5316results about "Agricultural machines" patented technology

A method for agronomic and agricultural monitoring includes designating an area for imaging, determining a flight path above the designated area, operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) along the flight path, acquiring images of the area using a camera system attached to the UAV, and processing the acquired images.

A crop harvesting header includes a center portion mounted on two spring arms and two separate wings pivotally connected to the center portion. The wings are connected to the center portion by interconnecting linkages which transfer weight from the wings to the spring arms each including a balance beam arranged to balance the lifting force from the spring arm with the downward forces from the center portion and wing such that the downward force on a skid plate of each portion on the ground varies automatically as the total downward force is varied. The balance beams apply force to the linkages by a compression member to reduce forces. The movement caused by floating of the header and the change of angle of the header are compensated at the balance beam to ensure that the force to the wings is reduced as the requirement caused by changes in geometry reduces.

An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, and a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit. The agricultural implement system also includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the down force cylinder and the depth control cylinder. The valve assembly is configured to automatically adjust the downward force by varying fluid pressure within the down force cylinder based on fluid pressure within the depth control cylinder.

A transport system for a crop header includes a first and a second wheel arrangement on the header frame adjacent a respective ends for acting as a stabilizer when the header is in the operating position and movable to a transport position for transporting the header when removed from the vehicle in a transport direction generally longitudinal of the header frame and at a right angle to the working direction with each being mounted on the header frame for rotation of a rolling direction of the first wheel arrangement between the working position and the transport position, in which the rolling direction is along the transport direction. Each of the wheel arrangements includes two parallel wheels coupled together. The wheel arrangement at the rear end includes a second wheel which is mounted on a swing arm so as to be moved to a position adjacent the cutter bar so that the header is stably supported on the first wheel arrangement, the first wheel of the second wheel arrangement and the second wheel of the second wheel arrangement. The first and second wheels of the second wheel arrangement include coupling members for connection together to operate as a common wheel arrangement in the operating position. The swing arm includes a tower which attaches to the cutter bar and can fold down on to the swing arm in the field position.

A modular landscaper uses oversized wheels to generate torque for turning one or more of several interchangeable modular landscape maintenance attachments. The landscaper provides a handle configured in relationship to the landscaper frame to allow an adult to normally walk behind the landscaper while applying a forward force by pushing on the handle that results in the wheels of the landscaper rolling along a landscape maintenance surface and generating torque that is transferred through a drive train to the one or more attached landscaping maintenance attachments. A drive train uses the rotational energy of the wheels to increase the operator pushing force to operate the maintenance attachment. Interchangeable attachments facilitate using the landscaper for a wide variety of landscaping maintenance tasks.

An implement has a tongue used to tow the implement that can be raised or lowered with respect to the rest of the implement. The tongue is raised or lowered by a hydraulic cylinder. The raising and lowering ports of the cylinder are connected to two hydraulic accumulators to permit the tongue to flex up or down while the implement is towed through the field. These accumulators are disconnected from the cylinder when the wings of the implement are lifted and the implement is towed over the road to prevent the implement from oscillating backwards and forward about an axis defined by its wheels.

An apparatus for preparing soil for the placement therein of at least one of seed and fertilizer. A frame is provided with there being first structure on the frame for penetrating the soil to create an opening for at least one of seed and fertilizer as the frame is advanced in a travel direction. A second structure is provided on the frame at least partially downstream of the first structure for at least one of a) stripping soil clods from the first structure and b) loosening soil downstream of the first structure.

A high clearance vehicle includes a walking beam frame and an independent suspension. The frame consists of a main frame, A-shaped frames, a main truss, leg braces, and an axle. Pins which are used to join each A-shaped frame and leg braces to the main truss act as pivot points, as does the pin that attaches the axle to the main frame. Each leg brace may connect to each A-shaped frame by an elastic member to provide the independent suspension. Legs are at each corner of the frame. At the bottom of each leg is a wheel hub mount with a wheel drive assembly operably connected to a wheel for propelling the vehicle. At the top of the front legs are tapered kingpins which carry segmented thrust washers having a knob and receiving portion. A boom having extension arms and spray nozzles may also be attached. The walking beam frame may include a crab steering device which shifts the rear axle off-center so that the vehicle dog legs. A hinge stacked assembly includes a self-cleaning screen, a condenser, oil cooler, and a radiator. Angled hinges allow a door to be opened away from the vehicle and the rear tire so that the stacked assembly is easily accessible to maintenance. A knee action suspension may also provide independent suspension to the vehicle. The boom may have upper and lower lift arms. An elastic member may be provided for supporting the lower lift arm.

An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, and a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit. The agricultural implement system also includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the down force cylinder and the depth control cylinder. The valve assembly is configured to automatically adjust the downward force by varying fluid pressure within the down force cylinder based on fluid pressure within the depth control cylinder.

An agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame, a linkage pivotably coupled to the attachment frame, and a row unit frame having a leading end pivotably coupled to the linkage to permit vertical pivoting movement of the row unit frame relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder coupled to the attachment frame and the linkage, for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil, includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for advancing the ram in a direction that pivots the linkage and the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. An accumulator positioned adjacent to the hydraulic cylinder has a fluid chamber containing a diaphragm, with the portion of the chamber on one side of the diaphragm being connected to the hydraulic-fluid cavity in the hydraulic cylinder, and the portion of the chamber on the other side of the diaphragm containing a pressurized gas.

The present invention relates to a method for controlling pathogen growth on live plants and mushrooms using UV-C light and an apparatus for use in the method. Also provided are methods for removing surplus leaves and methods for destroying aerial plant parts prior to harvest of underground roots, tubers or bulbs.

A down pressure assembly for incorporation into an agricultural implement to be pulled by a tractor (10) has an attachment frame (21) for attachment between a portion of the agricultural implement and at least two wheels (22) of a row unit (18) for traveling along the ground, the row unit (18) also having a tool (23) disposed between the two wheels (22) for engaging the ground, the down pressure assembly also having at least one torsion element (41, 50) disposed on the frame (21), with the torsion element (41, 50) having one fixed mounting to the frame (21) and one adjustable mounting to the frame (21), and the assembly further having an adjustment mechanism (37, 60) for varying the torsion of the torsion element (41, 50) at the adjustable mounting; and at least one down pressure member (36, 56, 57) for receiving a force from the torsion element to apply a downward force to the top members (26, 27) of the frame (21).

In one embodiment, an agricultural row unit for use with a towing frame hitched to a tractor includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to the towing frame. A support member is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the support member relative to the attachment frame, and at least one furrow-closing device is mounted on the support member. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the support member for urging the row unit frame downwardly toward the soil. The hydraulic cylinder includes a movable ram extending into the cylinder, and a hydraulic-fluid cavity within the cylinder for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid for urging the ram in a first direction that pivots the support member in a first vertical direction. An accumulator has a fluid chamber containing a pressurized gas for urging the ram in a second direction that pivots the support member in a second vertical direction.

A control system for the drive of a power take-off mechanism on an agricultural tractor that records machine-specific values of the implement attached to the tractor. The drive train between the tractor engine and the power take-off includes a CVT transmission. The control device is connected with a processor via a signal lead for receiving its output signals. The control device is connected for the formation of output signals via input leads with switches, controls, sensors, and actuators for the tractor to read the machine specific parameters of the attached implement.

An agricultural planting system and method comprising a soil sampling and analysis means, wherein soil samples are taken and analyzed in real-time during a planting operation (or, optionally, via a separate, prior operation) to determine the conditions and nutrient content of the soil, and a planting system, wherein the planting system is capable of planting seeds in any arbitrary position on an X-Y plane directly beneath the planting system, whereby the data gathered from the analyzed soil samples is used to determine the optimal placement of seeds or plants in a field in order to take advantage of the soil conditions present and to optimize crop yield.

An agricultural implement system is provided that includes a down force cylinder configured to apply a downward force to a row unit, a depth control cylinder configured to vary a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the row unit, a press wheel cylinder configured to vary contact force between a press wheel and a soil surface, a closing disk cylinder configured to vary contact force between a closing disk and the soil surface, a residue manager cylinder configured to vary contact force between a residue manager and the soil surface, or a combination thereof. The agricultural implement system also includes an electronic control unit configured to automatically regulate a pressure within the cylinders, and a manual backup system configured to facilitate manual pressure adjustment of the cylinders.

A control system for an engineless, motor-driven lawnmower vehicle includes electric motors and controllers. At least one of the electric motors is an electric drive motor connected to a drive wheel of the lawnmower vehicle to enable transmission of motive power. At least one other electric motor is a mower-related electric motor connected to a lawnmower rotary tool to enable transmission of motive power. At least one of the controllers is a drive wheel controller which includes a drive wheel driver and which controls operation of the electric drive motor in response to a signal from at least one operator sensor for detecting an operation amount of at least one operator. At least one controller controls to activate or stop the mower-related electric motor. At least one controller is connected to the drive wheel controller and transmits a control signal thereto in response to a signal from the operator sensor.

A dozer blade control system controls the position of a bulldozer blade, maintaining the blade at a constant position as the dozer travels through a worksite. The control system monitors the angle of the dozer blade with respect to the earth and when it senses that the dozer blade is tilting, it corrects the dozer blade's position by extending or retracting hydraulic cylinders that couple the dozer blade to the chassis of the crawler-tractor. When the dozer chassis pitches forwards, the blade begins to tilt forward and to drop closer to the ground. The control system senses this forward rotation of the blade and retracts the hydraulic cylinders that couple the blade to the chassis, causing the blade to return to and maintain its original position. Conversely, when the dozer chassis pitches backwards and the blade begins to tilt backward and rise higher above the ground, the control system extends the hydraulic cylinders coupling the blade to the chassis and lowers the blade, causing the blade to return to and maintain its original position with respect to the earth.

An arrangement for controlling the height above or depth below an irregular surface of a body moving over or below the surface includes a rotation sensor coupled to a controller responsive to an angular deflection signal output by the rotation sensor. The rotation sensor and controller are mounted to a vehicle moving over the surface such as an agricultural vehicle traversing a field. A semi-rigid, flexible arm has a first end coupled to the rotation sensor with a ground engaging member attached to a second opposed end of the arm. In one embodiment, the flexible arm includes an elongated coil spring attached to a rigid shaft and the ground engaging member is a spherical ball attached to the shaft's distal end. The coil spring is pre-loaded to a selected bending or flexure force and permits the ground engaging member to impact obstructions in the field without damage to the rotation sensor. The coil spring also prevents damage to the rotation sensor when the vehicle is reversed in direction. The flexible arm may be urged downwardly to ensure that the ground engaging member contacts the soil and upward and downward rotation stops may be provided to limit rotation of the rotation sensor and flexible arm combination. When a plurality of rotation sensors and flexible arms are employed such as along the length of a combine header, each rotation sensor may be individually calibrated by rotating the sensor relative to the head unit to which it is mounted to permit all sensors to uniformly measure the height above or depth below the soil surface.

A winged implement includes an hydraulic control circuit having two operator-controlled valves, including a work valve and a transport valve. Using only these controls, and without leaving the tractor cab, the operator can (1) fold the implement for transport; (2) unfold the wings; (3) place the implement in the field use position with substantial constant down pressure on the wings; and (4) raise the wings and center section to an intermediate position with the wings inclined upwardly for end row turns.

Implement toolbars as used for planters have become very long in recent years. In order to assure good ground contact, the long toolbar of the present invention is divided up into more than three sections, including a center section and wing sections. The wing sections fold forward for transport on public roads, over field accesses, and through gates. The resulting planter can be longer than prior art planters while providing sound ground contact and a compact transport mode.

An NH3 applicator implement is equipped with a hitch arrangement for automatically effecting a connection with a tongue of an NH3 nurse tank wagon. A quick-connect coupler assembly is provided for connecting the transfer hose of the nurse tank wagon to the supply hose of the implement. The quick-connect coupler assembly includes a first coupler section mounted to the applicator implement for powered, guided movement into engagement with a second coupler section mounted to the tongue of the nurse tank wagon. An electro-hydraulic control system including relay logic is used to first lock the fully coupled coupler sections together and then to engage the flow of NH3 by remote actuation of a main on / off valve located at the nurse tank.

This disclosure is directed to the field of agricultural machinery and relates to implements generally used in combination with a multi-row soil trench closing mechanism. Specifically, the disclosure relates to row treating units adapted to be attached to and following a multi-row planter and incorporating a combination of tools that includes a seed trench closing wheel assembly and a firming / packing wheel assembly. The deployment of and down force exerted by the packing wheel is independently adjustable and controlled using pneumatic air bag operators and the soil penetration of the trench closing wheels is limited.

Hitch mount assembly for snow blades or other accessories or implements for off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles. The assembly includes a receiver for mounting to the vehicle chassis and an implement assembly readily removably coupled to the receiver. The configuration of the receiver and implement assembly allows for self-alignment during the mounting operation. A switching mechanism and actuator also can be used to pivot the working implement remotely. The mount assembly can be attached to the vehicle with a powered winch or manually.

A control system controls steering of an implement which is coupled to an agricultural utility vehicle. The control system includes a control unit, a sensor, a hydraulic system on the utility vehicle, an electronically actuatable hydraulic valve, a hydraulic actuator on the implement and a steerable wheel on the implement. A status variable of the utility vehicle or of the implement can be detected with the sensor and transmitted to the control unit. A current operating state of the utility vehicle and / or of the implement is determined by the control unit. The hydraulic valve is connected to the hydraulic system and to the actuator. The hydraulic valve can be actuated as a function of the current operating state of the utility vehicle and / or of the implement in order to block the steering of the wheel with the actuator.