Patent · US Expired

Hydraulic floating system for downpressure control of seeding tools

US5562165A · kind A · utility

96Cited by
14References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 14, 1994
Grant dateOct 8, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 14, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S111/926
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A hydraulic downpressure system for use on no-tillage seeders allows for a constant downward force to be applied on seeding tools operating in highly variable soil surface conditions in order to keep a uniform seeding or planting depth. Raising and lowering of the seeding units can also be achieved with this hydraulic system. A double acting hydraulic cylinder is principally used having its rod end connected to one or two seeding units. A hydraulically operated two-way mode selection valve provides system shifting between both modes involved. The first mode is used when transporting the seeder on roads and to operate the seeding tools in the field. Control is then provided by a three-way directional valve mounted to an external hydraulic power supply, such as an agricultural tractor. Raising and lowering of the seeding tools can be achieved when operating in this mode. A second mode is involved when the seeding tools are working into the ground to sow seeds. Pressure applied on both ports of the hydraulic cylinder comes from a nitrogen accumulator that acts as a pressure absorber which results in a net downward force. The cylinder can thus move independently while always maintainin…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.