Abstract: An automatic steering system and method are provided for a vehicle including an hydraulic primary steering system. The automatic steering system includes a guidance module with a GPS receiver and a microprocessor adapted to process and store GPS data defining travel paths, which can be associated with a cultivated field in an agricultural vehicle application. An automatic steering module is connected to the guidance module and to a steering valve control block, which provides pressurized hydraulic fluid in parallel with the vehicle's primary hydrostatic steering system. The automatic steering system utilizes a constant factor, such as steering rate, for predictability and simplicity in the operation of the automatic steering system. A feedback loop from the vehicle hydrostatic steering system uses the vehicle's actual turning rate for comparison with a desired turning rate.

Abstract: A slow-release check valve for a pneumatic system including a compressed gas source and a pneumatic device includes a body with a proximal, supply end and a distal, power end. Supply and power couplings are mounted on the body supply and power ends respectively and are adapted for coupling with a compressed gas source and a pneumatic device respectively. The body includes a passage with a frusto-conical configuration with a minimum-diameter supply end adjacent to the supply coupling and a maximum-diameter power end adjacent to the power coupling. A ball is movably located within the passage and engages the body in a closed position. The ball is biased towards its closed position by a spring. For power operation the ball is in an open position whereby gas flows around same. Disconnecting the hose causes the ball to move to its closed position and allows compressed gas to slowly dissipate from the disconnected hose whereby fishtailing is avoided.

Abstract: A trim installation tool includes a base with first and second ends, inner and outer faces, and opposite side edges. First and second clamp assemblies are mounted on the base in proximity to its first and second ends respectively. The clamp assemblies have engaged and disengaged positions for respectively clamping and releasing a wall edge adjacent to the wall opening. An elongated level with an orientation-display device is mounted on the base inner face and extends generally between the ends thereof. The orientation-display device indicates a level or plumb orientation of a trim piece clamped in position by the tool for attachment to the frame members surrounding the wall opening. In an alternative embodiment or aspect of the invention, a trim installation system and method are provided, which include a level and a trim piece spacer.