Abstract: The disclosure relates to devices, systems, and corresponding methods to be used in connection with agricultural planters. More particularly to a vacuum and generator system including a housing, a fan assembly within the housing, a generator, and a hydraulic motor. Some implementations include a voltage regulator or voltage regulation module. The system allow for adjustable fan control without affecting electrical output, integral cooling, and multi-level voltage output from a single generator. Additionally, the system provides greater efficiency in operating an agricultural implement.

Abstract: Adjustable seed meters having a first seed disk having first openings defined therein and a second seed disk having second openings defined therein adjacent to the first openings such that the first and second openings are alignable to form adjustable seed cells. Various embodiments have a plate adjustment drive system to rotate the first and second seed disks in relation to each other. Other embodiments relate to methods of automatically adjusting a seed meter during operation of the overall planting system.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for sensing or tracking relative position between objects or locations. A digital camera or imager captures one or more fiducials in its field of view. By calibration and processing, the imaged fiducials can be identified and distinguished from other objects and background in camera space, and position of imaged fiducials in camera space relative to a reference can be translated to position of the actual fiducials in physical space. In one example, the fiducials are IR LEDs.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to agricultural systems. The systems have stalk sensor assemblies and/or data visualization systems. The stalk sensor assemblies are configured for assessing the size and other characteristics about crops, such as corn and other grains entering an agricultural implement, such as a harvester. The stalk sensor assemblies may use an estimation of the stalk perimeter to establish stalk size and therefore further features about the crop. The visualization system utilizes data from the stalk sensor assemblies to calculate and display relevant information about the crop.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various devices, systems, and methods for use in agricultural, particularly for use in harvesting agricultural crop such as corn. Various implementations relate to methods and devices for measuring plant stalk cross-sectional area during harvest and providing additional methods of predicting and displaying yield on a row-by-row level in real time.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to devices, systems and methods for reducing cross-track error in harvesting row crops such as corn. A cross track error system including a corn head, a row unit disposed on the corn head. The row unit including a set of stripper plates, a resilient member disposed proximal to the stripper plates, a sensor unit in communication with the resilient member, and a processor. The processor is constructed and arranged to process signals generated by the sensor unit in response to deflection of the resilient member.

Abstract: A dual seed meter having a metering housing having first and second seed disks with a plurality of openings arranged along a curved path of each disk, wherein the disks overlap to form a convergence region such that seed traveling along the curved paths is delivered to a single point. Certain implementations also have a vacuum chamber defined between a first wall of the metering housing and the first and second seed disks and a seed chamber defined between a second wall of the metering housing and the first and second seed disks.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for sensing or tracking relative position between objects or locations. A digital camera or imager captures one or more fiducials in its field of view. By calibration and processing, the imaged fiducials can be identified and distinguished from other objects and background in camera space, and position of imaged fiducials in camera space relative to a reference can be translated to position of the actual fiducials in physical space. In one example, the fiducials are IR LEDs.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to agricultural devices, system, and methods, particularly for detecting and measuring plant stalks during harvest. The system may comprise a harvesting row unit, with a camera, a processing unit, and an in-cab display. The system may additionally include a stalk alignment guide, a leaf shield, an artificial light source, and/or a lens cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: Various methods, systems, and devices for flexible and accurate seed spacing control in a seed planting system. The various embodiments receive singulated seed from a metering device and control movement of the seed toward a seed spacing device that receives the seed. The seed spacing device, which is disposed near the soil surface, independently controls the ejection of the seed from the device and thus the spacing of the seed in the furrow.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to agricultural systems. The systems have stalk sensor assemblies and/or data visualization systems. The stalk sensor assemblies are configured for assessing the size and other characteristics about crops, such as corn and other grains entering an agricultural implement, such as a harvester. The stalk sensor assemblies may use an estimation of the stalk perimeter to establish stalk size and therefore further features about the crop. The visualization system utilizes data from the stalk sensor assemblies to calculate and display relevant information about the crop.

Abstract: A method for managing agricultural operations by predicting amount of crop or product remaining for a field includes performing agricultural operations on at least a portion of a field using an agricultural machine, sensing data associated with the agricultural operations using sensors associated with the agricultural machine, communicating the data associated with the agricultural operations to a computing device, analyzing the data associated with the agricultural operations performed using the computing device to determine an area prediction for a remaining portion of the field upon which the agricultural operations are to be performed, and using the area prediction for the remaining portion of the field by the computing device to determine a time associated with completing the agricultural operations for the field or an amount of material or other resources associated with completing the agricultural operations for the field.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to fluid distribution systems. The fluid distribution systems being made up of a plurality of positive displacement pumps disposed on a fluid distribution manifold and proximate to the tank and the point of product discharge. The system optionally has a valve system for precision control of fluid discharge.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The devices, systems, and methods herein use air pressure to dispense seed into the ground in a controlled manner. In certain embodiments, a valve is actuated to push a single seed out of a seed chamber. The seed can be conveyed from the metering housing and through a seed delivery apparatus to the furrow at high speed. The seed is rapid conveyed from the seed chamber to the furrow by a precisely controlled air pulse to eliminate variation and enable high planting speeds.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to determining cross track error between a stored planted location and the actual physical location of plants. An array of active light sensors is mounted on a vehicle for travel above the plants. The array of active light sensors generate an electrical signal from each sensor corresponding to the reflected light from the sensor. A computer system generates a reflectance curve from the array of sensors to determine the location of a plant below the array of sensors and also generates the cross track error.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for detecting and compensating for yaw orientation error or misalignment of an IMU in a vehicle navigation system. Acceleration measurements available from the IMU can be used for fast, reliable, and compact estimation of alignment error whether or not the IMU and fixed-body frames share an origin or not. The detection can be included in a navigation solution for guidance and control systems of a vehicle without having to utilize other measurements such as GPS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a practical approach to alleviate or remove the jerky heading change in ArVs. The rate of change of articulation angle in heading kinematics is effectively canceled. This modification (also called as transformer) can be done such that articulated vehicles can change their heading similar to front wheel-steered vehicles.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, or system of estimating vehicle heading taking GNSS antenna movement and/or mounting position into account. Measurements from the GNSS can be used to estimate GNSS antenna yaw or misalignment relative a pivot or control point, or vehicle fixed-body origin. Side-slip is either ignored or, if known, can be used to adjust the estimation of vehicle heading.