Method for planter depth monitoring
First Claim
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1. An improved method of monitoring penetration of a planting unit into a ground surface comprising:
- a. engaging a planting unit with a ground surface wherein said planting unit has a planting unit frame and said planting unit frame is cooperatively engaged with a support member wherein the planting unit comprises;
i. a seed trench opening assembly operable to create a seed trench in a ground surface;
ii. a seed delivery assembly delivering seeds into the seed trench;
iii. a seed trench closing assembly operable to close the seed trench;
iv. a depth regulating member having a vertical position relative to said seed trench opening assembly, wherein said depth regulating member experiences an actual vertical force that controls ground surface engagement;
v. a pivoting arm assembly connecting said depth regulating member to said planting unit frame; and
vi. a stop means mechanically engaging a portion of said pivoting arm assembly for defining a limit for vertical motion of said depth regulating member in the direction substantially opposite said ground surface;
b. applying down pressure to said planting unit to ensure penetration of said planting unit into said ground surface;
c. allowing the planting unit to respond to terrain and elevation changes in said ground surface while maintaining a desired depth of seed placement during travel across said ground surface;
d. controlling the down pressure applied to the planting unit; and
,e. monitoring penetration of said furrow forming means into said ground surface wherein the depth monitoring means indicates engagement of said arm assembly with said stop means.
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Abstract
An improved method of monitoring penetration of a planting unit into a ground surface comprising engaging a planting unit with a ground surface wherein the planting unit has a planting unit frame and the planting unit frame is cooperatively engaged with a support member by a planting frame and wherein the planting unit comprises, a seed trench opening assembly operable to create a seed trench in a ground surface, a depth regulating member having a vertical position relative to the seed trench opening assembly and monitoring penetration of the furrow forming structure into the ground surface.
150 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An improved method of monitoring penetration of a planting unit into a ground surface comprising:
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a. engaging a planting unit with a ground surface wherein said planting unit has a planting unit frame and said planting unit frame is cooperatively engaged with a support member wherein the planting unit comprises; i. a seed trench opening assembly operable to create a seed trench in a ground surface; ii. a seed delivery assembly delivering seeds into the seed trench; iii. a seed trench closing assembly operable to close the seed trench; iv. a depth regulating member having a vertical position relative to said seed trench opening assembly, wherein said depth regulating member experiences an actual vertical force that controls ground surface engagement; v. a pivoting arm assembly connecting said depth regulating member to said planting unit frame; and vi. a stop means mechanically engaging a portion of said pivoting arm assembly for defining a limit for vertical motion of said depth regulating member in the direction substantially opposite said ground surface; b. applying down pressure to said planting unit to ensure penetration of said planting unit into said ground surface; c. allowing the planting unit to respond to terrain and elevation changes in said ground surface while maintaining a desired depth of seed placement during travel across said ground surface; d. controlling the down pressure applied to the planting unit; and
,e. monitoring penetration of said furrow forming means into said ground surface wherein the depth monitoring means indicates engagement of said arm assembly with said stop means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An improved method of monitoring penetration of a planting unit into a ground surface comprising:
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a. engaging a planting unit with a ground surface wherein said planting unit has a planting unit frame and said planting unit frame is cooperatively engaged with a support member wherein the planting unit comprises; i. a seed trench opening assembly operable to create a seed trench in a ground surface; ii. a seed delivery assembly delivering seeds into the seed trench; iii. a seed trench closing assembly operable to close the seed trench; iv. a depth regulating member having a vertical position relative to said seed trench opening assembly, wherein said depth regulating member experiences an actual vertical force that controls ground surface engagement; v. a pivoting arm assembly connecting said depth regulating member to said planting unit frame; and vi. a stop means mechanically engaging a portion of said pivoting arm assembly for defining a limit for vertical motion of said depth regulating member in the direction substantially opposite said ground surface; b. applying down pressure to said planting unit to ensure penetration of said planting unit into said ground surface; c. allowing the planting unit to respond to terrain and elevation changes in said ground surface while maintaining a desired depth of seed placement during travel across said ground surface; d. controlling the down pressure applied to the planting unit; e. monitoring penetration of said furrow forming means into said ground surface; and f. indicating engagement of said arm assembly with said stop means for detecting presence or absence of furrow forming means penetration into said ground surface. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification