Seed planter monitor
First Claim
1. A monitor for a traveling seed planter operable to periodically dispense seeds in each of a plurality of rows, comprising:
- seed sensing means for sensing the seeds planted in each row;
row counting means responsive to the seed sensing means and being operable to obtain a separate count of the seeds planted in each row;
means for determining the average number of seeds planted per row from the counts obtained by the row counting means;
means for determining the deviations between the counts obtained by the row counting means and the average number of seeds planted per row;
means for determining the maximum of said deviations;
error checking means for testing for an error condition occuring whenever said maximum deviation exceeds a predetermined limit; and
alarm means responsive to said error checking means for signalling an error condition.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A seed planter monitor is used with a traveling seed planter operable to periodically dispense seeds in each of a plurality of rows. The monitor, preferably a microcomputer device, comprises individual row counters for counting the seeds planted in each row. The monitor determines the row having the highest deviation from the average number of seeds planted per row. Whenever the maximum deviation exceeds a predetermined limit, an alarm signals an error condition to the planter operator. The monitor also senses and warns the operator of any stoppage occurring in any of the rows within a relatively short stoppage distance. Planting data is displayed to the operator during planting.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A monitor for a traveling seed planter operable to periodically dispense seeds in each of a plurality of rows, comprising:
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seed sensing means for sensing the seeds planted in each row; row counting means responsive to the seed sensing means and being operable to obtain a separate count of the seeds planted in each row; means for determining the average number of seeds planted per row from the counts obtained by the row counting means; means for determining the deviations between the counts obtained by the row counting means and the average number of seeds planted per row; means for determining the maximum of said deviations; error checking means for testing for an error condition occuring whenever said maximum deviation exceeds a predetermined limit; and alarm means responsive to said error checking means for signalling an error condition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. For use with a traveling seed planter operable to periodically dispense seeds in each of a plurality of rows, a monitor comprising:
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seed sensing means for sensing the seeds planted in each row; row counting means responsive to the seed sensing means and being operable to obtain a separate count of the seeds planted in each row; means for determining the average number of seeds planted per row from the counts obtained by the row counting means; means for determining the deviations between the counts obtained by the row counting means and the average number of seeds planted per row; means for determining the maximum of said deviations; and display means for displaying said maximum deviation. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification