Patents Issued in May 6, 2021
  • Publication number: 20210127540
    Abstract: A system for managing material accumulation relative to ground engaging tools of an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool and an acoustic sensor configured to generate data indicative of an acoustic parameter of a sound produced as the ground engaging tool engages the ground when a ground engaging operation is performed within a field. Additionally, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the acoustic sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor the data received from the acoustic sensor and determine a presence of material accumulation relative to the ground engaging tool based at least in part on the acoustic parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, James W. Henry
  • Publication number: 20210127541
    Abstract: A seeder assembly for placing a commodity in underlying soil that has a frame member having at least one ground engaging mechanism configured to contact an underlying surface, a rockshaft pivotally coupled to the frame member and pivotal between a lowered position and a raised position, a plurality of disk opener assemblies coupled to the rockshaft, the disk opener assemblies each having a single disk opener configured to cut into the underlying soil to provide an opening for the commodity, a plurality of row cleaner assemblies pivotally coupled to the frame member and each having a row cleaner configured to move residue on the underlying surface, and a plurality of linkages each coupling the rockshaft to a corresponding one of the plurality of row cleaner assemblies. When the rockshaft is in the raised position, the plurality of linkages maintain the corresponding plurality of row cleaner assemblies in a raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Kevin J. Goering
  • Publication number: 20210127542
    Abstract: A three-point hitch for an agricultural tractor includes a hydraulically actuatable lifting arm, a vertically pivotable lower link, and a lifting strut arranged between the lifting arm and the lower link. The lifting strut transmits to the lower link a pivoting movement on the lifting arm. The lifting strut includes a first fastening portion articulated to the lifting arm and a second fastening portion articulated to the lower link. The second fastening portion includes first and second fastening segments which encompass the lower link in a fork-shaped manner. A bearing pin disposed between the two fastening segments extends through a slot formed in the lower link. By pivoting the lower link, the bearing pin is displaced inside the slot between a first working position and a second working position. In each position, the bearing pin is secured inside the slot by a blocking arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: ABHIJIT HINGNE, ACHIM SCHIBEL
  • Publication number: 20210127543
    Abstract: Provided is a pick-up hitch assembly for connection to a vehicle. The pick-up hitch assembly includes a swing frame having a first end configured to be coupled to the vehicle and a second end, a slide frame movable relative to the swing frame between a retracted position and an extended position, and an electrically powered actuator assembly configured to be coupled to the vehicle and being coupled to the swing frame at the second end of the swing frame. The actuator assembly is configured to move the swing frame between a raised position and a lowered position independent of movement of the slide frame and of a three-point hitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Digvijay A. Bhosale, Benjamin J. Heimbuch
  • Publication number: 20210127544
    Abstract: A vehicle connection guidance system may include a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to be supported by a vehicle having a first width and a connection interface, the connection interface having a second width different than the first width and along which multiple connection points lie, wherein the sensor is to output steering angle signals. The Controller is configured to output presentation signals based upon the steering angle signals The presentation signals are to generate a visual presentation of a projected path of the width of the connection interface to an operator of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Ohrstrom, Nathan R. Vandike, Duane M. Bomleny, Colin D. Engel, Stephen R. Corban
  • Publication number: 20210127545
    Abstract: A system for assessing the performance of an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool configured to engage soil within a field as the agricultural implement is moved across the field such that the ground engaging tool creates a field material cloud aft of the ground engaging tool in a direction of travel of the agricultural implement. The system may further include a sensor configured to detect a cloud characteristic of the field material cloud and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor data received from the sensor and assess the agricultural operation being performed based at least in part on the cloud characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Trevor Stanhope, Christopher Barrick
  • Publication number: 20210127546
    Abstract: ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A system for managing material accumulation relative to an agricultural implement may include a ground engaging tool supported on an agricultural implement and an infrared sensor having a field of view directed towards the ground engaging tool, The infrared sensor may be configured to generate data indicative of a temperature gradient of field materials at the ground engaging tool. A controller of the system may be communicatively coupled to the infrared sensor. The controller may monitor the data received from the infrared sensor and determine a presence of material accumulation relative to the ground engaging tool based at least in part on the temperature gradient of the field materials at the ground engaging tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, Joshua David Harmon
  • Publication number: 20210127547
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the levelness of an agricultural implement may include first and second tools rotatably supported on the agricultural implement, with the first and second tools being spaced apart from each other in at least one of a longitudinal direction or a lateral direction of the agricultural implement. The system may further include a first rotational speed sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the first tool and a second rotational speed sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the second tool. Additionally, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second rotational speed sensors, with the controller being configured to identify a levelness state of at least a portion of the agricultural implement based at least in part on the rotational speeds of the first and second tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, James W. Henry
  • Publication number: 20210127548
    Abstract: A system that includes a wheel carrier system. The wheel carrier system includes a first wheel that couples to a first shaft. A first connector couples the first shaft to a central shaft. A second wheel couples to a second shaft. A second connector couples the second shaft to the central shaft. The first wheel and the second wheel independently rotate and move vertically. A first wheel carrier arm couples to a wheel carrier frame. A first link rotates a ground engaging tool system with respect to the wheel carrier frame to transition the ground engaging tool system from a lowered position to a raised position. An actuator simultaneously rotates the first wheel carrier arm from a first position to a second position and the ground engaging tool system from the lowered position to the raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Monte DeKam, Kregg J. Raducha, Leonardo Reis Menezes, Austin Joseph McLuckie
  • Publication number: 20210127549
    Abstract: An implement includes a frame having a main section and a wing section pivotally coupled to the main section. A row unit is mounted to the frame wing section to dispense a product to the ground surface. A weight transfer system transfers weight from the frame main section to the frame wing section to reduce the load carried by the main wheel assembly. A row unit downforce system applies a force on the row unit relative to the frame wing section. A pressure transducer measures the force applied by the row unit downforce system and generates a signal indicative of the applied force. A control system operates the weight transfer system in response to the signal from the pressure transducer to assist the row unit downforce system. The control system actuates the weight transfer system to apply an additional force on the frame wing section in response to the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Colter W. Kinney, Grant J. Wonderlich, Michael C. Steele
  • Publication number: 20210127550
    Abstract: A vehicle attachment carrier loading guidance system may include a sensor for being supported by vehicle supporting a removable attachment having a mount interface for interacting with a mount on an attachment carrier distinct from the vehicle, wherein the sensor is output steering angle signals. The system may further comprise a controller to output presentation signals based upon the steering angle signals. The presentation signals are to generate a visual representation of a projected path of the mount interface with respect to the mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Ohrstrom, Nathan R. Vandike, Duane M. Bomleny, Colin D. Engel, Stephen R. Corban
  • Publication number: 20210127551
    Abstract: An agricultural mowing system includes: a driving vehicle having a steerable axle and a pivotable tongue and defining a travel axis; a first mower coupled to the driving vehicle; a second mower coupled to the tongue; a tongue actuator configured to pivot the tongue; a tongue angle sensor configured to output signals corresponding to a tongue angle of the tongue; and a controller operatively coupled to the tongue actuator and the tongue angle sensor. The controller is configured to: determine a lateral overlap or underlap of the mowers exceeds a threshold value based at least partially on the tongue angle and a steering angle of the steerable axle; determine a correction angle needed for the tongue to pivot such that the lateral overlap or underlap no longer exceeds the threshold value; and output a correction signal to the tongue actuator to pivot the tongue by the correction angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Edward H. Priepke, John H. Posselius
  • Publication number: 20210127552
    Abstract: An agricultural row unit adapted to be moved over soil by an agricultural planter to clear crop residue includes a residue clearing disk or brush. The row unit may include a motor to drive rotation of a crop residue disk or brush. The agriculture row unit may also include a controller configured to adjust the operating speed of the motor in response to factors internal and/or external to the agricultural row unit. The factors may include at least one of a speed of the agricultural planter along the row, a height of crop residue disk or brush the relative to a surface of the soil, a height of the crop residue disk or brush relative to a surface of the soil, amount of crop residue in the row, and a downforce pressure on the row unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Cary S. Hubner, Grant J. Wonderlich, Mark E. Barker
  • Publication number: 20210127553
    Abstract: In one aspect, a system for determining soil clod size or soil surface residue coverage of a field may include an agricultural implement configured to perform a non-soil-working operation on the field as the agricultural implement is towed across the field. Furthermore, the system may include a non-contact-based sensor installed on the agricultural implement, with the non-contact-based sensor configured to capture data indicative of at least one of a soil clod size of the field or a soil surface residue coverage of the field. Additionally, a controller of the disclosed system may be configured to receive data from the non-contact-based sensor as the agricultural implement is moved across the field. Moreover, the controller may be configured to determine at least one of the soil clod size of the field or the soil surface residue coverage of the field based on the received data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Trevor Stanhope, James W. Henry
  • Publication number: 20210127554
    Abstract: Seed sowing apparatus comprising: a frame defining a leading part supporting a soil opening stage and a trailing part supporting a soil closing stage trailing the soil opening stage, wherein the soil opening stage comprises a plurality of laterally spaced seeding units, each seeding unit comprising a soil opening member associated with a respective seed delivery outlet connected to a seed source, wherein each seeding unit is configured to form a respective seeded trench in the ground when the apparatus is in use driven through soil in a forward direction of travel; wherein the soil closing stage comprises a plurality of laterally spaced soil deflection members each associated with a respective one of the seeding units, each soil deflection member being spaced laterally from the soil opening member of its respective seeding unit and configured to deflect soil toward the seeded trench formed by the seeding unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Simon Robert Frank Chaplin
  • Publication number: 20210127555
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring soil properties including soil moisture and soil temperature during an agricultural input application. Embodiments include a soil moisture sensor and/or a soil temperature sensor mounted to a seed firmer for measuring moisture and temperature in a planting trench. Additionally, systems, methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting depth based on the monitored soil properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Derek Sauder (deceased), Jason Stoller, Troy Plattner
  • Publication number: 20210127556
    Abstract: An air distribution system for a seed cart provides for improved air flow distribution upon identification of a turning event. The seed cart may have a fan operable to create an air stream. A set of primary tubes coupled to the fan may receive separate portions of the air stream from the fan. A distribution manifold may have a first plurality of passages therethrough and a second plurality of passages therethrough. A restrictor assembly may comprise a first end, a second end oppositely disposed from the first end, and a plurality of inlets and a plurality of outlets disposed therebetween. The restrictor assembly may have a plurality of restriction components. Restriction of air flow proximate the first end is different than the restriction of air flow proximate the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventor: William D. Graham
  • Publication number: 20210127557
    Abstract: An air flow system for an air seeding machine includes a tank configured to store an agricultural commodity, a plenum, conduits, and a blower configured to push air flow through the plenum and the conduits to the tank. The plenum includes a uniformly-sloped side wall and geometric first and second ends bounding the side wall. The plenum further includes bleed ports coupled to bleed conduits and configured to conduct air flow to an interior volume of the tanks. The plenum further includes primary ports coupled to primary conduits and configured to conduct air flow to the tanks. The primary conduits receive commodity from the tanks to be deposited in the soil. The geometry of the plenum facilitates an adequate balance of air flow between the primary and bleed conduits so that the commodity most-effectively enters the air stream conducted by the primary conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Sourabh Mukhopadhyay, Andrew W. Harmon, Ganesh Pu Nimbalkar, Vishaal Kamalapurkar
  • Publication number: 20210127558
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a seeding system having a seed transport mechanism configured to transport a seed along a transport route, a seed sensor configured to sense presence of the seed at a first location along the transport route, and a motor configured to drive movement of the seed transport mechanism to transport the seed from the first location to a second location in which the seed is released from the seed transport mechanism. A processing system is configured to track a position of the seed along the transport route based on an indication of the sensed presence of the seed at the first location and detected movement of the seed transport mechanism, and generate a motor operating parameter based on the tracked position of the seed and a target parameter for releasing the seed. The motor of the seeding system is operated based on the motor operating parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Cary S. HUBNER, Matt D. BARTELSON, Erick D. ESPING, Scott C. JOHNSON, Lauren M. WHITE, Douglas J. OLSON
  • Publication number: 20210127559
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a seeding system comprising a plurality of planting units, each planting unit configured to meter and deliver seed and a control system configured to obtain a seed planting model that identifies a plurality of seed planting locations on a worksite, identify a machine path on the worksite, identify, based on the machine path, a set of the seed planting locations for each of the planting units, and control each planting unit to deliver seeds to the set of seed planting locations identified for the planting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Cary S. HUBNER, Jeffrey A. NELSON
  • Publication number: 20210127560
    Abstract: An air seeder assembly that has a tank for containing commodity, a meter assembly coupled to the tank and configured to selectively distribute commodity there through, a first conduit coupled to the meter assembly to direct commodity provided to the first conduit from the meter assembly to a tool assembly, a diverter that selectively diverts commodity to the first conduit, and a sensor coupled to the diverter to identify when commodity is passing thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Andrew W. Harmon
  • Publication number: 20210127561
    Abstract: An object detection system compensates for variations in transmission characteristics within an object passageway caused by, for example, dust or dirt. An object detection device includes a plurality of electromagnetic radiation emitters and detectors arranged in rows on opposite sides of a passageway. First lenses focus radiation from the emitters into a semi-columnated beams of radiation that together create a plane of semi-columnated electromagnetic radiation that spans substantially across a width of the passageway. Second lenses focus the received electromagnetic radiation onto corresponding ones of the plurality of radiation detectors. A controller receives a radiation intensity signal from the detectors, determines that its value is outside of a predetermined range, and adjusts an amount of electrical power supplied to the plurality of radiation emitters so that the value of the radiation intensity signal changes to become within the predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan J. KING, Kevin P. Cowles, Jason A. Jelinek, Waylon R. Lindseth, Haifeng Zhang, Caleb A. Perkinson, Jeffrey S. Puhalla
  • Publication number: 20210127562
    Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a seeding system having a seed meter configured to meter seed, a seed meter sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of movement of the seed meter, and an assistive seed transport mechanism configured to receive the metered seed from the seed meter and to transport the metered seed along a delivery path. A control system is configured to determine a position of the seed in the assistive seed transport mechanism based on the sensor signal, and generate a control signal to control the agricultural machine based on the determined position of the seed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Grant J. WONDERLICH, Cary S. HUBNER
  • Publication number: 20210127563
    Abstract: A volumetric metering system includes a housing configured to be coupled to a commodity container. The housing has a transducer portion. A roller is removably coupled within the housing and has an encoding tab with at least one circuit. The encoding tab is positioned to allow interaction between the circuit and the transducer portion when the roller is installed in the housing. A controller is operably coupled to the transducer portion and configured to cause the transducer portion to interact with the circuit and identify the roller based on the interaction. The controller is configured to automatically set roller information based on automatic identification of the roller. In one example, the roller is provided with a set of magnets the relative positions of which encode the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew W. Harmon, MANDAR MHALSAKANT KALE, TERRILL W. MURRAY
  • Publication number: 20210127564
    Abstract: A seeder machine (1) having at least one seeding module towed by a tractor vehicle. Each module includes an air intake (5), a hopper (7) for storing seeds (2), a rotating plate (8) provided with a plurality of holes (9) able to retain and transport a seed (2) by suction in a unitary manner, and a dosing scoop wheel (11) synchronised with the rotating plate (8), provided with a plurality of buckets (12). The dosing scoop wheel (11) has an automatic opening and closing mechanism (16) for each bucket (12), configured to cause the closing of each bucket (12) after receiving a seed (2) coming from the rotating plate (8), and to cause the opening thereof when the respective bucket (12) adopts an inverted position, wherein the seed (2) is able to fall from a point adjacent to the level of the terrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Manuel FERNÁNDEZ MORA
  • Publication number: 20210127565
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a planting tool, comprising a tube element with an inlet end and an outlet end. It further comprises a ground support rotatably connected to the tube element via a pivot point. The ground support comprises a first part with a pedal area and a second part with a hatch area, a mechanism comprising a first clamp and a second clamp, wherein the mechanism in an open state prevents movement between the hatch area and the outlet end and maintains the hatch area at a distance from the outlet end by means of contact between the first and second clamp, and in a closed state prevents movement between the hatch area and the outlet end and maintains the hatch area in contact with the outlet end, and the first clamp comprising a switch allowing a user to change position of said first clamp to switch the state of the mechanism from the open state to the closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Vesa Poutiainen
  • Publication number: 20210127566
    Abstract: A method for identifying commodity flow through a meter on an agricultural machine. The method includes providing a meter housing coupled to a tank and a first sensor in communication with a controller, coupling the first sensor to a location proximate to the meter housing, identifying, with the controller through the first sensor, when a buildup of commodity is positioned adjacent to the first sensor, and initiating a first response, with the controller, when the buildup of commodity is identified adjacent to the first sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew W. Harmon, Mandar M. Kale, Terrill W. Murray
  • Publication number: 20210127567
    Abstract: An agricultural sprayer includes a spray boom supported by a frame, a spraying system comprising a set of spray nozzles spaced along the spray boom, and a control system configured to control the spraying system to spray a liquid based on a target application to an agricultural field, generate a spray performance metric indicative of performance of the spraying system relative to the target application, and generate a control signal to control the agricultural sprayer based on the spray performance metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Tarik LOUKILI, Brandon Wellman
  • Publication number: 20210127568
    Abstract: A garden tool includes a base, a motor arranged on the base, a cutting tool drivingly connected with the motor, a power supply, a main control module electrically connected with the power supply and used for controlling the motor, and a tilt angle detecting module connected with the main control module. The tilt angle detecting module detects a tilt angle between the cutting tool and a horizontal plane. When the tilt angle is greater than a preset value, the tilt angle detecting module sends a shutdown signal to the main control module. The main control module turns off the power supply to stop the electric motor upon receipt of the shutdown signal. A related method of use is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Juan Wei, Fei Chen, Zeng Chen, Tianrong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20210127569
    Abstract: A method teaches at least one section of a delimiting border of a land area for a green area maintenance system. The green area maintenance system has: an autonomous mobile green area maintenance robot, and a robot position determining system. The robot position determining system is designed to detect robot position coordinates of the green area maintenance robot. The robot position coordinates are based on a first position determining technology. The method (a) defines a sequence of teach-in position coordinates of the section, the teach-in position coordinates being based on a second position determining technology different from the first position determining technology, and (b) transforms the defined sequence of teach-in position coordinates into a sequence of transformation robot position coordinates, the transformation robot position coordinates being based on the first position determining technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Matthias GRUHLER, Goetz WINTERGERST, Stephan MEYER, Petrus VAN ZUTVEN, Sebastian KRAEMER, Samuel ZOETTL
  • Publication number: 20210127570
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an outdoor device, preferably a string trimmer, having a hinged pole for folding the string trimmer. The hinge has an easy to use lock that allows for repeated folding of the trimmer for easy transport and storage. The string trimmer has a battery at a rear end of the pole near the handle, and a motor at a front end on the cutting head. An electrical cable is run from the battery to the motor to provide power to the motor. The hinge provides a protective sheath around the cable to protect it from damage when the string trimmer is folded and the cable might otherwise be exposed. Additionally, the string trimmer includes a guard around the cutting head that contacts a battery housing to secure the string trimmer in a folded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: John Palermo, Marina Rubanchenko
  • Publication number: 20210127571
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a swing assistance device for a brush cutter. The swing assistance device includes: a bracket; a coupling unit disposed on the top surface of the bracket, and coupled to a shaft at an inclined angle; left and right extension rods configured such that the outer ends thereof are located on both sides of a blade with the inner ends thereof coupled to both sides of the bracket; left and right rotation parts rotatably coupled to the outer ends of the left and right extension rods, and configured to, when the shaft swings in left-right directions, rotate while drawing arcs and assist in the swing operation; and a plurality of rotation rollers rotatably coupled to the outer circumference of each of the left and right rotation parts, and configured to, when the shaft swings in the left-right directions, rotate and assist in the swing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Sung Joe CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20210127572
    Abstract: An electric powerhead includes a housing including a mounting assembly, wherein the mounting assembly includes a mounting plate and a mounting insert. The mounting plate includes a shaft opening and a plurality of first openings arranged in a standard vertical shaft engine mounting pattern and the mounting insert includes a plurality of second openings aligned with the plurality of first openings. The electric powerhead further includes an electric motor positioned within the housing, wherein the electric motor includes an output shaft that extends through the shaft opening of the mounting assembly and wherein the output shaft is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Meyer, Christy Matuszewski, Jim Nommensen
  • Publication number: 20210127573
    Abstract: A monitoring system for a combine harvester having a header for harvesting a crop and a residue spreading system for spreading a crop residue. The monitoring system includes a sensing system configured to provide one or more measurement waves that intersect a flow of crop residue discharged by the spreading system and receive a plurality of response waves reflected from the crop residue. The system further includes a processing unit configured to receive a response signal of the sensing system; process the response signal; and determine, based on the response signal, a density and velocity distribution of the crop residue across a two-dimensional measurement area. The response signal is representative of the plurality of response waves reflected from the crop residue. The measurement area is at an end of a trajectory of the crop residue towards a deposit area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Mahieu, Bart M.A. Missotten, Bart Lenaerts, Jean-Edouard Blanquart
  • Publication number: 20210127574
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle header includes a frame supporting components of the agricultural vehicle header. A reel is mounted to the frame such that a weight of the reel produces a bending moment on the frame in a first direction that can cause the header to droop toward a ground surface. A gauge wheel is mounted to the frame such that a normal force, which is produced by the gauge wheel on the ground surface, is transmitted to the frame to cause a bending moment on the frame in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction in order to either limit or prevent drooping of the header toward the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: David M. Dechristopher, Blaine R. Noll
  • Publication number: 20210127575
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle having a chassis, wheels, a power unit, and a header. The header has a center section, at least one wing section extending laterally from the center section, and a wing section support. The center section is movable relative to the chassis, the wing section is movable relative to the center section, and the wing support is movable relative to the wing section. The combine has a control system that is configured to determine that the combine is configured to drive at a road-driving speed, and in response to such determination: operate a center section actuator to move the center section to a raised center section position, operate a wing section actuator to move the wing section to a raised wing section position, and operate a wing support actuator to move the wing support to a raised wing support position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Herbert M. Farley, Cory Hunt
  • Publication number: 20210127576
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method is disclosed for automatically controlling a height of an implement of an agricultural work vehicle relative to a ground surface. The method may include monitoring the height of the implement and a vehicle speed; determining an implement height error by comparing the height of the implement with a predetermined target height; and calculating a sensitivity factor based on a sensitivity setting. When the monitored vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed threshold, the sensitivity factor may equal a first constant sensitivity value that is proportional to the sensitivity setting. The method may include reducing the sensitivity factor to less than the first constant sensitivity value when the monitored vehicle speed becomes less than the predetermined speed threshold and adjusting the height of the implement relative to the ground surface based on the implement height error and the sensitivity factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Kenneth Seiders, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210127577
    Abstract: A system and method according to one embodiment are provided in a vehicle to perform a two-stage cut of grass or other vegetation in a field or lawn. The first stage may be a coarse cut stage, and the second stage may be a finish cut stage. The first and second stages may be conducted by separate cutting configurations. For instance, the first cutting configuration or coarse cutting configuration may be a flail mower configuration, and the second cutting configuration or finish cutting configuration may be a rotary cutting configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Ricky A. Weihl
  • Publication number: 20210127578
    Abstract: A forage harvester including a frame, a cutting arrangement and a plurality of displacement mechanisms. The cutting arrangement includes a cutting drum that is rotatable about a rotation axis with respect to the frame, and a shear bar holder configured to receive a shear bar attached thereto. Each of the displacement mechanisms including an actuator for displacing the shear bar with respect to the cutting drum and the frame. The displacement mechanisms include a sensor arrangement to measure one or more values representative of a force exerted on the shear bar and the shear bar holder when the cutting drum is rotating and cutting crops supplied to an area between the cutting drum and the shear bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Dirk J. Desnijder
  • Publication number: 20210127579
    Abstract: An agricultural header for use with an agricultural harvester is configured to cut crop when the agricultural harvester moves in a direction of travel. The agricultural header comprises a first frame, a side draper belt supported by the first frame and positioned to receive cut crop and advance cut crop laterally relative to the direction of travel, a second frame, a center draper belt supported by the second frame and positioned in register with the side draper belt to receive cut crop laterally therefrom and advance cut crop rearwardly toward the agricultural harvester opposite to the direction of travel, and a joint interconnecting the first frame and the second frame and enabling relative fore-aft and lateral translation between the first frame and the second frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew R. White, Bryan R. Yanke, Duane M. Bomleny, Corwin M. Puryk, Joshua R. Pierson, Anthony J. Washburn, Shane Anderson
  • Publication number: 20210127580
    Abstract: A pickup unit of an agricultural baler that includes a reel with a plurality of tines configured for lifting a crop material from a field, the reel is rotatable in an operating direction and a reverse direction, and a drive system configured for driving the reel. The drive system includes a gearbox configured for receiving motive power from a power take off (PTO) shaft, a drive shaft operably connected to the gearbox, and a first clutch connected to the drive shaft. The first clutch is configured for operably disconnecting motive power to the reel so that the reel is manually rotatable as the PTO shaft remains operably engaged with the gearbox.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chandrashekhar K. Singh, John R. McClure
  • Publication number: 20210127581
    Abstract: A drive system for an agricultural baler that includes a power take off (PTO) shaft configured for being operably connected in between an agricultural vehicle and the agricultural baler and for supplying motive power to the agricultural baler, a gearbox configured for being mounted on the agricultural baler and connected to the PTO shaft for receiving motive power from the PTO shaft, a pickup drive shaft operably connected to the gearbox and configured for being operably connected to a reel of a pickup unit of the agricultural baler, at least one sensor associated with the pickup drive shaft and configured for sensing a rotational movement of the pickup drive shaft, and an electrical processing circuit operably connected to the at least one sensor. The electrical processing circuit is configured for disconnecting motive power to the reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: John R. McClure
  • Publication number: 20210127582
    Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes a cutting head configured to harvest an agricultural material, a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the harvested agricultural material from the agricultural harvester, and a fill management system. The fill management system is configured to provide open-loop control of an automated transfer of the agricultural material from the agricultural harvester. The fill management system includes a controller, a user interface module coupled to the controller and configured to receive user input indicative of a selected nudge direction, and a wireless communication module coupled to the fill management system and configured to communicate wirelessly with a receiving vehicle. The wireless communication module is configured to obtain storage dimensions relative to the receiving vehicle from the receiving vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Ryan C. Burnley, Ryan R. White
  • Publication number: 20210127583
    Abstract: A threshing system for a combine harvester includes a support bracket that is configured to be attached to a threshing rotor cylinder of the threshing system and a rasp bar that is configured to be mounted to the support bracket. A channel is formed in one of the rasp bar and the support bracket for receiving a surface of the other of the rasp bar and the support bracket, wherein engagement between the channel and the surface limits movement of the rasp bar on the support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Nathan E. Isaac, Michael Minnich, Curtis Hillen, Cale Boriack
  • Publication number: 20210127584
    Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine includes a feederhouse having a conveyor and a feederhouse drum. An adjustable stop limits the position of the distance between slats of the conveyor and a floor of the feederhouse. The stop includes a member attached to the feederhouse drum and a spacer rotatably mounted on the member that co-operatively engages with a shaped portion of the member in at least two orientations in which rotation of the spacer is prevented. The spacer engages the feederhouse, and each orientation results in a different spacing of the member and the feederhouse drum relative to the feederhouse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Airton Solimar Walter, Daniel Saraiva
  • Publication number: 20210127585
    Abstract: Weed seeds are destroyed in the chaff from a combine harvester by repeated high speed impacts caused by a rotor mounted in one of a pair of side by side housings which accelerate the discarded seeds in a direction centrifugally away from the rotor onto a stator including angularly adjustable stator surfaces around the axis. Thus the discarded seeds rebound back and forth between the rotor and the stator to provide a plurality of impacts. The seeds are carried axially of the rotor by a controlled airstream so that they move to an axial discharge location where a discharge fan is mounted. The angle of the discharge around the rotor axis can be changed to direct the seeds to the side of the combine away from a straw chopper, towards the guide fins of the tailboard of the chopper, or into the housing of the straw chopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Dean Mayerle
  • Publication number: 20210127586
    Abstract: Weed seeds are destroyed in the chaff from a combine harvester by repeated high speed impacts caused by a rotor mounted in one of a pair of side by side housings which accelerate the discarded seeds in a direction centrifugally away from the rotor onto a stator including angularly adjustable stator surfaces around the axis. Thus the discarded seeds rebound back and forth between the rotor and the stator to provide a plurality of impacts. The seeds are carried axially of the rotor by a controlled airstream so that they move to an axial discharge location where a discharge fan is mounted. The angle of the discharge around the rotor axis can be changed to direct the seeds to the side of the combine away from a straw chopper, towards the guide fins of the tailboard of the chopper, or into the housing of the straw chopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Dean Mayerle
  • Publication number: 20210127587
    Abstract: Weed seeds are destroyed in the chaff from a combine harvester by repeated high speed impacts caused by a rotor mounted in one of a pair of side by side housings which accelerate the discarded seeds in a direction centrifugally away from the rotor onto a stator including angularly adjustable stator surfaces around the axis. Thus the discarded seeds rebound back and forth between the rotor and the stator to provide a plurality of impacts. The seeds are carried axially of the rotor by a controlled airstream so that they move to an axial discharge location where a discharge fan is mounted. The angle of the discharge around the rotor axis can be changed to direct the seeds to the side of the combine away from a straw chopper, towards the guide fins of the tailboard of the chopper, or into the housing of the straw chopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Dean Mayerle
  • Publication number: 20210127588
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system of conveying harvested material within or out of a combine harvester using positive air pressure. The invention provides for a lighter, simpler process of material handling by using positive air pressure to pneumatically convey harvested material. As compared to conventional methods, the present invention incorporates lighter weight components and fewer moving parts. Systems of the present invention have more flexible layouts than conventional methods, which allows for the incorporation of different material types, easier cleaning, and potentially greater ease for process automation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Casey Heim
  • Publication number: 20210127589
    Abstract: A bale identification assembly for use with an agricultural baler having a first supply roll mounted on the baler providing a binding material used by the knotter system to bind the formed bale, wherein the binding material on the first supply roll is free of identification tags. The bale identification assembly includes a second supply roll mounted on the baler providing an identifying filament. The knotter system joins the identifying filament from the second supply roll with the binding material from the first supply roll while tying a knot to bind the formed bale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Kevin J. Hamilton, Emmanuel Regis Magisson, Daniel Soldan, Grant Lewis Good, Robert L. Figger, Shane A. Bollinger