Global controller and distributed local controller(s) for an agricultural implement
US5924371A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S111/903
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A control system for agricultural implements such as planters, conventional or air drills is disclosed herein. The implement has a frame with multiple sections and each section has a plurality of row units to apply product to multiple rows in a field. The implement is equipped with global output devices (e.g., lights, actuators for moving moveable frame members, actuators for moving markers) to perform global implement functions in response to global control signals. Each section includes one or more local product metering devices for applying products at varying rates in response to local control signals. The products include seed, fertilizer, insecticide and herbicide. The control system includes command sources (e.g., a lighting connector; an operator interface in the cab) to generate global commands for the global implement functions and to generate local rate commands for the metering devices. The control system further includes a global controller, and local controllers corresponding to the sections. The global controller receives the global commands for the global implement functions and generates the global control signals therefrom. The local controllers receive the local …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.