Abstract: A control system and method of operation of a product distribution apparatus or machine that uses map based information to disengage the dynamic down force control for certain designated areas of the field. These areas can be roadways or waterways that are not planted with seed but through which the machine does operate. The control system disengages the down force dynamic control when the designated areas are reached and leaves the down force applied by the actuator at the magnitude immediately prior to entering the area or at some other desired level. This magnitude of down force will typically be much closer to the magnitude needed when the roadway, waterway or other designated area has been crossed.

Abstract: An air seeder includes a product tank having an interior, an air lock in communication with the product tank interior, a plurality of product boots, a pneumatic distribution system, and a plurality of diverter assemblies. The pneumatic distribution system includes an air source and a plurality of distribution lines. The air source is in communication with the product tank interior. Each distribution line is fluidly coupled with at least one corresponding product boot. Each diverter assembly includes an inlet coupled with the air source, a first outlet coupled with at least one distribution line, a second outlet in communication with the air lock, and a diverter for selectively diverting air and entrained product from the inlet to the first outlet or the second outlet.

Abstract: An impact sensor is located in a distribution tower which divides the seed and/or nutrient flow into individual rows, and a second sensor provides a compensation signal dependent upon one or more variables such as the velocity of the air in the conveying system, implement vibrations. As the seed/fertilizer bounces off of the impact sensor and flows into the individual row air streams, the impact sensor provides a force signal to a processor which calculates the total particulate mass flow rate from the force signal and the air velocity signal. To determine individual seed and fertilizer rates, a rate controller temporarily changes the metering rate of one of the materials, and the processor then calculates the desired information from the mass flow change and meter speed change. Another embodiment includes seed sensor structure at the meter output for achieving or confirming accuracy.

Abstract: A seed spacing monitoring system is used In an agricultural seeder for planting seeds. The agricultural seeder has a furrow opener, a seed meter for metering seed to be dispensed in the furrow, and a furrow closer to cover the seed in the furrow. The seed spacing monitoring system includes a detector supported to detect seeds in the furrow prior to the seeds being covered. The detector provides a plurality of seed presence signals, with each seed presence signal being indicative of a respective seed present in the furrow. A speed sensor is associated with the seeder and provides a speed signal indicating a ground speed of the seeder. An electrical processor receives the plurality of seed presence signals and the speed signal. The electrical processor determines a seed spacing, dependent upon the seed presence signals and the speed signal.

Abstract: A control system and method of operation of a product distribution apparatus or machine that uses map based information to disengage the dynamic down force control for certain designated areas of the field. These areas can be roadways or waterways that are not planted with seed but through which the machine does operate. The control system disengages the down force dynamic control when the designated areas are reached and leaves the down force applied by the actuator at the magnitude immediately prior to entering the area or at some other desired level. This magnitude of down force will typically be much closer to the magnitude needed when the roadway, waterway or other designated area has been crossed.

Abstract: A seed spacing monitoring system is used In an agricultural seeder for planting seeds. The agricultural seeder has a furrow opener, a seed meter for metering seed to be dispensed in the furrow, and a furrow closer to cover the seed in the furrow. The seed spacing monitoring system includes a detector supported to detect seeds in the furrow prior to the seeds being covered. The detector provides a plurality of seed presence signals, with each seed presence signal being indicative of a respective seed present in the furrow. A speed sensor is associated with the seeder and provides a speed signal indicating a ground speed of the seeder. An electrical processor receives the plurality of seed presence signals and the speed signal. The electrical processor determines a seed spacing, dependent upon the seed presence signals and the speed signal.

Abstract: A product distribution apparatus, shown in the form of an agricultural air seeder is disclosed having sensors to measure the mass flow through the distribution system, sensors to weigh the tank and the product therein, and sensors to measure the quantity of product in the tank. The sensors are used to measure the change in the quantity of product in the tank during a calibration process where the apparatus is operated over an area and the number of rotations of the meter are recorded. The data is then used to determine a mass flow rate per revolution of the meter. A monitoring method is also disclosed in which an ‘area to empty’ and ‘product needed’ to complete a field or task is displayed to the operator.

Abstract: An air seeder includes a product tank having an interior, an air lock in communication with the product tank interior, a plurality of product boots, a pneumatic distribution system, and a plurality of diverter assemblies. The pneumatic distribution system includes an air source and a plurality of distribution lines. The air source is in communication with the product tank interior. Each distribution line is fluidly coupled with at least one corresponding product boot. Each diverter assembly includes an inlet coupled with the air source, a first outlet coupled with at least one distribution line, a second outlet in communication with the air lock, and a diverter for selectively diverting air and entrained product from the inlet to the first outlet or the second outlet.

Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural seeding machine includes a side wall having at least a portion thereof formed from a transparent material. A sensor includes a transmitter which is positioned adjacent an outside of the side wall, and operates through the transparent material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a foldable agricultural implement frame having an extended working configuration and a folded transport configuration. The frame comprises a center section and two wing section. Each of the wing sections have row markers that are extended and retracted by a row marker hydraulic circuit. The row marker hydraulic circuit is provided with first and second supply/return lines each having a two-position latching valve. A mechanical linkage comprising a rod extends between the center section and one of the wing sections, for shifting the latching valves to their checked position, when the implement frame is folded from its working configuration to its transport configuration. The latching valves lock the row markers in their retracted transport position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a foldable agricultural implement frame having a first pair of controlling/controlled lifting hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering the right wing section and the center section together in a level condition, and a second pair of controlling/controlled lifting hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering the left wing section and the center section together in a level condition. In the first pair of controlling/controlled hydraulic cylinders one of the hydraulic cylinders lifts the right wing section and the other lifts the center section. In the second pair of controlling/controlled hydraulic cylinders one of the hydraulic cylinders lifts the left wing section and the other lifts the center section. A rephasing valve assembly is used to rephase the controlling/controlled hydraulic cylinder pairs when the implement frame is folded and only the center section needs to be lifted and lowered.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A seed distribution system includes an upright main hopper for containing a mass of seeds. The input end of a seed tube projects into the lower portion of the hopper near the bottom of the seed mass. The input end of the seed tube is located within the output end of an air supply tube and terminates inwardly of the supply tube. The seeds in the main hopper are pneumatically captured by creating a generally dome-shaped area in the seeds adjacent the input end and sweeping seeds from the area into the input end. The captured seeds are propelled through the seed tube to a secondary hopper adjacent a seed metering device. To provide automatic level control, the delivery end of the seed tube is supported within the secondary hopper so that, as the seed level rises in the hopper, air flow and thus seed delivery rate will decrease.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both values so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A closed granular chemical handling system comprising a dispensing valve and a receiving valve. The dispensing valve and the receiving valve are automatically opened when the valves are coupled together, and are automatically closed when the valves are uncoupled from one another. The valves are configured so that the receiving valve always is the first to open and the last to close. The valves are driven together by a camming structure having a neutral portion that acts as a delay between the opening and closing of both valves so as to allow granular material to flow from between the valves through the receiving valve.

Abstract: A hitch flexing hinge included within the draft beams of an implement frame of the type that enables vertical flexing of the frame sections. The hinge includes a yoke attached to the drawbar of a draft vehicle and a body section that is received in one end of the draft beam. The body portion carries a swivel ball and attachment of the draft beam to the swivel ball allows rotational twisting of the draft beam about its longitudinal axis as the implement frame sections flex.

Abstract: A drive coupling mechanism for transmitting rotational motion from a drive shaft to a driven shaft by surface-to-surface contact of a flat drive face of a contact head of a first coupler with the flat drive face of a contact head of a second coupler. Each flat drive face lies in a plane extending radially from the axis of the attached shaft. The contact head includes a number of radial and axial guide flats which function only to guide the drive faces of a pair of adjacent couplers into contact with each other as the couplers enter their engaged driving mode.

Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural seeding machine includes a side wall having at least a portion thereof formed from a transparent material. A sensor includes a transmitter which is positioned adjacent an outside of the side wall, and operates through the transparent material.