Patent Publication Number: US-2021185903-A1

Title: Seed Meter Controller And Associated Devices, Systems, And Methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 62/949,629, filed Dec. 18, 2019, and entitled “Seed Meter Controller and Associated Devices, Systems, and Methods,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to agricultural seeding systems, and more particularly, to devices, systems, and methods for testing planter row units. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is understood in the art that seeder must be tested periodically to check for proper function. For electric drive seeders, operators must activate the individual row drives to verify that the seed meter system is functioning as intended. To verify that the system is functioning as intended each individual drive mechanism must be activated through the electrical control system such that an operator can see and hear each individual planter row unit operate and drop seed. 
     There is a need in the art for devices, systems, and methods for safely testing seeding systems on individual row units. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     One general Example of the control system includes a seed meter testing system including a row control module, a sensor in communication with the row control module, and a seed delivery system, where the seed delivery system is activated by activation of the sensor. 
     In Example 1, a control system comprising a row control module, a first magnetic sensor in communication with the row control module, and a first row unit system in electronic communication with the row control module, wherein the first magnetic sensor causes the first row unit system to activate and deactivate. 
     Example 2 relates to the control system of Example 1, further comprising a magnet constructed and arranged to activate and deactivate the first magnetic sensor, wherein activation of the first magnetic sensor causes the first row unit system to activate and wherein deactivation of the first magnetic sensor causes the first row unit system to deactivate. 
     Example 3 relates to the control system of Example 2, wherein the first row unit system is an electric drive motor. 
     Example 4 relates to the control system of Example 1, further comprising a second magnetic sensor in communication with the row control module, and a second first row unit system in electronic communication with the row control module, wherein the second magnetic sensor causes the second row unit system to activate and deactivate. 
     Example 5 relates to the control system of Example 4, further comprising a magnet constructed and arranged to activate and deactivate the first and second magnetic sensors, wherein activation of the first and magnetic sensors causes the first and second row unit systems to activate and wherein deactivation of the first and second magnetic sensors causes the first and second row unit systems to deactivate. 
     Example 6 relates to the control system of Example 5, wherein the magnet comprises two polarities, a first polarity corresponding to the first magnetic sensor and a second polarity corresponding to the second magnetic sensor. 
     Example 7 relates to the control system of Example 1, wherein the first row unit system remain activated until deactivated by the first magnetic sensor. 
     In Example 8, an agricultural planter system comprising a plurality of row units, each row unit comprising a sensor in operative communication with at least one row unit device, wherein the sensor is constructed and arranged to turn the row unit device ON and OFF. 
     Example 9 relates to the planter of Example 8, wherein the sensor is selected from a magnetic sensor, a proximity sensor, a hall effect sensor, a reed switch, a solid state switch, an inductive sensor, a magneto-resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a remote optical sensor, and a linear position sensor. 
     Example 10 relates to the planter of Example 8, wherein the sensor is a magnetic sensor. 
     Example 11 relates to the planter system of Example 10, wherein the magnetic sensor is selected from a linear output analog sensor and a switching digital sensor. 
     Example 12 relates to the planter system of Example 10, further comprising a magnet constructed and arranged to operate the magnetic sensor. 
     Example 13 relates to the planter system of Example 12, wherein the magnet is a dual-polarity magnet. 
     Example 14 relates to the planter system of Example 12, wherein the magnet is functionally integrated into a seed digger tool. 
     In Example 15, a row unit testing system comprising a row control module, a magnetic sensor disposed on the row control module, wherein the magnetic sensor is constructed and arranged to detect magnetic fields and output a voltage corresponding to the detected magnetic field, and wherein the output voltage from the magnetic sensor results in activation and deactivation of the testing system. 
     Example 16 relates to the row unit testing system of Example 15, further comprising a magnet having a first pole and a second pole, detection of the magnetic field of the first pole causes the magnetic sensor to output a voltage resulting in activation of the testing system. 
     Example 17 relates to the row unit testing system of Example 16, wherein detection of the magnetic field of the second pole cause the magnetic sensor to output a voltage resulting in deactivation of the testing system. 
     Example 18 relates to the row unit testing system of Example 16, wherein the magnet is operatively integrated into a seed digger tool. 
     Example 19 relates to the row unit testing system of Example 15, further comprising a timer in operative communication with the magnetic sensor, wherein upon activation the testing system runs for a predetermined period of time set within the timer. 
     Example 20 relates to the row unit testing system of Example 15 wherein activation of the testing system causes one or more components of a row unit to turn on. 
     Implementations of these various Examples may include one or more of the following features. The system where the sensor is a magnetic sensor. The system where the magnetic sensor is activated by the presence of a first magnetic field. The system where the magnetic sensor is deactivated by the presence of a second magnetic field and where the second magnetic field has a polarity opposite a polarity of the first magnetic field. The system where the first and second magnetic fields are generated by a dual polarity magnet. The system where the dual polarity magnet is incorporated into a seed digger tool. 
     While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments 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 disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a known push button on a row unit. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary planter, according to one implementation. 
         FIG. 3A  is a side perspective view of an exemplary row unit, according to one implementation. 
         FIG. 3B  is a side view of an exemplary row unit, according to one implementation. 
         FIG. 3C  is a schematic view of various row unit components, according to one implementation. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a row control module and magnet, according to one implementation. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a row control module circuit board, according to one implementation. 
         FIG. 6  shows a side view of seed digger tools, according to one implementation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The various implementations disclosed and contemplated herein relate to a planter testing and operation system. That is, the disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for testing and verifying the functionality of various components on agricultural planters. In various implementations, the systems are provided for testing the functionality of an electric drive seeder and/or other components of an agricultural row unit. In certain implementations, the systems, methods, and devices are remotely controlled and hands-free, such that users may activate individual row units to verify planter functionality and troubleshoot any errors. In some implementations, the systems, methods, and devices improve the safety of testing and operation of the planter row units and represent improvements in the testing systems thereof, as will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan. It would also be appreciated that the testing system described and contemplated herein may be adapted for use on various other agricultural machinery including harvesters, sprayers, and others as would be known to those of skill in the art. 
     Certain of the disclosed testing system implementations can be used in conjunction with any of the devices, systems or methods taught or otherwise disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 16/121,065, filed Sep. 1, 2018, and entitled “Planter Down Pressure and Uplift Devices, Systems, and Associated Methods,” U.S. Pat. No. 10,743,460, filed Oct. 3, 2018, and entitled “Controlled Air Pulse Metering Apparatus for an Agricultural Planter and Related Systems and Methods,” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/272,590, filed Feb. 11, 2019, and entitled “Seed Spacing Device for an Agricultural Planter and Related Systems and Methods,” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/142,522, filed Sep. 26, 2018, and entitled “Planter Downforce and Uplift Monitoring and Control Feedback Devices, Systems and Associated Methods,” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/280,572, filed Feb. 20, 2019 and entitled “Apparatus, Systems and Methods for Applying Fluid,” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/371,815, filed Apr. 1, 2019, and entitled “Devices, Systems, and Methods for Seed Trench Protection,” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/523,343, filed Jul. 26, 2019, and entitled “Closing Wheel Downforce Adjustment Devices, Systems, and Methods,” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/670,692, filed Oct. 31, 2019, and entitled “Soil Sensing Control Devices, Systems, and Associated Methods,” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/684,877, filed Nov. 15, 2019, and entitled “On-The-Go Organic Matter Sensor and Associated Systems and Methods,” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/752,989, filed Jan. 27, 2020, and entitled “Dual Seed Meter and Related Systems and Methods,” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/891,812, filed Jun. 3, 2020, and entitled “Apparatus, Systems, and Methods for Row Cleaner Depth Adjustment On-The-Go,” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/921,828, filed Jul. 6, 2020, and entitled “Apparatus, Systems and Methods for Automatic Steering Guidance and Visualization of Guidance Paths,” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/939,785, filed Jul. 27, 2020, and entitled “Apparatus, Systems and Methods for Automated Navigation of Agricultural Equipment,” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/997,361, filed Aug. 19, 2020, and entitled “Apparatus, Systems, and Methods for Steerable Toolbars,” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/997,040, filed Aug. 19, 2020, and entitled “Adjustable Seed Meter and Related Systems and Methods,” U.S. application Ser. No. 17/011,737, filed Aug. 3, 2020, and entitled “Planter Row Unit and Associated Systems and Methods,” U.S. application Ser. No. 17/060,844, filed Oct. 1, 2020, and entitled “Agricultural Vacuum and Electrical Generator Devices, Systems, and Methods,” and U.S. application Ser. No. 17/105,437, filed Nov. 25, 2020, and entitled “Devices, Systems And Methods For Seed Trench Monitoring And Closing,” each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     Returning to the disclosed testing system, it is understood that electric drive seeders are typically tested by using a switch  2  such as a mounted push button switch  2  like that shown in  FIG. 1 . On such planters, operators must hold down the push button switch  2  to cause the drive system to operate, and on these devices the drive system stops when the push button switch  2  is released. Those of skill in the art readily appreciate that to use these known testing systems, various components must be installed at specified mounting locations on each row unit. As such, these known systems can be difficult to implement across varying models of row units. Further, in these known systems, the operator must be physically near each row unit to be able to press and hold down the switch  2  for the duration of testing. 
     The disclosed testing system  10  improves upon these processes in several respects. For example, in various implementations, the testing system  10  described herein allows for activation of individual row unit drives via magnetic or other sensor systems such that the row unit drive or other mechanism to be tested remains activated without an operator needing to be physically present at the row unit. In certain implementations, a row unit drive may be activated to verify the functionality of the seed meter system. In further implementations, a row unit drive may be activated to empty the hopper/seed bin container or other function as would be appreciated. 
     In certain implementations, the testing system  10  allows for control of the row unit, or various components, systems, or sub-systems thereof, such that a user can be close to the area that is being controlled when toggling ON and OFF, but need not be physically present to maintain the row unit in the ON position as required by prior known systems. In certain prior known systems, a user may need to coordinate with a second person to turn functions ON and OFF from a control panel typically located in the cab of a tractor or to traverse between the cab and the planter for each test. These alternatives are time consuming and/or larger uses of manpower and thereby more costly to stakeholders. 
     In further implementations, the system allows a user to have both hands-free during operation allowing for performance of other duties or tasks. Further the system  10 , eliminates the need for a user to have a display unit or other control unit to activate individual seed meter sections or other components as would be understood. Use of a display unit or other control unit may be detrimental as care must be taken to avoid damaging such a unit and/or requiring use of one or more hands. 
     Turning to the figures in greater detail,  FIG. 2  depicts a planter  12  fitted with an exemplary implementation of the disclosed system  10 . Such implementations of the system  10  are adapted to operate with such a planter  12  including a plurality of row units  14  constructed and arranged for planting row crops such as corn, optionally at high speed. 
     The planting machine  12  in this specific implementation is a row crop planter  12  having a central crossbar  4  and multiple planting row units  14  mounted to the crossbar  4 . It is understood that, generally, the row units  14  on a particular planter (such as exemplary planter  12 ) are typically identical or substantially similar. The seeding machine  12  moves forward and backward via the fore-aft direction shown by the arrow A. 
     In various implementations, the planter  12  includes at least one hopper  6  to hold seed. In certain implementations, the planter  12  includes unit hoppers on each planting unit  14  such that seed can be delivered from the hopper  6  to a unit hopper (such as hopper  7  shown in  FIG. 3A ) on each unit  14 . In a further alternative implementation, any known hopper or seed retention device configuration can be incorporated into the planter  12  and the separate row units  14  and function with a testing system  10  implementation as described herein. 
     Examples of row units  14  having a testing system  10  are depicted in greater detail in  FIGS. 3A-B . It is understood that the testing system  10  according to any implementation disclosed or contemplated herein can be incorporated into any known row unit  14  having any configuration. 
     The particular exemplary row unit  14  of  FIG. 3A  is jointedly coupled to the central crossbar  4  via a parallelogram linkage  8  made up of two linkage arms  8 A,  8 B such that the individual units  14  are vertically moveable by a predetermined amount relative to the crossbar  4 . The exemplary row unit  14  in this implementation has known components, including a hopper  7 , gauge wheels  11  (controlling the depth of the furrow), furrow opening disks  13  (to form an open furrow in the soil beneath the seeding machine  12  into which seed is deposited), and a closing and/or packing wheel (or wheels, in this specific example)  15  (to close the furrow over the deposited seed and to firm the soil in the closed furrow), as are generally understood in the art. 
     Another exemplary row unit  14  is shown in  FIG. 3B . In this particular exemplary row unit, known components such as a row cleaner  17  (for clearing debris around a row unit  14 ) and press wheel  19  (for firming soil after planting) are provided. Further in this implementation, a row control module (“RCM”)  16  is disposed on the row unit  14  for controlling various components of the row unit  14 . Alternatively, any similar known components or features or additional known features or components can be incorporated into the row units  14 . 
     In various implementations, a seed metering system  30  is disposed on the row unit  14 , and more specifically, coupled to, or disposed within, the frame member  9  thereof, such that it can be in operable communication with a hopper  7 . The frame member  9  is jointedly coupled to the parallelogram linkage  8 . The seed is stored or retained in the seed hopper  7  and provided to the seed meter system  30  by any appreciated mechanism. 
     From the seed meter system  30 , the seed is carried by a delivery system  32  into a planting furrow, or trench, formed in the soil by furrow opening disks  13 . It is understood that the test system  10  implementations, as disclosed or contemplated herein, can be coupled to and operate with any known seed meter system  30 , seed delivery system  32 , or other component of the row unit  14 . 
     A diagrammatic depiction of a seed metering system  30  incorporated into a row unit  14  according to one embodiment is shown in  FIG. 3C . Certain components of the row unit  14  are depicted schematically, including the seed hopper  7 , the seed feeding tube  34 , the seed metering system  30 , a valve  36  and the seed delivery system  32 . The seed delivery apparatus  32  has a seed delivery tube  38  and furrow opening disks  13 . It is understood that the various components depicted in  FIG. 3C  constitute components of a row unit  14 , which, while being depicted schematically in this figure, can take the form of any known row unit  14  configuration. As such, in certain implementations, each row unit (such as row unit  14 ) on a planting machine  12  can have all of these components. Other row unit  14  configurations are also contemplated herein and would be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art. 
     In certain implementations, the row unit  14  includes a seed singulation device  40  operatively engaged with the hopper  7 , such that seeds from the hopper  7 , or other seed retention device, move through the seed singulation device  40 . The seed singulation device  40  operates to isolate or singulate seeds such that in the seed feeding tube  34  seeds are conveyed in a separate and singular fashion. Various seed singulation devices  40  and systems would be appreciated by those of skill in the art. 
     In some implementations, the testing system  10  is used to control a motor of a seed meter system  30 , such as a brushless DC motor, as would be understood. In various alternative implementations, the testing system  10  can be used in connection with other systems and devices, including but not limited to, a seed delivery system  32 , a singulation device  40 , valves  36 , flow meters, linear encoders, position sensors, solenoids, spray nozzles, and other devices as would be recognized by those of skill in the art. Various row unit  14  components and systems are described for example in the incorporated references. In various implementations, an individual row unit  14  may include one or more testing systems  10  or sensors  20  (shown and described in further detail below in  FIGS. 4-5 ) to control one or more devices/systems. 
     In further implementations, the testing system  10  allows a user to activate individual sensors or devices or subsystems thereof while being physically near the individual row units  14 , as noted above. In certain implementations, a user may not need to be present at the row unit  14  during use of the system  10 . In one example, a spray nozzle can be operated by a user such that each nozzle is operated while the user is standing near the spray nozzle. 
     Because the user is near the spray nozzle while it is activated, or at least at initial activation, the user can verify functionality, settings, and spray patterns, as well as inspect the equipment for erosion, corrosion, caking, mechanical damage, or orifice clogging by observing the nozzle while it is operating. Such operation when the user is nearby allows, the user can detect any issues or potential issues and troubleshoot them. Further, being able to toggle components ON and OFF when near the components themselves allows for a user to quickly react to conditions which may allow for testing, calibration, or other processed to be conducted more quickly, as would be readily appreciated. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in certain implementations, a sensor  20  is integrated with and/or is in communication with a row control module (“RCM”)  16 . In some implementations, the sensor  20  is embedded in the RCM  16  circuit board  18  such as a printed circuit board (“PCB”) or other circuit board  18 , and the RCM  16  circuit board  18  is in communication with the electric motor drive of the planter  12  row unit  14  or other row unit  14  system such as a seed meter system  30  or delivery system  32  via hardwire connections  31 , as would be appreciated. In further implementations, the RCM  16  circuit board  18  is in communication with any device or system to be controlled by the testing system  10 , such as via the one or more hardwire connections  31 . In some implementations, the RCM  16  includes more than one sensor  20  to control multiple devices and/or systems on the row unit  14 . Further connections are of course possible, and it is readily appreciated that a variety of circuit board  18  configurations having a variety of components can be utilized to effectuate the described processes of the circuit board  18  within the system. 
     In various implementations, the testing system  10  may cause the seed meter system  30  or alternative subsystem to operate at predetermined conditions, such as according to logic programmed into the circuit board  18  and processing components/memory. In various implementations, the predetermined conditions may or may not be standard operating conditions or settings used during planting operations. In certain implementations, the testing system  10  may cause the seed meter system  30 , or other operatively engaged device to operate at one or more extremes of its operation, or cycling through a range of conditions, as would be appreciated. 
     In various implementations, the sensor  20  is a magnetic sensor  20 . In alternative implementations, the sensor  20  may be a proximity sensor, hall effect sensor, reed switch, solid state switch, inductive sensor, magneto-resistive sensor, capacitive sensor, remote optical sensor, and/or linear position sensor. The system  10  may be adjusted and/or modified to use the above listed sensors  20  and technologies, as would be readily appreciated. 
     In various implementations, the RCM  16  is programmed such that when a magnet  22 , shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , is placed on or near the sensor  20  the testing system  10  is activated. In alternative implementations, the testing system  10  may be activated by any appropriate activation mechanism corresponding to the sensor  20  type, as would be appreciated. In implementations having a magnetic sensor  20 , the magnet  22  may have a specific polarity corresponding to the sensor  20 . In some of these implementations, the testing system  10  may continue to operate until a magnet  22  of the opposite polarity is placed on or near the sensor  20 , thereby deactivating the testing system  10 . 
     In various implementations, the testing system  10  remains in operation/an activated state after the magnet  22  is removed from the proximity of the RCM  16 . In these and other implementations, a user/operator may move about the machine while the testing system  10  is operating. For example, as the seed meter system  30 , seed delivery system  32 , and/or row unit  14  are operating. This is an advantage over prior known systems, noted above, that require a user to remain in contact with a switch during operation. Further, in these implementations, the operator&#39;s hands may remain free such that the operator may engage in other activities such as performing repairs, adjusting settings, or other work as needed, while the testing system  10  is activated, as would be appreciated. 
     Further the testing system  10  may be integrated with existing components of the planter  12  and/or row unit  14 . The testing system  10 , disclosed herein, does not require a dedicated mounting location, external components, or installation labor that is required by known switch-based systems. Still further, the system  10  may have further advantages including low operating power, no mechanically moving parts, fast response time, long life, small physical size, high durability, and no sensitivity to vibration. 
     Turning back to the figures in more detail, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  the RCM  16  incorporates a magnetic based sensor  20  that is configured to detect the presence of a proximate magnetic field. When a proximate magnetic field is detected, the system  10  generates a voltage that increases in direct proportion to the magnetic flux density. 
     In various implementations, the magnetic sensor  20  is located at or near the edge of the circuit board  18 , thereby allowing the magnetic field to overcome any interference created by the RCM  16  housing  26  and/or the potting material residing inside the RCM  16  housing  26 . Further locating the sensor  20  near or close to the outside of the RCM  16  housing  26  may allow for control of the sensor  20  without needing direct access to the circuit board  18  or interior of the RCM  16 . Other sensor  20  locations are of course possible. 
     In further implementations, the magnetic sensor  20  has a range such that the sensor  20  can detect the magnetic field of the magnet  22  through the RCM  16  housing  26 . In some implementations, the sensor  20  is arranged on the circuit board  18 , and the circuit board  18  and RCM  16  are arranged on the row unit  14 , in such a manner as to allow easy access to the portion of the RCM  16  where the sensor  20  is located. 
     The magnetic sensor  20  may be a linear output (analog) sensor, a switching (digital) sensor, or any other kind of magnetic sensor  20  as would be appreciated by those of skill in the art. In some implementations, a linear output (analog) sensor is used to obtain an output voltage that is directly proportional to the magnetic field present, as would be understood. In alternative implementations, a switching (digital) sensor is used to obtain an ON or OFF signal. 
     In further implementations, the system  10  may further include a latch, a momentary device, or other device as would be appreciated by those of skill in the art. 
     In some implementations, the latching device and system  10  is activated by placing one magnetic pole (either South or North) within sensing vicinity of the sensor  20 . In these implementations, after the system  10  is activated, it will remain activated until the opposite magnetic pole (either North or South) is placed within sensing range of the sensor  20 . The opposite magnetic pole causes the sensor  20  and therefore system  10  to revert to an inactive state thereby shutting the tested system  10  and/or device off, as would be understood. 
     In an alternate implementation, the system  10  comprises a momentary device. In these and other implementations, a magnetic field is placed within sensing range of the sensor  20 , thereby activating the system  10  and tested device. The testing system  10  and device or system being tested remains in the active or ON state as long as the magnetic field is within range of the sensor  20 . The testing system  10  will revert to the inactive or OFF state when the magnetic field is removed from the sensing range of the sensor  20 . 
     In further implementations, the duration of the output is controlled via a microprocessor on the RCM  16 . In these and other implementations, a timer can be used to run the testing system  10  and associated device, system, or subsystem of the row unit  14  for a predetermined amount of time. The timer may allow a user to check the operation of a device or system and allow the user to troubleshoot a device or system for potential errors. 
     Turning to  FIG. 6 , in various implementations, a magnet(s)  22 , may be incorporated into a common tool  24  or device for ease of access, use, and storage. In some implementations, the magnet(s)  22  may be integrated into a seed digger tool  24 , shown for example in  FIG. 6 . Seed digger tools  24  are commonly used by planter operators/users to verify seed placement and planting population such that integration with the magnet(s)  22  creates a multi-purpose tool  24 . In some implementations, a magnet such as a cylinder magnet  22  is integrated into an opening on one end of the seed digger tool  24 . It is of course appreciated that the tool  24  can come in any number of shapes and sizes in order to effectuate the described processes and systems. 
     In various implementations, the magnet  22  is a dual-polarity magnet  22  such that one magnet  22  can perform both activating and inactivating functions. Further implementations utilize additional magnet types. 
     In alternative implementations, the magnet(s)  22  may be integrated into various other tools such as, a volumetric measuring device, pliers, pocketknife, rubber gloves, or other device as would be recognized by those of skill in the art. In various implementations, a magnet  22  can be incorporated into or attached to any device that an operator/user is frequently carrying or using. In these implementations, the magnet  22  is less likely to be misplaced. 
     Although the disclosure has been described with references to various embodiments, 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.