Down pressure adjustment device and method for use with a disc opener assembly of an agricultural implement
US10667461B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 11, 2019 |
| Grant date | Jun 2, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 11, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01C7/205
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A disc opener unit for an agricultural implement has a down pressure adjustment device that automatically adjusts the amount of down pressure applied on a furrowing disc based on strain measurements taken by a strain gauge or load cell. The strain gauge, which may be mounted to an arm that is used to set the position of a depth setting gauge wheel, provides feedback to a processor that in turn controls the amount of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic cylinder to adjust the down force applied on the disc. The amount of down pressure is therefore adjusted in substantially real-time in response to changes in field conditions, which improves furrow depth consistency and reduces wear on the gauge wheel and its components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.