Patent Description:
An agricultural implement such as a row crop planter may include a row unit adapted to apply seed or fertilizer to a field. Some agricultural machines are capable of clearing crop residue, soil, or other debris from a row of a field.

One example for such an agricultural machine is disclosed in <CIT>, with a compact multi-function device composed of a lifting central body (platform) supporting on its sides two side frame members which can be widened/narrowed if needed even when in operation. The side frame members are equipped with several motorized operating units arranged in sequence and suitable to carry out all or part of the operations related to cleaning, weeding, fertilization, soil ploughing in and hoeing on ground strips at the foot of plant rows, particularly vineyards, as well as possible defence operations. The device can be fitted to the lifting groups of tractors driven by operators or of other self-moving vehicles, even with robotized drive, working on the two sides while moving through the plant row. The operating units are driven by motors even of different type, such as oleo-dynamic and/or electric motors. The correct way to be followed by the vehicle is determined by the operator or, in case of more advanced solutions, is controlled automatically thanks to remote controlled or self-driven ways. The positioning of the side frame members is automatic, assured by plant row trunks proximity detectors.

With some of these machines, clearing-disks are located forward of the seed distribution area so that the residue may be cleared from a row prior to the seed being planted. The clearing-disks may extend into the soil and may be rotated by the soil as the machine moves over the soil. It may be desirable to change the rotational speed or position of one or more of the clearing-disks, which may present challenges, especially when the clearing-disks are driven by soil as the machine moves over the soil.

In one embodiment according to the claimed invention, an agricultural row unit is adapted to be moved horizontally over soil to clear agricultural residue, and the agricultural row unit includes: an attachment plate; a linkage assembly having a first end pivotably coupled to the attachment plate and a second end opposite the first end; an attachment frame pivotably coupled to the second end of the linkage assembly; a clearing brush coupled to the attachment frame for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the clearing brush; and a motor drivingly coupled to the clearing brush and configured to rotate the clearing brush about the longitudinal axis; wherein the longitudinal axis of the clearing brush defines a vector having a horizontal component and a vertical component that is greater than the horizontal component. The agricultural row unit includes a lateral shield pivotably coupled to the attachment frame for movement relative to the attachment frame in the vertical direction and adjustable between a plurality of lateral positions in each of which the lateral shield is spaced apart a different lateral distance from the attachment frame. The agricultural row unit may include a knock-off shield coupled to the attachment frame, spaced apart from the lateral shield, and arranged a predefined distance away from the clearing brush such that the knock-off shield interacts with and removes residue from the clearing brush when the clearing brush is rotated about the longitudinal axis.

In another embodiment not related to the claimed invention of the present disclosure an agricultural row unit that is adapted to be moved in a forward direction over soil to clear agricultural residue includes: an attachment frame; a drive clearing-disk coupled to the attachment frame for rotation about a first axis; and a driven clearing-disk coupled to the attachment frame for rotation about a second axis offset from the first axis; wherein the drive clearing-disk is drivingly coupled to the driven clearing-disk to rotate the driven clearing-disk about the second axis.

In some embodiments not related to the claimed invention, the agricultural row unit includes a motor coupled to the drive clearing-disk and configured to rotate the drive clearing-disk about the first axis. The agricultural row unit includes a controller configured to adjust a speed of rotation of the motor in response to at least one of a speed of forward movement of the agricultural row unit over the soil, a height of the drive clearing-disk relative to a surface of the soil, a height of the driven clearing-disk relative to a surface of the soil, an amount of crop residue in an agricultural row, and a downforce pressure on a portion of the agricultural row unit.

In some embodiments not related to the claimed invention, the drive clearing-disk extends radially outward away from the first axis to define an outer boundary of the drive clearing-disk. The outer boundary of the drive clearing-disk includes a lowermost point relative to a surface of the soil. The driven clearing-disk extends radially outward away from the second axis to define an outer boundary of the driven clearing-disk. The outer boundary of the driven clearing-disk includes a lowermost point relative to the surface of the soil. The lowermost point of the driven clearing-disk is positioned above the lowermost point of the drive clearing-disk during operation of the agricultural row unit. In some embodiments, the lowermost point of the drive clearing-disk is positioned below the surface of the soil during operation of the agricultural row unit. In some embodiments, the lowermost point of the driven clearing-disk is positioned above the surface of the soil during operation of the agricultural row unit.

In some embodiments not related to the claimed invention, the outer boundary of the drive clearing-disk includes a forward-most point relative to the forward direction of movement of the agricultural planter. The outer boundary of the driven clearing-disk includes a forward-most point relative to the forward direction of movement of the agricultural planter. The forward-most point of the drive clearing-disk is positioned rearwardly of the forward-most point of the driven clearing-disk during operation of the agricultural planter. In some embodiments, the first axis and the second axis are not contained in the same plane.

In some embodiments not related to the claimed invention, the agricultural row unit includes a gear assembly drivingly coupled between the drive clearing-disk and the driven clearing-disk. When the drive clearing-disk rotates at a first speed the gear assembly is configured to rotate the driven clearing-disk at a second speed greater than the first speed. The gear assembly includes a slip clutch reconfigurable between (i) a first mode in which the slip clutch is engaged with the drive clearing-disk and the driven clearing-disk and facilitates rotation of the driven clearing-disk, and (ii) a second mode in which a portion of the slip clutch is disengaged from the driven clearing-disk to allow the drive clearing-disk to rotate independently of the driven clearing-disk.

In some embodiments not related to the claimed invention, the driven disk is movable relative to the attachment frame between (i) a first position in which a first disk-to-disk angle is defined by the intersection of first axis and the second axis and (ii) a second position in which a second disk-to-disk angle is defined by the intersection of first axis and the second axis. The second disk-to-disk angle is different than the first disk-to-disk angle. The driven disk is movable relative to the attachment frame between (i) a third position in which a first disk-to-soil angle is defined between the second axis and a plane approximating the surface of the soil (ii) a fourth position in which a second disk-to-soil angle is defined between the second axis and the plane approximating the surface of the soil. The second disk-to-soil angle is different than the first disk-to-soil angle. In some embodiments, a controller is coupled to the driven clearing-disk, and the controller is configured to move the driven disk between the first and second positions and between the third and fourth positions.

In another embodiment not related to the claimed invention, a method of clearing agricultural residue from an agricultural row includes: moving an agricultural row unit over soil in a forward direction; operating a motor coupled to a drive clearing-disk at an operating speed to rotate the drive clearing-disk about a first axis and to rotate a driven clearing-disk about a second axis offset from the first axis; adjusting the operating speed of the motor in response to at least one: of a speed of the agricultural row unit in the forward direction, a height of the drive clearing-disk relative to a surface of the soil, a height of the driven clearing-disk relative to the surface of the soil, an amount of crop residue in the row, and a downforce pressure on a portion of the agricultural row unit.

In some embodiments not related to the claimed invention, operating a motor coupled to a drive clearing-disk at an operating speed to rotate the drive clearing-disk about a first axis and to rotate a driven clearing-disk about a second axis offset from the first axis includes: engaging the drive clearing-disk with a gear assembly driven by the drive clearing-disk; and engaging the gear assembly with the driven clearing-disk to drive rotation of the driven clearing-disk about the second axis.

In some embodiments not related to the claimed invention, the method includes rotating the drive clearing-disk at a first speed; and rotating the driven clearing-disk at a second speed greater than the first speed. The method includes adjusting a position of the second axis relative to a position of the first axis.

In some embodiments not related to the claimed invention, operating a motor coupled to a drive clearing-disk at an operating speed to rotate the drive clearing-disk about a first axis and to rotate a driven clearing-disk about a second axis offset from the first axis includes: positioning a lowermost point of an outer boundary of the drive clearing-disk at a first height relative to the surface of the soil; and positioning a lowermost point of an outer boundary of the driven clearing-disk at a second height positioned above the first height relative to the surface of the soil.

In some embodiments not related to the claimed invention, positioning a lowermost point of an outer boundary of the driven clearing-disk at a second height positioned above the first height relative to the surface of the soil includes: positioning the lowermost point of the outer boundary of the driven disk above or substantially aligned with the surface of the soil.

In some embodiments not related to the claimed invention, operating a motor coupled to a drive clearing-disk at an operating speed to rotate the drive clearing-disk about a first axis and to rotate a driven clearing-disk about a second axis offset from the first axis includes: positioning a forwardmost point of the outer boundary of the drive clearing-disk at a first position; and positioning a forwardmost point of the outer boundary of the driven clearing-disk at a second position located forward of the first position. In some embodiments, the method includes adjusting an angle defined by the intersection of second axis and the surface of the soil in response to at least one of: a speed of the agricultural row unit along the row, amount of agricultural residue in the row, and a downforce pressure on a portion of the agricultural row unit.

In another embodiment not related to the claimed invention, an agricultural row unit adapted to be moved in a forward direction over soil to clear agricultural residue includes: an attachment frame; a drive clearing-disk coupled to the attachment frame for rotation about a first axis; a driven clearing-disk coupled to the attachment frame for rotation about a second axis offset from the first axis; and a motor coupled to at least one of the drive clearing-disk and the driven-clearing disk configured to rotate the at least one of the drive clearing-disk and the driven-clearing disk about the first axis or the second axis.

In another embodiment not related to the claimed invention, an agricultural row unit adapted to be moved in a forward direction over soil to clear agricultural residue includes: an attachment frame; a plurality of clearing-disks including at least: a drive clearing-disk coupled to the attachment frame for rotation about a first axis, a driven clearing-disk coupled to the attachment frame for rotation about a second axis offset from the first axis; and a plurality of motors including at least: a first motor coupled to the drive clearing-disk and configured to rotate drive-clearing disk about the first axis, and a second motor coupled to the driven clearing-disk and configured to rotate the driven-clearing disk about the second axis.

Referring to <FIG> of the present disclosure, a planter row unit or agricultural row unit <NUM> is shown. The row unit <NUM> is adapted for use with an agricultural implement. The row unit <NUM> may be coupled to a main frame of the agricultural implement via a parallel linkage <NUM> or another suitable linkage. The parallel linkage <NUM> allows for independent vertical movement of the planting row unit <NUM> as it traverses along uneven ground.

Each planter row unit <NUM> may include a row unit shank <NUM> to which a seed hopper <NUM> is coupled. The seed hopper <NUM> may store seed to be planted by the planter row unit <NUM> during a planting operation. Seed may be deposited within a trench or furrow formed by opening disks <NUM>. The depth at which the opening disk or disks <NUM> is set relative to the soil may be set by a gauge wheel or wheels <NUM> and a depth-setting mechanism. A closing wheels <NUM> may be further coupled to the shank <NUM> of the row unit <NUM> in order to close or cover the trench with soil.

The row unit <NUM> may also include a fertilizer applicator including a hopper or container <NUM> for storing fertilizer, e.g., dry granular fertilizer, or a tank for storing gaseous or liquid fertilizer. The fertilizer applicator may further include a cutting disk positionable at a defined depth into the soil to form a furrow or trench therein. The fertilizer applicator may further include a gauge used to set the depth of the furrow or trench to be formed by the cutting disk. It should be appreciated that the cutting disk and the opening disks <NUM> described above are discrete from clearing disks, which will be described below in greater detail as clearing disks <NUM>.

As suggested above, the agricultural row unit <NUM> further includes a clearing assembly <NUM>. The clearing assembly <NUM> is configured to clear crop residue, soil, or other material from a row of the field to be planted and fertilized.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, not related to the claimed invention, clearing disks <NUM> may be included in a clearing assembly <NUM>. The clearing assembly <NUM> includes an attachment plate <NUM>, an attachment frame <NUM>, a linkage assembly <NUM> coupled therebetween, a drive clearing-disk <NUM>, and a driven clearing-disk <NUM>. The attachment plate <NUM> is coupled to the row unit shank <NUM> (or otherwise arranged on the row unit <NUM>) in a forward-facing orientation, such that the clearing disks <NUM> are arranged to be pushed by the attachment plate <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM> during forward movement of the row unit <NUM>. The drive clearing-disk <NUM> is configured to drive rotation of the driven clearing-disk <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the drive clearing-disk <NUM> is coupled to the attachment frame <NUM> and configured to rotate about a first axis <NUM>. The driven clearing-disk <NUM> is coupled to the attachment frame <NUM> and configured to rotate about a second axis <NUM>. The second axis <NUM> is offset from the first axis <NUM> (i.e., the second axis <NUM> is different than the first axis <NUM>).

In some embodiments, the clearing assembly <NUM> also includes a final drive assembly configured to drive rotation of the drive clearing-disk <NUM>. The final drive assembly can be driven by a drive unit <NUM> or other power mechanism. In the illustrative embodiment, the drive unit <NUM> is an electric motor included in the clearing assembly <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the row unit <NUM> may include a plurality of clearing assemblies <NUM>, and each clearing assembly <NUM> may include a separate drive unit <NUM>. Further, the row unit <NUM> may move along several agricultural rows of field simultaneously. As such, each individual agricultural row may be cleared by a corresponding clearing assembly <NUM> having a corresponding drive unit <NUM>.

In some embodiments, each clearing assembly <NUM> may include a controller <NUM> electrically coupled to the drive unit <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is configured to adjust the drive speed of the drive unit <NUM> in response to one or more factors including: a speed of forward movement of the agricultural row unit <NUM> over the soil, a height of the drive clearing-disk <NUM> relative to a surface of the soil <NUM>, a height of the driven clearing-disk <NUM> relative to a surface of the soil, an amount of crop residue in an agricultural row of the field, and a downforce on a portion the row unit <NUM>. In some embodiments, each clearing assembly <NUM> may further include a sensor <NUM> electrically coupled to the controller <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is configured to identify the amount of crop residue or other material in an agricultural row of the field and transmit a signal to the controller <NUM> indicative of the amount of crop residue or other material. The controller <NUM> may also be configured to adjust the drive speed in response to a predetermined prescribed operating plan for the field. In other, embodiments, a user may adjust the drive speed of the drive unit <NUM> via a user input separate from the controller <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that while a surface of soil is generally uneven, the term "surface of the soil" as used herein means an imaginary plane approximating a surface of soil, upon which the row unit <NUM> is traveling as the row unit <NUM> move moves horizontally along an agricultural row in the field.

Referring still to <FIG> and <FIG>, the clearing assembly <NUM> further includes a gear assembly <NUM> that is coupled between the drive clearing-disk <NUM> and the driven clearing-disk <NUM>. The gear assembly <NUM> is configured to transmit rotational motion from the drive clearing-disk <NUM> to the driven clearing-disk <NUM>. As such, the gear assembly <NUM> is drivingly coupled between the drive clearing-disk <NUM> and the driven clearing-disk <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the gear assembly <NUM> includes a number of disk-connecting gears <NUM> (such as bevel gears and spur gears) for transmitting rotational motion from the drive clearing-disk <NUM> to the driven clearing-disk <NUM>. In some embodiments, the gear assembly <NUM> includes gear-step unit <NUM> configured rotate the driven clearing-disk <NUM> at different speed than that of the drive clearing-disk <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the drive clearing-disk <NUM> is rotated by the drive unit <NUM> (or by other means) at a first speed, and the gear-step unit <NUM> is configured to rotate the driven clearing-disk <NUM> at a second speed greater than the first speed.

In some embodiments, the gear assembly <NUM> includes a slip clutch <NUM> including a first portion fixed to the drive clearing disk <NUM> and a second portion fixed to the driven clearing-disk <NUM>. The slip clutch <NUM> is reconfigurable between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the slip clutch <NUM> is engaged with the drive clearing-disk <NUM> and the driven clearing-disk <NUM>, and the slip clutch <NUM> facilitates rotation of the driven clearing-disk <NUM> by the drive clearing-disk <NUM>. In the second mode, a first portion of the slip clutch <NUM> disengaged from the second portion of the slip clutch <NUM> to allow the drive clearing-disk <NUM> to rotate independently of the driven clearing-disk <NUM>. With this arrangement, if the driven clearing-disk <NUM> encounters immovable debris along the agricultural row, the driven clearing-disk <NUM> may cease rotation and the drive clearing-disk <NUM> may continue to rotate without damaging the gear assembly <NUM> or other components of the clearing assembly <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, not related to the claimed invention, the drive clearing-disk extends <NUM> radially outward away from the first axis <NUM> to define an outer boundary <NUM> of the drive clearing-disk <NUM>. The driven clearing-disk <NUM> extends radially outward away from the second axis <NUM> to define an outer boundary <NUM> of the driven clearing-disk <NUM>. During rotation of the drive clearing-disk <NUM>, the outer boundary <NUM> of the drive clearing-disk <NUM> includes a lowermost point <NUM> relative to the surface of the soil <NUM>. Similarly, during rotation of the driven clearing-disk <NUM>, the outer boundary <NUM> of the driven clearing-disk <NUM> includes a lowermost point (not shown) relative to the surface of the soil <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lowermost point <NUM> of the drive clearing-disk <NUM> is positioned above the surface of the soil <NUM> during operation of the row unit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drive clearing-disk <NUM> is positioned below the surface of the soil <NUM>, and as the row unit <NUM> moves through the field, the drive clearing-disk <NUM> contacts the soil or a sub-surface of the soil causing rotation of the drive clearing-disk <NUM>. In such an embodiments, the drive clearing-disk <NUM> is driven by the soil while the driven clearing-disk <NUM> is driven by the drive clearing-disk <NUM>. As such, the lowermost point of the driven clearing-disk <NUM> and the lowermost point <NUM> of the drive clearing-disk <NUM> are positioned at different heights. For example, the lowermost point of the driven clearing-disk <NUM> may be positioned above the lowermost point <NUM> of the drive clearing-disk <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, during rotation of the drive clearing-disk <NUM>, the outer boundary <NUM> of the drive clearing-disk <NUM> includes a forward-most point <NUM>. As used here, "forward" is used relative to the forward direction of movement of the agricultural planter, as shown by the arrow <NUM>. Further, the outer boundary <NUM> of the driven clearing-disk <NUM> includes a forward-most point <NUM>. The forward-most point <NUM> of the drive clearing-disk <NUM> is positioned rearwardly of the forward-most point <NUM> of the driven clearing-disk <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lowermost point of the driven clearing-disk <NUM> is movable relative to the lowermost point <NUM> of the drive clearing-disk <NUM>. Similarly, in some embodiments, forward-most point <NUM> of the drive clearing-disk <NUM> movable relative to the forward-most point <NUM> of the driven clearing-disk <NUM>.

To facilitate movement of the disks <NUM>, <NUM>, the clearing assembly <NUM> may include a first linear actuator <NUM> coupled to and configured to move the drive clearing-disk <NUM> and a second linear actuator <NUM> coupled to and configured to move the driven clearing-disk <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The first and second linear actuators <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to facilitate sliding, rotational, or complex motion of the disks <NUM>, <NUM>. Such motion may be facilitated relative to the ground <NUM>, the attachment frame <NUM>, or in association with one disk relative to the other disk. In some embodiments, each linear actuator <NUM>, <NUM> may include a cam (such as an elliptical cam) connected to an electronic motor (such as a stepper motor) configured to move the disk <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, each linear actuator <NUM>, <NUM> may include lead screw or worm gear configured to move the disks <NUM>, <NUM>.

In an illustrative embodiment, the clearing assembly <NUM> may include a controller <NUM> electrically coupled to one or both of the drive clearing-disk <NUM> and the driven clearing-disk <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be discrete from the controller <NUM>, in communication with the controller <NUM>, or included in the controller <NUM>. Each controller <NUM>, <NUM> may be controlled by a master controller or may operate independently. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to adjust the forward-most point <NUM> of the driven clearing-disk <NUM> relative to the forward-most point <NUM> of the drive clearing-disk <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to adjust the lowermost point of the driven clearing-disk <NUM> relative to the lowermost point <NUM> of the drive clearing-disk <NUM>. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to adjust the height of one or both of the disks <NUM>, <NUM> in response any number of the following factors including: a speed of forward movement of the agricultural row unit <NUM> over the soil, a height of the drive clearing-disk <NUM> relative to the surface of the soil <NUM>, a height of the driven clearing-disk <NUM> relative to a surface of the soil, an amount of crop residue in an agricultural row of the field, and a downforce on a portion the row unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, not related to the claimed invention, when the clearing assembly <NUM> is viewed from a top view in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface of the soil <NUM>, the first axis <NUM> forms a disk-to-disk angle α with the second axis <NUM>. In <FIG>, the angle α is approximately <NUM> degrees; however, in other positions of the drive clearing-disk <NUM> or the driven clearing-disk <NUM> the angle α may have a different magnitude. As such, the driven clearing-disk <NUM> is movable relative to the attachment frame <NUM> (and movable relative to the drive clearing-disk <NUM>) between (i) a first position in which a first disk-to-disk angle α is defined between the intersection of the first axis <NUM> and the second axis <NUM> and (ii) a second position in which a second disk-to-disk angle α is defined by the intersection of first axis <NUM> and the second axis <NUM>. The second disk-to-disk angle α has a different magnitude than the first disk-to-disk angle α. While the above description recites that that the driven clearing-disk <NUM> is movable, it should also be appreciated that the drive clearing-disk <NUM> may also be movable to vary the magnitude of the angle α.

As show in <FIG>, not related to the claimed invention, when the driven clearing-disk <NUM> of the clearing assembly <NUM> is viewed from a side view in a direction generally parallel to the surface of the soil <NUM>, the second axis <NUM> forms a disk-to-soil angle β with the surface of the soil <NUM>. In <FIG>, the angle β is zero degrees; however, in other positions (such as the position shown in <FIG>), the angle β can be a non-zero angle. As such, the driven clearing-disk <NUM> is movable relative to the attachment frame <NUM> between (i) a third position in which a first disk-to-soil angle β is defined between the second axis <NUM> and the surface of the soil <NUM> and (ii) a fourth position in which a second disk-to-soil angle β is defined between the second axis <NUM> and the surface of the soil <NUM>. The second disk-to-soil angle β has a different magnitude than the first disk-to-disk angle β. While the above description recites that that the driven clearing-disk <NUM> is movable relative to the attachment frame <NUM>, it should also be appreciated that the drive clearing-disk <NUM> may also be movable relative to the attachment frame <NUM> to vary the magnitude of the angle β.

Because the disk-to-disk angle α and the disk-to-soil angle β can both be adjusted, in some positions the drive clearing-disk <NUM> and the driven clearing-disk <NUM> are not contained in a common plane. In other positions, the drive clearing-disk <NUM> and the driven clearing-disk <NUM> are contained in a common plane.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to adjust the disk-to-disk angle α. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to adjust the disk-to-soil angle β. In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> is configured to adjust one or both of the disk-to-disk angle α or the disk-to-soil angle β in response any number of the following factors including: a speed of forward movement of the agricultural row unit <NUM> over the soil, a height of the drive clearing-disk <NUM> relative to the surface of the soil <NUM>, a height of the driven clearing-disk <NUM> relative to a surface of the soil, an amount of crop residue in an agricultural row of the field, and a downforce on a portion the row unit <NUM>.

It has been described herein that each of: the disk-to-disk height, the disk-to-soil height, the relative to forward-to-rearward positioning of the disks <NUM>, <NUM>, the disk-to-disk angle α, and the disk-to-soil angle β can be adjusted by one or more controllers. However, it should also be appreciated that in some embodiments, a user may manually adjust the heights, angles, or positions of the drive clearing-disk <NUM> and the driven clearing-disk <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the agricultural row unit <NUM> includes: the attachment frame <NUM>, the drive clearing-disk <NUM> coupled to the attachment frame <NUM> for rotation about the first axis <NUM>, and a driven clearing-disk <NUM> coupled to the attachment frame <NUM> for rotation about the second axis <NUM>; however, the motor is coupled to only one of the drive clearing-disk <NUM> and the driven-clearing disk <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the agricultural row unit <NUM> includes only a single clearing disk <NUM>, and the motor is coupled to the single clearing disk <NUM> to drive rotation of the clearing disk about a single-disk axis of rotation.

In some embodiments, the agricultural row unit <NUM> includes: the attachment frame <NUM>; a plurality of clearing-disks <NUM> including at least a first clearing-disk (such as the clearing disk <NUM> coupled to the attachment frame <NUM> for rotation about the first axis <NUM>). In some embodiments the motor may include a second clearing-disk (such as disk <NUM> coupled to the attachment frame <NUM> for rotation about the second axis <NUM>). The agricultural row unit <NUM> may further include a plurality of motors including at least: a first motor coupled to the first clearing disk and configured to rotate the first clearing disk about the first axis. The plurality of motors may include a second motor coupled to the second clearing disk and configured to rotate the second clearing disk about the second axis. The plurality of motors may include additional motors and the plurality of clearing disks may include additional disks coupled to the additional motors. In the embodiments described above, the plurality of disks may be driven one or more motors of the plurality of motors.

Referring now to <FIG>, the clearing assembly <NUM> according to the claimed invention is shown. The clearing assembly <NUM> includes an attachment plate <NUM>, an attachment frame <NUM>, a linkage assembly <NUM> coupled therebetween, and a clearing brush <NUM> coupled to the attachment frame <NUM>. The attachment plate <NUM> is arranged on the agricultural implement in a rearward-facing orientation, such that the clearing brush <NUM> is arranged to be pulled by the attachment plate <NUM> in the forward direction <NUM> during forward movement of the row unit <NUM>. The clearing assembly <NUM> is configured to rest on and move forwardly along the surface of the soil <NUM> during operation of the row unit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the clearing assembly <NUM> further includes a cover <NUM> arranged to protect a drive unit or other components from debris or residue that may be encountered during forward movement of the row unit <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the clearing assembly <NUM> also includes a final drive assembly configured to drive rotation of the clearing brush <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the final drive assembly can be driven by a drive unit <NUM> or other power mechanism. In the illustrative embodiment, the drive unit <NUM> is an electric motor included in the clearing assembly <NUM>. It should be appreciated the row unit <NUM> may include a plurality of clearing assemblies <NUM>, and each clearing assembly <NUM> may include a separate drive unit <NUM>. Further, the row unit <NUM> may move along several of agricultural rows of field simultaneously. As such, each individual agricultural row may be cleared by corresponding clearing assembly <NUM> having a corresponding drive unit <NUM>.

In some embodiments, each clearing assembly <NUM> may include a controller <NUM> electrically coupled to the drive unit <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is configured to adjust the drive speed of the drive unit <NUM> in response to one or more factors including: a speed of forward movement of the agricultural row unit <NUM> over the soil, an amount of crop residue in an agricultural row of the field, and a downforce on a portion the row unit <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is configured to identify the amount of crop residue or other material in an agricultural row of the field and transmit a signal to the controller <NUM> indicative of the amount of crop residue or other material. The controller <NUM> may also be configured to adjust the drive speed in response to a predetermined prescribed operating plan for the field. In some embodiments, each clearing assembly <NUM> may further include a sensor <NUM> electrically coupled to the controller <NUM>. In other, embodiments, a user may adjust the drive speed of the drive unit <NUM> via a user input separate from the controller <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the linkage assembly <NUM> includes first and second pivotable ends <NUM>, <NUM>. As such, the linkage assembly <NUM> may include fours bars that are each pivotably coupled at their first ends <NUM> to the attachment frame <NUM> and at their second ends <NUM> to the attachment plate <NUM>. Because the linkage assembly <NUM> is pivotable at both ends <NUM>, <NUM>, the linkage assembly <NUM> facilitates vertical travel of the clearing brush <NUM> relative to the row unit shank <NUM>. Thus, as a nose (not shown) of the clearing brush <NUM> rests on and is moved over uneven soil, the linkage assembly <NUM> facilitates vertical movement of the clearing brush <NUM> relative to the row unit shank <NUM>. It should be appreciated, that while a four-bar linkage assembly is shown in <FIG>, other linkage assemblies may be used with the row unit <NUM>, so long as those linkage assemblies facilitates vertical travel of the clearing brush <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the clearing brush <NUM> is configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis <NUM>. The longitudinal axis <NUM> of the clearing brush <NUM> defines a vector <NUM> having a horizontal component and a vertical component that is greater than the horizontal component. As used herein vertical component and horizontal component are meant to refer to the vertical component of extension and the horizontal portion of extension. For example, a brush with a longitudinal axis having a vertical component equal to its horizontal component would be a brush with a longitudinal axis disposed at a <NUM> degree angle relative to the surface of the soil <NUM>. Thus, the clearing brush <NUM> shown in <FIG>, is disposed at an angle θ relative to the surface of the soil <NUM>, and the angle θ is greater than <NUM> degrees.

As shown in <FIG>, the clearing assembly <NUM> includes a lateral shield <NUM> and a knock-off shield <NUM>. The lateral shield <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame <NUM> for movement relative to the attachment frame <NUM> in the vertical direction. In the illustrative embodiment, the clearing assembly <NUM> includes a lateral-connecting unit <NUM> including a bracket <NUM>, a first arm <NUM>, and a second arm <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> is coupled to the attachment frame <NUM> via a plurality fasteners, and when the bracket <NUM> is coupled to the attachment frame <NUM>, the bracket <NUM> is fixed relative to the attachment frame <NUM>. The first arm <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the bracket <NUM> for rotation about an axis <NUM> transverse to the clearing assembly <NUM>. Pivoting movement of the first arm <NUM> relative to the bracket <NUM> moves the lateral shield <NUM> vertically relative to the attachment frame <NUM>.

The second arm <NUM> is removably coupled to the first arm <NUM> of the lateral shield <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the first arm <NUM> includes a plurality of apertures <NUM> (for example three rows of three), and the second arm <NUM> includes a plurality of apertures <NUM> (for example one row of two). A plurality of fasteners may be inserted into each of the pluralities of apertures <NUM>, <NUM> to removably couple the first arm <NUM> to the second arm <NUM>. The second arm <NUM> is further coupled to the lateral shield <NUM> at a rotational axis <NUM> of the lateral shield <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that the lateral shield <NUM> is moveable between (a) a plurality of lateral positions in each of which the lateral shield <NUM> is spaced apart a different lateral distance from the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the clearing brush <NUM>, and between (b) a plurality of axial positions in each of which the lateral shield <NUM> is spaced apart a different forward-rearward distance from the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the clearing brush <NUM>. By removing the fasteners from a first pair of apertures of the first arm <NUM> and inserting the fasteners into a second pair of apertures of the first arm <NUM>, the lateral or axial positions of the lateral shield <NUM> may be changed. As clearing brush <NUM> rotates about its longitudinal axis <NUM>, it thrusts residue laterally away from the longitudinal axis <NUM> toward the lateral shield <NUM>. The lateral shield <NUM> is aligned vertically with at least a portion of the clearing brush <NUM>. As such, the residue thrusted toward the lateral shield <NUM> is prevented from moving laterally beyond the lateral shield <NUM>.

The knock-off shield <NUM> is coupled to the attachment frame <NUM> and configured to contact the clearing brush <NUM> to remove residue from the clearing brush <NUM> when the clearing brush <NUM> is rotated about its longitudinal axis <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, a connecting arm <NUM> is coupled between the attachment frame <NUM> and the knock-off shield <NUM>. The knock-off shield <NUM> includes a plurality of slots <NUM> and the connecting arm includes a plurality of apertures <NUM> (see <FIG>). The slots <NUM> and apertures <NUM> are configured to receive a plurality of fasteners to couple the knock-off shield <NUM> to the connecting arm <NUM>. When the knock-off shield <NUM> is coupled to the connecting arm <NUM>, the slots <NUM> may be described as axially-extending slots <NUM>. As such, when the fasteners are inserted in the apertures <NUM> and in the axially-extending slots <NUM> but not yet tightened, the knock-off shield <NUM> can slide axially relative to the connecting arm <NUM> to adjust the axial position of the knock-off shield <NUM> relative to the clearing brush <NUM>. In this way, the knock-off shield <NUM> may be arranged a predefined distance away from the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the clearing brush <NUM>. The distance may be reduced to allow a greater portion of the clearing brush <NUM> to contact the knock-off shield <NUM> during rotation of the clearing brush <NUM>. The distance may be increased such that a lesser portion of the clearing brush <NUM> contacts the knock-off shield <NUM> during rotation of the clearing brush <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An agricultural row unit (<NUM>) adapted to be moved horizontally over soil (<NUM>) to clear agricultural residue, the agricultural row unit (<NUM>) comprising:
an attachment plate (<NUM>);
a linkage assembly (<NUM>) having a second end (<NUM>) pivotably coupled to the attachment plate (<NUM>) and a first end (<NUM>) opposite the second end (<NUM>);
an attachment frame (<NUM>) pivotably coupled to the first end (<NUM>) of the linkage assembly (<NUM>);
a clearing brush (<NUM>) coupled to the attachment frame (<NUM>) for rotation about a longitudinal axis (<NUM>) of the clearing brush (<NUM>); and
a motor (<NUM>) drivingly coupled to the clearing brush (<NUM>) and configured to rotate the clearing brush (<NUM>) about the longitudinal axis (<NUM>), characterized in that
the longitudinal axis (<NUM>) of the clearing brush (<NUM>) defines a vector (<NUM>) having a horizontal component and a vertical component that is greater than the horizontal component and
a lateral shield (<NUM>) is provided (i) pivotably coupled to the attachment frame (<NUM>) for movement relative to the attachment frame (<NUM>) in the vertical direction and (ii) adjustable between a plurality of lateral positions in each of which the lateral shield (<NUM>) is spaced apart a different lateral distance from the attachment frame (<NUM>).