Abstract: A converging row unit for planting seed potatoes includes a plurality of linear arrays of seed cups, each array disposed upon a flexible endless belt and having an upwardly moveable portion and a downwardly moveable portion. The upwardly moveable portion passes through a seed pick region wherein each seed cup can draw a seed, while the downwardly moveable portion progresses to a point of discharge of the seed. The linear arrays are laterally spaced apart from each other in the upwardly moveable portion, and converge together in the downwardly moveable portion, toward to the point of discharge.

Abstract: Systems, implements, and methods for seed orientation during planting operations of agricultural plants include a system for seed orientation having a vision system positioned in proximity to a seed disk. The vision system determines seed orientation data for seed on the seed disk. A seed belt receives seed from the seed disk and the seed belt adjusts an orientation of the seed from the seed disk to a desired seed orientation within a furrow during planting.

Abstract: A seed meter disk includes a body defining a plane of rotation, a seed-side, and a lower-pressure-side. A circumferential array of seed openings are provided on the seed-side of the seed meter disk for seed adherence. A circumferential array of kick-out pockets are provided on the lower-pressure-side of the seed meter disk. A circumferential array of recessed seed agitator pockets may be provided for seed mixing and agitation. A circumferential array of raised agitator pegs or features may be provided for seed mixing and agitation. A kick-out wheel assembly includes a kick-out wheel rotatably held by a kick-out wheel arm. The kick-out wheel has at least one protrusion portion including a plurality of kick-out protrusions each of which is configured to mate with and enter one of the kick-out pockets to facilitate dislodgement of a seed or other particle from within a seed opening.

Abstract: A system for seed orientation includes a seed disk capable of rotation in operation and having at least one singulator to adjust an orientation of seed to a desired seed orientation for placement within a furrow during planting. A vision system in proximity to the seed disk determines seed orientation data for seed on the seed disk.

Abstract: A particle delivery system of an agricultural row unit includes a shuttle track configured to be disposed adjacent to a particle metering and singulation unit, shuttles movably disposed along the shuttle track, and a track belt disposed inwardly of the shuttle track. Each shuttle is configured to receive a particle from the particle metering and singulation unit at a particle reception section of the shuttle track and release the particle toward a trench in soil at a particle deposition section of the shuttle track. The track belt includes paddles, and each paddle is configured to move a respective shuttle along a particle transfer section of the shuttle track from the particle reception section to the particle deposition section.

Abstract: An apparatus to support a proppant container includes a frame to receive and support the proppant container. The frame has a top surface that receives and positions the proppant container in an elevated position. The apparatus also includes a box guide assembly positioned on the top surface a box guide assembly connected to the top surface of the frame for defining a cradle section having four corners. The box guide assembly including a box guide positioned at each of the corners. Each box guide has a corner member extending upwardly from the top surface along a peripheral edge of the frame and a guide member extending adjacent the corner member. The guide member include an inclined face for aligning the proppant container in the cradle section. The box guide assembly guides the proppant container into the cradle section when loaded onto the frame in the elevated position.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and method for monitoring and controlling field operations including planting and harvesting operations. In one embodiment, a data processing system of a machine includes a data transfer and processing module that communicates bi-directionally with different types of controllers and sensors mounted on the machine or an implement attached to the machine. The data transfer and processing module is configured to execute instructions to receive signals from these controllers and sensors, process these signals, and generate data for monitoring and controlling field operations of the machine. At least one display device is coupled to the data transfer and processing module. The at least one display device displays the data for monitoring and controlling field operations of the machine or implement to a user or operator.

Abstract: A monitoring system for an agricultural implement having a plurality of row units. Each of the row units includes a seed meter configured to dispense seeds and a seed conveyor disposed to receive seeds from the seed meter and guide the seeds toward the soil surface. The monitor system includes a monitor and a control module. The control module is in data communication with the monitor, the seed meter and the seed conveyor for controlling a rate of the seed meter and a rate of the seed conveyor.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for a seeding machine having a seed meter comprises a housing that defines an upper seed loading area and a lower seed discharge area. A drive pulley is mounted to rotate with respect to the housing. A belt is supported for rotation by the drive pulley within the housing. A loading wheel is mounted to rotate with respect to the housing to transfer seeds from the seed meter into the belt at the seed loading area. The belt conveys the seeds through the housing as the belt travels from the seed loading area to the seed discharge area.

Abstract: A metering system for an agricultural system includes an inductor. The inductor includes a receiving portion configured to receive plantlet casings at a feed rate, a conduit coupled to the receiving portion and configured to receive the plantlet casings from the receiving portion, where the conduit is configured to convey the plantlet casings to at least one row unit, an air source fluidly coupled to the conduit and configured to provide an air flow through the conduit to convey the plantlet casings to the at least one row unit, and a physical feature configured to block flow of the plantlet casings toward the air source.

Abstract: A controller is operatively connected to a dispensing system and configured to change the dispensement of an agricultural input from the dispensing system in different predetermined locations within at least one predefined test plot in a management zone of an agricultural field. The predetermined locations have been randomized and replicated for quantifying the agronomic response in a statistically valid manner.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

Abstract: A liquid applicator having a main body adapted to removably, rigidly mount to a lower end of a shank of a row unit between the furrow opening discs and forward of the seed delivery apparatus relative to a direction of travel of the row unit. The main body supports a liquid conduit in fluid communication with a liquid source, the conduit disposed to deposit liquid into the seed furrow forward of the seed delivery apparatus.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for controlling an agricultural implement having a plurality of row units. In some embodiments, seeds are planted by rotating a seed disc in a first direction; seeds are then unloaded from a seed disc into a seed pool by rotating the seed disc in a second direction. In some such embodiments an amount of rotation in the second direction is selected to ensure that seeds are released into the seed pool and not released from the seed meter.

Abstract: A seed delivery apparatus and methods in which a seed conveyor delivers seed from a metering device to a furrow in a controlled manner to maintain seed placement accuracy within the furrow.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method for modify a motor speed driving a seed conveyor on an implement so that the seed release speed is matched to the travel speed of the implement. A speed sensor measures the travel speed of the implement. A seed conveyor having a plurality of flights receives seeds from a seed meter. A monitor is in communication with the speed sensor, the motor driving the seed conveyor, a first sensor disposed to detect the passing of seeds and the flights as they travel toward the soil and a second sensor disposed to detect the passing of flights after the seed is released, wherein the monitor modifies the motor speed of the conveyor based on the speed sensor and signals generated by the first sensor and second sensor.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

Abstract: A metering system for an agricultural vehicle includes a meter roller oriented substantially parallel to a direction of travel of the agricultural vehicle. The meter roller includes multiple protrusions, and each protrusion is configured to drive agricultural product downwardly in response to rotation of the meter roller. The metering system also includes a drive shaft configured to be driven in rotation. In addition, the metering system includes a gear assembly having an input coupled to the drive shaft and an output configured to drive the meter roller to rotate. A first rotational axis of the input is substantially perpendicular to a second rotational axis of the output.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a seed discharge system is that employs a pair of rotating belts spaced from one another to receive the seeds from a seed metering device and to direct the seeds into the desired location within a trench over which the discharge system is positioned. The seeds are received within a gap formed between the belts and are clamped and held between the belts as the belts move, consequently moving the seeds from the seed metering device to the discharge opening of the discharge system. The constant engagement of the seeds with the belts through the discharge system prevents the seeds from bouncing, thereby maintaining a constant residence time for the seeds within the discharge system.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

Abstract: A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a loading wheel at the upper opening to the housing engages seed on a metering disk to move seed into the housing. The metering disk and housing can be arranged in planes parallel to one another.

Abstract: A single-grain seeder including a chassis that supports at least one seeding element including a dispensing housing, at least one opening disk for opening a furrow in the ground, and at least one depth control wheel, the dispensing housing delivering seeds one by one via a rotary dosing element configured to turn about a rotation axis, each seed being ejected from the rotary dosing element at an ejection point extending in a lower portion of the rotary dosing element. The ejection point is disposed in an external diameter of the opening disk, when viewed along the rotation axis of the rotary dosing element.

Abstract: A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a loading wheel at the upper opening to the housing engages seed on a metering disk to move seed into the housing. The metering disk and housing can be arranged in planes parallel to one another.

Abstract: A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a loading wheel at the upper opening to the housing engages seed on a metering disk to move seed into the housing. The metering disk and housing can be arranged in planes parallel to one another.

Abstract: A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a loading wheel at the upper opening to the housing engages seed on a metering disk to move seed into the housing. The metering disk and housing can be arranged in planes parallel to one another.

Abstract: A row unit for a seeding machine includes a frame and first and second seed meters. The first seed meter has a first metering member for singulating seeds, and the second seed meter has a second metering member for singulating seeds. A conveyor having a conduit defining a path for receiving seeds from the first and second seed meters is configured to discharge the seeds from the seeding machine. A wall is movably mounted with respect to the frame between a first position and a second position. In the first position the wall intersects the path of the conduit for guiding a seed into the conduit, and in the second position the wall is spaced from the path of the conduit.

Abstract: A seed delivery apparatus and methods in which a seed conveyor delivers seed from a metering device to a furrow in a controlled manner to maintain seed placement accuracy within the furrow.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine having a seed meter with a metering member that moves seed sequentially along a first path to a release position at which the seed is moving in a first direction and a delivery system adapted to take seed from the metering member at the release position and control movement of the seed from the seed meter to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine. The delivery system, at the release position, moves seed in a second direction along a second path. A blocking member located adjacent the first path immediately preceding the release position prevents movement of the seed in the second direction until the seed has passed the blocking member.

Abstract: A seed delivery mechanism for an agricultural planter that receives seeds from a seed meter of the planter and delivers the seeds to a seed trench as the planter moves in a planting direction has a first endless belt trained about a first drive pulley and a second endless belt trained about a second drive pulley. The first and second drive pulleys rotate the first and second endless belts to provide confronting belt segments that form a seed delivery path between a conveyor entry point and a release point. The first and second endless belts are configured with a downward reach oriented to move seeds predominantly downward and a rearward reach oriented to move the seed predominantly rearward. The rearward reach provides a rearward velocity component to seeds at the release point that offsets a forward velocity of the planter as the planter moves in the planting direction.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and controlling an agricultural implement, including seed planting implements. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for detecting seeds being conveyed by seed conveyor.

Abstract: A seed-double eliminator is described for a seeding machine that moves seed along a seed path. The seed-double eliminator may include a pocket with a pocket opening exposed to the seed path and a pocket cavity extending away from the seed path. A flexible extension may extend from within the pocket cavity toward the seed path. The flexible extension may be disposed to contact at least one seed of a seed-double pair being moved along the seed path by the seeding machine in order to remove the at least one seed from the seed path.

Abstract: A system for planting seeds having a metering system positioned before a belt lowering system that has a sensor to detect the position of a seed on the belt lowering system. The rotational speed of the metering system and the belt lowering system are determined by the speed and location of a planter and the position of the seed on the belt lowering system to correct seed positioning with relation to a pre-mapped or selected field starting location.

Abstract: Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of a single row unit (10) of a conventional row crop planter such as the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,438,006, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. As is well known in the art, the row units (10) are mounted in spaced relation along the length of a transverse toolbar (12) by a parallel linkage (14), comprised of upper and lower parallel arms (16, 18) pivotally mounted at their forward ends to the transverse toolbar (12) and at their rearward end to the row unit frame (20).

Abstract: A seed research plot planter includes a rotating seed plate for picking up and transporting seeds from a seed chamber to a release point, and a sensor that detects the rotational position of the seed plate. A distance measuring device measures a distance traveled by the planter. A controller uses a first signal from the sensor and a second signal from the distance measuring device to control a sequence of operations of the planter based on the rotational position of the seed plate and the location of the planter within the field. A field layout system is provided for creating a plot field layout having a desired number of ranges, a desired number of planter passes, and desired parameters for each plot within the field. The field layout system allows different plot lengths and seed populations to be input for individual plots within the same planter pass through the field.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine is disclosed having a frame member and a seed meter mounted thereto. The seed meter has a housing and a metering member rotatably mounted therein. The metering member has a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface and a rim portion adjacent an outer edge of the sidewall. The inner surface of the side wall and the housing form a trough at a bottom portion of the metering member to hold a seed pool. A mechanical seed delivery system takes seed from the metering member and moves seed to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine.

Abstract: A system for changing seed variety on a planter includes a plurality of row units with each row unit having a plurality of seed meters. Each seed meter has a guide for delivering seed to a transport belt and a switch that is activated and deactivated by a switch actuator on the belt. The belt has adjustable sidewalls, cover, and lugs.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine is disclosed having a frame member and a seed meter mounted thereto. The seed meter has a housing and a metering member rotatably mounted therein. The metering member has a sidewall with an inner surface and an outer surface and a rim portion adjacent an outer edge of the sidewall. The inner surface of the side wall and the housing form a trough at a bottom portion of the metering member to hold a seed pool. A mechanical seed delivery system takes seed from the metering member and moves seed to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine.

Abstract: A seeding machine with a seed meter and a seed delivery system for moving seed from a seed meter to a furrow formed in the soil. The delivery system has an endless member moving in a housing about pulleys to move seed from an upper opening in the housing to a lower discharge opening. In one embodiment, a blocking loading surface guides seed from the metering member of the seed meter and into the delivery system.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine having a seed meter with a metering member. The metering member has a sidewall with inner and outer surfaces and apertures extending through the sidewall. The metering member is adapted to adhere seed to the apertures to sequentially move seed to a release position at which the inner surface of the sidewall is facing downward such the seed is hanging beneath the sidewall. A mechanical seed delivery system takes seed from the metering member at the release portion and controls movement of seed from the seed meter to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding machine that removes seed from a seed meter by capturing seed therefrom. The delivery system moves seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, each seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine having a seed meter with a metering member that moves seed sequentially along a first path to a release position at which the seed is moving in a first direction and a delivery system adapted to take seed from the metering member at the release position and control movement of the seed from the seed meter to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine. The delivery system, at the release position, moves seed in a second direction along a second path.

Abstract: A wear liner is described for a seed delivery system housing containing a transport mechanism for moving seed along a seed path through the delivery system housing. The liner may include a wear liner insert extending along a portion of the seed path within the delivery, the wear liner insert including a wear surface interposed between the transport mechanism and the seed delivery system housing to protect at least one of the seed and the seed delivery system housing from wear. In certain embodiments, various features of the liner may extend outside the seed delivery system housing, to further protect the housing.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seed machine is described. The planting unit includes a seed meter with a metering member that moves seed along a first path to a release position, at which the seed is moving in a first direction. A delivery system receives seed from the metering member at the release position and moves the seed in a second direction by way of a brush belt with flexible bristles that sweep seed off the metering member. A blocking member has a blocking face adjacent the first path to prevent movement of the seed in the second direction until the seed has passed the blocking face, and to deflect a first portion of the flexible bristles. The blocking member includes a transition surface to allow the deflected bristles to return gradually to an un-deflected configuration as the bristles travel downstream of the blocking face.

Abstract: A seed retrieval apparatus for use with a seed planting device having row planters may be used in instances of mechanical failures of the seed planting device and/or planting errors. The seed retrieval apparatus may include a discard hopper located on the seed planting device which is configured to receive discard seed from the row planters. Further, seed discard tubes of the seed retrieval apparatus each define a first end in fluid communication with a respective row planter and a second end in fluid communication with the seed discard hopper. Additionally, seed containers respectively couple to the second ends of the seed discard tubes, wherein each seed container is configured to receive and isolate discard seed from a respective row planter. Accordingly, the discard seed may be repackaged and planted.

Abstract: A planting unit for a seeding machine having a seed meter with a metering member that moves seed sequentially along a first path to a release position at which the seed is moving in a first direction and a delivery system adapted to take seed from the metering member at the release position and control movement of the seed from the seed meter to a discharge location adjacent a seed furrow formed in soil beneath the seeding machine. The delivery system, at the release position, moves seed in a second direction along a second path. A blocking member located adjacent the first path immediately preceding the release position prevents movement of the seed in the second direction until the seed has passed the blocking member.

Abstract: A system for planting seeds having a metering system positioned before a belt lowering system that has a sensor to detect the position of a seed on the belt lowering system. The rotational speed of the metering system and the belt lowering system are determined by the speed and location of a planter and the position of the seed on the belt lowering system to correct seed positioning with relation to a pre-mapped or selected field starting location.

Abstract: A seeding machine row unit having a seed meter with an endless belt as a seed transport member. A pressure differential holds the seed onto the belt. The belt allows greater freedom in determining the location of the seed pick-up region and the seed release or removal region beyond the constraints of a fixed diameter seed disk. The row unit further includes a delivery system using a brush belt to move metered seed from the meter to the ground.

Abstract: A seed delivery system for use in a seeding or planting machine that removes the seed from a seed meter by capturing the seed therefrom. The delivery system then moves the seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates the seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the seeding machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. Rolling of the seed in the trench is thus reduced. Furthermore, as the seed only has a short drop from the outlet to the bottom of the seed trench, the seed has little vertical speed to induce bounce. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, the seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing.

Abstract: A seeding machine row unit having a seed meter with an endless belt as a seed transport member. A pressure differential holds the seed onto the belt. The belt allows greater freedom in determining the location of the seed pick-up region and the seed release or removal region beyond the constraints of a fixed diameter seed disk. The row unit further includes a delivery system using a brush belt to move metered seed from the meter to the ground.