Furrow Opener Patents (Class 111/149)
  • Patent number: 11864487
    Abstract: Seed sensors are present for determining seed placement in a furrow to then target at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the seed. Plant sensors are present for determining location of plants within a field and then targeting at least one of fluid and solid application with respect to the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Ben L. Schlipf, Justin McMenamy
  • Patent number: 11284559
    Abstract: A seed sensor senses seeds on a row unit and generates a seed sensor signal. A number of planting characteristics, such as a seed orientation, seed slugging, delivery system wear, and seed abnormalities, can be detected based on the seed sensor signal. The planter can be controlled based on the detected planting characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jason D. Walter, James Z. Liu
  • Patent number: 11224153
    Abstract: Agricultural planting implements, as well as other ground-engaging implements, can utilize supplemental force assemblies to provide up and/or down force at the row or rows of the implements. The force can be used to overcome changing field conditions, obstructions, as well as changing particulate amounts and weights carried by the rows of the implements, and the implement itself. The up force can be set at system pressure, or can include control valves at each of the row units to control the amount of up force provided. The down force can be controlled by control valves at each of the row units, and can be used to overcome the up pressure or provide a designated amount of down force to the row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Leimkuehler, Steve Nolte, Robert Blackwell, Matthew Wilhelmi, David Schulte, Paul Zinnel
  • Patent number: 11147207
    Abstract: A product distribution control system for an agricultural system includes a controller including a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of an amount of product in a tank of an air cart and to automatically adjust the metering rate of the product from the tank or the tank pressurization based on the amount of product in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dennis George Thompson
  • Patent number: 10820490
    Abstract: A system for controlling an operation of a residue removal device of a seed-planting implement. The system may include a residue removal device configured to remove residue from a path of the seed-planting implement. The system may also include a furrow closing assembly including at least one closing disc, which is configured to close a furrow formed in the soil by the seed-planting implement. Furthermore, the system may include a sensor configured to capture data indicative of an operational parameter of the furrow closing assembly and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor the operational parameter based on the data received from the sensor, and to control an operation of the residue removal device based on the monitored operational parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Schoeny, Trevor Stanhope
  • Patent number: 10701853
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for adjusting the depth of a trench opened by a row unit of an agricultural planter. The row unit includes a trench depth adjustment assembly configured to modify the furrow depth. A first depth adjustment sub-assembly is configured to select one of a plurality of pre-selected furrow depths. A second adjustment sub-assembly is configured to modify at least one of a plurality of the pre-selected furrow depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Precision Planting LLC
    Inventors: Todd Swanson, Chad Plattner, Jason Stoller, Dale Koch, Dillon Sloneker
  • Patent number: 10681862
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring soil properties and applying fertilizer during a planting operation. Various sensors are disposed in ground engaging components for monitoring soil properties. The ground engaging components may have structure for opening a side trench in the sidewalls of the seed trench and may include liquid application conduits for injecting liquid into the sidewalls of the resulting side trenches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: THE CLIMATE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason Stoller, Justin Koch, Brian McMahon, Derek Sauder, Ian Radtke, Michael Strnad, Dale Koch, Matthew Morgan, Tracy Leman, Paul Wildermuth
  • Patent number: 10653055
    Abstract: An agricultural seeder implement includes a seed boot connected directly to an opener having a leading extremity and a trailing extremity. The seed boot and the opener form a channel and an outlet. The channel extends forwardly from an inlet of the seed boot proximate to the trailing extremity of the opener to the outlet behind the leading extremity of the opener. The opener is for being pulled for cutting a furrow in the ground by the leading extremity ahead of the outlet, and the channel is for guiding a stream of air-driven seed forwardly therethrough from the inlet and into the furrow through the outlet directed downwardly in the furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventor: Ronald J. Kile
  • Patent number: 10582653
    Abstract: A control system for controlling the depth of an opener device in an agricultural planter comprises a gauge wheel on a pivotably mounted support arm, a mechanical element coupled to the support arm to move in response to changes in the angle of the support arm, a sensor adapted to measure changes in the relative elevations of the opener device and the gauge wheel to produce an output signal representing the current relative elevations of the opener device and the gauge wheel, and a control device receiving the output signal from the sensor and producing a second output signal for maintaining the opener device at a selected elevation relative to the gauge wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Patent number: 9733355
    Abstract: A soil detection and planting apparatus. The apparatus includes a vehicle and a controller coupled to the vehicle. The apparatus further includes a planting device coupled to the vehicle, the planting device configured to plant seeds or plants into a soil material. The apparatus includes a ground penetrating radar sensor coupled to the vehicle. The ground penetrating radar soil sensor is configured to scan the soil material up to a designated depth beneath a surface of the soil material, wherein the ground penetrating radar soil sensor is further configured to provide a sensor feedback signal to the controller with respect to an intrinsic characteristic of the soil material. The controller is configured to instruct placement of a seed or a plant into the soil material based on the feedback signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, William D. Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9167742
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for controlling the moisture content of soil deposited in a furrow during seed planting comprises tilling the soil to an adjustable depth to expose soil corresponding to a reference soil moisture setting, selecting covering soil from the exposed soil having a moisture content that matches the moisture content of the reference soil moisture setting, and depositing the covering soil over the seed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventors: Billy R. Masten, Gaylen R. Stukey, Leland P. Stukey
  • Publication number: 20140379228
    Abstract: An agricultural planting system and method comprising a soil sampling and analysis means, wherein soil samples are taken and analyzed in real-time during a planting operation (or, optionally, via a separate, prior operation) to determine the conditions and nutrient content of the soil, and a planting system, wherein the planting system is capable of planting seeds in any arbitrary position on an X-Y plane directly beneath the planting system, whereby the data gathered from the analyzed soil samples is used to determine the optimal placement of seeds or plants in a field in order to take advantage of the soil conditions present and to optimize crop yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Barry D. Batcheller, Joseph A. Heilman, David C. Batcheller, Robert V. Weinmann, Jeffrey L. Johnson, Paul D. Johnson, Paul A. Nystuen
  • Patent number: 8849523
    Abstract: A soil detection and planting apparatus. The apparatus includes a vehicle and a controller coupled to the vehicle. The apparatus further includes a planting device coupled to the vehicle, the planting device configured to plant seeds or plants into a soil material. The apparatus includes a ground penetrating radar sensor coupled to the vehicle. The ground penetrating radar soil sensor is configured to scan the soil material up to a designated depth beneath a surface of the soil material, wherein the ground penetrating radar soil sensor is further configured to provide a sensor feedback signal to the controller with respect to an intrinsic characteristic of the soil material. The controller is configured to instruct placement of a seed or a plant into the soil material based on the feedback signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, William D. Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130125800
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Deere & Company
  • Publication number: 20130112122
    Abstract: Agricultural seed planting systems are provided. In some aspects, the system includes a processing unit, a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame for opening a furrow in soil, and a sensor in communication with the processing unit and adapted to sense a characteristic associated with seed planting. The sensor may generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic and the processing unit may receive the signal. In some aspects, the sensed characteristic may be either a soil characteristic or a seed characteristic. Information associated with the sensed characteristic can be saved in memory for future use and to assist with more effective planting in the future.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: KINZE MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Laura B. Blomme, Courtney N. Achen
  • Publication number: 20130112124
    Abstract: A seeder includes a frame on ground wheels defining tool bars for seeding elements spaced across the frame. Each element includes a pair of parallel arms connected to the tool bar bracket forming a parallel linkage for up and down movement of a support arm connected at a rear end and carrying the packer wheel. A spring applies a downward spring force on the parallel linkage to apply a downward force on the packer wheel so that the spring force increases as the parallel arms pivot upwardly and decreases as the parallel arms pivot downwardly. A control device is arranged to raise and lower the tool bar in response to a detected value of a sensor so as to change the angle of the parallel linkage and change the spring force. A cam controlled double rack adjustment of the height of the opener allows the user to change seeding depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Gary Bergen, Sylvio Julien Tessier, Tim Strydhorst, James Eichele, Grant Howard Adolph, Ryan Pinfold, Sean Lewis, Leo V. Turko, Larry Beever
  • Publication number: 20130104785
    Abstract: Agricultural devices, row unit adjustment systems, and methods of adjusting a depth of a furrow are provided. In some aspects, an agricultural device is adapted to plant seeds and includes a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame and adapted to cut a furrow including a depth, a sensor adapted to sense a characteristic associated with planting seeds and generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic, and a processing unit receiving the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. The depth of the furrow is adjustable based on the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. Such characteristic may be a characteristic of the soil, a force applied to the agricultural device, or a position of a portion of the agricultural device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: KINZE MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Courtney N. Achen, Marvin L. Bachman, Vaughan G. Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20130032069
    Abstract: An agricultural implement includes a tool bar and at least one row unit carried by the tool bar. Each row unit includes a furrow opener arrangement with a gauge wheel. The gauge wheel includes a rim with an outer periphery and a tire mounted to the outer periphery. The tire includes an outer shell formed from a first resilient material and an inner core formed from a softer second resilient material. The outer shell is positioned radially outward from the inner core and axial outward from axial ends of the inner core. The inner core is mounted directly on the outer periphery of the rim and defines an annular hollow core therein. The tire is structured and arranged such that the softer inner core, the annular hollow core and the harder outer shell coact to provide good wear, good shock absorbance, and good mud shedding capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Nathan A. Mariman, Polina Aronova, Scott Cassidy
  • Publication number: 20130000535
    Abstract: An agricultural device associated with reduced tillage techniques in a field includes a frame and a separator supported by the frame. The separator is configured to form a strip of exposed soil in residual plant matter in the field. A crimping device associated with the separator is configured to at least partially crush stems of residual plant matter while maintaining the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Charles H. MARTIN, Dominic R. MARTIN
  • Publication number: 20130000536
    Abstract: A depth adjustment assembly for a disc opener or other furrowing device has an eccentric cam with an outer surface that engages and thus prevents rotation of a gauge wheel arm. As rotation of the gauge wheel arm sets the relative position of a gauge wheel relative to the furrowing device, preventing rotation of the arm sets the cutting depth for the furrowing device. The eccentric cam may have a smooth outer edge defining an indiscrete range of positions or a profile outer surface that defines discrete depth setting positions. The eccentric cam is biased into engagement with a receiver by a pin and spring, but overcoming the bias allows the cam to be momentarily disengaged and rotated to reposition the eccentric cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: ROBIN B. SCHILLING
  • Publication number: 20120316736
    Abstract: When the operator of a cultivation air seeder shifts the tractor valve to raise the cultivators and openers from the ground as the seeder prepares to turn around at the end of a field, the operating and control system of the seeder causes the cultivators to be raised first, followed in sequence by the trailing openers. The seed meter turns off as soon as the cultivators leave their lowered position, but the blower stays on so that seeds in the conduits downstream from the meter continue to be delivered to and deposited into the ground by the openers until the cultivators reach their raised position, whereupon the openers are raised. Depending upon the particular seeding mode selected by the operator, the cultivators and openers either lower simultaneously as the operator shifts the tractor valve to the lowering position when starting down the next pass, or the cultivators are lowered first, followed in sequence by the openers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: GREAT PLAINS MANUFACTURING, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Verne A. Hubalek, Jacob R. Riffel
  • Publication number: 20120266795
    Abstract: A planter is described which utilizes individual seed meter motor drives at each row unit. motor controllers control each seed meter drive motor. Each individual row seed meter can be individually started, stopped and operated at a unique rate. Prior to planting, the meters can be operated to fill the meters and ensure that the meters are primed and ready to start dropping seed as soon as the planter begins operation to plant seed. When a seed delivery system is used with each meter to move seed from the meter to the soil, the delivery system is also primed with seed before operation of the planter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: CARL SILBERNAGEL, James R. Peterson, Dave J. Rylander, Michael E. Frasier
  • Publication number: 20120255475
    Abstract: A planter row unit is disclosed having an active downforce control system for the closing wheels. This separate control of the downforce pressure for the closing wheels is provided from the row unit downforce control. A single operator input is used to set a desired downforce for all row units. The control system then operates to produce the desired downforce. Alternatively, the control system may display a downforce load to the operator who then manually makes adjustments as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Nathan Albert Mariman, Paul Reed Riewerts, Elijah B. Garner, Lee E. Zumdome
  • Publication number: 20120210919
    Abstract: A mount for carrying a plurality of field-conditioning implements selected from trash whipping implements, rolling baskets and coulters for connection to a planter is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: L & B Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Brian R. Meldahl
  • Publication number: 20120210920
    Abstract: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, and a furrow-opening module comprising a first linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, a first movable frame pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the first movable frame relative to the linkage, a furrow-opening device mounted on the first movable frame, and a first biasing element pivotably attached to the linkage and coupled to the first movable frame for urging the furrow-opening device downwardly against the soil. The row unit also includes a furrow-closing module and a second biasing element for urging the at least one furrow-closing device downwardly against the soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20120173093
    Abstract: A sectional control apparatus and method prompts the operator of an implement when the implement, or portion thereof, is traversing over land that has already been seeded and/or disturbed. The apparatus includes a GPS or GNSS receiver that communicates with a GPS or GNSS system and a controller that maps movement of the implement so that real-time positional data for the implement can be compared to the movement map. When the position of the implement, or portion thereof, is detected as moving over previously seeded and/or disturbed land, the controller activates an alert mechanism in the operator cab of the implement to notify the operator that sectional control, i.e., shutting down metering of product or raising the tool bar, needs to be implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Trevor Kowalchuk
  • Publication number: 20120125244
    Abstract: An apparatus for mapping resistance of soil to a ground engaging tool passing through the soil includes a sensor mechanism operative to measure a resistance force exerted on the ground engaging tool by the soil, and an external guidance system operative to determine a location of the ground engaging tool. A microprocessor receives information from the sensor and external guidance system and plots the force against the location of the ground engaging tool as the ground engaging tool moves along the ground to form a map showing hardness of the soil as indicated by a varying value of the force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: STRAW TRACK MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventor: Norbert BEAUJOT
  • Publication number: 20120060730
    Abstract: An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, and a row unit frame having a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the row unit frame relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20120060731
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame. A support member is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the support member relative to the attachment frame, and at least one furrow-closing device is mounted on the support member. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the support member for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. The hydraulic cylinder includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for urging the ram in a first direction that pivots the support member in a first vertical direction. An accumulator has a fluid chamber containing a pressurized gas for urging the ram in a second direction that pivots the support member in a second vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Dawn Equipment Company
    Inventor: Joseph D. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20120048160
    Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, and a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit. The agricultural implement system also includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the down force cylinder and the depth control cylinder. The valve assembly is configured to automatically adjust the downward force by varying fluid pressure within the down force cylinder based on fluid pressure within the depth control cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Adams, Keith W. Wendte
  • Publication number: 20120048159
    Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit, a press wheel cylinder configured to vary contact force between a press wheel and a soil surface, a closing disk cylinder configured to vary contact force between a closing disk and the soil surface, a residue manager cylinder configured to vary contact force between a residue manager and the soil surface, or a combination thereof. The agricultural implement system also includes an electronic control unit configured to automatically regulate a pressure within the cylinders, and a manual backup system configured to facilitate manual pressure adjustment of the cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Adams, Keith W. Wendte
  • Publication number: 20120042813
    Abstract: A row crop unit for use in an agricultural seeder includes a furrow opener for opening a furrow in the soil, a seed metering system for metering seed to be placed in the furrow, and a seed placement system for placing seeds in the furrow. The seed placement system and the seed metering system are in communication with each other and at least in part define a seed travel path associated with the furrow. A furrow closer covers the seed in the furrow with soil. A seed temperature conditioner is associated with the seed travel path for varying a temperature of seed traveling through the seed travel path. A temperature sensitive sensor is positioned to sense seed which has been deposited in the furrow between the furrow opener and the furrow closer. An optional packaging tube holds a temperature sensor or sensor array. A lens is mounted with the same tube. A larger diameter tube may be positioned around the sensor packaging tube. A positive air pressure/air flow may be introduced between the two tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: James Z. Liu, Nikolai R. Tevs, Elijah B. Garner
  • Publication number: 20120042812
    Abstract: A seed planting assembly comprises a depth regulating member and a residue driving member. The depth regulating member and residue driving member may be integrally formed as one structure, or they may be formed separately and later joined to one another. A method of planting comprises selecting the geometries of the depth regulating member and residue driving member for a given set of conditions so that the depth regulating member facilitates travel of a planting unit over debris.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Howard D. Martin
  • Publication number: 20120046838
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Donald K. Landphair, James Z. Liu
  • Publication number: 20110315057
    Abstract: A soil opener has a frog mount adapted to be coupled to a shank or other mounting member of a farm implement. A spreader is removably coupled to the frog mount and includes forward and rearward product delivery channels that are intended to be flow-coupled to product delivery tubes or hoses of the farm implement. A tip is removably coupled to the spreader. The leading edges of the frog mount, the spreader, and the tip, as well as the geometry between these components are such that drift is minimized even when the soil opener is pulled through the soil at higher speeds, e.g., excess of 5 mph. The soil opener may be equipped with an optional soil gathering module that gathers soil lifted by the tip and redirects the soil to a position generally rearward of the opener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Russell J. Memory, Martin Roberge, Jim W. Henry
  • Publication number: 20110315058
    Abstract: A soil opener has a frog mount adapted to be coupled to a shank or other mounting member of a farm implement. A spreader is removably coupled to the frog mount and includes forward and rearward product delivery channels that are intended to be flow-coupled to product delivery tubes or hoses of the farm implement. A tip is removably coupled to the spreader. The leading edges of the frog mount, the spreader, and the tip, as well as the geometry between these components are such that draft is minimized even when the soil opener is pulled through the soil at higher speeds, e.g., excess of 5 mph. The soil opener may be equipped with an optional soil gathering module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Russell J. Memory, Martin J. Roberge, Jim W. Henry
  • Publication number: 20110290165
    Abstract: A furrow opener apparatus attachable to an implement has a trailing arm with a packer wheel at the rear end, and a furrow opener attached forward of the packer wheel. An actuator moves the trailing arm between a lowered operating position and a raised transport position. A latch mechanism engages the implement frame and the trailing arm when the actuator is operated to move the trailing arm to the transport position, preventing the trailing arm from moving downward. A release mechanism moves the latch mechanism to an unlatched position when the actuator is operated to move the trailing arm from the raised transport position to the lowered operating position, allowing the trailing arm to move down from the transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Bourgault Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Devin Lung
  • Publication number: 20110239920
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: CNH CANADA, LTD.
    Inventor: Jim Henry
  • Publication number: 20110219994
    Abstract: Agricultural machine embracing at least one drilling unit including a support device as well as a seed metering device. The drilling unit is movably connected with a structural member embraced by the agricultural machine. The seed metering device is fixedly connected with the support device of the drilling unit and the seed metering device includes a chamber for seeds arranged to be supplied with a positive pressure where the seed metering element constitutes a wall limiting the chamber and in which holes or recesses are arranged. The holes/recesses connect the chamber with the surroundings, with the purpose of, by the pressure difference developed hereby, attaching and transporting seeds at said holes/recesses of the seed metering element. A seed metering line has an inlet in the chamber, with the purpose of, by said positive pressure in the chamber, creating an air flow for the transportation of the seeds from the chamber through the seed metering line to a drill furrow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: VADERSTAD-VERKEN AB
    Inventor: Gert Gilstring
  • Patent number: 8017012
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Kryzak
  • Publication number: 20110192330
    Abstract: This improved apparatus for planting grain crops provides improved emergence, particularly under heavy soil conditions, promotes more vigorous growth, reduces tillering and improves the yield in wheat and barley crops. The improved apparatus receives seed at a more-or-less uniform rate, captures the flow of seed until a multiplicity of seed generally in the range of 20 to 30 seeds is gathered, then releases said seed in concentrated groups spaced apart from one another and with blank or non-seeded portions therebetween into a furrow prepared by means of an angled disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: HPFM Drill Company, LLC
    Inventors: James David Logan, Richard Wayne Lloyd, Wayne Lucas McProud
  • Publication number: 20110179983
    Abstract: A seeding implement is provided that includes a depth adjustment mechanism configured to facilitate rapid reconfiguration of a ground engaging tool for varying penetration depths. In an exemplary embodiment, the seeding implement includes a ground engaging tool and a packer arm pivotally coupled to a packer support structure. The seeding implement also includes a packer wheel rotatably coupled to the packer arm, and configured to rotate across a soil surface to limit a penetration depth of the ground engaging tool into the soil. The seeding implement further includes a depth adjustment assembly including a slot within the packer support structure, a corresponding slot within the packer arm, and a fastener disposed through the slots. In this configuration, the penetration depth of the ground engaging tool is varied by adjusting a position of the fastener within the slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas George Alfred Ryder, Kevin Hall
  • Publication number: 20110126746
    Abstract: Disclosed is a soil opening implement comprising a frame (5) adapted to be moved across a ground surface to be opened, a soil opener (1) mounted on the frame for a repetitive cyclic movement to cause the soil opener to penetrate the ground at a plurality of spaced positions to form a line of holes in the soil, and means for varying the pitch of the holes, that is the spacing between adjacent holes in the direction of movement of the implement, the implement having the facility to deliver objects, such as seeds or fertiliser granules in the holes, either one object per hole or multiple objects per hole, wherein the implement includes a hopper (11) for holding a supply of objects and for delivering the objects to the soil opener which is in the form of a substantially vertical hollow tube (11b) through which the objects are fed and delivered to the holes; and wherein the lower end (13) of the tube is angled and tapers to a point, the taper being formed by an angled cut on the trailing side of the opener relativ
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Borland
  • Publication number: 20110113996
    Abstract: A row unit of a planter or other agricultural machine having ground engaging wheels is equipped with a rotation sensor to determine if and when a wheel stops rotating. An alert is issued by a monitor to the operator so that corrective action can be taken. Further, means are provided to determine when the machine is in used depositing an input versus turning at the end of the rows so that the rotation sensors to not generate an alert when the machine is not in use delivering an input to the field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Nathan A. Mariman, Paul R. Riewerts
  • Publication number: 20110036281
    Abstract: A system for correcting skewing in an agricultural implement where the implement includes a plurality of ground engaging tools laterally spaced across a width of the implement and operative to selectively engage the ground to perform a desired operation on a field surface has a skew detecting device operative to sense when the implement is travelling in a skewed orientation and send a correction signal indicating the skewed orientation to a correction mechanism. A drag force is exerted on the ground engaging tools by engagement with the ground when performing the desired operation on the field surface, and the correction mechanism is operative to change the drag forces exerted on at least some ground engaging tools on one side of the implement to correct the skewed orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: STRAW TRACK MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventor: Norbert Beaujot
  • Publication number: 20110017111
    Abstract: An applicator assembly for applying an active substance to the root zone of a plurality of plants, the applicator assembly comprising: a subsoil applicator having a cutting element for generating an incision in the ground, an injector associated with the cutting element to allow the active substance to be injected into the incision; and a positioning device adapted to allow the position of the cutting element to change position such that an incision is generated in some material in the root zone while the cutting element moves over other material in the root zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Douglas Paton, David Smith
  • Publication number: 20110005439
    Abstract: A planter row unit has a pair of ground-engaging gauge wheels located in close proximity to opposite sides of a furrow opener of the unit. The depth of penetration of the furrow opener depends upon the vertical position of the gauge wheels relative to the furrow opener. Wheel arms that connect the gauge wheels to the frame of the row unit are operably coupled with a depth adjustment lever through a rigid link that transmits adjusting movement of the depth adjustment lever to the gauge wheels to raise or lower the same. The link is made adjustable in length to provide fine depth adjustment of the unit for calibration purposes or otherwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: AGCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ranjit G. Patwardhan, Monte J. Rans
  • Publication number: 20100300338
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a seeding implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jim Henry, Nicholas George Alfred Ryder
  • Publication number: 20100251947
    Abstract: A gauge wheel for an agricultural implement includes a rim having an outer periphery and a tire mounted to the outer periphery. The tire includes an outer shell formed from a first resilient material and an inner core formed from a second resilient material. The first resilient material is harder than the second resilient material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Nathan A. Mariman, Polina Aronova, Scott Cassidy
  • Publication number: 20100175600
    Abstract: An agricultural seeding implement comprises a plurality of furrowing devices independently supported by respective suspension members on a frame for movement together with the frame in a forward working direction. A pressurizing system is arranged to provide a flow of fluid under pressure from a source of liquid associated with the frame to a fluid nozzle assembly of each furrowing device. In a preferred embodiment, each fluid nozzle assembly comprises two furrowing nozzles oriented to direct the respective flow of fluid under pressure downwardly towards the ground to form a common furrow in the ground associated with the fluid nozzle assembly. A seed tube is supported rearwardly of each furrowing device so as to be arranged to deposit seed in the furrow formed by the furrowing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Brian Cruson