CA2240568A1 - No-till stubble row seeder guidance system - Google Patents
No-till stubble row seeder guidance system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2240568A1 CA2240568A1 CA002240568A CA2240568A CA2240568A1 CA 2240568 A1 CA2240568 A1 CA 2240568A1 CA 002240568 A CA002240568 A CA 002240568A CA 2240568 A CA2240568 A CA 2240568A CA 2240568 A1 CA2240568 A1 CA 2240568A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- seeder
- sensor
- hydraulic cylinder
- row
- bar
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01B—SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES OR IMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL
- A01B69/00—Steering of agricultural machines or implements; Guiding agricultural machines or implements on a desired track
- A01B69/003—Steering or guiding of machines or implements pushed or pulled by or mounted on agricultural vehicles such as tractors, e.g. by lateral shifting of the towing connection
- A01B69/004—Steering or guiding of machines or implements pushed or pulled by or mounted on agricultural vehicles such as tractors, e.g. by lateral shifting of the towing connection automatic
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C5/00—Making or covering furrows or holes for sowing, planting or manuring
- A01C5/06—Machines for making or covering drills or furrows for sowing or planting
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A40/00—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production
- Y02A40/10—Adaptation technologies in agriculture, forestry, livestock or agroalimentary production in agriculture
- Y02A40/22—Improving land use; Improving water use or availability; Controlling erosion
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Guiding Agricultural Machines (AREA)
Abstract
The invention provides a guidance system for guiding a no-till seeder such that the furrow openers of the seeder travel along the field between the standing stubble rows from the previous crop, thereby leaving the stubble rows standing and reducing plugging of the seeder with crop residue. The guidance system comprises sensing means to sense the standing stubble rows from the previous crop and to send a steering signal in response to changes in the relative position of the seeder to the standing stubble rows; and adjusting means to adjust the travel path of the seeder in response to the steering signals. The sensing means is a wedge-shaped pan adapted to ride along the ground between two standing stubble rows from the previous crop. Lateral movement of the pan sends a steering signal to the adjusting means, conveniently a hydraulic cylinder, via a solenoid valve which cylinder moves the seeder to the left or right relative to the towing vehicle. A furrow sensor is also provided.
Description
NO-TILL STUBBLE ROW SEEDER GUIDANCE SYSTEM
This invention deals with the field of agricultural seeders and in particular a guidance system for such planters.
BACKGROUND:
to In many areas, notably the Great Plains of North America, there has recently been a large shift to no-till seeding for crops such as cereals, pulses and oilseeds. These crops are usually "solid-seeded", which most often means seeded in narrow rows from 6 to 12 inches apart.
Discer seeders do provide essentially an even coverage of the field with no discernable rows, is however such seeders are not used to the extent they once were, due to the preference for no-till seeding. The crops, when growing, cover the ground and are harvested as if there are no rows. This differentiates such crops from "row" crops such as corn and cotton which are planted in wider rows, from 24 to 36 inches apart.
2o One of the objects of no-till seeding is to leave the previous years plant residue, or stubble, standing as long as possible to catch snow and later to provide protection for new seedling crops from wind and evaporation. It is common practice when harvesting to cut the crop as high as possible in order to leave as much standing stubble as possible to catch snow and to minimize the amount of non-grain material, mainly straw, passing through the combine harvester. The straw that does pass through the combine is generally broken up and spread s evenly over the land.
Present no-till seeders generally use a hoe opener for making the furrows into which seed is deposited, although disc furrow openers are used as well. The openers are mounted on a frame, which is generally towed by a tractor rather than mounted thereon as is common to with row crop seeders.
Hoe furrow openers are presently preferred over disc openers, as they generally penetrate better and do not require the cost and maintenance of bearings and so forth.
Disc openers are also subject to "hair-pinning", wherein straw is not cut but instead is pushed into the is furrow, causing poor germination of the seed and drying out the soil in the furrow by a wick action. U.S. Patent # 5,619,939 discusses and provides an apparatus for alleviating this hair-pinning problem. Both hoe and disc furrow openers work better when they are passing through less crop residue. Straw tends to wrap around individual hoe openers and be dragged down the field, impairing the clean cut desired.
A major problem with hoe openers is that the standing stubble is often longer than the spacing between the furrow openers, and with hoe seeders it often does not pass between the openers, resulting in a wad of straw and plant residue being dragged down the field, plugging the seeder. Up until now, the only method used to alleviate this problem has been to provide more room for the straw and trash to move through between the hoe openers and s between the frame and the ground. This has been done by increasing the spacing between the hoe openers, and thereby increasing the row spacing to 10 or 12 inches which is about the maximum spacing possible for these crops; by increasing the number of rows of hoe openers and thereby increasing the space between the hoe openers on a row; and finally by increasing the length of the hoe openers and thereby increasing the distance between the to frame and the ground.
When a seeder is seeding into standing stubble, the hoe openers constantly cross the standing stubble rows from the previous crop, knocking the stubble down. If the seeder was guided so that it only occasionally crossed a standing stubble row, such as when turning, much of ~s the plugging problem could be alleviated, as the standing stubble rows would be left undisturbed and pass vertically under the seeder.
There is considerable prior art in the field of guidance systems to keep row crop implements aligned with furrows or plant rows. This is understandable because row spacing between 2o passes must be kept constant at seeding in order to allow for efficient operation of subsequent cultivating, spraying and harvesting equipment. The prior art also provides -PageS-guidance systems for working in growing row crops, where there is a sensor which senses the growing plant rows and keeps the implement between the rows. In solid-seeded crops, there has hitherto not been any perceived need for such precision since growing crops are not cultivated and sprayers and combines are operated without regard to where the narrow s crop rows are located.
Guidance systems for use in row crops have not been used to guide an implement with respect to a row of standing stalks from the previous crop. There does not appear to have been any need for such guidance.
to U.S. Patent # 5,255,756, #5,121,799, # 5,094,300 and 5,031,704 are examples of such guidance systems for row crops. U.S. Patent # 5,148,873 provides a device to follow a furrow or growing crop row, thereby sending a signal to a guidance system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
It is the object of the present invention to provide a guidance system for a no-till seeder which will reduce the problem of plugging the seeder furrow openers with crop residue.
It is the further object of the present invention to provide such a guidance system for a no-till seeder which will reduce the amount of crop residue encountered by the furrow openers, thereby reducing straw dragging on hoe openers and hair-pinning of disc openers.
It is the further object of the present invention to provide such a guidance system for a no-till seeder which will leave a greater proportion of previous crop stubble standing after the seeding operation.
The present invention accomplishes these objects providing a guidance system for guiding a no-till seeder such that the furrow openers of said seeder travel along the field between the to standing stubble rows from the previous crop, said guidance system comprising sensing means to sense the standing stubble rows from the previous crop and to send a steering signal in response to changes in the relative position of the seeder to said standing stubble rows; and adjusting means to adjust the travel path of said seeder in response to said steering signals.
is The standing stubble rows of the previous crop should have the same row spacing as the seeder being guided, or it will not be possible to have all furrow openers properly positioned between the standing stubble rows.
2o Conveniently, the adjusting means could vary the path of travel of the seeder relative to the path of travel of the seeder towing vehicle.
In one embodiment the invention provides a guidance system for guiding a seeder towed by a vehicle, said guidance system sensing the standing stubble rows left by a previous solid-seeded crop and in response to said sensing guiding the seeder so that the furrow openers of said seeder travel along the field between said standing stubble rows, said guidance system comprising a row sensor mounted on said seeder and adapted to follow the ground between said standing stubble rows, said row sensor sending a steering signal when said row sensor is moved perpendicular to the direction of seeder travel by contact with a standing stubble row on either side thereof; a seeder position adjuster, said adjuster responsive to said steering signals; where in operation said row sensor is in the neutral position when the to furrow openers of said seeder are travelling on the preferred path between the standing stubble rows, and wherein when the seeder deviates from its preferred path said row sensor is moved laterally by contact with the standing stubble row on one side or the other and sends a steering signal to said seeder position adjuster which causes said adjuster to move the seeder to one side or the other relative to the towing vehicle so as to direct said seeder is back on to the preferred path.
The invention could further comprise a seeder position indicator viewable by the operator.
The operator could then steer the towing vehicle to keep the row sensor within its proper range of operation.
Where the towing vehicle is a tractor with a swinging draw-bar the seeder position adjuster could be a swinging draw-bar position adjuster and operate to move the swinging draw-bar right or left relative to the tractor.
Where the towing vehicle is not a tractor with a swinging draw-bar, such as when the towing s vehicle is a tow-between air-seeder cart or where it is desired to provide a self contained device, the seeder hitch could include a laterally pivoting linkage and the seeder position adjuster could act on the pivoting linkage to move the seeder right or left relative to the towing vehicle.
to The row sensor could be a wedge-shaped pan sliding on the ground, the wedge-shaped pan having a width smaller than the spacing between standing stubble rows. A drag stabilizer attached to each side of the wedge-shaped pan would stabilise the pan, reducing bouncing when bumps are encountered and further helping to maintain its position between the standing stubble rows. A flexible link chain could be used as a drag stabilizer.
is The wedge-shaped pan could be attached to a leg, and the leg attached to the seeder such that the leg may pivot vertically and laterally. Thus the pan could rise and fall vertically to follow contours or bumps in the ground, and the steering signal could be generated by the lateral angular position of the attachment. As the seeder veered off the preferred path 2o wherein the furrow-openers are between the standing stubble rows, the leg would pivot laterally. This lateral movement could send a steering signal to the swinging draw-bar position adjuster.
The swinging draw-bar position adjuster could comprise a hydraulic cylinder acting against the frame of the tractor and against the swinging draw-bar, the hydraulic cylinder extending s or retracting in response to the steering signal and thereby moving the seeder laterally with respect to the tractor.
The hydraulic cylinder could be attached at one end to the swinging draw-bar or the seeder hitch and at the opposite end to the frame of the tractor, the hydraulic cylinder extending or to retracting in response to the steering signal and thereby moving the draw-bar and seeder hitch laterally with respect to the tractor.
Alternatively, the hydraulic cylinder could act against the frame of the tractor and against the swinging draw-bar via a cable. The swinging draw-bar adjuster could comprise a pivot ~s arm pivotally attached at its centre point to said seeder hitch, substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of said seeder; an arm end of a left cable attached to the left end of said pivot arm; an arm end of a right cable attached to the right end of said pivot arm, such that the left and right cable attachment points are equidistant from the centre pivotal attachment to said seeder hitch; said left cable passing along a first groove in a double 2o grooved pulley rotatably mounted at the pivot point between said seeder hitch and said swinging draw-bar, thence to a tractor end attachment point on the left side of said tractor frame; said right cable passing along a second groove in said double grooved pulley to a right attachment point on the right side of said tractor frame; a hydraulic cylinder attached at one end to said seeder hitch and at the opposite end to said pivot arm such that extending or retracting said hydraulic cylinder pivots said pivot arm about its central pivot attachment s point, thereby causing said right and left cables to move said swinging draw-bar to the left or right of the centre-line of said tractor.
For increased efficiency of operation, the guidance system could further comprise a second row sensor mounted on the seeder at a different location from the first row sensor and to adapted to follow the ground between the standing stubble rows, and a control by which the operator may select which of the row sensors guides the seeder, thereby allowing the operator to choose the row sensor where the standing stubble rows are most suitable and avoid a sensor location where the standing stubble rows have been trampled by a previous field operation. Alternatively the sensor control could also allow both sensors to send is steering signals, thereby allowing the seeder to be guided by both sensors at the same time.
The invention could further comprise a furrow sensor attached to the seeder such that the furrow sensor follows the end furrow of the last seeding pass thus acting as a marker to properly space the present seeder pass from the previous seeder pass, the furrow sensor 2o sending a steering signal when the furrow sensor is moved perpendicular to the direction of seeder travel by the deviation of the seeder from the proper path, and further comprising a -Pagell-control whereby the operator can select which of the steering signals, that of the row sensor or the furrow sensor, guides the seeder. With this arrangement, on turns the operator could align the seeder properly with respect to the previous pass using the furrow follower, and then switch the guidance control to allow the row follower to guide the seeder with the furrow openers between the rows.
Such a furrow sensor could comprise a curved tube adapted to follow the end furrow of the previous seeder pass, the tube attached to the seeder such that the tube may pivot vertically and laterally, and wherein the steering signal is generated by the lateral angular position of to the attachment.
Where the previous crop was lentils or peas where there are no standing stubble rows, the furrow sensor could be used at all times to guide the seeder in proper relation to the previous pass. 'The same leg and steering signal generator could be used, with the tube type furrow is sensor simply being substituted for the pan type row sensor.
The hydraulic cylinder of the seeder position adjuster could be activated by a solenoid valve receiving the steering signals. The steering signals could be generated by a contact arm the proximate end of which is fixedly attached to the row sensor such that the distal end of the 2o contact arm is laterally between right and left signal points such that lateral movement of the row sensor to the left causes the distal end to contact a left signal point, sending a steering signal to the solenoid valve causing the hydraulic cylinder to adjust the path of the seeder to the left, and such that lateral movement of the row sensor to the right causes the distal end to contact a right signal point, sending a steering signal to the solenoid valve causing the hydraulic cylinder to adjust the path of the seeder to the right.
s If the contact arm was flexible, damage to the signal points would be avoided.
The flexible arm would also tend to position the row sensor in the middle or neutral position when the seeder is raised for turns, since as the row sensor swung to one direction, the flexible arm would bring it back accelerate it to the centre neutral position.
to DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are is provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Figure 1 is a side view of the row follower and steering signal generator of the 2o preferred embodiment;
Figure 2 is a top view of the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of the seeder position adjuster of the preferred embodiment.
Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of the seeder position adjuster of an alternate embodiment using cables and a pivot arm to adjust the draw-bar position.
to Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of the seeder position adjuster of an alternate embodiment using cables to adjust the draw-bar position.
Figure 7 is a schematic drawing of the seeder position adjuster of an alternate is embodiment using two single acting cylinders to adjust the draw-bar position.
Figure 8 is a schematic drawing of the seeder position adjuster of an alternate embodiment wherein the towing vehicle is a tow-between air-seeder cart having no swinging draw-bar.
Figure 9 is a schematic drawing of the seeder position indicator of the preferred embodiment.
Figure 10 is a side and a rear view of a furrow follower for use with the embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT:
The row follower and steering signal generator of the preferred embodiment is illustrated to in Figures 1 - 3. Sensor support arm 124 is fixed to the seeder frame member 127 and shaped to position vertical pivot shaft 121 ahead of and below the seeder frame member 127 so that a satisfactory lateral motion can be established. Pivot plate 112 is pivotally attached to the sensor support arm 124 by the vertical pivot shaft 121 through vertical pivot hole 125 in the vertical pivot lugs 113. Clamps 123 and washers 122 secure the location of the pivot is plate 112 along the vertical pivot shaft 121, and allow for adjustment thereon to position the standing stubble row sensor 1 O 1 so that the furrow openers on the seeder will travel between the standing stubble rows 126 of the previous crop.
Sensor leg 105 is attached to the pivot plate 112 by lateral pivot shaft 109 secured in bearing 20 110 such that the leg may move laterally from side to side. Standing stubble row sensor 1 O 1 is a wedge -shaped plastic pan, with a width W slightly less than the row spacing of the standing stubble rows 126, as best seen in Figure 3. Row sensor 110 is fixed to the sensor leg 105 by fasteners 104. Standard flexible chains 102 are attached at each side of the row sensor 101 by fasteners 103 and act to stabilize the row follower 101 as it slides along the ground, as well as helping to maintain the pan in its proper position between standing s stubble rows.
The configuration described has the benefit of tending to return the row follower 101 to the centre position as shown in Figure 2 when the row follower 101 is raised from the ground with the frame 127 on turns and so forth. With the lateral pivot shaft on an angle to the to vertical, as the row follower 101 moves to the side it also rises somewhat and gravity will draw it to the lowest centre position.
Contact arm 106 is a flexible fibreglass rod fixed to the front end of the sensor leg 105 by fastener107, and extending forward between left and right signal points 117L
and 1178.
is Left and right signal points 117L and 1178 are secured to pivot plate extension 114 by fasteners 116L and 1168. Pivot plate extension 114 is a non-conductive material, such as plastic, to facilitate connection of the left and right signal wires 119L and 1198 to the corresponding signal points 117L and 117 R, and is fixed to the front of the pivot plate 112 by fasteners 115.
The contact arm 106 has a metal tip 108 connected to a power wire 118. Thus when the row follower 101 and sensor leg move laterally a certain distance, the metal tip contacts the left or right signal point 117L or 117 R, sending current through the corresponding signal wire 119 L or 1198 to directional solenoid valve 140.
s The flexibility of the contact arm 106 prevents damage to the signal points 117L and 1178 and also tends to throw the row follower 101 to the centre position when raised, aided by gravity as described above.
Referring to Figure 4, hydraulic lines 141 L and 141 R direct hydraulic fluid from the to solenoid valve 140 to the appropriate side of the draw-bar positioning double acting hydraulic cylinder 204. Cylinder 204 is pivotally attached at one end to the tractor frame 220 and at the opposite end to the swinging draw-bar 201. Cylinder 204 extends or retracts in response to the activation signals received by the solenoid 140, thereby moving the swinging draw-bar 201 and seeder hitch 203 laterally with respect to the centre-line of the is tractor 221. As the seeder hitch moves laterally the seeder frame 127 moves laterally with respect to the row sensor 101 causing the contact arm metal tip 108 to move out of contact with the signal point 117.
Referring to Figure 9, control cable 230 is attached at one end to the swinging draw-bar 201 2o and at the opposite end to a seeder position indicator 231 mounted in front of the operator on the hood of the tractor 232. As the draw-bar 201 is moved laterally, the operator can see the corresponding movement of the indicator 231, and so can steer the tractor so that the indicator 231 is kept in the operating range.
Figures 5, 6 and 7 show alternate seeder position adjusters, using cables and pulleys. In s Figure 5, pivot arm 216 is pivotally attached at its mid-point to hitch lugs 217 by pin 215.
Double acting hydraulic cylinder 204 is pivotally attached at one end to the seeder hitch 203 and at the opposite end to the pivot arm 216. Left cable 209 is attached at one end to the left pivot arm attachment point 211, then passes around the right side of double grooved draw-bar pulley 202, the left cable 209 engaging the lower pulley groove, and then attaching to to left tractor attachment point 213. Right cable 210 is attached at one end to the right pivot arm attachment point 212, then passes around the left side of double grooved draw-bar pulley 202, the right cable 210 engaging the upper pulley groove, and then attaching to right tractor attachment point 214. Left and right pivot arm attachment points 211 and 212 are equidistant from the pivot arm pivot point at pin 215. Cylinder 204 receives hydraulic fluid is from the solenoid valve 140 and shifts the swinging draw-bar to the left or right.
Figure 6 illustrates another possible cable arrangement which would act to move the swinging draw-bar in response to hydraulic fluid from solenoid valve 140 supplied to a double acting hydraulic cylinder 204, with the cables guided by cylinder pulley 208 and 2o hitch pulley 207.
Figure 7 illustrates a seeder position adjuster using two single acting cylinders 250 and 251.
The cables 209 and 210 are guided by left and right draw-bar cable guides 252 and 253 and left and right draw-bar pulleys 254 and 255. Instead of directing hydraulic fluid to one side or the other of a double acting hydraulic cylinder as in previous cases, the solenoid valve s 140 directs oil to one or the other of the cylinders 250 or 251 in order to move the swinging draw-bar 201 to the right or left.
Figure 8 illustrates a seeder position adjuster of an alternate embodiment wherein the towing vehicle is a tow-between air-seeder cart 301 having no swinging draw-bar. The seeder hitch to has a laterally pivoting linkage 303 between the draw pin 302 and the seeder hitch 305, attached to the seeder hitch 305 at the seeder pivot point 304. Double acting hydraulic cylinder 308 is pivotally attached at one end to hitch lugs 306 and at the opposite end to linkage lugs 309. The hydraulic cylinder 308 receives fluid from a solenoid valve activated by the row sensor as in previous embodiments, thereby moving the seeder left or right is relative to the tow-between air-seeder cart 301.
Figure 10 shows a furrow sensor 131 attached to the sensor leg 105 in substitution for the row sensor 101, thereby converting the system from one which guides the seeder furrow openers between the standing stubble rows to one which guides the seeder in proper relation 2o to the previous seeder pass. This is useful when seeding land where the previous crop were peas, lentils or such which leave no discernable standing stubble rows.
The apparatus is mounted on the seeder frame 127 such that when the furrow sensor 131 is located in the end furrow 132 of the previous seeder pass, the end furrow of the present seeder pass is properly spaced from the previous pass. Alternatively, the system could comprise two apparatus, one for guiding with respect to standing stubble rows and one for s guiding with respect to the previous pass. A switch would allow the operator to choose which was guiding the seeder at any time.
Similarly, two row sensors with a switch would allow the operator to choose the guiding sensor, and use the sensor on a row where the standing stubble rows were not tramped down to by a previous operation such as combining. Alternatively, both sensors could be operating, with the seeder guided by signals from both sensors. When conflicting steering signals were sent to the solenoid valve, the solenoid would not be activated. This system could be useful where the standing stubble rows were not distinct and standing up well.
is The system could also incorporate a manual over-ride, allowing the operator to move the swinging draw-bar to any desired position regardless of the sensor position.
This would be especially useful on turns to allow the operator to locate the row sensor in the proper standing stubble rows with respect to the previous seeder pass.
2o The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
s
This invention deals with the field of agricultural seeders and in particular a guidance system for such planters.
BACKGROUND:
to In many areas, notably the Great Plains of North America, there has recently been a large shift to no-till seeding for crops such as cereals, pulses and oilseeds. These crops are usually "solid-seeded", which most often means seeded in narrow rows from 6 to 12 inches apart.
Discer seeders do provide essentially an even coverage of the field with no discernable rows, is however such seeders are not used to the extent they once were, due to the preference for no-till seeding. The crops, when growing, cover the ground and are harvested as if there are no rows. This differentiates such crops from "row" crops such as corn and cotton which are planted in wider rows, from 24 to 36 inches apart.
2o One of the objects of no-till seeding is to leave the previous years plant residue, or stubble, standing as long as possible to catch snow and later to provide protection for new seedling crops from wind and evaporation. It is common practice when harvesting to cut the crop as high as possible in order to leave as much standing stubble as possible to catch snow and to minimize the amount of non-grain material, mainly straw, passing through the combine harvester. The straw that does pass through the combine is generally broken up and spread s evenly over the land.
Present no-till seeders generally use a hoe opener for making the furrows into which seed is deposited, although disc furrow openers are used as well. The openers are mounted on a frame, which is generally towed by a tractor rather than mounted thereon as is common to with row crop seeders.
Hoe furrow openers are presently preferred over disc openers, as they generally penetrate better and do not require the cost and maintenance of bearings and so forth.
Disc openers are also subject to "hair-pinning", wherein straw is not cut but instead is pushed into the is furrow, causing poor germination of the seed and drying out the soil in the furrow by a wick action. U.S. Patent # 5,619,939 discusses and provides an apparatus for alleviating this hair-pinning problem. Both hoe and disc furrow openers work better when they are passing through less crop residue. Straw tends to wrap around individual hoe openers and be dragged down the field, impairing the clean cut desired.
A major problem with hoe openers is that the standing stubble is often longer than the spacing between the furrow openers, and with hoe seeders it often does not pass between the openers, resulting in a wad of straw and plant residue being dragged down the field, plugging the seeder. Up until now, the only method used to alleviate this problem has been to provide more room for the straw and trash to move through between the hoe openers and s between the frame and the ground. This has been done by increasing the spacing between the hoe openers, and thereby increasing the row spacing to 10 or 12 inches which is about the maximum spacing possible for these crops; by increasing the number of rows of hoe openers and thereby increasing the space between the hoe openers on a row; and finally by increasing the length of the hoe openers and thereby increasing the distance between the to frame and the ground.
When a seeder is seeding into standing stubble, the hoe openers constantly cross the standing stubble rows from the previous crop, knocking the stubble down. If the seeder was guided so that it only occasionally crossed a standing stubble row, such as when turning, much of ~s the plugging problem could be alleviated, as the standing stubble rows would be left undisturbed and pass vertically under the seeder.
There is considerable prior art in the field of guidance systems to keep row crop implements aligned with furrows or plant rows. This is understandable because row spacing between 2o passes must be kept constant at seeding in order to allow for efficient operation of subsequent cultivating, spraying and harvesting equipment. The prior art also provides -PageS-guidance systems for working in growing row crops, where there is a sensor which senses the growing plant rows and keeps the implement between the rows. In solid-seeded crops, there has hitherto not been any perceived need for such precision since growing crops are not cultivated and sprayers and combines are operated without regard to where the narrow s crop rows are located.
Guidance systems for use in row crops have not been used to guide an implement with respect to a row of standing stalks from the previous crop. There does not appear to have been any need for such guidance.
to U.S. Patent # 5,255,756, #5,121,799, # 5,094,300 and 5,031,704 are examples of such guidance systems for row crops. U.S. Patent # 5,148,873 provides a device to follow a furrow or growing crop row, thereby sending a signal to a guidance system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
It is the object of the present invention to provide a guidance system for a no-till seeder which will reduce the problem of plugging the seeder furrow openers with crop residue.
It is the further object of the present invention to provide such a guidance system for a no-till seeder which will reduce the amount of crop residue encountered by the furrow openers, thereby reducing straw dragging on hoe openers and hair-pinning of disc openers.
It is the further object of the present invention to provide such a guidance system for a no-till seeder which will leave a greater proportion of previous crop stubble standing after the seeding operation.
The present invention accomplishes these objects providing a guidance system for guiding a no-till seeder such that the furrow openers of said seeder travel along the field between the to standing stubble rows from the previous crop, said guidance system comprising sensing means to sense the standing stubble rows from the previous crop and to send a steering signal in response to changes in the relative position of the seeder to said standing stubble rows; and adjusting means to adjust the travel path of said seeder in response to said steering signals.
is The standing stubble rows of the previous crop should have the same row spacing as the seeder being guided, or it will not be possible to have all furrow openers properly positioned between the standing stubble rows.
2o Conveniently, the adjusting means could vary the path of travel of the seeder relative to the path of travel of the seeder towing vehicle.
In one embodiment the invention provides a guidance system for guiding a seeder towed by a vehicle, said guidance system sensing the standing stubble rows left by a previous solid-seeded crop and in response to said sensing guiding the seeder so that the furrow openers of said seeder travel along the field between said standing stubble rows, said guidance system comprising a row sensor mounted on said seeder and adapted to follow the ground between said standing stubble rows, said row sensor sending a steering signal when said row sensor is moved perpendicular to the direction of seeder travel by contact with a standing stubble row on either side thereof; a seeder position adjuster, said adjuster responsive to said steering signals; where in operation said row sensor is in the neutral position when the to furrow openers of said seeder are travelling on the preferred path between the standing stubble rows, and wherein when the seeder deviates from its preferred path said row sensor is moved laterally by contact with the standing stubble row on one side or the other and sends a steering signal to said seeder position adjuster which causes said adjuster to move the seeder to one side or the other relative to the towing vehicle so as to direct said seeder is back on to the preferred path.
The invention could further comprise a seeder position indicator viewable by the operator.
The operator could then steer the towing vehicle to keep the row sensor within its proper range of operation.
Where the towing vehicle is a tractor with a swinging draw-bar the seeder position adjuster could be a swinging draw-bar position adjuster and operate to move the swinging draw-bar right or left relative to the tractor.
Where the towing vehicle is not a tractor with a swinging draw-bar, such as when the towing s vehicle is a tow-between air-seeder cart or where it is desired to provide a self contained device, the seeder hitch could include a laterally pivoting linkage and the seeder position adjuster could act on the pivoting linkage to move the seeder right or left relative to the towing vehicle.
to The row sensor could be a wedge-shaped pan sliding on the ground, the wedge-shaped pan having a width smaller than the spacing between standing stubble rows. A drag stabilizer attached to each side of the wedge-shaped pan would stabilise the pan, reducing bouncing when bumps are encountered and further helping to maintain its position between the standing stubble rows. A flexible link chain could be used as a drag stabilizer.
is The wedge-shaped pan could be attached to a leg, and the leg attached to the seeder such that the leg may pivot vertically and laterally. Thus the pan could rise and fall vertically to follow contours or bumps in the ground, and the steering signal could be generated by the lateral angular position of the attachment. As the seeder veered off the preferred path 2o wherein the furrow-openers are between the standing stubble rows, the leg would pivot laterally. This lateral movement could send a steering signal to the swinging draw-bar position adjuster.
The swinging draw-bar position adjuster could comprise a hydraulic cylinder acting against the frame of the tractor and against the swinging draw-bar, the hydraulic cylinder extending s or retracting in response to the steering signal and thereby moving the seeder laterally with respect to the tractor.
The hydraulic cylinder could be attached at one end to the swinging draw-bar or the seeder hitch and at the opposite end to the frame of the tractor, the hydraulic cylinder extending or to retracting in response to the steering signal and thereby moving the draw-bar and seeder hitch laterally with respect to the tractor.
Alternatively, the hydraulic cylinder could act against the frame of the tractor and against the swinging draw-bar via a cable. The swinging draw-bar adjuster could comprise a pivot ~s arm pivotally attached at its centre point to said seeder hitch, substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of said seeder; an arm end of a left cable attached to the left end of said pivot arm; an arm end of a right cable attached to the right end of said pivot arm, such that the left and right cable attachment points are equidistant from the centre pivotal attachment to said seeder hitch; said left cable passing along a first groove in a double 2o grooved pulley rotatably mounted at the pivot point between said seeder hitch and said swinging draw-bar, thence to a tractor end attachment point on the left side of said tractor frame; said right cable passing along a second groove in said double grooved pulley to a right attachment point on the right side of said tractor frame; a hydraulic cylinder attached at one end to said seeder hitch and at the opposite end to said pivot arm such that extending or retracting said hydraulic cylinder pivots said pivot arm about its central pivot attachment s point, thereby causing said right and left cables to move said swinging draw-bar to the left or right of the centre-line of said tractor.
For increased efficiency of operation, the guidance system could further comprise a second row sensor mounted on the seeder at a different location from the first row sensor and to adapted to follow the ground between the standing stubble rows, and a control by which the operator may select which of the row sensors guides the seeder, thereby allowing the operator to choose the row sensor where the standing stubble rows are most suitable and avoid a sensor location where the standing stubble rows have been trampled by a previous field operation. Alternatively the sensor control could also allow both sensors to send is steering signals, thereby allowing the seeder to be guided by both sensors at the same time.
The invention could further comprise a furrow sensor attached to the seeder such that the furrow sensor follows the end furrow of the last seeding pass thus acting as a marker to properly space the present seeder pass from the previous seeder pass, the furrow sensor 2o sending a steering signal when the furrow sensor is moved perpendicular to the direction of seeder travel by the deviation of the seeder from the proper path, and further comprising a -Pagell-control whereby the operator can select which of the steering signals, that of the row sensor or the furrow sensor, guides the seeder. With this arrangement, on turns the operator could align the seeder properly with respect to the previous pass using the furrow follower, and then switch the guidance control to allow the row follower to guide the seeder with the furrow openers between the rows.
Such a furrow sensor could comprise a curved tube adapted to follow the end furrow of the previous seeder pass, the tube attached to the seeder such that the tube may pivot vertically and laterally, and wherein the steering signal is generated by the lateral angular position of to the attachment.
Where the previous crop was lentils or peas where there are no standing stubble rows, the furrow sensor could be used at all times to guide the seeder in proper relation to the previous pass. 'The same leg and steering signal generator could be used, with the tube type furrow is sensor simply being substituted for the pan type row sensor.
The hydraulic cylinder of the seeder position adjuster could be activated by a solenoid valve receiving the steering signals. The steering signals could be generated by a contact arm the proximate end of which is fixedly attached to the row sensor such that the distal end of the 2o contact arm is laterally between right and left signal points such that lateral movement of the row sensor to the left causes the distal end to contact a left signal point, sending a steering signal to the solenoid valve causing the hydraulic cylinder to adjust the path of the seeder to the left, and such that lateral movement of the row sensor to the right causes the distal end to contact a right signal point, sending a steering signal to the solenoid valve causing the hydraulic cylinder to adjust the path of the seeder to the right.
s If the contact arm was flexible, damage to the signal points would be avoided.
The flexible arm would also tend to position the row sensor in the middle or neutral position when the seeder is raised for turns, since as the row sensor swung to one direction, the flexible arm would bring it back accelerate it to the centre neutral position.
to DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are is provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Figure 1 is a side view of the row follower and steering signal generator of the 2o preferred embodiment;
Figure 2 is a top view of the apparatus of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of the seeder position adjuster of the preferred embodiment.
Figure 5 is a schematic drawing of the seeder position adjuster of an alternate embodiment using cables and a pivot arm to adjust the draw-bar position.
to Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of the seeder position adjuster of an alternate embodiment using cables to adjust the draw-bar position.
Figure 7 is a schematic drawing of the seeder position adjuster of an alternate is embodiment using two single acting cylinders to adjust the draw-bar position.
Figure 8 is a schematic drawing of the seeder position adjuster of an alternate embodiment wherein the towing vehicle is a tow-between air-seeder cart having no swinging draw-bar.
Figure 9 is a schematic drawing of the seeder position indicator of the preferred embodiment.
Figure 10 is a side and a rear view of a furrow follower for use with the embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT:
The row follower and steering signal generator of the preferred embodiment is illustrated to in Figures 1 - 3. Sensor support arm 124 is fixed to the seeder frame member 127 and shaped to position vertical pivot shaft 121 ahead of and below the seeder frame member 127 so that a satisfactory lateral motion can be established. Pivot plate 112 is pivotally attached to the sensor support arm 124 by the vertical pivot shaft 121 through vertical pivot hole 125 in the vertical pivot lugs 113. Clamps 123 and washers 122 secure the location of the pivot is plate 112 along the vertical pivot shaft 121, and allow for adjustment thereon to position the standing stubble row sensor 1 O 1 so that the furrow openers on the seeder will travel between the standing stubble rows 126 of the previous crop.
Sensor leg 105 is attached to the pivot plate 112 by lateral pivot shaft 109 secured in bearing 20 110 such that the leg may move laterally from side to side. Standing stubble row sensor 1 O 1 is a wedge -shaped plastic pan, with a width W slightly less than the row spacing of the standing stubble rows 126, as best seen in Figure 3. Row sensor 110 is fixed to the sensor leg 105 by fasteners 104. Standard flexible chains 102 are attached at each side of the row sensor 101 by fasteners 103 and act to stabilize the row follower 101 as it slides along the ground, as well as helping to maintain the pan in its proper position between standing s stubble rows.
The configuration described has the benefit of tending to return the row follower 101 to the centre position as shown in Figure 2 when the row follower 101 is raised from the ground with the frame 127 on turns and so forth. With the lateral pivot shaft on an angle to the to vertical, as the row follower 101 moves to the side it also rises somewhat and gravity will draw it to the lowest centre position.
Contact arm 106 is a flexible fibreglass rod fixed to the front end of the sensor leg 105 by fastener107, and extending forward between left and right signal points 117L
and 1178.
is Left and right signal points 117L and 1178 are secured to pivot plate extension 114 by fasteners 116L and 1168. Pivot plate extension 114 is a non-conductive material, such as plastic, to facilitate connection of the left and right signal wires 119L and 1198 to the corresponding signal points 117L and 117 R, and is fixed to the front of the pivot plate 112 by fasteners 115.
The contact arm 106 has a metal tip 108 connected to a power wire 118. Thus when the row follower 101 and sensor leg move laterally a certain distance, the metal tip contacts the left or right signal point 117L or 117 R, sending current through the corresponding signal wire 119 L or 1198 to directional solenoid valve 140.
s The flexibility of the contact arm 106 prevents damage to the signal points 117L and 1178 and also tends to throw the row follower 101 to the centre position when raised, aided by gravity as described above.
Referring to Figure 4, hydraulic lines 141 L and 141 R direct hydraulic fluid from the to solenoid valve 140 to the appropriate side of the draw-bar positioning double acting hydraulic cylinder 204. Cylinder 204 is pivotally attached at one end to the tractor frame 220 and at the opposite end to the swinging draw-bar 201. Cylinder 204 extends or retracts in response to the activation signals received by the solenoid 140, thereby moving the swinging draw-bar 201 and seeder hitch 203 laterally with respect to the centre-line of the is tractor 221. As the seeder hitch moves laterally the seeder frame 127 moves laterally with respect to the row sensor 101 causing the contact arm metal tip 108 to move out of contact with the signal point 117.
Referring to Figure 9, control cable 230 is attached at one end to the swinging draw-bar 201 2o and at the opposite end to a seeder position indicator 231 mounted in front of the operator on the hood of the tractor 232. As the draw-bar 201 is moved laterally, the operator can see the corresponding movement of the indicator 231, and so can steer the tractor so that the indicator 231 is kept in the operating range.
Figures 5, 6 and 7 show alternate seeder position adjusters, using cables and pulleys. In s Figure 5, pivot arm 216 is pivotally attached at its mid-point to hitch lugs 217 by pin 215.
Double acting hydraulic cylinder 204 is pivotally attached at one end to the seeder hitch 203 and at the opposite end to the pivot arm 216. Left cable 209 is attached at one end to the left pivot arm attachment point 211, then passes around the right side of double grooved draw-bar pulley 202, the left cable 209 engaging the lower pulley groove, and then attaching to to left tractor attachment point 213. Right cable 210 is attached at one end to the right pivot arm attachment point 212, then passes around the left side of double grooved draw-bar pulley 202, the right cable 210 engaging the upper pulley groove, and then attaching to right tractor attachment point 214. Left and right pivot arm attachment points 211 and 212 are equidistant from the pivot arm pivot point at pin 215. Cylinder 204 receives hydraulic fluid is from the solenoid valve 140 and shifts the swinging draw-bar to the left or right.
Figure 6 illustrates another possible cable arrangement which would act to move the swinging draw-bar in response to hydraulic fluid from solenoid valve 140 supplied to a double acting hydraulic cylinder 204, with the cables guided by cylinder pulley 208 and 2o hitch pulley 207.
Figure 7 illustrates a seeder position adjuster using two single acting cylinders 250 and 251.
The cables 209 and 210 are guided by left and right draw-bar cable guides 252 and 253 and left and right draw-bar pulleys 254 and 255. Instead of directing hydraulic fluid to one side or the other of a double acting hydraulic cylinder as in previous cases, the solenoid valve s 140 directs oil to one or the other of the cylinders 250 or 251 in order to move the swinging draw-bar 201 to the right or left.
Figure 8 illustrates a seeder position adjuster of an alternate embodiment wherein the towing vehicle is a tow-between air-seeder cart 301 having no swinging draw-bar. The seeder hitch to has a laterally pivoting linkage 303 between the draw pin 302 and the seeder hitch 305, attached to the seeder hitch 305 at the seeder pivot point 304. Double acting hydraulic cylinder 308 is pivotally attached at one end to hitch lugs 306 and at the opposite end to linkage lugs 309. The hydraulic cylinder 308 receives fluid from a solenoid valve activated by the row sensor as in previous embodiments, thereby moving the seeder left or right is relative to the tow-between air-seeder cart 301.
Figure 10 shows a furrow sensor 131 attached to the sensor leg 105 in substitution for the row sensor 101, thereby converting the system from one which guides the seeder furrow openers between the standing stubble rows to one which guides the seeder in proper relation 2o to the previous seeder pass. This is useful when seeding land where the previous crop were peas, lentils or such which leave no discernable standing stubble rows.
The apparatus is mounted on the seeder frame 127 such that when the furrow sensor 131 is located in the end furrow 132 of the previous seeder pass, the end furrow of the present seeder pass is properly spaced from the previous pass. Alternatively, the system could comprise two apparatus, one for guiding with respect to standing stubble rows and one for s guiding with respect to the previous pass. A switch would allow the operator to choose which was guiding the seeder at any time.
Similarly, two row sensors with a switch would allow the operator to choose the guiding sensor, and use the sensor on a row where the standing stubble rows were not tramped down to by a previous operation such as combining. Alternatively, both sensors could be operating, with the seeder guided by signals from both sensors. When conflicting steering signals were sent to the solenoid valve, the solenoid would not be activated. This system could be useful where the standing stubble rows were not distinct and standing up well.
is The system could also incorporate a manual over-ride, allowing the operator to move the swinging draw-bar to any desired position regardless of the sensor position.
This would be especially useful on turns to allow the operator to locate the row sensor in the proper standing stubble rows with respect to the previous seeder pass.
2o The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
s
Claims (32)
1. A guidance system for guiding a seeder towed by a vehicle, said guidance system sensing the standing stubble rows left by a previous solid-seeded crop and in response to said sensing guiding the seeder so that the furrow openers of said seeder travel along the field between said standing stubble rows, said guidance system comprising:
a row sensor mounted on said seeder and adapted to follow the ground between said standing stubble rows, said row sensor sending a steering signal when said row sensor is moved perpendicular to the direction of seeder travel by contact with a standing stubble row on either side thereof;
a seeder position adjuster, said adjuster responsive to said steering signals;
where in operation said row sensor is in the neutral position when the furrow openers of said seeder are travelling on the preferred path between the standing stubble rows, and wherein when the seeder deviates from its preferred path said row sensor is moved laterally by contact with the standing stubble row on one side or the other and sends a steering signal to said seeder position adjuster which causes said adjuster to move the seeder to one side or the other relative to the towing vehicle so as to direct said seeder back on to the preferred path.
a row sensor mounted on said seeder and adapted to follow the ground between said standing stubble rows, said row sensor sending a steering signal when said row sensor is moved perpendicular to the direction of seeder travel by contact with a standing stubble row on either side thereof;
a seeder position adjuster, said adjuster responsive to said steering signals;
where in operation said row sensor is in the neutral position when the furrow openers of said seeder are travelling on the preferred path between the standing stubble rows, and wherein when the seeder deviates from its preferred path said row sensor is moved laterally by contact with the standing stubble row on one side or the other and sends a steering signal to said seeder position adjuster which causes said adjuster to move the seeder to one side or the other relative to the towing vehicle so as to direct said seeder back on to the preferred path.
2. The invention of Claim 1 further comprising a seeder position indicator viewable by the operator.
3. The invention of Claim 1 wherein said towing vehicle is a tractor with a swinging draw-bar and wherein said seeder position adjuster is a swinging draw-bar position adjuster and operates to move said swinging draw-bar right or left relative to said tractor.
4. The invention of Claim 1 wherein the seeder hitch includes a laterally pivoting linkage and wherein said seeder position adjuster acts on said pivoting linkage to move said seeder right or left relative to said towing vehicle.
5. The invention of Claim 4 wherein said seeder position adjuster comprises a hydraulic cylinder acting on said laterally pivoting linkage, and wherein said hydraulic cylinder is activated by a solenoid valve receiving said steering signals.
6. The invention of Claim 5 wherein said steering signals are generated by a contact arm the proximate end of which is fixedly attached to said row sensor such that the distal end of said contact arm is laterally between right and left signal points such that lateral movement of said row sensor to the left causes said distal end to contact a left signal point, sending a steering signal to said solenoid valve causing said hydraulic cylinder to adjust the path of said seeder to the left, and such that lateral movement of said row sensor to the right causes said distal end to contact a right signal point, sending a steering signal to said solenoid valve causing said hydraulic cylinder to adjust the path of said seeder to the right.
7. The invention of Claim 6 wherein said contact arm is flexible.
8. The invention of Claim 7 further comprising a seeder position indicator viewable by the operator.
9. The invention of Claim 1 wherein the row sensor is a wedge-shaped pan sliding on the ground, said wedge-shaped pan having a width smaller than the spacing between standing stubble rows.
10. The invention of Claim 9 wherein said row sensor further comprises a drag stabilizer attached to each side of said wedge-shaped pan.
11. The invention of Claim 10 wherein said wedge-shaped pan is attached to a leg, and said leg is attached to said seeder such that said leg may pivot vertically and laterally.
12. The invention of Claim 11 wherein said steering signal is generated by the lateral angular position of said attachment.
13. The invention of Claim 12 wherein said drag stabilizer comprises a flexible chain.
14. The invention of Claim 3 wherein said swinging draw-bar position adjuster comprises a hydraulic cylinder acting against the frame of the tractor and against said swinging draw-bar, said hydraulic cylinder extending or retracting in response to said steering signal and thereby moving said seeder laterally with respect to said tractor.
15. The invention of Claim 14 further comprising a seeder position indicator viewable by the operator.
16. The invention of Claim 14 wherein said swinging draw-bar position adjuster comprises a hydraulic cylinder attached at one end to said swinging draw-bar and at the opposite end to the frame of said tractor, said hydraulic cylinder extending or retracting in response to said steering signal and thereby moving said draw-bar laterally with respect to said tractor.
17. The invention of Claim 14 wherein said swinging draw-bar position adjuster comprises a hydraulic cylinder attached at one end to the seeder hitch and at the opposite end to the frame of said tractor, said hydraulic cylinder extending or retracting in response to said steering signal and thereby moving said hitch laterally with respect to said tractor.
18. The invention of Claim 14 wherein said hydraulic cylinder acts against the frame of said tractor and against said swinging draw-bar via a cable.
19. The invention of Claim 18 further comprising a seeder position indicator viewable by the operator.
20. The invention of Claim 18 wherein said swinging draw-bar adjuster comprises:
a pivot arm pivotally attached at its centre point to the seeder hitch, substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of said seeder;
an arm end of a left cable attached to the left end of said pivot arm;
an arm end of a right cable attached to the right end of said pivot arm, such that the left and right cable attachment points are equidistant from the centre pivotal attachment to said seeder hitch;
said left cable passing along a first groove in a double grooved pulley rotatably mounted at the pivot point between said seeder hitch and said swinging draw-bar, thence to a tractor end attachment point on the left side of said tractor frame;
said right cable passing along a second groove in said double grooved pulley to a right attachment point on the right side of said tractor frame;
a hydraulic cylinder attached at one end to said seeder hitch and at the opposite end to said pivot arm such that extending or retracting said hydraulic cylinder pivots said pivot arm about its central pivot attachment point, thereby causing said right and left cables to move said swinging draw-bar to the left or right of the centre-line of said tractor.
a pivot arm pivotally attached at its centre point to the seeder hitch, substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of said seeder;
an arm end of a left cable attached to the left end of said pivot arm;
an arm end of a right cable attached to the right end of said pivot arm, such that the left and right cable attachment points are equidistant from the centre pivotal attachment to said seeder hitch;
said left cable passing along a first groove in a double grooved pulley rotatably mounted at the pivot point between said seeder hitch and said swinging draw-bar, thence to a tractor end attachment point on the left side of said tractor frame;
said right cable passing along a second groove in said double grooved pulley to a right attachment point on the right side of said tractor frame;
a hydraulic cylinder attached at one end to said seeder hitch and at the opposite end to said pivot arm such that extending or retracting said hydraulic cylinder pivots said pivot arm about its central pivot attachment point, thereby causing said right and left cables to move said swinging draw-bar to the left or right of the centre-line of said tractor.
21. The invention of Claim 1 further comprising a second row sensor mounted on said seeder at a different location from the first said row sensor and adapted to follow the ground between said standing stubble rows, and a control by which the operator may select which of said row sensors guides the seeder, thereby allowing the operator to choose the row sensor where said standing stubble rows are most suitable and avoid a sensor location where said standing stubble rows have been trampled by a previous field operation.
22. The invention of Claim 21 wherein said control allows the operator to select both sensors to be operating, thereby allowing both said sensors to send steering signals to the seeder position adjuster.
23. The invention of Claim 21 further comprising a seeder position indicator viewable by the operator.
24. The invention of Claim 1 further comprising a furrow sensor attached to said seeder such that said furrow sensor follows the end furrow of the last seeding pass thus acting as a marker to properly space the present seeder pass from the previous seeder pass, said furrow sensor sending a steering signal when said furrow sensor is moved perpendicular to the direction of seeder travel by the deviation of the seeder from the proper path, and further comprising a control whereby the operator can select which of said steering signals, that of said row sensor or said furrow sensor, guides said seeder.
25. The invention of Claim 24 wherein said furrow sensor comprises a curved tube adapted to follow said end furrow of the previous seeder pass, said tube attached to said seeder such that said tube may pivot vertically and laterally, and wherein said steering signal is generated by the lateral angular position of said attachment.
26. The invention of Claim 14 wherein said hydraulic cylinder is activated by a solenoid valve receiving said steering signals.
27. The invention of Claim 26 wherein said steering signals are generated by a contact arm the proximate end of which is fixedly attached to said row sensor such that the distal end of said contact arm is laterally between right and left signal points such that lateral movement of said row sensor to the left causes said distal end to contact a left signal point, sending a steering signal to said solenoid valve causing said hydraulic cylinder to adjust the path of said seeder to the left, and such that lateral movement of said row sensor to the right causes said distal end to contact a right signal point, sending a steering signal to said solenoid valve causing said hydraulic cylinder to adjust the path of said seeder to the right.
28. The invention of Claim 27 wherein said contact arm is flexible.
29. The invention of Claim 27 further comprising a seeder position indicator viewable by the operator.
30. A guidance system for guiding a no-till seeder such that the furrow openers of said seeder travel along the field between the standing stubble rows from the previous crop, said guidance system comprising:
sensing means to sense the standing stubble rows from the previous crop and to send a steering signal in response to changes in the relative position of the seeder to said standing stubble rows; and adjusting means to adjust the travel path of said seeder in response to said steering signals.
sensing means to sense the standing stubble rows from the previous crop and to send a steering signal in response to changes in the relative position of the seeder to said standing stubble rows; and adjusting means to adjust the travel path of said seeder in response to said steering signals.
31. The invention of Claim 30 wherein said adjusting means varies the path of travel of said seeder relative to the path of travel of the seeder towing vehicle.
32. The invention of Claim 31 further comprising a seeder position indicator viewable by the operator.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002240568A CA2240568A1 (en) | 1998-06-12 | 1998-06-12 | No-till stubble row seeder guidance system |
| CA002269368A CA2269368A1 (en) | 1998-06-12 | 1999-04-19 | No-till stubble row seeder guidance system and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002240568A CA2240568A1 (en) | 1998-06-12 | 1998-06-12 | No-till stubble row seeder guidance system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2240568A1 true CA2240568A1 (en) | 1999-12-12 |
Family
ID=29275888
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002240568A Abandoned CA2240568A1 (en) | 1998-06-12 | 1998-06-12 | No-till stubble row seeder guidance system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2240568A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109455130A (en) * | 2018-12-24 | 2019-03-12 | 重庆欧文机械制造有限公司 | A kind of arm-rest frame being easily installed |
| CN109618777A (en) * | 2019-01-21 | 2019-04-16 | 房双龙 | A kind of rice electronics direct seeding tectorial membrane machine |
-
1998
- 1998-06-12 CA CA002240568A patent/CA2240568A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109455130A (en) * | 2018-12-24 | 2019-03-12 | 重庆欧文机械制造有限公司 | A kind of arm-rest frame being easily installed |
| CN109618777A (en) * | 2019-01-21 | 2019-04-16 | 房双龙 | A kind of rice electronics direct seeding tectorial membrane machine |
| CN109618777B (en) * | 2019-01-21 | 2023-11-14 | 房双龙 | Rice electron live broadcast laminating machine |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| AU723703B3 (en) | No-till stubble row seeder guidance system and method | |
| US5025866A (en) | Row following drawn implement with internal steering arm | |
| US4865132A (en) | Tillage implement having independent depth control mechanism | |
| US4407207A (en) | Drill having disk furrow openers | |
| US4241674A (en) | Sub-soil planter | |
| US9357692B2 (en) | Depth adjustment for controlling planting depth | |
| US7044070B2 (en) | Seed drill with walking beam assembly | |
| US7412933B2 (en) | Seeder with trailing arm and hoe-type mid row bander | |
| US8271164B2 (en) | Guidance system for an agricultural implement | |
| US4048929A (en) | Combined apparatus for tilling and planting | |
| US8061282B2 (en) | Soil opening implements particularly for seed planting | |
| US4624197A (en) | Minimum tillage toolbar and method for using same | |
| US4616712A (en) | Row finder | |
| JPS6043317A (en) | Soil maintenance intercropping method and apparatus | |
| CA1284053C (en) | Row crop tillage and planting unit guidance system | |
| US5813472A (en) | Guidance system for an agricultural implement | |
| CA2240568A1 (en) | No-till stubble row seeder guidance system | |
| US20220022359A1 (en) | Method for Weeding and a Weeding Rod | |
| US10182522B2 (en) | Depth control of an agricultural fertilizer row unit | |
| US4257340A (en) | Tractor-drawn seeding apparatus | |
| US4216730A (en) | Side hill bed shaper and planter | |
| CA2269368A1 (en) | No-till stubble row seeder guidance system and method | |
| CA2607457C (en) | Guidance system for an agricultural implement | |
| US11357155B2 (en) | Agricultural implement | |
| EP3837939B1 (en) | Method for controlling agricultural machinery |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |