AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT
Patent Information
- Application Number
- BR112021025985
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-08
Smart Images
Figure 00000026_0000 
Figure 00000027_0000 
Figure 00000028_0000
Abstract
Description
1 / 22 AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT Cross-reference to related patent applications.
[001] The present invention refers to and claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 877,943, Agricultural Implements and Planting Methods, filed July 24, 2019, the entire invention of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD
[002] The embodiments of the present invention relate to implements and methods for planting agricultural fields. More particularly, the embodiments of the present invention relate to controlling the depth at which seeds are planted. BACKGROUND
[003] Crop yields are affected by a variety of factors, such as seed placement, soil quality, climate, irrigation, and nutrient applications. Seeds are typically planted in furrows formed by discs or other mechanisms of a row planter unit. The depth of seed placement is important because seeds planted at different depths emerge at different times, resulting in uneven crop growth. Furrow depth can be affected by soil type, moisture level, row unit speed, and the operation of the opening discs. It would be advantageous if there were improved methods of controlling furrow depth so that seeds could be placed more precisely in a field. BRIEF SUMMARY
[004] In some embodiments, an agricultural implement includes a row unit frame coupled to a drawbar by a support. Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, page 14 / 39 2 / 22 height adjustable, a set of opening discs coupled to the row unit frame in such a way that the opening discs are fixed vertically in relation to the row unit frame, and a drive member configured to adjust the height of the row unit frame to hold the opening discs on the ground at a selected elevation relative to the drawbar.
[005] An agricultural implement may include a toolbar, a row unit articulatedly coupled to the toolbar, a sensor configured to measure a height of the toolbar relative to the soil surface, and an actuator configured to adjust a height of the row unit relative to the toolbar. The row unit includes a row unit frame, a seed trenching assembly coupled to the row unit frame and configured to form a trench in a soil surface, a fastening device disposed at a variable height relative to the row unit frame, and a seed distribution mechanism coupled to the row unit frame and configured to deliver seeds to the trench. The actuator controls a penetration depth of the seed trenching assembly into the soil surface.
[006] Planting methods may include selecting a depth for a trench to be formed in the soil, determining a height of a row unit frame relative to a soil surface, and adjusting the height of the row unit frame relative to a drawbar. The row unit frame is coupled to the drawbar by a vertically adjustable support, and the row unit frame contains a seed trench opening assembly. The height of the row unit frame relative to the drawbar is independent of soil hardness. Methods may also include applying a force to push the assembly. Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, page 15 / 39 3 / 22 Open a seed trench in the soil and form a trench in it. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[007] Although the descriptive report concludes with claims that particularly indicate and distinctly claim what are considered to be embodiments of the present invention, several features and advantages of the embodiments of the invention can be more readily verified from the following description of exemplary embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[008] FIGURE 1 is a simplified side view of a row planting unit that can be operated as disclosed in this document;
[009] FIGURE 2 illustrates another row unit according to a modality;
[0010] FIGURE 3 is a simplified flowchart that illustrates a row unit operation method;
[0011] FIGURE 4 illustrates a computer-readable storage medium comprising processor-executable instructions configured to encompass one or more of the row unit operation methods, such as the method illustrated in FIGURE 3;
[0012] FIGURE 5 illustrates another row unit according to a modality;
[0013] FIGURE 6 illustrates another row unit according to another modality;
[0014] FIGURE 7A is a side view of another row unit according to yet another embodiment; and
[0015] FIGURE 7B is a top view of a fixing plate shown in the embodiment of FIGURE 7A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, page 16 / 39 4 / 22
[0016] The illustrations presented in this document are not actual views of any planter or part thereof, but merely idealized representations that are used to describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, common elements among the figures may retain the same numerical designation.
[0017] The following description provides specific details of embodiments of the present invention in order to give a complete description thereof. However, a person normally versed in the state of the art will understand that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without employing many of these specific details. Certainly, embodiments of the invention can be practiced in conjunction with conventional techniques employed in industry. Furthermore, the description provided below does not include all the elements to form a complete structure or assembly. Only the acts and structures necessary for the process to comprise embodiments of the invention are described in detail below. Additional conventional acts and structures may be used. It should also be noted that the drawings accompanying the patent application are for illustrative purposes only and are therefore not drawn to scale.
[0018] As used in this document, the terms comprising, including, containing, characterized by and their grammatical equivalents are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional non-recited elements or steps of the method, but also include the more restrictive terms consisting of and consisting essentially of and their grammatical equivalents.
[0019] As used in this document, the term may, with respect to a material, structure, feature, or act of a method, indicates that it is contemplated for use in the implementation of a modality. Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, p. 17 / 39 5 / 22 of the invention, and this term is preferably used instead of the more restrictive term "is" in order to avoid any implication that other compatible materials, structures, features and methods usable in combination with the same should or need to be excluded.
[0020] As used in this document, the term configured refers to a size, a shape, a material composition, and an arrangement of one or more of at least one structure and at least one apparatus that facilitate the operation of one or more of the structure and apparatus in a predetermined manner.
[0021] As used in this document, the singular forms after a, an and / or / a also lend themselves to including the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0022] As used in this document, the term and / or includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0023] As used in this document, spatially relative terms, such as below, under, bottom, bottom, above, top, front, back, left, right, and others, may be used for the purpose of facilitating description to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Unless otherwise specified, spatially relative terms lend themselves to encompassing different orientations of materials beyond the orientation shown in the figures.
[0024] As used in this document, the term substantially in reference to a given parameter, property or condition means and includes to the degree that a person normally versed in the state of the art understands that the given Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, p. 18 / 39 6 / 22 Parameter, property, or condition is satisfied with a degree of variation, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially satisfied, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0% satisfied, at least 95.0% satisfied, at least 99.0% satisfied, or even at least 99.9% satisfied.
[0025] As used in this document, the term about used in reference to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., includes the degree of error associated with the measurement of the parameter in question).
[0026] FIGURE 1 illustrates an embodiment of an agricultural planter row unit 100. The row unit 100 has a row unit frame 102 articulately connected to a toolbar 104 by a parallel link 106, allowing each row unit 100 to move vertically independently of the toolbar 104. The row unit frame 102 may be a unitary member, or it may include one or more members coupled to each other (e.g., by means of bolts, welding, etc.). The row unit frame 102 shown includes three connected members. The row unit frame 102 operationally supports one or more hoppers 108, a seed meter 110, a seed distribution mechanism 112, a seed trench opening assembly 114, a trench closing assembly 116, a packer wheel assembly 118, and a row cleaner assembly 120.It should be understood that the row unit 100 shown in FIGURE 1 may be for a conventional planter or the row unit 100 may be for a center-fill planter, in which case the hoppers 108 may be replaced by one or more mini hoppers and the frame 102 of the unit. Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, page 19 / 39 7 / 22 row modified accordingly as should be recognized by those skilled in the art.
[0027] A downward force control system 122 is arranged to apply an upward and / or downward force on the frame 102 of the row unit to control the height of the row unit 100 relative to the toolbar 104, as disclosed in US Patent 9,408,337, Agricultural row unit apparatus, systems and methods, granted August 9, 2016.
[0028] The seed trench opening assembly 114 includes a pair of opening discs 124 supported rotatably by a portion of the row unit frame 102 at a fixed point, which may be in the form of a downward-extended rod 126. The opening discs 124 are arranged to diverge outward and backward so as to form a V-shaped trench 128 in the soil 130 as the planter traverses the field. The seed distribution mechanism 112, which may be a seed tube or a seed conductor, is positioned between the opening discs 124 to discharge seeds from the seed meter 110 into the open trench 128. The seed trench opening assembly 114 may also include a pair of regulating wheels 132 that follow the opening discs 124 and the seed distribution mechanism 112.The regulating wheels 132 are supported rotatably by the regulating wheel arms 134, which are articulately fixed at one end to the row unit frame 102 by a pivot pin. A swing arm 136 is articulately supported on the row unit frame 102 by a pivot pin. It should be appreciated that the rotation of the swing arm 136 around the pivot pin limits the upward travel of the regulating wheel arms 134 (and thus the regulating wheels 132) relative to the opening discs 124, thereby limiting... Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, page 20 / 39 8 / 22 the depth at which the opening discs 124 can open the trench 128. The swing arm 136 can be positioned adjustably by means of an actuator 138 mounted to the frame 102 of the row unit and articulately coupled to an upper end of the swing arm 136. The actuator 138 can be remotely controlled or can be automatically actuated as disclosed, for example, in US Patent 9,864,094, System for monitoring soil moisture, granted January 9, 2018.
[0029] The 110 seed meter can be any commercially available seed meter, such as a finger-type meter or a vacuum seed meter, such as the VSet® meter, available from Precision Planting LLC, Tremont, Illinois.
[0030] The trench closing assembly 116 includes a closing wheel arm 140 which is hingedly attached to the row unit frame 102. A pair of offset closing wheels 142 are rotatably attached to the closing wheel arm 140 and they are angled to near the trench 128 by pushing the trench walls 128 back together over the seeds 144 deposited by the seed distribution mechanism 112.
[0031] An actuator 146 can be articulately attached at one end to the arm 140 of the closing wheel and at its other end to the frame 102 of the row unit to vary the downward pressure exerted by the displaced closing wheels 142, depending on soil conditions or other factors. The trench closing assembly 116 can be of the type disclosed in US Patent 9,848,524, Agricultural Seed Trench Closing Systems, Methods and Apparatus, granted December 26, 2017.
[0032] The packer wheel assembly 118 comprises an arm Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, page 21 / 39 9 / 22 148 is articulatedly attached to the frame 102 of the row unit and extends behind the trench closing assembly 116 and in alignment with it. Arm 148 rotatably supports a wheel 150 of the packer. An actuator 152 is articulatedly attached at one end to arm 148 and at its other end to the frame 102 of the row unit to vary the amount of downward force exerted by the wheel 150 of the packer to compact the soil over the trench 128.
[0033] The row cleaner assembly 120 may be the CleanSweep® system available from Precision Planting LLC, Tremont, Illinois. The row cleaner assembly 120 includes an arm 154 that is hingedly attached to the front end of the row unit frame 102 and aligned with the seed furrow opener assembly 114. A pair of row cleaning wheels 156 are rotatably attached to the front end of the arm 154. An actuator 158 is hingedly attached at one end to the arm 154 and at its other end to the row unit frame 102 to adjust the downward force on the arm 154 to vary the aggressiveness of the row cleaning wheel action 156, depending on the amount of crop residue and soil conditions.
[0034] FIGURE 2 is a simplified view of another embodiment of a row unit 200. The row unit 200 includes a row unit frame 202 coupled to a drawbar 204 of an agricultural implement by a height-adjustable support that includes a fixed portion 206 and parallel links 208. The drawbar 204 can be configured to be pulled by a tractor or other machine. The height of the row unit frame 202 relative to the drawbar 204 can be controlled by an actuator 210 connected to the parallel links 208 and the fixed portion 206 (or to the parallel links 208 and the row unit frame 202). For example, the actuator 210 can be a Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, page 22 / 39 10 / 22 hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or an electric actuator.
[0035] The frame 202 of the row unit shown in FIGURE 2 contains at least one set of wheels, such as the opening discs 212 and the fixing wheels 214 (typically two of each, of which only one of each appears in FIGURE 2). In operation, the opening discs 212 pivot around an axis fixed to the frame 202 of the row unit and form a trench in the soil 216. Seeds are dispensed into the trench by a seed meter 218 through a seed tube 220 carried by the frame 202 of the row unit. The fixing wheels 214 follow the seed tube 220, and can press down on the seeds and / or move the soil 216 to close the trench and cover the seeds.
[0036] The fixing wheels 214 are connected to the frame 202 of the row unit by one or more pivoting arms 222. The fixing wheels 214 can therefore move vertically up and down when the row unit 200 moves through a field. That is, the fixing wheels 214 can be arranged at a variable height relative to the frame 202 of the row unit. A drive member 224 can apply a force to press the fixing wheels 214 against the ground surface 216 independent of the elevation of the ground surface 216. That is, the drive member 224 can be configured to provide a predetermined force, rather than maintaining the fixing wheels 214 at a specific height. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the drive member 224 can be configurable to accommodate varying field conditions.For example, the drive member 224 can be adjusted by a manual T-handle adjustment, by a hydraulic actuator, by a pneumatic actuator, by an electric actuator, or by another drive member. The drive member 224 can be adjusted manually (e.g., before a planting operation) or automatically (e.g., by a...). Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, page 23 / 39 11 / 22 computer in the tractor cab). The drive member 224 is shown in FIGURE 2 as a spring, but it can alternatively be a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electric actuator, or another drive member. The drive member 224 can be passive (e.g., a spring) or controlled by a control system (e.g., an actuator).
[0037] The opening discs 212 can be connected to the frame 202 of the row unit by a pin or by a shaft, or they can be connected by an arm as described in relation to the fixing wheels 214.
[0038] The fixed portion 206 of the height-adjustable support may also contain a wheel 230 connected by an arm 228. The wheel 230 may be configured to contact a ground surface 216. An angle sensor 226 (e.g., a rotary potentiometer or a Hall effect sensor) may detect the angle of the arm 228 relative to the height-adjustable support, and may translate this angle into a signal (e.g., an electrical or pneumatic signal) that may be correlated with the height of the drawbar 204 from the ground surface 216. The position of the row unit frame 202 relative to the fixed portion 206 of the height-adjustable support may be determined by a sensor integrated with the actuator 210, or as it is otherwise known in the prior art.
[0039] The row unit 200 may also include one or more non-contact depth sensors, such as depth sensor 232 and depth sensor 234. Depth sensor 232 may be directed to drive the opening discs 212 and to detect soil 216 that has not yet been worked by the row unit 200. Depth sensor 232 is shown attached to the drawbar 204, but may alternatively be attached to the fixed portion 206 of the height-adjustable support. Depth sensor 232 may measure the height of the drawbar 204 relative to the soil surface 216, Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, p. 24 / 39 12 / 22 and therefore can be used instead of or as a supplement to the angle sensor 226 and wheel 230 described above. The depth sensor 234 can be directed to follow the fixing wheels 214 and to detect the soil 216 that has been worked by the row unit 200. The depth sensor 234 is shown attached to the frame 202 of the row unit, and can measure the height of the frame 202 of the row unit relative to the soil surface 216.
[0040] The row unit 200 may include a processor 236 configured to communicate with one or more of the angle sensor 226, the depth sensor 232, the depth sensor 234, the actuator 210, or the drive member 224. In some embodiments, the processor 236 may be configured to drive the actuator 210 to adjust the position of the parallel links 208 (and therefore the height of the row unit frame 202 and the opening discs 212) based on the detected height of the ground ahead of the row unit 200 (from the depth sensor 232 or the angle sensor 226). The detected height of the ground behind the row unit 200 (e.g., from the depth sensor 234 or a sensor such as described in US Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0075710, Seed trench depth detection systems, published March 14, 2019) can be used to confirm that the opening discs 212 and the fixing wheels 214 operate as expected.
[0041] In some embodiments, the detected height of the ground behind the row unit 200 can be used to adjust the height of the row unit frame 202, but this method should not detect ground contours until after the opening discs 212 have passed. Thus, this mode may be more useful for planting in soil that has gentle slope changes than in soil that has a large number of peaks and valleys.
[0042] FIGURE 5 is a simplified view of another modality of Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, p. 25 / 39 13 / 22 a row unit 500. The row unit 500 includes a row unit frame 502 coupled to a drawbar 504 of an agricultural implement by a height-adjustable support that includes a fixed portion 506 and parallel links 508. The drawbar 504 can be configured to be pulled by a tractor or other machine. The height of the row unit frame 502 relative to the drawbar 504 can be controlled by an actuator 510 connected to the parallel links 508 and the fixed portion 506 (or to the parallel links 508 and the row unit frame 502). For example, the actuator 510 can be a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, or an electric actuator.
[0043] The row unit frame 502 shown in FIGURE 5 contains the opening discs 512. In operation, the opening discs 512 form a furrow in the soil 516. The seeds are discharged into the furrow by a seed meter 518 through a seed tube 520 carried by the row unit frame 502.
[0044] The opening discs 512 are connected to the row unit frame 502 at a pivot point 522 (e.g., an axis). The opening discs 512 are therefore fixed vertically relative to the row unit frame 502, and rotate when the row unit 500 moves through a field.
[0045] The row unit frame 502 may also contain a wheel 530 connected by an arm 528. The wheel 530 may be configured to contact a ground surface 516. An angle sensor 526 (e.g., a rotary potentiometer or a Hall effect sensor) may detect the angle of the arm 528 relative to the height-adjustable support, and may translate this angle into a signal (e.g., an electrical or pneumatic signal) that may be correlated with the height of the row unit frame 502 from the ground surface 516. In this way, the penetration depth of the discs Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, page 26 / 39 The 14 / 22 opening can be adjusted without using the adjustment wheels.
[0046] The 500 row unit may also include one or more non-contact depth sensors, such as the 532 depth sensor and the 534 depth sensor. The 532 depth sensor may be directed to follow the opening discs 512 and to detect soil 516 that has not yet been worked by the 500 row unit. The 532 depth sensor is shown attached to the frame of the 502 row unit. The 532 depth sensor may be used instead of or as a supplement to the 526 angle sensor and the 530 wheel described above. The 534 depth sensor may be directed to follow the opening discs 512 and to detect soil 516 that has been worked by the 500 row unit.
[0047] The row unit 500 may include a processor 536 configured to communicate with one or more of the angle sensor 526, the depth sensor 532, the depth sensor 534, or the actuator 510. In some embodiments, the processor 536 may be configured to drive the actuator 510 to adjust the position of the parallel links 508 (and therefore the height of the row unit frame 502 and the opening discs 512) based on the detected ground height ahead of the row unit 500 (from the depth sensor 532 or the angle sensor 526). The detected ground height behind the row unit 500 (i.e., from the depth sensor 534) may be used to confirm that the opening discs 512 operate as expected.
[0048] In some embodiments, the detected ground height behind row unit 500 can be used to adjust the frame height of row unit 502, but this method should not detect ground contours until after the opening discs 512 have passed. Thus, this mode may be more useful for planting in soil that has gentle slope changes than in soil that has a large number of peaks and valleys. Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, page 27 / 39 15 / 22
[0049] For example, sensor 534 can measure the distance (B) from the bottom of the row unit frame 502 to the ground surface 516. If the distance (A) from the row unit frame 502 to the deepest extension of the opening discs 512 is known, the depth (C) of the trench can be calculated. In other embodiments, the distance (A) can be calculated by measuring the angle of the arm 528 with respect to the row unit frame 502 or by using the angle sensor 526. In some embodiments, one or more of the distances can be measured by a Hall effect sensor, as described in US Patent 9,750,174, Systems, methods and apparatus for detecting the depth of agricultural trenches, granted September 5, 2017; or any other sensor, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0075710, Seed trench depth detection systems, published March 14, 2019; and in U.S. Patent Application Publication2019 / 0014714, Systems, methods and equipment for measuring the depth of agricultural trenches, published on January 17, 2019.
[0050] FIGURE 6 is a simplified view illustrating another row unit 600, which is similar to row unit 200 (FIGURE 2) that includes the fixing wheels 214 articulately connected to the arms 222 of the row unit frame 202. While a drive member 224 keeps the fixing wheels 214 in contact with the ground 216, one or more angle sensors 602 measure the position of the arms 222 and / or the fixing wheels 214. The processor 236 can be configured to adjust the position of the parallel links 208 (and therefore the height of the row unit frame 202 and the opening discs 212) based on the position of the fixing wheels 214.
[0051] FIGURE 7A is a simplified side view illustrating another row unit 700, which is similar to row unit 606, but which includes a fixing plate 702 instead of the fixing wheels 214. The fixing plate 702 Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, p. 28 / 39 16 / 22 can be connected to the row unit frame 202 by the drive members 704, and can be configured in such a way that the row unit frame 202 and the drive members 704 press the fixing plate 702 against the ground 216. The fixing plate 702 can be configured to move vertically relative to the row unit frame 202. The fixing plate 702 can include an annular ferrule 706 to keep the fixing plate 702 on the ground surface 216 (i.e., in a manner similar to that in which a ski remains on top of snow or water). FIGURE 7B shows a top view of the fixing plate 702. The fixing plate 702 may partially or completely surround the opening wheels 212. The opening wheels 212 and the fixing plate 702 may work together to freely open a trench in the ground 216 for planting.One or more sensors, such as those shown in FIGURES 3, 5 and 6, can detect the position of the fixing plate 702 by measuring the distance between the fixing plate 702 and the frame 202 of the row unit, by measuring the angle of the driving members 704 in relation to the frame 202 of the row unit and / or the fixing plate 702, or by any other means.
[0052] FIGURE 3 is a simplified flowchart illustrating a method 300 in which a row unit (e.g., row unit 100 in FIGURE 1 or row unit 200 in FIGURE 2) can be used in a field.
[0053] As shown in block 302, method 300 includes selecting a target depth for a trench to be formed in the soil. The target depth can be selected to be uniform across an entire field, or it can be based on a pre-configured prescription map, a field measurement, a user input, etc.
[0054] Block 304 illustrates the determination of the height of a row unit frame relative to a ground surface. The row unit frame is part of a row unit and is coupled to a drawbar. Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, pp. 29 / 39 17 / 22 by a vertically adjustable support. The row unit frame contains a seed trench opening assembly. Height can be detected with one or more sensors carried by the drawbar and / or the row unit. In some embodiments, height can be calculated based on two or more measurements, or based on an in-situ measurement and a known distance. In other embodiments, height can be measured directly. The height can then be compared to the target depth.
[0055] In block 306, method 300 includes adjusting the height of the row unit frame relative to the drawbar. The height can be adjusted by moving a parallel link, as well as by operating a controller in the cab of a tractor pulling the drawbar.
[0056] Adjusting the height of the row unit frame may cause a force to be applied to push the seed trenching assembly into the ground and form a trench therein. The seed trenching assembly is fixed vertically in relation to the row unit frame.
[0057] Still other embodiments involve a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a non-transient computer-readable storage medium) that has processor-executable instructions configured to execute one or more of the techniques presented in this document. An exemplary computer-readable medium that can be employed is illustrated in FIGURE 4, wherein an implementation 400 includes a computer-readable storage medium 402 (e.g., a flash drive, CD-R, DVD-R, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a hard disk drive tray, etc.) containing computer-readable data 404. This computer-readable data 404 in turn includes a set of Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, pp. 30 / 39 18 / 22 processor-executable instructions 406 configured to operate according to one or more of the principles presented in this document. In some embodiments, processor-executable instructions 406 can be configured to cause a computer to execute operations 408 when run through a processing unit, such as at least some of the exemplary methods 300 shown in FIGURE 3. Many such computer-readable means can be employed by elements normally versed in the state of the art that are configured to operate according to one or more of the techniques presented in this document.
[0058] The implements and methods disclosed in this document can benefit a farmer by helping to control planting depth based on different field conditions. Different areas within the field can be planted using different depth settings, and sensors can be used to select an appropriate depth in specific locations. Furthermore, if the depth adjustment is automated on a computer, changes can be made more precisely than would be possible if the tractor operator had to make manual adjustments. Therefore, the end result of these methods can be better consistency in seed depth and crop growth. This can translate into higher crop yields and a better return on investment for the farmer.
[0059] Additional exemplary non-limiting embodiments of the invention are described below.
[0060] Modality 1: An agricultural implement comprising a row unit frame coupled to a drawbar by a height-adjustable support, to a set of opening discs coupled to the frame. Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, pages 31 / 39 19 / 22 row unit in such a way that the opening discs are fixed vertically in relation to the row unit frame, and wherein a drive member is configured to adjust a height of the row unit frame to hold the opening discs on the ground at a selected elevation relative to the drawbar.
[0061] Modality 2: The agricultural implement of Modality 1, which also includes a controller configured to adjust the drive member.
[0062] Modality 3: The agricultural implement of Modality 1 or Modality 2, which also comprises a sensor configured to measure the height of the drawbar relative to the ground surface.
[0063] Modality 4: The agricultural implement of any of Modality 1 to Modality 3, which also comprises a sensor configured to measure the height of the row unit frame relative to the ground surface.
[0064] Modality 5: The agricultural implement of any of Modality 1 to Modality 4, which also comprises a non-contact sensor configured to detect the soil surface, wherein the non-contact sensor is in communication with the controller.
[0065] Modality 6: The agricultural implement of Modality 5, in which the non-contact sensor comprises a sensor that follows the opening discs.
[0066] Modality 7: The agricultural implement of Modality 5, in which the non-contact sensor comprises a sensor that leads to the opening discs.
[0067] Modality 8: The agricultural implement of any of Modality 1 to Modality 7, which also comprises a set of fixing wheels coupled to the row unit frame in such a way that the Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, pp. 32 / 39 20 / 22 fixing wheels can move vertically relative to the row unit frame.
[0068] Modality 9: The agricultural implement of Modality 8, in which the fixing wheels are arranged to close a trench formed by the opening discs on the surface of the soil.
[0069] Modality 10: The agricultural implement of any of Modality 1 to Modality 9, in which the drive member comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a spring, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator and an electric actuator.
[0070] Modality 11: The agricultural implement of Modality 10, in which the drive member comprises a spring.
[0071] Modality 12: The agricultural implement of any of Modality 1 to Modality 11, in which the set of opening discs is rotatably coupled to the row unit frame at a fixed point.
[0072] Modality 13: The agricultural implement of any of Modality 1 to Modality 13, which also comprises a fixing plate coupled to the row unit frame in such a way that the fixing plate can move vertically in relation to the row unit frame.
[0073] Modality 14: The agricultural implement of any of Modality 1 to Modality 13, in which the row unit frame does not contain any regulating wheel.
[0074] Modality 15: A planting method comprising selecting a depth for a trench to be formed in the soil, and determining a height of a row unit frame relative to a soil surface. The row unit frame is coupled to a drawbar by a vertically adjustable support, and the row unit frame contains a seed trench opening assembly. The method also comprises Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, pages 33 / 39 21 / 22 Adjusting the height of the row unit frame relative to the drawbar applies a force to push the seed trench opening assembly into the soil and form a trench therein. The height of the row unit frame relative to the drawbar is independent of soil hardness.
[0075] Modality 16: The method of Modality 15, in which adjusting the height of the row unit frame relative to the drawbar comprises maintaining the seed trench opening assembly at a selected elevation relative to the drawbar.
[0076] Modality 17: The method of Modality 15 or Modality 16, in which adjusting the height of the row unit frame relative to the drawbar involves controlling the depth of the seed furrow.
[0077] Modality 18: The method of Modality 17, in which the adjustment of the height of the row unit frame in relation to the drawbar comprises the control of the seed furrow depth without the use of a regulating wheel.
[0078] Modality 19: An agricultural implement comprising a toolbar, a row unit articulately coupled to the toolbar, a sensor configured to measure a height of the toolbar relative to the ground surface, and an actuator configured to adjust a height of the row unit relative to the toolbar. The row unit comprises a row unit frame, a seed furrow opening assembly coupled to the row unit frame and configured to form a furrow in a ground surface, a fastening device disposed at a variable height relative to the row unit frame, and a seed distribution mechanism coupled to the row unit frame and configured to deliver seeds to the furrow. The actuator is Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, pages 34 / 39 22 / 22 configured to control the penetration depth of the seed trench opening assembly on the soil surface.
[0079] Modality 20: The agricultural implement of Modality 19, in which the seed trench opening assembly is arranged at a fixed height in relation to the row unit frame.
[0080] Modality 21: The agricultural implement of Modality 19 or Modality 20, in which the fastening device comprises a set of fastening wheels.
[0081] Modality 22: The agricultural implement of any of Modality 19 to Modality 21, which also comprises a drive member that connects the fastening device to the row unit frame.
[0082] All references cited in this document are incorporated herein in their entirety. If there is a conflict between definitions in this document and an incorporated reference, the definition in this document shall prevail.
[0083] Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to certain illustrated embodiments, those normally versed in the state of the art will recognize and appreciate that it is not so limited. Instead, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the illustrated embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed herein, including its legal equivalents. Furthermore, the features of one embodiment can be combined with the features of another embodiment while they are still encompassed within the scope as contemplated by the inventor. In addition, the embodiments of the invention have utility with various types and configurations of different implements. Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, pp. 35 / 39
Claims
1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Agricultural implement comprising: a toolbar (104); a row unit (100) articulately coupled to the toolbar (104), the row unit (100) comprising: a row unit frame (102); a seed furrow opening assembly (114) coupled to the row unit frame (102) and configured to form a furrow in a soil surface; a fastening device disposed at a variable height relative to the row unit frame (102); and a seed distribution mechanism (112) coupled to the row unit frame (102) and configured to deliver seeds to the furrow;characterized in that the agricultural implement further comprises: an angle sensor (226) configured to measure a rotation of a joint arm relative to the toolbar (104) to determine a height of the toolbar (104) relative to the soil surface, the joint arm containing a wheel configured to contact the soil surface; and an actuator (138) configured to adjust a height of the row unit (100) relative to the toolbar (104) to control a penetration depth of the seed furrow opening assembly (114) into the soil surface.
2. Agricultural implement, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a drive member (224) having a controller configured to adjust the drive member (224).
3. Agricultural implement, according to claim 1, Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, page 36 / 39 2 / 3 characterized in that the angle sensor (226) is configured to measure the height of a drawbar (204) relative to the ground surface.
4. Agricultural implement, according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle sensor (226) is configured to measure the height of the row unit frame (102) relative to the ground surface.
5. Agricultural implement, according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a non-contact sensor (232) configured to detect the soil surface, wherein the non-contact sensor (232) is in communication with the controller.
6. Agricultural implement, according to claim 5, characterized in that the non-contact sensor (232) comprises a sensor following opening discs (124).
7. Agricultural implement, according to claim 5, characterized in that the non-contact sensor (232) comprises a sensor driving the opening discs (124).
8. Agricultural implement, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises a set of fixing wheels (214) coupled to the row unit frame (102) in such a way that the fixing wheels (214) can move vertically in relation to the row unit frame (102).
9. Agricultural implement, according to claim 8, characterized in that the fixing wheels (214) are arranged to close a trench formed by the opening discs (124) on the surface of the soil.
10. Agricultural implement, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the drive member (224) comprises at least one member selected from the group Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, page 37 / 39 3 / 3 consisting of a spring, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator and an electric actuator.
11. Agricultural implement, according to claim 10, characterized in that the drive member (224) comprises a spring.
12. Agricultural implement, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the set of opening discs (124) is rotatably coupled to the row unit frame (102) at a fixed point.
13. Agricultural implement, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises a fixing plate (702) coupled to the row unit frame (102) in such a way that the fixing plate (702) can move vertically relative to the row unit frame (102).
14. Agricultural implement, according to claim 1, characterized in that the seed trench opening assembly (114) is arranged at a fixed height relative to the row unit frame (102).
15. Agricultural implement, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening device comprises a set of fastening wheels (214).
16. Agricultural implement, according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the drive member (224) connects the fastening device to the row unit frame (102). Petition 870260078856, dated 06 / 08 / 2026, pp. 38 / 39