Method of operating a planter for planting seeds in a field for experimental purposes

This invention is directed toward a method of operating a planter and more specifically a method of operating a planter for planting seeds in a field for experimental purposes.

Planters for seed research plots are used to plant seeds from different seed groups in a short row segment. Presently a control system is used to assist in planting research plots that is difficult to calibrate for accuracy and is limited in the information that is stored. For example, to calibrate existing planters an operator inputs various planting characteristics into the controller such as plot and alley length and the number of cells on a plate. The operator then performs a test run and makes observations as to whether the plot start and stop points are the same as those desired. Based on the observations the operator adjusts the information that is input into the controller to compensate for the acceleration and deceleration of the seed plate as it relates to the ground speed of the planter. This process is repeated until the desired plot and alley lengths are obtained which takes an experienced operator approximately an hour and an inexperienced operator up to a half day.

Should changes be made such as the plot length or the size of the seed plate the entire process must be repeated. Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a system that addresses these deficiencies.

A principal objective of the present invention is to provide a method that reduces the time required for calibrating a planter.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a method that is more versatile to changes in planting conditions.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims.

A method of operating a planter where plot characteristics are input into a controller that is associated with a planter. A distance measuring device associated with the controller senses ground speed and distance traveled and transmits the sensed information to the controller. The controller then automatically adjusts the rotational speed of a seed plate of a row planter mounted to the planter based upon the sensed information to achieve the input plot characteristics.

A planter 10 for planting seeds in a field for experimental purposes has a plurality of row planters 12 that drop seed to the ground. The row planters 12 have a seed plate 14 with a plurality of seed cells 16. The seed plate 14 is contained within a housing 18 with a vacuum tube 20 in communication with the interior of the housing 18 to create a vacuum pressure to maintain a seed within a cell 16 on the seed plate 14. The seed plate 14 is rotatably mounted to and driven by a drive shaft of a motor 24.

A distance measuring device 26 is used in association with the planter 10. The distance measuring device 26 is of any conventional type such as a spool and cable, GPS, radar, or sonar, and is mounted either to the planter 10 or the tractor that pulls the planter. In one example the distance measuring device includes a spool 28 having a cable 30 with a plurality of targets 31 attached thereto. At least one or more sensors 32 are mounted either on the planter 10 or the tractor to sense the speed of travel and the target to sense the distance traveled.

Both the row planters 12 and the distance measuring device 26 are connected to a controller 34 either by an electrical or wireless connection. The controller receives signals from the sensors to calculate the speed of travel and the distance that the planter 10 travels and also controls the rotational speed of the seed plate 14 through the hydraulic motor 24. The controller 34 has an input device 36, a display 38, and operating system 40, a memory 42, and a database 44.

To calibrate the planter 10 an operator inputs information concerning plot characteristics 46. Plot characteristics include, but are not limited to row length, alley length, rows per plot, trip distance, target time, and the number of cells on a seed plate. Based upon the inputted plot characteristics 46 the controller calculates the rotational speed of the motor 24 and in turn the rotational speed of the seed plate 14.