Agricultural systems
First Claim
1. A monitor system for an agricultural seed planter having a plurality of row units, the monitor system comprising:
- a controller;
a plurality of row units, each having;
a first soil-engaging tool;
a first actuator causing the first soil-engaging tool to be urged toward earth according to a first actuator signal received from the controller, anda first sensor that measures a first parameter related to or indicative of the first actuator'"'"'s force or pressure on the first soil-engaging tool and that provides a sensor signal indicative of the first measured parameter to the controller;
a video display coupled to the controller that is configured to cause the video display to display, in real time as the plurality of row units are moved along the earth, a row monitor graphical representation that indicates a deviation by the first measured parameter from a first target parameter for the first soil-engaging tool for each respective one of the plurality of row units.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An agricultural implement includes at least one row unit having a plurality of support members, each of which is pivotably coupled to an attachment frame or another of the support members to permit vertical pivoting vertical movement of the support members, and a plurality of soil-engaging tools, each of which is coupled to at least one of the support members. A plurality of hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the support members for urging the support members downwardly toward the soil. A plurality of controllable pressure control valves are coupled to the hydraulic cylinders for controlling the pressure of hydraulic fluid supplied to the cylinders. A plurality of sensors produce electrical signals corresponding to predetermined conditions, and a controller is coupled to the sensor and the controllable pressure control valves. The controller receives the electrical signals from the sensors and produces control signals for controlling the pressure control valves.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A monitor system for an agricultural seed planter having a plurality of row units, the monitor system comprising:
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a controller; a plurality of row units, each having; a first soil-engaging tool; a first actuator causing the first soil-engaging tool to be urged toward earth according to a first actuator signal received from the controller, and a first sensor that measures a first parameter related to or indicative of the first actuator'"'"'s force or pressure on the first soil-engaging tool and that provides a sensor signal indicative of the first measured parameter to the controller; a video display coupled to the controller that is configured to cause the video display to display, in real time as the plurality of row units are moved along the earth, a row monitor graphical representation that indicates a deviation by the first measured parameter from a first target parameter for the first soil-engaging tool for each respective one of the plurality of row units. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An agricultural row unit attachable to a towing frame for movement over a field having varying hardness conditions, comprising
a planting row unit that includes an opening device for opening a furrow into which seeds can be planted, a soil-penetrating tool, a gauge wheel mounted for rolling engagement with the soil surface, a sensor coupled to said tool and said gauge wheel for detecting changes in the difference between the vertical positions of said tool and said gauge wheel, and producing an output corresponding to said changes, a controllable actuator coupled to said tool for applying a downward pressure on said tool, and a control system couple to said actuator and receiving said output of said sensor for controlling said actuator and thus the downward pressure on said tool, wherein said soil-penetrating tool is at least one closing wheel for closing said furrow after seeds have been deposited into said furrow.
Specification