Abstract: An on-the-go monitor and control means and method for an agriculture machines includes on-the-go soil sensors that can be used to control tillage and seeding depth. On seeder implements, the sensors provide information that affects uniform plant emergence.

Abstract: A soil monitoring system is provided that includes a sensing shank, and a first sensor coupled to a leading edge of the sensing shank. The first sensor is configured to output first signals indicative of a pressure exerted on the first sensor by soil as the sensing shank is driven through the soil along a direction of travel. The soil monitoring system also includes a frame forming a channel oriented in a substantially vertical direction relative to a surface of the soil, and a carrier coupled to the sensing shank and disposed within the channel. The soil monitoring system further includes an actuator extending between the frame and the carrier. The actuator is configured to linearly drive the carrier in a reciprocating motion to vary a penetration depth of the sensing shank within the soil.

Abstract: A soil monitoring system is provided that includes a sensing shank, and a first sensor coupled to a leading edge of the sensing shank. The first sensor is configured to output first signals indicative of a pressure exerted on the first sensor by soil as the sensing shank is driven through the soil along a direction of travel. The soil monitoring system also includes a frame forming a channel oriented in a substantially vertical direction relative to a surface of the soil, and a carrier coupled to the sensing shank and disposed within the channel. The soil monitoring system further includes an actuator extending between the frame and the carrier. The actuator is configured to linearly drive the carrier in a reciprocating motion to vary a penetration depth of the sensing shank within the soil.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the milling depth of a road milling machine, the machine being operative to mill a ground surface with a milling roller lowered to a milling depth to create a milling track, the machine including at least one side plate located to at least one side of the milling roller to engage an untreated ground surface, and the machine including a stripping plate operative to be lowered onto the milling track generated by the milling roller. The method includes measuring the milling depth of the milling track, the measuring including detecting a measurement value of a ground engaging sensor engaging the milling track.

Abstract: A depth gauge device for a grading plow or a paving machine includes a guide rail mountable to the plow or paver and on which is carried a slider block slidable to selected positions on the guide rail in correspondence to a plow cutting depth or a asphalt paving layer depth a telltale or curb feeler engaging a reference datum line at the grade site to indicate proper or improper grading depth, movement of a ground shoe used with the device on a paver being employed to indicate if a correct paving layer thickness is being laid down.