Patent Description:
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.

<CIT> discloses a planting machine with a sowing share with coulters arranged in rows followed by pressing wheels. The seed is fed into a hopper from which it is supplied to the sowing system. The machine has a frame carrying a row of disks with rollers behind them. There is a hopper support frame and a linkage connected to the sowing beam. The mechanism includes a screw spindle drive and a bell crank with a hook on the end. There are transverse rods on the beam with ball bearings for a support for sowing disks and pressure rollers.

Another example is shown in <CIT>, where a drilling machine is described with adjustment devices for adjusting sowing depth and pressure. The sowing depth and pressure applied to a unit comprising a seeding coulter and a pressing cylinder of a seed drill may be easily adjusted by means of a drag rod gear linked to an intermediate frame and provided with drag rods that converge in the direction of travel. The intermediate frame is in turn hinged to the joints of frame, seed hopper or of a leading or supporting machine by means of a supplementary drag rod gear. The supplementary drag rod gear may swivel. The sowing depth may thus be easily adjusted. The convergence of the additional drag rod gear may also be adjusted or switched, and the additional drag rod gear may also swivel. The sowing depth and the pressure applied on the seeding coulter and pressing cylinder of all units of a seed drill or sowing machine may thus be easily adjusted from a central location.

Further, <CIT> discloses a depth-adjustment assembly for ground openers of an agricultural implement. The ground openers each include an opening disc, a gauge wheel, and a support assembly securing the ground opener to the agricultural implement. The support assembly is configured to raise and lower the ground opener with respect to the ground and/or to adjust a down-pressure of the ground opener. The depth-adjustment assembly comprises for each of the ground openers, a linkage assembly and a depth-adjustment arm configured to adjust a relative position between the opening disc and the gauge wheel. At least a portion of the linkage extends in parallel relationship with the support assembly. The depth-adjustment assembly further comprises a laterally-extending common pivot bar. Each linkage assembly is secured to the common pivot bar, such that rotation of said common pivot bar is configured to simultaneously adjust the relative position between the opening disc and the gauge wheel of each of the ground openers.

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.

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.

The multi-bar linkage assembly may comprise a four bar linkage. In further embodiment, the multi-bar linkage assembly may comprise 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 further embodiment, 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 yet another embodiment, 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 further embodiment, 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 another further embodiment, the raise/lower link may comprise 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 another further embodiment, a limit arm might 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 another further embodiment, actuation of the primary actuator may move 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 another further embodiment, 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 another further embodiment, actuation of the primary actuator may move 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 further 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 another example of this embodiment, the linkage assembly may comprise a multi-bar linkage. In another further embodiment, the linkage assembly may comprise 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 yet another embodiment, a downforce actuator may include a resilient structure that follows the top surface of the soil such that the disk cuts the furrow at a relatively consistent depth. In another further embodiment, 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 another further embodiment, 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 another further embodiment, the first link may comprise 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 another further embodiment 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 another further embodiment, actuation of the primary actuator may move 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 may include 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 another further 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 further embodiment, 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 embodiment, the cutting member may comprise 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 another further embodiment, the first link might be operably coupled to the first axle for rotating the cutting member. In another further embodiment, as the first axle is rotated, the distance between the first axle and second axle may change and the depth at which the cutting member is located in the soil is adjusted.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to <FIG>, there is shown an embodiment of an agricultural seeder <NUM> of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, seeder <NUM> 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 <NUM> may be coupled with and moves the seeder <NUM> with suitable coupling arrangement, such as a draw bar or <NUM>-point hitch arrangement <NUM>. Other embodiments are contemplated including an autonomous tractor pulling the seeder <NUM> 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 <NUM> may include a number of row units <NUM>, with each row unit <NUM> being substantially identically configured, in at least one embodiment. Each row unit <NUM> is configured to deposit seeds of varying sizes in respective furrows <NUM>, not all of which are identified, in the soil for raising crops. In some embodiments, two or more of the row units <NUM> are configured to deposit seeds of different sizes. Typically, however, the size of the seeds being deposited is the same for each row unit <NUM>. 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 <NUM> may be operatively connected to each of the row units <NUM> and are configured to hold seeds for planting. In other embodiments, a single seed bin is used to supply seeds to all row units <NUM>. In operation, each seed bin <NUM> may hold the same type of seeds or different types of seeds, which may be directed to each of the row units <NUM> as necessary. A tool bar <NUM> extends to and is coupled to each of the row units <NUM> to maintain a predetermined spacing between furrows <NUM>. In some embodiments, a rockshaft may be located over or above the tool bar <NUM>. 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> illustrates one embodiment of one of the row units <NUM> depicted in <FIG>. Here, the row unit <NUM> may include a primary actuator <NUM>, which extends from the tool bar <NUM> (not shown). A planting ddepth may be determined by the primary actuator <NUM> pushing a disk <NUM>, also known as a blade, shank, knife, or a cutting device or member, into the ground until a gage wheel <NUM>, also known as a depth-gaging or surface following device or member, engages the soil. As described herein, the relationship of the gage wheel <NUM> to the disk <NUM> may be adjusted using the primary actuator <NUM>. The primary actuator <NUM> raises and lowers the row unit <NUM> as well as controls the depth at which seeds are planted by the row unit <NUM>. In this embodiment, movement of the primary actuator can adjust a seeding depth as well as raise and/or lower one of row units <NUM>.

As shown, the primary actuator <NUM> may include an actuator arm <NUM> that is movable relative to a cylinder <NUM> or housing. The movement of the actuator arm <NUM> relative to the cylinder <NUM> may adjust a cutting depth of the row unit. In some embodiments, once the actuator arm <NUM> reaches a maximum depth, further retraction of the actuator arm <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, may raise the row unit <NUM> from the ground. Extension of the actuator arm <NUM>, in addition to lowering the row unit <NUM> 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 <NUM> moves a seed deposit assembly <NUM>, which includes the disk <NUM>, the gage wheel <NUM>, a press wheel <NUM>, and a closing wheel <NUM>, the functions of which are known by those of skill in the art. By collapsing and expanding a closed chain linkage <NUM>. e.g., a multi-bar or bar linkage <NUM>, with respect to or via the primary actuator <NUM>, the seed deposit assembly <NUM> cuts a furrow and deposits seeds in the cut furrow with a seed deposit chute <NUM>, as is also understood by those skilled in the art. The linkage <NUM> may be operatively connected to a mounting bracket <NUM> that is attached to a main frame (not shown) of the seeder <NUM>. For example, the primary actuator <NUM> may be coupled to the mounting bracket <NUM> at a first portion or end <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. In some embodiments, the primary actuator <NUM> is coupled to the first portion or end <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM> at a pivot point. A second portion or end <NUM> of the mounting bracket <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to a raise/lower link <NUM> of the linkage <NUM>. In some embodiments, the linkage <NUM> may include the raise/lower link <NUM>, a main arm <NUM>, a connecting rod <NUM>, and a depth adjust link <NUM>. The raise/lower link <NUM> raises and lowers the seed deposit assembly <NUM> as well as adjusts the depth of the disk <NUM>. The raise/lower link <NUM> may also be pivotally coupled to the actuator arm <NUM> of the primary actuator <NUM> at a pivot location <NUM>. In one embodiment, the raise/lower link <NUM> is one bar of a four bar linkage that is used by the linkage <NUM> to set the depth of the furrow and to raise and lower the seed deposit assembly <NUM>.

The main arm <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket <NUM> as well as the raise/lower link <NUM> at a pivot location <NUM>. The pivot location <NUM> may be offset from a portion <NUM>, e.g. end <NUM>, of the raise/lower link <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates further details of the seed deposit assembly <NUM> including a section view of the disk <NUM> and the gage wheel <NUM>. A disk axle <NUM> is coupled to the depth adjust link <NUM>. When actuated by the actuator arm <NUM>, the depth adjust link <NUM> raises and lowers the disk <NUM> with respect to the soil, as well adjusts the depth at which the disk <NUM> is located in the soil. The disk axle <NUM> extends through the disk <NUM> to the gage wheel <NUM>, to which disk axle <NUM> is connected, e.g., fixedly connected, by an arm <NUM> coupled to a gage wheel axle <NUM>. The disk <NUM> is configured to rotate about an axis defined by the disk axle <NUM>. The gage wheel <NUM> rotates about the gage wheel axle <NUM>.

The depth adjust link <NUM> rotates the disk axle <NUM>. As it does, a contact surface <NUM> of the gage wheel <NUM>, which is configured to contact the soil, changes its location or moves with respect to a cutting surface <NUM> of the disk <NUM>. The depth adjust link <NUM> rotates the axle <NUM>, and the axle <NUM>, which is coupled, e.g., fixedly coupled, to the arm <NUM>, holds the gauge wheel axis <NUM> offset with respect to the disk <NUM>. Therefore, rotation of the axle <NUM> by the link <NUM> changes the position of the gauge wheel axis <NUM> with respect to the axle <NUM>. Consequently, the contact surface <NUM> of the gage wheel <NUM>, which is in contact with the soil, determines the depth at which the cutting surface <NUM> of the disk <NUM> is placed in the soil. The depth of the furrow is therefore determined by how far the disk <NUM> penetrates the soil. The disk <NUM> may be forced into the soil by a downforce actuator <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The mounting bracket <NUM> may include a flange <NUM> that is pivotally connected to and supports one end or portion of the downforce actuator <NUM>. A second end or portion of the downforce actuator <NUM> is pivotally coupled to a flange <NUM> extending from the main arm <NUM>. The downforce actuator <NUM> is an actuator that applies a force directed away from the mounting bracket <NUM> to the main arm <NUM>. This applied force moves the main arm <NUM> in a downward direction toward the soil such that the seed deposit assembly <NUM> engages the soil upon sufficient extension of the actuator arm <NUM>. The main arm <NUM>, coupled to the downforce actuator <NUM>, forces the disk <NUM> into the ground until the gage wheel <NUM> engages the ground which limits any further penetration into the soil.

In other embodiments, the downforce actuator <NUM> may include a hydraulic cylinder, a spring, or a pneumatic actuator. The downforce actuator <NUM> 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 <NUM> such as, but not limited to, its contact surface <NUM>. Alternatively, the resilient structure may include a portion or surface on a gaging device, ski or skid pad. In this way, the disk <NUM>, and therefore the seed deposit assembly <NUM>, overcome the problem in which undulations in the field would necessarily cause variations in the furrow depth. Now, the linkage <NUM>, e.g., the multi-bar or four-bar linkage, and the offset axes of the disk <NUM> and gage wheel <NUM> cut the furrow at substantially the same depth as the elevation of the top surface changes. The gage wheel <NUM>, 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 <NUM>, e.g., multi-bar or four bar linkage, including arms or links <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. As result of sufficient downforce provided by the downforce actuator <NUM>, the depth of the furrow remains relatively consistent as the row unit <NUM> travels along the field even when the surface of the soil is uneven, contoured, or rolling. Since each row unit <NUM> includes its own downforce actuator <NUM>, 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 <NUM> may include a first end or portion <NUM> pivotally connected to the raise/lower link <NUM> and a second end or portion <NUM> pivotally connected to the depth adjust link <NUM>. The depth adjust link <NUM> extends between the connecting rod <NUM> and the main arm <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, the raise/lower link <NUM>, the main arm <NUM>, the connecting rod or link <NUM>, and the depth adjust link <NUM> are configured as a four (<NUM>) bar linkage. The linkage <NUM> may be configured as a multi-bar linkage which is formed by two or more arms or links. In one such example, the linkage <NUM> may include four or more arms or links.

In the linkage <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, actuation of the raise/lower link <NUM> by the primary actuator <NUM> raises and lowers the seed deposit assembly <NUM> as well as sets the seed deposit assembly <NUM> 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 <NUM> remains substantially fixed with respect to the cylinder <NUM>, i.e., the actuator arm <NUM> does not extend or retract. In this embodiment, actuation of the arm <NUM> may cause the linkage <NUM>, e.g., the four bar linkage, to rotate the raise/lower link <NUM>. As this happens, the relationship between the contact surface <NUM> of the gage wheel <NUM> and the cutting surface <NUM> of the disk <NUM> changes, which in effect changes the depth of the trench being formed by the disk <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a portion of the row unit <NUM> illustrating, in particular, a configuration of the raise/lower link <NUM>. In this embodiment, the raise lower link <NUM> includes a first plate <NUM> spaced from a second plate <NUM> by a spacer pin <NUM>. The spacer pin <NUM> extends from the first plate <NUM> to the second plate <NUM> and includes an outer generally cylindrical surface configured to rotatably receive the first end or portion <NUM> of the connecting rod <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, a ball joint bearing <NUM> receives the spacer pin <NUM>. The connecting rod <NUM>, in at least one embodiment as illustrated in <FIG>, is non-linear over its length to accommodate lowering and raising of the seed deposit assembly <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a limiting device <NUM> may extend between ends or portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>. The limiting device <NUM> may include a mechanical limiting member such as a pin or stop. The function of the limiting device <NUM> is described in more detail below. Between the spacer pin <NUM> and the limiting device <NUM>, there is provided a pivot bar <NUM> that extends between the first plate <NUM>, through main arm <NUM>, and the second plate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the main arm <NUM> terminates in a Y-shaped portion <NUM> such that the second end or portion <NUM> of mounting bracket <NUM> is located between each leg of the Y-shaped portion <NUM>. Consequently, the raise/lower link <NUM> and the main arm <NUM> may both rotate about the pivot bar <NUM>.

The first end or portion <NUM> of connecting rod <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the spacer pin <NUM> and the second end or portion <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the depth adjust link <NUM>. As the actuator arm <NUM> of the primary actuator <NUM> extends, the arm <NUM> rotates towards the surface of the soil thereby causing the disk <NUM> to move upward with respect to a top surface of the soil. Further extension of the arm <NUM> reduces the depth at which the furrow is cut.

A depth <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, of the disk <NUM> may be determined by the extension of the actuator arm <NUM> such that the disk <NUM> penetrates a top surface <NUM> of the soil to a bottom surface <NUM> of a trench <NUM> formed by the disk <NUM>. This depth <NUM> of the trench <NUM> is based on the relationship or offset distance between the contact surface <NUM> of the gage wheel <NUM> and the cutting surface <NUM> of the disk <NUM>. At the same time during a furrowing or trenching operation, a downward pressure or force provide by the downforce actuator <NUM> directs the disk <NUM> into the soil at the depth determined by the retraction of the actuator arm <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the actuator arm <NUM> may be further retracted into the cylinder <NUM> compared to its position in <FIG>. As a result, the disk <NUM> of the seed deposit assembly <NUM> may be lowered further into the ground by rotating the gage wheel <NUM> with respect to the disk <NUM>. The depth of the furrow or trench <NUM> may be increased and thus greater than the depth of the furrow <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. As the actuator arm <NUM> continues to retract, the disk <NUM> of seed deposit assembly <NUM> further penetrates into the surface <NUM>. Moreover, as the actuator arm <NUM> continues to be retracted, the main arm <NUM> may move into contact with the limiting device <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The limiting device <NUM> moves toward the main arm <NUM> until the main arm <NUM> contacts the limiting device <NUM>. At this point of contact, the seed deposit assembly <NUM> may be lifted away or raised from the ground surface as the actuator arm <NUM> continues to retract. During this movement, the linkage <NUM> collapses, i.e., connect arm <NUM> moves into a closer proximity to the main arm <NUM>, until the main arm <NUM> comes into contact with the limiting device <NUM>. At this point, the linkage <NUM> and the seed deposit assembly <NUM> may be raised and moved away from the top surface <NUM> of the soil as shown in <FIG>.

As described, the actuator arm <NUM> has a movement between various positions that results in different positioning of the seed deposit assembly <NUM> with respect to the soil. Between a fully extended position and a partially retracted position, the actuator arm <NUM> of the primary actuator <NUM> adjusts the depth at which the disk <NUM> penetrates the soil. At the partially retracted position, the disk <NUM> may be disposed at a maximum depth. However, upon further retraction of the actuator arm <NUM> from the partially retracted position to a fully retracted position, the seed deposit assembly <NUM>, including the disk <NUM>, is raised from the soil so that the row unit <NUM> may be configured in a transport configuration rather than a work or seeding configuration. The work or seeding configuration of the row unit <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, whereas the row unit is shown in a transport configuration in <FIG>.

In one embodiment, one of the links, i.e., the raise lower link <NUM>, of a parallelogram linkage <NUM> may include the limiter pin/stop <NUM> which engages with an adjacent link, i.e., the main arm <NUM>, of the parallelogram linkage <NUM> at a certain parallelogram configuration, hence locking the parallelogram linkage <NUM>. Any input or movement of the actuator <NUM>, once the parallelogram locks, results in raising and lowering of entire row unit <NUM> as seen in <FIG>. In this way, at least two functions, i.e., raising and lowering of the seed deposit assembly <NUM> and adjusting the depth of the disk <NUM> on a single row unit <NUM>, may be accomplished by the primary actuator <NUM>. Cost savings from each row unit <NUM> 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> illustrates another embodiment of a row unit <NUM> including the seed deposit assembly <NUM> as described above, but which does not include the closing wheel <NUM> for ease of illustration. A primary actuator <NUM> may be operatively connected to a linkage <NUM>, e.g., a multi-bar or four bar linkage, and raises and lowers the seed deposit assembly <NUM> by extending and retracting an actuator arm <NUM> relative to a cylinder or housing <NUM> of the primary actuator <NUM>. In this embodiment, the actuator arm <NUM> is operatively connected to one end or portion of a raise/lower arm <NUM>, and another end or portion of the raise/lower arm <NUM> is pivotally connected to a main arm <NUM> at a pivot <NUM>. Rotation of the raise/lower arm <NUM> with respect to the main arm <NUM> occurs at the pivot <NUM>. The linkage <NUM> further includes a connecting arm <NUM> and a depth adjust link <NUM> similar to those described above with respect to <FIG>.

The raise/lower arm <NUM> may include a slotted portion <NUM> that includes a slot <NUM> which is generally curved, such as in an arc-like shape. In this embodiment, a limit arm <NUM> extends from the pivot <NUM> and includes an extension <NUM>, such as a pin, that extends into the slot <NUM>. The limit arm <NUM> may be fixed in position with the main arm <NUM> such that movement of the main arm <NUM> with the raise/lower arm <NUM> causes the extension of limit arm <NUM> to move from one end <NUM> of the slot <NUM>, through the slot <NUM>, to another end <NUM> thereof. Each of the ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the slot may limit further movement of the limit arm <NUM> and consequently further rotation of the main arm <NUM> with respect to the raise/lower arm <NUM>. A mounting bracket <NUM>, in one embodiment, is located at or coupled to the main arm <NUM> at or near the pivot <NUM>. The mounting bracket <NUM> may be fixed to the frame at the tool bar <NUM> (not shown), or to other locations such that the main arm <NUM> and the limit arm <NUM> each move with respect to the fixed location of the mounting bracket <NUM>. A flange <NUM> may extend from and is coupled, e.g., fixed, to the main arm <NUM>. A downforce actuator <NUM> may extend from the mounting bracket <NUM> to the flange <NUM> and apply a downforce to the seed deposit assembly <NUM> to cut a furrow <NUM> in the soil.

In this embodiment, when the actuator arm <NUM> is fully extended from the housing <NUM>, the depth of a furrow <NUM> cut the by disk <NUM> is the shallowest. During this extension, the limit arm <NUM> is moved toward the second end <NUM> of the slot <NUM>. As the arm <NUM> is retracted into the housing <NUM>, the depth of the furrow becomes greater until the furrow <NUM> is at its greatest depth just before any additional or further retraction of the actuator arm <NUM> moves the extension <NUM> towards or into contact with the first end <NUM> of the slot <NUM>. Upon contact of the extension <NUM> with the first end <NUM> of the slot <NUM>, further retraction of the actuator arm <NUM> into the housing <NUM> raises the disk <NUM> from the bottom of the furrow <NUM> such that the disk <NUM> (and seed deposit assembly <NUM>) is completely removed from the soil.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of the row unit <NUM> including the seed deposit assembly <NUM> as described above and shown in <FIG>, but not including the closing wheel <NUM> for ease of illustration. <FIG> includes a number of the same elements as the embodiment of <FIG>. In this embodiment, however, the limit arm <NUM> is replaced with a depth adjusting linkage <NUM> which may position the seed deposit assembly <NUM> based on the orientation or position of the linkage <NUM>. In one embodiment, the depth adjusting linkage <NUM> is a bell crank linkage.

The raise lower link <NUM> may include the slotted portion <NUM> having the slot <NUM>, which is similar to the embodiment of <FIG>. In this embodiment, however, the limit arm <NUM> of <FIG> is replaced with the linkage <NUM>. A push arm <NUM> may extend from the pivot <NUM> and is coupled, e.g., fixed, to the main arm <NUM> such that an angle between the push arm <NUM> and the main arm <NUM> may remain the same during rotation of the main arm <NUM> about the pivot <NUM>. As the cylinder or actuator arm <NUM> extends and retracts relative to the cylinder <NUM>, the main arm <NUM> and push arm <NUM> rotate. This rotation causes the push arm <NUM>, which is operatively connected to the linkage <NUM>, to change the configuration of the linkage <NUM> and a location of a linkage limit arm <NUM> with respect to the slot <NUM>. The push arm <NUM> may include a pin <NUM> at an end furthest from the pivot <NUM> such that the pin <NUM> contacts the linkage <NUM>, as described below.

The linkage <NUM> includes the linkage limit arm <NUM>, and a first leg <NUM> connected, e.g., fixedly connected, to a second leg <NUM>. The first leg <NUM> is coupled, e.g., fixed, to the second leg <NUM> at a point <NUM> such that the position of the first leg <NUM> relative to the second leg <NUM> remains at a predetermined angle of about <NUM> degrees, as illustrated. Other angles therebetween, however, may be possible in alternative embodiments including, but not limited to less than <NUM> degrees or more than <NUM> degrees. The point <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to a frame or other supporting structure such that the first let <NUM> and second leg <NUM> rotate about the point <NUM>. The linkage limit arm <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the second leg <NUM> at a pivot <NUM>, e.g. pivot location. The push arm <NUM> may be slidingly engaged to the first arm <NUM> at the pin <NUM>. As the push arm <NUM> moves in response to the extension and retraction of the actuator arm <NUM>, a pin <NUM> located at one end or portion of the linkage limit arm <NUM> moves along the slot <NUM> from one end <NUM> of the slot <NUM> to another end <NUM>.

In the configuration of <FIG>, a minimum or partial extension of the actuator arm <NUM> may locate or position the disk <NUM> at its maximum depth in the soil. In other words, the actuator arm <NUM> 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 <NUM> is located between the first and second positions. It is at this third position the disk <NUM> is at its maximum depth in the soil. As the actuator arm <NUM> is extended from this third position, the depth of the disk <NUM> is decreased until the pin <NUM> contacts the end <NUM>. Further extension of the actuator arm <NUM> raises the disk <NUM> from the soil.

Referring to <FIG>, a seeder or seeding implement <NUM> may include a plurality of row units <NUM>, each of which includes its own seed deposit assembly having a cutting disk <NUM> or blade. To establish the depth of each disk <NUM> of each seed deposit assembly <NUM>, the vehicle <NUM> or implement <NUM> may include a control system <NUM> having an operator/user interface <NUM> operatively connected to a controller <NUM> as seen in <FIG>. The control system <NUM> is configured to adjust the position of the tool bar <NUM> to raise all of the seed deposit assemblies <NUM> at the same time for transporting the seeder <NUM>, and to lower all of the seed deposit assemblies <NUM> for a seeding operation. The interface <NUM> may include a display <NUM> to display a current status of the tool bar <NUM>, such as its position in either the raised position or lowered position, and a raise/lower row unit control device <NUM> that is actuated by the operator, either in a cab of the vehicle or remotely, to either raise or to lower the tool bar <NUM>. An adjust row unit disk depth control device <NUM> sets the depth of each furrow being cut by the disks <NUM>. To determine the depth of the furrow, a position sensor <NUM> may be operatively connected to the controller <NUM> to transmit a depth signal indicative of the furrow depth. In one embodiment, the depth of the furrow is displayed on the display <NUM> to indicate to the operator that the selected row unit depth selected by control device <NUM> is being achieved. Each of the seed deposit assemblies <NUM> and/or row units <NUM> may include, in at least one embodiment, a position sensor <NUM>. In other embodiments, only one position sensor <NUM> 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 <NUM>, <NUM> are individually controllable to cause seed deposit assemblies <NUM> to cut furrows of different depths. In other embodiments, two or more actuators <NUM>, <NUM> 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 <NUM>, in one or more embodiments, includes a computer, computer system, or other programmable devices. In these and other embodiments, the controller <NUM> includes one or more of the processors <NUM> (e.g., microprocessors). An associated memory <NUM> can be internal or external to the processor(s) <NUM>. The memory <NUM> includes, in different embodiments, random access memory (RAM) devices comprising the memory storage of the controller <NUM>, 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>. 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 <NUM> through an antenna operatively connected to a transceiver (not shown), which is operatively connected to the controller <NUM>. When referring to the controller <NUM>, the processor <NUM>, and the memory <NUM>, other known types of controllers, processors, and memory are contemplated in this disclosure.

In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> executes or otherwise relies upon computer software applications, components, programs, objects, modules, or data structures, etc. Software routines resident in the included memory <NUM> of the controller <NUM>, or other memory, are executed in response to the signals received from the position sensor(s) <NUM>, each of which provides a signal to the controller <NUM>.

A machine monitor <NUM>, in different embodiments, is included to monitor the operating conditions of the tractor <NUM> as well as the seeder <NUM>. For instance, the flow rate of seeds delivered from the seed bins <NUM> 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 <NUM>, such as a global positioning system (GPS) unit is operatively connected to the controller <NUM> and, in different embodiments, transmits and receives information to and from the controller <NUM>. In one embodiment, the information being transmitted is informational as to the quantity of seeds contained in the seed bins <NUM>. 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.

Claim 1:
A row unit (<NUM>) for depositing seeds in a furrow (<NUM>) formed in soil, the row unit (<NUM>) comprising:
a seed deposit assembly (<NUM>) including a gage wheel (<NUM>) and a disk (<NUM>), the gage wheel (<NUM>) configured to contact a top surface of the soil and the disk (<NUM>) configured to cut the furrow (<NUM>) in the soil for receiving the deposited seeds;
a multi-bar linkage assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) operatively connected to the seed deposit assembly (<NUM>); and
a primary actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>) operatively connected to the multi-bar linkage assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>), the primary actuator (<NUM>,<NUM>) being controllably actuated between a retracted position and an extended position;
wherein, the primary actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>) raises and lowers the seed deposit assembly (<NUM>) relative to the soil and moves the disk (<NUM>) into the soil to cut the furrow (<NUM>) at a depth determined by the primary actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the gage wheel (<NUM>),
wherein the multi-bar linkage assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a main arm (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a raise/lower link (<NUM>, <NUM>), the raise/lower link (<NUM>, <NUM>) operatively coupled to the main arm (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the primary actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
further comprising a depth adjust link (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the main arm (<NUM>, <NUM>) and operatively connected to the raise/lower link (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein actuation of the primary actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>) pivots the raise/lower link (<NUM>, <NUM>) about a pivot (<NUM>, <NUM>) shared between the raise/lower link (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the main arm (<NUM>, <NUM>) to move the depth adjust link (<NUM>, <NUM>) to adjust the depth of the furrow (<NUM>),
wherein the primary actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>) moves the raise/lower link (<NUM>, <NUM>) with respect to the main arm (<NUM>, <NUM>) to adjust the depth of the furrow (<NUM>),
characterized in
further comprising a limit arm (<NUM>) operatively connected to one or both of the raise/lower link (<NUM>) and the main arm (<NUM>), wherein the raise/lower link (<NUM>) includes a slotted portion (<NUM>) and the limit arm (<NUM>) engages the slotted portion (<NUM>) to define a limit to movement between the raise/lower link (<NUM>) and the main arm (<NUM>).