GPS alert for a drill that warns when you re-seed the same ground
A seeding/drilling implement that uses a GNSS receiver and controller to map where its soil-engaging tools have been lowered, compares current position to that map in real time, and activates an in-cab alert when the implement (or a portion of it) moves over previously seeded or disturbed ground. Intended for air seeders, air hoe drills and similar farm machines to warn operators of overlap so they can manually stop meters or raise tools.
(57) What the patent covered
The independent claims cover a drill or injector with multiple soil-engaging tools that can be raised or lowered, a satellite navigation system that maps and recognizes regions previously traversed while the tools were lowered, and an in-cab alert that notifies the operator when the implement is traversing previously seeded or injected regions, where the alert does not itself automatically stop material flow or raise the tools.
The distinctive part: The system records where the implement’s tools were down and uses that positional history to trigger an operator alert on subsequent passes rather than directly shutting off meters or raising the implement.
Novelty 3/5. GNSS-guided section control and auto-shutoff were already used in planters and sprayers; this patent’s new element was storing a map of tool-down travel and issuing only an alert (not automatic shutoff) tied to individual frame arms or tools.
Making it
welded steel frame and stamped or formed mounting arms, injection-molded meter housings, assembled electronics on PCBs, and field or factory assembly of meters and plumbing.
Materials: steel frame and mounting arms, plastic or metal material meters and dispensers (polymer housings, metal internals), electronic GNSS receiver and controller (PCB, connectors), cab alert hardware (LED/buzzer or display)
Manufacturability 4/5. Typical farm-implement construction: several stamped/welded metal subassemblies, off-the-shelf GNSS and ECU modules, meter components that require moderate assembly and routing of hoses and wiring.
Is anyone buying?
We haven't run a demand check on this one yet. Shoppers would likely search for GNSS section control seeder alert, air seeder overlap warning, drill overlap alarm for farmers; the links on the right open those searches.
Who buys it: farm equipment operators and contractors using large air seeders or drills
Before you make it
We didn't find any related continuation or divisional patents still in force, although that doesn't rule out design patents, trademarks or unrelated patents covering the same product.
The patent lapsed, but practical risks remain: market already crowded with integrated section-control systems that auto-shutoff, and this claim specifically excludes automatic actuation so its commercial value is in the operator-alert-only behavior rather than broader section-control functionality.
Owners occasionally revive lapsed patents (about 1.5% are), and this page is a research lead rather than legal advice, so get a freedom-to-operate opinion before you manufacture anything.