Patent attributes
Methods, apparatus, and systems providing enhanced feed rate control of tubing and conduit feeds by a powered feeder to an in-ground placement device moved across the ground by a steerable vehicle. In one aspect, ground speed of the vehicle is sensed. Feed motor speed is correlated to length of tubing or conduit estimated to be fed per feed wheel revolution by the feed motor. A controller adjusts feed motor speed to match ground speed to feed rate. In another aspect, instead of estimating feed rate by feed wheel rotation, actual speed of movement of the tubing or conduit is sensed. Feed motor speed is automatically and dynamically adjusted to match ground speed to tubing or conduit speed. In either embodiment, sensing of ground speed can be used to sense starting and stopping of the vehicle. This can be used to turn the feed motor on or off. In either embodiment, integration with a precision agriculture intelligent controller can allow operator control right from the precision ag display.
