Abstract: A seed tube for an agricultural implement having a seed metering mechanism for uniformly dispensing seeds. The seed tube defined an enclosed curved seed pathway extending between opposite ends of the tube. To promote control over the seeds passing through the tube, the tube has a smooth but decreasing cross-sectional configuration between the ingress and egress ends of the tube. The tube generally includes a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of side walls. The front wall is generally separated into an upper and lower portion. An opening in the front wall, which is provided to receive a monitoring device, is associated with the lower front wall portion. In addition, the lower front wall portion is stepped forward relative to the upper front wall portion. The enclosed seed pathway further includes a narrowed front edge extending in an upward direction from the egress end of the tube along some section of the front wall.

Abstract: An automated transplanter has been designed for seedlings previously loaded and correctly spaced on a low tensile-strength, biodegradable tape wound on a spool. The transplanter design allowed for rapid planting of the tape with the attached seedlings while minimizing the tension placed on the tape. The design linked the unspooling of the tape directly to the ground speed of the tractor and provides for an anti-backlash mechanism to prevent the spool from free-wheeling when the tractor speed slowed quickly. Using this design, synthetic seedlings attached to a low tensile-strength tape were successfully planted at speeds up to 7.5 mph.

Abstract: A method and system for applying substance formulations to a land area is disclosed. A flexible, easily modifiable graphical representation of subareas of the area is provided, wherein to each subarea it is desired to apply a combination of one or more substance formulations uniformly throughout the subarea. A user (e.g., a farmer) needs only to specify a boundary for each subarea on a graphical image of the land area for computationally defining the subarea. Subsequently, since the land area image and the subarea boundaries thereon are geographically referenced to latitude and longitude coordinates, when applying such formulations to the land area, the present invention utilizes global positioning system (GPS) signals to thereby determine when such a subarea boundary has been traversed so that a corresponding change in the applied formulation(s) can be performed.

Abstract: A tractor that can pull a wide variety of equipment such as that for tilling, seeding and fertilizing of field crops. The equipment can also include reservoirs for containing large quantities of seeds and fertilizers such as liquid manure. As tilling and fertilizing progresses these materials as dispensed changing the weight distribution on the tractor. The change can be compensated for during use by sensing weight and adjusting the position of the machine connecting structure in response thereto, such as a fifth wheel of the tractor, in real-time, to generally equalize weight distribution.

Abstract: An automatic depth control system is disclosed. The system includes a Console and remote Controller mounted in the tractor cab, power beyond Valving, and Depth Sensors, either ground contact or non-ground contact, mounted on the frame of the implement. The depth sensing system is provided to sense the actual penetration of an implement tool by determining the height of the implement frame above the ground. A circuit system is provided to receive the depth signal and to signal power beyond valving that will effect hydraulic corrections in order to maintain the select depth penetration. The Console includes an instrument panel having a toggle switch with AUTO, LOCK and MANUAL positions, an LED showing depth of tool penetration and a bargraph depicting variations from a desired depth and flashing lights on the bargraph to show depth corrections in process. The Console also includes a depth window in which no hydraulic correction would be made, a sensitivity switch, depth sensor switches and an UP/REPHASE switch.

Abstract: A non-resonant electromagnetic energy sensor which generates output signals upon the quantitative and/or qualitative detection of the flow of various substances including solid particles flowing as discrete individual particles or as a continuum, as well as the flow of liquids and/or gaseous substances. The non-resonant electromagnetic energy sensor may be interfaced with various types of electronic circuitry whereby the generated output signals may be used for monitoring a variety of flowing substances, for example, seed flow in an agricultural planter, crop yield on a combine harvester, and flow rates of liquids or gaseous fluids through conduits. The sensor comprises a housing having wall members defining a chamber having an interior volume. The sensor is designed to be interposed along a length of conduit through which the material or substance to be analyzed will pass. An electromagnetic energy source and an electromagnetic energy detector are in communication with the interior volume of the chamber.

Abstract: A pre-charged multi-variable rate crop input applicator implement comprising a plurality of crop input storage reservoirs located on the implement. The reservoirs on the implement are charged with crop inputs from a remote source. The crop inputs are released from the reservoirs on the implement to the field. Since the reservoirs are pre-charged with crop inputs, the time it takes for a crop input to reach the ground is negligible, making the implement particularly suited to precision farming applications. An accompanying control system controls the rate of discharge of crop inputs at each dispensing point on the implement allowing multiple crop inputs to be applied at a variable rate and at the desired prescriptive mix.

Abstract: A mobile products applicator includes a monitoring system particularly adaptable for use in selected product management applications, wherein application rates for selected products stored on-board one or more storage devices are measured on-the-go and visually reported to an applicator operator in near real-time. The mobile products applicator provides environmental advantages to all through enhanced resource management by eliminating or significantly reducing ground and/or water contamination.

Abstract: A sowing device for discharging metered quantities of seed, fertilizer or the like grains is characterized in that the metering device is provided with one or more exchangeable cellular wheels (17), that the housing (16) of the metering device, which accommodates the cellular wheel (17) is designed axially symmetrical at both opposing faces in relation to the driving unit, the bearing and the assembly of the metering device and the fastening thereof, and has a removable shaft (18), that the housing (16) is designed without bearing, and at least one driving unit (22) with bearing and/or at least one bearing unit (24) is coupled thereto, that the shaft (18) in the form of a plug-on or slip-on shaft is supported in the driving and/or bearing unit(s), and that the driving and/or the bearing unit can be plugged, screwed or similarly attached to the housing (16).

Abstract: A real time soil constituent sensor and precision agricultural chemical delivery system may measure simple in situ soil constituents without the aid of externally applied solvents, or such solvents may be utilized intermittently to calibrate the measurements for greater accuracy. A real time complex in situ soil resistivity sensor and prescription agricultural chemical delivery system includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools in association with individual soil electrode arrays which measure complex solute and matrix resistivity levels. Conventional ground-engaging tools may serve as electrodes for impressing a voltage source and serve as a current sink for the purposes of determining complex resistivity values and components thereof in in situ soils. Alternatively, local resistivity measurements in a single tool can also be employed for separation of resistivity contributions of the soil solute and the matrix.

Abstract: A shank-mounted opener assembly connected to a seed distribution system is provided for both till and no-till operations. The opener assembly includes a spike member that is supported on the shank, a firming point, a seed sensor connected to the seed supply, a seed boot, a seed locking mechanism, and a multi media delivery tube assembly. The seed boot encloses the seed sensor and includes a pair of lateral side walls. The seed boot protects the seed sensor from moving soil and debris. The seed locking mechanism pushes the seed into the soil and forms a shallow layer of soil over the seed dispensed through the seed sensor. If desired, assistive media can be dispensed into the furrow at the same time as seeding. The assistive media are dispensed through the multi-media delivery tube assembly. The assistive media are not dispensed to the furrow until after the seed locking mechanism covers the seed with a shallow layer of soil.

Abstract: A method and system for applying substance formulations to a land area is disclosed. A flexible, easily modifiable graphical representation of subareas of the area is provided, wherein to each subarea it is desired to apply a combination of one or more substance formulations uniformly throughout the subarea. A user (e.g., a farmer) needs only to specify a boundary for each subarea on a graphical image of the land area for computationally defining the subarea. Subsequently, since the land area image and the subarea boundaries thereon are geographically referenced to latitude and longitude coordinates, when applying such formulations to the land area, the present invention utilizes global positioning system (GPS) signals to thereby determine when such a subarea boundary has been traversed so that a corresponding change in the applied formulation(s) can be performed.

Abstract: An improved mobile agricultural products crop input application control system including a delay coordinating system particularly adaptable for use in site-specific (precision) farming, wherein selected discrete delay information unique to each on-board crop input storage release point, crop input transport system, and/or crop input dispensing point is combined with anticipated field reference point data obtained with a machine positioning system, e.g. "Dead Reckoning", GPS, and/or radar, and a computer, to direct independent functioning of selected on-board storage devices, material transport systems, crop input release point mechanisms and/or dispensing point mechanisms to ensure stored crop inputs are released for a timely combination to achieve a predetermined quantity and prescription of crop inputs delivered to the anticipated field reference point as the crop input applicator machine(s) travels over a predetermined geographic land area.

Abstract: A centralized monitoring unit for an agricultural implement is disclosed herein. The monitoring unit is preferably used with a planting system including a planting implement coupled to a work vehicle. The implement includes a frame supporting row units which are configured to apply a product (e.g., seed, fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide) to the rows in a field. The monitoring unit includes a product delivery apparatus which has at least one product channel for delivering the product to the row units, and an electronic product sensor which is coupled to the product delivery apparatus and configured to generate a product signal representing an amount of the product which moves through the product channel. An electronic display located in the cab of the work vehicle is configured to generate an image in response to a display signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is farming apparatus for customizing the rate at which farming material such as seeds, fertilizers, herbicides and/or insecticides may be applied to an agricultural field. The implement, which deposits the farming material in the soil includes applicators for applying the farming material at predetermined and adjustable rates. In the cab of the tractor is an electronic unit which include apparatus for setting the application rate of the farming material, at least at selected portions of the field, and a communication link between this electronic unit and at least selected applicators on the implement, for conveying information relating to the amount of farming material to be applied for a distance travelled of the implement across the field.

Abstract: A control system for agricultural implements such as planters, conventional or air drills is disclosed herein. The implement includes a frame with one or more sections. Each section supports a plurality of row units configured to apply a product at variable rates to rows in a field. The products can include seeds, fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. In one configuration, the control system monitors the rates at which the product is applied to the rows. This configuration of the control system includes sensors configured to sense the rates at which product is applied, and a control module configured to monitor the sensed rates and generate a multiplexed output signal representative thereof. The output signal is used, for example, by a cab-mounted display or recording device. The control system, however, can be reconfigured to both monitor and control the application rates by installing a second control module on the frame.

Abstract: One or more agricultural products, such as seed, fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide, may be dispensed at each of a plurality of row locations on an agricultural implement toolbar. A local bus connects each local metering device to a local controller at the row location, which may also have actual product application rate and soil characteristic sensors. The local controllers are connected through a system bus to a central processor mounted on the tractor, which is connected to a memory for storing product prescription and actual application maps, and also to a GPS receiver for determining current location in the field. Each local controller controls the agricultural product metering device(s) at the row location as a function of the last commanded rate received from the processor and the actual rate as sensed at the row location.

Abstract: A mobile products applicator includes a monitoring system particularly adaptable for use in selected product management applications, wherein application rates for selected products stored on-board one or more storage devices are measured on-the-go and visually reported to an applicator operator in near real-time. The mobile products applicator provides environmental advantages to all through enhanced resource management by eliminating or significantly reducing ground and/or water contamination.

Abstract: A flow monitoring system for a particulate feeder having first and second metering devices that meter particulate material from first and second bins, respectively, to a material flow tube, includes a first sensor supported and configured to generate a first flow signal in response to the absence of particulate material within the first metering device; a second sensor supported and configured to generate a second flow signal in response to the absence of particulate material within the second metering device; a third sensor supported adjacent the first bin and configured to generate a first fill signal indicating a level of particulate material within the first bin; a fourth sensor configured to generate a second fill signal indicating the level of particulate material within the second bin; a controller coupled to a first, second, third and fourth sensors and configured to generate a first alarm signal in response to receiving the first flow signal and a second alarm signal in response to receiving a second

Abstract: A performance monitor for a seed planting implement is disclosed herein. The monitor is preferably used with a planting system including a planting implement coupled to a tractor. The target rate at which seed is planted by the implement in the soil of an agricultural field is controlled based upon a control signal. The actual seed planting rate is monitored using an optical seed sensor supported by the implement at a location where seed exits the implement. The implement and tractor include data busses linked to each other, and signals from the seed sensors are transmitted to a controller on the tractor via the busses. The controller applies a display signal to an electronic display located in the tractor's cab to produce an image which an operator can view to determine the actual seed application rate.

Abstract: A seeding implement adapted to be towed forwardly over the ground is provided with a seed meter coupled to a material hopper for receiving seed. The seed meter is driven by a drive shaft for dispensing seed to a furrow at a rate determined by a rate of rotation of the drive shaft. An indicia bearing member is releasably secured to the drive shaft for rotation therewith. The indicia bearing member includes two side legs secured to the drive shaft and a reflective portion connected to the side legs, said reflective portion extending along an axis of the drive shaft for indicating rotation of the drive shaft to an operator.

Abstract: A multi-product applicating system, seed planting system and control are provided for the dispensing of liquid or granular products in pre-selected amounts and planting seeds at pre-selected depths and frequencies. Three or more separate products can be dispensed simultaneously and constant control and monitoring of all products is provided for at the control console. Seed planting depth can also be continuously monitored. The present invention further provides a grid recipe system for creating a recipe which defines the amounts of each type of product to be applied to specific areas of the field and/or which defines a seed planting depths and frequencies for specific areas of the field. The grid recipe system utilizes the GPS and a data card having the recipe and/or seed depth/frequency stored thereon for controlling a computer which communicates with the control console of the present invention. The recipe and/or depth/frequency grid is created by the farmer based on personal knowledge and experience.

Abstract: A control system for agricultural implements such as planters, conventional or air drills is disclosed herein. The implement has a frame with multiple sections and each section has a plurality of row units to apply product to multiple rows in a field. The implement is equipped with global output devices (e.g., lights, actuators for moving moveable frame members, actuators for moving markers) to perform global implement functions in response to global control signals. Each section includes one or more local product metering devices for applying products at varying rates in response to local control signals. The products include seed, fertilizer, insecticide and herbicide. The control system includes command sources (e.g., a lighting connector; an operator interface in the cab) to generate global commands for the global implement functions and to generate local rate commands for the metering devices. The control system further includes a global controller, and local controllers corresponding to the sections.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods for determining blocked and partially blocked conditions in the flow of particulate matter in an agricultural air seeding system are disclosed which automatically adapt for changes in seed type, seed density, fan rate or seed rate. In a first embodiment, the number of samples that are taken before making a determination of the blockage condition is varied depending on the number of seed events that have been detected in a given time interval. In a second embodiment, one or more criteria such as the maximum number of samples to wait for an event, the value a sensor filter must reach before the method determines a blockage sensor to be BLOCKED, or the value a sensor filter must reach when in the blocked state before the method determines the sensor is no longer blocked is varied depending on a smoothed value of the number of seed events that are detected per sampling period.

Abstract: A system for dispensing multiple types of seed as a planting apparatus (planter or drill) travels throughout an agricultural field is disclosed herein. The planting apparatus is typically an implement having row units for applying seed to the field as the implement is pulled by a vehicle (tractor). The system includes multiple seed bins configured to store multiple types of seed (e.g., multiple crops or varieties). Multiple bins can be formed within a seed hopper by a removable dividing wall. A switch assembly selectively discharges seed from one seed bin in response to control signals generated in a manual or an automatic mode. The control signals are generated using an operator input device in manual mode, and using location signals and a prescription type map in automatic mode. Discharged seed is received by a distribution assembly for delivery to the row units.

Abstract: Device for measuring soil conductivity is comprised of a frame adapted to be conveyed over a ground surface and plurality of soil engaging coulters insulated from each other and insulatively mounted to this frame. This device also includes means for passing a current between a first pair of coulters through the soil and means for measuring this current. It further comprises means for measuring the resulting voltage between a second pair of coulters. This device for measuring soil conductivity also is comprised of electrical contact members which provide consistent electrical contact from the coulter to the means for measuring current and voltage. An electrical signal received by a coulter travels to a mounting flange and then to a dust cap. The dust cap passes this electrical signal to the spindle by way of a spring-loaded plunger. This electrical signal travels from the fixed spindle to the means for measuring current and voltage.

Abstract: A real time soil constituent sensor and precision agricultural chemical delivery system may measure simple in situ soil constituents without the aid of externally applied solvents, or such solvents may be utilized intermittently to calibrate the measurements for greater accuracy. A real time complex in situ soil resistivity sensor and prescription agricultural chemical delivery system includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools in association with individual soil electrode arrays which measure complex solute and matrix resistivity levels. Conventional ground-engaging tools may serve as electrodes for impressing a voltage source and serve as a current sink for the purposes of determining complex resistivity values and components thereof in in situ soils. Alternatively, local resistivity measurements in a single tool can also be employed for separation of resistivity contributions of the soil solute and the matrix.

Abstract: For marking a field with unseeded rows during seeding, the seed box of a seed drill is equipped with a valve unit mounted inside the box for shutting off seed flow to one of the seed cups during selective passes. A control system for the unit allows the shut-off to be automatic, after a selective number of passes have been completed, or manual as selected by the operator. The unseeded rows are used after germination for guiding a crop sprayer so that there will be no spray overlap and no gaps between the sprayer passes.

Abstract: A seedling planter mounted on a trailer is provided with means to sense the side walls of ridges of earth and a means to position the planter over ridges of earth in response to the ridge side wall sensing means by transporting the planter sideways from the for/aft center line of the trailer irrespective of the track of the trailer.

Abstract: A global positioning planter system for planting of seeds by a seed planter. A population control controls the seed planter. A global positioning system computer with digitized maps connects to the population control. The population control connects to the seeder for planting of seeds such as corn or beans or to seed drills for controlling the seed drill, and plants the seeds according to the population control which receives and transmits data with the global positioning system computer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately counting the number of articles passing along an article path. A light beam is transmitted across an article path to a sensor, which light beam is interfered with by the passage of articles along the article path and the received light beam is converted to electrical signals that are conditioned, amplified and input to a logic unit which, based on derived amplitude, duration and area of the input signals, determines the number of articles that passed along the article path. A system is also described which accurately counts the number of articles passing along a plurality of article paths by employing a plurality of such devices each of which accurately counts the articles passing along each article path and, upon instructions from a master console, sends its counts to the master console for summation. The system further includes a network architecture with simplified wire harnessing and enhanced operation.

Abstract: In order to place dry granular materials into the subsurface of the soil without mechanical tillage, minute charges of the material are carried by high pressure jets of liquid, such as water, down into the ground from a series of side-by-side nozzles that simultaneously fire the jets toward the ground at regular intervals as the nozzles advance along a path of travel. Instead of passing through the water pump and the sensitive jet-producing nozzles, the granular materials remain separated from the water until the jets have issued from their nozzles and are passing through a ceramic mixing chamber in which a venturi is located. During the short pauses between successive blasts from the nozzles, material is continuously fed into a collecting chamber for each nozzle to form a small charge. As the water blast takes place, the charge is automatically drawn into the venturi and carried out of the machine by the high pressure jet.

Abstract: A control system for a mobile planting apparatus which permits discrete plant spacing to be determined and maintained independent of any wheel rotation on the planting apparatus or towing apparatus is disclosed, having: (1) a ground speed sensor wherein the rate of movement relative to the ground is determined independent of wheel rotation of the planting apparatus or towing apparatus; (2) an input/display device for inputting desired linear plant spacing; (3) a variable speed motor for mechanically driving seed metering devices on the planting apparatus at varying rates independent of any wheel rotation of the planting apparatus or towing apparatus, wherein the motor changes speeds in response to an electronic signal; (4) a programmable control circuit communicating electronically with the input/display device and ground speed sensor, wherein the programmable control circuit: (a) determines the number of seeds to be dispensed per linear unit of distance traveled based upon the desired spacing received from t

Abstract: A hollow seed tube extending between a seed meter and a planting furrow is provided with a sensor aperture for receiving a seed sensor. The interior surface of the seed tube above the sensor aperture is provided with a ramp for directing the seed inwardly away from the sensor.

Abstract: A system for maintaining the depth of a planter (or tiller) at a soil depth of optimal moisture content is provided, in which a prior art soil resistivity sensor is improved by including a negative electrode immediately behind the prior art positive electrode as the planter and electrodes extend into the ground during tractor travel over the field. The prior art positive probe is shaped to form a compact ribbon of soil therebeneath that extends from the positive to the new negative probe. This compact ribbon provides a reliable and consistent path for measuring soil resistivity at a soil zone of least electrical resistance, thereby preventing other pathways between the positive electrode and grounded parts of the planter or tiller from undesirably entering the detection system in lieu of the desired pathway of measurement.

Abstract: For marking a field with unseeded rows during seeding, the seed box of a seed drill is equipped with a valve unit mounted inside the box for shutting off seed flow to one of the seed cups during selective passes. A control system for the unit allows the shut-off to be automatic, after a selective number of passes have been completed, or manual as selected by the operator, The unseeded rows are used after germination for guiding a crop sprayer so that there will be no spray overlap and no gaps between the sprayer passes.

Abstract: A closed-loop fertilizer application system capable of determining a soil prescription in near real-time, and dispensing fertilizer to the soil scene as a function of the soil prescription. The closed loop application system does not require the use of maps or navigation systems, but rather, ascertains a soil type and chemical composition on the go. In the preferred embodiment, the application system implements a spectrograph implementing the technology of spectroradiometry to determine soil type and present fertilizer composition in near real-time. An expert system determines the soil prescription based on the soil type and current fertilizer levels, and controls the dispensing rate of the fertilizer as a function of the vehicle speed. The soil analyzer is disposed a pre-determined distance forward of the vehicle such that there is adequate time to perform soil analysis, determine a soil prescription, and then dispense the fertilizer at the rear portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A planter monitor system monitors, measures and displays a plurality of planter performance parameters. The system includes a display console, a plurality of row unit modules and a plurality of seed sensors. The system can be used with a wide variety of planters made by different manufacturers and on many different planter types. The system can accurately monitor a wide variety of seed types (e.g. both small and large) and a wide variety of seed planting rates (low and high) and any combination thereof which can occur within the wide scope of seed planting. The system calculates an error rate from a set of data, in graph form, representing experimentally determined actual seed rates versus seed rates as would be measured, thus allowing the operator to optimize seed population and distribution by adjusting the speed of the planter apparatus and/or the seed distribution system.

Abstract: A metering device for controlling the flow of granular material through a conduit. The metering device includes a electrical coil operably associated with the conduit, a ferromagnetic latching strip disposed in the magnetic field produced by the coil, and a pivoting gate including a magnet that is attracted toward and repelled from the latching strip as the direction of electrical current flowing through the coil is changed. A closed container includes the metering device secured to its bottom so that the granular material can be dispensed only through the meter. The closed container is electrically connected by wires to a dispensing controller located in the tractor cab. The granular material, such as insecticide, is simultaneously and equally dispensed at the desired rate to the seed furrows from all the individual planting units of the planter.

Abstract: A variable rate fertilizer spreading apparatus for spreading a precise amount of multiple types of fertilizers upon a field based upon a location in the field. The system comprises a controller accessing a soil map indicating the type of soil for each portion of the field, several fertilizer maps storing the desired fertilizer level of each of the fertilizers stored in product bins on the tractor, and several status maps each indicating the current fertilizer level at various locations of the field to be fertilized. By accessing the speed of the tractor via a speed indicator, and ascertaining the location of the tractor in the field via a position locator, such as an LORAN or GPS system, an expert system determines the dispensing rate of each of the fertilizers based on the various maps and the position and speed indicators such that the proper dispense rate of the fertilizers from bins is set to attain the desired level of fertilizers.

Abstract: A mobile seed planter includes a plurality of planting assemblies with each of the assemblies being selectively activatable for planting seeds and including structure defining a seed cavity for receiving seeds to be planted. A discharging structure in communication with the seed cavities receives seeds therefrom for discharging seeds onto the ground. A control assembly, operably coupling the planting assemblies, includes structure for selectively activating one of the planting assemblies and for preventing activation of the other of the planting assemblies thereby limiting the discharging of seeds onto the ground to only one of the planting assemblies at a time.

Abstract: An indicator is provided for indicating rotation of a seed metering shaft used with a grain drill. The present invention incorporates a cylinder mounted to the seed metering shaft with its longitudinal axis offset but parallel to the axis of the shaft. The cylinder is mounted to rotate with the shaft. An indicator arm is hingedly mounted to the frame of the grain drill with one end positioned to ride on the outer surface of the cylinder and the other end free to move in correspondence with movement of the first end. With this invention, the indicator arm moves continually with movement of the seed metering shaft and thus provides a continuous indication of rotation of the seed metering shaft.

Abstract: The air seeder has a series of rotors which deliver a plurality of metered seed streams from a hopper and into a corresponding plurality of transfer condutis. The downstream ends of the transfer conduits are grouped together by a plate for quick and easy movement as a unit. The plate may be either coupled with a panel for delivery of the seed streams to delivery conduits for distribution of the seeds to the ground behind furrow openers or coupled with a sample collector inlet for collection of the seed streams therein. During normal planting operation the rotors are ground driven so as to meter an amount of seeds corresponding to the acreage traversed by the implement. During sampling, the rotors are manually operated so as to deliver a sample corresponding to a certain sample acreage. The sample is collected in the sample collector and the metered seed rate is determined by dividing the sample weight by the sample acreage.

Abstract: A variable rate fertilizer spreading apparatus for spreading a precise amount of multiple types of fertilizers upon a field based upon a location in the field. The system comprises a controller accessing a soil map indicating the type of soil for each portion of the field, several fertilizer maps storing the desired fertilizer level of each of the fertilizers stored in product bins on the tractor, and several status maps each indicating the current fertilizer level at various locations of the field to be fertilized. By accessing the speed of the tractor via a speed indicator, and ascertaining the location of the tractor in the field via a position locator, such as an LORAN or GPS system, an expert system determines the dispensing rate of each of the fertilizers based on the various maps and the position and speed indicators such that the proper dispense rate of the fertilizers from bins is set to attain the desired level of fertilizers.