Abstract: An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis, a tank carried by the chassis, and at least one meter module coupled to the tank. The at least one meter module has at least one gate. A gate control link is coupled with the at least one gate of the at least one meter module. A control rod is carried by the chassis. A connector couples the control rod to the gate control link at a connection interface such that movement of the control rod controls an open state of the at least one gate of the at least one meter module. The connector has a frangible portion adjacent the connection interface; the control rod and the gate control link uncouples from one another upon a breaking force causing the frangible portion to break.

Abstract: A crop harvesting system for continuous round baling is described that comprises a first and second bale chamber and a conveyor system in operable communication with the first and second bale chambers. The crop harvesting system can comprise a first bale chamber comprising a variable shape, defined by a first serpentine system comprising one or a plurality of endless belts in operable contact with one or a plurality of movable rollers to facilitate movement of the bale out of the first and into the second bale chamber. The second bale chamber comprises a fixed shape defined by a plurality of stationary rolls operably attached to a second set belt or belts. The crop harvesting system can be integrated into an agricultural harvester such as a baler or combine.

Abstract: A towed implement, such as a cultivator is configured between an unfolded operational position and a folded transport position in which wing sections are pivoted about a vertical axis into a forward direction where they are alongside a telescoping tool bar. Sensors on the cultivator send signals initiating the folding/unfolding sequence to send commands through the implement controller to a tractor controller having a ISOBUS class 3 configuration. The tractor is commanded to forward and rearward movement in synchronism with the folding/unfolding process to steer wing supporting wheel assemblies toward the correct position for the intended transport direction.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for removing blockages present within a delivery conduit of a seeder may include a plurality of delivery conduits, a plurality of flow blocking devices, and a plurality of blockage sensors. A controller may be configured to determine when a blockage is present within a first delivery conduit of the plurality of delivery conduits based on measurement signals received from the plurality of blockage sensors. The controller may be further configured to control the flow blocking devices to occlude the flow of air through the other delivery conduits of the plurality of delivery conduits such that an air pressure in the first delivery conduit is increased.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an applicator having an agricultural product mechanical and/or pneumatic conveying system which transfers particulate material from one or more source containers to application equipment on demand, and meters the material at the application equipment. The conveying system includes a static distributor interconnecting the supply lines of the conveying system with the distribution lines connected to the individual nozzles. The static distributor includes internal structures that effectively divert the incoming particulate material evenly across the interior of the static distributor such that the particulate material is evenly distributed into each of the distribution lines. The static distributor accomplishes this without the need for any moving parts or control systems/devices.

Abstract: A method for reducing material accumulation relative to ground-engaging tools of a tillage implement may include monitoring, with a computing device, an accumulation parameter as a tillage operation is being performed, wherein the accumulation parameter provides an indication of material accumulation relative to a plurality of ground-engaging tools of the tillage implement. The method may also include comparing, with the computing device, the accumulation parameter to a material accumulation threshold, wherein the material accumulation threshold is indicative of a given degree of material accumulation relative to the plurality ground-engaging tools.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an applicator having an agricultural product conveying system which transfers particulate material from one or more source containers to application equipment on demand, and meters the material at the application equipment. The conveying system includes an inline metering system including a number of metering devices associated with each compartment of a particulate material tank on the applicator to meter the particulate material disposed within each compartment. The individual metering devices include gates to initially enable the particulate material from a compartment to enter the metering device, and a rotary metering shaft to meter the flow of the particulate material into the conduits while limiting the passage of pressurized air through the metering device and into the compartment.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement including a main frame section having a pull hitch tube extending in a travel direction and a plurality of pivotally coupled wing sections coupled with the main frame section. Each of the plurality of wing sections has at least one pivotal sub-frame. A hydraulic actuator is connected between the wing frame and the sub-frame to urge the sub-frame between an operating position and an elevated transport position. An actuator controller is configured to apply a predetermined force of the sub-frame towards the ground independently of other sub-frames so as to provide a more uniform tillage of the ground.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an applicator having an agricultural product conveying system which transfers particulate material from one or more source containers to application equipment on demand, and meters the material at the application equipment. The conveying system includes an inline metering system including a number of metering devices associated with each compartment of a particulate material tank on the applicator to meter the particulate material disposed within each compartment. The individual metering devices include gates to initially enable the particulate material from a compartment to enter the metering device, and a rotary metering shaft to meter the flow of the particulate material into the conduits while limiting the passage of pressurized air through the metering device and into the compartment.

Abstract: A plenum of distributing a flow of air from an air source includes ports extending from a face element of a body. The ports are configured to direct the flow of air out of the plenum, and the ports are arranged on the face element in a first row having first length, a second row having a second length, and a third row having a third length. The first row is positioned proximate to the top element, the third row is positioned proximate to the bottom element, and the second row is positioned between the first row and the third row. In addition, the second length is greater than the first length and the third length, and a shape of the face element is configured to accommodate the first length of the first row, the second length of the second row, and the third length of the third row.

Abstract: A metering system includes a first meter roller, such that the first meter roller includes many protrusions, such that each protrusion of the many protrusions drives flowable particulate material downwardly in response to rotation of the first meter roller. Furthermore, the metering system includes a drive shaft that is driven in rotation and a first transmission assembly that establishes a first direct mechanical linkage between the drive shaft and the first meter roller, such that the first transmission assembly shifts between a first plurality of gear ratios to drive the first meter roller in rotation at a respective first plurality of different speeds relative to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for drying for fibers or fibrous materials, such as flax, hemp, jute, sisal, banana and coir, among others by dehumidifying the fibers in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment. The dehumidification system does not detrimentally affect the fiber's properties (e.g., strength) by evenly drying the fibers and not subjecting the fibers to repeated high temperature environments, allowing the fibers to be used in more biocomposite applications, such as a reinforcement material. Also the dehumidification method reduces/prevents fiber discoloration, odor, and decomposition.

Abstract: A pneumatic distribution system for distributing a granular product to an agricultural implement includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, a valve, and a controller. The first pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to a storage tank that stores the granular product and outputs a first signal indicative of a first static pressure in the storage tank. The second pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to a meter housing and outputs a second signal indicative of a second static pressure in the meter housing. The valve is fluidly coupled between the storage tank and the primary line and selectively enables the air stream to flow from the primary line to the storage tank. The controller is communicatively coupled to the first pressure sensor, to the second pressure sensor, and to the valve. The controller instructs the valve to enable the air stream to flow from the primary line into the storage tank until the first static pressure is greater than the second static pressure by a threshold amount.

Abstract: An agricultural implement including a frame, a hydraulic system, a controller and a plurality of sensors. The hydraulic system is coupled to the frame and has a plurality of hydraulic actuators fluidically coupled in a series arrangement. The controller is in control of the hydraulic system. The plurality of sensors have at least one sensor coupled to each of the plurality of hydraulic actuators. The sensors are in communication with the controller, with the controller executing the steps of receiving at least one signal from the sensors indicating a need to rephase the hydraulic actuators; and operating the hydraulic system to rephase the hydraulic actuators dependent upon the signal.

Abstract: A method to treat fibrous materials for use in the formation of a biocomposite material that significantly reduces or eliminates the odors emitted from the fibrous materials is provided. In the method, the fibers or fibrous materials are initially treated to extract the raw fiber from the source plant material and the remove unwanted fractions of the fiber, such as the hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin, among others, leaving only the intact cellulose fibers. These cellulose fibers are then further processed in a second step to remove the odor from the cellulose fibers. The second step includes a combination of a second chemical treatment, dehumidification, and/or a cold plasma modification to render the cellulosic fibers odorless.

Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a frame, and a shank mounted to the frame which includes at least one clip edge. A retaining clip is press fitted to the at least one clip edge and includes a movable lock biased in a locking direction. The agricultural implement also includes a ground work tool with a locking opening at least partially filled by the movable lock to resist the tool from being removed from the shank.

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 metering system includes a releasable bearing coupler configured to selectively couple a meter roller to a housing of the agricultural metering system. The releasable bearing coupler includes a shaft configured to be disposed through an opening in the housing and to engage a bearing, wherein the bearing is configured to be disposed within a recess of the meter roller to facilitate rotation of the meter roller about the shaft and to couple the meter roller to the housing via contact with the shaft. The releasable bearing coupler includes a locking segment configured to selectively interlock with a corresponding locking feature of the housing to secure the releasable bearing coupler to the housing.

Abstract: An agricultural air cart assembly includes individually controlled product distribution lines which allows for balanced pressures and even dispersal of air through different distribution lines of different lengths running to different sections or row units of a seeder or drill. Rotatable fans are operatively connected to corresponding first and second distribution lines and are configured to generate optimized air flows in the first and second distribution lines which entrain and carry the product downstream toward corresponding row units at balances pressures. A controller is operable to adjust the pressures of the air flows outputted by the first and second fans by adjusting the position of corresponding fan shrouds over the intakes of the first and second fans.

Abstract: A method to provide enhanced electrical conductivity to the biocomposite material in which fibrous materials are initially combined and mixed with a polymer base. As the fibrous material and polymer are mixed or compounded, molecular bonds form between the fibrous material and the polymer. At this stage of the process the conductive material and/or particles are added to the mixture because the molecular bonds have formed in the biocomposite material, and the conductive particles cannot interfere with the bonding between the fibrous material and the polymer. The conductive particles are encapsulated by the biocomposite material such that the biocomposite mixture is formed with enhanced electrical conductivity properties, while not detrimentally affecting any of the other enhanced properties of the biocomposite material based on the molecular bonding between the fibrous material and the polymer.