Abstract: An agricultural row unit including a large capacity seed hopper and hopper lid configured for magnetic retention of the lid. Various implementations also include a built-in support stand. The hopper lid and magnetic retention allow for one handed removal and replacement of the hopper lid, increasing overall efficiency.

Abstract: A furrow opening and seed placement device configured to perform a planting sequence into one continuous action. The device comprising a substantially horizontal blade configured to be drawn through soil at a desired planting depth, an opening within the blade configured to allow seed to be deposited in soil below a bottom surface of the substantially horizontal blade, and one or more vertical elements configured to direct soil flow around the substantially horizontal blade.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a hydraulic control system, comprising, the control system having a control unit configured to be in operational communication with a plurality of gauge wheel assemblies, a plurality of cylinders in operational communication with the plurality of gauge wheel assemblies, and a plurality of position sensors in operational communication with the plurality of cylinders, wherein the control unit comprises a feedback position command loop configured to calculate cylinder position error and issue valve commands.

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: A seed delivery shield, comprising a shield body comprising at least one roll pin opening configured for mounting the shield body to a row unit shank via a roll pin and at least one debris relief opening, a retention apparatus configured to attach the shield body to a row unit, and a spring plate shaped to be at least partially engaged with a rear portion of the shield body and extending rearward toward a seed delivery tube. The spring plate configured to protect the row unit and seed tube from damage during and prior to planting operations.

Abstract: A planting system comprising a camera disposed at a distal end of a seed tube at or below ground level. The system may also include a processor in communication with the camera configured to processes images from the camera, and be configured to conduct image analysis to detect planting conditions including one or more of collapsed trench sidewalls, seed placement, crop residue within the trench, clods within the trench, a collapsed trench, “W” trench, trench size, seed depth, closing wheel operations, soil moisture, and seed bounce. The system may also include a command module in communication with the processor configured to automatically adjust one or more of planter row cleaners, supplemental row unit down force, supplemental closing wheel down force, closing wheel configuration, deployment of seed firmers, timing of application of liquid treatment, and seed meter ejection in response to detected planting conditions.

Abstract: A load cell adaptor having a first side for facing a row unit and including at least one contact pad engaged with the row unit, a second side comprising a seat, the seat shaped to be engaged with a load cell, and an opening shaped for engagement with a bolt. the load cell adaptor configured to provide a structure for precise use of a load cell on a traditional row unit.

Abstract: A seed delivery shield, comprising a shield body, a retention apparatus configured to attach the shield body to a row unit, and a spring plate shaped to be at least partially engaged with a rear portion of the shield body and extending rearward toward a seed delivery tube. The spring plate configured to protect the row unit and seed tube from damage during and prior to planting operations.

Abstract: A crop header adjustment system including a plurality of row units, a plurality of dividers disposed between the row units, a plurality of pitch adjustment mechanisms operatively engaged with each of the plurality of dividers, and a controller in communication with the each of the plurality of pitch adjustment mechanisms. The controller configured to adjust the pitch of the plurality of the dividers on-the-go in response to changing conditions.

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: Provided herein are 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 apparatus, systems, and methods for a system for guiding a tractor and auger cart alongside a grain truck so the load can be transferred quickly with a high degree of position accuracy. This will avoid common issues with this process that result in collisions or spilled grain. The system will allow less qualified operators to perform at a higher level, eliminate errors that slow the process and/or result in down time, or slow the unloading process. Methods are disclosed that sense the position, orientation, and size of a receiving vehicle and create a guidance line for a tractor automated steering system to follow.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a physical stalk sensing system comprising at least one resilient member. Sensors having the resilient member or members are able to estimate the size of the stalks of row crops as they pass through a field, such as a corn field. The sensors can be mounted on a corn head and the results can be analyzed and visualized. A system for predicting crop yields in real-time or near real-time. A system for adjusting a stripper plate gap.

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: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a physical stalk sensing system comprising at least one resilient member. Sensors having the resilient member or members are able to estimate the size of the stalks of row crops as they pass through a field, such as a corn field. The sensors can be mounted on a corn head and the results can be analyzed and visualized.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a steerable toolbar. The toolbar is able to rotate relative to the tractor or other driving vehicle to reduce misalignment and/or cross-track error. Actuators can be utilized with draft links to pivot the toolbar around a central pivot point and improve the following path of the toolbar implement.

Abstract: Provided herein are 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 invention provides a system, device and method for using a rotary actuator, e.g., a stepper motor to actuate a wrap spring clutch. Feedback from a system of sensors and GPS data, including rotational speed, travel speed and direction are provided to improve the reaction accuracy of the clutch. In one embodiment, a plurality of actuator controllers are connected in a configuration wherein one controller is a “master” and the remaining controllers are “slaves” to provide a higher level of machine control.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, device and method for using a rotary actuator, e.g., a stepper motor to actuate a wrap spring clutch. Feedback from a system of sensors and GPS data, including rotational speed, travel speed and direction are provided to improve the reaction accuracy of the clutch. In one embodiment, a plurality of actuator controllers are connected in a configuration wherein one controller is a “master” and the remaining controllers are “slaves” to provide a higher level of machine control.

Abstract: An air seed meter having a rotating disc with seed openings arranged in a circumferential pattern includes a holder adapted to be mounted to the meter housing and carries two balls spring-biased to reciprocate and enter the seed openings as they pass and clear debris from the openings. The balls may also engage dimples on the seed disc located between seed openings or groups of seed openings (in the case of a hill drop planter) in the disc as it rotates to cause vibration in the disc to promote the release of seeds as they exit the vacuum chamber.