Agricultural trench depth sensing systems, methods, and apparatus
AssigneePrecision Planting LLC
InventorsDerek Sauder, Jason Stoller, Ian Radtke, Kent Levy
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims8
A method of monitoring and displaying readings associated with a sensor measuring cutting depth of a seed trench on a seeder as the seeder seeds a field, the method comprising:
- with a seed firmer disposed on the seeder and with the sensor associated with the seed firmer, sensing cutting depth of the seed trench as the seeder seeds the field;
- and
- displaying on a display associated with the seeder a representation of cutting depth of the seed trench.
An apparatus for monitoring and displaying readings associated with a sensor measuring cutting depth of a seed trench on a seeder as the seeder seeds a field, the apparatus comprising:
- a seeder implement;
- a seed firmer on the seeder implement;
- a sensor associated with the seed firmer and which measures a height of a seed furrow sidewall of the seed trench;
- and
- a display associated with the seeder adapted to display a representation of cutting depth of the seed trench based on the sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.