Integrated implement downforce control systems, methods, and apparatus
AssigneePrecision Planting LLC
InventorsJason Stoller, Kent Levy, Todd Swanson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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 a first chamber of the cylinder and a second pressure in a second chamber of the cylinder have counteracting effects on the net downforce. A manifold coupled to the cylinder is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A pressure control valve coupled to the manifold is in fluid communication with the manifold and the first chamber.
Claims58
A downforce control system for an agricultural implement, comprising:
- a first downforce controller including a first pressure control valve housed in 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 said first chamber;
- a second downforce controller including a second pressure control valve housed in 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 said third chamber;
- and
- a third pressure control valve in fluid communication with said second chamber and said fourth chamber.
A downforce controller for an agricultural implement, comprising:
- a first downforce controller including a first manifold mounted to and in fluid communication with a first pressure control valve, 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 said first chamber;
- a second downforce controller including a second manifold mounted to and in fluid communication with a second pressure control valve, 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 said third chamber;
- a third pressure control valve in fluid communication with said second chamber and said fourth chamber;
- and
- an electronic controller in electrical communication with said first pressure control valve, said second pressure control valve and said third pressure control valve, said electronic controller configured to generate a first signal corresponding to a desired pressure in said first pressure control valve, said electronic controller configured to generate a second signal corresponding to a desired pressure in said second pressure control valve, said electronic controller configured to generate a third signal corresponding to a desired pressure in said third pressure control valve.
A downforce controller for a planter row unit, comprising:
- a hydraulic actuator configured to apply a force to the planter row unit;
- and
- a manifold mounted to said hydraulic actuator;
- a pressure control valve in fluid communication with said manifold, wherein said pressure control valve is supported by the planter row unit.
A downforce controller for a planter row unit, comprising:
- a hydraulic actuator configured to apply a force to the planter row unit;
- a manifold directly physically coupled to said hydraulic actuator;
- and
- a pressure control valve in fluid communication with said manifold, wherein said pressure control valve is supported by the planter row unit.
A downforce controller for a planter row unit, comprising:
- a hydraulic actuator configured to apply a force to the planter row unit;
- a manifold mounted to said actuator;
- and
- a pressure control valve in fluid communication with said manifold, said pressure control valve is supported by the planter row unit, said pressure control valve configured to modify a pressure in said hydraulic actuator in order to modify said force.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.