Modular agricultural implement control system
US6070538A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2000 |
| 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 includes a frame with one or more sections. Each section supports a plurality of row units configured to apply a product at variable rates to rows in a field. The products can include seeds, fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. In one configuration, the control system monitors the rates at which the product is applied to the rows. This configuration of the control system includes sensors configured to sense the rates at which product is applied, and a control module configured to monitor the sensed rates and generate a multiplexed output signal representative thereof. The output signal is used, for example, by a cab-mounted display or recording device. The control system, however, can be reconfigured to both monitor and control the application rates by installing a second control module on the frame. The second control module generates rate control signals in response to rate command input signals. The rate control signals are applied to the metering device to cause the metering device to meter product to the row units at the commanded rates. Commanded r…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.