Potato planter with in-furrow product applicator

Abstract

Potato planters and associated methods are provided. A potato planter includes a potato seed dispenser operable to dispense a potato seed to a furrow as the potato planter travels along the furrow, a seed sensor operable to sense the potato seed in the furrow, a product applicator operatively connected to the sensor and operable to apply an in-furrow product to an application location in the furrow relative to the potato seed in response to sensing of the potato seed by the sensor, and a camera operable to capture an image of the application location at a time of application of the in-furrow product to the application location.

Description

POTATO PLANTER WITH IN-FURROW PRODUCT APPLICATOR CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to: U.S. provisional patent application no.63 / 804,063 filed May 12, 2025 and incorporated herein by reference; and to U.S. provisional patent application no. 63 / 721,640 filed November 18, 2024 and incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to agriculture, and more particularly to applying agricultural input to potato seeds and other crops.BACKGROUND

[0003] In agriculture, technological advances, economic conditions and environmental stresses put pressure on farmers to improve yield while reducing cost. An important aspect of precision agriculture is to limit the application of agricultural input by using more precise application to one or more effective locations relative to a planted seed, as opposed to applying more agricultural input than necessary in a broadcast or banded application. Improvement is desirable.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, the disclosure describes a potato planter comprising:a potato seed dispenser operable to dispense a potato seed to a furrow as the potato planter travels along the furrow;a seed sensor operable to sense the potato seed in the furrow;a product applicator operatively connected to the seed sensor and operable to apply an in-furrow product to an application location in the furrow relative to the potato seed in response to sensing of the potato seed by the seed sensor; and a camera operable to capture an image of the application location at a time of application of the in-furrow product to the application location.

[0005] The application location may be a location that is expected to be occupied by the potato seed based on the sensing of the potato seed by the seed sensor.

[0006] The potato planter may comprise a display device visible to an operator of the potato planter. The display device may be operatively connected to the camera to display the image captured by the camera.

[0007] A position of the potato seed in the image relative to the application location in the image may be indicative of a dwell time between the sensing of the potato seed and the application of the in-furrow product as the potato planter travels along the furrow. The dwell time may be adjustable.

[0008] The camera may be operatively connected to the seed sensor so that sensing of the potato seed triggers the camera to capture the image during the application of the in-furrow product.

[0009] The camera may be a visible light camera and the potato planter may include a lamp operable to illuminate the application location in the furrow.

[0010] The potato planter may comprise a press wheel operable to press the potato seed in the furrow. The seed sensor may be integrated into the press wheel.

[0011] The in-furrow product may be in a liquid form and the product applicator may include:a pump for pressurizing the in-furrow product;a valve disposed downstream of the pump for selectively releasing the in-furrow product;a nozzle through which the in-furrow product is dispensed, the nozzle being disposed downstream of the valve; anda passage fluidly connecting the valve with the nozzle.

[0012] The potato planter may comprise: a pressure sensor operable to sense a pressure of the in-furrow product inside the passage between the valve and the nozzle; and a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor.

[0013] The potato planter may comprise an annunciator operable to generate an alert when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

[0014] The computer may be operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor is lower than the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

[0015] The computer may be operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to increase according to the expected baseline pressure in response to an opening of the valve.

[0016] The computer may be operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor exceeds the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

[0017] The computer may be operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to decrease according to the expected baseline pressure in response to a closing of the valve.

[0018] The computer may be operable to generate a signal indicative of the valve being defective when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to increase according to the expected baseline pressure following the valve being commanded to open.

[0019] The computer may be operable to generate a signal indicative of the valve being defective when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to decrease according to the expected baseline pressure following the valve being commanded to close.

[0020] The computer may be operable to record the application location based on the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the passage.

[0021] The product applicator may include a body defining a cavity between the valve and the nozzle. An insert may be removably installed inside the cavity. The passage may extend through the insert.

[0022] The insert may reduce a volume available for the in-furrow product inside the cavity to less than half of a volume of the cavity.

[0023] A volume available for the in-furrow product inside the cavity may be between 5% and 45% of a volume of the cavity.

[0024] The insert may include a flow impedance defined inside the passage.

[0025] The flow impedance may include a Reed valve.

[0026] The flow impedance may include a Tesla valve.

[0027] Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.

[0028] In another aspect, the disclosure describes a method of planting a potato seed in a furrow using a potato planter traveling along the furrow. The method comprises:dispensing a potato seed to a furrow as the potato planter travels along the furrow;sensing the potato seed in the furrow;applying an in-furrow product to an application location in the furrow relative to the potato seed in response to sensing the potato seed; andcapturing an image of the application location at a time of application of the in-furrow product to the application location.

[0029] The method may comprise, based on a position of the potato seed in the image, adjusting a dwell time between the sensing of the potato seed and the application of the in-furrow product.

[0030] The method may comprise displaying the image to an operator of the potato planter as the potato planter is travelling along the furrow.

[0031] The method may comprise pressing the potato seed in the furrow after dispensing the potato seed to the furrow and while sensing the potato seed in the furrow.

[0032] The in-furrow product may be in a liquid form. Applying the in-furrow product may include: dispensing the in-furrow product via a valve, a fluid passage and a nozzle in serial fluid communication; and sensing a pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage.

[0033] The method may comprise generating an alert when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

[0034] The method may comprise recording the application location based on the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage.

[0035] Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.

[0036] In another aspect, the disclosure describes a method of planting potato seeds in a furrow with a potato planter travelling along the furrow. The method comprises:dispensing a first potato seed to the furrow with the potato planter as the potato planter travels along the furrow;sensing the first potato seed in the furrow;applying an in-furrow product to a first application location in the furrow relative to the first potato seed in response to sensing the first potato seed;after dispensing the first potato seed to the furrow, dispensing a second potato seed to the furrow with the potato planter according to a prescribed seed spacing along the furrow; andin an absence of sensing the second potato seed in the furrow, applying the in-furrow product to a second application location in the furrow relative to the second potato seed based on the prescribed seed spacing.

[0037] The first application location may be a location that is expected to be occupied by the first potato seed based on sensing the first potato seed. The secondapplication location may be a location that is expected to be occupied by the second potato seed based on the prescribed seed spacing.

[0038] The method may comprise: after dispensing the first potato seed into the furrow, pressing the first potato seed into the furrow with a press wheel; and using the press wheel to sense the first potato seed in the furrow.

[0039] The in-furrow product may be in a liquid form. Applying the in-furrow product may include: dispensing the in-furrow product via a valve, a fluid passage and a nozzle in serial fluid communication; and sensing a pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage between the valve and the nozzle.

[0040] The method may comprise generating an alert when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

[0041] The method may comprise recording the first application location and / or the second application location based on the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage.

[0042] Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.

[0043] In another aspect, the disclosure describes a method of planting a potato seed in a furrow with a potato planter and applying a liquid in-furrow product to a desired penetration depth in soil adjacent the potato seed. The method comprises:selecting a delivery pressure of the liquid in-furrow product according to the desired penetration depth in the soil;pressurizing the liquid in-furrow product to the delivery pressure selected according to the desired penetration depth in the soil;dispensing the potato seed to the furrow as the potato planter travels along the furrow; andapplying the liquid in-furrow product to the soil adjacent the potato seed using the selected delivery pressure of the liquid in-furrow product.

[0044] A nozzle applying the liquid in-furrow product may be tilted from a vertical orientation to reach a region of soil that is vertically below the potato seed.

[0045] Applying the in-furrow product may include:dispensing the in-furrow product via a valve, a fluid passage and a nozzle in serial fluid communication; andsensing a pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage between the valve and the nozzle.

[0046] The method may comprise generating an alert when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

[0047] The method may comprise recording an application location of the infurrow product based on the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage.

[0048] Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.

[0049] In another aspect, the disclosure describes a potato planter comprising:a potato seed dispenser operable to dispense a potato seed to a furrow as the potato planter travels along the furrow;a seed sensor operable to sense the potato seed in the furrow;a product applicator operatively connected to the seed sensor and operable to apply a liquid in-furrow product to an application location in the furrow relative to the potato seed in response to sensing of the potato seed by the seed sensor, the product applicator including:a pump for pressurizing the in-furrow product;a valve disposed downstream of the pump for selectively releasing the in-furrow product;a nozzle through which the in-furrow product is dispensed, the nozzle being disposed downstream of the valve;a passage fluidly connecting the valve with the nozzle; and a pressure sensor operable to sense a pressure of the in-furrow product inside the passage between the valve and the nozzle.

[0050] The potato planter may comprise an annunciator operable to generate an alert when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

[0051] The potato planter may comprise a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor. The computer may be operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor is lower than the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

[0052] The potato planter may comprise a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor. The computer may be operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to increase according to the expected baseline pressure in response to an opening of the valve.

[0053] The potato planter may comprise a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor. The computer may be operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor exceeds the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

[0054] The potato planter may comprise a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor. The computer may be operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to decrease according to the expected baseline pressure in response to a closing of the valve.

[0055] The potato planter may comprise a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor. The computer may be operable to generate a signal indicative of the valve being defective when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to increase according to the expected baseline pressure following the valve being commanded to open.

[0056] The potato planter may comprise a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor. The computer may be operable to generate a signal indicative of the valve being defective when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by thepressure sensor fails to decrease according to the expected baseline pressure following the valve being commanded to close.

[0057] The potato planter may comprise a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor. The computer may be operable to record the application location based on the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the passage.

[0058] The potato planter may comprise a press wheel operable to press the potato seed in the furrow. The seed sensor may be integrated into the press wheel.

[0059] Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.

[0060] In another aspect, the disclosure describes a method of planting a potato seed in a furrow using a potato planter traveling along the furrow. The method comprises:dispensing a potato seed to a furrow as the potato planter travels along the furrow;sensing the potato seed in the furrow;applying a liquid in-furrow product to an application location in the furrow relative to the potato seed in response to sensing the potato seed by:pressurizing the liquid in-furrow product;opening a valve to release the pressurized liquid in-furrow product into a fluid passage leading to a nozzle;measuring a pressure of the liquid in-furrow product inside the fluid passage at a location between the valve and the nozzle; anddispensing the liquid in-furrow product via the nozzle; and recording the application location of the in-furrow product based on the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage.

[0061] The method may comprise generating an alert when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

[0062] The method may comprise generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage is lower than the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

[0063] The method may comprise generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage fails to increase according to the expected baseline pressure in response to an opening of the valve.

[0064] The method may comprise generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage exceeds the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

[0065] The method may comprise generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage fails to decrease according to the expected baseline pressure in response to a closing of the valve.

[0066] The method may comprise generating a signal indicative of the valve being defective when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage fails to increase following the valve being commanded to open.

[0067] The method may comprise generating a signal indicative of the valve being defective when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage fails to decrease following the valve being commanded to close.

[0068] Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.

[0069] In another aspect, the disclosure describes a health monitoring method for a nozzle dispensing a liquid agricultural input. The method comprises:pressurizing the liquid agricultural input;opening a valve to release the pressurized liquid agricultural input into a fluid passage leading to a nozzle;sensing a pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage at a location between the valve and the nozzle;dispensing the liquid agricultural input via the nozzle; andgenerating an alert when the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

[0070] The method may comprise recording an application location of the liquid agricultural input based on the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage.

[0071] The method may comprise generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage is lower than the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

[0072] The method may comprise generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage fails to increase according to the expected baseline pressure in response to an opening of the valve.

[0073] The method may comprise generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage exceeds the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

[0074] The method may comprise generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage fails to decrease according to the expected baseline pressure in response to a closing of the valve.

[0075] Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.

[0076] In another aspect, the disclosure describes a spray applicator for applying a liquid agricultural input. The spray applicator comprises:a pump for pressurizing the liquid agricultural input;a valve disposed downstream of the pump for selectively releasing the liquid agricultural input;a nozzle through which the liquid agricultural input is dispensed, the nozzle being disposed downstream of the valve;a passage fluidly connecting the valve with the nozzle; anda pressure sensor operable to sense a pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the passage between the valve and the nozzle.

[0077] The spray applicator may comprise an annunciator operable to generate an alert when the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

[0078] The spray applicator may comprise a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor. The computer may be operable to record an application location of the liquid agricultural input based on the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the passage.

[0079] The spray applicator may include a valve body defining a cavity between the valve and the nozzle. An insert may be removably installed inside the cavity. The passage may extend through the insert.

[0080] The insert may reduce a volume available for the liquid agricultural input inside the cavity to less than half of a volume of the cavity.

[0081] The volume available for the liquid agricultural input inside the cavity may be between 5% and 45% of a volume of the cavity.

[0082] The insert may include a flow impedance defined inside the passage.

[0083] The flow impedance may include a Reed valve.

[0084] The flow impedance may include a Tesla valve.

[0085] Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.

[0086] In another aspect, the disclosure describes a spray applicator for applying a liquid agricultural input. The spray applicator comprises:a pump for pressurizing the liquid agricultural input;a valve disposed downstream of the pump for selectively releasing the liquid agricultural input;a nozzle through which the liquid agricultural input is dispensed, the nozzle being disposed downstream of the valve;a valve body defining a cavity disposed between the valve and the nozzle, the cavity being devoid of a strainer; andan insert removably installed inside the cavity and defining a passage fluidly connecting the valve with the nozzle and providing a volume available for the liquid agricultural input between the valve and the nozzle.

[0087] A cross-sectional area of the passage defined by the insert may be equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of an orifice of the nozzle.

[0088] The volume available for the liquid agricultural input between the valve and the nozzle may be less than half of a volume of the cavity.

[0089] The spray applicator may comprise a flow impedance defined inside the passage.

[0090] The flow impedance may include a Reed valve. The flow impedance may include a Tesla valve.

[0091] Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.

[0092] In another aspect, the disclosure describes a spray applicator for applying a liquid agricultural input. The spray applicator comprises:a pump for pressurizing the liquid agricultural input;a valve disposed downstream of the pump for selectively releasing the liquid agricultural input;a nozzle through which the liquid agricultural input is dispensed, the nozzle being disposed downstream of the valve;a valve body defining a cavity disposed between the valve and the nozzle, the cavity being devoid of a strainer; andan insert removably installed inside the cavity, the insert defining a passage fluidly connecting the valve with the nozzle, the insert including a flow impedance disposed inside the passage.

[0093] The flow impedance may include a Reed valve. The flow impedance may include a Tesla valve.

[0094] Embodiments may include combinations of the above features.

[0095] Further details of these and other aspects of the subject matter of this application will be apparent from the detailed description included below and the drawings.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0096] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0097] FIG. 1 is a perspective and partially schematic view of part of an exemplary potato planter;

[0098] FIG. 2 is a partially schematic left side elevation view of the potato planter of FIG. 1 with additional details shown;

[0099] FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of part of the potato planter;

[0100] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of part of the potato planter;

[0101] FIG. 5 is an enlarged right side elevation view of an exemplary in-furrow product applicator of the potato planter of FIG. 1 ;

[0102] FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of part of the in-furrow product applicator;

[0103] FIGS. 7A and 7B are axial cross-sectional views through an exemplary valve body of the product applicator with a valve in the open and closed configurations respectively;

[0104] FIG. 8 is another axial cross-sectional view through the valve body of the product applicator with a removable insert disposed therein;

[0105] FIG. 9 is an axial cross-sectional view through an exemplary insert including a Reed valve for removable installation into the valve body;

[0106] FIG. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view through an exemplary insert including a Tesla valve for removable installation into the valve body;

[0107] FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view through another exemplary insert including another Tesla valve for removable installation into the valve body;

[0108] FIG. 12 is a plot of an exemplary control signal for causing opening and closing of a solenoid-operated valve of the in-furrow product applicator versus time and a superimposed exemplary expected baseline pressure of the in-furrow product inside of the in-furrow product applicator;

[0109] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of a method of planting one or more potato seeds in a furrow using the potato planter;

[0110] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a method of monitoring a health of one or more nozzles dispensing a liquid agricultural input;

[0111] FIGS. 15A and 15B are images showing the applicator with three nozzles and a press wheel during operation of the potato planter from a vantage point to the rear of the potato planter;

[0112] FIGS. 16A and 16B are images showing the applicator and the press wheel during operation of the potato planter from a vantage point to a right side of potato planter;

[0113] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for planting one or more seeds using a potato planter;

[0114] FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of an exemplary image captured by a camera of the applicator at a time of application of the in-furrow product at an application location;

[0115] FIG. 19 is an exemplary graphical user interface relating to an application of the in-furrow product of the potato planter;

[0116] FIG. 20 is an exemplary graphical user interface relating to calibration data for the potato planter;

[0117] FIGS. 21 A and 21 B are exemplary process monitoring pages associated with the applicator of the potato planter;

[0118] FIG. 22 is an exemplary calibration page associated with the applicator of the potato planter;

[0119] FIG. 23 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for planting one or more seeds in a furrow with a potato planter;

[0120] FIG. 24 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of planting one or more seeds in a furrow and applying an in-furrow product to a desired penetration depth in soil adjacent the seed(s); and

[0121] FIG. 25 is a schematic representation of an exemplary nozzle and a seed during the application of liquid in-furrow product at a delivery pressure that is intended to cause the in-furrow product 16 to penetrate the soil to a desired penetration depth.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0122] The present disclosure describes potato planters and associated methods of planting potatoes in a furrow that use a relatively precise application of infurrow product(s) (i.e., agricultural input) in a targeted manner. In some embodiments, the potato planters described herein may capture an image of the application location of the in-furrow product relative to a potato seed so that positional adjustments (e.g., fine tuning) of the application location may be performed on-the-fly either by the operator or automatically by a controller of the potato planter. The captured image may also provide a visual confirmation to the operator of the potato planter that the in-furrow product is being applied effectively.

[0123] In some embodiments utilizing a liquid in-furrow product or other agricultural input in liquid form, a pressure sensor may measure a pressure of the liquid agricultural input for the purpose of monitoring the application location and / or monitoring the health of a nozzle dispensing the liquid agricultural input.

[0124] In some embodiments, the potato planters described herein may dispense potato seeds according to a prescribed seed spacing and then sense seeds that are dispensed to the furrow. Sensing of the seeds in the furrow may confirm that the seeds are being dispensed according to the prescribed seed spacing. The application of the in-furrow product may also be performed (e.g., triggered) more precisely based on the sensing of the seed. However, in the event that a seed is missed (i.e., not sensed) by the seed sensor (e.g., a false negative), the in-furrow product may still be applied in a predictive manner based on the prescribed seed spacing to avoid potentially having a seed that has not been treated by the in-furrow product for example.

[0125] In some embodiments, the potato planters described herein may be configured to apply the in-furrow product at different depths into the soil by varying one or more parameters of the in-furrow product application. Parameters such as tilt angle of a nozzle, delivery pressure, height of the nozzle above the soil and nozzle type (e.g., wide or focused spray profiles) may be selected to deliver the in-furrow product to a desired depth into the soil.

[0126] Aspects of various embodiments are described through reference to the drawings. The term “connected” may include both direct connection (in which two elements that are connected to each other contact each other) and indirect connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). The term “substantially” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation which could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related.

[0127] The term “in-furrow product” as used herein is meant to encompass any suitable agricultural input that is applied directly to the furrow (the trench where the seed is planted) to provide nutrients to developing roots and promote early seedling growth and establishment. Such agricultural input and in-furrow product may include a starter-type fertilizer product, a nitrogen-based agricultural product, a phosphorous-based agricultural product, biological additives, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides or any other seed amendment product, plant treatment product, or crop protecting product either in a liquid form, gel form, granular form, or powdery form.

[0128] As explained below, in-furrow products may be applied near seeds without touching the seeds, or over the seeds. In-furrow products may be applied intermittently in dashes, in elongated bands between, alongside or over the seeds, on top of a layer of soil covering the seed, and / or in soil that is underneath the seed. To use in-furrow product(s) efficiently, the application of in-furrow product(s) may be limited to most effective locations. In some situations, the application of in-furrow product(s) may be limited to an anticipated location of a root system of a planted seed for example.

[0129] FIG. 1 is a perspective and partially schematic view of part of an exemplary potato planter 10 configured to plant seeds 14 in furrow 11 (shown in FIG. 2) and also provide relatively precise application of in-furrow product 16. In someembodiments, potato planter 10 may include elements disclosed in the following documents, which are all incorporated herein by reference: International Patent Publication No. WO2024197384A1 (title: TAILORED IN-FURROW PRODUCT DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A POTATO PLANTER) filed on March 19, 2024; U.S. Patent No. 9,258,940 (title: METHOD FOR PLANTING POTATOES AT HIGH SPEED AND EQUIPMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THAT METHOD) filed on May 28, 2013; U.S. Patent No. 9,930,826 (title: DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM FOR A POTATO PLANTER) filed on June 1, 2016; and U.S. Patent Publication No.2021 / 0007273 A1 (title: PRESS WHEEL ASSEMBLY FOR DELICATE SEED PLANTING AND DATA ACQUISITION FOR A POTATO PLANTER) filed on September 21, 2020.

[0130] Potato planter 10 may be configured to plant potato seeds, which are also known as potato sets or planted sets. A potato seed may be a relatively small tuber or part of a tuber. However, aspects of the present disclosure may be applicable to plant other types of seeds for other crops such as corn, beans and peas for example. A “seed” as referenced herein may be a plant precursor that is planted in soil for the purpose of producing a crop.

[0131] Potato planter 10 may be drawn by a vehicle such as tractor 12 or may be incorporated into a vehicle. Potato planter 10 may be drawn in the forward direction illustrated in FIG. 1. In some situations, two or more potato planters 10 may be arranged side by side and drawn together (e.g., as a unit) by tractor 12 to plant potato seeds 14 (referred hereinafter as “seeds 14”) and apply in-furrow product 16 in respective parallel furrows 11. Potato planter 10 may include a ground-engaging furrowopening shoe 18 (referred hereinafter as “shoe 18”). Shoe 18 may form furrow 11 into the soil as potato planter 10 is drawn in the forward direction. Furrow 11 may have a longitudinal furrow axis FA. Potato planter 10 may have ground-engaging press wheel 20 aligned with shoe 18 along furrow axis FA and be mounted behind shoe 18 relative to the travel direction of potato planter 10. Shoe 18 and press wheel 20 may be axially spaced apart to define an axial gap therebetween. Press wheel 20 may be positioned and oriented to engage with the soil at the bottom of furrow 11 formed by shoe 18 and roll freely in the direction of movement of potato planter 10.

[0132] Potato planter 10 may include seed hopper 22 leading to seed dispenser 23 that dispenses seeds 14 to a location that is axially between shoe 18 and press wheel 20. In some embodiments, potato planter 10 may be configured to dispense seeds 14 (e.g., individually) according to a prescribed seed spacing along furrow axis FA. In some embodiments, potato planter 10 and / or tractor 12 may be equipped with a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, and seed dispenser 23 may be controlled to dispense seeds 14 according to the prescribed (i.e., target) seed spacing based on the position(s) and / or speed of potato planter 10 determined by the GPS receiver. Alternatively, dispensing of seeds 14 according to a prescribed spacing may be controlled based on a sensed rotation of press wheel 20 to determine a travel distance or speed of potato planter 10, or based on a travel speed of tractor 12. The dispensing of seeds 14 may be performed as a function of the speed of potato planter 10 along furrow axis FA to substantially maintain the prescribed seed spacing. Optional press wheel 20 may press seeds 14 partially into soil 21 at the bottom of furrow 11. The engagement of press wheel 20 with seeds 14 that are dispensed into furrow 11 may also prevent excessive migration (i.e., rolling) of seeds 14 that are dispensed into furrow 11 to help maintain the prescribed seed spacing along furrow axis FA.

[0133] Potato planter 10 may include in-furrow product applicator 24 (referred hereinafter as “applicator 24”) that applies in-furrow product 16 to a location that is axially behind press wheel 20. Applicator 24 may be mounted behind press wheel 20 via arm 26 extending between applicator 24 and a chassis of potato planter 10. Applicator 24 may be configured according to the type and form of in-furrow product 16 that is used and also according to the type of application that is desired. In some embodiments where in-furrow product 16 in liquid form is used, applicator 24 may be a sprayer including one or more solenoid-operated nozzles 28 that may be used to selectively and intermittently apply in-furrow product 16 at the desired location(s) relative to seeds 14 that have been partially pressed into soil 21 by press wheel 20.

[0134] In some embodiments, potato planter 10 may include a pair of furrow closing discs (not shown) that are disposed behind applicator 24 and used to burry the seeds 14 by closing furrow 11 after the planting of seed 14 and the application of infurrow product 16. Other means of burying seeds 14 (e.g., closing furrow 11) integrated with potato planter 10 or separate from potato planter 10 may be used.

[0135] In some embodiments, press wheel 20 may be an inflated wheel capable of deformation when rolling over one or more seeds 14. In some embodiments, press wheel 20 may be instrumented and serve as seed sensor 30 operable to sense seeds 14 in furrow 11. For example, press wheel 20 may be an inflated wheel including seed sensor 30, which may be a pressure sensor (shown in FIG. 2) integrated with press wheel 20 and capable of detecting a change in pressure (e.g., pneumatic signature) caused by a deformation of press wheel 20 caused by rolling of press wheel 20 over one or more seeds 14. Press wheel 20 may be mounted to a structure of potato planter 10 that allows the adjustment of pressure applied to soil 21 by press wheel 20. In some embodiments, press wheel 20 may be of a type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,258,940; in U.S. Patent No. 9,930,826; and / or in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2021 / 0007273 A1 previously referenced above.

[0136] In various embodiments, another type of sensor operable to sense one or more seeds 14 in furrow 11 may be used instead of instrumented press wheel 20. For example, potato planter 10 may include a non-instrumented press wheel 20 and another type of sensor separate from press wheel 20 may be used to sense seeds 14. In various embodiments, potato planter 10 may include one or more suitable optical, infrared, magnetic or other proximity sensors operable to sense the presence of one or more seeds 14 in furrow 11 for triggering the application of in-furrow product 16 accordingly.

[0137] FIG. 2 is a partially schematic left side elevation view of potato planter 10 with additional details shown. FIG. 2 illustrates a process of planting seeds 14 and applying in-furrow product 16 directly onto first seed 14A as an exemplary application location 45. It is understood that in-furrow product 16 could instead be applied to one or more other application locations 45 that are near first seed 14A. For example, in-furrow product 16 may be applied to the right, left, behind, in front, above and / or below first seed 14A to accommodate different types of applications. FIG. 2 shows first seed 14A that is disposed vertically below applicator 24 and that is being sprayed with in-furrow product 16 as potato planter 10 continues to travel in the forward direction. FIG. 2 also shows second seed 14B that has been dispensed into furrow 11 by seed dispenser 23 and that is falling toward soil 21 in front of press wheel 20 prior to being partially pressed into soil 21 by press wheel 20.

[0138] Potato planter 10 may include one or more controllers 32 (referred hereinafter in the singular) operatively connected to control one or more aspects of potato planter 10 and / or monitor one or more aspects of potato planter 10 during the operation of potato planter 10. In some embodiments, controller 32 may include a programmable logic controller (PLC). In some embodiments, controller 32 may include a computer or any suitable device(s) configured to cause a series of steps to be performed by controller 32 so as to implement a computer-implemented process. Controller 32 may include, for example, any type of general-purpose microprocessor or microcontroller, a digital signal processing (DSP) processor, an integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a reconfigurable processor, other suitably programmed or programmable logic circuits, or any combination thereof.

[0139] Controller 32 may be operatively connected to seed sensor 30 and to applicator 24. Controller 32 may receive signals from seed sensor 30 when seeds 14 are detected by press wheel 20 or other means, and control applicator 24 accordingly. For example, when first seed 14A is detected by seed sensor 30, the signal generated via seed sensor 30 may provide an indication of the position of first seed 14A along furrow 11 and also relative to applicator 24. In response to such signal, controller 32 may apply a suitable dwell time before activating applicator 24 to apply in-furrow product 16 at the desired location relative to first seed 14A as potato planter 10 travels along furrow 11. The dwell time may be determined as a function of the travel speed of potato planter 10 along furrow 11. As explained further below, the dwell time may be adjustable for fine tuning of application location 45 relative to first seed 14A. In some embodiments, controller 32 may be operatively connected to seed dispenser 23 to control the operation of seed dispenser 23.

[0140] Controller 32 may be operatively connected (e.g., wired) to one or more annunciators such as display device(s) 34 (referred hereinafter in the singular). Display device 34 may be located onboard (e.g., inside a cab of) tractor 12 or may be located remotely of potato planter 10 and of tractor 12, and in (e.g., wireless) communication with controller 32. In some embodiments, display device 34 may be visible to the driver of tractor 12. In some embodiments, display device 34 may be visible to a remote operator of potato planter 10, a supervisor or maintenance personnel for example.Display device 34 may display data relating to the operation of potato planter 10 for (e.g., real-time or off-line) monitoring and performance analysis purposes.

[0141] Controller 32 may be operatively connected to one or more user input devices 36 (referred hereinafter in the singular). In various embodiments, user input device 36 may be integrated with display device 34, which may be touch sensitive and able to receive input from the driver of tractor 12 or other human operator. User input devices 36 may be located onboard tractor 12 or may be located remotely of potato planter 10 and of tractor 12, and in wireless communication with controller 32. In various embodiments, user input devices 36 may include one or more buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch-sensitive display for receiving tactile inputs from an operator. In some embodiments, user input devices 36 may include a microphone for receiving voice commands from an operator.

[0142] FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of part of potato planter 10. FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of part of potato planter 10.

[0143] FIG. 5 is an enlarged right side elevation view of applicator 24 and FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of applicator 24. In reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, applicator 24 may include one or more solenoid-activated nozzles 28 that are connected to (i.e., in communication with) one or more sources of in-furrow product(s) 16 via respective elbow fittings 38 that are secured to mount 40. Mount 40 may include upper plate 40A and lower plate 40B that cooperatively define a support frame and / or a housing for some components of applicator 24. Upper plate 40A may be fastened to arm 26 via bracket 42 and one or more suitable fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws). Lower plate 40B may be fastened to upper plate 40A with one or more suitable fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws).

[0144] Upper plate 40A and / or lower plate 40B may be machined or otherwise formed (e.g., using additive manufacturing) from a suitable metallic or polymeric material to define recesses for receiving elements of applicator 24 therein. For example, elbow fittings 38 may be retained (e.g., clamped) between upper plate 40A and lower plate 40B. The vertical (i.e., inlet) branches of respective elbow fittings 38 may extend through upper plate 40A and be in communication with the source(s) of in-furrow product(s) 16. The horizontal (i.e., outlet) branches of respective elbow fittings 38 mayextend forwardly out from between upper plate 40A and lower plate 40B and be connected to respective nozzles 28. In some embodiments, nozzles 28 may be tiltable relative to their respective elbow fittings 38 to permit adjustment of their respective application (e.g., spray) orientations.

[0145] Potato planter 10 may include one or more cameras 44 (referred hereinafter in the singular) operable to capture an image of application location 45 (shown in FIG. 2) at a time of application of in-furrow product 16. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, camera 44 may be integrated in applicator 24 but it is understood that camera 44 may alternatively be installed at another suitable location on potato planter 10. Camera 44 may be held in a stationary position relative to nozzle(s) 28. Camera 44 may be mounted and housed between upper plate 40A and lower plate 40B. Camera 44 may be oriented toward application location 45. Lower plate 40B may include an aperture extending therethrough to provide camera 44 with visibility of application location 45. In some situations, application location 45 may be a location that is expected to be occupied by first seed 14A based on the sensing of first seed 14A by seed sensor 30.

[0146] In various embodiments, camera 44 may be a digital visible light camera or a digital infrared (IR) camera since seed 14 may initially be at a different temperature than soil 21. In embodiments where camera 44 is a visible light camera, potato planter 10 may include one or more lamps 46 (referred hereinafter in the singular) operable to illuminate the application location in furrow 11. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, lamp 46 may be integrated in applicator 24 but it is understood that lamp 46 may alternatively be installed at another suitable location on potato planter 10. Lamp 46 may be oriented and positioned to provide illumination of application location 45. Lamp 46 may be installed on lower plate 40B and provide illumination from under lower plate 40B of applicator 24. Lamp 46 may be activated and continuously left on during the operation of potato planter 10. Alternatively, lamp 46 may be a strobe light that is triggered by controller 32 to be activated at the same time as camera 44.

[0147] Camera 44 may be operatively connected to controller 32 so that the image 48 (shown in FIG. 18) of application location 45 may be captured at the appropriate time of the application of in-furrow product 16. The timing of the image capture may be controlled by controller 32 based on the detection of first seed 14A by seed sensor 30. For example, in response to the detection of first seed 14A, controller32 may simultaneously trigger both the application of in-furrow product 16 by applicator 24 and the image capture by camera 44. In other words, controller 32 may be operable to command a synchronized application of in-furrow product 16 and image capture by camera 44.

[0148] In some embodiments of potato planter 10, camera 44 may be used to capture images of some or all seeds 14 that are planted with potato planter 10 for other purposes. Such images may be analyzed and used to tally seeds 14 and / or to acquire data about individual seeds 14 such as properties (e.g., size, shape) of individual seeds 14.

[0149] Applicator 24 may be operatively connected to seed sensor 30 and operable to apply in-furrow product 16 in liquid form to application location 45 in furrow 11 relative to seed(s) 14 in response to sensing of seed(s) 14 by seed sensor 30. Applicator 24 may include a suitable pump 58 for pressurizing the liquid in-furrow product 16. In some embodiments, pump 58 may be a dynamic (e.g., centrifugal) pump. Applicator 24 may include solenoid-operated valve 59 or other type of valve operable to selectively release and stop the flow of in-furrow product 16 toward nozzle 28. Solenoid-operated valve 59 may include solenoid 60 operatively connected to and controlled by controller 32.

[0150] FIGS. 7A and 7B are axial cross-sectional views through valve body 64 of one of solenoid-operated valves 59 of product applicator 24 for selectively activating and deactivating the flow of in-furrow product 16 through nozzle 28. Valve body 64 may be made of a suitable polymeric or metallic material. FIG. 7A shows solenoid-operated valve 59 in the open configuration and FIG. 7B shows solenoid-operated valve 59 in the closed configuration. Solenoid-operated valve 59 may include a diaphragm-type valve or other type of valve member. For example, solenoid-operated valve 59 may include an actuatable valve member such as diaphragm 61 that is drivingly connected to plunger 62 of solenoid 60. Diaphragm 61 may be a flexible disk made of a polymeric or metallic material and configured to interact with (e.g., annular) valve seat 63 which may be part of valve body 64. Plunger 62 and diaphragm 61 may be movable (e.g., vertically in reference to FIG. 7A) from an open (e.g., up) position where diaphragm 61 is lifted from valve seat 63 and the flow of in-furrow product 16 toward nozzle 28 is permitted as shown in FIG. 7A, and a closed (e.g., down) position where diaphragm 61 is pressedagainst valve seat 63 and the flow of in-furrow product 16 toward nozzle 28 is prevented as shown in FIG. 7B. Diaphragm 61 may be disposed downstream of pump 58. Nozzle 28 may be disposed downstream of diaphragm 61 and in-furrow product 16 may be dispensed via nozzle 28. Internal cavity 65 (i.e. , chamber) defined inside of valve body 64 may define passage 66 fluidly connecting diaphragm 61 with nozzle 28. In other words, diaphragm 61, passage 66 and nozzle 28 may be in serial fluid communication. In some embodiments, a strainer (not shown) may be disposed inside of cavity 65 and operatively disposed between diaphragm 61 and nozzle 28. Alternatively, cavity 65 may be devoid of a strainer disposed inside of cavity 65 and operatively disposed between diaphragm 61 and nozzle 28.

[0151] In reference to FIGS. 7A and 5, applicator 24 may include one or more optional pressure sensors 68 (referred hereinafter in the singular) operable to acquire (i.e., sense) measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside passage 66 at a location between diaphragm 61 and nozzle 28 via port 71. Pressure sensor 68 may be mounted to valve body 64. Pressure sensor 68 may be a potentiometric pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, an inductive pressure sensor, a piezoelectric pressure sensor, a strain gauge pressure sensor, or a variable reluctance pressure sensor for example. Measured pressure 70 acquired with pressure sensor 68 may be used to monitor the operation of solenoid-operated valve 59, provide health monitoring of nozzle 28 and also to determine a relatively precise time of delivery of in-furrow product 16. In some embodiments, the delivery timing may be used by controller 32 to record application location 45 (e.g., relative to seed 14) based on measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside passage 66 and on the detection of seed 14. In some embodiments, measured pressure 70 may be used to characterize a response time of solenoid-operated valve 59 and such response time may be taken into consideration by controller 32 to command the opening of diaphragm 61 based on the detection of seed 14 and on the velocity of potato planter 10 along furrow 11.

[0152] Controller 32 may be operatively connected to one or more annunciators 74 (referred hereinafter in the singular). In some embodiments, annunciator 74 may include display device 34, an indicator light or a gauge configured to output a visual indication for the attention of the operator of potato planter 10. In some embodiments, annunciator 74 may include a loudspeaker configured to output an aural indication forthe operator’s attention. Controller 32 may be configured to compare measured pressure 70 with an expected baseline pressure 72 stored digitally in a machine-readable non-transitory memory of controller 32. When measured pressure 70 differs from expected baseline pressure 72, controller 32 may record / log this difference (e.g., for later analysis). Alternatively, or in addition, controller 32 may command annunciator 74 to output alert 76 to capture the operator’s attention substantially immediately to potentially indicate a malfunction and / or a performance degradation of applicator 24 substantially in real-time based on measure pressure 70. One or more thresholds may be used in the comparison(s) of measured pressure 70 with baseline pressure 72 to indicate one or more meaningful difference(s) and prevent false nuisance alerts.

[0153] FIG. 8 is another axial cross-sectional view through valve body 64 and nozzle 28 of solenoid-operated valve 59 of product applicator 24 with an optional removable insert 77 disposed inside of cavity 65 and also shown in cross-section. Insert 77 may be removably installed inside cavity 65. Insert 77 may define (e.g., a sole) passage 66 fluidly connecting diaphragm 61 with nozzle 28. In some embodiments, passage 66 may be a central bore extending (e.g., drilled) longitudinally (i.e., axially) through insert 77 and having an axially uniform (e.g., circular) cross-sectional profile. Insert 77 may have a circular or other transverse cross-sectional profile. Insert 77 may be installed by removing nozzle 28, which may be threaded to a lower end of valve body 64, removing a strainer (if present), and inserting insert 77 into cavity 65. Nozzle 28 may then be re-installed to the lower end of valve body 64 with insert 77 inside of cavity 65. The strainer may be omitted when insert 77 is used. Port 71 may optionally extend into insert 77 and through to passage 66 so that measured pressure 70 inside passage 66 may be acquired with pressure sensor 68 in some embodiments. Insert 77 may be made from a suitable polymeric or metallic material.

[0154] Insert 77 may reduce a volume available for the liquid agricultural input inside of cavity 65 by occupying space inside of cavity 65. The presence of insert 77 and the reduced volume of in-furrow product 16 between diaphragm 61 and nozzle 28 may improve the performance in dispensing in-furrow product 16. In some embodiments, the presence of insert 77 may promote a more crisp (responsive) starting and stopping of the flow of in-furrow product 16 through nozzle 28. For example, the smaller volume of liquid in-furrow product 16 between diaphragm 61 and nozzle 28 maytake less time to replenish and / or re-pressurize upon opening of solenoid-operated valve 59. Upon closing of solenoid-operated valve 59, the smaller volume of liquid infurrow product 16 between diaphragm 61 and nozzle 28 may reduce the potential for infurrow product 16 dribbling out of nozzle 28 after closing of solenoid-operated valve 59. In some embodiments, the crisper starting and / or stopping behavior of in-furrow product 16 may enable a more targeted application of in-furrow product 16, a higher opening / closing frequency of solenoid-operated valve 59, a higher efficiency of product applicator 24, and / or a higher throughput of potato planter 10.

[0155] In some embodiments, insert 77 may be configured so that a volume available for in-furrow product 16 inside internal cavity 65 is significantly reduced. For example, in some embodiments, insert 77 may be configured so that a volume available for in-furrow product 16 inside cavity 65 is less than half of a volume of cavity 65. For example, in some embodiments, insert 77 may be configured so that a volume available for in-furrow product 16 inside cavity 65 is between 5% and 45% of a volume of cavity 65. The absence of a strainer inside of cavity 65 may permit such reduction in volume.

[0156] The size and configuration of passage 66 may be selected based on a desired flowrate, pressure of in-furrow product 16, and other characteristics (e.g., viscosity) of in-furrow product 16. The amount of volume reduction provided by insert 77 may be selected (e.g., limited) to avoid substantial reduction in flow rate of in-furrow product 16 and / or to avoid preventing applicator 24 from reaching the desired flow rate of in-furrow product 16. For example, in some embodiments, insert 77 may be configured so that a cross-sectional area of passage 66 defined by insert 77 is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of orifice 67 of nozzle 28. For example, diameter D1 of passage 66 defined through insert 77 may be equal to or greater than diameter D2 of orifice 67 (i.e., D1 > D2).

[0157] In some embodiments, valve body 64 may be designed and manufactured to have a smaller cavity 65 to improve the performance of solenoid-operated valve 59 without the use of insert 77. In such embodiments, valve body 64 may be configured so that cavity 65 is sized to provide a reduced volume available for in-furrow product 16 between diaphragm 61 and nozzle 28. For example, cavity 65 may define passage 66 without the need for insert 77.

[0158] FIG. 9 is an axial cross-sectional view through another exemplary insert 177 that may be inserted into cavity 65 in the same manner as insert 77. Insert 177 may include elements of insert 77 and like elements are identified using like reference numerals. Insert 177 may also reduce the volume available for in-furrow product 16 between diaphragm 61 and nozzle 28 for the same reasons as described above in relation to insert 77. In some embodiments, insert 177 may occupy a smaller volume than insert 77. In some embodiments, insert 177 may include a flow impedance defined inside passage 66. The presence of such flow impedance may help retain some pressure of in-furrow product 16 inside of passage 66 when solenoid-operated valve 59 is in the closed configuration. In other words, the flow impedance may help reduce a pressure delta when cycling between the open and closed configurations of solenoid-operated valve 59.

[0159] Retaining some pressure of in-furrow product 16 inside of passage 66 when solenoid-operated valve 59 is in the closed configuration may prevent measured pressure 70 from decreasing to zero and may improve the performance of applicator 24 by promoting a more crisp (responsive) starting and stopping of the flow of in-furrow product 16 from nozzle 28. For example, retaining some pressure of in-furrow product 16 may reduce the amount of time for replenishing and / or re-pressurizing in-furrow product 16 upon opening of solenoid-operated valve 59. Upon closing of solenoid-operated valve 59, impeding the flow of in-furrow product 16 may reduced the potential for in-furrow product 16 dribbling out of nozzle 28 after closing of solenoid-operated valve 59. In some embodiments, the crisper starting and / or stopping behavior of infurrow product 16 may enable a more targeted application of in-furrow product 16, a higher opening / closing frequency of solenoid-operated valve 59, a higher efficiency of product applicator 24, and / or a higher throughput of potato planter 10.

[0160] In some embodiments, the flow impedance may include a check valve such as Reed valve 75A having a prescribed cracking pressure required to start the flow of in-furrow product 16 therethrough. In various embodiments, insert 177 may be manufactured (e.g., cast, machined, additively manufactured) in a single part, or insert 177 may include multiple parts that are separately manufactured and assembled (e.g., threaded, welded) together. Insert 177 may be made from a suitable polymeric or metallic material. Port 71 may optionally extend into insert 177 and through to passage66 so that measured pressure 70 inside passage 66 may be acquired with pressure sensor 68 in some embodiments.

[0161] FIGS. 10 and 11 are axial cross-sectional views through other exemplary inserts 277, 377 that may be inserted into cavity 65 in the same manner as inserts 77 and 177. Inserts 277, 377 may include elements of insert 77 and like elements are identified using like reference numerals. Inserts 277, 377 may also reduce the volume available for in-furrow product 16 between diaphragm 61 and nozzle 28. In some embodiments, inserts 277, 377 may include a flow impedance defined inside passage 66. The presence of such flow impedance may help retain some pressure of in-furrow product 16 inside of passage 66 when solenoid-operated valve 59 is in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the flow impedance may include Tesla valve 75B, 75C.

[0162] In various embodiments, inserts 277, 377 may be manufactured (e.g., cast, machined, additively manufactured) in a single part, or inserts 277, 377 may include multiple parts that are separately manufactured and assembled (e.g., threaded, welded) together. Inserts 277, 377 may be made from a suitable polymeric or metallic material. Port 71 may optionally extend into inserts 277, 377 and through to passage 66 so that measured pressure 70 inside passage 66 may be acquired with pressure sensor 68 in some embodiments.

[0163] FIG. 12 is a plot of exemplary control signal 78 for causing opening and closing of solenoid-operated valve 59 versus time and a superimposed exemplary expected baseline pressure 72 of in-furrow product 16 inside of passage 66 versus time. Baseline pressure 72 is illustrated in a schematic / simplified manner for clarity. Control signal 78 may be an ON / OFF (i.e. , high / low) signal provided by controller 32 to solenoid 60 to respectively cause opening and closing of diaphragm 61. The timing of control signal 78 may be determined by controller 32 based on the detection of seed 14 by seed sensor 30 and on the type and amount of application of in-furrow product 16 desired.

[0164] Baseline pressure 72 may include one more discrete pressure values at one or more positions relative to control signal 78. In some embodiments, baseline pressure 72 may define an expected pressure profile with respect to time and extendingover one or more opening / closing cycles of solenoid-operated valve 59. In some embodiments, values defining baseline pressure 72 may be stored in a look-up table. Baseline pressure 72 may be applicable to a specific model number of nozzle 28 of a specific orifice size and used with a specific viscosity of in-furrow product 16 under a specific upstream pressure of in-furrow product 16. Different baseline pressures 72 applicable to different nozzle models / types and to different operating conditions may be stored on controller 32 or be otherwise available to controller 32. In some situations, the operator may specify the nozzle model and one or more operating conditions to select the applicable baseline pressure 72. Baseline pressures 72 may be determined empirically or by simulation and modeling. In some embodiments, baseline pressures 72 may be a digital twin virtually defining the flow behaviour through solenoid-operated valve 59 with the applicable nozzle 28. Examples of different utilizations of baseline pressure 72 are described below.

[0165] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of method 800 of planting one or more potato seeds 14 in furrow 11 using potato planter 10 or another potato planter traveling along furrow 11. Method 800 may include other actions disclosed herein. Method 800 may include elements of potato planter 10. In various embodiments, method 800 may include:dispensing potato seed 14 to furrow 11 as potato planter 10 travels along furrow 11 (block 802);sensing potato seed 14 in furrow 11 (block 804);applying in-furrow product 16 in liquid form to application location 45 in furrow 11 relative to potato seed 14 in response to sensing potato seed 14 by (block 806):pressurizing in-furrow product 16;opening a valve (e.g., diaphragm 61) to release the pressurized liquid infurrow product 16 into fluid passage 66 leading to nozzle 28;acquiring measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside fluid passage 66 at a location between diaphragm 61 and nozzle 28; anddispensing in-furrow product 16 via nozzle 28; andrecording application location 45 of in-furrow product 16 based on measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside fluid passage 66 (block 808).

[0166] Measured pressure 70 may provide a confirmation of product delivery and also provide relatively precise timing of the delivery of in-furrow product 16. The timing of product delivery may be indicative of application location 45, and may be used by controller 32 to digitally store application location 45 in a digital log of a planting session for example. Application location(s) 45 associated with some or all potato seeds 14 maybe recorded and used to monitor the performance of applicator 24 substantially in real-time or offline at a later time, and / or determine other statistics.

[0167] Method 800 may include comparing measured pressure 70 with baseline pressure 72 for monitoring the operation of applicator 24. Method 800 may include generating alert 76 when measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside fluid passage 66 differs (e.g., by a prescribed threshold) from expected baseline pressure 72.

[0168] Measured pressure 70 may be used to monitor the operation of solenoid-operated valve 59. In reference to FIG. 12, measured pressure 70 may, for example, be used to characterize opening response time 80 (shown in FIG. 12) of solenoid-operated valve 59 quantifying a delay (lag) between control signal 78 commanding solenoid-operated valve 59 to open and the actual initiation of the opening of diaphragm 61. Measured pressure 70 may be used to characterize closing response time 82 of solenoid-operated valve 59 quantifying a delay (lag) between control signal 78 commanding solenoid-operated valve 59 to close and the actual initiation of the closing of diaphragm 61. Opening response time 80 and closing response time 82 may be used by controller 32 to adjust the timing of control signal 78 to improve the accuracy of the product application relative to potato seed 14.

[0169] In another example, method 800 may include generating output signal 79 (e.g., with controller 32 to cause a suitable alert 76 to be output as show in FIG. 5) indicative of solenoid-operated valve 59 being defective when measured pressure 70 fails to increase (e.g., according to baseline pressure 72) following solenoid-operated valve 59 being commanded to open. This behavior may indicate that control signal 78 is not reaching solenoid-operated valve 59 or that solenoid-operated valve 59 is stuck inthe closed position. This behavior is illustrated by first deviation 84 from baseline pressure 72 shown in FIG. 12.

[0170] In another example, method 800 may include generating output signal 79 (e.g., with controller 32 to cause a suitable alert 76 to be output) indicative of solenoid-operated valve 59 being defective when measured pressure 70 fails to decrease (e.g., according to baseline pressure 72) following solenoid-operated valve 59 being commanded to close. This behavior may indicate that solenoid-operated valve 59 is stuck in the open position. This behavior is illustrated by second deviation 86 from baseline pressure 72 shown in FIG. 12.

[0171] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of method 900 of monitoring a health of nozzle 28 dispensing a liquid agricultural input such as in-furrow product 16 for example. Method 900 may be used in various spraying applications not limited to potato planting. Method 900 may be integrated with method 800 and / or with other methods disclosed herein, or may be executed independently of other methods disclosed herein. Method 900 may be used for in-furrow applications of liquid agricultural inputs, or for other agricultural spraying applications. Method 900 may be performed using potato planter 10 or other agricultural spraying equipment. Method 900 may include other actions disclosed herein. Method 900 may include elements of potato planter 10. In various embodiments, method 900 may include:pressurizing the liquid agricultural input such as in-furrow product 16 (block 902);opening a valve (e.g., diaphragm 61) to release the pressurized liquid agricultural input into fluid passage 66 leading to nozzle 28 (block 904);sensing a pressure (e.g., measured pressure 70) of the liquid agricultural input inside fluid passage 66 at a location between the valve and nozzle 28 (block 906);dispensing the liquid agricultural input via nozzle 28 (block 908); and generating alert 76 when the pressure of the agricultural input inside fluid passage 66 differs from expected baseline pressure 72 (block 910).

[0172] Examples of differences (e.g., deviations) between measured pressure 70 and baseline pressure 72 that may be indicative of a health degradation of nozzle 28are illustrated in FIG. 12. Alert 76 may be generated in response to output signal 79 generated by controller 32 that is indicative of nozzle 28 being worn or at least partially clogged. One or more thresholds may be used in the comparison(s) of measured pressure 70 with baseline pressure 72 to indicate one or more meaningful difference(s) and prevent false nuisance alerts.

[0173] For example, method 900 may include generating a signal (e.g., alert 76) indicative of nozzle 28 being worn when measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 sensed by pressure sensor 68 is lower than expected baseline pressure 72 when solenoid-operated valve 59 is open. This behaviour is illustrated by third deviation 88 and / of by fourth deviation 90 from baseline pressure 72 in FIG. 12. A worn nozzle 28 may have an enlarged orifice size providing a reduced flow resistance resulting in a lower measured pressure 70 when solenoid-operated valve 59 is open. This may be exhibited by a lower maximum pressure that is reached by in-furrow product 16 as shown by third deviation 88 and / or by a slower increase in measured pressure 70 as shown by fourth deviation 90 in response to an opening of diaphragm 61.

[0174] As another example, method 900 may include generating output signal 79 indicative of nozzle 28 being at least partially clogged when measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 sensed by pressure sensor 68 exceeds expected baseline pressure 72 when solenoid-operated valve 59 is open. This behaviour is illustrated by fifth deviation 92 and / of by sixth deviation 94 from baseline pressure 72 in FIG. 12. A partially or fully clogged nozzle 28 may have a reduced orifice size providing an increased flow resistance resulting in a higher measured pressure 70 when solenoid-operated valve 59 is open. This may be exhibited by a higher maximum pressure that is reached by in-furrow product 16 as shown by fifth deviation 92 and / or by a slower decrease in measured pressure 70 as shown by sixth deviation 94 in response to a closing of diaphragm 61.

[0175] In some embodiments, method 900 may include recording application location 45 of the liquid agricultural input based on measured pressure 70 of the agricultural input inside fluid passage 66.

[0176] FIGS. 15A and 15B are images showing applicator 24 with three nozzles 28 and press wheel 20 during operation of potato planter 10 from a vantage point to therear of potato planter 10. In the instant illustrated in FIG. 15A, potato planter 10 is travelling in the forward direction and applicator 24 is behind first seed 14A. Accordingly, middle nozzle 28 is deactivate (i.e., turned off) so that no in-furrow product 16 is being applied by middle nozzle 28. The instant illustrated in FIG. 15B is slightly later than the instant of FIG. 15A at a time when middle nozzle 28 is in (e.g., vertical) alignment with first seed 14A and middle nozzle 28 is activated (i.e., turned on) to apply in-furrow product 16 directly onto first seed 14A.

[0177] In some embodiments, applicator 24 may include a plurality of nozzles 28. Depending on the type of application desired, two or more nozzles 28 may be activated simultaneously or at separate times as potato planter 10 travels along furrow 11. In some embodiments of potato planter 10, two or more nozzles 28 may be oriented to have parallel orientations or may be tilted to have different (i.e., non-parallel) orientations. In some embodiments, different nozzles 28 may be oriented to apply infurrow product 16 to different regions of furrow 11. The plurality of nozzles 28 may be activated and deactivated simultaneously or at different times depending on the type of application desired.

[0178] In some embodiments, different nozzles 28 may be in communication with different sources of in-furrow products 16 to apply different types of in-furrow products 16 to the same application location 45 or to different application locations 45. In some embodiments, the same type or different types of nozzles 28 may be installed to produce different spray patterns or provide different application rates.

[0179] FIGS. 16A and 16B are images showing applicator 24 and press wheel 20 during operation of potato planter 10 from a vantage point to a right side of potato planter 10. In the instant illustrated in FIG. 16A, potato planter 10 is travelling in the forward direction and applicator 24 is behind first seed 14A. Accordingly, middle nozzle 28 is deactivate (i.e., turned off) so that no in-furrow product 16 is being applied by middle nozzle 28. The instant illustrated in FIG. 16B is slightly later than the instant of FIG. 16A at a time when middle nozzle 28 is in (e.g., vertical) alignment with first seed 14A and middle nozzle 28 is activated (i.e., turned on) to apply in-furrow product 16 directly onto first seed 14A.

[0180] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 1000 for planting seed 14 in furrow 11 using potato planter 10 or other potato planter traveling along furrow 11. Method 1000 may include other actions disclosed herein. Method 1000 may include elements of potato planter 10. In various embodiments, method 1000 may include:dispensing seed 14 to furrow 11 as potato planter 10 travels along furrow 11 (block 1002);optionally pressing seed 14 in furrow 11 (block 1004);sensing seed 14 in furrow 11 (block 1006);applying in-furrow product 16 to application location 45 in furrow 11 relative to seed 14 in response to sensing seed 14 (block 1008); andcapturing image 48 (shown in FIG. 18) of application location 45 at a time of application of in-furrow product 16 to application location 45 (block 1010).

[0181] In some embodiments of method 1000, in-furrow product 16 may be in a liquid form. Applying in-furrow product 16 may include dispensing in-furrow product 16 via solenoid-operated valve 59, fluid passage 66 and nozzle 28 in serial fluid communication. Method 1000 may include acquiring measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside fluid passage 66 for the purpose of recording application location 45 and / or for monitoring the operation of applicator 24.

[0182] Accordingly, method 1000 may include recording application location 45 based on measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside fluid passage 66. Method 1000 may include generating alert 76 when measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside fluid passage 66 differs from expected baseline pressure 72. Further aspects of method 1000 are described below.

[0183] FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of an exemplary (e.g., digital) image 48 that may be captured by camera 44 at a time of application of in-furrow product 16 at application location 45. In various situations, application location 45 may be located generally centrally or at another location within image 48. Image 48 shows application location 45 overlapping seed 14 slightly but being mainly behind seed 14. In situations where in-furrow product 16 is intended to be applied directly on top of seed 14, image 48 shows that the timing of the application of in-furrow product 16 with theposition of seed 14 as potato planter 10 is moving forward is not ideal. In other words, synchronization of the application of in-furrow product 16 with the passing of seed 14 could be improved to more fully cover seed 14 with in-furrow product 16.

[0184] The synchronization of application location 45 with seed 14 may be improved by adjusting the dwell time between the detection of seed 14 by seed sensor 30 and the activation of nozzle 28 via the opening of solenoid-operated valve 59. In the specific exemplary scenario illustrated in FIG. 18 where the application of in-furrow product 16 leads seed 14, the dwell time between the sensing of seed 14 and the activation of nozzle 28 may be increased to increase the amount of overlap between application location 45 and seed 14. In another scenario where the application of infurrow product 16 would be lagging seed 14, the dwell time between the sensing of seed 14 and the activation of nozzle 28 may be shortened to increase the amount of overlap between application location 45 and seed 14.

[0185] Image 48 may be presented to the operator of potato planter 10 via display device 34 and the operator may adjust the dwell time using user input device 36. Such adjustment may be performed on-the-fly as potato planter 10 is planting seeds 14 so that the operator may monitor the timing of the application of in-furrow product 16 via display device 34 and make adjustments as needed. During operation of potato planter 10, the operator may periodically select image 48 to be displayed on display device 34 for visual confirmation that in-furrow product 16 is being applied as intended. Image 48 may be refreshed as a suitable time interval (e.g., two seconds) by repeatedly triggering a new image capture from camera 44.

[0186] FIG. 19 is an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) relating to the precise application of in-furrow product 16 functionality (referred herein as “precise product placement” or “PPP”) of potato planter 10. The PPP page of the GUI may be displayed on display device 34 and permit the activation and deactivation of the PPP function and an application rate for PPP. Still images 48 captured by camera 44 may also be displayed on the GUI sequentially at a suitable frequency to permit the operator to fine tune the dwell time using the “Sync Cal” (i.e., synchronization calibration) value selector 50. For example, increasing the Sync Cal value may increase the dwell time and decreasing the Sync Cal value may decrease the dwell time to fine tune the synchronization of application location 45 with the position of seed 14 as potato planter10 travels along furrow 11. In other words, the Sync Cal value may affect the latency of the application of in-furrow product 16.

[0187] Referring to image 48, the operator may adjust the Sync Cal value to achieve a desired position of seed 14 relative to a target location within image 48 that corresponds to application location 45. In various situations, the target location may be a center of image 48 or another location within image 48 depending on the type of application of in-furrow product 16 that is being performed. In some embodiments, one or more markers (e.g., cross hairs) may be provided in image 48 to indicate the target location of seed 14 within image 48.

[0188] The use of value selector 50 and image 48 may provide the operator with means of fine tuning the synchronization of the PPP by having camera 44 be triggered together with one or more solenoids 60 respectively associated with nozzle(s) 28 by controller 32 in response to seed sensor 30 detecting seed 14. Still images 48 showing seed 14 may allow the operator to adjust the PPP synchronization until seed 14 is at the target location within (e.g., center of) image 48. Adjustment of the PPP synchronization may be performed on the fly while potato planter 10 is travelling and planting seeds 14 along furrow 11 and also while providing visual feedback to the operator via image 48.

[0189] FIG. 20 is an exemplary GUI relating to calibration data for the PPP functionality of potato planter 10, which may be displayed to the operator of potato planter via display device 34. The calibration data may allow controller 32 to implement the PPP functionality on potato planters of different sizes and configurations. For example, the calibration data may include physical dimensions of potato planter 10 such as tilt angle A of nozzle(s) 28, horizontal distance B between a center of press wheel 20 and nozzle(s) 28 and vertical distance C between the bottom of press wheel 20 and nozzle(s) 28. The calibration data may also include a type of nozzle 28 that has been selected for the application of in-furrow product 16. The calibration page for the PPP functionality may include value selector 50 for adjusting the Sync Cal value in some embodiments.

[0190] FIGS. 21 A and 21 B display exemplary process monitoring pages 52A, 52B which may be displayed to the operator of potato planter 10 via display device 34. Monitoring page 52A is adapted to monitor six potato planters 10 simultaneously wherethe data in each column is associated with one potato planter 10. The progress bar in each column may visually indicate a percentage of seeds 14 that have been planted at the desired seed spacing. Button 54 may be used to activate the PPP functionality on all six potato planters 10 simultaneously. Icons 56 may visually indicate that the PPP functionality is active for the associated potato planter 10. Monitoring page 52A may also indicate a delivery pressure of in-furrow product 16 and also a remaining quantity of in-furrow product 16 for each potato planter 10. Monitoring page 52A may also tally total numbers of seeds 14 that have been dispensed in double, missed by seed sensor 30, are at an ideal seed spacing, or are at a non-ideal seed spacing. Other values, statistics and environmental conditions may be displayed on monitoring page 52A. Monitoring page 52A may also display alerts such as alert 76 when one of potato planters 10 requires attention due to a degraded performance for example.

[0191] Monitoring page 52B of FIG. 21 B contains similar functionalities as monitoring page 52A of FIG. 21A but is formatted to monitor twelve potato planters 10 simultaneously instead of six. The data in each column is associated with one potato planter 10. The progress bar in each column may visually indicate a percentage of seeds 14 that have been planted at the desired seed spacing. Button 54 may be used to activate the PPP functionality on all twelve potato planters 10 simultaneously. Icons 56 may visually indicate that the PPP functionality is active for the associated potato planter 10.

[0192] FIG. 22 displays another exemplary calibration page associated with applicator 24 of potato planter 10. The calibration page of FIG. 22 may be displayed to the operator of potato planter 10 via display device 34. The calibration page may receive values and / or settings associated with the delivery of in-furrow product 16 via applicator 24. Once the values and / or settings have been input, the operator may manually activate and deactivate one or more nozzles 28 using the start and stop buttons respectively. During the period of time during which nozzle(s) 28 is / are activated, a container may be placed under nozzle(s) 28 to measure an amount of infurrow product 16 that is delivered by nozzle(s) 28. The quantity of in-furrow product 16 collected with the container may be compared to an expected quantity of in-furrow product 16. Based on such comparison, values and / or settings associated with the delivery of in-furrow product 16 may be adjusted via the calibration page to adjust thedelivery of in-furrow product 16. This PPP calibration procedure may be performed while potato planter 10 stationary and not used for planting seeds 14.

[0193] FIG. 23 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 2000 for planting seeds 14 in furrow 11 with potato planter 10 or another potato planter travelling along furrow 11. Method 2000 may include other actions disclosed herein. Method 2000 may include elements of potato planter 10. In the event that a seed 14 is missed (i.e., not sensed) by seed sensor 30 (e.g., a false negative), in-furrow product 16 may still be applied in a predictive manner based on the prescribed seed spacing to avoid potentially having a seed 14 that has not been treated by in-furrow product 16 for example. Such predictive application may be used for an occasional one or few sequential seeds 14 that have been missed by seed sensor 30 before resuming to apply in-furrow product 16 based on the sensing of seeds 14 by seed sensor 30. In various embodiments, method 2000 may include:dispensing first seed 14A (shown in FIG. 2) to furrow 11 with potato planter 10 (block 2002);sensing first seed 14A in furrow 11 (block 2004);applying in-furrow product 16 to first application location 45 in furrow 11 relative to first seed 14A in response to sensing first seed 14A (block 2006);after dispensing first seed 14A to furrow 11, dispensing second seed 14B to furrow 11 with potato planter 10 according to a prescribed seed spacing along furrow 11 (block 2008); andin an absence of sensing second seed 14B (shown in FIG. 2) in furrow 11, applying in-furrow product 16 to second application location 45 in furrow 11 relative to second seed 14B based on the prescribed seed spacing (block 2010).

[0194] In some embodiments, first application location 45 may be a location that is expected to be occupied by first seed 14A based on sensing of first seed 14A. Second application location 45 may be a location that is expected to be occupied by second seed 14B based on the prescribed seed spacing. The dispensing of seeds 14 according to the prescribed (i.e., target) spacing may be controlled using positions of potato planter 10 via the GPS receiver.

[0195] In some embodiments, method 2000 may include, after dispensing first seed 14A into furrow 11, pressing first seed 14A into furrow 11 with press wheel 20. Press wheel 20 may optionally be used to sense first seed 14A in furrow 11.

[0196] In some embodiments of method 2000, in-furrow product 16 may be in a liquid form. Applying in-furrow product 16 may include dispensing in-furrow product 16 via solenoid-operated valve 59, fluid passage 66 and nozzle 28 in serial fluid communication. Method 2000 may include acquiring measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside fluid passage 66 for the purpose of recording application location 45 and / or for monitoring the operation of applicator 24.

[0197] Accordingly, method 2000 may include recording application location 45 based on measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside fluid passage 66. Method 2000 may include generating alert 76 when measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside fluid passage 66 differs from expected baseline pressure 72.

[0198] FIG. 24 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 3000 of planting one or more seeds 14 in furrow 11 and applying a (e.g., liquid) in-furrow product 16 to a desired penetration depth D (shown in FIG. 25) in soil 21 adjacent seed 14. Method 3000 may include other actions disclosed herein. Method 3000 may include elements of potato planter 10. The adjustment of delivery pressure P and / or other parameters affecting the application of in-furrow product 16 may be used to modify an amount of injection of in-furrow product 16 into soil 21. The adjustment of such one or more parameters may be used to control the placement of liquid in-furrow product 16 within soil 21 relative to the location of seed 14. For example, the one or more parameters may be adjusted to inject in-furrow product 16 into soil 21 that is located below seed 14. In various embodiments, method 3000 may include:selecting delivery pressure P of liquid in-furrow product 16 according to desired penetration depth D in soil 21 (block 3002);pressurizing the liquid in-furrow product 16 to delivery pressure P (shown in FIG. 25) selected as a function the desired penetration depth D (block 3004);dispensing seed 14 to furrow 11 (block 3006); andapplying liquid in-furrow product 16 to soil 21 adjacent seed 14 using delivery pressure P selected (block 3008).

[0199] In some embodiments of method 3000, applying in-furrow product 16 may include dispensing in-furrow product 16 via solenoid-operated valve 59, fluid passage 66 and nozzle 28 in serial fluid communication. Method 3000 may include acquiring measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside fluid passage 66 for the purpose of recording application location 45 and / or for monitoring the operation of applicator 24.

[0200] Method 3000 may include recording application location 45 based on measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside fluid passage 66. Method 3000 may include generating alert 76 when measured pressure 70 of in-furrow product 16 inside fluid passage 66 differs from expected baseline pressure 72.

[0201] Further aspects of method 3000 are described below in relation to FIG.25.

[0202] FIG. 25 is an exemplary schematic representation of nozzle 28 and seed 14 during the application of liquid in-furrow product 16 at a delivery pressure P that is intended to cause in-furrow product 16 to penetrate soil 21 to a penetration depth D. Delivery pressure P, the type of orifice of nozzle 28, the orientation of nozzle 28, the height of nozzle 28 above soil 21, the properties of in-furrow product 16, the flow rate of in-furrow product 16, the properties of soil 21 and the travel speed of potato planter 10 may influence penetration depth D of in-furrow product 16 that is achieved. For example, a nozzle 28 that produces a more narrow and concentrated spray pattern of liquid in-furrow product 16 may achieve a greater penetration depth D than a nozzle 28 that produces a wider and less concentrated spray pattern for the same flow rate.

[0203] In some situations, it may be desirable to apply in-furrow product 16 to a desired penetration depth D and / or even reach soil 21 that is under (e.g., vertically below) seed 14. Delivery pressures P to achieve different penetration depths D may be predetermined (e.g., empirically) and used by the operator as desired. For example, the operator may select or specify a desired delivery pressure P and the operation of pump 58 may be automatically adjusted to deliver such pressure P. Alternatively, coarser control of delivery pressure P may be provided by way of a plurality of selectableoperating speeds for pump 58. In some embodiments, pressure values and / or operating speeds of pump 58 may be stored in a look-up table and automatically selected by controller 32 based on one or more inputs from the operator.

[0204] With keeping all other parameters equal, an increase in delivery pressure P may help deliver in-furrow product 16 to a greater penetration depth D. A decrease in delivery pressure P may help deliver in-furrow product 16 to a shallower penetration depth D.

[0205] Depending on the penetration depth D and location of soil 21 into which in-furrow product 16 is to be applied, nozzle 28 may be tilted to a desire orientation relative to a vertical orientation V. Tilting of nozzle 28 may be used to set a desired spray direction for nozzle 28. FIG. 25 shows nozzle 28 being tilted from vertical orientation V by a non-zero tilt angle A. For example, nozzle 28 may be tilted from vertical orientation V and aimed to reach a region of soil 21 that is vertically below seed 14.

[0206] As can be seen therefore, the examples described above and illustrated are intended to be exemplary only.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A potato planter comprising:a potato seed dispenser operable to dispense a potato seed to a furrow as the potato planter travels along the furrow;a seed sensor operable to sense the potato seed in the furrow;a product applicator operatively connected to the seed sensor and operable to apply an in-furrow product to an application location in the furrow relative to the potato seed in response to sensing of the potato seed by the seed sensor; anda camera operable to capture an image of the application location at a time of application of the in-furrow product to the application location.

2. The potato planter as defined in claim 1, wherein the application location is a location that is expected to be occupied by the potato seed based on the sensing of the potato seed by the seed sensor.

3. The potato planter as defined in claim 1, comprising a display device visible to an operator of the potato planter, the display device being operatively connected to the camera to display the image captured by the camera.

4. The potato planter as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:a position of the potato seed in the image relative to the application location in the image is indicative of a dwell time between the sensing of the potato seed and the application of the in-furrow product as the potato planter travels along the furrow; and the dwell time is adjustable.

5. The potato planter as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the camera is operatively connected to the seed sensor so that sensing of the potato seed triggers the camera to capture the image during the application of the in-furrow product.

6. The potato planter as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the camera is a visible light camera and the potato planter includes a lamp operable to illuminate the application location in the furrow.

7. The potato planter as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a press wheel operable to press the potato seed in the furrow, the seed sensor being integrated into the press wheel.

8. The potato planter as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the in-furrow product is in a liquid form and the product applicator includes:a pump for pressurizing the in-furrow product;a valve disposed downstream of the pump for selectively releasing the in-furrow product;a nozzle through which the in-furrow product is dispensed, the nozzle being disposed downstream of the valve; anda passage fluidly connecting the valve with the nozzle.

9. The potato planter as defined in claim 8, comprising:a pressure sensor operable to sense a pressure of the in-furrow product inside the passage between the valve and the nozzle; anda computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor.

10. The potato planter as defined in claim 9, comprising an annunciator operable to generate an alert when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

11. The potato planter as defined in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the computer is operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor is lower than a or the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

12. The potato planter as defined in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the computer is operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to increase according to a or the expected baseline pressure in response to an opening of the valve.

13. The potato planter as defined in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the computer is operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor exceeds a or the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

14. The potato planter as defined in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the computer is operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to decrease according to a or the expected baseline pressure in response to a closing of the valve.

15. The potato planter as defined in any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the computer is operable to generate a signal indicative of the valve being defective when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to increase according to a or the expected baseline pressure following the valve being commanded to open.

16. The potato planter as defined in any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the computer is operable to generate a signal indicative of the valve being defective when thepressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to decrease according to a or the expected baseline pressure following the valve being commanded to close.

17. The potato planter as defined in any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the computer is operable to record the application location based on the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the passage.

18. The potato planter as defined in any one of claims 8 to 17, wherein:the product applicator includes a body defining a cavity between the valve and the nozzle;an insert is removably installed inside the cavity; andthe passage extends through the insert.

19. The potato planter as defined in claim 18, wherein the insert reduces a volume available for the in-furrow product inside the cavity to less than half of a volume of the cavity.

20. The potato planter as defined in claim 18, wherein a volume available for the infurrow product inside the cavity is between 5% and 45% of a volume of the cavity.

21. The potato planter as defined in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the insert includes a flow impedance defined inside the passage.

22. The potato planter as defined in claim 21, wherein the flow impedance includes a Reed valve.

23. The potato planter as defined in claim 21, wherein the flow impedance includes a Tesla valve.

24. A method of planting a potato seed in a furrow using a potato planter traveling along the furrow, the method comprising:dispensing a potato seed to a furrow as the potato planter travels along the furrow;sensing the potato seed in the furrow;applying an in-furrow product to an application location in the furrow relative to the potato seed in response to sensing the potato seed; andcapturing an image of the application location at a time of application of the infurrow product to the application location.

25. The method as defined in claim 24, comprising, based on a position of the potato seed in the image, adjusting a dwell time between the sensing of the potato seed and the application of the in-furrow product.

26. The method as defined in claim 24 or claim 25, comprising displaying the image to an operator of the potato planter as the potato planter is travelling along the furrow.

27. The method as defined in any one of claims 24 to 26, comprising pressing the potato seed in the furrow after dispensing the potato seed to the furrow and while sensing the potato seed in the furrow.

28. The method as defined in any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein:the in-furrow product is in a liquid form;applying the in-furrow product includes:dispensing the in-furrow product via a valve, a fluid passage and a nozzle in serial fluid communication; andsensing a pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage.

29. The method as defined in claim 28, comprising generating an alert when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

30. The method as defined in claim 28 or claim 29, comprising recording the application location based on the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage.

31. A method of planting potato seeds in a furrow with a potato planter travelling along the furrow, the method comprising:dispensing a first potato seed to the furrow with the potato planter as the potato planter travels along the furrow;sensing the first potato seed in the furrow;applying an in-furrow product to a first application location in the furrow relative to the first potato seed in response to sensing the first potato seed;after dispensing the first potato seed to the furrow, dispensing a second potato seed to the furrow with the potato planter according to a prescribed seed spacing along the furrow; andin an absence of sensing the second potato seed in the furrow, applying the infurrow product to a second application location in the furrow relative to the second potato seed based on the prescribed seed spacing.

32. The method as defined in claim 31 , wherein:the first application location is a location that is expected to be occupied by the first potato seed based on sensing the first potato seed; andthe second application location is a location that is expected to be occupied by the second potato seed based on the prescribed seed spacing.

33. The method as defined in claim 31 or claim 32, comprising:after dispensing the first potato seed into the furrow, pressing the first potato seed into the furrow with a press wheel; andusing the press wheel to sense the first potato seed in the furrow.

34. The method as defined in any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein:the in-furrow product is in a liquid form;applying the in-furrow product includes:dispensing the in-furrow product via a valve, a fluid passage and a nozzle in serial fluid communication; andsensing a pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage between the valve and the nozzle.

35. The method as defined in claim 34, comprising generating an alert when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

36. The method as defined in claim 34 or claim 35, comprising recording the first application location and / or the second application location based on the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage.

37. A method of planting a potato seed in a furrow with a potato planter and applying a liquid in-furrow product to a desired penetration depth in soil adjacent the potato seed, the method comprising:selecting a delivery pressure of the liquid in-furrow product according to the desired penetration depth in the soil;pressurizing the liquid in-furrow product to the delivery pressure selected according to the desired penetration depth in the soil;dispensing the potato seed to the furrow as the potato planter travels along the furrow; andapplying the liquid in-furrow product to the soil adjacent the potato seed using the selected delivery pressure of the liquid in-furrow product.

38. The method as defined in claim 37, wherein a nozzle applying the liquid infurrow product is tilted from a vertical orientation to reach a region of soil that is vertically below the potato seed.

39. The method as defined in claim 37 or claim 38, wherein applying the in-furrow product includes:dispensing the in-furrow product via a valve, a fluid passage and a nozzle in serial fluid communication; andsensing a pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage between the valve and the nozzle.

40. The method as defined in claim 39, comprising generating an alert when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

41. The method as defined in claim 39 or claim 40, comprising recording an application location of the in-furrow product based on the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage.

42. A potato planter comprising:a potato seed dispenser operable to dispense a potato seed to a furrow as the potato planter travels along the furrow;a seed sensor operable to sense the potato seed in the furrow;a product applicator operatively connected to the seed sensor and operable to apply a liquid in-furrow product to an application location in the furrow relative to the potato seed in response to sensing of the potato seed by the seed sensor, the product applicator including:a pump for pressurizing the in-furrow product;a valve disposed downstream of the pump for selectively releasing the in-furrow product;a nozzle through which the in-furrow product is dispensed, the nozzle being disposed downstream of the valve;a passage fluidly connecting the valve with the nozzle; and a pressure sensor operable to sense a pressure of the in-furrow product inside the passage between the valve and the nozzle.

43. The potato planter as defined in claim 42, comprising an annunciator operable to generate an alert when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

44. The potato planter as defined in claim 42 or claim 43, comprising a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor, the computer being operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the in-furrow productsensed by the pressure sensor is lower than a or the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

45. The potato planter as defined in claim 42 or claim 43, comprising a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor, the computer being operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to increase according to a or the expected baseline pressure in response to an opening of the valve.

46. The potato planter as defined in claim 42 or claim 43, comprising a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor, the computer being operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor exceeds a or the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

47. The potato planter as defined in claim 42 or claim 43, comprising a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor, the computer being operable to generate a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to decrease according to a or the expected baseline pressure in response to a closing of the valve.

48. The potato planter as defined in claim 42 or claim 43, comprising a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor, the computer being operable to generate a signal indicative of the valve being defective when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to increase according to a or the expected baseline pressure following the valve being commanded to open.

49. The potato planter as defined in claim 42 or claim 43, comprising a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor, the computer being operable to generate asignal indicative of the valve being defective when the pressure of the in-furrow product sensed by the pressure sensor fails to decrease according to a or the expected baseline pressure following the valve being commanded to close.

50. The potato planter as defined in claim 42 or claim 43, comprising a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor, the computer being operable to record the application location based on the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the passage.

51. The potato planter as defined in any one of claims 42 to 50, comprising a press wheel operable to press the potato seed in the furrow, the seed sensor being integrated into the press wheel.

52. A method of planting a potato seed in a furrow using a potato planter traveling along the furrow, the method comprising:dispensing a potato seed to a furrow as the potato planter travels along the furrow;sensing the potato seed in the furrow;applying a liquid in-furrow product to an application location in the furrow relative to the potato seed in response to sensing the potato seed by:pressurizing the liquid in-furrow product;opening a valve to release the pressurized liquid in-furrow product into a fluid passage leading to a nozzle;measuring a pressure of the liquid in-furrow product inside the fluid passage at a location between the valve and the nozzle; and dispensing the liquid in-furrow product via the nozzle; and recording the application location of the in-furrow product based on the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage.

53. The method as defined in claim 52, comprising generating an alert when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

54. The method as defined in claim 52 or claim 53, comprising generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage is lower than a or the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

55. The method as defined in claim 52 or claim 53, comprising generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage fails to increase according to the expected baseline pressure in response to an opening of the valve.

56. The method as defined in any one of claims 52 to 55, comprising generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage exceeds a or the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

57. The method as defined in any one of claims 52 to 55, comprising generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage fails to decrease according to a or the expected baseline pressure in response to a closing of the valve.

58. The method as defined in any one of claims 52 to 57, comprising generating a signal indicative of the valve being defective when the pressure of the in-furrow product inside the fluid passage fails to increase following the valve being commanded to open.

59. The method as defined in any one of claims 52 to 57, comprising generating a signal indicative of the valve being defective when the pressure of the in-furrow productinside the fluid passage fails to decrease following the valve being commanded to close.

60. A health monitoring method for a nozzle dispensing a liquid agricultural input, the method comprising:pressurizing the liquid agricultural input;opening a valve to release the pressurized liquid agricultural input into a fluid passage leading to a nozzle;sensing a pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage at a location between the valve and the nozzle;dispensing the liquid agricultural input via the nozzle; andgenerating an alert when the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

61. The method as defined in claim 60, comprising recording an application location of the liquid agricultural input based on the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage.

62. The method as defined in claim 60 or claim 61, comprising generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage is lower than the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

63. The method as defined in claim 60 or claim 61, comprising generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being worn when the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage fails to increase according to the expected baseline pressure in response to an opening of the valve.

64. The method as defined in any one of claims 60 to 63, comprising generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of theliquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage exceeds the expected baseline pressure when the valve is open.

65. The method as defined in any one of claims 60 to 63, comprising generating a signal indicative of the nozzle being at least partially clogged when the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the fluid passage fails to decrease according to the expected baseline pressure in response to a closing of the valve.

66. A spray applicator for applying a liquid agricultural input, the spray applicator comprising:a pump for pressurizing the liquid agricultural input;a valve disposed downstream of the pump for selectively releasing the liquid agricultural input;a nozzle through which the liquid agricultural input is dispensed, the nozzle being disposed downstream of the valve;a passage fluidly connecting the valve with the nozzle; anda pressure sensor operable to sense a pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the passage between the valve and the nozzle.

67. The spray applicator as defined in claim 66, comprising an annunciator operable to generate an alert when the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the passage differs from an expected baseline pressure.

68. The spray applicator as defined in claim 66 or claim 67, comprising a computer operatively coupled to the pressure sensor, the computer being operable to record an application location of the liquid agricultural input based on the pressure of the liquid agricultural input inside the passage.

69. The spray applicator as defined in any one of claims 66 to 68, wherein:the spray applicator includes a valve body defining a cavity between the valve and the nozzle;an insert is removably installed inside the cavity; andthe passage extends through the insert.

70. The spray applicator as defined in claim 69, wherein the insert reduces a volume available for the liquid agricultural input inside the cavity to less than half of a volume of the cavity.

71. The spray applicator as defined in claim 69, wherein a volume available for the liquid agricultural input inside the cavity is between 5% and 45% of a volume of the cavity.

72. The spray applicator as defined in any one of claims 69 to 71 , wherein the insert includes a flow impedance defined inside the passage.

73. The spray applicator as defined in claim 72, wherein the flow impedance includes a Reed valve.

74. The spray applicator as defined in claim 73, wherein the flow impedance includes a Tesla valve.

75. A spray applicator for applying a liquid agricultural input, the spray applicator comprising:a pump for pressurizing the liquid agricultural input;a valve disposed downstream of the pump for selectively releasing the liquid agricultural input;a nozzle through which the liquid agricultural input is dispensed, the nozzle being disposed downstream of the valve;a valve body defining a cavity disposed between the valve and the nozzle, the cavity being devoid of a strainer; andan insert removably installed inside the cavity and defining a passage fluidly connecting the valve with the nozzle and providing a volume available for the liquid agricultural input between the valve and the nozzle.

76. The spray applicator as defined in claim 75, wherein a cross-sectional area of the passage defined by the insert is equal to or greater than a cross-sectional area of an orifice of the nozzle.

77. The spray applicator as defined in claim 75 or claim 76, wherein the volume available for the liquid agricultural input between the valve and the nozzle is less than half of a volume of the cavity.

78. The spray applicator as defined in any one of claims 75 to 77, comprising a flow impedance defined inside the passage.

79. The spray applicator as defined in claim 78, wherein the flow impedance includes a Reed valve.

80. The spray applicator as defined in claim 78, wherein the flow impedance includes a Tesla valve.

81. A spray applicator for applying a liquid agricultural input, the spray applicator comprising:a pump for pressurizing the liquid agricultural input;a valve disposed downstream of the pump for selectively releasing the liquid agricultural input;a nozzle through which the liquid agricultural input is dispensed, the nozzle being disposed downstream of the valve;a valve body defining a cavity disposed between the valve and the nozzle, the cavity being devoid of a strainer; andan insert removably installed inside the cavity, the insert defining a passage fluidly connecting the valve with the nozzle, the insert including a flow impedance disposed inside the passage.

82. The spray applicator as defined in claim 81, wherein the flow impedance includes a Reed valve.

83. The spray applicator as defined in claim 81 or claim 82, wherein the flow impedance includes a Tesla valve.

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