Patent Description:
A wide range of agricultural implements have been developed and are presently in use for tilling, cultivating, harvesting, and so forth. Tillage implements, for example, are commonly towed behind tractors and may cover wide swaths of ground that include various types of residue. Such residue may include materials left in the field after the crop has been harvested (e.g., stalks and stubble, leaves, and seed pods). Good management of field residue can increase efficiency of irrigation and control of erosion in the field.

Tillers typically include ground-engaging tools, such as shanks and shank attachment members (e.g., tillage points, chisels, etc.), configured to condition the soil for improved moisture distribution while reducing soil compaction from sources such as machine traffic, grazing cattle, and standing water. The shank attachment members are typically replaceable and come in a wide variety to accommodate different field conditions and the desired results of the tilling operation. Unfortunately, when a shank attachment member falls off or otherwise decouples from its respective shank during operation, the shank attachment member is typically difficult to find and expensive to replace, and the shank may also need to be replaced if the implement is operated for an extended period without a shank attachment member, which further increases the cost of a lost shank attachment member.

Accordingly, a system and method for improved monitoring of the installation status of shank attachment members configured for use with an agricultural implement would be welcomed in the technology.

In one embodiment, the present subject matter is directed to a system for monitoring an installation status of shank attachment members of agricultural implements. The system includes a shank assembly having a shank extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The shank assembly further has at least one mounting element configured to couple the proximal end of the shank to a portion of an agricultural implement. Further, the system includes a shank attachment member coupled to the distal end of the shank. The system also includes a signal transmission device provided in operative association with the shank attachment member, where the signal transmission device is configured to transmit wireless signals. Moreover, the system includes an antenna provided in operative association with the shank assembly, with the antenna being configured to receive the wireless signals transmitted from the signal transmission device. Additionally, the system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the antenna, where the controller is configured to determine an installation status of the shank attachment member based at least in part on the wireless signals received by the antenna from the signal transmission device.

In another embodiment, the present subject matter is directed to an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement includes a frame and a plurality of shank assemblies coupled to the frame. Each shank assembly of the plurality of shank assemblies has a shank extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one mounting element configured to couple the proximal end of the shank to a portion of the frame. The agricultural implement further includes a plurality of shank attachment members, with each shank attachment member of the plurality of shank attachment members being coupled to the distal end of the shank of a respective shank assembly of the plurality of shank assemblies. The agricultural implement also includes a signal transmission device provided in operative association with at least one shank attachment member of the plurality of shank attachment members, where the signal transmission device is configured to transmit wireless signals. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes an antenna configured to receive the wireless signals transmitted from the signal transmission device. Additionally, the agricultural implement includes a controller communicatively coupled to the antenna. The controller is configured to determine an installation status of the at least one shank attachment member based at least in part on the wireless signals received by the antenna from the signal transmission device.

In a further embodiment, the present subject matter is directed to a method for monitoring an installation status of shank attachment members of an agricultural implement. The agricultural implement has a shank assembly having a shank extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one mounting element configured to couple the proximal end of the shank to a portion of the agricultural implement. The agricultural implement further has a shank attachment member coupled to the distal end of the shank. The method includes receiving, with a computing device, wireless signals from a signal transmission device provided in operative association with the shank attachment member. The method further includes identifying, with the computing device, an installation status of the shank attachment member based at least in part on the received wireless signals. Additionally, the method includes initiating, with the computing device, a control action when it is identified that the shank attachment member is detached from the shank.

The present invention relates to an agricultural implement according to claim <NUM> and to a method according to claim <NUM>.

Referring now to the drawings, <FIG> illustrates one embodiment of a tillage implement <NUM> in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. As is generally understood, the tillage implement <NUM> may be used to till a field to prepare the soil by plowing, ripping, turning, and/or the like. In doing so, a portion of the soil residue, such as plant stalks and/or weeds, may be removed during the tilling process. In addition, the soil may be loosened and aerated, which in turn facilitates deeper penetration of roots. The tilling process may also help in the growth of microorganisms present in the soil and thus, maintain the fertility of the soil.

As shown in <FIG>, the tillage implement <NUM> includes a tow bar <NUM> having a coupling mechanism, such as a hitch, used to couple the implement <NUM> to a towing vehicle, such as a tractor. The tillage implement <NUM> may also include a frame <NUM> and a plurality of ground-engaging tools coupled to or otherwise supported by the frame <NUM>, such as one or more disk blades, plows, chisels, hoe openers, tillage points, rolling baskets, and/or the like. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, the tillage implement <NUM> includes a plurality of forward disc blades <NUM>, a plurality of shank assemblies <NUM>, and a plurality of soil-leveling discs <NUM> coupled to the frame <NUM>, with the shank assemblies <NUM> being located aft of the forward disc blades <NUM> on the frame <NUM> and the soil-leveling discs <NUM> being positioned aft of the shank assemblies <NUM> on the frame <NUM> (e.g., via an associated tool bar <NUM>). The frame <NUM> is configured to be actuated relative to the ground surface 26A between a raised position (not shown) and a lowered or working position (<FIG>) by one or more frame actuators 14A.

As shown in <FIG>, in one embodiment, each shank assembly <NUM> includes a shank <NUM> pivotally coupled to the implement frame <NUM> at one end by one or more frame members. A shank attachment member <NUM> may be coupled to the shank assembly <NUM>, particularly at an opposed end of the shank <NUM> from the frame member(s). In the embodiment shown, each shank attachment member <NUM> corresponds to a tillage point. As is generally understood, the tillage points <NUM> may be configured to enable high-speed operation of the tillage implement <NUM> while still producing a smooth soil surface. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the shank assemblies <NUM> are positioned to till a field at a depth <NUM> below the field or ground surface 26A, with the depth <NUM> of the tillage points <NUM> being adjustable by raising or lowering the shank assemblies <NUM> and/or the portions of the frame <NUM> relative to the field. For example, the depth <NUM> may be adjusted, as desired, based on local farming practices and/or field conditions. For purposes of discussion, the present subject matter will generally be described with reference to the illustrated tillage points <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, each shank attachment member <NUM> may correspond to any other ground-engaging member configured to be coupled or attached to the distal end of a shank <NUM>, e.g., chisels, hoe openers, and/or the like.

Referring now to <FIG>, a side view of an example embodiment of a shank assembly <NUM> suitable for use with an agricultural implement (e.g., the tillage implement <NUM> shown in <FIG>) is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated that, for purposes of discussion, the shank assembly <NUM> will be described with reference to the tillage implement <NUM> shown in <FIG>. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the disclosed shank assemblies <NUM> may be utilized with any suitable agricultural implements having any other suitable implement configuration(s).

In general, as shown in <FIG>, the shank assembly <NUM> may include a shank <NUM> and one or more frame members configured to pivotally couple the shank <NUM> to the implement frame <NUM>. For instance, the shank <NUM> may extend lengthwise between a proximal end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>, with the proximal end <NUM> being configured to be coupled to the implement frame <NUM>, e.g., via a mount <NUM> rigidly coupled to the implement frame <NUM>, and the distal end <NUM> being configured to be coupled to the tillage point <NUM>. The shank <NUM> has an upper portion 102A and a lower portion 102B, with the upper portion 102A configured to be disposed above the ground surface 26A and the lower portion 102B configured to be disposed below the ground surface 26A when the shank <NUM> is in its ground-engaging or working position (i.e., the position shown in <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, the shank assembly <NUM> may also include a biasing member <NUM> (e.g., a spring) coupled between the shank <NUM> (e.g., via a pivot bracket <NUM>) and the mount <NUM> to bias the shank <NUM> towards its working position relative to the frame <NUM>. For instance, the biasing member <NUM> may bias the shank <NUM> downwardly such that the shank pivots about a pivot point <NUM> defined between the pivot bracket <NUM> and the mount <NUM> back towards its ground-engaging position (e.g., in pivot direction indicated by arrow <NUM>) following temporary pivotal movement of the shank <NUM> in the opposite direction as the shank <NUM> encounters rocks or other impediments in the field during operation of the implement <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, the shank assembly <NUM> may include a shin <NUM> configured to be coupled to the shank <NUM> above the tillage point <NUM> to protect the shank <NUM> from wear.

Still referring to <FIG>, the tillage point <NUM> may generally include a body <NUM> extending lengthwise between a tip end <NUM> and an opposed retention end <NUM>. In general, the tip end <NUM> of the tillage point <NUM> may be configured to enable high-speed operation of the tillage implement <NUM>, while still producing a smooth soil surface 26A. For instance, in one embodiment, the orientation of the tip end <NUM> of the body <NUM> may be angled downwardly with respect to a horizontal plane of movement of the tillage point <NUM> through the soil <NUM>, which may reduce the overall amount of drag on the body <NUM> during operation of the implement <NUM>. In addition, the tip end <NUM> of the body <NUM> may be substantially flat in the lateral or cross-wise direction of the body <NUM>, thereby further reducing drag on the body <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the tip end <NUM> of the tillage point <NUM> may have any other suitable configuration that allows the tillage point <NUM> to generally function as described herein. Moreover, the retention end <NUM> of the body <NUM> may generally be configured to allow the distal end <NUM> of the shank <NUM> to be coupled to the tillage point <NUM>. For instance, in one embodiment, the body <NUM> includes a retention slot <NUM> defined therein for receiving the distal end <NUM> of the shank <NUM>.

In accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, <FIG> also illustrates components of one embodiment of a system <NUM> for monitoring the installation status of the tillage point <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the system <NUM> may be utilized to monitor the installation status of any other suitable attachment members, such as blades, disks, shanks, and/or the like. As shown in <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes at least one wireless signal transmission device <NUM> (also referred to herein simply as "signal transmitter") configured to wirelessly transmit signals (as indicated by dashed lines <NUM>) to an associated signal receiver or antenna <NUM>. In general, the signal transmitter <NUM> may be configured to be positioned on or within the tillage point <NUM> at a suitable location that allows the transmitter <NUM> to transmit wireless signals <NUM> to the associated antenna <NUM> while the tillage point <NUM> is coupled to the shank <NUM>. For instance, as shown in <FIG>, the signal transmitter <NUM> is positioned on an upper side of an outer surface 104A of the tillage point <NUM>, towards the retention end <NUM> of the tillage point <NUM>. In some embodiments, the signal transmitter <NUM> may be recessed into the outer surface <NUM> of tillage point <NUM> such that the signal transmitter <NUM> does not impact or change the flow of soil over the tillage point <NUM> during a tillage operation. When the tillage point <NUM> falls off or otherwise becomes detached from the shank <NUM>, the wireless signals <NUM> will no longer be received by the associated antenna <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the signal transmitter <NUM> may be configured as an RFID tag, such as an active RFID tag or a passive RFID tag. In such an embodiment, the associated antenna <NUM> may form part of or may be communicatively coupled to a suitable RFID interrogator or reader. For instance, if the signal transmitter <NUM> corresponds to a passive RFID tag, the antenna <NUM> may form part of or may be communicatively coupled to an active RFID reader configured to actively transmit interrogation signals to the associated RFID tag and receive the corresponding reply signals from the tag. Similarly, if the signal transmitter <NUM> corresponds to an active RFID tag, the antenna <NUM> may form part of or may be communicatively coupled to a passive RFID reader configured to receive the radio signals transmitted from the tag.

In other embodiments, the signal transmitter <NUM> may be configured as any other suitable component(s) and/or device(s) configured to transmit wireless signals <NUM> for receipt by an associated antenna <NUM> using any suitable wireless communication protocol(s) or other suitable wireless signal transmission technology. For instance, in some embodiments, the signal transmitter <NUM> may be configured to transmit short-range wireless signals using Bluetooth, Near-Field Communications, WiFi, Zigbee, RuBee, and/or any other suitable short-range wireless communication protocol. Suitable wireless signals <NUM> configured to be transmitted by the signal transmitter <NUM> (and received by the associated antenna <NUM>) may include, but are not limited to, signals in the form of radio waves, magnetic waves, other forms of electromagnetic waves, and/or the like.

According to the invention, the antenna <NUM> is configured to be installed at any suitable position on the shank assembly <NUM> that allows the antenna <NUM> to receive the wireless signals <NUM> transmitted from the associated signal transmitter <NUM> while the tillage point <NUM> is coupled to the shank <NUM>. For instance, when the signal transmitter <NUM> has a given wireless transmission range, the antenna <NUM> may be installed at any suitable location on the shank assembly <NUM> that falls within such wireless transmission range. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the antenna <NUM> may be mounted at any suitable position along the upper portion 102A of the shank <NUM>. As such, the antenna <NUM> may be configured to remain above the ground surface 26A during the performance of an agricultural operation with the associated implement <NUM>. In such embodiment, the signal strength of the wireless signals <NUM> of the signal transmitter <NUM> may be strong enough that the antenna <NUM> may detect the wireless signals while the signal transmitter <NUM> is below the ground surface 26A. In other embodiments, the signal strength of the wireless signals <NUM> of the signal transmitter <NUM> may require the tillage point <NUM> to be moved above the ground surface 26A for the wireless signals <NUM> to be received by the antenna <NUM>, such as when the implement <NUM> is being turned at the headlands and the shanks <NUM> are raised out of the ground. Further, when the antenna <NUM> is mounted to the shank <NUM>, the antenna <NUM> may maintain its position relative to the signal transmitter <NUM> when the shank <NUM> is biased away from its working position relative to the frame <NUM>. As such, the antenna <NUM> may maintain the signal transmitter <NUM> within its detection range regardless of the position of the shank <NUM>.

It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the signal strength of the signal transmitter <NUM> and/or the receiving strength of the antenna <NUM> may be configured such that each antenna <NUM> may only receive the wireless signals <NUM> corresponding to a single respective tillage point <NUM>. As such, in one embodiment, a signal transmitter <NUM> may be provided in operative association with each tillage point <NUM> of the implement <NUM>, with the wireless signals from each signal transmitter <NUM> configured to be received by a respective antenna <NUM> of the disclosed system <NUM>. In such embodiment, it may be easier to detect which tillage point <NUM> has fallen off without requiring separate identifying wireless signals <NUM> for each tillage point <NUM>. Thus, the signal transmitters <NUM> may be more easily replaceable if lost or broken.

In an alternative embodiment, the antenna <NUM> may be positioned on one of the frame members of the associated shank assembly <NUM>, such as the mount <NUM> or the pivot bracket <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrates an exemplary view of a variation of the associated antenna <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the antenna <NUM> may be coupled to the mount <NUM> of the shank assembly <NUM> configured to support the shank <NUM> relative to the implement frame <NUM>. Similar to the antenna <NUM> mounted on the shank <NUM> in <FIG>, the antenna <NUM> of <FIG> may be configured to remain above the ground surface 26A during the performance of an associated agricultural operation. In such embodiment, the signal strength of the wireless signals <NUM> of the signal transmitter <NUM> may be strong enough that the antenna <NUM> may detect the wireless signals while the signal transmitter <NUM> is below the ground surface 26A. In other embodiments, the signal strength of the wireless signals <NUM> of the signal transmitter <NUM> may require the tillage point <NUM> to be moved above the ground surface 26A for the wireless signals <NUM> to be received by the antenna <NUM>, such as when the implement <NUM> is being turned at the headlands and the shanks <NUM> are raised out of the ground. Further, the antenna <NUM> may have a sensing range in which the wireless signals <NUM> are receivable. In some embodiments, when the antenna <NUM> is mounted to a frame member of the shank assembly <NUM>, such as the mount <NUM>, the shank <NUM> may be rotated about the pivot point <NUM> such that the wireless signals <NUM> transmitted by the signal transmitter <NUM> are out of the sensing range. As such, the configuration of the system <NUM> shown in <FIG> may further be used to monitor the position of the shank <NUM>.

In a further alternative embodiment, the antenna <NUM> may be positioned on the lower portion 102B of the shank <NUM> configured to be located below the soil surface 26A during the performance of an associated agricultural operation. For example, <FIG> illustrates a partial, cross-sectional view of the shank assembly <NUM> and tillage point <NUM>, with the associated antenna <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> installed relative to the lower portion 102B of the shank <NUM>. As described above, the retention slot <NUM> defined in the body <NUM> of the tillage point <NUM> is configured for receiving the distal end <NUM> of the shank <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the signal transmitter <NUM> may, in some embodiments, be at least partially embedded or otherwise positioned within the retention slot <NUM> of the tillage point <NUM>. In some instances, the wireless signals <NUM> generated by the signal transmitter <NUM> may not fully pass through the tillage point material without losing some or all of its signal strength when the tillage point <NUM> is installed on the shank <NUM>. Accordingly, the antenna <NUM> may be mounted on the lower portion 102B of the shank <NUM> such that the antenna <NUM> is close enough to receive the wireless signals <NUM>. For instance, in some embodiments, the antenna <NUM> may be at least partially embedded within the shank <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the antenna <NUM> is installed within a bore hole or opening <NUM> defined in the lower portion 102B of the shank <NUM>. In some embodiments, the opening <NUM> may be configured such that the antenna <NUM> is positioned within the retention slot <NUM> adjacent to the signal transmitter <NUM> when the shank <NUM> is received within the retention slot <NUM>.

By positioning the signal transmitter <NUM> within the tillage point <NUM>, e.g., within the retention slot <NUM> of the tillage point <NUM>, and by positioning the antenna <NUM> within the portion of the shank <NUM> that is received within the retention slot <NUM> of the tillage point <NUM>, the signal transmitter <NUM> and antenna <NUM> may be protected from environmental factors, thereby allowing the signal transmitter <NUM> and the antenna <NUM> to generate and transmit the wireless signals <NUM>, respectively, indicative of the installation status of the tillage point <NUM> while the implement <NUM> is operating and the tillage point <NUM> is located below the ground surface 26A.

It should be appreciated that, when the antenna <NUM> is configured to be embedded within the lower portion 102B of the shank <NUM>, the antenna <NUM> may be powered and in communication with an associated controller <NUM> of the system <NUM> using any suitable powered/communicative link and/or configuration(s). For example, as shown in <FIG>, each antenna <NUM> may be electrically connected to the controller <NUM> via a cable or wire <NUM> running to the opening <NUM> of the shank <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the shank <NUM> may further be configured with a channel <NUM> to protect the cable <NUM> from damage during operation of the implement <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, each antenna <NUM> may be powered by its own battery (not shown) and/or may be wirelessly connected to the controller <NUM>, as described above.

Referring now to <FIG>, a schematic view of one embodiment of a system <NUM> for monitoring the status of shank attachment members of an agricultural implement (e.g., the presence of the shank attachment members) is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the system <NUM> will be described herein with reference to the agricultural implement <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>, as well as the shank assemblies <NUM>, tillage points <NUM>, and the associated system components described above with reference to <FIG>. However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed system <NUM> may generally be used with agricultural implements <NUM> having any other suitable implement configuration and/or shank assemblies <NUM> having any other suitable shank configuration or associated shank attachment members.

As indicated above, in several embodiments, the system <NUM> may include a signal transmitter <NUM> installed on or within each shank attachment member (e.g., each tillage point <NUM>) and a signal receiver or antenna <NUM> configured to receive the wireless signals <NUM> transmitted from each respective signal transmitter <NUM>. Additionally, as indicated above, the system <NUM> may also include a controller <NUM> communicatively coupled to the antenna(s) <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to infer the installation status of the associated shank attachment member based on the signals received by the associated antenna <NUM> from the associated signal transmitter <NUM> (or a lack thereof). Additionally, the controller <NUM> may be configured to execute one or more control actions in response to the determination that the associated shank attachment member is detached from the shank <NUM>.

In general, the controller <NUM> may comprise any suitable processor-based device known in the art, such as a computing device or any suitable combination of computing devices. Thus, in several embodiments, the controller <NUM> may include one or more processor(s) <NUM>, and associated memory device(s) <NUM> configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions. As used herein, the term "processor" refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic circuit (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits. Additionally, the memory device(s) <NUM> of the controller <NUM> may generally comprise memory element(s) including, but not limited to, a computer readable medium (e.g., random access memory RAM)), a computer readable non-volatile medium (e.g., a flash memory), a floppy disk, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and/or other suitable memory elements. Such memory device(s) <NUM> may generally be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented by the processor(s) <NUM>, configure the controller <NUM> to perform various computer-implemented functions, such as one or more aspects of the methods and algorithms that will be described herein. In addition, the controller <NUM> may also include various other suitable components, such as a communications circuit or module, one or more input/output channels, a data/control bus and/or the like.

It should be appreciated that, in several embodiments, the controller <NUM> may correspond to an existing controller of the agricultural implement <NUM> and/or of the work vehicle to which the implement <NUM> is coupled. However, it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the controller <NUM> may instead correspond to a separate processing device. For instance, in one embodiment, the controller <NUM> may form all or part of a separate plug-in module that may be installed within the agricultural implement <NUM> to allow for the disclosed system and method to be implemented without requiring additional software to be uploaded onto existing control devices of the agricultural implement <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be configured to include a communications module or interface <NUM> to allow for the controller <NUM> to communicate with any of the various other system components described herein. For instance, in several embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be configured to receive signal data associated with the signals received by antenna(s) <NUM> from the signal transmitter(s) <NUM> that is used to monitor the installation status of the tillage points <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the antenna(s) <NUM> via any suitable connection, such as a wired or wireless connection, to allow signals <NUM> or associated signal data indicative of the presence of the tillage points <NUM> to be transmitted from the antenna(s) <NUM> to the controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may be configured to determine the installation status or presence of each of the tillage points <NUM> based on the signals <NUM> received from each signal transmitter <NUM> via the associated antenna <NUM>. For example, the controller <NUM> may include one or more suitable algorithms stored within its memory <NUM> that, when executed by the processor <NUM>, allow the controller <NUM> to determine the status of the presence of the tillage points <NUM> based on the received signals <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be configured to monitor the status of the presence of the tillage points <NUM> periodically, continuously, or only as demanded by an operator of the implement <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may collect data from one or more of the antennas <NUM> periodically based on some predetermined delay period or sampling frequency, such as after a predetermined period of time (e.g., a set amount of operating time), after a certain operating distance covered (e.g., a set amount of acres worked by the implement <NUM>), after a certain number of actuations of the frame <NUM> between its raised and lowered positions, and/or the like.

Further, the controller <NUM> may be configured to perform one or more control actions based on the determination of the status of the presence of the various tillage points <NUM>. For instance, the controller <NUM> may be configured to indicate to an operator the status of the presence (or lack thereof) of each of the tillage points <NUM>. For example, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the communications module <NUM> may allow the controller <NUM> to communicate with a user interface <NUM> having a display device <NUM>, with the display device <NUM> being configured to display presence information regarding one or more of the tillage points <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that the controller <NUM> may instead be coupled to any number of other indicators, such as lights, alarms and/or the like to provide an indicator to the operator regarding the condition of the tillage points <NUM>.

Is some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may further be configured to indicate to an operator the location within the field at which each monitored tillage point falls off or otherwise becomes decoupled from its respective shank <NUM>. For example, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> is configured to be in communication with a positioning system <NUM> (e.g., a GPS-based positioning system), with the positioning system <NUM> being configured to identify the current location of the implement <NUM>. In such an embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be configured to monitor the current location of the implement <NUM> as it simultaneously monitors the installation status or presence of each monitored point <NUM>. When it is detected that a given point <NUM> is no longer installed relative to its respective shank <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may store the current field location of the implement <NUM> within its memory <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may then create an alert or log of alerts to indicate to an operator the location(s) of the missing tillage point(s) <NUM> within the field, which may, for example, be displayed to the operator via the user interface <NUM>.

In further embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be configured to perform one or more implement-related control actions based on the determination of the status of the presence of the various tillage points <NUM>. Specifically, in some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be configured to control one or more components of the agricultural implement <NUM> based on the determination of the presence of the tillage points <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may be configured to control one or more frame actuators 14A to move the implement frame <NUM> into its raised position when it is determined that one or more of the tillage points <NUM> is missing.

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be configured to perform one or more vehicle-related control actions based on the determination of the status or presence of the tillage points <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be configured to control the operation of one or more vehicle drive components <NUM> configured to drive the vehicle coupled to the implement, such as the engine and/or the transmission of the vehicle. In such embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be configured to control the operation of the vehicle drive component(s) <NUM> based on the determination of the presence of the tillage points <NUM>, for example, to bring the vehicle and implement <NUM> to a stop when it is determined that one or more of the tillage points <NUM> is missing.

It should be appreciated that, depending on the type of controller <NUM> being used, the above-described control actions may be executed directly by the controller <NUM> or indirectly via communications with a separate controller. For instance, when the controller <NUM> corresponds to an implement controller of the implement <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may be configured to execute the implement-related control actions directly while being configured to execute the vehicle-related control actions by transmitting suitable instructions or requests to a vehicle-based controller of the vehicle towing the implement <NUM> (e.g., using an ISObus communications protocol). Similarly, when the controller <NUM> corresponds to a vehicle controller of the vehicle towing the implement <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may be configured to execute the vehicle-related control actions directly while being configured to execute the implement-related control actions by transmitting suitable instructions or requests to an implement-based controller of the implement <NUM> (e.g., using an ISObus communications protocol). In other embodiments, the controller <NUM> may be configured to execute both the implement-based control actions and the vehicle-based control actions directly or the controller <NUM> may be configured to execute both of such control action types indirectly via communications with a separate controller.

Referring now to <FIG>, a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method <NUM> for monitoring the presence of shank attachment members of an agricultural implement is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the method <NUM> will be described herein with reference to the agricultural implement <NUM>, and the system <NUM>, the shank assembly <NUM>, and the associated shank attachment member <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>. However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed method <NUM> may generally be implemented with any agricultural implement having any suitable implement configuration, any ground engaging tool having any suitable tool configuration, and/or any system having any suitable system configuration. In addition, although <FIG> depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will appreciate that various steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted, rearranged, combined, and/or adapted in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, at (<NUM>), the method <NUM> may include receiving wireless signals from a signal transmission device provided in operative association with a shank attachment member. For instance, as described above, each signal transmitter <NUM> may be provided in operative association with a respective shank attachment member <NUM> and may be configured to transmit wireless signals <NUM> to an associated antenna <NUM>. Such received signals and/or related data may then be transmitted from the antenna <NUM> to the controller <NUM> for subsequent processing and/or analysis.

Further, at (<NUM>), the method <NUM> may include identifying an installation status of the shank attachment member based at least in part on the received wireless signals. Generally, as indicated above, the controller <NUM> may determine that the shank attachment member <NUM> is attached to the shank <NUM> when the wireless signals <NUM> are being received by the antenna <NUM> or that the shank attachment member <NUM> is no longer attached to the shank <NUM> when the wireless signals <NUM> are no longer being received by the antenna <NUM>.

Additionally, at (<NUM>), the method <NUM> may include initiating a control action when it is identified that the shank attachment member is detached from the shank. For instance, as indicated above, the controller <NUM> may be configured to notify an operator of the implement that the shank attachment member <NUM> is no longer installed (e.g., via the user interface <NUM>) and/or of the position of the implement <NUM> at which it was determined that the shank attachment member <NUM> became detached from the shank <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the controller <NUM> may be configured to adjust the operation of the implement <NUM>, such as by adjusting a position of the frame (e.g., by controlling the frame actuator(s) 14A), and/or adjust the operation of one or more vehicle drive components <NUM> configured to drive the vehicle coupled to the implement <NUM> (e.g., to slow down or stop the implement <NUM>) when it is identified that the shank attachment member <NUM> is no longer attached to the shank <NUM>.

It is to be understood that the steps of the method <NUM> are performed by the controller <NUM> upon loading and executing software code or instructions which are tangibly stored on a tangible computer readable medium, such as on a magnetic medium, e.g., a computer hard drive, an optical medium, e.g., an optical disc, solid-state memory, e.g., flash memory, or other storage media known in the art. Thus, any of the functionality performed by the controller <NUM> described herein, such as the method <NUM>, is implemented in software code or instructions which are tangibly stored on a tangible computer readable medium. The controller <NUM> loads the software code or instructions via a direct interface with the computer readable medium or via a wired and/or wireless network. Upon loading and executing such software code or instructions by the controller <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may perform any of the functionality of the controller <NUM> described herein, including any steps of the method <NUM> described herein.

Claim 1:
An agricultural implement (<NUM>), comprising:
a frame (<NUM>);
a plurality of shank assemblies (<NUM>) pivotally coupled to the frame (<NUM>), each shank assembly (<NUM>) of the plurality of shank assemblies (<NUM>) comprising a shank (<NUM>) extending between a proximal end (<NUM>) and a distal end (<NUM>), each shank assembly (<NUM>) further comprising at least one mounting element configured to couple the proximal end (<NUM>) of the shank (<NUM>) to a portion of the frame (<NUM>);
a plurality of shank attachment members (<NUM>), each shank attachment member (<NUM>) of the plurality of shank attachment members (<NUM>) being coupled to the distal end (<NUM>) of the shank (<NUM>) of a respective shank assembly (<NUM>) of the plurality of shank assemblies (<NUM>); characterised by
a signal transmission device (<NUM>) provided in operative association with at least one shank attachment member (<NUM>) of the plurality of shank attachment members (<NUM>), the signal transmission device (<NUM>) configured to transmit wireless signals;
an antenna (<NUM>) positioned on the shank assembly (<NUM>) and configured to receive the wireless signals transmitted from the signal transmission device (<NUM>); and
a controller (<NUM>) communicatively coupled to the antenna (<NUM>), the controller (<NUM>) configured to determine an installation status of the at least one shank attachment member (<NUM>) based at least in part on the wireless signals received by the antenna (<NUM>) from the signal transmission device (<NUM>).