Deere + Company

Colter W Kinney

Grant J Wonderlich

Randall A Maro

Nathan Albert Mariman

Bradley A Wackerle

James Randall Peterson

Kenneth Herrmann

Michael C Steele

Carlos Alberto Soto

Work machines, fertilizer opener assemblies for work machines, and methods of operating work machines are disclosed. A work machine includes a chassis, a frame, and a fertilizer opener assembly. The frame is coupled to the chassis for movement relative to the chassis. The fertilizer opener assembly is coupled to the frame to selectively form trenches in the soil for the deposition of fertilizer. The fertilizer opener assembly includes an actuator that is extendable and retractable to vary a length of the actuator and a cutting implement coupled to the actuator. Operation of the actuator drives movement of the cutting implement between a cutting position, in which the cutting implement makes contact with the soil to form trenches in the soil, and a transport position, in which the cutting implement is raised above the soil.

Work machines incorporating fertilizer opener assemblies, fertilizer opener assemblies therefor, and methods of operating work machines

An agricultural machine includes a main frame, an adjustable frame coupled to the main frame and, a row unit which includes a linking arm coupled to the adjustable frame, and an actuator coupled to the main frame and the adjustable frame. The agricultural machine also includes a controller configured to command the actuator to output various downforces to the row units based on signals received from one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are configured to measure one more indicators associated with an actual height of the row unit relative to ground.

Ground following optimization with downforce control systems and methods

An agricultural machine includes a main frame, an adjustable frame coupled to the main frame and, a row unit which includes a linking arm coupled to the adjustable frame, and an actuator coupled to the main frame and the adjustable frame. The agricultural machine also includes a controller configured to command the actuator to move to various positions based on signals received from one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are configured to measure one more indicators associated with an actual height of the row unit relative to ground.

Ground following optimization with position control systems and methods

An implement includes a frame having a main section and a wing section pivotally coupled to the main section. A row unit is mounted to the frame wing section to dispense a product to the ground surface. A weight transfer system transfers weight from the frame main section to the frame wing section to reduce the load carried by the main wheel assembly. A row unit downforce system applies a force on the row unit relative to the frame wing section. A pressure transducer measures the force applied by the row unit downforce system and generates a signal indicative of the applied force. A control system operates the weight transfer system in response to the signal from the pressure transducer to assist the row unit downforce system. The control system actuates the weight transfer system to apply an additional force on the frame wing section in response to the signal.

Implement having weight transfer system and method of operating the same

A control system for controlling an implement that is movable between a work mode and a transport mode. The control system includes a source of hydraulic fluid, a first actuator and a second actuator. The first and second actuators are fluidly coupled to the source and disposed parallel to one another. A sensor detects movement of the first and second actuators between their retracted and fully extended positions, and a control valve is disposed in communication with the sensor and in fluid communication with the first and second actuators. As the implement moves to its transport mode, the sensor detects movement of the first and second actuators towards their fully extended positions. The control valve inhibits movement of the first and second actuators before either actuator reaches its fully extended position.

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Lohrville, IA, United States of America

Colter W Kinney