems can include a control unit in communication with the sensor and the fluid dispenser. The control unit can receive information from the sensor that the object has passed the first location and to control the fluid dispenser to dispense fluid at the second location at a predetermined time after the object passes the first location.

Abstract: A self-calibrating metering system for dispensing chemical granules. The system incorporates a flow sensor configured to sense a greater flow rate at the inlet aperture than at the outlet aperture. Further included is an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the flow rate of the meter so as to calibrate the meter according to a known flow rate through a calibrated orifice within the meter. An electromechanical solenoid may be energized by a subcontroller operably coupled to the metering apparatus to allow chemical granules to flow by gravity from the pesticide container that may be disposed above the metering apparatus. The metering apparatus may be disposed on a planter unit designed to deposit granular materials with seed during the planting process. The metering system further includes an in-meter diffuser that receives foreign material and lumps in order to prevent the metering apparatus from becoming clogged.

Abstract: A method of applying a selected first combination of application rates of each of a plurality of crop inputs on a first zone in a field and applying a selected second combination of application rates of each of the crop inputs on a second zone in the field. The method comprises towing a seeding implement through the first zone in the field with metering devices adjusted to apply the first combination of application rates; visually judging when the seeding implement crosses a first boundary from the first zone to the second zone; and, by performing a single action, adjusting the metering devices to apply the second combination of application rates on the second zone.

Abstract: A system for maintaining an appropriate air flow in an air stream in an air seeder. A fan provides an air stream to carry agricultural materials for distribution across a width of a seeding implement. A tank contains a granular agricultural material and a metering device dispenses the material into the air stream. The system is calibrated such that a known weight of material is dispensed for each revolution of the metering device whereby the rotational speed of the metering device multiplied by the known weight per revolution results in a known per minute rate of agricultural material being dispensed into the air stream. A microprocessor is programmed to derive an appropriate fan speed for the per minute rate of agricultural material being dispensed and send a signal to a fan control to adjust the speed of the fan to correspond to the appropriate fan speed.

Abstract: Real time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) technology is integrated with precision farming methodologies to provide highly accurate seeding, cultivating, planting and/or harvesting operations. RTK GPS systems are used to control fully or semi-autonomous vehicles in these operations and may allow for precision planting of seeds (e.g., from a seeder equipped with an RTK GPS receiver and related equipment) and/or precision weed removal (e.g., using a vehicle fitted with weed eradication mechanisms such as augers and/or herbicide sprayers). Crop specific fertilizer/pesticide application is also enabled through the use of centimeter-level accurate positioning techniques.

Abstract: A centralized monitoring unit for an agricultural implement is disclosed herein. The monitoring unit is preferably used with a planting system including a planting implement coupled to a work vehicle. The implement includes a frame supporting row units which are configured to apply a product (e.g., seed, fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide) to the rows in a field. The monitoring unit includes a product delivery apparatus which has at least one product channel for delivering the product to the row units, and an electronic product sensor which is coupled to the product delivery apparatus and configured to generate a product signal representing an amount of the product which moves through the product channel. An electronic display located in the cab of the work vehicle is configured to generate an image in response to a display signal.

Abstract: A seed planter performance monitor is disclosed herein. The monitor is used with a planting system including a planter coupled to the tractor. The target rate at which the planter deposits seeds into the soil being planted is controlled with a control signal, and the actual rate at which seeds are planted is monitored with an infrared seed sensor supported by the planter at the location where seeds exit the planter. The planter and tractor both include data busses, and the signal from the seed sensor is transmitted to a controller on the tractor via the busses. The controller applies an appropriate signal to an electronic display in the cab of the tractor to produce an image thereon which an operator can view to determine the actual rate at which seeds are planted.

Abstract: A performance monitor for a seed planting implement is disclosed herein. The monitor is preferably used with a planting system including a planting implement coupled to a tractor. The target rate at which seed is planted by the implement in the soil of an agricultural field is controlled based upon a control signal. The actual seed planting rate is monitored using an optical seed sensor supported by the implement at a location where seed exits the implement. The implement and tractor include data busses linked to each other, and signals from the seed sensors are transmitted to a controller on the tractor via the busses. The controller applies a display signal to an electronic display located in the tractor's cab to produce an image which an operator can view to determine the actual seed application rate.

Abstract: A control system for a mobile planting apparatus which permits discrete plant spacing to be determined and maintained independent of any wheel rotation on the planting apparatus or towing apparatus is disclosed, having: (1) a ground speed sensor wherein the rate of movement relative to the ground is determined independent of wheel rotation of the planting apparatus or towing apparatus; (2) an input/display device for inputting desired linear plant spacing; (3) a variable speed motor for mechanically driving seed metering devices on the planting apparatus at varying rates independent of any wheel rotation of the planting apparatus or towing apparatus, wherein the motor changes speeds in response to an electronic signal; (4) a programmable control circuit communicating electronically with the input/display device and ground speed sensor, wherein the programmable control circuit: (a) determines the number of seeds to be dispensed per linear unit of distance traveled based upon the desired spacing received from t

Abstract: For marking a field with unseeded rows during seeding, the seed box of a seed drill is equipped with a valve unit mounted inside the box for shutting off seed flow to one of the seed cups during selective passes. A control system for the unit allows the shut-off to be automatic, after a selective number of passes have been completed, or manual as selected by the operator, The unseeded rows are used after germination for guiding a crop sprayer so that there will be no spray overlap and no gaps between the sprayer passes.

Abstract: A planter monitor system monitors, measures and displays a plurality of planter performance parameters. The system includes a display console, a plurality of row unit modules and a plurality of seed sensors. The system can be used with a wide variety of planters made by different manufacturers and on many different planter types. The system can accurately monitor a wide variety of seed types (e.g. both small and large) and a wide variety of seed planting rates (low and high) and any combination thereof which can occur within the wide scope of seed planting. The system calculates an error rate from a set of data, in graph form, representing experimentally determined actual seed rates versus seed rates as would be measured, thus allowing the operator to optimize seed population and distribution by adjusting the speed of the planter apparatus and/or the seed distribution system.

Abstract: An agricultural implement such as a grain drill or similar seeding implement includes a plurality of transversely spaced seed meters having fluted feed wheels fixed to and transversely movable with a drive shaft which is controlled by an actuator to vary seeding rate in response to an indication provided by a sensor or sensors associated with one or more of the meters. An electronic controller includes a desired seeding rate input and provides an indication of the actual seeding rate. In one embodiment of the invention, an error signal indicative of the difference between the actual and desired seeding rates is utilized in a closed-loop system to move the shaft to automatically maintain the desired seeding rate. In a wider implement with more than one shaft, a switching circuit is utilized to permit a single control circuit to provide individual section seeding rates and to automatically operate the actuator associated with the given drive shaft in accordance with the error signal.

Abstract: A metering and dibbing assembly for use in a dibber drill comprises a rotary feed section, inlet means for introducing seed at successive seed-retaining locations in the rotary feed section, a rotary dibber section having a plurality of dibber elements at least in part housed in radially disposed bores in the dibber section, and cam means operative to withdraw successive dibber elements to allow the transfer of seed from the feed section into the associated bores for these elements and thereafter to move the dibber elements in a radially outward movement so as to press the seed into the ground.

Abstract: The invention provides a pneumatic seeder wherein the various functions are controlled by electronic means. The seed distributors are operated by as many direct current motors, controlled by an electronic device as a function of the forward speed of the seeder, which speed is detected by an encoder. Electronic devices are also used for controlling both the sowing depth and the devices that adjust the seed fall.