The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 03, 2015
Filed:
Jan. 07, 2008
Derek A. Sauder, Tremont, IL (US);
Tim A. Sauder, Tremont, IL (US);
Justin L. Koch, Deer Creek, IL (US);
Phil D. Baurer, Tremont, IL (US);
Derek A. Sauder, Tremont, IL (US);
Tim A. Sauder, Tremont, IL (US);
Justin L. Koch, Deer Creek, IL (US);
Phil D. Baurer, Tremont, IL (US);
Precision Planting LLC, Tremont, IL (US);
Abstract
A system and method for determining the appropriate downforce on an agricultural planter row unit that minimizes soil compaction while maintaining desired furrow depth. A load sensor is disposed to generate a load signal corresponding to loading on a depth regulation member of the row unit. In one method a load margin is calculated based on a minimum detected load value. In another method, a load margin is derived through a statistical analysis of the detected load values. The load margin calculated or derived by any of the methods is indicative of the amount of supplemental down force that should be increased or decreased to bring the load margin toward zero. A ground contact parameter may also be used in connection with the load margin to provide further confidence on the proper amount of downforce required to ensure furrow depth while minimizing soil compaction.