AGRICULTURAL TRENCH DEPTH SENSING SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS

摘要

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for determining the depth of a trench opened by an agricultural to planter. Sensors are provided for detecting the position of a ground-engaging element of the planter such as a gauge wheel or seed firmer of a row unit of the planter. Apparatus and methods are provided for installing such sensors onto a row unit of the planter. Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for controlling downpressure on a row unit based on the trench depth. Methods are provided for mapping trench depth measured by the depth sensors.

主权项

1. An agricultural row unit, comprising:
a row unit frame; a first gauge wheel arm pivotally mounted to the row unit frame and disposed to limit the depth of a trench opened by the row unit; and a first sensor configured to generate a first signal related to the angular position of said first gauge wheel arm relative to said row unit frame, said first sensor comprising: a receiver component; a transmitter component; wherein one of said receiver component and said transmitter component is disposed to rotate with said first gauge wheel arm; wherein one of said receiver component and said transmitter component is fixedly mounted to said row unit frame; and wherein said first signal is related to a distance between said receiver component and said transmitter component.