Soil moisture-based planter downforce control
US10143128B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2017 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01C7/203
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seeding machine includes a main frame, and a row unit coupled to the main frame. The row unit has a row unit frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the row unit frame, and a furrow opener coupled to the row unit frame, the furrow opener having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and moves soil. The row unit also includes a furrow closer, the furrow closer having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and presses soil. The seeding machine also includes a downforce adjustment system for adjusting an amount of downforce applied to the row unit, the downforce adjustment system including a moisture sensor, a controller configured to receive a signal from the moisture sensor, and an actuator configured to change the amount of downforce applied to the row unit based on the signal received by the controller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.