Patent Publication Number: US-2023148469-A1

Title: Seeding row unit having a primary actuator to adjust depth and to raise and lower the seeding row unit

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to an agricultural planter, and in particular, to a seeding row unit for an agricultural planter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An agricultural planter such as a row crop planter places seeds in the ground at a desired depth within a trench formed in soil. Some agricultural planters are capable of depositing fertilizer at the same time as seeding. The row crop planter is typically pulled by a tractor, or other work vehicle, and includes a plurality of seeding row units, that are aligned side by side to form on a common frame a multi-row crop planter. The row units of the multi-row crop planter are aligned substantially parallel to the travel direction of the tractor when being pulled through a field. 
     Each seeding row unit includes a depth adjustment mechanism to set the depth at which the seeds are planted. The depth at which seed should be planted is frequently a function of seed type, and other environmental conditions, such as soil composition, moisture levels, weather predictions, and the soil property in which the seed is being placed. Seed depth is set by a manual adjustment of a depth adjustment mechanism, such as a handle, on each seeding row unit. Due to the large number of seeding row units, an adjustment for all seeding row units on a large multi-row crop planter is very time consuming. In this type of planter, each actuating mechanism for each seeding row unit, that raises and lowers the seeding row unit to change the depth at which the seed is planted, is idle until a next instance of raising or lowering is required. Another essential requirement for adjacently located seeding row units is to simultaneously be able to raise all of the seeding row units out of the ground, for times such as transporting the planter, crossing a wet or muddy patch in field, or crossing some barrier. Such multi-row crop planters have rockshafts that raise or lower the row units simultaneously which requires that entire frame of the multi-row crop planter is lifted to disengage the seeding row units from the soil. In other embodiments, the entire machine is raised and lowered which raises and lowers the row units simultaneously. In further embodiments, row units raised by a combination of such raising and lowering features are contemplated. 
     Even though the depth adjustment mechanism is used infrequently, the depth adjustment mechanism and its supporting apparatus adds cost to each of the seeding row units. What is needed therefore is a seeding row unit having a mechanism which is capable of varying the trench depth and also which lifts the seeding row unit off the ground with a common actuator. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a row unit for depositing seeds in a furrow formed in soil includes a seed deposit assembly including a gage wheel and a disk, the gage wheel configured to contact a top surface of the soil and the disk configured to cut the furrow in the soil for receiving the deposited seeds; a multi-bar linkage assembly operatively connected to the seed deposit assembly; and a primary actuator operatively connected to the multi-bar linkage assembly, the primary actuator being controllably actuated between a retracted position and an extended position; wherein, the primary actuator raises and lowers the seed deposit assembly relative to the soil and moves the disk into the soil to cut the furrow at a depth determined by the primary actuator and the gage wheel. 
     In one example of this embodiment, the multi-bar linkage assembly comprises a four bar linkage. In a second example, the multi-bar linkage assembly comprises a main arm and a raise/lower link, the raise/lower link operatively coupled to the main arm and the primary actuator, and further wherein the primary actuator moves the raise/lower link with respect to the main arm to adjust the depth of the furrow. In a third example, a downforce actuator may be operatively coupled to the main arm, wherein the downforce actuator includes a resilient structure that follows the top surface of the soil such that the disk cuts the furrow at a relatively consistent depth. In a fourth example, a depth adjust link may be coupled to the main arm and operatively connected to the raise/lower link, wherein actuation of the primary actuator pivots the raise/lower link about a pivot shared between the raise/lower link and the main arm to move the depth adjust link to adjust the depth of the furrow. 
     In a fifth example, a connecting rod may be coupled between the depth adjust link and the raise/lower link; wherein, movement of the raise/lower link operatively moves the connecting rod for adjusting the position of the depth adjust link. In a sixth example, the raise/lower link comprises a limiting device, the limiting device being movable into contact with the main link during actuation of the primary actuator to raise the seed deposit assembly from the soil. In a seventh example, a limit arm is operatively connected to one or both of the raise/lower link and the main arm, wherein the raise/lower link includes a slotted portion and the limit arm engages the slotted portion to define a limit to movement between the raise/lower portion and the main arm. 
     In an eighth example, actuation of the primary actuator moves the limit arm to one end of the slotted portion, and further actuation of the primary actuator, when the limit arm is at the one end of the slotted portion, moves the disk to a deeper location in the soil before raising the disk from the soil. In a ninth example, the row unit may include a push arm and a depth adjust linkage, wherein the raise/lower link includes a slotted portion and the depth adjust linkage engages the slotted portion to define a limit to movement between the raise/lower arm and the main arm. In a further example, actuation of the primary actuator moves a linkage limit arm of the depth adjust linkage to one end of the slotted portion, and further actuation of the primary actuator, when the linkage limit arm is at the one end of the slotted portion, raises from a furrow without initially moving the disk further into the soil. 
     In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a row unit for depositing seeds in a furrow formed in soil includes a seed deposit assembly including a gaging member and a cutting member, the gaging member configured to contact a top surface of the soil and the cutting member configured to cut the furrow in the soil for receiving the deposited seeds; a linkage assembly operatively connected to the seed deposit assembly; and a primary actuator operatively connected to the linkage assembly; wherein, the primary actuator is operably controlled to raise and lower the seed deposit assembly relative to the soil and adjustably control a depth at which the cutting member is located in the soil. 
     In one example of this embodiment, the linkage assembly comprises a multi-bar linkage. In a second example, the linkage assembly comprises a first link and a second link, the first link being operatively coupled between the second link and the primary actuator, wherein actuation of the primary actuator moves the first link to adjust the depth of the furrow. In a third example, a downforce actuator includes a resilient structure that follows the top surface of the soil such that the disk cuts the furrow at a relatively consistent depth. In a fourth example, a third link may be coupled to the second link and operatively connected to the first link, wherein actuation of the primary actuator pivots the first link relative to the second link to move the third link for controlling the depth at which the cutting member is located in the soil. 
     In a fifth example, the row unit may include a fourth link coupled between the first and third links, wherein, movement of the first link operatively moves the fourth link for adjusting the position of the third link. In a sixth example, the first link comprises a limiting device, the limiting device being movable into contact with the second link during actuation of the primary actuator to raise the seed deposit assembly from the soil. In a seventh example, a limit arm may be operatively connected to one or both of the raise/lower link and the main arm, wherein the raise/lower link includes a slotted portion and the limit arm engages the slotted portion to define a limit to movement between the raise/lower portion and the main arm. In an eighth example of this embodiment, actuation of the primary actuator moves the limit arm to one end of the slotted portion, and further actuation of the primary actuator, when the limit arm is at the one end of the slotted portion, moves the disk to a deeper location in the soil before raising the disk from the soil. 
     In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a row unit for planting seed in soil includes a seed deposit assembly comprising a cutting member configured to form a furrow in the soil; a linkage assembly operatively connected to the seed deposit assembly; and an actuator operatively connected to the linkage assembly, where the actuator adjustably controls a distance between the seed deposit assembly and the soil and a depth at which the cutting member is located in the soil. 
     In one example of this embodiment, the linkage assembly may include a plurality of links operatively coupled between the actuator and the seed deposit assembly, the plurality of links including a first link rotatably coupled to the cutting member. In another example, the seed deposit assembly may include a gaging member configured to be moved into contact with a top surface of the soil. In yet another example, the cutting member comprises a first axle and the gaging member comprises a second axle, wherein a distance between the first axle and second axle controls the depth at which the cutting member is located in the soil. In a further example, the first link is operably coupled to the first axle for rotating the cutting member. In yet a further example, as the first axle is rotated, the distance between the first axle and second axle changes and the depth at which the cutting member is located in the soil is adjusted. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned aspects of the present disclosure and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a row crop planter pulled by a work vehicle; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a side view of a row unit for seeding in a first position; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a perspective section view of a seed deposit assembly; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a portion of the row unit of  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  4    is section view of a portion of the row unit of  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the row unit of  FIG.  2 A  in a second position; 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of the row unit of  FIG.  2 A  in a third position; 
         FIG.  7    is a side view of another embodiment of a row unit for seeding; 
         FIG.  8    is a side view of another embodiment of a row unit for seeding; and 
         FIG.  9    is a block diagram of a control system for depositing seeds. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIG.  1   , there is shown an embodiment of an agricultural seeder  10  of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, seeder  10  is in the form of a row crop planter but may also be in the form of a grain drill, etc. A work vehicle in the form of a tractor  12  may be coupled with and moves the seeder  10  with suitable coupling arrangement, such as a draw bar or 3-point hitch arrangement  11 . Other embodiments are contemplated including an autonomous tractor pulling the seeder  10  as well as an entirely self-contained autonomous seeder in which the seeder, including the row units and a propulsion system for the seeder, are a complete and unitary seeding system. 
     Seeder  10  may include a number of row units  14 , with each row unit  14  being substantially identically configured, in at least one embodiment. Each row unit  14  is configured to deposit seeds of varying sizes in respective furrows  18 , not all of which are identified, in the soil for raising crops. In some embodiments, two or more of the row units  14  are configured to deposit seeds of different sizes. Typically, however, the size of the seeds being deposited is the same for each row unit  14 . In other embodiments, seeds of different sizes may be deposited side by side in adjacent rows at different planting depths depending on the size of the seed. 
     A plurality of seed bins  20  may be operatively connected to each of the row units  14  and are configured to hold seeds for planting. In other embodiments, a single seed bin is used to supply seeds to all row units  14 . In operation, each seed bin  20  may hold the same type of seeds or different types of seeds, which may be directed to each of the row units  14  as necessary. A tool bar  22  extends to and is coupled to each of the row units  14  to maintain a predetermined spacing between furrows  18 . In some embodiments, a rockshaft may be located over or above the tool bar  22 . In some embodiments, the spacing between row units is adjustable to provide for crops of different types that require spacing between furrows based on the type of seed. 
       FIG.  2 A  illustrates one embodiment of one of the row units  14  depicted in  FIG.  1   . Here, the row unit  14  may include a primary actuator  24 , which extends from the tool bar  22  (not shown). A planting ddepth may be determined by the primary actuator  24  pushing a disk  26 , also known as a blade, shank, knife, or a cutting device or member, into the ground until a gage wheel  27 , also known as a depth-gaging or surface following device or member, engages the soil. As described herein, the relationship of the gage wheel  27  to the disk  26  may be adjusted using the primary actuator  24 . The primary actuator  24  raises and lowers the row unit  14  as well as controls the depth at which seeds are planted by the row unit  14 . In this embodiment, movement of the primary actuator can adjust a seeding depth as well as raise and/or lower one of row units  14 . 
     As shown, the primary actuator  24  may include an actuator arm  38  that is movable relative to a cylinder  40  or housing. The movement of the actuator arm  38  relative to the cylinder  40  may adjust a cutting depth of the row unit. In some embodiments, once the actuator arm  38  reaches a maximum depth, further retraction of the actuator arm  38 , as shown in  FIG.  2 A , may raise the row unit  14  from the ground. Extension of the actuator arm  38 , in addition to lowering the row unit  14  to the ground, also can set the depth at which the seeds are deposited in the soil and at which the furrow is cut. 
     In operation, the primary actuator  24  moves a seed deposit assembly  25 , which includes the disk  26 , the gage wheel  27 , a press wheel  28 , and a closing wheel  23 , the functions of which are known by those of skill in the art. By collapsing and expanding a closed chain linkage  29 . e.g., a multi-bar or bar linkage  29 , with respect to or via the primary actuator  24 , the seed deposit assembly  25  cuts a furrow and deposits seeds in the cut furrow with a seed deposit chute  30 , as is also understood by those skilled in the art. The linkage  29  may be operatively connected to a mounting bracket  31  that is attached to a main frame (not shown) of the seeder  10 . For example, the primary actuator  24  may be coupled to the mounting bracket  31  at a first portion or end  32  of the bracket  31 . In some embodiments, the primary actuator  24  is coupled to the first portion or end  32  of the mounting bracket  31  at a pivot point. A second portion or end  34  of the mounting bracket  31  may be pivotally coupled to a raise/lower link  36  of the linkage  29 . In some embodiments, the linkage  29  may include the raise/lower link  36 , a main arm  42 , a connecting rod  60 , and a depth adjust link  66 . The raise/lower link  36  raises and lowers the seed deposit assembly  25  as well as adjusts the depth of the disk  26 . The raise/lower link  36  may also be pivotally coupled to the actuator arm  38  of the primary actuator  24  at a pivot location  39 . In one embodiment, the raise/lower link  36  is one bar of a four bar linkage that is used by the linkage  29  to set the depth of the furrow and to raise and lower the seed deposit assembly  25 . 
     The main arm  42  may be rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket  31  as well as the raise/lower link  36  at a pivot location  44 . The pivot location  44  may be offset from a portion  46 , e.g. end  46 , of the raise/lower link  36 . 
       FIG.  2 B  illustrates further details of the seed deposit assembly  25  including a section view of the disk  26  and the gage wheel  27 . A disk axle  33  is coupled to the depth adjust link  66 . When actuated by the actuator arm  38 , the depth adjust link  66  raises and lowers the disk  26  with respect to the soil, as well adjusts the depth at which the disk  26  is located in the soil. The disk axle  33  extends through the disk  26  to the gage wheel  27 , to which disk axle  33  is connected, e.g., fixedly connected, by an arm  35  coupled to a gage wheel axle  37 . The disk  26  is configured to rotate about an axis defined by the disk axle  33 . The gage wheel  27  rotates about the gage wheel axle  37 . 
     The depth adjust link  66  rotates the disk axle  33 . As it does, a contact surface  41  of the gage wheel  27 , which is configured to contact the soil, changes its location or moves with respect to a cutting surface  43  of the disk  26 . The depth adjust link  66  rotates the axle  33 , and the axle  33 , which is coupled, e.g., fixedly coupled, to the arm  35 , holds the gauge wheel axis  37  offset with respect to the disk  26 . Therefore, rotation of the axle  33  by the link  66  changes the position of the gauge wheel axis  37  with respect to the axle  33 . Consequently, the contact surface  41  of the gage wheel  27 , which is in contact with the soil, determines the depth at which the cutting surface  43  of the disk  26  is placed in the soil. The depth of the furrow is therefore determined by how far the disk  26  penetrates the soil. The disk  26  may be forced into the soil by a downforce actuator  52 , as shown in  FIG.  2 A . 
     The mounting bracket  31  may include a flange  50  that is pivotally connected to and supports one end or portion of the downforce actuator  52 . A second end or portion of the downforce actuator  52  is pivotally coupled to a flange  54  extending from the main arm  42 . The downforce actuator  52  is an actuator that applies a force directed away from the mounting bracket  31  to the main arm  42 . This applied force moves the main arm  42  in a downward direction toward the soil such that the seed deposit assembly  25  engages the soil upon sufficient extension of the actuator arm  38 . The main arm  42 , coupled to the downforce actuator  52 , forces the disk  26  into the ground until the gage wheel  27  engages the ground which limits any further penetration into the soil. 
     In other embodiments, the downforce actuator  52  may include a hydraulic cylinder, a spring, or a pneumatic actuator. The downforce actuator  52  may include a predetermined resilient structure configured to adjust to changes in the level of the top surface of the soil. The resilient structure may include a portion of the gage wheel  27  such as, but not limited to, its contact surface  41 . Alternatively, the resilient structure may include a portion or surface on a gaging device, ski or skid pad. In this way, the disk  26 , and therefore the seed deposit assembly  25 , overcome the problem in which undulations in the field would necessarily cause variations in the furrow depth. Now, the linkage  29 , e.g., the multi-bar or four-bar linkage, and the offset axes of the disk  26  and gage wheel  27  cut the furrow at substantially the same depth as the elevation of the top surface changes. The gage wheel  27 , moving or following along the top surface of the ground “gages” the proper depth, according to the setting at which it is set, which is based on a position of the linkage  29 , e.g., multi-bar or four bar linkage, including arms or links  36 ,  42 ,  60 , and  66 . As result of sufficient downforce provided by the downforce actuator  52 , the depth of the furrow remains relatively consistent as the row unit  14  travels along the field even when the surface of the soil is uneven, contoured, or rolling. Since each row unit  14  includes its own downforce actuator  52 , which applies a bias against the ground surface, furrow depth remains consistent side to side, i.e., from row to row, as well as along the length of the row. 
     The connecting rod or link  60  may include a first end or portion  62  pivotally connected to the raise/lower link  36  and a second end or portion  64  pivotally connected to the depth adjust link  66 . The depth adjust link  66  extends between the connecting rod  60  and the main arm  42 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  2 A  and B, the raise/lower link  36 , the main arm  42 , the connecting rod or link  60 , and the depth adjust link  66  are configured as a four (4) bar linkage. The linkage  29  may be configured as a multi-bar linkage which is formed by two or more arms or links. In one such example, the linkage  29  may include four or more arms or links. 
     In the linkage  29  of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , actuation of the raise/lower link  36  by the primary actuator  24  raises and lowers the seed deposit assembly  25  as well as sets the seed deposit assembly  25  at a level with respect to the surface of the soil to form a furrow of a substantially consistent depth as long as the extending distance of the arm  38  remains substantially fixed with respect to the cylinder  40 , i.e., the actuator arm  38  does not extend or retract. In this embodiment, actuation of the arm  38  may cause the linkage  29 , e.g., the four bar linkage, to rotate the raise/lower link  36 . As this happens, the relationship between the contact surface  41  of the gage wheel  27  and the cutting surface  43  of the disk  26  changes, which in effect changes the depth of the trench being formed by the disk  26 . 
       FIG.  3    shows a perspective view of a portion of the row unit  14  illustrating, in particular, a configuration of the raise/lower link  36 . In this embodiment, the raise lower link  36  includes a first plate  70  spaced from a second plate  72  by a spacer pin  74 . The spacer pin  74  extends from the first plate  70  to the second plate  72  and includes an outer generally cylindrical surface configured to rotatably receive the first end or portion  62  of the connecting rod  60 . In one or more embodiments, a ball joint bearing  63  receives the spacer pin  74 . The connecting rod  60 , in at least one embodiment as illustrated in  FIG.  3   , is non-linear over its length to accommodate lowering and raising of the seed deposit assembly  25 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 A,  2 B, and  3   , a limiting device  48  may extend between ends or portions  76  and  78  of the first plate  70  and the second plate  72 . The limiting device  48  may include a mechanical limiting member such as a pin or stop. The function of the limiting device  48  is described in more detail below. Between the spacer pin  74  and the limiting device  48 , there is provided a pivot bar  80  that extends between the first plate  70 , through main arm  42 , and the second plate  72 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , the main arm  42  terminates in a Y-shaped portion  82  such that the second end or portion  34  of mounting bracket  31  is located between each leg of the Y-shaped portion  82 . Consequently, the raise/lower link  36  and the main arm  42  may both rotate about the pivot bar  80 . 
     The first end or portion  62  of connecting rod  60  may be rotatably connected to the spacer pin  74  and the second end or portion  64  may be rotatably connected to the depth adjust link  66 . As the actuator arm  38  of the primary actuator  24  extends, the arm  35  rotates towards the surface of the soil thereby causing the disk  26  to move upward with respect to a top surface of the soil. Further extension of the arm  38  reduces the depth at which the furrow is cut. 
     A depth  88 , as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  5   , of the disk  26  may be determined by the extension of the actuator arm  38  such that the disk  26  penetrates a top surface  86  of the soil to a bottom surface  90  of a trench  92  formed by the disk  26 . This depth  88  of the trench  92  is based on the relationship or offset distance between the contact surface  41  of the gage wheel  27  and the cutting surface  43  of the disk  26 . At the same time during a furrowing or trenching operation, a downward pressure or force provide by the downforce actuator  52  directs the disk  26  into the soil at the depth determined by the retraction of the actuator arm  38 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , the actuator arm  38  may be further retracted into the cylinder  40  compared to its position in  FIG.  1   . As a result, the disk  26  of the seed deposit assembly  25  may be lowered further into the ground by rotating the gage wheel  27  with respect to the disk  26 . The depth of the furrow or trench  88  may be increased and thus greater than the depth of the furrow  88  shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2 A . As the actuator arm  38  continues to retract, the disk  26  of seed deposit assembly  25  further penetrates into the surface  86 . Moreover, as the actuator arm  38  continues to be retracted, the main arm  42  may move into contact with the limiting device  48  as shown in  FIG.  6   . The limiting device  48  moves toward the main arm  42  until the main arm  42  contacts the limiting device  48 . At this point of contact, the seed deposit assembly  25  may be lifted away or raised from the ground surface as the actuator arm  38  continues to retract. During this movement, the linkage  29  collapses, i.e., connect arm  60  moves into a closer proximity to the main arm  42 , until the main arm  42  comes into contact with the limiting device  48 . At this point, the linkage  29  and the seed deposit assembly  25  may be raised and moved away from the top surface  86  of the soil as shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     As described, the actuator arm  38  has a movement between various positions that results in different positioning of the seed deposit assembly  25  with respect to the soil. Between a fully extended position and a partially retracted position, the actuator arm  38  of the primary actuator  24  adjusts the depth at which the disk  26  penetrates the soil. At the partially retracted position, the disk  26  may be disposed at a maximum depth. However, upon further retraction of the actuator arm  38  from the partially retracted position to a fully retracted position, the seed deposit assembly  25 , including the disk  26 , is raised from the soil so that the row unit  14  may be configured in a transport configuration rather than a work or seeding configuration. The work or seeding configuration of the row unit  14  is shown in  FIGS.  2 - 5   , whereas the row unit is shown in a transport configuration in  FIG.  6   . 
     In one embodiment, one of the links, i.e., the raise lower link  36 , of a parallelogram linkage  29  may include the limiter pin/stop  48  which engages with an adjacent link, i.e., the main arm  42 , of the parallelogram linkage  29  at a certain parallelogram configuration, hence locking the parallelogram linkage  29 . Any input or movement of the actuator  24 , once the parallelogram locks, results in raising and lowering of entire row unit  14  as seen in  FIG.  6   . In this way, at least two functions, i.e., raising and lowering of the seed deposit assembly  25  and adjusting the depth of the disk  26  on a single row unit  14 , may be accomplished by the primary actuator  24 . Cost savings from each row unit  14  accumulates with the number of row units. For a larger machine having many row units, the cost savings resulting from this apparatus and method can be substantial. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates another embodiment of a row unit  14  including the seed deposit assembly  25  as described above, but which does not include the closing wheel  23  for ease of illustration. A primary actuator  98  may be operatively connected to a linkage  100 , e.g., a multi-bar or four bar linkage, and raises and lowers the seed deposit assembly  25  by extending and retracting an actuator arm  102  relative to a cylinder or housing  104  of the primary actuator  98 . In this embodiment, the actuator arm  102  is operatively connected to one end or portion of a raise/lower arm  106 , and another end or portion of the raise/lower arm  106  is pivotally connected to a main arm  108  at a pivot  110 . Rotation of the raise/lower arm  106  with respect to the main arm  108  occurs at the pivot  110 . The linkage  100  further includes a connecting arm  109  and a depth adjust link  111  similar to those described above with respect to  FIGS.  2 - 6   . 
     The raise/lower arm  106  may include a slotted portion  112  that includes a slot  114  which is generally curved, such as in an arc-like shape. In this embodiment, a limit arm  116  extends from the pivot  110  and includes an extension  117 , such as a pin, that extends into the slot  114 . The limit arm  116  may be fixed in position with the main arm  108  such that movement of the main arm  108  with the raise/lower arm  106  causes the extension of limit arm  116  to move from one end  120  of the slot  114 , through the slot  114 , to another end  122  thereof. Each of the ends  120  and  122  of the slot may limit further movement of the limit arm  116  and consequently further rotation of the main arm  108  with respect to the raise/lower arm  106 . 
     A mounting bracket  124 , in one embodiment, is located at or coupled to the main arm  108  at or near the pivot  110 . The mounting bracket  124  may be fixed to the frame at the tool bar  22  (not shown), or to other locations such that the main arm  108  and the limit arm  116  each move with respect to the fixed location of the mounting bracket  124 . A flange  126  may extend from and is coupled, e.g., fixed, to the main arm  108 . A downforce actuator  128  may extend from the mounting bracket  124  to the flange  126  and apply a downforce to the seed deposit assembly  25  to cut a furrow  88  in the soil. 
     In this embodiment, when the actuator arm  102  is fully extended from the housing  104 , the depth of a furrow  88  cut the by disk  26  is the shallowest. During this extension, the limit arm  116  is moved toward the second end  122  of the slot  114 . As the arm  102  is retracted into the housing  104 , the depth of the furrow becomes greater until the furrow  88  is at its greatest depth just before any additional or further retraction of the actuator arm  102  moves the extension  117  towards or into contact with the first end  120  of the slot  114 . Upon contact of the extension  117  with the first end  120  of the slot  114 , further retraction of the actuator arm  102  into the housing  104  raises the disk  126  from the bottom of the furrow  88  such that the disk  126  (and seed deposit assembly  25 ) is completely removed from the soil. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates another embodiment of the row unit  14  including the seed deposit assembly  25  as described above and shown in  FIGS.  2 A-B , but not including the closing wheel  23  for ease of illustration.  FIG.  8    includes a number of the same elements as the embodiment of  FIG.  7   . In this embodiment, however, the limit arm  116  is replaced with a depth adjusting linkage  130  which may position the seed deposit assembly  25  based on the orientation or position of the linkage  130 . In one embodiment, the depth adjusting linkage  130  is a bell crank linkage. 
     The raise lower link  106  may include the slotted portion  112  having the slot  114 , which is similar to the embodiment of  FIG.  7   . In this embodiment, however, the limit arm  116  of  FIG.  7    is replaced with the linkage  130 . A push arm  132  may extend from the pivot  110  and is coupled, e.g., fixed, to the main arm  108  such that an angle between the push arm  132  and the main arm  108  may remain the same during rotation of the main arm  108  about the pivot  110 . As the cylinder or actuator arm  102  extends and retracts relative to the cylinder  104 , the main arm  108  and push arm  132  rotate. This rotation causes the push arm  132 , which is operatively connected to the linkage  130 , to change the configuration of the linkage  130  and a location of a linkage limit arm  134  with respect to the slot  114 . The push arm  132  may include a pin  144  at an end furthest from the pivot  110  such that the pin  144  contacts the linkage  130 , as described below. 
     The linkage  130  includes the linkage limit arm  134 , and a first leg  136  connected, e.g., fixedly connected, to a second leg  138 . The first leg  136  is coupled, e.g., fixed, to the second leg  138  at a point  140  such that the position of the first leg  136  relative to the second leg  138  remains at a predetermined angle of about 90 degrees, as illustrated. Other angles therebetween, however, may be possible in alternative embodiments including, but not limited to less than 90 degrees or more than 90 degrees. The point  140  may be rotatably coupled to a frame or other supporting structure such that the first let  136  and second leg  138  rotate about the point  140 . The linkage limit arm  134  may be rotatably coupled to the second leg  138  at a pivot  142 , e.g. pivot location. The push arm  132  may be slidingly engaged to the first arm  136  at the pin  144 . As the push arm  132  moves in response to the extension and retraction of the actuator arm  102 , a pin  146  located at one end or portion of the linkage limit arm  134  moves along the slot  114  from one end  120  of the slot  114  to another end  122 . 
     In the configuration of  FIG.  8   , a minimum or partial extension of the actuator arm  102  may locate or position the disk  26  at its maximum depth in the soil. In other words, the actuator arm  102  may move between a first position corresponding to a fully retracted position and a second position corresponding to a fully extended position. At a third position referred to above as the minimum or partial extension, the actuator arm  102  is located between the first and second positions. It is at this third position the disk  26  is at its maximum depth in the soil. As the actuator arm  102  is extended from this third position, the depth of the disk  26  is decreased until the pin  146  contacts the end  122 . Further extension of the actuator arm  102  raises the disk  26  from the soil. 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , a seeder or seeding implement  10  may include a plurality of row units  14 , each of which includes its own seed deposit assembly having a cutting disk  26  or blade. To establish the depth of each disk  26  of each seed deposit assembly  25 , the vehicle  12  or implement  10  may include a control system  148  having an operator/user interface  150  operatively connected to a controller  152  as seen in  FIG.  9   . The control system  148  is configured to adjust the position of the tool bar  22  to raise all of the seed deposit assemblies  25  at the same time for transporting the seeder  10 , and to lower all of the seed deposit assemblies  25  for a seeding operation. The interface  150  may include a display  154  to display a current status of the tool bar  22 , such as its position in either the raised position or lowered position, and a raise/lower row unit control device  156  that is actuated by the operator, either in a cab of the vehicle or remotely, to either raise or to lower the tool bar  22 . An adjust row unit disk depth control device  158  sets the depth of each furrow being cut by the disks  26 . To determine the depth of the furrow, a position sensor  160  may be operatively connected to the controller  152  to transmit a depth signal indicative of the furrow depth. In one embodiment, the depth of the furrow is displayed on the display  154  to indicate to the operator that the selected row unit depth selected by control device  158  is being achieved. Each of the seed deposit assemblies  25  and/or row units  14  may include, in at least one embodiment, a position sensor  160 . In other embodiments, only one position sensor  160  is used if all of the seed deposit assemblies are adjusted to the same depth. 
     In some embodiments, seeds of different types are deposited simultaneously along one or more rows and furrows of different depths are formed depending on the seed type. In this embodiment, each of the primary actuators  40 ,  104  are individually controllable to cause seed deposit assemblies  25  to cut furrows of different depths. In other embodiments, two or more actuators  40 ,  104  may be actuated independently but simultaneously. Furrow depths can be determined based on seed type, as well as by soil and/or environmental conditions. 
     To achieve the desired furrow depth, the controller  152 , in one or more embodiments, includes a computer, computer system, or other programmable devices. In these and other embodiments, the controller  152  includes one or more of the processors  162  (e.g., microprocessors). An associated memory  164  can be internal or external to the processor(s)  162 . The memory  164  includes, in different embodiments, random access memory (RAM) devices comprising the memory storage of the controller  152 , as well as any other types of memory, e.g., cache memories, non-volatile or backup memories, programmable memories, or flash memories, and read-only memories. In addition, the memory  164  can include a memory storage physically located elsewhere from the processing devices, and can include any cache memory in a processing device, as well as any storage capacity used as a virtual memory, e.g., as stored on a mass storage device or another computer coupled to controller  152 . The mass storage device can include a cache or other dataspace which can include databases. 
     Memory storage, in other embodiments, may be located in a cloud system, also known as the “cloud”, where the memory is located in the “cloud” at a remote location from the work machine or implement to provide the stored information wirelessly to the controller  152  through an antenna operatively connected to a transceiver (not shown), which is operatively connected to the controller  152 . When referring to the controller  152 , the processor  162 , and the memory  164 , other known types of controllers, processors, and memory are contemplated in this disclosure. 
     In one embodiment, the controller  152  executes or otherwise relies upon computer software applications, components, programs, objects, modules, or data structures, etc. Software routines resident in the included memory  162  of the controller  152 , or other memory, are executed in response to the signals received from the position sensor(s)  160 , each of which provides a signal to the controller  152 . 
     A machine monitor  166 , in different embodiments, is included to monitor the operating conditions of the tractor  12  as well as the seeder  10 . For instance, the flow rate of seeds delivered from the seed bins  20  is determined. In different embodiments, other conditions of the machine, such as tractor speed, are monitored to determine the spacing of seed being deposited. 
     A telematics unit  168 , such as a global positioning system (GPS) unit is operatively connected to the controller  152  and, in different embodiments, transmits and receives information to and from the controller  152 . In one embodiment, the information being transmitted is informational as to the quantity of seeds contained in the seed bins  20 . In other embodiments, such as a remotely controlled seeder, the telematics unit receives control information, such as row unit depth from a remote control station. 
     While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the present disclosure have been described hereinabove, the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments. Instead, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.