Abstract: Systems, methods, and an apparatus for distributing starter fertilizer during the planting process. In an embodiment, a starter fertilizer system is configured to apply fertilizer to a planted seed during a planting process. The starter fertilizer system includes a rudder blade, a fertilizer reservoir and a conduit. The rudder blade is configured to the dig a furrow that is offset from the planted seed. The conduit is coupled with the fertilizer reservoir and the rudder blade such that fertilizer is able to traverse from the reservoir to the rudder blade. The rudder blade is offset from each row unit such that fertilizer is expelled at a desired fertilizer location.

Abstract: Crop input application systems, methods and apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, an irrigation system is provided with a reel in fluid communication with a liquid source. In some embodiments, a drop assembly is incorporated in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, a crop applicator system includes a reel positioned between adjacent rows of crop.

Abstract: Crop input application systems, methods and apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, an irrigation system is provided with a reel in fluid communication with a wellhead, secondary cart or fluid supply line outlet. In some embodiments, a drop assembly is incorporated in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, a crop applicator system traverses a field portion in a first direction and then traverses the field portion in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: An application vehicle applies agricultural inputs to a crop supplied to the vehicle through a conduit. A fluid distribution system including a manifold is used to supply agricultural input to application devices.

Abstract: Crop input application systems, methods and apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, an irrigation system is provided with a reel in fluid communication with a liquid source. In some embodiments, a drop assembly is incorporated in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, a crop applicator system includes a reel positioned between adjacent rows of crop.

Abstract: Crop input application systems, methods and apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, an irrigation system is provided with a reel in fluid communication with a wellhead, secondary cart or fluid supply line outlet. In some embodiments, a drop assembly is incorporated in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, a crop applicator system traverses a field portion at a first speed in a first direction and then traverses the field portion at a second, lower speed in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: Concepts presented herein relate to use of one or more vehicles in planting and growing crops. In some embodiments, the vehicles can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously. During use, the vehicles can apply seeds for planting and further apply agricultural inputs to a crop after planting.

Abstract: Gathering chains for row crop harvester heads which improve yield by minimizing the loss of kernels that may prematurely break loose and be lost to the ground. The gathering chains include continuous loops with a plurality bristle blocks removable attached to the continuous loops. Each of the plurality of bristle blocks include bristles extending laterally therefrom, whereby the bristles form a substantially continuous lateral conveying surface effectively closing an area above and across the width of the slot defined by the stripper plates. The bristles may include fine bristle filaments and coarser bristle filaments that are shorter than the fine bristle filaments.

Abstract: An irrigation vehicle supports a reel and a flexible conduit positioned on the reel. A conduit control assembly controls dispensing and retraction of the flexible conduit from and to the reel. The conduit control assembly can include a conduit tension sensing assembly, a conduit angle sensing assembly and a frame supporting a gripping assembly.

Abstract: A liquid applicator implement includes a boom vertically adjustable with respect to a vehicle. The boom supports a plurality of drop assemblies laterally spaced along the boom in communication with a liquid product source. A height sensor assembly is attached to at least one of the drop assemblies and generates height signals indicative of a distance between the drop assembly and a ground surface as the vehicle advances in a direction of travel. A controller is responsive to the generated height signals to actuate a boom height adjustment mechanism to adjust the height of the boom. In some embodiments, a breakaway sensor is used to determine whether at least one drop assembly has broken away from its normal substantially vertical operating orientation. In some embodiments, data processing and/or boom height control is determined upon detection of a breakaway event.

Abstract: In one aspect, a crop input applicator is provided. In one aspect, the applicator comprises a valve (e.g., voice coil valve) disposed to deposit liquid on or near a seed furrow and/or on or near a seed. In one aspect, the applicator includes one or more seed sensors disposed to detect passage of seeds.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and an apparatus for distributing starter fertilizer during the planting process. In an embodiment, a starter fertilizer system is configured to apply fertilizer to a planted seed during a planting process. The starter fertilizer system includes a rudder blade, a fertilizer reservoir and a conduit. The rudder blade is configured to the dig a furrow that is offset from the planted seed. The conduit is coupled with the fertilizer reservoir and the rudder blade such that fertilizer is able to traverse from the reservoir to the rudder blade. The rudder blade is offset from each row unit such that fertilizer is expelled at a desired fertilizer location.

Abstract: A liquid product storage and delivery system is provided. The liquid product storage and delivery system includes a storage tank and a liquid bladder supported inside of the storage tank.

Abstract: Crop input application systems, methods and apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, an irrigation system is provided with a reel in fluid communication with a liquid source. In some embodiments, a drop assembly is incorporated in an irrigation system. In some embodiments, a crop applicator system includes a reel positioned between adjacent rows of crop.

Abstract: In one aspect, a crop input applicator is provided. In one aspect, the applicator comprises a valve (e.g., voice coil valve) disposed to deposit liquid on or near a seed furrow and/or on or near a seed. In one aspect, the applicator includes one or more seed sensors disposed to detect passage of seeds.

Abstract: Crop input application systems, methods and apparatus are provided. In some embodiments, an irrigation system is provided with a reel in fluid communication with a wellhead, secondary cart or fluid supply line outlet. In some embodiments, a drop assembly is incorporated in an irrigation system.

Abstract: Gathering chains for row crop harvester heads which improve yield by minimizing the loss of kernels that may prematurely break loose and be lost to the ground. The gathering chains include continuous loops with a plurality bristle blocks removable attached to the continuous loops. Each of the plurality of bristle blocks include bristles extending laterally therefrom, whereby the bristles form a substantially continuous lateral conveying surface effectively closing an area above and across the width of the slot defined by the stripper plates. The bristles may include fine bristle filaments and coarser bristle filaments that are shorter than the fine bristle filaments.

Abstract: An automated steering system for an agricultural vehicle operating in a row crop field. The automated steering system includes a correction system having a controller and an alignment sensor. The alignment sensor is disposed between two adjacently spaced crop rows and generates output signals indicative of the alignment sensor's lateral position relative to the two adjacently spaced crop rows as the vehicle advances in the forward direction of travel. The controller receives the generated output signals from the alignment sensor and determines an offset distance of said alignment sensor from a centerline between the two adjacently spaced crop rows. The controller outputs a modified vehicle position signal corresponding to the latitude and longitude position received from said GPS receiver shifted by the offset distance. The vehicle's on board navigation controller causes the vehicles on-board steering control system to steer the vehicle based on the modified vehicle position signal.

Abstract: A liquid applicator implement includes a boom vertically adjustable with respect to a vehicle. The boom supports a plurality of drop assemblies laterally spaced along the boom in communication with a liquid product source. A height sensor assembly is attached to at least one of the drop assemblies and generates signals indicative of a distance between the drop assembly and a ground surface as the vehicle advances in a direction of travel. An adjustment mechanism coupled to the boom is responsive to the signals generated by the height sensor assembly for vertically adjusting the boom. In some embodiments, a breakaway sensor is used to determine whether at least one drop assembly has broken away from its normal substantially vertical operating orientation. In some embodiments, a data processing and/or height control action is determined upon detection of a breakaway event.

Abstract: A liquid product storage and delivery system is provided. The liquid product storage and delivery system includes a storage tank and a liquid bladder supported inside of the storage tank.