Abstract: A fluid flow monitoring and control system for a self-propelled applicator which may be a sprayer and is configured to allow real-time visual monitoring of graphical representations of system statuses, control of the systems, and coordinated control instructions for multiple tasks through a single user input or command. The fluid flow monitoring and control system may include a touchscreen HMI providing electronic control and monitoring for the systems and components of the applicator. A rules engine may be implemented to prevent erroneous states, such as activating a pump without fluid flow to the pump as a rule implemented interlock to prevent inadvertent rapid component wear or other compromises of system integrity.

Abstract: A self-propelled off-road agricultural vehicle with a dynamically reconfiguring speed control and display system is provided that allows for on-the-go range selection and range modification, without having to release a joystick control and while providing range and speed information on an animated or dynamically reconfiguring speedometer. The system may include an animated speedometer that automatically reconfigures to shown visually change in a manner that shows changed range characteristics including different ranges and different range maximum speeds. This may include changing color of a sweep portion of a dynamic scale of the animated speedometer. The system may allow dual speed change capability configured to allow an operator to change the limits of the speed ranges through either a touchscreen such as an HMI (human machine interface) or control buttons of a grip of a joystick.

Abstract: A machine controller may communicate with a joystick (or grip) and/or a touchscreen Human Machine Interface (HMI) (or other input module) on first data communication bus or path, and communicate with machine specific control modules and/or a field computer on a second data communication bus or path. The machine controller may receive operator commands from the joystick or other input module and instruct the corresponding machine specific control module accordingly. Concurrently, the field computer may be used by the operator to monitor and/or control a different function of the machine via a different machine specific control module. As a result, the operator may keep his hand on the joystick or other input module while monitoring a different function.

Abstract: An improved system of determining the speed at which an agricultural vehicle is traveling is disclosed. A control system for the sprayer receives feedback signals from multiple sensors, where each feedback signal may be utilized to determine the speed at which the sprayer is traveling. An operator interface, such as a touch-screen terminal, is provided to receive input from the operator for selecting one of the feedback signals. Each of the feedback signals has certain operating conditions under which they are more or less reliable. The operator may select one of the feedback signals from which the speed of the sprayer is determined according to the present operating conditions. The speed determined from the selected feedback signal is then used by the sprayer to control and record application of product to the field.

Abstract: A fluid flow monitoring and control system for a self-propelled applicator which may be a sprayer and is configured to allow real-time visual monitoring of graphical representations of system statuses, control of the systems, and coordinated control instructions for multiple tasks through a single user input or command. The fluid flow monitoring and control system may include a touchscreen HMI providing electronic control and monitoring for the systems and components of the applicator. A rules engine may be implemented to prevent erroneous states, such as activating a pump without fluid flow to the pump as a rule implemented interlock to prevent inadvertent rapid component wear or other compromises of system integrity.

Abstract: The boom system allows for multi-direction section activation control, allowing left-to-right and right-to-left deactivation, left-to-right and right-to-left activation, and piecemeal or discontinuous deactivation and activation of each section independent of other sections. A first set of deactivation/activation buttons may be arranged at a joystick grip and allow for left-to-right deactivation and right-to-left activation of sections. A second set of spray deactivation/activation buttons may be arranged at the joystick grip and allow for right-to-left deactivation and left-to-right activation of sections. A third set of spray deactivation/activation buttons may be arranged at a touchscreen and allow for individual deactivation/activation independent of position of the sections with respect to the boom and each other.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle comprises separate wheel suspension assemblies corresponding to each wheel of the vehicle. Each wheel suspension assembly includes a strut assembly wherein the strut assembly is connected to the chassis at a pivot and to a respective wheel, and a dual action hydraulic cylinder that is connected to both the strut assembly at a point distal from the pivot and the chassis of the vehicle. Motion of the strut assembly around the pivot is affected by action of the hydraulic cylinder. In some embodiments, the dual action hydraulic cylinders are in fluid communication with the diagonally opposite hydraulic cylinder such that when one cylinder moves into an extended or retracted position the other diagonally opposite cylinder is urged into the same position. In some embodiments, the wheel suspension assemblies are attached to slidable drawer assemblies on each side of the vehicle.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle comprises separate wheel suspension assemblies corresponding to each wheel of the vehicle. Each wheel suspension assembly includes a strut assembly wherein the strut assembly is connected to the chassis at a pivot and to a respective wheel, and a dual action hydraulic cylinder that is connected to both the strut assembly at a point distal from the pivot and the chassis of the vehicle. Motion of the strut assembly around the pivot is affected by action of the hydraulic cylinder. In some embodiments, the dual action hydraulic cylinders are in fluid communication with the diagonally opposite hydraulic cylinder such that when one cylinder moves into an extended or retracted position the other diagonally opposite cylinder is urged into the same position. In some embodiments, the wheel suspension assemblies are attached to slidable drawer assemblies on each side of the vehicle.

Abstract: A high clearance vehicle includes a walking beam frame and an independent suspension. The frame consists of a main frame, A-shaped frames, a main truss, leg braces, and an axle. Pins which are used to join each A-shaped frame and leg braces to the main truss act as pivot points, as does the pin that attaches the axle to the main frame. Each leg brace may connect to each A-shaped frame by an elastic member to provide the independent suspension. Legs are at each corner of the frame. At the bottom of each leg is a wheel hub mount with a wheel drive assembly operably connected to a wheel for propelling the vehicle. At the top of the front legs are tapered kingpins which carry segmented thrust washers having a knob and receiving portion. A boom having extension arms and spray nozzles may also be attached. The walking beam frame may include a crab steering device which shifts the rear axle off-center so that the vehicle dog legs.

Abstract: A screen member for the hydraulic system of an agricultural tractor is disclosed wherein the screen member is formed with a threaded opening to permit mounting thereof on a stationary stud fixed to the interior wall of the hydraulic system reservoir. The screen member is sealed against the stationary stud by a sealing washer and against the opposing reservoir wall by an O-ring surrounding an access opening through which filtered hydraulic fluid is drawn from the interior of the screen member. The screen member is also formed with a handle projectable through the access opening in the reservoir to facilitate the rotation of the screen member for mounting on the stationary stud. The handle can be formed with an optional square opening for engagement with a standard rachet head to effect rotation of the screen member.