RHODES, MICHAEL L.,TEVS, NIKOLAI R.,LIU, JAMES Z.,GARNER, ELIJAH
申请号：
EP20110176288
公开号：
EP2420120(A1)
申请日:
2011.08.02
申请国别(地区):
欧洲专利局
年份:
2012
代理人:
摘要：
A row crop unit (14, 20, 50) for use in an agricultural seeder (10) includes a furrow opener (28, 52,102) for opening a furrow (18) in the soil, a seed metering system (36, 64) for metering seed to be placed in the furrow (18), and a seed placement system (38, 60) for placing seeds in the furrow (18). The seed placement system (38, 60) and the seed metering system (36, 64) are in communication with each other and at least in part define a seed travel path associated with the furrow (18). A furrow closer (34, 58) covers the seed in the furrow (18) with soil. A seed temperature conditioner is associated with the seed travel path for varying a temperature of seed traveling through the seed travel path. A temperature sensitive sensor (42, 68, 100) is positioned to sense seed which has been deposited in the furrow (18) between the furrow opener (28, 52) and the furrow closer (34, 58). An optional packaging tube (112) holds the temperature sensor (42, 68, 100) or sensor array. A lens is mounted with the same tube (112). A larger diameter tube (114) may be positioned around the sensor packaging tube (112). A positive air pressure/air flow may be introduced between the two tubes (112, 114). This positive air-flow forms a positive pressure and/or air flow barrier to push dust away from the sensor lens or sensor surface. Furthermore a method for operating a row crop unit (14, 20, 50) is disclosed.
