US 11,812,682 B2
Seed trench depth detection systems
Michael Strnad, Delavan, IL (US); Jeremy Hodel, Morton, IL (US); Dale Koch, Tremont, IL (US); Todd Swanson, Morton, IL (US); and Dillon Sloneker, Danvers, IL (US)
Assigned to Precision Planting LLC, Tremont, IL (US)
Filed by Precision Planting LLC, Tremont, IL (US)
Filed on Oct. 26, 2020, as Appl. No. 17/080,641.
Application 17/080,641 is a continuation of application No. 16/190,101, filed on Nov. 13, 2018, granted, now 10,874,042.
Application 16/190,101 is a continuation of application No. PCT/US2017/032456, filed on May 12, 2017.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/465,134, filed on Feb. 28, 2017.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/425,978, filed on Nov. 23, 2016.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/336,069, filed on May 13, 2016.
Prior Publication US 2021/0037695 A1, Feb. 11, 2021
Int. Cl. A01B 76/00 (2006.01); A01C 5/06 (2006.01); A01B 79/00 (2006.01); A01B 49/02 (2006.01); A01B 49/06 (2006.01); A01B 63/32 (2006.01); A01C 7/04 (2006.01); G01B 7/26 (2006.01); G01B 15/00 (2006.01); A01C 7/20 (2006.01)
CPC A01B 76/00 (2013.01) [A01B 49/027 (2013.01); A01B 49/06 (2013.01); A01B 63/32 (2013.01); A01B 79/005 (2013.01); A01C 5/064 (2013.01); A01C 5/066 (2013.01); A01C 5/068 (2013.01); A01C 7/042 (2013.01); A01C 7/203 (2013.01); A01C 7/205 (2013.01); G01B 7/26 (2013.01); G01B 15/00 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An agricultural implement system, comprising:
a row unit coupled to a tool bar of an agricultural implement;
an opener system coupled to a chassis of the row unit and configured to open a seed trench in a soil surface as the row unit travels in a forward direction of travel;
a downforce system configured to adjust a downforce applied by the opener system to the soil surface;
a seed delivery mechanism disposed rearward of the opener system and configured to deposit seed into the open seed trench as the row unit travels in the forward direction of travel;
a closing system disposed rearward of the seed delivery mechanism and configured to move soil into the open seed trench and over the deposited seed as the row unit travels in the forward direction of travel;
a trench closing sensor disposed in the seed trench rearward of the seed delivery mechanism and extending toward the closing system, the trench closing sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a force against the trench closing sensor applied by the soil moved into the seed trench by the closing system; and
a controller in signal communication with the trench closing sensor, wherein the controller is configured to control a closing wheel actuator to adjust a position of the closing system in response to the generated signal from the trench closing sensor.