Ultrasonic transducer based device positioning system and method

• US 6,216,795 B1
• Filed: 07/01/1999
• Issued: 04/17/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Andrew F. Buchl
• Original Assignee: Andrew F. Buchl
• Inventors: Buchl, Andrew F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pezzuto, Robert E.
• Application Number:
  US09/346,184
• Time in Patent Office: 656 Days
• Field of Search: 172/2, 172/3, 172/4, 172/4.5, 172/7, 172/10, 701/50, 605/46, 605/79, 605/81, 605/91, 911/71, 915/20, 914/43, 914/63, 913/61, 913/67
• US Class Current: 172/7
• CPC Class Codes: A01B 63/1115 using a mechanical ground contact sensor

Abstract

An ultrasonic transducer position sensor for use as part of an automatic depth control system. The ultrasonic transducer position sensor works with a Console and remote Controller mounted in the tractor cab, power beyond Valving, and Depth Sensors, either ground contact or non-ground contact, mounted on the frame of the implement. The depth sensing system is provided to sense the actual penetration of an implement tool by determining the height of the implement frame above the ground. The ultrasonic transducer position sensor comprises an ultrasonic transducer for generating a position signal proportional to the position of the device above the ground, the ultrasonic transducer transmits the position signal to the hydraulic position control system, a swivel housing coupled to the device, a swivel bracket extending from the swivel housing in order to support the ultrasonic transducer, and a transducer bracket coupled to the swivel bracket using flexible stand-off mounts in order to provide clearance for the transducer when plugged by material. The ultrasonic transducer position sensor is arranged and configured to permit the swivel bracket and transducer bracket assembly to rotate within the swivel housing in order to permit the ultrasonic transducer to remain directed towards the ground.

Claims

1. An automatic depth control system for controlling a measured position of a device above the ground as the device is moved across a surface, the automatic depth control system comprising:

a joystick input device for specifying a plurality of position settings;

a device position sensor;

a device position display unit; and

a hydraulic position control system for maintaining the measured device position within a specified position window around a set position;

wherein

the device position sensor comprises;

an ultrasonic transducer for generating a position signal proportional to the position of the device above the ground, the ultrasonic transducer transmits the position signal to the hydraulic position control system;

a swivel housing coupled to the device;

a swivel bracket extending from the swivel housing in order to support the ultrasonic transducer; and

a transducer bracket coupled to the swivel bracket using flexible stand-off mounts in order to provide clearance for the transducer when plugged by material;

the device position sensor is arranged and configured to permit the swivel bracket and transducer bracket assembly to rotate within the swivel housing in order to permit the ultrasonic transducer to remain directed towards the ground.

2. The automatic depth control system according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer comprises:

an ultrasonic transducer element;

a transducer housing having an open and a closed end and defining a length-wise channel within the transducer housing from the open end towards the closed end, the transducer housing surrounds the ultrasonic transducer element;

a housing cap coupled to the open end of the transducer housing to hold the open end of the transducer housing coupled to the transducer bracket, the housing cap defines a hole through the housing cap which mates with the length-wise channel of the transducer housing;

a transducer insert located within the length-wise channel, the transducer insert is placed between the open end of the transducer housing and the transducer element;

a venting port having a protective grill element, the protective grill being coupled to the housing cap to cover the open end of the transducer housing between the transducer housing and the housing cap.

3. The automatic depth control system according to claim 2, wherein the swivel bracket comprises a horizontal member extending from the swivel housing and a vertical member extending substantially downward to assist the rotation of the device position sensor as it remains directed towards the ground.

4. The automatic depth control system according to claim 3, wherein the transducer bracket comprises:

a horizontal member having a first and second end, the horizontal member is oriented parallel to the horizontal member of the swivel bracket and is coupled to the horizontal member of the swivel bracket using the flexible stand-off mounts;

a first vertical member extending substantially downward from the first end of the horizontal member of the transducer bracket, the first vertical member is oriented substantially parallel to the vertical member of the swivel bracket; and

a second vertical member extending substantially downward from the first end of the horizontal member of the transducer bracket.

5. The automatic depth control system according to claim 4, wherein the flexible stand-off mounts comprise rubber bushings.

6. The automatic depth control system according to claim 4, wherein the transducer insert further comprises a campfer in order to prevent the receipt of echo signals generated by sharp edged signals.

7. The automatic depth control system according to claim 2, wherein the ultrasonic transducer further comprises a protective covering between the transducer element and the transducer insert within the transducer housing.

8. The automatic depth control system according to claim 4, wherein the second vertical member of the transducer bracket extends downward a sufficient distance to prevent material from entering the open end of the transducer housing.

9. An automatic depth control system for controlling a measured position of a device above the ground as the device is moved across a surface, the automatic depth control system comprising:

a joystick input device for specifying a plurality of position settings;

a device position sensor;

a device position display unit; and

a hydraulic position control system for maintaining the measured device position within a specified position window around a set position;

wherein

the device position sensor comprises;

an ultrasonic transducer for generating a position signal proportional to the position of the device above the ground, the ultrasonic transducer transmits the position signal to the hydraulic position control system;

a swivel housing coupled to the device;

a swivel bracket extending from the swivel housing in order to support the ultrasonic transducer; and

a transducer bracket coupled to the swivel bracket using flexible stand-off mounts in order to provide clearance for the transducer when plugged by material;

the device position sensor is arranged and configured to permit the swivel bracket and transducer bracket assembly to rotate within the swivel housing in order to permit the ultrasonic transducer to remain directed towards the ground;

the ultrasonic transducer comprises;

an ultrasonic transducer element;

a transducer housing having an open and a closed end and defining a length-wise channel within the transducer housing from the open end towards the closed end, the transducer housing surrounds the ultrasonic transducer element;

a housing cap coupled to the open end of the transducer housing to hold the open end of the transducer housing coupled to the transducer bracket, the housing cap defines a hole through the housing cap which mates with the length-wise channel of the transducer housing;

a transducer insert located within the length-wise channel, the transducer insert is placed between the open end of the transducer housing and the transducer element and comprises a campfer to prevent the receipt of echo signals generated by sharp edged signals;

a venting port having a protective grill element, the protective grill being coupled to the housing cap to cover the open end of the transducer housing between the transducer housing and the housing cap.