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Multi-variable rate agricultural product application system, device and method

  • US 8,868,300 B2
  • Filed: 06/15/2010
  • Issued: 10/21/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/28/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A variable rate control system for dispensing or applying at least one agricultural product comprising:

  • a prime mover for movement across the ground at a desired and known rate of travel, the prime mover having a prime mover hydraulic system with a corresponding prime mover hydraulic flow rate;

    an agricultural implement operatively attached to the prime mover and comprising a transport structure and a toolbar mounted on the transport structure;

    a plurality of row units mounted on the tool bar, each one of the plurality of row units adapted to dispense and/or apply the at least one agricultural product at individual and controlled rates;

    at least one agricultural product storage container for storing the at least one agricultural product to be dispensed or applied in operative communication with the plurality of row units, wherein the at least one agricultural product is in the group consisting of at least one type of agricultural seed for dispensation, at least one granular fertilizer for dispensation, and at least one type of liquid for application;

    a central controller in direct operative communication with each one of the plurality of row units; and

    a plurality of row unit control mechanisms mounted on the toolbar and in direct operative communication with the central controller, each one of the plurality of row unit control mechanisms being in further operative communication with, and independently controlling the operation of, one of the plurality of the row units, each one of the plurality of row unit control mechanisms comprising;

    a pulse width modulation valve connected with, and controlled by, the central controller,a hydraulic motor with integrated rpm reduction providing less than 1 gpm of hydraulic flow and connected to, and having a rotational speed that is controlled by the pulse width modulation valve, the hydraulic motor of each of the plurality of row unit control mechanisms in direct communication with the prime mover hydraulic system, anda speed sensor in operative communication with the central controller for communicating the hydraulic motor'"'"'s rotational speed to the central controller;

    a rotatable stub drive shaft connected with the hydraulic motor; and

    an agricultural product metering assembly connected with the stub drive shaft and comprising a seed tube connected with the at least one agricultural product storage container, a seed tube sensor adapted to provide seed dispensation data to the central controller, a liquid agricultural product control valve controlled by the central controller and a liquid agricultural product flow meter adapted to monitor liquid agricultural product application and for providing liquid agricultural product application data to the central controller, whereby the controlled rotational speed of the rotatable stub drive shaft controls the frequency of dispensation or application of the at least one agricultural product.

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