Integrated implement downforce control systems, methods, and apparatus
First Claim
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1. A downforce controller for an agricultural implement, comprising:
- a double-acting hydraulic cylinder including a first chamber and a second chamber, said cylinder configured to be coupled to an agricultural row unit and an agricultural toolbar for transmitting a net downforce between said agricultural toolbar and said agricultural row unit, a first pressure in said first chamber and a second pressure in said second chamber having counteracting effects on said net downforce;
a manifold coupled to said cylinder, said manifold being in fluid communication with said first chamber; and
a pressure control valve supported by said manifold, said pressure control valve being in fluid communication with said manifold and with said first chamber;
wherein said pressure control valve comprises a supply port, a return port, and a control port, and wherein said pressure control valve is configured to establish a desired pressure at said control port; and
wherein said pressure control valve is supported by said manifold.
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Abstract
A downforce controller for an agricultural implement having a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder is configured to be coupled to an agricultural row unit and an agricultural toolbar for transmitting a net downforce between the agricultural toolbar and the agricultural row unit. A first pressure in the first chamber of the cylinder and a second pressure in the second chamber of the cylinder having counteracting effects on the net downforce. A manifold coupled to the cylinder is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A pressure control valve supported by the manifold is in fluid communication with the manifold and the first chamber.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A downforce controller for an agricultural implement, comprising:
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a double-acting hydraulic cylinder including a first chamber and a second chamber, said cylinder configured to be coupled to an agricultural row unit and an agricultural toolbar for transmitting a net downforce between said agricultural toolbar and said agricultural row unit, a first pressure in said first chamber and a second pressure in said second chamber having counteracting effects on said net downforce; a manifold coupled to said cylinder, said manifold being in fluid communication with said first chamber; and a pressure control valve supported by said manifold, said pressure control valve being in fluid communication with said manifold and with said first chamber; wherein said pressure control valve comprises a supply port, a return port, and a control port, and wherein said pressure control valve is configured to establish a desired pressure at said control port; and wherein said pressure control valve is supported by said manifold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A downforce control system for an agricultural implement, comprising:
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a first downforce controller including a first pressure control valve, said first pressure control valve being supported by said first downforce controller, said first pressure control valve being in fluid communication with a first manifold, said first manifold coupled to a first actuator having a first chamber and a second chamber, said first pressure control valve in fluid communication with each said first chamber; a second downforce controller including a second pressure control valve, said second pressure control valve being supported by said second downforce controller, said second pressure control valve being in fluid communication with a second manifold, said second manifold coupled to a second actuator having a third chamber and a fourth chamber, said second pressure control valve in fluid communication with each said third chamber; a third pressure control valve in fluid communication with said second chamber and said fourth chamber; and an electronic controller, said electronic controller being in electrical communication with said first pressure control valve, said second pressure control valve, and said third pressure control valve, said electronic controller being configured to generate a first signal corresponding to a desired pressure in said pressure control valve, said electronic controller being configured to generate a second signal corresponding to a desired pressure in said second pressure control valve, said electronic controller being configured to generate a third signal corresponding to a desired pressure in said third pressure control valve. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification