Abstract: On-the-go monitoring and controlled feedback in supplemental downforce applications. The system provides real-time monitoring of furrow depth via contact and non-contact approaches, some of which are combined with gauge wheel feedback to calibrate and otherwise control the application of supplemental downforce to the row unit. A combination of sensor types are employed in collecting furrow depth measurements, which can be used to adjust the supplemental downforce through a control system module. A gauge wheel load sensor may be used to modify the application of supplemental downforce.

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: A method for determining cross track error, comprising calibrating a stalk sensor with two or more set points, detecting plant stalks by the stalk sensor, measuring a stalk angle for each plant stalk, and measuring presence and amount of cross track error based on the stalk angle.

Abstract: Agricultural 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: Protecting open seed trenches from ingress of foreign material, such as plant residue. Preventing foreign material from entering the open seed trench during planting increases crop yield by minimizing delayed germination and late plant emergence. Various implementations of adjustable row cleaners may be used to prevent ingress of foreign material. Also, various shields may be disposed on the row units of a planter to prevent ingress of foreign material.

Abstract: An agricultural seed meter comprising a seed meter and a monitoring system. The seed meter comprising a seed meter cover, a seed disc, and a singulator assembly. The monitoring system comprising a camera assembly configured to view internal components of the seed meter, a processor in communication with the camera assembly, and a machine vision algorithm executed on the processor, wherein the machine vision algorithm processes images from the camera assembly to detect planting errors.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method that 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: 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: An agricultural image analysis system comprising at least one vision sensor configured to view a seed trench; a storage module in communication with the at least one vision sensor; a processor in communication with the storage module, the processor executing at least one machine learning module for analysis of images from the at least one vision sensor. The system including at least one laser configured to emit a beam at an open seed trench and at least one vision sensor configured to view the open seed trench and the beam. The system including a thermal camera mounted to a row unit.

Abstract: A method for dynamically adjusting machine vision for agricultural applications includes capturing, via at least one camera mounted on an agricultural vehicle, image data of plants in an agricultural field, obtaining reference data from a calibration element within the field of view of the at least one camera, wherein the calibration element provides a baseline for visual comparison under changing environmental lighting conditions, detecting a change in environmental lighting conditions by comparing current visual characteristics of the calibration element to predetermined baseline visual characteristics, calculating adjustment values for parameters of a machine vision algorithm based on the detected change in environmental lighting conditions, modifying the parameters of the machine vision algorithm according to the calculated adjustment values, and processing the image data with the modified machine vision algorithm to identify plants in the agricultural field.

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 visually identifying crop rows includes acquiring imagery from at least one imaging device operatively connected to an agricultural vehicle while the agricultural vehicle is traversing a field, the imagery includes plants arranged in rows, processing the imagery at a computing device to preserve spatial information along a first dimension while reducing data complexity along a second dimension to generate processed data, analyzing the processed data to identify locations of the rows within the field.

Abstract: A header height sensor and adjustment system capable of differentiating between the ground and object above the ground. The system is able to differentiate between lodged/downed stalks and the ground. The system includes one or more non-contact sensors, such as Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor and/or radar sensors. The system may optionally include a contact sensor. The disclosed header height sensor and adjustment system is able to automatically or semi-automatically adjust the height of the header in response to detected objects and terrain in order to maximize yield (e.g., lowering to harvest lodged stalks) and avoid header damage (e.g., raising to avoid debris or contour terrain).

Abstract: An adjustment system for guidance lines comprising a GNSS unit disposed on an agricultural vehicle, a memory comprising stored crop row locations, a processor in communication with the GNSS unit and the memory, the processor configured to apply lateral and/or longitudinal adjustments to guidance lines generated based on stored crop row locations from a prior operation, and an automatic steering system configured to command the agricultural vehicle to traverse the guidance lines.

Abstract: A system for flow control and measurement comprising a fluid tank, a pump in communication with the fluid tank, a manifold in communication with the pump configured to distribute fluid flow to two or more individual lines, and at least one flow device in line with each of the two or more individual lines. The at least one flow device comprising a housing, a hose disposed within the housing, a compression plate configured to compress the hose against the housing, the compression sufficient to close a lumen of the hose when fluid is not flowing through the hose, and at least one sensor configured to determine the position of the compression plate relative to the housing, where the position of the compression plate indicates pressure inside the hose.

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 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: Disclosed herein are various adjustable seed meter embodiments 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: 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 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.