Agricultural trench depth sensing systems, methods, and apparatus
First Claim
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1. An agricultural row unit, comprising:
- a row unit frame;
a first gauge wheel arm pivotally mounted to the row unit frame and disposed to limit the depth of a trench opened by the row unit; and
a first sensor configured to generate a first signal related to the angular position of said first gauge wheel arm relative to said row unit frame, said first sensor comprising;
a receiver component;
a transmitter component;
wherein one of said receiver component and said transmitter component is mounted to said first gauge wheel arm for rotation therewith;
wherein one of said receiver component and said transmitter component is fixedly mounted to said row unit frame;
wherein said first signal is related to a distance between said receiver component and said transmitter component.
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Abstract
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for determining the depth of a trench opened by an agricultural planter. Sensors are provided for detecting the position of a ground-engaging element of the planter such as a gauge wheel or seed firmer of a row unit of the planter. Apparatus and methods are provided for installing such sensors onto a row unit of the planter. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for controlling downpressure on a row unit based on the trench depth. Methods are provided for mapping trench depth measured by the depth sensors.
39 Citations
8 Claims
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1. An agricultural row unit, comprising:
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a row unit frame; a first gauge wheel arm pivotally mounted to the row unit frame and disposed to limit the depth of a trench opened by the row unit; and a first sensor configured to generate a first signal related to the angular position of said first gauge wheel arm relative to said row unit frame, said first sensor comprising; a receiver component; a transmitter component; wherein one of said receiver component and said transmitter component is mounted to said first gauge wheel arm for rotation therewith; wherein one of said receiver component and said transmitter component is fixedly mounted to said row unit frame; wherein said first signal is related to a distance between said receiver component and said transmitter component. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification