A driver assistance system for an agricultural working machine includes at least one control/regulating unit designed to adjust and monitor working parameters, quality parameters or both, of the agricultural working machine in an automatable manner based on use of a family of characteristics stored in the control/regulating unit. A selectable process implementation strategy is specified in order to automatically monitor or adjust at least one working parameter or quality parameter or both of the agricultural working machine. The driver assistance system suggests that the process implementation strategy be changed at least when the specified setpoint value of one or more of the quality parameters cannot be reached within the preselected process implementation strategy.

A grain bin located atop a harvester includes upstanding walls having a substantially continuous upper edge defining an opening. A grain bin extension is deployable between extended and retracted positions to expand the capacity of the grain bin. The extension includes extension panels and a cap overlaying the opening. The cap is supported by a cap frame that is also deployable between extended and retracted positions. An extension deployment apparatus raises and lowers the extension panels. Extension deployment mechanisms located at opposing corners of the grain bin control the deployment of adjacent extension panels. Each extension deployment mechanism has a first rack and a trunnion to drive extension panels in a vertical direction and pivot the panels in an outward direction and a second rack mounted to the trunnion to drive the cap frame in a vertical direction, and a drive gear between the first and second racks.

An agricultural harvesting machine has a measurement device for investigating a crop flow conveyed through the harvesting machine. The measurement device includes at least one optical detection unit disposed at the crop flow for detecting light reflected by the crop and an evaluation unit for evaluating the spectrum of the detected light in order to derive properties of the crop. The evaluation unit is disposed at a position of the harvesting machine that is decoupled from mechanical loading by the crop flow to the greatest extent possible and is connected to the detection unit by way of at least one optical waveguide.

An agricultural combine has a threshing assembly for threshing a crop to produce chaff and grain, a cleaning assembly for removing the chaff from the grain, and a control system. The threshing assembly and the cleaning assembly operate at threshing and cleaning settings, respectively, for tending to produce a balance between a threshing load applied across the threshing assembly and a cleaning load applied across the cleaning assembly that tends to have a favorable influence on grain loss. The control system is for sensing an imbalance between the threshing load and the cleaning load tending to have an unfavorable influence on grain loss, and for concurrently adjusting the threshing and cleaning settings of the threshing and cleaning assemblies, respectively, for tending to convert the imbalance between the threshing and cleaning loads to a balance between the threshing and cleaning loads tending to have a favorable influence on grain loss.

A windrow door assembly for controlling a direction of flow of crop residue expelled from a combine is disclosed. The window door assembly may generally include a door panel extending between a first end and a second end. The door panel may be moveable between a closed position, wherein the crop residue being expelled from the combine is directed along the door panel into a spreader of the combine, and an opened position, wherein the crop residue is directed along the door panel towards a rear opening of the combine. In addition, the windrow door assembly may include a deflector panel rotatably coupled to the door panel. The deflector panel may be configured to alter the direction of flow of the crop residue when the door panel is in the opened position.

A trough is cut in the ground surface by a rotating member. The rotating member displaces soil upward with respect to the ground surface and rearwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the rotating member. While the soil is in the air, slurry is deposited into the trough. The soil is then redirected downward to the trough to cover the slurry with the soil.

A method and apparatus are described for creating a pass marker in a field. During planting, planting of seed is stopped and started on pass marker rows differently than on adjacent rows to create a visible offset to assist a harvester or applicator to find and drive down the right row to prevent skips and overlaps.

Methods for fumigating soil include providing a fumigant including at least one volatile substance into or onto soil and applying over the soil a multilayer polymeric film to form a vapor barrier between the fumigant-treated soil and the atmosphere to at least partially contain the fumigant. The multilayer film includes at least one barrier layer comprising at least one vinylidene chloride polymer and protecting layers on each side of the barrier layer. The multilayer film preferably has at least one UV protecting layer and optionally at least one reflective layer.

A system for controlling air flow within an agricultural product metering system is provided. One system for distributing an agricultural product includes an air conveyance system having a blower configured to provide an air stream for moving metered product toward a distribution device. The air conveyance system is mounted on an air cart. The system also includes control circuitry mounted on an agricultural vehicle, and configured to adjust a speed of the blower based at least partially on a product flow rate from the air cart.

Agricultural devices, row unit adjustment systems, and methods of adjusting a depth of a furrow are provided. In some aspects, an agricultural device is adapted to plant seeds and includes a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame and adapted to cut a furrow including a depth, a sensor adapted to sense a characteristic associated with planting seeds and generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic, and a processing unit receiving the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. The depth of the furrow is adjustable based on the signal associated with the sensed characteristic. Such characteristic may be a characteristic of the soil, a force applied to the agricultural device, or a position of a portion of the agricultural device.

A seeder implement (125) includes a fork (146) having a first spindle support arm (150) that supports a first spindle (164) and a second spindle support arm (152) that supports a second spindle (168). A first disk (160) is supported on the first spindle (164), wherein the first spindle (164) is oriented in a first orientation and at a first acute angle relative to a lateral line. The first disk (160) is oriented at a second acute angle relative to the ground surface. A second disk (166) is supported on the second spindle (168), wherein the second spindle (168) is oriented in a second orientation and at a third acute angle relative to the lateral line. The second disk (166) is oriented at a fourth acute angle relative to the ground surface. The first disk (160) is longitudinally offset ahead of the second disk (166), and there are no structural components between the first and second disks (160, 166) other than the first and second spindles (164, 168). In one embodiment, a packing wheel (142) is disposed to close and compact furrows opened by the disks (160, 166) and is disposed in the same orientation as one of the disks (160, 166).

Agricultural seed planting systems are provided. In some aspects, the system includes a processing unit, a frame, a furrow opener coupled to the frame for opening a furrow in soil, and a sensor in communication with the processing unit and adapted to sense a characteristic associated with seed planting. The sensor may generate a signal associated with the sensed characteristic and the processing unit may receive the signal. In some aspects, the sensed characteristic may be either a soil characteristic or a seed characteristic. Information associated with the sensed characteristic can be saved in memory for future use and to assist with more effective planting in the future.

A wireless communication system for agricultural vehicles, in which each vehicle has a global positioning system (GPS), a multi-channel transmitter/receiver module having a limited communication range, and a signal processor connected to the transmitter/receiver module. The transmitter is controlled by the signal processor to transmit on a predetermined communication channel a signal comprising a unique vehicle identifier and a signal indicating the current positional coordinates of the vehicle. The signal processor also analyzes the signals received from other vehicles within the communication range and determines from the identifier and the positional coordinates data when another vehicle is ready to perform a joint operation with the vehicle. Prior to initiation of a joint operation, the communication system is switched to a different communication channel.

A seed tube guard for agricultural planters is cast from a high-chrome cast-iron alloy or manufactured from other wear-resistant material. The seed tube guard has right and left wear surfaces for engaging inner surfaces of a pair of opener discs. A fluid delivery channel is integrated within the body of the seed tube guard with an exit in the bottom surface for delivering fluid into a seed furrow ahead of a seed tube.

An agricultural implement includes a storage tank, a pump positioned below a bottom portion of the storage tank, and a control system disposed above the bottom portion of the storage tank. The storage tank is configured to hold a flowable agricultural product. The pump is configured to direct the flowable agricultural product out of the storage tank. The one or more controls are configured to control application of the flowable agricultural product.

An agricultural implement includes a frame assembly configured to support a storage tank. The frame assembly includes a pair of longitudinal beams positioned on opposite lateral sides of the storage tank, and multiple cross members extending between the pair of longitudinal beams. A substantially flat upper surface of each cross member is secured to a lower surface of each longitudinal beam, and each cross member is configured to support the storage tank via contact between the substantially flat upper surface of the cross member and a substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank such that the substantially flat lower surface of the storage tank is positioned vertically below an upper surface of each longitudinal beam.

An agricultural implement is provided that includes a first tool bar and a second tool bar each supporting respective ground engaging tools and fluid dispersal components. The second tool bar is pivotally coupled to the first tool bar. The agricultural implement further includes fluid conduits coupled to respective tool bars for conveying fluid to the respective fluid dispersal components. Additionally, each of the conduits has a flexible end adjacent to the other tool bar. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a fluid joint coupled between the first and second flexible ends and configured to provide a sealed connection between the first and second flexible ends during relative pivotal movement of the first and second tool bars in operation but to allow for uncoupling of the first and second flexible ends for servicing of the implement.

A tool bar mounting assembly for an agricultural implement. One agricultural implement includes a first tool bar assembly having a tool bar and a plurality of row units coupled to the tool bar and configured to deliver flowable agricultural product to a field. The agricultural implement also includes a frame assembly coupled to the first tool bar assembly. The frame assembly includes a mounting assembly having a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage is configured to removably couple the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via a plurality of fasteners. The frame assembly is configured to provide structural support to the first tool bar assembly. The mechanical linkage of mounting assembly is configured to removably couple a second tool bar assembly having a different configuration than the first tool bar assembly to the frame assembly via the plurality of fasteners.

One closing assembly of a row unit for an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to support ground-working tools of the row unit. Multiple arms are coupled to the frame, each arm of the multiple arms being independently rotatable about a common axis. Each arm is configured to be coupled to a closing disc configured to direct soil into a trench.

A towable soil pulverizer having a center section and foldable wings mounted by hinges on opposite sides of the center section to fold upwardly or downwardly about substantially longitudinal hinge axes. Each hinge has a spaced ball joint and guide roller in roller slot. A wing float axis for each wing extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal hinge axis in a transverse direction, each wing also being pivotal about the float axis. The hinge design with the float axis prevents weight transfer between the center section and wing sections when the pulverizer operates over uneven soil, providing uniform soil conditioning over the width of the pulverizer. The center section rollers are positioned ahead of, behind, or co-linear with the wing rollers. Lockout kits are provided for mounting in the roller guide slots for restricting motion.

An agricultural system includes an agricultural row unit movable on a field between a first soil condition and a second soil condition, the first soil condition having a different soil hardness than the second soil condition. A down-pressure actuator applies an initial first pressure associated with the first soil condition. A soil-hardness sensing device is positioned at a distance D forward of the row unit and outputs a soil-hardness change signal when detecting a change from the first soil condition to the second soil condition. At least one memory device stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the down-pressure actuator to change, in response to receiving the soil-hardness change signal, the initial first pressure to a different second pressure when the row unit encounters the second soil condition.

A toolbar transport system for extending and retracting a large agricultural toolbar. Forward and rearward folding segments of the toolbar allow the toolbar assembly to retract against the sides of the vehicle without interfering with the steering wheels. A forward-folding segment and rearward-folding segment of each lateral toolbar section connect to provide steering wheel clearance in the transfer position and an integrated lateral toolbar with regularly-spaced ground-engaging implements in the application position. Gauge wheel assemblies assist in the extension and deployment of the toolbar assembly.

A method of making a tillage blade by obtaining a generally circular sheet metal steel disc having an outer peripheral edge. Waves are made in the outer peripheral edge of a circular steel disc in a predetermined pattern while the steel is cold. The outer peripheral edge is then sharpened at a predetermined acute angle with respect to a first plane by grinding. Then the disc is heat treated to make it harder so it will wear longer. If it is desired to have a concave/convex disc, instead of a coulter, then during the heat treating process the disc is deformed so that the sharpened portions of the peripheral edge remain generally in the first plane but a central portion of the disc is disposed at least partially in a second plane which is parallel to but spaced from the first plane.

An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.

An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.

An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.

Rod belt for rod belt conveyors for agricultural machinery includes rods arranged transversely with respect to the running direction and parallel to one another. At least one of the rods has flattened and perforated end areas with which it rests on tensile stress-resistant, elastic, continuous belts which revolve in parallel to one another, and is connected by rivets or similar fastening elements which pass through the end areas and the belts. The rod belt may be produced with a rod division that differs from, and in particular is smaller than, the division of the fastening points on the belts. This is achieved by providing that at least one additional rod is fixedly connected to the at least one rod which is connected to the belts, and the at least one additional rod is free of contact with the belts.

Rod belt for rod belt conveyors for agricultural machinery, having rods arranged transversely with respect to the running direction and parallel to one another. Rods at their ends are each connected to a fastening piece which has a flattened and perforated support area with which fastening piece rests on tensile stress-resistant, elastic, continuous belts extending in parallel and is connected by rivets or similar fastening elements which pass through support area and belts, and support area is formed in one piece with a fastening area for rod ends. The rod belt includes fastening pieces which have a simple design and are cost-effectively manufactured. Fastening pieces are designed as bends having a fastening area which, in relation to the installed position, is bent from the plane of support area toward the bottom side of belt and situated parallel to the inner side of belt.

An agricultural combine unloader assembly includes an unloader tube having an internal passage in fluid communication with a discharge outlet at an end of the unloader tube. A door is mounted adjacent the discharge outlet for covering the discharge outlet. The door is moveable between an open position uncovering the discharge outlet and a closed position at least partially covering the discharge outlet. In the open position, the door is positioned below a flow path of grain to be discharged through the discharge outlet. A catch is mounted adjacent the door. The catch includes a housing having an open end adjacent a first end of the door and a closed end adjacent a second end of the door opposite the first end. The catch is operatively connected to the door and movable between a first position and a second position.

A windrower with a harvesting header with a crop cutting assembly for severing crop from the ground windrower has a header pitch sensor for measuring a fore/aft pitch angle and a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system moves the header between an operating height and a raised position, and also controls a fore/aft pitch angle. An electronics control module provides an output to activate solenoid valves in the hydraulic system to move the header between the operating height and the raised position and to select a desired pitch angle. When the header moves from the operating height to the raised position, the electronics control module operates the header hydraulic system to move the header to the zero-tilt condition, and upon lowering the header back the operating height, the electronics control module automatically returns the header to the selected pitch angle it was in at the start of the cycle.

A system and method for controlling a load on an agricultural harvester (100) comprising a first sensor (124, 126, 128, 130) to sense a first load, a second sensor (132, 134, 136, 138) to sense a second load, an electronic control unit (200) coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, the electronic control unit (200) being configured to determine a difference between the first load and the second load, and to either (a) raise a harvesting head (102) or (b) stop the agricultural harvester (100), or (c) both, when the difference exceeds a threshold load.

A drive arrangement for driving a first sickle bar section (42) and a second sickle bar section (36) of a harvesting platform (20) comprises a first gearbox (54) and the second gearbox (74) having an output drivingly connected to a respective first end of a respective sickle bar section (36, 42). Drive trains connect the first gearbox (54) and the second gearbox (74) to an input drive shaft (24). At least one of the drive trains comprises a belt drive. A synchronization transmission (82) is coupled to the second ends of the sickle bar sections (36, 42) and couples them in opposite movement directions.

An agricultural work vehicle includes a vehicle body having longitudinally extending sides. An enclosed engine compartment is configured within the vehicle body. An air inlet is defined in side of the vehicle body for intake of air into the engine compartment. A grain bin forward of the engine compartment includes a grain bin extension skirt mounted above the grain bin. An intake housing is mounted over the air inlet in the vehicle body side and includes a forwardly extending portion mounted alongside the grain bin extension with an inlet opening oriented so as draw air primarily from an area forward of the engine compartment and above the vehicle body.

A shield apparatus is mounted on the header of an agricultural implement which includes a rotatable collecting member to direct collected material rearwardly towards a rear discharge opening. The shield apparatus includes a panel member and a mounting bracket assembly which supports the panel member above the rear discharge opening of the header spanning in a lateral direction transversely to the forward working direction such that the panel member extends from a rear edge rearward of the collecting member to a front edge which is spaced forward and upwardly in relation to the rear edge. The shield apparatus ensures that material thrown upwardly above the rear of the header frame is redirected downwardly into the rear discharge opening of the header for collection by the implement in the usual manner. The shield apparatus does not interfere with the visibility of the operator when the panel member is clear.

An agricultural working machine has a one control/regulating unit designed to adjust and monitor working parameters, quality parameters or both of the agricultural working machine that influence a harvesting process. The adjusting and monitoring are carried out in an automatable manner by the control/regulating unit using stored families of characteristics. The agricultural working machine also has at least one display device for depicting setpoint values and actual values of the working parameters, quality parameters or both. The control/regulating unit actuates defined measurement points in the stored families of characteristics and the specifically actuated measurement points are located in the boundary regions of the family of characteristics or outside the active working region of the particular family of characteristics.

A windguard mechanism comprising a pair of arms attachable to an agricultural machine and a windguard plate extending between the pair of arms and positioned to hold down crop material processed by a pickup mechanism. The windguard plate comprises a first plate fixed between the pair of arms and a second plate positioned movably with respect to the first plate, wherein working surfaces of the first plate and of the second plate form a windguard working surface of an area independent on the position of the second plate.

The present invention provide a light-scattering fluororesin film for agricultural applications which can be used as a covering material for an agricultural house or the like, is excellent in uniformity of color or the like of crops cultivated, can reduce the occurrence of leaf scorch, seedling blight or the like, and can cultivate the crops at high productivity. Specifically, the invention provides a light-scattering fluororesin film for agricultural applications that gives a ratio of scattered light with a scattering angle of 5.5 to 10° being 5% or higher relative to the total transmitted light.

The invention provides a nontoxic photoluminescent adjuvant delivered to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist spray operations in low light or dark light operations. These crops and plants include: not for human consumption crops, turf grass, ornamental flowers, seeds, shrubs and bushes. Spray operations are delivered to the foliar, crown and soil parts and seeds of a crop or plant.

The invention provides a non-toxic photoluminescent adjuvant delivered to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist spray operations in low light or dark light operations. These crops and plants include: not for human consumption crops, turf grass, ornamental flowers, seeds, shrubs and bushes. Spray operations are delivered to the foliar, crown and soil parts and seeds of a crop or plant.

Mineral, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, agricultural, nutraceutical, and other compositions are produced using a mineral composition containing minimal concentrations of cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury and containing relatively high concentrations of micro and macro mineral elements, of rare earth elements, of calcium, and of silica. The mineral concentrations are produced by processing naturally occurring clay soil to concentrate mineral elements naturally occurring in the soil.

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