Abstract: A location system is used in a vehicle moving within an area at a selected speed and in a selected direction. A heading sensor provides a heading signal representing the direction of movement of the vehicle. A speed sensor provides a speed signal based on available reference signals representing the speed of the vehicle. A storage device stores initial position data representing a selected initial position of the vehicle and checkpoint data representing a navigation checkpoint location. A database stores a plurality of records which each include geographic information data representing selective aspects of the area. A processor estimates a current position signal representing an estimated current position of the vehicle based on values of the heading signal, values of the speed signal, the initial position signal, and on previous values of the current position signal. Values of the current position signal correspond to records stored in the data base.

Abstract: A location system is used in a vehicle moving within an area at a selected speed and in a selected direction. A heading sensor provides a heading signal representing the direction of movement of the vehicle. A speed sensor provides a speed signal based on available reference signals representing the speed of the vehicle. A storage device stores initial position data representing a selected initial position of the vehicle and checkpoint data representing a navigation checkpoint location. A database stores a plurality of records which each include geographic information data representing selective aspects of the area. A processor estimates a current position signal representing an estimated current position of the vehicle based on values of the heading signal, values of the speed signal, the initial position signal, and on previous values of the current position signal. Values of the current position signal correspond to records stored in the data base.

Abstract: A soil sampler for taking soil samples at multiple locations around a vehicle is disclosed. The soil sampler has a probe for withdrawing soil samples from the ground. The probe is suspended on a support structure or boom assembly which can move the probe to multiple withdrawal locations around a vehicle. The soil sampler has a percussion-type vibrator to aid in inserting the probe into the ground. The vibrator assembly operates automatically off of a hydraulic line used to lower the boom assembly, such that the vibrator normally operates only when the probe is encountering significant resistance to being pressed into the ground. The support structure is raisable to allow an operator within the vehicle to collect multiple soil samples without leaving the vehicle.

Abstract: A conservation no till apparatus for placing seed and fertilizer into the ground in one operation as pulled through the field includes a main implement frame having ground engaging support wheels. Hoppers for supplying the seed and fertilizer are supported on the ground separately from the main implement frame. A plurality of ground working units are mounted to the main implement frame in separate laterally spaced relation by four-bar linkage assemblies. Each ground working unit is thus movable by its linkage assembly between a raised transport position and a lowered ground engaging position, with the linkage assembly for each unit permitting that unit to move vertically independently of the other units when the units are in the ground engaging position. Each ground working unit includes a unit frame and a plurality of ground working tools staggered laterally and longitudinally for engaging the ground and creating separate furrows when the unit is in its ground engaging position.

Abstract: A compaction and support apparatus for packing the ground immediately after tillage includes a frame and a wheel support gang movably mounted adjacent a rearward end of the frame. A plurality of tillers are supported in spaced relation from the frame, and a plurality of compaction and support wheels are rotatably mounted on the wheel support gang. Adjacent wheels are staggered longitudinally to track spaced apart substantially parallel paths on the ground. The path of each wheel is aligned behind one of the tillers mounted on the frame and the wheel is mounted on the wheel support gang so that the wheel substantially follows the contour of the ground while supporting the frame for transport and operation. The frame height is adjustable relative to the wheel support gang for controlling the extent of tiller penetration into the ground.

Abstract: An agricultural particulate feeder controls the rate of particulate distribution to a surface being worked. The particlate feeder comprises a hopper with a sliding door over a discharge outlet at a lower end of the hopper. A frame supports the particulate feeder and has an elongated tube extending longitudinally under the discharge outlet of the hopper, the tube forming an element of the frame. A particulate metering cylinder is positioned between the outlet and door of the hopper and a particulate inlet in the elongated tube and is rotatably mounted on a drive shaft. A housing encases the cylinder and forms an enclosure connecting the hopper outlet and the tube inlet. One side of the housing is removable to allow lateral access to the metering cylinder inside the housing. In addition, longitudinal removal of the drive shaft permits lateral removal of the metering cylinder from the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the efficiency of sunflower harvesting by combine consists of a sunflower header attachment secured over a reciprocating sickle bar assembly at the front end of the combine. A plurality of spaced apart pans are secured over the sickle bar assembly to extend forwardly from the combine. Pivotally mounted at the forward end of each pan is an elongated snout tapered to a rounded tip at its front end. The snouts have smooth sides and rounded edges to allow the combine to gently engage sunflower stalks during the harvesting operation. A reel is rotatably mounted transversely over the pans and is driven to rotate on a generally horizontal axis for urging sunflowers into the combine. Preferably, the reel has only two wings, the axes of which are substantially coplanar, so that in operation the reel does not prevent a combine operator from observing a significant degree of the sunflower gathering and cutting operations.