U.S. patent application number 16/371815 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-03 for devices, systems, and methods for seed trench protection.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ag Leader Technology. Invention is credited to Jonathan Brand, Brett Buehler, Scott Eichhorn, Bob Heston, Joe Holoubek, Tony Woodcock, Roger Zielke.
Application Number | 20190297769 16/371815 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68057518 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190297769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zielke; Roger ; et
al. |
October 3, 2019 |
Devices, Systems, and Methods for Seed Trench Protection
Abstract
Disclosed herein are various devices, systems, and methods for
protecting open seed trenches form ingress of foreign material,
such as plant residue. The preventing foreign material from
entering the open seed trench during planting increases crop yield
by minimizing delayed germination and late plant emergence. Various
implementations of adjustable row cleaners may be used to prevent
ingress of foreign material. Also, various shields may be disposed
on the row units of a planter to prevent ingress of foreign
material.
Inventors: |
Zielke; Roger; (Huxley,
IA) ; Woodcock; Tony; (Ames, IA) ; Eichhorn;
Scott; (Ames, IA) ; Buehler; Brett; (Dallas
Center, IA) ; Heston; Bob; (Madrid, IA) ;
Holoubek; Joe; (Ames, IA) ; Brand; Jonathan;
(Ames, IA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ag Leader Technology |
Ames |
IA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68057518 |
Appl. No.: |
16/371815 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62650779 |
Mar 30, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01B 49/06 20130101;
A01C 5/066 20130101; A01C 7/006 20130101; A01C 5/064 20130101; A01B
63/008 20130101; A01B 49/027 20130101; A01C 7/08 20130101; A01B
63/004 20130101; A01C 5/068 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01B 49/02 20060101
A01B049/02; A01B 49/06 20060101 A01B049/06; A01B 63/00 20060101
A01B063/00; A01C 5/06 20060101 A01C005/06 |
Claims
1. An agricultural planter comprising: a. a plurality of row units,
each row unit comprising: i. one or more opening discs; ii. one or
more gauge wheels; iii. one or more closing discs; b. a trench
protection system comprising at least one of an adjustable row
cleaner and/or a shield,
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one row
cleaner actuator.
3. The system of claim 1, comprising at least one adjustable row
cleaner, wherein the row cleaner is adjustable via the at least one
actuator to adjust at least one of tilt angle, pitch angle, and
wheel depth.
4. The planter of claim 1, comprising a flexible shield, wherein
the shield is disposed between the gauge wheels and the closing
discs to block residue from entering an open seed trench.
5. The planter of claim 1, comprising a shield, wherein the shield
is attached to a seed firmer.
6. The planter of claim 5, wherein the shield further comprises a
cover disposed on the seed firmer.
7. The planter of claim 1, comprising a shield, wherein the shield
is angled away from the one or more closing discs.
8. The planter of claim 1, comprising a selectively detachable
shield.
9. The system of claim 1, comprising a shield, wherein the shield
is constructed and arranged to roll along a ground surface.
10. The system of claim 1, comprising a shield, wherein the shield
moves independently of a seed firmer.
11. (canceled)
12. A seed trench protecting system for a row unit comprising: a.
at least one closing disc; b. at least one gauge wheel; and c. a
trench protection system comprising: i. a row cleaner comprising a
row cleaner row unit; and ii. a shield disposed between the at
least one gauge wheel and the at least one closing disc, wherein
the shield prevents ingress of foreign material into an open seed
trench.
13. The system of claim 12, further comprising at least two row
cleaner wheels.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the row cleaner wheels further
comprise tines and the length of the tines is automatically
adjustable.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the tine length increases as
planting speed increases.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein the row tilt angle, pitch
angle, and depth of the row cleaner wheels is automatically
adjustable.
17. (canceled)
18. A seed trench protecting system for a row unit comprising at
least one closing disc and at least one gauge wheel, the trench
protection system comprising an adjustable row cleaner.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein: a. the adjustable row cleaner
comprises at least two row cleaner wheels, and b. at least one of
the row tilt angle, pitch angle, and depth of the row cleaner
wheels is automatically adjustable.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the row cleaner wheel pitch
angle decreases as planting speed increases.
21. The system of claim 18, wherein: a. the adjustable row cleaner
comprises at least two row cleaner wheels, and b. the row cleaner
wheels further comprise tines and the length of the tines is
automatically adjustable.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the tine length increases as
planting speed increases.
23. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 62/650,779, filed Mar. 30,
2018, and entitled "Seed Trench Protection from Foreign Material
Ingress," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to agricultural planters, and
more specifically, seeders that cut a trench in the soil, dispense
seeds in the open trench, and close the soil around the seed. In
various implementations, the disclosed devices, systems and methods
prevent foreign materials, such as crop residue, dry soil, soil
clods, and other unwanted foreign material from entering open seed
trenches during planting.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Uniform seed germination and plant emergence are critical to
achieve maximum yield potential for agricultural crops such as
corn. Unwanted foreign materials, such as crop residue, in the
trench beside or above the seed can communicate disease, delay
germination, and/or cause late emergence. Additionally, dry crop
residue, dry soil, clods, other foreign matter, or a combination
thereof can block all or part of a seed from contacting moist soil,
thereby delaying germination when compared to seeds in full contact
with moist soil. Also, seedling shoots that must grow through or
around residue, clods, and other foreign matter, may emerge later
than seeds in a clean, unimpeded trench. This delayed germination
and/or late emergence can negatively affect overall crop yield.
[0004] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, rotating gauge wheels 16 and row
cleaners 12 are known to move/throw unwanted foreign material 2,
including crop residue 2, into open trenches 4. Faster machine
speeds can exacerbate this problem. Additionally, crop residue 2
and foreign matter 2 can be found on the soil surface very close to
the open trench 4 after the foreign matter passes underneath the
gauge wheels 16. Often, this crop residue 2 and foreign matter 2
passes through or feeds between the two closing discs 14. As the
closing discs 14 pinch the trench 4 closed with surrounding soil,
the crop residue 2 or foreign matter 2 can be buried in the trench
4 or left on the soil surface above the emerging seedling. As
discussed above, foreign material 2 in the seed trench 4 or above
the seed can negatively affect crop yield.
[0005] As such, there is a need in the art for devices, systems,
and methods to prevent crop residue 2 and foreign material 2 from
entering an open seed trench 4 during planting.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] Disclosed herein are various devices, systems, and methods
for preventing unwanted foreign material from entering a seed
trench during planting.
[0007] One Example includes an agricultural planter including a
plurality of row units including one or more opening discs; one or
more gauge wheels; one or more closing discs; a trench protection
system including at least one of an adjustable row cleaner and/or a
shield, Other embodiments of this Example include corresponding
computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one
or more computer storage devices configured to perform the actions
of the methods.
[0008] Implementations according to this Example may include one or
more of the following features. The Example further including at
least one row cleaner actuator. The Example including at least one
adjustable row cleaner that is adjustable via the at least one
actuator to adjust at least one of tilt angle, pitch angle, and
wheel depth. The Example including a flexible shield disposed
between the gauge wheels and the closing discs to block residue
from entering an open seed trench. The Example including a shield,
where the shield is attached to a seed firmer. The Example where
the shield further includes a cover disposed on the seed firmer.
The Example including a shield, where the shield is angled away
from the one or more closing discs. The Example including a
selectively detachable shield. The Example including a shield,
where the shield is constructed and arranged to roll along a ground
surface. The planter including a shield, where the shield moves
independently of a seed firmer. The Example including a flexible
shield and an adjustable row cleaner including at least one row
cleaner actuator. Implementations of the described techniques may
include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a
computer-accessible medium.
[0009] One Example includes a seed trench protecting system for a
row unit including at least one closing disc; at least one gauge
wheel; and a trench protection system including a row cleaner
including a row cleaner row unit; and a shield disposed between the
at least one gauge wheel and the at least one closing disc, where
the shield prevents ingress of foreign material into an open seed
trench. Other embodiments of this Example include corresponding
computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one
or more computer storage devices configured to perform the actions
of the methods.
[0010] Implementations according to this Example may include one or
more of the following features. The Example further including at
least two row cleaner wheels. The Example where the row cleaner
wheels further include tines and a length of the tines is
automatically adjustable. The Example where tine length increases
as planting speed increases. The Example where row tilt angle,
pitch angle, and depth of the row cleaner wheels is automatically
adjustable. The Example where the pitch angle decreases as planting
speed increases.
[0011] Another Example is directed to an agricultural planting
system for a row unit including at least one closing disc; at least
one gauge wheel; and a trench protection system including an
adjustable row cleaner.
[0012] Implementations according to this Example may include one or
more of the following features. The Example where the adjustable
row cleaner includes at least two row cleaner wheels, and at least
one of the row tilt angle, pitch angle, and depth of the row
cleaner wheels is automatically adjustable. The Example where row
cleaner wheel pitch angle decreases as planting speed increases.
The Example where the adjustable row cleaner includes at least two
row cleaner wheels, and the row cleaner wheels further include
tines and the length of the tines is automatically adjustable. The
Example where tine length increases as planting speed increases.
The Example further including a shield.
[0013] In various Examples, a system of one or more computers can
be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue
of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them
installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the
system to perform the actions. One or more computer programs can be
configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of
including instructions that, when executed by data processing
apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions.
[0014] While multiple implementations are disclosed, still other
implementations of the present disclosure will become apparent to
those skilled in the art from the following detailed description,
which shows and describes illustrative implementations of the
invention. As will be realized, the disclosure is capable of
modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly,
the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a field under a row unit
during planting, according to one implementation.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a field near a row unit
during planting, according to one implementation.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of an open seed trench, according to
one implementation.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a planter, according to one
implementation.
[0019] FIG. 5A is a side view of a row unit with a row cleaner,
according to one implementation.
[0020] FIG. 5B is a flow chart depicting a closed loop feedback
control system, according to one implementation.
[0021] FIG. 6A is a side view of row cleaner wheels, according to
one implementation.
[0022] FIG. 6B is a side view of row cleaner wheels, according to
one implementation.
[0023] FIG. 6C is a front view of a row cleaner, according to one
implementation.
[0024] FIG. 6D is a top view of a row cleaner, according to one
implementation.
[0025] FIG. 6E is a front view of a row cleaner, according to one
implementation.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view of a planter row unit, according to
one implementation.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a front view of a seed firmer, according to one
implementation.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a side view of a planter row unit, according to
one implementation.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a top view of a planter row unit, according to
one implementation.
[0030] FIG. 11 is a side view of a planter row unit, according to
one implementation.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a side view of a planter row unit, according to
one implementation.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a side view of a planter row unit, according to
one implementation.
[0033] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a shield, according to one
implementation.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a rear view of a planter row unit, according to
one implementation.
[0035] FIG. 16 is a top view of a planter row unit, according to
one implementation.
[0036] FIG. 17 is a side view of a planter row unit, according to
one implementation.
[0037] FIG. 18 is a side view of a planter row unit, according to
one implementation.
[0038] FIG. 19 is a side view of a planter row unit, according to
one implementation.
[0039] FIG. 20 is a top view of a planter row unit, according to
one implementation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] The various implementations disclosed or contemplated herein
relate to devices, systems, and methods for protecting open seed
trenches from foreign material. More particularly, to various
devices, systems, and methods for shielding or otherwise preventing
the entrance of foreign material into an open seed trench or
furrow. The various shield devices may be attached to a planter row
unit between the opening wheels and closing discs to protect the
open seed trench from foreign matter. Various implementations may
also include an optional row cleaner for moving foreign material.
By minimizing the amount of foreign matter in and around the seed
trench, the disclosed implementations can prevent yield loss by
controlling for growth retarding circumstances including disease,
delayed germination, late emergence and the like.
[0041] The trench protection system 1 may include various optional
components, systems, and subsystems. For example, in certain
implementations, the protection system includes at least one of an
optional adjustable row cleaner and/or an optional shields. The
various optional components, systems, and subsystems as described
herein can be implemented individually or in any combination of the
protection system 1.
[0042] As is shown generally in FIG. 4, agricultural planters 8
typically have a plurality of individual row units 10. An exemplary
row unit 10 is depicted in FIG. 5A. These row units 10 may also
have various optional components including row cleaners 12, closing
discs 14, gauge wheels 16, opening discs 20 and others. Certain row
units 10 may include all or some of these components, as is well
understood in the art, and the specific configurations can change
depending on use.
[0043] Row cleaners 12 are configured to remove residue 2 in front
of the opening discs 20. The trench protection system 1 according
to certain implementations includes an optional adjustable row
cleaner 12. In various implementations, the adjustable row cleaner
12 has an associated adjustment system 3.
[0044] In the implementations of the system 1 in FIGS. 5A, 5B and
6A-6E, the planter row unit 10 has a row cleaner 12 with a row
cleaner wheel unit 21. The row cleaner wheel unit 21 can, in
certain implementations have paired row cleaner wheels 22A, 22B.
The row cleaner wheel unit 21 and paired row cleaner wheels 22A,
22B can automatically or manually adjust via an adjustment system 3
to change the amount, velocity, and direction of residue 2 removed
by the row cleaner wheel unit 21 and the paired row cleaner wheels
22A, 22B.
[0045] In various implementations, and as detailed further below,
row cleaner 12 adjustments may include, but are not limited to,
altering the depth of the row cleaner wheel unit 21 and paired row
cleaner wheels 22A, 22B, angle of the row cleaner wheel unit 21 and
paired row cleaner wheels 22A, 22B, or the shape of the row cleaner
wheel unit 21 and paired row cleaner wheels 22A, 22B.
[0046] It is understood that the adjustment of row cleaners 12
using prior art techniques was often cumbersome requiring frequent
adjustments in order to effectively remove residue 2 without
removing significant amounts of soil. Maintaining the proper
calibration of row cleaners 12 was additionally made difficult
because the proper calibration depends on a variety of factors
including planting speed, residue quantity, soil type, and other
factors as would be recognized. These variables may change quickly
and many times throughout a field. The row cleaner 12 and
adjustment system 3 disclosed herein can adjust the row cleaner 12
as needed allowing for proper calibration of the row cleaner 12
throughout planting.
[0047] In the various implementations shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and
6A-6E, adjustment of the row cleaner 12 may be automatic, and may
be partly or wholly controlled by feedback from vehicle speed, crop
residue quantity, cleaner wheel RPM, soil type, and/or other
sensors or feedback mechanisms as would be appreciated by those of
skill in the art.
[0048] In certain of these implementations, the adjustment system 3
includes a closed loop feedback control system 5. The closed loop
feedback control system 5 may include sensors 23 that monitor the
flow of soil, spread of soil, and/or residue moved by the row
cleaners 12, as is shown in relation to FIG. 5A.
[0049] The closed feedback control system 5 as shown in FIG. 5A has
sensors 23 in communication with one or more controllers 25 in
communication with the row cleaner 12. In various implementations,
the connections between these components are electrical and/or
wired or wireless. FIG. 5B shows an exemplary flow chart of the
closed feedback control system 5.
[0050] In various implementations, the sensors 23 are constructed
and arranged to detect or otherwise sense (box 110) varying
conditions, as described above. The sensors 23 are in communication
with the controller 25. The controller 25 may be located on the row
unit 10 or elsewhere on the planter 8, associated tractor, or
elsewhere as would be appreciated by those of skill in the art.
[0051] The controller 25 is constructed and arranged to assess (box
112) the various inputs from the sensors 23. The controller 25 is
in turn in communication with the row cleaner 12, actuator(s) 27
and/or associated adjustment system 3 and may adjust (box 114) the
row cleaner 12 in accordance with the sensed (box 110) conditions
via commands directed to the actuator(s) 27. It would be
appreciated by those of skill in the art that the steps and
processes of the closed feedback control system 5 can be performed
in any order and may include additional steps.
[0052] In one example, the row cleaner 12 may be automatically
adjusted for changes in planting speed. Known row cleaners 12 have
typically been optimized for speeds of about 4-5 miles per hour,
and it is understood that the use of these known row cleaners 12 at
higher speeds may result in residue 2 being thrown into adjacent
rows including into seed trenches 4. The disclosed row cleaner 12
can be automatically adjusted via the adjustment system 3 to
account for faster planting speeds to remove residue 2 without
removing excess soil and/or throwing residue 2 into adjacent rows
and trenches 4. Additionally, the change in planting speed can be
detected by a sensor 23 and the closed loop control system 5. When
the change is speed is detected or sensed (box 110) by the sensors
23, a signal may be sent to the controller 25. The controller 25
may then assess (box 112) the signal from the sensor 23. The
controller may then send a corresponding signal to the adjustment
system 3 and associated components to indicate to the adjustment
system 3 that the row cleaner 12 should be adjusted (box 114).
[0053] The sensors 23 may be residue sensors 23, which may include,
but are not limited to, vision systems, radar, laser imaging,
ultrasound, or any variety of contact sensors. The automatic row
cleaner adjustment system 3 according to certain implementations
may utilize feedback from residue sensors 23 detecting and/or
measuring residue moving towards open seed trenches, including the
seed trenches of adjacent rows. Certain non-limiting examples of
sensors 23 that can measure vehicle speed include: GPS, vehicle
speedometer and ground engaging devices, such as the row cleaners
12.
[0054] Continuing with the implementations of FIGS. 6A-6E,
adjustments to the row cleaner 12 may include changing the shape of
the row cleaner wheel unit 21, and/or paired row cleaner wheels
22A, 22B. As shown in FIG. 6A, the tines 24 of the row cleaner
wheel unit 21 can be extended or retracted, in the direction of
reference arrow A.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 6B, the depth band 26 of the row cleaner
wheel unit 21 can be adjusted. The depth band 26 can be extended or
narrowed, in the direction of reference arrow B. In these and other
implementations, the effect may be such that the tines 24 are
lengthened to move more residue 2 or conversely the tines 24 are
shortened to move less residue 2. In use, according to these
implementations, these adjustments to the tines 24 and/or depth
band 26 can be made via actuators 27. In various other
implementations adjustments may be made via mechanical linkages,
weights, springs, and/or actively controlled with electric,
pneumatic, or hydraulic actuators 27, as well as additional
actuators 27 and technologies understood by the skilled artisan.
Adjustments can be made automatically or manually via the
adjustment system 3.
[0056] In some implementations, adjustments to the row cleaner
wheel unit 21 and paired row cleaner wheels 22A, 22B may also
include altering the angle of the paired row cleaner wheels 22A,
22B. That is, in some implementations the tilt angle can be
adjusted--such as in the direction of reference arrow C shown in
FIG. 6C. In FIG. 6C, as viewed from the front, the tilt angle C
between the two paired row cleaner wheels 22A, 22B can be increased
or decreased as desired.
[0057] In these and other implementations, the pitch angle may also
be adjusted--such as in the direction of reference arrow D shown in
FIG. 6D. The pitch angle D viewed from the top in FIG. 6D, is the
angle between the two paired row cleaner wheels 22A, 22B and can be
increased or decreased as desired.
[0058] In one exemplary implementation, as travel speed increases,
the adjustment system 3 may automatically decrease the pitch angle
D such that the angle at which the residue 2 is thrown away from
the row cleaner 12 is away from the adjacent row(s). In an
alternative implementation, as travel speed decreases, the
adjustment system 3 may automatically increase pitch angle D, such
that the row cleaner 12 sweeps a wider path of residue 2 for the
row. Further implementations would be apparent to those of skill in
the art.
[0059] Shown in FIG. 6E, row cleaner wheel unit 21 may increase or
decrease in depth, in the direction of reference arrow E. In one
example, when the circumference velocity of the row cleaner wheel
unit 21 is less than vehicle speed, the adjustment system 3 may
adjust the row cleaner wheel unit 21 and/or paired row cleaner
wheels 22A, 22B such that their depth is increased. In another
example, the system 3 may increase the depth of the row cleaner
wheel unit 21 and/or paired row cleaner wheels 22A, 22B when
quantity of residue 2 increases.
[0060] The above described adjustments to the row cleaner 12 and
row cleaner wheel unit 21 and paired row cleaner wheels 22A, 22B
can be used individually or in any combination, as desired. In
various implementations adjustments to the row cleaner wheels 22A,
22B can be made via actuators 27, such as electrical, hydraulic,
and/or pneumatic actuators. In these and other implementations,
adjustments to the row cleaner wheels 22A, 22B are made via
mechanical linkages, weights, and/or springs.
[0061] In further implementations of the protection system 1, the
planter row unit 10 may include various shields 28 disposed
substantially between the opening discs 20 and the closing discs 14
to protect the seed trench 4 from ingress of foreign material 2.
These implementations having shields 28 may be used in addition to
or instead of the row cleaner 12 with the adjustment system 3 as
described above.
[0062] FIGS. 7-20 depict various implementations wherein the
protection system 1 has a shield 28 used to block foreign material
2 from entering a seed trench 4. In various implementations, the
shield 28 is constructed and arranged to provide a physical barrier
to the seed trench 4 or furrow. The shield 28 is additionally
constructed and arranged to shield crop residue 2 or other foreign
material 2 to prevent the material 2 from entering an open trench 4
between the opening discs 20/gauge wheels 16 and closing discs 14.
By shielding the trench 4 from foreign material 2 crop yield can be
improved by controlling for growth retarding circumstances
including disease, delayed germination, and late emergence.
[0063] It is understood that elements of any of the disclosed
implementations may be modularly combined to suit the variations
and nuances of different row units 10 and applications. For
example, a shield 28 may be combined with a seed firmer 18 and
mounted at a mounting point 32 to a row unit 10. Alternatively, the
shield 28 may be attached with a row unit 10 at a different point
from the seed firmer 18 to provide independent shielding and
firming functions, such that the seed firmer 18 and shield 28 do
not interfere or impede the action of the other.
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in some implementations, the
shield 28 comprises an elongate, substantially planar, optionally
adjustable cover 30. In certain implementations, the cover 30 is
molded into or otherwise fixedly attached to the top of the firmer
18 such that the cover 30 extends beyond the width of the seed
trench 4, at or above the soil level. In various implementations,
the cover 30 is selectively adjustable and/or releasable.
Adjustments to the cover 30 can be made to account for optimal
placement of the cover 30 for the desired planting depth.
[0065] In various implementations, where the shield 28 is used in
connection with a seed firmer 18 that rides in the trench 4 below
the shield 28. The firmer 18 may be able to move independently of
the shield 28. Additionally, the shield 28 may incorporate a firmer
18 that is placed in the trench 4 on its own spring-loaded arm.
[0066] In various implementations, the height of the firmer 18 may
be adjusted, that is increased or decreased--for example such that
the firmer 18 extends above the seed trench 4. The position of the
cover 30 may be adjustable.
[0067] The size of the cover 30 may be such that the cover 30
extends from the rear edge of the opening discs 20 to the pinch
point of the closing discs 14. Various other sizes and
configurations are of course possible.
[0068] In various implementations, the cover 30 is constructed and
arranged such that the overall size and shape of the firmer 18 may
be adapted or increased to fill more of the seed trench 4 than a
traditional firmer 18. The larger firmer 18A, 18B, shown in FIG. 9,
is constructed and arranged for the purpose of keeping all foreign
material 2 out of the seed trench 4. The cover 30 and/or the firmer
18 structure may push or sweep loose soil and residue 2 away from
the seed trench 4. It is understood that in use, moving foreign
material 2 away from the trench 4 allows for only the soil forming
the trench 4 to surround the seed when the closing discs 14 pinch
the seed trench 4 closed.
[0069] In some implementations, the cover 30 incorporates one or
more riders 34 and/or articulated joints 36 (also referred to
herein as a hinge 36). The riders 34 and articulated joints 36 are
constructed and arranged such that the cover 30 can adjust along
with the contours of the ground. Movement of the cover 30 may be
desirable such that the outer edges of the cover 30 or rider
elements 34 would ride along the surface of the ground.
[0070] The articulated joints 36 may be designed such that the
upward force of the cover 30 or rider 34 does not exceed the
downward force of the firmer mounting arm 32. This configuration
may prevent the firmer 18 from pushing up and out of the seed
trench 4.
[0071] In alternate implementations, the cover 30 can be
constructed and arranged so as to be directly engaged with the
ground. In these and other implementations, articulated joints 36
flex to the planting depth. It is understood that the articulated
joints 36 are necessarily constructed and arranged such that any
force exerted by the articulated joints 36 is less than the force
holding the firmer 18 in the trench 4, such that the articulated
joints 36 do not push the firmer 18 up and out of the bottom of the
trench 4.
[0072] In various alternative implementations, the size of the
firmer 18 is increased in length and width such that the entire
open seed trench 4 between the rear of the opening disks 20 and the
closing discs 14 is filled by the firmer 18, as shown in FIG. 9.
Further shapes and sizes are of course possible.
[0073] In some implementations, the cross-sectional shape of the
firmer 18 may be configured such that the firmer 18 occupies more
of the seed trench 4 to prevent ingress of residue 2 and loose
soil. The firmer 18 may be comprised of a series of links 18A, 18B
with hinges 38 between the links 18A, 18B. The hinge(s) 38 are
constructed such that the firmer unit 18 can flex vertically and/or
horizontally. A flexible firmer 18 may be needed to ensure that the
firmer 18 remains in the seed trench 4, does not break, does not
cause damage to the seed trench 4, and/or does not otherwise
disrupt the proper placement of the seed.
[0074] In certain implementations, the firmer 18 may push or sweep
loose soil and residue up and away from the seed trench such that
only the soil forming the trench 4 surrounds the seed when the
closing discs 14 pinch the seed trench 4 closed.
[0075] In various implementations, the firmer 18 as described in
relation to FIG. 11 may be used in combination with the devices and
methods described above in relation to FIGS. 9 and 10.
Additionally, implementations including shield elements 28--such as
a firmer 18 and/or cover 30--can be combined with the adjustable
row cleaner 12, discussed above in relation to FIGS. 5-6E.
[0076] In some implementations, a shield 28 may be mounted to the
planter row unit 12 and comprise one or more guard members 40A, 40B
that extend rearward from inside of or near the rear of the opening
discs 28--where the seed trench 4 is created--shown in FIGS. 10 and
11. The guard members 40A, 40B may extend at an outward angle from
the seed trench 4 in the space between the gauge wheels 16 and
closing discs 14. In certain of these implementations, the outward
angle allows the guard members 40A, 40B to block and deflect loose
soil and crop residue 2 picked up by the gauge wheels 16 and
project such residue 2 rearward and away from the seed trench
4.
[0077] The guard members 40A, 40B, according to these
implementations, deflect the residue 2 away from the open seed
trench 4 and closing discs 14 such that residue 2 in the seed
trench 4 and on top of the seed trench 4 is minimized. In various
implementations, the guard members 40A, 40B may include slots,
mounting holes, and mounting brackets for the purpose of mounting
sensors 42A, 42B. In various implementations the sensors 42A, 42B
may be sensors for measuring soil height (trench depth) and/or
other soil characteristics as would be appreciated by those of
skill in the art.
[0078] In various implementations, the guard members 40A, 40B may
be linked to or otherwise in mechanical communication with one or
more gauge wheel supports 44A, 44B. By linking the guard members
40A, 40B to the gauge wheel supports 44A, 44B the position and
spacing of the guard members 40A, 40B with the gauge wheels 16 can
be kept constant, as would be readily appreciated.
[0079] In some implementations, the guard members 40A, 40B may
constructed out of flexible materials, such as bristles or canvas
or other material that flexes and/or bounces back if hit by rocks,
large clods, or other large, heavy field debris. Constructing guard
members 40A, 40B out of flexible materials can also increase the
durability of the guard members 40A, 40B such that they need to be
replaced or repaired less frequently.
[0080] As shown in FIGS. 12-15, the shield 28 and guard members 40
may include a break-away system 7 where the bolts 46 and/or
brackets 44 that attach the shield 28 to the row unit 10 allow the
shield 28 to break away from the row unit 10 when the shield 28
strikes an immovable object, such as a rock. The break-away system
7 may be designed such that one end of the shield 28 will break
away while a second end of the shield 28 remains attached
preventing the shield 28 from being becoming completely detached
from the row unit 10 and being lost in a field during planting.
[0081] The brackets 44 and/or bolts 46 may be disposed at various
attachment points along the guard member 40 and/or shield 28. In
various implementations, one or more bolts 46 are disposed at the
top of the shield 28 proximal to the gauge wheel 16. Additional
bolts 46 and/or corresponding brackets 44 may be disposed at the
bottom of the shield 28 proximal to the ground/trench 4.
[0082] In the implementations of FIGS. 16 and 17, the shield 28 is
a flexible shield 28. The flexible shield 28 may be constructed an
arranged such that it may expand or contract as described herein.
Gauge wheels 16 move in a circular path about a pivot point on the
row unit 10. When the planter 8--shown in FIG. 4--is lifted, the
gauge wheel arms 58 rest against a stationary stop that defines a
certain point on an arc to which the gauge wheels 16 always return
when in the lifted position. When the planter 8 is lowered, gauge
wheels 16 touch the ground and move up and forward. As the gauge
wheels 16 move forward the gauge wheels 16 move away from closing
discs 14. The gauge wheel 16 rotate forward, about an arc length
until the gauge wheel arms 58 hit the depth setting stops.
[0083] In these and other implementations, as the gauge wheels 16
rotate forward, the shield 28 expands behind the gauge wheels 16.
As the shield 28 expands it shelters the top of the open trench 4.
When the planter is lifted, the gauge wheels 16 rotate back,
towards the closing discs 14, pushing and collapsing the shield
28--as shown in FIG. 16--to make room for the gauge wheels 16 as
they rotate back. The shield 28 may be collapsible in whole or in
part.
[0084] The collapsible part of the flexible shield 28 may
constructed of bristles, canvas, or any other flexible material as
would be appreciated by those of skill in the art. In alternative
implementations, the flexible shield 28 is constructed of a rigid
material and includes a spring action element or hinge to provide
flexibility between expanded and collapsed positions.
[0085] In various implementations, the shield 28 may be mounted to
a bracket 52 attached to the row unit 10 or seed tube 54.
Alternatively, the shield 28 can be integrated with a firmer 18.
The shield mount 53 may be made with a resilient material having a
downward spring force. The downward spring force keeps the shield
28 assembly engaged with the ground as the planter 8 traverses a
field.
[0086] In various implementations, the shield 28 comprises skids 56
or ski-like outrigger elements 56 that will ride along the surface
of the soil on each side of the seed trench 4. The skids 56 will
allow the shield 28 to follow the contours of the ground while
maintaining protection over the open seed trench 4. The skids 56
may be of various shapes and sizes and extend beyond the ground
contact area of the closing discs 14.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 18, in an alternative implementation, the
shield 28 may comprise a roller 60. The roller 60 may be placed on
each side of the seed trench 4 behind the gauge wheels 16. The
roller 60 may be a wheel, or series of wheels, or a track. The
roller 60 may be used alone or in conjunction with the shield 28
implementations discussed herein and/or the adjustable row cleaner
12 discussed above. The roller 60 may provide a physical barrier to
prevents ingress of unwanted residue 2 that can negatively impact
the germination and growth of the seed and subsequent plants.
[0088] The roller 60, in various implementations, may be linked to
one or more gauge wheel support members 44. The linkage of the
roller 60 to the gauge wheel support member 44 allows for
maintaining constant position and spacing with the gauge wheels 16
and roller 60. In some implementations, the gauge wheel arm 58 may
limit the travel of the roller 60 to keep the roller 60 in the
proper position.
[0089] In various implementations, the roller 60 may be similarly
linked to the closing discs 14 to maintain proper position in
relation to the ground.
[0090] In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the
shield 28, is a rolling shield 28. The rolling shield 28 may
consist of two shields 28, disposed on each side of the row unit 10
between each gauge wheels 16 and closing wheel 14. The shield 28
may be constructed to float/roll on the soil surface on each side
of the open trench 4. The rolling shield 28 may be a straight,
concave or convex shaped disk blade. In some implementations, the
rolling shield 28 may include spikes or teeth along its
perimeterr--similar to the tines 24 of the row cleaner 12 shown in
FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0091] The rolling shield 28 may include a depth band--similar to
that shown in FIG. 6B as discussed above in relation to the row
cleaner wheels 22, 22A, 22B. The rolling shield 28 may be
adjustable--as discussed above in relation to the row cleaner 12 in
FIGS. 6A-6E.
[0092] The rolling shield 28 may rake or throw any crop residue 2
away from or outside of the closing discs 14, thereby preventing
residue 2 from passing between closing discs 14. The rolling shield
28 may also shield airborne crop residue 2 from falling into the
open trench 4.
[0093] The rolling shield 28 may be disposed at an angle, away from
the closing discs 14, such that residue 2 cleared by the rolling
shield 28 is thrown away from or outside of the closing discs 14,
as best shown in FIG. 20.
[0094] In some implementations, the rolling shield 28 may be
mounted directly to the row unit 10. As the planting depth settings
change and/or the soil surface terrain changes, the row unit 10
moves relative to the soil surface. When the shield 28 is mounted
directly to the row unit, the shield 28 may roll along on the soil
surface to accommodate the row unit 10 movement.
[0095] In various implementations, the weight of the shield 28 can
keep the rolling shield 28 engaged with the soil surface. In
alternative implementations, an adjustable spring force between the
row unit 10 and shield 28 can be used to apply downward pressure on
the soil in excess of the force from the weight of the shield 28
alone. In various implementations, the shield 28 comprises two
shields 28 disposed on either side of the row unit, that may move
independently of each other.
[0096] Although this disclosure has been described with references
to various implementation, persons skilled in the art will
recognized that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
* * * * *